My Celia

Well, on August 7th I completed an application with my agency to consider a waiting child as a referral. On August 17, as we were leaving church, my agency called with a possible match. They knew I was actually only considering heart babies (either mild or repaired.) I had done a lot of research and felt good about the medical report. We locked the file as I had a cardiologist and pediatric cardiologist on stand by (both through 2 different friends in the medical field.) Both gave a good report and said that it looks like the surgery corrected everything for my Celia. I submitted my letter of intent on August 19, 2008 - on the 26 month anniversary of having my papers officially registered in China to start this long journey. I now must wait for Preapproval and Letter of Acceptance/Letter Seeking Confirmation. I have been asked to not post any pics or specific info about Celia until then. I can tell you the she is 15 months old right now and very beautiful...a sight for sore eyes. I will post pics and details once I receive my official approval. Hoping to hear something in the next week or 2. I am in love...again!

Wild Life at Honey

While vacationing at Honey, the girls got to see alot of wildlife that they don't normally get to see. They also got to enjoy the woods, rocks, and beautiful trees of the Pocono Mountains. These are a wonderful treat for my Texas girls and like going home for me. Here are a few pics of the deer and turkey we saw. We missed the Mama bear and her 2 cubs by moments.

Vacation

We recently got back from our vacation. We spent 2 weeks in the Poconos at our "bungalow" in a resort. We call our place "Honey" as that is the name of the maker on the trailer. Many of our family members from the east coast have places there. They usually go up on the weekend. Since we live in Texas, that is not an option for us. We only get to stay at Honey during our vacation, atleast until my mom retires and is off for the summer like the rest of the family.

The girls had a wonderful time. They played with their 7 cousins, fed deer up close, swam, and of course ate ice cream atleast once a day (but usually twice!) Here are a few pics of our fun.

Fun in the Sun

Well, the hot Texas summer is here. The girls and I try to sneak out a little every day to enjoy the sunshine. Here are a couple of pictures of our summer fun so far...

My Two Princesses

Here are a couple pictures from Easter Sunday. I guess I am playing catch up as I go through some digital pics. I must confess that when I see these pictures of my girls that I am certain they are true royalty--right up there with Cinderella!

Some memories from days gone by...

Some Sunshine

We have always called DD#2 Little Livvie Sunshine even before we met her on Mother's Day 2004. Our first year together was very difficult as Livvie had to work through becoming part of the family and we had to do some changing ourselves. Not to compare siblings, but we were spoiled with Emma Rose as she was "the perfect baby." Rarely did she cry, she was always compliant and happy to be with us. Her transition into the family was seamless and almost immediate it seemed. I knew in my head that this was more the acception than the rule, but in my heart I was not quite prepared for the fiery personality of Olivia. I guess somewhere deep within, I had certain expectations of what I expected from her--love and affection. That is not what she had to offer when I received her in China. Instead, I got anger and rejection. For almost a year there was nonstop wailing and temper tantrums, refusal to be held, and quite honestly alot of rejection. I will never know what Livvie's life was like before I became her mom, but at some point, I believe that God gave me His heart for Olivia. Somehow, I was able to see past the anger and rejection, and see the tender, joyful soul of this little one. In a way, she was like a wounded animal--deeply hurt, but instinctively desperately fighting to avoid the very one who could help. I am reminded, even today, that love and grace are powerful. Olivia is not the same hurting girl that became my own 4 years ago. Although she still has a fiery spirit, she is filled with joy and laughter. She loves to sing and play jokes. She loves to snuggle. She loves to be loved. Olivia loves life. Her face beams like a ray of sunshine into my world every day. Her love reaches the farthest corners of my heart. My life is filled with joy because Olivia is part of it.