Our Journey to Elizabeth

School days-once again!

2011-08-23T20:47:00.003-04:00

Another school year is upon us and Elizabeth started 3 year old preschool today! YEAH! She has had to change schools this year which we weren't too happy about at all, but things happen and you just move on. Anyway-she is going Tuesdays and Thursdays from 8:30 to 11:30 and then stays an extra hour for what they call "lunch bunch."

She really loves school and when she woke up this morning the first thing she said was "Momma, I go to school today, I so cited!" While jumping up and down in her bed with her arms in the air. I really believe she was "cited" as she says.

I think she had a great day overall but will only tell me about lunch bunch and not what else went on during the day.

This was the only good picture I could get before we left today because she was very interested in the neighbor's dog that was over visiting before we left for school! I think this is the only picture she would actually look at the camera! Ha! Always wondering what everyone else is doing instead of herself.

We have had our 3 year old pictures taken now and have ordered the final copies. Once we get those I'll post here for everyone to see. It just amazes me to watch the change from year to year. Still can't believe she has been with us for 2 very amazing years. There were many, many days we thought she would never be home with us, but oh the wait was soooooo worth it!

Hope everyone else that is returning to school has a great year!

Until next time...........................................

Guess who is 3 years old today!!!!

2011-07-27T08:21:00.007-04:00

The MacDonald clan prior to climbing the lighthouse, we were NOT fit for photos afterwards due to EXCESSIVE sweating!

We spent the entire weekend celebrating Elizabeth's 3rd birthday. We climbed the Ponce Inlet lighthouse on Saturday and then had lunch at one of our favorite places at the inlet.

Then on Sunday we went to the Rainforest Cafe at Downtown Disney for lunch. Elizabeth was kind of nervous the first 2 times the thunder and lightening started, but after that she thought it was hilarious! She loved the animals moving and talking and had to look at them and talk to them throughout lunch.

Now today, her actual birthday, will just be a quiet celebration around our house. Just the 3 of us. Hopefully we can visit the splash park in our area this afternoon if the afternoon thunderstorms hold off. Then cake and ice cream later. Hard to believe our little girl is 3 years old. Here are a few pictures from the weekend and this morning.

Until next time...........................

Elizabeth and Granddaddy waiting in line at the Rainforest Cafe and the animals began to talk, check out the look of surprise!

You mean this present is for me???

Looking through her viewmaster for the 1st time

2 years ago today-GOTCHA!

2011-07-20T07:00:00.011-04:00

2 years ago today in a land far, far away we were handed the most tiny, pale, scared little girl we had ever seen. Now 2 years later we have an almost 3 year old (next week in fact) who is boisterous, happy, musical, beach loving, silly, independent and oh so spicy! She is the most precious gift we have ever received and love her more and more each and every day.

I hope the video plays for you, it is a very special moment in our lives-the moment she was handed to us and we became a forever family. I will not watch it this morning before going to work since it always brings on a river of tears to watch! Here is our beautiful, precious Elizabeth Grace-then & now.

THEN & NOW:

The very first time we saw her face to face

Daddy holding his girl for the 1st time

Momma so happy to have our baby girl at last!

Our little surfer girl

Having story time with her bear, Cooper

If you're happy and you know it clap your hands

Jump, jump, jump

Happy 4th of July!

2011-07-04T08:11:00.002-04:00

Happy 4th of July to all our friends and family!

Hope you have good food, fellowship and a great fireworks show later!!!

Can't believe it has been almost 2 years since we traveled to China to get our little girl, who is turning 3 years old on July 27th-WOW where has the time gone??!?!?!??!

Very sad news here today

2011-06-03T21:19:00.002-04:00

It is with a very sad heart we announce that Elizabeth has lost her beloved Papa today. John Francis (Frank) MacDonald (Patrick's father) passed away on Friday, June 3rd about 8:30 pm.

We will all miss you Frank!

Happy Easter!

2011-04-24T09:55:00.007-04:00

Yes the Easter bunny has visited our house overnite! Elizabeth is already asking for candy and started the day at 6:45 am wanting to open her box of Peeps! Ha! Just like her mom-I love those things!

We will be doing an easter egg hunt momentarily and probably later do some swimming at the neighbor's house. A beautiful Florida Easter-should be about 90 degrees today (yes warm but better than snow!) and the sun is out and shining bright.

Elizabeth and I went to a field yesterday, near one of the hospitals that I round at, that is just bursting with wildflowers. It is a very popular picture spot and on Friday morning I actually saw a photographer unloading furniture for a photo shoot in the field. None the less, we ventured out there yesterday and there was just one other family doing pics so Elizabeth and I had a little photo shoot of our own! Enjoy the pics!

An update on Elizabeth now-is almost completely potty trained now, even wearing "big girl panties" all the time now, haven't accomplished nite time potty training because she still sleeps in a crib. She is 20 lbs, 8 ounces, and is wearing mostly 18 month clothing. Need the 18 months for the length but is like a 12 months in the waist. Her shoe size is a 6 to 6 1/2, and she is about 31-32 inches tall. Her hair is so long and getting thicker by the day. She still loves preschool and will be going to the same school next year as well. She loves to be outside and dig in the dirt, and she LOVES the beach-YEAH! That is special girl time when we go to the beach.

Until next time............................

Just a few more pics

2011-03-19T09:04:00.005-04:00

Yes, I really am mom's lucky charm!!!!

A little blurry, but I loved my pony ride!!!

Just chillin' with Aunt Janet at the petting zoo

Uncle Randy I want that pony for my birthday!

Has it really been since October that we were last here?????

2011-03-19T08:48:00.007-04:00

Hello to all my friends out there!!!!

Eating pizza for the 1st time!

Dancing my socks off at Alicia's wedding-I am known as the Dancing Queen you know?!?!?

Riding my "bike" that Aunt Janet and Uncle Randy gave me for Christmas

Swinging on my new swing set

Hummmmm, now what was I googling?!?!

I know it has been a very long time since we were last here, but life is very busy with a 2 1/2 year old! Elizabeth is growing up so fast, I sure do miss our "baby" but she is growing up into quite a little lady.

She goes to preschool 2 mornings per week, but asks every morning "school today?" We are still in speech therapy one day per week, but in the last 2 months we have really been taking off and meeting our goals and I don't think speech will be needed much longer. As a result of speech her eating patterns are much improved and meal time does not take near as long. And an added benefit it she LOVES carrots!!!! This is one of her foods she eats during therapy and as a result she now loves carrots!

We are really moving along with potty training and may be able to go to school in a week or two in just regular clothes and regular underpants! YEAH!!!

She is still the tiny peanut, only weighs 20.5 lbs, and is about 31 to 32 inches tall. But trust me the attitude makes up for the small stature! Her father and I had no idea so much noise could come out of something so little!!!! She is so active, never stopping for a minute. One of our travel mates recently had a photo of her little girl laying on the sofa watching cartoons, well you will never see that kind of picture here, because the longest Elizabeth sits still is about 2 minutes and then on to the next project.

I will post some more pics in just a minute in a separate post, just so this one does not get too long. I'll try not to go so long between posts again, but again, no promises!!!

Until next time...................................

A few more vacation pictures

2010-10-19T19:30:00.009-04:00

I think this was called Graveyard Falls, didn't look so scary to us!!!

This is Looking Glass Falls and yes I really did take this picture myself! And it was raining but you can't tell that in the picture

This is our niece, Katherine, and she attends Western Carolina Univeristy and was able to spend some time with us. Pay attention to the shadow of the "bear" behind her. This was a VERY popular spot and you are right on the edge of a VERY busy road. Between 5:30 and 6:00 pm the sun cast a shadow on the mountain that gradually takes on the appearance of a bear. It was freezing too!!!

Reference my previous point about freezing!! Yep that is right this thermometer reads 32 degrees!

Look Mom no hands!

Just one of the many beautiful sites we enjoyed last week

Elizabeth spent many hours just climbing up and down these stairs. She doesn't get to see these things in Florida apparently!

No we didn't get lost!

2010-10-18T20:47:00.007-04:00

Well Hello to everyone! We have not fallen off the face of the earth, just been busy, you know the story! Elizabeth is continuing to grow and become quite the little lady. Our "baby" is quickly going away and a new little girl is emerging. She is chatting constantly and more and more words are becoming easier to understand. She is eating better, and starting to try some new foods and textures (thank you speech therapy!!!). Her hair is growing like a weed and we just love her to death!

We just returned from our first "family" vacation. We have been on some short trips, reunions, etc but this was the first time that just the 3 of us piled in the car and headed out with no real purpose other than spending a week together. We left on Friday afternoon and headed out to Sylva, North Carolina where we enjoyed 8 days of beautiful weather, magnificant scenary and good times as a family of 3. The leaves were just really starting to pop and show a distinct array of colors, and it was so pretty. For those of you that don't know Jennifer grew up in South Carolina and seeing this type of scenary makes me miss it alot! Elizabeth is a great traveler, and we really mean that. She just sits in her car seat, watching the world go by and will occasionally chat out to us or start to sing a song. Other than that she just sits back and enjoys the ride. She went with the flow and even though she had no real schedule for the week, she just adapted.

Here are a few pics below of the last month or so, and I will post some more vacation pics in the next post.

Until next time..............................

Our cute little cabin in North Carolina

Elizabeth gives Stone Mountain, Georgia 2 thumbs up!

Feeding her Pablo a chicken nugget

-she LOVES Pablo

Just being goofy

Swimming with her American brother-Joe or as Elizabeth says, Joe-Joe

A weekend at Grams & Grandaddy's

2010-08-28T15:52:00.012-04:00

I LOVE my Aunt Janet!!!

Rubbing Grandaddy's head for good luck

Playing Legos with Uncle Randy

just chillin' with my Grandaddy

Giving Grams a hug

Elizabeth and I got to spend the weekend at my parents house and Elizabeth got to celebrate her birthday with Aunt Janet. Aunt Janet was in the hospital for the "real" birthday party and was not able to make it and had been very disappointed. So last weekend during our visit Elizabeth had plenty of time with Aunt Janet and opened her presents from Uncle Randy and Aunt Janet and also had a small birthday cake too. And the answer to your question is "no, she did not eat this brithday cake either."

If you read my previous post on her birthday party in July you will see that I said Elizabeth was only interested in cutting up the cake with her spoon and did not want to take even one bite. That was again true last weekend when we tried to give her birthday cake again! What is the matter with this child???? A kid that doesn't eat birthday cake???? Anyway, she had a great time and I did too and here are some pictures to enjoy.........................

School Days!

2010-08-28T15:42:00.006-04:00

Hi out there to everyone! Hope your summer is going well and you have not sweated to death like we have here in Florida.

Elizabeth has now started pre-school and here are a couple pics of the first day. She is really enjoying it. She goes 2 days per week for 3 hours and is pretty tuckered out once she gets home. Somedays she has to take a nap right away, even before eating lunch, because she is so pooped out. And today we have a slight runny nose, welcome to the world of school children, I guess!

We also had a 2 year old check up and our girl is 19.1 lbs in weight, and 30 inches tall. So that is almost 6 lb weight gain in the last year, and about 2.5 to 3 inches in height. Not too bad. As you can tell by the pictures her hair is growing like a weed too!!

Ready to go to school with my new book bag that is as big as me!

Waiting outside the classroom door to go into school. I wouldn't look at my mom because there was just too much other stuff going on!

A day in the life

2010-08-10T17:47:00.007-04:00

Doing one of my favorite jobs-using the Swiffer on the bathroom floor. I also love to feed the dog and clean the bathtub every nite after my bath!!!!

Still playing with my Pablo ballon from my birthday-notice he is being dragged around by his head

Like father-like daughter

Feeding my doll a play doh sandwich-yum yum

Just a girl who loves her high heel shoes!!!! And a shopping bag too!!!!

2 year old photos

2010-08-02T20:01:00.005-04:00

Here are a couple of shots of our girl documenting the fact she is now 2 years old!!! These pictures turned out adorable, but I will let you all in on a little secret. This was the 2nd time we went since the first time we got about 3 shots in and then a total, major meltdown started and we had to leave!!! Welcome to the world of a 2 year old! It is just amazing to look at the pictures taken almost exactly one year ago and to see how Elizabeth has changed. We just love her to death-temper tantrums and all!

Until next time................................

Happy Birthday Ladybug!

2010-07-27T17:53:00.007-04:00

Elizabeth & Grandpa

Elizabeth and Grandaddy having birthday cake

She was only interested in cutting her cake with the spoon and never ate a bit! What is the matter with her???

Her "boyfriend" Pablo-Pablo got alot of kisses that day!! If you notice, Pablo is bigger than she is-Ha!

Helping Daddy carry one of my presents!

Hello to everyone! Today is a momentous occassion around the MacDonald household!!! Elizabeth is 2 years old today!!! I can not believe our little girl has been in our lives for a whole year and is now celebrating her 2nd birthday with us. We were fortunate enough to have had her 1 week last year when her birthday rolled around. She didn't really get into her birthday last year, but is fully enjoying all of her new toys, new table and chairs, new Kitty cat stool, Play-doh, new Crayola Wonder Fingerpaints, Fisher Price cash register, Disney Princess phone, new Mickey Mouse DVD's, Bat n Ball Penguin, Backyardigans lunch box and many, many, more things and last but not least, a huge ballon of Pablo from the Backyardigans!!!

As you can tell, she got alot of gifts, LOVES, everything, and rotates toys frequently throughout the day. She also loves all the cards that came with each gift and carries them around in the Backyardigans lunch box and takes them out several times a day and "reads" them. It is too cute!

Happy Birthday baby girl, we love you very much!

Another memory from one year ago

2010-07-20T19:15:00.003-04:00

I have to admit I have been very emotional today thinking back to one year ago that we became a forever family. I have had tears in my eyes off and on throughout the day as I think back to that momentous occassion! I look back on the videos and photos and realize what a tiny little peanut we actually received! Patrick said to me today "do you know where her outfit is that she was wearing when we got her?" Of course, I know where this outfit is!!!!

Here is a photo exactly one year later of our precious angel! It fits her now, and she is 3-4 inches taller than she was then and weighs about 5 to 5.5 lbs more than she did back then.

Pay attention to the diaper hanging out in the center of the pants. These are called split pants and this is what kids in China wear instead of diapers! They start potty training at a very young age?!?!

Life has never been so good!!! We love our little girl to pieces!

Until next time..............................................

One year ago today-we became a forever family

2010-07-20T07:45:00.012-04:00

The first picture we ever saw of her!

One year later!-Can you believe it????

