This time Jeff's travels took him to Chicago!!! Guess who's BFF lives in the windy city? Precious Lucy and Ruby are together again after almost a year!! She has missed her so much! We have been counting down the sleeps since we told her about this special trip! Not only did she get to see her long lost friend, she got to finally meet Kit, and celebrate Miss B's birthday!

How cute are these three with their bows all on the same side!!

This just makes me smile! Ruby is so happy!!!!

Thank you Bridget and Rich for loving our girl for a few days. What a blessing it is to have friends like you!!! B even got Ruby to take a nap! Was she two the last time she did that for me? Bridget, you are the baby whisperer!!! I can't wait until you train Emme Jade for me!

Tomorrow my sweet girl comes back. Sienna will be so excited. Earlier today she yelled from the kitchen, "Mom... How do you spell, "I miss you Ruby!" Priceless!

Less than one month and it's my turn to leave on a jet plane and visit my pal! I get to play with Bridget and all of the girls at the beach soon! I can't wait!!

Bridget posted pics from their fun day at Lake Michigan today here!

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!