August 1, 2011
Wow what a great day and the many days surrounding it. On August 1, we celebrated Meili's 4th Birthday and on August 2nd, the 1-year anniversary of having her part of our forever family. It was wonderful to reminisce and think about the many things that have happened in the past year and also think about our very fond memories of our time in China. Remember these sweet faces??
It's hard to believe a whole year has gone by, yet we can't remember life without sweet Meili. She's growing up and you can definitely see that just by looking at pictures over the last year. That part makes me sad. She needs to stay my baby for longer. I missed the first 3 years and to have her turn 4 already.....well that's just plain mean. But it's also exciting to see her change so much and learn and grow like she is. It's amazing to see her soak it all up like a little sponge. Her language is exploding. I now can understand probably 75% of what she says. The tubes seem to have really helped and it appears her palate is really starting to move and become more flexible. She is going to the orthodontist tomorrow to be fitted for a palate expander. I'm nervous how this will affect her speech, especially since she is doing so well....and of course it will be painful but I know it's the best for her in the long run.
She started ballet a few weeks ago and adores it. The first five minutes of the first lesson was rough. This was her first experience of me dropping her off for a class. She cried but settled right down and had a great time. Now when we go, she sits me down in a chair right outside the classroom and as long as I'm sitting there when they come out, she's happy as a clam and thinks I've been there the whole time. :)
She also just started preschool.....She loves it!!! Here are pics from her first day.
We are loving every minute with her and the kids still maul her like none else. She's definitely learned to defend herself and she can hold her own. She melts all of our hearts with one tiny smile, a beautiful song on her little lips, a reach for a hug, or her sweet little "i love u." We are truly grateful God gave us this precious gift. She has enriched and blessed our lives in many ways.
Sometimes when things gradually change over time, you hardly notice the differences. A couple Sundays ago, Russel was at church with the kids (I may or may not have been somewhere else relaxing with friends for the weekend). Later that week a friend of mine told me she had a sweet moment Sunday watching Russel and Meili. As I thought about it, I could just imagine the scene.....little Meili's arms wrapped around her Daddy's neck giving him lots and lots of kisses and love. That's the norm.....especially now that he gets to sit with us in sacrament meeting as he has been released from the Bishopric. In fact as my friend and I were talking, she asked how long after we had been home that she warmed up to Russel. It was crazy for me to think that at one time Meili was anything but over-the-moon about Russel. I think she actually prefers him to me now. Sometimes while Russel is at work, Meili will fall and get hurt. I will hold her and rock her and give her loves.....after she's had her fill of that, she asks where Daddy is. She wants him to hold her too. She is a daddy's girl through-and-through. Many times I will come home to find her riding on the lawn mower, taking a 4-wheeler ride, golfing in the garage.....all with her daddy.
Meili is a sweetheart and there are so many things we have learned about her in this last year. She is smart as a whip and loves to learn. She is a whiz on the computers/laptop/ipad/iphone, etc. In fact one day I came into the study to find her watching a tutorial about the mac and then proceeding to do what it was showing. It was quite funny! She's a total nut! She has a great instinct about music and can sing a song almost immediately after hearing it. We went to the musical, "Annie," the other night. As we were driving there, I wished I had played some of the music for her so she recognized it. Well, that wasn't necessary, she started singing right along and really enjoyed the show. I still have no idea if she's watched the show at grandma's or maybe in China?? But not only did she know the melodies, but she was singing the words too. I know she will be a talented girl in whatever she chooses to do. She's a very good helper and does lots of things to help me around the house. She loves to help unload groceries from the car.....especially if she's unloading yummy stuff. Her favorite treat is ice cream and she definitely prefers PINK ice cream. She still eats her fruits and veggies like no other kid I have ever seen. It's awesome!! Many times if we grab some lunch somewhere and I get a salad and she gets a kids meal, she is fighting me for my salad. Why don't they have SALAD kids meals?? I should invent one.
We had a wonderful day on her birthday. We met Daddy for lunch and of course her only request.....pink ice cream. And we had Panda Express for dinner. Sunday night, we had Russel's family over for a little party. She picked out the cake she wanted and underneath the "blue water" was of course PINK ice cream. We also did pink strawberry lemonade cupcakes. She LOVED her presents....and we made PINK ice cream with the play-doh ice cream machine. Another favorite was her Strawberry Shortcake RC car (I actually picked a winner.....and to think Russel questioned it....sheesh I know EXACTLY what I'm doing.....most of the time....well okay it was just a lucky guess).
We LOVE you our little angel girl!!! We can't wait to make many more memories with you. You have stolen our hearts and we will never be the same. You have a special spirit that touches everyone you meet. We can see the light of Christ shining in those beautiful eyes everyday. Thank you for loving us and showing us what life is really about.
