Tuesday, April 12, 2005

Photo album on Shutterfly

Well, our Sydney is 1! Diane, Rollin's step-mom, created and hosted a fantastic birthday party for her, and she seems to still be tired from all the socializing at the party. If we haven't mentioned this before, let me clarify - our Sydney is a real social butterfly. I think the other families in our travel group would agree - she just thrives on people and activity and applause :) We regret not video taping the "Happy Birthday" song and her reaction to the clapping ... she was on an emotional high that just came out as squeals. With that incredibly cute face that you just want to eat, our Sydney is a charmer.

A big milestone for Miss I-don't-like-being-prone: yesterday she crawled for the first time, and today she was on the move. We are so proud of her and the hurdles of insecuity and worry that she is crossing. The things she disliked at Gotcha Day - being on her belly, baths, strollers, high chairs, and diaper changes - are distant memories. Even the naps that she tried to get out of by screaming are now fairly restful and approach restorative sleep. I really think being put in the crib when she was not completely exhausted was the last major adjustment issue for Sydney - she was just plain mad at missing out on the fun we must be having without her. What a treat now for me to see her more rested and relaxed when she gets up.

I was commenting to my mom today how grateful I am for the liberation I feel with Sydney adopted into our family - were she my biological child, I would be tempted to take credit in my mind for her gregarious, oh-so-pleasing personality. As my daughter now, she exhibits a heart that has been given to her by the Lord Himself, not of my doing, so that I may not boast. After her baptism last week, I pray that her salvation and her personality continue to be His work alone.

Enjoy the pictures at this link... we'll be taking so many more. :) This album includes many of the best photos from our trip to China and the weeks since. We uploaded them so we could order prints, and wanted to share them with everyone. Unfortunately, they don't include the birthday party yet, but we will be posting those separately in the next few days.

9 comments:

Liz Joe said...

Loved reading about your precious daughter and seeing all the pictures. Thanks so much for taking the time to record these days. You will cherish having done it years from now.
Liz

Lydia said...

Oh, your little girl! I truly cannot help but laugh spontaneously with her in all these great pics! I can not even IMAGINE what she does to people in real life! What a ride you guys are in for . . . thank you for sharing!
Love, Lydia

Carla said...

What a beautiful girl! Thank you for sharing your days with us. Im sure you filled with such joy and the grace that God had blessed you and Rollin. I look forward to seeing Sydney in person one day soon. Kayla has been wanting to see her too. We just love the pics!

Love,
Carla

Lois said...

What a blessing that The Lord has given this adorable little person to be a part of your family.Seeing her development and learning about Him,what a joy! Thanks for the up-dates. Love, Lois

Lois said...

What a blessing that The Lord has given this adorable little person to be a part of your family.Seeing her development and learning about Him,what a joy! Thanks for the up-dates. Love, Lois

Christina said...

I am so happy for you and your beautiful family! What a gift from the Lord!
- Christina Murray

Ruth said...

I still think she looks a bit like Rollin! :) (esp. the far left photo at top)

She's so sweet. And, thank you for the reminder that the Lord gives each of these little ones their inner and outer beauty. We're so quick to take credit, but the Lord really does make them all His own, after Himself. The heart we have no control over, and the Lord is so gracious with each of these little ones He loans to us. BLESSINGS to you all! Love, Ruth

Sharon Miller said...

Hey, friends! I think Ruth is right. Sydney definitely has a "Rollin-ish" quality about her in that pic. We stopped by to drop off some things that we wanted to hand down and some diapers that I've had since your shower. (Can we say, procrastinator?) Hope you can use them, and if not, feel free to pass them along to someone else.

Blessings!
Sharon

John Richardson said...

Wow...I was just looking for your # to put on some forms and found your website. BIG CONGRATS from all the Richardson's. We couldn't be happier for you and hubby. You're the best and it was great reading thru the pages catching up...as I don't plan on getting sick anytime soon....haha.