Happy Forever Family Day...3 Years Already!!

June 14, 2008 (posted on the 13th)

Three years ago today was one of the most special days of our lives. We arrived in Nanchang, Jiangxi, The People's Republic of China. We had traveled to receive our 2nd daughter, Ling Xu Qiu. Minutes after we arrived at our hotel we were whisked away to get out daughter. We held our Hope in our arms for the very first time. She was just 10.5 months old and completely precious. She had a head of thick black hair, beautiful brown eyes, and porcelain skin. The nannies were so proud of her fair skin. They told us how beautiful she was and how many nannies wept when she left. She was their "Xue Baochai"~(Xue Baochai is one of the principal characters in the classic Chinese novel Dream of the Red Chamber. She is extremely beautiful and socially graceful.) Xue BaoChai was her nickname.

We received the most amazing gift that day~our daughter.. Words can not describe what we felt. After much prayer, waiting and preparing our family grew instantly into 5. She was breathtaking, literally.

She has been one of the biggest joys in our life. She loves to be loved on and loves to snuggle and cuddle. She needs the security of Mom or Dad at bedtime...for "just one minute". She has more energy than the energizer bunny. She is inquisitive, smart as a whip, encouraging and has been quite enlightening when it comes to what the older kids have done or said. She is a 14 year old in a 3 year old body. She speaks like an adult and will hold a conversation with the best of them - but, not strangers.

My Dearest Hope,

I can't believe it was 3 years ago today that we were able to hold you for the first time. I had longed for you to be with us for 15 months. There was no greater feeling than being able to finally hold you and tell you how much I loved you. You bring sunshine in the room. You bring such joy to our life. You amaze me. You are beautiful. You are mine. I still don't know how we were ever chosen to be your family. We are not worthy to be your parents. But I thank God everyday that we are. I love you more than all the stars in the sky!!

Mommy