Rocking Chairs & a Tricycle

Boo Pumpkin with Ribbon

2011-10-21T15:55:00.000-04:00

Found this and want to try it with Emi!

Chinese New Year

2011-02-06T11:24:00.008-05:00

Xin Nian Kuai Le
新年快乐

Happy Chinese New Year

This is the Year of the Hare - or as Emi calls it: Happy Chinese Bunny Year!

Since the first day was the day after Emi's birthday, we decided to do our celebrating this weekend. We never did get to putting out decorations, but that's okay, what's important is family and spending time together as one. We had such fun making our meal, and it's a memory I will cherish.

Jeff did the fish (turned out amazing), I tossed long, curly (for Emi) noodles into a pot, and Emi and I made the dumplings - both pork AND chocolate! (Any guesses as to Emi's fav?) Egg rolls were planned, but we decided we had more than enough food, especially because Emi thought she also needed peas - so those are on hold. We couldn't find good (or even so-so) wrappers anyway, so while Emi is in school on Tuesday I will zip over to the (tiny) Asian grocery store and pick up the GOOD ones! We think homemade egg rolls for dinner on Tuesday sounds wonderful. I might even pick up more fish!

We had our dinner, a few fireworks (luckily legal year 'round in SC) and Emi received her red envelope containing new dollar bills and chocolate coins. Needless to say, the coins were the big hit. A very nice celebration, and yet another solid start to a new tradition to our household.

Here is a link to our menu (with recipes): Chinese New Year

And now, photos!

Pork Dumplings:

Chocolate Won Tons:

Dinner:

Dessert!

These were fun, pretty easy and worth EVERY moment of prep.
We all liked them, which is unusual for us.

For those interested, here is Wikipedia's take on Chinese New Year.

Beach Adventure

2010-11-17T17:31:00.000-05:00

This week, Emi and I snuck off for a quickie beach adventure. She has been telling me since the cruise (which yes, I still need to really blog about) that she "looooobs sand, mama". So, thinking the crowds would be gone and the water too cold for her to demand that I put on a bathing suit (shudder) and get into the ocean (bigger shudder), I pulled together a quick couple of days.

Silly me. The ocean would be too cold?

The good news, I only got wet up to my calves wading in now and then to join my girl. The better news - she had the TIME of her life. Worth everything to see that smile. Sadly, none of you will see that smile because she was playing SO hard and fast I could not keep up with her with the camera. But, at least I did get the camera out, and use it!

We ended up at beautiful Hunting Beach Island State Park. Lovely setting, just enough people (so they could ooh and awe at my girl), perfect weather.

Thinking we were just going to dig in the sand, I put Emi into a t-shirt and shorts. That lasted oh, about 13 seconds:

So, we trekked back to the car to get her suit. I told her she could sit in the shallow area and walk out to the little sand bar (a few feet). The rule was, if I called her name she had to stop, look and come back. And really, for the most part she did. Amazing, considering the pull of sand and water.

It seems we are raising a water girl. While she loved (beyond measure) splashing and dancing in the surf, digging and playing in the sand ... she also spent time just watching the water. She loved watching the gulls soar and dive for fish, laughed in delight at the seagulls and sand pipers when they were brave enough to get close to her. But really what entranced her, the waves. She just couldn't get enough of the waves.

Yes, I know there are a lot of pictures. I just couldn't pick a few. While I am not a great photographer, I just can't get enough pictures of our sweet girl. I did finally find my favorite. Okay, so there's more than one favorite!

Oh, and I lied. I did manage to get a few of those radiant smiles with the camera. While there aren't many smiles that made it to the camera, the day was filled with them.

As Emi grows, other trips will probably stick in her mind more. She may not remember this trip all. But that's okay, it is one that will always be held close to my heart. It wasn't the biggest or most elaborate of trips. Just a few days, doing nothing at all. Watching my girl run around having a blast.

Does it get any better than that? Not for me.

Emi says ...

2010-10-30T10:26:00.003-04:00

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

Three Years

2010-10-29T13:29:00.006-04:00

How is it even possible that it's already been three years? Our lives are so full, so fun, so crazy with this sweet girl in our lives. We are so very lucky.

I finally found all the links to our trip, they are now over on the left side-bar. I had a sniffly trip down memory lane just now, reading them. It seems like yesterday, it seems a lifetime ago.

We had some photos of Emi taken for the occasion. They sum up our sweet girl as no words could ever do. Her sparkling personality just shouts out. Enjoy!

Play-Doh Day

2010-06-19T12:21:00.003-04:00

When it's too hot to be outside!

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The Time Has Come

2010-06-14T09:18:00.008-04:00

No, not to close down the blog. Although, as often as I do, one would think. But no, this is my spot to record (as often as I can these days) Emi's life. I am hoping it will help me remember all the 'little' things in her life so that if I can ever get off my duff and make her a scrapbook, all the details (or at least some of them) will be written down somewhere. 'Cause we all know my memory chips aren't what they used to be.

So, this weekend. We had a whole slew of things we wanted to get done. We got some knocked out on Saturday. Not as much as we had wanted, but some. Had a long list for Sunday, but that's okay. However, we forgot to check in with Emi (always a mistake). She rearranged our priorities. As usual.

I went to bed before Jeff, he followed about an hour later. We have a monitor to help Jeff hear Emi if she cries/calls out (IF??) in the night. I can't hear anything on it, as it's too far for me. {When he's gone we move it to my bedside table and turn it up full blast - then I can hear. But when he's home the static, etc. keeps him from sleeping, so he's on Emi duty for night time. Not a bad deal, for me. :) }

He checked on her before coming to bed, went to brush teeth and ... she must have called out. Needless to say, I never heard her and with the door closed, neither did he. All of a sudden I wake to her crying hysterically ... walking through our bedroom door! Now, some may wonder why that's a problem. Here's why:

Yes, the poor child, still in her crib. But she's never shown any interest in climbing out. We think moving and being without her crib for 2-3 months and then having it show up in her new house just thrilled her. She was SO excited to see it, so set it up we did (hey, we are no fools ... containment is a good thing!). This great and wonderful thing came to a screeching halt Saturday night.

To finish the story, we have no idea what happened. She couldn't tell us, still can't. When I asked her to try and crawl out of her crib the next day (I was standing right there), she couldn't. We are just thankful she didn't get hurt. Scared me to my bones! She's not a tall gal, the bed is pretty far off the ground.

So, Daddy (with "help" from Emi) took the foot board off the crib and turned it into a day bed. For now, it's what we are going to use. Seems silly to buy a toddler bed when we have this (although, the temptation - oh my!). When she's ready we will probably go with a twin but this should last her a good long while.

And now, the unveiling:

17 Years - Amazing!

2010-06-04T12:17:00.005-04:00

I posted this this morning on FaceBook, then realized Jeff would never see it. A FB'er, he's not. So, it's here too ... I wonder how many days will go before he sees it?

Happy 17 years of wedded bliss to the most patient man on the planet. I'd do it all over again! I love you! ♥

Photo taken at 1000 Islands, Gananoque, Ontario, Canada.

Emi in Virginia

2010-05-17T14:05:00.002-04:00

Right outside Grandma's.

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Virginia and North Carolina

2010-05-04T11:12:00.005-04:00

We are planning a trip next week to see Grandma (Jeff's mom), Aunt Mary (his sister) and Drew (his son and more importantly to Emi ... big brother!). We are going to drive all day Tuesday, spend Wednesday, Thursday and half of Friday in Virginia. Then we are going to drive to Kanopolis (about 30 miles north of Charlotte, NC). Home on Sunday.

So, here's the question - anyone in the Orange, VA area that would like to get together for a play date on either Wednesday or Thursday for a couple of hours. I know there is no way (from past experience) that Emi will be able to stay (sit) 2.5 days in a nursing home room without going stir crazy. If no one is available (I realize it's during the week AND during work hours that I am looking for) ... any suggestions for things to do that would interest a 3 year old? Any playgrounds, etc? I don't really know the area well as we haven't usually spent a lot of time in 'greater' Orange. Previously when we visited we were out at the homesite - more like Louisa County than Orange (on/near Lake Anna - if anyone is familiar with the area).

Also, anyone in the greater Charlotte area that would like to get together on Saturday for a couple of hours. Same idea, play date - park? playground? I am thinking that a little bit of Emi following her idol (Drew) goes a long way. That maybe dad and son would like some talk time without the three year old butting in and crawling all over big brother. Also, same thing - ideas welcome for things to do if no one is available for a play date.

Feel free to email me if that's easier: kiy @ inbox (dot) com

Lots of adult and car time on this trip and looking for Emi things to do.

Saturday's . . .

2010-05-01T15:00:00.002-04:00

are for painting.

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Hard at Work

2010-04-30T10:50:00.002-04:00

Happy to be home.

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Emi's Fortune

2010-04-29T17:39:00.002-04:00

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Pool Fun

2010-04-22T19:41:00.002-04:00

Never coming home. Stop. Send rest of toys. Stop. Mom's sunburned. Stop. I'm not. Stop. I love Florida. Stop.
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Little Miss Cool

2010-04-20T20:52:00.001-04:00

On the way to Florida!

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School Pictures

2010-04-14T20:32:00.006-04:00

Emi started a Mother's Morning Out program this past February. To say that our little social butterfly is loving is, would be an understatement. I rarely get a kiss goodbye. She runs into the room, drops her backpack and immediately starts in with whatever is going on in the room. I am so happy for her that she is loving this experience, but the mama in me would like at least a kiss. Sniff.

I know I've talked about her school in other posts. We were SO lucky to find them. I can't believe, after experiencing this school, that they don't have a waiting list out the door. I tell anyone I come in contact about them, I love them so much. Warm, nurturing, safe - with the added bonus of messy crafts that I haven't been able to make myself do! Play-doh (that we do a bit, but not a lot), painting, glue (glue? are they nuts? ha - not me!), playground time, etc. They also have music on Wednesdays that I know Emi just eats up. She's learning to share and not hit (heh, seems she spent a fair amount of time in the time out chair today) - but really, that's why she's there. Social time with her peers. I can't give her that, and that's exactly what she needs right now. Did I mention how much she loves it? :)

School pictures were taken a few weeks ago and they arrived this week. I love the setting that they took them in, and of course our ham loved the experience. I do wish someone had flipped back that piece of hair hanging over her face, but that's not the end of the world. Especially as my favorite one is SO darned Emi ... check this out:

This is so my girl. Love her!

These are the other poses. I got one of each, just to have but the Grand's
and special folks in our lives ... will be getting the top one!
(And possibly that second one - how to make the decisions?!)

Yes, she's spolied ... your point?

2010-04-12T14:04:00.008-04:00

After months of researching, looking and looking some more ... we bought the first one we looked at. Figures, sigh. But, this is a big investment for us and we wanted to do it right (and get the best price, heh). Finally, after all the waiting, Emi's new swing set/play equipment thing was delivered and set up this weekend. Oh the joy, oh the excitement, oh the ... "wait? I can't HELP??"

But, in the end, it was worth it.

Disney will have to wait a year or two, as will a couple of other things we were toying with (and yes, grass seed instead of sod for most of the back yard - that sweet face, is worth it!). This is right now. This is exercise (even though she doesn't know it). This is fun ... for longer than a four-day trip to see the Mouse ... that she probably wouldn't go near anyway. Oh, the Mouse trip is high on my wish list of things to do with Emi. Oh Jeff's, not so much. On Emi's - not even on her radar. So, it can wait. She is loving this thing, constant. She wakes up wanting to go out, she's dragged into the house at night wanting more. I am already getting a (mild) sunburn from sitting outside with her (next investment is an umbrella thing for mama!).

I sat out there this morning watching her run around, climb her rock wall (took her less than three tries to "do it Emi, Mama" - yeah, no helping this gal!), and just having the time of her life. It makes my heart smile to see her so happy.

Maybe she's not spoiled. Maybe we are. The love and joy she brings to Jeff and I - we are just so darned lucky.

Spoiled rotten lucky.

I Spy Something New

2010-04-12T12:17:00.002-04:00

Details coming soon . . .
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Lunch @ Home

2010-04-08T15:12:00.001-04:00

Spinch, tomato and avacado ... Yum! Emi wasn't impressed, so she had grilled cheese and apple slices. Poor kid, but more for me!

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Lunch

2010-04-07T15:53:00.001-04:00

Chowing on spring rolls at PFChangs (she picked the cabbage out of the roll - and that's what she ate!). More pic's to come from our park outing, they are stuck on the big camera until Jeff gets home from work. We had a great time, and found a new (to us) park!

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Ice Cream!

2010-04-06T13:54:00.001-04:00

Emi and I made 'ice cream' today. A few sprinkles in the bottom of an ice cube tray, some strawberry yogurt, plastic wrap and 2" skewers. She had such fun, but had a hard time waiting. She loved her ice cream and I loved knowing it was yogurt!
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Happy Easter!

2010-04-04T10:29:00.025-04:00

First, a real quick catch-up to last week's sad picture. Emi is doing MUCH better. In fact, by Tuesday afternoon she was pretty much back to her old self - terrorizing me (and the dog), running wild and a happy girl. I didn't take her to school as I thought she needed that extra day, but by Wednesday this gal was ready to roll! We dressed her up and off she went. There was no stopping her as it was her Easter Party. I have to say, if anyone is in the greater Aiken (SC) area and is looking for an awesome Mother's Morning Out program, this is THE place. Trinity UMC Preschool. Warming, loving, nurturing - exactly the perfect first experience for school anyone wants for their child. Emi loved it from the very first moment, but they are so wonderful (and SO gentle) with the ones that aren't so sure ... I am amazed at what I see there. GREAT school!

After the egg hunt at school (Wednesday), rehiding the eggs and finding them. We played this for well over an hour! I'm thinking Emi might get more of a kick from eggs than Santa gifts. Maybe instead of under the tree, he should hide the presents. EB is a hard act to follow in our house!

More pictures! I just can't resist these - look how much older she looks with her hair up in a 'pony' (sob, sniffle!) - with most of it falling down, haha! Plus, the fact that the grand's and a special aunt/uncle combo had to miss Easter this year, so they need *extra* pictures!

My fav's from this series:

(This is Friday ... no sleeves! yes shorts! Oh, and Jeff checked the weather back in Washington ... highs in the low 50's, lows in the LOW 30's and extreme winds all day long ... 20-30 mph. Gosh, I sure don't miss all that. Especially with the simply gorgeous weather we are having right now!)

With no family within a reasonable drive for a short weekend, we are home - hanging out, just the three of us (and Max - who doesn't get the whole egg thing at all). But, Jeff and I spent so many years waiting for this ... that's just fine. We did the egg and goodie hunt this morning, and OH! THE! FUN! Emi had a blast, and enjoyed every moment. We didn't do 'real' eggs. We were going to, as I broke down yesterday and decided to boil some eggs (but, that's fodder for another post ... coming soon!). Let's just leave it right now with what worked: stuffing plastic eggs with chocolate, pennies and trinkets. Here's a few from this morning. We have plans to hide some this afternoon outside and get more pictures (yeah, imagine that!).

Feeding the pig ~ That's a whole lotta eggs!
(EB brought a stuffed bunny and a piggy bank!)

Finding more ~ Another one found!

