We Celebrated TWO Forever Family Days this Spring

Allie was placed in our arms on March 14th, 2005, in Fuzhou City, Fujian Province, China. Allie has come so far in the five years since she first became our daughter. We had years of her struggling to be independent and pushing us (especially mommy) away. But ever so slowly, Allie began to trust us. She let her guard down bit by bit, and she now allows herself to love us freely. It has been a heartbreaking process at times, but the most beautiful transformation that parents could see. Allie has grown into a beautiful girl. She is still very sensitive but she has really come to life in so many ways. We were quite surprised to see how social she can be! It seems that Allie can meet other children and just join in on their fun quite readily (our other two little ones are more aloof around kids they don't know well) She's an amazing reader and very bright and just excelled in kindergarten this year. Allie bug, we are so proud of you and we love you so much!

(disclaimer - we did celebrate her Forever Family Day in March; I just failed to blog about it)

And two years later, on June 4, 2007, Annie came to our family in Nanning City, Guangxi Province, China. Annie was a bit older (not quite 2 years old), and she was old enough to know that something was up when they brought her into the room. Our poor girl was terrified. I remember my surprise when she walked into the room; I had expected a tiny, perhaps frail little girl (she does have a small VSD and we had prepared ourselves for possible health issues), but in walked this little girl that appeared quite sturdy. She was sipping on a little drink and wearing a dress that read "Diva" across the back! Annie has also learned to love us in the three years that she's been home. She came to us with the ability to throw the biggest tantrums that I've ever seen in a toddler and she's made great progress with tantrum reduction (both the length, frequency, and intensity). Annie is strong, athletic, smart, and kind. She almost always tries to make sure her sisters get the first everything (snacks, drinks, stickers, gifts, everything) She is so sweet. She is full of life and has this amazing intensity about her! She really gives everything she tries 110%. Annie, you make us laugh nearly every day and we love you dearly!!