New Pictures...

We have been snapping lots of pictures lately. Here are a couple of them. Audrey has been doing well aside from a cold and ear infection last week! She is feeling much better now. Looking forward to an awesome Christmas together!

Thanks be to God!

I'm giving in to the peer pressure by an unnamed person (Randy Jordan) and posting another blog entry :-).  Today when I woke up, I was not really thinking about all the things for which I am thankful.  Instead, I allowed silly emotions to take over.  I was having a "moment" as they say, and it lasted much longer than it should have.  Sometimes I think I've received a courtesy dose of extra hormones that all ladies experience during and after pregnancy! :-)  Anyway, I was sitting on the floor crying and talking to my husband.  As we were getting ready to pray, my precious little girl crawled over to me, pulled up, and gave me not one, not two, not three, not four, but FIVE kisses in a row!  It was as though God was sending me kisses via this little blessing.  THAT is what I am thankful for today.  Yes, God has blessed me tremendously in so many different ways, but His extravagant love for me just knocks my socks off every time He lavishes it upon me.  My husband has always been such an amazing manifestation of that love, and now I have received another wonderful gift.  Thank You, Father, for allowing us to be Audrey's forever family! 

"The LORD is my strength and shield.  I trust Him with all my heart.  He helps me, and my heart is filled with joy.  I burst out in songs of thanksgiving."  Psalm 28:6-8

Audrey enjoyed her first Thanksgiving with her family, and she had a blast!  She was a bit shy of all the people at first, but she warmed up and quickly charmed everyone in the room.  :-)  She played, danced, sang, laughed, ate, and finally collapsed on Daddy in the recliner!  I'm so glad she is adjusting well and seems to feel very comfortable with others as long as we are near.  We are already looking forward to Christmas!

Audrey's Gotcha Video!!!

The video above is the video we took the very first time Audrey was put into Paige's arms. We have been wanting to go back and post some of our videos from China that we were not able to post. Keep watching for more.

I hate to post pictures like this, but...

She is just so cute at bath time!!!! (and all the time!)

Things are getting better...

Audrey is adjusting better each day. She seems happy most days during the day now except for toddler fussiness that can happen. Nightime is somewhat better for all of us. Last night Audrey slept pretty well all through the night with limited crying out last night. We are making sure to be there for her when she does cry out to reassure her we are there. We are believing this is going to get better and better making all of us a better rested family!

We got out of the house for the first time in a while yesterday and today. We took a walk around the neighborhood yesterday and today we went to Wal-Mart and Los Portales for some mexican food. Audrey did well and she likes the rice at Los Portales. It was nice for all of us to get out of the house.

Home at last!!

We made it back home on Monday and we are glad to be here. Audrey has taken some steps backward since we have been here which may be part of the process. Our adoption agency said this could happen. I know the little girl has been through a lot in her little life and especially in the past 2-3 weeks. We love her very much and it is hard to see her unhappy which she seems to be right now much of the time. I don't want this post to be a downer though and we believe that things will improve as she comes to more of a realization that we are not going anywhere and this is her forever home! Please pray and agree with us that she realizes it as soon as possible. Thanks everybody!

Kyle, Paige, and Audrey

We are back home!

After 20 hours of travel and waiting at aiports we are back home or at least to Nashville! Thank you Lord! We will always have fond memories of our time in China, but there is no place like home! We will probably still post things about our family from time to time, but probably not as often now. Hope everyone enjoyed it!

Audrey had her first meal in the US tonight with our friends, Joe and Lori Marlar! She likes Spaghetti!