Make an on-line slide show at onetruemedia.com

She is 18 months old today.

She's been with us for a little over 8 months. Sometimes it seems like we've been together forever; and sometimes it seems like just yesterday, that I sat on a hotel bed feeding my daughter her first bottle---- heart pounding---- head spinning---- emotions reeling. That day is etched in my heart with a butterfly wielding chisel, and I still feel all giddy and light headed remembering it. I think I always will.

I am enamored of her. I am in love with her, from the top of her head, to the tips of her chubby little toes.

I am her mother.

People always say that once you hold your child, you'll forget what it felt like to wait.....to crave motherhood, to grit your teeth against the empty feeling in your gut.

Those feelings have certainly faded somewhat; but I havent forgotten. I dont want to forget. I dont want to EVER forget. Because I dont want to take one second, of one minute, of one day for granted. To allow myself to forget the ache, would surely diminish the joy; and to lose sight of the joy, would be an insult to God, and to her, and to myself.

She holds more grace, and beauty, and grit, and wonder, in her little chest, than anyone I've ever known, and my life has been enriched a million fold by her love.

Happy 18 Month Birthday, my beautiful baby daughter

you hold my heart in your tiny hand

Happy Lunar New Year!

Have you ever tried to pose 9 toddlers for a photo? We do it frequently in this group; with unpredictable results :) Amelia, who is normally a little camera ham, joined with Maisie in protest.--sister girl had a total melt down. Kacey, on the other hand, who normally doesnt like to pose for pictures, was perfectly content to kick back on the couch for her New Year picture. hm.......wonder if there was a full moon?

What we've learned, is that photographing groups of toddlers takes really fast camera snapping............and cookies

Emily and Kacey in the ball pit........that is sadly lacking in balls. when we ordered this thing we thought 100 balls sounded like a lot. ah.......the parenthood learning curve is steep. Particularly on crucial issues such as this........

Emily vacuuming the kitchen

Evelyn and Amelia......Lianjiang twins enjoying a new year cookie

Kailee with her shiner, and Chloe with her cookie

Ansley--another of Amelia Bennetts Lianjiang sisters

Maisie looking weary of the picture taking. Our newest baby home

Kacey in a regal pose....resigned at last.....to having her picture taken. When your this cute, people cant help but take your picture, right Kacey?

Amelia Rose with her pretend Mcdonalds burger. She usually carries the pretend slice of cheese everywhere, but has now traded it in for the burger apparently. she likes to carry it in her purse ;)




Thanks everyone for coming to our new year party. we had a great time!

Thanks Julie for supplying the crisp dollar bills for the red envelopes!

Gong Hey Fat Choy!

HAPPY VALENTINES DAY TO MY GALS

Today is February 14, 2007- our first valentines day with our beautiful daughter- Amelia. This is Jimmy and I have never blogged before so please bear with me. I figured I could have bought a Valentines card for my 2 favorite gals, but thought this would be a more "ROMANTIC" way to express my feelings. So I hope other husbands whose wives read this blog entry will eat their hearts out! I am scoring many bonus points here.

To my wife Cindy, this is our 18th Valentines Day together. It is hard to believe we've been together this long. It seems like only yesterday we had our first Valentines when I made you that "cheesy" homemade card for you. I wish you would take it out of your hope chest and burn it. It is so embarrasing. But, as every year goes by, I love you more and more. This year is definitely our best Valentines Day because it is our first as Mommy and Daddy. Amelia could not ask for a more loving, caring, happy, and goofy mommy as you. You are a wonderful mommy and wife, and we are so very lucky to have you.

To my daughter Amelia, this is our first Valentines Day together. We have only been together 8 months, but it seems a lifetime. I can't even remember, and don't want to remember, what it was like to not have you in my life. You bring so much joy to my life. You are always in my thoughts when I am not with you. Your smile, your laugh, your voice calling out for your daddy, is etched in my mind. So many times we take for granted what we have in our lives. I make every effort not to let this happen. I treasure every moment with you and am grateful every day that I am lucky enough to have you as a daughter.

Happy Valentines Day!

All My Love,

Jimmy