MEETING FRIENDS

Ian and I took Ava this morning to a mommy and me group that meets in our area about once a month with children adopted from China. There were about a dozen of the most adorable little girls there. Ava was the youngest with the next being about 2 years old (who happened to be from Ava's orphanage!). It was a nice bunch of women and we look forward to getting together with them again. I was also excited to FINALLY meet Truly Blessed (her site is password protected) after emailing back and forth for so long. She is just as nice in person as she is on her blog. I also have to say....Her two girls are just ADORABLE!! Here are a few photos taken today. I didn't want to post any on here of all the children without permission, so these will have to do. ;)









I also have to say....When Ava gets around other children she becomes this VERY serious girl. She did flash a smile or two today, but was back to the serious little girl we saw in China.

HAT GIRL

AVA'S WALKING!

Just so you know....Getting corner safety protectors for the coffee table is on my shopping list. ;)

OUR BEAUTIFUL GIRL

LOVIN' OLIVE*GARDEN!

PJ PICS

Here are some pics of Ava wearing her penguin pj's from her Auntie K. Ava loves to have sleeves on her pajamas....She sucks on her wrist when she is tired or going to sleep and likes to have fabric to suck on. It really is adorable. Our girl also took her first steps yesterday and is officially on the road to walking on her own. Our video camera is a real pain in the butt to download to the computer, but if I can get it worked out....I'll post some video of Miss Ava taking a few steps. She is very proud of her accomplishment....As are the rest of us!!

ONE MONTH A FAMILY

Dear Ava,

One month ago today in Nanchang, China....You were placed into my arms. You changed our lives that day, sweet girl. You have filled all of our lives with so much love and so many laughs. Our lives are so much better now that you're here! You have brought so much laughter into this house as we watch all the funny things you do. You have such a hilarious personality and you know it! You love to make us laugh and you succeed each and every time!

So much has changed for you in the last month. You now have a Mommy, a Daddy, a big sister and two big brothers. You have come to a strange place with strange new smells. You have come to a place where most of the people look so much different that you. You have come to a house filled with dogs and cats. We expected that you would have a long adjustment period getting settled into your new life here, but we were wrong. You seem very much at home as you play in your bedroom, sleep in your crib, play with your toys, hug your stuffed animals, eat in your highchair, toss the dogs the food you have on your plate, take a stroller ride around the mall, take a grocery cart ride around the store and ride around town in your pink car seat. You do it all with a smile on your face. You're a happy girl that has a smile that lights up a room. You have this laugh that makes everyone laugh with you. You have this little devilish grin that I adore! You're so strong willed and you know exactly what you want....And there is no stopping you....You're going to get it!! How appropriate that the name you were given in China meant strong willed.

I'm not the only one in the family that has fallen madly in love with you, Miss Ava. You have a Daddy that you have wrapped around your little finger. He misses you so much when he is at work and can't wait to get home to see you! We keep you up until 9:00 at night to make sure you have some time with Daddy each night before bed on the nights he works late. You have a big sissy that can't wait to see you everyday and you love your big sissy too! You will whisper "sissy" really softly and smile. You get so excited when you see your mega bro bro and will blow him kisses. You changed your big brother. His face lights up when he sees you, he holds you, feeds you and shares his ice cream with you. One day he was holding you and I asked him if you have changed his mind about wanting to have kids someday and he said, "maybe" with a smile on his face. And your big bro bro, Ian....He wanted you here so badly and he's so happy that you are FINALLY here with us. He plays with you in your room and he watches out for you like a big brother should. One day you fell and hit your head and your big brother cried. He loves you, Ava....He loves you with all his heart. We all do. You were so worth waiting for. All the pain and heartache of the long wait went away the day you were placed into my arms. You're so much more that I could have ever dreamed of. You're my precious baby girl and I love you so very much. Happy one month a family, baby girl. You have blessed our lives so very much.

Love,
Mommy

SWINE FLU STRIKES AGAIN

I just heard that one of my favorite bloggy friends is quarantined in China with her family... Someone on their plane had the Swine Flu virus. Please keep Mary and her family in your thoughts and prayers. I hope that this week passes quickly for them and that none of them end up getting sick. Poor little Emily is going to have to wait an extra week to be united with her family.