When love takes you in-our adoption blog

Surgery Time

2012-01-02T21:57:00.000-08:00

A few days before Christmas, LynnMarie was scheduled for surgery. She was born with club feet and although they did an amazing job in China, her right foot has started to turn in as it does with most club foot kids at age 3 and the doctor wanted to go ahead and repair a tendon. He lengthened it and moved it around. Although it was outpatient, she will wear the cast for 4-6 weeks. We are down 2 weeks now and so far so good. We had the surgery at the hospital momma works at so we had a few special visitors. We wanted a candy cane cast but as you can see we got a Christmas green one instead. Beside the loopy medicine making her see birds, she did amazing and after some juice and popsicles we were out of there within 5 hours. The challenge has been keeping her entertained. She is in a non walking cast but she can scoot around. As you can see, they casted her with her knee bent as that will also help her muscle stay in place.

Sorry for the lack of posts. Find us on facebook for more pics. I will try to post more often. Thanks for the prayers and support for sweet girl.

6 am and waiting to be called back

Post goofy juice

walking for the doctor one more time, this was before the goofy juice, pics are out of order

Right after surgery

The next day was her Christmas program. They wheeled her out and she did so well. She got to sit up for her Christmas party and loved that.

Sweet girl had surgery

2011-12-21T19:09:00.000-08:00

Tues morning we headed to the hospital at 530 am to check in. They wheeled our baby back at 8am after giving her goofy juice. LynnMarie was in surgery for about 90 minutes working on her right foot as it was starting to turn in again. She is wearing an above knee cast for 4-6 weeks and so far it hasn't been so bad.

We even took a new wagon and let her sit in her Christmas program. Now that I look at the video, it looked kid of pitiful. I could have at least decorated her wagon. So right now, she is on pain meds and getting carried everywhere. I will try to post some pics ASAP! Pray for a speedy recovery as she is an active peanut!

3rd Referral anniversary

2011-11-23T08:00:00.000-08:00

Can you believe its been 3 years since LynnMarie ChunAi became a part of our family? Not physically, but the day before Thanksgiving 3 years ago, I got a call that forever changed my life and you can read that amazing story here.
It was truly one of the best days of my life as I experienced God in a way that I had rarely heard before so this day will forever be etched in my mind and heart.

Lu Chun Ai was her given name 2008

LynnMarie ChunAi Christopher 2011

Book Review and contest for The House of Hope

2011-11-16T06:44:00.000-08:00

Contest info located at bottom of the post!!

I was blessed to be given the opportunity to read a book that touched my heart. Now I knew going in it was going to do that, as it has to do with Chinese orphans, but this beautiful family's act of obedience had me pouring tears. Most of the readers of my blog are adoptive families and there are some who are just touched by adoption. I wish I could give every one of you a copy of this book. I read it in one day! I think what I loved most about this book is the fact that this act of obedience helped make a world of difference to those who need it most.
This book shares the honest fear that sometimes comes with stepping out in faith. Sometimes they didn't know where the next dollar was going to come from, but God always provided. How wonderful to have faith like that. This book will encourage your walk, will motivate you to take that extra step and also to encourage others.

I strongly recommend buying this book as 100% of the proceeds are going to help this wonderful couple and their ministry!

Don't forget to fb or tweet the info located at the bottom of this post!

About the Book:

One couple’s powerful ministry to some of China’s most vulnerable children
Robin and Joyce Hill lived in a gated community in Beijing. Their family’s life was marked by luxury and the security of Robin’s job as an engineer. Then one day, as members of their church, they had a chance to tour a state-run orphanage. Haunted by the needs of the children they saw there, for the next four years they tried to help the institute in meaningful ways.

In 1998 the Hills planned to leave China, but instead felt a sudden call from God on their lives. They left their gated community–reserved for only non-Chinese residents–moved their family into a small apartment miles outside of Beijing and immediately began to take in foster children.

They took in any child, but especially those that needed extra care—terminally ill children that couldn’t receive care elsewhere, and those that needed complicated and expensive surgeries that the Hills soon began to coordinate and sometimes pay for out of their own savings.

What began as Hope Foster Home is now New Hope Foundation. As they continue their work, the Hills enjoy support from major corporations and high-profile philanthropists as well as the trust of the Chinese authorities. The Hills’ story is an inspiring example of God’s care and provision for those whom society does not value. Learn more about Hope Foster Homes here: http://www.hopefosterhome.com.

“I strongly support Robin and Joyce Hill’s New Hope Foundation which is saving so many orphan lives in China. Read this amazing story of God’s grace and accept the challenge to make a difference!”
–Steven Curtis Chapman

“I had the privilege of going to China and witnessing the work that God is doing through Robin and Joyce Hill. They are wonderful servants of God who lovingly care for the ‘least of these.’ I hope that many will read this book and consider their example.”
–Francis Chan, author of Crazy Love
About the Author:
Elisabeth Gifford is a journalist who has written for the London Times and the Independent Newspapers. She lives in Kingston, England, and teaches children with dyslexia.

**I was given a copy of this book in order to provide my review from Litfuse Publicity, no other compensation was given.

Contest Information
(do not enter on my blog)
The publisher is sponsoring a $50 “GET / GIVE” GIVEAWAY: One winner will receive a $50 Amazon.com gift certificate for themselves AND $50 will be given in the winner’s name to Hope Foster Home.

To enter all you have to do is send a tweet (using #HFH) about The House of Hope or share about it on Facebook!
If you tweet we’ll capture your entry when you use #HFH. If you share it on Facebook or your blog, just email us and let us know (ckrumm@litfusegroup.com). Easy.
Not sure what to tweet/post? Here’s an idea:
TWEET THIS: Couple gives all to rescue babies in China! 100% proceeds go to #HopeFosterHome http://ow.ly/7qR3e RT 4 $50 to @amazon & $50 to #HFH

2011-10-28T07:45:00.000-07:00

SHE IS A MIRACLE
HOPE FULFILLED
DREAMS FULFILLED
PRAYERS ANSWERED
BEYOND ANYTHING WE COULD HAVE EVER DREAMED OR ASKED FOR
Sorry for the simple post but I can not stop staring at her picture. She make me have happy tears. She takes my breath away when she speaks or smiles. She makes everyone smile.
She called her self Super China baby the other day(shes into superheroes). She knows. She knows how to talk to Jesus. One day she will know that she was the desire of my heart .
Sweet girl, you have know idea how much we love you. Then I think of the fact that our love for her cant compare to the love our Father has for us and that too takes my breath away

forgot about this blog for a minute!!!

2011-10-27T12:47:00.000-07:00

Pics to come but just know that precious LynnMarie is getting bigger and sillier. She loves to sing songs in a high pitched voice, loves to say prayer and thank God for Cindalella, her family and friends.

This week she has told me many times she is a super hero. Not a particular one, just in general. yesterday she called me supermomma and then she said I SUPER CHINA BABY!!! its amazing what she comes up. Such a silly girl, a perfect gift from God. What a blessing she is to everyone!

a rare but special visit

2011-08-25T07:43:00.000-07:00

What a sweet visit we had with Pam and Clay, all the way from Henan, China! They were so happy to see sweet LynnMarie although Mrs. Pam called her ChunAi a few times. I loved that. They are so proud of this little girl and they should be. They loved her, prayed for her and really gave the care she needed to start a healthy life. Simple thank you's will never be enough. They care for many special needs babies in China. I know many people who have been touched by their lives. God really really blessed our lives with this special visit. It was nice to hear stories about their lives and it was nice to see LynnMarie play with their daughter!!!!

the non picture post

2011-08-24T19:12:00.000-07:00

Just wanted to update you on LynnMarie. She is such a fun girl. She is 3 and a half and is in preschool twice a week. Her teachers love her and she is getting used to the new kids. This is her 3rd year in this school and we are happy they love her.

A few months ago, she started spitting out sentences and questions and random things.This week she told she needed to get the eyes out of the sun.

Her favorite movies are Gnomeo and Juliet and Tangled. We took her to see Cars 2 and she did well for a 3 year old. We have started to find Christmas in different places.

One of the most precious things is prayer time at night. Im not sure where she learned it, but she likes to get on her knees for prayer time I love it. We also sing Jesus loves me and How Great. She also loves to sing "I love the way you hold me" on the Christian radio station.

She is mostly a dinner eater but will snack on anything and loves her popsicles.

She loves going to church and has lots of friends there. She will be going with Momma to Wed Bible study soon.

lunch with a very special friend

2011-08-24T10:00:00.000-07:00

The beginning of Aug brought a very very special friend! You see Miss Alicia has know about our sweet LynnMarie way before we did. She has followed her story since she was a newborn. Alicia prayed for her, her future family and her needs . I love love love that God has had her prayed for all over the world since the beginning. I cant think of her story and not cry because it has been so obvious that He carefully held her in His hands while she waited for her family. We have been able to visit this sweet friend a few times since we came home from China!!!! We were thankful for another opportunity to meet, this time at the Marietta diner!! Oh and Miss Alicia has China beauties as well!!!

July

2011-08-23T16:47:00.000-07:00

These are poor quality pics but pics none the less. July was hot. We had a few park trips, watched the parade with friends and did some swimming. Aunt Kelly gave us bags and bags of new books so that kept us updated for a long time!

teacups

2011-08-22T08:30:00.000-07:00

Lm meets Paschal

2011-08-22T08:21:00.000-07:00

Zoo with Maw and Paw

2011-08-22T08:17:00.000-07:00

While we were in Fl in August we visited Grandma in Orlando and went to the zoo in Melbourne. What a fun trip that was, she even got to meet Paschal!!!!

more Spring\Early summer updates

2011-08-21T21:04:00.000-07:00

Early in the spring we had a work play date at the zoo and as usual LynnMarie had a great time with the animals and meeting new friends! One of the other pics posted was one when we went to an art festival in New Smyrna Beach.LynnMarie loved the clown!!!

More updates

2011-08-20T17:16:00.000-07:00

Random pic now. We went to a couple of festivals this spring including the taste of Marietta and one in Kennesaw. She also went on a date night with Daddy this year and they had a good time together !!! We visited both grandmas in Florida earlier in the year too. We certainly stayed busy! Y

Yes our girl loves her some corn

Easter

2011-08-18T07:52:00.000-07:00

This Easter we spent the day in Jonesboro with Aunt Andy and Uncle Jerry. LynnMarie also had a an Easter party at school with her friends. So lots of eggs were found this year. Our church had a family fun day the day before Easter with train rides, cookout food, bouncies and we enjoyed it all.

