Who Knows? Could Be?

When I was waiting for Charlotte for the past five years, I couldn't help but pick up every Disney Mulan related item that I saw. It just helped me seem a little closer to the little girl who would one day be my daughter. I also purchased the Chinese Barbie and a few Asian baby dolls from Corelle.  They are sitting on shelves in Charlotte's room, waiting to be opened and played with. I don't really mind if she doesn't like them. She may not even like dolls. I wanted  her to have dolls that looked like her, but I am not even sure how important that will be to her.  It just was something to hold onto while I waited , something to look at and dream about. I must admit I did like the movie Mulan, and watched it many times with Connor. I particularly like that Mulan is strong willed, beautiful, loyal, and loves her family.

Last week I put Charlotte to sleep and I am guessing she wasn't that tired. I was in the kitchen and heard her throwing her stuffed animals out of the crib, a game she plays once in a while. I checked in on her five minutes later, it was too quiet and saw she was sound asleep. Every stuffed animal was out of that crib but one, a plush Mulan doll. I'm not saying she held onto Mulan on purpose, but it was a special moment for me too see my daughter finally holding one of those dolls. And yes, I took pictures, I couldn't resist.

Everybody out!

and one stays.

Happy Easter

Here Comes Bunny

Jelly Beans? I'll stick with Cheerios.

While My Brother is at School.....

                                                            I am a master Jedi. 

Just don't tell him!!

Best Bath Baby

A great meal leads to a great bath time. Is there anything better than a baby in a bath! Yes, the way the baby smells after the bath.

Nighty Night Sweetheart!

My Brother is a Mudhen?

Connor's Little League season began this weekend, and Peter is the coach again too. Connor is also playing soccer this spring, which all seemed like a good idea last fall when we signed him up. It just means that we are dragging Charlotte around to a bunch of games on the weekends.
 I must say, people are so drawn to her. There are  families who have adopted internationally in our town, and it is very common now, so I think people are more checking us out because last year we didn't have Charlotte and all of the sudden we do. Most of our close friends knew, but we seem to be telling her story a lot to the people who didn't know or we only know through school. I don't mind telling her story because we are so proud, but sometimes it seems odd to tell strangers. I am too honest sometimes and venture into my infertility story up  to the point  when we touched down at LaGuardia. Then I get embarrassed because they probably just really  wanted to know her name.  The older Charlotte gets, I will have to monitor how I respond to questions. I have already gotten a few comments that were unintentional, but all the same are not I guess what you would call correct adopt speak. It is all words and phrases that I had to learn too when we decided to adopt. I know I am going to have to be Charlotte's advocate so I have to get used to telling people in a nice way what not to say. The easy stuff is obviously we are her real parents and Connor is her real brother. Also, Charlotte is Asian, (American now too) and not Oriental. Another is we didn't buy our daughter. Yes, there were fees involved to agencies and governmental fees for China and the US, but when you give birth, you also pay fees to the Dr. and the hospital. Anyway, I don't want to get preachy on semantics. We are a family now, thru adoption and thru birth. We are a family of Asian, Irish, and Scottish American heritage. We are also a family of Mudhens!

It's My Birthday, It's My Birthday.....

Photo Credit: Janet Mangafas Productions

I just love the card Connor gave me before school. It is a keeper for sure. I love the way he made Peter's hair!! I am so blessed this year.

You've Got the Cutest Little Baby Face

She really does......

14 months