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We've kept the siblings' Chinese names, but they have picked out some "American" names for use in school and with their friends, who have a harder time pronouncing the Chinese. Wei has picked Will, Hong has picked Ben, Rong has picked James, and Deirdre picked Lilly for Xiu in a fit of maternal instinct.

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Wei, Rong, and Corbin are inseparable! We've acquired two Australian Shepherd puppies (Lucy and Desi), and the boys love to romp around the house with them. Hong and Corbin are now on the same children's soccer team, and it's been okay. They love the opportunity to play with each other outside of "sibling time." When they are together in the house, they tend to fight over toy trains and cars.

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Despite her initial reaction, Deirdre is trying hard to adjust to another girl in the house. Being a neat-freak herself, she's having a bit of difficulty being around Xiu. There have been some spats between the two, but Deirdre's slowly adjusting. She's taken to playing with Xiu with Oscar the rabbit to try and connect with her. Xiu seems to love the animals so far.

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Wei is excelling in his English classes, and we've heard nothing but wonderful things from all of his teachers. We've asked our friend Dr. Adam Norton (a veterinarian) to give Wei a good idea of what working in a veterinary hospital is like, as Wei has expressed a strong desire to pursue a career in that field. Rong wants to join his brother as soon as he's old enough, but for now he just takes good care of the animals in the house.