We are home again!

This weekend we traveled back to Thunder Bay to have Sofie baptized in the same church where both myself and Ainsley were both baptized and where Jim and I were married. My family has attended St. Paul's for generations and actually helped build the church. It was a special weekend. Sofie did fantastic. She just seems to thrive on new things and never really seems to get overwhelmed by anything. We had a lovely lunch at a hotel afterwards and there were around 30 people there. Sofie finally got to meet most of her relatives. 

Sofie in her baptism dress that we bought while we were in China. I took about 50 pictures of her trying to get her to smile and get a shot of the dress!!!! Ainsley also wore the same dress and got to help out during the baptism.

Quietly drawing in her new note pad after lunch.

There was only one point where Sofie seems a little taken aback by everything. We stayed in a hotel so the kids could swim in the pool. The first morning when she woke up she was very confused and quiet. She stayed that way through most of breakfast. It was the first time that she had been in a hotel since China. I was taken aback by how much she looked like she did the first week she was with us in China. It took a couple of hours, but, eventually she just seems to pop right out of it and we got a huge Sofie grin. She just took off from there.

There are some health issues in our extended family that we have been dealing with also. This weekend also gave us the time to visit with everyone and catch up. It was a beautiful weekend, but, also a very stressful weekend. It is good to be home again.

Sofie will not be getting her hearing aids today, Halloween. They are stuck in New Jersey and thanks to Hurricane Sandy, they did not ship in time and will be delayed. We are disappointed, but, at the same time feel so blessed for all we have and so terrible for all that some families have lost this weekend. Her next appointment probably will not be until Nov 16 as the Audiologist we are dealing with never seems to have an opening at all. It is very frustrating!!!

Happy Halloween to all. Safe trick or treating to all the kiddos :)


We also wrote a letter to Sofie for her baptism. It was read aloud in the church by her godfather, Shane.

To Sofie Lu,  on your baptism.

On May 14, 2012 you entered our lives and we became your forever family. Today we mark the beginning of your relationship with God. We know, however, that your journey with him started long ago.

He held you close and safe when you were a tiny baby and all alone in this big, giant world. He ensured that it was loving and caring arms that found you and looked after you until your Ma Ma, Ba Ba and Jie Jie, Ainsley, could come and get you. He cared for you when you were very ill and fighting to stay in this world. He tended for your heart while others mended your health. He has given you the strength, perseverance and fortitude to overcome more than any small child should ever have to overcome. He will continue to lift you up and help you through all the challenges you face in the future.

We thank the Lord everyday for our family and all the blessings that we have been granted. You, Sofie, are now safe and wrapped in the love of our Heavenly Father, Mommy, Daddy, your Sister, your Grandparents and all your Aunts, Uncles and Cousins.

As you grow older, we hope that the Lord’s teachings remain in your heart forever and you treat yourself and others with respect, dignity and love, always!

Sofie, may God bless and keep you safe, for all the days of your life.

Love your Mommy, Daddy and big sister Ainsley