Tuesday, January 31, 2012

Update!!!

My heart is full...I can't wait until she's in my arms.

19 months old

 Love that smile!

Her hair is sooo long!


I requested updated measurements & photos through our agency.
She's still living in a home with a foster family.
Here are her measurements:
Height: 31.9 inches Weight: 23.1 lbs Head size: 17.3 inches Chest size: 17.9 inches
Teeth number: 11

2. Please provide an updated photo.
Her photos are attached

3. What time does she take a nap/go to bed for the evening?

She gets up at 8:30am, naps from 11:30-1:30, and goes to bed at 9:00pm
4. What is her favorite food?

She isn’t picky. She likes fruit, sweets foods and likes to have milk.

5. Is she walking independently?

Yes, she can walk independently. However, she is timid and is afraid of falling; she likes to be held while walking.

6. Will we get to meet the foster family?

Her foster mother will take Huang Xiang to the orphanage when you meet her, and you will see her foster mother at that time.

According to these measurements, she's not too far behind Harper in weight & height.
What I've learned about these updates is they're often inaccurate.
They weigh the child in all 45 layers of clothing!
O'well, I'll take it.
We're still waiting on our TA (longer than usual because of the Chinese New Year last week) & hope to hear something next week.
This update is just what I needed as we endure the wait to bring her home.
Enjoy!

 


Wednesday, January 25, 2012

Gong Xi Fa Cai

Happy New Year



We kicked off the Chinese New Year by attending a Chinese culture night.
It was a beautiful event with music, dancing & martial arts performed by middle school children from Beijing.
We're so lucky to live in a diverse university town & have these events right outside our door!
Harper loves watching dance & had a great time.


The year of the dragon is considered a lucky year.  Many couples try to get married or have children during this year.



Friday, January 20, 2012

Sisterly Love

I often catch Harper kissing Melaina's little picture on our fridge.
She tells me all of the time that she loves her baby sister.

Do I think she loves her? Yes I do.
Will she want to send her back? That's a strong possibility!
There's nothing more beautiful than a sisterly bond.
I pray that they will have the same closeness I share with both of my sisters!





On the right is Harper's referral picture....2 years ago we saw this sweet face for the first time.


When are we going to China?
We're waiting on our TA which should come in about 3 weeks.
Once we receive travel approval, our agency will schedule our Consulate appointment & let us know when we can book our flights & hotel.
It's right around the corner & will be here before you know it!

Wednesday, January 11, 2012

Dentist Visit

Harper had her first visit to the dentist office. We've been talking it up for a few months telling how much fun it was going to be.




Harper had to play dentist to her baby doll first.


 The dentist had to check baby doll's teeth out also.

 Now, it's Harper's turn

I'm proud to report that there were no tears & no cavities!


She got 3 tokens & got a few surprises



We couldn't believe she did so well.
I scheduled an appointment for her and Melaina in 6 months.
It's hard to imagine how different our lives will be by then!

Friday, January 6, 2012

Speech Progress

Harper had cleft lip surgery in China in the Spring of 2010.
We brought her home in September of 2010 & soon after, she had her palate repaired on November 2, 2010.
 Speech therapy was not recommended at her 3 month post-op appointment.
We decided that we would go ahead & start speech, it wouldn't do any harm, right?
She began speech therapy in March, 2010, less than a year ago & currently has speech 3 times/week for 30 min.



 Less than 1 year of ST & she's progressing well.
Of course, we have a long way to go, but given all of her circumstances, new home, new language & new mouth, she's doing awesome!
Harper's determination & willingness to learn has taken her to the level she's at.
She loves her speech therapist & feels special at school having that individual attention from an adult.
I'm SO proud of this kid.



2011 Favorites

WOW!
I can hardly believe 2011 is over!
Here's a favorite photo from each month...Enjoy

January

February

March


April

May

June

July

August

September

 October

November

December

May 2012 bring health, happiness & joy!

Thursday, January 5, 2012

Happy New Year

We rang in the New Year with a house full of noise!

These two baby girls were the best of the bunch.





Happy New Year!

Tuesday, January 3, 2012

More Christmas Photos



We spent Christmas Eve with Neil's family & went to Aunt Tina's house.
Here's a darling video of the kids doing a little dance....






  
Choo Choo....Andi was definately the ring leader of the evening!


Christmas morning was pretty calm for the most part.
Harper still doesn't get the Santa/present thing.
Every time we gave her a present she'd say "Is this for me?"


Elmo boots

Barbie guitar
My parents got her a wagon...Thanks!


If only I could photoshop Bria into this photo....We always miss her when she's not with us on a holiday.
Next year, we'll have Bria & Melaina! 

Merry Christmas from our family to yours!