No Work Mommy

The day has come when I have to leave my children in the care of others while I work. I have tried to prepare Meilin for this day. We have spent so much quality time together as a family and I have enjoyed every minute of it. Tonight as I put Meilin to bed I held her tight and told her about mommy going to work tomorrow and that she would be going to Debbie's house. Her big, brown eyes looked up at me and cried, "No work mommy. Stay home with Meilin." If only I could little one.

Kailei on the other hand is thrilled that she will have 4 whole days to hang out with her Papa! Oh, the adventures they will have.

Love you my sweet girls.

One Lucky Mama

These two girls take my breathe away! How did I get so lucky as to call these two my own? I thank god every day!

Photo Shoot

Tried a photo shoot with 5 kids today. I think they came out pretty cute! Going back to the same place to take some more this week. I would really like to take a photo class. I really enjoy taking pictures especially of cute kids!

Family Campout

We have been having a wonderful summer. Sorry that I haven't posted in so long but I have been using facebook more than the blog. This past weekend we had a family campout in Trevor and Heather's backyard. Tents were set up on the perimeter of their property. The kids enjoyed the pool, zip line, volleyball, smores and the glow in the dark necklaces. The grown ups enjoyed watching the children, sipping on cocktails, and eating delicious food. Meilin loved sleeping int he pack and play in the tent. She was warm and cozy. Kailei and I were freezing all night. I have decided that camping is fun but I would rather sleep in a lodge or a cabin rather than a tent. A great time was had by all. Summer memories were made!

Weekend Fun!

A weekend of fun was had by all. Jen and Dave's wedding Friday night. The girls danced the night away! We didn't get home until 12:30 a.m.! Saturday was filled with dance recitals, Kailei's and a student of mine. Sunday we celebrated Pepere's 90th birthday! The kids had a blast!! Getting up for school tomorrow is not going to be fun! Meilin finished out the evening sitting on the toilet and unraveling all the toilet paper. What a stinker! She sure does make me laugh though!

One Year Later

One year ago today a frightened baby was placed in my arms. She grieved terribly in China. I had just taken her away from everything she had known for the last 17 months of her life. Her heart was broken and mine was so full of love for her. It was a tough time in China for all of us. Kailei cried so hard realizing that I was not all hers. I cried wondering if I could love this child as much as I loved Kailei. It tore me to pieces watching both of my girls so sad. I questioned whether or not I had made the right decision to add to my family. Tears still fall from my eyes as I think about that day and the days that followed. Meilin had been through so much in her young life. She needed time to trust and rebuild her broken heart. The first six months at home were tough. She cried for hours, had night terrors and wouldn't let me out of her sight without crying in fear that I would leave. It took time for her to learn how to be a family, how to love and how to be loved unconditionally. Although Meilin wanted to be held she would not snuggle into me or share her affection with anyone. Oh...what time and love can do. Meilin Rose is now a happy, attached, silly two year old. Her arms now embrace tightly the ones she loves. The light in her eyes shine and kisses and laughter escape her rose bud lips. Kailei and Meilin adore each other. I cry silent tears as I watch the two of them together. It is a gift I have given them both. The gift of each other, sisters forever. My brave Meilin. Her spirit and heart are healed and the world is hers. She is cherished and loved by so many. The pain of her past has been erased and replaced with security, trust and the love of a family. Thank you God for my most prized possessions, my two precious girls from China. Happy Family Day Meilin Rose. I love you with all my heart forever and ever.