One year ago today..... Gotcha Day!

One year ago today, Little Chandler Elise was handed to me for the very first time. It was the most incredible day of my life! Not a single day goes by that I don't just marvel at God's graciousness for allowing me to be this little treasure's mommy. She lights up every part of my world.

My post from China on Gotcha Day last year:
http://forchandlerwithlove.blogspot.com/2008/08/meet-chandler-elise-very-happy-baby.html

Here we are at the Civil Affairs office in Nanning, China just moments after we were united.


Less than an hour later back at the hotel


Our first evening together with Nana in Nanning. This is where Chandler really started to show her true personality with lots of smiles. Just the thought of this day brings me to tears of joy.



Celebrating our Gotcha Day Anniversary at the Botanical Gardens in Richmond, VA. My second favorite day ever!! :) Just look at this cutie pie.





Running through the gardens

The fountains were the biggest hit of all. What a fun way to cool off.

"Catch me, Mama!"

A terrific way to end Gotcha Day Anniversary with yummy Chinese food at Sticky Rice near Downtwon Richmond. We were so lucky to have Auntie Jen join us. The day could not have been more perfect!

One Year Ago Today.... Chandler's Referral

This photo was taken exactly one year ago today when Chandler was in her loving foster home in China. I can only imagine how much they must miss her.

That same day marks one that I will never forget. One wonderful year ago today I received THE call from my adoption agency with the news that Lin Ying Lin (now known as Chandler Elise Lin) was ready for me. Second only to the day I met Chandler, it was the most incredible day of my life. I remember being so excited when my cell phone rang and I saw the agency's number show up on my caller id. Within 20 minutes I received these two photos of my precious baby girl.

Chandler Elise Lin at Yulin SWI on 1/24/08.... waiting patiently for Mama.

I was instantly in love with her but never did I know how much I would come to truly adore this little person.

To celebrate this special occasion, Chandler and I went to our favorite Chinese Restaurant tonight, Red Bowl, for dinner. We'll be sure to make this a tradition and celebrate this special day every year to come. Thank you all for providing the constant love and support to our little family. We so much appreciate you!

Updates for May thru July 4th.... Summer Fun!

Greetings to all our family and friends! To say that Chandler and I are enjoying our first Summer together is an understatement. I've done my best to recap the last few months starting with our trip to Maine for the 4th of July and going back to Early May when I celebrated my first Mother's Day and lots of fun in between. Chandler is growing up right before my eyes. She continues to amaze me with her vocabulary and her singing is the best. She has a true love for music. Our trips to and from school each day are not complete without hearing Chan sing one of her many favorite nursery rhymes. (knowing the actual words is optional) This child has the most amazing spirit and while I know I am slightly biased, most people who meet even say the same. She continue to tackle each day like it's Christmas Eve. I am sooooo blessed! Thanks as always for following along on our journey.

For the 4th of July weekend, we flew to Maine for my cousin Michael's wedding. What a beautiful ceremony and reception. It was a wonderful celebration and reunion of our family. We're both very blessed to be part of this family.

My nephew Ethan and I in Portland, ME. He's such an amazing kid. Sweet, smart, cool, funny and super cute. Am I a proud Aunt, or what?

Aunt Susie and Michael dancing for the mother-son dance

Chandler playing some ball with Uncle Bob

and sharing snacks with Couisn Sara

Chandler and her Auntie Von taking a stroll around the reception

Uncle Jim gives the best helicopter rides. I remember taking a few several years ago!

Natalie and Chan watching the wedding ceremony

Ethan, Natalie and Von

Uncle Chris and Chan before she heads out to find more froggies

Steve, Aunt Susie, Uncle Jim, Aunt Ann and Joann afer the ceremony

What a beautiful setting for the wedding. The ran came and left quickly so the rest of the day was perfect.

Chandler keeping herself busy during the outdoor wedding ceremony

Me and my pretty girl

Steve, Sara, Aunt Susie and Uncle Jim watching the ceremony

Amber, Michael and the wedding party

Chandler just loves her cousins Ethan and Natalie. Before the wedding we drove over to a beautiful light house in Portland for photo opps

Channie the Chatterbox!

