The 4th of July as US Citizens and Other Updates....

Greetings. We hope everyone had a fun and safe weekend!

Things are going pretty good here. The girls are growing and learning more and more everyday. They are amazing little girls (I know, all parents think their kids are smart, cute and etc.). They never cease to amaze us and keep us laughing non-stop. We are lucky parents! They are talking in sentences and Laney recognizes the following words if you show them to her: Mama, Baba (dad in Chinese), Kyler (our dog), Laney and Abby. They are pretty good with their colors, can sing their ABC's and have pretty much mastered counting to 10. They love music and Abby can typically be heard singing one of her favorite songs as she bops through the house. I know, I know, I'm bragging, but that's what Baba's do!

Potty training is going well. We are having very few accidents (if any at all, they are doing very well at this).

They have been feeling a bit under the weather and visited the Dr. this past week. When the nurse came out to get us, Laney stopped in her tracks and in a firm loud voice said "NO!" You see, the nurse that came out to get us was the nurse that gave them their last round of vaccinations in March. Laney has a GOOD memory. She thought she knew what was coming. Luckily, the worst part of the visit was the Dr. looking in her ears and mouth.

The girls experienced their first 4th of July as US citizens. We spent the fourth on our cul-de-sac. Some very nice families organize a pitch in and the shoot off fireworks at the end of our cul-de-sac every year. We were not sure what the girls would think of the fireworks. Abby kept saying "MORE!" Laney kept saying "Pretty, up to the sky" but really was not all that impressed when they just kept shooting them off over and over. But we were surprised that they tolerated and enjoyed the fireworks for a while.

Below are a few photos for you to enjoy. We know it is not Colts season yet, but we just had to get the girls new Manning jerseys for the upcoming season. And by request, you will find the photo of me modeling my father's day tie. Thanks for stopping in.

(here they are helping me wash the Jeeps)

Happy Half Birthday Girls!

Today the girls are officially two and a half!!! It has been such fun watching the grow! It stinks though, they are both sick little girls. We're going to the doctor right after their nap. That is, IF they nap. Poor Abby keeps coughing, and Laney can't breathe through her nose.

It doesn't matter though...today is their half birthday and they will hopefully be better soon!! We'll be sure to celebrate with some low-key fun, and something yummy!

Here are a few pics from a "feeling goofy" day!

Can you guess whose tongue this is?

Isn't she silly?

Awww, I caught a moment of sister sweetness!

P.S. Happy half-birthday to Jaxson too!!!!

Father's Day--Mama's Perspective

Baba and his girls planting flowers.

So I'm sitting here, right this second in the living room. The TV is on, but it is muted. Tony just got home from City Council and was anxious to see the girls after his long day. (See previous post's picture. They ran up to the screen again and kissed him!) Right now I can hear he and the girls in their room. He's reading to them. Abby chose the story. It's a really long story about festivals and traditions in China. She dug it out from the book basket in her closet. Tony humored her and they're looking through the book page-by-page. I hear him saying, "What is it Abby? What do you see? I see a rat, and a rooster! Oh, look! There are paintings on their wall, just like in your room!" They echo him and giggle. Yeah, this is my life...and I love it.





It's the day after Father's Day. I wanted Tony to blog about his first Father's Day, but he's one busy guy. Tonight City Council. Tomorrow night, mowing I'm sure. Then we're into the thick of the week. So I'll blog. And I'll brag. But a warning, it'll probably be another long one!





Tony and the girls spoiled me rotten on my first Mother's Day. I got to sleep in, breakfast, and a beautiful bracelet. I wanted Tony to have a great Father's Day too! So, his brother and I surprised him with a set of wheels for Bulah (64 Nova station wagon) that he has wanted for a long time! We were all sneaky and he was certainly surprised! He has cleaned, sanded, and painted them already! I know, I know, nothing says love like a set of wheels!





Also, the girls picked out a rockin' tie for him! I chose a couple of different ties that I liked and they chose the pink one (of course). So I chose three pink ties that I liked and they BOTH loved the one with flowers on it. Well, Tony said all he wanted was a traditional Father's Day tie. Yep, he got that. He'll never forget his first tie from the girls. It screams Laney and Abby. He was so proud he wore it today and tonight to Council. I must admit, he looked pretty hot! He even got a comment from a reporter, "Real men wear pink!" Heheh, I love this man. The girls were giddy when they saw him on TV with it. Laney pointed and said, "Baba's tie!" I reminded them they picked it out and they smiled from ear-to-ear!





Although Tony didn't get to sleep in (I tried to let him, he said he wasn't tired) and didn't get anything majorly memorable, I think his first Father's Day was a hit. Does it matter anyway? I mean, every day is Father's Day, right? From the sounds in the nursery, he's enjoying every second of this day...the day after Father's Day. And he'll enjoy tomorrow's Father's Day...and the next, and the next...





On a final note, Father's Day turned out to be pretty special for another reason. It fell on June 15th this year, right? Wanna hear a God thing? We were logged-in in China (all of our paperwork was officially put in the database and we officially began our wait for our child) on June 15th, 2006. Exactly two years ago Sunday, we were officially parents-to-be. And this Sunday, Tony was an official Dad. With his girls. Perfect.

Hurry, read, sign!

Before I start this post, here is the much promised pic of the girls experienceing grass with their CUTE bare feet. This picture was taken on their second experiences. Can you see Laney spreading her toes out? She still wasn't diggin' it at this point, but merely, tolerating me. Abby, however, actually likes it! She's our little Chinese Hillbilly!

OK! Our six month update post is ready to read!!! It was SO stinking hard to write. How can you truly recall every joy and challenge we have faced over the past six months and summarize it all on one post? Well, I did, but fair warning that it is LONG! However, there are NEVER BEFORE SEEN PICTURES on there! That should entice you to read it!



