Lots of Firsts

Nina-Li has been a McNay for 5 weeks and in the United States for 3 weeks. We are overjoyed at how well things are going for our family. Nina-Li often looks at photos through-out the house that we have. And sometimes has asked where she is in photos. (We do have some of her up). And it saddened me to think that she doesn't have a history recorded in photos as the boys do. Through the past couple of weeks, I have discovered, that although we weren't there for all of her milestones, there are some that we are there with. And seeing them through a 7 year old's eyes is a lot of FUN!
Many of us took our kids to see Santa when they didn't even realize who was holding them. As the kids grow older, their excitement to see Santa doesn't diminish, but the 'first time' is gone. Well, Nina's first time to see Santa at 7, was something magical. Her eyes literally sparkled.

We've had several firsts:
First Snow
First Bowling
First Santa
First Restaurant (of course several in China)
First French Fries
First Pizza
You know, all the important stuff. And she's about to lose her first tooth.
Nina is progressing quite nicely with her vocabulary. Although quite boring, I am going to attempt to list the words she says in English for my own benefit.
Yes, No
Momma, Daddy, Dawson, Dakota, Grumpers, Rocky
Home
Let's Go
Night Night
Love you
Elizabeth, Addison, Mara, Sandra and Cody
Cold
Ice Cream
Noodles
Water
Ice
Hurry, Hurry
Ouch
I don't know
One, Two, Three
And most importantly: yummy, yucky and stinky. Those 3 words alone help us out a lot! There's probably a few more that I haven't listed.
She can repeat several words after us. These are the words I hear her choosing to say with out prompting.


Nina-Li still loves make-up and playing dress up. As you can see, she was getting ready to go out with mom to visit a few friends from COR last night.
Nina-Li in our lives has changed us all. It's added a little more fun and sweetness to our life. Dawson (who hasn't kissed me goodnight since he was 5) has become more affectionate. And literally 2 nights ago, I got a kiss goodnight. WOW! That blessed this mom. He kisses Nina-Li goodnight and tell her 'wo ai ni' I love you. The boys think Nina-Li is sweet and love complimenting her on her 'fancy' outfits. Bill is totally smitten over Nina-Li and we both sat down to play tea with her the other night. She has taught me to slow down and just enjoy some giggles, play dough and make-up every once in awhile. Although it is hard to slow down, now that I am homeschooling 3 kids.
Speaking of homeschool, it is a little difficult balancing 3 kids. But, we are managing. They just seem to all need me at once. Hmm? How does that happen? Nina is learning to recognize her name and the alphabet letters in her name. We are also learning colors, shapes, and counting to 5 and then 10. She is behind with fine motor skills, so we spend a lot of time strenthening those tiny fingers and developing coordination.
Nina continues to sleep in her room alone and now wants the curtains closed and all the lights off. Sometimes she has a hard time falling asleep.
I honestly couldn't ask for things to go better.
I was telling my friends I saw last night I am so thankful for the gifts we have received. From earrings to those rubber dolls, a lot of them I wouldn't have thought to get. Nor, have I had the time to go shopping for these girly things. I know I haven't gotten those thank you notes out yet. However, know how thankful I am. Everytime she pulls something out or wears an outfit someone gave, I think of the person who blessed us with it. And the Target gift cards came in handy too. I cannot believe how many tights, socks and shoes alone we have needed. And I still need a few more!
Thank you for your support. I am overwhelmed by the number of people who followed our journey and have been so supportive. I hope our story is a blessing to you. And maybe there will be one or two who will consider adopting also.
Love to you all!