Hello, Kitty! I'm Two!

Saturday, November 25, 2006 was a day of celebration for Sophia! She turned two and enjoyed a pink, "Hello Kitty" party, complete with a Kitty cake (mommy's first attempt at a themed birthday cake), and even pink lemonade! Family from both sides were there to help celebrate and blessed us immeasurably with more gifts than we know what to do with.

After viewing the video from Sophia's 1st birthday, it was astounding to see the changes from just one year ago. In just one year, she has gone from practically bald, to a full head of hair; walking all stumbly, tumbly to running with grace (more or less! :)) and speed; getting more cake on her than in her to barely getting messy; from just learning to sign to being able to not only sign well, but even speak; and from needing a lot of help opening gifts to not only being able to open well, but realize there are more left and saying so! "More! More!" :)

We love you Sophia Ruth! (FYI if you ask her how old she is you are more likely to get "nine" than "two!" :) Working on it... )

Bible Study Friends

Bing and Sophia

Shadow and Sophia

Meet Shadow and Bing. Shadow is a seminary student and hosts a Chinese Bible study in her apartment. She comes faithfully to our Study as well, and has become a valued friend. Bing has come a few times to our Study and we have enjoyed getting to know him more each time. On November 19 Bing had his camera and captured some great shots after we met.

She's helping...

Yesterday, Jamie, Sophia and I went up to Akron to celebrate my 26th bday with family. After Sophia helped me blow out my candles, she disapeared into the kitchen with her two Grandmas. A few minutes passed and Jamie asked, "Where's Sophia?" In unision, her Grandmas both replied, "She's in here helping us!" Jamie walked into the kitchen to find Sophia helping alright! Helping herself to all the frosting she could get to!

International Fashion Wonder

The Show Stopper Herself!

November 16, 2006 is a date to put down in history. For the first time, Sophia Ruth was introduced to the International World of Fashion! :) Okay, so here's the real story... Every year the International Club sponsors a Fashion Show as a fundraiser. International and American students alike, participate in modeling different fashions for the audience. Along with three other children, Sophia was invited to be a model this year! She was in each of the four categories, casual wear, formal wear, bridal wear, and traditional wear. Students were more than happy to be paired up with her as they walked the runway. She was the hit of the show and really ate up the drama of it all! The last event was the traditional wear. Sophia was lent a Han-bok (traditional Korean dress). After all the students went on, they all returned to the stage for a final show and for announcements. Sophia was pretty antsie by this point, so I was just off stage motioning her to come to me. The student holding her hand saw me and gently pushed Sophia in my direction. Sophia started walking towards me, and at the last second changed her mind and went dashing down the runway again, all by herself! She stopped at the end and stood there posing as flashes went off like crazy from the audience! It was the show stopper for sure! :)

Sophia, Ga hyun, Ga eun, & Emily

Sophia and Dolly

My Buddy and Me

In October, Sophia, myself and my mom all spent a weekend up in Michigan with my sister, Jeni. We enjoyed our girl time, as even the dog was female! Sophia and Molly, Jeni's puppy, are always instant buddies when together, and this trip was no different! Molly's bed was especially inviting to Sophia, and Molly wasn't sure what to make of that. :)

In sickness and in health

Our family is finally recovering from a long 11 or so days of sickness! Thankfully I have a husband who takes his wedding vows seriously, and literally, and was my champion as Sophia and I battled fevers, aches and infections. One of my most treasured gifts from Jamie is this frame that has three seperate panes of glass in it, one behind the next. He created a 3-D looking shadow box, of sorts, with his vows to me, a couple pictures and a calla lily. He treasures his promises to me so much as to make a special place for them to be displayed. Upon receiving this gift, I was again reminded, what a treasure of a husband I have been blessed with. One of my favorite verses is from the Song of Solomon. What a magnificiant book to read with your spouse! It says, "His mouth is sweet, Yes, he is altogether lovely. This is my beloved, And this is my friend, O daughters of Jerusalem!" (5:16) You are my "daughters of Jerusalem," and I'm declaring to you that Jamie is my beloved, and he is my friend. If you are married, make sure your friend of friends knows of your love for him!