One year ago today we became a forever family! Can you believe it has been one year already since our precious baby girl was placed in our arms?!?!?! Here is a photo montage of how our baby girl has evolved into a toddler.

Dear Elizabeth,

One year ago today, in a very hot room, in Changsha, Hunan Province, People's Republic of China, you were placed in our arms and became our daughter. Daddy and I love you so very much and just can not imagine our lives without you. You have blessed us in ways that only a parent can know.

You have evolved into a funny, spicy, imaginative little girl, and now looking back on the pictures and videos from one year ago, I think you had all those qualities then, but Daddy and I just didn't understand it or recognize it! We are first time parents you know!!!

We promised then to feed you, cloth you, provide you with the best education and most of all, love you forever and ever. We pledged that then, and we continue to pledge that now. You are the greatest gift ever and God picked just the right little girl to complete our family.

We love you so much, Ladybug!

Mama and Daddy

China sister reunion!!

2010-07-19T20:12:00.010-04:00

Hello all! We have just returned from a fantastic trip to Gatlinburg, Tennessee where we had a reunion with 4 other families that traveled with us to China. If you can believe it, we are approaching the one year anniversary of when we received our babies?!?!?! We have been talking back and forth for awhile about getting together for a reunion, and finally, were able to work out the details.

We all arrived on either Wednesday or Thursday and stayed until Sunday. We were fortunate enough to find a nice condo complex (thanks Tonya!) that had enough rooms for all of us. The condos all had 1 or 2 bedrooms and the same number of baths as the bedrooms, small kitchens and family rooms and best of all-views of the Smokey Mountains that were probably some of the best I have ever seen, seriously!!! Our particular condo looked out right over the valley into Gatlinburg and the tram that takes you up the mountain floated by many times a day right outside our patio. We saw 2 weddings while we were there right on the lawn outside our condo. And we heard both ministers say to the couples-this is the view everyone wants!

Each nite we had a potluck dinner in a meeting room on the property and each family brought a dish for the nite. The kids got to run around and play, the grownups finally got a chance to really talk. We didn't get to do too much of that in China because we were all overwhelmed with new babies at that time!!! Then each day we wandered into Gatlinburg, drove around the area, and then as a big group we all went to the aquarium on Saturday. We really had a great time and feel like we packed alot into 4 days. We are ready to do it again, and seriously hope we can make this an annual event. We missed the 2 families that were not able to be with us this year, but I sure hope they know they were spoken of fondly, and they were really, really missed.

Here are the pics, which I know is the only thing anyone really cares about! Ha! Stay tuned for the next post here on the blog as it will be about our 1 year anniversary for Gotcha Day!!! Can you believe it, one whole year with our beautiful baby girl, where does the time go?!?!

Until next time..................

Can you see the view of the mountains behind us?? Gorgeous!!!!

Lia and Elizabeth-does anyone else think these 2 girls look alike???

Kelly enjoying some time outside on the lawn

Beautiful Bella-looking like she is getting a little tired of all the picture taking!!!!

Amanda and her mom, Jamie-do you think these 2 look a little happy????

Molly, the greatest big sister ever!!!! She is really Kelly's big sister, but let me tell you-she can be Elizabeth's big sister-ANYTIME!!! This kid rocks!

Ok, so don't tell Elizabeth's daddy, but Elizabeth has a SERIOUS crush on Lia's little brother-Jackson!!

A re-creation of the famous red couch photo taken in China almost one year ago!!! We think we even have them lined up in the order they were on the original photo. Please reference the post on this blog dated around July 29th or 30th for the original pic and see how much these girls have changed!!! Here is their names in the order they are seated from left to right: Kelly, Elizabeth, Bella, Amanda, Lia

Eating Lunch (1 photo), by Jennifer MacDonald

2010-07-03T18:29:00.001-04:00

I'd like to share my Snapfish photos with you. Once you have checked out my photos you can order prints and upload your own photos to share.
Click here to view photos

Little jealousy.....Grady and Elizabeth (1 photo), by Jennifer MacDonald

2010-07-03T18:28:00.001-04:00

I'd like to share my Snapfish photos with you. Once you have checked out my photos you can order prints and upload your own photos to share.
Click here to view photos

Aunt Janet reading me a bedtime story.... (1 photo), by Jennifer MacDonald

2010-07-03T18:27:00.001-04:00

I'd like to share my Snapfish photos with you. Once you have checked out my photos you can order prints and upload your own photos to share.
Click here to view photos

First all day adventures with the babysitters!!!!

2010-07-03T17:48:00.002-04:00

Well, does this give you any idea on how Elizabeth's day went when my sister and her husband babysat for the day??????

We had a busy Saturday with a baby shower for Jennifer and then a wedding later in the day for both Jennifer & Patrick to attend.

My sister and her husband graciously accepted the request to babysit so we could attend these events, thanks Janet and Randy!! I have to admit I was a little apprehensive about leaving Elizabeth, and actually had a nervous stomach most of Saturday morning. This is really the first time we have left her for any big chunk of time. We did go to a movie in November for a couple of hours, and our neighbor across the street watched her on Good Friday for about 6 hours. But this was the first time we were literally away all day. We left at 12 noon, and returned home around 11 pm. Elizabeth did not miss us at all, and we kept very entertained and busy with her aunt and uncle.

I think Janet and Randy also had a great time, but I know they were exhausted by the time they got home!!! However, we appreciate the babysitting services and hope they are up for another day in the future. If you are wondering-Elizabeth never cried, grumped or whined for us. She ate her meals like a champ, went to bed without a fuss and let Aunt Janet wash her hair too!!! Patrick and I have decided she hates us now, and wants to live with Aunt Janet and Uncle Randy full time!!! That will never happen but she clearly enjoyed herself and didn't miss us a bit!!

We are gearing up for the 4th of July. Jennifer has to work for the weekend and Monday-boo hiss! Oh well, as Nike says-Just do it!!!

Until next time............................

Just having fun

2010-06-27T19:18:00.008-04:00

Practicing my piano because I have a big recital next week

Vacuuming the floor-it just doesn't seem to stay clean

This was what Daddy found when he opened this box for Father's Day! I think someone mixed something up at the Sirius factory, because there was supposed to be a radio in that box not a little girl?!?!?!

Hello, just checking in after a few week break from posting here. Enjoying our summer so far, even though is seems hotter than ever. We are off to our big reunion with 4 other families that traveled with us to China in about 2 weeks. We are soooooo excited for this trip and can not wait to see how all the girls have changed. Out of 7 families it appears there will be 5 families able to make the trip this year. I hope this is a tradition we can continue most every year!!!!

Here are some pics of just normal every day things around our house, hope you enjoy them!!!

Popping bubbles!!!

Holding hands with my new friend Austin

Swimming at Grams and Grandaddy's

Happy Father's Day

2010-06-20T19:19:00.004-04:00

Dear Daddy, I hope you enjoyed your first "official" Father's Day. I was waiting for you in China to come and get me for Father's Day last year. You knew who I was but I didn't know who you were. The last 10.5 months have been the best ever. I am soooo glad I get to spend each day with you and I love you and Mama very much. Thank you for being the greatest Dad ever, I love you, Elizabeth

To my Dad, thank you for all you have done for me throughout my entire life. It really takes on a new meaning now that I have a child the sacrifices you made for me and Janet while we were growing up. You still do too! You are a great Grandaddy too and Elizabeth loves you very much, and I do too! All my love, Jennifer

Happy Memorial Day to everyone

2010-05-31T12:04:00.005-04:00

Giving my mom a smooch!!!

Riding my pony!!!

Just looking cute!!!

Hope everyone is enjoying this holiday weekend. We are for sure! We have done ALOT of yard work, cooked alot of food that we still need to work on eating, and just kind of kicked back and did what the mood struck us to do. Jennifer has enjoyed having a 3 day weekend and wish that happened every weekend! Ha! Don't we all?!?!?!

We would like to thank our service men who have served our country and are currently serving our country that we can enjoy the freedoms that we have each and every day. If not for them, life as we know it would not exist.

Here are some pics of the newest US citizen in our family. She is very patriotic today in her red, white and blue dress!!!! Enjoy.......

Fun photos

2010-05-30T16:09:00.003-04:00

Excuse me, can you tell me what time dinner is? I'll make sure I have my feet off the table by then.

Saturday nite, my mom is cooking dinner-WHAT? My mom never cooks, I better sit down and watch all the action.

How do you like me now????

2010-05-29T15:05:00.005-04:00

Hi guys, this is Elizabeth. My mom and dad have been busy working in the yard today and I decided to just chill out in my pool and watch them work. Here are some pictures of me enjoying myself.....................isn't this the life??!!

Take a look at me now

2010-05-25T08:01:00.002-04:00

All tuckered out after being sick for the last 3 days

Girls afternoon watching movies

My first swimming lesson

Practicing eating with a spoon and the yogurt was yummy!!!!!

My first time out-had to happen sometime?!?!??!

What a difference a year makes!!!

2010-05-21T21:06:00.004-04:00

One year ago today we received the most wonderful phone call in the world, telling us that we had a daughter waiting for us in China!!!! I can still remember that day like it was moments ago and wish we could relive that moment over and over again. But you know what-having Elizabeth here in the flesh is WAY more fun than a phone call! After waiting what seemed like an eternity, finally our dreams for a family had come true. Alot has changed in the last 12 months, for sure, but we are so blessed to have such a wonderful child like Elizabeth in our lives. She is so loveable, fiercely independent, creative, playful, spicy, and never stops moving, but she is ours and sooooooo worth that 3 year 9 month wait.

This is the first photo we saw of our girl

One year later-sitting forward facing for the first time on the way to swimming lessons!!!

Having a snack before swim class and showing off my new

bathing suit that Grams and Grandaddy sent me.

Until next time................................

Happy Mother's Day

2010-05-09T14:47:00.004-04:00

I know it is far away but look closely-the dog, Elizabeth and myself all sitting in the swing together. Kind of homey don't you think???

Our little rock star!!!

Happy Mother's Day to all of the mothers out there! It has been a long time coming, but, finally I get to celebrate a Mother's Day with my own child. It was about 2 weeks after Mother's day last year that we received our referral for Elizabeth and then as you all know, we left for China to meet her on July 15th. So in every way this is my first Mother's Day, and it has been a great weekend to celebrate.

We spent the day at the beach again yesterday, and Patrick even accompanied us!!! That is a feat within itself as he pretty much despises the beach. I think he wanted to see for himself how much Elizabeth really enjoys herself when she is at the beach. She just loves the water, loves to dig in the sand, wave and say Bye Bye to everyone. He really enjoyed watching her, as I did. Then we chilled out for the afternoon in Ormond, then had an early dinner, then came home. We ended up being gone from 9:30 am until 8:30 pm! Guess we were having fun, huh??

Then today at 6:55 am, my girl came to wake me up and wish me a Happy Mother's Day, with kisses and crawling all over me in the bed. She gave me a 1 hour massage gift certificate and a beautiful card. We have just kind of been chilling out around the house today. Nice to not have to go anywhere, or do anything. Just sit back and enjoy the many blessings we have right here in good ol' Deltona, Florida. Just being together today is gift enough!

We are making plans for a reunion with our China travel group and hope to meet up in Gatlinburg, TN in July. Stay posted for the pics when that happens!! Almost one whole year since we all traveled together. Our girls are going to look very different that is for sure!!

Elizabeth starts swimming lessons tomorrow. I think it is really more like an introduction to water in general, but a much needed class in Florida. As much as she loves the beach, she has never been a big fan of the pool, so it is time to get used to that too. We are around pools all the time here and she needs to learn how to be safe.

Only 3 more weeks left of "school" as well. We will be finishing up our "pre" preschool class that gets the kids ready for the real thing in the fall. Patrick has been going most weeks with her, but I have been fortunate enough to arrange my schedule to be able to attend about 4 classes too. It is a great environment and she really enjoys herself and has a great group of kids in her class. We think all but 2 of the kids will be in the same preschool class in the fall, the other 2 will move up to the 3 year old class. So Elizabeth will have been around and know 3 of the kids when she starts class in August.

That about sums up our life for now. Hopefully I'll remember to get some pictures of swim class and post them here later in the week.

Happy Mother's Day!!!!

Here are a few more recent photos

2010-05-02T19:27:00.008-04:00

Here are a few pics for your enjoyment!!!!

Yes, I do get up in this chair all by myself

Ladybug riding her ladybug wheelybug

Catching a ride on Grandaddy's shoulders

"Helping" Granddaddy fix the curtain rod

Hanging on to Grandaddy's leg-just in case

This is what I get to do when my grandparents watch me-jump on the bed!!!!!

A Day at the Beach

2010-05-01T14:47:00.003-04:00

Hello to all. Spring has sprung in Florida, thank the Good Lord!!! It is our first 90 degree weekend day in over 6 months and of course, where else do you spend the day when it is 90 degrees out???? At the beach!!

Elizabeth loves the beach still. This is the first time we have been able to get to the beach since last September. So this morning we packed up the car, drove the 40 minutes to the beach, unloaded and walked onto the sand. Immediately our girl was bending over to touch the sand and wanted to get as close to the water as she could. She dug in the sand, walked in the water, got knocked over by a wave and took a mouthful of water, but stood up laughing and ready for it to happen again. She was in heaven!!!

She is now thoroughly exhausted, back at home and taking a nap as a post this blog. Enjoy the pictures

Until next time...................

Chocolate Easter Bunny-Part II

2010-04-11T19:22:00.004-04:00

Here are a couple of pics to show you how much Elizabeth enjoyed her chocolate Easter Bunny from Grams and Grandaddy. She does not make a sound when she is eating this, just packing it away as fast as she can!

A few more pictures

2010-04-06T21:31:00.004-04:00

Just a few pics I couldn't resist because they are so darn cute......................................

Yeah, another picture!!!!

Eating my first chocolate Easter bunny

Talking with my Grams on Skype and offering her a bite of my chocolate Easter Bunny ( I am glad she said no thank you because it means more for me!!!)

A reunion of China girls

2010-04-06T20:58:00.009-04:00

Hey girl, where did you get these shoes, they are soooo cute???????!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Hunan girls reunited!!!

Here let me put your number in my phone, and you put my number in yours, OK????

Dad and K

I have missed my friend soooo much!!!

Elizabeth, M and K-so cute and M is just a natural with the girls!!!!

Last Monday we traveled to the St. Pete area and were able to meet up with one of our travelmates and their family while they were here on vacation for spring break. There were a total of 7 families that traveled to China to get our girls and we were lucky enough to meet this family as we deplaned in Beijing. Then we found out our girls were in the same room in the orphanage and clearly had interacted with each other at the orphanage as they just gravitated towards each other any time we were together. So it has now been 8.5 months since our trip to China and we were all VERY anxious to see how the girls acted and if they would remember each other.

