Mom essentially lived in the kitchen for several nights baking goodies and testing just under one thousand different icings. Dad lost 20% of his remaining brain cells trying to manually blow up around a hundred balloons. And baby Mia turned 1!

Thanks to many supportive friends, the party turned out to be a blast (even if the dumb string-pull piñata didn't open until Dad tore it apart). And also thanks to our many guests, we got some great photos to mark the occasion- hardly any of these were actually taken by us.


After the sugar-highs had worn off several hours post-celebration, we realized Mia seemed to have amassed enough gifts for a small army (which means to make it all fit in the apartment more of Daddy's stuff is destined for Salvation Army or the dumpster).

We're still in a bit of denial that she is actually a one-year-old. It's not until we look back at photos that we realize just how much she has grown.

Last day in the zero digits! Here's a few shots from this last month...

Mommy and Mia took Dad on a little adventure today. Disneyland Hong Kong is a much smaller version than either park in the U.S., but enough for a solid day. Note for future- Mia is not too fond of the hidden jaguar in Tarzan's Treehouse (especially when it roars and puffs air in your face). For better or for worse, Mia has now been fully immersed in the modern world- sites, sounds, and sensory overload. She even squeaked in her first 3-D movie just before closing. But her favorite ride by far... It's a Small World (after all).

Mia, Just a few photos to share from our most special day with you. All is said and done with the paperwork and formalities- we stood before the judge today to finalize your adoption. It was short but sweet. He had some very kind words prepared and had us in and out of there in under 10 minutes. We could not have asked for a smoother process or a more perfect match. We were both bursting for joy and we're so happy you are here to stay Mia. Love, Mom and Dad.

Mia had her first evening away from the parents today. Some of our good friends were kind enough to watch her for the evening while Mommy and Daddy did dinner and a movie. Mia enjoyed Barney, bathtime, and playing with her friend Alex.

Thanks to Venus for the awesome photos.