3rd birthday

2011-08-17T10:09:00.000-07:00

In March we celebrated her sweet birthday with Chuck E Cheese. This was our 2nd time partying with the mouse and we had a great time with lots of friends and family. Although, it was at Chuck E Cheese, we still had to have our Tinkerbell cant made with lots of love from a great friend! It was fun time seeing new and old friends and loving on our girl and reminding us of her great story.

1st Disney Trip

2011-08-16T08:19:00.000-07:00

Earlier this year, LynnMarie made her first trip to Disney World. We visited Magic Kingdom and Animal Kingdom. Totally had a blast and as you can see, she and Mickey are old pals.There really is nothing that compare to seeing your child's eyes light up at Disney World! Great family memories were made!

Earl

Guess who's back...back again

2011-08-15T20:04:00.000-07:00

We have a new computer (the letter N works on this one) and I have a camera that works so I am hoping to not only get things updated, but to keep writing again.

Our sweet LynnMarie is 3 and a half and loves life. She loves to sing and dance, and has become quite the conversationalist. These pics include our 2010 White Christmas and the next week we went to Bounce U as a family and had some good ole bouncing time. LynnMarie decided going up the big slide by herself was not nearly as scary as she thought. Awesome!
As of right now, she is right on target. She has really grown up in the past 2 weeks with asking lots of questions and just chatting away. She is just a joyful little girl.We are hoping to try gymnastics later this year.Hopefully I will have even more pics tomorrow.

LynnMarie 3yo update

2011-05-26T12:39:00.000-07:00

Oh how I had wanted to post her much more often. I wanted to share a few pics of sweet LynnMarie. We took her to Disney for the first time in Feb and she loved it. WE can not wait to go again. She is an amazing little girl and loves life! She finished year 2 of Mothers Morning out and will be in 3yo preschool next year. Can you believe our peanut is 3? She is sweet, funny, and sassy. She loves Tangled right now and walks around with a rubber lizard on her shoulder all the time. She will tell you to "No Throw" at times. She certainly loves to tell you the rules but sometimes just doesn't follow them. No big drama here.Michael and I are both on facebook pretty regularly so find us there if you want to see even more pics. We will always be thankful to those who physically helped and those who prayed for us during the wait to bring LynnMarie home until now. The adoption community is tight. I can not believe how much we have been loved on.

Family Day2 years later

2011-03-16T00:15:00.000-07:00

Can you believe its been 2 years since we became a family? Although we have prayed for her for years, LynnMarie joined our family 2 years ago with an amazing travel group. We had an amazing support system who held our hands from referral all the way to the airport. A sincere thank you to all who helped make our dream come true. There are not enough words to thank you all.

Here is a link to our summarized China journal if you would like to read it here.

It has been a journey, a wonderful amazing journey that I would not change for the world. She has made us smile, cry, dream and question. She has proven therapists and doctors wrong.

Its birthday time

2011-03-12T21:09:00.000-08:00

Happy 3rd Birthday sweet precious peanut. What an awesome year you have had and what a dream come true you are. You make me smile with your silliness and you have certainly taught us a few thing too. May you know how much your Heavenly Father loves your sweet spirit!

I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.
Psalms 139:14

Mommy's Project

2011-01-29T14:30:00.000-08:00

It's a die-hard, all-in endeavor. LynnMarie is in potty training boot camp. I honestly know nothing about techniques or plans, but Amy ha things well in hand. They've been at it for about a day and a half and so far have only had one accident.

LynnMarie also had her evaluation with her therapist and we've decided she will have 3 more PT appointments and then she will be out of the program. Physically she is doing very well. The only thing she is not doing is jumping with both feet at the same time. All other physical needs are being surpassed an for communication she is using some 4 word sentences so she is progressing very well there too.

We are both very proud of or baby girl.

Mike

December 2010 Callaway Gardens

2010-12-11T12:21:00.000-08:00

2 years ago today

2010-11-24T11:50:00.000-08:00

2 years ago, God connected us to our daughter. When we paperchased, I was looking forward to getting our referral like everyone else. Knowing it was coming and being prepared for the phone call. I know when we sent in our medical checklist, that wasn't going to happen. God was good. Our referral day was bigger than I could have ever imagined. Thanksgiving week had me looking at the CCAI website and I inquired about a few of the kids, the first time I had ever done that. I did not think anything of it. In fact, the next day I was told me families and already requested the files of those kids.

So 2 years ago, the Wed before Thanksgiving at 2:42 as I put my Christmas cards in the mailbox at the post office, my cell phone rang and it said 303. Since we were getting ready for review in China, I thought this was a bad call. But when I heard "Amy, are you still interested in the baby on the website"? I had to catch my breath and sit down as I was told she was emailing me the file. 2 hours later ( had to wait for Michael to come home), we saw the picture below along with a lot of other stuff. Her medical needs per the file was not what I expected but she quickly grabbed our hearts! I contacted my professional adoption friends and asked 2 friends to pray for a decision for us. 1 adoption friend told me she didnt think this child was ours because there were sooo many unknowns. another friend told me that I didnt have to go and take the first kids that was offered ( I know she didnt mean anything by it). I listen to my friends and quit frankly,I got disappointed. Man but I am thankful for those friends and their honesty because it just makes her story that much sweeter.

Wed night, my friends mom told me about a blog whose family was in China adopting a little boy with similar conditions. I quickly emailed her and she had no idea why she was up that night (but I do) and quickly gave me a lot of information. We emailed back and forth all night!!! Also anothe adoption friend who happened to be in Disney world, was such an encouragement. We facebooked quite a while an realized that she knew LynnMaries caregivers and had been donating there. She was 100% sure that if there were any unknowns, this lady would have shared them. Trying to make a long story short, Wed night God just showed up. He opened doors and windows right in the same room as me. It was the coolest experience as so much "proof" was shared with me. Now 24 hours later, a RN I work with send me a random email asking for prayers as she was born with some medical issues and in a lot of pain. In that email, she shared that she had arthogryposis (this was the term they used to describe LM). So, after hearing the diagnosis 24 hours ago, I got this email. None of this may make sense to you, but its hard to put into words that night.

The Sunday before we had to make our decision, I got an email from a friend that said God opened this door for you. Do not close it for Him. If this is not your child, then He will close it. Take a step of faith and go for it. Well thats what we did and look what God did!!!

What a season

2010-11-02T08:43:00.000-07:00

Compared to last year we have had a full fall season and its not even over! We started by visiting Helen, Ga one Sunday afternoon (literally got out of church and decided to go) by visiting a farmers market and then walking around the town. We have done the pumpkin patch a local church, our first trunk or treat (what a great idea), we went trick or treating, had family visit and visited the top of Kennestone Mtn for the first time. We also visited Hillcrest Orchards where you can pick your own apples. When we went there was no more apple pickin but we sure did have a good time. The end of Oct included visits from both Grandma Christopher and the other Grandma and Grandpa along with Aunt Kelly, UNcle Neil, Janie, Seth and Owen. Boy did we make some memories with our precious peanut. We also squeezed in a trip to the zoo and the botanical gardens with Grandma.

More Fall 2011

2010-10-29T07:43:00.000-07:00

Had a great time this fall with visits with both Grandma. Grandma (Michaels mom) visited and we went to Dac Kids, The Zoo, Botanical Gardens and the Varsity

Atlanta Zoo and Botanical Gardens

Yep, another one of those posts

2010-10-23T19:31:00.000-07:00

I still cant believe that we had no idea about sweet LynnMarie 2 years ago. We had no idea she would be in our world a month later. I cant believe I struggled with our wait. My girl has my heart and sometimes my happy tears. She is perfect. She is a visual representation of God's love. I cant believe it. I still cant believe I get to be her mom and Michael is her dad. She has done soooo much to us, all for the better.

I waited for what seemed forever only to realize that God was using that time to get me ready for this next season. And He will use this time to get us ready for whatever comes next. This AMAZING girl is making everyone smile, including her speech and physical therapists. Even her new orthopedist comments on how well she is doing.

I try not to think of her birthmother, because it makes me sad but i have to remember its part of her story. HER story. A part I have no control over. But I love the fact that we are a part of her story.
Have you gotten to meet her? Have you seen her run?
Oh I want you too. I want her to give you a big hug and some knuckle bumps.

I want you to hear her sweet voice when she sings "How Great is Our God" at bedtime and when she is in a mood and says No god tonight.
I want you to see her play with her stickers and then look at us with stickers on both her arms.
I want you see to her run out of the car to the scarecrows in the front yard and hear her say
"Hey scarecrow, How you"?
I want you to see her get her dinner and say "HOT" and then blow on her food.
I want you to see her fold her hands in prayer and makes sure daddy has his hands ready too.
I want you to see her watch Mickey Mouse Club and hear her tell me someone is sad on the show
As her mom, I cant love her anymore. Have you seen her lately? Her sweet details? Her sweet fingers and nose eyes?

This precious peanut is more than I could have imagined or hoped for. I want her to be happy, to feel loved and above all, know that there is a God who loves her far more than we do. I cant wait for Christmas this year!

Fall 2010

2010-10-15T22:32:00.000-07:00

Oh I wish I could put these days on hold. Sweet Days, Cuddly days. Even the ones where I wish she came with instructions. The faces she makes are the best. The random kisses and hugs are the best. We have had such fun lately. School has started, fall is here and we have looked for pumpkins, visited Helen, Ga and went to the Apple Festival. WE have even done some fall painting at our special table. LynnMarie is doing well and repeating everything. She is beautiful, wonderful miracle! She loves to sing How Great is Our God and other pre-school songs. She does have her moments but I love them!! More pics coming I have missed blogging and sad that bloglines is closing in a few weeks!

qiuck update

2010-08-12T10:32:00.000-07:00

I promise to get pics up soon. I have been updating more on fb these days but pray your days are going well. LynnMarie is meeting more and more milestones and just blossoming. She starts her second year at mothers morning out next week and Friday is her open house.

She loves to go to church and play in the nursery as well has have play dates around town. She loves to laugh and make those around her laugh too. She is the most precious little girl and we are honored to be her parents.

Memphis Trip, Friends and Sights

2010-06-28T17:52:00.000-07:00

Memphis Zoo. I love shooting the tigers there.

