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!

A Visit to Lena's School

Lena's school invited all the parents to come and be a part of class. As you can see (although small) Lena is enjoying songs, learning, and being with other kids. Enjoy the video!

Easter and more...

Lena continues to captivate our hearts. We had a nice Easter egg hunt with her cousins Alivia & Lillie. In the last month she has had a visit from her Grandma, visited SeaWorld with the Lund family, started attending a Montessori school, attended her Dad's softball game, and had her first babysitter so her parents could go see Prince in concert!

A few milestones reached are that Lena is fully walking on her own (nearly running and sometimes climbing). She says "Mama" and uses about 15 signs to communicate with us.

Here are a few of the most recent photos:

Beach Day!

It was nice enough to head to the beach this weekend! Lena LOVES the sand and went running straight for the waves. As usual she showed us her brave side and not only approached the waves but all the dogs on the beach too. Here she is with her best pal, Wrigley.

One month later...

Well, it's been a month since we've posted! We have been busy with Lena. Here are a few ways we have been spending our time:

1. Visit from her Auntie Steph from Australia!
2. Visit to SD Zoo and Wild Animal Park
3. Gymnastics (well - Mommy and me style - she did learn a pretty good forward roll so far)
4. Physical Therapy - she is taking many, many steps solo so I don't think she'll be going to PT for long

5. Visit from Grandma & Grandpa Trefren!

6. Celebrating Chinese New Year - Year of the Rabbit
7. More Dr. appts including cardiology - so far Lena is checking out to be a very healthy little girl! YEA!
8. Trip to Northern Cali for John Jr. Scholarship Dinner on his bday AND Sonnie's (Grandpa Gilk) birthday celebration!

Here are some of the photos from the last month:

More...

I could not resist posting a few more photos...

Family Photos

We had some family photos taken around our yard and house a couple of weeks ago. Here are some of our favorites. Lena doesn't smile too much for the camera but she sure giggles with us off camera.

Janna's dad worked on this play structure while we were in China. Lena has her own swing already and she loves it! She also enjoys riding in the wagon and playing with our dog, Wrigley.