253

253...

According to the US State Department, that is how many visas were issued to Taiwan children in 2009. The US State Department's chart of statistics for international adoptions can be seen HERE.

Janie is one of those 253! In honor of that....here are a few pictures from the first moment I met my beautiful daughter. 

More Christmas Cuteness

I am so blessed to have off 2 weeks at Christmas time! So, Janie and I are enjoying every second of it. Teachers report back to work on Jan. 4 so we have 16 full days to spend with each other! YAY!!

My adoption agency did a spotlight story on Janie in their December e-journal. You can read it by clicking HERE.

They also did a companion story that is related to Janie's adoption. You can read it by clicking HERE.

Here are some pictures from this past weekend! We went up to Cartersville on Friday night and spent the night to be well-rested for our big family Christmas gathering all day Saturday! Then returned home and had fun at church this last Sunday for Christmas Day!!

Janie sleeping peacefully in her pack-n-play--getting ready for a big day. Notice all the green pacifiers--they are her absolute FAVORITE so we had plenty on hand in case she missed her crib!

Janie is up and ready to have FUN!

Look what I found in my Christmas Stocking at our family party....

Janie playing with Uncle Randy!

Janie at Church on Sunday!

Janie and her friend from church!

Being silly at home with Mimi!

And, Janie with Santa again....because it is just so darn cute, I had to post it again!

Janie and I would like to wish everyone a wonderful Christmas! This is the best Christmas I have ever had. To have my beautiful daughter home is amazing! God has blessed me so much. She is the perfect example of God's perfect love!

I feel His love surrounding me everyday. This beautiful child He has given me is such a miracle. I am honored to be her mommy! I pray each day that she always feels His love! I pray that the Lord continues to guide me as I make all the decisions in her life. I pray that He helps me to raise her into the beautiful lady he has planned. 

What a gift!!! I'm so lucky to have her in my life. She makes me smile EVERY second of EVERY day.....I am complete!

Janie Met Santa!!

JANIE LOVES SANTA!!!!!!

FIRST HAIRCUT!!

OK....So Janie's hair is absolutely beautiful and one of the first things you notice about her! But, I think it has gotten just a little out of control....Time for a trim--what do you think?!?! (Ha Ha)

So we headed off to the salon!! Denise has been cutting mommy's hair since I was 13 years old. And she has been cutting Mimi's hair that long too.....so obviously, she was honored to give Janie her very first hair cut! Janie did so great! She sat there like a little angel! She was a little unsure of what was happening exactly--but she was perfect. She got a little wiggly-but no tears at all! She didn't really smile much though....I think she was just trying to figure out exactly what was happening! 

After the haircut, Janie changed into one of her Christmas dresses and went to meet Santa.

OH. MY. GOODNESS!! She was amazing!!! 

She loved, loved, loved Santa! 

She kept looking up at him wiht amazement and gently rubbing his beard. The picture is incredible!!! She has one hand gently holding onto his suit, one hand holding his hand, and looking right at the camera flashing her biggest, brightest GRIN! I'll try to upload it and share later!!!!!

By the way, Janie is 10 months old on Monday!! I cannot believe we have been a family for 3 months already--on one hand it feels like yesterday that I met her, but on the other hand, I cannot remember life without her. She is such a joy! I adore every moment with her!!

Happy 1st Birthday HARRISON

Happy Birthday to you!

Happy Birthday to you!

Happy Birthday Dear Harrison!

Happy Birthday to you!

Janie would like to wish Harrison a very happy 1st Birthday!! Harrison was Janie's roomie at the birth home in Taiwan. He is now home with his forever family. 

 

You can follow his family's journey by clicking here

This is a picture of Janie and Harrison at the birth home in Taiwan. This was taken a few months ago--they have both grown so much since then! What a couple of cuties!!

Harrison, Janie and I hope you have a GREAT BIRTHDAY!!! 

Just Because She's So Darn Cute!!

It's Beginning To Look A Lot Like Christmas!

Christmas is always a special time of the year....but it will be extra special this year!!

Janie loves her first Christmas Tree!

Also: Janie is doing great with her sitter--she is one of 4 children and they are all GREAT!! In fact, check out the video below. I have been trying to teach her to clap her hands and today she came home clapping!!! She is learning so much from the other kids and her care-giver!! I am so blessed!!!