What a difference a year makes! It's been one year since we've had Leah in our lives and I can't imagine it getting any better than this...but I'm sure every year will just keep getting better and we can't wait to see what lies ahead!! January 29, 2007 marked the one year occaision. James went to work and Leah and I hung out and cuddled all day in bed until it was time to meet Dada (as she calls him) at Seven Moons for chinese food. After dinner, we went for ice cream, which just so happens to be right next door to my gym, and which I blew off for the day to honor our special day ~ getting ice cream is so much better than going to the gym!! But ice cream is the reason I go to the gym in the first place. Argh!!
Leah never ceases to amaze us...every single day! Because it's been so long since my last blog, I have a lot to catch up on. She is smart, funny, happy, adorable, beautiful, clever and so much more. She can count to ten, say her ABC's, take showers (okay okay, with me but still, it's so much easier than giving her a bath), she's almost potty trained, loves food, finally sleeping through the night, she's definately a ball buster ~ hum...I wonder where she gets that from! (me!). She loves loves loves clothes!!! So fun for mommy...not so fun for daddy! But wait...she also likes to watch football with dada so he has a buddy for Sunday afternoons. May not be a beer drinking buddy but whatev's ~ she's much cuter than his beer drinking buds! She has swimming lessons, music lessons and we also have a playgroup we meet up with weekly. Life's Good and we're all so happy.
All in all, we've had a FABULOUS year!
I was very inspired by our "one year anniversary" to blog and will make it a point to keep up. Even if no one reads it, it's a great journal for us :o)
Stay tuned for pictures...coming tomorrow night.
Wednesday, January 30, 2008
Wednesday, March 14, 2007
Home Sweet Home
First I'd like to correct the title of my last blog. In China, people do not say Goodbye. They say "See you Later"... So... I shouldn't have typed Goodbye China - See you later China would have been more appropriate. I'm going to check to see if I can edit my title...we'll see.
So we've been home a little over a month and things couldn't be better. Our first week home was very trying for all three of us. With James and I it was the time change, jet lag and sleep deprivation. For Leah it was including but not limited to, jet lag, sleep deprivation, time change, new people, new home with different rooms instead of one hotel room. Now she's in a big house with different rooms. At first, she was quite scared wondering whether or not we would come back in the same room as she was in. We've also been quite busy having people over to meet her and getting out of the house to do some visiting as well. She's already had two doctor visits and he deemed her very healthy. She's gone through a series of shots and will need more in a few months. Its so hard to watch. All her bloodwork came back negative -whew! She falls asleep in the car which is good because I thought I would have to buy a bus; as she always fell asleep on the bus in China. We've gone shopping, out to eat, we've taken her to see the ocean down in Narragansett and we also brought her to Boston. She is going to be a well rounded pea! James and I are entralled with her every single minute of the day and we have about 1,500 pictures to prove it. Yes, that' s right, 1,500 pictures and we've only had her a little over a month. What can we say, everything she does is worth a picture.
Also since she's been home, she has learned how to roll and she gives kisses! I swear that has to be the cutest thing on earth. She will even pucker up while she's crying if I ask her to. She is so fun and a really happy baby. There is only one thing that we're still working on and that's her sleeping habbits. Right now its trial and error. At first, we were putting her to bed around 8:30-9:00pm (same time she was going to bed in China) and she would wake up every two hours. We always went in to pick her up until she fell back asleep, which could take a really long time. Then one night we decided to see what happens if we didn't go in and get her....well, she cried for only about 6 minutes (we timed it) and she soothed herself back to sleep. From that day on, we just let her cry it out and her crying only lasts 10 minutes the most. Now we have another new thing which is putting her to bed earlier - around 7:30ish. We've seem some good improvement but she still wakes up and cries sometimes. I don't know - I guess with time she'll be able to sleep through the night.
