Tuesday, August 31, 2010
Black & White Wednesday {Sienna Grace at Six Months}
Six months ago today, we met Sienna Grace. She came off an elevator at the Hunan Provincial Office munching on an apple, with no idea how her life would change in the next 2o minutes. Reflecting back, she was so scared. She had just said goodbye to the woman who had loved her for 4.5 years, with a bag of her belongings, and parts of the care packages we had sent to her. She drove in a car 2 plus hours with four people from Hengshan. I know God was there every mile for Sienna. He allowed her to show us her vulnerable side that day. He allowed her to show her survivor instincts. He allowed her to show us she could love deeply. And, he allowed her to grieve out loud. It was a heart breaking adoption day. But, it proved to teach us all that with time, love truly knows no boundaries. With time, walls break down. With time, love begins again. With faith, all things are possible.
Six month later I marvel at this little girl. She has moved on from Hengshan, but she has not forgotten. She loves her "China Mom." We talk in a healthy way about her life there. And, she doesn't ponder too long anymore. In time more will be revealed. But, for now she seems content being in her words,"just Sienna."
She has adjusted and bonded so well to all of us. As we prayed, she now runs up and hugs our legs. Snuggles when we hold her, and tells us "she loves us" without prompting. She speaks fluent English, knows her colors and shapes, and recognizes many letters. She is practicing spelling her name, and she will say it to anyone who will listen. She is normal and happy!!
Sienna is our tender one. She cares about others. She is compassionate and empathatic. Such great qualities for that doctor I am convinced she will be one day!
She will always be a "Hunan Spicy Girl" at heart. She is not afraid to speak her mind, when necessary. (And, sometimes when it is not.) I love Sienna's passion, and if channeled correctly, it will benefit her greatly in her precious life.
It truly is a miracle what God can do in the heart of one child and one family in six months time! What a blessing we have in Sienna Grace.
"Jesus looked at them and said, "With man this is impossible, but not with God; all things are possible with God." Mark 10:27
P.S: I am excited to be participating in my first B&W Wednesday. Hop over to Lisa's blog and check out her amazing photos and her great news!
Sunday, August 29, 2010
Back to School for The Pearl and A Look Back...
Today I was reminded of how fast our children grow up. This morning Ainsley started 4th Grade! She has a brand new teacher, and a wonderful class of old friends. I think she is going to have a great year. Times have changed though... While we took her picture in the familiar first day place, she seemed so grown up to me. She didn't even have a first day of school dress or new shoes for the occasion... Sigh... But, she is the same great kid... Just a little taller, wiser, and more mature this year! As hard as it is to embrace the new routine of getting up early, and out the door on a schedule, she was ready and excited to see what the new year brings! She told me she was a little nervous too... I am praying for a very special year for Ainsley! Early dismissal today, so at 1:30 I will be back in the carpool line, excited to hear about her first day!
Looking back to the first years in that old familiar place!
Kindergarten when she was still the "only" around here!
First Grade... LOVE her haircut!
Second Grade! So sweet with her Daddy!
Third Grade and a few missing teeth!
Gulf Shores captured in Pictures!
P.S: Some of these gorgeous photos I "borrowed" from Jen and Kim! The Mamarazzi was in full swing all week! Probably not a big shocker to those of you who know us!
Saturday, August 28, 2010
The Tea Cup!
We are back from the our "funtastic" vacation with Jen & Wesleigh, and Kate & Kim! We had a great time!!! So many memories to keep us going until the next time we get together!!! I have a ton of photos I want to post, but for now here is one of my favorites of "The Teacup!" I nicknamed her this after I saw her precious referral photo for the first time. She is so tiny and adorable!!!
So many late nights up with two of my favorite friends laughing and catching up in person! What a blessing to call them friends!!!
Thursday, August 26, 2010
At The Beach!!!
Greetings from Alabama!!!! As you can tell we are having a wonderful time! Seeing our five girls together is such a blessing!!! Thanks Jeff, Richard and Dave for taking care of things back home! We are thankful!!
Blessings,
Monday, August 16, 2010
Blog Break!
As you can see, I have not posted much lately... All is well, just busy with the last few weeks of summer! One more trip to the cabin, and four days at the beach next week with Kim (Kate) and Jen (Wesleigh Jane)!!!!, and then it is back to school for the Pearl. Check back soon for Beach Pics (maybe late next week) and first day of school pics August 30th! Jen & Kim, counting down!!!!Blessings,
Saturday, August 7, 2010
Sienna and Ruby! Sisters!
"To have a loving relationship with a sister is not simply to have a buddy
or a confident; it is to have a soul mate for life."
