Thursday, February 14, 2008

2 Basketball Games again this Saturday Lil - Go Lady Pilgrims - Win Regional

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Grandma Isban always has the prettiest flowers - Happy Valentine's Day

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Lily made it to Grandpa Isban's House

Grandpa had to take off his glasses and Lily still wants to get them.

Britt's Team won the Sectional

This is the first Sectional for these Seniors. Everyone played great
and Lily is adjusting to the multitude of basketball games. That is
just part of being a Hoosier!

Friday, February 8, 2008

Tiger Lily is Ready to Walk

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Lily's First Trip to St. Mary's College

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Kelly came home from College to be with Lily

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Davis - Telling Lily the Rules of the House

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Lily with the Chamberlin Men

Lily likes the guys - she has never been afraid -- even of Tom Flynn.

Friday February 8

An entire week has flown by -- filled with visits from friends and
daily milestones from Tiger Lily. I cannot imagine that this little
girl was afraid of the floor less than two weeks ago. Now she can
defend herself from the tongue attacks of Chloe and today is starting
to take her first steps without holding on to the table. I can only
imagine the other little Xuwen girls are doing the same amazing
things. She does have an attitude, but that is great (except when
she does her fast escape act getting out of the highchair straps).
We do not want to bore everyone with daily posts, but some highlights
will get posted.

All is good - we have been blessed ---

Friday, February 1, 2008

Friday February 1

You have never seen two people happier to be home. We cheered when
we left Beijing, and cheered again as we crossed Canada into
Minnesota, finally in US airspace. Lily couldn't have been better on
the trip. Her day was a 25 hour day door to door. What a trooper!!
Thank goodness for baby bjorn and that she likes to be in it.
Yesterday was a little rough for everyone just trying to get
adjusted. Brit had her senior night for basketball and she did
great. So did Lily. The loud buzzer from the score board didn't
even phase her. I had a much greater appreciation for our national
anthem when the played it at the game. Today she had a check up
with the pediatrician. We are lucky, our pediatrician specializes in
international adoption. She said she is probably one of the best
babies she has seen from China. We feel extremely blessed. So now
if we get her time clock turned around, we will be doing fantastic.
That is all for now. Thank you to family and friends for all the
prayers and help they have given us! I know all the prayers worked!

Friday February 1

I will post today as Suz is understandably a bit tired. What a
January our family has experienced!! Lily is such a blessing for our
family and we cannot express our appreciation for all who have helped
this past month. Suz and I have said repeatedly throughout the past
few weeks that we could not imagine doing this alone. The first full
day home was in whirlwind mode, as the 13 hour time change was and is
difficult to overcome. The adrenaline is kicking off and the jet lag
is now in full force. Lily was so, so good yesterday and was a doll
at Britt's Senior Night for Plymouth High School's Basketball Team.
We put on a couple of Britt's pictures today - she is such a good
player and most importantly great daughter. It was difficult to
leave all the kids for the past two weeks, but they really were good
and are now showing their love for Lily. Kelly came home from St.
Mary's College last night and today is her day to have fun with Lily.

The weather here is terrible with a snowstorm blasting us today --
again someone is watching out for us. The snow in China did not
disrupt our trip and the weather in Chicago cooperated so we could
get home safely. School is cancelled today, so the kids have a 3 day
break and can help Suz with Lily. Maybe Suz will post today - maybe.

44 is better than 22

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Action from the Goshen Gane

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Britt with Grandma and Grandpa Payne

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Lily Made it to Britt's Senior Night

Britt had a great Senior Night and Lily was great the whole night (or
was it morning - who knows what time she is on? The Centa's gave
Lily a nice present. Britt was the center of attention. She has
played a lot of basketball from the 5th grade. Even the torn knee
last year did not keep her down. Great Job Britt!!!!