You all were such a huge part of their journey, and still ARE a part of their story. After you read, please sign the guestbook. Rmemeber, everything will be saved to keepsake CD's for the girls after we do our year post. Even if you're usually just a lurker, please post comment. It means a lot!



OK, the website is:

www.myadoptionwebsite.com/laneyandabby



Also, check back next week where I'll be giving you the scoop on how Potty Training 101 has been going around here. With twins. Two times the potty. FUN!

BONUS PIC:


The girls LOVE their Baba! I should have saved this for a Father's Day pic, but it was just too cute not to share sooner! Here, Baba, is presenting at city council and we caught it on TV. The minute he came on, they ran to the TV and KISSED him! It was totally unprompted by me, but I grabbed my camera and the next time he appeared, they did the same thing! TOO CUTE!!!!

I think I can, I think I can...

Ok, it's coming, I promise...an update for this site and our six month update for our myadoptionwebsite website. It's just so hard to put six months of love and milestones in a post that doesn't go on for six pages. Tony did the six month post for this blog, so it's my job to do the other one. We all know who the windy one is, so it's gonna be a long one!

Even with Laney (I steal Abby's fries when she's not looking) and Abby (I am super dramatic and want "Up PLEASE" constantly) being stinkers, those girls have my heart. They're growing up so quickly, too quickly, and I'm trying to capture it all so they have some real tangible documentation of their childhood.

Ok, enough of this. I'm going to have Tony edit my post for the other site, and I'll let you know when you should hop over and read it! Maybe it'll be up before we celebrate their YEAR anniversary! *choke* *sob* I don't want to even THINK about that!

Out of the mouths of babes...

How many times can you tell the Twincesses "It's night night. No more playing!" ? Apparently a hundred. Their all-time favorite activity is throwing all of their blankets out of their beds. Tonight after the third, or was it tenth, time of settling them down, Tony and I were sitting and listening. We first heard whispers, then we heard them each say, as clear as day, "Baba told you NO!" Then it morphed into, "Abby, Baba told you NO!" (Insert adult giggle here) Serioulsy, if they won't listen to us, I wish they'd at least listen to each other!!!

On another note, Chris and Sarah are en route to Jaxson!!!! Their flight from NJ left about three this afternoon, so the way I see it, they should be going pretty crazy about now. It's ok though, their son is waiting on them in China! Keep those prayers coming for them...they're working!

YAY GOD!

Ok, off to tell the girls "NO MORE" one more time. Any other sugguestions???

6 MONTHS!!!!!!!!!

Can you believe it has been 6 months? Yes, 6 months since we met our girls for the first time in that wood paneled room on an upper level floor in a big building in the small city (6 million people, give or take a few) of Nanchang. Wow, we cannot believe it either.


It is truly amazing to see the transformation (and I am not talking about just the girls) over the past months. These little sweeties have learned so much, picked up so much and have transfomed our lives, for the better of course. You can read our previous posts for stories of their love, laughter and learning. Even when we are at our wits end, we leave each situation thankful for the opportunity the Lord has given us.


Ok, enough mushy stuff. Take a look at the photos. There is at least one photo from each month we have been a family. As you will see, the more things change, the more they seem to stay the same....see below...

The night we met...Abby not wearing any pants after we returned to the hotel room and they were fascinated with everything! (Look at her tiny little legs! Not so much any more!)




Here the girls are enjoying their first cruise in their new double stroller, a cultural experience, the Indy Auto Show. Ohh, remember Abby's first major boo-boo? Hopefully, her last!

The Huggies box photo. It makes us sad that they cannot fit into Huggies boxes like they used to...they are growing too fast!

Look at those cute piggy tails! Abby is cracking up over something... :)

The girls enjoying a "warm" March afternoon by taking a cruise in their big red wagon...
The girls enjoying a warm April afternoon in their playhouse!



The girls today (literally, we took this photo today). Note the similarities...Abby with no pants (and Laney has none since Abby took hers off). But note the difference...look at those big smiles and happy faces! They are happy little girls and we are happy little (big?) parents!


We are so blessed. God is good...all the time!

Thanks for stopping by. Please check out our My Adoption Website site soon. Rett will be adding a post there! (Hopefully by the weekend!) www.myadoptionwebsite.com/laneyandabby

More earthquake updates...

I hate to post more depressing news, but it's important that our family and friends understand the devastation so that you can pray wholeheartedly for our daughters' homeland. Please read the updated letter (edited for length) from Jenny at Half the Sky.

Dear Friends,

I dearly wish I had more good news to report. The very best thing I cantell you is that we have not had a single report of injuries from thewelfare institutions.

As of this morning (Friday) there were 19,509 people confirmed dead. TheState Council today said there will likely be more than 50,000. Today’s government report describes one terrible scene after another: thousandshomeless, thousands missing, thousands injured, thousands trapped orburied alive. Hope for survivors is dimming. There is an urgent call forbody bags to prevent the spread of disease. There have been over 4,400aftershocks.

HTS Director, Child Development, Ma Lang has arrived in Chengdu and sendsthis note:I am deeply touched by your moral and emotional support. I only slept two of the past thirty hours. The first thing I did after landing was todonate some medicine to the Chengdu Red Cross. It was very muchappreciated – exactly what was needed. They gave me a wish list forfurther donations: antibiotics for children and adults, medicine fordiarrhea, cold capsules (not instant medicines that must be mixed inwater), bandages, gauze, tape, iodine, cotton swabs, herbal medicine tostop bleeding and some for pain relief. Other much-needed donationsinclude tents, tarpaulins, warm clothes and shoes. People in Chengdu aredoing everything they can to help with the earthquake rescue. I saw allsorts of vehicles carrying things to the donation centers. I registeredfor blood donation and was put on the waiting list – the blood center wasoverloaded with donated blood and it’s difficult to transport the blood to the hardest-hit areas. More to come…

If you prefer to donate directly to Half the Sky, of course that’s fine.
Here are the various ways:
You can donate by calling Half the Sky (+1 510525 3377) or on our website:http://give.halfthesky.org/prostores/servlet/Categories?category=Children's+Earthquake+Fund

Thank you for your tremendous support. Although it is heartbreaking towrite these reports, we are so honored to be in a position to help duringthis terrible time.

