Nutmeg Mama

Happy Adoption Day!!!!!

2009-07-10T18:51:00.000-07:00

Three years today Jade joined our family. I remember the day like it was yesterday. I remember all the years waiting to become a mother and the crazy range of emotions I felt on that day. How strange the day must have been for my sweet girl. She never cried just looked at us with caution. Words really can not describe how blessed I feel to be Jade's mama.
Jade,
I love you so much and you bring so much joy in my life!!!

.. July 2006

Da Pool

2009-07-06T20:26:00.000-07:00

It was Liam's first time at the pool today. We went with my mom to the pool at her fitness club. They have a nice pool set up. A baby pool, gradual depth pool and regular pool. Jade likes the water but is not fond of getting her head wet. Liam on the other hand is a fish. He sticks his head in the water! They had so much fun today with Grandma or as she likes to refer to herself as "The spoiler".

Ball Obsessed!

2009-07-04T13:28:00.000-07:00

That's what our dog is. We can not have any balls in the house because our Boston (Moe) will demolish them in seconds. We just got the kids a small pool and Moe spotted the ball in the pool. He was trying for about 10 minutes to get it so we busted out the camera. Now pool ball is no more lol!

VBS!!

2009-07-01T09:14:00.000-07:00

We had Vacation Bible School last week. It was a lot of fun! My mom and I taught a story again this year. We teach each each age and grade with two groups a day. It is a lot of work but the kids love it. Our story was about a shipwreck where God saved all aboard but the ship was lost in a storm. This was really fun to create in our room.

Jade and her friend Millie singing at the parent program.

Our ship

Jade in her class.

Jewelry Giveaway!

2009-06-07T19:40:00.000-07:00

I love jewelry! Especially hand made silver jewelry. I really enjoy making it myself and almost majored in it in collage. So go check out Laurie over at Pho for five for a fun giveaway.

Amazing!

2009-06-04T11:18:00.000-07:00

My friend Shel had a baby girl yesterday afternoon. I am very thankful that I was able to see baby Liana enter the world. I had never seen a baby born and most likely will not experience it myself so it was a real gift to witness. (But also looked VERY painful!)

Btw who looks this good an hour after birthing a baby with no drugs! Mama was a trooper!

Zoo, Picnic and Beauty Parlor.

2009-05-26T19:11:00.000-07:00

Can I say I LOVE me some Spring. After months and months of cold and snow I feel like I go a little nutty when the sun comes out and the trees get their leaves. We took Liam to the zoo for the first time on Saturday and he had a blast. He was pointing and dada'in at all the animals (I think this is his happy sound, lol). Jade had fun showing baby bro the ropes since she has been to this zoo many times. Liam LOVES to be licked by animals. He likes to lean down to our Boston and have him lick his face. He thinks it is hilarious (which it is, yet slightly gross).
So he had fun feeding the goats and having them lick his hands (don't worry hands only no lips).
We also went to a picnic over at our friends on Monday. They had some others over from our church and it was really fun! They live on an acre so the kids have lots of room to play. Then we had a bon fire and they torched this old rotten picnic table. Good times!

At picnic: Who gave my kid this bottle? Uncle Cory?!

Um, Cory the table you are on is on fire, lol.

Uh oh I think our dog is going to be jealous.

Lets see how many kids we can cram in this baby.

Jade wanted to make daddy "handsome" Looking good honey!

Zoo:

Look at that joy!

Wig Busting, Day In Asia, and Choo Choo Trains

2009-05-22T19:23:00.000-07:00

We have these gorgeous lilacs in our front yard so I wanted to get some pics in before the blooms left.

Where did my baby go?

Here comes Th*mas!

Jade with Uncle Cory

Day in Asia with Grandpa

I trimmed up Liam's hair a few weeks back but it just wasn't how I wanted it so I took both kids in to get a wig busting (as we like to call it around here). The place is especially for children's cuts and it was really cute inside. Jade didn't mind but Liam (as I'm sure many just one year olds would be) didn't love his so much. Liam looks so much older now but it is really cute and I love to faux hawk it.

My mom's Asian Awareness Club had another "Day in Asia" at her school. So, traditionally, we went up to visit and eat. It is always fun to see what the students come up with. Liam and Jade had fun and many of the students were goo-goo-gagaing over them. Jade is old enough now that she kinda knows what is going on. She said, of one of the students, "She is from China, like me."

Today we went to see Th*mas The Train. We went with my brother, his new girlfriend, her sister-in-law and her kids. It was beautiful out. Sunny and high 70s.

Has it already been 6 months!!!

2009-05-18T08:10:00.000-07:00

Wow, I am a bad blogger! I just have had a lot of things come up lately. Plus the weather has been warmer so I just want to be outside a lot. I also have been on a reading binge. It all started with the Twil*ght Saga. Those books are all consuming. I just couldn't put them down. Then after that I wanted to read her other novel The H*ost. I really enjoy her books!

We got 3 new lenses for the camera so I hope to learn how to use them better. I did work for a photographer for 3 years when I was younger so you would think I would know more than I do. I should have used that opportunity to learn from her more.

Little man has been home now 6 months!!! Man does time fly!! I look at Jade and can't believe she is almost 4. Where did my baby go!! Liam is walking all over the place and getting into everything. I am very thankful that he is such a good sleeper and I think this is because he is so busy during his awake hours. He is also very verbal and loves to gibber jabber all day long. he can say a few words (mama, dada, baby, and a lot of boo boo, dee do, na, nahs all day long) He can also sign for more. He picked this up quickly when communicating that he wanted more food. He LOVES to eat, and solids now, no more puree for him. He only has 5 teeth but eats like he has a mouth full. I try to cut it really small because he shovels a handful in at a time.

Above are some pictures from the park a few days ago with one of my new lenses. It was cloudy so I hope to go back and get some neat ones using sun rays.

Look Who's One!

2009-04-15T19:24:00.000-07:00

Yes our little man turned one yesterday. We had a birthday party for him at my parent's house on Saturday. Poor Liam has been sick with Croup and a secondary infection. On Saturday he was feeling better but still a little crabby. So the song "It's my party and I'll cry if I want to" did apply to my little man on Saturday. He still has a runny nose but is at least eating and not crying half of the day now. It was a rough week last week. He is in a much better mood now. He LOVED his cake! I think he played/ate it for more than 5 minutes. Very soon after we stopped rolling he smashed it with both hands. We missed it on video but got some pictures below.

When I changed Liam's diaper the next morning I was alarmed because his poo was dark blue. Lol !!! Then I remembered all the icing he ate the day before..

Liam having a moment.

Want some grandpa!

I don't think my poor little man had smiled in days. (Cake makes me smile too!)

My sweet girl!

Look who's walking.

2009-04-04T11:34:00.000-07:00

Liam starting taking steps a couple weeks ago and last week he decided that he would like to walk now. Everyday he has been walking more and more. Now he seems to be wanting to walk more than crawl. Here we go.....

Fear Fa*ctor, here we come!

2009-03-28T15:26:00.000-07:00

My brother decided to have a get together yesterday to try out different "interesting" food items. He had many of his friends over so we decided to join in the fun to see who would be gaging first. My brother and I have been wanting to bust out the Dorian fruit to see what it tastes like so why not include some other questionable items and make it a "dare ya to eat it" party. We wanted to wait till it was warmer outside because the fruit smells putrid. We saved it for last but actually it was not the worst tasting item on the menu. Smelliest, yes. Worst tasting. no. The worst tasting to me was the least smelliest. go figure.

Fermented soy bean, hmmm. The word fermented should be your first warning.

Ji enjoying food from her homeland

You mix it with mustard and soy sauce and it becomes gooey.

Oh yeah, that is nasty!!!

The Dorian

My bro getting a big 'ol bite.

The face says it all, lol.

Thousand year old duck eggs. Not as bad as I thought it would be actually.

A whole fish.

Jade was excited but did not try much at all. I think our expressions scared her a little bit.

This is Liam's new favorite thing, hanging upside down.

A girl and a pen in the bathroom alone....

2009-03-20T09:44:00.000-07:00

And you get some lovely artwork on the walls next to the potty. What else is a 3 1/2 year old going to do while "waiting", right. The funny thing is it's one of the best pictures she has ever drawn. I mean you can see eyes and a mouth. I had to take a picture before removing it.

It has been unseasonable warm the past week so we have been outside as much as possible. We went to a park with a protected wetland with our friends Josh, Jeanine and their son Jonah. The park is still muddy and wintry looking but it was blue skies and mid 60's so we got to see some animals out like this muskrat. (He was so cute!)

The beaver dams are really cool here.

Jonah

Little man

Then we played outside since it was so nice. I need to get new sand for Jade's sandbox so she enjoyed the dirt in this pot on the porch. Of course she thought this was great. They had a bath a little early that day.

Getting a little windy

It is hard to get both kids smiling and looking at the camera at the same time so I was excited to get this one.

The Ballet

2009-03-14T17:48:00.000-07:00

Jade, my mom and I had a girls day out today at the ballet. We saw a youth ballet preform The Emp*ty Pot. The story is set in China and is about a boy who tries to grow a seed for an emperor. My mom has taught two of the high school kids in the company who had the two leads. They did a really nice job. I use to dance (toe ballet) when I was younger (believe it or not) for 10 years so I always enjoy watching it. Jade sat through most of it and said she really liked it.

This was my view before the organ went down, HELLO! We were in the first row.

Jade made a friend

Okay, time to intervene before one of them goes over.

My mom taught the boy on the right.

Another student of my mom's.

Okay and one of Liam with a sweet do.

Charlotte

2009-03-09T11:18:00.000-07:00

We just got back from a trip to see some friends in Charlotte NC. The weather was beautiful!!! In the mid 70s and 80s blue skies, and low humidity. I mean does it get any better? We met our friends when we all adopted our daughters from China back in 2006. Jade and Lilly are from the same city in China so it is so neat to see them together. John had some job interviews as well. We may be moving there in the summer. We wanted to move there before but wanted to wait for our adoption of Li to be completed. It is a fun area with a lot to do and the weather is so much nicer then here. We came home to 40 and rainy, bummer. It was wonderful to see them and the girls had a blast!

