Sunday, May 09, 2010

Pearl


I put this picture first because it is my favorite.

It's been awhile since I took my girls on a photo-shoot. I decided to take them separately. Pearl has always been easy to take a picture of. It is sometimes difficult for her to relax and hold a natural position, but she loves being the center of attention and she will flash her gorgeous smile on cue.

We didn't get to bring Pearl home from China until she was 3.25 years old. We were looking for an older child (much older than 3) and then we totally fell in love with her profile. There are several behaviors that she has that we attribute directly to spending so much time in the orphanage. She needs a LOT of structure, consistency and direction. Even with those setbacks, Pearl has been the perfect addition to our family and I expect the brightest of futures ahead for her.

Pearl is very smart, almost too smart. Her reading skills are off the chart for first grade and none of the other students in her class are even close to her level. She learns from imitation and she learns quickly, although her comprehension skills sometimes lag behind. I attribute this to her only having spoken English for less than 4 years.

Pearl is a gentle soul, although she moves quickly and impatiently. She is sweet and loving, but the world revolves around her and she is easily distracted. She is kind and giving, but she is also carefree and oblivious. She is loud, quirky, goofy and a drama queen. She speaks in extremes and is quick to engage in debate. Sometimes I think she is already a teenager. She lights up a room and will strike up a conversation about herself to anyone who is willing to listen. She is amazingly popular.

Pearl is a true gem that needs to be nurtured and loved. She and her little sister Chloe have taught me so much about what it means to be a mother, something I NEVER thought I would be until I turned 40. I feel like my life has just begun.

Happy Mother's Day to all the other lucky mamas out there!












14 comments:

Mission To Macie said...

What a beauty!

Happy Mother's Day!

Arena Mom said...

Beautiful girl...beautiful pictures! Happy Mother's Day!

Everything Beautiful Shay said...

Beautiful and breathtaking!!!

Carolin said...

beautiful pics as always!!! Gorgeous girls!!!

Leah Maya Benjamin said...

really gorgeous pictures, how nice to learn more about Pearl, you can always see soem of their personality in the photo's but its fun to hear about them too. I never realized how long it took for you to get Pearl home.

Dana Yi Photography said...

These pictures are stunning!!! She is so beautiful. Which lens did you use here?

Colleen said...

These are beautiful Lori! Pearl sounds so much like Faith that I just had to smile as I read this. I'm sure they would get along great!

Half Gaelic, Half Garlic! said...

Gorgeous Girl.....what a beautiful tribute to such a special little lady:) The pictures are fantastic!! So are Chloe's in the post below........ I am always behind and am lucky to make it around to blogs once a week!!

Thinking of you this week...... hope all goes well!!

Hope you enjoyed your Mother's Day:)

Lisa

Gail said...

Pearl is stunning! She sounds like a wonderful little girl and reminds me very much of my daughter Grace, both in looks and personality.

Donna said...

These are so pretty! I love that first one too. I stared at it for a while trying to figure out how you did the nice sepia tones while keeping some parts white. I love that!

Your photography skills have always been awesome but your girls really inspire you! Must be that "love" thing, eh? ;)

I hope you had a wonderful Mommy Day. I know what you mean about life starting over at 40. Did for me too!

Donna
Our Blog: Double Happiness!

Katrina said...

She is beautiful and you are such a great artist!!! love your pictures! Katrina

Chasing Dreams Photography said...

Your pictures are beautiful!!! I love your processing!!! Your use of textures...GORGEOUS!!!!

Teresa said...

What a beautiful girl Pearl is and I loved reading more about her! These portraits of her are just stunning, one right after the other! Happy belated Mother's day to you!

Hannah said...

These are beautiful. Dmitry came home at 2.5 and he sounds a lot like your Pearl.

We have been so blessed by our babies :)