Blessings

Blessings

Monday, April 29, 2013

Preschool Sunday..........

Princess did a fantastic job at her preschool Sunday performance!  The girls looked extra cute in their matching dresses.



Friday, April 26, 2013

Reflections ..........

Sometimes, I write a whole post while trying to go to sleep.  It always sounds so wonderful until I try to go to the computer and type it. ( whenever that might be).  That is the case with this post, but I feel like a few things just need to be said no matter how they sound.

So much has happened since that gorgeous day in Kunming China where we met our daughter Dumpling.  Strangely, I was eerily calm that day which I can only attribute to a peace provided from Him.  When I first saw our beautiful Dumpling (shaved head and all), I was overwhelmed with joy.  Dumpling came to us and never really looked back in China.  Her grieving was very minimal which is not typically the case.

Looking back over the past almost 7 months since we've been home from China with Dumpling, I can truly say that they have been HARD. Between attachment work, SLEEP issues, doctor's appointments, therapist's visits, family adjustments, 3 surgeries, communication struggles, and many changes, our family has been busy.  We've finally gotten into a new ebb and flow.

 BUT, there have also been many joys!  We have experienced many firsts and have made huge strides in communication.  We have learned about each other.  There has been sibling love, mommy love, daddy love, baby love, and reflections of His Love everyday.  We have seen a little girl bloom like a beautiful flower in Spring.   We are blessed to hear her lovely giggles daily.  Her smile can absolutely light up a room.  Her independence is nothing short of amazing.  She is delightful, determined, and happy most everyday.  The fingerprints of God are certainly all over this girl.

By the way, just for the record, we wouldn't change one little bit of what we have experienced.  Dumpling has rocked our world, taken us out of our comfort zone and helped us to look at life quite differently.  Isn't that what our Heavenly Father asks us to do?

Happy Weekend!

Wednesday, April 24, 2013

Friday, April 19, 2013

A little blue day fun...........

Dumpling joining right in..

Dancing to YMCA!






The video is short but sweet.

Thursday, April 18, 2013

A little fun......



Dumpling is quick to use yogurt as body paint!

Thursday, April 11, 2013

Post op report......

Somebody got a good post op report today.  We love you bright eyed girl!


It is now great fun to play peek-a-boo when Mommy gets the camera out

Ni Hao Yall

Wednesday, April 10, 2013

Day 6

Wordless Wednesday......

Sunday, April 7, 2013

Progress.........

Before
Riding home from hospital

evening after surgery


Day one


Day Two
Day Three

Day Four

Day Four

Thank you for all of your prayers.  Dumpling is doing well post-op.  Her swelling and bruising are slowly improving.



enjoying Spring!

Friday, April 5, 2013

Surgery......

While Dumpling was having surgery, a dear friend offered to watch the Princess for the day.  The Princess and SM are kindred souls.  They love each other and we are grateful for their friendship.
The Dumpling did well with surgery.  She is swollen but tolerating it well.  She was one unhappy camper in recovery.  I think that 3 surgeries in 7 months did her in.  She now knows the 'drill'.  She was scared and I had to reassure her that she was indeed going home.  Thank goodness that she loves 'Twinkle Twinkle Little Star'.  I worked wonders in calming her down.  She is a real trooper!

Thursday, April 4, 2013

prayers......

Prayers appreciated for Dumpling who is having surgery this morning....

:)

Monday, April 1, 2013

Easter Blessings.......

So blessed to spend a beautiful Easter day with family.  The Easter Bunny surprised the littles with a ladybug table and chairs for outside.  They were thrilled!  Then we had a beautiful Easter service at church.  The Princess recited the Our Father with the other children in front of the congregation.  The Bigs were recognized as new acolytes.  To top off the day, we had a wonderful dinner with Nana and Popi.  We are truly blessed!  Dumpling's first Easter with us was filed with His love.
mouth full of candy

love the new patio set-up

cheese

plant one on me sister

sisters!

the gang


Nana Popi and the kids.....
family photo

egg hunt