At Last....meet MILANA !!!!!

(click on picture to enlarge)

Here she is......finally! We love her so much already!!

She's about 15 months in these pictures. And 10 kilos (about 25 lbs - oh my). She seems extremely healthy and, check it out, she has hair, yep...real hair. They say she smiles all the time and sleeps well. (Hear that sound? That's me - laughing with glee.) And wait until I get my hands on her and get her in a little dress.

I'll post more details later - I just want to share this right now.

BTW - when Dahlia saw her picture - her response - "cool". Yeah, Dahlia's getting a cool little sister.

We're so happy - we're off to celebrate - just wanted to fire this off first.

btw - if you're having trouble making a comment (operation aborted) just click the back key and it should refresh - if not, you can e-mail me.

TODAY!!!!!!!!!

.......is the day we will see Milana's face.

We will be at our agency's door at 3 PM today. Depending on traffic and my state of ecstasy - I will post as soon as I get back.

Fa la la la laaa la la la la.

:)

(Mostly) Wordless Wednesday

(...sorry....had to)

At Last...Milana's coming home!!!!!!!

We got the call!! Our referral is in.

Milana IS coming home!!!

Our sweet, new daughter is 19 months old (born Nov 18, 2007).

Her Chinese name is Wu Shi Yun

She is waiting for us in Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China.

We are over the moon happy!!!!

Dahlia, Daddy and I were all together and we videotaped the moment.

(Picture and file will only come next week.)

Check back later* for details and more happiness.

.......did I mention how happy we are?

Update: Thank you! First of all, thank you to the Lord my God, for blessing us with another daughter - there is no bigger gift than this.

And thank you to this amazing community of kindred spirits who support each other and lift each other up. To those who have left comments, most whom I've never met but feel I know, and for those who have e-mailed or called me - I'm honored by your expressions of happiness for us.

What a wild ride. Thanks for joining in.

Stay tuned......more to come.

* later could be as late as this Friday (June 26th). We are in a big group and tomorrow is a holiday here and everything has to be verified and translated for the whole group before we see pictures. So, stay tuned.........

At Last... Milana is almost here!

Referrals have arrived in Europe - and they're on their way here.

Just waiting for that phone to rinnnnnnnnnnngggggggg !!!!!!!

......and I can't wipe this silly grin off my face.

Fashion Friday

It was "party time" last Sunday. We were invited to a very special baptism and Dahlia was so excited to pick out her outfit. She just LOVES dresses, and the frillier the better (which is a bit odd because she use to be more of a jock but she sure has changed - girly all the way!). She just loved how this whole thing looked and stood there waiting for me to grab my camera.........so, gee....I obliged. Thought I would try a neutral backdrop so I hung a wrinkled sheet.

(click to enlarge - for even more cuteness!)

Now, this (below) is what I had wanted her to wear, so I talked her into trying it on but she nixed it. I was hoping to get one more wear out of it as it's a size 4 but she wanted the other.
(I only fight the big battles.)

Good of her to indulge me with a little pose.

We took it outside and even though this shot was taken in the deep shade (I mega lightened it in editing) I love how I caught her as she whipped around. She's a pro!


So that's my girlie for this week. Check out the Salsa site for lots more fun with the twinados!



And check back here soon - we are hours/days away from receiving our referral for Milana........at last !

Update: Referrals have been received in Europe - they're on their way here!

:) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :)

Matching is Complete!

.......means only one thing.......

...somewhere in China, a little girls face has been matched with our family and in a few days, our sponsor (Karen) should be calling us with the news of who our little Milana is, where she is from, how old she is, if she sleeps at night (please God), if she likes music and all the little details we will pour over to learn a little bit about the tiny person who will become our 2nd love.

Our new daughter!

Dahlia's little sister!

What more is there to say.

Wordless Wednesday

Soccer - 2nd year

........and she's off!

This is Dahlia's 2nd year at soccer. I think she'll enjoy enjoy it more this year too. She's on an all-girl's team. Last year it was mostly boys so Mommy had to do a lot of coaxing to get her into it. We had our first game last Tuesday and already I can tell she's enjoying it more.

So, twice a week - all summer - that's what we're doing. Dahlia having fun - Mommy and Daddy watching the fun, bums in soccer chairs, swating flies. (yeah!)

A tough puzzle....but persistance paid off.

This puzzle moves - and almost moved me to tears. It's a magic motion puzzle - only 100 pieces, so for this morning's Mommy and Dahlia playtime, I thought this one would be a piece of cake. We've worked on 500 pieces before - Dahlia is quite a whiz with puzzles, Mommy just limps along in her shadow.

So, after breakfast today we did 2 easy ones and then chose this new one to finish off. Looks easy, no? Nuh-uh. Check the picture above. There are 2 images - you can see the 2 quite distinctly below.

