A Chloe update...

We have been home with Chloe for over a month now. I haven’t blogged much because I have really been trying to live in the moment...enjoying being home with Chloe and getting back into the routine of life. OK, the truth is I haven’t blogged mostly because Chloe is a bundle of energy who moves from thing to thing while we watch in exhaustion!

She seems to have adjusted to her new life well. She sleeps great, eats well, and seems happy most of the time. Her laugh is endearing and her smile is amazing! Her eyes are so expressive. In short she is adorable and we are completely in love with her!

She loves to run through the house and shut all the doors, then cries when she finds herself on the wrong side of the door and is shut in a room.

She loves to sing. I only wish I could understand the sweet words that she sings. She speaks Chinese but has quickly picked up a handful of English words. And she has quickly learned the signs we've used with her: more, please, thank you...all the important ones.

She is potty-trained and lets us know when she has to “go” by grabbing her cute little bottom. When we ask if she has to go potty she nods her head up and down and runs towards the bathroom. Despite the language barrier she seems to have no problem understanding us.

She loves to chew ice, play in the water, and gives awesome hugs and kisses. She has loved nursery at church from the start. She loves her Daddy, and when he walks through the door at night she throws open her arms and squeals!

It is becoming very obvious that Chloe was cared for and loved by her foster family and then by her Nannies at the orphanage. We feel that is a big part of why she is adjusting so well.

Most of you know this was not Isabelle’s situation. Isabelle's start in life was rough. We may not have tangible proof, but we know it. We see evidence of it. But with both girls we celebrate with them in every victory, no matter how small and victorious they are. They are making friends, learning, and enjoying life. They are tender. They are fragile. They require the most structure. The most consistency. The most forgiveness. They require the very best we can give them. And they makes us very happy. These two little girls inspire in us the fiercest, most protective love.

You may have heard adoption is not for the weak, and it certainly isn't cheap. But it’s an investment in life. For eternity. And that will never return void.

Bill likes to tell the story of how early on in our marriage we decided that we wanted to make a difference. Our kids were at an age where we could be a little selfish and “live a little” by the world's standards...or we could try to make a small difference. But the truth is that Isabelle and Chloe are the ones who have made a difference...in OUR lives. We have benefited far more than we have given them. Our hearts and souls have expanded, our love and patience has increased, and we have grown closer to our Heavenly Father. He has helped us make this this amazing journey to our daughters. He called us and trusted us to do this in His time not ours. I love what my friend, Cheryl who is now in China picking up her second adopted child said, “God does not necessarily call the equipped. He equips those He calls...and those who allow faith to lead the way. Those who will say "Yes!" when it would be much easier to say "No."

As my sweet husband always says, this is one excellent adventure!