The Adventures of Empress Fussy Pants & Emperor Big Brother

A Very Special Day!

2011-11-28T23:00:00.001-05:00

The pictures will tell a much bigger story.. .but this past Sunday - we Baptized all three children in a very special ceremony. We are so happy to have finally realized our dream of three children (and no more!) and this welcome was a long time in the planning and arriving. All three children were on their best behavior and seemed to really understand the seriousness and reverence of the occasion (if you don't count Empress Fussy Pants falling asleep at one point during the ceremony!) and then we all met up at our favorite restaurant with the family to enjoy a wonderful dinner. I can say - that I never expected to be so moved. At the same time DH and I arranged to have our marriage "Convalidated" in the church so that I am as one with the church... since we married at a different church - this is a necessary event. So... with no further ado.. here are the spectacular pics.. of our beautiful day.

Fun with Chilliez

2011-10-16T14:59:00.001-04:00

Girl Chilliez Love Playing on the Playground at the beach!


Empress Fussy Pants... maybe should be changed to Empress Pretty Pants!!


Tooth Fairy is a regular visitor these days!

Little girls love to play with mommy's raybans!

Spur of the moment Tea Party..

Doesn't get any sillier than this... though later the Giraffe did sit at the table...

10 Months...

2011-10-10T23:32:00.000-04:00

Someone Loves MoonCakes!

These were lotus bean with yolk centers

She really is the sweetest little girl!!

It has been a really amazing 10 months.. ups and downs - goods and bads. It is never dull and there is never a moment that I look back and feel regret or sorrow. I can't always explain - but the peace I feel about our children is acute. I feel we have just the right number and combination of children and that intense longing I felt until after Empress Sassy Pants was in my arms... (Ok, screaming in my ears) is completely and utterly a thing of the past. There is something really special with the three of them.. they get along very well - that is 90% of the time they are great friends the other 10% it is no holds barred open warfare.. in short, they are your average and typical siblings. The sisters are particularly combative.. but, hey what sisters aren't at that age. The competition is fierce and the combatants are fiercest.. when there is jealousy fueled by one or the other in Mommy's lap.. ah, the crux of the issue! Who'da thunk that Sassy would be interested?? Ha!!

While I can recall the absolutely horrific screaming and tantrums.. well, I don't have to recall they are no strangers here. Thankfully - we are making steady progress in that corner. Certainly - she is still tantruming but there is a reduction and it is not (usually) every day. She is doing fine in school, very social and academically she is every bit as smart as we surmised in the beginning, she is reading on grade level and doing great in maths and other subjects. Sassy and Fussy are both cheerleaders and in the Reading club. Like I said - they get along really well, until they don't.

Sassy is loving.. and sweet and very generous. Now that we know a bit more about her background.. it is easier to understand her rough patches. Her nature though is good.. and now that she loves me, I know she will always and forever. I think there is a part of her that can't believe her good luck - winding up here in the USA with a family of her own. She describes her situation in China with some alacrity and it is heartbreaking. Apparently her foster Mom had even less patience for her tantrums than I do.. I don't hit. EVER. She talks about it and I know I should be writing things down more.. to keep for later.. but honestly, it hurts so much. She has such a poor self image and is so convinced of her own ugliness and lack of worth. This, more than anything, is what breaks my heart. She cries her heart out when I try to curl her hair, or tell her she is pretty. She has a level of awareness of her behavior (tantrums and screaming) that she should do better and is quite disappointed when she can't. I try so hard to be patient.. we are deep breathing and trying to keep things at a calmer pace.. but she can't help herself. I know it WILL change.. that she WILL be able to substitute words and name her emotions rather than scream and kick.. (and hurt herself which is awful) I do believe.

In the meantime... she is truly, just as her sister and brother were, a special gift. I never imagined myself to be this lucky.. but I am. Spending time with them is precious and never fails to keep me smiling and happy with the incredible surprise at how this has all worked out so far.

THE Party of the Year! Empress Sassy Pants has a big soiree!

2011-10-10T00:31:00.001-04:00

On September 11, 2011 we welcomed 40 Children and 23 Adults to the Party of the Year! A Princess and Pirate Party - complete with custom cake and crafts!! It was a really treat and Empress Sassy Pants was as happy as she could be!


Our first arrivals.. family really!


So much fun for the children.. The smaller pirate is the little boy my friend traveled for when I was traveling so he and ESP are already great friends!

Wonderful Party Venue!

Custom made cake.. I asked for a Castle and we got that and SOOOOO much more!!

Strawberry and Vanilla on the inside.. everything on it was edible - the Butterflies were chocolate!

The Amazing Cake Designer - she is the daughter of a very good friend and she is the genius behind UnCanny Cakes!

She even left a little undone - and had the birthday girl help to add the finishing touches.. ESP was thrilled!


Since the cake itself was vanilla and strawberry - I had these cuppies made for the chocoholics amongst my posse! They were gone in a NY Minute!

Right now she is saying it was the happiest day of her life.. It can only get better, right?


A budding romance? We should be so lucky!!!

One of her very most favorite pressies.. she was so excited that everything matched!


She was just so happy... that IS what it is all about and she is diligently working on her Thank You Notes.. but she is very particular and wants to get them exactly right!

School Daze School Daze !!!!!

2011-10-09T23:56:00.002-04:00


They actually DO get along really really well (90% of the time.)


Can't even begin to tell you what the matter is... but someone is NOT HAPPY!


And it didn't get better right away - but we don't call her Empress Fussy Pants for nothing!

Rare sight of a rainbow..

Just a little shape up - she is growing her hair LONG!


My little Salon addict.. is now enjoying her hair being washed and trimmed - she is also growing her hair LONG.


The Works!! She looked so pretty! (Why didn't I take THAT pic???)


Picking up their textbooks (about 50 lbs a piece) for school!


The first graders (girls) have 2x as many books as the second grader (boy)

First Day of School 2011 - They were so adorable.. it was hard to let them go!

No more Mohawk, no more shorts or flip-flops, no more dinner at the beach...

Happy Birthday Empress Sassy Pants - You are 7 Years old!

2011-10-09T23:50:00.001-04:00


The Birthday Girl - August 23, 2011 the big 7!


She actually did this to be funny.... then she couldn't stop!

See how long her hair is now!?


She is SOOOOO HAPPY to be having a birthday!

Silly Chilliez - they were all doing the Peace Sign Thing.. so cute!


Lots of Pressies to mark the occasion - also a terrific stir fry dinner.. as prepared by Me!

Summer Vacation - 2 weeks in Rangely!

2011-10-09T23:45:00.000-04:00


My Boy Gets a COOL new Look - Mohawk Baby!

So - who knew 8.5 hourz in a car with my Chilliez would be so much fun!! We start out for our Vacation! 6 am

Notice all the cool stuff (bribes!) they got for the trip!

Ferry to CT

Poured rain the whole way up to ME


THIS is what they did for a good part of the trip!

Snnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnn!

View from the deck - Rangeley Lake

Maine - The Way Life Should Be..

It just doesn't get any better!


From the Rangeley overlook

Emperor and Daddy

Empress Sassy Basking in the Sun

Lake swimming never gets old!


Looking up the hill towards the path (to the left) other house in view are vacation rentals

Kids had a blast!

Two Beautiful Empresses in the Sun

The Beach at the bottom of the hill from Nana and Papa's


Looking left at the beach


Emperor playing in the "surf"


Empress Sassy Pants sweet smile

She wants hugs ALL the time!! I just knew she would be fierce!


Me and My 3 Silly Chilliez - All wet and sandy (I do not swim in lakes under any circumstances!)


Can I say - I am loving this a whole lot better than "Bu Yao Mama!" A lot better!

A la Familia and some (on its way) Lobster!


My Chilliez LOVE eating out..


Come to think of it - we ALL love to eat out!


Last look at the lake.. it was a great 2 weeks.. we fished, we swam, we ate a LOT of ice cream, we ate a LOT of Lobster (Yum!) We had a LOT of fun and spent some great times with Nana and Papa - the Chilliez LOVE Maine!

Catching Up - Summer Fun

2011-10-09T22:34:00.000-04:00

Empress Sassy Pants - LOVES the Ocean

Classic Beauty

My handsome Boy.. after his surgery. He is the bravest person I know.

Some Pretty Terrific Chilliez!

Gotta Love Kids at the Beach.... Every Friday Night - Dinner with the Seagulls!


My darling girl


My Three Silly Chilliez - I adore

I don't always dress the girls the same - but a lot of times they request it.

A moment to breathe...

2011-06-04T12:40:00.000-04:00

We have been living at the speed of sound these days.. winding up the school year.. meetings, work (this is my busy time) and miscellaneous outings for a family of five. Chillies are doing so well.. it is as if there have always been three together. Minor squabbles sure.. but they are loving each other.. and our darling new girl is really settling in well... honestly - hard to believe a mere 5.5 months ago we had no idea of the chillies getting along so well!!

Some typical fun for us.. with cousins, friends.. and each other!

The big 6 years old!!

2011-03-27T14:28:00.000-04:00

Sunday, March 20th we celebrated the Empress's 6th birthday. She wanted a trip to the circus and we obliged with a trip to THE circus!! Ringling Brother and Barnum Bailey Circus... 4 rows from the action.. we celebrated and the chillies got their first taste of a real circus. It was just as magical as I remember from my own first trip. We had a small celebration with our friends the night before and then the big day...

The Birthday Empress upon waking!

The Birthday Empress - in her finery!

My beautiful girl.

My 3 Silly Chillies - celebrating.

Beautiful Children

Silly Chillies with a Norwegian Fjord in the background (Circus horse)

Having fun very and Empress eating her cotton candy

She declared that THIS was the best part of the day.. LOL

Kids mesmerized by the spectacle!