As soon as we arrived the girls were a little shy with each other, but did act like they knew each other. Both families have blogs and we routinely look at each other's blogs to show the girls pics of each other. This family also has an 8 year old child as well . I will withhold names to protect their privacy. But long story short, all the girls played with each other and genuinely had a great time together. Unfortunately the winds were blowing about 30 miles an hour so we couldn't stand the sand pelting us at the beach, and ended up spending most of the day indoors. It didn't matter in the least because the girls played and the adults caught up with each other. It was just a great day and we are ready to see some more of the travel group, and soon!!!

There are really no words to explain the bond you form as you travel on this journey to our beautiful girls. We had never met each other prior to arriving in China but then spent the next 2. 5 weeks together, pretty much morning, noon and nite. We got to know each other pretty well. For those of you that have followed the blog, I did grieve pretty hard when we got home because we missed the other families and the opportunity for our girls to get together every day. Now after traveling half way around the world and back, and coming home with just the most precious gift of all, we are all bonded for life. And to have the opportunity to see each other during the year is just so special.

I will apologize ahead of time for the pics because we were so caught up in the reunion and watching the girls and catching up that all the attention was not paid to photo making! Sorry, but here you go.........................................

Happy Easter a little late

2010-04-06T19:30:00.010-04:00

Easter Pictures

Elizabeth and her cousin, Maddux

Elizabeth and her cousin Murphie-these 2 girls can sure play hard!!!!

Elizabeth with another cousin, Delanie

Looking so pretty standing in front of the azaleas!

Just another shot in the gorgeous azaleas

Elizabeth and the Easter Bunny

Happy Easter, a little late and Happy Spring. Can not believe another month as has passed since we posted here. Elizabeth is growing up so fast and literally changing day to day. She is talking more now, saying "please" and "I zaza" (which is her words for I gotcha). She continues to grow in height, now measuring in between 29.5 and 30 inches tall, and weighs about 17 lbs, 5 ounces. Her teeth are almost all in and at least the worst part of teething seems to be over with. Speech therapy is coming along but she still is not the greatest eater, but you can't have everything.

We had a big Easter barbeque on Easter Sunday and had about 118 people in attendance, the biggest ever, and most likely the last one ever. What started as a gathering of 20-30 people over 50 years ago, has morphed into this and frankly, with the events that happened in our lives over the last year (meaning the arrival of Elizabeth) we just don't have the time to devote to this gathering any longer. So sad to think of a 50+ year tradition ending, but getting ready for over 100 people is just a job that needs to be taken on by professionals!!!! That is not us!! Who knows that feeling may change, or the gathering may take on a different twist in the future if it does continue to happen, but for now we are approaching it as this was the last hurrah.

Not much else to report here, just loving our little girl to death and truly enjoying every moment with her

Until next time.....................................

It has been awhile!!

2010-03-17T21:32:00.012-04:00

Helping mommy dust

Just lovin' the breeze blow through my hair

My 2 favorite men-Daddy & Grady

Just having a chat with my mom over a snack

Hello everyone, no we didn't fall off the face of the earth, we promise!!! Sorry it has been so long since we posted here. No good excuses as usual, just participating in daily life.

Elizabeth is doing so well. She is getting bigger, definitely taller and is gaining a little weight. Speech therapy is going fairly well and we are making slow progress. She has learned to sign a few more words and her oral motor weakness is showing some improvement. Unfortunately, she is also teething so she is not very into having your fingers or her tri-chew in her mouth right now. The speech therapist seems to think that the teething may have alot to do with the fact why our progress has not been faster.

Elizabeth continues to attend pre pre-school each Monday. She does enjoy it, but it really taxes her as far as having to follow along with a group, participate in group activities and follow directions. She definitely wants to do what she wants to do, not necessarily what the teacher wants her to do. Thank goodness the teacher says this is normal for her age, she is the youngest in the class and is just behind the rest of the group in her social skills and some developmental skills. She is the youngest by at least 6 months. And at this age that is a huge difference. She is quite pooped when she gets home!

Here are some pics for you to see how our precious little girl is changing. We just can't believe we are going on 8 months since she arrived in this household. She will be 20 months old at the end of this month as well.

Enjoy

Trying a crouton for the 1st time

Completely exhausted after eating that crouton

Sitting in my rocker that Grandaddy fixed up and painted for me

Zonked out after all those croutons!

Happy Valentine's Day

2010-02-14T14:18:00.002-05:00

Happy Valentines Day to all you sweethearts out there!

Dancing Queen

2010-02-13T17:06:00.005-05:00

I have mentioned here before that our girl sure does love music and rocks out every chance she gets. Well here is a short video showcasing her dancing skills to Alicia Keys "No one." She has now been nicknamed "Dancing Queen" by her Granddaddy. I think she lives up to the title!

Enjoy!!

Just hit the play button(the arrow on the far left bottom of the screen) and the video does play-not sure why there is no picture on the screen until you play the video, but the video is there

A few random photos

2010-02-08T20:38:00.010-05:00

Elizabeth giving her first speech on top of a plastic basket!

Just looking so pretty in her baptismal dress

Riding my motorcycle at Grams and Granddaddy's

Uncle Randy and Elizabeth

Aunt Janet & Elizabeth

Having fun with Grams pushing me around the house in the kitchen chair!

Completely and totally mesmerized by the Backyardigans!

Just a little update

2010-02-08T19:37:00.011-05:00

Hello to everyone out there, we know it has been awhile since we have posted any real news or information and thought we should bring you up to date with what is going on in our lives!

As you know, life is busy with an 18 month old-who could have imagined-LOL! Elizabeth is keeping us on our toes with running, jumping, riding her (play) pony, and chasing the dog.

We have had a couple of big milestones in the last few days and thought we would share them with you. First, we spent the weekend in Lakeland with Jennifer's parents and then on Sunday traveled to St. Petersburg and had Elizabeth baptized. Patrick's cousin (well really like a 2nd or 3rd cousin, but it all gets lost in the translation) is a bishop in the episcopal church. He happens to be one of the clergy that married us over 13 years ago. He is now serving the episcopal church in southwest Florida which covers a territory right up to where Jennifer's parents live. So, on Sunday we drove about 45 minutes to the Episcopal cathedral in St. Pete and had Elizabeth baptized with both sets of grandparents, Patrick's brother and 2 of his kids, Jennifer's sister and brother in law and the bishop and his wife and his wife's best friend. It was really special and what a beautiful church to have her baptized in. Elizabeth did great. She was kind of enjoying being held by the bishop and then have her head covered in water. After the actual baptism she was very interested in the baptismal font and probably would have loved to dunk her hands in there. After the baptism we drove a couple of miles down the road and had a nice lunch out on the St Pete Pier.

Then today, Elizabeth started pre pre-school. This is a class that is designed for soon to be 2 year olds to prepare them for pre-school in the fall. You have to be 18 months or older to start this class, so we just made it! There are 3 other kids and Elizabeth had a blast today. She was so excited about her first day that she woke up at 4:45 am ready to go. Her dad and I were not too thrilled with this, but she was able to take a short nap around 7 am to be rested for "school" that started at 8:45 am. The class is called Two and You and one parent stays with the child throughout the class. You work on taking turns, sharing, following directions, playing nice with others and picking up new skills that maybe your child didn't have when starting the class. Elizabeth is the youngest by 6 months so she has some catching up to do, but really enjoyed herself and tried her best to keep up. We will go for a total of 4 classes and if as a group, we decide we want to continue meeting each week, then we will do just that. Official preschool will start in September. We have to decide if we are going to do 2 days a week, 3 days a week or 5 days a week between now and then. I am already leaning towards just 2 days per week (3 hours each day) as Elizabeth will be just barely 2 years old when the preschool starts in September. But we have a couple of weeks to decide what we are going to do for sure. Jennifer was able to attend with her today and then again the next time there is a class, and then Patrick will do the final class.

Elizabeth has also started speech therapy one day per week. We have been having some issues with her eating and meal time taking forever (like 45 minutes to 1 hour EACH meal). The pediatrician was concerned that her weight gain was not enough so between the two issues we had a speech evaluation and she was found to have left sided oral motor weakness. Basically, nothing specific just that her muscles and coordination on the left side are weak. Her right side seemed to check out just fine. We have exercises to do at home and then she actually meets one on one with the therapist once a week and then we have exercises to continue at home in between the sessions. I swear, we had the evaluation and the recommendations were made , and since then she has been eating like a champ with hardly any of the issues we were seeing before the evaluation. However, the therapist made it clear that if we did not address these issues now, she would learn to compensate, but it would eventually catch up in her speech/language development. So, speech therapy it is then. She will eventually work her way up to a group type class where they will work on food textures, which has been her big problem. Textures of certain foods really seem to throw her off, and as a result, she will not chew, or chew some and then spit the food out. We hope and pray that the therapy will help alleviate some of the issues and teach us how to deal with meal time in a positive manner.

Here are some pics of our girl. We hope you enjoy them as much as we enjoy looking at them. She is such a joy and we just can't imagine life without her!

Until next time.............................................

Mom & Elizabeth leaving for the first day of school- Grady is saying good bye to us!

Elizabeth's baptism

Helping my mom touch up some paint

Just driving around the neighborhood

Helping my dad vacuum

Bishop Dabney Smith & Elizabeth

Just cutting the grass (even though it is a little dead after our freezing weather in January)

6 months ago today

2010-01-19T20:09:00.022-05:00

On July 20th, 2009 in a land far, far away-we met our daughter for the first time after a 3.5 year wait! Now fast forward 6 months later and here we are, home from China, settling in to life with a child and now having a hard time remembering what life was before Elizabeth arrived.

Elizabeth continues to grow taller, now 29.5 inches tall and weighs right at 16 lbs. Her hair is getting longer by the minute and will soon be going for her 4th haircut since coming home! She loves our dog still and they have formed a nice little bond. She continues to love music and has many, many toys that make music and she never fails to stop and rock out when the mood strikes her. She chatters constantly and is speaking more words and making animal sounds.

She is just amazing and makes our heart melt just about every day. She is very loving and gives hugs and kisses freely. She is the master of blowing kisses to any and everyone and has even started to have a "diva" move of blowing kisses using just 1 or 2 fingers, instead of the entire hand! It is very cute and looks just like a diva.

Here is a little photo montage documenting our girl over the last 6 months. I can't believe how much she has changed, and us too!

Enjoy the pics!

Random pics

2010-01-10T17:15:00.011-05:00

Dressed and ready for bed!

This is for Daddy and Uncle Randy. Notice the tears in her eyes, I would cry too if I had to wear anything with Florida Gators on it.

The 10th Reindeer

Elizabeth and Granny Mac

I love having tea parties, this one is with my Granddaddy!

Just checking out this stroller strap so I know how to get out of it next time!

Watching Backyardigans (my favorite!) and the chair she is sitting in was Jennifer's chair when she was a toddler and the yellow sweater was also Jennifer's as a baby. That sweater and chair are REALLY old!

Last but not least, doing my favorite thing of all times-stealing the remote control from Daddy!

More Christmas Fun!

2010-01-02T19:17:00.016-05:00

Having fun just sitting on the boxes

The Happy Family

Aunt Janet & Uncle Randy

Grams & Granddaddy

I don't like this thing!

A tea party with Uncle Randy

What's that?

Grandaddy and Ladybug reading a Christmas story-so cute!

Until next time................................

Merry Christmas to all!

2009-12-25T07:50:00.002-05:00

Merry Christmas everyone! Our family celebrated Christmas in July with the arrival of Miss Elizabeth into our household. The holiday season has been so fun and blessed beyond our dreams.

To our family and friends we would like to thank you for all the support and love you have given us over the last 4 years as we embarked on the journey to our girl. And now you get to be part of our first holiday season as a family-how special!

To our travel mates-we are so thankful to have met each and every one of you and are so glad you are part of our lives now. Our girls are all precious gifts and we look forward to watching each of them grow over the years and catching up at reunions (in the near future, I hope!)

To Elizabeth-you are so very precious and Daddy and I love you very, very much. God brought you to us and we are so proud to call you our own! There is just not much more to say other than we love you very much Santa baby!

From our family to yours-we wish you a Merry Christmas and a peaceful, Happy New Year-

Patrick, Jennifer & Elizabeth

Meeting Santa Claus-Part 2

2009-12-15T08:12:00.003-05:00

Do you think our girl liked Santa after all? She is clapping her hands and that is always a good sign!!!

Meeting Santa Claus

2009-12-14T18:14:00.002-05:00

This weekend we went to the local zoo and Elizabeth had the opportunity to meet Santa Claus. We started with a brunch that Elizabeth, both sets of grandparents and Patrick and myself were able to attend. Elizabeth loved every minute of it!! The Christmas music was playing, she was swinging her arms and clapping her hands, and she ate like a horse. Then we got to have our picture made with Santa! This is her first impression of Santa. I will post the other pic later where she is clapping her hands after she figured out he was pretty cool.

We had a blast and are LOVING our first holiday season with our girl. What a precious gift! No other presents are needed this year, just the fact that Elizabeth resides in our house is gift enough!

Until next time................................

Thursday, Thanksgiving Day November 26th and Happy Birthday to Patrick

2009-11-26T06:45:00.003-05:00

I want to wish my husband and Elizabeth's dad a very happy birthday! He gets to share it with Thanksgiving day this year. And we both say we have a lot to be thankful for this year. Happy Birthday Babe-I love you...........................

From our family to yours we would like to wish each and every one of you a very Happy Thanksgiving.

Until next time.................................

Day #4 in a week of Thanksgiving

2009-11-25T20:32:00.002-05:00

Wednesday, Day #4

I am thankful for my family.

My family is a blessing in alot of ways. The provide unconditional love, support, words of wisdom, and just generally support what I do in my life. Many people in this world have no one or are estranged from their families. I am fortunate and blessed to have a great family.

My quote for the day:
"An ounce of blood is worth more than a pound of friendship

Until tomorrow..................................................

Day #3 in a week of Thanksgiving

2009-11-24T20:32:00.002-05:00

Tuesday, Day #3

Today I am thankful for my faith and the ability to practice my faith.

I was raised as a Southern Baptist and still call myself a Southern Baptist. I happened to have married a guy that is Catholic and an extremely devout one at that. We have radically different styles in the way we worship, but the bottom line is that as an American we are allowed to proclaim our faith and freely practice whatever religion we so chose. This is not the case in many countries and penalties are often stiff (even death) for those who chose to worship.

