Thursday, February 28, 2013

Celebrate CNY 2013








Our local FCC sponsored a big CNY celebration for The Year of the Snake. Charlotte wore one of the dresses we had made for her in the province she was born in, Nanchang. This one is my favorite and she looks gorgeous in it. The food was delicious, so many families, and this year Charlotte did not run from the lion dancers. She didn't want to get too close, but she enjoyed seeing them.  It is just so wonderful to see how many families there are locally that we can connect with and make this day such a success for everyone.











Wednesday, February 20, 2013

Two Years

Today is two years from Gotcha Day, family day, the first time we ever held Charlotte. I can't believe how time goes by in a whirl of meals, dancing, playing, baths, books, your everyday. It has been a joy, it has been hard work, it has been one of the best decisions we have ever made. To make this leap into the unknown is still so strange for me because I don't see myself as a very brave person at all. I put off big decisions as much as I can.  I haven't been able to choose curtains for the living room for 3 years.  How we were able to go to China and bring Charlotte home to our house  amazes me when I really look at her. Her beautiful eyes, her long dark hair, and her smiles. She is so perfect I actually find it hard to believe how incredibly blessed we really are.

But I worry. I'm her Mom, it's my job. There are so many stories, articles written on the internet about international adoption, it can make you question everything you think , say or do. How do you not screw up? She's here, she's our daughter, nothing is going to change that forever, so I am getting better at filtering what I read. Her story is happening right now, memories are being made. When she is ready for bigger questions, bigger searches of her identity, I want to encourage and support her in any way she needs. I just want her to be happy. Isn't that what every Mother wants.  

 Maybe it really was that imaginary red thread between Charlotte and our family. I don't know if it is karma. luck, or just our files being meshed together in a perfect circumstance. Charlotte is thriving, happy, knows her colors, shapes, numbers, alphabet, and has no interest in potty training! Hey, we're working on it.....

Today I plan to show her the pictures of our adoption trip to China, go over a lifebook I made for her, and tell her how much she is loved. As important it is for her to know how she came to our family in years to come,  her story, her history, it is more important to me that she knows how much she was wanted and loved by me and everyone in our famiy. Everyday. 


Thursday, February 14, 2013

Happy Valentine's Day





Connor and I make annual heart cake.




 









Hope your day is as Sweet !!


 




Monday, February 11, 2013

Blizzard

I'll talk about this warm picture in my next post, because one day after I took this shot, this happened:

Grand totals were about 28 inches, highest we have had in a long time. After Sandy, all I cared about was not losing heat and electricity, and we didn't! Plows took two days to come down our block, but we weren't going anywhere anyway. The following day it was sunny, no wind, the perfect day to dig out and play in the snow. Since we couldn't drive to one of the bigger hills, Connor had a play date on our front lawn sledding and throwing snow balls for hours with his friends. Hot chocolate after that, who can complain. Well, I can today! There is no school today! C'mon, give a Mom a break, there is not a snack or craft idea I want to do anymore. Wait a minute, I am going to  plan a historical presentation about the early 1900's. The hardships and the triumphs,  including tea and sandwiches served black tie. We're going to watch Downton Abbey! They'll love it. Right!? Ok, school valentines it is!




This

or
 
This












Vertical snow angels, she'd disappear if she laid down

Rather be drawing than cold!



Sunday, February 3, 2013

Happy Super Bowl Sunday







Our NY teams might not be in the big game, but we are still always excited to watch the Super Bowl. Instead of a big party, we have decided to stay home and enjoy our wings, ravioli, commercials, and german chocolate cake from the comfort of our own couch. Just one of those years. Go team!!!!


Saturday, February 2, 2013

The Sculpter

Ahhh Play Doh!!!! Why oh why!! Much to my chagrin, Charlotte loves it!! Sure she can play dolls for a few minutes, but Play doh? She can play for an hour. Cutting, rolling, squeezing. She is pretty good at just keeping it in the kitchen, considering it was a banned substance in our house when Connor was three. She doesn't eat it. She doesn't fling it. It's not in her nose, and so far not on the dog. So Charlotte, go ahead, enjoy away! 

BTW, as I was writing this post, I realized I didn't know how to spell Play Doh. Who knew there was an "H" at the end of Doh. Duh! LOL! (ok, it's winter, it's a slow day!)