This act had us on the edge of our seats... it was wild!

Two Pretty Empresses and their Liberty Ponies

The Human Crossbow.. another wild act!!

They shot the guy out of this cross bow............

AFTER they set him on fire.. there he is shooting across the arena!

Birthday dinner... mussels, shrimp, lobster... Yummo!


Shrimp! Yummo!

Circus light...

Happy birthday my beautiful girl.. hard to believe that a little over 5 years ago.. we met and fell in love. Every minute has been a beautiful dream.. and every minute I am grateful to be your Mommy.

More silly chillie action

Silly McChillies!

2011-03-18T14:31:00.001-04:00

What our family looks like.....

2011-03-07T22:45:00.002-05:00

Before:

After:

3 Chillies...........2 Months.... 1 Family.

2011-02-24T00:30:00.000-05:00

We have passed the 2 month mark!! Hooray!! And things are good. Not great... (that would be miraculous) but very good. The kids are starting to find their way around and between each other - starting to make room in their comfort zones to allow each other to be... well, just to be. We have seen a marked decrease in the tantrums.. and tears. Thankfully.. school, routine and consistency have really been instrumental in making things smoother. I think also that ESP's intelligence is really showing.. she understands things on a level that may actually be enabling her to walk that line between her previous life and her present situation. She seems to know that she is loved.. safe.... and we have been nurturing.. she is allowing more and more and more assistance from Mommy.. (yea!) and we are working on her health issues.. slowly but surely.

EFP is really the one most put out by the arrival of her sister.. they are nearly the same age, have similar (I would say complimentary) interests and both appreciate a good song and dance. That said, EFP is definitely seeing some definite drawbacks to having a sister... luckily she is sweet and kind and so -- the negative doesn't really last long and both girls are able to forgive and forget. (Which frankly is a good skill for any sister pair!) I think the hard part for ME is when ESP is really (unforgivably) mean to EFP.. for no reason other than she doesn't agree or understand. It is hard being a referee in these situations.. wanting BOTH girls to be protected, loved.. and yet- held accountable for whatever the action and response are under the circumstance. I love them both.. and want them to both be happy... so its hard.

Lately - I have had to explain some difficult truths to ESP and EBB who are old enough to ask some tough questions. Being a adoptive parent is (aside from the usual parenting joys and sorrows) one of those things that although you can spend a lot of time preparing - there really is no preparation for the moment when your beloved son looks at you with a hurting heart and asks "why? why wouldn't they do everything they could to keep me?" I have read books, listened to adoptees and (more experienced) adoptive parents, searched my heart and still.... I was not prepared for the question that my son asked. I felt physical pain that I can only imagine was a faint echo of what HIS heart was suffering. Feeling so inadequate to the task of explaining what I don't really understand myself.. since I can not conceive of doing what his (and my other two children) parents did... (heck - what my own parents did...) I can't. I explained it the way I have rehearsed it in my head so many times.. knowing that the moment was coming... knowing that the answer had to be prepared.. stated so that my voice didn't shake (no matter how hard I hurt for my kids) so that my confidence in the little facts I have, in the inescapable fact of their being separated from the biology of their existence.. would not give my words more weight than I intended or than they deserved. To speak the words... I don't know.. but here is what I think... couldn't care for any baby.... left you in the care of one who could.... you grew... and then.. for some reason.. someone decided you needed a full time mom and dad, and that was us. So few words for such a big situation... for such a little guy. ESP is also questioning.. also talking more about her time in China.. in a good way. Still her questions are equally difficult.. what is more difficult is that there are people who know the answers to her questions... people who could tell her why they couldn't raise her.. why they let her go.. but we can't ask that question.. and it is a good be they would not answer if we did ask. The girls do not ask yet about their birth parents... ESP is more concerned about her foster parents and why they "sent her away" answering is hard... because she doesn't trust me yet and my truth (as I know it) is hard for her to understand.. again, it is confusing to me so hard to speak about. Why when it appears they had the resources, apparently loved and cared about her.. WHY would they allow her to be adopted by anyone let alone an American? (And I am leaving out the commonly held belief that an orphaned child is automatically better off in America and an orphaned special needs child is especially better off..) How, after 18 months of seeing that smile, of hearing that singing.. of getting those hugs and being truly loved by her.. could they have sent her out in the world with nothing but the clothes we sent... no little tokens, no vestiges of her life except for a one page note with lots of comments about her behavior and a few we loves yous.. but no reason. How inadequate to her questions are those scant answers. She sort of understands that the orphanage wasn't a good place for a little girl... but I think she is heartsick about her foster family... we are getting a package ready to send to them.. with pictures and letters.. and presents. I hope that they will be happy when they see how happy she is becoming.. she is so funny and sweet. and Smart. Very very smart.

Happy Valentine's Day - Crafting with the Chillies!

So - all in all - we are about where we should be.. much better.. getting great. 3 Very Silly Chillies and One very Happy (but tired and heart sore) Mommy!!

Creeping up on a month home.......

2011-01-17T21:38:00.001-05:00

We bypassed our adoption one-month anniversary.... too chaotic to really mark the event, but as we inch ever closer to our one month is the USA mark.. I see signs of improvement and wonder if my personally dire prediction of issues was premature. So far the tantrums have decreased substantially.. and now we have gone a bunch of days in a row with no really big tantrums. Still a lot of work to do.. tears everyday (except today!) but more recently easily taken care of. I am still running at the end of the popularity contest.. but I am getting better at dealing with it - portraying a confidence that soon things will turn around - I don't always feel.. but must show.

It is hard at times... wanting to help, to mother, to nurture and make up for the years I wasn't there.. and to be continually rejected. This too shall pass.. I say to myself. It did with the Emperor - and he couldn't be a sweeter or more loving boy.. so I have hope that this will turn out the same. Here are some fun pics of the kiddos!

Happiness is 3 smiling chillies!

2010-12-30T20:06:00.000-05:00

Some holiday silliness with my DH - The Imperial Daddy - and the chillies. I don't think I need to explain much.. they are doing well, happy together and there is plenty of silliness to be had around here these days!!

Slowly but surely trying to get back in the swing of things.. still sort of tired and out of sorts.. but I know reality is quickly approaching (that is I must go back to work soon!) and my usual hectic schedule is about to hit full tilt! I hope I can manage. I love these kiddos.. they are the best thing that ever happened to this family!!

Scenes from our lived life

2010-12-27T11:22:00.000-05:00

The kids, as expected, are getting along pretty well. There are the usual bumps along the way.. misunderstandings, toy squabbles, requests for return trips, and in general the noise of siblings, but all in all the kids get along and seem to accept their new sibling with amazing grace. We have some issues to work on - but I still firmly believe that all will be well - though I foresee a few problems... one being the thumbsucking and two being ESP's unwillingness to try to explain her frustrations before she goes full tilt into tantrum. I am trying to give her a vocabulary - and of course she is smart so she knows more than she lets on, but it is coming. She has been somewhat more accepting of me as her mama - but is still definitely a Baba's girl for now. The tantrums HAVE cooled a bit in intensity and frequency - as she understands more and more of her new life. She adores her brother and sister but has learned none of the lessons we have tried so hard to instill in them.. sharing, caring, asking to borrow toys, saying sorry, being polite, etc. But her brother and sister are attempting to teach her (in high pitched squeals if nothing else works!) the basics of getting along and frankly their methods are more effective than my Mom's rationale! She does understand kid-speak! Anyway some photos of the new addition in her new habitat!

Home Sweeeeeeeeeet HOME!!!

2010-12-19T13:46:00.000-05:00

Well - it was a long and arduous journey home.... made better with friends. I got a bad case of food poisoning.. thank you! Up all night sick as a dog, and who wants to be sick on a long airplane ride? Not me. Vicky took care of Empress Sassy Pants so I could get some rest - that worked out. Only tantrum in JFK when she had to walk with me through immigration. Rude immigration officer asked ALL the obnoxious questions - how much did you pay, hear they hate boys.. yadda yadda.. but I was so out of it.. I just answered with much less attitude than I might have otherwise. Probably a mixed blessing to be sure.

Once we cleared customs and baggage (1 bag out of 7 lost) we were met with a GANG of friends... it was so welcome at this point. My two chillies ran under the barricade to get some hugs and kisses and never was I so happy to see my chillies. I missed them so much. ESP was happy to see them too. So far we are doing ok - limited tantrums.. thank goodness - but I do not think she is warming up to me much. The next few days are going to be insane!! Between the holidays (totally NOT prepared!) and getting Miss Sassy prepared for everything.. .well, I have my work cut out for me. And my tummy is NOT behaving very well!! I am so grateful to have such amazing friends and family!! I am sure things will get better and more settled soon!!

A mostly good day........

2010-12-16T09:13:00.000-05:00

I am exhausted so I won't post a lot of words... but we had some issues this morning but then a really good day wandering around the Island... she had a few bad moments but recovered quickly. I am not sure what set her off.. because she has been nagging me about not dressing her in adequate layers.. so I wanted to buy her a coat and she flipped out. It has been 5 Celsius here in Guangzhou so we really needed much warmer clothes than I prepared. After she got the coat she was better.. and we went on to have a delightful day Me, the Empress, Vicky, Lauren and Luke!! So here are a few shots of two very cheeky monkeys! By the way - anybody see a love connection happening here?

Two Steps forward.....................

