Lydia and her Christmas tree sweater. She loves her sweater!
We woke up on Monday, December 7th, with a thin blanket of snow on the ground. Our first snow this year. When Lydia got up, she was so excited, much different reaction from last year when it snowed. Last year she was terrified of it. Grant it, it was only a month or so since we had been home from China, so all this stuff was so new. In her part of the country of China it was warm all year round so this white, cold, and even painful to the touch, stuff on the ground was pretty scary.
John and I are so blessed to have Lydia. We are reminded every day how special she is. She is such a good girl. I love it when she says, "Thank you Mama" or "I love you too Mama!" She is just speaking so well (and people are understanding her!) and growing and learning so much. She is such a big helper. She loves to help. No, you really don't understand. This girl will get upset if you don't allow her to help you. She will say, "Lydia help please Mama."
I just love her. I look forward to the day when she will have a sibling. I think she would do so well. We want to adopt again..but are praying for the right time (and the right place) to do so.
As we are in the Advent Season, we have been talking a lot about Christ and His Birth. She will sing "Happy Birthday Jesus" when we talk about it. It is so sweet. She loves Jesus..she carries her Cross around (a Russian Orthodox Cross that we bought her as a Chrismation gift) and kisses it. Last Sunday we were confirmed into the Orthodox Church and during the ceremony (which was glorious) they anoint you with oil (on your forehead, your ears, your hands, feet, etc.) When the Priest (Father George) was done, she would look up at him and say "thank you" and he would smile...
I am amazed at her understanding of Christianity. She teaches me so much.
Oh, God please help our unbelief.
All this to say, we are utterly blessed.
Peace be with you all.
Lydia got to visit Santa for the first time this year. The girl before her was balling her eyes out so I was concerned that Lydia was going to lose it when it came her time. I distracted Lydia with my camera and had her take pictures. It worked..she didn't even notice the the girl before her having a meltdown. :)
Lydia and her Christmas tree sweater. She loves her sweater!
We woke up on Monday, December 7th, with a thin blanket of snow on the ground. Our first snow this year. When Lydia got up, she was so excited, much different reaction from last year when it snowed. Last year she was terrified of it. Grant it, it was only a month or so since we had been home from China, so all this stuff was so new. In her part of the country of China it was warm all year round so this white, cold, and even painful to the touch, stuff on the ground was pretty scary.
Lydia's attempt at making a snowman out of playdough! She did a wonderful job! So very proud of her!
Dad and Mama Jean at Lynn's Paradise Cafe. Staple for anyone who visits Louisville.
"Happy Gotcha Day!!!"
Lydia at 2 1/2 years old...cute as a button in her Chinese outfit.
One year ago today...our family of 3 began. 
Outside our front yard. The sky was awesome looking.
We dressed Lydia up with her Ladybug costume, but didn't go out for trick or treats. We stayed inside and hung out and played. It was fun!
This is one of my favorites..the sun was shining in softly on her face.
Need I say more...she is sooooo cute! 
