29 June 2006
28 June 2006
Happy First Birthday, Emilee Jin Xiu !
A year ago today, my daughter was born in China. And a year ago today, a very special woman gave birth to a beautiful baby girl that she held through the night-while she cried-because she knew she could not keep her. I imagine later that day-she bundled up her tiny baby, kissed and hugged her real tight, and crept in the darkness to find a safeplace to leave her. She chose the Xuwen Orphanage gates, because she knew they would take her in and keep her safe until they could find her her forever mommy. Then, she most likely hid in the shadows and watched from afar to make certain that someone would find her precious newborn. While at this orphanage, there was yet another woman who cared for my daughter. I met her the day I received Jin Xiu and from the look in her eyes, you could see she cared for her deeply.
Today, I salute these two amazing women: First, the courageous woman who gave birth to my daughter- and who loved her enough to risk everything to leave her. And to the woman whose arms Xiu Xiu found comfort in her beginning months and who cared for her until the day she was finally placed in my arms.
27 June 2006
Emilees 1st Birthday Party
On June 25th, We celebrated Emilees 1st Birthday with a party at the Willowbrook Carousel. As the days approached it began to rain and rain and rain. I figured I should have had a Noah's Arc party instead of the Carousel. I made everyone do their anti rain dance and we all prayed to every God, statue, or whoever would listen that the rain would stop.
By Friday I was getting a little nervous and even thought about canceling. By Saturday, I was beside myself and began to plan the event in my house. I wasn't sure where I would fit everyone inside, but I figured we would all get to know each other very well. Then I threw my hands up, much like I did during her adoption-the saying we make plans and God laughs ran across my mind many times) and after speaking to the Carousel director who told me that if it really rains we could pull the gates down turn up the lights and have the party inside, I decided to go ahead with it.
To my suprise, the weather cleared up just enough for the party to be a real success.
It was wonderful having everyone together to share in Emilees Birthday.
My friend Stacey made the most amazing cake (as always) it was a three tiered Carousel Cake. Her cake designs are true masterpieces and I appreciate all the work she put into making it.
It was wonderful having my cousins from Connecticut come in to celebrate. I am so sorry that it took you three hours to get here, Emilee and I truly appreciate you coming to celebrate and mark this milestone.
Also, thank you Elaine and Morty for coming from all the way upstate. I was sorry that Star could not make it as well.
Afterwards, many of my family came back to the house to continue the celebration.
Although Emilee does not appreciate it now, I hope she appreciates all the wonderful friends and family she has in her life. We are both very lucky to have all of you in our lives. Thank you for everything. You truly are a wonderful "village."
Below are some pictures for your enjoyment.
26 June 2006
24 June 2006
To mark the End of his School Term, Andrews 2nd grade class presented their parents, relatives and friends with a salute to America. It was a wonderful and joyous celebration filled with patriotic songs that filled the air. Each child represented a state and they even made books depicting the significance of their state. Andrew represented Kansas.
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