One Year Ago

On August 2, 2009 a very scared and sick little girl was placed in my arms. She was hungry and was running a fever. I was overwhelmed with emotions. I was sad for this little girl who had been taken from everything she has known and was happy because I knew we finally had our Allie. I knew that the love we could give this little girl was unmeasurable. Her two big brothers were so happy to finally see the baby that we had talked about for the last four years.

Once we were back in our room, we fed Allie a warm bottle of milk. She drank every drop and wanted more. She cried for about 15 minutes after the bottle and then she started to relax. By the end of the night we had her laughing and she was very curious about us. I decided it was OK to change her so I gave her a quick bath and put clean clothes on her. This picture was taken that first night. I love the look she is giving me!!

Today Allie is full of personality and is very happy. She loves her big brothers and her daddy. The two of us share a very special bond. I can't even describe the feeling I have for this little girl. She makes me feel complete. Thank you God for Guo Dan Ju. She is a true blessing and a miracle!

Fantastic Reunion

Allie and Julianna

Miss Priss

My future fire fighter at the Children's Museum.

What a wonderful time we had at our first reunion for our beautiful daughters. It's hard to believe we have been home almost a year and even harder to believe how much the girls have grown and changed. So many happy faces on the girls and their families. These little girls hold a very special place in my heart and I love them all dearly. Thanks again to Georgette for pulling this all together. You rock!!

Who's ready to smile!

Allie and her best buddy Julianna were able to hang out today and play. They gave each other a big hug when they first saw each other.

Delaine and I were all smiles watching our girls play.

Big brother and big sister

Allie's favorite activity READING!

I love this little smirk!

She would let me read to her all day if we could.



Our beautiful baby is such a blessing!

What a wonderful year!

What a sad look in her eyes

Not any more! One year ago I saw our beautiful daughter for the first time. I immediately fell in love with her and each day our bond grows stronger. Thank you God for such a beautiful blessing.

Summer Fun Pics

This is a 4 week old racoon my sister is hand raising...So cute!

My silly girl! She loves hugs!

Fun at Disney

Her favorite part of Disney is splashing in any puddle of water she could find.

She wasn't sure about Mickey and enjoyed him more when he was at a distance.



My little niece was able to go with us and she is having a ball!