For Our Waiting Friends (from Sophie Lu)

My heart is saddened by how very long the wait has become for families adopting from China. We were lucky enough to have experienced a 6 month wait from DTC to referral- but even that seemed like an eternity. I can only imagine how heart-breaking each short batch of referrals is- and how each disappointment makes you feel that much farther away from your baby. I know there is really nothing I can say to help; so instead, I share with you my greatest treasure. I hope she reminds you of your baby who is waiting for you, too. xoxoxo, Shana

This is for all waiting families- especially those who are so close, but still so far away...

The Cinderella Story

As you saw in the previous post, Sophie Lu and Cinderella had the pleasure of meeting recently at a neighborhood picnic. Here, Sophie anxiously awaits her red balloon giraffe...
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Finally, Cinderella completed the balloon giraffe; and Sophie excitedly reached for it as Cinderella offered it to her.
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And then, in her softest voice, Sophie Lu said, "Share?" and sweetly handed the giraffe back to Cinderella. Now, that is what I call a princess~

Sophie Meets Cinderella!

Sophie & Cousin Nicky

Sophie Lu's 10 year old cousin, Nicholas came to stay with us for a few days last week. He is so sweet and gentle with Sophie; and she just adores him! (Although when she first saw him & his new mohawk hair-do, she didn't quite recognize him and screamed for a full 30 seconds...) * Also pictured are Sophie's darling uncles, Marc & Chuck- and big sister, Amy who brought and assembled a pink picnic table for her littlest sister!

Chuck E. Cheese Disclaimer & A Question...

FYI- I despise Chuck E. Cheese along with the rest of you. But, my darling nephew (pics soon to come) was visiting last week and insisted on going there. We offered lots of other choices, but this was his #1 pick! It's funny- before I was a Mommy, I swore off many many places, foods, and things that I now give in to (shoes that light up & Barney included)! Barney- especially; I've always hated that guy. But the first time Sophie saw it (at a friend's house), she ran over to me, grabbed my hand, and led me over to the TV. Then, she proceeded to dance/sing along with Barney, and she hugged me every time he sang, "...with a great big hug...". It was the sweetest thing! It's really hard for me to deny Sophie anything (within reason) that she finds joy in. Anyone else give in to such guilty pleasures? What were they? And for parents-to-be, what do you *think* you won't ever give in to? ;)

*I'll be working on my own "Things I have sworn off but have still not given in to" list (Doodlebops and Wiggles concerts are at the top- ewwww!)

Chuck E. Cheese: The Good, The Bad, The Ugly, and The Best Bang for your Buck!

The Good: Sophie's favorite thing to do at Chuck E. Cheese (besides trying to shove the tickets back where they came from) was driving, or should I say crashing, the red Ferrari! Only 14 more years until she's on the road with the rest of us... yikes!
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The Bad: So I strap Sophie in this seemingly innocent bicycle (in the little kiddy area) and insert my token. Next thing I know, the bike starts rising... and rising... and rising- seriously, almost to the ceiling. She totally freaked out; and I couldn't reach her to get her out! It was awful- They really need a warning on that thing!
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The Ugly: I never realized how very ugly Chuck E. Cheese really is. And, he is a rat. Now, why would a place serving pizza want it's mascot to be a rat? Anyway, even Sophie was in awe of his ratty ugliness & big bucked teeth!

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Best Bang for your Buck: For only one token, you can sit in a booth and have your photo sketched right in front of you! Now, if they only had an airbrushing feature...

Our Little Beach Girl

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Sophie Lu loves the beach, and it's almost impossible to get her out of the ocean. Her Uncle Bryce (who owns a surf shop) swears that she'll be surfing in no time! I'm a huge worrier, though- so we'll just have to see about that. In the meantime, Sophie can continue to run from the waves with Mommy and hunt for sharks' teeth with Daddy! (sorry about 2 collages in a row- I'm trying to learn this new software... Donna, Shelley... how do you frame the entire collage?)

4th of July... Oh my goodness!

Unfortunately, Sophie Lu slept through the 4th of July; so I don't have any photos of her enjoying the fireworks. She did, however, see some fireworks on the beach on the 3rd of July. In hopes that she would follow suit, we all "oooooed" and "ahhhhhed" - to which she simply replied, "Oh my GOODNESS!"
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Sophie's Finds a Bunny (can you guess where?)

Awww, what a cute little bunny! Sophie calls him "Hopper"! Can you guess where she found him?
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Here is a larger view... s

x Now can you guess where they are?

They are at...

...the beach!

This is the view from Sophie's new vacation home at the beach (I took this picture from our patio). We were so surprised to see a bunny at the beach! He is just the cutest little thing- and he seems to really like Sophie Lu. He comes out to eat the grass when it's not too hot; and sometimes, we feed him baby carrots. Everytime we go outside, Sophie calls, "Hopppppper! Where are you??? Hopppperrrrr... I love you!!!" (If Pookie only knew- he would be so jealous! )

Ice Castles II: My Graceful Daddy!

Here is a clip from our recent ice skating adventure (Michael is going to kill me!):
(Don't worry- Sophie Lu was just fine & ready to skate some more!)

China Sisters- One Year Later

We recently spent some special time with a few families we traveled to China with a year ago. We hope to see more of our travel-mates later this summer!

According to their caretakers, Sophie and Natalie were best friends in China. Here they are, together again. It was so sweet- when they first saw each other, they just stared and smiled- I really think they remembered. I'm so glad they had each other then- and now!
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Sophie, Ellie (Natalie's sister), and Natalie
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Sophie, Natalie, & Ellie playing "drums" in the pool

Our three Popsicle Girls: Natalie, Grace, & Sophie Lu
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Enjoying some chips: Grace, Ellie, Natalie & Sophie
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Sophie got very excited when Cami & Kylie arrived! (Grandma Rae thinks it's cute!)
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Chengdu Mommies & Daughters

Mary-Frances & Grace, Sylvia & Natalie, me & Sophie Lu

Chengdu Dress

I had to take some photos of Sophie Lu in her special dress. I bought it for her a year ago in Chengdu, Sichuan (where we received her). My fellow China Mom, Sylvia, and I would take Sophie & Natalie shopping in the afternoons in the hot, steamy streets full of local vendors. I think I must have bought her 20 dresses, but this is one of my favorites. :)

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(wearing Mommy's shoes)

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Big smiles when I told her that some of her China sisters were coming over...

Independence Day (then & now!)

July 4th, 2005 in China (13 months old)

July 4th, 2006 in the USA (2 years old & happy to be home!)