Glimpses of Christmas past...

Merry Christmas!

Our hearts are filled with gratitude to Our Great King!

The greatest gift ever given...JESUS!!!

As I think this time last year...

We were longing to have Libi Love home with us.

She was in the hospital in China with pneumonia, all alone.

Our hearts were also breaking in two as our little Ari Joy

had transitioned back home with her mama.

How we struggled to focus and rejoice in the Great gift of

Our Savior and King,

JESUS

This year...

On Christmas Eve I felt overcome with emotion as we sang Silent Night.

I felt so joyful and blessed.

I did not feel that way last year.

Last year I allowed my circumstances to rob me

of the true JOY and BLESSING that surrounds my life each day.

As we sang, I thought of Mary.

In that moment...the birth of her baby boy...she felt joyful and blessed.

Her thoughts were not of the sacrifice that lay ahead for her and her baby boy,

for she did not fully understand.

Her view was this Savior, this baby King.

When their 33 years together on this earth came to an end...

did she still feel joyful and blessed?

I believe amidst her heartache she did.

Blessed not only for what she had been given,

but I believe more joyful and blessed to have been part of such a

MIRACULOUS PLAN.

This is my desire...

to be ever aware of my part in this plan of a Savior.

That my JOY

be in the rescuer of my life

and my sense of BLESSING

in the opportunity to fulfill His purposes and plans.

This song below has become one of my favorite Christmas Songs this year.

My tears Of JOY are for my sweet Ariadna Joy!

My tears of HOPE are for our next adoption!

My tears of THANKFULNESS are for my Libi Faith,

and most of all My Jesus!!

(PAUSE THE PLAYLIST MUSIC TO LISTEN...)

Sometimes Christmas Makes Me Cry

I think of loved ones who’ve passed away

And I pray their resting in a better place

I think of memories of years gone by

And sometimes Christmas makes me cry

I think of soldiers across the sea

And Sometimes I wonder why its them instead of me

For my freedom they give their lives

And sometimes Christmas makes me cry

Tears of thankfulness,

tears of hope

I cry tears of joy

at Christmas cause I know

There is peace on earth for every heart to find

And sometimes Christmas makes me cry

I think of family,

I think of home

And say a prayer for those who spend this time alone

Cause love can reach out into a silent night

And that’s why Christmas makes me cry

Tears of thankfulness,

tears of hope

I cry tears of joy

at Christmas cause I know

There is peace on earth for every heart to find

And sometimes Christmas makes me cry

I think of Mary and the virgin birth

And I’m amazed at how much God thinks we’re worth

That He would send His only Son to die

And sometimes Christmas makes me cry

Soups ON!! and more "everyday" happenings

Soup's ON!!!!

I have much to update...I will start with the funniest!

Libi has become "grabby"and QUICK. She managed to pull a Tupperware filled soup over onto both of us. There went dinner, we managed and had hot dogs!! :) I laughed so hard. She was absolutely STUNNED. Her eyes were huge when that big container of soup splattered all over us and she remained in a state of shock for a bit.

I am thankful it was cold!

GARDEN TIME...

Libi and I have been having a lot of fun playing in her garden. Thanks to one of Libi's therapists who helps me with great "playtime" ideas. She loves to sit in her garden and pull out her vegetables and then put them in the mailbox. I think I know who she is mailing them to. She also plays peek-a-boo with me through the mailbox. It is so much fun and GREAT sitting up time for her. I wonder when she will wise up to the fact that mom is making her work?

Playing Princess...

Speaking of therapy sessions. One of Libi's very favorite things is playing princess. This is a very motivating game for her. It is used to motivate her to stand, to sign "more" and just keeps her engaged.

This has a lot of meaning for me. I had a hard time for awhile wanting to do the "little girl" things with Libi. Playing dress up and having tea parties. I had an introduction into this world by my precious daughter, Ari, and I longed, selfishly to play these things with Libi.

One day, as I expressed my heart to my husband, he said,

"Then do it. Have and tea party, play dress up." Was it really that simple?

YES.

The very next day Libi's therapist pulled out the princess dress ups!!! Thank you God for showing me a glimpse into my daughters heart that I did not realize was there. In turn, He blessed mine!!!

I'm as Pretty and a Princess!




Speaking of Princess...