This same gorilla stared at us the entire time 2 years ago too.

Grizzly bears playing in their river in the new Teton Trek section.

Polar bears in Memphis? Sounds like something out of LOST, but he was keeping cool.

Bonding with a new friend. LynnMarie loves to say, "monkey bum."

I think I'm from the same place as him!

Looking at the animals with Momma.

Both the cheetahs started stalking.

The orange bugged the white during his nap, just like housecats, but bigger.

A break at the Pink Palace Museum.

Mid-morning nap time.

Downtown Franklin, TN. If you are there, go visit Sweet CeCe's Yogurt shop.

LynnMarie with the Brigman girls. Fast friends.

Amy with "Mini" Cooper Rushing.

Amy with her friend and former coworker Katherine.

Happy Fathers Day

2010-06-20T12:09:00.001-07:00

2010-06-07T13:35:00.000-07:00

LynnMarie and Ethan sharing a friendly hug. Big girl loves to give hugs and say AHH! She has also discovered the movie Shrek and can sit through a good portion of the DVD. Her vocabulary is continuing to grow and she is sooo close to jumping (her last big developmental milestone)

Playdate and splashtime

2010-05-26T15:07:00.000-07:00

What a fun day. Playtime at DacKids, speech therapy and then playtime in the pool in the rain. It started pouring right when we walked but we said what the heck. We were going to get wet anyway. She is busy having fun, walking and talking more and more everyday. She is the sweetest thing in our lives and is constantly teaching us things! God has been so good to us! We will be eternally thankful for this amazing gift!

thoughts

2010-05-14T20:01:00.000-07:00

I sit and wonder if LynnMarie will ever grasp the love we have for her? She has the sweetest spirit and funny giggles, you can not not love this amazing creation of God.

Then I wondered if I could ever grasp the love our Heavenly Father has for us?

My 2 year old continues to amaze me and make me question so many amazing things. WoW

Spring Adoption Friends Gathering and Jello

2010-05-02T20:08:00.000-07:00

The Sheridan

If you like your fingers, stay away from Faith and her popcorn

Michael Perry, Mike Christopher, Karen Ladman, Nicholas Kjeldsen (getting popcorn)

LynnMarie and Faith sharing popcorn

This may be my favorite picture of me and LynnMarie

Donna Strait and her "Redneck Train" It's awesome. And yes, those are carseats and office chairs bolted to wheeled platforms.

Ready for a train ride.

LynnMarie and her cheesy smile.

This is why Daddy should not give LynnMarie Jello.

Pigtails

2010-04-25T19:01:00.000-07:00

Today we had a family day and spent a few hours at the Smyrna Jonqil Festival. After experiencing suntan lotion in the eyes, we all had a great time and LynnMarie enjoyed walking around. They had a used book sale and LynnMarie got a few new books too. It was wonderful weather and we look forward to our next festival. She is doing so much. She like to pick out her books for bedtime and right now her favorite seems to be a touch and feel dinosaur book and Eric Karl's Does a Kangaroo have a mother? She is lucky that Grandma Linda gave her 2 really nice learning books to read. She like those as well. Next week we are headed to a learning store to pick up some flashcards. We are now working on 2 word phrases!

3 years ago

2010-04-23T06:42:00.001-07:00

3 years ago our dossier was logged in to China. We had no idea the path would bring us to LynnMarie or some amazing people..

Yeah God

2010-04-04T20:29:00.000-07:00

Blogging

2010-04-03T01:44:00.001-07:00

Wow. I blogged so much before China. I miss it and I miss all the blogs I used to read. I love adoption and I love what its doing to peoples hearts. I have friends that started adopting in China only to have their hearts move to Ethiopia. I have had many friends move to special needs and even some change agencies.All of these things are good things. God uses adoption not only to help orphans but to change our lives in the process. The process was AMAZING.

What people learn from LynnMarie is AMAZING.

I am thankful for all of you who are still reading. I pray for those who are actively waiting. I am thankful for the friends around the country I have made through this.

I am thankful for our sweet breath of Spring, LynnMarie ChunAi who is getting ready to celebrate her 2nd Easter with us!

Keep praying for those hearts and eyes that are pondering the process of adoption and keep praying for the ones waiting for mommys and daddies!

2nd Birthday

2010-03-24T13:14:00.000-07:00

Chuck E Cheese..A good time was had by all. She had a great time and got some great gifts. One thing will do each year (birthday and Gotcha Day) is to ask friends and families to donate to Swallows Nest instead of a gift. LynnMarie is just happy to be surrounded by people who love her. Thanks to all who have donated (it will help care for kids waiting for their families) and those who came to party.. Here are a few photos!!! yes, her cake rocked!

Gotcha Day 1 year later

2010-03-16T18:52:00.000-07:00

Sweet girl,
I have been working on getting a slide show together but mom is having technical difficulties. Wow, precious one, you have been LynnMarie for 1 year today. I cant believe you are ours. I cant believe what joy you have brought not only to us but to those who know you. You are a beautiful girl, wonderfully and fearfully made.

I spent years wondering when we were going to have a baby. Years. I wanted what everyone else wanted and had. Silly me. I know Gods plans our better than ours. Look at what we got. Look at what we experienced. My heart has grown, my silliness is sillier. God continuously shows us things through you. You helped us take a big step of faith. You in your 2 years have done more than you can imagine just by being you. You are amazing. We cant not love you. You are perfect. You love with all you have. Your dad has gotten sillier too. He loves to make you giggle and you have changed him as well. He loves you sooo much.

1 year ago, several families walked into that small room. We remember the smells, the weather, the nerves. We walked in and we made eye contact.We were momma and daddy and you are the precious daughter God had created for us. I cant put into words what that moment felt like but girl, our smiles have not been the same.
Its been the greatest year..It hasn't been the easiest but it has been better than I could have imagined.

We travelled with some pretty cool people too. They helped momma and daddy out soooo much. Our trip to China was a life changing experience.

Tonight we had dinner with 2 families that helped bring you home. They too have a place in our hearts Their willingness to help and their generosity were wonderful gifts. They knew what we needed when we didn't. We are thankful for them as well.

Our journey together is still new.. Memories of last year flood my heart and my mind, but I will focus on the future and what God will do with us.

Happy Gotcha Day LynnMarie ChunAi Christopher!

3-13-10 LynnMarie turns 2!

2010-03-13T17:10:00.000-08:00

After getting back to Port Canaveral from a 7 day cruise to Mexico, Honduras and Belize, we went to Amy's parents' condo to rest before having a birthday party with FL family at a park on the Mosquito River/Lagoon in New Smyrna Beach, FL. We lose the hour tonight and drive home early tomorrow to try to get home in time to meet another of our travel group families from China who will be in Atlanta for the day.

She had a party with 4 of her 6 cousins, and aunt and uncle, both grandmas, one grandpa, a Great Aunt by blood and another Great Aunt by marraige.

Got the Giggles

2010-02-25T20:39:00.000-08:00

Atlanta Snow

2010-02-13T06:48:00.000-08:00

This is the most snow we have seen since living in Atlanta and its beautiful. I am also thankful that I was off work this weekend..LynnMarie loved the look of the snow but didnt really want to touch it!!! Made for pretty pics though!
I enjoyed putting her in 2 pairs of pants, a long sleeve onesie, 2 shirts, 1 sweatshirt and 2 jackets..haha

Feb 2010 update

2010-02-09T20:43:00.000-08:00

March is almost here. It will be a great month . We will celebrate 1 year with sweet LynnMarie and we will also celebrate her second birthday.

She is doing so well. She goes to Mothers Morning Out twice a week and spends time with Miss Tracy and Miss Lisa. They sing and clap, do artwork and get to be social. She also goes with mom to Bible Study on Wednesdays and is getting better in the nursery.

Her vocabulary so far includes momma, dada, book, Kitty (but it doesn't sound like kitty), purple, peach, milk, good girl, Minnie church, God, Jesus, Amen (or ANEN!!), and repeats a lot of words. She told said Bye Bye Jen Jen last week to a friend and it was such a sweet sound. She can fold her hands together to pray and even bows her head! She is a very very silly little girl!
She signs more, please, eat and thank you!

She is walking so fast all over the place and loves to watch the Mickey Mouse Club all the time! We can hear her singing some times and just brings so much joy to everyone!

Just wanted to give you an update on our sweet girl. Pics to come shortly!

January

2010-01-19T11:56:00.000-08:00

LynnMarie,
You are growing up so fast sweet girl. Its been a blessing to watch your little spirit grow. You make everyone smile. You like to wiggle and giggle and dance. Its been almost 2 years since your life began and almost 1 year since life began for us as a family of 3.

You love going to school and playing with your friends. Miss Tracy loves you and says you are the only one who hasn't been in the 'red chair' all year. Your friends love you and Miss Tracy says you have taught them kindness. Before you could walk, your friends would bring you toys and would take care of you. Thinking about that makes me smile.

You are walking like such a big girl. One day you will read this and know that your mommy and daddy have always believed in you. You have such sweet, little dainty feet. Speaking of your feet, they are one of many things that God made special about you. But as you grow up, i want you to know that you are not defined by your feet or your sweet fingers..You will be defined by whats in your heart. but i also know that God will use your hands and feet to serve him and to serve others.

You have been sick a lot this month. you had lots of yuckies. but along with the sickness, you
bring smiles. One of my favorite mommy moments happened when you were sick. last week, you couldn't sleep and daddy was sick, so mommy stayed up. We rocked, we sang every praise song we could remember and we prayed. Your breathing was fast, you had a fever and you were just whimpering. So we sang for what seemed hours. You listened to me pray and early in the morning you just opened your eyes, smiled and went back to sleep. Your next few words included God, Jesus and I love to hear you say Bible. I pray that you keep these words close to your heart for the rest of your life.

LynnMarie, be confident and know that you, our sweet precious miracle, are fearfully and wonderfully made.

I dare you not to smile or giggle when watching this

2010-01-18T10:11:00.000-08:00

LynnMarie meets a few new Florida Friends

at the bouncy thing

2010-01-18T09:09:00.000-08:00

LynnMarie went to a birthday party

2010-01-10T11:32:00.000-08:00

LynnMarie spent Sat afternoon at Lennah and Delilahs birthday party. It was at a big bouncy place in Hiram (forgot the name but much bigger than Monkey Joe's or whatever, it had something to do with kangaroos.) There was a special place for the little kids and she loved it..Loved to bounce. Now, I apologize for not taking pics of the birthday girls but we were so happy to meet some new friends and got to visit Meron and Sheridan too. LynnMarie enjoyed practicing her new walking skills and got a serious case of giggles. We jumped, bounced and LynnMarie figured out to climb up the bouncy slide, slide down and then walk back around. It was a fun time and were so glad to have gone. Thank you so much for having us ladies!!!

