Wednesday, March 10, 2010
BLESSED BEYOND MEASURE!

We have been home with Tia for almost six weeks! Where does the time go? So much has happened since the last time we updated the website. It is difficult to describe in words just how amazing our adoption experience has been. Tia has adjusted so well and we are just stunned by her ability to adapt to new situations. She has a ready smile and loves to show us her Hunan “spice”. She is a very spirited girl and we just love to see all of the facets of her personality. This is not an earthly match… the Lord was very involved in matching Tia to our family! We have no doubt of this at all! She just fits right in with us and she seems like she knows it!

Tia had her first visit to the pediatrician. We had to take her for blood work. She really didn’t like that but thankfully all of the tests came back normal. She’s a very healthy almost two year old! Tia has been getting stronger physically every day. She is now walking very well, navigating the steps, climbing the steps to the sliding board, splashing in the water in the pool at the rec and BUSY, BUSY BUSY!! Tia has been to family birthday parties, soccer games, basketball games, outside in 2 feet of snow, church, Kassidy’s elementary school, play dates, showing houses with Mommy, the coffee shop, shopping, Monday morning prayer group and many other places in the last few weeks. As long as we are there with her she’s willing to try all of these new environments. This has really eased our transition because we are able to get out and participate in our normal routine.

We were spoiled by our church family and friends as they provided meals for us for several weeks! What a blessing that was as we spent lots of time bonding with Tia. Speaking of food, Tia is enjoying many new flavors and trying many new foods. When we were first home she was eating baby food. She tired of that rather quickly and now eats mostly what we are having. Some of her favorites are pastas, pizza, chicken, beef, scrambled eggs, French toast, oatmeal. She’s doesn’t gravitate to the fruits and veggies but we are working on it. She does like pears and green beans.

How about the sibling stuff? Tia is so happy when Kassidy arrives home from school! It makes our hearts just melt to see them having fun together. Tia loves when Kassidy chases her around the house. They both have great belly laughs! Tia often can be found sitting on Kassidy’s lap to play toys or watch Sesame Street. There doesn’t seem to be too much competition between them because of the seven year age difference. Kassidy really enjoys pushing Tia’s stroller when we are shopping or taking a walk. Shawn and and are so happy that they enjoy each other’s company.

Last week we enjoyed having a play date with Lily, one of Tia’s Hunan sisters from the same orphanage. This was the first time we have seen them since being in China together. We are so happy that they live with in a hour drive so that we will be able to continue the girls friendship. Tia seemed to recognize Lily and they had fun playing together. How cute they are and they both have the beautiful Hunan eyes.

We are so thankful that things are going so smoothly and we give the Glory to God! Adoption is a beautiful experience with many layers of emotions. We feel so fortunate that God has entrusted us with Tia and we pray that we’ll be able to teach her to love Him!