Still Here!

I can't believe its been so long since my last post! Thank you Debbie for reminding me to get with the program. If you get a chance go read her blog and say a prayer for her sweet Hannah! We've been busy since Lily's birthday celebrating more birthdays. We had my birthday, cousin Tommy's 1st birthday, today is Papa Tom's birthday and then Friday is Pat's and then a weekend of more family birthdays including my mom and niece!! Lily should really know the birthday song after this weekend. The boys had their Feb. vacation and we took them skiing for a few days and my parents joined us allowing Pat and I to both ski. I spent the last month and a half interviewing for a job but in the end had to turn down the offer because the compensation was just not enough to make it worth me being away from the kids 20 hours a week. I think it was the right decision and now I feel like I am out if limbo and can start a new routine..including get back to the gym. Lily is not loving the gym but we are taking it slow until she gets more comfortable. Lily continues to be an amazing child and is now WALKING everywhere and I think she tried to run today! Being up and about also means a few more falls and bumps and bruises; which allows Lily to really show us how dramatic she can be. I was able to slowly transition her to whole milk after being intolerant in the beginning and she continues to be a very healthy eater. Lily is babbling a lot and especially in her crib before she goes to sleep..it is very cute. On my birthday I received the best present I could ask for and she said "momma". Saying momma is not a daily occurrence but I will take it when I get it. Here are a few pictures from the last few weeks but unfortunately they are not great because my camera is broken and I have to use my video camera. I really need to work on getting my camera fixed so I can capture all the great moments with the kids!

Mommy and Lily on mommy's 29th birthday.

Preview of Easter outfits

Walking to big brother Shea

Tommy and his cousins

HAPPY BIRTHDAY

Lily is a one year old girl...no longer an infant but a toddler!! Everyday she is walking more than the day before and her laugh and giggles get a little louder. We celebrated with a spaghetti and meatball dinner..as you tell she really enjoys her Italian. Today was a day that I thought a lot about being Thankful. I am so thankful for:

The beautiful baby that entered our lives on October 20, 2008.

That Lily's birth mother choose Life.

That China has allowed us the privilege to parent one of their daughters.

That Lily was well cared for and loved in the Yugan Orphanage.

That Lily only spent 8.5 months in the orphanage.

That we were able to be together for 3.5 months before her first birthday. This was truly a gift!

That we saw Lily's first tooth, Christmas, step, word, clap, kiss, point and her first birthday!

That Lily loves to be hugged, cuddled, rocked and kissed!

That she has two wonderful big brothers who love and protect her!

Even with all that I have to be thankful for I can't help but feel some sadness today. Sadness that a women and maybe a family are grieving for the daughter they let go a year ago today. Sadness that Lily's birth mom will never know how loved and safe her daughter is. My only wish is that somehow this birth mom will someday feel peace about her decision. I am so thankful that I have Lily Mei Chun as a daughter.

Birthday Party

Today we celebrated Lily's first Birthday with our family. We will have a family dinner on Thursday on the actual day of her birthday but today was a fun day with all of Lily's cousins. Lily did not know what to think of the cake. She is doing so well with everything and has new tricks for us daily. Last night she was really walking, like 6 steps at a time and it was just adorable! Now that she is almost 1 we thought it was time to say goodbye to that very early 4am bottle. The first night went smoothly but the second night she was defiantly looking for it. I always say it takes three nights to change habits so I think we will have one more tough night and then she will forget all about it; at least that is what I am really hoping for! Enjoy the pictures of the most adorable 1 year old baby girl from today and this past week.

Daddy's Little Girl