It wiped her out as well. Dozed on and off on the way home and still took a great nap when we got home! Looking forward to going for playtime soon!

Guess Who's WALKING!

2009-12-29T11:39:00.000-08:00

Christopher family Christmas

2009-12-27T23:10:00.001-08:00

Santa indeed did come to the Christopher House. Lynnmarie did her should I wake up at 630 cry and usually we give her a cup of milk and she goes back to bed but we kept her up. We got dressed and headed 1 mile to the Waffle House for breakfast as a family. We came back and opened a lot of gifts. She got a slide (with Mickey and Pluto waiting to slide down), pjs, a magnadoodle, her first bible, 3 baby dolls, a leap frog, some art supplies and plenty more!!!! Dad had to go to work so baby and I took a nice 3 hour nap. Dad came home and we looked in our stockings and Santa was indeed good. Our dinner for Christmas was with Uncle Pete and a Japanese Steak house and the girl loved it!!!

As much as I love all the gifts and lights and magic of Christmas, I pray that the beauty of the birth of Christ always lives in her heart. She did go to church Christmas Eve and after sitting with mom and dad for a bit, she got to go to the nursery and color a picture!

We had a precious holiday with just the 3 of us and we hope you did too!

On the Train at Stone Mountain

First Christmas Party

2009-12-21T15:52:00.000-08:00

LynnMarie goes to Mother's Morning out 2 mornings a week and its been a great experience for her. Ms. Tracy and Miss Lisa love her and gave her lots of extra cuddles when she started. LynnMarie has learned a few songs, a few signs and she even obeys Ms. Tracy. Friday was their Christmas party and they had lunch that included chicken nuggets, cheese and fruit cocktail..LynnMarie cleaned her plate and Ms. Tracy said that was the most she has ever eaten. I got to meet all of her friends and their moms and thanked the teachers for a wonderful couple of months. She has such a good time with her friends. We are hoping that lynnMarie keeps learning new words from her new friends.

I thought you guys might like to see a few pics from her party. LynnMarie has learned to say Ho HO HO this week and is singing like crazy.

Birthday - 21 months old!

2009-12-13T22:49:00.000-08:00

December 2009

2009-12-12T12:01:00.000-08:00

December 2008- We were praying and looking forward to having LynnMarie in our arms. Lets back up December 2006, we had started the adoption process and dreamed of getting a referral.

December 2007- we were logged in and had just gotten used to the wait.

This December is beyond what I dreamed. A precious baby girl who finds joy in everything from lights to trees to making people giggle, everything we wanted and more.

Last year, LynnMarie was waiting for her mom and dad, although she didn't know that. She was in a safe place with caregivers who loved her. Months later, a lady emailed me to let me know that she had sent her a gift, a small Winnie the Pooh doll. I am thankful that my daughter was remembered.

I pray that LynnMarie finds joy in the holiday year after year. I also hope she finds the peace that comes with knowing that Jesus was born and that He is the reason we celebrate the glorious season. To know that Joseph adopted Him as his own son is also special.

What a season to celebrate. I am thankful that our daughter is home. I will always be thankful to those who cared for her and loved her while she waited for her forever family.

First Visit With Santa

2009-12-02T13:50:00.000-08:00

Thanksgiving

2009-11-30T10:10:00.000-08:00

Thanks so much for your kind words regarding our story below..I cant help but cry happy tears everytime I read it.. My daughter is the most beautiful thing I have ever seen.

Last week, we went home to Fl for Thanksgiving for the first time in 8 years. LynnMarie got plenty of cousin time and got to visit both grandmas at the same time along with a great grandma and great grandpa. Its amazing at how much joy she brings everyone.

All in all we had a great time and on Sunday, I drove from Edgewater, Fl to Atlanta,just LynnMarie and I and we did great.

We are so thankful for our daughter and all of those who have cared for her and everyone who has prayed for her!!!!

How we found our LynnMarie

2009-11-25T14:25:00.000-08:00

Tonight we celebrate the day we found our sweet baby girl. I have been hesitant in writing this, actually just wanting to save the memory in my head. Its a long story but an amazing one. I had a personal visit from God. So obvious, so wonderful, more emotional than I could have dreamed of..

Ready to read? Here we go!

Last year, Michael and I submitted our Medical Checklist in June, expecting a match sometime in the next 12-18 months. After submitting the list, I joined our agency's Special Needs yahoo group which had some great resources.

The Tuesday before Thanksgiving there were several posts on the yahoo group about 3 new babies on our agency's page. This page is for kids who have needs that were not matched with families, most are considered unknown or more difficult needs. I read the posts and then headed to our agency's website, which I had only done 1 time before. I saw the kids they were talking about and I had never ever asked about a file before. Never, we just wanted to get matched and knew God had our child picked out and waiting for us. Then there is the fear of accepting a baby who has needs you are afraid of.

So I randomly read the profiles and thought they don't sound bad but didn't really focus on the description, just that they were all young. So I emailed the Waiting Child Program and said I had an interest in any of the 3 of them. I figured I had a better shot of 1 if I at least picked 3 right?

That night, I commented to some of the group members and a lady sent me a private email asking if I was going to call about the youngest one, the 8 month old because she wanted to call but didn't want to fight over her! I quickly responded that no, I was not going to call, just an email just to give myself some options.

I told Michael what I did but we both kind of shrugged it off because we knew we were probably not even going to get to see the files. I checked my email that morning, and swear that I had 3 emails that said they were sorry but the files were being looked at by other families but thanks for your interest. Really, that was that. NO big deal, but at least I had asked to look at the file.

I finished up my cleaning and Christmas cards and headed to the post office because my Christmas cards have to go out before Thanksgiving so that you get mine first. Don't judge, I'm just crazy about Christmas like that! Got out of my car, opened the mail drop, placed my cards in, and then at 2:19pm, my cell phone rang that had the 303 area code on it. I answered the call, knowing it was my agency and worried that we didn't make it through review which I knew was a possibility. My heart sunk as I didn't want to get the phone call that our dossier has been turned down.

Then they said, Amy? I said yes? Are you still interested in looking at that file you requested yesterday? At this point, I had to get in the car and sit down. I had to ask which file, since I requested 3. The baby, the 8 month old with the joint abnormalities? I quickly replied YES YES!!! She said, Please don't get your hopes up. This baby has a lot of unknowns and her file was quickly turned down by the first family. On another note, apparently on the website, it said no calls please, only emails. Apparently everyone else called and left messages. She promised to send me the files and pics and I had until Monday to decide which meant we got longer to look at her files than most people. I called Michael and told him what was going on and to hurry up home so we could open the email together.

Michael got home and we got to the laptop downstairs and began to look at her pics and files. The first picture was of her unrepaired clubbed feet and quite frankly, it was not what I expected but then we got to her sweet face and all the medical info. I kept reading arthogryposis which is something we had not heard, but googled that while we were online. We stared at her, kept reading, thinking to ourselves and talked. I was a bit unsure but as God does in so many ways, he spoke to me through lyrics. Michael went upstairs and I kept reading, and thinking what if? What if she is mentally retarded? What if her issues are so severe and we don't have the money to help her? One of the medical reports said that the size of her head showed poor brain development. And then all of a sudden I kept singing an SCC song and the lyrics "What now? What will you do now that you've found me?" Really God, the road has been crazy but another SCC song? Really? and then I got quiet and listened to him. At this point, we shared our info with 2 people and 2 people only (my sister and a great friend of me and Michael's) who both promised to pray but our hearts had been changed. But that's not it.

First I had emailed the file to 2 good adoption friends who both gave me the "I'm not sure this is the one for you". I am so thankful for their honesty. It makes the story sweeter and they are soo good friends. I called and facebooked my friend Christy, whose pediatrician we are going to use. She called me from Disney World and said "Tell me we have a baby" and gave me the info we need. My cell phone died so then we corresponded via facebook as I shared what I knew and she read the agency's website. Then I get the email, "oh Amy, I know the people who are watching her. I have been sponsoring one of the girls at the foster home and I promise if there were more to the medical issues, they would tell you".

I tell you God worked fast that night, through the house, the Internet and my heart. Michael had been up for a long time so he was upstairs resting before we left for our date night. Then Donna calls me and her mom knows a blog about a child with the same issues and are in China. Later that night, I emailed the lady who was there and got these words. " I have no idea why I am awake at 4 am, but I am and just checked your email. Email me if you have any questions" God knows why she was up. Well for the next 24 hours, we chatted via email about clubbed feet and arthrogryposis.

That night, I got odd email from an old coworker who was asking for prayer. How random is this? She sent it to all of her praying friends and had no idea we were even contemplating special needs. She said she had been born with arthogryposis, had multiple surgeries to correct her feet and was born with clenched fists, just like LynnMarie. Randomly, I got email from an awesome nurse who works 12 hour days and had physical stuff just like Lu ChunAi. Seriously, my heart was crazy that night. I kept thinking, this is my baby, this is our sweet LynnMarie.

Friday we got the call from Dr. Janista who specializes in looking at medical files for international adoptions and gave me A LOT of information. She ended the conversation by saying this was not the first time she had looked at this file and was surprised the last family did not just snatch her up. God is good!

Sunday, I was fighting satan with doubts until I got a confirming email from Don and Be that said Step in faith. You will be rewarded for that step. If this child was not meant for your family, know that God will close that door. But God opened it, don't close it for Him. More special friends who have been praying and walking this journey with us called us and told me that they wouldn't be good friends if they didn't tell me their concerns. She is Special Ed teacher and I look to her for wisdom and honesty. With the info she gave me, she also said follow Don's advice.

So Sunday morning, I called that 303 number and told them we had a daughter. She said awesome, she knew we were the parents when she looked at our file the previous week. She had been praying for us and knew we had good resources here in Atlanta.

Right after that, we had friends help with our LOI and just a few weeks later, we got our PA and were able to share our news. Then I got an email from Alycia, a new friend in Texas. Apparently she had been following ChunAi's story since the beginning and had anticipated adopting her. But God had other plans and now she adopting an older little girl (her second from China). She has become a great friend and was able to meet LynnMarie after we got home..

