Lia (LiLi) began as a dream in Moms heart over 10 years ago. Fast forward 8 years and our family, in 2003, was nearly complete with 3 daughters who were 16, 6, and 4 at the time. The only thing missing was our little cherry-on-top, LiLi. As it turned out, shes more like a spicy little jalapeno-on-top! LiLi was adopted from Chenzhou in February 2005 after a record breaking short wait of 6 months for referral. We arrived in Guangzhou, flew to Changsha, boarded a van to the Civil Affairs office, and had her in our arms within an hour! What a whirlwind day! When we finally settled into the Dolton Hotel later that evening, fireworks were going off all around the city until the wee hours of the morning. It was Lanterns Festival, and the last day of the Chinese New Year! We realized that Xi Huas name Joyful/Celebration China, was very apt for what we were experiencing at the very moment, and no one could convince us that the fireworks had not been planned just for us. We also later realized that Lanterns Day is traditionally a day of family reunions in China. We were in the right place, at the right time, with the right baby. She has continued to bless our lives and the lives of others in immeasurable ways ever since. She is charismatic, outgoing, hilarious, tiny and beautiful. Were amazed and thrilled!