Brad and I were out shopping at Target the other night and I saw this little princess might gown. I bought it for Libi, but I really bought it for me! When we put it on her later, it was the most precious thing. She KNEW what it was! We told her she was a princess, and she immediately started to sign "more". I didn't get it at first. we took her in and put her in front of the mirror, and then it dawned on me. She wanted "more" princess, not just the dress, bring on the jewels. We dug out some beads and then she was happy!





signing "more"







More Cracker success!




Libi was successful with crackers to the mouth again. She also did well with some whipped cream at Thanksgiving. This is a goal that I am praying we will see her reach soon! It is hard to see her do something with great success and then not repeat it. Join us in praying for this little sweetie to become an independent feeder!






The TREE...


We put our Christmas tress up this weekend. It always amazes me how i picture these beautiful Martha Stewart like moments in putting up the tree. Every year without fail, I end up mad and crying, my kids end up mad and crying...does this happen to anyone else??? We did finally have success. We all enjoyed watching Libi gaze at the tree with excitement and furiously sign "more" and clapping. we think she liked it.





FINALLY...THANKSGIVING!!!!!



We had a very blessed day with our family. The food was amazing and the blessings abundant! We pray that your Thanksgiving was also very blessed!!!!


Libi with her Great Grandparents

with Uncle Scott!

Libi Meets Santa-walking w/ new orthodics

Libi went to meet Santa! She would look at him, touch his beard, then look at us and smile. It was very sweet. I knew she would like him!

I want to take this opportunity to thank all of you for your prayers and concerns regarding Libi's last seizure. I can't believe the progress we have seen in her in the last 2 weeks. I know that God is showing His miraculous healing touch! How crazy it is to see this very engaged little girl who just 2 weeks ago went through such a traumatic experience. The only thing that explains it to me is ...GOD! Enjoy the video of her walking with her new orthodics. This has become her new favorite activity!

We marvel at God's great work in our little Libi Love!

6 months! Thank you Jesus!!

It has been 6 months since Libi came home. How great our rejoicing in the miraculous changes we have seen in this little girl!


One year ago I was struggling to let go of my dreams and expectations of adoption. I was longing that my precious little Ari (our foster daughter of a year and a half) would not have to leave us. I remember feeling that there would be a void and emptyness that would never be filled. That is not what our God plans for us in letting go. He does not leave us "empty". He fills us to overflowing!

I could have never imagined that Libi would be part of that plan to complete me. To bring me to a place of wholeness in Christ that I had never been. Some of you have never seen the video posted below. It was just 14 months ago that this was Libi Faith. To some, it may not be scary. To Brad and I we were TERRIFIED! Does anyone ever feel prepared or feel capable to care for a child with special needs? I feel so strongly that when God leads us into something that will be difficult, challenging, beyond what we think we are capable of...we want to run from it. Oh that we would be people that would run to it!!! Knowing that our Loving and Great God will always be faithful to provide what we need for the task, and trusting in His goodness. It is in that place of trust and surrender that holds the greatest blessings for our lives!





Enjoy this giggling beauty...she has become quite animated. Thank You Father for what you have done...

Listen for Libi saying, "Daddy" and "Yeah"
Also, pay attention to her anticipating the "yum yum" part of her speckled frog song.
THANK YOU GOD FOR GIVING US THIS ABUNDANT BLESSING!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Filming done by Big Brother Joel.

Everyday is a GIFT

I am unsure where to start with this post. It has been a week like no other week. Yesterday was a day unlike any other day. Many of you have heard, and some experienced it first hand, our sweet Libi Faith experienced a seizure yesterday. This blog is about my Mighty God and His never ending presence in my life and specifically the life of this precious little girl. So before I begin…

Jesus, You have never been more or meant more to me in my whole existence than You do in this moment. You have shown up and I am overwhelmed. You have not promised that this journey would be easy, but You have promised that You would never leave or forsake. You are MIGHTY TO SAVE! My praise to You, for You and about You is endless!!

I had this crazy intense morning with the Lord. I just could not get out of the Word. I had no idea he was strengthening me for what laid ahead that day. Libi was having a great day on Thursday. She was so smiley and engaged. I had those great overflowing feelings of love and thankfulness…you know when you just want to take a bite out of them because they just seem so sweet you could eat them? (Maybe that’s just crazy Brad and Amy Arnold)

It is so very real to me how in one moment your whole world can change.
I was feeding Libi her lunch and she began to go into this deep long stare. I could not get her attention. She was totally unresponsive. Libi’s doctors had described this type of seizure to us before so I don’t think it too long before it registered that she was having a seizure.

