A Very Special Adoption Day

The last day of 2008 was a very special adoption day for us. Lily Mei was "re-adopted" in America so she could have an American birth certificate to accompany her Chinese birth certificate. And moments later John's adoption of Eric was finalized. Joining us for this special occasion was Nana (Barbara) and the Bashinski family; Scott, Kelly, and Justin.

During the proceeding, the judge asked John and Eric to talk about their decision to become father and son. John talked about being a part of Eric's life since he was 16 years old, learning to love him as his real son, and working hard to model what a father should be. Eric talked about John being more a part of his life in one month than his biological father had been in his whole life.

Lily Mei was in her glory, wearing traditional Chinese clothing and carrying her ever-present purse. She strutted through the courthouse as if she knew this was an important day; a day that added more confirmation that she was now an American.

After the preceding we all enjoyed an early dinner at a local steakhouse and then returned to our home. There, we exchanged Christmas presents with the Bashinskis. Lily was thrilled with her new rocking horse and doll house.

Lily and big-brother

Eric on their way to

the courtroom

Look out,

here I come

Waiting for the

proceedings

to begin

The swearing in.

Eric says "I do."

Posing with the judge

Our family

Pam, Lily, and

godmother Kelly

Proud grandmother

Barbara and handsome

grandson Eric

"I'm an American!"

Scott gives Lily her

first ride on her new

rocking horse.

One last Christmas

present to unwrap...

Lily's new doll house.

These ribbons and bows

are a real pain in the neck!

A White Christmas for Lily Mei

Lily Mei's first Christmas was a wonderfully joyous day for us all. The snow fell all night, and the reindeer and sleigh tracks were clearly visible on the roof in the morning.

Watching Lily experience each new moment was so exciting and emotional. Her delight in the smallest of things reminded us of how much we take for granted. With Mom and Dad, Nana, and Eric and Rachael, Lily Mei had a great time opening her gifts. As she tore the wrapping paper off each box, she looked up and asked... "What is this?" What a difference over what she must have experienced last year on December 25th in the orphanage.

Lily Mei Builds a Snowman

Lily Mei helped Nana, Mommy, and Daddy build her first snowman today. She also learned how to make and throw her first snowball...right at Daddy!



Look out Daddy!
















I did it!











Lily's first snowman!








Mommy and Nana help Lily finish the snowman.









A rare white Christmas in Seattle!

Lily's First Christmas Season

Lily Mei is experiencing her first Christmas season. It's a joy for us to watch her discover all the new sights and sounds. We've enjoyed cruising the mall and the neighborhoods and showing her the lights and other holiday decorations. Her favorite sight were the reindeer flying high from the ceiling at Bellevue Square.

Nana (Pam's mom Barbara) is visiting us for the holidays. Being from Tampa she has been cold since she stepped off the plane! The snow storms are the biggest in Seattle for many years, and it's guaranteed we'll have a white Christmas.

People living in the Puget Sound area are not accustomed to such weather so, although it's a beautiful winter wonderland, getting around has become a frustrating chore.

Lily and Nana decorated Christmas cookies yesterday. Lily thought that was really cool. Frosting and sugar sprinkles were everywhere...but the final result was very tasty!

Ho, Ho, Ho

Lily meets Santa for the first time.

Lily the Reindeer

Having fun shopping at Pottery Barn Kids while Christmas shopping

Snow arrives for the holidays in our back yard

Lily loves her brother Eric & his girlfriend Rachael.

Chloe's Senior Picture

Chloe's senior picture

John's daughter Chloe attends high school in Oregon. She will be graduating in June and then off for college in the fall.

Thanksgiving with the Bashinskis

This Thanksgiving was Lily's first, and
the Bashinskis made it a very special one.

Justin & Lily Mei

In Memory of Trooper

Trooper

October 29, 1994- December 6, 2008

Trooper has been ill for some time and yesterday, in his own way, he let us know he was ready to go. We all slept in the family room with him last night where he has been spending his last days in front of the fireplace. We listened to his breathing, and remembered all the joy he had brought into our lives.

This morning we all said our goodbyes in our own way. At 12:15 this afternoon, Trooper left us very peacefully.

We miss him very much.

May I go now?

Do you think the time is right?
May I say good-bye to pain-filled days
and endless lonely nights?
I’ve lived my life and done my best,
an example tried to be.
So can I take that step beyond
and set my spirit free?
I didn’t want to go at first,
I fought with all my might.
But something seems to draw me now
to a warm and loving light.
I want to go.
I really do.
It’s difficult to stay.
But I will try as best I can
to live just one more day
To give you time to care for me
and share your love and fears.
I know you’re sad and so afraid,
because I see your tears.
I’ll not be far,
I promise that, and hope you’ll always know
that my spirit will be close to you,
wherever you may go.
Thank you for loving me.
You know I love you too.
That’s why it’s hard to say good-bye
and end this life with you.
So hold me now, just one more time
and let me hear you say,
because you care so much for me,

you’ll let me go today.

Susan A. Jackson

Lily's First Halloween

Lily turned into a bunny for Halloween. She thought it was fun knocking on the neighbor's doors, but had no clue what it was all about. Our friends Kelly and Scott shared Halloween with us, which included a celebration of Trooper's 14th birthday (98 in human years).

Lily goes to Remlinger Farm Fall Festival

After lounging around all day Saturday with Lily, we decided to get out and enjoy the beautiful fall weather. So we ventured out to Remlinger Farms for their Fall Festival.

"I'm bored. Let's get outta here!"

"I'm all ready to go!"

"Nothing like a good box of juice!"

Lily's first ride.

"This is the biggest dog I've ever seen!"

"Mom, Lily, and Dad."

Grandma and Aunt Sarah Come to Visit Lily

Grandma Ethel and Aunt Sarah visited us last weekend. Lily was spoiled rotten and had so much fun!



Reading with Grandma Ethel









Playing with Aunt Sarah