2010-12-15T09:18:00.000-05:00

Ten steps back. Ah the dance of the adoption trip with an older child. It has been a heck of a couple of days.. we went to the Safari Park (Xiang Jiang - Elephant River) and that was loads of fun.. China is all up hill I think! We saw more tigers than I thought possible... and had a train ride through the wild animal section where the animals could get up close and personal if they so chose. I saw a heard of Chanjinglu (Giraffe) Lao Hu (Regular Tiger) Bai Hu (White Tiger) Xiong Mao (Panda) and Koala (no translation) and it was quite a nice trip. I had my usual conflict about animal parks.... support the education and conservation efforts or boycott to make the statement that wild animals belong in the wild - what is left of it anyway. I was mildly upset by the Tiger show... hard to tell if the animals are operating out of fear or hunger or both. But Emp Sassy Pants was up to her old tricks - flinging herself on the ground screaming etc. so it was neither pleasurable nor easy.

At one point - I put her on a small ledge so she could get a better look at the Chimpanzees and a very large male lunged at us and we both took a big step backward.. only she fell. Not my finest Mama moment... luckily she was not hurt (perhaps all the flinging herself on the floor makes her head super tough!) and I had to yell at the Chimp... twice. The second time he yelled back and shook a stick at me! Kind of freaked me out! Seems like maybe he has heard "Bad Monkey" before!!

Last night we had a temporary rapprochement and she ASKED me to give her a bath.. and put her to bed. I did so and we had a fine evening. She was sweet and kind.. let me kiss her goodnight and tuck her in. Today - it was up and down all day. One screaming fit before nap time - but I will say that if her worst was a 10.0 on the Richter Scale - this one barely breached a 6.5! Maybe I should consider that progress but the 13.5 hour flight is looming, I miss my kids so much it hurts and I am just overwhelmed with sadness that I am bringing this into our family and life. I have some hope that the kids and Daddy will be a welcome change and that perhaps her interest and intelligence will be peaked by learning English and going to school etc. But I am not looking forward to having her tantrum in the States... she bangs herself around so much that I just don't know what to do about it. She is bruised head to toe at this point...

Tonight we had a farewell dinner with all the families.. and it seems like ALL the kids are having some trouble. There are a lot of dynamics to be had... good and bad easy and tough. The older kids seemed to be doing fairly well - but they are acting out also each in his/her way. My kid wins the Tantrum Topper award for sure. Tomorrow we will try shopping on Shamian Island again.. but I really need to get to the pearl and jade markets. I need to replace a pair of earrings (I lost a black pearl from the set I bought on our first trip) and I was hoping to get a ring made. Oh well... we will see how it goes. I am enjoying this group quite a bit.. we have mostly hit it off well and everyone is nice to each other - the kids seem to get along well and one of the 15 yos has made quite an impression on my 6 yo. The bigger kids are a big help with the little kids - trying to explain why they need to be good, nice to Mama or Baba, why they should be happy to travel to America etc. and tonight, turnabout being fairplay, my screaming mimi actually aided in talking to one of the little boys about his behavior and why he should be a good boy etc.! It was quite a site! Course - one of the girls that has been speaking to my daughter has had her fair share of tantrums... and another girl who hasn't had very great behavior has also counseled her to behave and be happy!! Oh how I wish it were so!

The photos are from our Pearl River Cruise and Safari park visit.... do not mistake the wild beasts for MY wild beast! She is the one in pink!

My luck is holding...

2010-12-13T02:19:00.000-05:00

So far so good!! The chat yesterday seems to have worked.. I wouldn't say she was exactly happy with me but she is behaving herself and seems at least to accept that this is the reality. We have been able to shop, eat and walk without much in the way of incident! YAY! She is adorable when happy... really sweet and can I say - that this is without a doubt the class valedictorian?? She is very very smart!! No question.. she can sing Happy Birthday in English and count to 100, say her ABCs etc. She reads many characters.. and recognizes things beyond her years. We were walking on Shamian Island and she saw a yellow taxi and she began to hail the cab like a pro!! She is extremely westernized in her behavior and actions!! I could have howled with laughter the way she refused to use a squatty - but today at the cow and bridge *YUMMO* she used it like she knew what she was doing when there was no choice... she is very funny!! She is so very independent - it will be interesting when we get home whether she rubs off on EFP & EBB or if they rub off on her.. she doesn't want anyone to do for her anything she feels she can do herself, which is probably how she has been taught. I will take the peace and happiness while I can get it. This is so much BETTER!!!!

Come to Jesus and Sticky Uppies!

2010-12-12T09:36:00.000-05:00

So just after I posted last time (or during really) I had called our guide out of sheer desperation and begged her (not that I needed to beg) to come speak to Sassy Pants about her behavior and what was going on. She had had a fit so bad - I didn't know what to do - so I stuck her in the tub and hoped that some warm water and bubbles would turn the tide - it did not.

Susan spoke with her seriously for quite a while.. and tried to get to the bottom of why the awful behavior and acting out.. she actually hurt me this time.. and was in serious danger of hurting herself or someone else. Well - the upshot is she is mad at her foster mom for sending her back to the orphanage, mad at the world and having a Mama to tell her what to do etc. is not part of her plan for anger management. Some of what is happening is absolutely because of language issues.. she was freaking out because we had been sitting in the first seat but another family joined our group and they have a child who uses a wheelchair and now that child must be in the first seat - but our daughter's tummy hurts in the back - and she thought I wouldn't help her. Susan set her right on that.. so we will be in the next seat whenever we can. She wants to do lots of things herself.. and that is fine.. but she needed to understand she can't throw herself around, etc. or I will have to pick her up and hold her to keep her safe. She doesn't like being held much right now - so that is part of the bargain. She doesn't tantrum and I don't hold on to her.

Tonight after Susan left.. the child was a NEW GIRL! She was absolutely delightful.. singing.. dancing.. letting me do her hair and even took a little walk to 7-11 for milk and water without incident. It was indescribable.. how sweet and funny she is.. when she is happy the world is happy!! Some of the pics are blurry because she wouldn't stop dancing around... this is what I was hoping for!!

Publish Post

Here is what we have all been waiting for:

Well what have we here?

2010-12-12T05:35:00.000-05:00

After a morning of the worst tantrums anyone on two continents has ever seen.. Saturday evening, and believe me I wish I knew what affected the change, we saw again the sweet little imp that is ESP's potentially sweet personality.

She raged all morning into breakfast.. threw herself on the floor, banged her head on the wall, etc. Then out in public - though (and this is so interesting) she was calm as can be during the medicals - but raged when I tried to take her to lunch.. go figure. She threw a fit on the street at Shamian Island so bad she banged her head on the concrete sidewalk... and had to be physically wrestled into a stroller (which, lets face it I needed at that point so no bargaining!) to keep her from giving herself a concussion or worse. It was a sight actually. She was subdued during lunch... you wouldn't think a tiny creature weighing less than 30lbs soaking wet could cause such an uproar but she does. She absolutely can't stand that I keep sticking around and making her do things.. like wash, dress (in all new clothes) shop, eat, sleep, brush teeth, and put up with me. Hard to believe I could be so mean!!

Lauren and Luke are doing really well - we did make it over to the island and had a great lunch at Cow and Bridge..

In the meantime we left to go to Yun Tai Park (botanical gardens) and then dim sum lunch - she did ok but even the sight of me gets her worked up (can I say I can't wait to go home and be able to hand her to Daddy for a bit! I feel like my arms and fingers are broken from grabbing her and holding her while she rages.) and the tantrums start anew. When we left the dim sum place I had hoped to go to the pearl and jade market but she was freaking out when we left the restaurant and the streets were mobbed with people - we could hardly get outside the restaurant - so we didn't go shopping just went back to the hotel where she refused to get off the bus. I forced her to sit in the stroller and go to Starbucks.. and she was so outrageous that a nice British women told me to go sit down and she bought me a latte! I really must look pathetic.. this 29 lb child is beating the crap out of me. I honestly am wondering if there IS something wrong with her. I mean - she can rage for HOURS on end... then yell at me as if I were the one causing all the trouble!! I have to restrain her from hurting herself and it is really taking a toll on my body - and I am sure hers. She is so thin and small I worry the way she flings herself around and judging from the marks on her -- she is no stranger to boo boos!! Honestly - I am just worn down. I want to get on a plane and go home to my husband and children and frankly - whether or not she gets on the plane is starting to be immaterial. I cannot imagine her raging for 13.5 hours on a plane.. I really can't. I don't even really want to.

This time is so different from the others.. I mean sure, EBB was a tough nut to crack and it took a while for it not to be hard.. but this is one tough cookie. The guide, Susan, came to my room after I put in a sort of frantic call.. and had a LONG talk with her. She does not want to go back to the orphanage - she does want to go home with me.. but she is confused, upset and doesn't really understand what is happening. She is concerned about her foster parents.. and didn't know they were closing their home to more children after the last one leaves. So now, after the long and heartfelt chat - she is her charming self again. She is really quite smart and adorable.. if only she would stay that way for longer then a few moments.

A Christmas Tree Lights in GuangZhou and some smiles (but not for me)

2010-12-10T10:09:00.001-05:00

Tonight we attended the annual lighting of the Garden Hotel Christmas tree with Christmas songs sung by a local children's school and kids from the Guangzhou SWI. It was disconcerting.. since it is about 70 degrees... and we are in China.. to hear holiday music sung by a "choir" in the lobby of a very fancy hotel. (I am very aware this is not the information you are interested in.. so I am sticking this in the front!) We had a nice Italian dinner at a local restaurant and it wasn't bad... actually. Then I stopped for a (well-deserved) Frappucino!

