Gotcha' Day Revisited

Tonight we did a special Family Home Evening. After a Chinese dinner (with watermelon for dessert, of course), we listened to the Mandarin version of "I Am a Child of God", did a lesson, and then relived our Gotcha' Day.



Adam put Qiu into the outfit she was wearing a year ago and carried her into the family room announcing, "Jin Qiu Ju! Vernon and Eileen!" He had even stuck up her hair like it was when we met her! Her Gotcha' Day clothes were so huge that it wasn't a problem getting them back on. A year ago they'd actually tied the straps of her shirt to keep it from being too ridiculously big. So, since it's a stretchy knit and the shorts have an elastic waist, I think we can stick her back into that same outfit every July 24th until she leaves home! She'll start dreading July! "No, not that horrid Hello Kitty outfit AGAIN!"
We tried to duplicate a couple of our favorite photos from a year ago. Maya did amazingly well on Gotcha' Day. She was so brave, but I love how she looks so content and happy being held by her dad now, and in the photo above from a year ago, her little eyebrows are knitted together in a "I'm not so sure about this!" expression. Really, though, I'll always be thankful that her heart seemed prepared for this meeting. We were probably the first Americans she'd ever seen, she'd recently been taken away from her foster family and put back in the orphanage, and still, she was trusting of these new strangers. What an amazing girl!




We watched her adoption video and Qiu really enjoyed it. She babbled through the whole thing, naming all the family members and even saying "Qiu Ju" when she saw the pictures of herself in the orphanage.

I couldn't get her to close her eyes and smile like in the picture above. It's funny how when I DON'T want her to close her eyes, that's what I always get, but when I ask for it, no such luck!
She's definitely gotten tanner this year! And it's not because we have much sun in Washington, She just hadn't spent time outside in China.

We ended the evening watching the Guangxi video that played continuously at our hotel in Nanning. Maya wasn't as interested in that, so she played her current favorite game, "hop on pop!" She bounces up and down on Dad's tummy causing him to make distressful noises which she thinks are hilarious! Happy one year together Miss Qiu!

Summer and "Autumn"

It was nearly a year-ago when "Autumn Chrysanthemum" and "Summer Fun" sat on the famous red couch at the White Swan Hotel. They were both from the Guiping orphanage and met their forever families on the same day. This weekend the girls and I drove out to Spokane for the Small World Adoption Agency's picnic. What a thrill it was to see how much Summer has grown and changed!

This is not the same girl we met in China! She's so full of personality and fun! She was a nut in the wading pool and repeatedly plopped down on her bottom to get a big splash! Abby loved meeting some of the people from our China trip. She thought Summer was hilarious!

The people who put together the Small World Luau did a fabulous job. There were wading pools for the little kids, a huge water slide for the big kids, a kiddie fishing pond, hula dancers, and lots of great food.

Julie and I wanted Maya and Summer to hold hands, but they'd have nothing to do with it.

I think the sweetest moment was when Maya handed Summer a piece of sidewalk chalk and Summer said "thank you" and Maya said "welcome". I realize that there's nothing amazing about that little interaction, but I couldn't help but think how thrilled and relieved we would have been a year ago if we'd had a crystal ball and could have foreseen this normal American toddler moment. What a blessing that they're both doing so well!

Maya and Summer made sure that Guiping was represented in the hoola hoop contest.
I can't believe Summer is now taller than Maya. That girl has grown! Both girls had a different hoola style. Maya kept her feet pretty still but shook her hoola hoop back and forth while Summer held her hoop steady but spun in circles. They both got ribbons--I think for their obvious cuteness and not necessarily for technique!

It was so great to see our China representatives--Lily and Rebecca. They brought their daughters Angela and Winnie, who are the same age as Madeline. It was funny when we were in China how shy Madeline felt with them as they confidently led her around, and now how the tables had turned and Madeline was on her "home turf" and the other girls were the shy ones.
Janelle, Lily, Kathy, and Rebecca

Getting there may be half the fun, but getting home was a bit dicey! We left the reunion at around 9:30 and I thought I'd drive for a couple of hours before stopping at a hotel for the night. Our first stop was the town of Moses Lake. There were about 6 hotels there and not a single available room.