With love,JennyJenny Bowen
Executive DirectorHalf the Sky Foundation
www.halfthesky.org

Half the Sky was created in order to enrich the lives and enhance the prospects for orphaned children in China. We establish and operate infant nurture and preschool programs, provide personalized learning for older children and establish loving permanent family care and guidance for children with disabilities. It is our goal to ensure that every orphaned child has a caring adult in her life and a chance at a bright future.

Earthquakes

I am sure many of you have heard/read about the earthquakes that happened in China. They are still suffering from many aftershocks and it has been quite devastating. Although the epicenter was not near the girls' hometown, it is still affecting thousands of children and families. Below is part of a letter that Jenny Bowen, Executive Director for Half the Sky wrote. This organization works in China for the welfare of children and orphans on massive levels. They have the respect of China's government and families in the US. If you feel so moved, you will see a link to donate to these efforts.

Please blanket China in prayers right now. Our daughters' homeland is suffering.

Dear friends,

I know you have been waiting eagerly for more news of how the children are
faring during the aftermath of the disastrous earthquake in Sichuan.

When something terrible like this happens, confusion is everywhere and
rumors spread.  All of us are so worried about the children.  We are
trying to be scrupulously careful to pass along only information that
we’ve been able to verify.

We have now set up a procedure whereby we can get an update from the
Ministry of Civil affairs each day.  They are supervising all relief
efforts so have the most complete and accurate information available.  We
also now have contact information for all affected welfare institutions
and have begun the process of reaching out to them directly to see if they
need help.

I will write daily with any new information that has been given to us.
Again, please do not contact us to inquire about individual institutions.
We will give you all of the information we have.  If you do not hear from
us about a particular place, it likely is not affected.  At any rate, we
don’t have any information beyond what I am passing along to you.

As of now, Wednesday afternoon in China, there are 12,012 people dead and
7,841 missing in Sichuan alone, and the numbers continue to rise.  26,206
people are living in temporary shelters.  Only 30 children of 900 have
been rescued from the collapsed high school in Dujiangyan, Sichuan.  At
least 20 children were buried in the collapse of a primary school in
Liangping, Chongqing.

What follows are the welfare institutions closest to the epicenter:
Mianyang, Zitong County, Dujiangyan, Deyang and Guanguan.

The following is a preliminary, and not necessarily complete, list of
institutions which are also potentially affected: Wenjiang County,
Neijiang, Rongxian, Zigong, Ganzizhou, Panzhihua, Luzhou, Santai County,
Leshan, Suining, Nanchong, Guang’an.

We will have a full list later today or early tomorrow.  While we’ve heard
rumors about some of the above, we won’t pass on that information until
we’ve made direct contact and verified.  I want to stress that we’ve heard
no reports of children in the welfare institutions being injured, only
that some have been relocated for their safety.

An update on the Chengdu CWI: There has been some foundation damage to the
rehab building and some cracked walls in other buildings, which are being
carefully inspected.  The children’s building is in the best shape and all
children have been moved to the first floor but spend most of the day
outside, weather permitting – or in the institution buses if there is
rain.  All institution staff and HTS staff are working around the clock to
care for the children and keep them safe.

In cooperation with China’s Ministry of Civil Affairs, Half the Sky has
set up the Children’s Earthquake Fund.  The Fund will provide direct aid
to the thousands of children who are suffering in the wake of the
earthquake and aftershocks.  Donations will be used to provide emergency
and long-term relief to children affected by the disaster, including
emergency shelter, food, and medical care for children orphaned or
separated from their families, as well as temporary or long-term foster
care or, if necessary, temporary institutional care.  The ministry has
guaranteed that the funds will be used only to help the children.

You can donate to the fund by calling Half the Sky (+1 510 525 3377) or at
one of two dedicated sites online:

Global Giving: http://www.globalgiving.com/pr/2100/proj2086a.html

or

Half the Sky website:
http://give.halfthesky.org/prostores/servlet/Categories?category=Children's+Earthquake+Fund

Happy Mother's Day!

Well...this was it...my very first Mother's Day. Was it all it was cracked up to be? In one word. YES! (Warning--it's a looongg post! And pictures won't load...I tried! Maybe tomorrow?)

We have had one busy, emotional week and so I was looking forward to a day just celebrating parenthood. My mom and mother-in-law were even nice enough to allow me to spend the day with just Tony and the girls. They said this would be the last time I could say that it was my first Mother's Day, so I could be selfish. Aren't they the best?

Let me give you a run-down of how my glorious day went. I knew today would be special because I had a hint of what was to come, last week. Tony and the girls showed up last Saturday with Boyd's bears for me to commemorate the day...a week early! Isn't that sweet? But on to today-Tony let me sleep in! (He's SO good to do this on a regular basis. He gets turns too!) So when I finally started stirring, it was to two giggly girls coming in and saying, "Happy Day, Mama!"

I opened my eyes and stretched. The house smelled simply YUMMY! So I wandered down the hall to a table set with eggs, potatoes, juice, AND a present! I sat down to read a beautiful letter that Tony wrote from he and the girls. It was very touching and I was already about to lose it. Then, I opened my present...a beautiful silver Pandora bracelet with two charms. One was a silver ladybug and one a little girl. It was so touching. This first Mother's Day was turning out to be pretty special.