The evening before the wedding we went to Aunt Susies where the kids had a blast catching frogs in their pond and playing with the bunnies. Chandler is a real animal lover.

Grampi showing Chan the froggie he caught. Eww!

Happy 4th of July. Although she's never actually told me, I believe Channie really loves being an American!!

91.9 Faith Family and Friends Concert on 6/27/09. Chandler and her BFF Riley made their own box seats!

There's a reason this photo is blurred. The girls were having too much fun to stay still. In big crowds Chandler wears here monkey backpack/leash so we don't lose her. Riley loves holding it to be sure she doesn't get away! When the girls are together the sound of their giggles melts me.

Unble Chad took us for a boat ride last Sunday. It was a toasty 90+ day here in the Carolinas so the timing was just perfect. Love the glasses, Chad!

Now that was fun!

Chan even took a dip in Lake Wylie with Mama. She's so brave!

Too cute!

In Late June Chandler and I made a quick weekend trip to the beach. I bought special floaties, sand toys and bubbles but by far Chandler's favorite part of the trip was riding the rides at the outlet mall.

She truly loved this ride and even gave the doggie a kiss to show it.

"Cheese, Mama!"

"Uh oh, Mama!"

This picture says it all.... Chandler is not a fan of the sand. She said "Too messy, Mama!" While she loves swimming at the pool at home, the ocean terrified her. Maybe next year.

We were so fortunate to catch up with Jeanne and Riley while we were at the beach. Riley was like a fish and just loved everything about it. Chandler on the other hand, not so much.

A few of the battle wounds from Chandler's jump at school. The teacher called one day to say Chandler attempted to fly and jumped from the top of the slide into a pile of wood chips. Thankfully she just had a few scrapes that have healed perfectly. Whew! She sure does keep us hopping.

How fun is this? I had to work a few weekends in June so Nana came to watch Chandler. We walked over to Bruester's one evening for ice cream. No doubt about it, Chandler gets her sweet tooth from her mommy. And to watch her eat the cone is simply entertaining.

And there's more at the bottom? Cool!

Who cares about a few scrapes from her playground incident? Chandler sure doesn't.

Ah the good life!

Riley keeping tabs on Chandler again at the Pops in the Park Concert

Story time at Pops in the Park

















Party time! Chandler had a blast at her classmate Isabella's 2nd Birthday Party at Gymboree

All of the classes at Chandler's school move up in May so unfortunatley, she's no longer in the same class as Alex and Abby pictured here at Bella's party. The 3 were inseparable and just love each other to pieces. Each day when she would arrive to class they would come running with big hugs for her.


















Chandler helps Mama put together her new Fun Flow Sink. This is the best toy ever!

She just loves this toy. She'd play in it every day if she could.

I'm not sure this was intended to be a swim toy but what the heck, why not?!

Thanks Warren Kids for the great recommendation in this toy. We just love it.

Silly Chandler!























Chandler taking her first swim of the year. Kevin Prescott is such a great and patient friend to show Chan around his pool.

My trip to Minneapolis for work in May brought two extra special bonuses. 1) I got to have dinner with my dear friend Joni and her daughter Tori one night and 2) I finally go to meet Beth who also has a Yulin City baby. We met online the day I received Chandler's referral. She and her husband adopted Little Hope a year before I met Chandler. We've stayed in close touch since we first chatted a year ago but this was our first time meeting in person. We chatted for hours like we'd known each other for years. What a great lady that I'm so blessed to know.

As we were headed to NY to visit my friend Donna and her family, we were so thrilled to by chance meet up with her folks at the Charlotte Airport. On their way to the Bahamas, they had an unexpected layover in Charlotte at the gate just next to ours. It couldn't have worked better if we had planned it. What a nice surprise to see these dear friends we consider family.

Tom Warren swinging Chandler and the twins. Their yard is like Disney World!

Chandler and Cole giggling over some glow sticks

In Late May we flew to NY to visit my good friend from college, Donna Warren and family. Alexa is 5 and the twins Cole and Gracie are 2. They have more toys than our local Toys R Us so Chandler was pretty close to Heaven there. She just adored the kids and their toys too. We all had so much fun that weekend.

Chan and the Warren kiddos

Riley and Chandler giggling as Chandler tries to sway Riley to become a thumb sucker. They are so cute together.

