Adventures with two...

Serious. Beautiful.

One year later...

ONE year with our SON!

Today is the one year anniversary of meeting Eli!! And wow, what a ride it has been. We watched the video this morning of our first days together. The funny thing is that he is still the same wild, crazy, belly laughing, fit throwing, obstinate boy we met that first day.

There are a few things about Eli that are obvious from the minute you meet him: 1) he is gorgeous, and has an infectious smile, 2) he has a twinkle in his eye that has trouble written all over it, 3) he is LOUD and 4) he loves to be the center of attention. Oh and obstinate, did I mention he can be quite obstinate? I think that word deserve to be in capitals too...OBSTINATE!! He is definitely acting his age these last few months. I wonder if three will be better or worse?!

After Em's first year home I wrote several stats about her, so I thought I'd do the same for Eli's first year...

Number of shoe sizes grown: 4, from 5 to 8
Clothing sizes grown: 3, from 18m to 2T
Pounds gained: 9
New Teeth: 12 (?)
Trips to the hospital: Two ER visits; one for pneumonia/asthma, one for falling down the stairs

Trips to the doctor: Too many, unfortunately!! We're finally seeing a specialist about his chronic pneumonia and lung issues. I feel like his chronic sickness/chronic diet of antibiotics has contributed to his obstinate nature.

Hours in his brace: 13-14/day, he is still wearing a brace for his club feet at night and nap time. We are amazed that his "special need" never stops him. He is athletic, agile and super strong!

Number of nights spent snuggling in bed with Mom and Dad: Countless, he burrows in and sleeps like a log.

Number of days spent copying whatever his big sister is doing: 365!!

Times he has referred to himself as "Eli": Zero! He calls himself "Yang Yang" to this day. We asked his teachers to use his Chinese name at school, and we call him that often too. I've learned just how important a name can be after spending a year with my son.

Current Favorite Books: A choose your own story book about a princess and The Mitten by Jan Brett
Current Favorite Music: Itsy Bitsy Spider, I had a little Monkey, Victor Vito
Number of hugs & kisses: Thousands, but you can never get too much.

We all have so many more laughs because of this sweet boy!

May he always know the richness he has added to our lives and that he is loved beyond measure.

One year ago...

 

And today...

 

 

 

We love you, Papa!

We spent Father's Day with Tom's parents at a fundraiser at their local air field. It was fun for the kids to run around among the little Cessnas and Pipers. Eli was in complete awe of every plane & helicopter that took off or landed, which probably totaled around 50.  

As you can tell by the photos, the kids had just as much fun looking at planes as they did playing with their Papa.

The kids adore their Papa and he is definitely the best Daddy in the world, as those who know him can attest! Every day when he comes home from work they run and squeal to meet him. He will do anything for them, build them crazy forts, fix them fun meals, walk endlessly around the block if they want to ride their bikes and the list goes on... If I tease Tom, Em will tell me, "Don't be mean to my sweet Daddy!" and she means it wholeheartedly.

We are so lucky. We love you, Papa and hope all of your days are happy father's days!

xoxo, Mama, E & E

Family Day family photos!

Along with a photo of Em on our Family Day, we have a tradition to sit on the couch wherever we are along with the whole family. There are a few tiny details you might notice this year, first, we said goodbye to our kitty two years ago and added a new one this year. Second, we have sat on a different couch every time (Mama likes design and changes her mind often. hehe!) Lastly, Papa has worn the same shirt 3 out of 4 times (I'm crossing my fingers that it doesn't make it to Family Day 2010!) And of our course a huge detail, we added a wild, zany and loveable brother this year!

Lanzhou, China: 2006 (click on photos to enlarge)

Staying with friends between houses, with Bella: 2007

At our new house: 2008

Today, adding Eli and Frieda: 2009!

Oh, and we always do a goofy one!

Three Years Together!

Today we celebrated our Family Day Anniversary. We have been the proud parents of Miss Em for exactly THREE years! Where has the time gone?

Soon after meeting, still in China...

1st year anniversary...

2 year anniversary...

3 year anniversary...

Since the day we met we have been head over heels in love with this amazing girl.
We are so lucky.

Three days until summer...

I am done with school in just three days! We've already been enjoying the hot sun and one of Em's birthday presents.

Our girl turns FOUR!

Today was Em's fourth birthday. Our lovely girl is now four and seems older, bigger and wiser by the minute. We celebrated early, with a party this weekend. Just family and one little neighbor friend. (We'll maybe do the whole friend party at age 5?!)

It's not a birthday with out a crown, right? (Click for more detail!)



Em was excited about the presents, picking out the theme, and helping with the cake.
I had a blast scouring for a big girl bike and getting it all decked out for her.

Found this great Schwinn at the Goodwill for $9.99 and had my neighbor spiff it up! It looks brand new! She has been enjoying her gifts for the last few days and needless to say has been on the bike many times each day. She'll take a spin with anyone who'll walk the block with her. These photos are from a short span of time on the day of the party...
 
Casey...

Daddy...

Grandpa...

Love that girl to the moon and back.
*************************************
Happy fourth birthday, sweet daughter!
May your life be filled with happiness every day.

Redundant, but...

Some days I am just blown away that I get to spend my days with these amazing little beings. 

 

Bucketheads

New sand in the sandbox. Time to break out the new pails!