Introducing Tessa Xiaojian Cornell McKim

I have been raising a boy for almost 12 years now, and it comes as a surprise to me that I don't know much about girls. I was a girl once. I came of age on a steady diet of girl books. I loved Nancy Drew and Laura Ingalls Wilder and Harriet the Spy. My favorite characters taught me about sleuthing and writing and how to live in sub zero temperatures on the prairie.

Now in this new age, I have discovered girl power. I wish I knew about girl power when I was young. Girls get superpowers and go out to save the world. Girls take Chemistry and art and play basketball and aren't afraid to be smart. They kick butt and use their powers for good to triumph over evil.

That's the kind of girl I want to raise. A girl who knows herself, loves herself and isn't afraid to be whatever she wants to be. She uses her superpowers always for the betterment of her community. She wants always to uplift those around her. She is a fighter, a dreamer, and loves to laugh.

So this sweet little thing will soon come to live with us, and I am full of the wonder of girls. Although I have been a parent for 12 years and I think I have done a decent job of raising my son (so far) I would certainly appreciate any and all advice about raising a daughter--especially the warrior princess type. I don't think you can ever leave stuff like this to chance. I rely on the wisdom of my community.

Please join Geoff, Grayson and I as we journey to China to pick up Tessa! We'll keep you apprised of all our adventures.