Swingin' and Smilin'

This girl is the smilingest thing I think I've ever seen. She lights up like that at the smallest thing, even something as simple as someone looking her way for a moment. I have a feeling she'll get through life just on her charm.

Credit goes to the Ma for this pic.

Our Little Souvenir

And here's what we went to China for. Like our other kids, she's an incredible joy--who also occasionally drives us bonkers, makes us laugh, and fits right in with our crazy family. The process of getting her was ardous and expensive, but I would easily do it all over again. Welcome home (again)!

Eliana in the Sunlight

A happy girl--at least for the moment. This shot was taken in the orphanage clinic one morning before she was to receive an IV in her scalp to help her get over a bout of pneumonia.

Welcome Home

One year ago, Cheng Hai Bo became our daughter, Eliana--forever grafted into our family. Born not of our flesh, but of our hearts. She's a one-of-a-kind joy that I can't imagine being without. Her name says it all: We journeyed across the "waves of the sea" (Hai Bo) to find that "God has answered our prayer" (Eliana).

Oh, A Leaf!

Eliana sits in the sunlight, fascinated by crisp leaves on top of Mt. Tabor.

Just a Swangin'

[After an agonizing week without the internet, we're FINALLY in touch with the world again, with many thanks to our wonderful landlord who fixed our incoming cable when the cable company couldn't figure out the problem. The culprit? A cat/rabbit/squirrel/bucktooth alien had chewed the insulation off a good three inches of the cable. Does it really taste that good?]

Eliana L O V E S the swings--I mean REALLY LOVES them. She's an incredibly happy girl.

Gimme a Hand

Reflecting on the last ten years of marriage and how great it is to have my family.

Kisses for Sister

The moments that melt a parent's heart. They all actually love each other.

Brown-Eyed Girl

It's true. This girl can't go anywhere without drawing a crowd. She's a real people-lover, too. Smiles, coos, mimics--has the whole world wrapped around her tiny, pudgy fingers.

Toes in the Grass

Eliana doesn't like to put her feet down on the grass because of how it tickles.

Threesome

Zack, Eliana, and Cameron three months ago just after we arrived home from China.

Happy Birthday, Princess

Eliana turned one year old yesterday. She's our princess, complete with crown and loyal subjects.