Simple Pleasures

Having Mia in my life has made me acutely aware of some of the "Simple Pleasures" that life has to offer.  Pleasures that seem to go unnoticed unless this is your first experience.   I am blessed to be able to spend my days teaching and loving this incredible child.  Here are just a few of Mia's simple pleasures.

praying to Jesus

a goodnight kiss

eating ice cream

making cookies

reading princess stories

licking the cake batter spoon

taking a bubble bath with rubber ducks

a Valentine's card in the mailbox

watching a Disney movie

playing the piano

chasing cats in the grass

blowing bubbles

bedtime stories

and most important

A Mama & Baba to love the hurt away

   

To Baton Rouge and Back

This weekend we took Mia to Baton Rouge, Louisiana to meet Brandon and Brooke for the first time.  Since school and work keep them busy in Mississippi we thought meeting there would be easy for all.  It rained the entire trip, but we had a good time in spite of the weather.  It's amazing how love just radiates from this precious little girl.  She has a way of touching your heart that can erase nine years of separation in a minute.  It's like she has been a part of our family forever, only missing and now she is back.  Tucked safely in our hearts where she belongs.  

Waiting for my Gege & JieJie

Together at Last

First time bowling

Love my Gege & JieJie 

Leaving for home

Surgery for Mia

Been trying to sit down and update the blog all week, but time just goes by so fast.  We have been busy celebrating the  Chinese New Year, went to a Chinese dumpling party and now Valentine's day.   

We took Mia to the eye specialist last Friday in Houston.  Final diagnosis is that she has ptosis in both eyes and will have surgery on March 9th.  This will consist of outpatient surgery with five small incisions for each eye.  After the recovery process she will no longer have to raise her eyebrows and tilt her head back to see clearly.   So thankful for modern medicine.  

Chinese New Year Celebration

Rachael & Mia

Mama & Mia making Chinese dumplings

First Valentine's Day

  

 

Look What Came Today!

U.S. Citizenship

Hurray!!  Look what came in the mail today.  Mia is now officially a United States citizen.  

Doctor Visits & Test Results

We have been home just little over a month now.  Seems like Mia has been a part of our family forever!


Here are a few highlights from our first month home.

• Completed our first home visit with our America World case worker.
• First movie - Beauty and The Beast - she loved it!
• Visit with the pediatric endocrinologist went well.  Mia's bone age tested out to be that of a 6 year old so her blood work looks good comparing her to that age.  However, we know that her biological age is 9 years, so there is some catching up to do.  We are expecting with good nutrition and lots of love we will see some growth.  If not we go back to see the doctor in May for some stem cell testing to see if she needs growth hormones. 
• Visit with the eye doctor - diagnosis is ptosis of both eyes.  The left eyelid droops right at the pupil of one eye so she recommended we go see a specialist to get further testing and possible lid repair of both eyes.  Will update after that visit.
• Doing great with her homeschooling!
•  Learning English very quickly - key phrases "What is that?" "What does that mean?" "Nice to meet you" and "Oh my goodness!"
• Loves bowling on the family Wii - first day she scored a 225.  Beats everyone around this house!

She is such a joy to have in our lives.  Every day is something new and exciting. We are celebrating Chinese New Year this Saturday.  Can't wait for her to enjoy this holiday. Here are a couple of pictures of her playing dress up. 

Princess Mia

Beautiful Smile