Finally..........

Ladies and gentleman, I have been told the search is almost over. The elusive Mr. Squiggles is on his way home now! A big thanks to Mr. Oney for saving Christmas.

I can't believe I haven't posted since March! Ava has changed so much since then. Every day with her is something new. I was just talking to Jack about how I didn't remember what life was like before her. She is such a blessing!

She continues to do well in preschool. She still has a love for elephants and Taylor Swift, and she's found a new love-Pandas. She has too many stuffed animals to count. What amazes me is that she names them all, and doesn't forget them. There is no tricking her, even when I'm stumbling around in the dark, trying to pass one off as another.

She decided that she didn't want to dance anymore, which I must admit, saddened me a little. Starting my new job made it more difficult for me to take her anyway. She now says she wants to cheer or do gymnastics. We'll see...........

This year for Halloween, Ava was the beautiful Mulan. She loved dressing up, but didn't enjoy the trick-or-treating experience....hated it actually. Ten minutes into it, we stopped by this one particular house. This man held out his big bowl of treats to Ava. She picked up no more than 3 pieces in her tiny hand. The man replied, "NO, only one". That remark both embarrassed Ava, and hurt hurt feelings. I told her that it was ok, that the man was just being stingy with his candy. I said it loud enough so that he could hear me. I can understand just handing out one piece of candy. That's fine. Don't hold the bowl out in front of small children and expect them to take only one piece. Jack wanted to know where he lived and the ladies I worked with wanted to egg his car, lol. Hopefully by next year Ava will have forgotten this incident, and will give it another try.

Enjoy the pics!

China Travel Group Reunion

Three years ago today we returned home from China. It's hard to believe that our little girl is growing up so fast! We celebrated "Happy Gotcha Day" on March 13. I told Ava that "it was a very special day-Happy Gotcha Day, or the day that we became a family". Her response-"what did you got me Mommy?"

Yesterday we reunited with some of our China travel group. We met in Lexington, and the girls spent the day playing and catching up. We are so lucky to have several of Ava's China sisters living so close in proximity to us. We were fortunate to have an out of state family who traveled to China with us to join our celebration. She practically drove from Chicago to be with us (thanks, Rach!) It's so important for the girls to interact and be together. They don't know it right now, but they have a special bond that I hope will keep them connected for years to come.

Enjoy the pics........

Sophie, Makana, Gianna, Emily, Ava, and Olivia

Ava enjoying a snack....

Olivia and Sophie catching up......

Sweet Olivia

Roommates-Gianna, Ava, and Makana

Happy New Year!

What a year it has been! Ava has grown into a little lady. She is such a girly-girl. She still has meltdowns every once in a while, but I think she is close to outgrowing them. It doesn't seem that long ago that I rocked her back and forth, looking into her eyes while I fed her.....or hearing her call me "bobbie" when she couldn't pronounce "mommy". Sometimes I look at her and wish time would slow down...she is growing up so fast! She will be turning four-years old in April. Four!

We had a wonderful Christmas with our families. The day started at 7am....4 stops later we were back home at 5pm. Ava got to meet her cousin's fiance Lin, for the second time. Lin is a beautiful young woman from China. As soon as we walked in Jack's grandmother's house, Ava sat with Lin. It was quite amazing that she took to Lin so quickly. I wonder if she saw the similarities, and somehow felt connected to her.

I had a wonderful birthday....Ava made me a delicious birthday cake with her new disney princess easy bake oven. Yummy.

I hope that all my family and friends have a safe, happy, and healthy 2009!