3 Years ago today

A scared and frail little girl walked into the doors of the Ramada Inn China and into our hearts forever! She has changed so much in 3 years. She has gained 10 pounds and grown a few inches in height. The biggest change is how fiercly she loves everyone she meets. She has touched so many people and changed us all for the better. She has made Scott and I see what is really important in life and to cherish each moment given. She over comes any challenge put in her way. She is loud, brave, smart, funny and beautiful. We love this little girl more then she will ever know. We are blessed beyond measure.
We love you to China and back Jenna Leah Xiaomeng Olges!

Our reunion shirts

A Helping Hand Reunion picnic 2011

We had a great time today at the 2011 reunion picnic. We got to visit with some of our travel mates from our 2008 China trip and our guide Susan flew all the way from China to join everyone. The children had a blast and so did the adults.
A Helping Hand is our extended family and we love them very much. They have united so many children with the families who cherish them so much.

What a great way to start the day

http://www.chinaadoptionhelp.com/index.asp
The above website was able to provide us with 4 new pictures of Leah that were taken yesterday. It took them less then 24 hours to get us pictures. We highly recommend them to anyone trying to get photos of their babies in China. their prices are great, so we can afford to get pictures often.
She looks great, very happy and healthy.

Leah Grace

Updates on Ms. Leah

We got new pictures this morning! What a great way to start out my Monday morning. She has a new summer hair cut, poor baby. No hair bows for her for awhile. She is still precious!
She weighs 20.5 pounds
2 foot 4 inches tall
8 teeth
size 5 shoe
size 12 month clothes
We are so in love with her. I wish I could see her smile.

Sending Leah some presents

On Monday we mailed out our first of many care packages to Leah. We put in two summer outfits, animal cookies, Gerber puffs, a ball, toy piano, bunny stuff animal, photos of her new family and a camera in hopes of them taking some pictures and mailing it back to us. We put in a return envelope and a letter explaining that we are her new family and that we love her very much.
Today I received a copy of her finding ad. This is a picture that is placed in the Chinese news paper trying to locate family for her when she was first taken to the orphanage. It's such a cute photo, she is very little maybe two months old if that. She has the biggest eyes and those pouty lips.
We are hoping to get updated pictures of her very soon.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY JENNA!!!

Today our baby girl turns 6 years old. She has been counting down the days for a few months. It's hard for me to believe this is the 3rd birthday we have shared with her.
I had to work today, but her big brother Adam is taking her to the zoo then out for ice cream for some birthday fun.
We will have family over tonight to celebrate.
I can't help but think does her birth mother think of her this time of year and wonder how she is? In my heart I feel she does. We are so thankful she brought her into this world and into our hearts.
We love you so much our big 6 year old girl!!

Sixteen years ago

Today we celebrate our 16 year wedding anniversary. We have been together for 20 years, since we were 15 years old!! I know that seems to crazy to most people. In these 16 years, we have had our fair share of good times and bad times. At times I want to choke him and run away and I'm sure even if he won't admit it Scott would love to knock my lights out sometimes (hee-hee) we really aren't violent people I promise. When I look at my life the good and the bad, one thing always remains the same, my rock, my best friend, my soul mate is always by my side. He puts up with a lot from me and is a great husband.
People always ask me how we have stayed married over so many years and being so young getting married, haven't you both changed into different people? The answer to that is yes, we are both different people then who we married 16 years ago, but through communication, time for each other, lots of silly giggles, yelling when you are upset at each other and getting it all out, then forgiving each other at the end of the day, is how our marriage has survived. We have had our fair share of hard times, but just as many good times. I wouldn't change a thing, the bad and good times have made us who we are today and I know without a doubt I will always love him.

Adam's graduation Fern Creek Traditional High School June 03, 2011

Well he made it. If you would have asked me about three months ago if we would have been here on this day, I don't think I would have said yes. I love Adam will all my heart and soul. Having him at 16 years old, me and him have a very special bond. Let's just say that the devil tried his best 2010/2011 to ruin things for him and me. I've worried and cried more then you will ever know about this young man. And on this day when they called his name I felt God watching over us all and assuring me he is going to be just fine.
We love you Adam and know matter what you decide in to do in your life we will always be proud of the man you are becoming.

Here she is!

Today we received pre-approval from China so I can post her picture now. She will be two years old in November. We hope to get some updated information on her soon. Her report was didn't give us many details about her.
We of course think she is beautiful.