That's the beginning of our story. That Wednesday night, God literally opened doors right in front of me. I had never experienced that in all of my life. It was a heart changing moment for both of us. I got my story, we have our daughter..

God most seriously rocks!

LynnMarie's Dedication

2009-11-17T04:23:00.000-08:00

No pics, sorry. We forgot to ask if anyone would take one, sorry! This past Sunday, we and several other families dedicated our children to the Lord, promising to give them a strong foundation.

LynnMarie wore a precious dress that a friend gave us and did very well. Our church did such a nice job from the Legacy Class (not really a class, but an opportunity to think what this dedication means and what you want to pass to your children) to the amazing framed pic that included our dedication letter to her. It was a precious moment and I am so grateful we were able to do it!

It was also wonderful to see friends from the church stand with us. We are thankful for all of you!

Halloween

2009-11-01T06:36:00.001-08:00

Taking Steps

2009-10-29T18:54:00.000-07:00

Seventeen and a half months ago our baby was born with both feet turned backwards. Thank You God for this miracle and the work of the Swallows Nest Foster Home in Zhoungzhou, China.

What a wonderful World

2009-10-13T18:50:00.000-07:00

18 months

2009-10-11T20:18:00.000-07:00

Sweet precious LynnMarie,

You turned 18 months old just a few weeks ago. True, you have experienced more in your short life than most of us ever will. I have spent a lot of time thinking about you and what it was like when you were little. Most people do not know you were just 4 pounds when you were found and that God had his big arms wrapped around you, waiting for the right people to come along.

I am so thankful you were loved on while we waited for you. But now, our journey together is still in the early stages and I want to treasure each moment we have together.

Right now, you can do so many things..You climb the stairs like no one else, you squeal with delight when you see a kitty, and you can say momma, dadda, book, byebye, ball and you have invented your own little language. You love to say Lallo but we are still working on the interpretation of that one. You started saying Lilah for delilah and can also point to your nose, eyes, tummy and feet! You are a big girl now and love to dance and bounce!

You are silly. I am soo proud of that. It is okay to wear clean diapers on your head and to make silly noises with your throat. I pray you continue to develop your own personality.

You are joyful. It doesn't take much to make you laugh. You have a friend named Bunny Bear. I am glad he does not have to go everywhere with you, but i bet he made your first day at Mothers Morning out just a little bit easier. When I am close to tears, you sense that and give me a smile that I cant help but giggle at.

Your daddy loves spending time with you. You are silly with him too and I think you may have him wrapped around your little finger too. You spend evenings with him while I work, and I am thankful for the bonding time you guys get.

You are not using a bottle anymore, just a sippy cup. You are a big girl and are using little forks and knives..You eat mostly anything, but either cantaloupe and/or watermelon are not too happy with your tummy. You take your time eating breakfast but quickly eat lunch and dinner. You like ice cream. You love your family and that makes our hearts smile. God knew at the very beginning you would be a Christopher..Thank you baby girl, for turning our world upside down and showing us love in a whole new light.

Autumn Moon Celebration

2009-10-04T19:51:00.000-07:00

A few new pics

2009-09-28T07:23:00.001-07:00

A little blurry but this was on the way home from church eating her Taco Bell cheese roll up. Silly girl
She got a camera like mom and dad and she knows how to use it!

Say cheese!

maybe one day?

2009-09-22T18:59:00.000-07:00

Maybe one day, she will get to wear a grown up set! She can be whatever her heart desires..I had to include a pic of the rocking panda we got as a gift!

6 months ago

2009-09-16T21:50:00.000-07:00

6 months ago, we were part of a miracle. I will never be able to put into words what has happened since the day we walked in the room and Lu ChunAi was placed in our arms. 6 months has gone so fast yet I can not remember life without LynnMarie. We are so thankful for all of you who prayed for us, who travelled with has and have supported us. Its been the most wonderful adventure. We waited many years for the sweet gift..For those of you still waiting, keep your eyes on Him. He will reward you..The waiting is so hard. Our path was different than many others. But hold on, God's got your back. He knows the desires of your heart. He will provide..Its hard to remember that His timing is far better than your own!

Sweet LynnMarie, your giggles and smiles energize us daily. I love to pray over you. I love to hear you say Uh Oh even if I know what it means. I love to watch your blow kisses and give kisses to the baby in the mirror. You have such a sweet spirit. You have made many smile, you have already taught many about adoption, China and are breaking stereotypes on special needs..You just turned 18 months and I hope to have done half as much as you in the next year!

Baby girl, momma and daddy love you!!!

Zoo Atlanta China Playgroup 9-10-09

2009-09-10T14:19:00.001-07:00

Pictures and updates

2009-09-08T17:07:00.000-07:00

Just a few pics to let you know that LynnMarie is doing so well. We learn more about her everyday and she becomes more beautiful every day. The first picture was from our friend Kylieghs 2nd birthday. We had so much fun and LynnMarie got on the trampoline for the first time. It was so nice to have been invited!

As you can see LynnMarie loves her purple bean bag chair. It was meant to go in her room but she told me how comfortable it is to chill with her sippy cup and hang out, that we left it downstairs.

She also loves to give hugs to her Bunny Bear, a friend of hers. He is fun to hug but thankfully, he doesn't have to come everywhere with us.. She loves to give hugs, kisses and cuddles to all. Let us know if you want a cuddle sometime..Very sweet.

I am still hoping to get pics of her friend, "Baby in the mirror". We met her in China and its so nice to see her sometimes. LynnMarie also gives kisses to the baby in the mirror..It will melt your heart I tell you.

We have done the preliminary screening for Babies Cant wait and have he assessment on October 9th, She is sooo close to walking, we are just working on balance right now.

I cant write much more or I will start to cry. She is the most beautiful gift we will receive other than the gift of salvation. When I think about that day in November when we learned about he, we had no idea how amazing she would be.

God rocks!

Corny Photo-opp

2009-08-29T18:18:00.000-07:00

Tonight we were eating dinner, spare ribs from Publix, green beans and corn on the cob from the farmers' co-op. We cut some corn off the cob for LynnMarie, but she indicated she wanted to try to eat it like Mommy and Daddy and dang if she did not do it. Such a smarty-pants!

Rough Night

2009-08-26T15:32:00.000-07:00

We did have a crying moment last night. Sweet girl kept trying to jump on the computer and wanted to hit and punch it. I told her No. I must not say it right because everytime I say NO, she belly laughs. Any suggestions for this age . SO, I took her hands and just held them and counted to 5 and then the tears began..Then my tears begin. For many reasons.

You see, since we discovered our daughter way back in Nov, my mind has wandered over her abandonment, her special needs and her past. I have avoided thinking about it deeply for some reason. I want to remember her past but focus on the present and her future.

For some reason,it all came to the front of my mind last night as I stared at her and then started the questions.

What if LynnMarie has not been found? What if her Foster Home had not gotten her to treatment? What if we had decided not to accept her referal? She is the most precious gift from God and my mind wandered to the question, what if we had not experienced her? Where would she be?

I really think it hit hard last night but I cried. Real tears along with my daughter whom I have waited for so long. How I want her to feel loved for the rest of her life.

What was it like not to have as many hugs and cuddles as she gets now? Then I think about the babies all over the world who are crying out and their needs are not being met. This physically hurt my heart and my mind and immediately took me to a nice long talk with my Heavenly Father.

It was just an emotional night when I realized that the little girl in front of me at one time was all alone..Although, I do not want to focus on this, I think mentally I needed to go there.

2 things about parenting and adoption

1) You gain a lot more respect for your own parents
2)God's love is soooo obvious

a few pics

2009-08-16T17:50:00.000-07:00

Just a few pics of our sweet miracle who is just amazing..and humble really.. This is the most amazing time of our lives..Her smiles lights your heart immediately..She babbles and says Momma, Dadda, Book (well she says buh), squeals at the kitties...... Ill post more pics later this week. She loves Mickey Mouse Clubhouse and now Little Einstein. She eats almost anything and loves to feed her self..We only do bottles and sleeping time and her brace goes on every night! She also loves to put lotion in her hands and squish it everywhere..

Daddy is getting to go back to work so we will be working on our permanent routine soon. But she really is wonderful. To think that God had our family in His mind the day she was born amazes me. I could never explain the past 3 years..The wait was worth it..It was hard but makes all of this so much more special. I can't wait to one day share with you the story of how we got her referral. Not sure my heart can get any fuller or happier.. She gets attention wherever she goes, Publix, restaurants and other things!!!

On another note, what do you guys know about lifebooks and how to even start? What do you put in them?

Dinner with Daddy

2009-08-10T13:51:00.000-07:00

FLorida trip

2009-08-07T09:34:00.000-07:00

We are home from another wonderful trip to Florida. This time we visited family, attended a cousins bridal shower and just relaxed. LynnMarie was able to swim, practice her walking and just show off. She is wearing big girl pjs now, and many firsts! She went on a boat ride at Grandpas house, went on her first pony ride and saw many butterflies. We spent a long time at a wonderful petting farm near Disney and she loved it..She was able to touch many animals..We spent time with cousins and new friends..There really isn't anything better than family. We missed seeing some of our Orlando friends but maybe next time.LynnMarie does very well in the car and slept well at both Grandma's houses..She is such a joy and I really think she gets happy from making others happy..It was nice to see her interact with new friends her age.

We can't wait to visit again and share more experiences with her! Enjoy the pics!!!

2009-08-05T21:34:00.000-07:00

LynnMarie updates

2009-07-21T23:08:00.000-07:00

LynnMarie is awesome, a most beautiful creation that God is allowing us to love and take care. NO pics on this this update since I am at work. Last week, she had a wonderful time getting to know Grandma Christopher who enjoyed playing with her and giving her yummy watermelon. LynnMarie has a little car now that she is learning how to ride and is standing up and furniture walking.

She loves to make noise and sing. We are HUGE fans of the Mickey Mouse Clubhouse and watched our first VeggieTale cartoon last week. WE are learning about books and she is getting lots of Daddy time as Mommy has worked a couple of back to back days. We both heard her repeat ByeBye after me today, although I am not sure she knows what it means. She still has an ET voice sometimes that makes us giggle.

She has 2 BunnyBears which are her friends she loves to cuddle with but doesn't "have"to have them. She loves green beans, corn and all kinds of food.

