She Can See Clearly Now

Maryn has a new look to her beautiful face. She started telling us that she couldn't see and things were "boory," so we took her in for an eye exam. Good thing they can tell by the shape of the eye what sort of correction a person needs because there wasn't much to be gained by the responses to the doctor's questions. She was able to see the rather large E, but when she said she couldn't see the next row down, after a few quick blinks of our eyes which were popping out of our heads, we knew the rest of the letters were just getting jumbled in a tangle of language and there was no cause for alarm. The optometrist was very understanding, especially since her family looks a lot like ours, and we departed after ordering the cutest pair of glasses with pink flowers on the side.

Maryn is very good about wearing her glasses, and, on the occasions when we get to the bus stop in the morning without them, the kids are very good about asking where they are. A short sprint back to the house takes care of that. Lucky for us she has not seemed to notice any more wrinkles on us now that she can see us more clearly, and we think her four eyes are the most beautiful we have ever seen.

The Wheels on the Bike Go 'Round and 'Round

Maryn learned how to ride a bike several weeks ago and has been spending a lot of time on wheels since then. Her bike was a little too big for her so we borrowed a tiny bike from Ame and that was the key to success. She was able to put her feet on the ground if she felt like she was falling, and she could become comfortable with the feeling of balance on her own. It was so cute to see the big smile on her face when she started to get it, and, as it is with every new bicycle rider, she never looked back. When she gets off the bus after school the first words out of her mouth are, "Can I ride my bike?" If we have something else to do after school, we have to keep the garage door down so we can get her redirected without disappointment. It didn't take long before she was putting her feet up on the bar while shouting out, "Look at me," and last weekend while I was gone, Tom said the boys next door showed her how to step on the brakes and throw the back end to the side. I haven't seen it, so maybe she's moved beyond that. I hope.

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.