Leah's Birthday was Thursday, February 22nd. In the morning, Leah and I went to Kristen's house to visit. Kristen has two daughter's - Madison (3) and Abby who is turning one tomorrow. I was really happy to be able to catch up with Kristen and to see the girls. What's also cool is that Abby and Leah are only a few weeks apart so it's going to be fun to watch them grow up together. Madison is just adorable - with an imagination as big as the universe! It was fun listening and watching her play. After we left Kristen's, Leah fell asleep in the car within seconds so I decided to take a really long drive so I wouldn't have to wake her up on my very short drive home. Later the evening, James came home with Chinese food from Seven Moons and we had some cake for her. It was just the three of us and it was perfect. On Saturday, Feb 24th, we had our immediate families over to celebrate her birthday and they were all so excited to be here with Leah. We had pizza, opened presents and let Leah dig into her chocolate birthday cake right on the dining room table. At first, she was very dainty...just putting one of her tiny fingers right into the cake and after about 6 or 7 licks, she dug right in and grabbed a big chung of cake. The next thing we knew, she had it all over her hands, face, belly and legs (yes, we took her fancy party dress off so it wouldn't get ruined). It was so fun to watch her. We gave her a bath and shortly after, everyone left so we could get her settled down for the night. She didn't sleep good that night - um...could have been all the sugar!! She got some really nice gifts. My parents got her a musical snow globe with her name and birthday insribed on it, Joyce and Jim got her an exersaucer which she absolutely loves and they also got her a learning teddy bear and a Playskool CD player. Michele got her Baby Einstein books and baloons, Chris got her a savings bond and a pink Boston Red Sox hat and Kim got her some new outfits! She had a very good 1st Birthday and we enjoyed it too!
We have a lot of offers for babysitters but James and I haven't been ready to leave for the night yet. It's only been a month and right now, we're cool with hanging in on Friday and Saturday nights. It's been too cold to go out anyway. That's not to say we haven't been "tearing it up" on a Friday or a Saturday night - we've had some friends over for some eats and drinks. It's been fun. We're in no rush to go out at this point. The warmer weather is just around the corner and we'll be more antsy to get out after she goes to sleep for the night. Hey, we may be an old married couple with a baby but that doesn't mean we don't like a drink or two...or eight. Just kidding. Seven is our limit...okay...kidding again. We're parents now and we don't get to sleep until noon anymore. Although if Leah can take a morning nap, James and I might be able to sleep off our hangovers...okay okay, I'm still kidding. Those days of partying are long over. We're a little more sophisticated now - we like to go out for a nice dinner with a glass of wine instead of going bar hopping.
Today we had Early Intervention come over to do some paperwork. In about a week or so, a counselor will come back and evaluate Leah to see if she need therapy. Its recommended when an adopted child comes home. Her Gross Motor Skills could use some work but we'll see what happens when they come over to observe her. James left work early so he could be here when the lady came over today and once she was gone, we had the rest of the beautiful afternoon together (it was about 65 degrees today). Just like old times back in China, we bundled Leah up and strapped her in the Baby Bjorn and the three of us took a walk around the hood; and again like old times in China, she fell asleep within minutes. I guess there's something about moving and her falling asleep. Maybe I'll lay her down ontop of the washing machine and see if she falls asleep. Am I just nuts or did I hear that somewhere? Anyway, we also looked through a recipe book and James made some dinner instead of the usual easy meals that I make - God, I really don't like cooking. I don't know what it is but I just don't like it. Leah always eats like a champ though. Just because I don't like to cook doesn't mean she doesn't eat well - veggies, fruits, meats, poultry, milk...etc, you name it, she eats it. I always make sure she eats well - for those of you who are wondering what I give her :o)
Well, its 9:00 and Leah's been sound asleep (hopefully she won't wake up) and I'm ready to veg out with James. So until the next blog...
Peace out,
Kerin, James & Leah
So we've been home a little over a month and things couldn't be better. Our first week home was very trying for all three of us. With James and I it was the time change, jet lag and sleep deprivation. For Leah it was including but not limited to, jet lag, sleep deprivation, time change, new people, new home with different rooms instead of one hotel room. Now she's in a big house with different rooms. At first, she was quite scared wondering whether or not we would come back in the same room as she was in. We've also been quite busy having people over to meet her and getting out of the house to do some visiting as well. She's already had two doctor visits and he deemed her very healthy. She's gone through a series of shots and will need more in a few months. Its so hard to watch. All her bloodwork came back negative -whew! She falls asleep in the car which is good because I thought I would have to buy a bus; as she always fell asleep on the bus in China. We've gone shopping, out to eat, we've taken her to see the ocean down in Narragansett and we also brought her to Boston. She is going to be a well rounded pea! James and I are entralled with her every single minute of the day and we have about 1,500 pictures to prove it. Yes, that' s right, 1,500 pictures and we've only had her a little over a month. What can we say, everything she does is worth a picture.
