Pandy

Right after we received Elle's referral but before we traveled to China, we sent a care package to her and her caregivers. The package contained a note, translated into Chinese, thanking the nannies for their care of our Li Qing, some candy for the nannies, a disposable camera for extra pictures and a stuffed panda bear for Elle.
When we met Elle for the first time, the nannies returned the camera to us, filled with pictures, and the panda bear. We brought that panda bear home too and he's referred to as Pandy. Elle hasn't shown great interest in stuffed animals or dolls until recently. I've never been a big fan of the stuffed animals and oddly to me, didn't have much attachment to Pandy. But that all changed a couple of weeks back. It was a morning that Elle was finally feeling better from her two week cold, but I was not. She came into the kitchen holding and hugging Pandy and I got so choked up! It just hit me - that stuffed bear had touched her before I had! I love Pandy! And so now, I'm going to stitch up his holes, one under his arm and the other on his side.

De Plane!

Gram and Papa are coming for a visit and flying in this afternoon. Elle has been moving her arms through the air and making a plane sound for the last 48 hours. She also keeps puckering up and kissing the air because I told her that when Gram sees her she's going to get kissed. I hope Gram does or Elle will be very disappointed - not worried about that not happening! :)


At the airport the first time Gram & Papa met Elle. There's gonna be more kisses for sure!

Happy Birthday Grandpa & Benjamin

Elle held up a balloon for Grandpa on his birthday, but I never got it posted. (See excuses posted below.) Since then, Benjamin's birthday has come and gone.

Birthday, smirthday - we celebrate you both everyday! xox

Elijah

We are overjoyed to introduce to you our nephew, Elijah (soon to be) Wolfe (but already officially in our hearts)! Elijah's story on this side of the world has been a level the mountains, break down gates of bronze, cut through bars of iron-type miracle! (Isaiah 45:2-3) Eric's older brother, Chris, and family first saw Elijah's dimpled (Yes, a Wolfe indeed!) face when they began sponsoring him through Phillip Hayden Foundation in June 2007. Since then this handsome boy has come through very difficult surgery and has had a healing from the Great Physician that has opened the doors for him to find his forever family - Enter: the Chris Wolfe family! You can read more about these treasures and riches that proclaim the power and goodness of the Lord at Wolfes Home.

We love you Elijah and can't wait to welcome you home! Love, Uncle Eric, Aunt Kate and Cousin Elle

Ok, ok, I'm posting!

I have received at least six emails in the past few days requesting, in very strong language (Alpal), that I update. Everyone just relax and take a deep breath! :) As I told jj, I have excuses, good excuses...

#1 Rejoicing over Elijah, MY NEW NEPHEW!!!! (More to come on that!)
#2 Exhausted (Who isn't, aye?!)
#3 Trying to list on Ebay for the 1st time (Pediped shoes.)
#4 Curtains (Purchased 60+ yards of material for drapes & roman shades.)
#5 Curtains (What was I thinking?!)
#6 Curtains (I don't have a clue how to measure!)
#7 Curtains (The first pattern I understand from start to finish, I'll use!)
#8 Curtains (Bargain fabric but add up all the other little items to finish it!)
#9 Curtains (Thank you Lord that my Mother is coming to town next week to help me!)
#10 Sick for three weeks (Nasty cold and several migraines.)

More to come, as I have taken pictures in the last few weeks with each of you in mind and am going to share, soon, I promise! Love you!

Chinese Dragon Boat Festival

Eric's older brother and family came over for 24 hours. There was a Chinese Dragon Boat festival on Saturday that we all thought would be fun to do together. It was a hot, steamy day; the dragon boat race was canceled because the creek was too high and we missed the dance performances because we didn't get there when it started and then ate our food in the hot shade while the remaining two performances concluded. It was nice to be together, but the event didn't quite live up to our expectations. I was glad we got to share a meal together the night before with both Eric's brothers and families and celebrate Michaela's 12th birthday. An impromptu outing to a marble factory before the Chinese festival proved to be the highlight of our field trip. Being together and having connection is always more valuable than any event so we're grateful for that. We did get a few good pictures out of the adventure.

Elle is so proud of her cousins and loves to be around them. She tries to say their names and does pretty well calling Benjamin, Benj and Johanna, Jo. We too are very proud of our nieces and nephew and think Michaela is growing up into a fine young lady. She is of course just ever so pretty with her blond hair, blue eyes and dimples, but her inner beauty matches with a character that reflects Jesus' heart. She was so helpful this weekend in meeting the needs of the younger ones and ready to lend a hand in the kitchen with all the cooking. She was like a sous-chef, taking my orders and executing them perfectly! Happy 12th Michaela - we love you!

A Package from GG

GG S. sent Elle a package with a couple of 24 month outfits. They'll be perfect for this Fall when GG comes for the cousin reunion. She also threw in a shoulder bag for me with the Chinese character for peace. Thanks GG - it was so kind and thoughtful of you!