Lena's baptism

Lena was baptised at St. John's church on 12/18/11. Her godparents, Bobby and Christine, came out from NC for the event. We are thrilled that they will soon be moving to Northern California and will be a lot closer to us. Other family members included Aunt Mary Beth, Uncle Erik, Uncle Dan, Nana, and cousins Alivia, Lillie, Johnny, and Ethan. Here are some photos to enjoy...

Then and Now...

One year ago (2010) and yesterday (Gotcha Day 2011)

Re-adoption

We had our court date today for our re-adoption. This is an optional step for international adoptions although it is recommended as it will allow us to obtain a CA birth certificate for Lena. Yeah! Now, off to clean the house for our ONE-YEAR visit from the social worker which is tomorrow! This IS THE LAST step in our paperchase! THAT is exciting (the last step part, not the cleaning the house). Here are some photos from today...

Happy Halloween

Lena had lots of fun this month preparing and celebrating Halloween. Here are a few of the latest photos...

Moon Festival

Chinese Moon Festival is one of the most celebrated holidays in China. It is a time for families to be together and many travel great distances to reunite. The traditional food for mid-autumn festival is the moon cake. We gathered with the local FCC group at a park and had mooncakes and a lantern parade. As you can see, Lena loved it. She was very interested in the moon which was beautiful that night. We'll remember to take photos of the moon next time!

Trefren Family Photos

This summer on our trip to Washington in July we had family photos taken with the Trefren side of the gang. Our family comes together at Semiahmoo over the 4th of July each year from Australia, California, and Blaine, WA. Here are a few of our favorites...

New shirt - she loves it!

Lena got a new shirt in the mail a few days ago from Nana and Grandpa. Can you tell she likes it?
Thank you! Xie Xie!

ECHO complete!

Today Lena had her ECHO at Rady Children's Hospital in San Diego. We got the green light to come back in one year. They are going to watch one artery but the Doc said "not to worry". She also said that she thought that the surgeon in Shanghai who did her heart repair (asd/vsd) did an excellent job. All around good news! Our little sweetheart was a ROCK STAR! Usually children under 3 are sedated for this test but our calm little toddler sat quietly throughout the test. The tech even commented that she "sets the bar pretty high" - that's our Lena!

Here is a photo from today...(blurry but Mom and Lena are lying down for the test)

One year ago...

One year ago we received a call from our adoption agency CCAI saying..."Would you like to meet your daughter?"

What a day it was seeing her face for the first time!

Here is a photo of Lena today from our dinner out in celebration of our good fortune one year ago!

The photo below is the first glipse we had of our Lena Jane.

More summer photos...

Summer time...

Here are a few of the latest photos of our little Lena. So far this summer she has enjoyed the following:

1. Her first sailing trip
2. Attending the Semiahmoo Friday night BBQ complete with band and dance floor
3. Photo session with the Trefren side of the family (more photos coming soon)
4. Blaine 4th of July parade
5. 4th of July BBQ with family in Blaine, WA/Semiahmoo Resort

A few more fun facts about Lena:

1. She still loves blueberries and can put away a whole carton if you have enough
2. Her favorite book is Moo Moo Brown Cow
3. Her favorite tv is Mickey Mouse Clubhouse
4. She has grown into a 2T and size 5 shoe - YEAH!

Lena's 2 years old!

Lena turned TWO on June 2nd. We took her to Disneyland for the special occasion. We spent the night at Grand California which has direct entrance into California Adventure. It was a great time for the 3 of us! Andy and I enjoyed seeing the parks with our girl.

Here are a few things Lena enjoyed:

1. Disney Parade - I think this was her favorite.
2. Small World - not a surprise - don't all toddlers love this one?

3. Disney Jr. Show - she just had seen Mickey Mouse Clubhouse so that helped.

4. Aladdin Show - it was quite a production (45 minutes) in a huge theatre - it kept her attention!
5. Mickey Ears - she did not want to take them off - (she wore them last night while I read her a book).
6. Tiki Room - loved the singing flowers and birds.

A few fun facts about Lena at 2 years old:

1. She now weighs in at 21.6lbs!
2. She loves blueberries, grapes, and watermelon.
3. Enjoys going on her swing and play structure in the backyard.
4. She loves putting her toys in her play stroller and pushing them throughout the house.
5. She loves bath and story time (minus the hair getting washed).
6. Enjoys a good snuggle and watching golf! Yes, it's true.

Here are a few photos from Disneyland & California Adventure:

6-month "Gotcha" Anniversary!

Six months ago we were blessed to have Lena placed in our arms. It seems like she is just where she needs and wants to be. We are such a perfect fit! The adoption journey is truly amazing. We ARE so lucky!

Legoland, Beach, School, and more

We've kept busy once again this month. Here are a few things Lena experienced this last month:

1. Visit from Uncle Gary, Auntie Shan, and cousins Emily, Jack, and Grace from Northern California.
2. Visit from Janna's college friend Angele and her daughter Rose.
3. Visit from Nana and Grandpa Gilk.
4. The Encinitas 5K - Lena got a medal!
5. Families with Chinese Children (FCC) - Kite Festival.
6. San Diego Zoo with her friend Harry.

Lena continues to grow and show us her personality. She is smart and silly. She loves hugging her mommy and giggling with her Daddy.

Here are a few photos. Enjoy!