Kate Emerson's Baptism & First Birthday Video

Here is the second "practice" movie. I was trying to insert the video of everyone singing happy birthday and Kate eating her cake but the quality was poor so I deleted it. I may update it later if I can get the video quality better.

Since it is Thursday, I will also write what I am thankful for.

*I am thankful to everyone who has supported us and prayed for us during this whole adoption process. It has been wonderful and stressful and we are still adjusting.

*I am thankful for MOPS (mothers of preschoolers). Joining this wonderful group of women has been a huge blessing for me. Thank you Pip--if you are reading this:)

*I am thankful to Leslie of Myah's Days for sending Kate the cutest clippie I have ever seen and I am thankful for her friendship.

*I am thankful for the couple of close friends who have let me cry on their shoulders as we struggle through this adjustment period. You know who you are.

The last one...I promise

Kate's sweet little foot.

Harry and Dad


Kate and her Dada

The water being poured over Kate. I did pull out her organza bow at the last minute. She did not utter one sound as the water was poured over her head.

My side of the family

Dave's side of the family

"Uncle Neal"

"Aunt Tessa"

You can have your cake and eat it too

I know that you are probably sick of the birthday/baptism series by now. However, we are in Houston and I forgot my USB so I cannot upload photos from my camera. Also, my friend Elissa is such a gifted photographer that I must share her works of art. I will probably do one more post after this and then I promise to move on to other events in our life.

Random shots from the Birthday Weekend

The birthday girl.

Kate loves shiny, silvery things. Okay, she loves the bling. She loved the bracelets she received for her birthday. One of her favorite gifts was this gorgeous silver cup from Aunt Dooney, Uncle Moon and cousin Ashton.

She also got an adorable tiara. Will is crowning her here.

Dave's family and a very happy Kate Emerson.

Family at the beginning of the party.

Daddy and his princess.

What is this beautiful monogrammed thing? Am I supposed to eat it?

Aunt Cheryl and Kate.

Uncle Moon and Aunt Dooney

Thanks for all your help before, during and after the party!

The cake baker made this adorable little "smash cake" for Kate.

And she made LOTS of yummy cupcakes!
The pearls are edible and pearls are Kate's birthstone.

Cousin Jamie is SO much fun!

He is like a personal jungle gym.

Kate Emerson's Grandmother (Mimi) and Godmother (Staci).
She loves them both very much.

Meeting Uncle Moon for the first time!

A few shots from the big day!

Just before the Baptism. The beautiful ballet slippers came off right after this photo and would not stay on after that.

Kate admiring her beautiful (inside and out) Godmother, Staci. Staci is an incredibly sweet and giving person. We are Godparents to one of her four children. I am blessed to have her friendship in my life.

When the priest put his hand up to bless Kate, she raised her hand up to God. This was the BEST moment of the Baptism.

Our family and Staci after the ceremony.

Will chose to wear the traditional Chinese silk outfit that was custom made for him when he went to meet Kate.

Kissy face birthday kiss!



My wonderful friend, Elissa took so many photos and I was dying to get some to bring on a trip. So, she sent me a "Sneak Peek." However, there are many more that I have not seen yet. I just thought I would post a few. There are more coming of family and friends and the party! Thank you so much Elissa. You are a GREAT friend and I appreciate everything you do for me:)

Oh one more thing...Kate fell and really bruised her face just a day or two before the Baptism/Birthday. I panicked and then put Arnica on it and it REALLY helped the bruising. Just thought I would pass that along to the other Moms who read this because those things always happen at the most inopportune times.

Happy 1st Birthday Sweet Angel

Today is Kate Emerson's first birthday. I am filled with so much emotion and love for her that it overwhelms me. I cannot imagine what it was like for her one year ago today. A brave woman in China gave birth to my angel and made a very difficult and courageous decision. I thank that woman for leaving Kate in a safe location so that she could be found and brought into our family. Over the three long years that we waited for Kate people would often say "God is making sure you get the perfect child for your family." I know people meant well but I grew really tired of hearing that because I thought any child would be just fine with us and I didn't want to wait any longer. But now I know that God did have the perfect child in mind for our family. Kate has blended into our fold as though she has been here all along. She could not be a more perfect fit. I think in a way our family is even a bit surprised at the immense love that she has brought out of our hearts. We knew we would love her. I just don't think we realized how much we would love her.

I wanted to write down a few things about Kate on this special day so I don't forget them. Kate is extremely cuddly and affectionate. From the moment she came into my arms, she has loved being hugged and held. She loves to listen to music and bounces her little head to the beat. Kate has a great sense of humor and plays lots of games with us. She is actually funny in a way that most babies are not.

Kate is not phased by much of anything. Loud noises, big dogs, the pool, large crowds don't seem to bother her at all. She did not even utter a sound when the water was poured over her head by the priest today! She looks around intently and takes it all in but she doesn't get worked up. She seems as though she can really adapt to most situations. I love that about her.

Mostly, Kate Emerson is simply sweet. She is happy and affectionate and easy. I prayed for these exact traits and God answered my prayers. Today at her Baptism, I felt this more than ever. I have so much to write about Kate's 1st Birthday and Baptism but I still have family in town and I am waiting on the amazing photos that my dear friend Elissa took. I think there will be a birthday/baptism series coming soon.

Happy Birthday Kate Emerson Ru! We love you and we could not imagine our world without you in it.

Love,

Mom, Dad, Will, Harry and Scout

P.S. The cake was made locally. It was delicious! Many people have e-mailed me about it. Click here for the website.