Daddy's little girl

Once upon a time, there was a young man so in love with a young lady that he decided to ask for her hand in marriage. Tragically, shortly after their engagement, they were separated and could only communicate via mail or telephone. During one phone call, the young lady was talking about their future children and dreaming about their life together as young ladies often do. The young man told the young lady he wasn't sure if he wanted children for he couldn't imagine sharing his love with anyone else but the young lady and he certainly couldn't imagine having to share the young lady's love with anyone else. The young lady explained how the heart is an amazing muscle which can expand and allow room to love new people as they come into our lives.

I think this young man's heart muscle expanded pretty easily, don't you???

And, oh yes, they lived happily ever after...

I love my Auntie Pauline

My sweet Auntie Pauline made this pretty sweater for me long before I was ever home. I am finally big enough to wear it.

Thanks Auntie Pauline!!!

I love you,
Lindy

One year ago today...

... at 11:06 a.m., I (Lisa) received the most exciting phone call of my life. It was "THE" call Don and I had longed to receive for months--the call letting us know we finally had a daughter. The anticipation was so absolutely excruciating that I still get weak in the knees and stomach when I think about it. I also get super teary-eyed.

Don and I fell in love that day with three little photos sent to us via email. We memorized the little tidbits of information about this little baby named "Fan Xiao Jia" and analyzed every detail of the pictures. Don said from the very beginning, "Look at that face! She's got an attitude." He wasn't too far off about that! We carried pictures of her around in a manila folder and showed her off with the pride of any new parent. We celebrated our special news by eating Chinese food at a restaurant appropriately named "Full House." Don't ask me what I had--I don't remember a bite.

Tonight we celebrated the year anniversary of our referral day by returning to Full House and having Chinese food. This time we didn't have to linger over tiny photos in a manila folder because we had the real deal live and in person cheerfully greeting the customers and walking around in her squeaky shoes.

Receiving our referral a year ago was just the beginning of some very exciting and special times. God blessed us so richly and answered so many prayers when He chose Lindy for us.

One...two...three...fries???

Hi there,

Lindy seems to have an obsession. In her world, one particular word takes on several meanings.
For example, when we are counting together it goes something like this:

Mommy: One
Lindy: Two
Mommy: What comes after two?
Lindy: Three
Mommy: What comes after thr (cut off by Lindy)
Lindy: Fries
Mommy: No, sweetie, four comes after three.
Mommy: What comes after four?
Lindy: Fries
Mommy: Fries??? No, sweetie, FIVE (extra emphasis) comes after four.
Mommy: What comes after FIVE (extra emphasis)?

Another example:
Mommy, Daddy, and Lindy at a favorite Chinese or Mexican restaurant. Dinner is served...All of a sudden Lindy emphatically exclaims, "Fries. Need fries. Fries. Need fries." Mommy and Daddy look at each other puzzled and think, "sorry, sister--no fries here." Then we tempt her with some chicken, broccoli (usually shot down), beans, and some rice--which we have learned ALSO translates to fries.

Well, despite the fact that fries=five and fries=rice, she does enjoy some good old yummy French Fries like most American girls...just hold the ketchup, please!

Happy New Year!

Happy 2007!!!

I hope you are off to an outstanding new year!

I am a bit behind on blogging but am happy to say, ALL the Christmas decorations are down and put away. I think putting away the decorations is one of the most mundane tasks--ever. Lindy was a bit bewildered as we took apart the tree and packed away the snowmen adorning the mantle. She would sweetly say, "bye bye" over and over. It all must seem a bit crazy and confusing!

I am not one to make New Year's Resolutions because, admittedly, I am not super disciplined at keeping them. However, I have thought of some goals I want to try to meet as I parent Lindy in 2007 (in no particular order).

Here's the top 10:
1. Start and end each day with a big kiss, hug, and "I love you."
2. Maintain patience.
3. Keep working on her potty training.
4. Help her learn important concepts such as sharing, apologizing, obedience, and respect.
5. Have her eat more veggies.
6. Get her more involved with putting away her belongings.
7. Diligently work on colors, letters, and numbers. She "kind of" counts to five right now.
8. Make and take the time to keep singing, dancing, reading, and playing with her on her level.
9. Be consistent in my discipline and expectations.
10. Pray about her and for her EVERYDAY.

I am sure there are hundreds of others I need to consider, as well, so hopefully I'll be able to hit a bunch more, too.

If you're a resolution maker or goal setter, I hope you'll achieve whatever you set out to do in 2007.

Cheers,

Lisa