Lydia Mei's Second Birthday and First United States Day!

One year ago, I was very anxious to meet my little sister for the first time! I remember my mom calling from O'Hare saying that their flight was delayed but it was only two more hours, we had been waiting for Lydia Mei for almost three years! Tonight we are heading to a local Chinese restaurant to celebrate her birthday and her home forever day. I wonder about her birthmother and I can only hope that she knows that we love our girl very much. She has changed so much in these past 12 months and I look forward to spending the rest of my years with her. I never knew that I could love someone as much as I love her! She is such a blessing for my family even through the rough times (and terrible twos!) but most importantly, she is ours.

One Year Ago.

February 17, 2008....one year ago.....we waited with about 10 other families in a ballroom in Nanchang, Jiangxi, China, for a little girl who needed a family. God had placed it on our hearts 3 years earlier to welcome an orphan into our home. The moment we had been waiting for with great anticipation...............

.....and today, we are rejoicing in Lydia Mei's health, activity, progress, and thanking God for allowing us to be a part of His plan for Lydia Mei.

Same Outfit, Different Girl

I came home from school the other day and found Lydia Mei wearing something familiar. My brothers asked, "What is THAT?" It is my outfit that I wore at eight months, and Lydia Mei, well, at two years minus two weeks.

By the way, it has been one year since my parents left for China to take her home!