Two Year Family Day

Right after Libby has been handed to us (most beautiful scary moment ever).
Michelle, Janice and Eric nervously waiting for our names to be called
Our guide Molly by the front desk






It is so hard to believe that two years ago on March 31st, we were driven to a large government building with others in our travel group, brought to a large waiting room where we sat nervous and shaking. Then, our names began to be called. We stood up and walked forward and the director of the SWI was walking towards us with a very unhappy girl. He handed her to us and we began to cry and then she began to cry. Eric and I tried to comfort her. The director told us that Libby had gotten car sick on the drive from Maoming, and that was why she only had three layers on and no shoes. It seemed obvious that she was still not feeling great, and now was scared. I saw my travel mate Michelle offering her little girl a snack, which she seemed to like. We tried the same, but it did not work. I don't think we were prepared for how overwhelmed we felt. I can barely remember leaving the building and getting on the bus back to the hotel. A little face with big eyes and lips looked so sad, it broke my heart. We were all so exhausted. We showed Libby all around the room, her new toys, and her crib. Finally, we ordered room service and Libby sat on Dada's lap the whole time. I tried worming my way in by doing the stacky cups by myself over and over again, but did not win her over that day. At the end of a very emotional day, we all finally went to sleep. I probably got up 20 times to check on her. We were told that on day three, everything would be just fine. Our hard headed little girl did not quite agree with that, and it was much closer to day 6-7 before we saw her first real smile and then got a laugh.

We feel honored and so fortunate to have Libby as our daughter. The past two years have had highs and lows, as any journey into parenthood has. But the lowest lows fade into nothing compared to all the highs we have had and all the love we have found. Thank you Lisbeth Ann Qiu Roller for being our little girl. For opening are hearts even more than they had been before. We have tickle fights, bath time splashing, hide and seek, spontaneous hugs and kisses and arms put around our necks with the words "I love you Mama and Dada". You have been a gift beyond any other. We love you.

One more picture

This was a picture of Maisy that was attached to a document. We had not really thought we could get it to copy, but it did, so although this is probably from when she was six months old (or younger), it is a new one for us to share.

I have some house stories, funny Libby stories and other things to write, and I will hopefully get to them soon. Right now, I am going to head out and enjoy this gorgeous day with my family.

Captain Monkey Toes and Other Adventures

That's Captain Monkey Toes

Last week Libby came out of her room wearing an interesting assortment of clothing. I looked down at her and asked her who say was. She told me she was a super hero. (Wow, pre-school does bring a whole new world home to us). When I asked her her super hero name, she looked almost offended that I did not know it on my own, kind of sighed and then shouted, "Captain Monkey Toes". Yep, you read right :) Unfortunately, her little destructive friend ripped her super hero crown apart, and so far, no others appeal to her. Watch hear for further updates on our super hero and her super adventures...
With her Easter bonnet...

We had neighbors who moved to the 'burbs last summer. They told us that when their house sold, that if the new owners did not want it, we could have their swing set. It took longer than they had probably anticipated, but the house finally sold. The new owner is not in need of a swing set, so up the hill it is coming! We are so excited. We have gone down there a few times to visit it. It has two swings, a fort at the top of the very nice slide, a sandbox, and to one side, a pole to attach the baby swing. Woo hoo! We are doubly excited because we are taking out the birch tree in the backyard that is slowly dying. It will cost us a few pennies to have it removed, so really did not want to spend money on a swing set, and ironically, the swing set will go where the birch was-how cool is all this? AND, trust me, Eric has an "idea" for moving the swing set here, so watch for some interesting pictures to appear in the next few weeks!

At Christmas, Libby had no desire to see the man in the red suit. I would ask her sporadically if she would be interested in a picture with him, and the answer was always "No". She did not seem to be afraid of the idea, just utterly disinterested. We were at the mall on Friday, and the Easter Bunny was there with a similar set up for pictures. OMG, she loved that bunny. She hugged him, high fived him, and was completely captivated. We went back this morning, Easter dress on, and had her picture taken with him. She just smiled from ear to ear.

I know people would like updates on Maisy, and trust me, I am sorry we cannot provide any. We will be sending a care package when we get our Log In Date. At that time, we will ask for another update. We may get one, we may not. When we get closer to travel, we will ask for weight, height, and a few more pics and just hope we get something, but again, no guarantees. We think about our little girl constantly and hope she is being well cared for, growing, developing and bonding with her foster family. We cannot wait until we get the go ahead for travel.

Libby and her pal Tenzing. Yes, the mom's are planning a wedding for 23 years from now...

Introducing.....

I know, can you believe it? We are so darn happy and excited, words do not come close! We are head over heels in love. Libby is very thrilled to be a big sister (for now, we will see how she feels when it happens)

http://www.BabyHomePages.net/crazyformaisy

If it asks for a log-in and password, it will be:

crazyformaisy
ourgirl

If you can tear your eyes away from just about the cutest little girl in the world, we would like to ask that you use discretion if you forward our website to anyone. We would prefer to keep it among friends and family, but are aware we may unintentionally miss some folks.

