Momma, I'm going to love Kindergarten

Today Mia had Kindergarten orientation

Yes - they still have to bring a mat (Mia hasn't napped for 2 years)

She has been waiting for this day for a year - she wanted to go "so badly" last year

Her Kindergarten teacher, Mrs Miles, is the same teacher Ethan had - she's great.

When we left, Mia said, "Momma, I'm going to like Kindergarten"

I am going to miss this girl like crazy.

HELP - we've been burgled

at least our kitchen has been ransacked

someone must have been hungry

who would do such a thing???????

caught red handed

where do you think you're going

you can run, but you can't hide

who could be angry at that face - I guess I need to shop for safety latches today :)

In need of your help

Coming together to help a precious little girl in a desperate situation - meet Liliana (not her real name)

She is elevens years old - Yes ELEVEN - due to neglect in an orphanage she has waisted away.  She weighs just 10 lbs.  She is in desperate need of immediate adoption.  People are coming together to raise the $22,000 needed, so that the family that steps forward to adopt her will not have to worry about the money.

The fund raising just started today and it is already at $12,000

You can go here to read more and to donate, Adeye is offering some fantastic drawings, that those who donate are eligable for.

Sometimes we wonder how we (little old me) can make a difference - this is how, when the little bit we have is combined with the little bit many others have - then a life can be changed forever.

Chop Chop

When Lily got her first haircut we decided not to cut her bangs, and to try growing them out....

well this girl will NOT keep a clip or bow in her hair

we have tried and tried

and the poor girls bangs were getting so long she could barely see

so today we cut them short

doesn't she look cute - or according to her sister "Chinese" - lol (hmmm didn't she already)

I think Lily is just happy to be able to see again

One Year with Lily

Over the last two days we have been celebrating the one year anniversary of Lily becoming.......

 a part of our family

the first moment we saw her






the day she became ours officially

the amazing physical changes in her

                                                                  

from having to be supported by her sister to sit up

to pulling herself to stand

from being in the hospital and fed by a tube             

to eating at the pool



we love you Lily and can'twait to see what we will be looking back at next year.....

This year has been a journey, full of joys and challenges.  There have been times that we have needed the support of our family and friends, and moments where we weren't sure if we were strong enough for this journey.  Gods grace has sustained us, and we thank him for every miracle we have seen in lily's life.

We love her more than words can express, she has changed our lives forever.  We thank God for her every day, and that He chose us to be her parents and family.

The faster the better..... life is better when it is moving for this boy

even if it's a little scary

and cold - that water was 50 degrees

Using those legs

Sleep - why sleep

when you can stand

or climb

Lily is pulling to stand on everything now - and trying to climb out of her crib - she amazes us every day at how far she has come.  One year ago on July 22nd we left for China to bring our girl home - I can not believe it has been a year!!!