handsful

We glanced up, while waiting for the elevator, when our guide casually said “and, here’s the baby from Bengbu”.

You were so brave, holding in your emotions, until we laid you down to change your diaper…and, you whimpered softly.

I looked at you on the way back to the hotel, and you looked at me. Both of us with looks of “okay, now what” on our faces.

Fast forward…

It’s been 4 years since that day we “met” you at the elevators. Since that day you were brave, and we were both unsure of the future.

Today, you’re very self-assured, very brave and VERY spunky. Back then, your “language” was 2 vowel-like utterances. Today, you’re a speech therapy rock star, working so hard and making HUGE progress. We understand you most of the time…amazing.

You have a very strong personality…most of the time, that’s great. Sometimes, it’s a challenge. But, we’re up for it. And, you’re worth it.

There are many things you love at age 5. Your bike, your gummy bear vitamins, Curious George, skinny jeans, the swingset, food (too many to narrow down…), running, and staying no more than 12 inches away from mom.

You know that mom and dad made a long trip to China to get you. You know that the big kids grew in my tummy. You know that you did not. One connection you’ve not quite made yet…so, where did you grow? How did you come to be?

This book should help her make that connection, and in a very beautiful and loving way. I’m looking forward to / nervous about – reading it. We’ll be reading it today.

Last night at her celebration dinner (she wanted Taco Bell, we convinced her to upgrade to a Mexican restaurant…), she flipped through the pages and pointed to the cast of characters. I told her “that’s you”, “that’s mommy”, and “that’s China mommy”. She asked no questions, just smiled at each page.

Her China mommy gave her her beauty, her laugh, her stinky feet. I’ll give her comfort when she’s sad, high-fives when she’s happy, love forever.

Happy 4 years, Lainey-girl. We love you. Always.

Thought I’d share some randomness that I found on my cell phone…

This won’t excite you as much as it did me. Years ago, I was at my sister-in-law’s house and she gave me a Mrs. May’s almond crunch bar. It was very simple…almonds stuck together with sweetness. Since then, I’ve been on a quest to find these things (she couldn’t remember where she’d bought them), but to no avail. Then, on a random trip to TJ Maxx, I’m standing in line and look to my left. Oh my! Yes, I bought them, and yes, they are wonderful. If you find them near you, let me know!

Okay, I’m cheating here…found this photo on FB. But, it’s so cute I had to share. This is the North Meck Testify group from about a month ago. A great bunch of kids. Ethan is in the middle right (getting crushed), Abbey middle left (crushed also), Payton is in the back, 2nd from the left, and Marley is front, 2nd from the right.

Here are the “littles” in our homeschool co-op. This was their Valentine’s brunch :)

Co-op again, this time middle school history. That day, the kids were having a debate – communism vs. capitalism. It was very interesting!

Lainey and Dylan were super excited on Monday, to find out we were headed to Hollyn’s house for a playdate. Hollyn and Dylan are “prosthesis buddies”…hers is on the right, Dylan’s on the left. They played their hearts out (here, they are busy cooking with rice) and then we had a yummy lunch. What’s even more exciting is that our new house is MUCH closer to Hollyn’s house! I see many more playdates to come.

That’s it. Other than the 2,135 pics of Lainey sticking her tongue out. I’ll be deleting those :)

And, in case you’re counting, we move exactly ONE MONTH from tomorrow!

Pics from last Saturday’s homeschool dance…

We only did a little bit of posing before we left. And, it had to be inside (which explains the terrible lighting), because it was FRIGID outside and the wind was blowing at near hurricane speed. Well, it felt like it.

The trips with their friends, Ethan (yes, another Ethan…) and Kylie

Getting the giggles…

Then, we brought them all together (Abbey had gotten dressed at her friend’s house) for a shot. We took about a dozen, this was the best of the bunch.

Some of their friends were running late, so we missed getting their picture. I’ve emailed the gals in charge of the dance, to see if they’ll share the pictures they got during the dance. Can’t wait to see those! Maybe I’ll share a few…

One last one..

Happy Valentine’s Day :)

Yesterday was a big day in the life of Abbey, one she’s been looking forward to…

Sweet 16

Her wish? Dinner out with her family, with her best guy Josh tagging along. No birthday cake, just the massive chocolate cake at her favorite restaurant. No birthday song…we disagreed with this one and sang to her anyway.

Dad, quit taking my picture already?!

Her sibs and Josh got together and ordered (well, we will order…they weren’t sure about size) a pair of Hunger Games embroidered Toms. She was obviously pleased with their choice!

We gave her a jewelry “closet” (she called it that), a “Sweet 16” charm for her charm bracelet, and a camera upgrade from her “point and shoot”.

Here’s a shot of that chocolate cake I mentioned…she even shared some with the rest of us.

Once we move to the new house (insert shouts of glee), we’ll throw her a fun party…we’re thinking a take on the Amazing Race and then back to the house for traditional party food. I’ll make sure we sing happy birthday to her again. She’ll love that.

Abbey, we are so proud of you, love you to pieces, and can’t wait to see what the future holds for you! Happy 16th, Abbey-girl!

As of last Monday, our church’s 21 day fast was over. My first piece of chocolate? A delicious “kiss” wrapped in silver. Followed by another one. Oh, how I missed you. My tea maker is humming again, too. All in all, the fast was hard and wonderful. I’m so glad that I listened to God’s prompting to join in.