Liam, Lilly and Jade

Lilly (aka Tootie or Shu Shu)

Jade is not into the swing but little man sure is!

The girls on Cisco. This is our friends oldest daughter's horse. (We have NEVER been able to get Jade to go near a horse before, go figure?)

We have a picture from a year and a half ago of the girls sitting on this exact seat on the porch.

Then:

Now: (Wow, how they have grow!)

This video is of the girls on the trampoline. If you listen carefully you can hear Jade say, "I love you Shu Shu." Too cute!!

Going to school, parties and boogies.

2009-02-19T07:19:00.000-08:00

Busy, Busy, that is what it has been around here. Last weekend we went to two birthday parties. One for Jade's friend Millie and another for my nephew who turned 16 (this is still shocking to me since I have known him since he was 6 months old). On Saturday Jade was ready for bed after going to basketball (John coaches first and second graders at a basketball program at our church), Millie's party and watching some friends perform at our coffee house at church.

Jade starts preschool in a couple weeks so we went to visit her class yesterday. She hasn't stopped talking about Mrs. B since. She is so excited about being "a big girl" and going to school. Me not so much. Everyday for two hours is going to be hard, for me that is, lol. Jade didn't even say bye to me she just ran right in with all the kids. Mrs. B said "I think she will do just fine." Jade hung out there with the kids and I went home and feed Liam and came back an hour later. She didn't even want to leave so I think this will be good for her and hopefully I will get use to it. It will be nice to have some one-on-one with Li for a few hours a day (especially since Jade doesn't really nap) So we got the backpack (hell* Kitty) and now we just need some tennis shoes since her Cr*cs aren't safe on the playground.

Liam has been sick. He got his first cold last weekend His poor little nose has just been running like crazy. The nice thing is that he has been so snugly. He is very busy and not much of a cuddlier so I have enjoyed the hugs. He is feeling better now so it is back to busy busy.

Birthday girl!

Liam wanted to play ripe the tail off the donkey.

Rare snuggling moment. Loved it! I think the sweater I had on helped.

Heat Wave!

2009-02-12T05:59:00.000-08:00

I know I talk about the weather a lot but it is so varied here from one extreme to the other. It was 60 yesterday (which is rare for early Feb.) so I had to take the kids outside. We went to the duck park. It is a small hike to the pond and about 5 minutes into our walk I knew it was too wet and muddy. We ended up at a playground near us and Jade was so excited to be out of the house playing outside. We only got to stay for about a half an hour then it started to rain but after being couped up for months it was worth it. Now it is back to 30 and sleet, boo. I didn't get a picture but Jade got to hold Liam down the (small) slide (while I held on too). He loved it. I am sure he will be all over that playground soon.

Partying Lunar New Year Style!

2009-01-30T19:58:00.000-08:00

We had a New Year celebration over at my parents house. This is our first Lunar New Year as a family of four. We had all kinds of Asian food from Chinese, Vietnamese, and Japanese. My brother loves to cook so I always enjoy coming over to eat his food. He has a real knack for what goes together and like to cook challenging food. He also had his friend Ji over from Shanghai here completing her masters and she help with some of the Chinese techniques to the dishes. I love how this is a regular family event now. We have celebrated it for the last 4 years and it is becoming tradition. I hope to learn about more traditions for celebrating the new year so my children can pass this on as well.

All dressed up and ready to go to the party

The spread (some of it anyway)

Daddy being goofy with Li

First time with bubbles. My dad said, Liam is a bubble freak!"

I can blow them myself now

Jade and Olivia in their new year best

Now that's happy

Beautiful cake from a nearby Taiwanese bakery

The group

My beautiful girl!

Here's your red envelope back. I'll takes what's in it.

Moola!

Snow day in funky town

2009-01-28T18:20:00.000-08:00

We got quite the snow storm last night and today (7-10 inches). My mom had off school so she and my dad came over to give us some company. It is usually now when I really start to get cabin fever and today didn't help. The nice thing was that they got to play outside with Jade (which she has been wanting to do). It is hard for me to get out there with the baby. My dad brought his snow blower and did the drive (which was wonderful!!) I about died just doing the porch and sidewalk with a shovel, someone needs to start working out again. Jade got this snowball maker for Christmas and tried it out but the snow was a little too fluffy to pack well. She enjoyed it anyway.

Oh yeah they funky town part. My mom got me this birthday card that plays "funky town" and Liam LOVES it. He thinks it is the greatest thing to open and shut it to hear the music start and stop. The best is that we got him on video doing this and shaking his little booty. Sorry it is so dark.

First Tooth & Happy New Year!

2009-01-26T09:13:00.000-08:00

Liam finally has broken through his first tooth. It was hard to get a picture of it (especially without looking like we are prying his mouth open). This tooth has been working it's way out for weeks and now I think he is working the one next to it. Jade had 8 teeth when we adopted her so this is exciting to get to witness one of our child's first teeth.

We are planning on having a get together on Friday at my parent's house for Chinese New Year/Tet. This is the first one where we have both kids home so it is a special one. My brother is an amazing cook and loves Asian food so I can't wait to see what kind of Chinese and Vietnamese dishes he is going to whip up. He and I will have to take a trip up to the Asian market to get some goods.

Here is the culprit that has been making poor Liam's face slobbery and chapped. One down 19 to go! (I hope the other ones aren't this crooked. Better start saving for those braces now.)

One year Anniversary and Reflection

2009-01-24T18:49:00.000-08:00

Tomorrow is the one year anniversary of this blog. I remember the stress I was feeling last year not knowing if Liam would ever come home. As I have heard other AP/PAPs describe it as all consuming. I have to say besides caring for my daughter this is what I thought about. Amazing how much one will consume their thoughts with things they have no control over. I don't know how many hours I searched blog after blog after website looking for information about what was going to happen between VN and the US and how this would affect our adoption. I guess one thing I have learned (yet always have known yet not internalized) is that worry changes nothing and takes up time for other positive productive things I could be doing. Of course we did bring Liam home and worries about that have ceased. I will never forget about all those AP/PAPs whose dreams of bringing home a child from VN did not come to pass before the deadline. Many have new journey's to children from other countries but I am sure that the loss of a child from VN will always be there and I can't help but to think about those individuals on this anniversary.

So this comes into play as I think about the blessings of my two children. They are the absolute greatest earthly blessing I have ever been given. I feel so lucky that God choose for me to mother these two kids. I always knew I wanted to be a mom and for years I didn't know how or if it would happen. It sure didn't happen as I planned but even more amazing and life changing then I could have imagined. People sometimes say what a blessing to give Jade and Liam a home but they don't understand how they have been a blessing to me and that really I am the lucky one who has grown and had my eyes opened to many things because of the adoption of my children. I am so thankful to God for the path of motherhood he choose for me.

I took a picture of Jade holding Liam and now she likes to pull him on her lap and say, "Mama, take a picture."

Busy busy little man.

This is a rare occasion, Jade in a princess dress.

Story time at the Library. Liam's first time there. He was so excited he later spit up ALL over this outfit.

In deep thought

Let it snow! (okay really please stop)

2009-01-10T13:21:00.000-08:00

Tis the season for us in the north to have snow. This winter hasn't been bad so far and everyone was talking about how mild this winter has been so far. Well I think we all jinxed it because it's not mild anymore. Ten inches and coming up here,ugh! (Did I ever mention how much I love this stuff). I don't mean to be a downer but I know this is just the beginning to at least two months of this (If one remembers my post from last March) I really miss going outside without having to bundle the kids since it takes forever. Liam is like trying to dress a wild animal so you can imagine how he is with a snowsuit. Jade has wanted to build a snowman for months so I think we will be able to do that now. My parents also got her a snowball maker/thrower so that should be interesting as well. So here are the kids getting ready to go out for breakfast this morning and daddy shoveling the drive.

This picture looks familiar (same as picture from last March)

Good luck birdies.

Nanooks of the North.

Merry Christmas, Happy New Year and anything else I missed

2009-01-05T10:58:00.000-08:00

I have really been slacking on the posts lately. We have been out of town visiting relatives and since my hubby was not with me I didn't get any pictures of my grandparents since I was too busy keeping Liam out of all their stuff ( in their non-baby-proofed houses) oh well. I did (okay my husband did) get some on Christmas day so it isn't a total loss. I think I am starting to get the hang of this two kid thing. Liam is such a good sleeper and napper and I am very thankful. He is very busy during the day so he needs to rest up in between. He is so chatty and just jabbers away all the time. Yesterday in church I had to walk out for a minute because he was so loud and I could hear people laughing and looking at him. He loves to go back and forth with you imitating noises and when he is really happy he just holds his mouth wide open for several seconds. It is so cute. Jade has been doing so much better with Liam and she actually said she liked him the other day. She also loves to be my helper with him. Today I was changing him and she said, "I lotion baby brother" and before I could see what she was doing she was rubbing butt cream all over his face. She has been saying the funniest stuff lately. Today I told her we needed to go to Wal*mart and she said, "I no like Wal*mart. I like Targ*et." I didn't think a three year old would know the difference but I guess I was wrong. Then in Targ*et (yes we ended up there instead) she saw this pink blanket she liked and said, "I no pee on this one." (since she had an accident in the bed last night) so she must of really liked it. Oh yeah and while we were visiting my grandparents my mom taught her to say, "Shut your pie-hole Peanut." (this is my mom's Pomeranian) so guess what she has been randomly blurting out lately. I need to write down all the funny stuff she says so I don't forget it. So here are some random pictures from Christmas up until now. (Can you tell the nice camera from the cheap one? what a difference!)

Presents Rock!! (and she has been saying, " I want Christmas again" everyday since)

This present tastes good.

Working my first present.

Santa at Grandma and Grandpa L's house.

Grandma S, Jade and Peanut. (I think my mom is enjoying this more than Jade)

My girly daughter wearing her stor*m tropper costume with light save*r, lol.

