Easter 2011-"He's alive. He's alive."

(Thank you Emily!  If you haven't seen this, it is awesome in the true sense of the word.)

Sweet Bella woke up saying, "He's alive! He's alive! He's not dead!"  I love the faith and conviction that she has.  This year we were missing Andrew.  Since he is coming home for the summer in a week and a half, we did not want to spend the $ to fly him home.  We had a small but special celebration, though.  Love these days to look back on.  The days are long but the years are short.  One of our new traditions, started by Bella...Bella wanted to go around the table and tell each person one thing that we are thankful for.  So Bella started.  For daddy she was thankful for him playing with her and making her laugh.  For me, for being the best mommy in the whole city.  For Zach, for sharing his candy, and teaching her to ride her bike.  For Eliza, for painting her nails, and being the "best sista eva".  She hugged each person as she told them what she loved about them.  Then she had us each do it.  Not sure where she saw or heard about this tradition, but it was so sweet that I would like to take credit for it but I can't. Yes, we will do it throughout the year.

Bella had her 4 year check up.  It is so fun to see her grow.  She is definitely slowing down a bit-to a more normal rate of growth.  My advice to people who have gotten their referral and are about to pick up their child...don't over buy in the clothes department.  Bella came home wearing 18m and is now wearing 4 and some 5s.  That is in 18m time!  Her foot grew from a 6 to an 11.  She went from not being on the charts for height to being over the 50%. She has grown over 11inches (I actually thought 12 but...11 is good!)  They like to see her age have over 10 words in a sentence.  My doctor laughed at that.  She is a chatter box.  On all fronts she is doing so nicely.  We are constantly amazed at her!

Adoption #2 front:  So now we wait for our appt to be fingerprinted for CIS.  Moving at a slow but steady pace.  Love CHI/YWAM.  Love the updates.  Love the communication.  Love what I hear about the care of the babies.