Last Monday, I had to wake up BEFORE the birds and drive Dylan to his Shriner’s appt in Greenville, SC. Payton, sweet guy that he is, joined me. We were only going for a check-up to make sure his little leg healed completely after surgery, but the prosthetist immediately saw that the socket of his prosthesis is now too large for him (he said it’s normal for the leg to thin out, as they lose baby fat)…that’s why his leg has been turning in while he walked, his little leg has just been too loose to control it. So, they’re making him a new prosthesis, he should have it by mid March. He’s thinking Spider Man print this go round.

Here he is getting the new mold of his little leg so they can make the new socket just the right size. The gals doing it, Crissy and India, are so great with Dylan, they spend the whole time laughing. That’s me on the left, holding the wobbly boy up, and trying not to get plaster splattered on me.

After church last Sunday, all the big kids scattered away with friends, so it was just us and the littles. We took advantage of what would be a cheaper lunch-out and headed to Joel’s Grill and Sushi. Since we had worn our qi pao to church that day, it kinda turned into a 2nd CNY celebration :) Joel was a hoot, taking pictures of the kids and us in our Chinese Sunday best. We’ll be back to Joel’s for sure.

He eats his sushi the correct way, all in one bite!

Of course, so does she.

We participate in a homeschool co-op on Wednesdays. The kids take american history, writing, and science. I help in the nursery, middle school history, and preK-K classes. My friend, Holly, does an amazing job teaching history…she really brings it alive for them (and me!). We were studying WWII, and the holocaust about a week ago and she decided to try and find a local survivor. And, she did. Do a web search for Suly Chenkin and read her story…you’ll be amazed. We were so blessed by her sharing her history with us.

Abbey likes to grab my phone (all these shots are from my phone, which is why some of them aren’t so good…) and take random pictures of me. I didn’t even know she took this one till I found it. It struck me how long my hair is getting. I’m pretty sure I’m going to keep growing it, so that I can donate it this year. I’ve always wanted to do that.

Ethan takes guitar lessons every Friday for an hour. His teacher is an awesome young guy from church, who is an extremely respected musician on our church’s worship team. He also leads one (there are two that rotate) of the Jr. high worship bands, and he offered Ethan an acoustic guitar position on one of those teams today. He’ll play every-other-week for both Jr. High services. He’s wanted to do this since we moved here…well, since beginning guitar back in FL when he was 10 years old. He’s psyched.

I took this shot of Lainey tonight. She’s been complaining of a sore throat since yesterday, and tonight she went downhill fast at dinner. Her fever was 102.2, and she crashed on the couch. She’s sleeping soundly in bed now, poor girl.

So, let’s recap. Dylan is getting a NEW leg. We have a NEW favorite Chinese place. We have a NEW appreciation for survivors of the Holocaust. I’ll be getting a NEW haircut sometime this year. And, Ethan has a NEW “job” at church.

I left the best NEW thing for last. We’re moving to a NEW house! Out of this rental and into our own home. We’re so crazy excited. Thankful. Amazed at the house that God provided. We’ll still be in the same town, but in a more rural area, a mile or so from our little “downtown” main street. Cows across the street, horses behind us. Only one neighbor within normal walking distance. I’m in heaven! Move-in is scheduled for mid-March. Feel free to drop what you’re doing and pack a box or two for me. I’m in denial about that part of the move so far. ;)

A sneak peek…

I believe you pronounce that something like “gong, she, fa, chai”

Happy Chinese New Year! We have lanterns hung, we’ve read our CNY books, and tonight we celebrated with friends. Chinese New Year is the most important holiday in China, and lasts this year from January 23rd – February 6th. Because we’re blessed with our sweeties from China, it’s important for us to celebrate the holidays of their heritage. Not to mention it’s just plain fun.

We live near Davidson College, and their Asian Culture and Awareness Association sponsored a wonderful CNY event tonight. We gathered at the Student Union and were treated to some yummy Chinese food, a great program full of dancers and other entertainment, the traditional dragon dance, and some amazing fireworks!

Mia, Anna, Dylan, and Lainey

We had a nice view of the entertainment from the second floor.

When the dragons and their…uh…helper came upstairs, the little kids clung hard to us!

Mia, Hollyn, Dylan, Anna, and Lainey….we decided to pose all of our Chinese kiddos and look what we found? A Red Couch! (quick note for those that don’t know…it’s a tradition in China to pose all the newly adopted children on the red couches at the White Swan hotel)

After all the fun indoors, we headed out into the COLD to watch a fireworks display. CNY always ends with fireworks! I’ve never been that close to fireworks before, it was just amazing…

Gong Xi Fa Cai!

Our sweet Lainey made a decision tonight…

One that she’s been working on for a while now. She’s been asking lots of questions about Jesus and heaven lately. Tonight she asked if she would live in heaven one day. I explained that everyone who asks Jesus into their heart will live in heaven one day and when she was ready to talk about what that meant, her daddy and I would love to. A minute or so later she whispered to me “I think I’m ready right now”.

So, her daddy and I sat down with her and shared the wonderful gospel story with her…she knew some of it, and seemed to really understand the gift that Jesus gave to us – his life and our salvation.

So, heaven rejoices tonight because our little girl asked Jesus to be her savior! Oh, she was so happy, grinning from ear to ear with her adorable squinty-eyed smile! We ran downstairs for her to tell the big kids, and there were hugs all around.

Parenting isn’t always the easiest job in the world, but tonight…it was the very best job.
God Bless you, Lainey girl!