Our Precious Peanut! Looks are deceiving ... our daughter is probably about 18 pounds soaking wet.

Here is a picture of our precious peanut, taken outside her orphange in October (age 18 months). Formerly referred to by us as "The Little One", we now think we have an formal anglo name: Willow Noelle ChunQi Stein. Willow represents our love of nature--may she grow strong, but remain flexible. Noelle, because we have been called to China on the 24th of December and will cross the dateline on Christmas (Noelle also has a Hebrew derivation). ChunQi is the name given to her by her orphanage: it translates to Spring Jade, as she was born in March.

Chun Qi was brought outside and dressed up to pose for this picture. We suspect that her balance might not be as good as the picture alludes? Nevertheless, perhaps the orphanage wanted to show us that she can stand (which can be uncommon for children in orphanges, at her tender young age). These pictures were a surprise "gift" via Brian Stuy (researchchina.org). I recommend his services; we also got a copy of Chun Qi's finding ad from Brian.