It was exactly one year ago...we had just finished an amazing day of site-seeing with Val's sister Tricia and bro-in-law Scott. We were in Bressanone, enjoying a breathtakingly beautiful autumn day in South Tyrol. Scott and Tricia were to return home to the States the next day and we were reminiscing about the wonderful week we had spent together with Val's sister Beverly and Italian bro-in-law David. David and Bev had graciously guided us through the Venetto, the Dolomites and Slovenia. And the trip had been enchanting. As we crossed the street in front of Bev and David's flat, Bev greeted us with the news that we must call home at once. Caroll, Justin's Mum, had received an urgent call from the adoption agency who had an immediate need to talk to us. Filled with anticipation and concern, we made several calls and after an hour or so, while sitting in Bev's little kitchen, we watched the screen of our laptop download the image that brought us to tears. Those eyes and that smile were immediately burned in our brain. Xi Xin was her name, and four months later she would become our daughter, Marin Irene.
Although at first we couldn't believe this surprise. We were expecting months more of waiting and we had just spent all our money gallivanting around Northern Italy. How could this be? Were we truly ready to take on the challenges in store for "number 2"? But in hindsight, it was a perfect time for us to get word. Surrounded by family, away from the pressures of every day life, and recharged by the easy pace of the Dolomites, we digested the news, walking the streets and trails around town, contemplating what this dramatic news would bring and the game plan for the months to come. And what it did bring, more than anything else was joy, pure joy to our hearts. What a blessing you are little Mimi, a true blessing.
With summer waning, we are loving the September weather. Perfect, sunny 80 degree days, and cool 50 degree nights (serenaded by the crickets). It is our favorite time of year --now, for an even more special reason). Much of the summer was spent close to home, but we did make it up to Northern Washington for some Rn R as well as Grampa Al's 90th birthday celebration. Marin poured on her charm and captured yet another heart, with her wit and warmth. We played at the beach, but you can see, not necessarily IN the sand.
New words are now coming too quick to count and Mimi is even working on the first couple lines of the ABC song. The sisters continue to bond and include little Ping more and more in their little games. Marin is still tiny, but over 20 lbs and wearing 12-18 month clothes. Lena and Ping both weigh in at 37 lbs (for the time being).
