What a difference a year makes...

One year ago today, we were matched with the most beautiful little girl from China. We saw Ni Ju Lin's face for the first time at 10:45pm this evening and it was love at first site!! We had 72 hours to review her medical file and officially accept her referral, and after a fury of phone calls to medial professionals, we knew what we were up against...but no one could have prepared us for the love we have for one another.

Tatum McKenlin Elliott has been a gift to our family. A gift we treasure each and every day. She makes us laugh, she makes us cry...she makes you feel like the most important person in the world when you are together. I love when we are in the car, she says, 'Mama' and pats the arm rest of her car seat....I put my hand back there and she places her hand on top of mine and says, 'Hi, Mama' and rubs it gently. You pick her up and she rubs your back as you hold/carry her through life. Our all time favorite is when she will grab your nose and giggle...she did that for the first time we were in Hong Kong together...that's how I knew she let us into her heart. She was playing with us, and it felt great!

Last night she let me kiss her good night as her Daddy was curled up in the chair in her room ready to read to her...she let Daddy read to her and put her to sleep...she asked for Mama constantly, but she let Daddy take the lead and share this special time. I think we are in, and boy does it feel great!! I never thought being Tatum's Mommy would feel so wonderful.

Alot of people ask us why we didn't try to have our own child. Adoption is a choice for us...we don't know if we can biologically have our own baby, we don't care to know. We just knew that we were lead down the path of adoption, and boy are we glad we took that journey. This is going to be one heck of a ride!! :)

Happy Referral/Match Day, Tatum!! We love you xoxo

Easter 2012

On Saturday, Tatum and I went to the Elks Club with Nai Nai and Pop Pop for their annual Easter egg hunt. This was Tatum's first time meeting the Easter bunny.Not a huge fan, but didn't mind him from afar.

Mama, Tatum and the Easter Bunny

Tatum ready for the egg hunt

We didn't quite get it this year....and after a rough few weeks recovering, she might not have been on top of her game.

Nai Nai helping Tatum gather an Easter Egg

Happy Easter....the Easter Bunny was very good to Tatum

Thank you Grandma and Grandpa for the card and money you sent!!

Aunt Cory and Uncle Nick sent a fun Panda art bag

Ms Terry and Mr Ricky sent a fun peek a boo bear, which Tatum LOVES

Nai Nai and Pop Pop also got Tatum a basket and some stuffed animal goodies

Lunch with Daddy at Panera, Tatum loves her sunglasses

Tatum and her Nai Nai

Mama and Tatum on Easter Day (before we dressed Tatum)

Playing the piano with Daddy

Tatum finally started to turn a corner later Thursday/early Friday. We went to our local pediatrician for her to look at Tatum's ears and we had some constipation concerns. She checked out fine, but there was some swelling in her left ear. We will keep an eye on her and take it from there as needed.We are so happy to have our lively baby back...it was a long two weeks without belly laughs, smiles and her sweet and happy disposition. She's also developed either a cold or allergies on top of everything. Her nose runs constantly and I have changed her bed sheets almost daily because of her nose and any additional discharge still coming from her mouth. I feel so bad for her. She is still not sleeping through the night, we hear her fuss about every 2-3 hours, but thankfully she just soothes herself and goes right back to sleep.

We still have Tatum on a soft diet. It is only 2 weeks since surgery and they have recommended 3 weeks until hard foods again...we are stocked with yogurt, jello, pudding, etc...but I need to get more in her too. Thank goodness for Ravioli and ABCs and 123s!!

We are so happy to be making this great progress. Thank you everyone for your support, love and prayers.

Best Day

This has definately been the best day so far for Tatum. I can't say it has been my best day....I am just exhausted, but as a Mother I am so happy she is recovering. For lunch Tatum ate 3 yogurts and almost a whole can of Campbells Chicken Noodle Soup!! Yay Tatum!!

Thank you everyone who has had us in your thoughts and prayers. It has meant the world to all of us. We are hanging in there, and taking each day and night as it comes. Fingers crossed this all continues for good healing for Tatum. We sure miss our sweet, happy go lucky baby girl...