She really loves to swim and we are thankful Daddy gets to get in the pool now. She is truly the happiest thing we can imagine. She lights up the room and will make you smile anytime. She is beyond what I dreamed.

She rocks!

Animals!

2009-07-12T13:33:00.000-07:00

Saturday afternoon we drove over to Lanett, AL which is right on the border to GA on I-85. Michael has a cousin who lives there and it was his cousin's son's 2nd birthday. We made the tri because it was a fun family outing and only 2 of the people there had met LynnMarie before. After the party we drove to another part of Lanett where Amy's Aunt Debbie and her family live. We hung out, had dinner, watched part of the NASCAR race and LynnMarie got to meet a few new friends.

Introducing "Smokey" the world's CALMEST kitten!

Smokey is a female calico who enjoys beating up on Sprocket the miniature dachshund.

Then LynnMarie met Gus. Gus is an English Bulldog. He's very sweet, but is fighting cancer.

Daddy, I am done napping.

Im singing. its the 4th of July and I am singing

2009-07-06T19:10:00.000-07:00

Just in case you didnt see it on facebook, I give you the vocal stylings of LynnMarie ChunAi Christopher!!

1st Independence Day

2009-07-04T21:19:00.000-07:00

We took LynnMarie to a friend's house near Lake Lanier to go swimming and to cook out this afternoon. We came home in the late afternoon to relax a short while before heading out to watch fireworks put on by the City of Woodstock, GA at our local SuperTarget. LynnMarie did great all day, with only an hour nap driving home from the lake. She seemed to enjoy the fireworks but refused to let her bare feet touch the grass!

First Haircut

2009-07-03T20:45:00.000-07:00

Well today, we made the trip to get LynnMarie's first haircut. First we tried a place called Hairy's and they looked open but the door was locked. SO then we went to a place that Donna recommended and it was great..they even have princess cuts when she gets older..Had a great lady do her hair and even put her hair up for us when she left..Big girl did great and even gave daddy some smiles..Yeah LynnMarie. We were at BJ's today talking to the cashier and we told her we were getting her hair cut..She was like "NOOOOOO Dont cut it" Whats up with people not liking little girls getting haircuts. We cut her bangs and an inch on the back..She looks great! But I promise we didnt cut it too short although I love short hair on girls!!!

First Visit to the Neighborhood Pool

2009-07-01T15:34:00.000-07:00

Photos and Updates

2009-06-25T21:13:00.000-07:00

So, last weekend our community group had movie night and after warming up for our friends, LM joined in on the fun and participated in her first rock band with her friends Eli and Kyleigh, she was on the shakers and did a great job..

Last night, we headed out to Dak Kids in Kennesaw/Acworth with some friends too. After getting her Happy Meal, we introduced her to sand..Took a bit but she enjoyed it!! The last pic is just a new one I love!!!!

She is such a fun little girl and is crawling and walking while holding on to your hands or furniture..Loves to say momma and daddy and then momma daddy. She loves to play silly games and has the greatest giggle in the world!!!

Shelby showing her how to crawl like a big girl

This is a lot of fun people!

Ok, so there is this thing called sand and you gave me a bucket, what now?

Im still cute!

My first rock band!! Do you guys know Boom Boom Pow? What about Some kind of Wonderful? OK, what about Twinkle Twinkle?

Too sweet for words

China trip memories

2009-06-17T12:34:00.000-07:00

With so many friends heading to China soon, it has made me go back and remember our trip of a lifetime. I kept a written journal while in China so I thought I would share it here..No need to read the whole thing as it could be long but the trip was indeed everything I wanted it to be...I get chills thinking about the whole thing.

Wed March 11, Kim P arrived at 330 in the morning to take us to the airport..I didn't sleep at all but knowing how much help we had at organizing and packing we knew we had it together. But, knowing it was the last time in LM's room without her was a sweet moment. So we headed out to the ATL airport and got there in plenty of time. Our first flight was from Atlanta to Newark and it was a very small plane and we ended up waiting on the flight for some repairs.. No worries though..We got to Newark and had a 3 hour layover, had a hot dog lunch and did some reading, talking and people watching..We were going to get our sweet girl. Next flight from NJ to Beijing was flippin awesome. Had an empty seat between us and was able to watch 2 Nicholas Sparks movies and some Friends episodes..It was cool. Halfway through the flight, we switched to China time and China food. It really was a great, long flight..

Getting close to landing we saw China up close. It was crazy..We were in a different world. We were in our daughter's country. So very surreal. Note to everyone, never had to use a squatty potty but did see my first one at the Beijing Airport. After we got our luggage, we found another family from our travel group. Ended up being the other family with a child from Swallows Nest. We worked our way to the front and looked for our guide but could not find her/him so we made a call and there they were. We found our van and headed to the hotel. Couldn't help but just stare at everything around us. It was hard to soak it all in,, knowing our little girl was going to be placed in our arms..She had just a few more sleeps before she met her forever family.

The hotel was gorgeous but we were ready to get to our room. The plan was to try to stay up until 8pm China time and I think we did it. Found some more travel group members and found our room..AWESOME!!!! This truly was a trip of a lifetime. The hotel had 2 restaurants (we did not know that) and that night ended up in the traditional Chinese one..Yummy. We walked around outside a bit before calling it a night.

The next morning we got up and had breakfast and met our group on the bus. Our group rocked..I'm not kidding. Loved everyone.. So many special conversations before we got our kids. So many encouraging words from families who had been there before and those who had been mothers before. So we got on the bus and headed to Tianemen Square and the Forbidden City. Holy Cow it was COLD! Loved it. Some of the men quickly bought little hats that said Beijing 2008 from a vendor. Lots of walking, lots of culture, lots of picture taking. This was the first time we had disabled adults begging for money. That was one of the hardest things of the trip, walking away. After that we headed to the silk factory. Michael got a beautiful shirt while we were there. We headed to lunch at a restaurant that had various foods at a table that we shared.First of a few meals like this. Once again, great conversation with our group. Our travel guides for Beijing were Oscar and Barbara..Oscar loved American culture and serenaded us with Run DMC's "Tricky" and a few others..We learned he is also a big fan of Forrest Gump.

Headed back to the hotel and had dinner at the Western restaurant. Michael had a bacon burger and I had spaghetti. We met downstairs and headed to the Acrobatic Show. Not everyone went, but it was so worth it.

The next day we got up and had an awesome breakfast that included Mango juice. Really neat things at the restaurants including a lot of American traditional foods. Had another busy day as we headed to the Great Wall. WOW!!!!! Beyond beautiful. Actually on the way to the great wall, we headed to the Jade Factory where LynnMarie got a very special piece of jewelry..This was a really neat place to visit. At the Great Wall, we saw Buddhist Monks which is something you don't see everyday. This was neat. A different land, a different culture. There is life outside of America. I can not tell you how eye opening this trip was. After another great lunch we went to the ceramic factory and watched them make some amazing things. Dinner and rest time followed.

The next morning (its now Sunday) we packed up and headed to the airport to head to the Henan province. Its getting more and more real every day. We had our luggage weight and took lots of pics. We had so many cool people with us..A very special 8yo name Anna kept us and LM entertained. her mom had lived in China and spoke Chinese very well. Anyway, this was a quick flight, just over an hour. Very uneventful. We landed and got emotional again. We were just an hour away from our babies. I wondered what she was doing. Did she have any idea that her life was about to change? You see she had to leave her wonderful foster home and go to the orphanage for a week. What was it like? Things I worried about and prayed over. In less than 24 hours, the Christophers would forever be a family of 3. Seeing the crib being brought to the hotel room was crazy. Make sure you get a picture. It was too much to handle and tears came throughout the day and my dream was becoming reality. Evelyn and Aisha met us at the airport and gave us a rundown on the next day. WE learned they put us in 3 time frames to get the babies and we were first. This time we stayed at the Crowne Plaza and once again it was beautiful, lots of rooms. What a long day..Many of us had dinner at the Italian place at the hotel and it was yummy..The only way to get diet coke in this city is at restaurants. We did some walking around and Michael found a few cans so we savored them. HAHA!!!!

We got back to the hotel and I packed my first diaper bag for our big day tomorrow..I waited a long time for that. Its those moments that make me appreciate the wait for my daughter. I take joy in so many little things. We unpacked and visited each others rooms... We all got a ong FABULOUSLY .If you remember, our original travel group got divided since it was so big, we got in the right group..Thanks again friends!!! Going to bed that night was hard but we did get a few hours.

March 16, 2009, the day my hopes and dreams became a reality. A surreal but colorful memory. For all of us. Woke up and had the best breakfast ever..Yeah for mango juice... Many of us could not eat much as we were moments away from this moment that would change our lives forever. You just cant describe it. My LynnMarie ChunAi was just around the corner from us. Back up to the room and got to our meeting place 15 minutes early than we needed to. We found another dad to come video and take pics since he was not getting his daughter for a few hours. LM day was here. We had our paperwork. Then we walked and my brain went crazy. What do we do? It was the longest walk EVER.. We walked a few blocks and then into the building and up 5 floors. Then we were seconds from our daughter..there are no words for the feelings we had. I hope I never ever ever forget these feelings. We walked down the hallway and all of us parents were so quiet. We could hear noise. We assumed we would go in a room and they would bring them in. I thought I saw LM in the window and I started getting so excited but I calmed myself down. Then we walked in the door and I told some lady Lu Chun Ai. She repeated Lu Chun Ai and then and THEN, the most wonderful child was handed to me. I felt our smiles cover the room. She stared at us, "Like, WHO ARE YOU CRAZY PEOPLE?" She was so bundled up. I kept saying, I love you ChunAi, We love you ChunAi. Michael and I teared up as we just stared and watched her. We found a place to sit and we just talked to her and touched her hands and it took us about 10 minutes before we realized she came with her braces on her feet. She also gave us our first toothy smile. Amazing Amazing moment. God walked us through this journey. He had this thing orchestrated so long ago and it all came to be at this moment. This little girl has a story like no other. She has been through a lot and yet she smiled..WOW

We spent about 30 minutes in the room and all the families walked over to get passport pics taken. Daddy held her a lot here and man it was beautiful.

