Sunday Snapshot - 2 actually, to make up for last week

Sunday Snapshot: The Long Weekend

With an extra hour on the clock and a 2 year old who can't tell time, we had extra time together this weekend!

This included tricycle riding at 5 AM, finally carving that pumpkin, drawing with chalk when our tummies told us it was supposed to be lunch time, and passing out in Baba's arms.

Wordless Wednesday - From Halloween

Letter To An Unknown Birth Mother

I once read that a child's birthday really celebrates the mother, more than the child, or so it should. I want you to know that I thought about you today, in the middle of the excitement of aunts and uncles and grandparents and cake and too many gifts. I wish there was a way to let you know that she is doing well, better than that, really.

She is thriving.

I know you must be beautiful, because she is gorgeous. You must be intelligent, because she is quick to learn and very very clever. I know you have a big heart because you loved her enough to give her a chance at life when you couldn't give her that chance yourself, and you should know, she has your huge heart. Experts might say that a just-turned-2 year old is not capable of empathy, but when someone she loves is feeling sad or sick, she readily shares her toys or hugs, trying to elicit a smile. In fact, she is full of smiles, songs, hugs and kisses, giggles, teases and creativity. She is athletic and coordinated, a good dancer. She loves learning and reading and is fiercely independent but sweetly vulnerable.
Thank you a million times over for the gift of your daughter. Our daughter.

Sunday Snapshot: First Corn Maze

She said "Baba! It's hot!"

(It was in the 80's.)

Henan Kids Calendar

To All of My Readers:
Abigail was from Henan Province.
We are part of a network of families with kids from Henan.
There 14 orphanages in Henan, all with 50-200+ kids in them.
A new Lily Orphan Care Center (a really good American established orphanage) is being built.
Henan Kids International, a non-profit that sends all money to the orphans in Henan is selling these calendars for a fundraiser. Last year $4000 were raised. This year the goal is $6000.

I know you are going to get a calendar anyhow, and yes, these are about twice as much as a Wal Mart calendar, but beautiful Henan kids are on every page. (Abigail is on 3 pages!) Please consider buying one to support kids just like Abigail, but who haven't been as lucky as her to find a home.


Click Here for Calendars

Wordless Wednesday - Waiting for Baba To Come Home