Sisters!

Here's some pictures of Ila and Ruby playing on their new favorite toy! Plus, a look at Ruby's haircut. Enjoy!

Last Day in Taiwan

We've been home a week and a day now, and things are falling into place. We continue to adjust and learn about one another. Each day gets easier. Ruby is speaking alot of english and is doing really well. Ila always wants to sit by Ruby even if she sometimes says she "doesn't want a little sister". She is the first to help out if Ruby needs something. It's not easy keeping up with a 3 1/2 year old and a 2 year old, but when you hear them laugh together and see them play together it warms your heart. Some days it's like I'm in the middle of a tornado and I can't remember my own name...like the other day when I put my camera on the bumper of my car thinking "I'll remember to grab this before I go into the house" ...and of course didn't. Luckily I had already taken my trip photos off of it. So pictures of our first week home are a little scarce. They're probably laying in the ditch somewhere...

On our last day in Taiwan, we went to the National Palace Museum and the traditional Chinese gardens that surround it. These are some of my favorite pictures from the trip...especially of Ruby. She was getting more comfortable with us and smiling and laughing alot. Many people have mentioned that I "went alone" on this trip and I just want to say that even though Scott wasn't able to go along, my dad was there with me and was a huge help. It would have been extremely difficult without him. So I just want to thank my dad and let him know how much it means to me that he was there. Thanks Dad!

Transitions

Finally, an update. I've been to Taiwan and back. I wish I would have had a laptop along to blog while I was there because it was too hard to have a 2 year old in the hotel lobby on a computer. We have Ruby at home now and we are all adjusting...slowly...to our new family. The trip had its ups and downs. I am glad to be home. Ila and Ruby are having fun and playing and laughing with an occasional fight over a toy. But for the most part there isn't anything out of the ordinary happening. Ruby is a sweet, smart little girl -- that gets a little wild in public sometimes. We just plan to hang low for awhile and continue to transition into our family of four.

Here's a few pictures from the day we spent with the foster family at St. Lucy's and the first few days together. The first day we got there, we went straight to St. Lucy's to pick her up. It was really hard on everyone, especially the foster family and of course, Ruby. She had a lot of people that loved her for so long and it was hard to say goodbye. The first night was the toughest but each day has been getting better. I know we have alot of people praying for our family and it helps tremendously and is greatly appreciated...thank you to everyone who is so kind and supportive...you know who you are!

Peace, Lani

Final Countdown!

Here's a clip from our visit in March. It was taken within the first hour of us meeting Ruby. She is holding onto some candy and her foster mom is asking her to give it to me: "Mommy"...and she does!

I have less than a week to get everything ready. I think that I have things under control...I hope! Scott is working out-of-town and can't go to Taiwan this time. It's such a great blessing that we went already and he got to meet her because it is required that happen if only one parent goes to pick up your child. God works in mysterious ways! So my Dad is going along this time to help out. It should be fun! I am hoping we have time to go the the zoo in Taipei and do some other sightseeing. We will be in Tainan for two days and Taipei for three days.

Here at home, Ruby's room is officially complete! I have a double stroller. I have two car seats. I have two of every dress Ila owns. Now I just have to start packing and let the countdown begin!

Daddy's Little Girl

Ruby's Closet

Before...

...and After!

Dinner with the Goslings

We finalized all our travel plans today. We leave in two weeks! Booking flights and hotels is about my least favorite experience ever. Especially since we are traveling in "high season" and its draining the bank account! The remainder of the day I spent frozen in fear that I have too much to do yet and I feel what I have learned so far, I have forgotten. Tomorrow will be a better day!

Here's a video clip from our trip to Indiana. We went to dinner one night and sat on the patio overlooking the lake and its inhabitants. Needless to say, Ila was in heaven!

Like Mother, Like Daughter

One thing I remember very well from my childhood is this blue and white checkered dress that I seemed to wear on many occasions. When we visited my mom recently, she brought out this dress and Ila couldn't wait to put it on. I was just over three in this picture about the same as Ila is now. It fits her perfectly! It's so hard to believe that's me twenty five years ago...isn't it?! Anyway, I hope that I have learned to have more fun at parties...

Lani

Happy Birthday Ruby!

Ruby is two years old today. Although we are not with her I know she is in good care and we will all be together in a few short weeks. I received update pictures yesterday of her opening the presents we sent...she is even wearing one of the outfits I bought her. I sent along some Minnesota Twins t-shirts and hats for the foster family too. I am just counting down the days to be with her again. Ila is so excited and her face just lights up when we talk about her little sister coming home. We are making cupcakes today to celebrate. Happy birthday to my little girl!

Lani

FINAL RULING & Barnyard Boogie!

Today we received our final ruling from the judge. Yippee! This is what we have been waiting for this past year and now we are only weeks away from bringing Ruby home. We will be reunited with her on June 23rd! I can't wait to see her and hold her again. I have alot to do yet but surprisingly I don't feel overwhelmed. I really feel like this whole experience has been just as it should have been and I wouldn't change a thing. I have learned to be patient and to trust my intuition. Our first trip to Taiwan was amazing and I can only imagine what this next trip will bring! Now, I must start making lists...

Here's a clip from Ila's first dance recital. Camcorders weren't allowed so I got this bit on my camera. Also, here's a few pictures. Enjoy!

Some Highlights

No news. No updates. Still waiting for our final ruling which could come any day. From there, we will probably travel in about two weeks. I have plenty to keep me busy. Our service plan is due before we can bring Ruby home. It includes research, reading books, watching dvd's and answering questions on it all...I better get started! We sent off Ruby's birthday package and we are hoping she has a wonderful 2nd birthday on June 2nd. My dad reminded me it is her golden birthday! Hopefully this time next month she will be home with us.

Here's some pictures from our trip to Grandma Lulu's house in Indiana. We went to the zoo, my cousin was confirmed and Scott golfed. We had a great time catching up with all the relatives. I am consciously taking in these moments before our family becomes 4 and life changes forever. I know I will look back on this and wonder what I did with all my time! I can't wait!

Peace, Lani

Cutie Patootie

Ila and cousin Jake at his soccer game

Going to the Indianapolis Zoo

Happy zoo face...

Sad zoo face...

Relaxing at the zoo face

Lounging by the pool

Ila and her Great Grandpa Jake

The three of us

First Ruling!

Three months to the day that our paperwork went to Taiwan, we got our first ruling! Scott got the phone call yesterday from our coordinator that it had happened...yippee! That is BIG news and we are so excited to be in the home stretch now. We will be traveling in the next 4-6 weeks to bring Ruby home. Unfortunately, it looks like we won't be with her on her 2nd birthday on June 2 but I'm sure we can make up for it once we are all home together.

Ila and I left on Wednesday to go to grandma's house in Indianapolis and will be here for 10 days. Once we are back home, we can finish up the final details in preparing for Ya-Ya! We have lots to look forward to in the next few weeks -- its our 5-year anniversary on May 11th, we have Ila's first dance recital, and its Mother's Day so hopefully the time will go by quickly.

Peace,
Lani