amazing photo

so our friend heather found a guy on facebook who works/plays with children in the luoyang childrens orphanage, where lucy was raised. among his 1,100 pictures of the children there was this beautiful picture of lucy in a black polo. it is the only photo taken in that room, and we couldn't be happier for it. notice the straw mat?

look at that little girl. it makes me sad yet so very happy. love that lil kid

reach for the stars, little one

She is just as beautiful as ever. We had a visit to our pediatrician yesterday, and the facts are in: we have plumped her up nicely. She is up to 34 inches, and 23 pounds - that's 7 inches taller and 7 pounds heavier. She is flourishing, and loving every pound of it.

We want to congratulate our friends Heather and Donnie Thompson - they have finally received LOA, so travel plans are on. We are excited for you, and cant wait to see the little man!

Lucy at 6:30am

she is so soft and sweet and kissable first thing in the morning - the last bits of sun for the year were peaking in her window and shining on her - had to take some photos

um, we were hoping for a cute kid???

she is really beginning to pick up on everything we say - she is very smart and remembers things after just one or two times telling or showing her. we have to watch our hand gestures when we talk to her, because she will relate the word with the hand motion, as if a new sign (sign language sign). we have added about 5 more signs to her library. beginning to mimic the sound of words, and her mouth moves when she looks right at us as we speak or read to her. she wants to talk, i know it. she says 'mama', 'on', and 'hi' quite fluently and is starting with 'oh-oh' now. we have a speech therapy evaluation on Nov 12. we are real excited to hear what they think about where she is, where she will be and by when. she has such a cute tiny voice. i love this little kid, she is too much and too cute, i can just chew on her little chub rolls....