I was getting a little worried, but saw a sign for lodging in the small town of George. I figured maybe because of the nice lake there were lots of summer travelers in Moses Lake, and George might be a good bet. Well, as I turned off for George I saw that the lodging was 6 miles down the road. I wanted to turn around, but coming the other way was a steady stream of traffic leaving the Dave Matthews Band concert that had just finished at the Gorge Amphitheather. So, that was probably a half hour side journey just to get back to the highway.

I didn't hold out much hope for Ellensburg, but thought maybe with the 8 hotels, there might be a room. No, it was not meant to be. Sweet Madeline kept sending encouraging words from the backseat, "Don't worry Mom. I'm sure the next one will have a room! Just don't fall asleep! I'm staying awake. I'm here for you, Mom!"

I was honestly thinking we'd have to spend the night in the car at a rest area, when at about 2:15 A.M. we pulled into the town of Cle Elum. There were only 3 hotels listed on the road sign and we'd already seen a "No Vacancy" sign lit up at two of them. But, down the road, much to our tired eyes' surprise, was a red glowing sign that said "YES"! We cheered as quietly as we could without waking up Abby and Maya.

As I pulled up to the hotel, the front desk person was waiting outside. He said in a thick accent, "We just had cancellation. The only thing we have is jacuzzi suite. It very expensive." I asked him how expensive. He gave me a price and then quickly said, "but I feel bad for you. I give you a discount." (I'm sure it also helped that his chance of renting the room at 2 AM was dwindling!)
So, happily we trudged up to the second floor jacuzzi suite. I was so dead tired. Abby and Madeline got into one of the queen-sized beds and instantly fell asleep. Maya and I got into the other bed next to the VERY prominent jacuzzi. Well, Maya, who'd slept so well in the car, decided it was time to WAKE UP! She was so hyper! She loudly announced (she can't pronounce the "L" sound) that "Abby is seeping! Sissy is seeping! I paying!!" She would then grab me by both cheeks, put her nose right up to mine and yell, "MOM! MOM! You seeping? I do jumping!"

I'd put her crazy little body back down with a stern order to GO TO SLEEP, when she'd then discover that the headboard made a funny sound if you banged it against the wall. Or, she'd loudly announce that "Mama have a ELBOW!" or "I count! 1, 2, 3, 4...." (while performing a seat drop on my back with each number). You get the idea! This went on until 4 AM.
Then housekeeping came at 7:30. I about killed the poor woman. Well, there was no going back to sleep, so the girls tried out the jacuzzi tub! Because after all, if you pay for the jacuzzi suite, you may as well enjoy it!

Adoption Number 2!

Adoption #2 of the same kid that is! Today we went to the Juvenile Court to re-adopt Miss Qiu Ju. Since the adoption was finalized in China, the only real purpose of doing this was to get a U.S. birth certificate.

We answered questions like, "Did you or did you not begin adoption proceedings in the year 2005? Was your adoption in accordance with the laws of the People's Republic of China? Is it still your intention to adopt this girl? To the best of your knowledge, is she an American Indian?" Ummm, Yes, Yes, Yes, No--pretty sure she's not an American Indian! My favorite question was, "Dr. Beck, can you please state the date of your marriage?" Poor Lyle looked rather flustered and stammered, "Um, January... no...uh, July? Yep, July 31, 1992." The judge said, "That's pathetic. I just like to ask the dads that to see them squirm."

Maya may look sweet and innocent in this picture, but she really wasn't in the courtroom. She was intent on putting sunglasses on everyone in the family and climbing onto the bench. Abby told me she was scared that the judge would yell, "Quiet in the court!"

The judge asked Abby what she thought of her little sister and she said, "Great!"
So, for the second time, Maya Qiuju was proclaimed our daughter. The judge gave Maya a teddy bear and Abby a piece of chocolate, we took a few pictures, and that was that! If we didn't do the re-adopt, anytime in Maya's life when she'd be required to show a birth certificate, she'd have to pull out her abandonment papers, which seems a bit depressing. Of course, also if those papers were ever lost, we'd be in a world of hurt, trying to get in touch with someone in China. So, now we don't need to look at those orphan papers ever again. She'll have a U.S. birth certificate with us listed as her parents. Unfortunately, Adam and Madeline couldn't be here to share in her day, but I guess since they got to see the first adoption, there was no need to see the second!