The day with Empress Sassy Pants was pretty much a wash - neither better nor worse. She tantrumed some in the morning... but was ok in the room alone with me. She didn't really freak out much at all - just either contradicted me, ignored me or told me off in 6 year old's Mandarin. She did eat well... and we were able to color. She does like me drawing pictures for her and writing things for her to copy - so we managed well - but I did not attempt to leave the room. A few of the families with older kids (mix of newly adopted, bio or previously adopted kids) stopped by and she has fallen in love with one of the older boys.. so he was able to tease some smiles out of her.. and at dinner she had a lot of fun with the big girls and her new beau. She has not actually decided she hates ME or that she does not want to be adopted... she just doesn't like what I say or do that has anything to do with her!! We did get on watching Chinese soap operas... personally I like "Chair Alone on Beach" and she likes "Ancient Chinese Soap" though I don't follow either story .. but there is a lot of screaming, running, fainting, dying, smoldering looks, guilty looks, ominous music and people popping up all over the place!! Very interesting... wish they had English subtitles!

So here are some very cute pics from today - just remember I didn't have anything to do with them!

Today sucks and a chicken head.

2010-12-09T08:06:00.000-05:00

So my little person who doesn't like me.... screamed most of the day - except when we were in the park. I made the mistake of letting our fabulous guide help too much and now she thinks she is being abandoned by yet another person... ugh. She has been absolutely horrible today... screaming, kicking, hurting herself.. everything you can think of... all part of her intense grieving and inability (developmentally) to understand what is going on. She hasn't actually said she doesn't like me.. she just wants me to go away. When we got back to the room - she was exhausted but she was screaming herself (full blown full contact tantrum complete with kicking, throwing etc.) raw.. and finally fell asleep.. I rocked her for about an hour - but she will not bend at all.

Tonight I decided to stay in and keep things quiet.. and when Vicky left she had another full blown tantrum - then she calmed somewhat when everyone stopped by with some left over dinner... very left over, I might add. They brought the chicken head as a joke and a few bites of whatever. I can not tell you how un-funny it was. Upset as I am - not having eaten all day (not much breakfast because her majesty wasn't cooperative) no time for lunch and then a not funny dinner.. when everyone left the tantrum started all over again. Now she has exhausted herself to sleep in her clothes.. and screamed for Ayi (I am actually thinking she means Susan the guide) for about 30 minutes before falling into an exhausted sleep. This is just awful! I though our sojourn in Lanzhou was bad - it is nothing compared to a child whose only means of expression is screaming and carrying on. I know she is grieving and understandably confused, angry, sad and probably somewhat afraid...but it is hard to watch and be around... I miss my children and now of course wonder what the H I was thinking... I just need a break at some point... 5 minutes of happiness at the beginning.. and then full blown misery all the rest. I hit my knee against the wall this morning so I am also in some pain.. (yes, OF COURSE it is the bad knee) and I just don't know what I will do if this doesn't turn around soon. I can't imagine dealing with her in an airport or on a plane for 13.5 hours... it is hard to imagine at all. I hope I can make it through tomorrow when they go to the SWI - and we stay behind.. I am not sure I dare leave the freaking room. I am really distraught.. (in case you were wondering) and wondering how we will manage. Convinced as I am that I should not bring her back... if I had a crystal ball.... though if I had and I saw what was going on now - there is not much that could have convinced me to leave my family, take a month off of work and fly halfway round the world so I could be screamed at in Chinese. And to think I did this on purpose. I think I will turn in myself... sans chicken head dinner... maybe things will look better in the morning. I miss home so much.. I can hardly stand it.

Just when you think it is safe to breathe....

2010-12-07T22:58:00.000-05:00

...........it sure isn't. We had better day yesterday.. a little drama at bath time and then more when the new clothes were produced.. she is a very very very (did I say VERY!) stubborn little girl. She was not into the bath... this morning it was interrupting her "morning routine" coloring and watching Pleasant Goat on TV... she threw a fit that would have had to be seen to be believed. All through the lobby into the buffet... but she did eat a little, fed the fish.. told her whole sad tale to our guide Susan (who is fabulous of course!) and she calmed somewhat but determined to return all her gifts (except the backpack, shoes and coloring materials) and ditch new Mom at her first opportunity. But she is a loving girl at heart and a few snacks, Cinderella on the DVD and a tissue seems to be turning the tide in my favor. I will say that morning tantrums are not my finest hours. I know she is grieving... and I think after waking up happy to see me.. big hugs and "Mommy!!" she realized what she was feeling was in direct conflict with her former life - and of course one doesn't like to be interrupted during "Pleasant Goat" so I guess I deserved all I got. So my stubborn little Empress decided to follow us back up to the room and here we are having a day in.. till about 3:30 then we must leave for the police station to apply for her passport. This should be fun. I am not looking forward to it. Anyway - things are progressing... can I just say that tomato flavored potato chips are not going to catch on in the states.. yuck! and this from someone who really loves chips!! Here are a few pics.. I am sorry for the double posting on FB and here.... but I want to record all the various happenings and FB's limits do not do justice to the story. Really she is amazing... just exactly who I thought she would be though I am not sure even I could have predicted the level of obstinacy that she exhibits. I think some would say she is spoiled a bit... she seems very very western compared to some kids. Was horrified at the thought of using a squatty... knows about TP and hand washing, prefers a spoon to chopsticks, loves TV, is a sugar junkie (jelly beans available at all times thanks to a kind family at the civil affairs office - how I could be so unprepared is beyond me. We bought snacks then totally didn't pack them or the toys!) she will eat chocolate - but it is not quite apparent whether she is the chocolate lover EFP is. She will give EBB a run for his money in the noodle eating department that is for sure - the kid can put it away. Where exactly she puts it is beyond me - since she is not quite 30lbs. Thank goodness because if I have to carry her kicking and screaming it is good she is not 50lbs!! She is a bundle though, let me tell you! I love her dearly and I am hoping for each day to get progressively better. Wish me luck!

The Harmonious Period

2010-12-06T09:22:00.000-05:00

What began auspiciously enough... she was all smiles, called me Mama.. hugs and all.. was quite different a few moments later. As soon as she realized this was happening.. that she was to leave with me... she started to cry..then she started to run. She did not forget her bags though.. she is as protective of her backpack as our son was at this point. She cried her heart out... sobbing and running. I was (truth be told) scared for her. She tried to leave with the orphanage Ayis and it took some doing to catch up to her. But - I did and the well meaning officials spoke with her.. I don't know exactly what they said but our fabulous guide Susan was on top of it... to be sure they did not say anything I didn't want them to say. At one point I said - tell her we will take her to lunch then shopping and then she can decide.. she did not stop crying but she did decide to come with us. When we got back to the room - she napped a little and then she explored all the small things we brought for her.. she loves the hair things and jewelry.

We have been employing the "plan A" or "plan B" system.. but since she stayed calm we decided to go shopping to the Trust Market for snacks etc. (and a hairbrush because somehow I did not bring one!) water, juice and some chicken feet. ;-) She had a blast in the stroller picking this or that and then yelling "Ayi" so Vicky would bring the cart near and she could throw the item in the cart. This made her very very happy. We are so lucky to have Vicky Ayi with us!!! A few hundred RMB later.. we think she is so tired we take the taxi back to the hotel and think she will eat the noodle bowl - and go to sleep.. LOL Not So Much!! She wants to go out... so we headed over to the Malaysian Restaurant, Sabala, and she pointed to about 6 different items in the menu... a few of which I was sure not going to sit next to her and eat!! Finally we settle on some crispy chicken, stir fried long beans, and noodles... and well, let me tell you!! This kid can EAT!! and EAT!! and EAT!! Then she saw the last page and wanted a Mango Milkshake and some 8 jewel rice... we did get the milkshake. She is neat and clean in her eating... really worried about where her napkin kept getting to.. and did a great job eating everything in site. We walked back to the hotel and she kept pointing at the incredibly expensive and totally age-appropriate clothing, shoes, jewelry and handbags...very very obvious she is our daughter!!

At this point... she is wary but calmer. She is incredibly bright. Her papers included some school work - and I think she will have no trouble at all. She knows the English Alphabet and complex maths. She is repeating everything I say... and tonight when I got her ready for bed.. she was much much much happier. She wanted to sit in my lap and cuddle a little before bed... and I was hugged and kissed. Honestly... the way things were going, this is not how I predicted the night would be.. but so far so good. She has a very silly personality... she is sweet and so smart. I think that EFP and EBB will definitely help get her acclimated and ensure that she understands how very much she is loved already.

Threw in a few shots from our hotel room... more tomorrow...Zai Jian!

We have a new Daughter...

2010-12-06T01:24:00.000-05:00

I can not go into great detail right now. But we met Empress Sassy Pants at 11:00 am - she was beautifully dressed, all smiles and carrying her Hello Kitty Backpack and Pleasant Goat. She came right to me and gave me a big hug, called me Mama... and it was all down hill from there. Almost as soon as I started to breathe again - she started crying (sobbing) and running. She took her backpack and little bag and ran back to the room she had just come out of "I am out here!" She is sorely missing her foster mom and ayi. She ran after them when they were leaving... handed me back the little presents I gave her.. and I had to borrow jelly beans to keep her with us. "Bu yao Mama" Now she is napping and I am hoping that a combination of familiarity and NOODLES will keep her with me for now. Our harmonious period is likely to be non-harmonious. But she is the most beautiful little girl... with a gorgeous smile.. and I hope to see it again soon!!

Peking Duck in Peking!!

2010-12-03T10:39:00.000-05:00

Cold day today... we were late getting into Beijing thanks to weather in NY. Apparently - I slept the entire way!!! Hopefully - not snoring!!! (Snoring in the room and on the bus - caught up on 20 hours sleep) we walked over to Tiananmen Square than all the way through Forbidden City - I have now seen ALL of the Forbidden City!!