Eventually we walked back to the hotel, got her into some cooler clothes and stared at her sweet little body..Totally forgot I didn't have a bottle but a great travel member gave us one and she got some watered down juice until her formula arrived later that night. Poor baby was used to 6 bottles a day and was thirsty..Sorry baby!!!! She went to sleep so easy that night and just woke up once. It was neat to see Michael and I take turns getting up with our daughter...

We got up and had our first breakfast together . She loves bananas and rolls we learned..We did more paperwork and headed to the Lotus Center which is like a Walmart. What a cool place..Actually I thought I was stared at most of the time but apparently I was just paranoid..After a 2 hour shopping spree of getting journals, diapers, formula and other baby items, soda and snacks. Had a lovely couple come and look at her and speak sweetly to her until they saw her fingers and they just gave us a look and walked away..Yeah, didn't like that much. LM had a nice nap and that night we had room service and had dinner as a family.

We quickly learned the word "boom" makes her smile.. Well this night, she woke up at 3am and just went back to bed. It was so fun to dress her and the way Kim had me pack her outfits made it very easy.. I had not brought any bows or barrettes but another friend let me borrow one.

Michael was such a hands on dad. I was so proud of him.

The next day was paperwork and more paperwork and then lunch at the hotel with friends. We visited each others rooms and talked to each others kids and was beautiful to see all of these families. Some families had a rough adjustment but handled it well . We did go to the aquarium and the zoo in the city while we were here!

We were blessed with the opportunity to visit the place where Lynnmarie had lived the past year. Miss P picked us and another mom up and we taxied to the Swallows Nest. We visited both homes, visited with the nannies and took lots of pics. I walked into the babies room and the nannies grabbed LynnMarie. It was obvious that they loved ChunAi. What an incredible experience. So many kids are waiting for homes but they are taken care of until they find their forever homes.. Thank you C&P for all you do and making our trip that more special.

For dinner that night we had Italian again. Michael walked down and ordered and we ate in the room and got to know our daughter some more..What fun times. We started packing as the next day we were flying to Guangzhou .

The next day at the airport, someone working in the gift shop offered her some baby candy and she loved it. The travel group was very happy to find western toilets again.ha! We got on the plane and sat in the last row. This was a rough flight. Didn't like it but once again it was short. Lots of turbulence. LM slept most of the time in daddy's arms. Found our final guide and got everyone on the bus..We were all tired and thirsty but ready to see the White Swan!

It was so nice to get there..The rooms were nice but smaller than the ones we had been in. The plan was to order Papa Johns (they gave us menus on the bus) but we followed the crowd to Lucy's. LynnMarie learned that she loves mashed potato and although I wanted American food, we both ordered sweet and sour chicken..What a very nice relaxing meal. After dinner we found a place to do laundry and stocked up at 7 Eleven for tons of water and coke zero. Someone in our group did a Walmart run for formula as well!

The next morning we had a fabulous breakfast and then explored the island a bit and walked around. We didn't wander the different places before we did our laundry but almost every store offers it. We still got a good deal and we were tired. But, walk around before you do it and you will find some really good deals. We also borrowed a stroller for LM and glad we did. Made our walks much more bearable! Oh yeah once we were in the hotel I learned our formula spilled all over our clothes but I was able to find more on the island later on. For breakfast, baby girl enjoyed bananas, steamed rolls and scrambled eggs. We enjoyed visiting our group more and we were happy to see the playroom at the hotel . We took a group tour and and visited a museum and a market where we bought her first Chinese dress. Should have waited but whatever. the museum was gorgeous and we found a beautiful piece and were considering it. We got the price but it was way too much. Then she saw LM and gave us the "adoption" special. Not sure it was a special, but it sure was a good deal. At the museum we saw a class of young kids taking art class and drawing pictures of the museum. On the way back, our bus got pulled over by the "police". happens a lot with "nice" buses but our guide was so nervous. We were quickly on our way. There was a store across from the market and that's where we got our formula.

We got back to the hotel, had nap time and VISA pics done. They always have you back in your room for nap time. Then we headed out for a Thai dinner. It was good. We were not too adventurous but we had a good time with our group. We had been doing baths with some of the pre-soaped bath cloths but got our first bath in the sink at the White Swan..She loved it. We went to bed pretty early. LM got up at midnight and 3 but woke smiling..

The next day we had breakfast and some shopping . We had our medical appts that morning which was not difficult. We did learn sweet LM had an ear infection so we got an antibiotic there and started on it that night. You would never had known she had one except for the pulling of the ear. Everyone knows when you pull on your ear, you probably have an ear infection. Silly mom who is a nurse just thought that's just her..Oh well. I learned. We played in the playroom and met some new friends and some of our travel group. We enjoyed our time there and found the kind of toys we may want for LM as she grows.. Good times. After lunch we had the Red Couch photos and dinner.Loved all of this.. You know what the red couch means and when its your turn, you just cant believe you are really here with your child..AMAZING!!! Dinner was at Lucy's and we had cheeseburgers. And everyone is right, try the broccoli at Lucy's, it rocked!!! LM even loved it! She made a BIG mess that night..But everyone else did as well..So I don't forget, there was a nice Starbucks. I'm not a coffee drinker so we never went but others went several times that week. We gave her her bed time bottle and she went to sleep immediately.

Next morning was a quick breakfast as Michael had to do some consulate paperwork..Note to others, when you make copies of things, don't make colored copies. Its hard to determine whats a copy and what is a original. That was our problem!

We met Red thread Anne at 1pm for some shopping..Michael had to leave shopping early as he was getting sick but LM and I stayed the whole 3-4 hours..Oh that was fun!!!! Got lots of special things including matching pearls for all the girls in the family plus some for LM when she gets married and some other treasures..Also, got to see a whole other side of China..That was way cool!!!

Got home, ordered Papa Johns and just relaxed. I'm sure we did laundry again and hit the 7-11 again as well!

The next morning we had breakfast, and 3 families went to the zoo. It was perfect. Got to know these families even better.I'm not missing a zoo opportunity and the Guangzhou zoo was awesome. It even had bears!!!! Loved it. Weather was cool, sprinkled a bit but we got some good pics and smiles out of it. After Subway lunch and a nap we all headed to the Consulate for the Oath which was quick and simple but to me very emotional. We were there as a family and a lot of other families..they recognized those who had been there before and those who were having their bday that week. that's right, they said LynnMarie's name! We came back to the hotel to change and freshen up and then had our last meal at an Italian restaurant with some of the group.It really was a great group!

Some us walked around for final shopping because everyone else was leaving in the morning. We had almost 2 more days due to our flight.. It was awesome!

We enjoyed some of the shops. There are 2 that sell handmade items to raise money for orphans. My favorite store was Jenny's, shes not the closest to the store but also does laundry, is a Christian and is so personable. Those of you going soon will not remember this but try to get your stroller and laundry from her. Shes awesome!!!

A lot of time, I spent thinking of LM. She spent her first year at Swallows Nest, had to spend a week in an orphanage and then got placed with us..That's a lot of change for my little pineapple head.. I prayed that she would trust us and know we loved her so much.

The next day everyone else left at different times but we were not leaving until the following day at 5pm. So we just spent time walking around, did laundry again and did some shopping. Spent time getting pics, playing the playroom and just enjoying the relaxed nature of the day.

Our final night we went to Lucy's where we both had steak dinners..We made a huge mess so if you ever go there, don't mention our names..HAHA! They did give us a Lucy's tote which was sweet of them.It was so nice to be alone but at the same time, I really missed my new friends.
and our guides..Not to worry, Jason took us to the airport the next day and stayed with us until we had to leave...Great guides!!

Last day we slept in, had breakfast and did laundry again. We did buy a stroller. It was raining. We bought the stroller at the store closest to the hotel. We priced a lot of them but they were the cheapest. We were able to pack while LynnMarie napped and then got ready to leave. Jason took us to the airport and we waited. Really glad we bought the stroller. We got on the flight which had a bassinet seat. Awesome since LM slept most of the way bad for us since they were the tiniest seats ever. But we were close the bathroom. Bad flight as I could not rest and LM had thrown up on me (managed not to get it on herself)..We were sooo happy to land in LA. Once again, I got emotional. The LA aiport was CRAZY. Not bad, just crazy..We managed to get through customs and eventually find a bus to the La Quinta (saying that made LM giggle but you have to say it with an accent). Oh my gosh, the beds there are beyond the best ever and I am not just saying that. Wow I got out of bed just to get back in. Michael took a walk and brought over McDonalds (LynnMaries first American food). Fabulous!!!!! No problems with jet lag..I kept LM up a few hours and we all slept through the night.

The next morning, we went to breakfast downstairs and packed. Michael's cousin who is an actress in the area, came by (with carseat and extra diapers) and took us on a quick tour of LA and Hollywood. Seriously, we may never be in LA again, why not? Saw the Pretty Woman hotel, the Hollywood sign and a whole bunch of other stuff. LM did fabulous in the car. It was great to see cousin Hope too and we hope you guys see her soon as well (hint hint).

She dropped us off at the airport and this time it was much quicker.. Got on the plane and LM took a nap. This was the going home flight. Lots of thoughts flew through my head. We were going home to Atlanta. LynnMarie was home. She didn't understand that but we did. All of these years waiting for a child, God brought her home. I really didnt think I would make it back (fear of course) but God had his hand on our journey. We had about 5 minutes of turbulence 5 minutes from Atlanta and scenes from LOST entered my mind but we landed and we were home. We took our little shuttle and put LM in her stroller (she was awake and it was close to midnight) and lo and behold we saw friends and family. Mom, Dad, Mihael's Aunt and Uncle and Mike and Kim were there with big smiles. We were home!!!

I have learned that home is not necessarily where your house is though, its totally a heart thing if you can understand that.

So that was our physical journey to LynnMarie. Our journey to her began years ago and our story with her is just beginning..

Our God is an awesome God

Spaghetti was created in China

2009-06-15T20:04:00.000-07:00

15 months old today and I Love my Hat

2009-06-13T19:00:00.001-07:00

Pics and Updates

2009-06-11T13:52:00.000-07:00

Ok. Its been a while since we updated and I have so much to post but thought I would share some pics and updates of our sweet happiness. She is doing well. She wears her new braces every night and has only taken them off once (mom put them on too lose). Slept really well last night and is just a smiling baby. She had another ear infection and last week was treated for strep which made her sound like she was wheezing. She is doing much better!!! This post is also to prove that I know how to put a bow in her hair (Hi Donna). She will be getting a hair trim (not a real short cut) soon so look for more pics.

last night at trivia, she colored for the first time. She did try to eat the crayon but she also colored which is very cool. I have tried doing signs with her and will continue to try and will show her the videos, but I am being pretty unsuccessful with it. Bonding and attachment is going well. I never thought I would be happy when my baby cried when someone else held her but she is doing that. Once she gets to know you, it is smiles and giggles..

