Random Things...

Yeah! I get this thing off tomorrow...it's startin' to stink! It's been two weeks...

What cha doing? Video games.....I'm concentrating!

The Pirate reading Mommy's first grade teacher's edition...you did that already, son!

Goofing around on Forever Family Day..bunny ears!

Forever Family Day 2009...could you two at least smile?????

Brother and Sister...2008

Wow! You are real....

I am not sure who you are?
Kisses for my sister!


It was one year ago that we made it home from China. It was midnight here and we were all sooo tired. The look on The Mermaid's face is "who are you?" and "I am tired...leave me alone!". The Pirate was beaming...he couldn't believe she was real. I look back at these pictures and realize how overwhelmed she must of been...because I was, too!

Brother and Sister...2009

Amazing! How different they look today. Brother and Sister...finally!

Dear Mermaid,

June 2008

June 2009

June 19, 2008...the day your life changed and so did ours. The day we laid our eyes on you, held you and cried with you for the first time. Wow! Daddy and I were so scared and I am sure you were too! I think back on that day and realize that this was meant to be...you were meant to be part of our family. Your Forever Family. We love having you as a daughter, sister, granddaughter and niece. You have made our family complete and we are so happy that you have come to love us as much as we love you!

You have changed many things in your life this year. Your address, your country, your name, your HAIR, your language , your own room, school, a brother, a dog and all the food( NOT Chinese!) you love WAY to much to eat! You have gained 10 pounds and have grown almost 4 inches! You are growing up so fast. Which makes me think....

about your BirthMom and how much she must miss you. At times this year, I have been very sad. Sad because, I missed out on the first 3 1/2 years of your life. But then I think, how blessed I am to be able to share the rest of my life and yours for as long as I am here on earth. I know your BirthMom loved you..she would be so proud of you.

You make me laugh and you're such a stinker! You are beautiful and stubborn. I would not change a single thing about you..I love you just the way you are!

I am so very proud of everything you have become.

Thank you...

for letting ME be your Mommy.

XOXO

She is doing GREAT!

I look like a boxer...punch, punch!

Big brother taking care of his little sister!

You would never know she had surgery yesterday. Happy, eating, singing.....as long as I keep her medicated!

Outtakes from Yesterday

"But I don't like these jammies Aunt Staci!"

I got tatooed by the Doctor!

Watching my favorite...SPONGEBOB!

I am soooooo bored!

I'm a happy little girl.. LOOPY MEDS!

Our Brave Girl

Hamming it up with Daddy....

Happy, loopy and medicated Mermaid

Finally home...sleep baby, sleep!

The Mermaid had her hand surgery today. We went to the hospital at noon. They did not take her back for the procedure till 3 pm. It took 3 hours, 2 doctors and 10, 000 plus stitches to make her fingers she can use. She was very good before the surgery ...despite not having food and drink. Aunt Staci sat in the back of the car on the way home....she was pretty upset and slugged her Aunt. Poor Aunt Staci....The Mermaid is home and in bed sleeping. She will be in a cast for 2 weeks...no swimming, no digging in the dirt ...UGGHHH!!!! This is gonna be fun!