Thanks Amy Falda for the cute summer dresses

Natalie received a Teddy Bear from Meryl and Marty

Meryl and Marty visited Natalie on Saturday. They gave her a plush Teddy Bear that she immediately fell in love with. She also enjoyed playing with the gift bag.

Jasmine, Kiran and Nanda Oz

The Oz family visited us for dinner on Friday night for some Indian food. We first met Jasmine at Natalie's Montessori school where her son Kiran also attends. Similar to Natalie, Kiran and Nanda are also adopted. Kiran is now 3.5 years old and Nanda is only 7 weeks old. We all enjoyed getting to know each other.

Thanks Peyton & Paul Howell for the erasable writing board and Learning Video

Computer Skills Training Begins

Over the weekend we bought Natalie her first Sesame Street computer learning game. To be clear, this isn't all that sophisticated of a game, but it does require Natalie to press some keys to interact with the program. Of course, Natalie caught on very quickly, too quickly really. In the ideal setup, the parents would control the mouse and the child controls the keyboard. However, on the Macbook, the mouse pad is right in front of the key. Natalie saw her Mom using the mouse pad and was soon using it herself, which was not part of the plan. We had to slow her down a little and get her to refocus on the program itself.

Thank you Morris & Jennifer Germain for the beautiful dress

Thanks to Laura Morales, Natalie gets a Central American Look

Texas Birth Certificate Arrives

Today was another special day in the process of completing Natalie's final adoption paperwork - today she received her official Texas Birth Certificate. At this point, she has all of her relevant US documentation. Now, on to her college fund.

Natalie wishes her Dad a Happy First Father's Day!

"Any Man Can Be A Father ...
But It Takes Someone SPECIAL to be A Dad!"

As for Matt.. He is an "amazing" Dad and both Natalie and I wish to thank him for the important role he plays in our lives. Since we received our darling Natalie in our arms, he has always been there by her side. There is nothing he hasn’t done for her … he gives her a bath, feeds her, reads, plays and even changes diapers.

I see the sparkle in his eyes every time he holds Natalie in his arms or lays his eyes on her. The same look is returned by Natalie. They share a very special bond and I pray that their love grows with time and they share a special relationship forever.

Happy First Father’s Day Matt – you are the best Dad! We love you.

Father's Day Eve with Michelle, Sabian and Jeff Brigman

There's nothing better than relaxing on my beanbag after a long day at school

Thanks Chris & Lori Mooney for the personalized Stool

Today, Natalie received a wonderful present from Chris and Lori Mooney. It's a lovely white stool with lady bugs and red daisies on it, but most importantly, it also has Natalie's name on it. As soon as it was unpack, Natalie immediately understood that it was for her. She promptly sat on it and flashed us the biggest smile. She then pushed it over toward the TV. She sat on it again, and the next thing we knew, she started to climb up on it. She really loves her new stool. Thank you Chris and Lori for the wonderful gift.

Pastor Edlan, Jennifer, Indigo & Willow meet Natalie

On Sunday night, Natalie had a visit from the Pastor of our local church as well as his wife and two daughters. Everyone enjoyed a homemade Indian dinner, followed by lots and fun, games (on the Wii) and laughter. We've never heard Natalie laugh so hard or so much.

At the Great Wall China Adoption Get-Together

Saturday night, Mom, Dad and Natalie went to a get-together for families from across North Texas - all of the families have adopted a child through Great Wall China Adoption Agency. Natalie enjoyed the cuisine - real Texas barbecue. She really loved her french fries, especially when she was sharing them with Mom.

After dinner, Natalie played with the sugar packets while some of the older girls played with their dress-up book. The real highlight of the evening was when Natalie met a little 15 month old boy from Vietnam named Sabian. At first, Natalie was a little shy and weary - she spent the first few minutes watching Sabian and wouldn't let him come too close to her. However, she eventually really connected with him and they became fast-friends. By the end of the evening, Natalie planted a big kiss on a very surprised Sabian.