Four years ago, I started my Mother's Day in Guangzhou, China very early in the morning. It was the start of my sixth day with Ruby Mei, and I was already madly in love with her. She was slowly revealing the amazing child she would prove to be. I could have never imagined that God was laying the foundation to call us back to China two more times. Ruby Mei has shown us in so many ways the joy that comes with following God's plan for our lives. I will never forget this very special Mother's Day! A powerful post was written by Jeff about his visit to Ruby's finding place on Mother's Day, May 13, 2007.

You can read it here.

Yesterday I had the opportunity to spend the afternoon with Her Rubiness. What a blessing it was for me to be with her. Our first stop was to see Brie, so Ruby could get her hair cut. Always a highlight for my girls!! The next stop, the Arboretum for our annual dandelion pick! Even though the dandelions were not as plentiful as previous years, she had fun running around. And, she did manage to find a bouquet to share!! We enjoyed a beautiful lunch at the Arb, and a great walk around the blooming tulips and daffodils. It was a perfect way to spend our afternoon!

Ruby is very excited for her "anniversary!" She will tell anyone that will listen about it! We are celebrating Ruby Tuesday and Mother's Day at one of our favorite restaurants.

During our lunch yesterday, I was telling Ruby about what a blessing she has been in my life. She asked me to share her special story with her.. She loves to hear about the day we met. She laughs when I tell her that she gave us a taste of just how loud she would prove to be on that first day.. She also laughs when she hears she was dressed in a sweatshirt and sweatpants when it was 90+ degrees out.. And, she smiles when I tell her she was the only baby in the room that had barrettes in her hair, and that they said "Love Love!" She soaks in every detail of that day.

Yesterday I shared with Ruby that God has used her in a very special way already in her young life. I explained that many people followed her journey. I told her I have received several emails from Mom's who were encouraged to endure their waits because of Ruby Mei. She loved knowing that she has perhaps helped some other little girls from China come home to their forever families. I can think of one that calls her sister and one that will soon! When we got home she immediately shared how God has used her with Sienna!! :)

There is something very special about this little girl. She has a joy about her that is contagious. As I have said her highs are high, and her low's are loud!! Most likely you will have a smile on your face after an encounter with Her Rubiness!

In late August or early September Ruby will become a big sister for the first time. I honestly can't wait for this. As much as I was concerned about Ruby losing her "baby in the family" status those fears are gone. She is going to have so much fun helping with Emme Jade! She has big plans for her little sister! She prays for her every night! We held hands yesterday and threw pennies in the fountain. Her wish was for our LOA so Emme could come home!

We journaled about the day after Ruby Tuesday here!

We journaled about the day before Ruby Tuesday here...

Yesterday when I picked up Ruby from her BSF (Bible Study Fellowship) 2 year old class, she came running to greet me with the Mother's Day card she had made for me...  She wrapped her arms around me with a big smile and said, "I Wuv You, and I Missed You Mama..."!  With tears in my eyes I held that precious girl so tight...  I will cherish my first handmade Mother's Day card from Ruby Mei and that moment in time forever!  

Jeff and I had arrived in China one day before the rest of our travel group.  So that day in The Hutong was a bonus!!  May 5th was the official beginning of our AWAA touring.  They did a fabulous job moving us from place to place.  We had so much fun as a couple enjoying China!  It was a very special time for us.  While it was difficult to leave Ainsley back home, we knew it was the best decision for our family.  She was loved and happy, and we were thrilled to be alone as a couple exploring a foreign land.  It truly was an adventure while we waited a few more days for Ruby Tuesday!  We posted about this fun day here!

Rested and happy to finally be in Ruby's birth country!  We set off with a few families from AWAA for a tour of the Hutong in Beijing by Rickshaw!  I think it was one of those, "I can't believe we are in China" kind of days!!!!  As you can see, May was a beautiful time to be in Beijing!  We were now 4 days away from meeting Her Rubiness!  We journaled about that day here!

I was doing the last minute things you do before you leave for CHINA for two weeks to pick up your daughter!!!!!  It was an exciting time, and it truly is hard to believe it was 24 months ago!  I think I will post my favorite pics from that special time over the next two weeks.