monday

sinus infection +
fever +

sleepless nights +
some major grumpiness =
fun times for all :)

show me a sign

Gracie is learning new signs every day.
We quit counting at 100!
With the Latham appliance and speech therapy
we are understanding some words a little better,
but sign language has been so awesome
in helping her communicate.
She's even teaching her
occupational therapist new signs every week.

The other day she wanted ice, so she spelled it...
I-C-E
Yeah, she just turned 2...
brilliant, eh?

the birthday in pictures

Happy Birthday Gracie Jia Shu!!!!

Our baby girl is 2 years old today!
Last year we had no clue our soon-to-be
daughter was celebrating her first birthday
somewhere in China.
Praise God she's home!

snow day

one inch of snow + a good layer of ice =

fast sledding
painful snowball fights
lots of homemade hot chocolate
kids in & out all day
snow pants, boots, & coats everywhere
memories!!!

seeing snow for the first time!

More snow in the evening!

Mothers

With our baby girl's second birthday approaching, I find my mind swirling with so many thoughts... Sorrow over missing her first birthday, sheer joy that we will share her second. Gracie's birth mother is also heavily on my mind for some reason. What would I say to her if I could?

Thank you for giving her life.

Thank you for placing her in a public place where
she would be found and taken in to be cared for.

Gracie will always be told of her beginnings,
and her birth country will be a part of all our lives.

Gracie is beautiful, and delightful,
and she is loved unconditionally and
with such a deep love it's overwhelming at times.

I don't know your motives/reasons, but
God's plans for Lian Jia Shu were made before
she was even conceived. The months you carried her
and the moments you shared with her on her first day
can be treasured in your heart - Please don't feel
shame or hopelessness. The Father's hand is
clearly on her.

We have prayed from the start that Gracie's birth parents would also be a part of the family of God so that one day they will see with their own eyes the beautiful girl they had a part in bringing to this world. We won't romance their story with Gracie. We don't know their situation or motives, although her special need and her gender may have been clearly part of their decision. She will always know that she was NO mistake, and that she a Woodard just as much as Ali, Erin & Quinn are. I believe the picture of adoption/salvation will be even sweeter to her heart and mind one day - that that truth will be deeply rooted in her.

CHOSEN & DEARLY LOVED

"None of my bones was hidden from You
when You made me
inside my mother's body.
When You were putting me together there
Your eyes saw my body

even before it was formed.
You planned how many days I would live.
How You made me is
amazing and wonderful.
I praise You for that."
Psalm 139:15-16, 14

she flies through the air with the greatest of ease

*warning* Grandmothers and those who are faint of heart may not want to view the following pictures. It seems Gracie and her daddy enjoy polishing up on their acrobatic skills in anticipation of the circus that will be coming to town next month...

"Kung-Fu Gracie Shu"

Don't say I didn't warn ya -
This little daredevil has made
this Mama's heart skip a few beats many times.
We love our little bundle of bravery!!!