Seven years ago, Rachel became a member of our family. In 2003, February 16th was the Lantern Festival, the last day of the two-week Chinese New Year celebration. I love to tell Rachel how she fell asleep on my lap that evening (she had had a long, hard day), and as I sat cradling her in my arms, there were fireworks going off outside. I could see them through the window and hear them, and it was as if China was celebrating our precious little girl with us!

Rachel then (2003)... ...and now (2010)