Easter Menu: So, what is everyone doing? On our menu this year, Jaden Hair's Easter Ham with Mango-Ginger Glaze. Well, except I can't leave any recipe alone. We aren't huge mango fans (I know! odd!) so we are using apricot (I know! we like apricots and not mangos? odd!). But, you can't ask for an easier recipe (6 ingredients), love that! We are also going simple for the rest of the meal. Rice in the steamer, acorn squash (in the microwave), rolls, and pumpkin cake (yeah, odd - what can I tell you, we really really like pumpkin!). That's it food-wise, I am determined to spend the day (woooohooo, outside!) with Emi and Jeff.

Hope everyone has a wonderful day, spending it just the way that's perfect for you and your family.

Not a happy girl

2010-03-29T12:42:00.000-04:00

If anyone has suggestions to get vile tasting medicine down - and stay down, I am all ears. Ugh! They think croup, and are worried about pneumonia. Great.
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The new nap

2010-03-22T13:23:00.001-04:00

I have officially given up on naps. Thank you day-light savings time being a month early. But, the timer is set for an hour, and she may not leave her room for ANY reason (she knows I can see her on the monitor and can call me). We both get quiet time - away from each other.

She is quite happily playing, and
I am a much better mama with a short break. And hey, it's working for us!

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Pictures!

2010-02-28T12:39:00.000-05:00

Here ya go .... lots and lots. Sorry about upload times!
(Month of February, December and January still coming ... hopefully this week.)

First day of school, February 1st

Emi's 3rd birthday ~ Poppi (my mom) was here for a visit

February 12th - SNOW!

Happy Chinese New Year ~ Oranges!

Classwork

Another gorgeous 'winter' day, February 21st

Finding treasures, tiny acorns

Pedaling, usually backwards! ~ Donkey taking a ride

Gosh, I love this little girl.

Emi loves her lacing cards, we call it 'stitching' and she often does it
while I am working on my stitching (too cute!)

February 26th ~ Pigtails and coloring
Look closely at the wall behind her desk
Big Trouble Little Girl!

Many Thanks and Catching Up

2010-02-28T09:12:00.025-05:00

To say I am behind in emails and blog posting would be an understatement. Typical of me I know, but as much as I miss blogging I am so loving spending time with Miss Emi these days (not that I didn't enjoy my days with her before, but three is SO fun!).

I did want to send out big thanks to everyone who left comments and emailed me with ideas for Chinese New Year activities. Sadly, inserting her into a classroom full of kids had Emi catching EVERY germ under the sun. The little gal that was rarely sick the last two years ... can't get well! She has missed more school the month of February than she attended (which frustrates her beyond reason - which I can attest to, since I have been at the receiving end of it!). She missed bringing treats for her birthday (not that she knew she missed it, thank goodness), missed her Valentine's Party at school and she missed the week that we were going to bring in activities and treats for Chinese New Year (heck, I never even got a chance to chat with the teachers about doing it!). Next year, I am hoping, we will be able to. And now, oh now!, I have so many ideas. Thank you, everyone!

Emi's language is bursting at the seams (finally, poor gal!) and she is just full of happiness and joy, simply brimming over. Oh sure, we are still having "Emi moments" as we call them, but they aren't over frustration in communication (or, to a lesser extent) as much as she wants it her way ... and her way now, thankyouverymuch! We are also, sadly, back to diapers. Not even pull-ups, diapers. NO PANTIES, is what I hear often, so I have completely backed off. She will still happily sit on the potty chair, and even chooses often to sit on "Mama's potty" instead of her own little one. But no panties. She and I have been talking about our upcoming trip next week and she says no diapers for that. Just panties and Dora panties (pull-ups). We shall see, but gosh it would be great to get rid of the diapers once and for all. But, we are trying to let her set the pace and not push so for now, diapers with the potty chair. Whatever works!

More often than not she wakes happy, spending her days extremely busily. She is attending a Mother's Morning Out program on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, and on her off mornings we are doing "class time" (not to be confused with "school"). I have set up a little bookshelf in a corner of the great room with a few things for her to work on. She takes this work very seriously, and asks for it every morning.

Emi is still loving TV, with her fav right now being Chuggington, with her favorite being Pete. Emi, is still all about trains! She still loves Little Bear (thank goodness, LB is *my* fav, lol!), Little Einsteins (well, Rocket and June), Moose and Zee on NickJr, Kai-Lan (which she calls Ni Hao), Max and Ruby, with some Dora and Diego tossed in now and again. She also really loved UmiZoomi (on Disney, I think) until she discovered Chuggington. Now, that's really her first choice.

With the mild days we (typically) have here in SC (what a difference from Washington!), she and I are outside more and more. She has three little ride-on things, plus she's discovered the joys of sidewalk chalk! With the amount of rain we get here, she always has a fresh clean 'canvas' on the next nice day.

Speaking of South Carolina, I do think we are all settling in well here. It's been a change, a bigger change than I think Jeff and I were expecting, but a good one. We think we are here, if maybe not forever, for a good long while. We've learned, never say never, but I think we've had our fill of moving for many years. Add to the fact that (almost) everyone we love and hold dear is within driving distance. That's a far cry difference than while in NM and WA where NO ONE was in driving distance. We will take it!

I am SO behind in posting pictures. I have a ton to post, so as I have time expect to see heavy picture-laden posts with few words.

Here's a few for now ('cause we all know, it's all about the cute!).

Enjoying a rare, very mild!, January evening. Danger Girl still lives here!

DC Trip

2010-02-19T14:45:00.013-05:00

A few folks already know this, but Jeff and I met when we were both living in the DC area. We spent the first eight years of married life living in Northern Virginia. Before that, I lived in and around DC for almost five years. Needless to say, I still consider DC home. I loved living there, it was fun and I loved being just a subway ride away from the excitement of DC. But, other avenues opened for Jeff and I, so off we went.

Emi and I are once again planning an adventure. This time we are heading up to DC for a few days of fun. I am so happy to be once again living close-ish to DC. We are about an eight hour drive, so it's not too bad. I have been looking forward to sharing DC with Emi and now's the time (at least, for a first visit). Yes, I'd love to wait until later in the spring or even next fall when the weather is a tad more predictable (hello? snow ... be gone with you!) but you see, the Terra Cotta Warriors leave to return home at the end of March. I *so* want to see them, and while she may not remember, I want Emi to see them too. So, an adventure is planned. (TCW tour info here.)

Someday we dearly hope to return to China, to share with Emi the wonders of her birthplace. We'd love to tack on a trip to Xi'an but, what if? (Xi'an is where the TCW are located.) So while this won't be as wonderous as seeing them actually in place, this is the next best thing. We are this close, it would truly be a shame to miss them.What I have (tentatively) planned for these two days:

Tuesday: TCW and Botanic Garden (my most favorite place in all of DC)
Wednesday: Either meet-ups/play dates or more touring - possible thoughts: Air and Space and/or Natural History

Emi is still napping (please let that last until she starts ... college!), so we would probably head back to our hotel for lunch/nap times and then venture back out. However, I am going to pretty much wing-it this trip. I've learned from past trips, just take it as it comes and don't plan for too much. That said, the ONLY thing on the must-do agenda is visiting the TCW. Anything else, gravy.

The reason I am posting this now, instead of just before or just after as I usually do is this: anyone in the area want to get together? I am still firming up dates, but I am 95% certain we will be in DC: March 9th and 10th (driving on either side). Yes, a short trip. I can (and will) add a day if there are folks out there that want to meet up and can't until 11th but I am a middle of the week travel gal - not traveling/sight-seeing on weekends means less crowds and much more accessible and fun for Emi.

So, if you are interested leave me a comment (make sure I can get to your email from there) or email me directly at: kiy (at) inbox (dot) com.

Photos found at: http://tinyurl.com/ye3s8zd

Busy

2010-02-09T20:08:00.001-05:00

Coloring is the 'play' of choice these days. Which is great considering the yuck we all have!

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Chinese New Year Ideas Needed!

2010-02-07T10:44:00.012-05:00

I want to ask Emi's teacher if I can bring something in not this week (as they are doing Valentine's Day all week) but the next. So, I have time to pull something together.

The class has eight 2-3 years old's. I need some suggestions for a great book (Dim Sum for Everyone seems a bit too old, same with Bringing in the New Year - both by Grace Lin) but does anyone have My First Chinese New Year (Grace Lin also, love her!) - would you recommend it for this age in a group setting?

I also wanted to bring in an easy food (thinking of making my own fortune cookies - eek! easy?! haha) unless someone else has a better suggestion. Source for maybe some cute lanterns to hang in the class room? Nothing major, I just wanted a couple of things to leave with the teacher to do (they encourage this).

Note: Just found this link via Tonggu Momma's Sunday Linkage! Hmmmm. It doesn't look that hard. Yikes.

Yeah, last minute but things have been a bit crazy around here and while the thought has been banging around in my head awhile it just not finally popped out and said "DO SOMETHING"!

What I'd like to bring in:
1. A book
2. An easy food for snack time
3. Something interesting to hang in the room to talk about
4. Possible: an easy craft (coloring a picture?, something better?)

Remember: I can't stay to present this. At this age they really want us to leave the teacher with a small box and an easy way to present whatever-it-is to the children. That way they have control of the schedule, etc (what I've been told). When she's in the older rooms I can stay and present (except, she is starting a different school this summer that will carry her until kindergarten so I am sure all the 'rules' will be different next year!).

Potty Success

2010-01-28T16:53:00.001-05:00

She's getting there!

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Project 365 - Drat

2010-01-17T22:41:00.003-05:00

So I missed a few days and then got disheartened. It's not that I lost interest, I was just bummed that I couldn't keep it going more than what, eleven days? Gesh. That said, I still took the pictures most days - using a mix of my cell phone and cute little (new - thanks honey!) pocket camera. It is (one of many) of my goals tomorrow to get them off both and posted here. I am also going to attempt to restart it. We'll see. I may lift an idea from quite a few others: take a picture a day but post it once a week. Project 52, if you will. We shall see.

So, what's been going on this last week? Not much. Unpacking, but not near as much as I should. Instead ... I've been stitching! Oh gosh, I've missed it so. When we first came home with Emi there just wasn't the time. I put it away, hoping to return to it soon. Then the big move, or rather the big wait to move. I did start a project last summer that was supposed to be a wedding gift and then we got our travel dates to South Carolina! Eeps. Yeah, that gift didn't get done. However, since Christmas I have been stitching up a storm on it and I am SO DARNED HAPPY! It's almost done, maybe another week or so at the rate I am currently stitching. As soon as it's mailed (ha - and received) I will post the picture. I am quite pleased with the way it's turning out. I have also found a new stitching shop (well, new to me) and they have twice monthly get togethers. I have already been once! They are a great group and I look forward to more stitching with them.

So, that's about it. Nothing earth shattering, but I am again finding my happy place. I can't believe how much I missed stitching. I just need to find a balance between that and unpacking (oh, and laundry, the house, cooking and groceries, and .... Jeff & Emi!).

11/365

2010-01-11T20:10:00.001-05:00

Today was sunny and beautiful! It looks like the cold is finally leaving us, thank goodness. It still gets pretty darned brrr once the sun gets near the horizon, hence Emi's gear. In fact, she was so cold she asked for her hat and mittens. Love the Emi shot, but I really need to watch my backgrounds. Or learn Photo Shop!

Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

10/365 - another one missed

2010-01-11T10:27:00.000-05:00

Once again, picture taken and promptly forgotten. I remembered it as I was drifting off to sleep but I was sooo warm and cozy!

Here's Emi .. She found the hat and mittens I had purchased earlier this year "just in case". Yeah, just in case has sure hit SC with a wallop! She has such fun playing with these. My own little Shrek!

Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

9/365

2010-01-09T18:55:00.001-05:00

Tomato Soup has to be one of Emi's favorite meals. Awhile back, I found the most incredible recipe for homemade. Emi's never had it from a can (I'm not a big fan of canned soups because if the sodium). She will eat as much of this as we will put in front of her!

BTW, I've posted the recipe before. When I get a minute at my computer, I will add a link here again. It's that good AND easy!

Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

Edited: Here's the recipe.

8/365

2010-01-08T19:48:00.001-05:00

Ha! You just never know when mama is going to peek around the corner and snap that picture!

It was *far* too quiet in the house, so I were looking for Little Miss Never Quiet. Imagine my surprise that she wasn't destroying the house ... or something worse! Gently rocking her animals and dolls. Very sweet. I'm hoping it was sweet that is.

Knowing Emi she was probably testing a new design of rockers to see how long it took to zoom them all off into space.

Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

Pizza sign

2010-01-08T18:14:00.001-05:00

In cleaning up the extra photos on my Blackberry, I came across this one. I had forgotten all about it. It's from our trip to Virginia. I saw the sign and it just cracked me up.

It just has to be asked, what did they think of their pizza before they 'guaranteed' it?

This could technically count as posting a picture today, but I am still hoping to get one (usable) pic of Emi yet today. Stayed tuned, just in case.

Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

7/365

2010-01-07T16:40:00.001-05:00

Emi and I were playing with my Blackberry camera today. She would race arond the house, setting up who (read: stuffed animals) she wanted pictures of. I finally got her to agree to be in a few.

Meet Gwen the Unicorn and Easter the baby chick (also pictured is Bear, of course!).

Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

6/395

2010-01-06T15:23:00.001-05:00

I have to admit, this is a pretty easy way to blog. However, I am going to need to sit down at some point and write a real post. But, not today.

This is a pretty typical picture of our day. Emi loves apples, and I am more than happy to chop one up for her. What's odd is, usually she likes Granny Smiths. Today she wanted mama's whimpy Gala (Emi and Daddy share a love of the tart.) Oh, and even the zedas (zebras) got into the act!
Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

Oops - Missed 5/365

2010-01-06T06:53:00.000-05:00

Yep, already I missed posting one day. Drat. But the pictures were taken, so still going to post them. While I was veg'g in front of the tv for a bit last night Emi woke up from what we think was a nightmare. She was inconsolable, so ended up in our bed - with me. Which means I never got back to the computer. Best laid plans. From now on, going to post *before* tv or goofing off!

So I was just trying to grab a quick picture of Emi and Max yesterday morning, and here is what I got. This is so Emi right now, very Miss Personality! Bear is still her constant companion, others may hang out with her, but Bear is still her go-to guy. It also seems one or both of the LP zebras have been around lately.

4/365

2010-01-04T14:27:00.001-05:00

Bathtime as bribe for napping! I can't believe it worked, now to come up with a list of favorite things as bribes. Hey, these days - whatever it takes!

Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

3/365

2010-01-03T20:54:00.003-05:00

Early morning coloring session.

Emi wanted a photo of her LP's zebra. I thought, what the heck, she can do 365 too! (Well, not *every* day.)

2/365

2010-01-02T20:26:00.001-05:00

Emi and her new train table Poppi and Papa (my folks) gave her for Christmas.

Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

Another Wonderful Year

2010-01-02T13:08:00.003-05:00

Another post? Wow, I am on a roll. Actually, this one has been in the works. I did one of these last year, and wanted to do another. Remember this post?

Here's 2009's ... hope I can remember to one for this year too!

Make an on-line slideshow at www.OneTrueMedia.com

January 1st - Project 365

2010-01-01T19:19:00.007-05:00

Has anyone else heard of this? I read about it last year, then saw it a couple of places already this year. Basically, I am guessing, take a picture every day for a year. Yikes. That's quite a task for me, so I am not going to officially join in. However, I'd love to attempt it. Emi grew with leaps and bounds this past year. I thought it would be cool to attempt to get a picture of her every day - no matter what she looked like, was wearing - wasn't wearing, her hair a mess or all dressed up. Just a picture. It would be awesome to look back next December 31st at a Year of Emi.

