Two Years Ago Today

Two years ago yesterday we got a phone call from our agency that they had just received the pictures of a beautiful little girl by the name of Xiu Fu Huan who was 15 months old. They described her as having the most expressive eyes they have ever seen. A day later we received the UPS envelope and saw the photo of a beautiful baby who was to become our daughter. It has been an interesting journey - joys and frustrations but we are so blessed to have her as our daughter.

Today K finally got to compete at the HS track meet. She placed 5th out of 7. She went out at 7 ft. Not bad for her first time. There is only a couple of more meets so this may be the only time for this season. But considering she has only been doing it for just a couple of months and has only received instruction from a coach for two days, I think she was terrific. No photos of this milestone, but still wanted to brag.

It's Official

KG now has her learner's permit. She got it about a week ago. Of course the passenger side arm won't ever be the same from me gripping it from nervousness. It is going to take some getting use to having KG drive.

More Firsts

SJ had her 3 year check-up. She is now 34" and only 26.4 lbs. She had her first eye appointment and is right on schedule for her eye development. She will have her first dental check-up this coming week. This is the first time that she didn't cry when seeing either dr. We'll see how the dentist goes. I also noticed that she is finally starting to get her 2 yr molars - only a year late. And it's only one, so there's 3 more to go.

KG attended a pole vaulting workshop last week-end and finally cleared 7'!!! Way to go. Dad took some pics to document this momentuous occasion.

Happy Birthday Little One

SJ at 10 months. The first time we saw her face.
Three of the Xiushan Sisters - Special Friends

Princess SJ

Does this color look good on me?

SJ is three today. I can't believe that our little girl is growing up so fast. It seems like only yesterday that we were traveling to China. She was 15 months when we first met. It seems like SJ was always a part of our family. But somewhere in China, is a mother whose heart is sad and breaking as she remembers the beautiful little girl that she gave birth to three years ago today. She is probably wondering where she is now and if she is doing okay. If only I could reassure her that SJ is very happy and well cared and very much loved.

We had a great party for her birthday. We were visited by two of her SWI sisters (our traveling buddies). It was wonderful to see the girls together again. As soon as AG came through the door, SJ ran over to her and gave her a big hug. She loved playing with them all afternoon. It was a great time visiting with Hal & Angel and Marty and Tammy. What a wonderful birthday and afternoon. Even though it rained and we had to be inside, it was great.

Happy Spring.

As the night before the first official day of Spring, it's a good time to reflect and catch-up on all that happened during the winter months. K has finished taking the driver education class at school. She now has her certification that is needed to get her learners permit. I guess that we will be heading to the NC DMV in the next few weeks to get the learners. I'm not so sure that I am ready for her to start driving. Along with this, the braces are now off. I can't remember what she looked like without them before. There is a huge change now. She is now doing pole vaulting for the track team. She still has a way to go as she has not cleared the bar yet, but she is getting better with every practice.
SJ will be turning 3 in about a week. Where has the time (1 1/2 mo.) gone. She can't wait until she gets her big girl bed. Eric is almost done with her room I can't wait to see the finished project.
The last bit of news is that we are planning on becoming a temporary family of 5 (2 teens and one toddler.) Yep, 2 teens and 1 tot.

Our musical girl.