Saturday, March 9, 2013

Leaving Guangzhou...


Visa.


Visa. Sigh.

And isn't she just the bee's knees? Mama thinks so.

July 26th: THE Red Couch and Other Crazy Ideas...

It is a great idea. I love the couch. I love the couch pictures. They are infamous amidst the Chinese Adoption community. A few of these infamous pictures are perfectly crafted with 5-10 beautiful sweet babies sitting happily on a deep red couch posing for the camera and smiling from cheek to cheek. The rest of the pictures look something like....this....






Now, don't get me wrong. I am a BIG supporter of the red couch picture. It is tradition. It is perfectly lovely no matter how many sweeties are on that couch and no matter if it is all smiles or if it outright rebellion with tears ensuing. I am a supporter because it is a beautiful little reminder of the precious little ones who have entered our lives and it is a bit of a final celebration...a close to a very special time...a coming together...oh yes, and it is funny. It is funny to watch and participate in attempting to get a group of babies to happily pose for a picture. How fun is it to watch daddies dance about to induce laughter from their little ones while moms try to keep them looking in the right direction. It's just good crazy chaos that I wouldn't trade for anything.


And while the crazy chaos is fun, I think we came away with a few winners....it probably has more to do with the beautiful group of girls in these pictures...of course, I am partial. Very proudly partial.




Friday, March 8, 2013

Sisters

Eight days ago, these little girls' world changed. For 7 and 8 years, they were the center of their mom's and dad's universe.


They climbed into mommy's lap for a night time story and cuddle.


They played in the backyard with dad and he carried them on his shoulders until both he and she were worn out.




Before last Monday, it was just little girl and her momma and dad. And then, last Monday, 3 little babies entered their world, took up residence in their mama's arms, kept their daddy running from here to there and back again.



And now, they are sharing Daddy's shoulders and making room on Mommy's lap for another little one. And sharing the love. Funny thing is, there is more than enough love to go around. And in the meantime, they have discovered that they are pretty in love with those little ones who made them scoot over. Their lives are changed forever. Like Gracie says, "Being a big sister is a lot of work, but my life is so much better with her." So much better. So much richer. So much.


So, in case, you didn't know Big Sisters, your little sisters are going to love you....just like Mom and Dad do...and there will always be room on Daddy's shoulders and Mama's lap for two.