Anyone else in? Unofficially or officially?

Emi eating peepa (pizza) tonight. She actually ate an entire slice of feta, mushroom and sausage pizza! First time ever eating a slice, usually she just picks everything off ... and eats the crust. (And here is Max, whom I never seem to get any pictures of anymore. He was hoping Emi would eat her pizza the usual way. Poor Max, nothing dropped on the floor tonight!)

A Brand New Year

2010-01-01T03:01:00.003-05:00

Well, 2009 has come and gone. For us, it's been a year of big changes, and small. I've documented little, and wanted to document it all. Ah well.

I am making some resolutions this year, here are some of the more typical ones:

Lose weight
Get more exercise
Start Emi's lifebook
Restart Emi's 100 Good Wishes Quilt
Unpack ALL the boxes - WOW!
Organize the house
Etc :)

Here are my special ones for the year:

Be a better wife
Be a better mama
Be a better daughter
Be a better friend
Be a better blogger

Not that I am 'a bad' on any of those, just want to 'be better'. More patient, more caring, more ... well, more. The blogging thing, heck, if I only posted once a month that would be better! But I still aim to catch this up as I don't want all the details of the last half of the year to get lost in my memory banks.

So, dear readers, I hope your holidays were merry and bright, filled with special memories, and that you had loved ones near you or thinking of you.

Tree Corner

2009-12-05T10:50:00.001-05:00

Testing again, I had somehow messed up the settings.

That said, here is my project for today. With hopes of getting the tree up this weekend.

Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

Bullets and a Break

2009-12-04T15:01:00.000-05:00

Yeah, I'm behind. So very behind. But, if you could see this place -literally covered in boxes- it would be understood. I'd take pic's but at this point there is no way to get them from the camera to the computer. Oh, and the computer .... is a shared laptop at the moment.

Here's what's being going on, in cheat form:

Finally (after much delay), closed on the house on November 19th
Actually got possession of the house (and the keys) mid-day on the 20th
My folks had driven down from Michigan (on the 17th - the day we were *supposed* to close) to help with the move out from the temp apartment and painting
Painting started three minutes after unlocking the front door
(Yeah, new house - already completely painted, but I was too cheap to pay the exorbitant $$$$ the builder wanted to change paint colors on two room. So, we - or rather dad with taping help from mom - painted. I Emi wrangled. Tell me who had the easier job? Emi wanted to HELP!)
New bed was delivered the afternoon of the 21st
We 'camped' in our new house with the new bed, Emi's tent and a coffee maker that evening
And never really moved back to the apartment (that I hated, and still do)
Painting finished the 21st
My folks left the 22nd, so they could host Thanksgiving dinner at their house (1.5 day drive - quick bake and cook, got everything done in time!)
We continued to move things over from the apartment Sunday and Monday
Tuesday our household goods arrived {main shipment of about a gazillion boxes, our furniture and Emi's toys (let's get real, THE most important of the stuff)}
The rest of the week was spent finding stuff, unpacking and trying to decide where to put everything
Needless to say, it still seems like we have a gazillion boxes - and I've unpacked a ton!
Thanksgiving, Emi and I went back to the apartment (we had it through Friday, even though we weren't technically there - more like in and out, getting our stuff and cleaning)
We watched the Macy's parade (she loved it!) and then Jeff picked us up to go to lunch/dinner
Yes, we went out - I couldn't find a thing in which to make Thanksgiving dinner IN! Next year I will do better. Promise.
And that leads us to this week: more unpacking, more putting away, more finding treasures almost forgotten
Emi has loved and exclaimed over finding her things in boxes
Hers were the first to be opened!
This is the LAST time we are moving - no, really, I mean it this time
I love our house - I love it even more than our apartment in Japan (which was my fav home up to this point)
As soon as Jeff has the office set up, and all the computers hooked up and such I will have to take a photo tour of our house, boxes and all
Until then, happy blogging my friends
Back, probably after the first of the year - unless I get this place pulled together before then (don't hold your breath!)

Oh, here are a few (really bad) photos I took of the house with the BlackBerry while they were still building it, but mostly finished. Yikes, they are back. Feel free to look away.

(1) The great room, fireplace, door to Emi and Max's new domain (aka: the backyard)
(2) The light over the dining room table, no reason for the pic except that I love love love this light

(3) My second most fav thing in the house, and the light that had me completely changing
all the other lighting I had already chosen. Yeah, the gal at the lighting place
must have loved me - but so worth it. Love it. (Task light over the kitchen sink.)
(4) My most fav thing in the house (the kidlet, not the tub - although the tub rocks also)
(Note: I am pretty fond of Jeff too!)

(5) Kitchen looking to eat-in area
(6) Kitchen (sans appliances) looking to formal dining room that we turned
into Emi's second fav spot in the house (after the backyard): her playroom

More pics coming, hopefully soon. Stay tuned!

Pioneer Woman - Take 2

2009-11-11T14:39:00.000-05:00

The fab Gina told me that PW is going to be in Atlanta on December 7th. Oh yeah baby! 2.5 hours vs. 6.5, I am all over that idea! So, I am changing my mind. Anyone in the Atlanta area (I know there are a few out there) want to meet Emi and I there? Meet before for an early(ish)dinner? It's still an overnight trip for us (no way am I loading Emi into the car after that for a three hour drive home).

It's going to have to be a quickie. Drive in Monday afternoon, see PW, sleep, drive home the next morning. We move into our new house on Nov 24th ... I am going to have so much to do! But, I'd love to hook up with any/every one who's interested!

Halloween

2009-11-08T10:15:00.000-05:00

So, a week late but thought I should post "What We Did for Halloween". I've read all the cute posts, seen all the cute pictures on the blogs and thought I should share. Except.

Emi didn't go trick-or-treating
Emi didn't wear a costume
Emi handed out candy to exactly ZERO kids*

Yeah, Halloween wasn't thought out very well this year. We completely blew it. We did, however, manage to buy Mama something totally outrageous and awesome.

2010 Honda CRV.
Oh, baby.

Not the greatest picture, but I will get more soon (ha, trust me on that). Jeff wanted a Prius, or even an Insight. I wanted to rock and roll, have a hatch back of some kind (yes, both of those do have one) and sit up a bit higher. This is totally a fun, we don't need something this big, kind of thing. There is zero reason for this, except I wanted it. (smile)

Poor Jeff.

But, ooooh, I am loving it. Well, except that we drove up to Drew's yesterday. 3/4 of a tank of gas later ... ouch. But it was worth the drive, Emi loved seeing Drew (she woke up yesterday at SIX am, stop laughing mom, and her first word was .... DEW?!). Yeah, there's some hero worship going on there. Helps when he lives 2.5 hours away and never has to say no to her. No wonder she thinks he's so wonderful!

So, how does this all tie into Halloween? This is what we did for five hours on Halloween afternoon. We missed the first wave of trick-or-treaters (the cute ones that Emi and I would have enjoyed - we put Jeff on door duty after our first attempt).

We needed to go back on Sunday to pick up Mama's Sweet Ride. So while Jeff was moving Emi's car seat from the Ford to the Honda, I needed something for Emi to do. While she and I were transferring stuff from one car to the other, we came across my umbrella. That was the end of Emi's help. But, she had a complete blast and I took about 40-50 pictures!

Special Announcement: The dealership is closed on Sundays so we had the place to ourselves (that tidbit is for anyone about to give me grief for allowing her to run around in the parking lot).

Just running around, chasing the wind-blown umbrella

Hiding Emi, love the toes ... love her peeking out!

My favorite

THANKS HONEY!!!

*Only because the first kid to knock on the door scared the @&%# outta her. Maybe if kids are old enough to dress up that scary, they are too old to be out? It was pretty scary, and bloody. I didn't blame her.

Pioneer Woman

2009-11-06T10:13:00.000-05:00

I stumbled across her FB page (have no idea how, must have been linked from someone else's - I am so clueless when it comes to FB!). It seems she has a book signing scheduled for December 8th in Nashville. That's a short six hour drive from here. I was going to be good, no 'adventures' until after the holidays - but what if that's it? What if she doesn't get any farther east? Plus, I've never been to a book signing, it sounds like fun (and a lot of standing around waiting). Also, I'd need to bring Emi (oh, that sounds fun ... yikes).

So, anyone out there tempted? It would have to be an over-night trip for me.

(Pssst, Gina ... this could be our chance!)

Anyone else? We could storm the place! (Of course, I'd need to find a way to squeeze this into the budget, but for a group of us going I could make it work --- I think!)

Ree Drummond

The House Hunt

2009-11-06T06:15:00.000-05:00

(Note: I started this post back on October 9th, and never got around to finishing it. I am going to post this now, but at some point, re-date it to the 9th so it can be in order.)

Yes, I know I haven't finished blogging about our trip East. But I've been busy ... house hunting! After many days (and two very patient Realtors), Emi and I found our house. Whew. I have to say, she's been a champ through all this. I wish I had more pictures of her seeing houses but well, I was busy looking - very carefully - at the houses too. She really got into it. Inspecting closets, bathrooms, the kitchens. She really inspected things like other children's toys! We went back and forth, older or brand spankin' new. I had it narrowed down to just two, finally, when I just needed to jump and make the decision. So, I hope it's the right one ......

Front of the house ~~ Emi running around in the backyard
Both still need sod, the backyard needs the fence

Now the real decisions begin. I need to pick out paint colors, carpeting, hardwoods, and (probably) many other things. I am excited about it, but a bit nervous too. I've never done something like this before. We are hoping to be in the house by Thanksgiving, but more realistically, we have been told that it will be more like the end of November. But, I am holding out for earlier, we need to get OUT of this rental apartment. It's just really tiny, and both Emi and Max need to be outside more than we can get them there.

P.S. Jeff did have a say in the houses. With the new job keeping him hopping he only looked at a couple, but he trusts me (yikes, no pressure!) and knows I will find the best house I can for our family. He also said "if you are happy with whatever you find, I will be too". Oh melt my heart. There's many reasons he's such a keeper, comments like that one are WAY up on the list.

Fun at the Public Health Department

2009-11-03T06:47:00.000-05:00

Yes, I am terribly behind. Yes, I owe emails. Sooner or later life has to slow down, right? (It's okay, tell me it will - I am gullible and I will believe you.)

So, I had to share this because, frankly, I am still flabbergasted that ALL this happened to us in the span of about 3 hours. However, it's quite long - even with lots of editing - grab a cup of coffee or something!

Our area has very (very) limited quantities of the H1N1 vaccine. Jeff and I feel very strongly in favor of getting this vaccine (and yes, all the other vaccines available). That's our opinion and I realize it's not every ones.

This week we had a window of opportunity, Monday and Tuesday from 3 - 8 p.m. Yeah, that's it. So I loaded up Emi at 2:15 so we could go and stand in line. At the public health department. In a parking lot ... with a toddler. Fun times. We finally made it in around 5pm - yes, it was a long wait, but worth it. Well, for the vaccine, not for the extra hassle I wasn't expecting.

Hassle #1: We'd been in line about an hour. Emi had charmed many folks around us, smiling and jumping and (trying) to run around (it was a parking lot, it was a nightmare of safety concerns). At that point a woman in line well in front of us saw Emi and stormed back to where we were in line. And went off on me. Basically said that this child (said with a sneer) wasn't even American and was trying to take a shot away from a real American. I informed her that yes, Emi is an American. Woman demanded to know where the child was born (same sneer). At this point, I stopped. Well, truth be told, I never started. I refuse to have conversations with irrational people, and she was ranting and raving (heck, I expected her to start foaming at the mouth at any moment). Also, by now, this woman yelling at me upset Emi to no end. Emi was a mess, crying and holding onto me for dear life. I informed this woman it was none of her business where my child was born, that I'd taken all I was going to from her and to get away from me and MY CHILD. She started all over again. When she stopped to take a breath, I told her if she didn't get away from me, I was going to call 911. At that point, one of the gentlemen standing a ways behind us stepped in and told this woman to move along. That I had asked her, nicely, to move away from me and that if she didn't HE was going to call 911. A couple of other folks also got involved, all agreeing with him (and me). So she got mad(er) and said she was going to go up to the office and complain. Whatever.

The woman in charge of handing out forms told Lunatic Woman that they didn't care where a person was born, or even if they are American. As long as someone legally lives in the state of SC and fits under the guidelines, that they are eligible for the vaccine. Lunatic Woman was even more upset at that. Tried working the crowd, telling them that this child was taking a vaccine that was meant for their child. I have to say that no one else jumped in and agreed with her. From what I could see, they all thought she had lost her mind.

Yeah, fun times.

(BTW, Emi did calm down and at some point went back to her happy self. And I am pleased to say that those around us made sure that Lunatic Woman did not get close to Emi or me again. Some people actually barred her way by continuing to step in her way.)

And no, the fun doesn't end there.

Hassle #2: We finally, finally, get up to where we were inside the building and next (thank goodness) in line. The nurse directing people as to the (next, sigh) line to get into said that didn't she just see this little girl last week? Me, thinking she must have seen us at Target or something said it's possible, we were out and about a lot last week. She said no, last Saturday at the clinic. Didn't she give Emi the H1N1 shot on Saturday? I have to admit, I just looked at her. I said no, this was our first attempt at getting the vaccine. She got pretty snotty (no better word for it) and said no, that she was SURE she had given Emi the shot on Saturday. I told her that (1) I wouldn't give my child the same vaccine twice in three days, (2) I had just spent almost three hours waiting for this one and frankly I have better things to do with my time than stand in line, over and over, for no reason and (3) Emi is 2.5 and doesn't need the shot, she was there for the mist. She was still insistent. Mad, I finally said NO she DIDN'T and that I wanted someone else to administer the mist to my child. Someone else finally (geez people, it's not like this woman was saying all of this quietly) finally came over and took me to the table to get Emi's mist.

And, that's the story of our afternoon. Frankly, by this time I was beginning to wonder if just getting the swine flu would have been easier!

I do have news on the house, that I will save for later in the week. But, we have found a house and hope to move in, in the next 2-3 weeks!

October 29, 2007

2009-10-29T09:06:00.000-04:00

A day we will never, ever, forget. It was the day a sweet, pink, sleeping bundle was placed in our arms - a day our lives changed. Forever. That bundle has grown into the most outgoing, crazy and fun girl! Every person she meets is a friend-to-be, she lights up a room with her smile - she's contagious! While I have been a terrible blogger of late, I do want to catch up as I don't want to forget a single moment of Emi's life. We have enjoyed her, tremendously, I want to make sure that 20 years from now we have the memories, stories and photos to look back on. Even now, it's hard to remember how teeny tiny she was. She's still small for her age (well, height-wise), but it's easy to forget because her personality is H.U.G.E.

Emi's sassy side is seriously beginning to show itself. She always had an opinion, but now she's more vocal about it. She gets frustrated sometimes, as her language is still lagging, but she manages somehow. Emi is still a very busy little girl (yes, the baby and even the toddler are leaving us, she is very much a little girl these days - changing sometimes overnight!). She loves loves loves playing with her toys, and watching her pretend play with her Little People is a joy. I so wonder whats going on in that mind of hers! So much has changed for Emi in the last two years, and she's been up to the challenge. Two *big* moves in two years, but with luck this is it for awhile. She is a gal who loves adventure, who loves to travel (go figure) and new things to see and do. She also loves routine, staying home, and playing with her toys. She also loves and adores to be outside, in any weather much to my dismay sometimes.