My faith has gotten me through many trials and tribulations. And many times I didn't understand why things happened the way they did, but looking back on it years later it would seem that the timing was perfect after all. We knew when we started our adoption process that there would be a wait. Never in a million years did we anticipate almost 4 years of waiting, but that is what it turned out to be. I have said it many, many times -that Patrick and I had faith that just the perfect child was out there for us and when God says it was time, then it would be time. And now look at the precious gift we have received this year. There are many other instances over the years that I could tell you about, but won't. Just know that living in the USA allows us many freedoms that other people in this world will never experience.

My thought/prayer/saying for the day is: Footprints in the sand

This saying/prayer captured my attention at a very young age-like maybe 7th or 8th grade. It moved me from the moment I heard it and I have fallen back on it many times since then. It is very simply put but kind of sums up what I was trying to say above-at the time when things happen to us we may not understand why it is this way, or when it is going to get better, yet looking back on it months or even years later you realize you were not alone. You have to have the faith, maturity and understanding that our time is not always God's time. Here is Footprints -I hope you enjoy and find a deep meaning in it as I have over the years.

One night a man had a dream. He dreamed he was walking along the beach with the LORD.
Across the sky flashed scenes from his life.
For each scene he noticed two sets of footprints in the sand: one belonging to him, and the other to the LORD.
When the last scene of his life flashed before him,he looked back at the footprints in the sand.
He noticed that many times along the path of his life there was only one set of footprints.
He also noticed that it happened at the very lowest and saddest times in his life.
This really bothered him and he questioned the LORD about it:
"LORD, you said that once I decided to follow you, you'd walk with me all the way. But I have noticed that during the most troublesome times in my life,there is only one set of footprints. I don't understand why when I needed you most you would leave me."
The LORD replied:
"My son, my precious child,I love you and I would never leave you.During your times of trial and suffering,when you see only one set of footprints, it was then that I carried you."

Until tomorrow.............................

Day #2 in a week of Thanksgiving

2009-11-23T20:49:00.003-05:00

Please reference the previous post for my inspiration to post each day this week leading up to Thanksgiving Day. If you don't have the time to read the post here it is in a nutshell:

Life is great, we take many things for granted, we get caught up in the day to day activities that comprise our lives and often times forget to stop and think about what we really have. Most of us will say it is not the material things that define who we are, but the morals, values, family and friends we were raised with and continue to be part of our lives today. I want to take each day as it comes-knowing it may be my last. And I want those around me to know how much I love them and what they have meant to me. So each day this week I am going to post about something I am thankful for and also give a little thought/prayer/saying for inspiration and thought.

Monday, Day #2-I am thankful for my health.

Besides a little thyroid gland problem and extra weight I don't care for on my hips, thighs, chin, etc. I am a very healthy person. Working as a nurse practitioner makes me appreciate just how good I have it. Most of us are only one good illness away from serious reprecussions in our lives, like financial devastation, job loss, family stress, divorce, emotional distress, etc. should we be struck with any type of illness/injury. So again, I am thankful for my good health.

My thought for today is one of my very favorite sayings of all times. It has changed a little over the years, been tweaked a little here and there, but I do think it originated from Mark Twain. It goes something like this:

Sing, like no one's listening,
Dance, like no one's watching,
Work, like you don't need the money,
Give, like you expect nothing in return,
Live, like there's heaven on earth,
Love, like you'll never get hurt

Until tomorrow.........................

A week of Thanksgiving

2009-11-22T19:19:00.004-05:00

Today started out just like any other Sunday. Elizabeth had breakfast, we went to the grocery store for a few things and came home for her to have a morning nap. Then I called a very close friend who had left a message on our machine last nite that it was important I call her today. That is where the similarities to other Sunday's ends.

She proceeded to tell me that her daughter, grandson and son in law were all killed in a house fire on November 12th. Her daughter was only 35 years old and her grandson would have been 5 years old on November 28th. Needless to say I have been so sad and devastated since that phone call. Most of my thoughts have turned to Elizabeth today as I think of all the moments we shared together today and that my friend will never have this opportunity with either her daughter or grandson again.

So in the spirit of Thanksgiving and after receiving this "wake up" call today I have decided each day this week I will post here just what I am thankful for this year.

Sunday, Day 1-I am thankful for our daughter.

After over 3.5 years of waiting and hoping for a family, our dream came true in May, 2009 when we received the wonderful phone call that we had a daughter in China. I really don't think there are any other words to say about this. It is a miracle and truly a blessing. As I kiss my daughter good nite tonite, my thoughts turn to my friend and the deep pain and suffering she must be experiencing at this moment, which makes our gift of Elizabeth even more special than ever.

I think I also want to post a thought for the day each day this week as well just to make each and everyone think about what is good in our daily lives. We all have struggles and frustrations, but there are also many joys and wonders that can get lost in our day to day struggles. Let's each take time this week to find just one minute in our day to give thanks for something or someone special in your life.

My thought/saying/prayer for today is:

You are the poem I dreamed of writing
the masterpiece I longed to paint.

You are the shining star

I reached for In my

ever hopeful quest

for life fulfilled...

You are my child. Now with all things

I am blessed.

More pics

2009-11-16T20:27:00.006-05:00

Grams and Granddaddy

Aunt Janet's self portrait

It's been awhile-

2009-11-16T20:17:00.005-05:00

Hello everyone, sorry it has been a couple of weeks since our last post. Life has just got the best of us is all-busy at home, busy at work, just busy. Our girl continues to grow and amaze us each and every day. She is saying more English words like "meow meow" and she loves to imitate the grandfather clock and says "dong dong dong" every time she hears it.

She has had another haircut-that makes 2 now since she has been home. But I think the one we did last week is really her first "official" haircut. We took her to a "kids" salon where she got to sit in a fire truck and watch Baby Einstein while she got her hair cut. She was so good. And her hair is really growing and getting thick. I do think she will have a true bob haircut before she turns 2.

Elizabeth and Grandpa Frank

Nothing much else to say, just enjoy the pics of our girl. We just love her to death and look forward to each and every day with her.

Until next time.........................

Pics from our day at the zoo

2009-11-01T14:28:00.007-05:00

Here are some pics to enjoy of our day spent at the zoo. Elizabeth loved it and we are now members so she will be going back ALOT during the next year. Not only do they have animals to see but also a ROPES course with zip line and a kiddie train and carousel. I don't think there was a thing we did today that she didn't love!

Until next time.....................................

Trick or Treat? We think she is a treat!

2009-10-31T19:51:00.004-04:00

Pumpkin Head!!

Trying a lollipop for the first time

Me and my friend, Angel

Storytime and Pumpkin Patch

2009-10-28T06:54:00.007-04:00

Tuesday's are for story time for Elizabeth. I started taking her when I was home on maternity leave and her dad has continued the tradition. It is just for 20 minutes at our local library but she LOVES it. Up until yesterday she would stand in front of us and participate with the music and clapping and listening to the stories but would not venture away from us. Well, yesterday a whole new Elizabeth broke out at story time. She stood right in front of the "teachers" and clapped and rocked to every song. Then would turn around and wave at everyone in the class. Then she would walk off around the room and check everyone out and then make her way back to the front of the class. She had a blast and everyone got a kick out of her!

Elizabeth and her friend, Olivia

I was able to join them for story time yesterday and was soooooo glad that I did not miss this show. She was definitely enjoying herself and entertaining everyone else in the room at the same time. I just wish we had taken the camera in so I could have photographed some of her antics!

After story time we went across the street to the pumpkin patch and picked out our pumpkin. She loved walking around and hitting those big orange balls! It was difficult to get her to stand or sit still for a photo but I was able to snap a few. Her friend, Olivia, also was at the pumpkin patch and we made their picture together as you can see.

I went back to work and Elizabeth and her dad came home and carved the pumpkin we bought. It was carved into the "scary" face that Elizabeth is now famous for. There is a picture a few posts down that shows her doing her "scary" face for everyone. She does it all the time and particularly likes to do it if she thinks she is getting in trouble for something!

Another pic of Elizabeth with Olivia

Until next time.........................

Can you believe it has been 3 months?

2009-10-25T18:50:00.009-04:00

Looking out of the sliding glass door

Our four legged child!

Doing my favorite thing-swinging!

This week marked a huge milestone for us-3 months since Gotcha Day! Can you believe it??? I say this every month that passes that wonderful anniversary but in some respects it was like yesterday and in other respects it was a life time ago. We are just so in love with our girl. She makes us laugh each and every day. She just fits in our family. My sister says all the time "it is hard to believe you did not give birth to her!"

She is now walking all over the place. She continues to love music, even just hearing 1 or 2 beats of music and she is rocking and clapping along. She is vocalizing more and now says Dada, Mama, dog, bye bye and meow. Now some of these words are not 100% accurate with the pronunciation, but we know that is what she is saying. She is very friendly and social-waving at everyone and everything. When we are out on our walks she is usually waving at the cars that go by whether we know the people or not. I took her to her first gym/play class yesterday and she walked all over the mat in the class just waving at everyone. She is a huge imitator-whatever we do she tries to do as well.

She now weighs 15 lbs 5 ounces-almost a full 2 lb gain since we got home. Actually I am surprised it is that much now that she is walking because she is up and about constantly! I think she is around 29 inches tall but haven't checked that recently. Food is still somewhat of an issue for us. She has a very hard time with stage 3 baby food and is also not transitioning over to table food like we think she should-but then again she ate her first raw apple 2 weeks ago and LOVED it. When I was grocery shopping yesterday and put the apples into our cart Elizabeth started clapping! It was hilarious. She likes all chips-Doritos, potato chips, she loves Gerber puffs and Cheerios, cereal bars, yogurt and steamed egg. We finally were able to transition her to milk in a sippy cup, but she still takes a bottle at bedtime. Mainly for the calories (that she needs) and also because I love holding her close and loving on her. She doesn't sit still any other time of the day so I take advantage of those few moments when she takes a bottle.

Life has changed so drastically for us-all for the better. I could never have imagined how much we could love this little lady and what a special gift she has been to our family.

Here are just some fun pics of our girl-not doing any thing special but just enjoying life!

Until next time.......................

A little taste of fall

2009-10-18T20:12:00.003-04:00

We FINALLY had a break in the weather here this weekend. We were actually having heat advisories last week with temps feeling like they were around 102-103 in the afternoon, but on Friday we had a front blow through that brought our first cool weather. Saturday dawned sunny and chilly- I think it was 59 degrees out and only warmed to around 70 degrees all day. That is pretty cool for us Florida people. Then today (Sunday) it was more of the same thing and also breezy. We were just outside talking with the neighbors as the sun was going down and between losing the sun, and the breeze that was blowing all of us were complaining we were cold!

Yesterday Grams and Granddaddy came to visit. Elizabeth just LOVES when they come because she gets all the attention every single minute that they are here. And of course, they brought a Halloween basket with goodies in it for her. This is the first time they have seen her since she started walking and they were just amazed at how well she is walking and toddling all over the house. Not sure what we did all day but somehow managed not to take a single picture-sorry!

But none the less here are a couple of our girl. The first pic is her enjoying her very first apple! I was eating one for a snack and she watched me very intently for about one minute then started waving her arms like crazy and making "bop bop" sounds with her mouth. So I picked her up, sat her in my lap and just held the apple in front of her. Well, she bit right into it and was actually able to get a little pulp off and of course the juice, and she LOVED it. She continued to sit in my lap another 5-10 minutes just biting off small amounts and eating away. Now this is coming from the girl that won't eat stage 3 baby food if there is any chunks in it at all, but she'll eat a raw apple-go figure!

My first apple!

The second pic is her just out in our backyard wondering around and chasing leaves last nite. It was cool and her and our dog were feeling pretty peppy and just had a great time running all around the back yard and exploring together.

Unfortunately, the cool weather comes to an end this week and it is forecast to be back around 85 degrees by mid week. But we loved the quick glimpse of fall we did have and can't wait for our next "cold" snap!

Until next time.....................................

And a good morning to you!

2009-10-13T08:23:00.002-04:00

Good morning everyone!

Just checking in

2009-10-12T21:37:00.007-04:00

Breanna and Elizabeth-Saturday, Oct 10th

Hello all, it was a fairly busy week last week, and the end of a 12 day haul of working for me so I was definitely looking forward to the weekend! Elizabeth and I went into Orlando on Saturday and met up with my college roommate, Lynn and Lynn's daughter, Breanna. It was so great to see them both! However, I felt quite old as Lynn was 5 months pregnant with Breanna when Patrick and I got married and now she will be turning 13 years old in December! Good Lord where does the time go?????!?!?!

Breanna played with Elizabeth so well and was so good at keeping Elizabeth entertained and busy. Elizabeth is now walking all the time and just gets up and goes at free will. Well Breanna kept up the pace with her and it gave Lynn and I the opportunity to play catch up with each others lives. I have really missed seeing her regularly like we used to when I still lived in Orlando. We lived together for a couple of years in college and then continued on as roommates after college until Lynn got married. Those were the times!! Here are some pictures of our visit.

Lynn, Elizabeth and myself-Saturday, Oct 10. I think Elizabeth wanted to go home with them

This pic is a little blurry but it is Elizabeth playing on her wheely bug. When she first came home her legs wouldn't touch the ground when she sat on it. Now they touch and she can get off easily but hasn't quite mastered the art of getting on and also scooting around on it-yet! It is just the cutest little ladybug design and will try to get some pics of her on it and where you can see the entire toy.

What do you mean what am I doing? Lying on my parents bed, watching Spongebob and resting

my legs on this great foot stool-this is the life!

Until next time.......................................

Want to see some of my tricks:

2009-10-07T08:16:00.006-04:00

What do you mean I am not supposed to be up here?

And now for my new trick, walking across the bed!!

Hard at work and it isn't even 8 am yet!!

Want to see some funny faces??

2009-10-04T21:43:00.007-04:00

This is me sitting on my stool in the kitchen. Now which cabinet were those pots in that make alot of noise????

Just hanging out playing with my ball activity center

This is what I call my "scary" face. I stretch my bottom lip out and my jaw and if I am really serious about it, will also make my whole body tremble. Who needs a Halloween costume?

See all my new teeth????!!!!!!

This is me walking!

2009-10-04T21:24:00.003-04:00

Elizabeth has decided she is going to walk pretty regularly now. She started taking a few steps about 2 weeks ago, but was alternating between crawling and walking. Slowly over the last 2 weeks she has gotten more confident and is walking more and more. She will still crawl some when she wants to get to something quickly, but I think those days will be over soon. Here is a short video taken about 1 week ago when she still wasn't quite so sure on her feet, but none the less, you can see she takes a few steps to give the dog his toy. They are such good friends!

