R.I.P. Whu

Last week we were able to go to our local Chinese New Year celebration. Honestly it was a little overwhelming for Yan...they had loud Chinese drums and a lion, dragon and other dancers. Basically, she cried and screamed for the first hour but then calmed down. We sat at a table with a family that we had never met, the Rush family (It's always fun to make new friends :-). They were fun to talk to and have had many sets of students that they consider their "kids" from Hong Kong...in fact they had recently been to Hong Kong.

At the end of the evening we found out that our centerpieces (which were fish) were available for us to bring home. Yan loves fish (especially thanks to "Elmo's World") and was thrilled. The moment I told her we could take the fish home, she signed "Eat fish"...before I knew it she fed the fish a nice serving of noodles. Mr. Rush was kind enough to fish the noodles off but suffice to say, some random bets were jokingly made on how long the fish would last. It was 17 degrees out, the heat in our car wasn't working, the fish was in an open bowl, he already had a lot of oil in his water thanks to the noodle dish...let's face it the odds were stacked against him.

On the way home I asked Yan what she wanted to name him. Expecting to hear, Dorothy, Elmo or Barney I was surprised when Yan just blew (like she was blowing out a candle)...I told her that I couldn't really blog that name, but since we got him at Chinese New Year we could improvise and give him a Chinese name of Whu. Whu has been a great fish for the last 8 days, he was fun to watch, he swam gracefully, he ate well...and today I think, I killed him. Do not put a fish in tap water, even if you are just cleaning his big bowl (okay, it's a vase) out...dead an hour later.

Yan didn't take it too hard...she said, "Bye Whu" and I made her stay in the other room while I "flushed"...sooooo sad! So for your pleasure today, Chinese New Year and "Whu" pictures...RIP good buddy...enjoy the big fishbowl in the sky!

A Birthday, A Haircut and more!

I know that I'm totally slacking on the blog-so sorry! Life just seems to be very busy. Yan is pretty sick right now (I am SO over winter) with a bad stomach virus. I'm praying she rebounds quickly. When I asked her, "Do you want to watch Barney?", and she responded with a "No" and laid on the bed in silence, I knew it was bad.

So, I thought I would post a few pictures from her birthday and from her latest big haircut. Yan is still dealing with some significant sensory issues. While we both loved her long hair, it was a battle to get it brushed each day. So, I cut it. I cut off 11 inches for "Locks of Love"...and though you wouldn't know it by the pictures, she really does like it. (Okay, I'll be honest, I'm kind of regretting it...but I do enjoy not fighting about brushing it every day.)

Yan also lost her 2nd tooth and she didn't swallow it! She was very proud! So enjoy the pics!

Check out this drawing!

Look at these fabulous signs! http://ashnicole1129.blogspot.com/ I think Yan definitely needs one and am so excited that this fabulous artist is giving one away. I also just love finding people who made quality, great items!

My baby isn't a baby anymore!

My little girl is growing up so quickly! She celebrated her 8th birthday last Friday. I am still in shock over it. It seems like just yesterday when she came home.

I was going to post some birthday pictures; but instead, I'm posting baby pictures. As any adoptive parent knows, it is difficult to not have pictures of your babies early days. Fortunately, Yan was blessed with a wonderful foster family who took lots of pictures of her. When I went to Hong Kong I was presented with a photo album full of Yan pictures...it was an indescribable treasure! Last week they surprised me by emailing four more pictures. I am so excited to have them. Check out "Baby Yan Yan"!!! I think she is beautiful! All were taken around age 1. I will post birthday pics soon!

The "Ernie" Laugh

I realize I am way behind in posting. I have so many Christmas pics to post, but I'm going to have to catch up later. Tonight, I thought I would post a short video clip of Yan imitating "Ernie" from "Sesame Street". She actually has a funny "Bert" imitation that she's working on; but it didn't happen tonight. Enjoy!

Oh and yes, she's doing great! Thanks for all the prayers!

Thanks for the Prayers!

Thank you all for the prayers for Yan's adenoid and ear tube surgery. She did great during the surgery but had a really rough day yesterday. Something (most likely the pain meds) made her sick and she vomitted most of yesterday. She didn't sleep much last night, but appears to be feeling a little better and is, at least, drinking again today.

We're just going to continue to rest and recooperate. Thank you for the prayers!

Merry Christmas Everyone!

Well, I've neglected my blog due to the very busy last month...but thought I would post a Christmas message for everyone! The pictures are of my little drama queen posing for the "Christmas Card" picture (which now will be the "New Years" picture). She always adds her own flair to it; her favorite thing to do right now is turn her back to the camera, then when she sees the flash go off, she turns around and smiles sweetly...little stinker!

We hope that everyone is having a very Merry Christmas! Yan got pretty sick this last week, but it looks like she is perking up in time for fun Christmas activities. We're going to a friends' house tonight for food, fellowship and music, and will spend a quiet day at home tomorrow.

As another year comes to a close, about all I can say is "God is good". There have been many changes, many trials, but also endless blessings. I am so grateful for Yan, her boundless joy and the blessing she is to me. I'm grateful for the family and friends that have stuck by me through everything. I'm most grateful for Christ, who has never left my side. As I think about His humble beginnings, I am really in awe. Since becoming a parent, just the thought of Mary knowing that her baby had the sole purpose of living and dying to save the world, brings me to tears. I cannot imagine what she went through...how she hurt...how she wrestled with this knowledge. I can't imagine what Jesus went through knowing this...I just cannot imagine.

I pray that during this busy Christmas time, we pause and try to reflect, try to imagine what Christ did and what it means to us. It alone provides us with life, salvation, and provision for our lives!

Love you all!
Jenn (& Yan)