There's that open mouth toothless sign of happiness.

The new Fam.

Who gave this kid a lemon. That is so cruel but hilarious!

Liam and Jonah, best buds and only a week apart. (They say friends that chew things together stay together, or something like that.)

Tagged

2009-01-03T09:48:00.000-08:00

I've been tagged by my friend and fellow adoptive parent Kirsten. This is my first tag, yipee!

Q: five names you go by:

1. cinnamon

2. c-mon (pronounced "see moan")

3. mama

4. c

5. mommy

Q. three things you are wearing right now:

1. black yoga pants (that I don't do yoga in)

2. one of my husband's t-shirts

3. new socks from mom

Q. two things you want very badly at the moment:

1. warm weather ( I really dislike winter)

2. a day to sleep in

Q. two things you did last night:

1. went on a date to see a movie with my hubby.

2. ate lasagna soup my mom brought over.

Q. two things you ate today:

1. french toast

2. scrambled eggs (from Cracker Barrel)

Q. two people you last talked to on the phone:

1. mom

2. dad

Q. two things you are going to do tomorrow:

1. go to church

2. go out to eat with my parents and brother

Q. two longest car rides:

1. Searcy, Arkansas

2. Orlando, Florida

Q. two of your favorite beverages:

1. ice tea

2. Cinnamon Dol*ce Latte from Starbu*cks

Q. the people you’d like to respond:

1. Erica

2. Kate

3. Kelli

4. Meredith

5. Jessica

Warming up (slowly)

2008-12-18T13:45:00.000-08:00

We are seeing small improvements in Jade's transition to her baby brother. It is funny I thought the big transition would be more difficult for him not her. He seems to be doing well and is on a good schedule (Jade has never been one much for those so it is kind of nice) He is sleeping through the night which is WONDERFUL. I have to admit lack of sleep is the worst. I just get so cranky without sleep. Jade only has recently started to sleep through the night and now is back to not doing it again but usually only gets up briefly. I lay with her each night and then go back into my room when she is asleep. Now she will burst into my room all anxiety ridden and sometimes wakes Liam up so I have left our doors wide open so she at least doesn't bang those. Then I am usually back in her room. I know that this is when she will display her anxiety about the transition the most so I am trying to be flexible. Tantrums have also increased but then again she is three. But today especially she has been showing more concern and tolerance for him instead of avoidance and annoyance. She wanted to feed him his bottle so I let her hold him for the last couple ounces. Then when he got up from a nap and was crying she wanted me to go get him. Lastly when he touched her today, as she was playing, she didn't freak she just said, "Here is your toy baby brother". It is nice to see some progress and I know some days will be better than others but it is good to at least see that we can have good days.

Liam loves to be carried around and held so I have not got much done besides basic needs. He cries a lot if I put him down and I know that he is still transitioning and it is important that I do hold him a lot now but boy do my arms hurt. I use my sling some times but it is not as useful as I thought it would be inside the house. Liam loves to go out (as he did in VN) He is doing so much better in the infant car seat so I try to take the kids out at least once a day. I am also starting to get his moods and wants down so this makes it easier too. Like for example he likes to be held after eating and a nap and then he will get down and play but don't do this right away and he gets mad (so now I know). He is very smiley and loves to interact repeating noises, playing peek-a-boo, and you can tickle him all day (he loves it). We have pictures tomorrow so we will see how that goes, lol.

Little mommy

Look we even have a hand on his head!

Little Santa

The Tree + a giveaway

2008-12-12T08:34:00.000-08:00

Laurie over at Pho for five has some awesome giveaways for Christmas so go check it out!

Since Christmas is in less than two weeks I thought I might as well put up the tree. Jade was really excited to help this year and helped put on a lot of the ornaments. Liam helped eat some of them, lol. I have not been feeling well since we got home. I went to the doctor yesterday and had to give some samples ( we will just leave it at that) so hopefully I have not brought over any friends from Vietnam, if ya know what I mean, ewwww. Today is the first day where I have felt normal so I hope the worst is past.

Liam is doing well. He has slept through the night the last few nights only needing me to help him find his blanket to snuggle. He eats like a little piggy and has gained a pound since coming home. I took him the doc and she said he is developmentally on target for his age (which surprised me actually) so I am very thankful for that.

Jade has been slowly warming up to him and sharing mommy but I know this will take time. She has had a lot more tantrums but I'm sure this is to be expected. She will sit with him and play with him briefly so baby steps. I think it would be good for her and I to do something just the two of us this weekend. I have been busy trying to adjust to having two kids. Lots of work but am so thankful!

Here are some pictures of my little tree helpers. I could only get the one of them together. Then Jade was done taking pictures with baby brother, lol.

Ha Long Bay

2008-12-07T12:20:00.000-08:00

Worth the 3 hour bumpy van ride there and back you ask? I'd say yes! We decide to do this the last day before coming home and wow was it beautiful! We took a private boat with others in our travel group and had a 4 hour tour of the bay with a seafood lunch included.

water village

Jeff, another adoptive parent, going for a dip

I love my baby brother...

2008-12-06T18:02:00.000-08:00

Well if I have to. This is what I think Jade wants to say when people ask if she loves her new brother. It must be hard getting all the attention for 2+ years and then all of a sudden, hello my world has changed. She really tried to play with him but he can't do what she can so I think she thinks he is not quite as fun as she thought he would be. She has pushed him a few times and had a little meltdown tonight. But then she wanted to take a bath with him so we will take what we can get in the accepting baby brother transition.

Liam is doing well. We had a few rough nights but that is to be expected. He has slept pretty much through the night the last 2 nights so this is always helpful in the functioning normally department. He is a smiley little guy and loves to be bounced and ticked on his belly. He also eats great so I am glad this is not an issue so far. Vietnam was amazing and I have a lot to share about the trip. So till then here are some pics.

Yes she loves her Kung Fu Pan*da costume a lot.

Introducing...

2008-11-30T17:57:00.000-08:00

Our new addition, Little Man (as I like to call him). We have just spent two exciting and emotional weeks in Vietnam adopting our son Liam. He is an absolute blessing and we are so thankful to God to have this gift. I have a lot to post but have been sick since we have been back with some kind of digestive flu (not pretty) so I hope to post more soon.

leaf angels

2008-11-07T14:02:00.001-08:00

The leaves on our trees are pretty much all off (as you will see) It is so sad when they fall off and the trees are just bare. I wanted to get some pictures of Jade in the leaves. She had so much fun throwing them. We also have a surprise coming up soon so let me know if you want the password

to my second blog because it will be password protected.

Trick or Treat

2008-10-26T17:42:00.000-07:00

Jade trick or treated in my parents neighborhood. She was such a big girl ringing doorbells and getting treats all on her own. We had fun for about a half an hour until it started pouring down rain.

Jade and Grandpa.

I'm ready to go and fill this pumpkin up!

This was a pick your own treat at the end of the driveway.

I'm here!

CANDY!

Boo at the Zoo.

2008-10-25T19:26:00.001-07:00

We took Jade to Boo at the Zoo with my hubby's parents, his sister, her hubby, their son and my hubby's brother. Jade loved it. Whenever she sees some Halloween decorations in some one's yard she says"Trick or Treat" so she has been ready to go. Tomorrow we will Trick or Treat in my parent's neighborhood so that should be fun. Next week she wears her costume to Story Time at the Library and Trick or Treat with her friend Millie. This girl is going to be Trick or Treated out. (At least we are making good use of her costume).

Jade and Grandma Penny.

Getting candy from the king and queen.

This is the cutest Kung F*u Panda I have ever seen!!

They have a new jellyfish exhibit at the zoo. I thought these ones were cool looking so I just threw 'em in here.

Pumpkin Time

2008-10-24T12:14:00.000-07:00

Jade has a new favorite book Dor*a's Perfect Pumpkin which we must read each night before bed. So today we carved a pumpkin that Grandpa gave us. Dor*a scoops out the seeds so Jade helped me do that part. Jade picked the face for the pumpkin and I carved it. I remember doing this at home with my parents, so fun!

Giveaway again

2008-10-23T08:31:00.000-07:00

Laurie over at Pho for Five has a really cute give away. They are these charm necklaces that have stamped names and dates of your kids or loved ones. Check it out.

Fall ya'll

2008-10-18T17:23:00.000-07:00

It is pretty much peak time for the Fall leaves around her. I wanted to get some pictures of Jade with the leaves before it passes so we went with our friends and their daughter Millie to a really beautiful park near their home for some (mild) hiking and pictures.

Jade and her Dada.

Jade and Mama

Millie and Jade

Best buds!

A girl and her pup.

2008-10-16T18:47:00.000-07:00

Jade loves her pup Morris (Momo). He is such a tolerant dog and endures her torture, um I mean love. (We have a Chihuahua too but she is not quite as tolerant of Jade's affections.) Aw, he looks so sweet and innocent but we all know he is waiting for her to drop some food.

Churh Retreat and Fall Fun part 2

2008-10-12T11:46:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was our Fall Retreat (remember the video from a few posts back). It was a lot of fun to spend time with family and friends. John joined us after the retreat (he had to help someone with their car in the morning) at a farm for hayrides, pig races, a corn maze, and a pumpkin patch.

Here is Jade, Millie and Millie's mom and dad (Shannon and Susan) going for a pony ride.

Jade did not want to ride the horse but did watch Millie.

Millie and Jade being one with nature.

Jonah, Josh, Susan, Jeanine, me , Jade, Millie, and Shannon.

Jade and Uncle Cory. (The sky was beautiful yesterday)

These pygmy goats were so adorable. I wanted to take the baby gray one home.

Hayride with daddy. I just like this one.

I love the sun behind her in this one.

Jade did not like the pumpkin cannon.

Go piggies, go!

My friend Jeanine let me try my Mob*y wrap out and carry her son Jonah around. It was so fun!

Here is Jade, Daddy, and Grandpa leaving the farm to go eat. Great way to end a great day.

Story Time.

