Celebrating Four Years With Our Peanut!

In just six short hours it will be four years since we met our baby girl.  She was so tiny in her dingy white Target brand onsie.  No socks, no pants, no sweater, just a simple little onsie that snapped at the crotch.  But it just happened to be wrapped around the most beautiful, happy, and perfect little girl ever.  Our daughter.  She came to us without any fanfare; no tears, no wonderment in her eyes, no fear, just a happy and content little baby.  In all of our excitement we didn't realize that what she was feeling in that moment was fatigue.  It was nap time and she was ready.

We were in and out of the Civil Affairs Office within approximately fifteen minutes.  Hurry up, here are your babies, back to the bus.  Hurry!

Once on the bus she settled into Mommy's arms and slept peacefully.  I relaxed into my seat with my newest blessing from God sleeping peacefully on my chest while Scott walked up and down the aisle of the bus taking pictures of all the other babies and Julia, who was happily playing in the front seat with her new Daddy.

I almost can't remember Jade as a baby.  Hasn't she always talked? Walked?  Eaten everything in site?  Did she really spit up formula for the first two solid weeks we had her?  Was her hair really ever shaved within a 1/4 inch of her head?  Did she really fit like a tiny peanut in the front carrier that we wore on our chests every single day in China?  Seventeen pounds in Guangzhou?  Really?  Seems she's always been our very talkative, high pitched, music loving, piano playing, sausage eating, eager-to-please JuJu.

But, of course, I'm wrong.  She was tiny and it did take her until thirteen months to walk, twenty four months to talk, she signed like a champ for a very long time, and she really did listen to lulliby music CDs at bedtime until she was moved into Valerie's room.  How long ago did we move her up there?  When did we convert her nursery to a boy's room?

She's not a baby anymore.  No, she's growing up quite beautifully, actually.  It won't be long until the calendar reaches October 25th and she will become our big five year old.  Five.  I must confess that, even though I didn't know it myself, I subconsciencly always hoped that she would stay small.  Not because I don't want her to grow and become all that she is supposed to become, but because I love having her as my Little Peanut.  Even though we are careful to parent her and teach her and not let her rule the roost, she's a pretty compliant kiddo and she's easy to keep on track.  Because of that we are able to fully enjoy every single minute of her personality and she's a blast to hang out with.

I don't know who her birth parents are, but I can tell you what I do know.  They are warm, friendly, kind, gentle, caring, and good.  And may I also suggest, pretty cute as well?  This little one received her goodness in her gene pool.  It's who she is from the inside out.  Of course we teach her, love her, pray for her, and prayerfully fill her world with good, but I take no credit for the goodness that exists inside of her and pours out to bless us each and every day.

She is a gift to everyone who meets her and I am so grateful to be her mother.

Thinking fondly of Jaden Ling WanRong's birth parents tonight and praying for blessings upon them.

Thank you for being our Peanut, JuJu Bean!

We love you!

Mommy & Daddy

UPDATE:  After reading our blog from 2006 I've been reminded that Ju fell asleep in Daddy's arms and he handed her to me so that he could take pictures.  So glad we have documentation so that we remember! 

(Photo credit goes to Angie Field - thanks for the great photo, Angie!)

 

 

 

 

 

Comments

[sandy]

tears are streaming down my face! What a beautiful tribute 2 a beautful child!

[Suzanne Buchko]

Happy day, Traci! Celebrate, cheer, eat cake, jump around and be happy. How blessed we all are to have met and had the chance to watch these children grow. I share your joy! Love you, Suz

[Elisha]

Sweet. I love her--and I love that the way you reflect on her growth. What a blessed life! :) Hugs.

[Granpa]

My heart is so filled with love for this child. I love all my grandchildren but somehow she just grabs my heart.I only pray she remembers me for as long as she lives.