Three months ago today

Three months today, since Emma was placed in my arms. Hard to believe, it feels like we've been together for so much longer. I'm so proud of Emma- with so many changes, she has responded with resilience and intelligence and a willingness to again laugh and love and trust. I know this little girl was also loved by her foster parents, by how she in turn has loved... I am certain they are missing her hugely. Tonight Emma and I went to a neighborhood Chinese restaurant and both devoured a huge plate of bok choy, tofu, and mushrooms.

Photos are miscellaneous from the past few days- love the sleepy bedhead shot, taken just after waking up this morning. Michelle (still Ayi to Emma, or 'Auntie' in Mandarin) started what I hope will be a tradition of getting Emma into some crazy sporting venture, and got her on a scooter- missing is the image of them riding together at a rather good clip, Emma holding on tight.. and after, always asking for yet one more ride.

I also added a few photos to the "gotcha day" entry in October- they were from the backup camera, and I only recently discovered them... they catch the feelings of that day well I think.

A few photos

Not too much to report- life is just moving along, and all is well. I've returned to work, half-time, and am really happy with Emma's child care- Jennifer, who rents my mother-in-law, sits two afternoons a week, and Kendall, who is studying to be an elementary school teacher, sits the other two afternoons a week. They are both wonderful with Emma, and Emma gets lots of attention, in an environment where she feels secure.

We started swim lessons at a nearby pool, Emma just loves being in the water, and cheers all the other kids kicking and blowing bubbles too. Emma is starting to play dress-up, and loves both her costumes, and digging into my scarves. Catch the cute hat with the funky fringe.. knit by Emma's cousin Emily.

Christmas at the beach

Happy New Year everyone! We had a wonderful holiday week in Florida with my family- Emma completely loved being at the center of attention for the week. We had two adjacent houses right on the beach, and great weather (warm, sunny and even a few storms). Emma loved the water, playing in the sand, and especially playing with her cousins Canyon, Nathan and Allan. Canyon did what I could not- in 30sec, he had Emma brushing her teeth with him. Allan was Emma’s armchair, she’d just settle into his lap. And Nathan and Emma played forts. So much fun to see the young crew together (and we’re eagerly anticipating Heather and Robert’s addition in April!)

Now home, Emma asks to look at the pictures and movie clips on the computer at least once a day- especially the one of her beloved Uncle Rick making googly-faces at her. And we now have the refrigerator covered with pics too.

One of the more touching moments of the trip came as we got home- After the last air leg, I told Emma that we were done with airplanes, and that we were going to see Alan and go home. She was happy to see Alan… but when we opened the front door, only then did she understand she was really back home- she broke out into a huge grin. With all the changes in her life, she may have thought she was moving someplace different yet again. At 1am Florida time, we had an hour-long celebration, with Emma loving all her old toys, riding her scooter, playing her music (and insisting we all dance), etc.

Emma changes every week- she’s talking more and more, and more physically active- I don’t carry her very often these days. She is just a total joy, and a happy little girl.