2008-10-08T12:46:00.000-07:00

Jade and I go to Story Time at the public library by our home for kids ages 2-5. The woman who teaches is a wonderful story teller, very animated. The first class of the season was last Wednesday and Jade pretty much was glued to my lap the whole time. This is typical Jade very hesitant to do something at first. Well today she was on my lap for about the first 5 minutes and then Ms. Laurie started a silly wiggle song and this must of sparked Jade's interest because she shot off my lap to the center of the room like her little bum was on fire. She was dancing, laughing, and having so much fun. Glad she has finally warmed up and is enjoying it.

Break it down, girlfriend!

Craft time.

Check out my bling.

Fall Fun or Bust!

2008-10-04T16:44:00.000-07:00

Well Fall is definitely here. The leaves are changing and it is getting cooler. We decided to do some Fall fun today with Jade. We looked up Fall events on the net and decided to try this place north of us. Well lets just say the advertisement made it look a lot better than it was. We were a little disappointed so I don't think we will be going there again. But we were determined to have some Fall fun darn it so we decided to go south of where we live to a more rural area that we knew would not disappoint in the Fall fun department. On our way we happened to run into this place called Ma*y's Farm. It was much better then the first place and had a great kids' atmosphere. I am pretty sure we will visit here again.

We had to get some pictures at the first place so here is one. They did have a pretty set up in front of their market.

Okay on to place # 2. Much better!

Look at my country girl drivin that tractor.

Jade saw this and said "snowman" well kind of a pumpkin snowman I guess.

It think we are gonna be stuck here a while.

Jade loved the hayride. She kept saying "ye-haw" when we hit a bump (okay that was like the whole ride).

Here is a little video of Jade feeding the goats and sheep.

Movie Star

2008-09-29T09:52:00.000-07:00

We are having a family retreat with our church in a couple weeks. Since my dad is the family minister he organizes all these events. My brother works in film so he made the video. My dad is in the video and Jade was the supporting actress. Check it out it is pretty funny.

The many moods of a three year old.

2008-09-25T19:27:00.000-07:00

The last few weeks have been beautiful out so we have been enjoying the weather while we can. Jade has been going through some funny phases lately. She loves to play with other kids at the playground, church, etc... Lately when she is playing and another adult comes over (not even to her per say, just near where she is playing) she is done playing and wants held immediately. Then she wants to go home. This doesn't happen at church where she pretty much knows everybody but out at the park or playground. Today we went to the a park near us with my dad. Sure enough when she was playing one of the kid's parents can over near her and she started crying and didn't want to play anymore. I like her to have stranger awareness but this is a little overboard. I'm sure it is just a phase that three year olds go through. I hope anyway. There is a little league field next to the park so we went over to check it out. She changed tunes over there. (No strange adults, I guess?)

Having fun with another kid.

This slide is fun too. Check out the static action on that hair.

Uh oh, a strange adult came near me. I'm done, Grandpa come save me!!!

All better now, play ball!

"O-H-I-O"

2008-09-20T19:06:00.000-07:00

John and I just got back from an Ohio State game with my parents. Jade stayed with John's parents. I'm not a huge football fan but I always love seeing my parents get all excited since this is their Alma mater. I think the band is my favorite part of the game. They go all out. They even do this thing called Script Ohio which is always fun to watch.

The marching band comes up in the stands after half time and we had the trumpet section come visit in our section, pretty cool.

Jade must of had a fun day because this is how we found her when we came to pick her up (at 7:00).

Giveaway! (I love that word)

2008-09-19T07:30:00.000-07:00

Laurie over at Pho for Five has a great giveaway that you should check out. Most of the people I blog with know her and she has three beautiful kids. She has two from Vietnam and one home grown. So just click on her name to go check it out. Good luck!

I would like to thank...

2008-09-15T19:45:00.000-07:00

Kelli for awarding me the Smile Award. Kelli and I are both Special Education teachers and this will definitely bond people. I love her blog and have enjoyed, stressed, and dreamed on this adoption journey. Plus she always helps me with my "how to " blogging questions.

Characteristics for the Smile Award:

Must display a cheerful attitude.

Must love one another.

Must make mistakes.

Must learn from others.

Must be a positive contributor to the blog world.

Must love life.

Must love kids.

Cheerful attitude, well I really do try my best to do this since life is short and I want to enjoy it while I am here. Love one another well, it is one of the greatest commandments and one of my most favorite verses. Make mistakes, well that one is a no brainier. Learn from others, well isn't this the best way to learn. Positive contributor to the blog world. If it is about the blessing of adoption I would say yes. Love life, how can I not with all the blessings God has given me. Love kids, well I do have a degree in education and definitely love my kid so okay I guess that meets all 7.

These are the rules for The Smile Award.

The recipient must link back the award's creator.

You must post these rules if you receive the award.

You must choose 5 people to receive the award after you receive it.

You must fit the characteristics of the recipient of the award.

You must post the characteristics of a recipient.

You must create a post sharing your win with others.

You must thank the giver.

And here are the 5 people I choose for the Smile Award:

Susan she and I have been friends for about 5 years now. Her daughter Millie is a joy and one of Jade's closest buddies. I admire her strength, perseverance and dedication to her daughter who she obviously loves so very much.

Nene and I have also been friends for 5 years. She definitely loves life and her new bundle of joy, her son Jonah. She has been there for me during some very challenging times in my life and she always makes me feel loved. And love kids, well she does teach first graders.

Kirsten is a friend I have recently meet through an adoption group I belong to. She has three wonderful children adopted here in the US. Many of her posts are very touching. She has such a wonderful heart for children in need of families.

Kelly I have followed her blog for about a year now. Her daughter Lucy is absolutely adorable. She had recently given me some reassuring words that were truly needed and appreciated. She also has wonderful photography skills and I really enjoy her photos.

Meredith and her husband were hoping to adopt from VN but their journey has taken a turn towards Ethiopia. She has had a very hopeful outlook through this journey to bring her child home and she is an encouragement to me.

Is she really 3?

2008-09-13T18:30:00.000-07:00

I was looking at some pictures of Jade when we first brought her home and I can't believe that she is three. I mean where has the time gone. I know people say this all the time but really? My husband was watching a video on the Chapman and the loss of their daughter Maria. He was talking about the song Cinderella he wrote about spending more time with his daughters while they are little because it goes by so fast. I have really been thinking about this lately and it reminded me how precious my time with Jade is and how fast it goes. Sometimes I don't feel like I appreciate this as much as I should. Worrying about things and trying to get things done (that of course need to be done) but my time with her is most important. So the Chapmans just reminded me to cherish every minute, even the challenging ones.
On that note, I just love how Jade is learning and interacting with me lately. She loves to pretend, especially if it has to do with food. (that's my girl) She loves to "cook" food and prepare it and have me help her. When I am cooking she says, "I help you" and runs and gets her stool. She is becoming very independent wanting to, as she would say, "I do this" do everything herself. I love while I am driving she will say, "Go this way" and point. Of course the best is when she says, "Hey mama, " and I say, "yeah" and she says, "I love you". What a blessing she is!!!

Our bed is not our own, help!

2008-09-05T20:05:00.000-07:00

Jade has got into the habit of coming into our bed at around 3 or 4 every morning. This would not bother me so much if she would stay in a general area on the bed. I love being suddenly woken up with a toddler foot landing across the bridge of my nose. I do at times feel uneasy with her in the bed with us and all our pillows. I feel especially bad for John since he has to get up and go to work in the morning and Jade and I can sleep in a little. She use to sleep in her room with no problem. Then all of a sudden she was terrified to fall asleep in her room so I let her fall asleep on the couch (after several attempts) and then put her in her bed. We have a routine and it is the same every night except for prayers in her room and kisses, it is now on the couch. Whenever she does sleep all night in her own bed (okay like twice in the last 30 days) I really praise her a lot. I have heard a lot of kids do this but I really rather she sleep in her own bed. I guess I have allowed her to do this so I was wondering if anyone had any tips on how I can get her back in her bed. I will talk with her doc at her 3 year check up to see if he has any suggestions. Btw I love for her to come in and snuggle with me just not at 3 in the morning.

This picture is not related to the post but it is funny. We got her the Whack *A* Mole game a few months back and she fell asleep with the hammers in her hand. Look at the death grip on those babies.

I also wanted to say how heartbroken I am for all the families who will not receive a referral because of the VN/US shutdown. I have been thinking about this a lot and pray for peace for all who were waiting. I pray an agreement can be resolved quickly. I especially hurt for the children who are involved. I hope for the day where there will never be any barriers to children in need of forever families.

Labor Day Fun!

2008-09-01T13:53:00.000-07:00

It is nice out (at least for the next few days it will be). You never know around here the weather changes on a dime. We had a picnic at my in-law's house and then went over to my sister in-law's house to swim. John's dad was taking the pictures while we swam with Jade and her cousin Cody. The water is heated but man when you first got in, HOLY FREEZING! The thermometer said 82 but I think it needs replaced, lol. Our body got numb, uh I mean, use to it after a while. Thank God it was close to 90 today.

Little cold there honey, hahahahahaha!

We need one of these mama!

SLAM DUNK !

Wiggling on Daddy's solders. Looks a little painful there daddy, lol.

My sweet girl!

Guess Who's 3!

2008-08-31T16:30:00.000-07:00

I can't believe my baby girl is three. Where has the time gone. We had a birthday bash over at my parent's house. Jade had a few friends over from church and it was so cute seeing all the kids together. The theme was Kung Fu Pan*da (Jade's pick) She has been talking about her "Kung Fu Pan*da cake" for weeks. Here are some pics from the fun day.

Lo Mein, hmmmm, my favorite!

I love this kickin Kung Fu Pan*da card. " Everybody was Kung Fu fighting." Now that is a happy face!

My first laptop. Ryan is eyeballing it big time.

Presents trance, sweet!

Millie and Jade watching one her new videos.

THE CAKE! I think Jade loved this most of all (Awh a girl after her mama's heart, CAKE!)

MMMMMM! Let's do this cake thing!

Ashley knows what's up with that cake. You go girl!

Summer, don't go, don't go!

