Update

We got updated measurements on Liu Xia today. We had actually gotten the update on Friday, but her weight was wrong. They listed her weight as 24 kilograms, which would be like 52 pounds (bigger than Elijah), so we asked for an accurate measurement. We found out that she is actually 12 kilograms, which is 26 pounds and 84 cm, which is 33 inches tall. She's a very healthy weight and height. Actually, she's the exact same size as her cousin Ella, who is 3 months younger.

We also learned some more information about her personality when we got an update on Friday. The report said "she is shy and doesn't like to talk or have communion with strangers" (so she may have a hard time with us at first). It also said "she will help take toys to the younger peers" and "if the younger peers cry, she will help to coax them and kiss them." Reading this means so much to me. Her caring for the babies in this way tells me that my little girl has been shown love. If no one has ever soothed her when she cries or kissed her, she wouldn't be showing affecting and concern toward the babies. I can't wait to meet my sweet little girl.

Adoption Fundraiser Garage Sale

We are going to have an adoption fundraiser garage sale on June 3, 4, and 5. All proceeds from the sale will go towards bringing Liu Xia home. Do you have any items that you've been wanting/needing to get rid of? Consider donating them to our garage sale! Items can be dropped off at our house by June 2, or we are happy to arrange to pick them up from you. If you can let us know by May 25 if you plan to donate something, that would be great so we can submit as descriptive of an ad as possible.

Update

We received an update and found out that Liu Xia had surgery in September to repair the heart condition she was born with. We are so thankful that she is doing well after surgery, but it's so sad that she had to go through such a major surgery without a family by her side.

Many people have asked about the birthday party in the pictures of Liu Xia. It was another little girl in the orphanage's birthday party. Her adoptive mom sent the cake and party supplies to the orphanage so they could celebrate her daughter's birthday while they waited to travel to bring her home. We are so grateful for all of the adorable pictures the little girl's mom sent us. She also sent us videos of Liu Xia from the party. Every picture and video and glimpse into our little girl's life is such a treasure! Thanks, Amy!

Happy Day

The boys were so excited to hear the news of their baby sister. Here are some pictures of them celebrating. They decided to blow up balloons, make signs, and march around the house in celebration. They are both going to be such good big brothers to Liu Xia!

Introducing Liú Xiá

On April 21, 2010 we got the call we have been waiting for! We have been matched with a precious little girl! Her Chinese name is Liú Xiá, and she is living in the Jiaojiang District SWI (Social Welfare Institute), which is an orphanage in Taizhou, Zheijiang, China. When we got the referral call, I kept running outside to see if I could find Jason since he was on a bike ride with the boys. After I got off the phone, I jumped in the car and started driving around to find him. I couldn't wait five more minutes to tell him the news! I found him at the park with the boys, and he was looking at me like what are you doing here? I told him that we had gotten the call, and we quickly rushed home to look at her sweet face together. Here is a slideshow of pictures and videos of her.

I can't wait to see a smile. (Although I love her pouty lips). I am ready to jump on a plane and bring her home, but we have 5-7 months before we'll be able to do that.