Friday, April 30, 2010
Two Months with Sienna Grace!
If I had the time tonight, I would write in detail about how our lives have been blessed by this little girl in the past two months. If I had the time I would try to make you understand how truly brave this child is. Or, I would tell you how she willingly has accepted her new family. Or how she has learned to trust us. Or how she has softened in her reactions to things. Or what a special sister she has proven herself to be. Or how the child that barely let us hold her in China lifts up her arms to us now. Or how Sienna gets so excited when she has something to tell us. Or, how truly sweet it is to see her bow her head to pray. Or, what a miracle it is to hear her give thanks for her "Baba, Mama, Jei Jei, and Mei Mei" at the dinner table! Or how happy she is when she accomplishes something. Or how much she loves going to school with Ruby. Or how sweet her voice is when she says she is sorry. Or how smart she is. Or how her eyes sparkle when she smiles.. Or how beautiful she is when she sleeps. Or what it's like to see her take her sisters hands as they lead her. And so much more...
But, since I don't have time for all of that, I will just say that Sienna Grace was hand chosen to be at this very place at this very time. God just knew we needed her here. She has captured our hearts one smile, one touch, one tear, one tender moment at a time!
"The flower that blooms
in adversity is the most
rare and beautiful of all."
~Mulan
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
Cherry Blossoms!
The Cherry Blossoms are in full bloom here so I took the girls back to the Arboretum today. The landscape was spectacular!These beautiful tutu's were a gift from our sweet Denver friends. Thanks Joanne and Anna. We loved seeing you on Sunday!
Something discovered today... Sienna does not like the feel of tall grass on her feet. So, our photo shoot was a short one!! But, so worth it to be take in the gorgeous views!
This is one beautiful Spring to be thankful for!
Blessings,
Monday, April 26, 2010
Thankful for my awesome Husband!
Thanks for the birthday messages! My husband made it a perfect day! Since Jeff does not get much air time over here at The Pearl & The Rubies, I thought it was time to love on him!
Let's just say he was speaking my love language on Saturday! He took the girls all day and told me to go shopping!!!!! Yes, you heard that ladies... Take the day, buy yourself something special and have it wrapped for your birthday! Like any "obedient" wife, I did as I was told! I stayed in my PJ's until noon, took a long shower, and went shopping! I was even planning to get my nails done, but there just wasn't time... The funniest part of the day is that I went to my favorite boutique ready to buy something cute, and I couldn't find one thing I just had to have. No worries, I went to another great store in the area and found two cute things! :)
I came home to beautiful flowers, a gigantic balloon, a fun gift certificate and cards that made me cry! One hour later some dear friends and my sister joined us for the perfect dinner party hosted by my wonderful husband! It was a very special birthday! And, Miss Sienna Grace completely got it. She had so much fun! And, I loved having her here to celebrate with me!
Jeff, thank you for making me feel so special! You knew exactly what I needed. It was the best birthday present ever!!! "Love Love!"
I think this is our second family photo since returning from China! Thanks Liz!
Finally, I have a picture of me with Sienna!!!
The beautiful Pearl!~
Forever my Baby!
Mom + Three!
Jeff, thanks for making FORTY SIX painless! Yikes, did I really just write that!
Have a great week!
Friday, April 23, 2010
Seven Children Need Forever Families!
I have just done a Blog Post over at Pearl River for Changsha #1. There are 7 children that are currently available on the shared list. Zander was just added today! Our team met Zander personally a few weeks ago, and said he was absolutely wonderful. And, his SN is MINOR!!! I have posted pictures too! Pass it on to your adoption friends, yahoo groups, SN Coordinators, etc...Thank you!
Thursday, April 22, 2010
"It's So Beautiful!"
One of my favorite English expressions from Sienna is when she says, "It's so beautiful!" It is said with a tone of childish surprise and wonderment. Her comprehension of the English language and her ability to verbalize so much already truly amazes me!Yesterday, I took "The Littles" to the Arboretum. It is one of my favorite places here to visit, and of course to use as a backdrop for photographs. This was Sienna's first visit to this magical place. Ruby was thrilled to have her new sister along to share in her passion for picking "flowers!" For over an hour they ran around building their wonderful bouquets! And for over an hour I chased them with my camera. Two daughters, one Mom, all together doing what they love!
There is only one way for me to describe this special afternoon as I watched this precious friendship blossom and this sister bond grow... "It was and is so beautiful!"
Sunday, April 18, 2010
Ruby Mei
Five weeks ago, Ruby Mei's world changed dramatically... A new sister joined her life. One that she shares a similar story with. One that is almost exactly one year older than her. Both from China, both adopted, both loved!!
