First care package to Kate

We sent our first care package to Kate this week using Ann at Red Thread.  Ann lives in China and started this service for parents to send care packages to their children while they wait to bring them home.  She is WONDERFUL!  On top of all the gifts- she also translates a letter for us.  She can even get updated information- measurements, pictures, etc- about Kate for us.  Unfortunately, the orphanage Kate is in would not give her any updates.  We are sad- but so excited that Kate will see the face of her new mom, dad, brother, and grandparents in just a few days.  I wish I could see her face as she looks at our face for the first time.

Our sweet big brother

It is hard to believe that in a few short months (hopefully) Brett will be a big brother.  He talks about Kate all the time.  I have a necklace with her picture on it and if I don't wear it for some reason he always asks where it is.  Brian asked him the other day who is best friend was and he said "Mommy and Kate".  He wants to pray for her every night- and most nights prays that she will get to have a cookie today (how sweet is that!).  And then- the one that brings me to tears every time I think about it.  We were in the check-out line at Target yesterday and he was looking at the toys by the register.  He looked at the matchbox cars for a minute and then started to line up and look at some princess dolls.  He picked one up, put it on the conveyor belt, and said "This one!".  I said, "Buddy, what do you need this for?"  and he immediately replied, "For Kate!"  Oh my sweet, sweet boy!  

So, Kate is now the owner of a Cinderella doll- her first present from her amazing big brother.  

Happy Birthday Ma!

Ma,

I love you!  Thank you for playing tractors, cars, and ball with me.  Thank you for walking me down to the lake to feed the fish, ducks, and turtles.  I have so much fun when I am with you.  I had the best time at Callaway Gardens on your birthday.   Thank you for taking me to see the butterflies and ride the choo-choo train.  You even let me ride it twice because I loved it so much.  You are the best, Ma.  Happy Birthday!

                                                                                             Love,

                                                                                                    Brett

A butterfly lands on Brett

Waving goodbye to the butterfly

Waving hello to the fish

Feeding the fish with Ma and Uncle Rob

Brett loved to find a butterfly and then "match" it on the guide map - he got it right every time!

Riding on the choo-choo

One happy boy!

HERE SHE IS!!!!

Now I know I am biased, but isn't she beautiful?  I just can't wait to be on the other end of that smile!

Here is a little bit more information on our girl:

Name- Hua La Yu  

(We have not decided if we are going to name her Katherine (Kate) Mei or Katherine(Kate) LaYu

Birthday- September 14, 2007

Location- Beijing

We are over the moon!  Now we can send her care packages as well!  I have already made a run to Target!

So now that you all know her birthday- you can start praying with me that we will have her in our arms by September 14th.  I know that she will only be two and won't really know it is her birthday- but I will certainly know.  And I just don't think my heart could take it if she was alone on her birthday.  

(Ok- I just previewed the post and started crying.  It just looked so good to finally see our daughters face on our blog- we have waited so long.)

Beach

We had a wonderful time at the beach.  We went to Hilton Head this year and really enjoyed it.  The weather was perfect and Brett was in heaven.  He loved the beach.  He loved the run in the water and then run back towards me as the waves came in.  He also loved digging holes and building sand castles.  I think he and Daddy could have dug holes all day.  We also rode bikes one day- all of us- including Georgia!  Brett loved the bike at first and then wanted "up".  That boy doesn't like to sit still for long.  They had an awesome playground that we went to every day.  My favorite part, however, was walking to the bakery in the morning for amazing cinnamon rolls.  Yum!  All I could think about while we were there is, "Next time we come to the beach Kate will be with us!"  I can't wait!  I have already bought her a white dress for pictures next year!

Where's the picture of Kate????

I have been asked this question a lot - so I thought I would answer the question to this on the blog instead of answering everyone's emails.  Trust me- I am so ready to post her picture- but we have to wait until Pre-Approval before I can post it.  My agency said it would take one to two weeks to get Pre-Approval- it has been two weeks today- so hopefully you will be seeing her face soon.