The photo album that we created for Hong Li was received in China. This is the special birthday gift that will go to the orphanage, along with a birthday cake that she can share with all of her friends. We included a self addressed stamped envelope, in hopes that she will somehow be able to communicate back with us (with assistance).

On a sad note, we found out today that our neighbors who are from Beijing are moving! It is very sad for Emma, who is good friends with their daughter, Lynn. Along with losing very good neighbors, we were hoping that they would be able to help us with translation issues when we returned from China. They actually translated Nina's photo album before we sent it, and we were so grateful. We do have their cell phone number, and they are just moving to another part of Lexington, but for any of you who have lost good neighbors, you know what I mean.............

New Measurements!

We were notified of an update in our daughter's measurements today!

She is now 40.16 inches and 32.6 pounds. Her foot is 6.7 inches (size 7?). Just to give you some perspective, Emma is 43 inches, weighs 42 pounds, and wears a size 12 shoe! Wow! Nina is so tiny! She is on the Chinese growth chart for weight (3rd percentile), but not for height. Her head is in the 50th percentile at 49 cm.

I need to figure out Gymboree sizing, but I still think that she will be able to wear Emma's size 4's by the time we get her. We sent a birthday present to her via redthreadchina.com. The vice director at her orphanage told our contact that he was thrilled because Ji Hong Li's friends have been adopted and received gifts, but Ji Hong Li has never received anything. Boy, that girl is in for a shock when she gets here! I feel like I'm living at Toys 'R Us some days! Definitely NOT a good thing!

We pray that everyone has a very Merry Christmas, and we are looking forward to a wonderful New Year as a family of 5!