I'm sorry, did I wake you?!

My girls were so beautiful this morning that I just had to snap a photo! Unfortunately, Mia wasn't too pleased with the flash...

Happy Birthday!

On Tuesday, Mia's official birthday, we took her to a local cake shop and let her pick out a cupake! After we sang to her, she gagged herself on frosting... Thankfully, we caught it all on fiilm. Trust me, it was funny enough that we could submit it to 'America's Funniest Home Videos'! It's amazing that our little angel is already one year old...

Party Girl...

As you can imagine, Mom was quite the party planner for Mia's first big event... We hosted about 70 friends & children at the club, with all the usual food, drinks and birthday cake. Mia also insisted that we hire the current world champion balloon artist! (no joke...) What this guy could do with balloons was more impressive to the adults than it was the kids. And of course we had the obligatory face painter to make sure that no child went home clean! Mia was very proud of her Winnie the Pooh art. It was quite impressive that the painter was able to finish this piece in the 7 seconds that Mia sat still for her... The party was lots of fun for everyone.

While we realize that Mia won't have any memory of her first birthday, it warms our hearts to see her surrounded by so much love and attention. She's such an incredibly special little girl. We will spend our lives showering her with love and attention in hopes of showing our appreciation for all the happiness she has brought into our lives!

Mia's 1st Birthday Party!

Saturday we had Mia's 1st birthday party at the country club! The even bigger event was that Mia got her first taste of a cupcake!! As you can see, Mia wasn't too sure what to make of it at first. Needless to say, she quickly warmed to the concept...

It's Official...

It's official: Mia is finally 100% legally our child, and a US citizen!! Last Thursday we re-affirmed Mia's adoption in the US Courts. This provides for a US birth certificate, etc. It was really a special experience to hear the judge say those magical words...

Cari & Perry, Nancy & Eben and Kurt & Sue joined us for the event. It was great having close friends and family to share the experience with. After the court hearing we went to the Golden Bhudda at the Chinese Cultural Center for lunch. As always, Mia looked absolutely adorable and kissable... Especially in her authentic Chinese outfit!

Betty Bear!

When we were in NJ a few weeks ago, Mia fell in love with Molly's giant teddy bear, named Betty Bear. It was so sweet how Mia would hug and kiss Betty Bear... Today when we got home there was a package addressed to Mia! It was almost as if Mia knew what was in it. She got so excited as we were opening the box. When we pulled out her very own Betty Bear she could hardly contain her love for her new found friend... Needless to say, Mia went to bed very happy tonight thanks to Kenny, Kathleen & Molly!

Blowing kisses...

While in San Diego, cousin Gavin taught Mia how to blow kisses! She is now obsessed with blowing kisses... It's so cute because she kisses the back of her hand instead of the front. It's amazing, Gavin has taught Mia so many gestures. She is so in love with him that she'll mimic anything he does...

First Tea Party!

While visiting San Diego last week, Mia had her first tea party with her cousin Hadley. I wasn't there to witness it first hand, but I'm told that they had quite the little soiree... girls!

Sharing...

It was so cute to see Mia & Molly bond while we were in NJ. One night while feeding the girls some frozen peas, Mia decided that she would feed her sister... She's so into sharing now that we have to eat some of her dinner that she feeds us. How cute!

Loving Moms...

Here is a picture of two of the most beautiful women you'll ever meet... They had a great time seeing Mia & Molly's friend Kaila. Just as we had a wonderful time on our trip to NJ. Kenny & Kathleen were phenomenol hosts and we'll be forever appreciative of their kindness & friendship!

Kenny's Groupies...

Kenny was playing some screaming guitar for the ladies! We couldn't figure out why they couldn't get enough of him... Those damn rock stars!

Someone is getting sleepy...

We went out for Thai food on Sunday night. Which, I might add, was the best Thai I've ever had... Wow! Anyhow, the girls fell asleep on the way to the restaurant so we ended up taking the food to go. Mia got a little sleepy while we were waiting and passed out cold! Mia sleeping in my arms is absolutely the best feeling in whole world...

Anyone Hungry?!

We took so many great photos that it's hard to stop posting them... Wow, could they be any cuter?!?!

The Yangxi Orphanage Reunion!

Here is a great picture of Kaila, Mia & Molly playing togther! It's amazing that they spent the first 7 and a half months of their lives in the same room together... It was really enjoyable to see how much they've all progressed. Kaila is even taking several steps on her own! Unfortunately the twins weren't able to make the reunion as Katie was sick with pneumonia and had to visit the hospital... Hopefully we'll get to see them on our next trip! We are all very lucky to have such beautiful little girls in our lives...

Happiness...

This one picture sums up best how Mia felt about spending the weekend with Kenny, Kathleen & Molly!

Uncle Stevie & Aunt Suzann

Mia finally got to meet Uncle Stevie & Aunt Suzann from New Jersey! We enjoyed a nice leisurely brunch with them on Sunday. As you can tell, Mia took to them right away... In fact, she mentioned that she wants to spend summers at the Jersey shore!

Sisters...

We're in New Jersey visiting Kenny & Kathleen and their beautiful little girl Molly! We arrived on Friday and Molly & Mia immediately picked up as if they were never apart... They had so much playing in the tub! It's really kind of freaky, their noises and expressions are so similar. From the side, or behind, it's really difficult to tell tem apart... After all, they spent the first seven and a half months of their lives together, and are only one day apart in age. They are lucky to have each other!

Hung Over New Year's Day...

Unfortunately the morning after wasn't quite as much as the New Year's Eve itself... However, Mia was quite happy to lounge around all day with Mommy & Daddy. In fact, here you'll see us watching some football and sharing some saltines! She's the best...

Festive New Years Eve!

After a nice relaxing day with our little Mia, Aunt Ruth Ellen was kind enough to come over and sit while Mommy & Daddy went out on the town! Ok, actually we just went to the Club for dinner and drinks with Eben & Nancy, and their family. We had a great time out while Mia was fast asleep... As you can tell, she was none to happy to see us leaving.