Pictures

Here are the pictures from the last post...I'm sure you can guess which ones goe with which....

Let It Snow!

So, last but not least for my posting today....some more pictures....one of Grandma and Julia the day we went shopping and then got Julia's picture with Santa....which I have to scan before I can post.

Also, Julia helped mommy bake chocolate chip cookies...she especially liked dumping the flour in the bowl and then tasting it (yes, the flour)....then mixing - she pushed the on/off button.....and of course, licking the beaters and adding the chips. After that, she didn't care too much. She really likes helping us cook and pulls up her little step stoll and stirs and dumps things in when we let her...she quite careful and good at it....she loves helping and doing grown up things.

Yesterday brought the first "real" snow of the season. Last year when it snowed, Julia was just starting to walk so we didn't do much more than look at it. This time, she wanted to help shoverl, threw snow at mommy and fussed about going back in. Doesn't she look like a purple smiling marshmallow. Gosh - she's too cute and I love her soooo much!

Other news and Pictures

Also, Julia had her first haircut....she did really well....didn't cry and sat still. They barely took off more than a centimeter, but it made a big difference.

We got her a robe and she jjust thinks she's hots stuff when she wears it. Last night, as a amatter of fact, she sat in mommy and daddy's bed, wearing her robe, head propper up on the pillows and watching TV. She looked so grown up!!

In November, we did have some sad news and we saw the last days of my beloved cat Tannie. Though, you could hardly call Tannie a cat, he was truly my first baby! I miss him terribly and will always keep him in my heart. But, after 19 years, Tannie had a great life and is now living the high life in peace. I miss you Tannie.

Ouch!

I can't believe I missed November.....I wil be posting this in 3 parts.....mostly because Blogger is not easy to work with! I will be looking for a new blog in the new year. I just typed this whole big post and it disappeared (even though it says it was saved-ugh!)

Anyway...I'll try to re-capture my earlier momentum. First of all - I really can't believe I missed November which is such an important month. We celebrated Julia's 2nd birthday - it was great! She really got into opening the presents and blowing out the candles and singing Happy Birthday. She also enjoyed eating the cake. Above and belowe are pictures we had taken the day she celebrated (17th) with a few family memebrs and friends. We all have a different favorite picture...

Second - we had so much to be Thankful for. I am always grateful for every second I get to spend with my daughter, my husband, my mother and father, my brother, nieces and nephews and in-laws. We were fortunate to spend Thanksgiving weekend with my husband's brother and family who came up from Texas. Julia had a ball playing with her cousins Kaylee and Ashlyn (but, I don't have the pictures with me-and they were so cute).....continue above for more.....

Pictures

October - so close to 2 years old!

It seems that at this age, Kids change so fast and learn so much that it is impossible for even the most diligent parent to keep track. Of note recently: Julia sings many songs - Baa Baa Black Sheep she sings really well...then we have Old McDonald, ABC, BINGO and a few others. She loves the Avril Lavigne song "Girlfriend," dances, tap dances, does a ballerina twirl, plays piano, saxaphone and drums....recognizes TV theme songs...still loves Spongebob, Noddy, and Elmo!

She can count to ten really clearly and associates counting with objects - counts to five for 5 apples, that kind of thing. She is VERY smart. And, loves to jump on daddy's stomach. Loves to be chased, scared, tickled and is very bossy (I guess she takes after mommy). She is clearly saying people's names - like Grandma and loves to take the same route to school everyday where she sees school buses, cows, horses, and the shark sign. She also loves the Halloween decorations, ghost (says boo!), kitty cats, and pumpkins, loves play doh, horses, and animals, and eats just about everything still. This weekend, she even ate raw tomatoes. Eats more brocoli than potatoes and always asks for more. Loves her peaches and oranges, Pez, chocolate (especially Whoppers).

A few weekends ago we took a train ride, she loved it! She loves trains and has been doing really well at school (we went through a rough month or so - she cried when I dropped her off). Still loves her books, goes to sleep with no problem...unless she's sick of course....does very well staying at other people's homes....is just warm and friendly and is a huggable, loveable, kissable, bundle of enegry and fun!

I don't know what else to say about Julia....she is such a joy and I am so excited every day that I get to spend with her. My heart breaks when she has any kind of pain, and she is just so happy and innocent that I want her to stay that way and have the best life ever! I suppose every parent wishes that for their children. She should always be this happy. I predict she will be a success at whatever she does, which should help her in the future. I love her so much!

See the above post for the latest pictures....

Great Weekend!

Okay, so this time last year, we were in Guangzhou....we were over being sick everyday (and had figured out what to eat....) Julia was allowing daddy to get near her - it was a much better week than last week (though 09/17 was one of the happiest days of my life!)

This past weekend, we had my brother's kids up for the weekend (my bro went to a wedding in Pbugh)...here's a couple of pics.....

