A Taste of the Country Life~

The day of Sophie's birthday party, we headed over to Lamay's house to pick up her cake. It was my mom, Connor, Hayden, Sophie and I. When we arrived, the boys remembered that Lamay has real, live chickens living on her property. They were itching to see them! So, first we went in to see and the cake ( which was amazing! ), and then we headed out back. Luckily I had my camera, because her land was perfect for a mini, on the spot, photo shoot ;)

Lamay's land has lots that we do not...tall grass, a tire swing hanging from a big, old tree, open land, chickens, a chicken coup, a small house holding the chicken feed... Needless to say, my kids were in heaven! Oh, and we were NOT in the country. We were still in Phoenix~ it just felt like we were miles away in the country!

***This post is super picture heavy! We do not get this experience too often, living here in the desert!***

They had so much fun! As we were driving home, the boys asked if we could go back there soon ;)

Sophie's " Little Gym " Birthday Bash!

Sophie's 2nd birthday theme was Minnie Mouse~ her favorite! Our friend and cake lady, Lamay, made just the cutest cake to go with her theme...

Her party was at The Little Gym. It was perfect for her and all her friends to tumble and have lots of fun!

And that's a wrap! Happy 2nd Birthday to our sweet baby girl!

The Celebration Continues!

Mimi and Papa flew out to Phoenix for Hayden and Sophie's birthdays, so we celebrated big! Sophie loved, loved blowing out her candle...in fact, after she did it once, she stuck up her little index finger asking to do it one more time ;) And,a of course, we did it, one more time!

And after a few gifts were opened, she really loved this part of her birthday! She was feeling the love from all of our friends and family ;)

I think Sophie had a great 2nd birthday! She even had Chinese food for dinner! Next up...her birthday party ;)

Happy 2nd Birthday, Sweet Sophie!

Today Sophie turns TWO! Just two years and one day after Hayden....so crazy. Today is also the day, just one year ago, that we told Tiffany at All God's Children International, " Yes, we were meant to be together, always. Sophie is our daughter, she's the one we have been waiting for!"

Fast forward one year from us screaming YES, she's ours, to her 2nd birthday~ she's all smiles! ( Yes, that is a black eye on her left eye...ran into a bar stool, poor thing. )

We have been working on Sophie answering when we ask her, " How old are you going to be on your birthday? " As of this week, she can answer, "TWO! " as she tries to hold up two fingers. So.Darn.Cute!

Sophie, as you tun two, we want you to know how very special and loved you are. You are beautiful inside and out. We can't wait to celebrate with you tomorrow at The Little Gym for your birthday!

Side note: Sophie DOES where shirts! Sometimes, she just likes to hang out like her brothers, which is okay for NOW...

Sophie is Thriving~

We are coming up on our 5 month anniversary of our Gotcha Day~ April 28th, 2014. That was such a surreal day, a great day...one that I will remember always. Sophie has grown in so many ways in just 5 short months. Looking back, I can't believe all that she has accomplished since we became a family that day...

Sophie on Gotcha Day~

Sophie in September~

Here are some of Sophie's accomplishments. We are so proud of her!

• She understands all English and can speak some English, also
• She can wear other shoes than those she had in China
• She likes other types of food than Chinese
• She is no longer using a bottle
• She likes to take a bath and swim~ no longer afraid of water
• She can take a nap without us being in the room
• She can trust us to go to preschool, knowing we will come back to get her
• She no longer cries when I drop her off at school
• She can nap in her own room, in her big girl bed
• She is starting to use the potty, as of September 2014
• She has conquered strep throat and bronchitis
• She does not scream when doctors check her out
• She has all but a few teeth left to come in
• She can hold her own with her 2 older brothers
• She has a best friend, Addy
• She loves us with all her heart
• She knows we are her forever family

Sophie just started sleeping in her own big girl bed. I kinda think she likes it...

Although Sophie has only been here for 5 months, it seems as though she's always been here. Thanks to the loving care of her foster family, she has adjusted well and is thriving! And by caring for her as their own until we were able to be united, Sophie knew what it was to love and to be loved.  For this, we will always be thankful...