We started this blog to document our journey to our baby in China. We decided to adopt around Christmas of 2004. Our information went to China in January, 2006. On Tuesday, July 8, 2008, we finally got our referral and a picture of our little girl. Her Chinese name was Pu Fu Na and we have named her Merrilee. We returned to the U.S. with her on August 29, 2008, and we've decided to keep this blog going so we can share with you some of Merrilee's memorable moments.
We've been slacking off a bit in getting things posted in a timely fashion. But we have a few minutes tonight to get caught up.
First, thanks to Uncle Bart and Aunt Andrea for the wonderful birthday gifts. As you can see, Mrs. Potato Head is already a huge hit. Merrilee even wore out Bogart and Bacall trying to get them to play with her.
Next, some still photos from her friend Xavier's birthday party. Merrilee loved the "Jump Zone" and she loved the cupcakes too. Merrilee loves any party where there are lots of kids and yummy food. She's easy to please...
Finally, we all had a great time a couple of weekends ago when we went to Mr. Rob's and Ms. Susan's for a cookout. Merrilee really enjoyed the time there, and she loved playing with their dog, Biskit. (So did mommy...)
That's just a little look at what's been going on the last few weeks.
It was one year ago today that we found ourselves in a non-descript government building in Wuhan, China, and a little girl named Pu Fu Na became our Merrilee.
Before our trip,. we had sent over a care package to Merrilee's orphanage. One of the things we included was a little stuffed bunny rabbit. That little bunny made it to Merrilee's foster family, and it was in her arms when she was handed to Beth. Merrilee slept with that bunny on the bus back to our hotel, and she still sleeps with it every night.
It has been a wonderful year. In December we traveled to Arkansas so that Merrilee could meet Beth's family. In June, we celebrated Merrilee's second birthday at Disney World. Merrilee has stayed relatively healthy. A few sniffles here and there, one nasty ear infection, and a small cyst that had to be surgically removed from her neck. She was almost completely potty trained before she turned two, but that continues to present some challenges.
She has a terrific appetite, enjoys the outdoors, loves music and books, and loves being around people. She is independent, and yes, at times, very stubborn.
We've gone trough the Wiggles, and Doodlebops, and are currently stuck in Elmo-land. She enjoys watching Ni Hao Kailan too!
Thank you all for following this blog and being so supportive. In the past year, Merrilee received so many wonderful gifts -- clothes, books, toys, blankets, dolls, stuffed animals, DVDs, special mementos...the list goes on and on. We have appreciated every gift, and Merrilee has enjoyed them all.
Here is Merrilee today, taken this morning before we got in the car for school. She is really growing fast.
One last note, congratulations to mommy, who last week, got promoted to Lt. Colonel!!! We are very proud of her, and her service to our country.
We decided to adopt around Christmas of 2004. Our information went to China in January, 2006. On Tuesday, July 8, 2008, we finally got our referral and a picture of our little girl. Her Chinese name was Pu Fu Na. We have named her Merrilee Margaret. Mary was Beth's mother's name. Lee was her grandmother's name. Margaret was Mark's grandmother's name. We traveled to China in August 2008, and returned to the states with our new daughter on August 29. It's an amazing feeling when you go halfway around the world for a child that is waiting for you. And, it's an amazing feeling when you get her citizenship certificate in the mail!
One last note, congratulations to mommy, who last week, got promoted to Lt. Colonel!!! We are very proud of her, and her service to our country.
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