It's Been One Month Since...

Becoming a family of four! Where has the time gone?!? Yesterday was actually our 1 month family of four anniversary. Is there such a thing? Anyway it's hard to believe that it's been one month since...being on the Great Wall of China, seeing the Forbidden City, meeting our daughter, and of course discovering love balls. 

Above are some pics of what we've been up to lately. Alissa was able to experience the  Manheim Farm Show with all kinds of fun animals. The cows along with the baby chicks seemed to be her favorite. Of course she had to experience one of our church youth group's milkshakes. Vanilla...yummy!

Alissa's English continues to amaze us. She is a little sponge. Needless to say we have to be careful what we say and do! 

Sleeping is an issue again this week. The one night she was up after 2 hours. She was ready for a snack and to play. Mommy and Daddy weren't! It seems as if around 5:30 each morning she is ready for her day. Mommy is still working on that one! 

This week was Alissa's first check-up. She is 37 1/2 inches and weighs 28.8 lbs. She is in the 50th % for height and 10 % for her weight. 

Other than that there isn't much else new. We continue to love and enjoy our larger family! It's so much fun to see Alissa experience all these firsts! 

What We've Been Up To...

Here are some of the fun things that we have been up to. Enjoying new friends, playing with cousins, painting pumpkins, going to church for the first time, and enjoying the blessings of meals and gifts from friends! The last picture is my favorite. This morning I sat to the table to have devotions and I had my Bible and devotional out. Alissa went to the table and sat in her chair with a photo album as her form of devotions I guess. I still had my glasses on so she decided to put her sunglasses on. So cute! 

Lots of Fun!

Doing homework

Tea Parties

Playing in our sand box

Helping brother with his schoolwork

Yesterday at the bus stop

Pig tails

So it's been awhile since I've posted! One thing about China, it kept us regularly posting that's for sure! What we've been up to since our last post....enjoying time as a family! Brent had off work on Monday and Benjamin was off from school Monday and Tuesday. We had fun blowing bubbles, chalking on the driveway, sliding, playing in the sandbox, and of course tea parties! Benjamin went back to school yesterday so Alissa and I walked Benjamin up to the bus stop. I wasn't sure how that would go. She waved bye and we were on with our day. She did go to the window at one point and called for brother. She was happy to see him as he got of the bus. We have been so amazed at how well Alissa is adjusting to life here. It's as if she as always been a part of our family. She is the perfect fit for our family. God truly hand picked her for us! She is still a mamma's girl, but loves to play with her Daddy and brother too. She is a quick learner and seems to love routine. Right up my alley! I am loving life! Can it get any better? OK maybe it could be a little better at night. Seems as if the time difference is still an issue (and could be for some time yet) Parties at 3:30am are not my kind of thing. For all of you that know me, know that I am not a morning person. I must say that I have been doing better. Breakfast before 6am who knew I could do that?!? I surprise even myself at times. Well, Alissa is napping so it's my time to catch up on a few things. Until next time...