I am back at work and Daddy is doing very well in the set up nursery downstairs since he cant take her up stairs with the crutches.

She eats very well. Loves green beans and corn and almost anything else..Still a carb girl and loves her bread. She is also drinks water and juice..

Last night she started making the llllllllll sound and was having a copy cat game. we would repeat her sounds and if we got it wrong, she said uh uh. Such a funny, happy baby. She squeals when she sees a kitty and still loves the swing when we get the chance to go to the park. This Sunday she will go to the nursery and then mom and dad will join for nursery duty. We will eventually get a referral for a hand surgeon just to make sure her hands are okay, but so far everyone is happy with her progress...

2009-05-28T20:15:00.000-07:00

Seriously, you thought your shoes were cool? Not many people get shoes like these.

Feet

2009-05-28T07:06:00.000-07:00

See these feet? This was our introduction to Lu ChunAi. The first picture we opened and let me tell ya, it shocked me. But those feet, she was identified by those sweet precious feet. Someone told us by looking at her pictures that she was a pretty severe case and had many many other issues. Did that stop us? Heck no! Some of you had no idea what her special needs were. She has clubbed feet and a slight case of arthogryposis in her hands. But anyway, we spent the Wed before Thanksgiving last year looking at these pictures and wondering if this was our LynnMarie. Well, that decision didn't take long. Man, God is awesome. Her story is a huge puzzle and so many people were pieces to that puzzle (thanks for the analogy Clay and Pam). Because of the wonderful, awesome, loving care she had at Swallows Nest and the casting by the awesome people in Beijing, her feet look awesome.

Yesterday, LM met Dr.Axelrod (not Axel Rose) who said her feet looked great but they are starting to turn in a little bit. He said the people in China did a great job on her. Whats the plan now? Today we will head over to CHOA and pick up her new brace. Apparently it looks more like a sandal and will be easier to get on. We will see about that. She will only wear them when she sleeps and can continue to stand and work on balance and walking. He doesn't want to see her for 6 months unless there is a problem.. So a great visit!!! Below is a pic of Dad and baby at the office. Funny since Daddy is seeing an ortho doctor as well.

Go LynnMarie!

LynnMarie Videos

2009-05-26T17:05:00.000-07:00

Each night LynnMarie laughs ridiculously when she gets her bedtime bottle. The darker video is of her getting a bath. She LOVES to splash and even tries to stand up during this one. She is pulling herself up to standing at will now! Tomorrow is her first appointment with the orthopedist.

Florida Trip pics

2009-05-23T07:22:00.001-07:00

the trip home

2009-05-22T06:19:00.000-07:00

So almost 2 weeks ago we packed up and left for central Florida for a little get away and to witness my sisters wedding. As you can see below, she was gorgeous. Although Michael couldn't walk with his camera he took some rocking pics... It was so nice to see family and introduce LM to some more of the people who have loved and prayed for her. It was a week of firsts. lets see if I can remember.

-First time meeting cousins and aunts and uncles
-first time meeting great grandpa and great grandma
-first time having chik fil a ice dream
-first time swimming
-first time getting herself into a sitting position
-first time making the nnnnnnnnnaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa sound
-first long road trip which she was awesome in and sang to us almost the whole time. cant wait for her to hit the 20 pound mark so we can turn her around although I hear the weight thing may change
-first time seeing a raccoon in grandmas back yard

Oh there are more pics coming, I think I took over 3oo just with my little camera..This is just a taste of what is to come!!!

Enjoy

Oh Boy, I get Mexican food!!! YIPEEEE!!!

Lounging around? I could get use to this. Mom and Dad lets move to FL!

Mom, LM and Great grandma at a local mom and pop restaurant in a pharmacy. It was too cute. Although we walked out and a homeless gentleman told me she looked like she stepped out of Hawai 5-0

Dude and Dudettes I know I am cool!! I love my shades and cover up!!!

So this is Great Granpa? He is sooo tall and and is a good holder!

Wedding

2009-05-17T11:59:00.001-07:00

Yesterday we attended the wedding of Amy's sister Kelly, who got to meet LynnMarie for the first time on Friday night. Despite being on crutches, I managed to take and edit a few good pictures and I have posted a few of them below. You'll see LynnMarie's cousins Janie, Seth, and Owen along with her new Uncle Neil and her new cousin Joe.

14 months

2009-05-13T19:27:00.000-07:00

Orlando peeps

2009-05-13T07:50:00.000-07:00

We are having LynnMarie's official meet and greet at the Chik Fil A at Waterford Thursday night from 5-8. Come say if you can..We love Waterford!

Prayer Requests

Please pray for the Chapman family as today would have been Maria Sue's 6th birthday. What a year they have had!!! 2 weddings, 2 graduations and burying their sweet little girl. Pray that God pours peace over that family over the next few weeks!

Also pray for the Freeman family, who lost sweek Kayleigh last night. If you have not been following their story, click here and prepare to be encouraged!

Home

2009-05-09T18:23:00.000-07:00

Michael is home and reunited with two of the three most important people in his life.

I will have a month of home care administering IV antibiotics for a staph infection in my blood stream (not contagious).

I have received 4 units of blood and will be monitored by a hematologist to make sure my anemia is under control. The likely cause is being on a particular antibiotic for a month. A side effect of Bactrin is red blood cell production stoppage. Unfortunately it takes 4 months for a red blood cell to be made, so it will take that long to see if things are fixed.

I have a cast on my right foot reaching to just below the knee. It is to protect my foot from damage as it is in a fragile state due to diabetic neuropathy, specifically they call it Charcot foot.

I am however, HOME!

A Special Visit

2009-05-07T15:09:00.000-07:00

It had been 3 full days since I last saw my baby girl. Amy brought her to see me today. I'm able to move around the hosptal, so we met in the lobby to keep Miss Thing off the floors with patients. We spent about 45 minutes together, and it was ajoy for me.

As for my health, hey struck a significant blow against my anemia yesterday when I received 2 units of blood. We are narrowing down the cause of the anemia which may be related to a drug I was on for over a month recently. The problem is it takes 4 months to produce a red blood cell, so e have a way to go to know if we got it.

As for my foot, the infectous disease specialist has gone from a shotgun antibiotic method to a sniper rifle. By this I mean he was throwing a lot at it, knowing some would hit, but know he knows exactly what he needs to target, so e are on one specific IV antibiotic and I will definitely have to continue for 6 weeks after I am discharged.

We still don't know when that will be, but we are hopeful it will be before Tuesday so we can make our trip to Orlando for Amy's sister's wedding next weekend. If we can go, we will be taking it very easy and we don't know what my mobility will be like but it will involve crutches and maybe a cast.

Need some prayers tonight friends

2009-05-04T18:02:00.000-07:00

Michael is back in the hospital. The doctor called to give him the results of the MRI from Thursday (dont get me started on that) and said he needed to head in and start IV antibiotics. Apparently they think he has osteomyelitis which is bone infection, in his foot. He may have had this since before China, which has become so very painful.

We do not know anything except the doctors want to be aggressive since he is diabetic. I know right now he wants comfort and healing.

This has impacted play time with baby and I want him to have that back soon. So pray. Please pray that the antibiotics work their hardest and kill any infection and leave the surrounding tissue healthy. Pray that all the drs and nurses and techs are kind and wash their hands.

Pray that although we know the desires we want, that God will be glorified and will pour His peace over the Christopher family.

A most special visit

2009-05-01T20:23:00.000-07:00

Last November, we saw LynnMarie ChunAi for the very first time. After we received PA we shared our news with many people. But one person found me. You see and please follow along, LynnMarie has been cared for by a very special lady. A special lady that took her into her foster home and cared for her. When LM was very little, she had some visually severe issues. A lady named Alycia emailed me and told me she has known about LM since she arrived at the foster home. In fact, LM touched her heart that she was very interested in adopting Chun Ai. After praying and praying about it, she felt LM was so young that she was not the right child for them, but decided to pursue a second adoption. Alycia has prayed for her since she was just a few weeks old and kept in touch with her caregiver and did everything she could to help with her treatment.

So Alycia and I emailed and facebook chatted and found out she would be in Atlanta. What are the chances that she would meet this baby that she has prayed for over the last year! We were excited to meet Alycia and her girls and we decided to meet at the aquarium where Sophia demonstrated what a great big sister she could be, Audra showed me what a mature high school graduate (well almost) she is and Alycia and I walked and talked. Alycia told me it was like all of this came full circle. You should have seen their faces when they saw LynnMarie. They did call her ChunAi for a while and that made me smile because you see, for a year, she was ChunAi to so many, prayed for by so many. Alycia reminded me that so many people around the world was praying for this sweet creature in front of me.

God has really orchestrated events since that Tuesday night that I learned about my sweet girl She makes everyone smile .

I received a wonderful email from LM's caregiver and had to share with you this line about our meeting this past week.

I was so thrilled to see that the Father gave her a splendid inside meeting with the love of her heart and her new family. All of us are one part of the puzzle of this little girl's life

She is oh so right...

update

2009-04-29T20:35:00.000-07:00

Just 2 pics to update you on our sweet little girl who is doing awesome. What is she doing? This week, the girl has started dancing. She is sooo much fun. She does wake up a couple times a night, but nothing to complain about since she goes back to sleep so easily. Her smile is contagious. We have been blessed with the perfect child for us. She amazes me daily with the emotions she brings out of me. Parenthood is what I expected and yet brings surprises daily.

Got a wondersmile before our walk at the playground..yeah for swings

LynnMarie and our good friend Parks Stamper from the Fish and the Smyrna Jonquil Festival this past weekend. We would not have known about the festival had she and Kim P mentioned. Well we had to stop by and say hi to one of the many people who have followed our journey and prayed our girl home!

next post, a very special visit with a very special family

Monday Meditations

2009-04-27T07:42:00.000-07:00

Today, join me in those who are caring for orphans around the world.

Pray for those families who are waiting

Pray for the children who have no idea what a family is

Pray for the little Starfish baby today who is having major cardiac surgery.

Pray that God will comfort those who need comfort