After breakfast, we did the unthinkable...we left the dishes in the sink! We then just hung out and played--and we were still in our jammies! After reading, and playing, and wrestling, and snuggling, it was already time for naps-remember, I slept in. So the girls settled in and, amazingly, fell asleep immediately! I had an hour and a half of blissful silence where I actually sat and painted my fingernails! FUN!

After naps, we got down to some serious playing in the play room. Tony and I were served pretend meals, played with little people, and just snuggled some more with the girls. We ended the night with a dinner picnic on the floor! (Great suggestion, Mom. It was fun!) The girls didn't want the day to end (and neither do I) so it took some convincing to get them to sleep, but they are.

I know I don't have other Mother's Days to compare this to, but I have to say it was simply the best. I couldn't wrap my mind around what parenthood would be like. I could never have envisioned it as good as it is. We are blessed to have two wonderfully smart, funny, and beautiful girls. And although she will never read this, I have to thank our girls' birthmother. She chose life for our girls. She chose to bring them into this world and do the best thing for them she could. And for this, I will forever be grateful. She'll never get to feel their kisses, or reassure them they're loved. I pray wholeheartedly that she finds peace and knows her girls are loved. I still pray that she finds Jesus as well, so one day our girls and she will be reunited.

I have to admit, there was a bit of sadness this Mother's Day weekend. We went to church last night (where our girls went to children's church for the first time!) and I was torn during the service. I sat there in awe that a year ago at this time, I had NO idea God had our daughters waiting on us on the other side of the world. And this year, they were happily playing in the nursery while I got to celebrate motherhood.

However, every time our pastor made reference to Mother's Day, I almost cringed. I thought about how lucky I was to be a part of that sacred club of mothers. I also had a pang of sadness for those who are longing to be mothers, but for one reason or another, are not. And what about those mothers who have lost their children. What a painful time for them as well. I remember last year when I left the sanctuary in tears in the middle of the service because of how unfair it felt. This year I felt guilty that I had crossed that bridge and got to sit on the "other side" as a mother. Trust me, friends, I still felt that it was unfair that some could bask in motherhood, while others wouldn't even come to the service because it hurts to bad. I prayed fiercly for the not-yet-mothers. All I can say is that God's plan is perfect. Having the daughters I do makes me thankful God didn't answer my prayers any sooner than He did.

I have to end this post with something happy...afterall, you DO say HAPPY Mother's Day, right? I guess while I was peacefully snoozing the morning away, Tony was battling two very wild little girlies. At one point he said he saw them get into my fingernail polish. They love to have their toes painted, so he thought, "Oh, it's fine. They can't open those." WRONG! Laney worked one open and was skillfully painting her toes before long! Tony smelled the polish and dashed for her. She did paint some toenails and only got a little on the carpet. That's my girl!

Also, when we were getting the girls ready for bed tonight, we saw Abby had a diaper in her hands. Tony reached for it and realized it was wet and used. Hmmm, where'd that come from? Well, little Miss Houdini some how worked it off of her own body while she was wearing a pantsuit jumper. You know the kind that snaps between the legs and all the way down the inside of the pants. Yeah, she got it off and out the pant leg I guess. She did this WHILE standing in front of us and we had no clue! Look out David Copperfield!

A very Happy Mother's Day to all of our friends and family. Without you, I would have never survived to see my first Mother's Day. I love you.

For all the moms-to-be...hang on, God hasn't forgotten you!

To my sisters...you're like second moms to me. Thanks for setting good examples and loving your kids through it all. I hope I can do the same. I love you!

And to Kyna...you're the best. Thanks for caring so much. And thanks for giving me Tony. I'd be lost without him. I love you!

Mom, what can I say? Ok, what can I say without crying? Nothing. I love you more than this world. Thanks for being the best mom a girl can ask for. And thanks for being my bestest friend. I hope I can be at least half the mom you are. I hope I can make you proud. I love you.

MAN, I love those girls...

The girls have been KILLING us with cuteness lately.

The girls are just getting too smart for their own good. Abby has now leaped to a whole new level of manipulation. Every night when we put them down to sleep, we anticipate a good amount of giggling, jumping, and peek-a-boos coming from their room. We try and let them jabber for a while before we go in and play Night-night Nazis... Well, the past couple of days have been a riot. After giving them a sufficient amount of time to wind down, I have gone in to "settle" them down. Lately when I've walked in the door, Abby does her belly-flop into the bed (she knows I'm going to lay her down) and then starts saying "No more...no more!" See, that's what I say when I go in. "That's enough, no more girls! It's time for night-night!" It's this vicious game and Abby KNOWS my next move before I even make it. That's just funny.

Well, it has reached a whole new level now because when I'm trying to use my "serious Mama" voice, Abby has started interrupting me and saying, "Night-night Mama...I wub you!" How in the world am I supposed to fight that one? It's worse if I'm getting on Laney, because Abby will continue to say "I wub you" a hundred times to deflect my annoyance from Laney! Man, they look out for each other.

Laney, on the other hand, will show how irritated she is with me for ending their fun and refuse to tell me I love you. I normally just say, "Well, Mama loves you anyway," and start to walk out. I'm not three steps away before she's belting out, "I love you!!!!!" It's like she has proven her point, and now wants to ensure I'm loved too. (My heart swells at this point)

Other than the night time hilarity, the girls have also started this "good girl" gig. Randomly this weekend, Abby looked at me and said, "Mama, LaLa a good girl?" (Yes, they still talk in third person although Laney DID say "MINE" this weekend!) I of course responded with, "YES! Abby, you ARE a good girl! You're a very good girl!" It's too cute too, because it sounds more like, "Good gurl".

However, once again, these girls take it to a whole new level. We lovingly refer to them as our Chinese hillbillies (no comments please) because they LOVE to be shoeless. So yesterday, when we were in the car and they kicked off their shoes, Abby immediately piped in with, "Mama, Lala good girl?" Laney giggled, squeezed her piggies out of her shoes with reckless abandon, and simply announced, "MeiMei a good girl!" They think they're cute....lucky for them, they ARE!!!

