First Family Day

One year ago today , our beautiful Charlotte was placed in our arms and into our lives forever. Looking back at that day is so emotional for me.  Looking at pictures brings me back to seeing how scared and timid Charlotte was that day. Who can blame her? So much change in one day for such a little baby. I am so happy to look at my girl today and see how much she has changed. She is a smiley, happy girl with so much spunk!!
Today we are all going out to lunch and just enjoy the day together. Everyone is off so there will be eleven of us going. Happy Family Day!

Here are some of our Gotcha Day photos from Nanchang.

Arriving at the airport in Nanchang

The crib in our room pre baby

So nervous, waiting for bus to Civil Affairs. It's really happening!

Door to Civil Affairs

First time we laid eyes on each other

Our baby girl

So beautiful, so quiet and scared

Getting to know each other

Could look at this picture all day, so sweet.

Our wonderful travel group, nine new families

A kiss before leaving Civil Affairs

Those little lips!!

First night in hotel

First laughs with Daddy with the  infamous stacking cups. They do work!

Settling down

Sleeping soundly and beautifully after a very long day.



How much Charlotte has changed in just a year, amazing!


Family Day Lunch

Linsanity

I'll admit it. I have it!! When I heard that an Asian American Harvard grad was going to play for our NY Knicks, I really just wanted to show Connor and Charlotte a few minutes of the game. Tell them how hard Jeremy Lin  worked, how he was overlooked, almost cut from the team, and how he never gave up on his dreams. But holy moley!! It became so much more. I can tell you I don't think I ever watched an entire basketball game on TV in my life. My day is now scheduled around the Knicks schedule. I can't help it. I am obsessed. The games are so exciting. Jeremy Lin has a contagious spirit and work ethic. What a great role model!! Go Knicks!!

You might be asking what my kids are doing as I watch the game. Their enthusiasm  about the team has not quite matched mine yet.

Please, if you know me, I already have the t-shirt!

Lincredible!!!

Lucky Day

Yesterday we enjoyed two different events with one goal. To have fun! We did, but we are all tired today. First was Blue and Gold for Connor's Boy Scout Pack. Connor got new badges, but most of all he won two big raffles. Since he is a huge Giant's fan now, he wanted the Giant raffle basket so bad. The last hour of the party he sat on a stool in front of it, gazing, staring, hoping and quite frankly, being a  little bit  obsessive. But can you believe he actually won it!! He was beyond happy!!! He also won a whole bunch of local restaurant gift certificates. Now, I am beyond happy!

Big Winner! Signed football!!

As soon as the party was over, we changed and went to our local FCC Chinese Lunar New Year Celebration. I couldn't wait to dress Charlotte in her traditional dress. We had bought it in Nanchang, the province where she was born. She looked beautiful. We missed the lion dance, but we were still able to visit with the dancers. Charlotte was not quite ready to interact with them, but she did enjoy the food and the open space to run, run, run. We really had a great time , great day.

FCC gang, minus Charlotte. She was anti photo at the moment.

Could not possibly put down this cookie!

Can't stop moving!!

Next American Idol

Love this smiley girl!!!!

Your On Your Own

Last night we had our 12 month post placement visit. Our report is due March 4th so our social worker came a little early to have time to write up the report. Since our wait was 5 plus years, we had to meet with our social worker many times so she could update our homestudy. I think we now know as much about her as she does us.

So that is it. We are done. We have nothing to update, file, (well, taxes) mail, send, overnight. Done. This was our last task in the adoption process. Honestly, I kind of liked checking in with our social worker. It was like she was checking on our progress as parents too. It felt nice for someone to say, good job, your doing great. I guess we all need reinforcements. But, it also a nice feeling to come to the end of this part of our journey. Charlotte is just a natural part of the family now. Adoption is always going to be a part of her story. Her birth family and China will also always be a part of her life, something we have already started to talk to her about and will continue to do so. But for today, she is just our silly beautiful girl!

And The Oscar Goes To....

No, that tie in is not a very dramatic tantrum by our Charlotte. Now, that I think of it, she could win . I have just been catching up on some movies the past couple of days. I saw The Help with a bunch of Mom's at a friends house. Now I can't stop saying to Charlotte what Aibileen says to the little girl in the movie. You is smart, you is kind, you is important. Charlotte just smiles.

Next I watched Snow Flower And The Secret Fan. This was one of my all time favorite books so I couldn't wait to see this movie. I had read some of the reviews and knew that the story had veered from the book. I didn't realize by how much!! So disappointed. Not sure why they added a side modern story of two more female characters. It was still interesting, and anything having to do with China history I will watch. But I just wanted the movie to follow the book, it was such a great story. Since the men of the house were in Vermont skiing, Charlotte sat on my lap during the movie. She doesn't usually have the patience to sit that long, but she did off and on. I loved that we sort of watched our first movie together.

Next I saw Moneyball. I loved this movie. I didn't think I would , not a huge baseball fan, and so not a math fan, but I do like me some Brad Pitt. The story hooks you from the beginning and I was never once bored. Loved it.

So those are my movie picks. I wish I could see The Descendants and The Artist before the Oscars, but I think I will be waiting for the DVD's. I have a little girl who keeps me from the TV, or should I say, she wants DJ Lance to win for Best Actor. Best Actress would be Foofa.  Best Supporting, tie of course, Muno and Brobee. If you know what I am talking about, you feel my pain!!

Next year Academy nominees per Charlotte