Hoping For Hannah

Here are the current happenings in our family:

… It Should Be Called Catching, Not Fishing!

Hannah caught the fishing bug when we went to a local fishing event. She didn’t catch anything at the time, but she was sure she wanted to try again. So a week after the event, we headed out to find a fishing pole for her. She used a cane pole the first time but saw most people casting so that’s what she wanted to do. Once she saw the Barbie pole, it was love at first sight. No other fishing pole would do. The price was right given Hannah’s attention span. We were ready to go.

There was a lot of pressure for our first time out. We knew if Hannah didn’t catch anything that we were not going to be able to get her out again. So we picked a good time, a good day, and a lake that might have some fish in it. Hannah caught 7 fish that day! The fever was now full force. It was an out and out contest with anyone who dared fish with her. She has since gone fishing 3 other times and caught 11, 6 and 8 fish respectively. Believe me, we have pictures of each and every one — no matter how small. Luckily, I won’t bore you with them all. Here are just a few. Also, take a look at the video. Each time Hannah caught a fish, she wanted Jon to take it off and put the fish back in the water by her freshly baited hook. Is there such a thing as cheating at fishing?

Be very quiet! I'm hunting fish.	One of Hannah's larger fish.
Another trophy.	It took two to land this whale.
Another day, another fish, another smile.

(Posted: 7/30/2009)

FTIA Reunion Picnic

Last weekend was not the first FTIA reunion picnic that Jon and I have attended. Three years ago we went to the picnic and spent time with the travel group of one of the references that we had called about FTIA. This is the same travel group that included Rusti and Kevin, who went to China with our group for their second daughter. I remember at that reunion — we had a LID for China for about 2 months — that we kept saying that by the next reunion we would be able to bring our daughter to meet the group (please insert laughter here). If we had stayed in the China line, we would still have another year+ to wait.

Life never turns out like you expect it to ... sometimes it turns out even better! We were beyond happy to finally be taking our daughter, Hannah, to the picnic.

It was so good to see our travel group again. I have to say that we couldn’t have had a better group. They are some of the best, friendly, loving, family–oriented people. It was so nice to share this amazing experience with them. Unfortunately, none of us remembered to take a picture of the entire group or just our children. I know the thought only crossed our minds when we were in the car on the way home. So to remedy that, enjoy the collage photo. I’m sorry that we didn’t get photos of all the kids that day but enjoy the ones we did get.

Other photos from the reunion.

A hole in one...or two... or three...whatever.	So little golf, so much cute!
The Hannahs get some bling.	Digging her way to China.

(Posted: 7/26/2009)

A Whole Post About a Haircut?

I know, it’s not like she’s a baby getting her first long curl chopped off. However, this haircut was a big deal. We know that Hannah has not had a haircut in 5 years. She pretty much told this to anyone who commented on her hair. It is our guess at this point — until Hannah can tell us for sure — that she quit getting her hair cut as soon as she went from the orphanage into foster care. Her hair is her pride and joy, and anytime we have suggested a haircut she has always vehemently shaken her head no. We had to assure her many times that we would only cut a little off.

When the day finally came, we had to do some before and after photos for her (and everything in between). She loved the pampering, but kept a very close eye on the amount of hair falling to the ground. In the end, under her own very watchful eye, she got a very nice haircut. Enjoy the photos of this momentous occasion.

How about we give you some bangs?	Bangs ... maybe not.
An the pampering begins.	So far, so good.
The Empress is pleased.	Hannah survived her brush with short hair.
Before.	After.

(Posted: 7/13/2009)

Summer Fun

Last week Hannah had a day without swimming or English tutoring. Jon took advantage of that and headed off to the zoo with Hannah and some cousins. This was Hannah’s first visit to a zoo so she was excited. Unfortunately, unknown to them all, it was children’s day there. All kids got in free. The zoo was crazy! On top of that many exhibits were either closed or had huge lines. That didn’t stop the fun though, and Hannah took about a billion pictures. The day was beautiful, perfect for checking out the animals.

What wasn’t a perfect day was the 4th of July. Hannah has been looking forward to "USA’s Birthday" almost since we got home. She knew that there was a pool at my cousin’s house where we always spend the 4th. When she first heard about the pool, she had to write "swimming" in Chinese on the calendar for that day. All this buildup to a day that couldn’t have been much worse weather-wise. The high for the day was 66 degrees and it rained non-stop for the entire afternoon.

This is not the preferred weather for our warm-blooded Nanning girl. She was a trooper, though. Despite the rain and cold, she went swimming for almost an hour with her cousins. She was blue and couldn’t stop her teeth from chattering when she finally came out. After warming up with grandma and having some food, she was ready to go back again. She stayed in almost as long the second time. When she finally came out, nothing but a steaming hot shower could warm her up again. Even with all the rain and cold, we’re happy to report that Hannah really enjoyed her first 4th of July

Hannah with her cousin, Caitlin.	Hannah's fascination with rear ends continues.
Pretend the "v" is an "H" and what do you have?	Hannah with her dinosaur.
Hannah as one of Santa’s reindeer.	What? My lips are always kinda blue.
Hypothermia is fun.	Warming up with grandma.

(Posted: 7/06/2009)