Abby also wanted to ensure that everyone in our family was a good girl. She did this little banter with me...It looked like this:

Abby: LaLa a good girl?

Me: Yes, LaLa, you're a good girl!

Abby: MeiMei a good girl?

Me: Yes, MeiMei is a good girl too!

Abby: Mama a good girl?

Me: Yes, I'm a good girl.

Abby: Baba a good girl?

Me: No, Baba is a good BOY!

Abby: Baba a good boy!!!

And she bounded off to her next adventure! I guess she just wanted to be sure we were all on our best behavior!

Once again, a post with no pics....just shoot me! (Tony has a good picture to post on his next entry!)

New and Improved

Well, here it is...our extreme blog makeover!

You'll still get the same adorable girls...
The same emotional posts...
The same plethera of pictures...
The same wit...

It will just all be in a prettier package!

A HUGE thank you goes to Tina at www.thestoryofyou.com ! Check out her creative designs and follow family journeys!

Off to another busy week! Stay tuned!

P.S. Want to reconnect with your spouse? Skip date night, forget the movies...just wash dishes together. We did that tonight! I forgot how much some uninterrupted time doing something rather mundane can really get us to focus on each other. It was nice! (Still thankful we have a dishwasher though!!)

The smell of fresh cut grass....

So wrap your mind around this one...

Tony and I took the girls for a walk around the 'hood tonight in their wagon. We were super pumped because it was warm enough for them to wear their new flip flops! (Their toes are cute enough to EAT, I swear!) Anyway, after huffing and puffing pulling all 75 pounds of Radio Flyer and twins, we decided to take the top off the Jeep and take a short drive.

While Tony was taking the Jeep apart, I took the girls out of the wagon. Because our girls are Chinese hillbillies, they had taken off their adorable little flops within two minutes of being in the wagon. So when I picked them up, I just plopped them in the grass until I could load them in the Jeep.

Well, one day last week Laney got to touch the grass with her bare feet and it lasted like a nanosecond before she howled. I wondered what this experience would bring. After I set them down, they both stood stock still like statues. They weren't whining yet, but they weren't lovin' it either.

I immediately took off my flops and tried to make it a game. I talked about how it felt on their toes and between their toes. I talked about how cold it was, etc. Then I pretended like they were trying to get me and I was trying to get away. (Yeah, right, they were frozen solid) Well, it finally worked...Abby stretched her toes out and grinned. Took a step and giggled. Her smile was priceless. Laney followed suit once she knew the grass didn't eat Abby's feet after a step or two. I'm proud to say they took three whole steps before they freaked and wanted, "Up beease"!

So imagine that...two years and 3 months old and experiencing the feel of grass on your bare feet for the very first time. The girls have had many, many firsts and many emotions associated with each one (swinging, um, yeah, wow). But this one really struck me. I'm so sad that they haven't had that experience. I'm so sad that they're scared to feel it. However, I am elated that we got to share that with them though. My goal is to have them chasing lightning bugs barefooted by July.

Just thought I'd share another first with you...I had to choke back tears and laughter all at once.

God is good...all the time...

P.S. Still no word on Grissom :(

P.S.S. Don't forget to look at our cuties on Tony's post below!

The UPDATE

Hello. First, Grissom is still missing. We received a few calls, but they turned out to be a different cat. Please keep praying we find the fat furry little guy.

Well, I am going to provide an update that covers several weeks of updates. We have had many firsts, a ton of fun and cannot wait for more! The girls are growing and learning more and more every day. They have put on some weight, grown an inch or two and are speaking unbelievably well.

Below you will find their first day in the snow (yes, I am going a ways back). Neither were too excited about the snow, but seemed to have a good time towards the end.

Just a week or two after the snow, we began to experience warm weather. Here are photos from the first trip to the park near our house.

Another fun day was spent at the Children's Museum. Here the girls check out the underside of an old car...pretty cool.

Another fun trip was to the Indianapolis Zoo! Our friends Brian and Nancy were nice enough to ask us to join them for a day a the zoo (THANKS BRIAN AND NANCY). We had a great time! We look forward to many more trips to the zoo.

The girls and their friend Morgan watch creatures that lurk in the sea.Abby and her new found buddy, a penguin.

The next new adventure is the backyard. Aunt Robin gave the girls Jarrett's playset. THEY LOVE IT!!!! THANKS AUNT ROBIN!!!

And we swapped Jeeps. The girls call it the "NEEWWW JEEP".
Thanks for checking in on us. More updates will come later.

Still no word....

We haven't heard anything on Grissom. We put posters up, put and ad in the newspaper, called all of the shelters, and walked and driven miles. We have yet to hear one single word about our poor, missing Grissom. We are SO blessed though, because we have friends and family just as concerned as us! Every day someone emails or asks if we have found him. We have also had friends and family peruse town looking for him. If he only knew the many miles that have been trekked and minutes that have been spent searching for him. He definitely wins the prize for best hider in the game of hide and seek.

Thank you so much for your prayers, thoughts and concerns. If you forget what he looks like, scroll down and check out his cute picture. Some people think it is silly to be this concerned over our kitty, but they don't understand how important he was to us before the girls came home. Not-to-mention how important he is to the girls now. They ask about him often.

Thanks again...hopefully our next post will be with some good news!

Grissom is Missing....

Our little kitty (ok, he's huge and 3 years old) is missing.
I noticed Thursday night (about 10:30 pm) that he must have gotten in a
fight b/c he had a horrible gash in his lower cheek/upper neck. A
huge chunk of fur was missing and he looked really raw underneath.
Well, yesterday Tony got a good look at it today, he said we
definitely should take him to the vet.