Joey was such a "big brother" to Julia and was very sweet with her. And Nicole was a great play mate....they had so much fun together.

Did You Think?????

....that I wouldn't post TODAY.....of all days.....TODAY!!!!

Hard to believe it but - yes, it has been 1 momentous, glorious, fabulous, outstanding, outrageous, joyous, amazing, fantastic, terrfic, wonderful, incredible..... words cannot capture the amazing first year of being with Julia. It was truly the first year of the rest of my life.

I have never known any greater joy or happiness in my life. Every day, though sometimes challenging, is a wonderful experience with Julia. Of course, that's not to say my life wasn't already pretty pleasant with my amazing husband, but as you know, we had a heck of a couple of sad, dark years with lots of disappointing and life changing events. All of that seems like forever ago (with the exception of losing Julia's grandpa Rich, which will always stay very close in our memory).....what an incredible year.

We celebrated Eric's birthday on Thursday (thanks grandma Nettie for babysitting) and we had a really nice time out as adults. Then we had a "Gotcha Day" party on Saturday with 8 of the 9 Jiangxi families present. The only family left out was the couple from North Carolina, and while they were nice enough, they seemed to sort of travel with the 5 other couples in our travel party that went to a different province. So, all the people we got to know sort of through the "fire" in China were there. Becki and Bill hosted the party so there was Faith and Adam and Brandon (Bill's son from a previous)....Gretchen and Maggie came (with Gretchen's friend Shivonne, Bob stayed home)....Tom & Kate with Jillian, Loreen with Gwen (Dan stayed home), Theresa and Mark with Ava (and grandma Jean and Aunt Nancy - who also travelled to China with us).....Mary Ellen and Mark with Carmelina, Patty & Jim with Abbey (and other children Tia and Kadeem)....and that's it. (Pictured above mom's names first - Back Row: Loreen & Gwen, Mary Ellen & Carmelina, Patty & Abbey, Theresa & Ava, Becki and Faith, Front Row: Kate & Jillian, Gretchen and Maggie, Me & Julia)

It's amazing how big all the girls have gotten. So, I think I have the b-days down....Abbey is July (late like the 20 something)...next is Carmelina on September 10, then Faith on November 1, then Ava and Gwen on Novermber 18, then Julia on November 19, then Maggie on November 29 and then Jillian on December 18. So, they're all very close in age.

I can't even describe how much fun the girls seemed to have. Playing on the swings, dancing, eating, you name it. Although, I will say that Julia still seemed like she could care less if anyone else was around - she was happy just sliding all day.....

Okay, so I took off from work today to spend it as a special day between me and Julia (daddy was invited too....but he has off on Columbus Day with Julia, so he'll have a specidal day then)...besides, if you remember, it took her a week to let him near her so he'll always celebrate a week later :-)

Anyway, I'm getting tired. It was an emotional day - though not nearly as emotional as a year ago. Whew....I just love her so much.

Down the Shore - Again.

It will really be so sad to not have our family house down the shore....Julia really loves the beach and the ocean. We had to drag her out of the water...which was VERY nice, by the way (actually warm!).....This was a great picture of her and daddy....I might even post one of her an mommy.....our friends Gretchen and Bob and their daughter Maggie were also down so there's another pic with them, too.

Video Post???

It says I can post a video clip....let's see if they are right.

Some August Pics

Here are some pictures of Julia driving around the backyard in a car that my brother was gracious enough to "hand-me-down." Actually, we should thank cousin Nicole for outgrowing it.

Julia was trying to get to the puppy that was outside for a walk, when we turned her around in the other direction, she had a fit! Let's just say, she loves puppies!!!!

Cousins

Another pic....

More Pics

Corn on the Cob Picture

Do You Know What Happened 1 Year Ago.....

It's not the BIG anniversary....but it marked the beginning of the end for us.....1 year ago today (I'm pretty sure today, maybe yesterday - okay, we had a clue on July 30th that we would be included in this batch last year)...it was confirmed that we would be receiving the picture of our daughter in 24 hours. Tomorrow will be the 1 year anniversary of the first time we ever saw her beautiful face!

What makes this so special and interesting is that when families give birth to their children, the first time they see their face is on their birthday....so we have an interesting celebration....emotionally it is like she was BORN to us 1 year ago tomorrow...But then, you also have the first time you hold your child is usually on their birthday....for us, it will be September 17 that was the first time we held Julia.....and then.....

So, needless to say....this is the beginning of our celebration season. We officially became her parents on September 18 and then she became a citizen on September 29 and then the PA Adoption became official on October 31...then her birthday, etc.....Plus, throw in there Eric's birthday, Penn State and Steelers Victories, Thanksgiving, Christmas - I doubt we'll be sober until February! Just kidding, we're responsible parents now!!!

