Where has the time gone?  Can you believe Shaoey has been a part of our family for 2 years?

What a 2 years it has been.  Shaoey came to us so small and shy.  I think back to those first few days when she would just sit there, no smile, just reeling from the enormous changes that were taking place in her young life.  She was a serious little girl.  She was just starting to take her first steps.  She wasn't talking much, except for a few words like "mama!" 

Now?  Wow!  She is our outgoing, funny, smart, bossy, beautiful princess!!  She has captured our hearts and the hearts of those around us.  Our love for her swells to the point of making our heart hurt.  We stand amazed every day that God took a small baby girl in China and meshed her life into our family and our hearts here in south Louisiana.  We just cannot imagine our life without her. 

She talks nonstop.  She thinks she is the funniest thing (of course we agree!).  She calls herself "princess" and often requires others to do the same!  She has even had me introduce her as "Princess Shaoey!"  She loves to sing and dance and is makes up songs to entertain us.  She has learned the art of affectionate terms.  It seems so funny to see such a little thing calling brothers "sweetheart" or "honey."  She is quite independent.  She doesn't like much help in eating or getting dressed or getting into her carseat, unless it's her idea!

She has Connor wrapped around her little finger.  Jacob is a little more onto her ways, but he melts too when she looks up at him with those sweet eyes.  She ADORES her daddy.  She wants to be right there with him.  She follows him around outside and in his hunting room, wanting to be his helper.  Mom is still the go to person though.  She still wants me to brush her teeth and put her to bed and fix life's problems...

Shaoey is ready for a sister.  She talks all the time about what she's going to share with sister--clothes, toys, milk, room, and yes, even mommy.  She makes sure that whenever we sit down at the table or on the sofa or go in the car that we have a spot saved for sister.

God has been so good and so faithful.  None of this is by our own strength and doing.  We could never have put something this amazing and miraculous together!  Only God.

Heavenly Father, we come before you with prayers and songs of thanksgiving!  You have a plan for our lives that is so much better than anything we could ever imagine.  We thank you for seeing the whole picture of our lives, for being patient with us as we open our eyes and hearts to your will.  Lord, thank you for bringing Shaoey into our lives.  She is such a wonderful blessing.  

p.s.  As you'll see below, I wasn't joking about being a princess...this is normal daily attire for Princess Shaoey!