2008-08-25T12:30:00.000-07:00

Well it is that time. Back to school for kids and teachers. I will be joining the ranks here in a year probably when I go back to work. Most of my teacher friends are back now and that means Fall is around the corner. A friend of ours gave us a week free pass to her gym which has an outdoor pool. Jade and I have gone a few times last week and will one more time tomorrow and then it will only be open on the weekends. Don't get me wrong I really do like Fall. I love the leaves changing color, hayrides, apple pickin, and dry weather but I don't like what comes after, Winter, yuck! I guess I need not worry about that till it comes. So we are going to squeeze some Summer fun in while we can.

I LOOVVEE PUSH POPS!

Guess where we went?

2008-08-20T19:23:00.000-07:00

The zoo! What a surprise huh. Well is was the Pittsburgh zoo which is about two hours from us and we have never been there before. We went with my parents. I wish John could go but it is hard for him to ever take off work. We used our pass so we got to get in free which was sweet.

There were two new baby elephants, not even a month old yet. They were adorable interacting with the adult elephants.

Here is grandpa and Jade. Can you spot the sleeping tiger? Jade's new thing is "sholders". She loves to be carried around this way. She will backup to my dad and say , "sholders".

We were told we could pet the deer but needed to stay on the path. That is why my dad is holding Jade so funny. Oh wait, do I see a foot off the path dad.

They had this crazy maze with tunnels. I think Jade was lost to us for like a minute till she resurfaced.

The polar bears were awsome. They have an underwater tunnel where you could look up at the bears. They were out of the water the first time we went in but we decided to go back an hour later and two of them jumped in. It was pretty cool to see them from this perspective.

Gas to get to the zoo 30 dollars. Lunch at the zoo 25 dollars. Parents on the toddler teeter todder ...priceless.

First Cavities, Yikes!

2008-08-14T09:44:00.000-07:00

I noticed a few months ago that Jade had these dark pits in the front of her two teeth. We went to the pediatric dentist and sure enough she had to have them filled. Well today was the day I have not been looking forward to. They told me they would use a restraining blanket so I was really worried how that was going to pan out (do the words restraining and blanket just not go together or is this me). She was fine until the drill started. Talk about horrible! She was crying and yelling for me. Then during the procedure they told me they had to put a crown on the one tooth so yes the fun continued even longer than we thought. She was crying, I was crying (and praying it would be over soon). I hope we don't have to do that ever again. Her teeth do look better, especially since they are her front teeth. The tooth with the crown has a little silver lining around the top near the gums. This kinda bums me out but the decay was pretty bad so they needed to strengthen it. I brush her teeth daily but I don't know if she genetically will have week teeth. I will have to look up ways to help prevent this further. I was going to talk to the dentist about it afterwards but I was so frazzled from the procedure I just wanted to pay and go. She is fine now. I thought she would be really crabby but maybe she is just glad it is over. I know I am!

By looking at her you would never have known where she just came from. What a trooper!

We're back

2008-08-10T19:00:00.000-07:00

It is weird walking into a house you have not been in for two weeks. The beach was wonderful and the weather was nice. It was really hot and humid a couple of days. I felt like I was back in southern China. It was 98 with a heat index of 110. But hey it was the beach so who can complain. Jade loved the beach but not the putting on lotion part. Every time we got ready to go down she would say, "No butter" (we call putting on sunscreen "buttering up") I told her, "No butter, no beach." so she would finally let me but it was the same conversation everyday. She also picked up every shell and put it to her ear to "hear the ocean". It was really cute. They also had this popsicle place where they make there own. Jade loved this place and every time we drove by it she would yell, "Lu*na Pops" and when we went she would practically jump out of her seat. It was nice to get away but now back to reality, till next year anyway.

Jade and her cousin Cody. A couple of couch potatoes.

To da beach!

2008-08-03T05:53:00.000-07:00

We have been at the beach now for over a week. Jade and I came down with my parents for a week. Now John's parents (and John) have come down and we are staying with them in a different house on the island (I can't remember the last time I was here for two weeks, pretty sweet). I have been coming to this beach for 25 years with my family so it's like a tradition now. Jade has been having so much fun. She was afraid of the water at first but now we can't keep her out of it. I love watching her play and explore the beach. She can do so much more than last year. Do they ever grow fast.

Building a sand castle with Grandpa (wearing Uncle Cory's hat).

Coolin off in the big blue.

Uncle Cory's sand-turtle.

Chillin in the shade.

I have been wanting to buy a Mo*by wrap now for some time. I thought my dog would be a good fill-in to try it out. He actually liked being in it.

Fountain Fun!

2008-07-21T13:30:00.000-07:00

Well my friend and her kids leave tomorrow, bummer. Especially since they won't be back till next summer. We have this neat fountain where kids can come and play for free near us. They built it years ago and I have never been to it. So we all went down to enjoy some free summer fun. When we pulled up there was a large day care bus so I didn't know what Jade would think of that but there weren't too many kids. Jade is not one to just jump into a new thing right away; she is a little more cautious at first. Since my friend's daughter was there and they hit it off a few days ago, I figured Jade would warm up sometime. My friends daughter, Bella, is really good with Jade and it was so cute seeing them play together. Jade just followed her around the whole time imitating everything Bella did.

I am not sure I want to join in this craziness.

Okay this part of the fountain I can handle, especially since Bella is here to help me.

Oh yeah,this can work. Being allowed to throw water is great!

Our own spot away from the chaos.

To The Zoo

2008-07-19T20:58:00.000-07:00

We went to the zoo today. I know what a surprise. We have a pass so why not. It is low cost fun so how can ya beat it. Plus Jade just loves going so it's a no-brainer. We have two zoos near us so we went to the bigger one today. It is pretty nice and has a cool indoor rain forest building.

Pointing out the fishes.

Checking out the seals with daddy

Can't hug the real one so this bronze one will do. Her expression is too cute in this one.

Time with an old friend

2008-07-18T18:49:00.000-07:00

One of my best friends of 10 plus years is in for the week. She now lives in Maine but her family (who I have also know for years) is all down here. I was around when her daughter was born, who is now 9. I swear I can't believe it every time I see Isabella she comes up to her mom's shoulders. It is cute because her daughter is fascinated with China and loves Asian culture, and she just loves Jade. I was over my friends brother's house for a get together and Bella and Jade were the only two girls out of 6 boys. It is so cool to see a friend I have had for so long daughter playing with my daughter. I just can't believe how time flies. My friend also has a 2 year old son and he is very busy keeping mama on her toes. Earlier in the day Jade and I went over to my friend's sister's house to swim. Jade didn't want in the pool at first, she is going through a timid faze currently, but once she saw Bella in the pool she changed her mind but stayed in her inner tube the whole time. They leave on Tuesday so I am trying to get all the time I can with them.

Motorcycle mama!

Jade and Isabella in the pool.

I feel safe in my dolphins.

The Celebration Continues....

2008-07-12T15:27:00.000-07:00

John had to work on Thursday (Jade's adoption day) so we decided to do something special with Daddy, Mommy, and Jade. So we ate at the Cheesecake Fa*ctory, yummm. Jade has never been there but boy did her eyes light up when she saw the cheesecake come out. As you can see she enjoyed it. I also got her this wonderful book called Motherbridge of Love. I was tearing up as I read it. It is a poem about the two different loves. That of a birth mom and that of an adoptive mom. I have been looking for a book like this.

Happy Adoption Day!

2008-07-10T19:11:00.000-07:00

Two years ago today was the day we meet and the day you became our daughter. I remember going into the building where you were waiting along with other children to meet their forever families. I walked past a room full of parents meeting their children for the first time. I was so overwhelmed with such emotion. I couldn't believe we would be together at last. Then they brought you in. You were so beautiful with all that hair. All I could do was stare at you. Then they called your name and the social worker came over and handed you to me and said' "Mama" . I remember that day as if were yesterday. I felt so much so much joy and love at that
moment. I thank God everyday for the wonderful blessing He has given me!

Jade wanted to go to Chuck E. Ch*eese today for her special day. She didn't quite know what to think of all of it at first.

Okay, this could be fun.

Warming up, I have done this slide thing before.

Oh Yah, Whack-A-Mole. Take that! This place is fun!

We've got some bedding.

2008-07-09T18:08:00.000-07:00

My mom and I did a little shopping today. I have really been hesitant to buy anything for our soon-to-be son. Today we were in Bur*lington looking at some of the baby stuff and I fell in love with this bedding from Bean S*prout. The design is so adorable. I hope to make some turtle paintings on square canvasses to go on the wall that match. I didn't get everything but the main theme will be present. Sorry the picture is weird. It is a picture of a picture.

Pool Side

2008-07-08T18:58:00.001-07:00

We have had some good swimming weather, 87 sunny. So since my mom is off for summer we decided to go to the pool. At the fitness center my mom goes to they have three nice outside pools. Here is Jade and I chilin in the baby pool. Grandpa came too for a little bit and then her friend Millie came to join us. Jade was very excited once she showed up. Sorry the pics are so small. I forgot my camera and my mom had to e-mail me these.

Happy Fourth of July

2008-07-05T20:06:00.001-07:00

Well for most of the family anyway. We went to see fireworks last night downtown. Jade thought they were cool for about 30 seconds and then it was death grip around daddy's neck for the next 20 minutes. She did not like the booms. So John held her while I plugged her ears. We were
going to go to fireworks near my parents house but that was a no go after last night. So we had fun at the park after grilling some ribs.

Fun in the tunnel.

Grandparents and Jade.

This dock is fun!

I wish the boats were open. (I had her pose for this one)

VBS! part 2

2008-06-26T18:51:00.000-07:00

Well VBS is over and we just had our parent night. We have a picnic type diner and then the kids get to sing for the parents. I didn't know if Jade would get up in front of everybody but boy was I surprised she was up there like a pro. I was one proud mama! You go girl!

VBS!

