Happy Birthday Ava!

Ava turns one year old today! It's amazing to think that last year on this day Scott attended a Bethany China travel seminar (Anne was at a business conference in Vegas) and while all that was happening, this little girl named Li Juan Yu was born. We extend our thoughts and best wishes to Ava's birth mother on this day, which must have been very difficult for her, as three days later, Nov. 11, 2005, Ava's birth mother left Ava somewhere to be found, all in hopes that she would be given the care that her birth mother was unable to provide at the time. We are so greatful for her courage and these extraordinary circumstances that have brought our family together.

And now, we have some serious catching up to do. It's been a little longer between posts, so lets get started.

Ava can now walk across the entire kitchen unassisted. She looks a little drunk, but she is very cute and holds her arms out to steady herself, smiling the whole way. Back and forth, back and forth between Mom and Dad.

We also received Ava's official Certificate of Citizenship with a "hand-signed" letter from the president. Next we can apply for Ava's social security number and a Wisconsin birth certificate. Even though she also has a China birth certificate, a U.S. birth document will make Ava's life much easier in instances when she needs to present one.

Besides walking, Ava is busy learning other things this past week, having now added hand signs for lights and puffs (we made that one up) to her repetoire. The official Scott & Anne sign for puffs is making a fist and rotating back and forth in a turning motion. We just wonder what that sign really means in sign language.

We also gave the baby backpack a whirl and Da Da's back did quite well, although Da Da won't be taking Ava to the Boundary Waters anytime soon.

We're off to the zoo today to celebrate her birthday. We'll post more soon.