5 years ago today...

I met Xiu Wen in a civil affairs office on the other side of the world. I had dreamt of her and prayed for her and finally, I was in the same room with her. I still can not describe how I felt when I held her for the first time. My Lillian Christine Wen was in my arms. Amazing!

We have celebrated Lily Wen's fifth gotcha day all day today and I do have pictures. This Mom is simply too tired to post them tonight. So it gives you something to look forward to later in the week.

I go to sleep smiling for I am the one Blessed as I was the one chosen to be her Mom. It still gives me chills. I have this beautiful, creative, energetic, vivacious daughter. I am hers and she is mine. Life just doesn't get any sweeter!

Our trip to West Virginia!

A week ago we went to West Virginia to see my cousin and his family. We had a wonderful (long overdue) visit. They met Graeme for the first time and I believe the Love was mutual.

One of my bloggie friends asked if Graeme smiles in his sleep. Well, I'm not sure if he smiles but I do hear him giggle sometimes while he sleeps!

Lily Wen discovered the bars and she was determined to master them!
Look at her determination

And her joy as she moved her body from bar to bar!

Graeme loves Alison!

He mimicked her every move!

Alison, Graeme, Karen, Lily Wen and Mike

Me with all the kiddos. Even Evan made an appearance!

This is one of my favorite pics from the weekend!

A little guy bonding time

It was wonderful just to be with family!

Rejoining the blogosphere

I am trying to come up for a breath. The beginning of this school year has been soooooo unbelievably busy. I have just had to let some things go like housework (let's face it, it never was a top priority for me) and blogging (this I have missed). I feel like I am breaking the surface and hopefully can be more consistent! So without further ado...the pictures...

Lily Wen's REAL first day of school. She did great and I survived!

Lily Wen and Lily in the shirts that Lily bought for them. These girls love each other. I was told by Lily Wen's teacher that they seek each other out at breaks.

Then, Lily Wen had to dress through the decades for school. First was the 40's, I had left my camera at a friends and missed that day. Oops! For the 50's, the picture was taken at the end of the day after the return of my camera. Thank goodness her Halloween costume from last year still fits.
Ahhh, the 60's Peace and Love

My 70's girl. This was Lily Wen's favorite outfit.

Last but certainly not least, the 80's. Lily Wen went with the "rocker 80's" look complete with Big Hair. It was fun to drop her off. I noticed all the kids who were dressed in a preppy style with side ponytails and then there was my girl. My Rocker!