Chan just cracks up her nana. Here they are Rivergate just after dinner.

Nana and Chan having a silly time

Can you tell that Chan just adores her cousin Natalie?


In May I had to travel to Minnesota for a week for work. Nana was so kind to come down to watch Chandler for me while I was away. They actually went to Raleigh and hung out with Auntie Von and Family for the week. Chan had such a blast.

I just love being Chandler's mommy!

Mother's Day 2009 at Baxter Village in Fort Mill, SC. I was able to spend my first mother's day with not only my special baby girl but with my own mother, sister and niece as well. What a special day!

Click-clack-moo... this one of Chan's favorite books. Thanks, Joni and Tori.

My First Mother's Day!!

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Originally uploaded by nic0371

What a blessing to spend Mother's Day this year not only with my own mother, my sister and niece, but also my precious very own daughter, Chandler Elise.

Time sure does fly when we're having fun!

Greetings and Happy Spring (almost Summer in SC),

It's been far too long since my last entry so let me make this a quick attempt to catch up. Well, after several double ear infections and visits to the pediatrician, in Late January Chandler had the procedure to have tubes placed in her ears. What a blessing! Since then she's been ear infection free as well as free of the pain and suffering that go with them. Who knew it was that simple? Anyhow, now it is Spring and nearly Summer here in South Carolina. In the last several weeks we've enjoyed back to back visits from friends and family. We couldn't be more blessed with such loving people in our lives. Chandler of course has just loved the extra audience and attention. She's growing up so quickly and I continue to be in complete awe of this little person. She is a little sponge and just amazes me with how fast she learns new words. Every day she comes home from school with something new that just floors me. Just as I was leaving for China, a co-worker who is also a parent, promised me that I would fall in love with this child more and more each day. Boy, was he ever right. I just can't imagine my life any other way than with her in it. She's 19 months now and while no where close to being the infamous Terrible Two, she sure is CURIOUS! If there is a baby proofing product out there, we have it and probably two of them. She's loves to explore and most recently she did so with the makeup drawer while I was in the shower. Every day is a new adventure for us both. I was just telling someone the other day how much she inspires me to stay positive and embrace everything that comes my way. Chandler wakes up in the morning with a smile and goes to bed the same way. She's approaches each day like its Christmas Eve. I could go on and on but for now I'll just say, I'm smitten and truly just love being her mommy. Enjoy the pics and thank you for being a special part of our journey.

Gramma Punker and Grampa Chuck have come to visit each Wednesday from VA for the past several weeks while Gramma is taking classes here in Charlotte. We've so much enjoyed their company.



How big is Channie? Soooo big! Auntie Kelly and Cousin Tanner came to visit from Cleveland. While I was at work, they took Chandler on all sorts of fun adventures. We miss them already and can't wait to make a visit to Cleveland soon.

Kelly and I took the kids to Monkey Joe's one day where they have lots of blow ups to jump in. (Tanner's is the background planning his next jump) Chandler so desparately wanted to be like the big kids that day.

Auntie Kelly and I found a toddler area where Chandler was able to do some of her drawing on the chalk board. She was blue from head to toe when we left but how cute is this picture?

We journeyed to the Riverbanks Zoo in Columbia, SC one day. The weather was beautiful and it was such a fun day for us.

Tanner was such a good sport with Chandler. I don't know many of 8 year old boys that would tend to her the way he did. She's still calling for "Tanler" to come back to visit.

Grampi came to visit for Easter Weekend. Not only did he fix Chan's 4 wheeler, he also baby proofed our home from top to bottom. Thanks for keeping us safe, Grampi!

A Happy Easter Kiss from Chandler!

Grampi took us to Cracker Barrel after a fun day at the Lazy Five Ranch

Chandler just loves to swing! Weeeeeeeee!

Feeding the animals with Grampi at the Lazy 5 Ranch in Mooresville, NC

Testing out the new chair made just for Chandler

Chandler was a big help to Grampi when putting the chair together

(an Adirondack chair, of course!)

In Early April our friends Joni and Tori from Minnesota came to visit. Here the gals enjoyed a building this masterpiece that Chandler later helped destroy!