I was home alone so I quickly phoned my neighbor, Bridget. Bridget arrived quickly and I began to notice that Libi was in distress. This was not like any seizure I had experienced before. She was completely still. Her eyes rolled back and I thought that she was coming out of it. Unfortunately, it was getting worse. Her color began to turn ashen and I told Bridget to call 911. As Bridget began to speak to the operator it became apparent that Libi needed me to breathe for her. Her lips were purple, she was very cold, and I could not feel a pulse. Did I know what to do? Was I prepared? NO! All I could do was cry out to my precious Jesus and plead for His help. put your mouth on hers and BREATHE!!! Bridget continued to speak with the operator and we were assured that the paramedics were in route. Time stood still. I just continued to breathe into my sweet little baby, pleading with God to allow her to breathe. I think I went sown over her about 4 times, giving her 3 breathes each time. Libi began to come back to us and Bridget and I were in shock…we just cried and uttered thanks to the Name of our Helper, JESUS. By the time the paramedics arrived Libi was in a fairly hypnotic state. We began to see her become more stable and “with us” in the ambulance.

We had a lengthy stay in the ER. Libi had a fever of 101.3 when we arrived. All of the tests that were run came back normal. It was clear that she has a virus, but unclear if this seizure was due to her fever or not. So, her doctors felt it necessary to double her seizure meds. I was discouraged at first. I am so fearful about these medications causing Libi to become lethargic again. That in turn, causes her to lose ground in her physical development. We were praying hard for something to come back showing infection, because we knew if that was not the case they would want her meds increased. The Lord did not allow that. We trust that He is choosing more meds for Libi…although I am hesitant; I feel this is what the Lord is leading us to do.

I do not share the details of what happened in those moments yesterday to be dramatic, I share them to direct our eyes to Our Rescuer… the ONE who is our help and was our help in that moment of life and death with Libi. I cannot tell you what the reality of a day like yesterday can do to you. As I picked my sweet Libi Love up into my arms this morning she clung to my neck like she never had before and oh how I clung to her! What a gift the Father has given… in each moment…in each day…in each person…

To each and every one of you who interceded for us, who rushed to our side, who called to check in, who took over the details of “life”, who called 911…I will never be able to understand why the Lord has blessed us with those such as you. We feel so unworthy of your magnificent love and support to us. May you be blessed 100 fold!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

What's been going on???

Libi likes playing in the laundry basket.
This is nice because it is a new place for her to play sitting up. We have to be creative because she is easily bored and requires a lot of attention from mommy. So, the laundry basket allows me to get about one load of laundry folded.
Libi had a visit with her buddy Noah.
Noah is a little guy that is very special to us. His birth mommy lived with us during her pregnancy and we had the joy of being a part of the sweet journey of his amazing adoption.
Jacob had the privilege to run in the IESA State Cross Country meet.
It was such a great couple weekends with Jacob. So much of our attention is on Libi these days and it was so fun to lavish some attention on Jacob. he ran his 2 miles with a time of 12:27
Libi went to the Extreme Makover Home Edition.
Most of you know that a little guy who receives services from Easter Seals ( the same place that Libi receives her therapy) was chosen to receive a home makeover. It was an exciting week for many of Libi's therapists as this event took place. We loved having an opportunity seeing something so amazing take place. The show should air on January 11th.
Libi's a BUTTERFLY!
Yes, we know that she is a butterfly. I was very excited to find the perfect costume for Libi. Not only was it a butterfly, it was pink and purple, and it had hearts on the wings! She enjoyed the candy on Halloween. No problem signing "more" for that.

I really am sorry it has been so long since we have updated. I can barely keep up with email these days! Each day continues to bring new hope for Libi. We continue to wait and watch with great expectancy to see what the Lord will do with Libi.

Our children are amazing miracles! How blessed we are!! The Lord has given me a Scripture that has been one I am clinging to right now:

Psalm 138

1 I give you thanks, O Lord, with all my heart; I will sing your praises before the gods. 2 I bow before your holy Temple as I worship. I praise your name for your unfailing love and faithfulness; for your promises are backed by all the honor of your name. 3 As soon as I pray, you answer me; you encourage me by giving me strength.
4 Every king in all the earth will thank you, Lord, for all of them will hear your words. 5 Yes, they will sing about the Lord’s ways, for the glory of the Lord is very great. 6 Though the Lord is great, he cares for the humble, but he keeps his distance from the proud.
7 Though I am surrounded by troubles, you will protect me from the anger of my enemies. You reach out your hand, and the power of your right hand saves me. 8 The Lord will work out his plans for my life— for your faithful love, O Lord, endures forever. Don’t abandon me, for you made me.

today...