We were Shanghai'd by some art students on our way to the Forbidden City - 4 Art Students convinced that there was an Prestigious Art Exhibition in a dumpy "hotel" down a very questionable street..... and we saw some very pretty things. Also - they ran out of paint before they could paint clothes on some of the female subjects... LOL

Then we were tailed by a pedicab driver who stalked us all the way down Wanfujing! LOL

We were not permitted to take pictures of the acrobat show - and it is a good thing because I will probably have night for the rest of my life about the giant MILLIPEDE guy who climbed a pole - which was a LOT too close for comfort from our front row seats. We were in the special VIP section right up front.. we could see the sweat on the performers... and the sparkly eyelashes - fake of course.

Then - delicious Roasted Duck (Peking Duck) at Quanjude - most famous duck restaurant in all Beijing. Very good dinner... and excellent company.. can not say enough about how much fun we are all having!! Tomorrow we are up bright and early to go to Great Wall and Temple of Heaven then SHOPPING!! I miss my Chillies... but otherwise all is well.

Last post in USA

2010-12-01T09:38:00.000-05:00

Today is the day!! I fly to China! I just received word that the Vaccine Bill (to waive the vaccinations being administered in China so the kids can get them safely in the USA) was signed by President Obama and is being honored in GuangZhou!! Very excited that she will not have to get a ton of shots so soon after meeting her Mom. I am excited period. The time is short.. I have to repack. My careful plan was blown to bits.. the bag weighs too much. So I am having to remanuever things a bit to make it work. It is hard to travel alone with one bag - I could take 2 to China.. but then only ONE would get on the plane in Beijing for Guangzhou... ERGH! Anyway - It is all good and I will have it figured out by the time we get there.. to the airport anyway!!

So - next post from CHINA!!!

A Surprise Update!

2010-11-26T22:33:00.000-05:00

We were so surprised to get a surprise gift of two new fresh off the press pics of our darling new girl!! It is fabulous to see her smile.... sad because now we know for sure that she was taken from her nice stable foster family and returned to the orphanage to await our arrival. I don't know how much she knows.. or understands. It is sad that this happens, but I understand on some level. I disagree so many ways..

We are getting me packed and I am so done getting ready!! I need gloves and some new PJs.. and I am good to go! I nearly bust out crying every couple of minutes because I feel so blessed to have the two I do - Who could dream such great kids as EFP & EBB.. and now another. And in less than 10 days I will be holding my new daughter.. just the thought gets me weepy - with happiness. But also sadness... she will lose so much in order to gain a wacky family.. a Mommy who loves her to pieces already, a sister and brother who are beside themselves waiting for her.. a Daddy who is more then ready to wait on yet another Empress and a whole bunch of Aunts, Uncles and Honorary Aunties.. who are likewise waiting to accept this precious girl into our family. I sure had no idea 12 years ago when Imperial Daddy and I were married - that we would build a family that would be so beautiful.. so happy and so very thankful!!

6 Days until Beijing!!!!!

Countdown to #3

2010-11-18T00:45:00.001-05:00

And awaaaaay we go!! I have airline tickets.. I almost have short tour in Beijing (to get acclimated to the time etc) and we know when we will likely meet our new family member and when our consulate appointment is..

Leave NY on 12/1 Arrive Beijing 12/2
Novotel Peace Beijing
Tour - Great Wall, Forbidden City, Summer Palace, Temple of Heaven. Tiananmen Square and Tea Show

EAT PEKING DUCK IN PEKING!!!

Leave Bejing on 12/5 for GuangZhou (Maybe meet new Empress?)
12/6 Family Day (Woo Hoo!)
Garden Hotel
Consulate appointment 12/15 - Swearing in 12/17

Leave Guangzhou 12/18 arrive NY 12/18 YEA!!

I will be blogging and on skype.. I will be missing my chillies.. and trying soak up all I can of this last adoption trip. It may be a few years before we take our family heritage trip.. so I want to remember everything!!

Now - to get everything done at work, shop for the things I totally forgot to buy for the trip, find my darn space bags, make a list of things to buy there.. and PACK PACK PACK... hug my chillies A LOT!!

So that is my update!

Homestretch or NOT!

2010-11-14T23:42:00.000-05:00

This was my post:

It has been the usual roller coaster these past few weeks... first a holiday interfered with the last steps of our Hague Visa process... then for some inexplicable reason we were asked (as were all parents waiting for TA) to provide an original of a document that we actually provided a year ago - our Letter of Intent to Adopt this specific child. FEDEX promptly lost it for 3 days. So here we are in the final stretch and we don't know if we will actually get our travel approval with our group or not. Infuriating!! There are always problems, things never go according to plan (for me anyway) and this has one more indication that in spite of all my best efforts, if something can go wrong - something will. The loss of the 3 days meant our "NEW" Letter of Intent did not get to Portland, OR in time to head to China with the rest of the families' paperwork ours got there a couple days later. So now we are (once again!) in the unhappy position of literally not knowing until they open the DHL (whenever it arrives) if our Travel Invitation is in the bag. The clock is ticking and I have no idea whether I will be flying on 12/1 or having to delay travel till sometime after the new year. FRUSTRATING beyond what I can handle by myself.

Some of the things I have noticed lately - is that my patience is wearing thinner than usual with bureaucracy of all kinds. I am still waiting to hear an apology from FEDEX.

This IS my post:

WE GOT TA!!!!! I am leaving for China.. either 12/1 or 12/8!!!!! I am obviously hoping for 12/1!!!

Bye Bye Going Home Barbie!

2010-09-25T23:08:00.001-04:00

We decided to sell our Going Home Barbies.. to raise a little money for our third adoption... if you are so inclined - the first auction is open (lasts 3 days) now:

Auction at EBAY for 1 Going Home Barbie
(Circa 2006)

GUZ Letter & Exactly Who IS Traveling.....??

2010-09-20T22:00:00.001-04:00

We got the letter that says that our letter with our I-800 approval has been sent to China. Yea. One more step in this journey of a thousand (bureaucratic) steps. In the meantime - we are in the process of deciding that we should not all travel this time. Aside from the cost which is huge... the kids are still getting adjusted to school and their new routine. They would miss the whole month of December - which is a BIG deal in parochial school - and frankly, the best time of they year there. While I will HATE missing all the fun with my children, I think they will do better if I go by myself (with a friend) and leave Imperial Daddy home with the Imperial Chillies and they can stay in school and participate in all the fun winter holidays. It is a tough decision.. I know that it would be good to have at least one child with us.. it does help with getting the new child acclimated.. and I really do miss my kids when I have to travel for work and stuff. But there are some very compelling reasons to keep them home and go alone. I wish I could figure it all out.. make exactly the right choice.. but it is rarely so clear.

Mommy and Emperor - Is he handsome or what?


Chillies being silly on top deck....


EFP "I know who that is! It is Lady Livery!!!"

EFP: "I asked for a crown because, after all, I AM a Princess!!" Yes, my dear you certainly are!

Imperial Daddy and Empress at ShangHai Delight.. soup dumplings YUMMO!

First Day of School 2010 (First Day of Kindergarten for EFP)

2010-09-08T20:58:00.002-04:00

In a Catholic School in a galaxy far far away................. two children began the 2010/2011 School Year.. this is their story.. (DA Dum.. )

Dressed for Success and Ready to Go!!

Seriously - how do I keep taking pics of closed eyes!!

My Handsome Little Man!

Sweet Boy... grew 5 inches this year!

Sweet Girl.. hard to believe she is 5!

My Darling Empress

I love this face.. oh, heck I love this GIRL!!!!

Now HERE are my Silly Chillies!

Such a happy little guy!

Now this is coloring I can sink my teeth into...

Already measuring! And she is only in Kindergarten!! My Little Empress Smartie Pants!

Last peek at the two best kids ever, anywhere!!

Scenes from the Summer

2010-09-04T22:47:00.000-04:00

Happy Birthday Empress Sassy Pants!! 8.23.10

2010-08-31T13:24:00.001-04:00

There is that PEACE Sign again!

Our little girl turned 6 on August 23rd...

When life hands you lemons............

2010-08-21T16:30:00.000-04:00

I have to write a letter... the point of which is to convince someone I am worthy. This is not a letter I ever wanted to write.. yet, I have written just such a letter at least 3 times before. I have written to convince people half way around the world that we are fine, capable people who will give a family and good home to children who had no such thing. So far it worked twice and we are waiting until the final confirmation of the third, to say, third time's a charm. As I search to find the words to put into this letter.. I am trying very hard to determine what is it that makes a person worthy. Is it the rare but stand-out acts of compassion (which ironically may also be the three most selfish things I ever did) or is it the result of hundreds of small acts compounded daily.. the ordinary acts of a regular person... is it found in the acts that demonstrate we are principled and honorable - even if there is some scant evidence that begs to differ? Or, is it in finding oneself on a road less traveled and making the best of it with humor and finding that a less traveled road suited you perfectly.

I know a few things for certain.. but one of them is that I rarely feel "worthy" which probably accounts for the serious procrastination I have experienced in writing this letter. Deadline looming.. thoughts scattered and other priorities crowding my brain, I have left till last this task. Is there way to prove worth - or is this something you must prove over and over again.. but showing up, by sticking to it, by standing up or sitting down.. depending. Is it enough to merely try your best everyday in spite of the occasionally weary shoulders.. soldiering on when really a nap is strongly desired.

Is that it then? Continuing on when one wants very much to quit? Asking for the strength to make it through one more day when one feels an almost unbearable urge to throw in the towel. I have felt so overwhelmed of late.. for some obvious reasons (knowing a child waits for us is no easy task) and for some known only to our very closest friends and families. Marriage is a challenge.. staying true through all the slings and arrows of daily onslaught, parenting is challenging.. particularly when sometimes, as the parent, you too want ice cream for dinner and a few days off!! Friendships are really more like cement - and yet - they change and grow and sometimes you find yourself with friends you certainly don't feel worthy of, people so good and kind and yet so unexpected and wonderful that prayers of thanksgiving are almost not quite enough.

