Two years ago today.......

This picture was taken of Audrey just 2 days before we met her. She is holding the puppy that we sent her. This is my favorite picture of her from inside the orphanage. I hope they kept Audrey warm enough :)
The dreaded "Red Couch Photo"...loved by the parents.....hated by the children!!
We're going home!!!! Waiting at the Guangzhou airport.
Tonight as I was putting Audrey in bed, I told her "the story of Audrey" again. It was two years ago today that we met her for the very first time. She loves HER story and giggles every time I tell it:

Two years ago Mommy and Daddy flew all the way to China because we knew of a special baby named Qin Chun Hong who lived in an orphanage and needed somebody to love her. We were in the lobby of our hotel when a bunch of babies with their caretakers came walking in. The guide said "parents of Chun Hong please come forward" (this is where I act all excited and wave my hands). That's us, we say, we're the lucky parents of Chun Hong. I remind Audrey that while the caretaker was still holding her...she pointed to me and said "Mama" while Audrey stuck her little lip out and shook her head no. I'll ask Audrey "Didn't you like your new mommy" she replies "Moooooooom, I love you." At the end of the story I always ask her "how's come mom and dad are lucky enough to be your parents forever and forever." She'll say "don't know" and I tell her that God picked her out extra-special just for us.

All of My Children

Natalie and Andrew spent a lot of time outside last week enjoying the big snow piles. Paul and Audrey spent a lot of time driving me crazy last week while we were snowed in. Baby powder anyone?
Our beautiful Luke was born Dec. 17, 1999 and passed away the next day. A local artist does these amazing sketches of people who have passed away. Rarely does a day go by that I don't think about our son.

Today we had our first post-placement visit for Paul's adoption. The Chinese government requires 3 post-placement visits done by a social worker. Since Paul is doing so great there was very little to talk about.

For those of you who live in our area be sure to check out Monday's Daily Standard. There is supposed to be an article about the new international adoptive group that I helped get started.

I would like to invite you to view my friend's blog. They are awaiting the arrival of their daughter from South Korea. But I must WARN you........brace yourself for unbelievable cuteness!!!! www.heartofmyseoul.blogspot.com

just to get started

I decided to take Audrey's 3 year picture myself......not too bad GQ called asking Paul to be their latest model
Paul met some pretty girls over the weekend
With the help of some other mom's I organized a carry-in for internationally adoptive families in our area. It was a lot of fun. There were kids from China, South Korea, Russia, Guatemala and Vietnam.
Ted and Natalie went to their first Father-Daughter dance on Sunday. Ted claims that Natalie was the prettiest girl there.