What a fun weekend!

2009-09-27T20:08:00.009-04:00

Elizabeth had a great and busy weekend. Saturday we had a nice visit with Patrick's brother, Tim and his 3 kids-Maddux-age 12, Calen-age 9 and Delanie age 8. Their dad had met Elizabeth but this was the first time the kids had the opportunity to meet her. Delanie was a natural with her cousin and played very nicely and sweetly with her. And of course, Elizabeth turned on all her charm for them. She even walked a couple of steps while they were here! Here is a great picture of the cousins all together on the swing-

Here is a good one of Elizabeth with Calen-

Then after the fun on Saturday, we had a nice gathering to celebrate Moon Festival with our local Families with Chinese Children group. We met at a small local Chinese restaurant and basically took the place over. We live in a small community half way between Daytona Beach and Orlando and just in this small area comprised of 4 small towns we have about 20 families that have adopted from China. It was so nice to talk to other adoptive families and Elizabeth just loves seeing the other "asian" faces. She was smiling and babbling and really enjoying herself. There was one other family there that has a daughter adopted from Hunan, and they say she is "spicy" just like our girl. Here is a photo of Elizabeth enjoying her Gerber puffs at the gathering and then the group photo of all the girls that attended today. ( I know I don't look too Asian in that photo but she wouldn't stand up on her own with the group so I had to hold her)

Last but not least, I had to throw in a pic of her taking a few steps. We didn't have the camera ready for the "real" first steps she took earlier in the week, but I just so happened to catch these couple with the still camera today. I still have not been able to get her on video when she decides to walk a few steps! Also notice Elizabeth's trusty companion had to get in the shot as well!!!

Until next time...................................

Back to work week and we survived

2009-09-25T20:22:00.003-04:00

Here is me and my girl as I am off to work!

Well, as you all know I have returned to work this week. It was bittersweet that is for sure, but everyone at work and at the hospital and dialysis unit were so excited to see me and hear all about Elizabeth. That in and of itself made work bearable. Who wouldn't love to go to work and just talk about your baby and show off pictures all day!!!! I did enjoy getting to use the other part of my brain and get parts moving again that had been dormant for the last 10 or 11 weeks. I have been a nurse practitioner for so long it is just second nature now and I really feel at home in my office and at the local hospitals. So walking into that familiarity made this week not so bad. I only cried Sunday nite and Monday morning as I walked out the door. I really didn't sleep Sunday nite, just thinking about how our life and little routine we had established was going to change forever now. And when I kissed Elizabeth goodbye and put my purse on my shoulder the tears started to fall. At that exact moment my phone went off and it was the physician assistant in our group sending me a text welcoming me back and wishing me a good day. I am so thankful for the good friends that I have in my life.

Patrick will have to comment on his week since he became stay at home daddy, or as he refers to it-the van dad, this week. I think they had good days, but I am sure he doesn't tell me a lot of the not so pleasant things so I won't worry too much. Elizabeth does not cry when I leave and apparently doesn't really cry during the day. But when I come home from work she is clingy and doesn't want to be far away from me at all. Really only one big issue and that was Monday when she had a huge poopy diaper that went all over her, her clothes, Patrick's clothes when he picked her up and then he didn't remember which drawer of clothes were the ones she can wear right now. So he had to call me about where to find another outfit to put on her, but that was really our only issue. I now leave an extra outfit laid out on her dresser when I leave in the morning for the "just in case" scenario! Overall a pretty smooth transition, I think.

Tonite we decided to order take out from our favorite local Chinese place. I had told them we were adopting the last time we were in there, so tonite when we went to pick up our food, of course, we took Elizabeth to show her off. The owners were so excited and asked all kinds of questions about her. They even said that some Chinese people were too closed minded to know that girl babies are just as special as boy babies. And they said over and over to Elizabeth-lucky baby, lucky baby. The owners were speaking to her in Mandarin and her face just lit up and she moved her lips like she was trying to speak just like them. She also squealed a lot and kept pointing at them. In a way it made me sad for a couple of different reasons. Number 1-I feel terrible I don't know more Mandarin to speak to Elizabeth. She clearly recognized it and was very excited to hear them speak. She concentrated so hard on what they were saying to her. Number 2-it made me miss China all over again. To hear the language just brought back such great memories of our trip. I am not sure I will ever have another travel experience that has touched me like our China trip has done for me. I know a big part of that excitement and the reason for such wonderful memories was because of receiving Elizabeth. But also, I have to say I just truly enjoyed the culture, the sights, the people, the food, just everything. I think part of the draw is it is so vastly different from the United States and I find that intriguing. It is something I never expected to enjoy, it is also something I never would have decided to travel to on my own. It seemed to "foreign", too third world, and many other things that I now know were just misconceptions and false.

I am looking forward to the weekend of having 2 days back to spend with my girl. She is such a joy. I am sorry that I miss all the cute little things she does during the day. I just don't want to do anything else once I get home but play with her and watch her. I don't want to miss anything!

By the way, as I was leaving for work one morning this week Elizabeth was leaning on the dog and chattering away at him. Well he walked away from her and guess what-yep-she took 3 steps after him! I was sooooooo glad I had not walked out that door yet! We have been anxiously awaiting the next few steps but so far she has maybe taken one other step but is now standing in the floor and is able to clap her hands and dance, and try to take her shirt off-all without falling down. It is just a matter of days I am sure before her walking starts in earnest.

Anyway, hope you all have a great week. I will continue to post here but the reality is now since I am back to work that I probably will only get the chance to post once or twice a week.

Until next time................................

I don't think the grandparents are going to like this!

2009-09-19T08:57:00.002-04:00

I don't think the grandparents are going to like this but Elizabeth and her buddy sure did!

Lisa came to visit

2009-09-16T12:43:00.003-04:00

Lisa & Elizabeth-Sept 16, 2009

One of my best friends in the entire world came for a visit today to see Elizabeth. Her name is Lisa and she is currently living in Brooklyn, New York going to medical school. Her family is from our area and she was here for a quick visit and will be returning to New York to finish up her last 8 weeks of school and will then be back in Florida for at least the next 6-7 months if not longer! YEAH!! I have missed her terribly since she left for med school but am so proud of her drive to be a physician (and she will be a great one) and really respect what she is doing with her life and career.

Elizabeth just loved her and she came bearing gifts of books, so that is always good! And her books came in a trick or treat bag as well-what more could a girl ask for! We had a nice chat and catch up session and she got to see Elizabeth in her glory! Elizabeth is not shy and has really been great around all the visitors and family over the last 8 weeks and she didn't disappoint today. I have attached a great picture of Lisa and Elizabeth.

The other pic is Elizabeth with our dog, Grady. They have become fast friends and Elizabeth really loves him and chatters at him constantly during the day. She loves to point at him and then turn and tell us, "dog." I think she thinks we don't know that Grady is a dog! Grady was having a rest on his bed this morning and Elizabeth decided to join him. Don't be fooled-she is NOT sleeping-she does not sleep during the day much at all! She was just laying down next to him, petting him and talking to him. I couldn't resist the picture.

Until next time........................................

A week of first's

2009-09-14T14:27:00.008-04:00

Elizabeth had an exciting week of first time experiences. Here are a couple of photos to show you what she experienced:

The first two photos are of her at the beach. We weren't sure how much she would like the beach as she hasn't been too much of a fan of the pool unless someone else is in the pool splashing and entertaining her. But the beach was a different story! She sat right down in the sand and immediately picked up a handful and was running it through her hands. Then the water was coming up gently to her legs and she loved that. She was pointing and squealing for more and more water. I took her out a little deeper-like knee depth on me-and she loved that too. She did not seem scared at all and was soooo cute in her little bathing suit and sunglasses. She never touched her sunglasses once to try and take them off. It was like she knew she was at the beach and you were supposed to wear them!

The second set of photos is her having her first "haircut." Really it was just a little bang trimming and some slight trimming to even up some edges, but in my opinion, that counts as a haircut. Please ignore my hair as I was having some color strategically placed, if you know what I mean. Elizabeth was so good for her haircut, sat very still in my lap and just looked up at April, our stylist. She now has bangs which will hopefully grow a little and then we shaped the rest to grow into a bob. Her hair has grown so much since we got her. I look back at the pictures from the first few days and it is just amazing how much it has grown and how much thicker it has become. Overall she is such a different baby than the one that was handed to us on July 20th.

This one I just had to throw in-she is standing over the vacuum cleaner having her hair blown and she loves it!!! I call it her Marilyn Monroe shot

I am enjoying my last week at home with our precious baby girl. So sad to go back to work, but not quite as tearful as I have been since the reality of the situation is-I am going back to work (unless we win the lottery on Wednesday or Saturday) period and the sooner I accept it the better it will be. She will be with Patrick during the day, so at least daycare is avoided for now and he is a great dad. I think he is definitely more patient than I am! I have just told myself to enjoy this last week as I have enjoyed the last 9 weeks. Life has changed so much for the better. Our schedules may be different now but our lives are so much more enriched and filled with laughter and joy with our little girl. She is just too cute for words!

Until next time....................................

How much is that Daddy in the window?

2009-09-07T09:02:00.003-04:00

Here is a video of Elizabeth doing one of her favorite things-looking out the window in her room for Daddy! When he is out doing yard work she LOVES to look out her window for him. I caught this video on Saturday when he was out and stopped by her window on the way to the front yard. It is just precious! I don't know if you will be able to hear her or not but for alot of the time she was standing at the window she was saying very softly "da da, da da, da da." Patrick is such a great dad-

Until next time...........................................

Just some random things

2009-09-01T09:13:00.004-04:00

The video is me giving my mom and dad the "business." I was doing this ALOT on Monday and it even continued after I got out of my highchair. I had something to say and they better listen, or else!!!!

I like Pringles, do you???

I am trying out my walking legs-but sometimes I get distracted by the fun things to do on the front of the walker

My first time swimming

2009-08-31T20:28:00.003-04:00

On Sunday our very kind neighbors invited us over for a swim with Elizabeth. This is the first time she had been in a pool. The video shows her first couple of minutes in the pool, but after we stopped filming, one of their kids-Angel, started jumping and splashing into the pool and Elizabeth was VERY excited about this. She would splash the water with her hands, yell and kick her legs like crazy. She did really enjoy her one hour in the pool and we would like to thank our friends for having us over. Enjoy the short clip of her first dip in the pool!

Saturday night/Sunday mornings

2009-08-30T09:29:00.003-04:00

I remember a long time ago when Saturday nites meant going out and having a good time, eating drinking and be merry, right? Well now with the newest member of our family Saturday nites are spent having a bath!!!!!

And remember when Sunday mornings used to be for sleeping in, having breakfast and reading the Sunday paper. Well, the reading of the paper still happens around here-just ask Elizabeth!

Grandparents came for a visit

2009-08-29T15:54:00.006-04:00

Today was very exciting around here, because Grandmama and Granddaddy Cooper came for a visit!!!!! As soon as the doorbell rang and they walked through the door Elizabeth got very excited doing her arm flapping that she does when she is happy and excited. This is good because most of Friday afternoon and evening she was quite miserable. As her dad put it, she was pissed off at the world. She screamed and cried for most of the afternoon on Friday. Nothing really mad her happy or calmed her down with the exception of a period of about 30 minutes that she was swinging in her swing. She does love that thing, as does her mom and dad!!! We were pretty pooped by the time she went nite nite around 8 pm. Thank goodness a nite of sleep made her a new woman and she was game on for her visitors today.

We have posted a couple of photos of our "movie" star in her sunglasses and just chillin' in her swing and a photo with her granddaddy as well. We sure wish they lived closer than 90 miles away, but it is close enough to come and visit for a few hours or the day. Too bad Aunt Janet couldn't come and then Elizabeth could have played with her digital camera!!!!

Enjoy the photos, Until next time.............................

Just playing

2009-08-28T11:29:00.007-04:00

Not too much been going on around here. Just enjoying our days and running errands here and there. My mom has found some consignment shops she really likes for toys, clothes, etc for me. That is good because her and my dad had no clue what I was going to need when I got here. They have been cleaning house this morning and I have been listening to music and playing in the "pit." The pit is a big area with a gate around it in our family room that keeps my toys safe from Grady, my dog. Sometimes I really like the pit and play alot in it, other times I really don't want to be in there at all, but I know my mom and dad have some things to do so it is safe for me to be in there. Still I have to cry to make them realize that I am not too happy to have to be in there. Today it was fun though.

I have a big puppy that I can lay on and my dad is really happy that I show interest in the basketball! Of course, I have books, stacking cups, my Elmo phone-and I LOVE to talk to people on it, a puzzle and blocks. Everyone once in a while I have to stand up and rock out to whatever song is on. I pretty much have the mack daddy play area. Here are some pics of it for you to understand what I am talking about.

Love,

Elizabeth

Feeling better finally

2009-08-23T13:07:00.006-04:00

Elizabeth got over her cold very quickly, like in about 36 hours, thank goodness. Unfortunately, her father and I did not fair so well. We have both been terribly congested and hacking up lungs. In fact, I was up from 12 midnite until 2:30 am just coughing last nite. Not so much coughing today but I think I coughed enough last nite for me, Patrick, Elizabeth, and our entire street. Patrick still has a snotty nose, but I can tell is feeling better because he has been out doing yard work this morning and hung Elizabeth's new swing!!!! She got her swing last weekend from her Grandmama and Granddaddy Cooper and we have been trying to figure out the best place to put it. Well it is up and she seemed to like it, although she had just gotten up for a nap when I put her in it the first time she wasn't firing on all cylinders yet. When it starts to cool off this evening we will go back out for round 2! She loves to swing on our big swing-a 2-3 person swing so let's hope she likes her own personal swing too.

Not much else going on-just thought I would post some random photos of our girl. The one where she is looking out her window in her room is too cute. She heard the weedwacker going last nite and started babbling "Dada, Dada, Dada" so I opened the blinds and she looked all over for him and then he appeared in her window and she got soooooooo excited and was waving at him and clapping like crazy. It was cute. She stool there along time watching him and then watched him walk off into another part of the yard. I have also posted another pic of her in her new wagon-compliments of Aunt Janet. She LOVES the wagon, loves to go ride in it and it such a ham while out and about. She waves to people (now I'll tell you a secret sometimes she is waving to no one at all but thinks she is) and babbles like crazy and often times before the end of the ride she is bent over poking her fingers through the holes in the bottom of the wagon. The wagon was intended to ride Elizabeth and our dog, but our dog is kind of hyper and will not sit still to ride. So Elizabeth has the mack daddy wagon, complete with cup holders, all to herself!

