We continue to keep busy here. Life is good for little Hope KeXuan Charlotte. I can't believe that she is 13 months old already! It seems like yesterday that we celebrated her birthday in China. And, can you believe that she's been home now for a month?
Speaking of which - on Friday night we had a "Hope is 13 months old on the 13th/Home for a month on the 14th" party. I know, I know...that is a lot to put on the top of a cake. ;) We had some family come for cake and ice cream after dinner in the evening. We had some yummy cake and a fun visit with those who were able to make it. I've been feeling a bit guilty because Hope didn't have a 1st birthday party after she got home, so I wanted to do something for her. We informally asked Hope's grandparents, aunts and uncles, and her cousin Mitchell to come and celebrate with us. It was all pretty low key, but we had a great evening and eased my conscience a bit. P.S. - I know she's wearing a fall outfit! It was a chilly night. And, it is a 9 mo. outfit she had in her closet that I thought she'd never be able to wear...so YEA. ;)
Grandma & Grandpa Heutmaker were unable to come on Friday, so they came Thursday night to help us get ready a bit. We all worked hard to set up the new outside playset. Hope was given this fun set at one of our showers (thanks Vriezens!!!) over a year ago and we finally get to put it all to good use. She especially likes to go in and out and in and out and in and out...what is it about doors that toddlers think is so fun?
Hope has changed so much over the past month and a half. When we first met her, she was a very scared and VERY sad little girl who first wanted only Dad and then decided on only Mom. She couldn't crawl on both knees. She sort of scooted on one knee and one hip. Smiles were very hard to come by and the only sound we heard for about the first week was a very heart breaking cry. Now, after this incredible short time, we are the very proud parents of a brilliant daughter who is smiling, giggling, and laughing with the most beautiful little "belly laugh" you'll ever hear. She loves her parents and every day is becoming more and more comfortable accepting nurturing from them both. She has taken her first steps, said her first words, learned sign language to communicate some of her wants and needs, and dances the cutest little hip wiggling dance every time we turn on the radio. She is a strong little girl with a personality that shines. We were in love with the growing belief that God's plan would expand our family. We were in absolute awe the day we saw our daughter's picture for the first time in April. And our hearts completely burst with joy the day Hope was placed in our arms and joined her forever family. Every day with our little girl is a blessing. Many many answered prayers have brought us to this day. God is so very good!
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