2008-06-24T11:40:00.000-07:00

Well I have been busy getting ready for our church's Vacation Bible School. My mom and I always team teach and it is so much fun. We have spent the last week and a half getting ready. We love to go all out and it is a fun creative outlet. The first day was yesterday and Jade loves it. She keeps saying "VBS!" over and over. I had a little break in between teaching to go see her shaking her booty during the song time. She was spinning around holding hands with her friend Emma. We teach one story to each age/grade group so we will have Jade for our lesson tomorrow. There are four teaching teams total with four different stories.
Here is our room It's a beach theme this year ( If you didn't notice).

Here is our Bible story part of the room where Jesus heals a sick woman at a crowded market.

Under the Sea.

Beach combing and surf shack.

Ocean theater (with disco ball for real ocean effect).

Of course one of Jade in her classroom.

Word press here I come (kinda)

2008-06-08T20:12:00.000-07:00

I wanted to password protect some posts. So my wordpress blog is in "my other blog" category to the right under Nutmeg Mama. Just e-mail me for the password (it's in my profile below). I'm still figuring it out so there isn't much yet.

Asian Festival and Zoo.

2008-05-29T15:09:00.000-07:00

We went to the Asian Festival in Columbus last weekend. It has three stages with different performances (dancers, musicians, and martial arts). Then there are food booths from many Asian countries and huts to buy clothes, jewelry, paintings etc.... My grandparents live near Columbus so we got to stay the night and visit with them. My grandma is so sweet and she just loves Jade. They went for a walk by the duck pond and Jade helped water her plants. The next day we went to the zoo. It was SO crowded. We only looked at the animals Jade really wanted to see. They also have a cute little boat ride that we rode too. A two minute ride with a 30 minute wait. Jade thought it was so cool so it was worth it. We have a zoo pass so we got 1/2 off and can go for free to the two by us so it is a good idea if you love the zoo as much as we do.

Day in Asia.

2008-05-14T16:15:00.000-07:00

My mom teaches biology and is also the faculty advisor for the Asian Awareness Club at her school. Each year they have "A Day in Asia" where kids can come in and learn about Asian culture. It is lots of fun and there is food, arts, and cultural information from several Asian countries. I took Jade up to visit again this year and we invited her friend Millie to come too.

The club collects donations and sends the money to support an orphanage in China.

Uncle Cory and Jade. I love the face Jade makes when she says, "Cheese!"

Jade's friend Millie and her mommy Susan.

Jade and Grandma. Jade is checking out her tattoo in mandarin.

One of my mom's students doing Tai Chi.

Earthquake

2008-05-13T06:42:00.000-07:00

I know many of you have probably already heard about the earthquake in Sichuan, China but anything happening in my daughter's birth country always is close to my heart. There are 12,000 dead and rising with approximately 18,000 still missing including schools with children in them. I watched some news clips and it is really heartbreaking. I'm glad they are allowing aid from other countries. I encourage one to take a moment to think and pray for those still missing and the families of loved ones lost.

Hapy Mother's Day

2008-05-11T18:38:00.000-07:00

Happy Mother's Day to all mothers and soon-to-be mamas out there!

Going Bye Bye

2008-05-05T16:17:00.000-07:00

Jade loves to go bye bye. Every morning she always wants to go somewhere. It has been rainy the past week but today was 75 and blue skies. We found a new park to go to and it had a cool tunnel that Jade really liked. It was fun to take pictures in. What else went bye bye was 3 inches of Jade's hair. I cut it myself. Not perfect but hey it was free.

Still waiting to hear about our match/referral. We think it may be this month but who knows. Everyone on our yahoo group for our agency are on the edge of their seats waiting for news. With the closing of adoptions out of Vietnam we are all a little more anxious than usual. Jade is also talking a lot about being a big sister. I hope we can show her who her brother is soon. I think I will be able to chill out a bit once we get our referral too.

Prayer and Thanksgiving

2008-04-30T18:04:00.000-07:00

After the news on Friday, I really just needed to let it all sink in and pray about it. Before I came to any conclusions I needed to really reflect. I am not one to express what I'm feeling very clearly when it come to complex issues as this one. I feel I do not know all the "politics" for lack of a better word involved. I do know that I have a tendency see things in grays so it is hard for me to totally take one side or the other because I feel the "whole truth" is usually in the middle somewhere. I just wish adoptions wouldn't have to shutdown. I wish the people who are involved in unethical practices would be stopped and ethical adoptions could continue so children who need families will still be placed in loving homes. I know things are usually never that simple.

I will say that I thank God for Jade. She is an absolute gift from God and no matter what happens I thank God for allowing me to be her mother. He is good!

Making a Mao Zhi

2008-04-20T16:24:00.000-07:00

Jade has a new cartoon she loves on Nic*k Jr. and I have to admit it is pretty cool. I'm sure many of you have heard of Ni-h*ao Kai-La*n. It is somewhat like Dor*a except the main character is Chinese and teaches mandarin. Of course I love it and love for Jade to watch it and she has learned several words so far. Now they just need to come up with Chao anh Danh for my son and we would be set. I know I can order some stuff for both languages from Asia Ki*ds. Well we have been outside a lot lately because the weather has been great! Today Jade was saying, "Make a hat!" because on the show they make mao zhi (mandarin for hat) out of things in nature so here is a picture of Jade's mao zhi. She loved it and wore it for hours.

She is so excited to be outside and play. Here she is driving her car and filling it up with gasy. Why she puts a y on the end I don't know? I guess it makes words sound more fun.

Rollercoaster and pee pee pants

2008-04-16T13:27:00.000-07:00

I have been so up and down in how I feel about the adoption of our son being completed from Vietnam. I feel good one day with news of referrals and I-600 approvals and feel all will work out. Then I hear yet another rumor about something else to happen (not good) and I get down right depressed. Do I want adoptions to be ethical ,well yeah ,of course. I think most adoptive parents do. I truly support all efforts to do so even if they are an "inconvenience" to our process. BUT if there is a shutdown (I fear to even write the word) what will happen to our son and all the other children waiting. They will still be in an orphanage not in a family. How is this ethical? I just wish we could get some kind of official news already. When I heard the latest no more referrals after June 1st rumor I think I went somewhat numb out of self protection because I feel like I just can't handle one more piece of unofficial negative information. I have always said I will just wait for official news but when will that be. The closer we get to referral the harder it gets because I feel like our son is probably born already. I know God has a plan for us and our children because of the miracle of our daughter. I just wish it wasn't so stinking stressful. I know when I hold my boy it will have been all worth it and I just try to meditate on that hope.

Okay so the pee pee pants part of the title. I will say I love to laugh and I'm glad God has surrounded me with family and friends with a good sense of humor. Anyway I did find some humor in this and luckily so did my dad. Jade has been learning to use the "big girl potty" and wearing "big girl underwear" during the day. She has done well and may have one or two pee pee accidents in a day. I teach the 2 and 3 year old Wednesday night class at church. Tonight I forgot to bring a change of pants in case Jade had an accident so of course she looked up at me and said, "I go potty." ( no the real phrase is I went potty) and yes she had had an accident. Oh well this happens right so she had to run around church in her new clean underwear and shirt only (thank God it us to be a dress so it was kinda long and I mean kinda) So after class we went down to my dad's office (he is a pastor) and all of a sudden I remembered that Jade had not sat on the potty in about an hour so I said to Jade, "Do you need to sit on the potty?" At that moment, as she is sitting on my dad's lap, he says, "Oh no what's that?" Sure enough she had peed on grandpa's lap. Big ol' wet spot too. So about that sense of humor thing, I'm glad we all had a good laugh at this and that it happened AFTER church was over. Maybe we still need the pullups on if we are out for more than a hour or bring extra clothes for everybody who holds Jade, hehe.

The weather has been great so Jade and I have been outside a lot lately. Warmth, sunshine and my kid just make me feel good!

Jade and her friend Millie at the park. Swinging and hugging.

Jade at the duck pond feeding the geese and ducks. She LOVED this!

Were going to the zoo zoo zoo.

2008-04-05T18:41:00.000-07:00

Well it was pretty darn nice out today. Sunny low 60's so we decided to go to the zoo. I have been pretty stressed all week with all the Vietnam adoptions business lately. It was really nice to have a day to get out and enjoy the sunshine with my family. Jade is getting so big she was doing all kinds of things she didn't do last year at the zoo. Like walk the rope bridge all by herself.

Jade had so much fun feeding the goats and lambs. It was so cute she opened her mouth every time she feed one as to mimic then eating.

They also have this little town with olden day places.

Anyone want to buy some flour and apples?

Jade rode the train for the first time without mommy. What a big girl!

Jade saw this big slide and really wanted to go down it. This slide had a bump in the middle and she had not been on one like this before. So when she hit the bump she was not expecting it and she got some air and let go of the sides. This is daddy taking a picture while getting ready to catch her. Then we asked her if she wanted to go again and she said, "No, No." Little to intense I guess.

Hockey, Hockey, Hockey & Bird Nerd Alert

2008-03-29T10:40:00.000-07:00

My husband loves hockey (Detroit Red Wings are his favorite, hence the shirts) so we went to a Lake Erie Monster's game in Cleveland last night. They are a minor league team so it wasn't too expensive to go. We were in the nose bleed section so I thought Jade might be afraid. My little daredevil thought it was so cool to be up so high and kept wanting to play on the steps ahhh! She actually enjoyed some of the game. I think she really liked the mascot and music. Every time the music played she would shake her booty. Then when it stopped she was like, "more music, more music."

Here is Jade and her daddy dressed like twinkies.

What a ham!

My mom is really into birds and actually lives behind a protected wetland. I like watching the birds out her window and she has this cool feeder that suction cups to the window. She got one for me a couple days ago and I LOVE my new feeder. I got my first rush of birds last night. I was going, "oh, oh look a Cardinal, oh a Chick-a- Dee, Blue jay, Blue jay." So I either need to get out more or I am officially becoming a bird nerd (as my mom calls it). The only bad things is now my hubby has a nice display of bird crap on the back window of his car. Which he likes to park in the street under a tree that all my new winged friends are hanging out in. oops!

