handsful

This sweet face will change next week, when Lainey goes in for surgery.  Hopefully for the better, but I’ll actually miss the crooked nose and little imperfection above her lip.  Maybe the difference will be subtle…maybe big. 

The surgeon will also be closing the fistula that popped open from her last repair in May 08.  We are praying that this will greatly improve her ability to make speech sounds, drink from straws, and blow out birthday candles. 

Though we’re trying to prepare her for Wednesday, she’s pretty much oblivious…she was too young to remember her last surgery.  She’ll know that we’re going to the “doctor”, that she’ll wear a funny nightgown, and that the boo boo in her mouth will be fixed.  And, that we’ll be there every minute that we can.

mama’s got a hip new baby sling.

This is close enough, thankyouverymuch.  And, don’t expect me to smile. 

Nope.  She’s not a fan.

Two years ago today, we saw our daughter’s sweet face.  We were sent 3 precious photos, including the one above.  We had waited so long to see our Lainey, a child that we somehow already loved!  Today, Lainey is a joy and the absolute most perfect child that God and China could have gifted us with. 

Taken today :) 

Happy Referral Day, Lainey!

Her name is Lainey.  Sometimes she’s a boy kitty, and sometimes she’s a girl, depending on her mood.  She loves to be held, and makes lovely meowing noises. 

You can find her walking around on all fours, purring against your leg, or curled up in her favorite chair for a nap.  Sometimes she tries to lick you…watch out for that one. 

We think she makes a great addition to the family.  The dog isn’t so sure.

Lainey, do you know what today is??

Lainey lived here, in this room (her crib is the one closest to the door) for the first 19 months and 14 days of her life.  Exactly 19 months and 14 days. 

We have very few pictures of her life in the orphanage, and she’s only slightly smiling in one of them.  Here, she’s definitely not a happy camper.  (Her face still does that pitiful little scrunch-up when she cries.)

Today marks Lainey’s 19th month, 14th day with US.  Get it?  She’s been with us for the same length of time that she was in the orphanage.  Which means tomorrow is the “longer here than there” day (as a fellow adoptive mom called it).  Many adoptive parents have told me that this was a turning point for their child.  Their children visibly changed, became more relaxed, attached.  Somehow sensing that they were truly home.

Yes, Lainey, this is your home.  Forever and ever.  We cannot even begin to imagine our lives without you.  You bring us such joy and laughter…just like our other children were born to us, you were meant to be ours.  We’re sorry it took us so long to find you. 

We’ll never know about your family in China.  But, your Forever Family is big!  You have 2 brothers and 2 sisters who love you dearly. 

Happy 19 months and 14 days, Lainey!  We love you.

…your toddler might be up to something.