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!!!!!