Also since she's been home, she has learned how to roll and she gives kisses! I swear that has to be the cutest thing on earth. She will even pucker up while she's crying if I ask her to. She is so fun and a really happy baby. There is only one thing that we're still working on and that's her sleeping habbits. Right now its trial and error. At first, we were putting her to bed around 8:30-9:00pm (same time she was going to bed in China) and she would wake up every two hours. We always went in to pick her up until she fell back asleep, which could take a really long time. Then one night we decided to see what happens if we didn't go in and get her....well, she cried for only about 6 minutes (we timed it) and she soothed herself back to sleep. From that day on, we just let her cry it out and her crying only lasts 10 minutes the most. Now we have another new thing which is putting her to bed earlier - around 7:30ish. We've seem some good improvement but she still wakes up and cries sometimes. I don't know - I guess with time she'll be able to sleep through the night.
Leah's Birthday was Thursday, February 22nd. In the morning, Leah and I went to Kristen's house to visit. Kristen has two daughter's - Madison (3) and Abby who is turning one tomorrow. I was really happy to be able to catch up with Kristen and to see the girls. What's also cool is that Abby and Leah are only a few weeks apart so it's going to be fun to watch them grow up together. Madison is just adorable - with an imagination as big as the universe! It was fun listening and watching her play. After we left Kristen's, Leah fell asleep in the car within seconds so I decided to take a really long drive so I wouldn't have to wake her up on my very short drive home. Later the evening, James came home with Chinese food from Seven Moons and we had some cake for her. It was just the three of us and it was perfect. On Saturday, Feb 24th, we had our immediate families over to celebrate her birthday and they were all so excited to be here with Leah. We had pizza, opened presents and let Leah dig into her chocolate birthday cake right on the dining room table. At first, she was very dainty...just putting one of her tiny fingers right into the cake and after about 6 or 7 licks, she dug right in and grabbed a big chung of cake. The next thing we knew, she had it all over her hands, face, belly and legs (yes, we took her fancy party dress off so it wouldn't get ruined). It was so fun to watch her. We gave her a bath and shortly after, everyone left so we could get her settled down for the night. She didn't sleep good that night - um...could have been all the sugar!! She got some really nice gifts. My parents got her a musical snow globe with her name and birthday insribed on it, Joyce and Jim got her an exersaucer which she absolutely loves and they also got her a learning teddy bear and a Playskool CD player. Michele got her Baby Einstein books and baloons, Chris got her a savings bond and a pink Boston Red Sox hat and Kim got her some new outfits! She had a very good 1st Birthday and we enjoyed it too!
We have a lot of offers for babysitters but James and I haven't been ready to leave for the night yet. It's only been a month and right now, we're cool with hanging in on Friday and Saturday nights. It's been too cold to go out anyway. That's not to say we haven't been "tearing it up" on a Friday or a Saturday night - we've had some friends over for some eats and drinks. It's been fun. We're in no rush to go out at this point. The warmer weather is just around the corner and we'll be more antsy to get out after she goes to sleep for the night. Hey, we may be an old married couple with a baby but that doesn't mean we don't like a drink or two...or eight. Just kidding. Seven is our limit...okay...kidding again. We're parents now and we don't get to sleep until noon anymore. Although if Leah can take a morning nap, James and I might be able to sleep off our hangovers...okay okay, I'm still kidding. Those days of partying are long over. We're a little more sophisticated now - we like to go out for a nice dinner with a glass of wine instead of going bar hopping.
