We have lovingly referred to Sienna Grace as our "Hot & Spicy Girl" since the day we met her... Not only did it describe the food of her Province, it described her personality perfectly... I have described her as tough and tender... I expect she will always be those things... But, we are beginning to see more and more of the sweet Sienna... It's been almost two years (March 1st) since we met our girl.. And, wow are we proud of how much she has grown, accomplished, and matured!

We had our first scare this week since Sienna's splenectomy on September 30th, 2010. She woke up with a high fever on Wednesday morning... We had been warned that when this happens to take it very seriously.. Instead of going to the hospital I took her to our Pediatrician.. Let's just say we were one phone call away from getting admitted to Children's Hospital. Thankfully, Sienna's Hematologist was available to give direction to our Pediatrician... They were able to administer Rocephin (in the form of 3 awful shots) to her in the office so we didn't have to go downtown. Thankfully by the next morning her white counts were back down, hemoglobin up, and she was looking like herself again! Praise God! By 3:00 yesterday she was feeling so much better and bored without Ruby that she asked me to do a photo shoot!... It was a sweet time with my beautiful girl!

When Ruby got home from school yesterday she brought home a "take home" folder of homework for Sienna.. The two of them disappeared into my office for almost 1 hour.. Ruby went through every page with her so patiently.. I honestly think Ruby could teach Kindergarten!!! :) Sienna was back to school today celebrating her 1/2 birthday with Ruby and her class! She was so excited when we told her she could go!

Sienna Grace ~ I think "Sugar and Spice" is an amazing combination on you!!! I know God is going to use your amazing story of grace in remarkable ways! We love every layer of beautiful, spicy and sweet you!

When I met Sienna almost one year ago, I don't think I would have chosen the word tender to describe her. You may remember she proved her self worthy of her spiciness again and again. She still does on occasion! :)

Over time, I would see the most beautiful layers in my daughter. The one that has empathy, and concern. A special quality that only God can place on the heart of a child.

Last night I was putting Sienna to bed. Like it has been so many nights since we came home, she was the last one to fall asleep. It was dark, and we had a beautiful Chinese lullaby playing. Sienna, asked me, "Mom - why do you seem so sad?" As has been my state since Saturday, the tears started quietly flowing down my cheeks, as I told her I missed Caymus. In the quietness of the night, Sienna sensed what was happening.. She wiped my cheeks gently, gave me the biggest hug and said, "Mom - I miss her too, and I am so sorry you are sad."

What happened next was so special... Sienna laid there pondering something, and she asked me if I thought we would see Caymus in Heaven. While I know the Bible does not state there are animals in Heaven, my broken heart chooses to believe she will be there waiting for me. My sensitive girl said, "Do you think my "China Mom" will be in Heaven too. More tears from this Mom.. My response, Sienna do you think your "China Mom" knows God. Her response, "I am not sure. Can we go there someday and tell her?"

I would love nothing more than to take my tender girl back to Hengshan one day to thank the woman who loved her for 4 years. And, for Sienna to explain to her that God has a plan for all of us. And that He brought me to my family so I could learn about him, and one day share it with you. That is my prayer for this precious child.

For now, I give thanks for my little girl who is loving and tender. I give thanks for all she has learned, and for all she has given. And, I give thanks for some of the most beautiful conversations I have ever had when she really should be sleeping.

Lastly, the portrait I have included here is from a gift we received one week ago. Since the day I met Sienna, I was determined to get baby pictures for her. With a lot of prayer, I reached out to her foster mother in a care package that I ordered within China and had it delivered by an angel.... The care package contained a beautiful silk photo album with 20 photos of Sienna and her life here with us, and with Nadi. I included a letter requesting that she share baby pictures if she had them, explaining why this was so important to Sienna. God answered so faithfully... She gave us three special photos of our girl, newborn, age 1 and age 2.. This beautiful photo speaks volumes to me. It portrays a woman who selflessly loved a child she most likely knew she could never keep.

I can not close without thanking all of you for the sweet messages, emails, and phone calls I have received about Caymus. It has been a few rough days for this sensitive heart. Jeff has been checking in on me, and I love him for that. He had to leave yesterday.. I am going to be fine...eventually... Plain and simple, I miss her!

"The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit."

Psalm 48:14

Blessings,

Diana