Butterfly's Forever Family Day 2013

Amazing.

It has been three years since we were in China to bring the Butterfly home..

Three years since we finally got to see the Butterfly in person for the first time.

Three years since we finally got to hold her for the first time.

Three years since we heard those whimpering cries for the first time.

 Three years has gone by so quickly, it seems.  We have all experienced so much in that time.  So many things have happened, so many blessings.  Yet I am sitting here wondering what happened to my little baby, where did she go.

That little baby is now a strong-willed, four year old little girl who is finding her way in this world.  Three years ago she found her way into our hearts, then found her place in our family.

That first week, at fourteen months, she couldn't walk... she couldn't  even crawl.  But, she quickly found strength.  Within a week she was crawling.  Within a month she was walking, and she never looked back!

So, as I sit here writing this.  I look down at my little baby, curled up in my arms and remember the first time I held her.  I remember her frightened eyes and delicate little features.  I remember a baby yearning for love.

Yes, she is still a little baby to me, she always will be in my eyes.  But there are special times that we share.

When she crawls up into my lap,

hugs me tightly,

kisses me softly,

rests her head upon my chest,

and falls asleep in my arms. 

Those are the times when she is my baby.

July 2010

July 2011

July 2012 (We were on vacation and completely forgot to take a photo.  So, I made a little collage of us at that time.)

July 2013

So as we celebrate this special day, the Butterfly's Forever Family Day, I remember that first day.  I remember it all, and I am so thankful for that special day.  My little baby ChenChen is now  my beautiful Butterfly, my little girl... my baby.

I love you little one.

Love always,

~~Mommy

Ladybug Turned 7!!!

Hard to believe how quickly time is flying by.  We were in China almost 7 years ago, and now my "baby" is turning 7 years old.  The Ladybug is so happy to no longer be toddler (though I am really missing that phase with her,, and yes I know she passed that phase a few years ago), and moving very quickly into becoming a young lady.

At seven years old she loves school, is reading incredibly well, loves watching Doctor Who with the family, enjoys time by herself (away from her sister), enjoys being a tween with the silly attitude that comes with it, plays on her (dad's) IPod, is totally into peace signs, tie-dye, and sparkles, and thinks that her family is the greatest thing in the world.  I love this age, though I do long for the time when she was younger.  She is such a studious little girl who really enjoys school.  She is a kid who loves to make her family happy.  She is amazing.

For her birthday, Daddy and I decided the best gift for her would be something to help with her studies.  Her very own desk.  Daddy was crossing his fingers with this gift, feeling that it could be hit-or-miss with whether she liked it or not.  However, his worry was useless.  She LOVES her new desk!

The Ladybug did enjoy a fun party with her friends.  We all went bowling and enjoyed a fun afternoon of falling pins, pizza, cake, and presents. 

The Butterfly trying her hand at bowling.

Yummm, pizza (click to see larger images)!

Time for cake!

(A friend of the Ladybug's who looks an awful lot like my niece).

Presents!

Friends!

  

The ladybug's 7th birthday was such fun!  The girls all seemed to enjoy themselves thoroughly.  I still just cannot believe that she is 7!!!

~~Aloha

Winter Finally Arrived

We may live in a place that boasts cold temperatures during the winter.  And, most people think that we get a ton of snow because of the sub-freezing temps.  However, that is just not true.  Our winter landscape is usually brown and dull.  We are lucky to get one good snowfall each year, and it usually happens during the Spring.  This year was no different.  However, rather than a few inches, we were walloped with a continuous blizzard for 48 hours.  The result, over two feet of snow and two whole days off from school and work.  We were happily house-bound during that time and are now trying to dig our way out.

The snow that drifted under our awning.  Over a foot on the railing.

Daddy starting to shovel after day one of snow during a slight break in the storm.

My Ladybug flashing a peace sign.

Helping Daddy shovel snow.

My beautiful Butterfly getting ready to play outside on day two.

The girls playing outside.

A Butterfly in the snow.

Of course, what is a snow day without a little fun indoors.  Painting our fingernails was the perfect treat for a relaxing, fun snow day(s)!

~~Aloha!