We got an appointment for 3:45 yesterday. On the way, we dropped off the girls
at my mom's and then stopped by my sister's to get a crate. In the
process of putting him in the crate, he escaped. He shot out and
took off like a rocket. This all happened in Fountain City...so unfamiliar territory for him. :( We looked for over two hours and then off
and on all night. Upon arriving back home, Laney kept
asking where Grissom was. She looked under the seats in the car
(where he was on the way to the vet) and in our garage. It's just
heartbreaking.

So I'm asking for prayers for our little kitty. He's lost, alone,
and very hurt. We have already put up flyers and asked all around
the area where he was last spotted. Tony even went again last night to look. He thought in the dark he might spot his eyes. Poor
Grissom.

I know there are more pressing matters. But this little guy helped
us during our wait for our girls. He's one of our first kids!! (Fur
babies)

Thanks for your thoughts and prayers....

HOLY COW, WE WON!

So I got an email this morning that I won a free blog make-over!!! No, this isn't a phony website hoax. A fellow FTIA adoptive family runs a website www.thestoryofyou.com
and she hosts adoption journeys. She was running a contest in April for a free blog make-over and WE WON!!!!!

When I entered, I never thought we'd win! But, entering the contest gave me the idea to at least try and figure out a new blog name. (I like our current one too, but wanted something that could grow with us...IF we choose to grow!)

I was just wanting to change the blog name to jazz up our, otherwise, boring blog but NOW....YAY! The whole thing is going to get jazzed up! YAY, YAY, YAY! Can you tell I'm pumped?

Nothing will change (blog address, losing content, etc.) but it will look WAY better! We haven't figured out what design we want to go with yet, and I'm not sure how long it takes Tina to get it up and running. So in the mean time, you'll still see green polka-dots, and my lame attempt at color by using the tickers. But oh, baby, changes are a comin'!

Love the name ideas so far too...keep them rollin' in!

The Contest

And for you Seinfeld fans....it's NOT the same KIND of contest....:)

I want to change our blog name...I think...that IS if I can come up with something funny/catchy/witty/cute. Tony doesn't have an opinion, at least I don't think he does.

I like the idea of a play on twins, two, etc. An example would be Twindom instead of Kingdom...but Twindom what? Twindom Tired, where Abby and Laney reign supreme? Does anyone have a good idea? If we can't drum one up, no worries...our cute little title will stay, but everyone likes a good change! (Especially if we ever add to our family, the current title won't work!)

So, got any good ideas? Put them in the comments section! Thanks!!!

P.S. We're still working on a for-real post :)

P.P.S. Mom, you're right....happy kids, tired parents!!!! I was so happy as a kid, surely you were worn out!!!!

Still Alive...sort of....

Yep, we're still alive....no, the twins didn't hog tie us and put us in the closet. We are just swamped....sorting through pictures now....will post SOON, I promise...so BACK off Lauren! HA!

Man, we've had lots of fun lately. Can't wait to share!

Stay tuned!!!!

Our Easter Chickadees!

Make a scrapbook - it's easy!

Happy 4 Months...um, yesterday

I didn't want anyone to think we missed our family's four month anniversary together! I know, I know, it happened yesterday. It has just been a nutso week with Jeeps, and city council, and homegroup, and parent/teacher conferences. We were just flat exhausted last night and didn't get it posted. BUT we DID remember it!!!

Happy 4 month anniversary baby girls! We thank God every day that He chose us to be your parents! We LOVE YOU!!!!!

Ok, now I'm off again...spring break starts in less than an hour! I'll be off to pick up the girls early, YAY! We can't wait to spend some time with them...and do some extra special things with them.

Stay tuned for our Easter/Spring Break updates!

HAPPY 9 YEAR ANNIVERSARY TONY!

Yes, it's true...on this very day nine years ago, I married the love of my life. It was a very cold March day, but fun nonetheless.

Tony and I have fun and frightful memories of our wedding day. We were blessed to have two pastors marry us, Pastor Dave (long-time pastor and friend) and Pastor Rob (long time youth pastor, friend, and counselor). After crying all the way through the rehearsal ceremony (Pastor Rob said that was OK!) I made it through without crying during the real one. (If you don't count when I walked down the aisle with my dad!)

Other than the tears during rehearsal, everything else the night before was wonderful! The yummy food (thanks Belinda!) and the fun Newlywed game (thanks Kyna)! I couldn't have asked for more!

As for our wedding day, our family and friends were there to help us celebrate and we appreciated that so much! The ceremony was fun! Little Dallas (who isn't so little any more) kind of hop/skipped down the aisle as the flower girl. She'd drop a petal and then delicately hop over it. Too cute!

It was also a riot to speed off after the ceremony in mom and dad's Monte Carlo and run through McDonald's drive-thru. (Thanks Mom and Dad--oh, and Robby for driving!)

I do have to thank my bridesmaids too. You girls were so brave to wear those flower-child headbands, and empire style dresses! You rock!!!

Thanks to our parents who endured all the planning and stress. Vegas was a much better idea!

There WERE two frightful parts to that wedding day. Wait, frightful might not be the most accurate adjective. Maybe irritating. The first was that our photographer was really more of a portrait photog, so it took her a blue MILLION years to take our pictures. Note to self, research photogs before getting married again (hehe, kidding honey!) Seriously, we were so late to the reception, my dad was hot, and our guests were leaving!!!

The second was when that, man of God, Pastor Rob, pulled a practical joke on me! He came to me just minutes before the ceremony and said that he was looking at the marriage certificate and found a mistake. He said they had misspelled my middle name (for those of you who know it, you know WHY this would be common). Between my nerves and personality, I immediately became panicked! I said, "Well, what do we do? Does it matter? Can we get it changed?" He calmly replied that no, we couldn't change it because the courthouse was closed on Saturdays. He said we could go through with the ceremony, but we wouldn't legally be married until it was corrected.