I never saw coming the road I am on.. I never knew that this place existed or that I would have to go there.. not alone, thank goodness, not alone. Along the way - I discovered that in leaving the highway for this road less traveled, I fell in with a group of fellow travelers that daily demonstrate what worthy means - that true worth is measured in centimeters not miles.. small bit by bit.. one tiny act at a time.. and that one tiny act can mean a world to someone else. Among the common tag lines often used in the world I inhabit it "Adopting a child will not change the world, but for that child the world will change!" It is true, if a bit overused. But what is doesn't talk about is how the act transforms the people who will become parents.. partners who become completely invested in the changing of the world for that one (or two or three or, dare I say, twelve!) child or children... where one realizes that whatever NEEDS doing MUST be done and by no one else. So I write a letter to prove my worth for I need to be worthy for my children. Only that.. when my children have literally changed my world in every way possible. It may be that I needed a new crisis to see things clearly to really try to sort through all the priorities until one or two things triumphed and all that remains are the very heart of my existence. My children, my partner in life.. our family and friends. I may not always feel worthy of the tasks I have been assigned.. I often fall far short of my own expectations.. and disappoint those I love.. there are lessons still for me to learn. I humbly accept those lessons and try my best to become worthy of the precious gifts I have been given.. hoping that I can continue to provide the love and care they need, be a better mother, wife, sister, aunt, friend, colleague and become truly worthy of all I have been given.

Letter of Acceptance!!

2010-08-09T17:10:00.001-04:00

We got LOA today... YEA!! Another step in the long long road to China!! Next we file our I800 and wait for a few more steps.. Article 5 then finally Travel Approval... sadly, we are not likely to travel until December (no matter what) and NOW we are told we may not even be staying where we hoped to stay..

Can any area of my life be predictable, settled and smooth???

Summer Virus

2010-07-26T17:27:00.000-04:00

EBB brought home a nasty little virus.. and so we have been in quarantine for a few days.. is there anything worse than a summer cold? We have hunkered down.. and fought the good fight.. now EBB is getting better, EFP is a bit under the weather and Imperial Mommy is feeling like a dishrag. Luckily I have an appt with new MD tomorrow.. and am determined to turn over a new HEALTHY Leaf..

Until then.. here is a recipe I developed for the summer bonanza of Zucchini!

Bunch of Zucchini (I made 4 split lengthwise and had a little stuffing left over)
1 Large Vidalia Onion (rough chop)
12 oz of Portobello (I like baby bella) and or white mushrooms (rough chop)
3 Cloves garlic minced
1 Celery Heart minced
3 or 4 sausage (casing removed cooked and crumbled)
1/2 cup Parmesean Cheese
Italian Breadcrumbs (about 1/2 cup - may need more or less depending on how juicy the mix is.. use enough to bind stuffing together)
2 TBS Olive Oil (EVOO)
1 TBS Olive Oil mixed with Salt & Pepper
Salt
Pepper
Basil (fresh or dry)

Preheat oven to 350, place split Zucchini on sheet pan and brush with 1 TBS Olive Oil mixed with S&P Bake for 10 to 15 minutes or till soft.

Let cool - then use a spoon to remove the inside of the zucchini leaving enough of a shell so that zucchini hold its shape. Rough chop all the zucchini and set aside.

Saute onions and celery till translucent, add mushrooms.. when the whole mix is combined and a little brown add garlic and then chopped zucchini saute for 2 minutes. Remove from pan to bowl.

Crumble the cooked sausage into the mix along with Parmesan cheese, salt, pepper and basil and then breadcrumsbs.. adding breadcrumbs just until mix is soggy but not loose (should hold a shape on a spoon)

Generously salt and pepper the inside of the Zucchini Shells.. then place stuffing into shell being very generous. You can sprinkle more Parmesan on top or put some shredded Mozzerella or Fontina on top..

Place back in oven for 20 minutes and, if desired, under broiler till cheese is melted or stuffing is brown on top.. serve and listen to the sweet sounds of cooking success!!

Delicious!! This recipe is a modified version of one my Mom used to make for Stuffed Mushrooms.. works well with Zucchini too. You can customize the recipe to your family's taste.. leave out sausage put in carrots or tomatoes... use spinach and swiss cheese.. or even crab or shrimp for a Stuffed Zucchini Meal!! Happy Cooking!

Hooray for the USA!

2010-07-05T22:51:00.003-04:00

Random pics...

Voila! Here she is!

2010-06-30T13:17:00.004-04:00

FINALLY - we got our LID 06/25/10
and Three new Pictures... of course (poor neglected blog) we weren't permitted to post the first few till now so... without further ado I give you

Empress Sassy Pants

These two pictures above are the ones that started it all - I showed Imperial Daddy - and he said she looks just like EFP & EBB - maybe we need a #3!

HOT OFF THE PRESS & FRESH FROM PRC!

Couldn't you just squeeze those cheeks!?

797C (or the new 171H) is here!

2010-06-01T20:37:00.002-04:00

Today we received our 797C or Notice of Favorable Determination of Suitability to Adopt a Child from A Country that is party to the Hague Treaty.. it is almost surreal! Of course I spent most of today sick as a dog.. with some sort of throat thing.. and almost even forgot to get the mail... but I had been forewarned by our nice USCIS Case Officer.. that it was on the way!! So we are now only a few steps short of our goal. 2 docs to one county - state cert and then Chinese Consulate. We could be DTC before the end of June.

Still trying to wrestle with how to have a garage sale.. how do people do that? Or do I just hire someone to come and look at my, pardon the expression, cr@p and pay them something to do it.... I would still probably come out ahead... and it would empty the basement and garage which NEEDS to happen. This has to be the year we sell and move. Anyway - I am not feeling well enough to do a full update right now.. we are all well and happy - anxious about traveling.. and worried about the state of the economy.. but we are prepared to welcome our new little one and I just can't wait to wrap my arms around her.

Our new timeline.....

2010-04-18T21:43:00.002-04:00

Here is where we are now.. waiting on USCIS Fingerprint appointment and eventual 171H with "Favorable Determination to Adopt a Child from a Hague Country" Then we can submit our Dossier to China and wait... there will be a few more steps this time. After we receive our "Letter Seeking Confirmation" or "Letter of Approval" (LOA) we must file the I800 Application for a Visa (for our child to immigrate to the US as a relative) and then there are a few steps before we get "Travel Approval" (TA) and can then apply for "Consulate Appointment" (CA) and travel to China to adopt our third and final child. I am having second thoughts about leaving our children home. I just don't think I can do it. Sometimes I feel I can.. but EFP doesn't even entertain notions of us going without her to get her sister "Marshmallow" just assuring me that she will love going this time. My son is apprehensive - and I am not sure what his feelings will be, having finally decided he does NOT want to return to China. I worry that he will feel like we are taking him back.. and don't know whether I should leave him home or take him with us.. with constant reassurance. I think we must carefully select who will accompany us on the trip - so it is someone he trusts and loves - to know that we all will return home together. I still only have the vaguest of plans to finance the trip if we all go.. but it will be what it is.

TIMELINE TO CHINA:

Extension of time to file - new deadline 5/27/10

USCIS I800A - 3/29/10
Deadline to submit Dossier 2/27/10
HS Final Visit 1/24/10
FP appt for HS Mom - 12/18/09
FP appt for HS Dad - 12/15/09
HS Visit 12/13/09
Pre-approval 12/1/09
Letter of intent Finalized 11/7/09 (My birthday)
Letter of Intent - More info requested 11/4/09
Declare intention to adopt again & Lock File 11/2/09

Oldie but goodie from 2/20/2007

2010-03-01T00:26:00.003-05:00

One BIG year ago (NOW FOUR YEARS!) today – the center of my universe changed. I went from being consumed by the adoption of a child to the MOTHER of THIS CHILD! It was and is the best day of my life save, perhaps, the day I married my DH. (NOW ALSO THE DAY MY SON LOVED ME BACK) In true Snoopy fashion here goes!

It was a dark and stormy day.. No, it really was. The weather was terrible in NanChang the provincial capital of JiangXi in the People’s Republic of China. But we braved the vertical rain and 30 degree weather to reach the Civil Affairs Office for our first site of EFP. Suddenly – there she was sitting in the lap of one of the Nannies. She looked exactly the same as her referral picture and so healthy – rosy cheeks (from the 10 layers of clothes she was wearing) and bright eyes. I recognized her immediately and started to cry – when I realized I should not cry I should take pictures. I did.

I can’t really describe the moment when they called our name and after checking our passports, handed our baby to us. OUR BABY! After all those months and months of agonizing doubt and self criticism. Feeling guilty for past mistakes or different choices and what did it matter in that moment – not a bit. EFP looked up at me, patted my face, smiled and then pushed her 19.5 lbs self onto me and snuggled right. I wanted to kiss and hug her…run away from the office and have her all to myself to tell her all the things I had saved up to tell my daughter.... but I settled for dangling the (magic!) plastic keys in front of her and she busied herself ripping my name tag to shreds. We were quickly all holding babies and cameras and juggling things mightily when it was time to get back on the bus again. I think we had returned to our hotel room and then went for lunch where I FINALLY got to feed a baby (MY BABY!) a meal of sorts. Back in our room I uncovered her many layers a little at a time to expose one limb at a time and checked her all out. Perfect right down to the large blue spot on her upper buttock! It was not long before we were hanging and laughing with our silly baby and it was clear that she was fine with us. We returned to the Civil Affairs office and completed the paperwork and just like that (HA!) we were parents to one beautiful healthy happy baby girl!