With Daddy outside the courthouse. We made her promise that she'll never again need to make an appearance at Juvenile court!

I'll end with a quick Maya story! Last night Lyle was at the kitchen sink cutting up strawberries for dinner. Maya asked for one and Lyle plopped a berry in her mouth. Maya said thank you and Lyle, intent on his cutting, didn't say a word. Maya said louder, "THANK YOU!" and still Lyle was quiet. She said even louder, "THANK YOU!" and in true Dad-fashion, Lyle was oblivious. Finally Qiu said with great frustration, "Dad, say YOU'RE WELCOME!"

I think our days of teaching HER English are over. From here on out, she'll tell US what we need to say!

We love you Maya and are so proud to once again say with no reservation whatsoever (Indian or otherwise!) that we still want you to be our daughter!

Madeline's Talent Show

Last week Madeline participated in the Emerald Heights Talent Show. She performed the song, "Popular" from the "Wicked" CD. They had Madeline go last as the curtain call and she did a fabulous job. She really just comes alive on stage and exudes confidence.

She definitely sang to the audience and pointed to different people in the crowd singing, "....and even in your case....though it's the toughest case I've yet to face.....I'll make you popular!"

"Just not quite as popular as ME!"

We know we can take absolutely zero credit for Madeline's confidence. She was born ready to tackle the world. Tomorrow she's flying to Utah to attend a BYU folk dance camp. I asked her if she wanted to have her aunt meet her at the gate, or if she'd feel comfortable getting to baggage claim on her own and meeting her there. She shrugged and said, "I'll just meet her at baggage claim. I'm sure it's well marked."

Abby's Doll Party

Abby had her first "friend's birthday party" yesterday and she had a great time. The weather thankfully cooperated and everything turned out perfectly. We thought it was funny that all the girls showed up wearing dresses!

After lunch, the girls played "Pin the bow on the doll". You can see on the garage door the doll drawn by Lyle. Each of the girls picked a ribbon and in "pin the tail on the donkey" style, they were blindfolded. Only one girl actually got her ribbon touching hair, so it was easy to pick the winner!

From there, we moved onto "Musical dolls", and here is a photo of "Duck Duck Doll".
The "Find your doll" game turned out to be more challenging than I would have guessed! The youngest girl at the party, 3 year-old Amanda, just could hardly stand the suspense of watching! She'd yell out, "That's the WRONG doll!" or "Yep! That's right! You got it!"

Abby has had her eye on this Barbie cake for years. Every time we go to Albertsons, she stops and says hi to the Barbie. She was disappointed to learn that she wouldn't get the EXACT cake that was there on display, but the baker promised her she'd make Abby's cake look just the same! Before the cake, the girls broke open a pinata. I was a little worried that Abby had become "attached" since she'd named the pinata the day before. I wondered if she'd be able to give Leah the Unicorn a smack, but she seemed to have no trouble with it at all! Maya, however, was a different story! She kept saying, "Uh-oh! Horsey! Uh-oh!" She tried to stick its back end on and shook her head in disbelief. She repeatedly grabbed my arm and pointed saying, "Mama! Look! Uh-oh!" I think she was pretty sure somebody was in big trouble!

Happy 6th birthday, Abby! We love you!

Abby's Spring Festival

Abby had her last Spring Festival at the Farm Montessori School. Madeline and Abby each went here for 3 years (2 years of preschool and 1 year of kindergarten).

This year's theme was Luau and the kids did lots of cute Hawaiian songs and of course the Hula!

Abby will dearly miss so many of her friends. Some will still be at the Farm, the rest are all going off to different elementary schools.

I wish I could keep Abby in this fabulous environment through high school--although I guess the chairs would start to feel a little tight!

The wonderful Miss Marie. She's been teaching at the Farm for many many years. She just can't retire until our youngest girl gets through with kindergarten!

Abby and great friend, Isabelle.

Maya practicing for the future out on the playground.

Abby getting teary-eyed as she poses by the Farm sign. I have to admit, I got a little choked up when Madeline left the Farm and it happened again with Abby.

What a great start my girls have had at The Farm.