Tori, Joni and Chandler at the Science Center posing for the weather station simulation

Nana came to visit in Late March and gave me a nice break to get some much needed things done around the house. Here Chandler and Nana enjoy some laughs over dinner. Chandler can even make fast food fun!

Chandler's first Easter Egg Hunt sponsored by our neighborhood HOA.

Tori was such a good coach for Chandler's first egg hunt. I'm pretty sure we'll do it again next year. We've already started planning for Tori's return the same weekend in 2010!

My girl on the hunt for eggs!

Chandler and Nana enjoying one of our first Spring days together.

Another exciting evening at Chuck E. Cheese

Chandler learned so many new word when Nana was here. They read for hours together. Chandler is just a sponge and is speaking so clearly now and can even say OCTOPUS thanks to Nana.

Nida came to visit from Cleveland in late February. Unfortunately, Chandler was not feeling so well that weekend AND it was our big snow fall of the year with 6+ inches. Charlotte was completely shut down. We're anxious for Nida to return to our beautiful Summer like weather now.

BFFs Riley and Chandler on a pretty intense roller coaster 'ride' at Chuck E. Cheese

Our first long road trip. In February we drove to Richmond to visit Auntie Jen. Chandler did great on the long drive with her new portable DVD player. Barney to the rescue again.

One of my very favorite pictures taken at the FCC Charlotte Chapter's annual Chinese New Year party.

Chandler being Chandler

Visiting with dear Cousins Natalie and Ethan in Raleigh

Natalie and Chan hamming it up!

Happy Chinese New Year

I'm a little behind in posting this ..... Chinese New Year was actually January 26th. A few weeks ago we flew to Philadelphia for a big CNY party hosted by LaVida, our adoption agency. We had so much fun and the best part was that we got to see most of the families we traveled to China with. We even stayed with one family for the long weekend who we've become great friends with. Here are some of my fav pics from our time there. We look forward to making this trip each year to celebrate the CNY and reunite with our dear travel friends.

I'm bummed this one is out of focus but it really captures the moment. These 3 little girls (Megan, Joanna and Danielle) were in our travel group to China to get their new baby sisters. They were so sweet to Chandler and even helped confirm her nickname of Channie! Chan just adores them and so do I.

I love these kids!

Chan sure loves them too! (Danielle and Joanna with Chan is this pic)

I met my friend Candice in Phillie in April '08 for a travel prep meeting. Even though we didn't travel together, we've stayed in touch and it was so nice to finally meet Little Georgia.

Party Girl!

Chandler is the only one on the dance floor in this one. No fear! I guess she was making a request for one of her favorite songs.

Dance Dance Dance

Four of the seven families from our
travel group. Friends for life!

We stayed with Marie, Brian and Jade. Jade shares a birthday with Chandler and came to the orphanage a day after Jade. While not identical, more and more we wonder if they're twins or at least cousins. We're hoping to have them tested sometime this year. Regardless, we are great friends with Jade and her parents now.

Sharing some bath toys

Auntie Marie with our squirmy girls ~ What we put these kids through for a cute picture! :)

Doing some work in the kitchen. I couldn't resist the matching outfits.

Our unforgettable ride to the airport. The girls played the game of who could fake cough louder. They cracked themselves and their moms up!

Early January Trip to the Adirondacks

Now this is REAL snow! I had some work to do in Burlington, Vermont earlier this month so had the opportunity to go visit Nana and Grampi. As you can see, while Chandler looks like a beautiful snow bunny, she's no fan of the cold. If I could read her mind in the photo above I bet she was saying, "Do people really live in this stuff?"

Our friend Beverly stopped by Nana's with her sweet pup to visit with us.

Chan and Grampi chatting over drinks!

Poor Nana has a big boo boo with her broken arm so Chandler spent the day taking care of her while I did some work.

Grampi is the coolest with a real scanner.

Being gentle with Nana's boo boo.

Here's the Grampi and Nana Paparrazi snapping photos of Chandler while she made a few calls from the airport.

Chandler's a world traveler so of course she leads the way for her grandparents at the airport.

A Snow Day in South Carolina!

Happy Snow Day Y'all!!

