This & That

Happenings

here and there...

We've all been pretty sick for a few weeks. Lindy even had to have breathing treatments. She is not a fan!

Lindy made a place mat with her birthday cards.

Molly is proud of her place mat as well.

Their new friend....
Ronald McDonald

Mamaw is coloring with Molly & Lindy in their play tent.
(yes I had to help her out!)

Girls Rock!

They can give a pretty good concert.

Happy Chinese New Year & Happy Valentine's Day

Happy Chinese New Year

2010

The Year Of The Tiger

Today we begin the celebration of Chinese New Year 2010. The above pictures are of a card we received from Molly's orphanage this year. We were thrilled to receive it.

The traditional Chinese lunar year falls on the first day of the first lunar month, following the winter solstice. Each year on the ancient Chinese calendar is a designated as the year of an animal. Chinese New Year celebrations occur until the Chinese Lantern Festival held 15 days after the new year begins. 2010 is the year of the tiger.


We were in China during some of the CNY celebrations in 2006. It was awesome to witness. Firecrackers galore, lanterns everywhere and so many good luck symbols around.


And today in America we also celebrate

Valentine's Day.
(the Chinese call it Lovers Day)

Lindy showing her card and box of candy.

Molly likes her pink heart shaped box too.

Happy Valentine's Day

to our two

Sweethearts!!!

Gotcha Day 4 Years Ago

Four years ago on Feb 5th 2006 we boarded a big jet in Beijing and flew it Guangzhou China. The weather was tropical in Guangzhou, it was nice. We arrived at the White Swan Hotel and waited for our room. We only had about 40 minutes before we had to get back on the bus to go to the Civil Affairs office to receive the babies. We waited and I started to panic as the time was dwindling down. Finally we rushed to our room with about 15 minutes to prepare our diaper bag and gifts to take with us.

We were last to get to the bus! But we were on our way. It took about 30 minutes as I recall and everyone was so excited! We were all lead to a room where it seemed like we waited forever. Finally it was time for the babies to enter one at a time. And guess who was first!

Yes, Molly was first. She was held by a young man, was not crying and seemed bright curious to what was going on. Dave took her from the man and she still didn't cry. (thank you Jesus) Soon it was my turn to feel her in my arms. She was heavily dressed, even though it was 80* outside and it felt like 100 in that room. She was sweaty just like her mommy.

After we talked business with the orphanage staff that brought her we were able to really take a look at her. I took off her jacket and we gave her a little rattle, which she grabbed. David was able to get a laugh out of her right away, (again, thank you Jesus)


Soon we were all lead to the waiting bus with our babies on our hips. I couldn't tell you much about the ride back to the hotel because we didn't take my eyes off her the whole trip. Our first night was amazing. She didn't cry until it was time to change her. And of course it took this first time mommy 3 tries to get the first bottle right. She liked it so hot that sweat beaded on her forehead! yikes!

The next morning we headed back to the Civil Affairs office to make the adoption legal on the China side of things. So on Feb 6 she officially became Molly Nichol.

This photo was taken that afternoon. If she could have talked then I believe she would have

said "I'm a happy girl"!

This girl has grown so much in these past 4 years. I am amazed by her every day. She is sweet and kind and loves her sister very much. She is learning at remarkable speed, loves to color and draw. Right now her favorite animal is a pig, because it is pink (also her favorite).

We celebrated Gotcha day with a trip to Evansville. We went to Gattitown for pizza and games. The girls had a blast.

4 Years Ago

Four years ago on Feb 1, 2006 we boarded the big bird that took us to China. What a time that was. Our flight from Louisville was very early that morning. So we traveled the night before, with my parents, and stayed in a hotel near the airport. We enjoyed a good steak dinner before trying to get a few hours of sleep.

It was easily and hard getting on that first flight. I was sooo ready to go get my little girl, but scared of the unknown we were about to experience and being first time parents. The 2+ hour flight went well. We landed in Newark and found our international gate. We did not have to handle our bags again or go though security because we didn't leave the restricted area of the airport. We had several hours until the fight to Beijing so we went in search of something to eat with another adopting couple in our group. They were on the L-ville fight with us.

As we waited at our gate other adopting families started arriving. There were 17 families total traveling together. It was such a comfort knowing we were all together. We all watched out the window as they readied our plane fro the journey. It was the biggest plane I've ever seen, a 747! Dave & I settled into our seats for the long (15+ hour) flight. We each had a TV to watch. Dave slept quite a bit, but not me. I guess I was too geared up. I couldn't even read, no concentration I guess. Anyway, our trip took us north from Newark over Canada and the north pole, through Siberia and finally to China. We left on Feb 1 around 5:30 am and made it to Beijing at about 2 in the afternoon on the 2nd. Somewhere over the pacific we went through the international timeline. China is 14 hours ahead of us on time.

We were met at the airport by our wonderful guide Shirley. What a Godsend this girl was. She did everything for us, kept us on time and in check. She spoke great English had great knowledge of all that was going on. She got us checked into the hotel, told us when and where to be and bid us goodnight. We ate dinner at the hotel with another couple from the group. Then called it a night. We enjoyed the sights from our hotel widow that night. It was toward the end of Chinese New Year and there were fireworks everywhere.