I will read a book to Libi today.
Not that there is anything new about reading a book to Libi.
The book that I will choose to read today is new.
It’s a book that I have been saving, for today, October 16th.
I purchased this book long before Libi was birthed into my arms.
What is the significance of today?
Two years ago today Libi’s mother choose life for her.

On this day two years ago, Libi’s mother took her to the garage of an orphanage and left her there.

Libi was 6 months old.
She was left with a red slip of paper that had her birth date written on it, but no name.
I have wondered, why a birth date and no name. Did she think about Libi having a “new” name along with the “new” life she hoped for her to have?
I know that God has known her by every name she has had on earth and in heaven.
Not only was Libi’s birth date on the paper but also the time of her birth, 10:25 PM.
To me, this is a piece to Libi’s mother’s heart.

Not only did she feel it was important to tell just the date of Libi’s birth to whoever would find her, but the very minute she entered the world.
I think that minute was one of the greatest minutes of her mother’s life and the minute she said good-bye to her at 6 months of age was one of the saddest.
Can you picture a 6 month old baby?

Think of how their little personality is beginning to blossom.

They have that sweet baby chub.

Only love could have driven her to the place of knowing she could not help Libi.
She knew she was not well.
Her resources were not enough.
She had to make a choice.
Am I speculating?
I don’t know.
I don’t care.
I have had glimpses into this mama’s heart as I have held a piece of it in the flesh,

our daughter.


My hope and prayer on this day for Libi’s precious mommy, that you would know that
she is safe,
she is well,
she is loved,
and you are thought of with honor and respect!
Thank you for the gift of life you gave to me and most importantly to our daughter.

These are the words to the story I will read to Libi Faith Jia Qi today.

Motherbridge of Love by Josee Masse

Once there were two women who never knew each other.
One you do not know. The other you call mother.
Two different lives shaped to make you one.
One became your guiding star; the other became your sun.
The first one gave you life; the second taught you to live it.
The first gave you a need for love; the second was there to give it.
One gave you a body, the other taught you games.
One gave you a talent, the other taught you aims.
One gave you emotions; the other calmed your fears.
One saw your first sweet smile; the other dried your tears.
One found a home for you that she could not provide.
The other prayed for a child; her hope was not denied.
And now you ask, of course you do, the question others ask me too;
This place or your birth place- which are you a daughter of?
Both of them, my darling – and two different kinds of love.


Here is a link to the books website.
www.barefootbooks.com/us/site/pages/productone.php?pid=2057&rep_code=US-A000513

Send yourself the e-card to see the illustrations and have it read to you. It is beautiful!

Family fun times

Just wanted to post a few pics, actually a lot of pics! Of some things we have done as a family over the last couple of weeks. We went to Tanners Apple Orchard and Libi rode the cider barrels with Joel. She also had the opportunity to meet a goat, and I don't think she really cares to do that again. The boys had fall break this last week so we all headed up to Wisconsin for some fun at an indoor water park. It was one of our greatest family vacations! We had a lot of fun and we were able to kick back and relax with each other. My boys are all very funny in their individual ways, but it is usually Jack that keeps us all in stitches with his dry humor and timely "one liners". Libi Faith enjoyed her time in the water just as much as her big brothers. We also had a little day long adventure with my extended family. We went on a "fall festival" like tour, called the Spoon River Drive. It was a fun day, but the highlight was definitely Libi riding the ponies. She was smiling and giggling. It was priceless!!

Thanks for letting me share our sweet girl with you...we continue to notice that everywhere we go people are drawn to Libi. We are amazed how many times we are able to share the love of Jesus because of her. The lady who ran the pony rides shared with us about her own son who was special needs and now 40 years old. She told us he has Cerebral Palsy and never walked or talked, but she knew what he was saying with his eyes. Her LOVE for her boy was very evident in the tears that streamed down her cheeks as she spoke of him. She told us that one day at the park a little boy came over to her son with a Popsicle that he wanted to share. He realized that her son could not have it and he simply said to her, "Lady, if you love him enough he'll get better." Libi had touched her. That woman had watched 11 people standing around a pony corral laughing and crying over a delighted little handicapped girl on a pony and what she saw was LOVE, and LOVE from the Father is the greatest LOVE that can ever touch a life and make it better.

