Four Years of My Heart . . .

Grab some crackers-- time for a cheesy post.

This past weekend marked the fourth year since we became part of Josie's family.

She had not been out of the SWI and today was a huge trip for her.

She was tired from all trip and all the new sites.

Josie the day we met her at the China Government Office.
She is with the SWI director (this is not her Ayi).

She was so sweet, remarkably quiet.

We soon learned that she was recovering from a cold and was taking medicine to alleviate her congestion.

Nothing like having a cold while experiencing a major life transition!

Me holding Josie for the first time.

 Josie snuggled into my arms without hesitation-- which was a surprise as I was expecting that

she would be majorly upset and crying.

Me singing to Josie, terms of endearment that I had learned in Mandarin.

Josie fell asleep in my arms before we left the government office to return to the hotel.

When Josie awoke at the hotel she was quiet.

Wim was able to hold her for a brief time-- before she realized what/who was holding her.

Josie had never seen men before today and she was fairly freaked-out by Wim. 

In the coming days we ventured out for brief sight-seeing trips.

Josie enjoyed a morning visiting a huge flower garden and learning

to sniff flowers.  Her facial expressions were more than priceless. 

In a matter of days, Josie transformed from being quiet, shy, reserved . . . 

into a fun loving, silly toddler with the most infectious belly laugh! 

She went from crying whenever Wim looked at her to

giving him a good dose of

"Na-na-na-naaaa!"

"You are not holding me or touching my new Ayi!"

(Josie called me "Ayi" for awhile) 

Home from China, Josie met Gabrielle (Jie Jie) and Xavier (Ge Ge).

They bonded over pretend thumb sucking. 

Josie was discovering the perks of having this tall thing called a Daddy-- or as she would then sometimes refer to him as,

"Ayi?"

**Disclaimer** Ayi is the term babies in China use for the Nannies who care for them.

It actually means mother's sister. 

Josie began walking, talking, and learning how to give kisses. 

Her silly personality blossomed. 

She played with her big sibs. 

And before we knew it, she traveled with Wim and I to China where

she became a big sib herself! 

On of my most favorite pictures of me and Josie.

 Josie was quick to become a loving big sister to Clara Rose.

She was also quick to become a bossy big sister. 

To this day she continues to be a loving (and bossy) big sister!

Josie is lovely by all meanings of the word-- inside and out.

Wim and I don't deserve to be her parents and we are

forever grateful for having this sweet little girl for our daughter. 

We love you Josie!

Now and Forever,

for Always.