I wish there was a way to share all of this with her birth family, her foster family, and her nannies at Fuling SWI that loved her so. She is sweet and spicy, the perfect mix (although I am already trembling in fear at the teenage years if two is any indicator!). Emi is a joy and a delight to everyone around her. And we are so very lucky to be her parents.

Happy Family Day, Sweet Girl. We love you so.

October 2007, China ~~~ October 2008, Washington

October 2009, South Carolina

P.S. More photos and details coming soon. Pictures are scattered between two computers and the BlackBerry - but I am getting more organized every day!

IMG00129-20091019-1821.jpg

2009-10-29T08:15:00.001-04:00

Testing ...
Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

Mid-Autumn Moon Festival

2009-10-02T07:21:00.001-04:00

If anyone is looking for ideas for this weekend's Moon Festival, Tonggu Momma has a great post up at Grown in My Heart. Very worth the read.

We probably won't be doing much this year, with the move and still trying to get our feet under us. But we will watch the moon (probably from inside - they grow HUGE mosquitoes here, wow!) and talk about Miss Emi's birthparents with her (age appropriate and attention span leading the way), chat a bit about China and her story (I think it would also be a perfect tie-in to use her lifebook here when talking about her birthparents - that is, if I had it done - yeah, it's on my to do list, really it is). I'd love to attempt chatting about the Moon Festival, but I think we may need to give that another year (or two). Guess we will play that one by year. I wish I had remembered to keep more of our special Chinese celebrations books out of the packing, to bring with us. Specifically, Moonbeams, Dumplings & Dragon Boats. It would have been great to read the chapter in there about the Moon Festival and even attempt the cookies TM talks about. Ah well, next year for sure.

We really need to get a handle on doing something on special Chinese holidays, but there is no way that whatever we do can ever take the place of what her experience would have been had she grown up in China. All we can do is to do our best. And we do, every single day.

Nebraska and Missouri

2009-09-24T09:46:00.000-04:00

When I left off, we were in Nebraska, heading to Missouri. We did indeed get to Missouri on Thursday, just not as far as we were hoping. Our goal had been St. Louis, specifically, meeting up with Gina and family but alas, it was not to be this trip. We made it as far as Columbiana (Columbia? something like that - my memory is shot!) but we knew we'd never make St. Louis so called it a day there. Nice enough hotel, just not right off the highway as we were hoping.

Friday we tried to get an earlier start, but as usual we didn't - although earlier than most days! We knew we were going to hit Memphis today (or else, I told Jeff) and we were all looking forward to two full days of NOT being in the car. I think that made the drive so much better. We hit rainstorm after rainstorm that day, but we just kept going! I forgot to take pictures, but we ended up stopping for a diaper change in a small town - that had lost all power. We changed the diaper, walked Max and .... jumped in mud puddles. Emi had the best time, even though she was wet clear through! So, after yet another diaper change (this time because of wetness outside the diaper), we dried off and climbed back into the car.

We hit Memphis in the middle of a down pouring of rain. I realized on this trip, and it was sincerely hit home in Memphis, I've gotten spoiled living in a city where there is no real traffic. What a wuss I've become. I used to zip around DC's beltway like nothing, now ... I inch along and am super super careful (not that I wasn't careful before). I think it has a lot to do with the ultra precious cargo that we have in our car now that we didn't have then (smile).

Speaking of ultra precious cargo ... I did get some pictures!

This was at the hotel in MO. I wanted to get a picture of Emi and Max together, she wanted one with all the animals in the photo (guess who won? yeah, story of my life these days - smile). Bear, Gwen the Unicorn, and Donkey (that we bought in Wyoming). Now that I think of it, he doesn't yet have a name, guess we will just call him Donkey - like in Shrek!

These were taken in the car somewhere in Missouri. The lap tray works well for some things, but not for others. Putting the webbing behind the car seat is the way to go. Putting it around the child's back is SO not. I can see where it would be uncomfortable and this really seems to be more stable. Also, easier to get on and off while the car is in motion. We don't always snap the side buckle closer to the door (as it's hard to reach while we are strapped in our own seat belts) but it doesn't really seem to matter all that much. Hey Gina, recognize the book? It's the ONLY book she wanted in the car the entire trip. If I count another dratted ladybug ....! (Haha, just kidding - mostly.)

And, this picture is for my mom. We stopped somewhere in MO for lunch - at a Steak and Shake. Mom loves that place, so I knew we had to stop there. Also, since we were there we had to get a shake - to share (hey, at least we only ordered one!). Yeah, as can be seen by the photo, Emi didn't like that shake at all. HA! We were lucky to get any of it. I can't remember what she ate that day for lunch, but it probably consisted of french fries and chocolate shake for the most part. Ah well, not every meal is going to be the perfect pyramid!

I think I have photos of our time in Memphis. Well, take that back, I have a very few but we did get the camera out now and then. But that, is another post.

Cheers!

Only in Nebraska . . .

2009-09-17T10:16:00.000-04:00

So, Jeff finally got the Blackberry to email me the cool picture he took yesterday. Boy is there a learning curve on that thing. We should have gotten it weeks ago. Ah well, at least he has a toy for car time!

This is at a rest stop in central Nebraska - yes, they technically were in the 'pet area' so no one could say anything! Emi was beside herself, so excited. This sighting probably made the trip for her. Sure, we've seen tons of cows and horses, even a small herd of buffalo, but nothing quite this up close and personal. I guess it's not everywhere where you get to see someone walking their horses.

More pictures of our trip so far. First up are pic's from the last few days in Washington. We ordered the PeaPod Plus for Emi (rated 2-6 years) and it was QUITE the hit. However, we had a bit of unexpected sibling rivalry going on over it. Poor dear Max, having to share with Emi. We ordered this specifically for our time in temp housing. They don't have a crib that they can set up for us and Emi still rolls out of beds. We were hoping we'd be able to keep her zipped in, but that just led to playing as she was falling asleep - or rather, no falling asleep as she was far too busy zipping and unzipping. She did, however, finally fall asleep. (Just a note for those thinking this would be handy for air travel. It would be, but it does not fold up as small as they lead you to believe. It would be carry-on, and slung over the shoulder. There is no way it would fit into a suitcase - unless that's all that was in there. Also, I wouldn't want to check it as while the bag that holds it is quite handy for storing the bed, it is very thin {nylon?} and I am sure the baggage handlers wouldn't be as careful with it as we'd like. But, it will do the job for the next two months while we house-hunt and wait for closing and that was our goal in this purchase.)

The next photos are from Idaho. The very last thing we were expecting was to find 41 degree weather! I had to dig into the suitcase to find long pants for Emi, I had packed all of our light jackets (just in case, thank goodness!) into a separate bag. This is the zebra that we brought along for rest stop breaks. She was just beyond delighted with him, whew. You just never know what they will like and what they won't. She understood not fussing to get back into the car so she could walk him again the next time, and asks for him each time - in her own little way (pointing at the trunk until we figure it out!). It was cold and windy, but we had a great time even if the background for the photos weren't all one could hope for.

Okay, off to finish Nebraska and get into Missouri as far as we can today.

Travel Log

2009-09-17T08:00:00.000-04:00

Nothing special to report, but I want to keep details of our trip fresh in my mind. So here is where it goes!

Monday we did indeed finish Idaho AND Utah! We just got into Wyoming, but were pretty happy to get that far. We ran into rain and construction (in the dark) and it was pretty slow going for the last few hours of the drive. We were very happy to make it to the hotel that night, but it took it's toll and we didn't get on the road as early Tuesday as we'd hoped.

Tuesday we did all the rest of Wyoming and got into Nebraska. Wednesday all we did was Nebraska! I knew Nebraska was a long state, but wow, driving through it adds new meaning to the word long. Today we will finish Nebraska and make our way into Missouri. We hope to make St. Louis by nightfall and stay near there tonight, but we think we will fall just short of that. Our plan is to arrive in the Memphis, TN area Friday evening. We had hoped for late afternoon, but aren't sure that's going to happen. There seems to be far more road construction than we expected this time of year, which at times slows us to a snail's pace.

We took some cool pictures yesterday on the Blackberry but still haven't tried Magi's idea for posting from that yet. With any luck, we will have time to set that up today.

Cheers for now ....

On the road ...

2009-09-14T09:47:00.000-04:00

Well, forgot to take a picture yesterday before departure, will try to remember to get one today. Our little car is packed to the gills, holding more than it's ever held before. Every time we open the trunk it's best to jump back as you never know what's going to fall out! Looking at our car, I feel like the Clampett's!

Emi did so-so yesterday. I do feel that part of it is that we are so jam packed. She enjoyed her dvd's, of course, and played quite a bit with her new Aqua-Doodle (many thanks to Magi for that tip! --- BTW, if you haven't yet read her post on the whole 'Obama talking to the students debate' it's worth the read. She said everything I was thinking, and more). The trooper of the trip has been Max. Never really a car-loving dog, he's been pretty resigned to riding. He's done remarkably well in the hotel rooms and just hanging out with us. Poor ol' guy, he's probably getting used to his crazy people, moving all the time. I didn't even say to him this time that this was the last time. I keep saying that to him and then, poof, we move again. We are hoping, though, that this really is it.

We did Washington, Oregon and Idaho yesterday. Goal today is to finish Idaho (we are in Boise) and get into Utah. We have about another 300 miles of Idaho yet to do and only about 100 miles of Utah. Would be nice to get them both done today, but we will see how it goes.

If I can figure out the new Blackberry and remote posting, I will try to get some pictures up later.

Cheers!

Divine Caroline

2009-09-01T11:24:00.000-04:00

Just wanted to spread the word. Our Little Tongginator (well, her mama) has been nominated for a Divine Caroline award. She's got some good competition, many sites I read, enjoy and learn from myself. But out of all of them, if I had to choose one and only one, I would go with TM every time. I have learned so much about parenting an adopted child from her, and parenting in general. She's warm and sharing with just a touch of the sassy that I love so much.

I already voted. If you'd like to add your vote for TM, follow this link. (BTW, this is not a paid plug, there is no incentive to write this post - except that I feel this strongly about Tonggu Momma.)

Toddler Road Tripping

2009-08-28T11:00:00.000-04:00

Fifteen short days from today we head out (oh gosh). Seven days of driving, two (very short) days of rest with our friends in Memphis and then another day and a half to South Carolina. That will work if Emi cooperates and allows us to make more than the required 300 miles per day (we are hoping for 360-380). Yes, I know most folks try for more miles of driving in a day (hi mom!) but 300 is what we have to do per the travel rules for Jeff's job so that's what we are aiming at. If we do indeed hit those extra 60-80 miles (per day) we can stop for two days of relaxing, being pampered and doing some laundry.

So, in order to make all that time cooped up in a car seat doable, we needed to come up with a plan. I was chatting with the gal from Why Do We Even Have That Lever? (bonus points to those that know the movie she is referencing ... love that movie!). She is planning a trip across Canada with her two little ones (twenty months and four years), and we were discussing what to do with our kids to keep them happy (and quiet). We each decided to post about what we thought about, and get more idea from our readers. So, dear readers, please feel free to chime in! (BTW, here is a link to her post, there are some great ideas there!)

At the time of departure, Emi will be 31 months. A very rambunctious, never sit still, 31 months. Oh my. That said, she LOVES to watch movies/dvr'd tv (which is the only tv she watches as I am terribly fussy). We have the portable dvd player than my mom gave to Emi way back when (thanks mom, it's been a life saver!) and quite a few movies, tv episodes on dvd's, etc.

My plan is taking along the following:

Movies/TV on DvD's (see below)
Sticker/Activity Books (*)
Colorforms Travel Books (*)
Lacing Beads (in a baggie)
Crayons and blank paper books (Emi is more into her own thing, regular coloring books just sit unused - these may only be used if one of us is sitting in back with her, something that we have planned each day towards the end of the day - when she's had it with riding in the car)
A selection of Little People in a baggie (her fav group -horses, a couple of people, a dog, etc- that she uses to play Cinderella)
A couple of stuffed animals (Most likely: Bear and MeiMei, as they are her fav's right now. However, we are bringing ALL of Emi's bedtime friends - packed in the trunk. We are going to suggest to her each morning to pick out one or two, ideally, to ride with in the car. This is something that always happens when we leave the house - we ask "who's going with?" Emi then chooses one animal or doll to go to Target, the grocery store, whatever.)
Travel Snack tray (to make playing much easier)
It is my plan (if I have time) to get some books on CD from the library (or downloads if I am really lucky) and add them to my Fuze (sorta like an iPod, without the Apple attitude). Emi is just barely getting the concept of listening without seeing a movie playing. Hence why it's not high on my list, also, it's a headphones only activity and we just don't do a lot of headphones for her.)
A new special 'trip' stuffed animal - a unicorn that will meet her for the first time, sitting in her car seat on the first day of the drive

For the times where we get out of the car for breaks, we are bringing a ball and a new little pull-along zebra. She loves to walk Max, but Max isn't so sure that's a good thing. So, we are hoping that she will walk her zebra while one of us walks Max. Also, we are going to use the zebra as a non-food bribe to get back into the car. Basically tell her that if she gets back in the car when it's time without fussing, she will be able to walk zebra again the next time. Emi does very well with these kinds of things, mainly as we hold firm. I have only had to with-hold something once, and she's never forgotten. (We also plan to bring a little timer, set it for however long we want to stop. When the timer goes off it's time to get back in the car. This is something else that works well with Emi, and something she deals with better than one of us telling her.)

Movies/TV: The list includes (but not limited to):

Cinderella I and II (her most fav's right now - she uses her Little People to play the Bippity-Boppity-Boo part over and over and over ... so darned cute!
(BTW, the III was too scary for her, it's been set aside)
Tinker Bell, Robin Hood, Charlotte's Web (the original version), and The Rescuers (a personal fav)
Sesame Street (old time, not the new Elmo infested episodes)
Curious George, Frankin, Little Bear
Word World, Brainy Baby, Baby Genius and Leap Frog
Dragon Tales, Maisy and Kai-Lan (we are also thinking of picking up the new one, wrapping it and using it as needed for desperate times)
Kipper; Pocoyo and Oswald
Tigger and Pooh (and the original Adventures of Pooh)
Little Einsteins, etc etc etc

I really wanted to have a very good selection of stuff, mainly as Jeff and I will be listening to a lot of these. We are not big fans of putting head phones on Emi (now and again is fine, all the time is not). With my hearing issues, we are probably a bit more weirded out about head phones than most.
*BTW, I linked to our most fav's but there as so many of each to choose from.

*Note: In addition to the new Kai-lan dvd, some of the things from the above list (colorforms, books, etc) are going to be wrapped and handed out as needed. I also have a couple of Little People tubes that she hasn't seen yet, to add to the wrapped stuff. We have a trip (flying) planned to Canada for a very special wedding at the end of October. Anything we don't need from this list, we most likely will take with us for the plane.

