Fun in the Sun

We've been a busy family this summer - so Lainie has had no choice but to be a busy little girl. She's been a real trooper as we've tried to keep up with the activities of a large family. She's had plenty of fun along the way as well. Enjoy the pictures......Meeting new friends like Sydney who also lives in Locust and was

also born in Chenzhou (just like Lainie)

Spending time with cousin Katie - she's been great to help us out when we needed some extra hands with summer. How lucky our children are to have a role model like her.

Loving a bubble bath after a long day at the ballfield watching Jillian play!

Trying out some new hairdos - this one is too cute!!!

Playing in the water left from the big waterslide at Jillian's Tournament Fun Night.

One of the most touching things since having Lainie home as been to watch her spend time with our dear friends who so diligently prayed for Lainie and us as we waited so long to bring her home. This photo is with our good friend Sherry who does my hair and who also gave Lainie her first trim this summer.

Celebrating her first Fourth of July as an American Citizen!!!

Lainie's 1st Beach Trip

We spent last week at Myrtle Beach with The Great Big Barbee Bunch. All of Bobby's sisters and their families, his parents and his aunt, and cousins all rent one big house together. We had a blast. Lainie LOVED the beach. I thought for sure she would be scared of the waves, but she loved them. I was confident she would hate the sand, but she loved it too. Lainie continues to amaze us everyday. She has learned many new tricks. Adoption is such a miracle. That is the only way to explain it.

Isn't She Lovely?

We took these yesterday evening out on our lawn. Yes, it was hot and yes, she is sweating!!! We've had a great week. We saw the opthamologist and the audiologist on Wednesday. Both evaluations went great. We've spent two days at the pool and Lainie loves the water. Luckily the pool has warmed up and I can stand to get in without the frigidness taking my breath away. Our niece, Katie, has been gracious enough to go with us and help out. Thank goodness she likes to swim. It gives me a chance to sit by the pool and rest. Getting four kids lathered in sunscreen and suited up - along with packing a cooler and snacks wears this mom out. We've had a great time though. Lainie has done so well. We are still just amazed at how God has worked in her little heart to prepare her for our family.

I've had enough of this photo shoot!!!

Lilly Update
Many of you have asked about Lilly Bryant. She did have her surgery on Wednesday to prepare her VSD. It went well and she is expected to be home by Monday. They've updated their blog - you can view it by clicking on the link from this web page.

Home One Month!

Lainie has been home one month now. In some ways it has gone by so fast, but in other ways, it seems like Lainie has been here forever. She is doing great. She sleeps well, eats well, and she is learning all kinds of new tricks. Someone just told me yesterday that they've noticed she no longer has that look of uncertainty about her that we saw so much of in the beginning. Now she seems much more confident and at ease. Adoption is such a miracle. We are so thankful God chose us to be blessed in this way.
I'm having a hard time finding time to update the blog. Just like I'm having a hard time finding time to cook, clean and do laundry. I'll try to update about once a month or so - keep checking. Thanks again for all you've done for our family during these last months. We can't thank you all enough.

Good News!

Lainie had her cardiology appointment today and we got a great report. The hole in her heart is small and is not causing her heart any problems at all. So, it will be fine to leave just as it is. No surgery! The hole actually appears to already be closing on it's own. Dr. Greene wants to see her again in 6 months and then once a year to monitor the hole, but he does not foresee any changes. We are so thankful for this good news. Please join us in rejoicing and thanking our Heavenly Father.

Just a few pictures....

Lainie and Will riding in the car.

Sisters - in their matching shirts.

Toes - Lainie's favorite toy....

There's No Place Like Home !

Lainie has adjusted so well to life in The Barbee Bunch. Eventhough she has only been home 1 week, it feels like she has been here her whole life. We know that God answered our prayers and prepared her little heart to be part of our family long before she arrived home on May 24th.

She loves to "walk" anywhere as long as she is holding onto a finger of any willing person. If you are sitting she will come to you and grab one finger to let you know she is ready to go. She really likes to be on the move. She's done great meeting new people. She is a celebrity everywhere we go.

I had plans for some really cute pictures to post, but now I am remembering what life with a toddler is like, and I'm not sure those pictures are ever going to happen, but here are a few......

Lilly Update

The Bryants did make their flight and returned safely home on time. Here is an update that I received from one of their friends:

I just talked to Jan and she asked that I give you an update on Lilly.Lilly has had many tests and seen many different specialists. Her VSD(hole in the heart) is moderate and will need surgery to correct. They feel her cough, "pneumonia" is viral and is not responding to treatment because of it being viral. She has some other things going on but nothing that the doctors feel can't be managed or get better once she is better. She has been tested for a multitude of things to rule out other reasons for her cough. They have r/o the flu and RSV so far. She is getting to come home right now!! The treatments she needs can be done at home. Jan is exhausted. Pray for her to get rest and for Lilly to adjust to the time difference from China so that she sleeps in US time and not China. Pray for Lilly to get well and then for the right timing for her surgery and that she would stay well enough for it to be done.