But, for Her Rubiness she also was forced into a position of sharing not only her room, but her world! One week after Sienna was home, Ruby said to me, "Mom take her back and bring her home again next week!" Not kidding... At least she didn't ask me to take her back forever! I guess no one really asked her permission to let Sienna share her things, her clothes, her toys, her dogs, her sister, her parents, her school, her everything! We tried to prepare her, but can you really?
I remember being in China with my newest strong willed child, thinking is Ruby going to survive this. But, what I forgot in that short time away, was that Ruby was no wallflower! The truth is she is a tiny and fabulous dynamo! God knew what He was doing when he brought these sisters together! You see, Ruby lives life large. The highs are HIGH, and lows are LOUD!!! We have had many a meltdown since March 11th! But, I have to say Ruby has been blessed with a forgiving heart. She is the first one to find her sense of humor when she is frustrated or her feelings are hurt.
Yesterday, while in the bathtub Sienna said "Sorry Mei Mei" for the very first time! It only took 5 weeks. Ruby's response, "It's OK, I forgive you!" Then Ruby hugged her and gave her a kiss on the cheek!
The bottom line is Ruby and Sienna are finding their way together. It's not always storybook. But when they are in the zone, it is so beautiful! We here more laughter than tears these days! Ruby is very proud of Sienna. She tells everyone who will listen that she went to school 3 days with her!
On May 8th we will celebrate 3 years with Her Rubiness! It feels like yesterday that we were scanning the Civil Affairs office in Nanchang for this child that brings us so much joy!
Blessings,
Friday, April 16, 2010
And, on Friday we rest!!
A big week for "Tung Tung!" Sunday School, 3 days of Pre-School, 1 shot, 1 Dentist Appt., Gymnastics class, and lots of new words!!!! Normal, busy, happy 4 year old!!!! Praise the Lord!Have a great weekend!
P.S: In case you are wondering if I ever take pictures of my other children, I try!!! I finally got Ruby to pose for me yesterday and I got a few pics I love. I will share those soon!
Thursday, April 8, 2010
What Love Can Do...
On March 11th I was sitting on the floor at the MSP airport watching my newest daughter interact with her new little sister for the first time. I silently prayed that they would be friends. After such a difficult trip to bring this amazing child home, would she find her way? Would she be happy here? Would she feel confident and loved?That was four weeks ago today. So much has happened in 28 days it is hard to summarize. So, I will focus on the miracle of what happens when someone is soaked in love, and slowly begins to trust. I feel like I have truly had a front row seat watching a beautiful butterfly opening her wings for the first time.
Sienna Grace came to us loved. This was obvious. Spoiled, yes... But, ultimately loved. I know this because I have seen so many loving acts from this little girl. I have seen one of the tenderest hearts on a child I have ever witnessed. I have seen her rub her sisters back when she is hurt. I have seen her pat her lap for her Mei Mei to sit on it. I have seen her take the hand of her best friend at the airport to let her know everything was going to be fine. I have seen her run to the door to grab her BaBa's legs. I have seen her softly kiss my hand. I have seen her take the hand of her sisters to guide them where she wants to go. I have heard her tell me that she loves me with a quiet shyness and a sparkle in her eyes. I have seen her surrender it all on my shoulder. I have seen her broken heart slowly put back together. This is what patience and love can do.
There is so much I could write about. But, I want to focus on how very proud I am to be chosen for this role in her life. Have we had tough times since returning from China? Definitely. But, the blessings have sustained us! We are all finding our way. And, that includes Ruby Mei. Who is still working hard to share her world. But, when the two are on the same page it is precious! Priceless really!
Jeff and I are in awe of the inner strength that God has given Sienna. I will close with this story.. On March 26th she had her appointment with Hematology. They took eight vials of blood for various tests needed. Sienna sat confidently in the blood draw chair. She did not sit on my lap, she did not need her hand held. She watched with focus as they chose the right vein. And, then once the butterfly needle was in place she handed the technician the vials to assist her! We sat there with tears in our eyes. Tears of pride.
This beautiful butterfly is just beginning to fly here in our family. I know with all my heart, that God has very special plans for her!
Love truly has no boundaries! That is the miracle of adoption!
Blessings,
Monday, April 5, 2010
A Beautiful Easter Sunday!
(Not too excited about Mom's attempt for the sister picture!)
I can't remember such a beautiful Easter Sunday in Minnesota. Of course having Sienna home on such a special holiday made it a perfect day! Has she really only been here almost one month? She just fits here..... perfectly!
We started our morning with an egg hunt in the house. The trio was precious! The veterans helped Sienna find eggs.. It did not take long for her to get into it and squeal with delight as she spotted one! It was so fun to see Ainsley and Ruby so excited for her! Of course explaining, just one more piece of chocolate to Sienna took a while to register, but eventually she got it!
We went to a wonderful service at our church, and ended our day over at "Camp H" for a fabulous dinner! Thanks Liz & Jon! We are so blessed by this family!
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