3 years ago 10-29-06

Three years ago today, I woke up in Beijing on what would be the day I became a mom. The sight-seeing behind us, I was now scared, apprehensive, nervous, you name it. Would my daughter hate me? Would I really be a good mom? What have I done?!?!?!? Thoughts of what might be going through Mailia's mind on this day also kept running thru my thoughts. Is she scared? Is she nervous? Does she realize that after today she will leave all she's ever known? Is she heartbroken or is she anxious? Does she wonder why she has no say in all this?

My friend (and travel companion) Audra and I spent the 3 hr. flight to Nanchang making a list of questions to ask the orphanage representative who would bring my daughter to our hotel that night. My one and only chance to learn as much as possible about my daughter-to-be.
I wish I'd kept that list, but I remember some of the obvious questions:

Did she know I was coming for her?
Is she happy or sad about that?
What is her personality like?
What foods does she like/dislike?
Eating habits, sleeping habits, potty habits, etc. etc. etc.

It was a fairly long list but like I said...it was my only chance to ask about the first six years of my child's life. As I learned, very quickly, there was just no possible way to ask all the questions that would come up from that day forward.

We got settled into our hotel in Nanchang and began the wait. Word came that she would arrive around 5:00pm. It was only noon. I tried to eat, but my stomach was in knots. Tried to take a nap....not possible.
So we walked. And walked. And kept checking the time. It was going soooo slow, no wait!, it's going so fast. What was I thinking???? There's still time to change my mind. OMG when will she EVER get here?!?!?!?!?

Three Years Ago..........

Three years ago this week, we were tourists in Beijing.
I was not yet a mom. But oh how my life was about to change.

Cross Country

Her school hosted a neighboring school for a one mile run. She finished 11th and her best friend (since K'garten) Allan finished 12th. Guess you know he took some grief for that. lol

Mailia's "Jimmie"

Once again "her Jimmie" is on his way to the Championship. And just like the past 3 years, he is on top of the leader board. We all have our favorite drivers, and fortunately they all drive for the same team......Hendrick Motorsports, so if our own favorite is not faring well in a particular race, we ALL cheer for Jimmie. Jimmie Johnson #48. Mailia LOVES Jimmie and the 48 car. She doesn't sit and watch an entire race, but will check in periodically to see where the 48 is. When the closing laps are near she stands in front of the tv and screams and cheers him to victory. And it works most of the time. :-)
Nascar fans around the country have been complaining that the racing has become 'boring' because Jimmie wins all the time. No such complaining in this house! Five races down and just five more to go..........will Jimmie win his 4th consecutive Championship? At least one of us hopes so. LOL

Petting Farm

We finally got some cooler weather, so we headed out yesterday to a local petting farm. She had a blast. She chased and caught chickens and ducks, held baby ones, milked a cow, rode a pony. The day finished with a hay ride and a pumpkin patch. She was the most fascinated by the tractors and wished she could drive one. :-) Very nice day.

Just practice

This is what 'my little girl' chose to be for Halloween this year....Cap't Jack Sparrow. (sigh)
We started searching for the costume early, fortunately, since it was hard to find her size. But we finally found one and she loves trying it on and practicing her "ahoy maties". :-)

She joined the running club again this year. First meet was yesterday morning. And then she was called out of class later and awarded "student of the month". She brought home a progress report yesterday and once again it was all A's and B's.

Yeah, she's our tomboy....but we are so proud of her!

Remember