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Our Referral Photo: December 12, 2006

I don't even know where to begin in my blubbering post. Other then just to start.

I will never forget that phone call from our case manager Traci, standing outside the grocery store. You have a girl............. What???? OMG!!!!! Feels like yesterday.... The shaking knees, the tears and the urgency to drive home without a speeding ticket and remembering if the lights were even green just to see that special picture of our girl. Her name, Huang Yi Ling born on October 20, 2006. Our new daughter..............

We have come along way in a year. The couple months of living in the lazy boy, making sure she bonded, the showers with her standing on the side making sure I am still in sight. The one shower where she joined me just like an otter with a paci in your mouth and in her jammies...The insecurities that she had when she tried to sleep, to a very beautiful, very independent, strong willed, smart as a whip little girl. Might I say she is also a lefty just like her Daddy. The only one in the house....

Tessa now continues to amaze us with her quick witt and spunky personality. She is talking sooo much now and learns so many new words in a week..... She loves the outdoors and has all the kids wrapped around her little fingers.... She mastered us at least 10mos ago.... She still feels the need to join us in our big bed around 1am everynight.... We will allow her to as long as she is not 20.

We just want to say how truly blessed we are to have brought you Tessa Yi Ling into our lives and how much we love you. We will never forget that long agonizing 7 1/2 mos wait to finally touch you.... No longer did we have to cry and wait to hear about rulings, videos, or updated photos.... We will be forever greatful to your birthmom for allowing you to be placed in our arms for your future life. The gift of a great life. We hope you always finds peace in the decision that your Birthmom made to give you a loving, stable, fun and crazy home.

Thanks for letting us love you Tessa Yi Ling........

We love you and can't believe you have been in our arms for a year now.....

Happy 1 yr Gotcha Day sweet baby Tessa....

Love ya, Dad, Mom, Tyler, Travis, and Tatumn

One Year Later!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

A Day and the Life of Tessa!

I love to play DS with my sissy.
Yes, I love to do sommersaults and stand on my head.
Beautiful smile after my sommersault.
One of most favorite toys. The old strainer.
Ponytail flying in mid jump on my Zebra.

In my jammies.
Got the coolest trike that Mom and Dad can push outside.

Dad did not feed me fast enough.
Just hanging out with my salami on my Travis's legs.

Fun in the Sun!

This is more my style. Tyler borrowed the grown up version from his work of the Slip and Slide.
The kids really enjoyed their selves for the afternoon... I enjoyed watching them just as much. Just to see them all together is something in itself.

Travis is trying to convince Tessa to join him on the slip and slide. No way!!!
Tatumn
Maybe I will try a run by myself.... NOT!!!!!!!!!

Who just made that big splash on that slide???

Travis and Tyler.

Tyler and his bud Daniel. Still kids at almost 20....
Travis taking Tessa for a try.

Our Trip to Salisbury North Carolina for the Families with Children from Taiwan

Some of Tatumn's best buds in Salisbury.

Me and my new bo....

We really enjoyed the picnic this year. Last year was great but this year was sooo much better with Tessa in tow and most of the families have brought their children home who were waiting also. Only one family is stilllllllll waiting. I hope they heard word on their referral. They have been waiting over a year now. The park in Salisbury has a fabulous playground, a mining shack to mine for gems in, the carousel of course,a petting zoo, and a train.The kids all had sooo much fun and Tessa did not want to get off the carousel or the train. One ride on the carousel was enough for me so Dad stepped in. She also screamed when Dad got off the train with her. We enjoyed our time with all the families and can't wait to see them all again next year if not sooner.

Had to resort to a High Chair for my climber!

I finally had to buy a used high chair. She was using her booster high chair as a climbing tool.
Tessa would push the chair all around the kitchen to get to what she wanted to get into. She could undo the tray to climb up in it... She has not mastered the high chair tray YET!!!! But can bang backwards in her high chair and move it about 6 ft towards the fridge. What next.....????
I had just come around the corner with my camera and she said"Hi Mommy."

This must be the biggest egg roll ever from a Japanese restaurany and she totally loves them.

Who Needs Toys!!!!!

Katie, see my shoes.....


I swear I spend most of my time chasing her out of the dishwasher!!!!!!!!!!! No moreknives in their the bright shiny and black handles always are her favorites.