Happy Valentine's Day!!!!

This picture was taken 17 days after Cassie's lip revision surgery. She is an amazing girl!!! And I just love Chloe's toes in this picture -- sooo cute!

More on Chloe's dental work later -- the short story is she had a fever that morning, they were able to do 2 fillings and we go back in a month to try again.

Happy cupcake Friday!!!

At least that's what it is at our house. The girls and I made cupcakes together -- from start to finish -- for the first time. And they did great!!!! It was fun 'yelling' at them for tasting the batter, frosting and sprinkles. They knew I was not really yelling at them and then they kept doing it. They are so cute. Below are some pictures of my little bakers in action. And aren't these the best looking cupcakes ever?!?!?!? They are growing up so fast. I can't believe they will both be 3 this year.

Some other news and tidbits:

Cassie's lip is doing great. We are back to our normal routines and even normal sleeping -- which is wonderful!!!! We go back for our 5 week after surgery check-up this Thursday. Most of the swelling is gone and there is just one stitch left on the inside. This stitch is also bothering Cassie so we'll ask the dr about it.

Both girls are now sleeping in the same room 98% of the time for naps. I moved both toddler beds into the room with the crib and we'll be redecorating that room into the princess-ballerina room. Having a princess-ballerina room makes all the difference to almost 3 year olds. Chloe is still napping in her crib with the crib-tent but I'm hoping that soon we'll be able to trust her in her toddler bed.

The girls are just about in the same size clothes now. Chloe is too big for her 18-24 month clothes now and 2T's are just a tiny bit big on her and 2T's just fit Cassie. This will make life easier for me that they will be able to wear the same size this summer. And in shoes they are only one size apart.

One year ago today we arrived back home as a family of 4! Wow, it's already been a year. And man oh man have my girls changed this past year.

Tomorrow we have another dentist appt -- try number 2 -- for Chloe's crowns. I'm really hoping we can get them done tomorrow. Every night poor little Chloe complains that her teeth hurt. She's so good about taking her meds -- even yucky oral-gel.

That's about all that's going on here. Oh, one more thing -- Chloe's now at a 27 month level for her speech -- making her only about 5 months behind!!!! I'm so proud of her.

One year with Chloe Jewel

Today marks one year since we were handed blessing number 2. I can still remember it as if it was yesterday. The same feelings come flooding back and I can feel the same butterflies in my stomach. Chloe was in the last group to arrive at the Civil Affairs office and I was getting nervous. The extra 10 - 15 minutes of waiting seemed like hours. But then she appeared in her nanny's arms outside the window. Then disappeared quickly as they were walking fast due to the cold weather. Then in a instant she appeared in the doorway. This tiny little 19 month old girl in a white snowsuit. The look on her face was of confusion -- who the heck were all these people. Then the hand off -- another moment etched in my heart forever. Sonny actually captured the picture perfectly -- me anxiously reaching out for her as her nanny reluctantly handed her over to me. Just thinking about it now makes me cry. Oh, how I long to go back and visit China and her nanny. I want to show the world what a special little girl Chloe has become. I want the acceptance of Chloe's nanny who spent a little over 14 months caring for Chloe. I want her nanny to tell me how much Chloe has changed but remains the same. Those are the things I dream of for myself and for Chloe. I want her to grow, learn, take the world on head first but still remain the same inside. She has the biggest heart and truly loves with it all. She tells us everyday that she loves mama, dada, He-He (Cassie), kitty, butterscotch, God and Jesus. And I know that she does. She's just the sweetest little thing ever. Chloe can be a snot face too -- who gets into everything -- but I'm glad she's so curious about the world and things around her. And when she smiles it lights up the whole room. He-He is her very best friend in the whole world and her baby animals are a close second. But if He-He asks for one of her favorite baby animals Chloe will give it up with a smile. She's just that generous. Chloe might have lived in a orphanage for 19 months and 10 days but God protected her heart and kept it safe with His love while she waited for us. There is really no other explanation for it.

Gotcha day - February 1, 2010





Our baby now - January 2011