Big Girl!

I'm sure one day my daughter will be a little embarrassed by this post, but it's too precious for a Momma to pass up...our girl is a Big Girl on the Potty!! 

I know this is quite a milestone for any child, but with Eva it feels especially sweet.  Up until a few weeks ago, Eva was literally terrified of the potty!  I'm talking screaming, crying, fear!!  I bought the little pink potty that sits on the floor, a seat for the big potty, etc...but she was scared of it all.  It wasn't until last week, when she got really upset wearing a wet diaper, that I guess the potty didn't seem so bad after all. 

I LOVE watching how proud she is of herself everytime she goes potty.  Her face lights up and her smile is so big!  She has NO problem sharing her excitment with everyone in sight.  Many strangers know more of her business than they probably should!!

Eva's been asking for a bike for a little while now and we were going to get her that for her birthday, but as a reward for such a big accomplishment, we let her go pick one out this past weekend.  Of course she picked pink!!

Way to go Eva...We are SO proud of you!!

Chinese New Year!

 Gung Hay Fat Choy!  Happy Chinese New Year!!  

It's the year of the Dragon!

What a fabulous afternoon we had on Saturday spending time with our local China families.  Aren't the girls just beautiful?!

This year we met in a local Chinese restaurant with a large meeting room.  This worked out so well and gave the kids room to move which in turn allowed us parents more opportunity to visit. 

After crafts were completed and the cake was consumed.... 

What better thing to do than parade around with the umbrella props!  Fortunately no eyes were poked or other injuries sustained!!

I always feel so honored to spend time with these special families and share stories of our experiences.  It's amazing how God has knitted each one together and continues to do so; two of our local families will be returning to China very soon!! 

Wishing you all a Healthy and Happy 2012!!

EIGHTEEN Months!!

Today marks 18 months that Eva came to be a part of her forever family!!  Unfortunately it was spent at the eye doctor 2 1/2 hours away :(

Eva's First Ride in Her Carseat - July 31, 2010
 (not including the late night ride home from the airport!)

As I know I've mentioned before, Eva was diagnosed in China with a condition called congenital ptosis (droopy eyelids).  Prior to traveling to China, we had an opthalmologist review Eva's file and based only on photos she actually thought the diagnosis should be Blepharophimosis or BPES.  Today that diagnosis was confirmed.

BPES (Blepharophimosis, Ptosis, Epicanthus Inversus Syndrome) is a rare disorder that is inherited.  It has four main characteristics...eyelids that are abnormally narrow horizontally (blepharophimosis), a vertical fold of skin from the lower eyelid up either side of the nose; rather than from the upper eyelid down like we all have (epicanthus inversus), drooping of the upper eyelids (ptosis) and a flat nasal bridge - wider between the two eyes. 

In Eva's case the main concern right now is the ptosis (droopy eyelids).  She has astigmatisms in both eyes which may be being caused by the pressure of the lids on the cornea.  We have made the choice to have the first ptosis surgery sooner rather than later and it is scheduled for Thursday, March 8th.

I admit that I'm feeling a little overwhelmed right now.  I'm hoping it's just from the long day and after a good night sleep I'll have new perspective in the morning.  I've been researching and learning about this condition for almost two years now, so none of what was talked about today came as a surprise, but I guess it didn't become "real" until now. 

In the big scheme of things I know that this is so minor, but it's still my daughter.  The idea of surgery with all it's risks, how it's going to affect Eva emotionally when we've made such huge strides with attachment and how the surgery could potentially change her "look" (that we love just the way she is) has made me rather emotional.  I  pray, and ask you to join with us, that this surgery be routine and without complications; that Eva feels just as secure with us afterwards as she does now, and that the results will be positive.  Not only correcting the astigmatisms but opening up a new line of vision for Eva.

 Eva was a trooper throughout the appointment, even having her eyes dialated, not one tear was shed.  It's amazing what she'll do for a pink dum-dum sucker!!