Lily Grace Xiaowan Nanna is a US Citizen!

On Saturday we got Lily's certificate of Citizenship in the mail. It is official-- she is a US Citizen. Lily is doing so well. She is such a delight. Lily and Kylee played all day Saturday and got along so well. It really is different having tow little ones to keep up with and it definitely causes me to "feel my age" but it is so much fun. We had a nice visit from a friend and her beautiful 18 month old daughter adopted from Guatemala. The girls had fun playing and us "older moms" laughed about how much harder it is to get off the floor after playing. All in all it was a fun day with lots of giggles, smiles and hugs.

Over the weekend, Lily even gave me a kiss when I asked for it. It happened twice and has not been repeated, but it is a start. A few days ago she leaned over and kissed me when I was not expecting it and that has happened a few times, but normally she will not kiss me when I ask her to. Sometimes she will turn her cheek to me for me to kiss her, but she is pretty stubborn. So I was thrilled when she actually gave me a kiss when I asked for it. She really is a sweet little girl and she was so happy to see Daddy come home on Sat. I think he is enjoying having her as a little buddy and Kylee will look at her and say, "She's just a little Whitney." Wonder where she heard that???

For those who don't know what that means...it translates into she is a happy-go-lucky, busy, looking for something to get into, messy, smiling while doing something she shouldn't- toddler who we hope will grow up to be as kind and successful and loving as her big brother, Whit. And Kylee is taking on the role of big brother, Bryan- the smart intellectual who tattles on the little one and tries to deal with the constant copy-cat from the little one who wants to be just like her. She is compliant and sweet and eager to please and we hope that she grows up to be like her brother, Bryan- smart, successful, and loving...and it would be cool if she wants to be a pilot too!

Lindsay is doing better

Lindsay had her procedure this morning and it went well. We are hopeful that this will improve things for a while. Thank you for your prayers and support.

Update on Lindsay

Thank you all for your kind words and prayers for Lindsay. I am sorry that I have not done a better job of updating you. Lindsay was able to see a doctor here in SC so we are thankful that we did not have to make another trip to Fla. She is having some issues that need some intervention. So this morning (Friday 1-9-09) she will go for outpatient procedure under anesthesia. She may even have to do this one or two more times, but if it is successful, it will mean that she can continue to heal without further invasive surgery. Please pray that she does well today and that she will be able to get better and enjoy life. Also pray that she can feel much, much better for the start of her nursing school program next week.

Thanks again for your support!

Preschool

On Monday Lauryn went back to school and Mom went back to work. Kylee was anxious to get back to Preschool and Lily LOVED Sunday School so we thought we would give Preschool a try. She did great! So she is now in Kylee's old class- the Tiny Turtles- with the most amazing teachers- Mrs Kim and Mrs Diane. She is doing so well and seems to love playing with other children. I think that the preschool at the orphanage was a good experience for her so Lily looks at it as a good thing. She cried for a few seconds when I left her this morning and it broke my heart-- she hugged me and cried so pitifully- I almost couldn't leave her. But before I could get to the door she was settled and I know that she will have so much fun!
Lily seems to be adjusting very well. I am not naive and know that attachment is a long process so we are monitoring each day to adjust to whatever she needs but for the moment Lily seems to be adjusting to life at the Nanna's house. She is a cheerful, smiling little girl with a fun personality. She is very stubborn but that means she fits right in and will be resilient and strong. She is independent but is allowing me to comfort her and do some things for her. She has given a few kisses but mostly says "no" or wipes our kisses off. She was able to say "Bye" to daddy as he left for work and hopefully she will be like Kylee and the short periods he spends away from home will help her to see that he does come back and that we always will.
We are so thankful for our family and how God has blessed us so richly. We are adjusting to the change of pace and all the mess that comes with toddlers and the sibling jealousy- I feel like a rock star when Kylee and Lily fight for mom! I still can't believe that we are so fortunate to be entrusted with these beautiful children. Life is Good!

UPDATE ON LINDSAY: Thank you to everyone who has asked about Lindsay and prayerd for Lindsay. She is home but not doing as well as we had hoped- some complications from surgery that we are hoping will heal. Please continue to pray for her.

Christmas and Family Pics

Lily enjoying Granddaddy's birthday cake!

!st trip to Chuck E Cheese

Whit is loving this!

Kylee and Bryan

Grandaddy has a new baby!

Some Pics from the Trip

Pics from the White Swan

White Swan Playroom

Our Last Day in Nanjing-- went shopping and saw Mickey Mouse!

Great View from the Great Wall

First Day

Great Wall before getting Lily

I finally got Mom's pictures downloaded so here are some more pics!

My Husband is amazing!!!!!!!!

I just had to write something about my amazing husband. He planned a night away for our anniversary and took me downtown. We ate at my favorite restaurant and walked downtown and heard bands and even watched some improv. We spent the night in a beautiful suite at Lodge Alley Inn and had an awesome time catching up after a crazy month of us going different directions.

Lily did great with Grandma...not sure if she will want to come back home with us. But nice that my parents are enjoying her so much and she is enjoying them. Kylee got to spend the night with Lindsay and even got a trip to Chuck E Cheese so I think everyone had a great start to the New Year.

Now we will head to my Dad's to celebrate and to wish him a "Happy Birthday". He was the 2nd New Year Baby born in Columbia many years ago. He also has a brother born on Christmas and one on Ground Hog's Day. His mom liked to have babies on holidays! My Dad is a loving encourager and friend. I am so thankful for all the ways he encouraged and guided my life! Happy Birthday Daddy!

So Happy New Year to everyone. May God richly bless you in 2009 and May you seek to please Him and follow His will for your life. May you risk the normal and the comfortable to find the passions of your heart- placed their by God- fulfilled in the coming year. Life is amazing when you step out and follow!