Enjoy the show, Until next time......................................

It's Saturday!!!

2009-08-22T14:44:00.003-04:00

It has been a nice laid back Saturday at our house. Elizabeth had a visitor today. She got to meet Aya, my work partner, for the first time. Aya has known about Elizabeth for a long time now and it was high time they met each other!!! I wanted to take her by the hospital to meet the ladies there as well but there is just too much funk going on at the 2 local hospitals right now that it didn't seem like a good idea to go visiting there. So Aya came to our house and had lunch with us and visited for a couple of hours. Elizabeth loved her and loved having another "asian" face around. And of course, Aya came bearing gifts so that was a hit too!!!

We will be going to church soon. This will be our second try at a true church service. She has been to one mass and one funeral so far and has done well in both of those. Let's hope we don't break our streak today. We are going to not let her nap before church in hopes that she will konk out in church with the peacefulness and music in the sanctuary. Please pray this happens. =

I have attached a couple of photos-one of her and Aya chasing each other around the box for the play center that Aya gave her, and the second after Aya left Elizabeth stood at our front door peeking out of the sidelight looking for her new friend. Aya you have to come back soon, Elizabeth misses you!!!!!

Until next time.............................

One month ago + 1 day

2009-08-21T14:39:00.005-04:00

I am a day late posting here, but did send a one month anniversary hello to our travel mates on our travel website yesterday. I know it is hard to believe but on July 20th, 2009 our lives were forever changed with the arrival of Chen Yu Heng, now known as Elizabeth Grace MacDonald. As I type this I can not believe one month has passed already. In some respects it seems like yesterday and in other respects it seems like a lifetime ago.

I have stated here before that I was strangely calm the morning of "gotcha" day. I think my craziness the week before lead to some down time the morning of July 20th. We were to get our babies at 11 am and due to traffic we were still sitting on the bus at 11 am and is was more like 11:10 or 11:15 when we finally arrived at the civil affairs office. Then there was just one tiny elevator for everyone to ride up and there was no way all of us were fitting in so a few of us had to wait for the 2nd elevator to arrive. At the time, we did not know that our babies were already in the room waiting on us or I would have found the stairs or just scaled the outside of the building! When we finally arrived in the room there was Elizabeth just sitting in a nanny's lap just looking around and taking it all in. I remember thinking to myself 2 things: she is very pale, and her eyes do not look very bright. Then when the nanny stood up and handed her to us then I thought "wow she is tiny" and "holy crap this is what we have been waiting for!" We talked softly to her and just walked slowly around the room. There was alot of commotion with babies being handed off, some that went willingly and others that went not so willingly. And then before you know it (it was really like 20-30 minutes later) our guide, XiXi, is saying ok guys it is time to get back on the bus.

We rode the 30 minutes back to the hotel and Elizabeth checked out the curtains, seat covers and everything else in our vicinity. Now to be honest, I can't remember if she fell asleep on me during the bus ride or not. I know I posted about it on "gotcha" day but now I have to go back and read the post to jog my memory. I do know she was asleep some in the hotel room but I just can't remember if when we walked in the room she was asleep or not. Isn't that funny that from just one month ago I can't remember that detail????

Well fast forward one month + 1 day and we have a precious little angel that just makes me smile everytime I look at her. She is a total people person, very outgoing, very inquisitive, pays attention to everything, is a number one imitator of anything, loves music, now loves to eat and has even started sleeping alot better! She has been sleeping from 8-10 hours each nite with only a slight whimper somewhere in the very early morning and then right back to sleep, takes a definite afternoon nap from 1-2 hours and sometimes a morning nap too. She would have a morning nap more but we seem to do errands at this time more so than in the afternoon. Since we live in Florida I try to plan activities around the afternoon thunderstorms. I have been caught a couple of times since being home with her when the rain started, and believe me, it is not fun trying to get us out of a store, wrangle an umbrella, get her in the car, then buckled in her carseat and then me in as well. Very quickly I learned you just go out in the morning so you don't have to go out in the afternoon!!!

Patrick and I have said frequently over the last few weeks that this little girl is not the same one they handed us in that small hot room on July 20th. She has really come out of her shell. We really can not remember what life was like before we hard her. Somehow the days were always filled with activities and things to do, but I never had the sense of accomplishment that I have now at the end of the day. Our girl is crawling and walking around on furniture and our hands, but has not taken that brave first step just yet. In some ways I am dreading her walking. To me it seems like she is no longer a baby once she starts to walk. I also know that we had better get to the babyproofing as well, because as stated many times before she is VERY inquisitive and will stop at nothing to investigate what ever it is she is after. She does respond to no, but does not remember from day to day what things she is to stay away from!

Our dog has adjusted well, and thank goodness, Elizabeth loves him and loves to look at him and try to pet him. Often times I look over at her and she is waving at him. One morning last week he was panting and she was trying to pull his tongue. He didn't seem to mind, but she never was able to get his tongue either!!! We keep her away from him while he is eating and playing with one of the "serious" toys. He definitely does not like it when she cries (and I mean really cry not just whimpering and fussing that babies do) and will go back to his doggie bed in our bedroom when she is really cranked up. Other than that, they seem to have come to an understanding that they both live her now and this is just going to have to work. We are grateful for that because Grady was #1 around here for a long time and was already rescued by us. I think he might have had alot of turmoil in his life before we got him and then once we had him our very first vet appointment revealed he had heart worms. He had been through alot by the time he settled in with us and we really did not want him to have to start fresh some place else because of issues with Elizabeth.

Our journey to Elizabeth was long and hard and as Patrick says "the end justifies the means." We both said all along that God had a plan for us and when he said it was time it would be time and the most perfect child of all would be placed in our family. You know what-it is true. She is the most perfect child for our family and we could not have asked for a better gift. She is a miracle in more ways than one. There were many dark days and nites that we never thought we would be able to live our dream of having a family the one day in May, 2009 that phone call came that has changed our lives forever. But the real miracle was July 20th, 2009 when she was placed in our arms and is now home, forever!

Just take a look at this adorable angel-how could you not love that!! Until next time...............

Our first cold

2009-08-18T19:25:00.002-04:00

Well it is official, Elizabeth has her first tried and true cold. I should have been on to the fact that something was up as she was just not herself yesterday. She was extremely fussy, crying non stop for most of the afternoon and the only time she stopped was with extreme distraction from either Patrick or myself. She didn't nap well yesterday, only 30 minutes in the morning and again 30 minutes in the afternoon. Around 4 pm I had enough of the screaming and crying and honestly, pure misery at that point and told Patrick she was all his for an hour or two. Well, I think they walked around the back yard like 500 times and then sat in our big swing and checked out the trees, birds, squirrels, our dog, etc. This kept her happy until she came inside and meltdown started all over. She did go to bed fairly easy but was restless, tossing and turning, that we could hear through the baby monitor. Well, this morning the answer was apparent what her problem was yesterday. She was getting sick. She had watery eyes, was sneezing like crazy, runny nose and was poking fingers in her ears. Poor baby, has a cold. I now feel guilty for losing my patience yesterday but after 4 staight hours of screaming, not crying, I mean screaming, I was over the limit.

Then to top that off we had to go to the lab today for our infamous "international adoption" blood work (remember we tried to go on Monday but there was a 2 hour wait!) and the receptionist ask me right away "how much does she weigh?" I answered honestly and said 13.5 to 14 lbs. Then she says "well, we can not do all of this bloodwork today because we are only able to draw 5 ml per stick based on her weight and to do all of these labs it will take at least 4, maybe 5 different visits to get them all in." I swear to God I almost decked that woman. I can not friggin believe I have to take my baby daughter back to the lab for 4 to 5 DIFFERENT sticks and blood draws. This is insane. First all the nonsense with her immunizations in China and then again having to start all over here. Now this crap!!!! This child is going to have a fear of all medical personnel and I mean soon. This does not bode well for me particularly because I frequently wear scrubs to work (and she will see me in them before I leave) and I also wear a lab coat everyday(which all of the "mean" people have been wearing). How much can this child go through? So now we have booked 4 different appointments with the lab to have these bloody tests done and I am not happy about it one bit. However, I do want to know that she is healthy and that she has no infectious diseases so there is no way around this one.

Let's hope our ladybug is feeling better tomorrow and the next few days afterwards. Her nose is like a faucet but she does not seem to have fever, and her appetite is definitely not affected. That girl can eat, I swear it you were to feed her what I had on my plate at each meal I do think she could eat all of it. On that note, I did try her on stage 3 baby food today to get her used to increasing food textures and she gagged with the first few bites but was then eating like a champ. She did have a bit of a small problem drinking her milk due to her nasal congestion but she did manage to get every last drop out of it.

Until next time..............................................

Grandparents weekend

2009-08-17T14:16:00.004-04:00

Elizabeth and I took off on Saturday morning and went to see my parents for a 24 hour visit. I am not the person to stay at home alot so I was getting a little stir crazy around the house. My dad had been out of town all week so I knew he would be too tired to head our way, so Elizabeth and I packed up the van and headed west. Of course, you know Elizabeth had a grand time. Grandparents and Aunt Janet to entertain her 24 hours a day, 7 days per week. She did not cry all weekend because she was kept entertained during our visit. My parents loved showing her off to the neighbors and she loved being the center of attention. I know Patrick missed her immensely but it gave him the opportunity to do some chores around the house without us there to interupt.

We attempted to go and have E's bloodwork drawn today but when I walked in the waiting room was full and the receptionist said it was about a 2 hour wait. With a one year old-you must be crazy!!!!! So we are now scheduled to have labs tomorrow at 2:30 pm. Let's hope we get a poopy diaper between now and then to also have for our giardia testing.

I have posted a couple of pics today. One is from our last nite in China when we stayed at the Marriott Hotel in Hong Kong. Elizabeth had just ridden 3 hours in a van from Guangzhou and we were all exhausted and hungry. She explored every inch of that hotel room and I had a slight panic when we walked in and discovered there was no bathtub. Well you can tell from the pic that it didn't matter. The vessel sink was more than adequate to accomodate our peanut and she was having the time of her life in that "tub." She is waving at her daddy in the pic!! Isn't it cute!!

The other pic is her "lounging" on her new "puppy" she got as a gift this weekend from my parents neighbors. It is huge and she just loves laying back on it and relaxing and watching the Backyardigans on DVD.

I can not believe we have been home for 2 weeks and that we have had Elizabeth for 4 weeks. I seriously can not remember what life was like just 4 weeks ago. I remember I was eerily calm the morning we went to get her, but was a raving lunatic the one week prior to getting her. She really is not the same child we picked up just 4 weeks ago. The color in her eyes is so bright, I think her hair has grown, she eats as much as me, and she is testing the waters to see what she gets away with. The day we picked her up she just sat in the nanny's arms and really didn't look like she cared what was going on. I remember thinking how pale she looked and her eyes were very flat and showed no emotion. That has all changed. She loves her dad and her mom and loves to show her personality now. She is fiercely independent (Patrick says just like her mom), she has cut 2 more teeth since we got her, she LOVES music and LOVES to dance, she catches on to things QUICK. My mom taught her to do high five and to rock back and forth and do "tick tock" to the rhythm of the clock. She is just so precious. That is not to say she doesn't have her moments, but we love her and are just marveled at how much she has changed and how much we have changed too.

Until next time.....................

Thursday, August 13, 2009

2009-08-13T14:06:00.001-04:00

We feel like we are in China!!! Our a/c is broken in our house and it is hot and feeling like China. Which is kind of funny because I was feeling a little sad this am missing our traveling group and seeing all the girls!

Remember how I said in one of the previous blog post that things in China are merely suggestions like traffic lights, not smoking on planes, etc. Well usually in highchairs there is a divider for one leg to go one way, and the other leg to go the other way. As you can see from the photo our daughter thinks this divider is just a resting post for her legs. She is Chinese therefore the divider is just a suggestion, right?!?!?!?

Not much else going on. Unfortunately, word in trickling out that several girls in our adoption group have now tested positive for Giardia. I have been putting off doing Elizabeth's stool sample because she also has to have quite the battery of labs drawn at the same time. After our big immunization visit last week, I thought she needed a break. But, I guess first thing Monday we are headed off for lab work and turn in our stool samples. If she does test (+) for this (it is a parasitic infection in the GI tract) then she takes meds for one week and then gets a recheck on her stool. Hopefully hers will be negative because if it isn't then Mom also has to be tested since I have been bathing in the same water as she has been. NICE!!!! Maybe Daddy will escape this one, but I can't be sure.

The a/c man just left and we have to replace a part that was just replaced one year ago. That doesn't make me happy but thank goodness it was under warranty. The whole system is less than 2 years old so replacing the same part twice in a new system is giving me concerns over the repairs for the future. We'll just have to see what happens!!

Until next time.....................................

This is what I do in the afternoon

2009-08-11T18:38:00.003-04:00

This is just a glimpse into what Elizabeth does with her afternoon while mom is on the computer. Last time I checked she was trying to get a piece of dried gum off the bottom of the trash can-nice huh?!?!?!?!?

My first birthday photos

2009-08-11T14:29:00.008-04:00

This morning at 9 am sharp we ventured down to the photography studio on Sanford and had Elizabeth's one year photos taken. She had a terrible nite, was fussing and whimpering most of the nite and I really don't think ever got into a deep sleep. Patrick did get up with her at 4:30 am and was up with her until 6 am, when I got up. He had just finished giving her a bottle and I took her and sat in the recliner and rocked her and she went back to sleep for about one hour. We actually had to wake her up so she could eat and get dressed to leave the house around 8:30 am. Thank goodness we had that one hour nap because she was "game on" for her pictures.

We did a couple of outfit changes and did hairbows, no hairbows, pink shoes, white shoes, the whole nine yards and she held up very well. I will post a few of the pics at the bottom. I think they turned out great but I am not prejudiced at all, right???

I forgot to mention the other day in the weekend update post that we took Elizabeth outside to "try" grass for the first time on Sunday. She did not like it at all. When Patrick tried to sit her down she drew her legs up real tight to her body and then we he did finally get her to sit she would lean over on one leg and hold the other leg straight up in the air. Finally she did start to relax and eventually put both legs down and then picked at the blades of grass until she got one she could put in her mouth. However, I repositioned and she thought I was getting up so that was the end of the grass trial. We haven't tried it again since, but probably need to so that she learns it is normal and a big part of life in Florida. I think it just proves that she had very little time outdoors when she lived in the orphanage.

