Monday, December 28, 2009
Coming Soon ... Disney World!
In the meantime, we're potty training (ugh!) and finding other ways to keep ourselves entertained ...
Christmas 2009
I'm not sure why they look so serious in these photos ... because Christmas sans the jet lag was great fun!! Thanks to all who spoiled our kiddos!
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
Happy Family Day, Alexander!!
One year ago today, we awoke in a hotel in Zhengzhou, China, a bit awestruck that the day had finally arrived when we could hold you, the little boy who had stolen our hearts four months earlier.
And what a day it was.
We walked to the Civil Affairs office with our guides and waited in a crowded hallway with several other families whom we had met just days before (but with whom we now share such an incredible bond). There were knowing glances and smiles ... and some quiet, nervous laughter. We weren’t sure what would happen next. And, then, we heard your name. Xu Han Bo. And there you were, in your nanny’s arms, checking out what must have been a very strange scene. You were dressed in a leopard print shirt and quilted red pants and some black corduroy shoes that were at least five sizes too big. Your hair had grown out a bit. Your eye had healed. You were adorable. And you looked so small. And then, before we could catch our breath, your nanny handed you to us. You came without complaint. You were dressed in so many layers, we feared that we might not be able to hold on to you. And, so, we knelt in the hallway for a few minutes, whispering “Ni hao, Bo Bo” in your ear, completely oblivious to the other families being united all around us. We braced ourselves for the moment that you would start to cry, but the tears never came.
Soon, we were escorted to an adjoining room. We talked briefly with your nanny. We thanked her for bringing a photo album with pictures of you as a baby and a camera that we had sent to your orphanage weeks earlier. We watched you tentatively play with stacking cups and eat cheerios and watch with curiosity as we repeatedly pointed to your new “ge ge” and “ma ma” and “ba ba”.
And then you smiled.
And the uncertainties of all of those months spent waiting and wondering and worrying were eclipsed by joy and relief and awe.
Happy Family Day, Alexander!! Happy Family Day, Owen!! We love you both so very much.
And what a day it was.
We walked to the Civil Affairs office with our guides and waited in a crowded hallway with several other families whom we had met just days before (but with whom we now share such an incredible bond). There were knowing glances and smiles ... and some quiet, nervous laughter. We weren’t sure what would happen next. And, then, we heard your name. Xu Han Bo. And there you were, in your nanny’s arms, checking out what must have been a very strange scene. You were dressed in a leopard print shirt and quilted red pants and some black corduroy shoes that were at least five sizes too big. Your hair had grown out a bit. Your eye had healed. You were adorable. And you looked so small. And then, before we could catch our breath, your nanny handed you to us. You came without complaint. You were dressed in so many layers, we feared that we might not be able to hold on to you. And, so, we knelt in the hallway for a few minutes, whispering “Ni hao, Bo Bo” in your ear, completely oblivious to the other families being united all around us. We braced ourselves for the moment that you would start to cry, but the tears never came.
Soon, we were escorted to an adjoining room. We talked briefly with your nanny. We thanked her for bringing a photo album with pictures of you as a baby and a camera that we had sent to your orphanage weeks earlier. We watched you tentatively play with stacking cups and eat cheerios and watch with curiosity as we repeatedly pointed to your new “ge ge” and “ma ma” and “ba ba”.
And then you smiled.
And the uncertainties of all of those months spent waiting and wondering and worrying were eclipsed by joy and relief and awe.
Happy Family Day, Alexander!! Happy Family Day, Owen!! We love you both so very much.
Sunday, December 13, 2009
Thursday, December 10, 2009
One year ago today ...
We departed for China filled with excitement and anticipation -- and a wee bit of trepidation.
Twenty-six hours later, we landed in Beijing and made our way to our hotel.
And anxiously awaited the day we would hold this little guy in our arms!
Twenty-six hours later, we landed in Beijing and made our way to our hotel.
And anxiously awaited the day we would hold this little guy in our arms!
Friday, December 4, 2009
Not a lotta extra time ...
at this point in the academic term for posting, so some pics of our holiday preparations will have to do. Hard to believe that this time last year we were just days away from leaving for China!
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
Monday, November 9, 2009
Hiking in Clifty Falls
This Sunday we made a trip to the local state park for some hiking and stream exploring. Although we weren't able to complete Owen's ambitious stone bridge project, we miraculously avoided anyone falling into the water.
Monday, November 2, 2009
Fall days
The boys have been a great help with the yard, especially with making sure there weren't any hidden treasures we'd forgotten at the bottom of the leaf piles.
This Halloween, Owen went as a king and Alex as a frog. It almost fits into some kind of story, but Owen was clear that he was a king rather than a prince.
Happy Halloween!
Monday, October 26, 2009
Saturday, October 17, 2009
Guess who's ....
reading?! When he's not baking apple pies, of course.
And guess who's producing 3- and 4- word sentences?! His first (that I can remember) was "Don't want this!". Somebody is also two ...
And guess who's producing 3- and 4- word sentences?! His first (that I can remember) was "Don't want this!". Somebody is also two ...
Monday, October 12, 2009
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