It took every bit of resolve to keep at it and the only reason I did was because Dahlia so wanted to quit. She was watching me and fidgeting and so not into it because, have I mentioned this before, it was really, really hard. And it's marked 5+ on the box. Dahlia is 6 and I'm + :)

So we plugged on, and it occured to me more than once that this puzzle may sit on the table, unfinished, forever but we kept at it. Once it was about 2/3's done, Dahlia picked up some interest and the challenge was on.

And....................

...............voila! Done, fini, over.

Whew!
(anybody want a puzzle........really cheap.......in fact, free.

Umm.....actually, I'll pay you.)

Fashion Friday

A study in grey

I bought this little number 2 years ago for pre-school and it still fits (ok, the skirt may be a little short - but they're shorter this year anyway, so there!) Well, we're still having coolish weather (isn't it summer? Oh wait, not officially yet, right?) so Dahlia dug this out. And I said - why not!
Forgive me, but I had to include a close-up 'cause she's so darn cute :)

...and I love the way she's crossing her legs (her all bruised up legs) like a little lady.

....and Zizi happened along and needed a hug. (Good prop - we've been practicing.....no, not really - just kidding.)

And guess what we did this week? Learnt how to hoola hoop (is that how we spell it?). At first she could only go around maybe once (or less) but she kept at it and voila - she can keep that thing up for at least 10 seconds or more. Oh, and she can do cart wheels now too. She's really getting the 'practice makes perfect' thing down. (Ahem, not that I say that very much.)

(click on pictures to enlarge)

Hoola anyone?

Check out the other kiddies and their antics (and fashions) at the Salsa in China site.

Have a beautiful week-end!!

My little Ballerina!!

This is Dahlia's 3rd year taking ballet at the Veronica Martinelli Dance School. Every year they put on a great show and I just swell with joy and pride each time I see her come out on stage. Dahlia has blossomed from 'clinging for dear life to my legs' to actually enjoying dance and it's been so good for her.

Here she is with her BF, Angel, before the show, looking a little nervous (which I explained is a good thing) ;-)

Curtain up......

....and in come the munchkins, dressed as genies.

Check out the hip action!!!

They did do more than just pose but it's somewhat blurry - better on video which will come eventually :-)

Bravo!

Of course the last thing I said to her before she went backstage is "don't forget to smile", I think she did forget because she was very concerned about her hair piece and hat. It kept falling off - not much to hold on to. She did remember all her steps though. Whew.

The end!

(applause)

Oh....and P.S. - I just finished watching "So you think you can dance" and I can't believe how lucky we are to be living in a time when we can watch people dance like that. They simply take my breath away. I'm sitting gob-smacked through the entire show. Just LOVE it!!

Blogging troubles continue......

I'm pretty bummed about this. The troubles with my blog continue and they keep changing their mind. One day I can't open other blogs, another day someone tells me they can't open mine (except in Firefox) and others can't comment. And when I go into my comments - my wallpaper stays up making it almost impossible to read all your lovely words and thoughts.

Google seems to be aware of this and are working on it but who knows when it will be fixed. Please, before Milana's referral arrives!!

If anyone can't comment, or has some words of wisdom or just wants to say hi - I'm at wandamalfara@ca.inter.net

Sniff.....

Dahlia's Story..........

Day 3 with Dahlia - Nov 10, 2004

This little caterpillar was her very first toy. Her cheeks are a bit pinkish in this picture. Could be from all the munching on them. :-o

The first time she opened her mouth wide I was shocked to see all those teeth. Even though she was 20 months on gotcha day, she still was so babyish (the quantity of hair may have influenced that perception slightly.)

Here's my 2nd e-mail home with more glowing reports of our new little love.



Subject: Ahhhh......Dahlia!!!!! Update
November 10, 2004

Hi everyone. Just schlooged through all your e-mail responses to my
last posting. Wow.......I feel so lucky to have so many who care and
are with me (read us) in this journey!!!!

Well............how can I put this succinctly. Dahlia is an utter joy!
She loves to eat (yes....this is in order of importance!!) she loves to
play, she loves her mama, she sleeps pretty good when she gets really
pooped, she has had 4 poops now (wow). I can't quite believe how we
lucked out. SHE'S SO GOOD!!!! She can sit and amuse herself (Hello) yet
she plays well with me and all the other kids ( I didn't mean to put
that in the same sentence......ok, maybe I did!!)

But the best is - yesterday she looked me in the eyes and said her first word
"MAMA". Can you believe it!!!!!! Already!!!! Then I said "chin chin"
(Chinese for kiss) and she leaned forward with her mouth open and
kissed me real sloppy. Wow!!!!!!!! I cried.

I could go on and on but the truth is she taking her nap (Helen is
watching her) and I'm so tired I could use one too. Every muscle in my body
aches. Oh,we all have colds which adds to the fun!!!!

