Back To School

Well, she went back just like we hoped she would. The bus is a big draw this year and continues to be. Some days Maryn has her backpack on ready to go 45 minutes early, and we have to break the news that it's not time to go yet. We practiced the morning routine the week before school started and that was a good move after a summer loaded with fun but lacking in routine. Her teachers are great and really putting a lot of effort into her education and socialization. We know we'll be watching her soar in second grade.

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Happy Family Day!

One year ago today, our wait was over, and we walked into the life of a beautiful little girl. We named her Maryn, an Aramaic name meaning longed for. Our match was made in heaven and brought to earth, and we are a grateful family.

Happy Birthday, Baby!

Happy Birthday to our darling daughter!

When Maryn walked into the kitchen this morning wiping her sleepy eyes, I said, "Happy Birthday, Maryn," and it was so sweet to hear her say thank you. We went right over to the counter to the jar with one dog biscuit remaining, and she took the cookie out and gave it to Toby. Today was the day we had been counting down to for quite a while, and the dog biscuits helped to explain month, weeks, and days. We enjoyed a fun day with family and finished with cake and ice cream. Yesterday's kid party luau was a blast with lots of water games, food, cake and ice cream and presents. Thanks to our volunteer helpers and to all the friends who made it such a wonderful day.

This Little Piggy

This little piggy is having a great summer and so are her mom and dad. We've had a vacation, a reunion, three weeks of swimming lessons and time spent in various pools, two vacation Bible schools, daytrips, and we still have a few birthday parties, including one extra special one, in the near future. I will admit I faced summer vacation with a little trepidation, but it has turned out great, and just like when I was a kid, I hate seeing Back to School signs already.

The reunion we attended was special because we saw a few of the families we met in China last summer. We saw firsthand how well all the children are doing and how they have thrived and changed over the last 11 months. We have a strong bond for having shared such a life changing experience, and it was wonderful to be with them again.

A highlight of the reunion for me was meeting a woman with whom I connected through the internet. Not only have I followed her blog for more than two years, but she was also a calm, funny voice of experience for me during the stressful time between our referral and our trip to China. Her darling daughter shines through pictures and her mother's words, and everytime I read her blog, I feel like I just sat on their front porch in a comfortable chair and enjoyed watching their lives happen before me. When we were at the reunion, I saw that little girl's sweet face run past me, so I called out her name and said, "Take me to your mommy." When I tapped her mother on the shoulder, and she turned around, it was pure delight to tell her my name and witness the look of surprise on her face as she connected the dots. How great to share a hug and marvel at how extraordinary it is that our lives were brought together. We had only bits and pieces of a few short hours to visit, but it was well worth the trip, and I'm sure at the close of day we both smiled remembering how special it was.

Locks*of*Love and Cousins Two

We went to the beach the other day after Jen's Locks*of*Love haircut with strict instructions for her - DON'T GET YOUR HAIR WET! That's a cruel thing to say to a kid at the beach, but we wanted to enjoy her fabulous cut for the rest of the day. This is the third time she has donated 10 inches of her beautiful hair to the organization, and it was a great reason to do something fun for the day. They gave the sand toys a workout on the beach while Ame and I sat and enjoyed watching them enjoy themselves. We finished the day with a gorgeous sunset as we walked back to the car. We're looking forward to spending a late afternoon at the beach again soon.

Hand Me Downs

We love hand me downs, especially when they are as cute as this one. We came home today and found a bag on the kitchen table that daddy brought home from work. Maryn took a look inside, found this dress and right away she wanted to try it on. I told her to put it on and give me a fashion show. She added the accessory, a purse that came from Jenny, and when I saw her I said, "You look like you are on your way to college!" I'm not ready for that yet. How about second grade instead. Last week we received two large shopping bags filled with cute clothes from the 14 year old across the street. I told her we will take everything she gives us and now that she's going into high school, that includes all the formals, too. We are set.