Aunt Karen visits!

One of my most favorite photos - Dad, Aunt, and Emily

Aunt Karen and Emily

I met Aunt Karen, who came visiting from China, two weeks ago. It was her first time meeting Emily. What a sweet person! Dad and I needed to go sign the birth certificate papers a few blocks away at a notory, and my heart clenched when he suggested leaving Emily with his sister. I knew she'd be fine and safe, but I suppose where I'd have no concern with Emily with her dad, it was different with his sister since I'd never seen her with Emily before. But we headed out, and all three of my girls stayed with Aunt Karen and her 16yo daughter. And, of course, Emily was just fine when we returned... cooing on the bed :)

They brought gifts for Emily from China. Some baby clothes, that are now hung in my closet waiting for her to grow in to them, some stomach covers, money in a red envelope, and the most beautiful piece.... a large silk blanket that goes on top of the bed. It's so beautiful! I hope to keep it packed away until Emily is old enough to have it on her own bed. Maybe we can take some photos with it a part of the picture too :)

We all got together another time - to visit the museum of flight and for lunch. I remember when I use to get together to visit my surro-daughters, the feeling of wanting to hold them the entire time. With this memory, I pass Emily off to her dad as soon as I arrive and as soon as she's done nursing. I want him to be able to absorb every part of his time with Emily as he can. I really enjoy watching the two of them together - I am so proud of her dad. Emily is so very lucky, so are my other children and I. Her dad is such a blessing to our family. I feel such gratefulness to him, not just for what he gave so Emily could join our family, but the obvious love he feels for her and surrounds her with whenever we get together.

Emily so obviously loves being with her dad

I hope before Aunt Karen has to head home, that Emily will be able to have some more time with her. Today I printed off some pictures to give to her and her daughter to take back with them to China. What a wonderful family. Aunt Karen's daughter, although very excited to meet Emily, is quite shy. I hope to be able to give them more time together before they have to leave. I'd love to be able to foster a pen-pal type relationship between the two of them with her being so far away.