Play Date

2008-03-28T13:48:00.000-07:00

Jade and I went over to see a friend of mine who nannies for two kids. She has also recently adopted a little girl Ashlyn (domestically) last October. We love hanging out talking about adoption issues and letting the boy she nannies and Jade play. This picture is funny because Jade never used a pacifier. The two babies had one so Jade thought she would try it out.

Here is Ashlyn my friend's daughter. Isn't she precious. I got to feed her a bottle (loved it) and hold her for hours! She is so smiley and sweet!

Here is Jade and Conner on the choo-choo.

Bye Bye Blue, Hello ?

2008-03-24T16:03:00.000-07:00

Well our beloved Betta "Blue" kicked the bucket a couple of days ago. He was Jade's first fish. On the night of his passing. I had put him in the toilet yet forgot to flush him right away, oops. When Jade went in to brush her teeth she saw him in their and said, "fishy, fishy." I could tell she wasn't necessarily sad he was there just confused. So I said, " Oh yeah, fishy is going bye bye". And Jade replied matter of factly, "bye, bye fishy". I don't think she quite understood what happened to fishy so I decided to leave it at that. So today we went out to get another Betta. Jade picked him out (along with a snail) and she seems perfectly happy with this new one. No new name though just Fishy and Snail for now.

I think she like the snail the most.

He seems happy in his new home. Better then that cup of water he was in at the store.

Happy Easter!

2008-03-23T20:44:00.000-07:00

We had quite the busy day today. We went to church and then off to John's parents for Easter lunch. Jade got one look at her Easter basket and she wanted nothing to do with her regular food. She just kept digging in her basket saying, "money, chocolate". We came home for a few hours before the egg hunt at my parent's house. The minute Jade got up from her nap the first word out of he mouth was, "chocolate". I can't say I blame her.

Here are some pics outside. It was a short shoot because it was 39 degrees.

Jade had so much fun finding eggs at my parent's house. She ran into the end table she was so excited (no worries she didn't even hardly notice she did it). Then she realized the eggs has gifts in them. Can this be more fun! It was so cute, after she opened them she hide them so she could find them again. I can't wait next year it will be her and her brother!

I gave in!

2008-03-20T20:03:00.000-07:00

Let me tell you, Grandma + mommy+ Jade + grandson coming + outlet mall = DANGEROUS! My mom is on Spring break this week (she's a teacher), and we had a girl's day out. So what does this usually contain, eating out and shopping. My mom lives about 10 miles from this nice outlet mall. So somehow the car ended up over there so we had to go in. We just went to get Jade a jacket for Spring but they had this really cute diaper bag for $10 (regularly $36) with your purchase of $50 or more so of course we had to take advantage of this deal! I have been just looking and feeling the baby boy clothes in the stores for some time now and something about these in the Carter store made me have to ask the retail clerk how their return policy works. "Well as long as you have the receipt you can bring them back whenever." Okay no brainier let's get my boy some duds (Grandma agreed) and if they are too small I'll just bring em back. I have been so good about not getting him anything but with this policy how can I go wrong! So yes I gave in and Grandma joined me. Don't worry about Jade she got plenty too We went to many other stores as well. I just LOVE little kid's clothes. Why is everything so cute when it's small? Here are the outfits we bought our little man. (Okay Grandma bought.)

I also house sat for my parents for a couple days while they went out of town. Jade and I got to chill in the Jacuzzi tub. We don't have one of these so we enjoyed until we were prune-nee. Jade didn't want to get out.

Who Knew?

2008-03-15T15:34:00.000-07:00

Who knew Little Bear was a comedy. Jade is sure enjoying it.
Sorry it is so dark. it is cloudy today.

Aquarium pics

2008-03-14T21:41:00.000-07:00

I dont know how to get more pics on one post so here are some more.

Aquarium

2008-03-14T21:12:00.000-07:00

Well we made it back to Ohio. I think Jade was slap-happy by the time we got home. The last hour she was grabbing her feet, dancing and making raspberry noises and cracking up. Then she was putting her arm in the air and tickling herself. It was so funny. What a goofy kid, I love it! When we got home she HAD to have a bath so she didn't get to bed till 11:00. Oh well you don't get to go to the Chicago Aquarium everyday. The aquarium was fun. They have this reef area where the entire room was made out of fake coral intertwined with large reef tanks. My favorite was the large shark tank. If you stood really close to it and looked up it was as if you were in there while the sharks swam over you. Jade loved the lizards (of all things) and the penguins. It was nice weather too. Blue skies and high 50's. I'm so ready for Spring!

Chicago's Chinatown

2008-03-13T19:02:00.000-07:00

Well I survived the night only being kicked a few times. I don't think I would have been at all except at about 3 am I rolled over and the bed was wet. You know what that means, the easy up leaked . So I had to lift Jade up to put a towel and different sheet under us. It was hard for her to get back to sleep without moving all over and kicking her feet. So I ended up at the foot of the bed. My husband got a kick, no pun intended, out of seeing me all scrunched up at the end of the bed this morning. After John got back from school we made it over to Chinatown. I have to admit it is a lot cooler than ours at home. I felt like I was back in China, except everything in China is cheaper. I love Asian architecture and art. Jade had so much fun being in the stroller outside since we haven't been out at all lately. She kept telling us where to go. She kept saying, "This way, this way." and pointing where to go. Here are a few pics. Tomorrow we will visit the aquarium and then it's back to Ohio.

Year of the Rooster!

Had to represent for my boy.

Yum, Pho!!

Chicago

2008-03-12T19:42:00.000-07:00

Well we made it here. Jade was really great in the car. I think the portable DVD player helped a lot. We also made it before rush hour! If you have ever been here during it this is a big deal. John has school for work tomorrow so Jade and I will be stuck in the hotel most of the day. I could go to the strip mall across the street but John said, " Have fun getting across that street holding a 30 pound toddler!" Of course I forgot the stroller. Every time I go on a trip I ALWAYS forget something. This time it was the stroller, shampoo for Jade and wipes. I almost bought one at Target but I just couldn't bring myself to do it since we have 3 at home. I always keep one in the van but we brought a company car. If we go shopping at the big mall I'll rent one and Purell every square inch (I'm a bit of a germ-a- phoebe and it doesn't help that Jade has been in the hospital twice with an allergic reaction to a virus and a staph infection she needed surgery for). I hope we can make it over to Chinatown too. The one here is a lot larger than the one we have in Cleveland.

Downtown: Sears Tower

Jade has been doing better at saying, "Cheese" when we point the camera in her directions. Here she was taking a drink of milk just I turned around to take a picture. NICE! If you can click on this to enlarge it really shows the milk action through the teeth.

Oh yeah baby, some Hi Ho Cherry-O. (We play our own version for now)

Then we swam in the pool. John was coming up behind us so Jade was screaming her head off.
So we got the camera to get a little video. She didn't scream quite as loud but it is so funny! You might want to make sure your volume isn't too high.

Chill'n poolside baby!

Well I'm off to bed. The hotel couldn't put a crib in our room because of the two beds (this was all they had available) so I'm bunking with my girl tonight. I'm sure I'll be mule kicked all night long. (I better sleep with a pillow over my head, hehe).

Continued Weather Report

2008-03-11T18:59:00.000-07:00

Well since I have been talking about the weather so much, why not continue it. Except this is about the tornado that blew through our house (actually it has been tornado season lately). This is Tornado Jade. She loves to get ALL her toys out at once and when you have both Grandparents living within a 15 mile radius you get quite the loot.

I got Jade to "help" me pick them up but told her we were going bye, bye to Grandmas to get her motivated to go a little faster. She usually puts about 5 toys away to my 105 (hehe). As you can see she is pretty proud of herself. What is that blue thing under the couch? I bet there is a whole box of toys under there.

Then we went over to my parents house (yeah I wish this was my house in the picture) so they can watch our two pups for our trip. Check out the snowman my brother made with his friend. They are like 6 feet! (by the way single ladies my bro is single and he cooks!!) Jade and I are going to Chicago with daddy for his work. We went once before but this time our hotel will have a pool. They also have a PF Chang's (which is good eatin if you ever have the chance to eat at one) We don't have one here so we will be eating there tomorrow night. This is one of the reasons I want to go (pretty sad how motivated I am by food, hehe). Just say a little prayer for us that Jade doesn't go stir crazy in the car for 8 hours. Oh yeah and that we don't hit Chicago rush hour (it's INSANE).

Hello Blizzard!!

2008-03-08T13:18:00.000-08:00

No you have not just tuned into the Weather Channel. Yes, this is China + Vietnam = Love and yes this is what it looks like outside. Remember my post before last when I mentioned that I hope this is the end of the heavy stuff. Well, I must have jinxed us because we are now having a MAJOR snow storm. It started yesterday mid morning and is suppose to go till tomorrow morning. We have gotten 17 inches so far. and should have 20 when it is all said and done. Yes, I live near Cleveland and yes I am use to snow but wow this is a lot. Here is the funny thing. Some friends and I had a baby shower for my friend Jeanine (that we have been working on for weeks). It was this morning at 10:00. We thought about cancelling it but what we were going to call all 300 members of the church! so yes at 7:00 this morning off I went along with another friend of mine to set up at the church. Boy was this an adventure! I got stuck in the drive so hubby had to dig me out. It took me forever to get there. My friend Susan was there to help me set up and she was looking shocked. She was cracking me up because she said," I was so scared. I was like praying the whole time (hands on the wheel at 10 and 2) sitting as close to the windshield as possible because my wipers kept freezing." The shower went well and a few did show up. I'm glad the mommy to be has four wheel drive and a helpful hubby.I bet this will be going in her baby book. But no the adventure doesn't stop there because we have to go back home. Half way home it was really coming down, I mean white out! When I got to my street, I got stuck in the middle of the road. My husband (who was shoveling the drive for the fourth time) saw me and came over to help. He could not get the van up the drive so he had to shovel the STREET too so he could pull it in. Now he is asleep (I think he has shoveled more today then in his whole life). So I am not going to say I hope this is the end of the heavy stuff (because then what, we will get 4 feet)hehe. So any of my southern readers please send some WARM weather our way!

