Fun in the Sun...

We have had some beautiful weather in our neck of the woods. So we hit the park yesterday and had a blast. I put Sophia in the swing and she was digging it! It hit me while pushing her that this was the very first time she had ever been in a swing. She was unsure when I first put her in, but as soon as I let it soar...she was LOVING it! So cute!

Depraved Indifference

I have posted this video before, but I came upon it again and it reminded me why we choose to do something about one of the many injustices in this world. Adoption was our calling, but I hope by watching this you are stirred to do something that you feel is "beyond you". I hope that this inspires you to be brave and courageous to continue fighting the good fight...for those who don't have a voice...whomever that might be. There are so many heartwrenching needs out there and each of those needs represents real people. For me, this video is such a good reminder to keep in perspective what this life is about.

Fun at Cherry On Top...thanks to Grandma and Grandpa!

Daddy helping his littlest princess finish the last of her yogurt!










My cutie Drew enjoying the moment!











Samuel sneaking into the picture with Sophia!











Julia being silly!

This Christmas Grandma and Grandpa sent some "Cherry on Top" money for all of us to get a yummy yogurt treat at one of our very favorite places! If you don't have a Cherry on Top near you, boy you are missing out! Here's a few pics of the kiddos all enjoying their treat!

YEA!

She's flourishing!!

Goodness! It's AMAZING what God can do when He places an orphan into a family...who then becomes an orphan no more, but simply part of the family. I am in awe of how much Sophia Joy has changed in just over a month of having her (our Gotcha Day was Nov 21st). She's only been home for a little over 3 weeks and it is truly a blessing to watch her transform before our eyes. The nannies who took care of her said she didn't speak much only said about 2 or 3 words. I was a little concerned over that, but she was ours so it didn't really matter. Well, I am so happy to report that this girl can chatter with the best of them now! No, she's not fluent in English, but she can say quite a bit for only hearing English for a month! She can say Daddy, Mommy, Odie, Up, No...No...No, Yea, Help Mommy, Night-Night, More, and quite a bit more, but I can't remember them all right now. Sheesh...for only speaking 2 words in the orphanage to a list of over 10 English words in a month...I am impressed. When my good friend and I traveled to China to get Sophia we felt she was developmentally between 12 months and 18 months old in most things (she is 2 1/2 years old). For example, she walked just like a 12 month old who had only been walking a few days or so. She fell a lot because she was so clumsy. She had ZERO concept of stairs and would have walked straight off the top step if we had let her. Now, only a short time of being in a family she can run around the playground, climb the steps like a champ and go down the slide all by herself. Then she's ready to do it over and over and over again! The girl can jump up and down with both feet coming off the floor. This really may not sound like a big deal, but the girl could barely walk at 2 1/2 years old a month ago! She has also gained about 4-5 pounds since her medical check up in China. In China with her clothes on she weighed about 22.5 pounds. Last night, naked after her bath she weighed in at 27.5 pounds!! Of course that was right after dinner, but still!! Speaking of baths...Sophia had no idea how to play in the bath. This was evident the first day I gave her a bath. She let me wash her hair and her body and then immediately stood up for me to take her out. Now....she is swimming like a fish in the bath! She plays and plays and plays some more and would stay in until she pruned up if we let her. Daddy did a fabulous job the first week home with her. He bathed her every night and literally encouraged and taught her how to play. I am sure I can go on and on, but I will just leave you all with some great before and after pics. I was trying to upload a video, but haven't it doesn't seem to be working. I will keep trying though.

Wearing Daddy's Shoes!

Update and Pictures

(One picture is of all the kiddos eating popcorn after picking up Samuel from school and the other picture is of Sophia hugging her new doll and blanket from Grandma...she loves them both!)

UPDATE:

Well its been 12 days home and Sophia is settling in beautifully! The first few days were very hard on both of us. Although, I think she did better than me. I must have been really exhausted because I had the worst attitude when I was home the first few days. It was so strange, because instead of feeling overjoyed to have Sophia home...I was wondering what in the heck did I just do to our family. I couldn't eat for 5 full days...lost about 7 pounds and was just downright depressed. I am so glad to report that we are all back to our happy selfs...I guess it was the jetlag and stress of the trip that did me in. Those first days home were TOUGH! But, God atleast gave me enough sense to know that I truly did not feel the way I thought I felt. We are all doing so well now. And in case you are wondering...my appetite is in full force and I am pretty sure I have gained it all back. lol! All the kids are getting along wonderfully. I do not mean we do not have our struggles of sharing, bad attitudes, or pouting...we absolutely have that. But, to me...that's normal! The boys STILL hug and kiss Sophia ALL DAY LONG! Poor girl can't even eat her eggs without someone laying a big ol' kiss on her. She and Julia are slowly getting closer. It's actually pretty comical to watch them...I think I remember going through this when I was about 5 and my mom brought home my sister Lori. I wasn't too happy about this new person in our family, but or course I can't imagine life without her...or any of my siblings for that matter! So, just wanted to fill everyone in on how we are doing. We love this little girl with all our hearts and are thrilled she is home with us!