Dearest Daughter

Dearest Daughter...
I cannot believe we will meet soon. I am so excited I cannot sleep and everyday imagine our first glimpse of each other. I know it will be a big day for you, a long bus ride and all strange. Then somehow you will be plunked into my arms in the midst of chaos. Other babies, cameras flashing and an overall hubbub. I will be quiet in the midst of it all and just be with you so gently. Quiet, gentle time AnnaLeisa. And maybe in that you will be consoled in your transition time. I hope so honey. I am there for you... and will trust you will communicate what you need and that somehow I will muddle through to understanding.
I love you... It is a clear night and soon I will tuck you in.... soon.

AnnaLeisa's "Welcoming"

AnnaLeisa!

Look at the beautiful Cake from Auntie Praveeta and the cookies ... both with hearts for you!

Auntie Gretchen hosted a party in your honor... One where we all came together and shared a loving space for you to enter.....

We all quietly mingled and said your name. Wait until you meet each one as they are unique and special.

All of our friends came together and bought us a DVD camcorder! That is for you so you can look back and see yourself and enjoy many images growing up! Firstly we will film when we meet for the first time while we are in China. (P.S. Very very soon)

Gretchen also organized for everyone to paint their own special wooden heart to go an a larger heart shape and then it will be hung in your bedroom.... they were wonderfully unique hearts and I can tell you who made each one!

It was a wonderful party....so kind, loving and embracing. We are a lucky duet my dear. The power of the combined heart is only magical. And here is your picture in the center of it all!

Your quilting aunties!

These are some of your quilting aunties...!
Rochelle and I thought ages ago it would be nice for you to have a quilt with fabrics from all of the family and friends who are part of your life. We thought the love in the fabrics would be nice for you to feel. So people sent fabrics from far and wide. And soooo many colors.
Then we found out it is a tradition in China for the village women to hand stitch quilts for newborns. And then we found out that the adoptive community also makes what is called a "hundred good wishes quilt" for adoptive children. Everyone sending good wishes! So a year ago we started! This picture is of Praveeta, Zizi, Marina and Gretchen hand stitching the hearts with red thread. Rochelle is the quilter extra -ordinaire ... you have yet to meet her in the photos.

We had a lovely evening.... weaving you into the fabric of our lives.... each one with a little special flare or stitch. Each auntie will bring you different treasures of the heart... different gifts.