I think at this point, he saw the color drain from my freshly made-up face and the tears start to well-up in my eyes. It was at this point he said, "GOTCHA!" and I nearly fainted! Oh, Rob, you won't know when or where, but I WILL get you back!

All of the memories aside, this day, as hectic and dramatic as it was, was the best day of my life. It was the day I truly married my best friend. I am more in love with Tony today than I ever was.

----------------------------------

Tony,

You endured my moods and craziness all through high school. You worked hard throughout college to help establish our lives. You had a plan: college, house, marriage, family. Your plan worked. We grew, and grew-up together. I cannot imagine life without you.

I admire you for your integrity, your love of God, family, and friends. I respect you for your hard work and determination to be the best husband, father/Baba, son, friend, and employee you can be, and for just being you. You challenge me to do and be my best. I want to make you proud. Thank you for sharing the last nine years with me. I am so blessed to be your wife. HAPPY ANNIVERSARY!

I love you.

Rett

Keeping Busy....

Mama, Enough Pictures Already!!!!!

Thanks for stopping in to check up on us.

We have been busy. The girls keep us very BUSY, but we love every minute of it. They continue to develop their language skills and keep us laughing. For example, Abby was mad at Laney one day and told her to go to "time out, time out". Laney listened and climbed into the time out chair. It was great. A few days later, they broke a plastic bowl (I still cannot figure out how). I asked what happened and Laney immediately said "Abby did it". It was great. We have noticed that Laney does things and frequently blames Abby. They are sneaky little stinkers.

A couple of weeks ago the girls were dedicated at church. Since we pray for our meals and before bed, the girls are used to closing their eyes and putting their hands together for prayer. The dedication prayer was no different and the congregation was full of "aws" when they opened their eyes after the prayer and saw the girls with their heads bowed and eyes closed tight. (there is a cute picture below...and Laney did peek to see if Pastor Dave was finished). After the dedication Robin and Duane were kind enough to open up their home and we all went to their house for desserts and etc... We appreciate all of our family and friends that attended church that night for the the girls, another sign of caring and love for them. We appreciate it.

Last weekend was pretty nice out, unlike this weekend (there will be a separate post about the bad weather). We were able to get the girls bundled up and take a walk around the neighborhood. They loved riding in their big wagon. In fact, they did not want to get out when we returned home. We were worn out. We are used to walking the block around the subdivision, but pulling two little girls in a big wagon is a different story. We know, we are out of shape!!!!

Other exciting news is that there is a new restaurant in our area. It is a Chinese restaurant. We have been there three times in the week and a half they have been open. It is pretty bad that when we went tonight with our friend Rachel, Jason and their son Grant, the lady said to us "three times". Yup, this was our third visit. Regardless, it is nice to have choices on this end of town besides the usual fast food. The ladies that work there like the girls (which is good because the girls are MESSY!!!).

Other than that, life is good (not a plug for my favorite clothing, but if you are interested, their website is www.lifeisgood.com). We cannot wait for warm weather to arrive so that we can play outside with the girls. Robin and Duane have graciously given us Jarrett's outdoor play set (wood with tower, swings and etc...). It will be fun to get that relocated to the backyard for the girls.

Stay tuned for photos of our snowy adventure. Have a great week.

First Dairy Queen Ice Cream, YUMMY!!!!

Our girls....(and check out the pictures on the last post too!)

Make a scrapbook - it's easy!

Photos from the New Camera...

We purchased a new camera in order to keep up with the girls. Here are a few pictures. Enjoy.

Nothing much....and lots...

Yes, both girls are in their toy basket. Big fun!

So this will just be a quick update of some of our life events...

• The girls got dedicated at Church Saturday night! It was a special time for us. Six months ago we couldn't imagine our lives this full, but Saturday night was the reality. Many of our friends and family came just for the three-minute ceremony. It just proved that our girls be raised by one big, loving village. And we're so thankful! (Thanks to Aunt Robin for hosting a dessert party afterwards at her house! It was perfect!) God is good and we wanted everyone to know that Abby and Laney are not ours, but our Heavenly Father's. Thank you for taking part in that!

• A HUGE THANKS to those of you who donated to the Yifeng SWI snow relief effort! Our girls were at the Yifeng SWI for the first 22 months of their lives and we're so thankful they were taken care of. You all stepped up and help make life even better there! Due to the recent snowstorms, they were without heat and needed to purchase some new heaters. Well, everyone gave above and beyond and they didn't just purchase three new heaters, but SIX new heaters! They were also able to purchase some formula and other necessities. YOU DID THIS! YOU SAVED KIDS' LIVES! THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU!

• We FINALLY got Abby's Certificate of Citizenship corrected, which meant that we could get her SS card. Well, we received it last Thursday (we were getting our taxes done on Friday)! However, the lovely government made yet ANOTHER mistake. Both girls now have the SAME Social Security number!!!!! How frustrating! Thankfully, Tony got in contact with Congressman Pence's office (they offered to help us before---and did, on another occasion) and they are helping us work it out. It might take three weeks, but we'll take it! We know they wouldn't have been quite as apologetic if we called them. THANKS AGAIN to Congressman Pence's office! (Debbie you have been just great!)

• Since we know we'll get a little something back on taxes, we did go ahead and make a family purchase. NO, it wasn't a minivan! It was a nice camera. My mom got us our other digital camera and it has worked perfectly. However, you couldn't adjust the shutter speed and, man, these girls are fast. Tony found a great deal on a Cannon Rebel XT and we LOVE it. We've taken hundreds of pictures already! We just haven't figured out how to download them yet...or upload them, or whatever. So, no pictures from that camera this time. I'm sorry. But just wait until you see some of them. They're amazing!

