We waited in a government building waiting for our EQ. I remember taking photos out the window of 'scenic' Nanchang in the haze that doesn't go away. And waiting for her to arrive. There was another family from Holt adopting a little girl about 6 years old, but they were wrapping up as we waited. And waited. They were running late.

Then she was there. A gentleman started bringing her in and turned around and walked out. I wanted to follow, but exercised restraint. S made me. J, our guide/rep, told us she had gotten a bit carsick on the drive up (she has gotten car sick twice recently - not fun!!) We dug through our bags of donations and found a clean outfit that would fit. After hugging and getting some smiles I changed her smelly clothes (they have been washed and put away). Her hair was sooo short - I initially thought it hadn't been cut, but was verly slow growing. Nope - it had been shaved, Just for us! :-) We haven't cut it since coming home.

Her first year was full of change. She was uprooted from her only home and family she knew. We moved across country and then twice once getting here. We introduced her to wee beasties (she is now buds with the dogs) and completely changed her diet. She still doesn't care for ice cream ('cooooold') but asks for cheese ('eese') she is deft at breaking her glasses and most recently flushed a pair at school we suspect.

EQ now loves to wear bows. And is saying 4 word sentences (specifically 'I want that mama/daddy.') Her favorite past time is eating. She weighs about 25 pounds (20 at gotcha) and is 34 inches tall.

She loves school and sleeps best when other people are around. She adores her jeje (big brother) and still throws major fits at times. But she gives such good snot kisses (her nose has been running since we came home)


Gotcha Day May 30, 2006


May 31, 2006 - One day ours!


May 30, 2007 - One year Gotcha Day Anniversary...love the long hair!

Build A Bear had a special day where they invited people to come in and suff bears for donation to children in the US foster system and orphanages around the world. Then they give the bears to various organizations to give to the children. TA and EQ both enjoyed making the bears for other children who do not have a mommy and daddy.

One of the participating organizations is LOOK Project "Love for Older Orphange Kids". They are reaching out to the older kids in orphanges in China who have not or will not be adopted for a variety of reasons.

A teddy bear may seem insignificant, but it shows a child in a simple way that someone cares and gives them something to hold that is their own.

Here are the kids making theirs...

TA hugging his bear...ensuring it is loved!


EQ kissing the heart and filling it with lots of love!


Working together to fill Daddy's bear.


EQ 'washing' her bear with a little help from Daddy.


TA is serious about making sure his bear is fluffy!!


The kids and the family of bears created...may they bless someone's life.

Yesterday we took the kids to the AirShow at Andrews AFB. They loved it! TA thoroughly enjoyed climbing in helicopters and other various aircraft. He even wore his 'uniform' - a little flight suit that matches daddy's uniform. EQ just took it all in and even napped in the middle of the day in the stroller. The weather was cold and blustery and the planes had to fly low...not a bad deal for a couple of low vision kids. Here are some photos from the day...


EQ - future pilot? Not using deadreckoning!!!


Air Force One - it lives at Andrews AFB


TA,EQ and S in some Army vehicle. They had the heater on...no one wanted to leave. Yes - silly us wore shorts. We were hoping for warmer weather!


Bundled up in front of Marine One.


TA and his daddy checking out the Thunderbirds.


The Mustang - one of the first AirForce fighters.


The F22 - the newest Airforce fighter.


Nah - she isn't a happy girl!


In answer to a question I get asked often, "Yes. They ARE brother and sister! Who cares if they don't share blood."

TAisms: We were eating at Chili's tonight, sitting in a booth. TA was snuggled up next to his daddy trying to keep warm. Then he looked up and said,

"I'm going to squeeze you like ketchup on a hotdog!"