Kids Eat Free

2009-08-26T12:15:00.000-04:00

I have another (longer) post in the works about keeping Emi entertained on the drive from Washington to South Carolina. But first, my mom and I were talking the other day and she was telling me about a couple of places where kids eat free - which I thought was a grand idea. While we do get a per diem, any money we don't have to spend upfront (we get reimbursed) is a good thing. We usually order something for Emi off the kids menu, that she rarely eats half of. She's a good little eater, better (we think) than most kids her age. Not much comes between Emi and her food! But, the portions these days are just huge.

My little rant: Have you looked at kids meals lately? Not exactly healthy, and her preferences run to healthy (no, really, they do). Emi is not a big meat eater. No chicken nuggets/fingers, no burgers (AT ALL), a rare hot dog now and again, likes spag but oh, the mess! So we are left with mac and cheese, grilled cheese and spag with sauce on the side (she also is a fan of breakfasts - if we can find a place that does breakfast all day it's a good thing!). Typically, that's about it. If we are really lucky we can get fruit or a vege in place of fries (she loves fries - heck, who doesn't? - but if she sees them, that's all she will eat, which keeps Jeff and I from ordering them for ourselves ... a good thing all the way around).

It is so very important to me that Emi not grow up fighting food and a weight problem. I don't want Emi to have the problems I had/have, so teaching her now is important (and yes, I am sure her teenage years will be filled with junk). With trying to eat healthy for her, we are in fact, doing better by ourselves too. Making smarter food choices, which really is the very first step. So while Emi's meals won't be everything I would hope they'd be, at least some will be free.

Okay, rant over. Our current plan is to eat breakfast at the hotels (all that we will be staying in have free breakfasts - really, are there any out there these days that don't offer this?). Our other plan is to (try) to pack a picnic lunch each morning before we leave the hotel. We have a travel plug-in cooler, so milk, yogurts and fruit can stay cold. We have another little personal cooler that I will put baggies of ice in, along with sandwiches, wraps or whatever we decide on. Also, there is a spot in the trunk already allocated for one paper bag. Paper products, boxes (crackers, little Emi cookies, etc), that kind of thing goes in there - along with a box of Rice Crispies. Emi loves them, LOVES them. I am thinking that some mornings it would be nice to offer her that instead of pancakes, waffles or whatever else may be offered at the (free) breakfast. Healthier (as usually the choices at the hotels are serious sugar cereals) and, did I mention she loves them?

And here is the reason for this post: I want to make a list of those restaurants. Here's the list that Mom and I came up with:

IHOP - daily, 4-10pm
Applebee's - Mondays
Fudrucker's - Mondays and Tuesdays, 4-9pm, kids eat for .99 (includes drink)
Red Robin - Mondays and Tuesdays, 5-9pm
Perkins Family Restauarants - Tuesdays, all day
All of these are 'vary by location'.

I found these two links when searching for links to the above:
My Kids Eat Free - you can search by state, and then city/days of the week
Frugal Living TV
These look great, and as I was wandering around both I saw more that I (then) remembered, and made a note of).

Anyone out there with something not listed, a family fav?

China Challenge

2009-08-24T11:45:00.000-04:00

Because I need yet another reason to read, ha!, I followed a link from Tonggu Momma today through her Sunday Linkage. Here is what she said:

China Challenge! -- librarian ninja Jennie at Bibliophile... sign up for this year's China Challenge, committing to reading and learning more about the country of China

Okay, I am so into this idea. I have no idea which level I will attain (not the trek one, sadly, as another trip to China just isn't in the cards for us right now) but I look forward to reading and learning more about a country that has interested me in quite a long time, and is the birthplace of my sweet daughter. Anyone else up for the challenge? I think it would be great fun to see our progress through the year.

Happy Birthday

2009-08-05T11:42:00.000-04:00

Well okay, not really. Emi turned 2.5 on Sunday. We don't usually do a whole lot for birthdays, a special meal, cake, a few gifts, but we keep it pretty low key. It helps that she's just two and not yet into the whole party circuit (yes, sigh, that will come). We also do not have family here, so birthday celebrations are pretty small affairs (that will probably change with the move).

We didn't do a cake or wrap gifts. But on Monday, Miss Emi and I did a quick run over to TRU. Jeff and I had been talking lately about the fact that she seemed ready for Legos - or something equivilent for her age group. I had heard of Duplos so that was what we went in search of. We found that they didn't carry those, but had something similar ... Mega Blocks. So Emi and I spent our $20 and left with our prize. She has played with them non stop! What a hit. Emi never really figured out the stacking rings. She just couldn't grasp the concept of placing the larger rings on first (okay, Emi won't be an architect when she grows up, no biggie). Needless to say, the concept is the same for lego type toys. She still doesn't get the concept but maybe if her towers continue to fall over she will get the idea. For now, she's having a blast, wants us to play with her and is learning. She cannot wait for Jeff to get home, as the poor guy can't even get his shoes off before she's pulling him over to build with her. Very cute ... and gives mama a bit of time to get some things done!

We also celebrated by putting Emi's hair up into two pony tails. Completely wet hair, hair clips and hair spray and they still didn't last long. But she was beyond pleased, so that's all that matters.

We love you sweet girl, at every age and every stage.

The House

2009-08-04T19:52:00.000-04:00

Thank you for all the kind comments and emails. We are pretty excited about this move, and the job Jeff will have will be a bit more interesting - which is always a good thing.

We placed the house on the market last Monday, had two showings on Tuesday, and first thing Wednesday morning had a call from our awesome Realtor ... there was a bid on our house!
Oh. My. Gosh.

Breathe, Kiy. Breathe.

Once I got myself together I quickly called Jeff and we decided to accept the offer. Just like that, we sold our house. In today's market that's not something to sneeze at.

And just like that I no longer have to worry about keeping a toddler home neat and polished. Wow. We were so worried that it wouldn't sell quickly (at all?) and we were leaving here regardless. We are so lucky, and have been quite lucky every time we've sold a house. But then, we aren't greedy and don't try to squeeze the last few dollars for our homes. We listen to our Realtors, price it as they suggest and sell pretty quickly.

Our departure date is set (September 13th) and for anyone (else) counting the days, that is 39 very short days away. We have lots to do in a very short time. We do not, however, have to pack! Sweet! We *think* the packers are coming Sept 8-9-10, leaving us the 11th and 12th for closing on the house, cleaning and general scurrying around. Should be fun, if a bit crazy.

Jeff already has our temporary quarters all lined up for Aiken, and our temp living arrangements here for that week are set so that two things off the to do list. So, that's the news so far on the house.

Getting excited about the drive! (Well, I am. Not so sure about Jeff, I know Max isn't, and Emi has no clue. She just knows there's lots going on and she's sure it's all about her!

P.S. For those that know me well, I am not usually big on n*ked baby pictures. However, the day our Realtors came by to put up the sign we had just come in from playing outside (in the icky, sticky hot) and I had just popped Emi out of the bath. We were watching out the window, but she HAD to be part of it. I was afraid they'd be done before I got some clothes on her. She was so cute with the sign, they had to take pictures - and here's the one they sent me. Too darned cute! (The second photo is the best one - even though there isn't a sweet little cherub in the photo. Under Contract .... whoooohooo!)

Worth Reading

2009-08-02T12:07:00.000-04:00

Every Sunday Tonggu Momma posts something called Sunday Linkage. I try to read at least a couple each week. Some are quite good, some I don't agree with, some really really make me think. This week, this one, especially, was one I found quite excellent. Worth reading if adoption has touched your life at all, and even if it hasn't.

Goodbye, Hello

2009-07-23T12:00:00.000-04:00

The time has, finally, come that I feel safe in sharing our news. I've alluded to this a couple of times when I thought the time was quite near, not meaning to dangle. I've had emails and comments asking (1) if I am pregnant (it would seriously take an act of God), (2) are we adopting again (nope, Emi was our first and last, and really ... how could perfection be duplicated -- no pressure Emi, lol!), and (3) well, there is no three - those were the guesses.

What actually is happening is that we are moving. To South Carolina (anyone out there in Aiken, SC or Augusta, GA area? if so, drop me a line?!).

We have lived here two years and while we love it, we've come to realize that this is the wrong side of the States for us. Everyone we love is on the other side. Just to visit a grandparent takes at least a day of flying, and visiting friends is an annual thing, at best. We decided last summer that we needed to make a move. Jeff sent off applications and in February he was offered a job. And then, things started to drag out. I won't bore with the back and forth, but last week he finally got the official paperwork he had been waiting on. We can list the house (yikes, oh joy) and start the process of moving.

Jeff is still with the federal government, so while it's a job change, to them it's not. The really nice thing about this is that they move you (oh yeah, baby!). There is absolutely no way we would have moved so often if we had had to pack and move ourselves. The packers are due the week of September 7th, and we will be hitting the road on September 13th.

Hitting the road? Why yes, we were told that we were going to be driving. From Washington to South Carolina.

Yep, you read that right ... driving. Jeff, me, Emi (who will be 31 months) and Max (14 years and six pounds of car-hating Yorkie) in a really small car. Yeah, trip of a lifetime. Funny enough, I am looking forward to the drive. I think it will be fun, as long as we keep a sense of humor and realize that there will be good days and not-so-good days. We have a plan in place, but also know that we will have to punt from time to time. Emi and Max both can only take so long in a car. That is actually a good thing, as it will force Jeff and I to get out and walk around every couple of hours - something we are not good about doing for ourselves.

More details as we have them, just wanted to share our exciting news with everyone!

Library Grand Re-Opening

2009-07-17T17:45:00.000-04:00

I hustled around like a mad woman this morning to get Emi and I out the door by 8:30. It didn't happen, but we did finally leave about 9:10 - which, considering that I didn't even get INTO the shower until 8:35 is saying something (I am notoriously slow when it comes to showering).

About a year and a half ago (give or take, let's just say it feels like forEVER) our main library closed and moved most of the books and staff to a temporary location while they revamped the original one. Today was the day of the big unveiling. Yippee! I had found out there was to be a parade going from the temporary location to the new fancy location, with ribbon cutting, cookies and ... who knows what else. But I thought the parade would be fun and while the ribbon cutting and speeches were happening, Emi could just run around outside.

Best laid plans.

Come to find out, no one I asked knew about a parade. As the ribbon cutting time came closer, someone shouts out ... "here comes the parade!" Okay, it was cute, but parade? No. A bunch of kids, someone said it was a camp but I don't know for sure, about 5-6-7 years old walked from the temporary location to the new (old) one. Carrying the last books to make the move back home. Cute idea, but I got suckered into the whole parade thing. Heh. Oh well. Emi had her cookie so she was happy.

While we were waiting for the ribbon cutting I realized it was going to be awhile, and it was going to be inside. Yeah, silly me ... open a building, one would think the ribbon would be across the front door? Nope. Emi and I went inside, found seats and ate cookies (Emi had both, hahaha, no surprise there).

Some old bat (apologies to the few nice old bats that might be reading this ... Hi Mom!) sat down beside us (btw, I didn't think "old bat" at the time). I smile at her, Emi grins her cookie encrusted sweet smile at her. And the woman says "oh, are you her mama?". Yes. She then says "your husband Oriental"? My answer "No, and he's not Asian either". Confused look. At this point, it's still a nice conversation even if she doesn't know the terminology, many don't and frankly I didn't feel like getting into it. However, then she drops the bombshell. "Oh you poor little dear, you are one of those poor little orphan girls from China that no one loved."

Uh, huh.

I gather up our things, ticked beyond reason. But I just could NOT let that go. Yeah, I know. I should have.

Me: "Ma'am, actually, she was and is very much loved. We have no idea what her biological parents had to go through, but most likely is was not an easy choice to let her go. I am sure her Chinese parents grieve every day for this sweet little girl. I hope you wouldn't say something like that in front of a child who could actually understand what you just said."

Not my proudest moment, and before anyone kicks me, don't bother. I've been doing that all afternoon. I was sure she meant to be kind, meant to say something positive and didn't. It probably came out wrong and she's feeling doubly bad - she put her foot in her mouth and I slapped her about it.

I moved us to the other side of the room, red faced and embarrassed. Ready to go home, but Emi was honestly enjoying herself and really had no idea that something had just happened. However, a few moments later another woman came and sat next to us. She said she had overheard the conversation (my heart sinks) she says that that woman is known in the community for saying hurtful things all the while smiling. She called them cotton-covered barbs ... perfect term! I told her that after what I said I felt terrible, I was raised better than that. (Polite, be nice to our elders, etc.) She said not to give it another thought, many that overheard it were applauding that someone actually gave that woman back what she had coming.

Sure, it sort of made me feel better, but not really. While she is a meanie, the next person who says something like that may not be and may honestly be trying to say something nice. I need to find a way to "correct and protect" without harming. Emi is going to look to me for my responses, and I need to work on them. I think it's just that when we are out and about, we rarely get any comments except "she's darling, sweet, delightful", etc.

Moving on.

The speeches, thankfully, were kept to a minimum. Emi was a complete champ! She had, of course, plowed through those two cookies like we never fed her well before the start of the speeches. There was no way out of the building at this point, it was standing room only. But she was still doing okay, so we just sat and waited. She charmed and laughed and clapped her way through the speeches, and really did amazingly well. In fact, after, several folks came up and thanked her for sharing her smiles and enthusiasm (see? this is what we usually get!).

They finally cut the ribbon and everyone streams in. Emi and I go in, return books, find new ones, check out and leave.

We were sitting outside on one of the benches, Emi running around being well, Emi. She'd come by for fly-by hugs and/or kisses. Then, she crawled onto the bench, into my arms, grabbed my cheeks between those sweet, sticky fingers and pulled my face to her for a kiss. Then, pulled it down so we could rub noses (pretty much typical for Emi). She smiles, laughs, claps and runs off. I love this little gal so much my heart just bursts. I still can't believe how lucky we are, to parent this sweet (mischievous) little (imp) girl.

A nice old man (see, I don't call all old(er) folks old bats!) sat down next to me and said "What a delight she must be. I have been enjoying watching her play and stop long enough to give her mama kisses."

Yeah, he ended our outing on a positive note.

P.S. Had the camera. Took no pictures. Typical. I did include some of the library that I 'lifted' off their blog. It is a pretty spiffy building. Nice to see tax dollars going to good use.

My poor little neglected blog

2009-07-14T11:23:00.000-04:00

It's so neglected. I've missed blogging, and I haven't. Odd, I thought I would. It became one of the many things I needed to do each day (or every couple of days). It became in my mind the dishes, laundry, vacuuming, etc. I don't want my blog to become just another chore, but I don't want to close it down either.

My current plan is to return to blogging ... just post less. Probably just a few times a month. I really want this to stand for Emi's temp baby book. I really do want to do a 'real' book someday, and this is a place for me to jot her life down so I don't forget anything. Both big and small. I am not going to try to back track and catch up right away. I do have things that I want to blog about, nothing earth shattering, but for now I am just going to move forward.

There is still that behind-the-scenes-thing-that-I-can't-blog-about going on. Sigh. One would think I could. Sorry, but soon. Heck, it better be soon or I am jumping off the first available bridge!

So, what have we been doing the last few months? Not a lot. Heh. It's summer, it's hot. But then there are days that it's not hot. Emi and I hang out in the backyard, playing with her water table and sandbox. We are no longer going to speech therapy. The insurance folks and the billing folks couldn't, for the longest time, get the speech folks paid. So, we put ST on hold until they could. Once they did, we were out of the habit, and Emi and I seemed to be doing pretty well on our own. Also, it always drove me nuts how they did it. They just wanted sounds from her (p-p-p-pig). So, guess how she says pig now? Yeah. Up? Up-pah. Cute now, not so cute when she's four. So I've been working with her. We also have a couple of shows/dvds that are helping. A few: Word World and Leap Frog's Letter Factory (I am sure that over time we will get more in both series). Yeah, aimed at bigger kids and letters not necessarily words, but she loves them and they are helping with words.