We're headed to the Pittsburgh area this weekend to visit with our travel buddies (extended family) Gretchen, Bob and Maggie. We missed a few things with other families and hope to see them again soon...maybe we'll have a big China Trip will reunion.

Here are some pictures from our vacation and other stuff in July. It was unfortunately cut short due to a family emergency - hope you're doing well Marilyn. We did get to spend one day at a water park and it was fun. Julia is starting to relate to other kids and her cousin Joey is already one of her favorite people - he was so good with her and had her laughing like crazy. She also says Cole when we look at pictures (for her cousin Nicole). I can very easily see the two of them calling for bail money in the near future!!! (I'll try to post the pic of the two of them - it's so cute!)

Anyway...I've found that I have been able to squeeze in one post a month (I'm trying for more)...notice today is August, so it could be as long as 60 days before I post again-doubt it, but you never know.....

I'm also not the best at figuring out how to post these pictures in any kind of order...so I just post them and hope for the best!!! She is growing SOOOOOO fast...

The latest on Julia.....she eats everything (still)....has gotten used to sweets (loves gummies and PEZ)....is getting really into Elmo...hugs everything....says pillow, and lots of stuff...loves to color (she says cokor)....still loves purple and won't really call the other colors by their name, but can identify them...sings the ABC's (You can tell it's ABC but she only says P real loud and clear)....speaking of P....does sit on her little potty (especially when someone else is in using the big potty) and goes psssss as though she is going potty and then wipes and washes her hands....could it be long before potty training....loves swimming (doesn't put her head under, but lays on her belly)....says pool all the time...was in the hot tub while we were in the mountains (loved it!)....turns her head at EVERY puppy. And, my favorite - is saying I Love You - not very clear, but identifiable. She also has learned to stall bedtime (book, book, zodiac, lotion on her feet, change her diaper, rock a bye baby.....then bed-then tickle her arm/legs, etc.) LOVES dancing and is a LEFTY! (Yes, I'm pretty sure - she switches crayons from her right hand into her left) Also - quite a JUMPER - loves to jump on the floor and the bed (which we allow - yes, I know she is SPOILED)....but to be fair she is a really wonderful child....she listens (sometimes she challenges, but then listens...) WE JUST LOVE HER SOOOOOOOO MUCH!!!! Can't believe it's almost a YEAR!!!!!

Lot's of Good Pics

Not much time to write anymore....busy chasing our little toddler queen around. She is running now and jumping (getting her feet off the ground and everything)...she sings, dances, draws, loves the water, says lots of words...is very into Rice Krispies cereal right now and SpongeBob. Knows the milk (called milp) and sugar for her tea...which she asks for a party (meaning tea party)...puts the SpongeBob blanket down for a pinic and is starting to get into her dolls a little bit. Loves to be chased and is VERY much a mommy's girl right now....you bet I'm enjoying it.

Here are some new pictures....she smiles now (or shows her teeth as we ask her) a lot for the camera and is still very much in love with her reflection (who could blame her!) But, she is also very polite and listens fairly well....absolutely loves a family hug (we squash her in the middle)....changing so much...I aboslutely LOVE being her mother.

Latest Pics....

These pictures were taken over the past weekend....She is just too cute!

Pics from the Shore

Mother's Day & Memorial Day! - BEACH BABY!!!

I know I should have posted this sooner, but I am still basking in the glow of my first Mother's Day and Julia's First Memorial Day weekend....both spent at the beach.

Can you imagine how frightened I was that my dearest daughter might not like the beach???? Fear not my friends and family....she LOVED IT! Rolling her up the ramp to the Boardwalk for the first time was like bringing her to Mecca....she smiled and acted as if she belonged there. With all the lights and sounds and smells, she had no lack of stimulation.

We played the crane games and in exchange for having the perfect child, I appear to have sacrificed my mastery of the cranes. I could barely win anything! And, just when I wanted to show off for my little girl, too!

We ate Mack's pizza and my little pride and joy smiled with sauce all over her face - it was perfect. Then, we played, well, she played a video game...sort of. You know those dancing games...I put the money in so the music would come on and Julia stomped her feet around and was dancing to the music....it was soooo cute.

We also fed the ducks....those Wildwood Bay ducks have no fear! Julia let them take bread right from her hands....on Memorial Day, they must have realized that it was the "season" so they kept a bit more distance - smart ducks.

She was not especially fond of the Merry Go Round, so we didn't pursue more rides....maybe by the end of the summer.

Eric bought me a beautiful locket for my first mother's Day gift. It was so thoughtful and perfect! I am so proud to have such a wonderful husband and daughter. Both of my beach weekends were wonderful.

