Happy Family Day, Carli

It is hard to believe that it was only one year ago we were in China, still getting to know our new daughter. Carli has changed SO MUCH in just 12 months!!

- She went from three bottles a day and having a tongue tie to having a frenulum release, lots of occupational therapy, and a love of food...attributing to her 14-pound weight gain. :)

- She went from having so much fluid in her ears that for close to three years she heard what probably sounded like Charlie Brown's teacher, wah, wah, wah, to having tubes and scoring perfect on her hearing exams.

- She went from being lifeless, no muscle tone, just laying in a crib, to running, dancing, swimming, riding bikes, and even ice skating. She has gotten so strong, just ask the dentist. :)

- She went from being practically blind to...well, this week she'll be sporting her new purple princess glasses. Her world will seem much different once again. And of course she looks adorable in them!

- She went from screaming bloody murder every time she saw an animal to giving her kitties big hugs and kisses every day.

- She went from minimal to no physical contact to being the best snuggler, hugger and kisser! She's got three years to make up for.

I do think they did they best they could with the limited resources they had in China, but I truly believe they just kept these kids alive, period. Why did they not make Carli paper-ready for adoption earlier? She would more than likely not be having to work so hard at speech therapy, occupational therapy and just catching up. I have many questions, which I know will never be answered. I'm just thankful that we were chosen to be her parents. I can't imagine life without her!!

She's always so happy! She LOVES shoes and will change shoes at least 15, 20 times a day. The higher the heel, the more clickity-clackity the sound, the better. She has the best belly laugh. As her Papa says, she laughs from her toes all the way up! The girls still fight...like sisters! Most nights they walk around here holding hands and almost always eat their lunch holding hands. And as Mei pointed out in China, they are for sure the yin and the yang and equal each other out.

Carli is one brave little soul who has overcome so many obstacles in her life. We are blessed and thankful every day that she is a part of our family!!

China January 2008

April 2008 June 2008

August 2008 October 2008

What a difference a year makes!!
We love you forever and always, Carli!!

Love, Dad, Mom & AnLi