Guess who? Timmy says she looks like Dad!

Best Birthday Present Ever!

       The 1st birthday weekend for our 4 year old was a huge success! Riding Annie's new pink
 "bi ce cule" was mastered on the rail trail with big sister Meaghan who can home for the weekend event! The generous gifts from family and friends mesmerized Annie with each rip of wrapping paper.
        But when Uncle Marty, Aunt Nancy's  family gift ( a Dachshund doggie) arrived on Friday, Annie was over the moon! Annie is both terrified and in love with all small dogs. When we see any dog she will run up to the dog excited and eager to pet them. As soon as the dog makes a move or barks Annie turns, runs and climbs up the nearest familiar body to safety.
        So the fact that the birthday gift was a helium filled balloon in the shape of a Dachshund dog made this the perfect pet for Annie. The weights on the "doggie's feet combined with the helium made the dog hover and move in what appeared to be a  walking motion. The ribbon attached served as a perfect leash.
          The doggie named "Coover" went everywhere with Annie all weekend including to the diner for a girls lunch with Meaghan. Apparently, the dog had a hard time staying in the booth. Annie had to repeatedly chase him, pull him and reprimand him to "sitty down".

As the two opened to door to leave the cool breeze caused the "dog" to rush out ahead of the sisters scaring an elderly women as she tried to enter the restaurant. When Annie and I happened to go to the same restaurant this morning the hostess looked at Annie and said:" where is your dog today?"

Today 4 years ago, on the other side of the world, a women gave birth to our daughter. What were the circumstances that made her leave this precious four day old baby outside the Hefei Hospital. Did she believe this child's missing right hand would require more care than she could provide? Did she look into her sweet black eyes and sob knowing she had to leave her. Was she watching from close by to make sure her tiny infant was brought inside?  I can only imagine how her heart must have been breaking. I imagine on this day our child's birth mother is wondering, praying and longing to know that her child is happy and cared for. I can only imagine her sadness as she looks at the date on the calendar and thinks of the child that is not in her arms. Today I woke wondering and feeling sad for this mother I have never met but feel I owe so much.

If only she could somehow know that her sacrifice is a wonderful gift to a family on the other side of the world. I wish she could know that her baby was placed in the arms of a blue eyed, red haired women and family who are completely enchanted and adore this child. If only she could know that this child has been embraced by her new family and community with opens arms and loving hearts. 

In four short months this little girl has melted the heart of everyone she has met.

This date on the calendar is cause for celebration! If this date is our Annie Kate's first birthday she has ever celebrated she is clearly making up for the first 3 years she missed.

Today Happy Birthday was sung at least 15 times through out the day. At Annie's insistence there was a candle in her waffle for breakfast, in her yogurt for lunch and on her yellow cake after dinner. Her  face was price less as she watched repeatedly as the cake spun around on the  musical cake plate that was at each of my birthday celebrations during my childhood. After her nap the Myers traditional "search for your gift" had Annie following the yard through out the house...literally. Daniel and Molly started at Annie's bedroom, ran the string through the living room, out the door, along the north side of the house, back in the front door, to the kitchen, to the laundry room, out to the pool area, along the south side of the house, to the garage and finally to rest at her brand new pink, big girl bicycle!  

Tomorrow the party continues with friends and family, with more cake, a bounce house and I am sure additional renditions of "Hoppy Birfday to Yous". 

Chinese folklore believes that a thin red line connect those who are meant to be together and nothing in the world can break that thread. There is no doubt Annie Kate is where she was meant to be, with us her family. 

I pray for Annie's birth mother. I pray she can be at peace knowing the child she gave life to is happy, thriving and loved beyond words. Isn't that what all mothers want for their children?

Happy 4th Birthday Annie Kate!

"OH CANADA"

Wait Your Turn and The Filibuster!

There is no doubt that living in an orphanage one of Annie's first lessons, was likely, learning to wait her turn. In fact, the first time I ever mentioned that she would need to wait her turn to speak she understood.

Very quickly she learned to say: " Now it Annie torn!"

Although she always has a lot to say, lately when she is speaking she has refuses to yield to floor to anyone.

She has been known to continue speaking, alternating between English, Chinese and nonsense languages as she glances around the room for subjects to keep talking about. When we ask her if she is attempting a filibuster she replies without taking a breath: "Yes, filbusta!" Then keeps on going.

How to eat a popsicle!

Another fun day!

Annie awoke with the sun, ready to jump in the pool before breakfast. We have gotten her to stop referring to the jet skis as "car seats" which she happily waited her turn to ride until Molly had a spin around the intercostal. Annie's language astounds us daily. Today she clearly announced she needed some "lippy stick" before going to dinner. On the way home, her little voice from the back seat while waving her hand, requested the song, " All da single yaddies!"

Today was also a reality check. After nap time we gave Annie a Popsicle to eat out by the pool. She looked it all over and when it started to melt she announced she didn't want it. It had never occurred to me that she would have no idea what to do with the cold, sticky, dripping treat. I showed her how to sip the juice from it, turn it, bite it and finally lick the stick.

Being a very quick study, Annie discovered she could clean her messy Popsicle hands by dipping them in the pool, reapplying lippy stick, head off for her turn on the "car seats" all while singing her new favorite Beyonce song!

4 Months and a life time ago!

Today marks 4 months that we have had Annie Kate home with us all. It seems like she has always been here.

In such a short number of days she has completely changed our lives and as much as we feel uncomfortable admitting, we have changed hers.

Daniel and I were discussing the nature/nurture debate today.

We concluded maybe it is as simple as Annie Kate has been given the space and opportunity to be the individual she was born to be. This tiny little person seems to embrace her new world and family as one exciting adventure after another. Each and every day she is thrilled with every experience.

Yesterday, she caught a fish on her own with her new fishing rod, rode a jet ski for the first time, and finally Annie Kate bravely jumped into the pool unassisted and swam. With no nap she was dressed up dragged to a restaurant where she ate all Timmy's clams along with her own meal and she never questions the rule, no soda for Annie.

I am humbled at the trust she displays towards all of us. Some how she knows or feels we will not let her down, we will not let any harm come to her.

In 4 months time she has gone from having no parents to guide and love her to seven, plus an extended family that may be as vast as China itself.

In 4 months time her language has gone from having never heard English to proficiency. She not only can understand everything but she can also express herself... very clearly. Last week from the back seat of the car this little voice said: "I donut like dis song, different song peas."

Tonight while being praised for her good manners at dinner Annie interrupted ...."and patience too!"

On this Easter Sunday we are blessed beyond words. We have our very own little miracle. Thank you God!