First Day of School

For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord,

plans to prosper you and not harm you,

plans to give you hope and a future."

Jeremiah 29:11

Most moms have five years before they send their precious babies off to school.  I have had eight months to prepare, so today was a little sad.  I wasn't particularly nervous because I know she is in good hands, but I will miss her joyful spirit during the day.  Thankfully, there is another boy in her class who lives in our neighborhood who will be riding the bus with her.  It is about a 45 minute ride to their school.  Roberto was already on the bus this morning with a big grin on his face and franticly waving his hand when her saw Mia.  She was excited to see him too.  Mia hopped on the bus and sat down next to him.  She looked at me like" Okay mom you can get off the bus now.  I will be just fine."  So off she went with her lunch, backpack and her new friend.  As a mother I couldn't ask for a better way for my baby to start the school year.  

Below are a couple of pictures and a video of her reciting the Pledge of Allegiance.  To mute the blog music just scroll to the bottom and hit the mute button.  Enjoy!!

First day of fourth grade!

Big Smile

Eight Months with Mia

Mia's Baptism

August 19th, 2012

My Girls

Eight months ago today Mia came into our lives as our adopted daughter.  Today she became an adopted daughter of Christ.  She was so excited for this day to finally get here.  When we first adopted Mia I thought it was going to be difficult to explain  religion to her, but this amazing girl has embraced Christianity so completely that it has been easy.  The other day she asked me if Jesus can speak Mandarin.  I told her that Jesus can speak all languages.  She looked confused and said, "No Mommy there is no God, or Jesus in China."  I told her yes, He is everywhere and that when she grows up she can go back and tell the people of China all about Jesus. 


Summer camp was a blast.  Mia enjoyed Lutherhill so much that she said we were moving there so she would never have to leave.  I know how she feels.  

Entrance to Lutherhill

St. John's Youth

So hot, but happy!

Love that Smile

The Watermelon Festival in Hempstead was so hot!!  However, we do have the best watermelons in the world!!

Simply Delicious!

Mommy & Mia

Last week we registered Mia for school.  We didn't know if they were going to put her into the New Arrival Center, or straight into the classroom.  The counselor told us that as of Friday they changed the rules.  If a student has been in the United States for longer than six months they would not qualify for NAC services.  I was worried because I know she needs to be in the smaller classroom environment.  Luckily the counselor intervened and they are going to let her into the program.  Glad to see that the school district will bend the rules and do what is best for the child.  Thank you CFISD!  School starts next week and we are looking forward to an exciting school year.  

Seven Months with Mia

July 19th, 2012

Today marks our seventh month with Mia.  I cannot believe how quickly the time is flying by.  She is just growing and thriving and has worked her way into a whole community of hearts.  People will always comment on how happy she is.  She is a constant bundle of joy.  Always smiling and so happy. She asks a million questions and has the sweetest giggle.  To say we love her is an under statement.  We are so very blessed because this isn't always the case with adoption.  I was prepared for a much harder journey.  Praise God.


Our visit with the social worker went well.  I could tell that Mia was extremely nervous.  I felt nervous too.  Not because of the visit, but because my child was stressed and she doesn't understand what is going on.    I would be afraid too if a stranger came into my house and bedroom to ask me questions in a language that I don't fully grasp.   Especially when this person is a direct connection to a place I have no desire to go back to.    Luckily our social worker is the sweetest lady.  We will see her again in December.


The day before I left for my trip to Alaska, Mia's doctor called and said that she would like to go ahead and do the stem cell testing on her.  At our last visit Mia had blood work done and one of her numbers came back low.  I was hoping to avoid this because it is going to be painful and take several hours to complete.  However, we still probably won't have to do the growth hormones because of her rapid  development.  It will only tell us if we need to stop her from going into puberty now because she is ten years old and headed that direction.  Our whole objective is for her to gain as much height as possible.  We will also do another bone age test to see if she is still the size of a seven year old.  With all that being said, she is a happy, healthy, precious girl.  Excited about school and loving life.  We leave for youth camp on Sunday.  That will be a great experience for her.  I am blessed to be going as a chaperone.


Her language development is coming along nicely.  Last night she told me "Mom, would you let me know when dinner is served?"  I had to crack up.  This coming from a child who 7 months ago could only say a few English words.  I told her "Yes, I will let you know when dinner is ready and you can help mommy serve it."  I'm thinking that she is watching too much t.v.  I've also noticed she changes the way she refers to me...mommy, mom, mother, and if I'm not listening it's Angela Wilson.  That grabs my attention quickly.  She definitely keeps us entertained.  