So, you might ask (the few that may actually still check in here from time to time), what words does Emi have? Still not Mama (cry, sob, sniffle). Oh, she will mimic (if she feels like it) Jeff when he says "say Mama". But that's about it.

Words she does have:

Dada (first word, from about 11-ish months old ... no, I'm not BITTER or anything!)
up (yeah, up-pah, but still)
uh-uh and ah-ha (along with nodding yes and shaking head no, which the speech therapist told us is actually something that is an older child thing ... like 3 to 3.5, go figure)
Any and all animal sounds ... not their names, their sounds (she's *really really* into animals)
beep (as in the Wheels on the Bus song ... you can thank me later for getting that song into your head for the rest of the day)
dog
pig
Max (yeah, the dog's name ... but not Mama ... still not BITTER!)
baby (pointing at herself)
me (yet again, pointing at herself ... usually means she wants something, or to go do/go with)
help (sometimes help me)
Baba (for Barbara, still ... yeah, we are going to ignore that she isn't saying Mama yet .... )
DAH! (Always with an exclamation point, and pointing at what she wants ... DAH! as in That)

I know there's a few more, but I can't remember them. Will have to add them as I think of them. The only good news is, she's still not saying no (smile). That, I am sure, will come all too soon. She does have a lot of sounds, and is usually more than willing to mimic a word/give it a try. But she's still not using the newer words to ask for what she wants. The problem is, unless we know the context, even if she does use words we can't figure them out. Many of her words have a da or ba sound to them.

Interestingly, her signing has come back. She now signs 'milk please' and is just thrilled to be able to tell us what she wants. I am going to get a couple more signing dvds so that I can learn them along with her. Now that she's (finally) showing interest, it may help bridge the gap until she has more words.

And that, is our life. Jeff is busy with work. We are working on the house. Emi and I are back to going to the Farmer's Market on most Friday's. She enjoys going, and we enjoy all the local produce. Max is still hanging in there. Emi is still too rough for him, tough love and all, but he just keeps coming back for more. I really want to get some photos of the two of them together but right now, she just can't keep her hands off him ... and we don't want him to get hurt. We are really surprised how much he's taken from her. She did get snapped at once, and we think possibly he caught her with a tooth on her arm. But she deserved it, and there was no mark. But boy was she ticked and upset. Not that it kept her from going back for more. But we are working on "gentle" and if Max is in one of his (many) beds, he is off limits. Yeah, still working on that concept too.

For the two or three that have made it this far ... here is some Emi-love in the form of pictures. At the end of May we attended the Asian Pacific American Heritage Month Celebration at Jeff's office. Before Emi and I went in, I snapped some quick photos.

Where did our baby go? Wow.

Taking a Break

2009-06-19T11:53:00.000-04:00

Many thanks to those who have sent emails wondering and worrying. Yes, we are fine just frantically busy. My mom was in town last week for a quickie hit of the ever wonderful Miss Emi and we have more behind the scenes going on here that I still can't talk about on the blog (ugh!). Supposedly it should be done enough next week so that I can, but I am not holding my breath. (No I am no pregnant and no, no more China babies are in our future ... both of those have been guessed!),

However, we are crazy busy with household projects and Emi seems to need me around more than usual. Since I am not a laptop blogger (how do you guys do that? no mouse, no real keyboard?) I need to be in our office while blogging. Fine for on-the-road or the odd post or two, but not for every day computer use (at least not for me). Am I showing my age? :)

So, signing off for now. Am still checking in and reading blogs, trying to answer emails as time allows. I miss blogging and hope to get back real soon.

Monday Musings

2009-05-17T23:00:00.000-04:00

Barbara at Candy Hearts and Paper Flowers hosts Monday Musings each week. Head on over for a visit!

If at first the idea is not absurd, then there is no hope for it.
~ Albert Einstein

Train Trip to Minneapolis

2009-05-17T13:19:00.000-04:00

My blog still isn't perfect (my fonts are still a bit wonky and I still can't figure out what is up with the blue links - I've never had blue links!). But many thanks to Lythrum who gave us ideas, which lead Jeff to fixing my biggest issues. Thank you SO much!

But, before I forget all the details from our trip I wanted to get it here. Since I have yet to start Miss M's baby book, this blog has to stand for it. (Oh, I've had a few comments - not on the blog, but in real life about Miss M. We do call her that, a LOT. Many think it's short for Emi {Em}. Nope, not at all! It's actually short for Mischief and Mayhem. Which sums up Emi perfectly!)

~~

So, about the trip. We began our trip on May 2nd and were thrilled that the train was on time(9pm)! Jeff was able, once again, to board the train long enough to help us with luggage and get us settled then off he jumped to wave goodbye. As last time, the first half of the night was a bit rough on Emi until finally her little body gave in and she really fell asleep. Those beds are C.O.Z.Y. (we did indeed pop for the sleeper car for this trip) and Emi tends to take her half out of my side (smile) so finally I put her at one end with me at the other. We both ended up getting a pretty decent night's sleep after that.

The next day found us hiking (six long cars and the in between areas that are a bit harry with Emi!) down for breakfast and dinner to the dining car. I opted to eat lunch out of our stash as Emi was fading fast and was in need of her nap. We spent the afternoon playing with toys, watching dvd's and watching for animals out the window. Emi was unimpressed once again with the observation car, so we spent most of our time in our room but since our room had POWER life was good, those dvd's ran almost non-stop. Little Miss Cuteness completely zonked out.

Playing ~~~~ Posing next to the "closet" (yes, it really is as small as it looks -
the width of ONE shoe!)

Watching her dvd

Watching yet another dvd (notice the clothing change? we had the misfortune of
having the very last car on the train, the jerking and swaying were finally too
much for Miss Emi and she threw up, all over herself ... and me. But as you can see,
she bounced back in no time. We did watch food intake carefully after that!)

After dinner, we tidied up all the toys, changed into jammies and laid out clothes for the morning. One last bathroom break and brushed teeth and we were tucked into our bed pretty early. The time zone change and just all the excitement had Emi more than ready and I have to admit not reading too long after she fell asleep! Our train was supposed to arrive in Minneapolis at 530 am (ouch!) so I set my phone alarm for 430, needless to say we were an hour late! (Had I overslept I know we would have been early, although they make sure you are awake and ready to get off!)

Barbara was there, ready to meet us. It was so wonderful to get off that train and know she'd be there. Emi went right to her, chattering in Emi-speak, raring to go. We gathered up our checked suitcase, loaded us into Barbara's car and off we went.

Come back soon for the rest of the story!

HELP!! - Updated

2009-05-09T20:55:00.000-04:00

RC&T and REcipe Box are going on a blogging break until I can figure out this mess. It seems to be spreading, now some of my links are different colors and my comments boxes are also teeny tiny. Hopefully I can figure this out. BTW, yes there is a help section to blogger but since I am truly clueless as to what the problem is I am having a hard time figuring out how to find the help.

A very happy, belated, Mother's Day to everyone. Needless to say, my MD post and MM didn't happen yesterday.

~~~

I don't know how I did it, but in both RC&T and Recipe Box I somehow made the composing and dashboard screens SO small I can't even read what I am typing! Is it a formatting thing? Does anyone have any suggestions? There is no way I can blog like this. What a mess.

For those that have suggestions, feel free to leave a comment or email me at kiy @ inbox . com. Thanks!

Menu Plan

2009-05-09T20:07:00.000-04:00

Well, back in the MP saddle again. I may not get to this every week, but going to try to do better. We eat healthier, cheaper and frankly, just plain better when I take the time to meal plan.

We are going to try to do fresh fish at least twice a week, sometimes adding a third night of fish if we feel like it. Jeff and I were talking meals and realized that we love fish and really don’t have it as much as we used to. Add to that it is SO good for us, seems silly not to.

We have a great fish monger near Jeff’s office so he is going to stop on his way home to see what looks good that particular night. Whatever looks good will decide how it’s made. Here are the choices:

Billie Ruth’s Catfish

Asian Marinade (our fav fish marinade - great on any fish!)

Ginger-Soy Marinade

Don’t forget to check out Laura’s for more MPM!

~~~~~

Mother’s Day: Jeff is in charge and is making one of my fav meals! Steak on the grill (with Cowboy Thai Marinade), baked sweet pots, corn on the cob

Taco Salad - perfect for a hot night when I don’t feel like cooking. What we like in ours (I put all the stuff on the counter and we sorta buffet-it): ground beef or turkey with taco seasoning, taco chips of some kind, shredded lettuce, chopped tomatoes, canned corn (rinsed and chilled), pineapple (I know it’s odd, but it really works!), sliced olives (for Jeff & Emi), shredded cheese and salsa (both mild and whatever Jeff is eating at the moment, varies from medium to oh-my-gosh stomach walls burned away).

Chicken Tortilla Bake

Spaghetti and Meatballs - Nothing fancy, jarred sauce with tons of chopped vege’s tossed in, frozen meatballs. Easy, simple, can be tossed together in less than 15 minutes.

Shortcut Lasagna

And the two nights of fish.

Home!

2009-05-09T15:28:00.000-04:00

Emi and I are home. I have pictures to upload and a whole great post to write on our trip. But for now, I have mounds of laundry to do and groceries to work on. Emi and Daddy are happily playing - I have almost been banished! I think someone missed her daddy and is happy to have him back. I am listening over the baby monitor to yet another tea party going on in her room. I love to hear her chatting at him while she's playing.

We had a wonderful trip, our best yet. Barbara was a fun travel companion and Emi really took to her! We loved having her with us, and Emi was not impressed that Barbara had to leave. Oh! One more thing. The child still (still still still!) does not say Mama (not that I am waiting or anything, sob) ... but she could say Barbara (Baba)! It was very cute. Mama would have been cuter. But still.

Thanks Baba, we had so much fun with you and miss you already!

Back with more soon-ish!

Monday Musings

2009-05-03T23:00:00.001-04:00

Barbara at Candy Hearts and Paper Flowers hosts Monday Musings each week. Head on over for a visit!

Procrastination is the art of keeping up with yesterday.
~ Don Marquis

Another Train Trip

2009-04-30T11:04:00.000-04:00

Since Little Bit is busy rediscovering Diego (seems we have been on a kick this past week, it's either Diego or the Ultimate Pandas dvd's - only - and woe is the person who suggests something else). Where was I? Oh yes, 15 seconds of peace .... I thought I'd take those 15 seconds and chat real quick about our trip.

Some folks will remember our train trip last October. The one that was ALL about mama and grandma. This one, however, is all about EMI!

Emi and I leave Saturday night (9pm, ouch 1.5 hours after bedtime) for one day and two nights on the train. Thankfully this time, we decided to splurge and get a sleeper car. Since the trip itself is going to be short, getting a decent night's sleep on the train was mandatory. We are arriving in Minneapolis on Monday morning, and meeting up with Barbara at that point (I am so excited to finally be meeting such a great friend). We are going to hit the Mall of America, focusing on Emi things to do. Mainly the Lego area and the aquarium. We may or may not check out the amusement area, depending on time and Emi's temperment (she's so two right now, love her but ouch the temper!). I've learned, for the most part, how to stem the tide of tears, screams and throwing herself on the floor while all this goes on. Mainly, don't go near something she can't do ... however, that's not always possible. So, thankfully with another set of hands we will be able to have as few tears as possible! There does look to be some things we can do with her in that area, but at this age I can't see her riding even the little tiny kid rides alone. One never knows, of course, but we've never tried it. (Emi is only Danger Girl when SHE wants to be Danger Girl!) We are just going to go with the flow and see what happens.

We are also planning on the Minnesota Zoo. This looks like it will be the shining star of the trip. There is so much to see and do, I am thinking we will be there more than once on this very short trip. I can't wait to try out the monorail and wander all over the zoo. Emi is ALL about animals right now. We are still struggling with speech, but if we can relate what we want her to say with an animal she is more apt to attempt the word! I do think that this part of the trip will be wonderful!

Barbara will be with us a day and a half. My mom decided to not join us on this trip. I ended up having to make it a week early because of train ticket pricing, she will only have been home two days before needing to climb back into the car to meet us (she's been in Florida for the last month, mainly celebrating NOT being in Michigan with the cold, the snow and the ick).

We arrive on Monday morning and turn around and climb back onto the train late (LATE: 11pm!) Wednesday night. That is basically three days. Since I only have two things planned (plus pool time), we should be able to have a nice relaxing time. Keep your fingers crossed for me. The last couple of Mama/Emi adventures haven't gone that smoothly, but each trip I learn something and I am feeling pretty confident about this trip (famous last words!).

We return home at the crack of dawn Friday, hopefully Emi will let me laze on the sofa for a bit that morning (yeah, talk about dreaming!). I hope to come home with lots of wonderful memories, and just as many pictures.

So, signing off for now (need to get us packed, laundry done and a minimal house tidying!). Have a great week everyone!

P.S. The Happy Housewife is again hosting the "What's in your book basket" this week. Needless to say I am not going to get a post up. But make sure to hop on over as I am sure lots of great books will be chatted about!

Quick Update

2009-04-28T15:45:00.000-04:00

#1: Emi has my cold. Oh joy.

#2: The trip is back on! Whoooooo-hooooo! (More details when I can sit at the computer longer.)

#3: A very special and wonderful friend is going to join us for the first half.

#4: Trying to talk my mom into joining us for the second.

#5: The issue that I can't talk about, that was supposed to be resolved this week ... won't be. But we have it on good authority that it is going to work out better than we thought. We shall see. And when we do, I promise to blog about it.

#6: It was sunny and 60 this morning at 7am. It's almost 1pm and it's 45 and sleeting. If it starts snowing I am canceling my trip, selling the house and moving to Bermuda. Let Jeff worry about the details. (I need a cute little devil face here.)

#7: I am only mostly kidding about #6.

#8: My mood has improved even more than yesterday (see #'s 2, 3 and 4 with 5 also helping).

#9: The sick child is napping. Since the sick mama got little-to-no sleep last night because of sick child, sick mama is heading for nap time too.

P.S. Thanks to all who left comments and sent kind emails. It's rare that I get into funks, and its darned tootin' wonderful to know I have friends out there that care.

I was featured!

2009-04-27T12:50:00.000-04:00

Okay, first off ... for those that get this in a reader format, yes I messed up and published this before writing my post. Blame it on this nasty spring cold I have, or the fact that I just hit the enter button instead of the tab. Both would be correct.

So Friday, on day I so needed it, I got a wonderful email. It was from Kirsty over at momedy. She is a new find for me, I can't even remember how I found her, but I see by her followers list, we have many bloggy friends in common. She does something called Featured Friday Follower. What she wrote about me was so sweet and kind. She gave me a smile on a day I didn't really have one. Kirsty, thank you, so very much!