We enjoyed a great breakfast buffet at the hotel the next morning. The loaded onto a bus to sight see. Our first stop was Tiannamen Square. It was huge. The photo above is of me and a guard. I was not allowed to get any closer to the guy. Chairman Mao's tomb is in the background. It was so very cold that day. We had not taken winter coats. I think the temp was about 17*. I remember wearing everything I could for our day out. We saw a acrobat show that evening which was awesome.

The next day we headed to the Great Wall of China. It was amazing. The weather was a little better. David was looking forward to climbing this massive thing. Me on the other hand decided to NOT risk getting hurt or being so sore that I couldn't take care of my new baby. So, I enjoyed all the sights and shops from below. David and a few others in our group climbed to the top (or as far as the tourist could go), they were so proud of themselves. And believe me, it was no easy task. We also visited a Cloisonne factory and the Summer Palace on this day. We even got to drive by the Bird's Nest stadium, home of the 2008 summer Olympics. It was still under construction at the time and hard to picture the finished building. That evening David got a in room message at the hotel.


We had to exchange our money and make sure our paperwork was in order. We also were told that we would be getting our babies on the 5th instead of the 6th like we had been told earlier. Everyone in our group was buzzing with excitement. Our time in Beijing was drawing to a close.


Seems like only yesterday that we were there. But I look at Molly and see how she has grown in these 4 years. I still feel as if I need pinched. Did I really go to China? Did I really become a mom 4 years ago already? As I sit here today listening to that little girl singing "jimmy Crack Corn" behind me as she rides her scooter through the house I can answer YES I DID!!!!

Molly Turns 5!

Happy Birthday Molly!!

Saturday Jan 23 was Molly's birthday. It was a busy day for us. The girls asked to have a skating party for their birthday this year. This year we combined their cousin Hallie's party (who will turn 5 on Feb 8) together. There were a lot of people there. Everyone had a good time.

As I held and kissed Molly on this day, I silently sent a "thank you" to her china mom. Her ultimate sacrifice was my big reward. I ask God to put peace in her heart and that she somehow knows that the baby girl she wrapped in a yellow towel and placed in a cardboard box not far from a police station 5 years ago is safe and very much loved.

We Love You Molly Nichol!

Lindy Turns 5!!!

Happy 5th Birthday

Lindy Ann!

(I just noticed the date is wrong on these pics)

It's hard to believe this girl is 5 today. She has grown so much in the time she has been in our family. I remember the quiet little girl with a crooked grin who followed her sister around everywhere.

But now....

She has a bold voice and strong laugh. She has a mind of her own although she still wants to do everything Molly does. She loves to swim and watch movies. And she is a big helper to her momma and daddy. She loves being outdoors and riding her bike.

We are so very proud of her. She makes our lives so complete and we wonder often what we would ever do without her.

Today she celebrated her big day with her friends at pre-school. We took treats for the class and this coming Saturday we will have a big party at the skating rink with family and friends. She is very excited.

I often think about the woman in China who chose life for her little baby. Then having to make the hard decision of placing that baby at the steps of a hospital the day she gave birth. My heart aches for her. I pray that she somehow knows that her little one found a family that loves her immensely. I thank you GOD, for it was all in your plan. A wonderful plan!

We Love You Lindy!

What a Day

Boy what a day.

And it ain't over yet!

The girls had a great weekend. They went to 3 (yeah THREE) birthday parties.

Here is birthday boy Christian.

He had a skating party. Lindy spent quite a bit of time on the floor.

Molly was skating all over. They had a great time.

Next we attended a glamorous affair.

Princess Maci turned 4.

Molly & Lindy wore their fairy costumes.

They got to do crafts and make-up!! Fun Fun!

The third party was another skate party. I didn't get any photos from it. But they had a blast at Ally & Addy's party.

Now back to our day!

It actually began at 11PM last night. Molly emptied her stomach and hollow leg on her bed. That took me an hour to clean up. Started doing laundry right then. But thought my washer was acting up. Had to let the smelly sheets lay there! YUCK. (thankfully the washer is fine)

She did not sleep well so neither did I. I finally shut the light out at 3:30. But Molly girl was up several times. We rocked in the chair, ate a cracker, rocked some more. We were up for the day at 7:30.

She is feeling better. Slowly eating here and there. Thank goodness. So this momma is looking forward to bedtime tonight.
Or....
will it be Lindy's turn?

December Happenings

I just found this photos in the archives. I guess I forgot to post it. (my bad) Anyway, here a re a few things we did in December.

At a swimming party at the YMCA pool.

It was just a few inches too deep for Lindy. They had a great time swimming in the winter!

We visited Chuckee Cheese.

Lindy liked this ride. But Molly wouldn't do it!

Molly got a trophy during the cart-wheel-athon in gymnastics.

Can't you see how thrilled Lindy is for her!!! :)

Family Fun

Daniel and Lindy

Colin and his favorite cousins!

My silly sister, Donna.

Donna, Mom & Daniel

Daniel, Me & Mom

Happy New Year 2010

2010

Happy New Year