Sister Carrie

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

Here's the rundown on our family:

Sister Carrie -- Me. I'm not a great admirer of the book, but I am 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 attending college.

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

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

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

Cats -- T, W, and D. I'm protecting their privacy in case their friends Google them.

Dog -- S, my little buddy.

House -- It's almost there. I like my kitchen.

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.