This Love...Two Years in the Making

Two years ago today, I hugged my oldest daughter goodbye as she prepared to board a flight to China, leaving to spend the next two months working in a special-needs orphanage. 

Two years ago, I reminded her yet again...

"Meredith. My quiver is full. I know you are going to fall in love with all these precious babies, but we are done. We are not adopting again."

And two years ago, somehow I knew that we may not really be done. 

That maybe, just maybe, another little one would become "stuck" in my heart.

You all know the story. 

Meredith found Brooke. 

My oldest and soon-to-be-youngest became inseparable friends- destined to be sisters. 

The pictures I saw two years ago of Mei and "her" Cai Wei planted seeds deeply in my heart. 

The stories and videos Mei shared of Brooke after returning home from China grew into a love for this little girl I had never even met. 

A love so deep that on that miraculous day, when Mei happened to see Brooke's adoption file on Rainbow Kids, and called us sobbing, begging to adopt this little one...

We knew she was ours. And we said yes. Absolutely yes.

And what a life-changing gift we have been given in our Brooke Cai Wei. 

Exactly two years ago, the moment my oldest held my youngest for the very first time, our lives were unknowingly turned upside-down and inside-out. 

And I am so thankful. 

Happy two years of "knowing you", sweet little B. 

It still amazes me how God brought you and Mei together...almost 7,000 miles away. 

Sometimes we still can't believe you are ours!

How your love has grown...now YOU are the one kissing Mei!

Wanting to be just like your big sisters...towel heads!

What other three year olds get to watch their big sister graduate from college? 

Linking up with Stefanie's Sunday Snapshot

Brooke, or "Ariel", Our Rising Star!

If there's one thing you should know about the Toering clan....it's that Chick-fil-a is one of our all time favorite restaurants. Not just because the chicken nuggets, waffle fries, and lemonade just can't be beat, but because all summer long they hold fun, fabulous activities for the kiddos! 

This last week, they had a "Chick-fil-a Open Mic Night"! It was too cute! Brooke was immediately asking to sing...so she dutifully waited her turn, and then bravely stepped up to the mic for her chance to sing! Her song of choice? "Part of Your World" from the Little Mermaid. 

Now, anyone who knows Brooke knows that she lives and breathes Ariel. When she goes swimming, you better not slip up and call her "Brooke". She is ARIEL or "mermaid" under NO uncertain terms. Watching her sing her heart out as "Ariel" at the open mic night was just about too cute to stand. 

And yes, she received a HUGE round of applause at the end of her performance. I don't think her smile could have gotten any wider. :) 

Linking up with Stefanie's Sunday Snapshot!

Whoop Um Gangnam Style!

So the "Gangnam Style" video that has been sweeping the nation and inspiring all sorts of ridiculous dance moves has made it to the elementary school generation. Erica came home from school singing it one day, and proceeded to teach Brooke the dance. 

What can ya do but join 'em? It's just too funny. :)