And, we stopped off on Memorial Weekend on our way home from Wildwood to visit with Grandma Nettie, Aunt Jane and Aunt Mickey in Sea Isle. We had fun there, too. Julia has just been such a joy - so happy, wakes up happy, takes her naps without a fight, and so on.....She does occasionally have a temper tantrum, but overall....still just perfect!

Finally a picture......

Where Grandma Nettie is facing the camera!!! It's just so cute!

Pictures!!!!

While this picture is just too cute for words, she looked sooooo much cuter in person - just ask anyone who saw her!

We (Julia) had jellybeans and chocolate for breakfast on Easter morning and just had a blast at Aunt Barbara's. We (Julia) even performed our tap dancing and animal sounds but that was only after our cousin Sandra became our buddy and played with us (Thanks so much Sandra - you've got a new buddy now and we're thinking a babysitting job anytime you want!)

Here are some of the pictures that turned out best. She is hard to catch cause she is such a blur of energy most of the time....plus, she smiles AFTER the picture is taken!

Eatser 2 years ago.....

Going through Julia's closet I came upon the Easter Baskets from the last TWO years that we held for her. The first basket, I knew she would not be here to personally receive, but the second we were so sure she would. Needless to say, she will have all 3 baskets in a few days!!!

Yesterday we had more immunizations and she's starting to get bugged by the needles. Before she would cry during the shot and then get over it right away. Yesterday, not so much. And, today we have a blood test for the adoption follow up paperwork-ugh!

This past Sunday we went to our first Easter egg hunt at the home of one of the Fengcheng families (the Powell's) and had a great time. We also got to see two other families that traveled to China with us: Kate, Tom & their little girl Jillian and our good friends Becki, Bill, & their little girl Faith (plus their sons Adam and Brandon). It was great - although a bit far to drive. Over the weekend we also saw our friends Bridget, Bruce and their little girl Malia (and son Nicholas), as well as Cousin Karen and Katherine and Marguerite and then received a visit from Aunt Connie who made a great little sweater for her to wear on Easter! Boy, what a popular, busy little girl!

We're really looking forward to Easter at Aunt Barbara's this weekend. It has been a few weeks since Julia saw her maternal grandma...and it's been a while since she's seen her paternal grandma, too! Both are getting a little anxious to see her and are going through withdrawl. That's to be expected - she's too sweet!

Above is a picture of Julia with the Easter Bunny - she didn't cry, but she also wanted mommy to hold her instead of the bunny. She's growing so fast and at the last check a week ago was in 95% for height and 80% for weight!!!! Keep our fingers crossed - let her be tall (at least taller than mommy - 5'6" would be okay, 5'8" would be perfect). Just good to know that she is developing great and is healthy!!!!! She is also saying purple now (thanks to Aunt Connie) and tries to say other things (she tried to say ketchup last night and it sounded a little like up-up). She says uh-oh all the time. Still eats anything. And, is the kissing bandit!!!

More Pix

Couple of Photos....

I still don't have time to post....so I'll just post these photos.....Isn't she just too cute??!!

New Year, Lots of FIRSTS!

Again, we have been super busy....just watching this little angel grow....she officially started walking on January first, had her first "sent home" with a fever day from school, which became her first antibiotic, followed by her first sick day, then we had the big anniversary on Groundhog's Day! - it was 2 years ago that we started the adoption paperwork.

Then we had our first trip to the emergency room - she's fine, but scared us all the same....what a trooper. Had her first chest X-ray, etc. First Valentine's Day, first snow day (happened to be the same day)....and then her first Chinese New Year. We celebrated with our friends Becki and Bill and their daughter Faith (and son Adam, as well as Brandon and Eric) and another couple from our travel group Loreen and Dan (and their daughter Gwen). All three girls were from the same orphanage so it was kind of cool that they got to spend it together. They were very cute. My pic didn't turn our so great, but Becki got a good one.

I have to try to write more, but it is so hard. I know it is going so fast already and I will regret not havingit all down somewhere, but...I am so enjoying just living it. Some notes: her favorite songs are Row, Row Row, Your boat, she loves cheese curls and pretzels (butter braided), Monsters Inc., Books, Books, Books (The Little People On The Farm Book), animal sounds (and she can do cow, sheep, kitty, rooster, owl, snake, bumble bee, and faves are frog and Tiger)....she loves If you're Happy and you know it, and will blink at you, give hugs and kisses, loves splashingin the bath and looking at herself in the mirror....gig time into music and dancing and jumping on the bed. She listens very well (well enough for a 15 month old) and has 4 front top teeth, 4 bottom front teeth and 2 molars on top and bottom. She weighs around 24 pounds and is wearing some 18 month stuff.

So, that'll have to do for now. I can't believe how lucky I am to have such a daughter. Oh, Eric is doing well. He has her putting her arms out to the side and doing "I don't know"- the cutest thing I have ever seen. And, congrats to our friends Joe and Diane (and Kailee Jo) and their new baby Kyle.