Priceless............

Every so often, the good Lord delivers surprises in the most unexpected ways.  We received some of photos from Dumpling's gotcha day from her orphanage.  Pictures of the first glimpse of our new daughter.........

They were quite a priceless surprise!  We will treasure these forever.  One Less Orphan...........

These images bring tears to my eyes.  Dumpling has undergone some amazing changes since that glorious day.  When I look at her sad face, it reminds me of how special it is to hear her contagious laugh.  She is a joy!

well said........

Dear random shopper in the Target check-out line*** that is staring at me and my children and is jus www.nohandsbutours.comI totally get it. You see, I used to be just like you! I’d see a family that looked a bit… hmmmmm… what’s the right way to put this… mixed. Not all the colors match up. The body shapes, skin tones, and/or hair and eye colors didn’t all go together, and it was obvious that there was more than one bab..

Food for the soul.....

A visit from a dear friend is just what the doctor ordered!  We shared our triumphs and defeats.  We laughed and giggled mostly because we have seen our girls come so far.  God gave me my very own 'sister' to lean on!

  Just plain good for the soul.

Sweetness........

What a world we live in........

China one-child policy leads to forced abortions, mothers' deaths

What we've been up to......

learning to 'like' the outdoors and not be afraid

learning to 'help' each other

enjoying new foods and having 'enough' food to eat

We had our one month post-adoption visit with our social worker today (yes we have only been home 2 weeks, but they count from gotcha day).  The Princess and Dumpling put on quite a show for our worker.   They love an audience!
 We continue to learn new things about Dumpling. She is growing and changing rapidly.  She still has some real fears.  There are definitely pieces of her past that will remain a mystery.  We will never really be able to put all of the pieces together.
Remarkably, her receptive language is improving quickly.  She certainly has a willing 3 1/2 year old sister that will talk to her constantly.

Worth re-posting........

Profound........

A must read for anyone dealing with International Adoption- friends, family, or those who want more info:
http://www.lwbcommunity.org/traumas-lasting-effects-2

Wordless Wednesday..........

sweetness....

helping sister put her slippers on

post......

Love her post on the roller coaster of adoption:

www.berryadventuresome.blogspot.com

Interesting facts about Smile Train:

1.3 billion

people living in China

19%

of population below the age of 14

36%

of population lives off less than $2 a day

31,900+

estimated cleft births per year

Coping..........

The addition of a new sister is a big order for a 3 1/2 year old and it's even harder when your sister is  a ready made 2 year old.  The Princess is trying to share her Mommy and it's plain hard.  The Dumpling is needy.  Let's face it, Dumpling has her own 'new' and issues to cope with.  Mommy only has one lap and two girls try to vie for their place.   We know time will help, but right now it is difficult.

Princess with her fun craft from the "D's".

One tired girl trying to cope with change!

We want to thank the 'D' family for remembering Princess when they sent a gift for Dumpling.  Princess really did 'love' the goodies and she wanted me to document it!  She is a brave little girl who is learning to share everything (even her Mommy).

An interesting piece on Shanxi China....

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9QijM72iwSs

If you have a few minutes, please view this video.  It gives interesting perspective on pollution in China and abandonment.  It also talks about an everyday angel!  Yes there are angels walking among us.  I hope that I've peaked your attention.

Cute chick.........

wordless Wednesday........

The witnessing of everyday miracles.....

learning how to 'push' a toy

the girls and the sensory bin

finally enjoying the swing

Everyday Dumpling surprises us with a change.  She took a bath for the first time tonight!  She has fought us on this since China.  We can only guess that bath-time was not too fun in the orphanage.  She also decided that the indoor 'swing' was something good tonight!  Two total transformations.  It is a miracle to watch this little girl experience each and every 'first'.

Feeble Attempt........

This is my attempt at getting the girls to be still for a picture of their matching pajamas.  Not so good.  In any event, we are coping with the many changes day to day.  I can see small triumphs in Dumpling. Here is a short update:

 She is learning to trust.  She is a very cautious little girl. She has an amazing giggle.  She is very huggable.  She is amazed by the simplest things such as the wind blowing on her face.  I don't think that she has been outdoors much in her short lifetime.  She is petrified of the swing set and our play ride-on car.  Her little heart breaks at nighttime.  She is scared and fights going to sleep.  We pray for God's gentle healing of her heart.  She is an amazing little girl who has gone through so many changes in the last few weeks.  We have appointments at the International Adoption Clinic and Cleft Clinic next month.  Thank you for your prayers!

Home Sweet Home.........

It is so good to be home!  We are happy to be a family of 6!  Each day gets a little better.  We are struggling with the effects of jet lag, adjusting to a new sibling, and life in general, but life is good!  We are loving our comfortable beds and familiar foods.  Dumpling has not missed a beat.  She loves her siblings and is possessive of her Mamma.

the city of Guangzhou

Finally convinced Dumpling to sit in the highchair!

the Koi pond at the breakfast buffet Holiday Inn Shifu

Red Couch picture

Dancing in the Atlanta Airport!

playing at home

BaBa and the girls

Love to all!

giggles............

Last post before going HOME!

smile

gotta love these!

Cantonese restaurant

who is that little girl?

for you Nana and Popi

found this pretty church

It is our last sleep in China.    The memories are bittersweet.   We have enjoyed our time here but we are ready to come home.  We had a delightful meal at an authentic Cantonese restaurant last night.  To say that we were the center of attention would be an understatement.  We managed to 'point' and order.  Then some waitresses decided to feed the kids.  They were very sweet about it.
We look forward to seeing  everyone~!!

our friends the "R" family and their cute little boy!

Pearl River and Consulate.........

Pearl River Dragon Boat Ride

our guide John

US Consulate GZ China

happy girl

our group at the Consulate

Daddy feeding Dumpling a banana outside the Consulate

pick me UP!

Even though it rained, we enjoyed our ride down the Pearl River.  The lights were especially beautiful and Dumpling had fun entertaining everyone with her antics.  The Consulate appointment was uneventful. We will get her visa tomorrow .  Tomorrow is our last full day in China.  The time has flown by.  We have relished this opportunity to get to know our girl better each day.  She definitely knows what she wants and has a very sweet personality.  Her biggest hurdle right now is communication.  We are going to have to work on some sign language when we get home.  We miss everyone at home and can't wait for you to meet her!

Second medical clinic visit

Dumpling's new 'boyfriend' Z!

We went back to the clinic for our TB recheck.  Afterwards, we chatted with some fellow adoptive parents in the hotel.  We managed to find Dumpling a pair of Crocs that fit for $1.50 today!

Randomness

Chinese Laundry