Dancing

Fun Time

Amelia and Santa

For the first time of her life, Amelia sat on Santa's lap. When Santa asked her what she wants for Christmas, she said "food". I wonder she is the only child in America who wants food for Christmas.

Happy Thanksgiving!

We have so much to be thankful.

Things just feel so right around here. We feel Amelia's love for us and we know we have great love for her.

We are thankful for friends and family, for the joys, delights, and unique experiences that come from adoption our sweetest little girl.

Grandpa and Grandma and here with us - another reason to be thankful.

Of course we had another traditional Thanksgiving - eating turkey and rice.

Thank God, we are a beautiful family!

又是一个中西结合的感恩节。吃火鸡和米饭，炒菜，有很多的事要感恩，最首要的是上帝给了我们美好的家庭。

Photos of Amelia at the Orphanage

New Evolution and Confusion

Yesterday I received some information from Love Without Boundaries, an organization helping orphans in China. I was shocked, mystified, and confused. Amelia's file provided by LuAn orphanage states that she was abandoned on January 28, 2008, at approximately 4 years of age. However, yesterday I learned that Amelia had been under LWB's medical care already in 2006, two years earlier. In addition, I learned that she had eye surgery in 2007, a piece of information that was not mentioned in any file I saw previously. Two months ago, Amelia saw a pediatric ophthalmologist in California. He couldn't quite make sense of her eye pattern. Now there is a good explanation. I will contact the LuAn Orphanage to ask the correct abandonment date. She probably wants to know when she grows up. I am so grateful to LWB. They literally saved my child's vision and changed her life, long before she became part of my life.

Picture 1: Amelia with her friend at Tongren Hospital in Beijing, sponsored by LWB.

Picture 2: Amelia wearing a coat donated by LWB.

Halloween - Trick-or-trade

California Academy of Sciences - 10/25/2009

Halloween Party at Clubhouse - 10/24/2009

Fall Festival at Preschool - 10/24/2009

Amelia with her teachers.

Forever

It's been 6 weeks since we came home from China. 6 weeks sounds like such a short time, especially when it feels like Amelia has been a part of our family forever. It is so absolutely joyous to have her in our family. It is hard to imagine life without Amelia in it! The transition has been so natural and so 'easy'.
Not that having two kids is necessarily 'easy' - it is definitely crazier, busier, more chaos, more exhausting and more fun! They really are very cute together. Amelia is now in half-day preschool, five days a week. So far, it seems to be working.

Trying a New Dress

New Glasses

Fun at Funderland

Family Day at Preschool

Swimming Fun

Life continues...

We've been home almost two weeks now. I am on my "maternity" leave. Amelia has adjusted beautifully. She gets along with all the family, and seems to enjoy the attention and all the fun that each new experience brings. We have lots of things to take care of ... doctors, dentists, etc. etc. But all that will come with time. For now I am counting each moment and experience (except the ones at 2 a.m.) as a blessing to treasure! Here's a few pictures.

Oath-taking...Seeing grandparents..Home-coming

On September 9, at 3pm everyone in the group boarded a bus for the US consulate. We got to the consulate about 35 minutes later. It was a relatively easy process. First we went to a window and then they confirmed our identity. We then waited and finally a representative came out and had us take an oath. There were approximately 50 families total swearing in that day. I was the only Chinese. This appointment made our adoption final in the eyes of the USA . We couldn't take pictures or video of the event. After that, we received our packet of documents which we are to give to the immigrations officer at San Francisco Airport.

We saw Grandma and Grandpa on September 11. Amelia loves them. Who wouldn't? After all, Grandma's cooking is the best in the world.

On September 12, we arrived in San Francisco. My DH Bing and DS Jonathan, holding a big doll, were waiting to meet us. It was the most beautiful scene. We are finally home.

From China: 09/08/2009

This afternoon we took the traditional “red couch” pictures. The red couch is in the White Swan Hotel. Most adoptive groups that stay at the White Swan Hotel get their pictures taken on one of the red couches. Amelia is so cute.

From China: 09/07/2009

Mattel toy company has set up a special playroom here in the White Swan Hotel, where Amelia met some new friends - other adopted children. They had an absolute blast running around in there.

From China: 09/05/2009

Amelia had her medical exam on Saturday- necessary to get her visa. There were 4 rooms to go to- General Exam, ENT, Height Weight and Temp, and PPD test. The doctors and nurses are very friendly, but you can tell she has a fear of people in white lab coats. She was in tears as soon as she saw them. On Monday, her PPD was read - it's positive. Yes, there is a red bump on her arm. She had to have a chest X-ray - it's negative. I am extremely relieved.

From China: 09/04/09

The first plane ride for Amelia from Hefei to Guangzhou. Our guide Erin is a very sweet young lady. She helped us so much.

From China: 09/03/2009

Amelia Facts:

1. She has a great laugh! Her whole body laughs.
2. When she is sad, there is no one sadder.

3. She has the cutest little nose.

4. She has many mosquito's bites.

5. She is very curious.

6. She likes to talk.

7. She loves riding in cars. No car-seats here and crazy traffic. Not for the faint of heart.

8. She loves her bath.

9. She sleeps perpendicularly on a bed.

10.I love her so much !! How is that possible? I haven only KNOWN her for 36 hours!