Heat Wave!

2008-03-04T13:08:00.000-08:00

Okay not exactly a heat wave but it sure felt like it after the last few months of cold and snow. It was 60 degrees yesterday and sunny (which is exciting because we don't see the sun much here). Jade and I were so excited. We even busted out the sidewalk chalk and tricycle. Jade is getting much better at using her tricycle but she still doesn't have the peddle and steer at the same time thing down yet. She kept peddling into the neighbor's yard. We made it about half way around the block (10 minutes later). Well that joy didn't last long we are back to 30 degrees and sleet. Oh well I'll take one day of 60 degrees over none at all.

Okay, remember those blocks/legos my husband got. Well these eyes came with them. My man is just so ~~weird~~ creative (hehe).

Let It Snow!

2008-02-27T18:34:00.000-08:00

We have had some heavy snow fall over the past 48 hours. We have got close to a foot of snow with some ice in between here and there. I have had quite the workout shoveling us out when we need to go somewhere. Oh how I love northeastern Ohio (sometimes not so much). Now Jade being from southern China (only 200 miles from the Vietnamese border) oddly enough loves the snow. She kept saying "outside, outside". So we decided to bundle up and make a snowman. When we got outside the wind chill was pretty cold but Jade was loving it.

Just because this is under the porch in storage doesn't mean we can't use it according to Jade. Jade saw her slide and was so excited since she hasn't been on it since October. Sliding in the middle of winter (okay end of winter but you can't tell by the weather here) why not . It's like sledding without the sled. (huh)

I was freezing my butt off after about 5 minutes but Jade was having so much fun throwing snow and rolling in it. It kinda of reminded me of the time at the beach with her, without the teeth chattering and 3 layers of clothing.

Okay the snowman plan didn't quite work we didn't have good "packing" snow. So we made some snow art. Jade added the decorative stick on top.

As we were going inside, Jade thought she would help me shovel. (which is actually a snow rake for the van) She loves to do what mommy is doing so cute.

Hopefully this is the last of the heavy stuff. I'm ready for Spring!!!

When Mommy's away Jade and Daddy will Play

2008-02-23T08:47:00.000-08:00

Last Night My friend Kari had a "Mommy's night in" at her house. We have a friend who has been given some stressful info lately (which I will keep private). So some friends of mine decided to watch a girly movie eat some junk and de-stress. I LOVE being a stay at home mom but it is so good to get out with the girls evey once in a while. So Jade and John had a Jade and Daddy night. Jade loves to go bye, bye. So when she wanted to go last night Daddy took her to Walmart. When I came home I noticed chips on the counter (which I never buy) and two huge bags of big legos. (This is a treat because we are on one income and a very tight budget). I always joke that we would be naked if the Grandparents didn't get us clothes. John said Jade could not wait to bust open those blocks.

Oh really, looks like daddy couldn't wait to open them. Who were these really bought for!

PARRRTYYYYY!

2008-02-17T14:24:00.000-08:00

Well we had quite the fun filled weekend. Saturday Jade's friend Millie had her third birthday party. Jade wanted to "help" Millie with all her presents. She did really good at helping pass Millie her presents but when it came to watching Millie open them not so good. Jade wanted to help with that too. "What these aren't my presents?"

Look these storage boxes and ballons are more fun then all these new toys behind us.

We also had our Tet celebration with our agency. This was fun! We got to meet our foreign rep and meet other families in all stages of the process or had already adopted. I have never had Pho before, it was really good! Jade got to make a dragon and eat lots of food. (You don't have to tell her twice food is ready) I can't wait to have Liam (I'm pretty sure this will be his name) next year for the celebration. Jade got some real money. She was pretty excited about this and kept telling us, "two dollars, two dollars." After we left here we went to her cousin's birthday party. So I'm sure she will be on a sugar high for the next 48 hours from all the cake she has inhaled in the last two days.

Let's eat!

Making Dough

2008-02-13T19:00:00.000-08:00

Playdough that is. Jade and I went downstairs in the basement/playroom and oops, left the lids off all the playdough. Jade was not too pleased that the playdough was "all gone" so we decided to make some. She was pretty excited about doing this. Any chance to "help" mommy make somthing in the kitchen she is on that. So here we are making it. This is the first time I have ever made playdough so I was hoping it came out ok.

She loves her creation. I believe we even gave the playdough a kiss.

Yep, just as good as the real stuff. Jade approved, it can make her favorite shape, a circle.

Always learning

2008-02-12T12:43:00.000-08:00

I have to say that I tend to be an initial worrier. What I mean by this is that when I start learning or being informed of something new I panic and think worst case senerio. I really wish I didn't do this but I do. I haven't written in a while and have had been tinking a lot about what it means to have our daughter (and soon to be son) who are (will be) transracially adopted. We had classes on raising internationally adopted children required by our agency when we adopted our daughter. (which were great and I believe should be requiremnts). I learned a lot during these classes and was challenged by them as well. I don't know if I really digested all that was presented to me (especially with our triad panel). For those of you who don't know what this means it is: adoptees, birthparents, and adoptive parents. Now that I have our daughter and she is getting older (yes I know she is only two) I am really trying to educate myself more so I can hopefully give her what she needs being a transracial adoptee. I'm new at blogging and have encountered some blogs of adult adoptees. I have to say first reading some of these I felt (as I stated above) paniced along with fearful, unprepared, unexperienced, and nieve to some of the things that transratial adoptees have and do go through. I was not totally unaware of this but I have a better (still I'm sure very limited understanding) of what some of these individuals have and will go through. BUT after thinking more and reading more (from all different perspectives) Iam glad to have this information and will use it to help my children in the best way I can. As a mother I want to protect my children from all harsh realities in life but I know I can't or even should. So I am more commited then ever to help raise my children to be who they are and hopefully be proud of who they are. I know this can not be done all on my own and will need resources or influences from others (especially other transracial adoptees who will know what my children are going through more then I ever could). So I can either live in fear for myself and my children or be proactive. I choose to be proactive because I love my children and chose them. I'm also thanful for the sights I have read on ethical adoptions and wish we had to take a class on this when we adopted our daughter. I pray God gives me the strength and knowledge to do what is right and support those who are and trying to make a positive and just difference for orphaned and adopted children. I have found quite a few books on the subject and can't wait to read them all. I will post them as I read them.

Moving on down the number line

2008-02-05T20:48:00.000-08:00

Well I got an e-mail from my agency that we will soon be moving to # 11 on the list. So atleast things are moving. I went to a support group for adoptive/foster care families. I have to say I really enjoyed it. We talked about lifebooks and why they are important. I also got a lot of tips on composing one too. It is so nice to be able to talk with other adoptive parents. I feel like I can relate so much with them. Raising children in general has commonalities but us adoptive parents (and more importantly our kids) have specific needs. I feel like I will be able to better parent my children using the resources given to me at these meetings. Not only do we get to talk about adoption issues (challenges and joys) but our kids get to spend time with other adoptees. I think this is so important. I have talked with older adoptees and some didn't have this and wish they had. If you are an adoptive parent or soon to be, join a group for you and your kid(s). I'm so thankful to have these groups to go to.

Happy Chinese New Year (almost)

2008-02-03T18:13:00.000-08:00

We had our Chinese New Year celebration last night with our FCC group. As you can see our daughter had so much fun. We had the hall decorated like a Chinese city street with lights, we had a dragon dance, story time, crafts, pictures, and lots of food. We have a fairly large group with kids of all ages. It is so cool to see all of the Asian children together. It is nice to have a support group for our kids. It is also nice to be around other adoptive parents too. I love to see how these parents incorporate their child's native country and celebrate it. I want my daughter to be proud of who she is and where she came from. In this picture she is dancing and making noise to wake the sleeping dragon for the new year. She was just shaking her booty and waving around her noise maker like crazy. I was telling my mom that next year we will have our son and be celebrating Tet too. I am excited to learn more about Vietnam's traditons as well. We will have our first Tet celebration with our agency here in a couple of weeks. We will have such a mix of celebrations I hope we can keep em all straight. May God bless our new year to come and bring all our babies home soon!

Sometimes you just have to give it to God

2008-01-27T19:38:00.000-08:00

Ever since my agency informed me of the MOU I have been obsessing searching on the net for information. I have got some good sites from people with good info. My agency called me and said they will e-mail explaining things further. They did say to stay positive so that's good , right? I was reading that both the US and Vietnam want adoptions to continue so I have to hold on to that. If the Mou is not signed hopefully they will still process the dossiers in process. I hope that the meetings stress the importance that not allowing these children to be joined with their families is not in their (the children's) best interest. My husband and I went forward at church today so they could pray like crazy for this situation. I have to believe that God can and will bring our son home to us. I remember having so much stress during the adoption of our daughter from China. My husband said" Remember the rumors of bad things during that time." Even though China didn't shut down for two years like Vietnam has before. I remember being so worried that things would go wrong and we would not get her. Now she is two, and such a gift. I can't wait for her to meet her brother. She is such a miracle and God joined her with our family just like He will our son. I just have to hold onto that or the worry will take over. And worrying about it won't change the outcome. So after reading all the other blogs of anxious soon to be parents. I feel like I'm not alone and will be praying for all the children somewhere in Vietnam waiting to come home to us. May God bless our journeys to bring them home.
UPDATE: After reading several resources on the subject. I want to say that first and formost adoptions must be ethical so I better understand the issues going on right now. I'm grateful for groups like Ethica and JCICS. So whatever happens I pray it is the best option for the children.

My first blog post

2008-01-25T12:59:00.000-08:00

I'm excited to start my own blog. I have one child adopted from China and am in the process of adopting a son from Vietnam. I have really enjoyed reading other blogs related to adoption and I think it is nice to have support out there. I have been stressed about the recent talk surrounding Vietnam adoptions so it is nice to know I'm not alone in my journey. Since I have adopted before it helps me to have some experience with it but this is a different country and I took for granted the smooth process we had with our China adoption (besides the double in wait for our referral in the middle of waiting). I just hope the negotiations will bring about positive forward moving changes.