One year ago today, Li Xiao Fei was an orphan. She didn't know it, but she had a mom and dad waiting for her, she had two big sisters just bursting to love on her and squeeze her, she had grandparents who already loved her just like they love her sisters, and she had so many friends praying for her, helping bring her home, and waiting excitedly to meet her. We held her on April 7, and on April 8th she was ours forever. No longer an orphan. Finally a Dane.
One year ago today, we were amazed at her bravery. She was so brave. Her face was always so serious and we could tell there was so much going on behind her big, brown eyes. But she let us care for her. She fell asleep on Randy every night. And she even let this crazy lady strap her to me in the carrier, sometimes. Those days were so hard for both Randy and me, but we knew we could at least be as brave as our little Fei Fei was being.
She has adjusted so well. She just loves her sisters and loves to do whatever they are doing. She's super strong-willed and so persistent - such the two and a half year old. She's potty trained, during the day and at night as well! Her language is exploding, and even though they aren't very clear, she has a normal amount of words and phrases for a child her age. She goes to school! She loves going to church, getting mints, and running to find her Baba after class. And she is a mama's girl. She started off only wanting Randy, but that changed quickly after we got home and now I'm the one she wants. I get to rock her before bed every night, and we have a very specific bedtime routine that HAS to be followed (she's a little OCD). Every time I rock her, though, I'm still overwhelmed at how she became ours, how God placed her in our family, and how she allows us to love her. She's pretty amazing.
We've mentioned on the blog before about how thankful we have been for honest friends who shared their struggles authentically with us. We want to do the same. This year has been HARD. And Calli has done such a wonderful job of adjusting! Even still, adjusting to having three girls, walking through medical appointments and surgeries, learning to be patient with Calli, and just figuring out being a family of five has been a lot. We were tired. We took a wonderful trip over spring break just the two of us and were able to talk about the first ten years of our marriage, and especially this last year, and dream about what's next. God has been so faithful to be strong in our weakness. I have learned more this year about how God's grace is sufficient for me and how I can boast in my weaknesses. I recognize my need for Him more than ever, and I'm learning that that is such a sweet place to be.
Calli Faith, we are crazy in love with you. In some ways we can't believe you've only been here one year because we just feel like you've been part of us forever. We look forward to all the years to come and praise God for placing you in our family one year ago today. We love you, sweet girl!!
Just some blog posts I've enjoyed reading back through:
When we met for the first time
Visiting her orphanage
Getting to meet the family who adopted the baby we didn't
The good, the bad, and the ugly
Coming home
Mother's Day
Lip surgery
Palate surgery
6 months home