• Otherwise, life has been great. The girls are growing every day. I am just flat amazed at their vocabulary too. Just when you think they can't communicate with you, they throw out a word like, lid, mickey mouse, house. They're amazing. I'll be sad to start back to work full-time next week.

Ok, that's it for now. I just had to post before I got chastised for the lack of updates! Have a great Tuesday and remainder of the week!

Happy 3 Month Anniversary Girls!

Our beautiful girls...we've been together three months today!

Dear Sweet Abby and Laney,

As of today, you have been with us three whole months! Time has surely flown! It seems as though just yesterday we were nervously sitting in very hard chairs listening to the cries of newly formed families in the Civil Affairs office in China.

We blinked and now we've been together three months! It is amazing that we have only known one another that long. It seems as though we know you inside and out. We know every silly face you make, every squeal or cry, your favorite foods, and can understand almost every word you speak.

Just this week, you have added many new words to your vocabulary. You tell each other, "No, no, no Mei Mei!" and "Help, Baba!" You've also been connecting more words like, "Mama's drink". We're so proud of you!!!

When you were especially quiet this evening, we knew you must have discovered something new. And you did! You are now strong enough to open the refrigerator on your own and get your cups out to drink! This is both scary and exciting at the same time!

You are also learning about thanking Jesus. Before we ate dinner tonight, Abby, you immediately closed your eyes and folded your hands in prayer. We almost forgot to thank Jesus, but YOU reminded us! And you two pray so sweetly before bed that our hearts just overflow with love. We know God is rejoicing in your love as well! WE thank Jesus for YOU!

You have grown too! In China, you were both at 23 pounds. Laney, you now weigh 23.8 pounds, and Abby, you weigh 24.8! You're growing little by little and we LOVE that we get to witness it! We love every single ounce of you!

You make us laugh daily! We swell with pride at each new thing you accomplish, and cry over each fear you overcome. Because we have learned so much about you over the past few months, we're excited to see what the future holds with you!

It's just unreal that God chosen us to be your parents for forever and always. We are blessed beyond measure. Happy Anniversary Baby Girls!

We love you!

Love,
Mama and Baba

Click each column to see our many faces!

Make a postcard - it's easy!

The Girls' Homeland

Ok, friends and family...Laney gave you a little bit of information about the serious situation in China right now. They have been hit by record-breaking snowstorms, and it has brought a lot of the country to a standstill.

Well, today, the information got a little more personal. Our daughters' Social Welfare Institute (orphanage) has been affected greatly. Although Yifeng SWI was not the ideal place for our girls to spend nearly all of their first two years of life, it is those staff members and nannies that kept our daughters alive and loved until they could come home.

We are fortunate to belong to a Yahoo group of families that have children from the Yifeng SWI. One of the mothers took the initiative to find out how severe the situation was for the SWI and contacted Love Without Boundaries (LWB). This is an organization of volunteers in China that works with various SWIs on nutition, medical issues, education, and foster care programs to improve the lives of orphans.

Several of us emailed LWB to find out how serious the situation was and what we could do to help. Below is the reply I received today.

Thank you everyone for your concern for Yifeng. I just received an email from our facilitator in China and Yifeng is in desperate need. They are in one of the worst hit areas. Director Yao has said their solar heaters (for heating water) and all their air conditioners (which are also used for heating) have all broken due to the cold. The normal power supply has not been restored to their area yet but the local government has given the orphanage the highest priority so their lights are on. The local government has also given money for blankets and coats for the children but it wasn’t enough for all the children and the price of formula has jumped 30% . Director Yao has asked for 3 A/C units to keep the children warm as a first priority. The price of the A/C units (wall or tower) are $350-$625 each so we would need between $1050 and $1875 for all 3 units.

Now, a little information about Love Without Boundaries (LWB) and how to donate. LWB is a volunteer organization so 97% of all donations reach the children. Also, all donations are tax-deductible and you will receive a receipt for tax purposes. We can take donations either online or by check.

If you would like to donate online go to www.lovewithoutboundaries.com and click on ‘Donate’; click ‘Other’; enter your information and in the ‘Notes’ section please write ‘Yifeng Orphanage Assistance’.

To donate by check make your check payable to ‘Love Without Boundaries’ and write ‘Yifeng Orphanage Assistance’ on the Memo line. Mail your check to: Love Without Boundaries, 306 S. Bryant St., Ste. C, PMB 145, Edmond, OK, 73034.

Thank you for your help and if you have any questions please feel free to email me at kate.finco@lwbmail.com.

Kate Finco
Director of Special Projects
Love Without Boundaries
www.lovewithoutboundaries.com
'Every Child Counts'


You know where this is headed. First of all, pray. You prayed for our girls and our family so much, and we felt every prayer. I'm asking you to rise up and do that again...but change the direction. Pray for those little babies, and those little toddlers, and those younger children, and the pre-teens, and teens, and nannies, and directors. Pray that they are all able to stay warm. Pray that sickness doesn't overtake the staff or the children. Pray that the little ones that are coming home soon, can do so safely. Pray that those who haven't found forever families thrive well enough to do so. Pray that the directors make wise decisions on behalf of the kids. Pray that everyone at Yifeng have full bellies and warm beds. Simply put. Pray.

Beyond prayer, Kate laid it out how we could donate. I'm amazed at how giving people are...around the holidays. We're included in that. But now is the time to think bigger than yourself. Think outside of Indiana. Think across the world where your granddaughters, neices, cousins, and friends, Abby and Laney, lived. Their best friends are there. Their first caretakers that represent the only love they've felt before all of us are there. They need us now. It doesn't matter how much...just give. You gave so much before and the impact was staggering to our family. Now give again, to make an impact worldwide...in the lives of orphans.

I could go on and on, but I won't. Honestly, it's bigger than me. Jesus challenges us to do this.

Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world. James 1:27

Thank you!