This is for the Formons group. Everyone in the group are doing really well.
Karen N is having an easy time with Abby. She is so quiet and delicate
and is crazy about her Mom and sister. Kisses and hugs all the time.
Helen and Angelo are totally devoted to Angel - can't get enough of
her. The 3 day adjustment period has gone so well we're almost holding
our breaths for fear the spell will be broken. Really the kids are
adjusting great. We're all so happy (albeit really really tired).Can't
wait for you all to meet them!!!

The Zhuzhou orphanage is so great. They were so clean and dressed so
pretty - they even gave 'us' gift baskets!!! What's that!!?? We are so blessed!!!!

Thanks to everyone for your prayers and good wishes. Talk to you soon.

Hugs to all,

Wanda (Mama)

And now, almost 5 years later, I still have to pinch myself.

This little girl is mine!

And I am her mama.

Fashion Friday

Another Friday.......and another opportunity to see what munchkin picked out for herself to wear. (Though, truth be told, she's doing most of her selecting herself, with a little gentle influence.)

Ta-Da

Hmm....a small explanation is called for. The capris (well they look like shorts now) are actually size 3 (and for a refresher - Dahlia is now 6!) but she still loves them and with a teeny tiny bum, she can still get away with it. The top of course, is too big but it matched so she wanted it and matching (Walmart) flip-flops. The hood-up just adds to the cuteness - her idea. :)
See that red mark on Dahlia's arm? It's a tattoo - left over from a party last week-end!!! Don't you just hate love tattos?

That's what we got for this week. Dahlia has her 3rd ballet concert on Sunday - another proud moment for mama.

Head on over to the Salsa site for more cuties.

Have a great week-end!

Wordless Wednesday

It's June !!!

......and this is the month when we will meet our little Milana (after more than a 3 year wait) and Dahlia will finally get her little sister! Well - actually we will receive her picture and finally know who she is - travel will likely be later in the summer.

So, a little walk down memory lane is in order. The following is the first e-mail I wrote after receiving Dahlia ( our long awaited first daughter {the delay was short then, it was us who were delayed.....but, that's a whole "nother" story} ).


DAHLIA’S GOTCHA DAY – November 8, 2004



(My first e-mail I sent from the hotel office in
Changsha, Hunan, China, after receiving Dahlia.)


Well...........Joy unspeakable!!!!! As I write this, Dahlia is in my lap staring
at the screen – all fascinated! (Any spelling mistakes are hers!!!)

We picked up the babies at 11 this morning. Dahlia was the first to
walk in (yes....walk!) and I knew her instantly. By the time all the babies
were in (17 of them) with nannies and parents - sheer bedlam broke out.
And the scream fest began.

When they handed Dahlia to me she was crying (I think she may be an
opera singer - what a set of lungs) - actually we were both
crying - and I just cuddled her and softly sang to her in her ear (“Nature boy”
only I changed the words). She stopped crying - WOW. She just clung
to me and cuddled and sniffed and only cried if I stopped singing.
What a doll!!!! She is so beautiful I almost can't take it. I just can't believe
they are giving her to us. I love her so much I think my heart will burst.
(Shhhhh..............she just fell asleep in my arms.)

And guess what? She likes me...............she's so cuddlely and clingy and
soft and spongy..........I'm chopping on her cheek right now.

And what cheeks. She is really big and healthy with great color and
beautiful eyes !!!What a doll. Sorry if this is too much for some of
you.............I just can't help it. Just a few more details. She took her bottle,
had some crackers and then had a great poop!! Pretty good for the first
day. (Ahem......Dahlia was the first to have a poop in the group!!! Big news.)

We called her Daddy on the phone (I’ll explain below) as soon as we got back
to the room and she gave a good cry for him. Tash, I can't wait for you to meet
your new sissy. And everyone......prepare yourselves to fall head over heels.
This little gift from God is a blessing for everyone!!!!

I'll write more later. Love to all

Wanda (Dahlia's mommy)

P.S. She's still asleep in my arms...actually my arm is asleep too (LOL)

Daddy had to stay home and it broke our hearts. He had recently had a health issue and his doctors forbade him to travel. So Mommy went alone to pick up our sweetie. I was however, surrounded by “angels clothed in flesh” on my trip which made it so much easier. So for our second trip to China for Milana – the plan is WE ARE ALL GOING!!
(Ahem….God willing.)

Dahlia on Gotcha Day (Nov 8, 2004)

My head swims when I think we will soon be repeating this life-changing event (biggest adventure I can imagine) and this time I want to savor every moment. Hey, there's another positive for this agonizing wait. If I had returned for Milana when the timing was only a 6-8 month wait - I would have missed most of it 'cause I still had major baby-brain and now that I'm so brilliant and vibrant I can capture it all, fully there. (Anyone sensing some sarcasm here?)

Stay tuned - I'll be posting lots more on Dahlia's beginnings in the next while. I've got to get most of it done before the 2nd act begins. :-)