These last 12 months (4 YEARS!) have been incredible. How do you explain such an utter transformation? I can only say that all the months of being tired, anxious, afraid and sort of being dazed, I am happy to say not only do I still think that we got the best baby ever – I know we did! I know that we have never regretted for one second our decision to adopt from China and that February 20^th is my favorite day – because it is the day I was made into EFP’s Mommy. Every day I wake up thankful that this day came and today I am especially grateful that she is my daughter. We spent this last weekend with our travel group and I suspect that similar thoughts are racing through those parents’ heads as well. We are all convinced we were somehow given the best baby. (But I really was!) We are all who we are today because sometime ago we made the decision to take a leap of faith and put our hopes and dreams into the hands of some civil servants in a far away land. Thank you – whoever you all are. Thank you! We are so blessed by this little girl and her little China-Cousins. My heart is just overflowing with love for my family and for our friends all around us celebrating our families.

One year ago – my entire universe changed and now a nearly two-year old (Nearly 5 year old) baby girl rules my heart and my home. Thank God!

Xin Nian Kuai Le!

2010-02-07T23:16:00.004-05:00

I really don't know where the time goes.... two kids, one full time job, MBA classes... etc. Life happens and the blog waits. Everyone is fine.. kids are great. We are well on our way to #3... we are waiting to review our homestudy... all our paperwork is in, we are waiting for our Letters of Good Conduct and then the fun begins! All that authentication and back and forths... well, it is what it is, right. I forget what a hassle the paperwork is while I am doing it... how aggravating.. worth it in the end.. but so annoying.

I sometimes wonder.. what it is about a particular child.. how does a particular smile grab you and before you know it you are helpless in the face of a child who, in spite of every nagging doubt, begs to be seen and then, there you are, on a plane to China. I am not allowed to post her pic here.. but I really think she is exactly the middle between EBB & EFP. That is - she looks like she could be sister to both.... (in looks at least) I know that this is it for us... not that I wouldn't do it a few more times.. but honestly, even this seems a little like chancing fate.. I mean I already have two great kids... we are in a groove, not perfectly mind you, but seems like life is somewhat manageable these days....

Not much happening on the house hunt front, that is I can easily find something to buy - not having so much luck in the selling this place front. I am going to have to use a realtor and hope for the best. Beyond the school front... our neighborhood just doesn't seem to be going in the right direction. Maybe it is the economy or my location - or the complete and utter paralysis that sets in when I even *think* about all that I have to do to really sell this place, but oh dear do we need to leave!!

We are heading into the home stretch adoption #3 wise. Our home study is nearly done.. we have assembled all the pieces (reordered certificates of birth, marriage, finance, medical, etc.) just waiting on Good Conduct - final final draft for review.. and we should be very close to going to USCIS. Whoopee! We have a range of choices for travel.. and I really can't say which way we will go.

Travel Options:
1. Mom travels with 2 Friends (favored option)
2. Mom travels with no friends (least favorite option)
3. Mom, Dad, EFP & EBB travel with 1 friend (sort of OK option)
4. Mom, EFP & EBB travel with 1 (or 2) friends (ok option)
5. Mom + 2 friends w/Dad for first few days to complete adoption (very ok option)

Since the whole trip is GuangDong (actually GuangZhou!) the whole time.. we can consider some options that we weren't able to last few times. Daddy is leaning toward the 5th option since he really wants to be there and this would enable us to have the full and final adoption then and there. We are fairly certain that the kids will be ok if they are together and with one or the other of our great friends, both of whom have offered to take the kids for a couple of days if it comes to that. Hopefully the timing will work out and any of those plans CAN happen. Otherwise - it is ME ME ME and my new baby girl. Frankly - the BEST reason to have DH along - is 1. his extraordinary SHERPA skills and 2. His willingness to get copious amounts of coffee as close to my mouth at whatever time in the AM it needs to be there!! One reason why I am REALLY thinking that the China Hotel (Starbucks in the LOBBY) may be the place to stay this time around!!

Otherwise - things here at Casa Imperial are normal. Two snow days in a row.. are driving me bonkers... but the kids are great. EBB is doing pretty well in school -he is getting it, making slow - but steady progress. It is true that there are no flash bulbs going off - we need patience, he is making up for all those years of deprivation, but it will take time.

EFP is, as usual, brilliant. She sings all the time - is really coming out of her shell a bit. Making nice friends and really going forward with leaps and bounds. I am nervous about her starting K - since our choice are restrictive parochial school or lackluster public K. Not great choices either of them - but that is what we have. Probably wasn't wise to add a child who would be the same age for 6 months and start K at the same time - since that does effect our choice. We have to put DD#2 in Public school since she will need some services: ESL, possibly speech - and who knows what else. I can't even go on with it.. just to much to think about.

Kittens are growing... and still insane. Spotty - very loving, weird attacking the floor at odd moments, pounces on feet, steals: socks, panties, hose, hair scrunchies. Stripey - carries a fleece mouse around in her mouth ALL the time, loving and cuddly, pounces on feet. Orianna is her usual dejected and pet demanding self.. and has gained back at least 5 of the 8 lbs she lost - probably because she has been eating the Kitten food instead of hers.

Work is still great. There are one or two people I could live without but they just add to the ambiance of the place to be honest! It is a very hectic job.. I never seem to have a dull moment or free moment or moment where I can think clearly! Luckily my two great friends are right down the hall and we have resurrected the "grab a bit for lunch" thing.. and that is working for now.

So that is my little update... I do have cool pics - but until I get this home network thing figured out and can get the pictures that are downstairs on the laptop upstairs to the desk top.. well, you know.

It's about time.. & some news!!

2009-12-05T21:36:00.006-05:00

Autumn Moon 2009

Stripey & Spotty - Buffalos posing as Kittens!

Brother & Sister Love

They just do this when I bring out the camera...

Aaaawwww...

EFP & Pony LOVE!!

Just LOVE that smile!!!

What the heck is that thing?

What? A Flounder? It looks like a sea monster!!

OH! THIS is what a fish looks like before Mommy cooks it??? I get it!

Fishing Fun!

I can not believe it has been so long since I had a moment to update the blog!! Seems like I never have a minute these days.. kids are so busy.. new job.. starting not to feel so much like a new job.. is wonderful but HECTIC!

AND... tada...

we are paperchasing again.... ha ha bet you didn't see that coming did ya? We received PA last week for a 5 year old girl residing in LongGang, ShenZhen, GuangDong... she has a repaired cleft lip/palate... and she has a beautiful smile!! Can't post pics yet (darn! cuz she is a cutie pie!) just exactly who we need! Her birthday is listed as 8.23.04 - so she fits right in between EFP & EBB!! Can not believe we have hopped on the roller coaster again.. but you know.. somehow this felt right.. it is a long story.. how we got to this place.. with highs and lows.. happiness and sadness... but then that IS adopting from China isn't it? Can't imagine travel before the summer and I can't really travel until well after July - so perhaps August (UGH GuangZhou in August????) or September.. and two or three of my favorite people in the world are (hopefully) going to travel with me while DH stays home with the Empress & Emperor.. while I travel for Empress Sassy Pants...

Spent most of the fall dealing with Imperial Daddy's unfortunate BOWLING injury... completely dislocated 2 fingers... requiring emergency surgery, 3 or 4 titanium pins and a hand surgeon specialist to preserve his ability to use his fingers... of course it was his left hand and yes, he is left-handed. To be fair we don't bowl.. and he had no idea that the finger holes came in different sizes.. so when he went to throw the ball and his hand stayed IN the ball when it traveled down the lane.. well, you can't even imagine the difficulty!! Then to top it off.. and as we have come to expect.. he bowled for another hour, and refused to go to the ER for a couple of days.. till he really had no other choice... and then we found out how serious an injury it was. Now, you would think that having him home for 2.5 months would have freed up some of my time.. no way. Well, enough about that! Finally he is back at work and mostly able to use the hand but he still has PT a few times a week.

The Empress is doing really well in her new center.. it was nerve wracking to move her but honestly she really needed a change and so new experiences.. though she still misses her two little friends especially. She is really a smartie and I can see that a regular school is just not going to cut it for her... haven't figured out what we will do about that but I am again touring the private schools in the area.... gotta sell the house. PERIOD. She is adding & subtracting, reading and knows all the sight words.... if she were a little more emotionally/socially mature I could easily skip the Kindergarten and go right to first grade.. but I don't think she is ready for the other kids quite yet. At least in her pre-K she is with great kids and she does seem to be blossoming and changing a bit.. she still has a hard time expressing her feelings to others... and I have seen her crumple at the suggestion that something she is doing/wearing/believing isn't what others do.. but she is actually starting to be ok with that too.. that is accepting that others are not always going to agree or like what she likes - it is not ok for others to disparage her for her likes and she absolutely can stick up for herself if she needs to. Love my little girl.. she is the absolutely best thing that ever happened to me.

The Emperor, is doing very well also. He is really a great kid.... finally showed some growth.. 3 inches in a few months then added one more recently.. so he is topped off at about 44" and weighs about 50 lbs!! Solid little guy - my boy!! His sense of humor is exactly what you would expect of any yo boy.. and let me tell you he is always in a humorous mood.. always. His teacher confirms he stays happy all day and even tries (and usually succeeds according to her!) to make her laugh.. all his teachers are impressed with his progress, how hard he works and how sweet and funny he is. I will say that I can't imagine our life without this little guy!

As for me.. well, making progress on getting the place organized to sell. We put a for sale by owner sign out.. and then someone took it. Oh well. We'll try again. I have a little more to do before I can get a Realtor in... but I hope we will be able to sell and find a new place we like as much, but in a better school district. Otherwise.. we are all good. Orianna is hanging in there - she has been a real sport about the interlopers. Kittens are adorable and very cuddly and LOUD.. one is a thief.. socks, pantyhose, hair scrunchies etc. the other is just funny... EFP is still so happy with her orange stripey kitty.. though it hasn't stopped her from wanting every FAKE animal in the universe for the holidays. I don't know I will do with all the fake pets.. ..tune in soon and see!!!

