New Year's Eve Party for Three!

Cheers!

Mmmmm!

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Our first family photo of 2006!

The last fun I had in 2005 was...

Some real bubbles in my glass and...

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A bubble bath with Pookie & Dora!

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Sophie's Story (the video)

I finished "Sophie's Story" back in October and have been hesitant to share it on the web; but knowing the heartache many waiting families are feeling these holidays (especially with the slowdown), I have decided to share it. I remember how difficult last Christmas was- knowing that our precious Sophie Lu was in an orphanage somewhere in China- not knowing who she was or how she was, and wondering if she was safe and warm. The only comfort for me was seeing new referral photos and watching other families' "Gotcha" moments and adoption story videos.

The video is long (25 minutes), but it includes photos of Sophie with her caretaker taken with the camera we sent to the orphanage and video footage from our "Gotcha" day. The music is pretty (so have the volume on) and be prepared to wait a couple of minutes while it downloads. Also keep in mind that this is a personal documentary I made for my daughter and that it is not perfect (I learned as I went along). I know it's not much, but I hope it helps! Lots of love to my waiting friends and your darling little ones who wait for you in China!

Happy New Year & God Bless!

With love, Shana
(click arrow on the screen below & have your volume turned up)

Sophie's Christmas Video (turn on your sound)

Take time to smell the roses!

Giddy-Up Horsey!

I got so many great shots of Miss Sophie on her new horsey, it was hard to narrow it down to these! This was one of Sophie's favorite gifts! Thanks Edilia!

Swingin' Santa Lu!

Glamour Santa!

Christmas Morning!

Sophie needed to go outside for some fresh air after her first round of present opening! We enjoyed a beautiful Christmas Day (80 degrees)!

Christmas Eve

We enjoyed a quiet but very special Christmas this year with just the three of us! It is so touching to see how excited Sophie gets when she sees the Christmas tree and all the lights on the houses in our neighborhood! Her new favorite expression is, "Oh WOW!!!"

Sophie Meets Santa!

Well, we went all the way to the North Pole so Sophie could meet the real Santa Claus- but as you can see, she wanted nothing to do with him! Luckily, he didn't seem to mind me sitting on his lap instead! :)

Sophie & Her Rocking Chair!

Our friend Patti hand-painted this beautiful rocking chair for Sophie, and she loves it! Thank you, Patti! (And, Sophie is wearing the very first dress I ever bought for her!)

SOPHIE WALKED!!!!

Oh my gosh- I am so excited right now! While decorating the Christmas tree tonight, Sophie took her very first steps (about 17 of them)!!! We told her not to touch the ornaments, and then she just got up and walked right around the tree and touched them ALL!!! We were shocked and (of course) I cried a little! Then I ran to get my video camera, and sure enough- the battery was dead. But I did get some video footage on my digital camera (though I was too excited to remember to shoot horizontally- so the video is sideways. ) ;) I will try to figure out how to fix it and possibly post a link! Michael and I are so proud of our little walker! I know there were concerns out there about Sophie's delayed walking--- I guess all it took was a little Bing Crosby Christmas music and a tree full of shiny pink ornaments! :)

Sophie's First Christmas Tree!

This is it! Sophie's very first Christmas Tree! She actually chose this tree herself- the second we walked in, she pointed to this specific tree and would not even entertain the idea of another! Since I usually take forever choosing a tree, Michael has decided that Sophie will choose our tree every year from now on. Tomorrow, Sophie and I will shop for pretty pink ornaments!