The Gift of You

THE GIFT OF LIFE

I didn't give you the gift of life, But in my heart I know
The love I feel is deep and real, As if it had been so.
For us to have each other, Is like a dream come true!
No, I didn't give you the gift of life, Life gave me the gift of you.

Four months ago today, Qian Xiu Gang stepped in my arms and into our life, forever. In an instant, our world turned pink! I will never forget how if felt to finally hold her, feel her cheeks againt mine, touch her hand, look into her beautiful eyes, kiss her sweet lips, and listen to her giggle. She was, and still is, a dream come true. As we watch her personality emerge and her heart open up, we are in costant awe. I feel so blessed to have been able to make the journey to her and priviledge beyond words to be her mom. She is our daughter and sister and is so loved and treasured!

"Wo ai ni, Mei Mei" ~ Mom

Has it only been 3 months?!

It's hard to believe that it was only 3 months ago that Doug and I were returning home from China with our precious Kailahni. So much has changed and happened in our life since then. Our whole world looks different...our surroundings, our home, our family...our whole life, really. It's enough to give me an anxiety attack just thinking about it.

The boys seem to be getting a handle on school. Poor Jacob is having a really hard time this year....middle school is tough stuff. And, middle school for a kid with ADHD who had to switch school mid year is REALLY tough. He's not loving school at all, but he's still trying hard and giving it his all. I "heart" Jacob! Benjamin is doing just fine academically, but begs to be home schooled. Ha...could you imagine?! I don't thinks so...not now, at least.

Kailahni is walking more and more each day, but still not full time. She's so funny about the walking thing. She looks like a weeble wobble when she walks...it's so cute. I'll have to try to get another video of it soon. She's talking more too. Her cousin, Saramarie, gave her a baby doll and she loves it to death. It's adorable how she'll cling to her baby and give it kisses.

We've been able to get out and around a little bit more lately which has been nice. With the move and everything, my friends and family have been sorely neglected by me. I'm hoping life will continue to settle down more and more so that I can get out and do more of things I enjoy with the people I have been missing. I did take Kailahni over to Lauren's house for a brief playdate the other night. It was a lot of fun to see the two girls interact together. Mardi and I have big plans for future playdates. Hopefully next time one of us will remember to take a picture. It makes me laugh to think that two of us moms have waited YEARS to see our girls play together...and when it finally happens, neither one of us bothers to pull out a camera! And we are both bloggers...there's no excuse for it!!! bahaha

I'll end this post with a big shout out to my 3/27/06 LID friends who booked their flights to China today! I can't tell you guys how much joy it brings me to see you complete your journey's. The next few weeks will be so memorable for you....there just aren't words. Enjoy every moment of it!!!

Catching up

 

I can't believe how horrible I have been about updating the blog. Between having Kailahni at my side ALL DAY, EVERY DAY and trying to help the boys get acclimated to their new school, I don't feel like I have much time to sit down and blog. Go figure! Life is good, but busy. Jacob and Benjamin are settling into school, although they are both a little overwhelmed with being in a "real school" (as they call it). But, all in all, they seem happy and are making friends...so that's good.

Kailahni is still working on her walking skills. She could probably be a full time walker if she wanted to be, but she seems content to just dabble in the walking thing, for now. She has entered into a bit of a "clingy" phase, which is normal and expected. She wants to be with me (on me really) at all times. If I walk out of the room for even a minute, she lets me know just how "not OK" she is with that. She's not sleeping quite as well as she was either. I'm up with her 2,3,4 times a night. I'm sure this will pass, and we are working hard to answer ALL of her cries and reassure her that we will always be there...ALWAYS. She's a bright girl, so I'm sure she'll get that concept soon. At least I hope she does, because I like my sleep...I'm missing it!

We've made it to the zoo once since our move. The day we went it was a little bit hot, but we made the best of it. Sarah, Norah, my Dad and all the kidos were there. Kailhani really seemed to like the animals and had a good time splashing in water playground. I'm sure there will be plenty more zoo days in our future! I've also included some pics of some playtime at Sarah's house. It's so much fun to watch Vienna and Kailahni play together!! Sista Cousins!!

