Happy "Gotcha Day" Kate

One year ago today we waited not so patiently for you to come to our hotel room. I was so nervous- the most nervous I had ever been in my life. They were late bringing you to us so I made Daddy play a card game with me to try and calm my nerves. I had dreamed of this day for most of my life, and it had finally come. It was just Daddy and I in the room, so we set the video camera on top of several books and I stood next to it for what seemed like forever so I could hit "play" when the knock on the door came. Daddy was set with the camera to take pictures of the first few minutes you finally met your Mommy. We thought you would come in calm and not crying- boy were we wrong. Your face was already red from crying by the time you walked into our room. Your hair was so short and your face was so red that I almost didn't recognize you at first. And then they placed you in my arms and I knew you were mine. You cried for a loooooong time. I carried you around the halls in our hotel for about an hour. You calmed down when we were walking, but any time I got close to the door of our room you cried again and would kick your feet. You stopped crying by the time we had to leave to get pictures made for some paperwork, but you did not show us your smile until 8 hours after you first walked into our room. We put you on the bed in our room and blew bubbles and you laughed and smiled- and that was it. No more tears, no more pouts- just smiles. You were a different child. Daddy gave you a full pack of mini M&M's (which is still your favorite candy) and you decided that maybe we weren't so bad after all.

It is so hard to believe that it has been a year- because I don't remember a time that you were not a part of our family.

When I think back over the last year what stands out the most to me is your relationship with your brother. There is no way I could have imagined how much he was going to love you- and you love him. It is something only the Lord could have done. I am so thankful for your special relationship and pray that you will always be best friends.

We love you so much Kate Layu! Thank you for allowing us to be your forever family!

The first time Mommy got to hold you

The first smiles we got to see

One year later- what a difference

Loving on your Mommy

My beautiful, happy, joyful, smart, caring, loving, funny little girl

One year ago today

One year ago today, after years and years of waiting and hoping, we boarded the plane to fly to China to get our daughter.

One year ago today I sobbed as I said "goodbye" to my precious boy for 17 long days.

One year ago today I was a nervous, excited, anxious momma as I waited to hold my daughter for the very first time.

One year ago today my sweet girl was still in the orphanage waiting for her forever family to come get her.

One year ago today our life was about to be forever changed-

I am so glad that it did!!

Outside the Atlanta airport

"Flat Brett" on the plane to China

(another new post below)

HAPPY BIRTHDAY KATE!!

My sweet girl turned three today. I can't tell you how wonderful it was to have her in my arms for her birthday this year! I am not sure who was more excited- me or Kate!

My beautiful 3 year old

I mean really- could she be any cuter?

Striking a pose for the camera

We started the celebration last night. My sweet friend Keri and her three kids- Caleb, Samantha, and Noah- came over to spend the night with us. (both of our husbands were out of town last night). All the kids were so excited. Cake #1 was brought out last night- and I think you can tell by her face how excited Kate was.

When I asked her what her favorite thing was about her birthday she said, "Blowing out the candles"

The gang at breakfast. We all went to Kate's room to wake her up with her choice of breakfast- Chocolate- chocolate chip muffins (the girl loves her chocolate!) Wish I had some pictures of that but I video taped it instead of taking still pictures.

Happy girl with her birthday crown, muffin, and her long-awaited Leapster

Celebrating with all her friends at school. Poor thing cried almost the whole time because she didn't want me to leave. Of course she was fine when I really did leave- but it just about ripped my heart out.

Ma has Bible study at the same church where Brett and Kate go to school- so she got to come for the party.

My two crazy 3 year olds!!

My sweet friend Keri brought over window markers so we decorated the car for Kate's birthday. (At midnight- since I waited until last night to make her birthday outfit- thanks Keri for staying up late with me)

So proud of her "birthday car"

While Brett and Kate were in school I went to Kate's favorite restaurant- Chin Chin chinese- to decorate the table for lunch. Her eyes lit up when she saw the table and she jumped right up and started blowing her horn. Everyone at this restaurant LOVES her. The owner always brings her an extra bowl of noodles and gives Brett and Kate a take-out box with lollipops and extra fortune cookies in it when we leave.

Ma and Daddy Bob gave Kate a pretend birthday cake for her play kitchen. Brett fixed it with three candles and had her "blow" them out.

We still keep in touch with the sweet family that took care of Kate after her heart surgery in China. They sent her a birthday present and a birthday card. We are so thankful that she still has a piece of her past to hold on to. They obviously loved Kate a lot- and we are so incredibly thankful for them.

Blowing out another candle

Kisses from the birthday princess

Opening up her presents from the Garrett gang

Yet another birthday dessert- this is what the cupcake should look like...

and this is what happens if you leave the cupcake in the hot car! (my poor mom had to buy another set of cupcakes because the first ones melted on her)

Blowing out the candles one more time- can you tell how much she loves it!!

Kate- we are so thankful for your life. As your birthday crown says, God certainly did give us "immeasurably more than all we could ask or imagine", when He gave us you.

WE LOVE YOU!!

Pre-school Rocks!

I told my mom that I was going to get a t-shirt made with that on it- for ME! I cried half the morning the first day of pre-school, but by day three I was skipping out the door. Wow- I didn't know how nice it was to go to the grocery by myself. I can actually think!!

Brett and Kate are still loving school, although Kate got teary today on the playground. She is so excited about going every morning, but when we get there she asks for Brett to stay with her. Overall, they are both doing great though (and we have gotten all happy faces in our folders so far!!)

They came home with these this week. How in the world am I going to throw anything away??

Kate's- 35 inches tall, 26 pounds (and that is fully dressed)

I know I am biased, but I think that is a pretty good face for a 3 year old!

Yep, the tears came again on this one- I love "Mommy and Daddy" and I like to "play with my sister". Oh you sweet boy!!!

And I laughed that he said his hair was "white".

Brett- 44 inches tall, 39 pounds (again fully dressed)