18 mo. today!

Happy 1/2 birthday Hope! I can't let today slip away without writing about this milestone. It is amazing to think about everything that has happened over these past 18 months in the life of little Lin Ke Xuan to bring her to her current home and her forever family. I wouldn't even know where to begin if I was to attempt to describe her journey. She has seen and experienced more in her short life than many will in a lifetime. As we look to the near future and the birth of God's gift to the world, I can't help but rejoice in His special gift of Hope in our lives as well. I'll forever be in awe of our Lord's amazing works, His plan for our Savior, and the very special miracle of our new daughter.

Here is a fun statistic. We'll have more information after her 18 mo. check-up, but for now (thanks to Grandpa) we have this to share:

When Hope came home and saw her doctor here on June 19, she was 29 inches long.

Thanksgiving week, Hope was 30 1/4 inches tall. You can see here that Hope maybe isn't standing as tall as she could be. She hasn't grown much taller in the last 6 months, but it will be interesting to see what she weighs. She's pretty much in 18 mo. clothes now and when she came home she was wearing a lot of 9 mo. outfits.

This was Lin Ke Xuan on "Gotcha Day."

Here is Hope KeXuan Charlotte now!

What a change in 6 months! Tears to tender smiles. Barrettes to hair bows. Fear and sadness to contentment and curiousity. One of China's "lost daughters" to our daughter. We love you Hope!

Blessings everyone - Beth