Where Has the Time Gone?!

It's been a few months since our last post....sorry bout that but
life happens.  :-)

We had a very good round of 'firsts' with our little peanut.
Unfortunately we didn't get to have our first Halloween as
a big snow storm hit that weekend and we were without
power for about 8 days.  So, this Fall, she'll be Yoda and
the boys will be other S*arwars characters to complete
the theme....unless she has other ideas. :-)
She LOVED her first Thanksgiving dinner.  The stuffing
and green bean casserole were her favorites.

Christmas brought grandparents that she met for the first
time.  I think she's got them wrapped around her finger now
as well. :-)  She met sa*ta and wasn't impressed.  I didn't get
pic of her and the big guy alone....it was our first family
photo...not what I had planned but it worked.   She did
great with the tree only rearranging a few ornaments.
She loved the gifts and had a blast opening them.

It's hard to believe we've been home 9 months.  She's come
so far in such a short period of time.  Attachment and bonding
continue to go well.  Sleeping alone is still an issue, but I
guess if that's the only issue, we'll take it.  Speech is improving
everyday.  She loves to ask 'why?' all the time and has
even been known to ask you 'what cha doing?' now and
then.  She loves to sing and dance.  She has a natural
rhythm and loves to play any instrument she can get her
hands on. :-)

She's had two surgeries since we've been home--one major
and one minor.  The minor one was yesterday.  She woke up
with a smile on her face (unlike her mom since we had to be
up by 5:15 a.m.).  She showed no fear the entire time we were
there...even as we walked into the O.R.  What a trooper.

In other news, our church participated in an ifeedone event this
past weekend. We packaged over 250,000 meals for children/families
in Kenya. The meals will be delivered to orphanages in Kenya.  That
part of Africa has been hit hard by a drought and these meals will
help provide much needed nourishment.  Initially we didn't think
we'd have enough volunteers to meet our goal.  On Sunday
morning, we were surprised to see our entire Fellowship Hall
FILLED with volunteers.  Most were not from our congregation.
We were blessed to have their support and and we were all filled
with joy as we worked side by side from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m.
I encourange you to check out their website
http://www.feedingchildreneverywhere.com/ for more info and get your
community involved.

Well, that's about all that's been going on here lately.
We have two families from our church traveling to
China next week to meet and bring home their
children.  We're so excited for them and pray for
safe travel and health during their stay.  We also
pray that He will provide these children peace and
comfort as they make the transition to their new
families. 

Enjoy the pics!  God bless!

J, D, and friend J.  J played Joseph this year.  D really had a good time,
even though his facial expression says 'knock it off, Mom'. :-)

                                                                                                        

Grandpa G with Q.

Yeah..Q is not impressed with the guy in the big red suit.

Grandma & Grandpa G at the Children's Christmas Eve service.

Christmas morning, waiting at the top of the stairs for the all

clear to come down.

Q showing us that she's a quick learner at opening gifts.

J, D & friend J at the ifeedone event

Q coloring her box.  It was a very small dot. :-)

Q with S.  They became fast friends.  S will be getting a

new brother from China soon.  She's very excited. :-)