China Adoption....Our Journey to Jaden

The first day of school for these friends....

This was Sunday for church.  Dressing up didn't happen this week due to circumstances so Mommy Bundy helped them match.  So adorable. 

Hey, are our kids growing while we're gone?! 

Mommy Bundy had the kids organize all of their things the night before.  Setting themselves up for smooth sailing Monday morning!

This was a complete surprise!!  I will kiss and worship whoever took this picture. 

We called V & K to introduce them to their sister just before they left for school on that first day.  We had met her only three hours before this.  Having this picture means the world to Scott & I. 

Another priceless moment caught on camera.

Almost ready......

I'm so glad that you are in Miss Luke's class Valerie.  We can't wait to meet her.  How are all of your friends?  Morgan, Hunter, Jenny, Becky?  I'm sure there are more in your class.  I can't wait to hear all about it.  Has the homework started yet?  Maybe you'll have a break and won't have to start until next week. 

Daddy and I miss giving you piggy back rides downstairs in the morning.  We miss snuggling with you while you wake up and we miss seeing you smile so big when you talk about horses!  Our arms are ready to hold you tight. 

We'll be there as soon as possible......and we'll bring your sister!!  She is going to love you so much, Valerie!

Getting ready to go see his friends.....

Kevin, We don't ever want to forget that funny joke you played on Daddy and I after school on that first day.  When you told us that you pulled a card, we were so dissapointed!  We wanted to give you a firm talking to about behaving in class, using self control and making good choices.  When you said, "JUST KIDDING!!!"  Daddy and I laughed so hard!  You really fooled us. 

We're so glad to hear that you had a great day.  We can't wait to feel one of those very special Kevin hugs when we see you at the airport. 

Wait until you meet your sister.  She is amazing and sweet and smart.  We know that she is going to adore hanging out with you. 

Starting the day off well......

Breakfast with friends.  It must have been so fun to share the first day of school with each other.

The last step before they're out the door.  It looks like your brushing  well.  Good job everyone!

Ready to walk out the door.  I feel like reaching out and kissing this picture.  We were thinking about all four of you and praying  that you would have a great day!  It sounds like our prayers were answered.

Outside of the school...

I can't wait until Daddy and I can take you to school.  We only need a little bit more patience.  Next week at this time we'll be heading home!!

We can't wait.....

I'm thinking  that this was taken after school. 

Daddy Smith and I love you all so very much!  Cayti and Jared, thank you for sharing your room with Valerie and Kevin.  We can't wait to bring Jaden home to meet you.  You are being very kind to our family and we appreciate you both.

Tammy, Don and Girls;  Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for taking these pictures and for taking such great care of our kids.  Receiving these today made our day!  Seeing our babies faces sitting with their friends almost made us feel like we were home. 

We can't wait to come home...............Eight more days.

We love everyone!

Mommy & Daddy

It was a long day for my guy....

Tonight we had dinner with Aunt Shellie, Uncle Rick, Aunt Sandy, Austin & Seth.  Scott took a few pictures but I doubt if my sisters want me to post them here.  Scott didn't want to interrupt anyone and the pictures are action shots.   (Translation:  Everyone is running their mouths.)  So, you're stuck looking at me and my guy. (I lost some resolution when I cropped it.)

He's getting sooooo big!  I clearly remember my Dad telling me, "You'll never be too big to sit on my lap."  I feel the same way about my tall babies.  Sleep peacefully Son.  I love you.

~Mommy

We're really having a baby?!?!

Seriously?!?!

It looks like this isn't a pipe dream after all.  We are having a baby! 

This is the formula that our doctor ordered.  Wan Rong is on Nestle brand in China and this will be a good way to transition he says.  It's been too long for me to know if he's right or not.  So, we went out and bought it for her tonight.  We hope that she likes it.........and us. 

Sshhhhh....please don't tell her that we're old enough to be her grandparents.  Let's keep that between us.  ;-)  Thanks.

I'm struggling to believe that I get to be a  Mommy again!

My absolute favorite day of the year....

If you ever ask me my favorite day of the year and I don't say Valerie's birthday is #1 (only because it is summer time and we're outside) and Kevin's birthday is #2, then I'm undoubtedly momentarily forgetting how much fun we have on or near July 7th and January 6th each year.  We've been inviting the same friends to these birthday parties for many years and I just love this group of kids!  If anyone ever gets bored with our pictures then you'll have to skip this post.  Here is a rundown of our day Saturday.....(click on the pictures to enlarge them)

Valerie.....our birthday girl!  Eight years old and so very fun to hang out with.  Thank you Valerie for spending your birthday with Jenny & I.  I had a really great time with both of you on Friday.  (Notice the button on Valerie's swimsuit.  Valerie wanted her little sister to be part of the party and so she wore her Jie Jie button.  Jie Jie means big sister in Mandarin Chinese.)

Jeremiah...what a cool young man.  Thanks for spending time with us J. 

  Cayti taking a dip. 

Our boy....Kevin.  As you can see I had my back turned so I don't know how this turned out but it looks like a belly flop in the making...

This is Taryn.  I think that she may have been the coldest out of anyone on Saturday.  We pulled her out to warm up a few different times.  She seemed to have a lot of fun though.

Doesn't this look like an A&W Rootbeer ad?  This is David with Jeremiah.  They asked me to make them t-shirts with a picture of the two of them on it.  I'll have to do that for them.  They are such cuties.

We had the pleasure of enjoying Jenny and her brother.....

.....Dan again today.  They are such great kids.

This is Katie.  I can't believe that she will be nine before long.  It seems like just the other day we were watching her one- legged scoot when she was six or seven months old.  I suppose that everyone is right.......they really do grow up fast.

