Gotcha Day #3!

Three years ago today, a 9 month old baby girl named Yangxi Dong Dong (aka Lia Jade Yangxi) was placed in her Daddy's arms at the Guangdong Civil Affairs Office in Guangdong China. And across the world her Mommy and big sister waited anxiously for the Skype video call so they could meet her.

Well, actually we were asleep until Daddy called us since it was about 4:00 am our time. It was the best wake-up call I have ever received. I was so excited to see those big brown eyes staring at me through the computer. Of course, I was a blubbering mess. And it was such a relief to know that her Daddy finally had her and she was safe.

Happy 3rd Gotcha Day Lia Jade! We love you to pieces!

If you would like to see our complete adoption travel journal, just click here:

Journey to Lia Jade

Super Soccer Saturday

Seriously, it was super! We actually got participation out of Lia this year. Woo hoo! This is Lily's 3rd year playing soccer with our local YMCA program and we tried to sign Lia up last year but she wanted nothing to do with it. We gave up after 2 sessions. But, our girl has grown up and really enjoyed herself today. Although, I think the motivating factor was the team snack and drink at the end of practice. We were so happy!

Lily did wonderful as well except when the coach tried to get her to "head" the ball. He tossed it gently to her and she covered up her head with both hands and dropped to her knees. It was hysterical!

Check out that stride!

Lily's a first grader

Lily started first grade this week. Oh my goodness, I can't believe my baby is in first grade! She was excited but also said she was nervous, which of course broke my heart. We met her teacher and like her as much as Lily does. She has enjoyed her first couple of days but did mention that she hasn't found any friends yet (which of course broke my heart AGAIN). She said she's too shy to ask anyone to play with her at recess so she just walks around. Crap, I just started crying. Why didn't anyone tell me being a mom would be this hard?

Here are a few pics of her before she got on the bus on her first day.

State Fair

We took the girls to the opening day at the Indiana State Fair last Friday. We had a great time and the weather was perfect. We petted some farm animals, rode ponies for the first time, saw a spectacular Chinese acrobatic show and ate some incredibly unhealthy but yummy food! No, we did not venture out and try the "Chocolate covered bacon" though.

What kind of state fair would it be without learning how to milk a cow!


And while we were getting ready to watch the Chinese acrobat show, some friends of ours from our first travel group to China found us. So, we were able to enjoy the show together. Their daughter, C, and Lily lived as foster sisters for the first 10 months of their lives in Hubei, China. And their youngest daughter, Z, is one year younger than Lia. It was great to see them.

And poor Lia passed out before we even put the minivan in drive.