The Brichetto Girls

The Brichetto Girls
Gia and Jeannie

Happy Birthday Jeannie!

Happy Birthday Jeannie!
Jeannie's first birthday party

Saturday, January 30, 2010

Gotcha Day Jia Fan

Three years ago today Gia walked into our lives. She was wearing a red sweater, pink pants and pink boots. She was too afraid to look us in the eye - she looked down or looked away with a blank stare. Tears were in her eyes, but she was too proud and brave to cry. We instantly fell in love with her spirit - her strength - and her strong will.

Early this morning Bob and I were in bed talking about our memories of our "firs moments together" with Gia. Every day she shows us how brave she is, how hard she tries at everything she does, and is never happy until she gives 100 % and is successful. Her daddy has often told her "Gia - you are my hero!"

Soon, Gia joins us in bed and we begin to talk about her special "Gotcha Day". She is so bright and happy, talking about her memories and how relieved she was once she realized that we were a "nice mommy and daddy - especially daddy was fun to play with!"

Later Jeannie joins us - just waking up, still tired and quiet. I remind her that today is her special day too - because this was the day that mommy and daddy saw her picture - and heard all about her. It was the day that mommy knew that she would be joining our family.

Later that morning daddy brought all of his girls pink roses - and Gia received a gift that was purchased 3 years ago in China for this special day.

I look back at the photos taken in Pingnan from over 3 years ago. Gia is very thin and covered in bug bites. Jeannie had her shy smile. Today they are confident and happy girls, knowing that they are so very much loved and wanted.

Gotcha Day 1/30/2007

Gotcha Day 1/30/2007
Beautiful Gia

Gia and Jeannie

Gia and Jeannie
Gia on the left and Jeannie on the right.

Christmas 2009

Christmas 2009

Gia and Jeannie

Gia and Jeannie

Fu Cheng and Jia Fan

Fu Cheng  and  Jia Fan
Jeannie and Gia March 2009

Jeannie's beautiful smile

Jeannie's beautiful smile

Jeannie and Gia eating macaroni at Omaha Zoo

Jeannie and Gia eating macaroni at Omaha Zoo

First night's sleep in her clean warm bed. She loves her new home and forever family!

Jeannie, Ben and Gia at home.

Our travel group

Jeannie, Mama and Gia

Jeannie loves her Barbie


This is what it is like trying to work on the computer.

Getting ready for bed, and sleeping with their Barbies

Playing on the monkey bars at an outside playground. Jeannie could not do it at first, but after several attemps, she was keeping up with Gia.

Advertisement outside a restaurant. Looks yummy!

Dressed and ready for breakfast.

Three girls waiting for the immunizations.

Jeannie getting a shot and Gia holding her hand

Jeannie loves her hair in pigtails, Gia had to copy.

Sldeeping beauties. Notice their arms locked together.

Dressed like "twins" in $1.00 Walmart shirts.

Jeannie Fu Cheng

New back packs from Walmart

Gia helping mommy make blankets for the babies in the orphanage.

Happy girls. Notice Jeannie's pig tails. She loves to have her hair done.

Photo from Gotcha Day

I got my sister at last!

Jeannie told us through a translater " Now I won't be alone, I have a sister and a family"

After bath and ready for bed. Notice the hair clips in Jeannie's hair. She is a girly girl!!!

Close up shot of the nicest port-a-potty we have ever seen. Electronic sign to tell you if "occupied or vacant".

Bob and Gia in front of the "birds nest".

The Water Cube

The Olympic Torch

Beijing Airport

Our airplane over the North Pole

Look who we found in the suitcase.

Gia and Jeannie

Gia and Jeannie
Dancing girls

Foster Mom

Foster Mom
Gia, Foster mom and Jeannie

Our Family

Our Family
Bob, Theresa, Ben and Gia