Diagnostic Pediatrician

We wanted to bring everyone up to date on Libi. We had the opportunity to finally take her to a diagnostic pediatrician. We have not had Libi "officially" diagnosed up to this point. Everyone involved in her care felt that before an accurate assessment could be made we needed to give Libi the opportunity to progress in her new environment. And progress she has! Upon her initial evaluation she presented at about 4-5 months of age, both physically and cognitively. Her recent evaluation showed that she has progressed to 9-10 months, with some areas still remaining more delayed than others. We rejoice in what we have seen the Lord do in her!

With that said, we had been prepared to hear that Libi's challenge was not Cerebral Palsy. Several specialists have questioned that diagnosis. This appointment we had was prayed over much. The thing that we pleaded with the Lord most was that He would give the doctor His wisdom so we would understand Libi. We want to know that we are providing what she needs to be the best Libi she can be.

The doctor we saw is a specialist in Cerebral Palsy. He felt certain that Libi does not have Cerebral Palsy. What challenges Libi physically is a condition called Hypotonia. It affects the muscles and causes them to be very weak. It is difficult to increase strength in them. As the doctor said, "She will not be pumping iron." To what point will her muscles strengthen? No one can answer that question but our Great and Powerful God. I love that!! I love that He knows her full well.

Then there is what challenges her mentally. It was the doctors opinion that Libi is globally delayed. That is a politically correct term for retarded, or mentally handicapped. The doctor explained that while Libi has made great progress you would see that same progress with any child that has been adopted from an institution. Overall she is 32 months and at best, functioning as a 10 month old. It is just such a large gap, that factored with everything else, it is clear that she does not have "normal" brain function. Will she continue to make progress? Yes, Libi will continue to make progress, but just like her physical development there is no way to have an expectation of where her mental development will peak.

Where does that leave Libi? Well, it leaves her right where we want her, with all the potential in the world! As we have said so many times before, we believe that God will heal Libi. We believe His healing will be complete. We believe we will see it here on the earth. God has confirmed to us in dreams and visions that she will not only walk, but run. Apart from that my confidence is that He has and will continue to use this little girl to change the lives of many.

Are we living in reality? The doctor questioned weather we have thought through all the possibilities with her. Have we thought about her never being independent? Have we accepted this? You know, I understand that these things have to be asked, and no, you cannot live in denial of your children's challenges. But, the Lord has taught me through Jack and Joel and their learning disabilities that we all have disabilities. In our disabilities their are no definite limits. YES, we are living in reality, the reality of living by faith and not sight...

2 Corinthians 5
New Bodies
1 For we know that when this earthly tent we live in is taken down (that is, when we die and leave this earthly body), we will have a house in heaven, an eternal body made for us by God himself and not by human hands. 2 We grow weary in our present bodies, and we long to put on our heavenly bodies like new clothing. 3 For we will put on heavenly bodies; we will not be spirits without bodies. 4 While we live in these earthly bodies, we groan and sigh, but it’s not that we want to die and get rid of these bodies that clothe us. Rather, we want to put on our new bodies so that these dying bodies will be swallowed up by life. 5 God himself has prepared us for this, and as a guarantee he has given us his Holy Spirit.
6 So we are always confident, even though we know that as long as we live in these bodies we are not at home with the Lord. 7 For we live by believing and not by seeing. 8 Yes, we are fully confident, and we would rather be away from these earthly bodies, for then we will be at home with the Lord. 9 So whether we are here in this body or away from this body, our goal is to please him. 10 For we must all stand before Christ to be judged. We will each receive whatever we deserve for the good or evil we have done in this earthly body.

11 Because we understand our fearful responsibility to the Lord, we work hard to persuade others. God knows we are sincere, and I hope you know this, too. 12 Are we commending ourselves to you again? No, we are giving you a reason to be proud of us, so you can answer those who brag about having a spectacular ministry rather than having a sincere heart. 13 If it seems we are crazy, it is to bring glory to God. And if we are in our right minds, it is for your benefit. 14 Either way, Christ’s love controls us. Since we believe that Christ died for all, we also believe that we have all died to our old life. 15 He died for everyone so that those who receive his new life will no longer live for themselves. Instead, they will live for Christ, who died and was raised for them.
16 So we have stopped evaluating others from a human point of view. At one time we thought of Christ merely from a human point of view. How differently we know him now! 17 This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun!