Last but not least from the kids line up is Jared.  He had to come late due to a tournament game but he made up for it with lots of fun in the pool with Kevin and friends.  We're glad you made it Jared!

Here is a group shot of everyone but Jenny and Dan.  I didn't think of this until after they had headed home. 

This next one shows Jenny & Dan but is missing Jared.  We've been eating hot dogs for Valerie's birthday for so long now that Taryn has even started liking them!  ;-)

  This picture shows the girls and I getting ready for a game of American Girl.  It's a game about wishes.  Later in the game I had a wish that Valerie gave me that allowed me to pick my own wish.  I said to the group, "I wish that I was the best Mom in the whole world."  Do you know what my sweet baby girl said?  Very calm and very quietly my little girl said, "You are."  (Sometimes they bless us so big that they make us cry.)  Thank you Valerie.  Even though it's not true, it makes my heart so happy to hear you say that you think I am. 

I had the same feeling on her second birthday when I walked out of the house with the most awful cake known to man.  I had attempted to make her a Barney birthday cake.  It was beyond pathetic.  It didn't look a thing like Barney.  All of the adults were cracking jokes with me about it.  And then I carried it outside to the party.  It had those two little candles on it and do you know what my little girl said that time?  She yelled, "BARNEY!"  It makes me tear up remembering that too. 

I'll miss my little girl but I'm really enjoying my girl as she grows!  Mom and Dad love you sweet Valerie.....thank you for making us very happy parents.

Love, Mommy

(I'll post a few more pictures of the adults at this party later.  I have a pretty fun video too.  I'll try to get it uploaded.  I have to practice for China so this will be my chance.)

Introducing Kevin Smith....aka Mark Maloy.....

I know that this doesn't mean much to those of you who didn't know my brother growing up, but I can promise you that this looks just like my brother 38 years ago. 

Isn't it amazing how Kevin can look just like his Dad and his Uncle Mark at the same time?   Check out these pictures of our hair cutting experience.

Morning hair........

He woke up asking to have it cut off for summer.  I was skeptical because I never liked my brother's hair cut as a buzz.  But, he was sure that he wanted it and it's only hair.  It will grow back. 

So.......

....we got started. 

(Please look past the messy house.  I have to get off of this computer and get busy on this house.)

Typically, this would be Dad's job but he was busy outside with the tent company, the auctioneer and multiple other people helping with the auction.  Let's see how Mom does.....

What do you think?  The BoZo look didn't suit me (or Kevin) so we continued.

He was so good and excited too.

I did the best that I could but after awhile I came to realize that I needed Scott to help me.

Kevin's Dad cleaned up what I started and Kevin is now running around looking much cooler.

Best friends with their new summer cuts.  I have to tell you that I really do love Kevin's hair.  I love it on his head - not in a towel.  I will miss it but thankfully it will grow back.

Scott and I decided that we needed more help.  Mommy Bundy came over and cleaned Kevin up a little more.  Thank you Tammy!  Her clippers were able to make it look better. 

Kevin loves it.  Now it's Valerie's turn to get a cut.  Don't worry.....not a buzz.

Horse camp 2006

Horse camp started Monday morning.  I missed the first day but I was able to hear all about Molly (Valerie's horse) and Alexis (Kevin's horse) when I came home Tuesday.  Valerie & Kevin have both been very excited.  However, Valerie is really over the top about it.  Who knows, maybe this is her thing!  After staying at the camp and watching for more than an hour Tuesday morning we signed Valerie up for another horse camp in July.  She will be eight by then and she can ride by herself (without being lead.)  Here are some pictures of the fun they had this week.  On the last day of the week they decorate their horses for a show that they put on for the parents.  They did a great job!

Introducing Alexis, Kevin's horse for the week. 

And this is Molly, Valerie's horse. 

These pictures show their week pretty effectively.  This was a great summer camp for them.  I think we'll be doing more in coming years. 

Scott and the kids are talking about cleaning out the stall in the red barn and buying a horse someday.  This city girl wants to be sure that everyone understands that I am NOT taking care of a horse. I'll look at them, take pictures of my kids riding and caring for them but I am NOT doing horse care.  Yuch!  Taking care of Sadie is plenty of work for me. 

Kindergarten graduation.....

Good Job Kevin!  Daddy and I are proud of you.

Watch out first grade....here comes Kevin!

Look who's growing up!

Valerie's shoe............my foot!

When did this happen?  (Sorry for the ugly foot shot.  I was simply amazed.)

~Traci

Valerie Alexis Smith....

Hi Valerie!  Here you are coloring at church this past week.  I can't get over how much you are growing up.  When I look at this beautiful picture it makes me think of how incredibly beautiful you are on the inside as well!  Thank you for having such a kind, generous and gentle spirit.  I love you!

~Mommy

Update on Valerie & Kevin

Valerie and Kevin were working on the computer.  Valerie was helping her brother with some first grade skills.  Shortly after this Scott came in from the yard work and asked Kevin for his help.  I overheard this as I folded laundry. 

Scott said, "Kevin I have a job outside that I really need your help with.  Will you help me?"  "Well Dad, I'm working with Sis.  But, okay Dad, if you have a job then I'm the man for your job!" 

And off he went.........

We had two ground down tree stumps in the front yard.  Kevin moved 1 1/2 of them by himself!  He would come to the front door and announce, "Mom, I'm sweating to death.  Can I have water please.  I'm working too hard."  So, I brought him water and stole a few shots while I was at it.  Thanks Kevin!!  You are a great big help to Daddy and I and we are VERY proud of the man your growing into.

Love,

Mommy & Daddy