Sister Carrie

I'm a writer, mother, stepmother, and shy person.

Here's the rundown on our family:

Sister Carrie -- Me. The eldest of seven children and an English major. I'm currently working as a freelance writer. I write about adoptive parenting and do corporate communications. I also sew a lot of costumes for the kids.

Big A (sometimes just A) -- My long-suffering husband.

Abbey (formerly Little A) -- Big A's teenage daughter, who used to live with us; currently a senior in college.

Bess -- Our oldest daughter, now in 11th grade; adopted as an infant from China.

May -- Our middle daughter, in ninth grade; adopted at age 8 from China.

Ella -- Our youngest daughter, now in fifth grade; adopted as an infant from China.

House -- Big. In a state of constant refurbishment..

Jiaozi (pronounced something like "jyow-dzuh") -- Delicious Chinese dumplings traditionally eaten during Lunar New Year and other celebrations. Fried jiaozi are usually called "potstickers" on American menus.