Tuesday, January 31, 2012

Ok, Now For Christmas:)

Getting our Christmas tree:)
Well, I said I would get Christmas pics posted soon, and for me this is fast! In my mind I thought I MUST get this post done before February...well it's January 31st, and not a moment too soon:) We had a great first Christmas with Betsy. Everything was new! She LOVED opening presents!! She would unwrap one, throw down the paper, and was ready for another...much like any little child;) The funniest thing happened Christmas morning though. We always tell the kids to go to Ellie's bedroom when they wake up, so no one gets downstairs before me and Todd are ready for them:) Everyone was ready, waiting in Ellie's room. I went upstairs to get them...each one so excited. Betsy didn't know what to think about all of this! As the kids made their way downstairs to see what Santa brought Betsy just stood back and watched the others. Ellie took her hand and lead her over to look at the new doll Santa had brought her. She looked at the doll, and just stood there...not saying a word! We all kept saying "look Betsy...it's the doll you asked for". She turned around, went over to a chair, and sat down!! She sat there with this blank stare on her face. We asked her if she liked the doll, and she said no...what?? Anyway, as everyone else enjoyed themselves she sat in that chair for about 10-15 minutes. I remembered something her caregiver told us about her personality. She told us Betsy didn't like new things (not gifts)...meaning when experiencing something different it might take her a few minutes to adjust. We have seen this kind of "look" on her face a few times since we've had her...the day we got her, the first time she was introduced to the pool, and when we took her to a waterpark for the first time. As with the other times, she finally came around and everything was fine. She LOVED the doll!! More than anything this Christmas I wanted Betsy to know that the reason we celebrate Christmas was because Jesus was born to be our Savior! She is learning more and more about Jesus everyday, and that makes me smile:) Hope you enjoy the pics!

Mommy, Nana, and Betsy before Betsy's first Christmas musical.

Sweet angel:)

Sam, Ellie, Hugh, Granny, Betsy, Henry, Maddie, and Nathan at Granny's Christmas Eve.

Betsy loved her pillow pet!

Reading "Twas the Night Before Christmas", and "The Best Thing About Christmas"


Christmas morning...Betsy very unsure.

Henry enjoying his dinosaur.

Wonder what's going on in that little mind??

Ellie is happy with her sweet treats set!

Sam showing off his video game, and new bike.

Hugh likes what he sees!

Finally!! A smile, and a happy little girl:)

Hugh and Henry showing off jerseys big brother Sam gave them!


 Christmas Day at Nana and Papa's house.


Betsy loves her new hot pink boots!!


Papa with the kids...showing picture we gave him of the kids in front of the treehouse he built them.

Nana showing off her new fur wrap...all the way from Harbin City, China. Betsy's birthplace.

Friday, January 20, 2012

Humor Me, Please:)

We had an American dressed as a Chinese person , and a Chinese child dressed as an Indian!

We always enjoy trick-or treating with friends:)

Betsy checking out the candy! She enjoyed herself;)

Daddy with Betsy and Henry at Granny's house Thanksgiving day.

Betsy, Ellie, and Nana enjoying time together in the kitchen!

Papa, Nana, and "the gang"
Ok, yes it has been soooo long since I've posted that I don't even know if anyone is checking this anymore! Well, if you are reading this...I thank you for not giving up! I am FINALLY able to post pics:) so...since it has been a while since you have seen any new pictures I am going back to Halloween...yes that's right...Trick or Treat!! I have to post a few from October to get this blog back on track! One reason I started this blog was to be able to keep up with Betsy's first year with us(as well as allow friends and family to follow our journey to get her). Well, I am way behind on the first year stuff! When we reach the one year anniversary of bringing Betsy home I plan on having all of this put into a book. Let me just say that Betsy is doing great...learning so much each day. She is a blessing, and keeps me on my toes! I am posting pics from Halloween and Thanksgiving, and will be back soon for Christmas...promise! I will do a separate post for that. Well...that's all for now!