Today we had Early Intervention come over to do some paperwork. In about a week or so, a counselor will come back and evaluate Leah to see if she need therapy. Its recommended when an adopted child comes home. Her Gross Motor Skills could use some work but we'll see what happens when they come over to observe her. James left work early so he could be here when the lady came over today and once she was gone, we had the rest of the beautiful afternoon together (it was about 65 degrees today). Just like old times back in China, we bundled Leah up and strapped her in the Baby Bjorn and the three of us took a walk around the hood; and again like old times in China, she fell asleep within minutes. I guess there's something about moving and her falling asleep. Maybe I'll lay her down ontop of the washing machine and see if she falls asleep. Am I just nuts or did I hear that somewhere? Anyway, we also looked through a recipe book and James made some dinner instead of the usual easy meals that I make - God, I really don't like cooking. I don't know what it is but I just don't like it. Leah always eats like a champ though. Just because I don't like to cook doesn't mean she doesn't eat well - veggies, fruits, meats, poultry, milk...etc, you name it, she eats it. I always make sure she eats well - for those of you who are wondering what I give her :o)
Well, its 9:00 and Leah's been sound asleep (hopefully she won't wake up) and I'm ready to veg out with James. So until the next blog...
Peace out,
Kerin, James & Leah
Tuesday, February 6, 2007
See You Later China
Today is the very last day for me to blog. We are getting ready for all of our traveling that we'll be doing within the next two days. Tomorrow we leave here, Guangzhou, to fly to Beijing. We'll arrive in Beijing at 11:00pm (Wednesday); and then get about 5 hours sleep before the little pea wakes us up. Our flight back home isn't until 5:25pm, Thursday (4:25 in the morning for you - Thursday morning, that is) and hopefully it's a nice quite flight all the way to Chicag0 - we're are praying she sleeps - I think it will make for a much peaceful flight for everyone on board. She is extremly vocal these days. Doesn't think anything of it when she screams on top of her lungs for no reason other than to let everyone know she is in the room - then is gives us this huge smile. The smile is cute - screaming is not so cute.
So today we had a free day all to ourselves. We did some shopping around here and then we took a taxi off the island to the other parts of Guangzhou (couldn't buy much though because of the weigth limits we have with our luggage while traveling....that's a bummer). Somehow I ended up walking through a meat market and let me tell you, that is something I could have done without. Actually, it wasn't that bad but I was really grossed out by the floor. James didn't have the same pleasure of walking through it :o) I think I"m going to throw out these sneakers when I get home.
All of the walking and shopping we did today wore the little one out; she took a long nap and woke up just in time for dinner. She showed off her vocals at dinner time and then all the other babies started chiming in. Now it's time for bed and she is not tired at all. She loves to scream but she is really quick to smile and laugh and laughs most of the day and almost always wakes up with a smile.
We are a little sad to be leaving the birthplace of our daughter. China has so much more meaning to us - its a beautiful country and the people are very gracious - we will certainly miss being here and definately have plans to return when she is older. On the other hand, James and I are really anxious to get home now that the time is near. We can't wait to sleep in our own bed, live out of a closet instead of a suitcase, brush our teeth with running tap water, use the dishwasher to clean the bottles and most import, to show off the newest addition to our family. She is so cool and James and I are so very LUCKY to have her in our life.
Okay, pray for our safe flight....see you soon
Love Always
Three Peas in a Pod
I bet you can't wait for her name!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
So today we had a free day all to ourselves. We did some shopping around here and then we took a taxi off the island to the other parts of Guangzhou (couldn't buy much though because of the weigth limits we have with our luggage while traveling....that's a bummer). Somehow I ended up walking through a meat market and let me tell you, that is something I could have done without. Actually, it wasn't that bad but I was really grossed out by the floor. James didn't have the same pleasure of walking through it :o) I think I"m going to throw out these sneakers when I get home.
All of the walking and shopping we did today wore the little one out; she took a long nap and woke up just in time for dinner. She showed off her vocals at dinner time and then all the other babies started chiming in. Now it's time for bed and she is not tired at all. She loves to scream but she is really quick to smile and laugh and laughs most of the day and almost always wakes up with a smile.
We are a little sad to be leaving the birthplace of our daughter. China has so much more meaning to us - its a beautiful country and the people are very gracious - we will certainly miss being here and definately have plans to return when she is older. On the other hand, James and I are really anxious to get home now that the time is near. We can't wait to sleep in our own bed, live out of a closet instead of a suitcase, brush our teeth with running tap water, use the dishwasher to clean the bottles and most import, to show off the newest addition to our family. She is so cool and James and I are so very LUCKY to have her in our life.
Okay, pray for our safe flight....see you soon
Love Always
Three Peas in a Pod
I bet you can't wait for her name!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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