the miracle continues...

i don't know that i have ever been witness to a miracle as quite as big as lydia.  her story amazes me and each day it seems to unfold a little more.  we start with God bringing us together in a way only He could do, which is about 100 miracles in and of itself that someday i will list so that we will never forget, and we have now come to the miracle of her, lydia herself.  i think eric and i must laugh at least once every 30 minutes at our "failure to thrive" little girl.  here she is with thighs far bigger than any child we have ever had, and an appetite that could put any grown man to shame.  for lunch the child downed 3 pieces of Papa Johns pizza, a bag of Teddy Grahams and a huge glass of water.  And three hours later she was itching for a snack.  i don't know what happened between september and now but i am claiming a miracle.  

and then there is her heart.  she is bigger than life with a smile and a twinkle in her eye that would melt ice.  normally, i might even be a bit apprehensive at how well she has transitioned to us, but in my heart i think it is all part of the miracle.   she was made for us and we for her.  she has had a couple of crying spells - one when she woke up this morning and one later this afternoon - but even in the midst of those she snuggles into my arms and closes her eyes and cries.  its as if she is saying, "i'm sad.  i miss all that i know.  but more than anything, i know i am safe and you are the one i love."  and they pass, relatively quickly, and we are on to giggles and dolls and blocks and coloring.  just like any other two year old little girl.  she loves eric and i equally, is quick to let either of us care for her.  she is perfect.  i almost feel guilty at how perfect she is.  i look around at the 50 or so families who are also here adopting and granted, i am a bit biases, but no little child even comes close to precious lydia. and to top it all off, she is a 'special needs' little girl!  this child is a miracle.  it isn't coincidence or luck of the system, it is a God-given miracle and our thankfulness is beyond measure.

we have enjoyed today.  a bit more paperwork (we had to promise not to torture or abandon her!) a great nap and some shopping tonight.  eric is a viscious bargainer.  pops, you would be proud.  lydia is so easy.  she eats EVERYTHING, sleeps great, and is a joy to play with.  today when she was playing she was jabbering away in chinese - i only wish i could know what she was saying.  we tried to get it on video but when we pull out the camera she stops, of course.  when it is time to go to bed, she lays on my chest with her panda in arm and goes right to sleep.  who could ask for more than that?  tomorrow is a bit more business and then the zoo on thursday.   this is precious time.  i know life will change when we get home to the kids so i am treasuring the time just with her.  she has no idea what she is in for! : )

we miss all of you. and i will be so glad to set foot on american soil.  but for now, i will embrace the beauty of china and all that it has to offer.  thank you so much for your prayers and notes of encouragement!

lots of love,

ashleigh

**today when we stepped outside there was a "condensation alert" on our video camera...just a wee bit humid!!!  definitely reminiscent of my days in the philippines!