Jia's First Beach Trip

We left Saturday for Hilton Head, SC which is an annual beach trip with Kirk's company.  This was the first time (as far as we know) that Jia has ever seen the ocean.  She loves the pool and playing in the ocean if we are with her.  Unfortunately, Kirk's computer does not have an SD card reader and I don't have the cable to upload straight to the computer so I cannot post pictures.  When we get home tomorrow I will do my best to get them uploaded.

Fifteen Things About Jia and Random Pictures

Things you may or may not have known about our newest daughter-

1.  She smiles constantly and laughs alot.
2.  She just recently learned to give hugs.  Before she didn't hug back when you hugged her, after lots of  practice she now squeezes back!
3.  She doesn't like cheese or milk.
4.  She loves cooked broccoli.
5.  She answers to Jia but still refers to herself as Xiaoyan.
6.  She is terrified of dogs or any animal that looks like it might come near her.
7.  She is also scared of heights.
8.  She loves shoes and jewelry.
9.  She is not on the growth chart for height and is shorter than Lillie Mei.
10.She is 14 months older than Lillie Mei.
11.She can throw a tantrum better than any of my other children.
12.When her tantrums are over she is immediately back to her smiling, happy self.
13.She gives LOTS of kisses!
14.She is learning how to color, cut, and listen to books.
15.She is an unbelievable blessing to our family!

Happy Birthday Erin!

On Monday we went to Build-a-Bear in Greenville to celebrate my niece's 8th birthday a little early. The girls seemed to enjoy it but I couldn't have done it without our friend, McKenzie's help. Zeke is always up for a new stuffed animal. It was hard to tell Renee, Braxton, and Erin goodbye after lunch. We already miss them!

Pictures from the Weekend

This weekend my sister, Renee, and her children visited.  My mom and other sister, Jamie, also came up on Saturday.  It was wonderful to have some extra help, mostly to occupy the girls.

Dressed like a princess.  Blowing bubbles with Aunt Jamie.     

Lillie Mei, Erin, and Jia 

Doctor Visit

On Friday we took Jia took the pediatrician.  He specializes in seeing children who have been adopted internationally.  He has adopted from China himself and knows what needs to be done to make sure the children are healthy and tested for various things.  The visit went well until it came time to draw blood.  They will test the blood for different diseases as well as to make sure she is immune to the things her shot record indicates that she should be immune to at this point.

Kirk stayed with her when they drew the blood and I took Zeke and Lillie Mei out.  She put up a horrible fight and was soaked with sweat when they finished.  I felt horrible for her.  Thankfully, french fries from McDonald's and ice cream seemed to make her forget all of her troubles.  We will get the results in about 2 weeks.  If everything looks good we will then begin going to our regular pediatrician from here on out.  We will also be going to Cincinnati to find out more her special needs.  That will probably be in a couple of months. Please pray everything comes back normal from the blood work. 

Happy Birthday Harrison!

Today my oldest, Harrison, turns 13.  It seems impossible that 13 years ago God gave us our first child.  He is away at youth camp tonight and I miss him terribly.  I am so proud of the young man he has become.  We love and miss you Harrison!

Swimming

On Thursday our good friends, the Partons, invited us over to swim.  I wasn't sure how it would go since Jia seemed really scared of the water the only time we tried to swim in China.  Harrison and Zeke agreed to help with the girls and they both wore floaties to give me a little peace of mind.  Jia did surprisingly well, I think she trusts us much more than she did before.  Lillie Mei loved playing on the side of the pool and in the water as well.  I'm glad it went well since we will be leaving for the beach next week.