Little Miss Bryn

Monday, February 16, 2009

The Birthday Girl

These are Bryn's "official" I'm 3! photos. She's still not fond of having her picture taken but we thought these turned out perfect.

She had a blast at her party. She was so excited about everything ("It's a party for me! I'm three! Mom, can you believe I'm so

big?!") and loved every minute. I thought she was going to bust with excitement when we sang to her. Thanks to everyone for coming to celebrate her special day with us (and those who couldn't be here but who celebrated in spirit!) and for loving Bryn the way you do.

Two years ago today we arrived home from China with our precious baby girl. She weighed just under 16 lbs. then and was a whooping 28" tall. Now, at 3-years-old, she's 30 lbs. and almost 37".

Here are some photos of her special day.

This week two of the families we shared our Forever Family Day with are returning to China to meet the newest little loves of their lives. We're so incredibly happy for them and can't wait to meet the additions to our China family. We send much love to Carolyn, Marvin & Kennedy and Monica, Paul & Claire. Travel safe, dear friends, and give Jaida and Ren huge hugs from all of us!

Tuesday, February 10, 2009

Today Bryn is Three!

Story time for the "guys".

Dora gets a checkup from Dr. Bryn.

This morning when Bryn woke up she called for me from her room like always. Though instead of her usual singsong voice calling out "Mom, I'm awake!", she said "Mom, I'm three! It's my birthday, I'm three!"

We're having her party tonight so I will post her official "I'm three" photos later this week. She's so excited about her party. This year she asked for a star cake with "a picture of mom folding laundry" on it. Silly girl.

Happy Birthday, Bryn! We love you.

Thursday, February 5, 2009

Two Amazing Years

Bryn's referral photo.

First hug from dad.

Two years have passed since Bryn entered our lives, a scared little tot bundled thick in layers. The layers have slowly come off, revealing more and more each day a girl who is bright, inquisitive, sensitive, stubborn, full of the wonder of life. Bryn is growing up fast, too fast some days it seems. Can we slow this down a bit, can we hit a pause button once in a while just so we can reflect on the joy Bryn has brought to our lives before moving on to the next phase?

Just yesterday we were told we have to hurry if we want to register Bryn for playschool for this fall. Playschool? Already? This can't be happening — she's still our little baby, was from the moment two years ago today that we first held her in our arms and always will be. Bryn, our precious daughter, we love you more each day.

Happy Forever Family Day to our extended family. We miss you and send our love!

Monday, January 26, 2009

Gong Xi Fa Cai!

Love,
Cai Xing

Sunday, January 11, 2009

It Was A Holly, Jolly Christmas

We had a wonderful Christmas this year. Bryn was really into everything -- baking cookies, decorating, making Christmas crafts, singing Christmas carols, and unwrapping gifts. She's still singing Christmas carols and today she told me she doesn't like when it's not Christmas. She also decided "Santa is a pretty good guy" even though she'd still prefer not to sit on his lap.

My dad came to spend a few days before Christmas and we celebrated early with him, and Girard's mom and dad, sister and two nieces came after Christmas for a visit. So Bryn had days and days of Christmas and enjoyed every minute of it. We had a quiet Christmas morning with just the three of us -- as quiet as it can be with an almost-three-year-old having tons of fun with all her presents. Bryn woke up at 7 and said "Is it Christmas now, Mom?" so the day started early. Girard had to work so that was disappointing but we had Christmas dinner at my cousin's with her family and my aunt, uncle and grandma and Girard was able to get a couple of hours off to join us so we were thankful for that. Thanks, Kim, for having us!!

Santa (and everyone else) was good to Bryn this year. She loves her new camera and all her puzzles and toys and games. For weeks before Christmas she kept saying she wanted Santa to bring her a puzzle, a book and a thermos -- she's young enough to have a short list (I'm thinking this might change over the years). Her favorite presents were two new I Spy books (she loves I Spy books) which she spends hours looking at.