Birthday Party Pics!

Strawberry Ladybug Cake...Yum!

Singing "Happy Birthday"...she danced! It was very cute!

She did a "so-so" job on her cake...she didn't seem that interested!

Garrett and Wesley "decorated" for the party...thus, the sign behind her!

Her brother's and cousin's had to help open the presents!

Looking at all of her gifts!

This one (from Granny!) was one of her favorites!

A letter to Taryn on her 1st Birthday

Taryn, I can't even express how happy we feel since you have joined our family. Everyone always comments on how "lucky" you are that we adopted you...well, what they don't understand is that WE are the lucky ones! There hasn't been a day that has gone by that we haven't felt blessed by you. On this day I am reminded that across the world there is a woman who gave birth to you and then secretly left you on the courthouse steps in Jiangxi China. She did this so you could have a forever family. Something that, for whatever reason, she couldn't give to you. In this one selfless act, she provided you with a forever family...but, she also gave us one of the dearest gifts we will ever receive...you! I pray for her today. I don't know where she is, or what she is doing...but I DO know she will think of you today and wonder what became of you. Oh how I wish I could hug her and tell her you are more than okay! We love you our sweet Birthday Girl...we love you!

Birthday Girl Cuteness!

Our Little Nest...

"What U Talkin' Bout Willis.."

Okay...She got into my eye-liner...oops!

Baby Beethoven!

Mozart and Beethoven

Swingin' with my Bubby's!

"My Hero!"

How Cute Is This!

Today was just a beautiful day! It was COLD in the middle of May...but sunny, so we were able to work outside. I am so pleased to say that Taryn is coming along beautifully. Every day is a new surprise with her. She seems to be adjusting so well, and most all of her "past" seems to be forgotten (hopefully...how does one really know with an 11mo!). The other day when I went in to pick her up out of her crib after her nap...she squealed and clapped! That went straight to my heart! It was like she KNEW I was her Mommy and better yet, she LOVED me! I know that sounds silly...but, so many things about this transition have been a mystery! Especially her feelings and thoughts on the whole process! We are constantly wondering about what she remembers, is she bonding correctly, does she feel like a part of the family, etc... When you bring a newborn home from the hospital you have time to grow into all of these questions...and they are really not even "questions" by this point! But, with an adoption, there is just an element of wonder... I guess only another adoptive parent would be able to understand that and not think I am "crazy"!
I do have to say that she does seem very happy with us! She adores her brothers (and they her!) and she lights up when her Dada comes home from work...and, well, I already told how she squeals for me! Right now I couldn't be happier with our little family!
I hope everyone had a wonderful Mother's Day. I pray for all of the Mother's that are carrying babies in their hearts right now... I pray you feel blessed and at peace knowing that the baby God has planned for you is out there waiting!
Enjoy the pictures!

These are the Days of Our Lives...

OMG! I can' believe how long it has been since my last post! Not that anyone is waiting with baited breath for me to post...but, seriously, time just slips away before you realize that the things you love to do have gone by the wayside!
So, much has been going on lately! Taryn is now enrolled in first steps...of course, the minute they make the first appointment over the phone she starts "army" crawling all over the house...and pulling herself up on the coffee table AND the couch! That is ALWAYS how it works right? Your child could be running a temp of 103.0, coughing up a lung, and lethargic...but, take them to the Doctor and they are all smiles and giggles! At least, that has been my experience with the boys! So, hopefully, by the time First Steps comes in she will be running and (this is what I want the most...) saying "mama"!
I took the kids to get there professional pictures taken. It had been about 3 or 4 years since I had taken the boys...I just got to where I started doing it myself! I was really pleased with them! It took Taryn until the end of the session to "warm" up to it all...but, they are still cute!
We also took her to the Cardiologist...I don't know if I mentioned it before...but, she has a heart murmur. And, as a Peds Nurse...you KNOW I had to check that out! He said it was "fine" and a "normal" heart murmur...didn't know heart murmurs could be normal...but, whatever! I was just glad to hear it...and we don't have to see him any longer! Yeah!
Another "biggie", I went back to work yesterday! I am fortunate enough to work part-time and the hours I do work, Steve is home with the kids. So, it really isn't that bad! I think I had like 10 calls from co-workers and friends "checking" on my emotional state yesterday! I WAS FINE! It really wasn't as bad as I thought it was going to be! I think, just maybe, I am the one with "separation anxiety" NOT my daughter! Hmmmmm.....
So, I know all of this is extremely boring...but, I had to get everyone "caught up" on what is going on in our household! We are not that "interesting" anyway...but, for some reason, I must think we are to want to "blog" about it!
I pray everyone is "hanging" in there while waiting for their little ones to come home from China! My heart has not stopped "hurting" and sympathizing in the very least with you! In fact, it has grown into such a "passion" of mine to encourage those waiting to bring their babies home! So much so, that I have felt compelled to always end with a note of encouragement to those of you who have been "called" to carry a child in your heart. All while waiting for what seems like an eternity to bring them home! Peace...