Okay, so you ask why Kiy, who almost always has a smile, didn't have one? Couple of things. First, the above mentioned cold was just starting. I hate being sick (who doesn't?) and I was feeling sorry for myself. I kicked my own butt about that, whined a bit to Jeff (poor guy) and while I am still feeling totally crappy the boo-who-me is gone. I also finally made the decision to not take a trip I had been working on all week. I was going to take Emi on another train ride, to the Mall of America and the Minneapolis Zoo. We were going to splurge on a sleeper car and it was going to be fun fun fun. Sadly, I dithered too long and the only price I could (sorta) live with had us leaving Sunday (last) night. As it was then Friday, I didn't know if I could pull off the packing and scurrying around in time. Then the cold hit, so the decision was basically taken out of my hands. I still wanted to go, so was back to the poor-me. Gesh, what a whiner! lol

There is also something going on that I am not free to talk about yet, but will be resolved either way this week. It's been going on for the last two-plus months, but it's come to a head and the decision has been made. Once it's official, I will feel I can blog about it. But last week it was still a mess and it's been messing with me. Again, boo-who-Kiy. Snap out of it gal! Enough already!

Okay, I really am laughing at myself. I am feeling sorta better today and woke up with a whole new attitude. Also, if you are not a regular reader of the Monday Musings, follow this link and read them! I have to say, the ones that I've had time to read so far really helped my mind-set. Positive happy thoughts, good vibes, wonderful quotes. I figure if they could help pull me out of my funk, maybe they could put a smile on someone elses face too!

Off to play with Miss Emi and simply, be. I need to remind myself that it's the simple things that bring the biggest joys. Watching her play makes my heart smile.

Monday Musings

2009-04-26T23:00:00.000-04:00

Barbara at Candy Hearts and Paper Flowers hosts Monday Musings each week. Head on over for a visit!

Now and then it's good to pause in our
pursuit of happiness and just be happy.
~ Guillaume Apollinaire

Joy of Chocolate Roundup

2009-04-20T13:00:00.001-04:00

Because, frankly, you can never have too much chocolate!

Monday Musings

2009-04-19T23:00:00.000-04:00

Barbara at Candy Hearts and Paper Flowers hosts Monday Musings each week. Head on over for a visit!

This quote comes to you today from the mom of a toddler ....

One only needs two tools in life: WD-40 to make things go,
and duct tape to make them stop.
~ G. Weilacher

100 Things to do Before Kindergarten

2009-04-16T13:29:00.000-04:00

TM shared this link last week, and I thought it was a keeper. I am all (ALL) about lists and while I doubt we will do each and every one of these, wouldn't it be cool to try? So, here is it and I will check them off as we do them.

100 Things to do Before Kindergarten

by The Savvy Source, on Mon Feb 2, 2009 9:12am PST

We enjoy making lists here at The Savvy Source. Making a list is an act of hope, and a form of dreaming as well as planning.

These years before kindergarten and the forward march of school years are precious and irreplaceable. Never again will we have so much plain old free time with these adorables of ours. So here's a list of lots of stuff we hope to do with them, make possible for them, show them and teach them before they head off to -- gasp! -- elementary school.

And if we don't get around to each and every one of these items...well, we still have another twelve years before they go to college!

In no particular order....

1. Go to the zoo (Oregon Zoo - August 2008, attempted Seattle Zoo - November 2008)

2. Visit a farm (We visited a pumpkin patch 10/2008, lots of animals there - does that count? We also visited the family home in Virginia and while there are no animals now, at one time it was a working farm.)

3. Go on a hike

4. Play with kittens or puppies

5. Catch a frog (Going to have to be a father/daughter thing, mama doesn't do frogs!)

6. Make a gigantic mess (all the time!)

7. Help clean up a gigantic mess

8. Master the monkey-bars

9. Swing high up into the sky all by themselves

10. Try ice-skating

11. Go sledding

12. Make a snow-man

13. Blow bubbles

14. Plant seeds and watch them grow

15. Have a pillow fight

16. Jump on a big bed (Mama and Daddy's - too often!)

17. Jump on a trampoline or in a bounce house

18. Hang out in a tent

19. Spend days at the beach

20. Build sandcastles

21. Go fishing

22. Go out on a boat

23. Play with blocks and puzzles (Ongoing! Puzzle Time)

24. Read the classic picture books

25. Read a classic chapter book

26. Check out library books with their own library card

27. Get a passport (Working on this!)

28. Carve a pumpkin

29. Hold a newborn baby (to see how much they've grown)

30. Love a special doll or stuffed animal (MeiMei but we also have Brutus the Penguin, and currently several others!)

31. Bake cookies and cakes

32. Help plan their own birthday party

33. Go to the circus

34. Go to a museum on a quiet weekday

35. Play hide-and-seek

36. Play a board game

37. Do nothing whatsoever all day (Ha! we do this all the time!)

38. Try a sport

39. Watch a sporting event

40. Learn to swim

41. Be tickled in hysterics (We tickle, but carefully. I don't believe in the 'too much tickling' thing as it can easily get too be too much.)

42. Paint and draw as much as desired (Emi colors all the time, even has her own little desk in the office. Painting is going to wait until it's warmer and can be done outside!)

43. Have the use of scissors and glue

44. Display artworks and other creations around the house

45. Learn to use a camera (and keep an album of the results!)

46. Play with clay

47. Pick flowers (4/2009 - This just happened last week, Daddy and Emi picked some dandelions for Mama)

48. Climb a tree

49. Gaze at the moon and stars

50. Toast marshmallows

51. Learn to eat an ice-cream cone

52. Watch a sunset

53. Learn to write their own names

54. Learn their addresses and telephone numbers

55. Learn their parents' full names

56. Set the table

57. Clear the table

58. Help wash the dishes

59. Learn to say their pleases and thank yous and excuse mes

60. Watch fireworks

61. Go to the ballet or theater or a puppet show

62. Put on a ballet or play or puppet show at home

63. Face paint

64. Dress up in costumes at will

65. Learn rhymes and poems and songs by heart

66. Have a dance party

67. Enjoy friends at preschool and at the park

68. Invite friends over to play

69. Get to know grandparents (With a grandma in Virginia, and grandparents in Michigan we really work on the 'getting to know' but we do the best we can.)

70. Play with cousins (Emi's cousins are in their mid-to-late 20's! While she does play with them when we are in Virginia, it's more like following them around and mooching food off them!)

71. Become attached to a wonderful preschool teacher and/or babysitter

72. Learn the name of our president (hahaha - actually working on this!)

73. Know the name of their town, state and country

74. Be familiar with a map of the world

75. Listen to music from many different ages and genres (Oh yes, much to Daddy's chagrin, Mama is exposing Emi to all kinds of {scary} music!)

76. Hear and learn words from a different language (Not surprising that we are working a bit on Mandarin, but right now just getting anything out of her is a good thing)

77. Learn the difference between trash and recycling

78. Grow their own vegetables

79. Learn to ride a bike (or try!)

80. Take a road trip (Check! Emi and I have done several of these, and we plan to continue this as I think it's great fun. Jeff isn't much of a car trip kind of guy, but he suffers through them, now and then.)

81. Draw a self-portrait

82. Slurp alphabet soup

83. Learn to twirl spaghetti on a fork

84. Pick apples

85. Star in a home movie

86. Learn a magic trick

87. Try different hair-dos

88. Practice writing letters

89. Practice counting to 100

90. Make up stories

91. Send a letter

92. Receive a letter (4/2009: Emi received her very first postcard last week, my parents are in Florida for April. She loves it!)

93. Ride on a merry-go-round (We did this when we were in Memphis (4/2008), but I am looking forward to do this again with Emi now that she's older {she doesn't remember it}. I think she'd love it!)

94. Give away toys and books to less fortunate children (We do this now, but she doesn't know it. The time will come, however, when she will!)

95. Learn the value of coins and bills

96. Keep a piggy bank

97. Try a musical instrument

98. Have a heartfelt wish granted

99. Have a heartfelt wish denied

100. Receive a million (make that a billion) heartfelt kisses and hugs from their parents!

*Considering the child is only 26 months, I think she's done pretty well. But what a fun list, I look forward to helping her check off more of these.

What's in Your Book Basket?

2009-04-16T11:11:00.000-04:00

The Happy Housewife is starting something new, and since it's about books (oh my, yum!) I thought I'd play along ... at least this first week. Who knows if I will be able to continue each week but I am going to give it a shot.

Right now, we aren't doing the library thing for Miss Emi. We were, for a time, but she became quite the handful while in the library. (She thinks everyone is there to see her, so she runs around stops right in front of folks and says HI is a very loud voice. If they do not not respond quick enough, she will repeat. And repeat. Until I can catch up to her and scoop her up and apologize. Thankfully, most folks think she's darned cute and it's darling. I agree, she's darned cute but I do not feel this is darling. So, we have cut out the library trips for now.

That does not mean reading has gone by the wayside, but new books are slowing down as we have to buy them all. Not that that's a bad thing, home libraries are great, but fluffing them up every couple of weeks with library books is a wonderful thing. We hope to get back to being able to do that, sooner rather than later.

My plan for this is to select some of my/our most fav's and chat about them.

For my first week, I thought I'd go through our bedtime stack. It's just three but they are the most amazing books! I am also going to add one more as it's become an all time fav and it's a rare day that we don't read that one one or a dozen times. In fact, let's start out with that one! (I am not going to recap the books, as I will link to amazon and they do such a great job of that. I will chat -briefly- about why it's a great book for our family and why we love it.)

Note: Emi is 26 months.

Jamberry - this was a Christmas gift from Barbara. This was a new book to me, but oh my what a find! The poetry is just pure fun, the pictures are gorgeous, silly and amazing. I am not sure which one of us loves it more, Emi or me, I just want to dive into some of the pages. Emi was almost 23 months when we received it, and it was an instant hit. Of course, those of you who are able to start reading at birth would think this was a perfect book at that young of an age, those of us trying to introduce the concept of reading will also find this book a wonderful aid. Up until this book, very few caught Emi's attention long enough to sit and read/listen to the entire thing. This book was our leap to that stage. Something that will make this book a forever favorite in my heart.

Time for Bed - This is the first book of three at bedtime. We *always* read them in order, the order that Emi set. We never deviate, as she will shake her hands at you and point to the right one! This is such a timeless classic, and the perfect baby gift (in my opinion). No nursery should be without this book. Jeff and I bought this while we were waiting for Miss Emi, and I just could not wait to share it with her. Perfect for any age.

A Mother for Choco - This is the second book in our bedtime reading. Interestingly enough, this was also a Christmas gift from Barbara (that gal has *great* taste in books!). I love how this book shows in such a wonderful way, another way that families can be made. That not everyone looks exactly the same, but that the love and fun is the same. A great early book for adopting families and also for introducing the concept of adoption to little ones. It continues to be one of our most favorite books. We have days when Emi will pull me into her room, because she wants to read this book. To me, that gives it a big thumbs up! (The publisher states that this is aged at 4-8. With the amount of text, I would agree that it's not a perfect fit for the younger set, but I feel most books can be introduced at a younger age with a bit of thinking. We get the concept of each page across and as time goes on, we will be adding back in. This book is too great not to have available to Miss Emi now. Your mileage may vary.)

Mama Do You Love Me - This is our final bedtime book. While it's a great book, I do think it's a bit over Emi's head. She flips pages faster than I can read them, so we don't use all the text, which is just fine as some of it is (at least I think) aimed at an older audience (spoiler: running away and staying out all night long with the wolves). But I love this:

I will love you, forever and for always, because you are my dear one.

Isn't that amazing? I could read this book just for that one sentence. But, Emi is very much a routine based child, and no amount of suggesting we read another book will change her mind. In fact, Choco was introduced to our bedtime routine with the idea that we'd switch this book for Choco and put this one into our big book box in the family room. But, Emi just rearranged the order in which we read her books, and added this to her stash. So, I won't be trying this idea for awhile or I can see us having 72 books in our bedtime routine!

P.S. To my regular readers, yes the Easter photos are still not on the post. They are still on the camera. Sigh, where does the time go? Soon, I promise!

Monday Musings

2009-04-12T23:00:00.000-04:00

Barbara at Candy Hearts and Paper Flowers hosts Monday Musings each week. Head on over for a visit!

And when it rains on your parade, look up rather than down.
Without the rain, there would be no rainbow.
~ G. K. Chesterton

Happy Easter

2009-04-12T13:29:00.000-04:00

Update: Some of the photos from today are finally up. I don't think I realized how fast Emi was moving, not as many clear photos as one would hope, but I guess that means she was having fun!

Happy Easter!

We had a delightful morning, sharing with Emi the fun of hunting eggs and baskets and goodies. Moments like this is what I was waiting for, what I was looking forward to, in raising a family.

It took some time for her to get the whole finding of the eggs (she had forgotten from last year). But after being lead to the first one or two and the excitement of the hunt caught on, she was tickled pink. Instead of carrying the empty basket along with her to collect the eggs she left it on the ottoman and would run to it to drop off her findings. A whirling dervish, caught up in the hunt. After finding them all, she then proceeded to open each, oohing and aahing (and a bit of sampling) of the goodies. She enjoyed the little paper book with the pencils and stickers, the necklace (love the bling) and the fingernail polish (I had forgotten I had this) that we will paint her toenails with later today for the very first time. The puzzle and the train were also huge hits, in fact she is right this minute playing with both. She has already rehid the eggs (for herself), and found them. Delighting again at the find.

It's been a wonderful, laid back morning. Exactly us, as we are laid back kind of folks.

I hope everyone had as wonderful a morning as we. Celebrating Easter and Spring in your own way.

Easter Basket & train ~ finding puzzle

Finding eggs and running them to the egg basket

Easter Eggs

2009-04-10T10:25:00.000-04:00

Update: I forgot some of the things I found for her basket. Scroll down to the ** if you've already read this post!

So, what to do with them? We did not (and are not going to) color eggs again this year. The thought of doing that with Danger Girl frightens me. However, I am hoping to be able to do it next year. What we will do is what we did last year, hide the plastic cheapy ones. She got a huge kick out of it last year, so much so that we had to keep hiding them and finding them for days. We didn't put anything in them last year, but I am thinking that would be pretty cool this year.

And, here we come to the reason for the post. What to put in them? I would love to have suggestions! I did buy some little stickers, but I am not sure if they will fit into the eggs. If not, I will tuck them into her basket. I bought a small handful of those tiny little M&Ms (in the bulk food section at the grocery store). A bit (key: A BIT) of chocolate will be a treat. I also bought a bag of those miniature marshmallows in pastel colors. I thought they would be fun and a bit different, and she's never had marshmallows before so it should be quite the experience. But, that's it. I'd love a couple more ideas, but I am fresh out (specifically non-food items).

Into the basket will NOT be a chocolate bunny. Call us mean old parents, but at least we aren't completely off our rockers (hahaha, get it? I slay me!). The year will come that one is added. When she understands that one doesn't eat the entire bunny in one sitting. Before breakfast.

** Updated - I forgot I had a small package of mini chocolate chip cookies and another of tiny bite sized granola things (like the technical term?). I could use those inside the eggs, if need be. But the idea was to stash them in her basket as then they could be one-shot eating (pick one to open, kind of thing). I wanted a selection of goodies, but not a ton - so small packages or just a few tidbits per egg is the plan. I also found pretty spring colored pencils and a journal type thing. Not that she's writing (!!) but she loves to scribble right now and it's another quiet time activity so I thought new pencils and a notebook would be cool - also to tie into the stickers.