As we prepare for our six month post adoption visit on Friday, I can't help but think of how far we have come as a family of five since we arrived in the Minneapolis airport on March 11th. But, probably the two that have come the farthest are the two pictured here... Strangers at first. The only thing in common is that they were from the same country with a similar story.
It has been a roller coaster of give and take since Sienna came home. But, I am seeing our prayers answered daily. These two special little girls, have found their way. They slowly became friends first.. But, that special bond of sisterhood is evident now. They can fight like the best of them, and love and protect each other too. Neither one is far from each other when they are home. I know now to buy two of everything to avoid "upheaval." Especially if it is pink! From a distance they look like twins. Both weighed in at exactly 38lbs last week. Ruby's solid muscle build make up for the 1 3/4" Sienna has on her. Their personalities are different, but they compliment each other beautifully. Sienna is probably more stubborn, and Ruby is definitely more dramatic when things are not going her way, but they seem to just get each other now. Not sure who is louder, but that's another story! They comprimise more now, and share the way friends should. They love each other! They are teaching each other things too.. Sienna is teaching her sister empathy and forgiveness. She tends to give in more when Ruby really wants something. Quickly, Ruby has learned to help her sister regardless of what it is she needs. Together they laugh and are silly... They are quite the pair!
Last week we were at the Pediatrician for well checkups. I was in a different room why they were doing their vision tests... It was Sienna's turn. She does not know the names of all of her letters yet. So as they were pointing to letters, her little sister was calling out the letters for her. Of course they had to tell Ruby it was Sienna's turn. But, it just made me smile hearing Ruby "cheat" for her sister on her eye test!! Two days later we were back at the Pediatrician for shots. This time it was Ruby's turn... It was Sienna she wanted on the table holding her hands... So sweet!
It may have started out slow... But it has been a blessing to watch them grow into what has become a very special relationship! Friends and sisters.. The way it should be!
A special thank you to my friend Denise for post editing these pictures for me.
Check out Denise's new exciting Photography Business. And, if
you are in or near the Richmond area, call her for an appointment!!
I am so excited for her! I wish I lived closer so she could do a photo shoot with my girls!
Friday, August 6, 2010
Embracing Summer!
I was struck the other day by a post my friend Kim wrote about summer. It was about embracing this time with our kids. I will admit I have not done the greatest job of embracing our summer this year. A better word for me, is I have been "surviving" it. I will admit I have even been counting down the days to an upcoming trip to the beach, and then to school. I am not real proud of this admission. I want to be that Mom that loves being the "camp director." I will strive to be that Mom next year!
The good news is Kim's post and a quote I heard on the radio the other day, have given me the motivation (ok... kick in the pants) I needed to loosen up a little! So for the past two days I have been making a conscience effort to embrace summer over here! Trying to be more spontaneous and "fun!" There is probably a reason I was never a camp counselor. Thankfully, I think Ainsley has a gift for that one day!
So for the last two days I have been focusing on making this summer end on a good note! We went on a little adventure yesterday, we stopped to buy lemonade at a precious lemonade stand in the city, and we had a silly night in tutus and a spontaneous car wash last night. I think there is hope for me!
Thankfully, my girls still love me.. And, I think they understand that I am doing my best,
even when it is not always graceful or pretty! I guess the measure is not what others are doing, but how my girls are doing. Sienna is thriving, which I will take a little credit for. Last night she told me she wanted to stay here forever! Ruby makes me laugh everyday with the joy she exudes, and Ainsley is patiently allowing me to get good at this job! She was with some friends a few days ago, who told me what a terrific kid she is... I know that, but it is always a blessing to hear... This Mom thing is hard some days... I keep reminding myself my job is to prepare them for life when I am not there to make choices for them, pick up their wet towels, make their beds, etc.. It's sort of like teaching your toddlers to say "please and thank you!" One day, it all clicks and you see the rewards of your hard work and prayers!! Right?
I am up early today, and thanks to some much needed quiet time, I am ready for those little beauties to bring on the day!
Happy Friday!
P.S: Adorable pink cowgirl boots, hand picked by Lucy for Ruby's bday present!! Thank you Lucy and B! She LOVES them!!!
Sunday, August 1, 2010
Ruby's Birthday at the Cabin!
Her Rubiness had a wonderful birthday at the cabin celebrating with her family, Grandma & Grandpa, Aunt Bop, and Camp H! The sun was shining on Ruby Mei! More soon in pictures from her special day and our fun weekend up north with her favorite people! (Lucy we missed you!)
This picture captures these two perfectly from yesterday. We prayed
that Sienna would understand that this was Ruby's special day. Answered prayer!
From the minute Ruby woke up, Sienna was by her side...
She and Ruby were in-seperable all day!! The perfect gift for her Mei Mei!
We want Ruby to stay little forever! This is such a fun age with her!
Blessings,
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