~ Happy Year of the Rabbit 2011 ~

Last Thursday, February 3rd marked the beginning of the Chinese New Year ~ 2011 being known as the "Year of the Rabbit."   Khloe woke up excited about the day, even though she really didn't know what it was all about.   I had greeted her in the morning saying, "Good morning my sweet Khloe Mei... Happy Chinese New Year!"  And she immediately got wide-eyed with a huge smile and said, "I so essited (excited!)" 

It is tradition for children to receive new clothing for this special occasion, so in proper fashion, I dressed Khloe up in her new dress and matching bracelets, made by my very talented friend Daleea at  Lady Peep Boutique (who just happens to be leaving this Friday to bring home her precious Isabella, after many prayerful years of waiting!)  She looked positively adorable in her new outfit!!   Thanks Daleea! :)

Khloe and I began the day with some color-crafts that I had printed off of a website.  We then celebrated with lunch out at our local Chinese restaurant.  Ironically, the owner is from Fujian, Khloe's home province in China, so needless to say, she is quite fond of our little princess!  

The very first time we ate there last summer, after Khloe had only been home with us about 2 weeks, they were shocked to find out she was from China, but elated to learn she was from the Fujian province.  The lady excitedly shared how she was from the capital city of Fuzhou, in the Fujian Province.  The very place our adoption took place.  While we waited for our order (take-out!) they came over to visit with me.  They had so many questions about Khloe's adoption and where her birth family was and why she was abandoned after birth?  But as I explained about how Khloe was born with a special need and showed them the surgical scar on her tummy, they immediately nodded their heads in understanding and said, "Oh, her parents loved her but coud not care for her.  They had to give her up or she maybe would have died." 

From our very first visit, it was clear they cared about Khloe and asked us to come back again.  They said, "Some time, I want a picture with her...  That okay?"  Of course I agreed that I would like a photo of Khloe with them, too!  That first visit, they spoke to Khloe in Mandarin, and I know she knew what they were saying back then, but she would just stare back at them and grip tight to me; she also had a bronchial infection at the time, and wasn't feeling too well.  When I apologized for her shyness, the lady said, "No, it okay... she not know me.  She love her mama."  I thanked them and promised we'd visit again. 

We have returned a few times since, but each time, they were fairly busy. So on CNY, I purposed to wait until after the lunch-time rush, so we would have a little time to visit and hopefully take some photos.  I was so glad we did. 

Khloe enjoyed her favorite steamed dumplings, and decided she wanted to try eating with chopsticks, just like mommy.  While at New Day, she used a spoon, so this is not something she knows how to do yet.  I tried to show her the correct way to hold them, but she gave up and created her own way.  It was a little messy, but she was persistant and had fun trying... and mama had fun watching her try!! ;) 

Once we finished eating, Khloe went over to watch a Chinese cartoon with the owner's son on his portable DVD player.  He is one year older than Khloe, and only speaks Mandarin, but she didn't seem to mind, and neither did he.  I think they make the cutest pair, don't you!?! 

Before leaving, they gifted Khloe with the traditional 'red envelope' and some sweet treats to take home.  She had no idea what the envelope was all about, but she was excited just the same! ;)  I am so grateful for moments like these.  They are just little glimpses of Khloe's homeland culture and traditions, but they mean so much to me.  It is a blessing to have a family from her homeland in our small town, and I know they enjoy when we visit, as much as we enjoy seeing them.

Upon returning back home, Khloe posed for a few more photos for mama.  She has this "thing" about wanting to pose out on our fronth porch... even when it's cold outside.  It's kind of cute, really!  She also wanted her bunny rabbit with her throughout the day, which she went and found after I started talking about "The Year of the Rabbit" on her coloring pages.  So needless to say, bunny was in most of the photos with Khloe that day.  She also wanted to pose with her new parasol umbrella that my sweet friend, Kim, sent her just in time for CNY.  Kim gifted us with this precious gift after learning how I had missed getting to shop for one while we were in China.  When she traveled to bring her 2 boys home last year, she picked one up as a surprise.  Have I said how blessed I am to have so many special bloggy friends out there!?!   You all are like family to me!

After the small photo shoot, Khloe got to open another special gift that came in the mail for her from Anneli.  Anneli was an intern at NDFH last year (from Jan-May) and we were able to meet her when we traveled to bring Khloe home.  She and Khloe shared a special bond during Anneli's time in China.  She has a very soft spot in her heart for Khloe and it has been a blessing to stay in touch.  She gave Khloe a new dress and a special frame holding a photo of the two of them from Khloe's 2nd birthday party at New Day last year.  This photo is almost one year old now.  It's crazy to think our little princess is about to turn THREE already!  Thanks for the thoughtful gifts, Anneli!! :)

After all the gifts, it was time for Khloe's nap.  She was clearly tuckered out and just wanted to sleep on the couch.  Since I didn't want her to sleep long, I allowed it.  I love how she has to has her doll on one side, and her bunny on the other.  She is very particular about the 'layout' of things when she sleeps!  ;)

We ended the first day of the CNY as a family, preparing a Chinese dinner to enjoy at home.  We had hoped to attend a fun CNY party with some of our playgroup families this past weekend, but I ended up getting a migraine, and we regretfully had to stay home.  I'm hoping that we will have a chance to enjoy some more CNY festivities before the holiday ends.  It is a blessing to have Khloe home to celebrate with us this year.  Tomorrow, our beautiful girl turns three, and we will begin the day with a trip to the Mall of America to visit the American Girl doll store.  Khloe is VERY excited.  So many fun celebrations in a matter of days!!

Happy Year the Rabbit 2011

and God bless! <><