18 And all of this is a gift from God, who brought us back to himself through Christ. And God has given us this task of reconciling people to him. 19 For God was in Christ, reconciling the world to himself, no longer counting people’s sins against them. And he gave us this wonderful message of reconciliation. 20 So we are Christ’s ambassadors; God is making his appeal through us. We speak for Christ when we plead, “Come back to God!” 21 For God made Christ, who never sinned, to be the offering for our sin, so that we could be made right with God through Christ.

Libi's New Hair and New Chair

Libi was able to borrow a little chair from Easter Seals and it has been great for her. She enjoys sitting up like a big girl playing in it. It is also great for working on independent feeding. Still praying for that hand to go to her mouth with great success! She also had her first haircut here with us. I wondered about her haircuts in China. I am sure that this was not her first "official" haircut, but her first with us. She has a sweet stylist who was wonderful with her. Libi seemed to enjoy it. She enjoys taking the comb and combing my hair. It is so very sweet!

O Lord, if you heal me, I will be truly healed;
if you save me, I will be truly saved.
My praises are for you alone!

Jeremiah 17:14

Libi Giggles

At Kindermusik last week we had a luncheon. When we were getting ready to go some of the girls were having fun playing. Libi got in on the action with some giggles. I am so thankful that her teacher was able to get some video of her. Nothing "lights up" Libi's spirit quite like a little kid. Her giggles are still few and far between these days, so when she lets them go you can't help but get teary eyed when hearing them. Make sure you pause the music on the playlist and pay close attention at the end for the SNORT! She does snort, so you know she is REALLY happy!!!

Mommy's Girl!

So I might keep saying this, but it is so true. Libi had another great week! She was very engaged in spite of yet another cold. Since the boys have gone back to school Libi and I spend a lot of time together. I have had the opportunity to be more aggressive and intentional in therapy with her at home. She and I also began Kindermusik (a music class) this week. It is a class made up of all adopted children. It is a beautiful class! There are Chinese, Guatemalan, Ethiopian, Caucasian, Korean...I will post a picture sometime. I did Kindermusik classes with Ari and it was one of my favorite things that I did with her. I wondered if it would be hard to go back. I wondered if I would wish that Libi could do all that the other children were doing; singing, walking, talking. I knew she would enjoy it, but I wondered if my fears and emotions would hinder me in any way. Libi ended up LOVING it! Lots of signing "more". It filled my eyes with tears of joy! It was so thrilling to watch her having such a great time that I never thought about anything else. Thank you God, for once again, for blessing me with great joy and amazing peace!!

Libi with her teachers at Kindermusik who have followed her journey home to us. What a blessing for them to finally meet!

Libi is receiving 5 types of therapy through Easter Seals. We are so blessed by Easter Seals. They invest so much into these kids. Their passion is contagious. It is not just the therapists, it is everyone we have come into contact with at Easter Seals. So...be ready to order those calendars! It is a great way to support them, and in turn provide great help to children like Libi.

That was my Easter Seals mini campaign, believe me there will be more to come...

If you have not gotten your blessing in please do so this week!!!

Now...drum roll please...Libi is a mama's girl!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! It's official folks. She prefers me. She will pull away from anyone trying to take her out of my arms. She exhibits extreme refusal by turning her head away and clinging to me. Oh, how I love this. (Sick isn't it? but every mom out there knows and loves that feeling.) Last night I was doing some dishes at the kitchen sink and Brad had Libi across the room. She was looking at me whimpering and then she tried to say mommy and leaned out towards me. It touched Brad so much that he willingly brought her to me and took over dish duty. Whatever Libi wants, Libi gets. Which brings me to another update...I think she might be spoiled. Yes, she has begun to fuss when I put her down for independent playing and going to bed the last few days has become her time to scream. As soon as I pick her up she stops, even before her body has cleared the crib railing. Then, the second you lay her down the crying starts up. It is like a switch. I hate it when she cries, but tonight I felt like I needed to see how long she would cry. I decided I would go in every ten minutes to soothe her. It only took 2 times, so a total of 25 minutes before she was asleep. Not bad. Probably TMI.

Today was such a great day with her. It was a very "engaged" day with lots of expression, smiles, and even laughter. I am beginning to understand her and she is trying to communicate much more. These pictures I posted are her with her thumb stuck in the little hole of the measuring cup. We had a lot of fun figuring out how to get that on and off of her little thumb. What a sweetheart. She is pure sugar!!

Thanks for being on this journey with us. It is a blessing beyond words!

Labor Day Weekend

We had a great weekend with friends and family...just wanted to share some pics.