I told you yesterday we had bought a walker for her to try and she has now figured out how to make it go and she seems to be really enjoying it. She really had a great time chasing her dad last nite around our kitchen, foyer and living room area. She also discovered how to make the "hunny" jar on the tray play music and when she hits it and the music starts to play she is bouncing up and down like a crazy woman. Let's hope it keeps her happy for some time.

After photos today, we went over to Jo-Ann's and took her outfit the orphanage gave us (this is the original outfit she was found in when she was brought into the orphanage) and had it framed in a shadow box. The framer looked so excited to be able to do this project and really wanted to do something special with the clothes as this is all our baby girl had to her name other than her bottle and the outfit she was wearing the day we got her. I really don't like to talk about it because I get teary eyed just thinking about it, but we needed to do this for her so that she has peace one day that someone did care for her and love her enough to bundle her up and leave her in an area where she was sure to be found and taken to the orphanage. I can't wait to see it when it is done-they said probably less than 2 weeks to finish it.

Unfortunately, since we have been home today Elizabeth has been a pill. I am quite sure this is a byproduct of not sleeping last nite. She is currently down for a nap and I pray wakes up in a better mood. At least she held it together for pictures today!

Well here are some photos, please enjoy-we sure did

Until next time.................................

Quick sorry to everyone

2009-08-10T17:53:00.001-04:00

Just wanted to say sorry to everyone reading the blog-I can not for the life of me figure out how to put photos on the blog and get the correct caption under the right picture. I will continue to work on it, just be patient!!!!

Monday, Monday

2009-08-10T17:15:00.008-04:00

"Helping" my mom with the dishwasher

Playing with my cousin Murphie-I loved her!

"Hey when did that Chinese girl get here?"

Hello to all, hope your weekend was great. Ours was even though we did not have much planned but still had ALOT of fun anyway! On Saturday we kind of chilled out around the house, but did make it to 4 o'clock mass. This was the first time for Elizabeth to attend a church service and we were prepared for the worst, but she was amazing. She loves music so with the piano playing and the priest talking she was pretty mesmerized. Then they rang the bells to signal the start of communion and that occupied about 5-10 minutes of her time looking for where the bells came from. Then we also were turned backwards looking to the back of the church and waving at everyone in the pews behind us!!!! But the biggest thing was she was quiet. No screaming, no crying ,no yelling or clapping her hands, just quiet. I am sure it will never happen again and Patrick will be back going to church by himself, but at least the first visit was good.

Then on Sunday, our niece Murphie and her mom and dad (Patrick's youngest brother and his wife) came over for a play date and lunch. Murphie has been so excited about "ladybug" since she was old enough to understand that a new baby was coming home. She has been anxious awaiting the arrival of Elizabeth and finally on Sunday they had their first official play date. They were so cute together and totally occupied each other's time. Murphie kept Elizabeth entertained and Elizabeth kept Murphie on her toes finding new things to do and keep her happy. The size difference is also hilarious. Murphie is 4 1/2 and Elizabeth is now 1, but the size difference is too funny. You can't appreciate it in the pics, you have to see it in person. It was such a nice afternoon. After they left Elizabeth took a 1.5 hour nap, which is great for her. Murphie you can come over anytime!!!!!

Now today is Monday and we had visitors this morning as well. Patrick's uncle and his wife came over from Altoona to meet Elizabeth and she really turned on the charm for them. Smiling, clapping, dancing.. you know the whole show she has going on. It was great to see them. We then had some house chores to do and little miss thing decided to "help" empty the dishwasher. She was pulling the rack in and out and hitting all the dishes, and then once that got too boring we just leaned down and chewed on the rack itself, you know it feels great on those gums when you are teething! I then took her into our bathroom to wash her face and put some cream on the skin underneath her nose because it is so raw and dry and she saw "that baby"(really just herself but she didn't know that) in the mirror and was waving and clapping at her. I took a pic and will post it here for you to enjoy!!!

After our house chores the "girls" went shopping. Our first stop was the baby consignment store where we purchased a walker for our girl. She is pulling up and cruising on everything but can not walked unassisted. She gets upset if we leave her in the playyard too long so we thought we would give her the option to follow us around in the house. Then we went to Walmart where she was the Walmart greeter, waving at everyone and pointing her finger at them. It was truly cute and fun too. Our girl loves to get out and about and go shopping-YEAH!!!!!

Now we are just "chillin." Nothing special planned for the evening but tomorrow we are having our one year old photos made!!! I am excited about that and hope to God she sheeps well tonite and is in the mood to have pics made.

Well enjoy the photos-

Until next time..................................

Had our checkup today

2009-08-06T20:41:00.004-04:00

Today was our first pediatrician visit here in Florida. We saw Dr. Chong at 2:30 today but actually it was a little later because Patrick had to go home and get the documents that proved we were her adoptive parents. Deep down I understand everyone has to CYA but not many people are going to "steal" an asian child, pass it off as their own and also take time to take them to a medical checkup. The first photo above is Elizabeth all dressed up for her first doctor's visit. It is also the first time she wore shoes. She loved playing with the flowers on the shoes and at various times in the afternoon one or both of the shoes was hanging off her toes. She LOVED the doctors office because all the girls were talking to her and paying her so much attention. But, then the needle lady had to show up and it was all over. Unfortunately, because she was immunized in China there is some concern amongst pediatricians here in the US that the shots are not stored properly, handled properly, given at the right time, etc that most adopted kids end up getting a whole new round of shots when they come home. So that's right, Elizabeth had 5 shots before we left China last week, and now today she had 3 shots and a TB test placed as well. Poor baby, it just breaks my heart, but there is literally no way to get around this. I want her protected against disease, but there should be some give and take. She also still weighs right at 13.5 lbs and is about 27 inches long. The way she has eaten the last 2 days, when we go back for followup in 6 weeks I think she may weigh 2o lbs. All kidding aside, I liked the fact our pediatrician did not make a big deal out of her weight. Asian people are naturally smaller than Americans and she is very likely going to be small. I have just not been concerned about it at all, particularly watching the way she has shoveled food in the last few days. In fact, we had to cut her off a couple of times because she was eating so much she would vomit at the end of the meal.

Backing up a little bit, she did sleep for 10 hours last nite and was so rested and good this morning. Unfortunately, between the doctor's visit and other things going on she only had a total of a one hour nap and we paid the price from 5 to 6 pm. Constant screaming and crying and if I moved at all it started all over again. Over the last couple of days she has become extremely clingly with me, more so than ever. I can put her down and literally walk just 2 feet to turn on a light or walk into the kitchen where she can still see and hear me, and the screaming and crying starts. According to some of the other moms in our travel group, they are seeing the same thing. Also, some of the babies have regressed some since coming home-like not holding their bottle or cup any longer, not able to play by themselves at all, etc. I am sure alot of the behaviour we see with Elizabeth has alot to do with coming to the USA, being away from familiar voices, familiar language, familiar looking people, etc. The pediatrician really didn't have any words of advise other than just keep making her feel secure. He basically said "I can tell you what to do medically, but parenting styles differ as much as styles of physicians." Being in healthcare I can appreciate that statement.

After the meltdown between 5 and 6 she had some dinner and then a bath. She really enjoys getting in the bathtub. The other pic at the top is her in her little bathtub that sits inside our big tub. If you squeeze the duck's nose it quacks and she starts bouncing up and down. She then reached around behind her to the edge of the tub and found the Cool Whip bowl that I use to rinse her hair, and she promptly put it on her head and left it there. It was too cute to not photograph! In fact, when I took the bowl off her head she kind of fussed a little bit like to say "hey, that is my hat leave it alone."

I didn't post yesterday, but mostly it was a down day. Patrick went to work/Ormond for a few hours so just me and Miss Priss hung out. We went outside and sat in our swing and had a nice relaxing swing until the 2 kids down the street started having knock down, drag out and getting spankings and told to go inside. Elizabeth became completely distracted and it was time to go inside. So we went in and I decided to do nail care for her big doctor's visit today and guess what??????? I nicked her thumb again cutting her nails. Good Lord I am a nurse for christs sake, why for the life of me can I not cut my daughter's fingernail. I swear she only whimpered for like 2 seconds and she was over it, but it continued to bleed for like 30 minutes. Good thing we were not in China, because after that incident I am quite sure they would not have let us leave the country. I am telling you this is payback for all the times I heard something a parent had done and thought to myself "what a dumbass." I am surely paying the price for those thoughts now!!!!!! Good thing her memory is short and she forgave me in like 1o seconds and was hugging my neck and ready to be loved on. I just felt terrible and kept praying Patrick did not come home while I had the kleenex and pressure on the thumb and have to explain to him that I cut her finger AGAIN. I did eventually tell him later in the day but it sure was nice to not have to do it the minute he walked in the door.

We are slowly adjusting to life in the USA. Some days are good, some nites are good, some days are mediocare and some nites are bad. Nobody is perfect that is for sure. We are still learning about her each and every day and all I can say is thank the Lord I took 8 weeks off to be with her. It is going to take me at least that long to just get the night time routine down. It is just amazing how much our little girl has changed over the last 3 weeks. I can not remember what life was like before her and am not quite sure how I managed to fill my days. She takes up all of our time, but what else did we used to do? We have had alot of visitors as this little girl has been talked about for 4 years now and people want to see her. She loved her grandparents coming up on Monday, her aunt came on Tuesday and saw the not so pretty 5 pm side of her, and then her uncle came yesterday. The neighbors have all been over and the phone calls have been constant. We don't care-it is so nice to know so many people have been involved in this process and are genuinely happy for us.

Well, stay tuned I am trying my best to post a couple of times per week.

Until next time.................................................

WE ARE HOME IN FLORIDA!!!!!!

2009-08-04T06:58:00.003-04:00

Thank the Good Lord, we arrived home in Florida on Sunday evening around 8:30 pm!!!! We were gone a total of 18 days, but felt like 18 years. We really enjoyed our time in China but it is always good to come home. As you can see from the previous post we spent a day and a half at Patrick's brother's house just outside of Newark and we terrorized his house and family during that time. They were all so good with Elizabeth and she had the time of her life while we were there. Undivided attention from about 6 family members can do that to a little girl!

Typical of vacations and trips away from home however for Patrick and myself, we left for the airport on Sunday morning and it was raining and fairly nasty in Newark. I had been worrying that we would have delays with weather since we were flying mid day and during the summer time we all know storms are common. Sure enough, just as the plane was backing away from the gate they closed all departures in Newark. Long story short-we ended up sitting on the plane for 2 hours in Newark just pushed back about 500 feet from the gate so there was no way we were getting off. When the first hour passed it became pretty clear we were going to miss our connection in Atlanta. We had even booked a longer layover than usual just to account for possible weather delays and since we were now traveling with an infant, we figured we needed the extra time. Thank goodness we were in first class so at least we got some special attention and a nice meal, even though we were not airborne. Once it was clear we were going to miss our plane into Orlando, I got on the phone with Delta reservations and got the nicest agent on the line who helped us secure a different way home. Unfortunately, we were not able to get into Orlando like we had planned and my parents and sister were very disappointed. We only had one option and that was to go to Daytona Beach. So that is what we did. Our neighbors were so kind to come and get us and we finally arrived in Daytona about 4 hours after our original schedule to come home. It was just a nasty day overall and Atlanta airport was a mess with people trying to get rebooked on flights, delays, missed connections etc. Our only snafu once we got to Daytona Beach we realized our luggage went to Orlando. So after traveling all day, going to a different airport, getting home at 9:30 pm and finally going to bed around 11:15 pm. the phone rings at midnite. It is Delta baggage wanting directions to our house to deliver our suitcases! We had just fallen asleep!!! Then at 5:15 am the phone rings again and it is the luggage delivery guy saying he missed a turn and needs new directions to our house. Now Elizabeth had just been up from 2:30 to 4:30 and I had just gone to bed and literally just fallen asleep when the phone rang at 5:15, I was a little perturbed at that point. But, none the less our luggage was here when I finally got up at 7:30 am.

Elizabeth met her maternal grandparents yesterday and she loved them and they loved her. She was quite fussy and didn't want to nap before they arrived so I was a little concerned over how she would be. But they walk in and dote attention on her and she just comes to life, despite only a 20 minute nap. She pulled out all of her tricks for them-clapping her hands, pointing her fingers, doing how how on her lips, grinning, babbling and just doing the things Elizabeth does. Also all of a sudden her appetite took off yesterday. She ate just as much as Patrick and I did. She really didn't show much interest in food unless she was starving and crying, but yesterday she made up for that. Whatever we put in front of her she ate, and when I thought she was full up to the top, she would eat some more. After her big day yesterday she was pooped out at 7:30 pm but I kept her up until 8:30 pm for a bath and bottle before bed. She did not finish the bottle as she was sound asleep by the time she took 2 ounces. So off to bed she went and slept until 3:30 am. She was crying so I went and got her and Patrick made her a bottle. She drank the bottle and went right back to sleep until 7:10 am!! HALLELUJAH!!!! The longest nite yet!!!

We have plans to call the local pediatrician today and get her an appointment this week. Her Aunt Janet is coming to see her later today as well. Janet was supposed to meet us at the airport on Sunday but when we were diverted to Daytona Beach she was not able to get over there, so she is very excited to see her niece for the first time and we are excited for them to meet as well.

Not much else going on now except getting Elizabeth on a schedule and keeping her on a schedule. I am off work until the end of September and plan to soak up every minute with our girl. She is quite special, but we are not jaded at all, right????? She loves her mom and dad and is very interested in getting to know our dog, Grady quite well. She wants to crawl after him and we have been careful to let them have limited interaction but no full blown one on one just yet. He was number one child around here for a long time and is feeling a little neglected so we don't want to traumatize him too much. Not to mention, Elizabeth thinks his toys look like fun so we have to keep her away from them as well.

We'll post some photos later of our girl

Until next time...............................

We now have a brand new US citizen on our hands!

2009-07-31T19:01:00.003-04:00

At around 2:30 pm this afternoon, we arrived in Newark, New Jersey and crossed through immigration and Elizabeth became a US citizen at that moment! Pretty exciting stuff.

But let's back up-yesterday in Guangzhou, China we left our hotel around 2:30 pm and headed for the US consulate for our swearing in ceremony. We arrived at the consulate and slowly like a trickle and then like a river people started flowing into the room we were waiting in. These were all adoptive families coming for their swearing in ceremony as well. After a greeting from the head adoption officer and acknowledgement of birthdays in July (of course, our girl was included) then we had a brief(like 20 second) oath and then we were given our brown envelopes to show at the airport check in counters and with immigration here in the US and then we were free to leave.

