Kaili's first gifts

We went out shopping and got together a few things we want to send to Kaili! It was so much fun shopping for them. Here is what we bought:









We built the bear at Build-A-Bear with our family. Matt's mom picked out and bought the outfit. We love it! We also put a sound recording of Matt's voice and mine in the bear's paw so Kaili will get to hear our voices. The bear came with a pawsport :)

There is also a little photo album that says "forever held close in the love of the Lord." We thought it was fitting because even though we can't hold her right now, God is taking care of her! We are going to put pics of our family in the album for her to see.

We are hoping to get another picture of her someday soon- hopefully one that she has her eyes open :)

Our New Daughter!!

A beautiful baby girl weighing 6 lb. 5oz. was born in Lutong, Taiwan at 1:20 pm on December 10. Matt and I were both sleeping in our bed in America where the time was 12:20 am. We had no idea that the child that will someday be ours was being born!

About nine months ago we started the process of adopting from a small orphanage in Taiwan. After a long time of waiting and wondering if we were even accepted, we received an email from the orphanage with this message:

We were so surprised! Not only were we accepted but we were near the top of the list?! We did a lot of research and found a lady who would complete a home study for us. We had a finalized home study to send to Taiwan on December 9, 2009 (notice this is one day before Kaili was born).

Then, on December 24 (Matt's birthday) we got a call at 6:00 in the morning. It was the orphanage director and he asked Matt if he wanted a baby girl for his birthday!! We were filled with joy and thanksgiving.

The orphanage gave her the Chinese name Deng Ai-Li. We named her Kaili (a Chinese name meaning joyful/content Jasmine flower) Hope.