Almost Walking!!!

Life is moving forward at top speed. The boys started their new school this week. Kailahni is trying to walk. I'm still working on putting our new home together. We have our first post placement visit with our social worker on Friday. And...let's see...what else?! I don't really know what else is exciting and new for us, but we are busy...that's for sure. We went to the zoo last week, which was a lot of fun, so I'll have to post photos of that soon. But, for now, just LOOK at what our little girl is doing!!

Attempt #1...ALMOST!!!


Attempt #2....GETTING CLOSER


The Third time is the charm!!! I got smart and set the camera on the coffee table so I had both hands free!


And, finally, here she is showing off her mad walking skills to Doug and the boys! We are so proud!

Blessings Galore!!

Referrals for my 3/27 LID friends have finally arrived!!! Today has been such a joyous day! I am beside myself with joy and relief for these very deserving Mommies and their "Oh so" deserving children!

Introducing Zoey Wise!!! She is the daughter of my friend Stephanie and her husband Andrew. Stephanie has been such a huge source of support and friendship for me throughout our journey to Kailahni! She's an amazing woman who is going to be...I mean, IS a wonderful Mom. Zoey was born on March 16, 2009 and is currently waiting for Stephanie and Andrew in Jiangxi, China.


And here is Terri's bundle of joy! Her Chinese name is Yi Xiau Yang. She was born on March 5, 2009! She is also residing in Jiangxi Province. In fact, Stephanie and Terri's babies are in the same SWI. How awesome is that?! Terri is one of the first adoption mamas I met here in Phoenix! She's a beautiful person who is going to be such a loving, fun Mom! I can't wait to see her step off the plane, in just a few months, holding this precious child!!


There are more babies to come! This was a large LID day, and I am close with quite a few of the families! It's been a long, long wait...but SO WORTH IT!!!

Two words

TEETHING STINKS!




We are moved over to the new house, but not quite moved in yet! Jacob and Doug are on a 4 day canoe trip and Kailahni, Benji and I are having fun just hanging out together and unpacking! I'll post more later!

This is going to be short...

We're moving!

I don't mean switching blog sites "moving", I mean moving, moving!

We aren't moving far...just across town, but a move is a move! It's been crazy, chaotic, hectic, busy and exhausting...to say the least!

Once we are settled in and things have calmed down, I'll post again. I hope these pics tie all my adoring fans over until I return to blogger land! tee hee

Love to all, especially my 3/27/06 LID mamas who are being tested to their limit right now! I'll be praying that, before I finish opening my boxes in our new place, you'll be opening "the package" that will change your life forever!

Playdate in Kai's Room

I know, I know...two posts back to back. I'm a mad women. After picking up the boys from school yesterday, running a few quick errands, and doing a little homework with Jacob, I took Kailahni into her room to clean up her toys. One thing led to another and myself and all three kids ended up playing in there for over an hour. We played hide and seek, Kailahni style!
It started out with just Kailahni...

Then Jacob joined in the fun....

Then Benjamin..



It's funny how the boys will stop whatever it is they are doing...video games included, to play with the baby. They get so much joy out of seeing her do new things. I love watching the three of them play together. It gives me a great big Mommy smile!

Randomness

This post is a shout out to my March 27th (and maybe 29th) waiting mamas!!! The excitment that I feel for you guys (and you know who you are) is hard to explain. Referrals will be here anyday and we will finally be seeing the beautiful faces of all of your little girls! It's going to be a wild and crazy referral day...that's for sure. I'm so proud of each and everyone of you for staying SO strong through this LONG, LONG wait. What amazing women you all are and what wonderful mothers you will be!!!

Kailahni and I spent our morning hanging out with Stephanie on Skype. We blew off our chores and what not and chatted our little hearts out!!! It was so much fun...very irresponsible, but fun!

The pictures of Kai in her panda pj's are for you Suzanne!!

Only a few more days you guys.....WOO HOO!!!!