Our very good friend Debi Callahan had arranged for a private driver to take us to Hong Kong last nite and we stayed next to the airport and flew out of Hong Kong this morning. The ride to Hong Kong was shall we say-interesting. First, it took almost one hour just to get out of Guangzhou for the traffic, then once we approached the border of Hong Kong there was alot of inquiry with our passports and Elizabeth's passport Visa. They made me wake her up and show her to the border officer to prove that the picture in her passport matched the baby that I was holding. Now I don't think her passport photo looks anything like her, but apparently, they did and after scanning our heads for temps we were allowed through. We arrived at the Marriot Sky City directly next to the hotel around 7:30 pm and checked in and ordered room service and pretty much went to bed. Just a word for all the other travelers out there-this Marriott is VERY nice, the price was reasonable and literally the shuttle took like 4 minutes to take us over to the terminal.

We checked in at Continental and thank the good Lord the ticket agent took mercy on us and put us in seats together and it was also a bulkhead row so we had some floor space for Elizabeth to play and did not have to hold her the entire time. That in itself was a God send as the flight today was 15 hours! I never want to do that again. She was a great traveler, only cried seriously when it was time for bed (her regular bed time) and entertained the flight crew everytime they walked by waving and smiling at them. We arrived in Newark and cleared immigration and then customs and Patrick's brother, Mike, picked us up and took us to his wife's office for a quick check-up. Mike's wifeGrace, is a pediatrician and we have been anxious to have Elizabeth "checked out" officially. The exam in China lasted about 15 seconds and the immunization record is also a little confusing.

Elizabeth weighed 13 lbs 15 ounces today and she measured at 28 1/2 inches. So a little different than the exam in China, particularly the length part, but she otherwise checks out ok. We need to concentrate on getting her to eat and have caloric intake. We are going to try to switch her over to american formula and whole milk and see what we can get her to eat from the table as well. Grace suggested we don't force her to eat-we have held her down at times to eat, and just let her eat at her pace. The first few days we weren't feeding her enough, now we feed her enough but maybe not in the best manner. We are still learning everyday and Elizabeth takes our nonsense quite well.

We are all exhausted but Elizabeth is handling the time change, lack of sleep a heck of alot better than her dad and I. We are all trying to stay awake until 8 pm and try to get on East coast time fairly quickly. Don't know how that is going to work, but we'll try. The jet lag was the pits in Beijing-took about 3-4 days for the correct time to kick in and the fatigue to go away. Now we have to reverse everything back. In fact, with our flight today we basically lived July 31st forever. We left Hong Kong at 10:30 am on July 31st and arrived in Neward on July 31st at 2:00 pm. And believe me the flight was alot longer than 4 hours!!!!!

We will be coming home on Sunday for good, and honestly, we can't wait. We are anxious to sleep in our own beds, eat our own food, get Elizabeth into the real world and on our schedule. We will continue to keep everyone posted on our transition home and will also post some more photos later.

Until next time.........................................

We now have a brand new US citizen on our hands!

2009-07-31T19:01:00.000-04:00

PICTURES - RED COUCH & MORE.....

2009-07-29T09:52:00.019-04:00

2009-07-29T04:35:00.001-04:00

Wednesday, July 28th

Patrick spent this morning going to the US Consulate here in Guangzhou with one of our guides, Bob. Since it was decided after we received travel approval that we were a Hague family there were some additional documents that needed to be signed to complete the adoption of Elizabeth. Thank goodness Patrick graciously went because I was really nervous about having to go as it is a 30-40 minute cab ride with crazy Chinese driving and I get carsick real easy. Patrick said the driving was just unbelievable and he was scared sh--less most of the time. But after a 2 hour visit to the consulate everything regarding our case is now completed and we will have the big swearing in ceremony tomorrow and then be free to leave for the US.

Elizabeth and I stayed back this morning. She was up a couple of times during the nite, but no return of the fever again. Once when she woke up it was just because her diaper was soaking wet and once changed she went back to bed and slept until 7:20 am. That is a record, the latest morning yet! Most every other morning it has been between 4-5 am. That is not going to cut it at home but we were going to wait until we were home to try and get her on a more normal schedule. Who knows maybe the 7:20 wake up call today could be the start of something new????? Once she was awake we got dressed and ventured down to the breakfast buffet just her and I. I was a little worried doing the whole breakfast thing by myself but we did great. I put her in the baby bjorn and then set our table up with the highchair, bib, her feeding spoon and napkins and then took her down the buffet line with me and got food for myself and her. She ate some congee in the restaurant and I had some toast and bacon. We headed back up to the room and then put her in the stroller and went walking. We stayed out and about for around one hour. She was the hit of the walk this morning. One of the shop keepers gave her a chinese flag and she was waving it and clapping her hands. Usually she falls asleep in the stroller but not today, she was having a grand old time! In fact, she figured out how to take the actual flag off the stick and is now just waving the stick, no flag around and hitting everything in her path with the flag stick. Cheap entertainment, I doubt I will be so lucky for her to play with something easy like that for the plane ride home!!

Patrick came back around 11 am and then at noon the entire travel group met at the White Swan Hotel-which is about a 5 minute walk from our hotel-to do the infamous "red couch" photos. This is kind of a tradition with adoptive families for the babies in the group to line up on one of the red couches and have their pictures made in their traditional Chinese wear. The babies looked adorable and the White Swan is beautiful where we were making pictures. I have heard their rooms are quite small and the price is alot more than our suite at the Victory. In fact, our entire travel group this time is staying at the Victory. I like the space the Victory offers. Our room smells a little damp and musty but overall it is not bad. However, it does not compare to the mack daddy suite we had at the Dolton Hotel in Changsha, now that was a sweet room. Absolutely huge, separate living area, separate office area, small foyer coming in to the room, small foyer going into the bathroom and a HUGE bedroom with a sitting area in it. I swear that room in Changsha was as big as our master bedroom, living and dining room combination at home. And to think we were questioning spending the money on a suite versus a regular room??!?!?!?

We are headed off to our last group dinner tonite. After the swearing in ceremony tomorrow afternoon Patrick and I are headed off to Hong Kong for the nite and will fly out at 10:30 Friday morning for Newark. 3 other families are also leaving tomorrow headed for their respective homes. I am quite sad to be leaving and also must tackle the dreaded packing. I am looking forward to going home but I also know when we leave China on Friday morning that our daughter is leaving a piece of her heritage behind. That is not fair to a child to leave the only thing you have ever known, but we will make the transition as smooth as possible and she will thrive in our environment in Florida as well as she has thrived here. I never expected to enjoy myself as much as I have and would not have traded this experience for the world. At the beginning of the trip I said to Patrick that I didn't know if I had it in me to come back to China to show Elizabeth where she came from, but I have changed my mind completely. Heritage tours are quite popular for adoptive families where you come back to China 5-7 years after your adoption to show your child where they came from and to experience the real Chinese culture. I saw families doing these tours in Changsha, and in fact XiXi, our guide also does Heritage tours-and thought to myself "I am sorry but I don't think we will be coming back and doing this anytime soon." I think I might have to eat those words. China has been absolutely fascinating and while uncomfortable to step outside the box sometimes, it was definitely worth it. Knock on wood, I did not encounter any squatty potties (but the trip is not over yet) and everything else I can just chalk up to life experience.

After our White swan red couch photos we walked down to the one italian restaurant on the island and had bruschetta and pizza for lunch-it was divine. As we were walking back we got caught in a rain storm and guess who was laughing and babbling to herself- yep Miss Elizabeth. She was having the time of her life. A nice young Chinese girl started walking next to us and she spoke english and put her umbrella over Elizabeth so she wouldn't get wetter. It was just the nicest gesture. She asked if we had adopted Elizabeth and when we said yes, she said "that is a very lucky baby." She walked all the way back to the front door of the hotel holding the umbrella over our girl. It was just sooooo nice that honestly we were left speechless. This young girl who did not know us from Adam, takes time out of her day to try and keep our child dry and gets soaking wet in the meantime, and also tells us how lucky our baby is to have us as parents.

Well, we will probably have one more post in the morning before we have to pack up the computer and cables, etc for the trip to Hong Kong. I hope you have enjoyed our travel logs as much as we have had doing them. We will continue to update once we get home and post photos so you can watch our little miracle grow.

She is a great baby. Very happy, very active, and knows how to make her daddy just melt. They speak "chinese" to each other and it is hilarious. She loves to hold her pointer finger up at him and babble loudly as if to say "listen here mister, I am in charge and you will do what I tell you to do." Then she gets the biggest grin on her face and laughs hysterically. What a cutie!! She really only cries if she is hungry or tired, smiles at all the people on the street but must be able to see her mom from wherever she is. Not the greatest sleeper, but oh well-we waited 4+ years for her and had plenty of time to sleep. She loves the stroller and LOVES being outside and just walking around. She does not seem to like anything sweet at this point-we have tried bananas, birthday cake and syrup and she turns her nose up at all of them. Good thing probably because Patrick and I obviously have not said no enough to sweets and junk food! Overall she is a perfect fit for our family.

Well stay tuned for the last post tomorrow morning from Guangzhou, China

Until next time...............................

2009-07-28T04:38:00.001-04:00

Tuesday, July 28th

Today has not been such a great day. As you know from our post yesterday, Elizabeth had to get some immunizations yesterday at her medical checkup. We thought she was such a trooper yesterday, only cried for just a few minutes after the shots (until she got her cookie and the crying stopped immediately). We took her out shopping all day and she held up well. Well, unfortunately, that all came to a crashing halt at 4 am this morning. She woke up very suddenly screaming her head off and when I picked her up she was very warm. She was very difficult to hold and the best I could get of her temperature was 100.5 degrees. I actually think it was higher than that but she was crying so hard and moving so much I am not sure how accurate the reading was. Anyway, she got an immediate dose of motrin and I walked and rocked her, but she just would not settle down. Patrick then took her and got her to fall asleep on him and they slept in our living area of the hotel room for about 1 to 1 1/2 hours.

We were supposed to go to the Banyan Temple today but decided to pass since it was obvious at this point that we overdid it yesterday as well. We took her down to breakfast around 9 am and she ate just a couple of bites of congee. She did have about 4 ounces of formula around 7 am so we wasn't completely starving. When we finished breakfast they happened to be cleaning our room so I took the opportunity to walk her and rock her up and down the halls and she did go to sleep. By the time I tried to put her in the crib she woke up and was screaming again. We then put her in the stroller and walked around the room and she fell asleep for almost one hour. Great parents, letting her sleep in the stroller but it was the only way she was staying asleep and since she felt so bad she needed to sleep. Just before she fell asleep I took her temp again and it was 101.7. She was hot and miserable and also got another dose of Motrin.

After she woke up we were able to play with her some and eventually left the room and went and had lunch at Lucy's. Lucy's is the "western" restaurant on the island. They serve hamburgers, french fries and milkshakes etc. We had eaten breakfast late so I got by with just a baked potato and Patrick had a grilled chicken wrap with french fries. Elizabeth was still not intereseted in eating at this point. After lunch we went by a few shops to pick up things we had purchased and needed to pick up. Elizabeth then fell asleep as we were walking and Patrick took her back to the hotel and she again slept in the stroller for about 45 minutes. Her appetite is just terrible today, but I know that I don't feel like eating either when I have fever and am under the weather.

Not much else going on today so I'll take this opportunity to tell you a few things we have observed during our travels around China. The Chinese are very active people. They are always out and about and doing things in the parks and recreation areas around the country. XiXi has told us that they live in very small apartments, like 800 sq feet, so they really have no choice but to go outside and socialize and get out of their cramped surroundings. Each nite after dinner when we walk, there are all kinds of kids and adults using playground equipment, roller blading, playing badmitton, etc. The streets are very busy we people just getting out of the house. Another thing is the Chinese live very simply. No fancy cars (cars and vans are recycled after 10-12 years of being in service, they must get a new vehicle at that point and the government salvages their autos for scrap and parts), small apartments, no fancy clothing. You see alot of people talking on the cell phone and playing games and listening to music but it does not seem to be as much as we do in the US.

A few words of advice for adoptive parents or anyone traveling here in the future. This applies to most all of China not just Beijing or Guangzhou. Bring napkins-they really do not use napkins and if they do they are the size of travel tissues. With a baby this just does not cut it. Diapers are hit and miss over here. Pampers vary widely depending on where you shop. Walmart over here sold good Pampers, the local store right next to the Victory hotel sold a poor plastic version of Pampers. I think if you a bring a small pack or half of a large pack from home and then get to Walmart or Carrefour over here you will be fine. I had read that all the hotels had hairdryers in the bathrooms. Well, only the Victory has a normal hairdryer, the other hairdryers were the old fashioned, hang on the wall with a vacuum cleaner type hose and just could not quite do the job a regular hair dryer could. I have a very small dual voltage hairdryer (came from Brookstone I think) that has saved me many of day of bad hair days. It is so small and can almost fit in a shoe and you just turn a knob to the correct voltage of power and it has been used in the UK, France and now China without any problems.

Tomorrow we have our consulate appointment and since we are a Hague family one of us has to actually go to the Consulate with our guide. The other families get to wait out the time in their room. I really do not want to go because it is a 40 minute taxi ride in crazy China traffic and I tend to get carsick. I am hoping they will let Patrick go but not sure at this point since I am the one who filled out the paperwork for the consulate. If all goes well tomorrow with the consulate then we are on track to leave on Thursday afternoon around 4:30 pm and head to Hong Kong for the nite. Then we fly out of Hong Kong on Friday for the huge 15 hour flight to Newark. We will stay in Newark on Saturday and then fly into Orlando on Sunday arriving around 5:30 pm (Newark to Atlanta, then Atlanta to Orlando). We are anxious to come home, but also can not believe how quickly 2 1/2 weeks has gone by. On the other hand I am absolutely dreading the flight. 15 hours with a baby and Patrick and I are not even seated together. We had to be separated in order to get a bulkhead seat with a bassinet. I think it is important to keep this seat since ladybug is so small and when she needs to sleep it is not pretty. It will be so much easier to have a bassinet to put her in for sleeping instead of having to hold her or fit her into the small seat between the two of us. Please pray for us, and all of the other people of this flight-honestly, before getting Elizabeth I would have rather put a hot poker in my eye than sit in a section of plane that had screaming babies on it.

That is it for now-please pray Elizabeth's fever goes away and she begins to feel better and has a good nites sleep

Until next time.................................

BIRTHDAY PICTURES......

2009-07-27T07:53:00.002-04:00

MEDICAL EXAM

2009-07-27T07:46:00.006-04:00