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WE'RE HOME
November 1, 2006
| December
2, 2006 |
January 27, 2007 |
March 18, 2007
| September
3, 2007
Saturday,
January 27, 2007
Where does time go? As I write, I realize that I’ve just
experienced the most amazing 3 months of my life!
I hope and pray that the memories will forever stay fresh in my
heart and mind! I think we have plenty of pictures to joyfully
return to if memory does start to lapse!
Now, I have returned to the world of cancer and the work that I
am seemingly called to do ….in addition to Parenting. I would
not have traded the time off for a million dollars as it was a
very special time of bonding with Malia
My world is now so full of LITTLE - people, animals and blocks
that can be found in any and every small space imaginable that
little arms and hands can reach…then, there is the trail of
cheerios, bears and dolls. I can basically recite Green Eggs and
Ham as well as If I Ran the Zoo in my sleep. In fact, I think
I’m even learning the Chinese translation thanks to Malia! I’ve
also learned if I can’t find something to look in Malia’s closet
where her favorite depository is her clothes hamper.
We have had a busy month since our last entry! We have been
quite blessed with an unseasonably warm winter that has allowed
us to move freely and comfortably around town to our various
“social” engagements. If buying a snow suit for Malia means no
snow and a warm winter -it was totally worth the investment from
my point of view AND I will plan to invest EVERY year!
Highlights of December included:
A great time at the Children’s Museum with Nana and PJ;
Christmas luncheon with retired Global Missionaries; Welcoming
shower with Downey Avenue Friends at Sue Knorr‘s; Fun dinner at
the Case-Adams home with good friends and generous gifts for
Malia’s play “therapy” ; Bright and warm evening at the zoo with
Aunt Kyla enjoying the Christmas lights; Delicious dinner at
Natalie’s with some of my office colleagues; An afternoon at
Kelley’s dancing with the snow man; A terrifying visit with
Santa; An elegant and let’s break all rules dinner with my
former VNS Colleagues at Capri - how COULD the owner deny entry
to a child under 8 yrs old when he looked at precious and
underage Malia? He couldn’t!
A morning with expectant parents at Bethany’s China Insight
Meeting; The opportunity to help lead the Christmas Eve Service
at Central; Our 13th annual Christmas Breakfast on Christmas
Morning here in our home - there were nine of us this year; A
playful Christmas Day afternoon at Uncle Jeff and Aunt Brooke’s
with lots of wonderful gifts for Malia and Mom; The Banta
Christmas in Columbus the day after Christmas; Two 50th Wedding
anniversary celebrations -Bob and Sue Bates ~ Ed and Margaret
Taylor; Another wonderful meal shared with orphanage sister
Ella, her parents and Nana.
It was especially nice to be with the Taylor’s on New Year’s Eve
- as all five children/spouses and eleven grandchildren plus
many mutual and dear friends were gathered to celebrate Ed and
Margaret’s 50th Wedding Anniversary. (Emily - don’t believe all
those crazy stories Debi & Becky may tell you about me and that
room at Jarvis! )
And to think, these were just the highlights?
We boarded a plane on New Year’s Day and headed cross country to
see Aunt Jo . Unlike her Mother (who could sleep anywhere) -
Malia was more interested in providing “entertainment” for that
boring non-stop Southwest flight from Indy to Phoenix..as well
as on the return flight. Aunt Jo left her Christmas decorations
up - there were more talking, singing, surfing, piano playing,
dancing creatures at Aunt Jo’s than any department store could
ever boast - Malia learned the fine art of pushing buttons as
Aunt Jo would say YOU CAN DO IT!
Malia continues to be a very happy and busy little girl - in
spite of the many teeth emerging through her tender gums. She is
not really talking but seems to understand so much and
occasionally I think I hear an English word. I suppose Malia is
still- not quite sure what to think about men? She seems to
prefer those that are under 18 and over 60! |
I will let some men close -
as long as they have a cute little sister
Never too young to start...says Onea
Here's hoping we hear from you in 2007
Of course Life looks better through rose colored glasses!
Another great reunion with Ella
What a lucky girl I am! |
If I were to count
how many people we have had the opportunity to share with over
the course of the last few months - I would say the number would
be well over 300. Malia has been so wonderfully welcomed and I
have been so deeply touched by all the various acts of care and
generosity shared by so many Wonder-Full people. We have
received so many wonderful cards, gifts, visits, calls, emails,
meals! Words can never truly express my heartfelt gratitude for
all who have embraced this child with the best gift of all=LOVE.
You may have heard that China has now placed new restrictions on
those who may adopt - with marital status, weight and age
playing major factors or barriers. So, I am especially grateful
that I did move along when I did! This should teach me to never
procrastinate on what is really important in this life!
In an effort to block profanity spam, we now have a new guest
book and hope that folks will continue to leave messages - I
anticipate we will add a monthly update for at least six more
months. When we do complete the site - Malia will have quite a
historical document - that will include entries from the guest
book(minus that colorful spam!)
We move into 2007 with LOTS of gratitude for all that we have -
with a lot of hopes for how we hope to share to make the world a
little brighter and kinder place. I am once again reminded that
it is the little acts of kindness, meals shared - and taking
time to connect with those who matter in our lives that
strengthen our hearts, develop our minds and keep our spirits
Well!
So, we look forward to connecting with family and friends whom
we have yet to meet face to face in 2007 and pray that a gentle
spirit will guide us all along the paths that will bare new
life, meaning and purpose..and dare I say peace in all ways!
Happy New Year!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Malia, Tanner…and Barb |
Web site by
myadoptionwebsite.com
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