Book Review

Several people had suggested reading the book: Toddler Adoption: The Weaver's Craft by Mary Hopkins-Best. I wish someone had suggested it BEFORE we adopted Elizabeth. So for those of you out there waiting, I am suggesting it. Go read it. Now, I must disclose that I have not read the whole thing. I am sort of reading random parts that apply to where we are. It would have been so helpful to have before we went. I think it should be required reading. Those online classes did nothing. Now, she talks in pretty general terms and her toddler was adopted from Guatemala or somewhere like that, so the situation is pretty different from China adoptions. Anyway, there are a lot of good things to think about, do and prepare for. While I am suggesting reading, I suggest limiting your online yahoo group reading to a minimum and read things that are actually helpful like this book or others that might be out there. I found it very helpful to read a mom's blog who was about a month ahead of us. I wish I had read this book before, but I am reading it now and catching up. So there is my suggestion for reading.

Fate came to dinner

Grammy just called and they had an interesting meal tonight. They are up at Pike Lake and went out for Chinese. The waitress (not Chinese) saw GPK's Beijing hat and asked if they had gone for the Olympics. They said no and told them why they had been in Beijing and when. When they were done eating and just sitting eating their fortune cookies (I have to tell you about Sam and fortune cookies) a nice young couple came over to talk to them. They apologized for listening in on their conversation, but it was a small restaurant with few people in it. They said they were really interested in the conversation because they had been researching adoption and struggling with infertility issues. If you have met my parents, you know they are always happy to talk about China and Elizabeth, so they were more than happy to chat with this nice young couple. She gave the woman my number and my blog. So, Sara(h) if you are reading this, call me! I would love to talk to you.

The woman said it must have been fate that brought them both to the same restaurant at the same time. GPK with his Beijing hat and the nice couple with their questions. It is amazing how God seems to put the right people in out paths at the right times. I hope that my parents were able to be encouraging to this couple and I hope she calls and we can help them too. David and I talk about how we would love to bring home more babies from China, but know that is not possible for so many reasons. Instead we want to be able to help as many other families as we can. Elizabeth is such a joy and blessing to us and I wish the same for others too.

Here are some pictures. They have nothing to do with this post, but I know you readers will be disapointed if I did not post a pic or two. She took her pig tails out in the car (she alwasys does).

Sam is helping her to walk. She is so close to walking and will take several steps (5-6) between me and another willing person. Sam likes to help her practice. In this picture we are at church.

Here is the story about Sam and the fortune cookies that I mentioned above. Last week we were having No #1 Chinese for dinner. So yummy, but not at all like we had in China. Anyway, we were eating our cookies and Sam said, "it seems like a lot of time people in our family get the fourtunes that end with 'in bed'". David and I cracked up laughing. It is a silly joke that we have done for years and I had no idea Sam actually noticed. I should remember that he usually notices everthing.

Check up with the Orthopedic Dr

Today Elizabeth had a check up with her Orthopedic Doctor, Dr. Lyon. He said she was doing really well. She still needs to wear her silly shoes at night, but does not need to go back to see him for four months. She is really close to walking on her own, but all she wants to do is take my hands and walk all over. When I am holding her, she will grab my fingers and leap from my arms so she can walk all around.

First Day of School

Yesterday was the first day of school. Sam is a big first grader this year. It seems much older than a kindergartner. He seems to think it is much older too. He described yesterday as "awesome". After school we went for ice cream. That is our tradition. Ok, it does not take much to deserve a trip to Dairy Queen, but the first and last days of school are special and deserve ice cream. So are the 19th, 37th and 124th days. Oh, and any other day in between. Just kidding, I don't think we get it that often. Our friends Levi and Soraya joined us. Levi started Jr. Kindergarten this year and Soraya is in first grade like Sam. They are at St. Sebastian's though which is just down the street. Carmen and her kids were supposed to join us too, but they were all sick. Thanks to Sam, but unbeknownst to his mom he had picked up a virus somewhere, shared it on Tuesday when we were all together. He did not get sick until last Thursday though. Luckily for him he was ok by Tuesday for school. Unluckily for his friends they were all a few days behind him. So far Elizabeth and Daddy have been spared.

I have included some pictures from the first day.