May 30, 2007

I know this isn't the greatest photo, but I love it. I was looking out the kitchen window and saw Adam walking with Maya, holding her hand and talking to her. She was taking big steps, trying so hard to keep up with him. It was such a sweet moment, that I ran for the camera.

Adam, Madeline, and Abby add so much to her life, and of course, vice versa. Maya is always so excited everyday when Adam's school bus pulls up, or when she first spots Madeline or Abby after school. When she saw Madeline coming down the trail the other day she excitedly squealed, "My sissy!"

Abby teaches Maya many things--some things I'm not so thrilled about, but mostly it's a positive. Abby told me today, "Mom, Maya used to not jump in her crib very well at all, but I've taught her and now look at how high she gets!" She's also taught her to spin very fast, say "ow" when she's getting her hair combed, scream "Dad!" and run for the door when Lyle comes home, and other important things.

I can't say enough about what a blessing these older kids are to their little sister.

Today is Abby's last official day and tomorrow she has her Spring Festival. I can hardly believe she'll be in 1st grade in the fall! Maya and I will both miss her very much. Abby is a fiesty girl, but has a heart of gold. I really think it will be hard to keep Maya entertained, because that's what Abby does all morning!

We're not sure what school she'll be at next year, but I know she'll do well. She turns 6 on June 11th, something she's been waiting for since June 12th of last year. Seriously, nobody enjoys their birthdays quite as much as Abby! She's planning her first "friends party" and hopefully it will live up to her very high expectations!

Yes, it was with copious amounts of gel that we accomplished Maya's very first ponytail. She felt pretty stylish! It's supposed to get up to 90 degrees here today, so we thought the up-do was appropriate.

Oh, and a quick product endorsement--the bib Maya is wearing is the best thing that has happened to the Beck family in quite a while! It's by Baby Bjorn and the kangaroo pouch is awesome! When Maya is done with her meal, she keeps herself entertained by eating out of her pouch!

Maya, in her ponytail and very cute pink sunglasses, was being particularly charming today at the grocery story. She kept waving at shoppers, saying "hi", and "gasses". Thankfully because she was simultaneously pointing at her eyewear, people were not scared off by her "gasses" and came over to talk to her. One woman (and I've heard this a couple of times before), said, "Do you mind me asking...What is she?" Now, of course I know she meant nationality, which I told her, but I can't help but feel that's not the best way to ask!

Later, when we were in the checkout line, another woman was chatting with Maya and said to me, "Do you mind me asking......How did you get so lucky to be this little girl's Mommy?" I almost got choked up, it was such a sweet way to ask about Maya's story. It's definitely not always what you ask, but how you ask it!

Maya's First Hike

Lyle had a day off from work, so while the big kids were at school, we took the little girls up to the Olympic Mountains for a hike. The day was clear and beautiful and the weather was perfect!

Abby has only been on two hikes, and both times she's seen bears. She's pretty sure that's the norm. These bears were quite close to the road and we did get out of the car for a better look, but having the car right there helped us to feel safe.

Abby checking out the viewpoint at the lodge. She had a great attitude, but we were to soon learn that the hike was more than we'd bargained for!

Maya thought riding in the backpack was great. She thoroughly enjoyed her personal bag of trail mix, but made Lyle a little nervous when she kept saying, "put it in a pocket!" Lyle wondered what pocket she was talking about, and later discovered that a few nuts and M&M's had found their way down the back of his shirt!

Abby listening to the peaceful sounds of nature. I should point out that at this point, the sounds were peaceful--later on, that all changed! Hint: Remember the bears?

At the start, the trail was completely clear, but as we got higher, we trudged through lots of snow.

At this point, we were still doing well!

Here's where things began to fall apart! We needed to pass through a large, steep slope covered with snow. In this photo, normally sure-footed Lyle slipped down the embankment and saved himself and poor Qiu from a serious fall by grabbing hold of a tree branch.

He got a little dirty! I wish I took some pictures of the treacherous hike from here on out, but I was more concerned with survival! The deep snow chilled Abby's atittude considerably and after crossing a couple of snow fields, we realized we'd never make it. So, we turned back and slipped and slid back through the snow.

Maya zonked out in the backpack and we picked up the pace as we repeatedly heard the grunts of a bear somewhere behind us. We never saw it and didn't spend much time looking. We were all happy to get back to the car!