I will close for now and do another blog when we return from camp at the end of the month.  Attached are a few pictures. 


Thanks for following this incredible journey with us!! 

Garner State Park

Official Garner Girl

Ice Skating with Michael

Proud to be an American!

Rainforest Cafe'

Six Months With Mia

Yesterday marked our six month anniversary with Mia.  It's amazing how time goes by so quickly.  Her doctor's report was good.  She has grown 4 centimeters and has gained 3 pounds.  We go back in four months.


On Thursday the social worker will come for our second home visit.  I think she will be surprised by the changes in this short amount of time.  We just completed swimming lessons and vacation bible school.  Such fun.  Her language is progressing rapidly.  They other day I asked her if she was sure about something.  I can't even remember what I had asked because her response took me by surprise.  She said "I'm not sure I'm POSITIVE."  Such a big word for just learning English.  She has a sense of humor too.  She asked me if I would "paint her tony tails."  I said do you mean toe nails?  She said yes, I was just speaking Chinese.  Just love this precious little girl.

Adoption is not a fairy tale and we do have our moments of adapting as a new family.  Mia's personality and habits have been developed way before she came to us.  However, we have all bonded and grown these past six months.  It is painful when she confides certain events from the orphanage and her treatment there.  But, everything happens in God's time and we are so blessed to have her with us now.  I can't wait to see what the next six months have in store for us.  

The above video is from vacation bible school.  They had a talent show and she wanted to sing in Chinese.  To listen to her sing just go to the bottom of the page and mute the blog music. 

Castle Project

Graduation Pictures

From Baby Steps to Graduation

To my precious son on your graduation day,

As I sit here writing this letter I’m asking myself “Where have 12 school years gone?”  It seems just like yesterday you were off to Kindergarten and now graduation is here.  Time marches on at a pace that is hard to keep up with.  Part of me feels like I have wasted so much time and the days have melted into each other.  How do I tell you everything you need to know before you are gone and on your own?  I remember when you were small enough to hold in my arms.  I didn’t know how fast you would grow wings and fly away.  That this time in our lives would approach so soon.  All parents have regrets; wish I would have read more books to you, played more games and just sat and held you in my arms.  You will understand soon enough when you have your own children and find yourself the head of your family.  There is no greater responsibility, or joy, than to parent a child.  

 Here are a couple of mom's tidbits that I want you to take with you as your journey off.

The only thing in the world you can change is you.

A good reputation is more valuable than money.

Everything we have - money, possessions, even our abilities and talents are gifts from God.  Use your gifts wisely.

Kindness is everything. 

With God all things are possible.  Matthew 19:26

The Bible is true.    Never let anyone steer you away from God’s word, or His grace.  Turn to God’s word in all times.  Good and bad.

No matter where life takes you son; you will ALWAYS be loved by your mama.  I have always been proud of you and I know that God has great things in store for you.

All My Love,

~Mom

   

Five Beautiful Months

Relaxing in Poppy's hammock

It's hard to believe that five months ago today (December 19th, 2011) we took Mia into our arms as our daughter.  She came to us as this tiny, timid girl and has blossomed into a bubbly, beautiful, beaming beauty.


Mia has gained 3.5 lbs and has grown an inch.  Even with that she is still small for her age, but has such a huge personality.  I take her back to the endocrinologist the last part of May and I think the doctor will be surprised.   With all the love and nourishment she is getting it will be no time until she becomes a healthy ten year old.  You wouldn't believe that this is the same child.  Her language development is just incredible.  Sometimes I forget that she doesn't understand everything that I'm saying.  It's so easy to communicate our thoughts and feelings.  Love is a universal language.


Here's a funny story - Mia was complaining about doing her school work.  I told her she needed to do her school work to get a good education, so she could get a good job when she grows up.  She looked at me and said "Mama I no need school and a job.  I grow up and do nothing just like you do."  "Nothing" my daughter thinks I do "Nothing" all day.  Maybe she will actually have the opportunity to stay home and be the master of nothing in her home.  I certainly hope, so because there is no greater joy than to be able to take care of your family and do "Nothing."


Mother's Day was so special.  Mia slept with my card so she would be able to give it to me first thing in the morning.  I will cherish it forever.  


We decided Mia needed a pet.  Through a friend of Michael's we found this precious 7 week old mini Rex rabbit.  She is so sweet.  When we got the bunny on Mother's Day she was shaking.   Mia told us "she is scared just like I was when you first got me.  I shake too.  But I'm no scared now."  


Thank goodness that she is not afraid and she totally fits into our family.    

Mia and Honeybun

Honeybun 7 weeks old