Today marks our first (and likely only) snow fall of the year. Well, if you want to call it that. I didn't even bother watching the news this morning or calling the daycare weatherline when I woke up and saw the DUSTING of snow on the ground. As we're driving to school and work this morning I noticed how few people were on the road so decided I better call the weatherlines and sure enough, daycare is completely closed and work is on a two hour delay! Too funny! I guess that dusting of snow really scares these true southerners. :) So we turned around and found a perfect Kodak moment. Here's my girl checking out the snow. She's not a big fan of the cold weather but she was definitely curious to see what all the hype was about.

Chandler's First Christmas (in the U.S.A.)

Christmas 2008 was so much fun and more special than I ever could have imagined. The years of waiting for my little pumpkin were so worth the wait. We had so much fun going to Christmas parties and visiting friends all month. And the week before Christmas, Nana flew in and spent several days just playing from morning 'til night with this little munchkin. On Christmas Eve we drove to Raleigh to Auntie Von's and family for a special first Christmas celebration. Thankfully we made it there just as Santa was nearing the U.S. (per the Norad online tracker). While not easy, especially for Cousin Natalie, we all made it to bed before he arrived. On Christmas Day we enjoyed watching the kids open gifts. Chandler was a little overwhelmed at first but then warmed up to the idea of ripping paper and emptying boxes. She would be content with a pile of tissue paper. :) Auntie Von and Uncle Chris prepared yummy meals for us too. I had to work Friday so we headed back to Charlotte late Christmas Evening. A great time indeed!

One day we came home to find this fabulous pink 4-wheeler on the porch courtesy of Auntie Kelly Jo and family from Cleveland, Ohio. We finally put it together today. Can you tell Chan loves it? Watch out Grampie, next she'll be jet skiing with you and Ethan!

Chandler imagining herself riding this vehicle through the neighborhood! Very Cool!!!

In Raleigh on Christmas Day....Cousin Natalie showing Chandler the proper way to wear a headband. I just love Chan's expression as she watches her so intently.

Another keyboard lesson after breakfast.

Nana helping Chandler as she pretends to drink out of her very own personalized mug.

The girls admiring Natalie's new American Girl doll, Julie.

Cousin Natalie sharing a bangle bracelet with Chandler.

Shucks, just a little too big. Chandler was really hoping Natalie's new sparkly shoes would fit.

Natalie and Ethan all hugs in the Christmas Spirit.

Chandler is especially fond of Cousin Ethan too. Don't worry, Ethan....Shouldn't be long and she can play X-Box too.

Nana and her girls.

Chandler modeling her new coat and headband from my childhood friend Michelle and family.

It's hard to believe our first Christmas has come and gone but certainly a memory I will always treasure. It was a wonderful month with friends and family. We wish you all a very Happy New Year in 2009!!!

Christmas parties, dress up time and a sleigh ride

This Christmas stuff sure is fun!

Taking a sleigh ride last Sunday with good our friends Jeanne and Riley

Patiently waiting on line for the sleigh ride.


Chandler and her BFF Riley while we waited for the next wagon. It was such a beautiful night. The horse drawn wagon took us through a lovely Charlotte neighborhood lined with lighted luminaries. Even Santa was on our wagon. We all sang Christmas carols throughout the ride. Can't wait to do it again next year.

Our dear friends Anne and Jillian at the Hands On Children's Center in Asheville, NC. We had so much fun there. Chandler had a blast playing with Jillian and our new friend Celia and she loved the dress up area. Hope to get back there again soon.

My little princess taking a well deserved thumb break!

Keeping up with the big girls sure is fun but certainly not an easy job for just anyone. Chandler didn't back down to the challenge.

Princess Chandler with fellow Princess Jillian and "Beast Celia" (from Beauty and the Beast).

Doc Chandler in the house!

Whew, who knew having hair would be so hard to keep up with?

Life is good!

Chandler makes another trip to Chuck E. Cheese for our friend Hayden's 3rd birthday party. She was a little under the weather this day but didn't let it stop her from a very fun time.

Chandler and BFF Riley at the Charlotte Chapter of Families With Children From China's Christmas Party. Chandler enjoyed showing off her new walking skills to Riley.

The most wonderful Christmas present imaginable... my Sweet Chandler.