Miscelleany

2009-07-24T21:58:00.004-04:00

Life is hectic! No question about it. Two kids, two working parents... and a lot of blessings in the form of friends and family events. The kids are both happily settled for the summer. EFP started in her new school (close to where I work) and EBB is in Summer Day Camp - the first week was not so great.. but now he has made a few friends and we have explained to the camp director - what is what and all is well. I am sort of settling in at my new job. It is weird to be starting over and yet not starting over. I suppose that is the benefit of working at such a large place.. there are places to go and things to - in other areas or departments so it is like starting over - but with some history.

My new position has a great deal more responsibility - higher level authority and some back story that makes it difficult to get a handle on things at times. I am lucky though in a sense because just about whatever I decide (because there is no written history really) seems to be OK. I am navigating OK - watching for the obstacles etc. The people I work with are quite nice.. I fit in quite well - which is saying something. The kids seem to have adjusted to the new state of being also.

Moving EFP seems to have been a good idea.. scary a$$ trip to the ER and 4 Staples ... aside! She really seems to like it and the kids are great. I don't much like packing lunch everyday - for both kids - but it does seem to provide a more nutritious vareity of foods and I do get more say over what they are eating. EBB still wants to eat noodles more days than not.. but I am getting him to eat lots of other stuff too.. veggies, fruits, yogurt etc. so it is all good. Now to put into place my new diabolical plan of placing strategic notes into their lunch boxes with love and other fun stuff!!

We also added to our family. TWO KITTENS!! One is the (you guessed it!) an orange stripey girl named..... Stripey and a dilute calico (that is a Tortoiseshell with any white is usually called a Calico - and a dilute is paler) that is mostly white with little Calico spots who we call... Spotty (though I call her Puff Kitty) and we are just loving the uproar. We did have a pet challenge right off the bat as Spotty spent a few days in (outrageously expensive) emergency Animal Hospital for a disease we now know is "Kitty Fever NOS" (not otherwise specified) and has no known origin but takes the life of many a kitty. NOT this one I am happy to report. Our Free Kitty is now guaranteed gold standard!! We still miss our Cali though. And Eeks and Zan as well. So we are happy - but nostalgic about our new additions. Pics soon!

Well - that is all for now..

Busy Busy Bees!

2009-06-10T20:39:00.006-04:00

I know, i know... I am a bad bad blogger. It has been SO CRAZY around here lately... between my new job (yay me) the kids' activities (yay them) our family and friends... we have hardly been stationery!

We are heading into summer and it amazes me that a whole school year seems to have come and is now going!! Can I just take a few minutes to (brag, gush, overdo) say how proud I am of my little boy? He has worked so hard this year... and still he smiles and is simply the happiest little boy! Just today he graduated Kindergarten! He announced at dinner.. that now that he has graduated he is finished with school and will go back to daycare with his sister! LOL We howled! Actually he will start camp in 2 weeks... :-)

Both kids have had loads of fun in gymnastics this year and Saturday we attended the end of the year exhibition... we are so fortunate to be parents to these two amazing children... I have had my share of tears before they came into my life... and nothing has changed.. except now they are tears of joy. I tear-up all the time... thinking how life lead me to this place, these children... and in case you think I don't have enough to be happy about.. well, here goes a sample! These are miscellaneous shots.. from a weekend away, a fun Asian Cultural event, the gymnkhana, and my son's award ceremony at school! Enjoy.

Silly Chillies

2009-04-07T12:39:00.005-04:00

At performance of National Acrobats of China - Staller Center

That is Mean EFP Face - and her very very silly brudder!

Having Fun with FCC at National Acrobats of China Show

Very silly boy!

Happy Birthday Empress!

Who is THRILLED to be 4!???

Yea!

One year ago today..

2009-03-16T23:28:00.003-04:00

In the meantime - let me tell you about one year ago today. We had a furious night re-packing, thanks to some person - who wanted to blow up a plane from BeiJing to LanZhou - we had to remove ALL liquids, gels, pastes, aerosols, and powders from our carryon and place them in or checked bag. Which meant that most of us had NOTHING ready for meeting the children. We flew the short hop and landed in LanZhou. EFP was already showing signs of illness and I was so tired.. we retrieved our bags and headed to the bus. You know, when I think of China I seem to see it from above - rather than eye-level, probably because of all the bus rides! Anyway - we were in the bus and XiXi (guide par excellence) tells us "The babies are waiting for you at the hotel!" I thought to myself - "Whew! Only the babies! Not my big boy!" Then XiXi came over the speaker and said - Yes, and One big boy too!" Uh Oh! At that moment I was panicked. And a little annoyed. Two years earlier - we begged to meet our babies a day early and our wish could not be granted. But on this day - there were other plans.

We roll up to the Hotel.. and so begins the adventure... trying to jam our family into a tiny little room - when I was sure we booked a suite (we had) and so the room situation had to be rectified. Meanwhile our little boy was waiting in a conference room with the other kids. We get the room straight (we end up in a super deluxe suite complete with euro shower, bidet and 2 plasma screen TVs) and head down to the conference room.

I have to tell you I was so nervous and worried. When I saw his little face... he was such a sweetie.. but so sad. He was so much smaller than we expected and he seemed totally bewildered. (I think I knew then that they had not prepared him really well.. but I had no idea!) Now I know - he was not prepared.

Something like this happened. "Here you go EBB, here's some peanuts, go with this person. Tada... today we are going to hand you over to a big bunch of big smelly scary white people who will say things you can't possibly understand... try to touch you, take your clothes... throw things at you and make you eat weird food... betcha can't wait!!"

So is it really surprising the child was terrified, grief-stricken, inconsolable, confused, howling like a banshee (in case you ever wondered it is not a pretty happy sound..) and well, not that into Mama???

He burst into tears about 20 minutes after we met him.. and didn't really stop (except for the trip to KFC) till the next day.. and even that was only temporary. His adoption picture is the saddest thing on earth. He was howling - tears streaming down his face.. so mad and sad at the same time.

I won't say - that I enjoy this piece of the journey.. I do not. I do not like thinking about the trauma for him.. how hard it had to have been.

What I will say - is that bad beginnings do not tell the end. Within days he was happier.. truly fell for his little sister and Daddy.. only Mama remained persona non grata... (and would be for a while) everyone else got smiles and silly grins.

But - fast forward.. or don't. Stop and think how you might have reacted.. and then you might be thinking.. how did this happen.. how does a child go from being so scared and grieving.. to how he is today.. well... the middle story is too long for this post. It has not been easy for him.. but it HAS been worth being with him on the ride.

My little boy... is at least 2 years younger than we thought (we are working on correcting this). Smarter and smarter all the time... truly bright. He is funny and has a charming way about him.. he is sweet and loving.. compassionate with a keen sense of justice.. he loves noodles more than anything. LanZhou is a wheat province.. not much rice. Every single day we were there we ate the most fabulous handmade noodles... every day. Breakfast for sure, and a lot of lunches and dinners also. Except when we were eating pizza with RED AND GREEN CHERRIES.. LOL

He misses those noodles. A lot. He loves his Mommy - for which I am grateful to the angels, stars and whoever else moved his heart in my direction. It pains me not at all to say - I love this little boy more than I thought it possible to love anyone... other than my darling girl. That they have each other and are so loving to each other is another gift I can't ever have imagined. I truly hope they stay this close to each other. My son makes friends where ever he goes. His smile is a winsome little grin that dares you to keep a straight face.. it rarely happens. He has had to overcome a mountain of challenges. Adoption is the least and most of it... his physical challenges, learning, language and family... all seem to be ok with him. He loves school and learning.. loves his family beyond anything and really really is a happy boy nearly all the time.

For what started as a rough trip - we have landed in a place that has a happy little family. My children are a constant source of amazement... as well as love and cheer. I can not be anything other than happy - when I have such treasures.

Silly Chillies... and My LOLCATZ

2009-03-09T21:00:00.009-04:00

Dun't any kitty write lettas anymore?
Alz I gets is junkyee mail!

Billz Billz Billz - what yoused to be 1 mousey now 4 mousey!

ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZNNNNNNNNNFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFTTTTTTTT!

Yummeeeez Billz iz tastees

Dunt laff at meeez.. me whiskas is funeee.... I dunt no why*?

Potz Lidz on Totz Lidz

The CYMBAL of fashion and good taste!

A two chillie cymbal festus for the restus..

*No actual kitty was harmed in the making of this blog post - the kids cut her whiskers, it doesn't hurt and they will grow back. And it will NEVER happen again!
She is hardly staggering around at all!!
Empress Kitty Puss is an all around good sport!

Kids will be Kids.....

2009-03-05T21:43:00.002-05:00

By the way - my son's new middle name is PORK - as in - he is such a HAM!

Snow Day!

2009-03-03T22:38:00.002-05:00

Winter Wonderland!

It snowed - A LOT! (EBB's favorite add on to every sentence is A LOT!)

Take one boy, add 3 layers, a silly sense of humor and VOILA! You have Snow Boy!

She has been waiting all winter to do this...
then decided snowflakes are not that great tasting.

Yes - I promise these are MY kids - somewhere under all that!!

Snow Stats:
How many inches = 12"
Temp = 10
Layers of clothes on kids = 3 + Outerwear & boots
Time to dress = 20 minutes
Time in snow = 10 minutes
Snowballs thrown = 3, 2 by Daddy
Cups of Hot Coco w/marshmallows = 2
Happiness = Priceless