Special Angels

About a month before we left for Viet Nam, we sent a disposable camera over. The day we picked up Sophie Mr. Binh from Holt gave it back to us. We had it developed and WOW, what unreal images we have to share with our girl as she grows. Sophie was in the care of a foster family who obviously loved her and cared very well for her over a 13 month period of time. We are so glad to have met them and thanked them for all they provided Sophie. We are forever in their debt. Below are just a sample of the 25 photos we have.

Her foster father and mother. The family had a party for Sophie. The date on the cake is Dec 6, 2008. Wow... This image is just simply amazing...It has brought many tears to the eyes who have seen it. GOD BLESS YOU BOTH FOR TAKING CARE OF OUR GIRL!!!

On the slide at the CWC just before we met her on 12/8

Big girl!!!

A VERY special lady.

On the swing at the CWC

Let's go riding!!

In my pretty dress that I wore on Gotcha' Day.

At her party.

At the CWC on 12/8 before we arrived. Her foster mother and we assume older foster brother.

Having fun and laughs with her foster family

VVVVVVVROOOOM!!!

Two-Fers and Haircuts

We went to have "two-fers" with Mimi at the Gatesworth last night and also to meet Aunt Gigi (Mimi's SIL). They live at this awesome "old folks home" as they call it. Heck we would love to live there! Each Friday night is happy hour and cocktails are 2 for 1! So we stopped in and introduced Sophie.

Today was beauty day! Both Mommy and Sophie had hair appointments. Sophie was great. We thought she would totally freak out when they sprayed her hair but nope....she was totally perfect the entire time.

Pop is headed out to the hockey game tonight to give the girls some "quality time". We have not had individual time in a month so tonight will be good for all three of us.

Hangin out with Aunt Gigi

Nicole getting me ready!

snip....snip..

A little more off the back please.....

Aren't I just glamorous?

Safe Travels!!

We wish Mick and Jenn safe travels to Viet Nam to be united with their little girl Kylie who is also from Binh Duong (same as Sophie). We kinda miss Viet Nam and everything so it will be nice to see pix of places and things that we experience 3 weeks ago. Hard to believe it has been almost 1 month since we left. Their site is on our list so follow along!

Meeting Bear and Belle & Tea Time

Last night was a first. Hank took Sophie solo over to YaYa and Uncle Tim's house (his sister and BIL). About 5 minutes in the car she realized that Mommy was NOT in the car. She really did not cry just the huffy moaning for about 10 minutes. We had fun playing with Jack and Mason and also meeting Bear and Belle (Hank's Pop and Step Mom) who came in town from Mississippi. Everything went well with just Poppa being their, all the way home and at to bed without a peep. So a nice advance in the liking Hank stage.

Today being the end of the year we are going to Uncle Mike and Aunt Kayla Ramsey's house (Sorry Mike! :-) ) to ring in 2009. We look back and count ALL of our blessings that God has given us this year. We persevered ups and downs, highs and lows and every single emotion a married couple and now a family can endure. Thanks 2008, you will always be a year we can say was the BEST of our lives!

Mason, Jack, Belle, Bear & Sophie reading

Hey Mya Grace... "EEEEEEEWWWWWWWHHH"

Sophie loves to host tea parties! Her new sound when she pours for her guests is something she picked up from her Poppa....

Still Here!

I DIDN'T DO IT!!!

Yes we are still here! Just getting all in check since family is gone and we are having fun with our little girl. She is doing good and adapting to life in America. She is showing slow signs of improving with Hank but still has those temper tantrums with him.
She has learned to say "Meow" and point to the cats, and "Aarff" and point to the dog. Bath time is better, except for the hair washing part. We have about 45,000 toys in the tub. Whatever works. We are figuring out what food she still likes and doesn't. No apples, oranges, pears, peaches, but watermelon is still ok. Nothing really fried like nuggets, but grilled chicken is ok. She still loves her strawberry milk and juice!
Hair dryers scare her to death and we have hit the car wash twice in the past two days with the same reaction to Tricia's hair dryer. Sophie loves music and sings and dances (her way) to anything! Her new trick is to do the "Mya Face", which you can check out of Rich and Jackie's page! Mya does it better, but Sophie's is pretty good too! She can blow kisses, clap and wave bye-bye. She tells us "NO" in Vietnamese when she doesn't want to do something! The other night we went down to Pho Grand (our fav VN restaurant) and she had a great time. Everyone there talked to her in Vietnamese and her eyes lit up! They told her that we were here to love and take care of her forever and we would never leave! :-)
We have her play room filled with her toys she loves to interact with everyone. She will play with Hank if Tricia is in the room with some fits of throwing things at him, but it is getting better slowly.
We are planning her 2nd birthday with is on the 15th. Nothing major just some fun at the house with family and friends. She loves chocolate so it will be great to see her dive into a huge choco cupcake! Hope everyone is well and our best for a safe New Year's Eve!