BIRTHDAY GIRL

EMMA'S ONE YEAR OLD PORTRAITS

My little Emma turned one year old yesterday. Even though we've really only been together for four months (almost)...it feels like forever and I can't believe how quickly she is growing and changing. It is exciting to watch, but also a little sad since she has been so adorable at every moment of these last 4 months. There are already games or little faces that she doesn't play anymore - I suppose because she has moved on to "older" games. And now she is crawling! I better hurry up and baby proof my house! Here's some pictures from her blessing and birthday.

What's the big deal with Valentines Day?

Oh for the Love!

I guess there are a lot of people who love me!

Hooray!

Beach Baby....

Our first day at the beach! Emma loved playing in the sand. I loved watching. She also loved eating the sand. That I wasn't too thrilled with.

She is the BEST!

Life with Emma

Look at that amazing girl! Isn't she cute? I love this picture. Emma is starting to look so much older and grown up. She is so sweet. I look at this picture all day long while I am at work. Yep. I had to go back to work on Monday. It was about the worst day of my life that I can remember. There I was sobbing as I drove away from the daycare. Emma was fine. I was so sad though. Not only do I really think that it is good for babies to be with their mommies when they are this age - but I am sad because I am missing out on all the adorable things she does all day long...the cute faces, the fun sounds, the way she plays and smiles and laughs. I can't stand that I only get to enjoy that for a few hours every day! Doesn't anyone have a job for me where I can stay home....(and still make enough money to pay my bills and save for Emma's college fund?)...or maybe some lottery winner would like to give me a share?....ha, ha.... a girl can dream.

I've not fallen off the planet!!

I've just entered the realm of motherhood and can't figure out where all of those hours in a day go! Sorry that I've not updated this site for two months...I still want to give a recount of my travels to China and the amazing journey of meeting my little Emma. What a joyous time that was for me. When I get a little extra time, I will try to give details of the trip on Emma's website :(www.babysites.com/sites/broberg). But, just for fun here is one picture of Emma and I just a few days after getting together. We visited a local site in Nanchang where they let us pose in Chinese royalty garb. Life is so great and so fun with Emma. I am so lucky!

Let the Countdown Begin

OK...now I have some more confirmed travel dates and details! Only 18 days before I leave!! Woo Hoo! I meet Emma in 24 days! Here's my basic itinerary. I will fill in more, when I know more.

November 29: Me, Mom, Jan & Karen Depart LA

November 30: Arrive Beijing

December 1: Siteseeing (Tiananmen Square, Forbidden City, Etc.)

December 2: Visit Great Wall

December 3: More cultural/site-seeing stuff. Eat Peking duck.

December 4: Travel to Nanchang, Jiangxi Province

December 5: MEET EMMA LUMAI

December 6: Emma becomes an official member of my family

December 7-10: Paperwork/siteseeing in Nanchang

December 10: Aunt Jan and Aunt Karen go home

December 11: Travel to Guangzhou

December 12: Paperwork

December 13: Appointment at U.S. Consulate

December 14: Get Emma's Visa

December 15: Come Home!!

TRAVEL DAYS AHEAD!!

I just got the word from my agency that we have a confirmed date where Emma and I will be introduced and she will stay with me forever after. . .

December 5th!

Less than one month away and just a few days after her 8 month birthday! This is great news. Of course, I wish it were sooner. . . but it is what it is. We will probably leave for China on November 28 or so (to spend a few days in Beijing prior to going to get Emma). We will come home on December 15th! Home in time for Christmas. The best holiday ever for me!