Meant to Be

Libby's class made Abraham Lincoln hats and beards-too cute!

Libby first snow man of the season

This week I was reading a blog that talked about the phrase "meant to be" when it applied to children who were adopted. She spoke of how we needed to be careful when using that phrase with our kids because to them, "meant to be" means that that there was a reason they were torn from their biological families. Many adoptive parents took offense to this. I think most did out of sheer defensiveness. I can understand that. You come under intense scrutiny when adopting and often times feel you must explain yourself. "Meant to be" truly does sound loving and that you saw your child and that's what it was. However, this blogger was asking parents to see what that phrase would mean from the perspective of the child, especially as they get older and begin to question the "whys" of their adoption. How do you explain to your child that through their enormous loss, your family was "meant to be"? You yourself may disagree with this, but it gave me quite a bit to think about. It is one of those phrases that might go along with "she's so lucky". When I have turned it around and said that we are the lucky ones, I have gotten more than one eye roll, and even had someone say "I get that, I am just saying you are great parents and she is lucky". And I get that. They were not saying "poor little orphan who was lucky enough to get parents". They meant it as the most basic compliment. What I try to say now is that we are all very lucky and how wonderful that is. Because, yes, I do still feel that people need to realize that it was not Libby who "lucked out", but that Eric and I were the ones who were so fortunate to have this little girl become a part of our lives. It will be up to her if she feels the same way.

In lighter conversation, Libby now cheats at Chutes and Ladders. Yep, folks, you read it right. We were playing and I told her that if she rolled a 5 with the dice, she would win. She moved the dice around in her hand until the 5 was on the top, and then dropped if very carefully so it did not roll over! My jaw hit the floor. What the heck?

Sunday, we went to the FCC (Families with Children from China) Chinese New Year. We were fortunate to run into several families that we know. Libby had a great time. Circus Juvantus was there and put on a short incredible performance. Libby, Jai and Malia then participated in the ribbon dance (until Libby bopped Jai in the nose and Jai bowed out). We had a very nice time and were glad we got to attend this year. Libby did have a melt down at the end. I think it was such a big day with so much going on. She slept all the way home and then some.

Enthusiastic ribbon dancer

Our house is coming together. Below is a picture of Libby's new room. The beautiful rocking chair in the corner was a present from Eric's parents. It started out in MN, moved to PA and VA and is now back home, blocks from where it all started. We did not have a corner in our house (honest truth, look around next time here) and it never had it's own special spot. Now it does, and it looks perfect. The bed is also a treasure from the family that has come down from Roller side of the family.

Very, very tired girl

Libby's beautiful new room

First time ever we saw your face...

Today is the two year anniversary since we first saw Libby's face. It was the most amazing experience and the phone call will stand out as one of the best ones ever. For over 6 weeks, three little pictures were all we had of her. There was a short write up from her SWI (social welfare institute) that said she was shy and quiet. Eric and I looked at each other and went "gulp". We thought for sure our crazy household would be too much. Turns out that the description was a tad off, and our girl is wild, crazy, funny, outgoing, social and fits our family like she has always been a part of it. Can you tell we love her a whole heck of a lot? If I were a word smith, I would wax poetic on all that she had brought to our lives. Since I am not, I can just sum it up by saying she has brought more joy to us than we could possibly have imagined.

One cute little Libby tidbit that I want to share that makes us smile:
Libby's lips are pretty full, but when she is tired, her top lip looks like it was stung by a bee! We know to watch out if we see that lip getting full, because sleep is on it's way. When we were in China, our guide called her "Angelina Jolie" :)

How fortunate we are to have her in our lives, and we hope that someday soon, we will have news on a sibling. Will keep you posted on that right here.

De Dah!

As Libby would say :) We are almost there! Attached is a picture of our pantry. I love it! As you can see, Eric hung the pegboard and it now houses my pots and pans. I like it more than I did my old pot rack (which I had loved-anyone need it?). A $2.99 Ikea pot rack lid holder is next to it, and it works great. Looking at the pantry, there are shelves to each side from floor to ceiling. I know I will not be saying this for long, but wow, the room I now have!


The bedroom is done as is the mudroom. We are just waiting on one last inspection. Over time, we had become quite accustomed to Jose, our painter. He would come in the back door, and Libby would shout out "Good morning Jose" and he would answer back with "Good morning you sweet girl". It will be strange, good mind you, but strange, not to have him here. It was like Murphy Brown and Elden her painter who was there for years. I am now going to work on turning the downstairs bedroom into a playroom. It will be nice to have most toys and games centrally located. This weekend, we are going to make the big transition of Libby to her big girl room/bed. Cross your fingers all goes well. Heck, every day she tells me she is 16, so she must be ready!



Otherwise, all is well with the Rollers, but would be better if we could all get rid of our coughs once and for all.