Four Years Ago

Four years ago today, April 20, 2004, Brian and I were sitting in a large reception room at the Civil Affiars Bureau in Wuhan, Hubei Province. Six other families sat there too, nervously chatting, double-checking cameras, clutching stuffed toys, bottles, sippy cups and snacks, knowing that within minutes we would all hold our new daughters for the first time.

Ellie's Referral Photo

And suddenly there she was!! Our beautiful Nathalie Tess QianYu. Peering nervously through the door to the room, clutching the bottle that rarely left her hands for the next two years. She was scooped up by an orphange worker and brought to us when our names were called. We were completely overcome with joy to finally have our daughter in our arms but the feeling was definitely NOT mutual! She screamed, she kicked, she struggled to get away from these strangers who looked funny, smelled funny, and spoke a language she couldn't understand.

Our first glimpse

Finally in our arms forever!

That scared and sad little baby that we first held in our arms four years ago is today a strong, vibrant, compassionate, confident little girl. She wakes up every morning with a smile on her face and love in her heart. Ellie's Chinese name means “beautiful”, and that is exactly what she is both inside and out!

Ellie, two years old

Ellie, three years old

Ellie, four years old

Ellie today on her special day

Happy Forever Family Day sweet Ellie! We love you more than words will ever be able to express.

Happy Easter!

A Day at the Park

The weather is finally getting a bit warmer and drier around here so the girls and I got to have a playdate with our friends -- OUTSIDE for a change. It was so nice to be able to run around and breathe in some fresh air. Of course we still had to wear our fleece coats but at least we were OUTSIDE. We are all really looking forward to Spring next week!!

Two Years Ago Today . . .

Two years ago today, our sweet Maddie was placed in our arms for the very first time. She tried to remain so very brave as one little tear rolled slowly down her cheek. Her big sisters immediately fell in love with her. She was such a calm, sweet and snuggly baby and remains so to this day. We love you dear Maddie and we are truly blessed to be able to call you our daughter and sister.

New sisters meet for the very first time

We all instantly fell in love with those cheeks

Our baby is starting to growing up!

Our beautiful Maddie

Short Hair for Annie

Annie got her hair cut -- SHORT! Really short! We had a couple of incidents where she got creative with her own scissors (did you know that kid's safety scissors can cut hair?). Also, the bottom two-thirds of her hair was very unhealthy. It was dry and brittle like straw and very light brown, probably due to a lack of proper nutrients, vitamins, clean air and water, and good shampoo for the first three years of her life. Now that she has been home for over seven months, the change in the health of her entire little body is quite obvious. She was such a good girl during the cut and I have instructed big sisters that they are never to tease her and say that she looks like a boy!! I'm sure it will grow quickly again and she will once more be a beautiful long-haired princess like her sisters.

Before - on her third birthday in China

Our little pixie

At least a little clip still hangs on!

Keeping the Tooth Fairy Busy

Last week Abby lost her right upper front tooth and today the left upper one also fell out. She is pleased as punch and hoping that the Tooth Fairy will remember to come to our house tonight. I hope the Tooth Fairy will remember too!!

Gotta love those toothless grins!

More Sparkle in Ladybug Princess Land

Maddie and Annie had their ears pierced today. They were both so excited to be getting earrings like their big sisters. And their big sisters were very excited for them too! Both girls were so brave and only cried for a few moments. Now they are grins from ear to ear and there is just a bit more sparkle in Ladybug Princess Land tonight.

Maddie chose the "diamonds"

Annie checking out her goodie bag

All smiles

The happy big little sister and little big sister!