We do have a couple of puzzles (yep, more M&D) and instead of a stuffed bunny (we have too many stuffed animals!) I picked up the Little People Tow 'n Pull Tractor. Wow, well if anyone is looking for that - Target has it for almost $3 less, heck even Amazon does too and yet another wow - the FP web site even has it cheaper but you'd have to pay shipping. Yet another reason I rarely shop at TRU. Okay, I got side-tracked. :)

I meant to plan ahead better, had wanted the cute little Easter train that FP put out but kept thinking Easter was coming. Ha. Easter is here! But I've been eyeing this tractor for quite awhile and know she will love it (her fav LP things tend to be with wheels).

The plan had been to get her one of these cool cameras, I even had it all picked out ... then forgot to order it in time (and yes, we are aware that they do not take the greatest pictures - it won't matter to Emi right now). So, that will come later. Emi is really into camera's right now. When I was struggling to get Emi to look at me/the camera, Magi had this great tip: take Emi's picture and then show it to her in the viewer. Well, that was magic and it works. Except, too well. Now if she sees the camera we must take pictures RIGHT NOW and LOTS OF THEM. Yep, nothing in moderation for our gal. In fact, for your viewing pleasure, here are Emi selected photos (Emi points at what she wants me to take a photo of):

Emi's car ~ Emi's shoe ~ FP Airplane and toys

It's easy to see the things that are important to Emi. :)

For Tonggu Momma

2009-04-08T11:14:00.000-04:00

.... and anyone else who made be in need today ....

And, for those who want to read why, here's the post. I love me some TM!

Puzzle Time

2009-04-07T21:00:00.001-04:00

Kiy Note: Yes, I have a very few moments so I am playing catch up on the blog!

Emi is, well, a-hem, hell on wheels. She is, there is just no getting around it. Busy, very very very busy. So much so that people comment on it all the time. The first reaction to Emi is always "she's so cute". (Okay, she is, I will grant that - and she knows how to use it!) Right after the cute comment we usually get "and wow, does she ever stop moving?". Heh, no. Never. :) Her speech therapist mentioned it last week, and then asked if I was exhausted at the end of the day. Yep, nailed that one!

Emi is a big puzzle girl. She loves them and since she has extremely few quiet activities, puzzles are something we really encourage. We have quite a few puzzles in our house - regular ones, stacking and bead lacing ones (and as I hear tell, the Easter Bunny is bringing yet another!). They are ALL Melissa and Doug puzzles, yes I feel that strongly about them - well made, wooden, colorful, fun and they can stand up to Emi - that alone makes them worth the money!

Over the weekend, Emi decided on a new way to work on her puzzles. She took all the pieces and put them into a low, wide plastic bin (that we use to store other toys - that she had to dump out to do this, sigh). Then she proceeded to gather all the puzzle boards and the lace in a stack, climbed into the bin and sat on the pieces. Fishing them out one at a time she would point to the puzzle she wanted (yes, expecting her loyal minion - that would be me, to pull it out and put it on the top of the stack) and then putting the piece into the correct slot.

Sometimes I wonder, and I smart enough to parent this child? And, another thought - how does she come up with stuff like this?

Some of our favorite's: (and btw, I found most of these at Amazon, and a couple at little shops around the area)

Conversation this weekend ...

2009-04-07T20:54:00.000-04:00

I can't even remember what Emi was getting into at the time. But let's just assume it was some truly Emi - death-defying and dangerous....

Jeff, sighing a tad: Little Miss Explorer.

Kiy - completely serious, as it IS!: That's a good thing.

Jeff - also completely serious: Only if she lives.

I guess you had to be there to hear the tones of voice. It was hilarious at the time. :)

Monday Musings

2009-04-05T23:00:00.001-04:00

Barbara at Candy Hearts and Paper Flowers hosts Monday Musings each week. Head on over for a visit!

The Vulcan Neck Pinch is not half as powerful as the Vulcan Groin Kick,
but it's more politically correct.
~ Star Trek Quotes

Kiy Note: Sorry if this one offends anyone, but this one just made me laugh and laugh. I can just imagine Spock saying this, in his all too serious voice.

Cute Stuff

2009-04-02T09:32:00.000-04:00

I haven't written a post about just Emi in awhile. After our silly after-nap-time episode the other day, I thought this was the perfect time for it.

Emi woke early from her nap (20-ish minutes). Usually they last an hour to sometimes (if the napping gods are smiling brightly) 1.5-2 hours. Twenty minutes, ugh on so many levels. When this happens I try to quietly scoop her up and tuck her in our bed (daddy's pillow!) and climb in with her. Not ideal, as I then get nothing done but this gal NEEDS her naps. Trust me, it's not pretty around here without them.

Today, I tried the trick but there was going to be no sleeping. She was completely tickled pink to be in our bed. She waited for me to climb in and then, it started. The giggles, the 'pretend snore' (that yes, she learned from me), the kisses, the nose rubbing (we called it Eskimo kisses when I was a kid, is there a new term?). Then came the pointing to her eyes, then mine. Noses, mouth, ears (both of them, thank you very much), hair, elbows, chin, fingers, etc. This is a huge game with her, we play it a lot. She can almost say eyes, so we use it to help with her speaking.

THEN, the chattering. On my pillow, face to face (as close as possible), chirping away about ... who knows, it was in Emi-speak. But whatever it was, it was quite important. It went on for quite awhile. Oh, and all the while all of this is going on, the giggles and kisses keep coming. Oh melt my heart.

While not planned, it was a special time. Lately Emi has been in the throws of two-year-hood. We do feel that the not speaking isn't helping, as she cannot tell us what's wrong or what she wants. When that happens, oh the tears! oh the drama! oh the flat on the floor kicking and screaming! We try to ignore it, but we do know that some of it is just frustration on not being able to communicate. (I think I've mentioned, Emi and I attend Speech Therapy once a week and yes, finally, we are making a bit of progress.)

So these episodes are what keeps me going when she is so completely having a two-year-old moment. And you know what? Sometimes those moments feel like they are days long. So I soak up these times. I know they will be gone too fast. I wish I could bottle them up and take them out when I am old and gray (oh wait, I already am!) ... okay, take them out when she is a teenager and I want to strangle her, or when she's off to college and I am missing my baby girl. I think that's why I keep this blog. I have completely fallen down on the scrapbooking thing (I really do hope to revive it, someday). So right now, this is my memory book, Emi's baby book and everything in between.

~~

The above photo is of a typical morning. After the diaper change and morning snuggle, Emi and I head into the office for milk and Cheerios (and a HUGE mug of coffee for mama!). We finally (sadly) got rid of the exersaucer that she used to have the first snack in (oh I miss it, the containment issue alone was awesome!). While we have a little desk for her (just like mama and daddy - although ours is not pink and purple), she likes what she made much better! Emi fashioned herself a tiny desk out of a step stool that used to live in the kitchen so her vertically impaired mama could reach the top shelf in the cupboard. There is also a scaled down version of a milk crate in the office for her extra papers and coloring books that she will sometimes use. I think that is what she is using in the photo. Notice the bow? Our little tomboy is becoming a bling gal. She's always been into bracelets, but now the hair do-dads are making an appearance. Oh, not when *I* want her to wear one to match an outfit, only when Emi wants to. :) (Oh gosh! Please ignore the dust on the bottom of Jeff's chair - eeps! I must dust that, soon!)

Spread the Word to End the Word

2009-03-31T03:01:00.000-04:00

What I can't believe is that the word is still being used today. When I was in grade school (yes, the dark ages) I remember there being a movement to end this. It's still being used? Let's stamp it out, for once and for all.

Click above to sign the petition - Here's what it says:

I pledge and support the elimination of the derogatory use of the r-word from everyday speech and promote the acceptance and inclusion of people with intellectual disabilities.

But don't stop there. If you hear it, say something! Don't just ignore it, don't just walk away shaking your head.

Here is more from the web site:

Most people don't think of this word as hate speech, but that's exactly what it feels like to millions of people with intellectual disabilities, their families and friends. Using "retard" as a tern of derision is just as cruel and offensive as any other slur.

I have met the most amazing kids, in my early college days volunteering as both a swimming instructor and craft instructor to those with physical and mental disabilities and later, I got the amazing chance to with the kids at Special Olympics functions. I hope to have that opportunity again, and hope to share that experience with Emi.

I look at this in the same way as making any other derogatory comment about someone; any and all disabilities, race, sex, sexual orientation, ancestry, etc, etc, etc.

Maisie Eats Bento

2009-03-31T03:00:00.000-04:00

I learned about Bento when Jeff and I lived in Japan. It's fun, can be quick or time consuming depending on your level of perfectionist (haha, guess which one is mine?) and it's just too darned cute. I was looking for some ideas and places to buy cute Bento stuff for the Emlet awhile back and stumbled onto this site. The cool thing is now, she's holding a giveaway! Hop on over to this post and you can enter too!

Learning

2009-03-30T14:31:00.000-04:00

Tonggu Momma posts a linkage every Sunday on adoption and adoption related issues that's she's found (find this week's here). I rarely can read more than a handful, as there is a lot to absorb. And there are some weeks I can read only one as my mind just keeps mulling it over and over.

I struggle with being a white mama with a child who is not. I worry that I will screw up, not teach her something she needs to know. Stumble along when I should be clearly explaining. She's young yet, so I have a bit of time. But she's a smart little thing and all too soon those questions will come up. Reading and learning from others is going to be my only way to help our little gal. So, I read the hard posts. I struggle to really hear what they are saying. I try to stretch myself. However, no matter how you slice it. I am white. Plain and simple. I have never had ethnic jokes slung at me - well, okay, I have. But not like Emi will have. My maiden name is Polish, I grew up in a *VERY* Dutch area, lots of Polish jokes - but still nothing compared to what my little girl will have to learn to deal with. And really, should she have to DEAL with this? No, I don't think so. And hence my problem. How to teach her to say what she needs to say, when she needs to say it.

So I read things like this.

And this. Even though some of her writing is hard to read, I need to read it.

And blogs like this one. Because, mom's living life with their kids is how I need to know how to do it. And she tell's it like it is.

Monday Musings

2009-03-30T01:14:00.001-04:00

Barbara at Candy Hearts and Paper Flowers hosts Monday Musings each week. Head on over for a visit!

It's spring fever. That is what the name of it is. And when you've got it,
you want - oh, you don't quite know what it is you do want,
but it just fairly makes your heart ache, you want it so!
~Mark Twain

She's Growing Up

2009-03-27T09:26:00.000-04:00

... and I am not happy about it! Our sweet baby is turning into a little girl. I still remember the post that Magi wrote when she said her Sera was moving from baby to little girl and I was like "NO, don't say that, not yet!". And, she wasn't even mine. :) I know I've mentioned a time or a dozen, but watching Magi and Jim make their journey to get Miss Sera, and then watching her grow up has been a true inspiration to me. Their trip came at a perfect time in my life (hahaha - better, a perfect time in theirs!) for me to watch and read with baited breath for each new step, each new discovery, waiting for my (our) turn to go to China for our own sweet little darling.

So, this week has been a week of changes. First, I made the (huge) mistake on Monday of pointing out to Emi that her pants had polka-dots on them. Just like Polka-Dot on Blue's Room (the version of Blue's Clues for younger kids). Emi loves Polka-Dot and I thought it was cute. OH MY GOSH! In the middle of the night (two-ish, I think) she woke up with a sopping wet diaper, wet pants and bed. Jeff did what we usually do (since this is a rare thing these days), change the diaper (haha, duh), pants and then bring her into bed with us for the rest of the night. However, he didn't know about the polka-dot thing. And really, I didn't either. But she was sobbing, hysterically, and wouldn't let him put on the other pants. So he just brought her into our room and she leaped into my arms. We know she was trying to tell me what a big meanie her dad was, not letting her have her pants. And we can laugh now, but then....woooooee! That gal sure has a temper. I finally figured out what was going on, and remembered that we had a pair of leggings with polka-dots. I brought them in, turned the light on so she could see them and all was right with the world. Whew. She snuggled in tight with me, gave Jeff the hairy eyeball and went to sleep! That child! So, we have two pairs of polka-dot pants. They are now both sleep-gear. I am going to need to find more, open to suggestions as I have been quite unlucky to find anymore (the two I have are Gymboree and BabyGap).

She lived in those leggings all day Tuesday (changing diapers was interesting - I had to promise I'd put her pants back on and she had to hold them the entire time). I washed her other ones so that she had clean polka-dot pants to sleep in. Wednesday was speech therapy day and I was *so* sick of polka-dots! So while she was in the tub ... I hid them! Then after she got out we went into her room where I had her cute little jeans with the pink giraffe embroidered on them. She loves those and while they are too big (plumbers crack every time she bends over) at least they were clean and dot-free! I then said 'oh, and look at this cute shirt!' Oops. She waved me off and wanted something else. It was the Santa outfit. Okay, that wasn't going to fly. I redirected her attention, and then dressed her in the original pink shirt I had picked out.

But seriously, does anyone else think at not quite 25 months she's a tad young for this? Geesh! Help me now, lol.

And wait, there's more!

Wednesday while she was in the tub, I was trying to multi-task but stay in the bathroom. So she played and splashed and I did my hair (quickly, I might add, with the new and improved style!). After drying her and putting a diaper on, she picked up the comb and started 'drying' her hair! Thinking she'd wave me off, I got the dryer and started drying her hair ... she loved it! Who knew? What's next, makeup?

So, she's growing up - too fast. She has her opinions of things and while she may not yet be able to tell us with words, she more than makes up for it!

And then folks wonder what I do all day at home. Bon-bons, on the sofa, watching the soaps.

HA!

Monday Musings

2009-03-23T01:14:00.000-04:00

Barbara at Candy Hearts and Paper Flowers hosts Monday Musings each week. Head on over for a visit!

There is nothing more miserable in the world than to arrive in paradise
and look like your passport photo.
~Erma Bombeck

Menu Plan (Mar 22 - 28)

2009-03-22T19:55:00.000-04:00

So last week went pretty well, menu-wise. Except, I still haven't made this: Balsamic Chicken & Mushrooms! How is it possible. It looks divine. It looks easy. Magi made it, I know it will rock. What's up with me? It is, again, on my menu plan this week. I *must* make it!

The birthday 'boy' selected fish, rice and butternut squash for dinner last night along with blueberry pie. Not surprising. At all. We had this marinade for the fish - salmon for him, tuna steak for me, we made Emi a Tilapia fillet and she rejected it! We were amazed, but since the whole brown rice discovery, nothing comes between Emi and her rice these days. She even said no to the butternut squash, which she loves. We are going to have to hide the rice steamer from her to get her to eat something else first. Go figure, since this is the little gal that for the first year she was home with us wouldn't touch rice (well, she'd devour wild rice).

Since my fiasco with the Stuffed Pork Loin, I am once again going to attempt it. No, it wasn't on sale. I just can't get it off my mind. We love us some pork, and stuffed ... yum. That and it's Barbara's recipe, I know I can't go wrong (as long as the meat doesn't spoil!).

So, for next week:
Balsamic Chicken & Mushrooms
Stuffed Pork Loin
Chicken Tortilla Bake (doubled for leftovers)
Grilled Chicken Breasts using this marinade
Quick Spinach Roll-Ups

Don't forget to head on over to Laura's at I'm an Organizing Junkie for more MPM!

Happy Birthday Daddy

2009-03-21T11:28:00.000-04:00

We love you, lots and lots.