our three corner world

Nature Center

2011-02-15T21:10:00.003-05:00

Lydia and I took a little field trip to the local nature center. Our kids love it there. It was chilly today so we kept it inside looking at different animal furs, reading nature books and watching the birds up close behind big windows. The favorite is the resident turtle that is so friendly he swims right up to which ever peep window you look at him through. Here are some goofy shots of Lydia at the center (holding a turtle shell) and at the little conservatory next to it plucking the orchids (thankfully we were not seen and did not get kicked out).

snow days

2011-01-28T22:03:00.005-05:00

Day 1 We woke up with a little snow and no school. It started really coming down late afternoon and the big kids ran out the door ready to build that first snowman. 5 pm equals dark up here so they came in and warmed up with a bath and dinner and we cuddled up to a movie when all went dark. It was close to bedtime so we pulled out all the heavy blankets and piled them high and watched the snow fall for a while. The kids all curled up in my bed and Lydia tried to have a spend-the-night party too, but she partied too much and was finally kicked out of the room.

Day #2 was lots of fun to look at, but still no power (or coffee). There was little draw to go outside if you can't come in to get warm. A great neighbor with a snow-blower bailed us out of our driveway and we took off for a warm meal at our favorite Chick-fil-A. The rest of the day held a nap for all, a Target run (for more heat) and then a pizza out then home to POWER! Erik was also a welcomed sight as he had previously been out of town.

Day #3 was fun with an early morning sledding trip with the big kids and dad. We had lots of friends over for the afternoon and fun in the backyard snow. A big fort, 2 snowmen, bundles of snowballs and one little bity snow-eating girl were all sighted.

Lydia finally "warmed up" to some outdoor fun. Maybe she realized her hands don't get so cold if she leaves her mittens on. Now to teach her the same about her hat!

indoor snow play

2011-01-28T21:31:00.005-05:00

First day of snow this week didn't amount to much for the first part of the day. Since Lydia hasn't proved to be a big fan of the snow yet, I brought the snow indoors for her and her little play friend. They had enjoyed getting their hands cold and stuffing their mouths with icy fun.

2011-01-23T23:25:00.005-05:00

I know everybody has their funny Wii videos. Our kids are deprived, we have not given in to the trend (yet). However, they do get a little combat time in when we go to my brothers place. I do mean combat. It is all about the active sports-defeat-thy-sibling games. Yesterday, in an unusual turn of events, Caleb was annihilating his sister (4 years older) in the game of fencing. We then all had to take turns with him and this is him even putting smack down on his daddy. Uncle Andy is the only one that ended up being able to defeat the mighty Caleb.

good Saturday

2011-01-23T21:59:00.007-05:00

Okay, so this was yesterday, but I have no pictures today, and I can't pass on these from yesterday.
Lydia has recently shown an interest in playing with play dough. It's been a while since we have made Peanut butter dough (here is the first time), but I decided to make up a batch for a cold Saturday. It was still a hit with all the kids.

Then for a nice evening, we went to my "little" brother's to celebrate his and his little daughter's recent birthday. The little girls are about 2 months apart and are so cute together. They pranced in tutus, read books, sucked each others pacies, and hugged each other until they fell over and rounded the evening out by watching a little bit of ballet . I can't wait to see them grow up together.

I Spy

2011-01-22T11:11:00.002-05:00

One little satisfied bird and an eye that never closes. It is always staring in our back door.

Duck pin bowling 1-17-11

2011-01-22T10:58:00.002-05:00

Who knew? We had never heard of this little game. But it looked like fun so we took the kids to try it out. This alley was very old school with manual scoring. It is like bowling but with smaller, lighter balls and smaller pins. You also get 3 bowls per frame. The gutter guards made for a high scoring game and even Lydia really got into it. Since Lydia took many turns for mom and dad, Alexia came out the winner of the day.

Day in D.C.

2011-01-15T21:38:00.006-05:00

Today we checked a few more things off our "Things To Do in DC" list. Actually, we don't really have a list. We intend to go to one place, park, get sidetracked by someplace else we see and just end up rambling in and out of places until T-2 minutes of 2 year old melt down. In that case, we get out to the car put everyone in and call a mandatory quiet zone until usually 2 of 3 children fall asleep in .5 seconds and the 3rd child has no one to talk to so she just blankly stares at the scenery home fighting to stay awake. Today was no exception. We ended up at the Library of Congress in the Jefferson building. It was an incredible library with beautiful architecture and gorgeous, elaborate decor. Everything was a tribute to historical writers, printing presses or types of writings. The statures in the below pictures were representatives of the branches such as science, poetry, the arts, philosophy etc.

My favorite part was seeing the book collection of one of my historical heroes - Thomas Jefferson. The variety of his books was amazing. Everything from architecture and agriculture to foreign language Bibles. Books on math and poetry - no wonder he was an amazing founder of our country and an ingenious inventor.

As we wandered to Union Station, we passed the Supreme Court which was closed for the day :). (Every time we go, we see more we want to come back to visit). The kids then saw some parked trains which didn't do much for them. I guess Amtrack just doesn't look as cool as the old steam engines. Afterward, we moved on to the Post Office museum next door. There were interesting facts to read. Our kids favorite was sitting and "driving" in the cut off cab of a semi-truck display. It was part of a display of examples of the ways our mail is carried. But, this was also the final moments of our countdown-to-meltdown so either stamps weren't interesting enough, or all my kids have a future in truck driving. We made it out with no tears and everyone standing. Said goodbye to one of the many security guards we saw in the small post office museum. (Side note, of all the large museums we have been to, there were more guards for that little museum than any others - things that make you go hmmm). One child down and out for the count on the first road, second child out as soon as we headed up the scenic George Washington Parkway. It was a quiet ride home paired perfectly with the grande mocha Erik picked up for me on the way to get the car.

it's finally coming!!

2011-01-11T21:04:00.003-05:00

Driving home from our dinner it finally started snowing. Lydia got the biggest kick as we drove through the snowfall. The kids got about 2 minutes outside in it before having to come in for baths. You see, up here we have these things called "snow plows" and "sand trucks" which might allow for school tomorrow. I hate that the kids miss watching it fall while they sleep, but I am enjoying it.

1-10-11 lil' shopper

2011-01-10T22:19:00.003-05:00

Our new grocery store has these little mini-shopping carts that Lydia loves to push. While it slows me down a little (think "no, Lydia, I don't need any mint chutney today, please put that back") it really cuts down on the battle of staying in a cart and bribing with unlimited snacks. She cracked me up today and got a lot of attention in her get-up. She is in her princess tutu pushing around her baby doll while holding a "phone".

Jan 8

2011-01-08T21:28:00.006-05:00

We met up with some friends at a..urr..umm..how do you say..burger joint (GASP!) Yes, we confess, we actually eat meat contrary to what the cows tell us. Anyway, Lydia discovered something else she liked - onion rings. Once again, what 2 year old eats something like onion rings? Must be a growth spurt.

Jan 6

2011-01-08T21:22:00.005-05:00

One of my favorite additives to food - mini-chocolate chips. This is my FAVORITE banana muffin recipe. It's yummy moist and no nuts. Alexia one time told me she likes it when she hears the mixer after she is in bed, because she knows she will have something yummy for breakfast in the morning - she's got it!

Jan 5

2011-01-08T21:14:00.004-05:00

Tuesday nights are always a little crazy-busy- fun and last night was extra fun (see below cow post). Often I don't finish my dinner and just bring it home for later. Well, my coleslaw for later became part of my lunch today and look who likes it. Who would have guessed a 2 year old would like coleslaw? She got mad when I would take a bite out of it.

Accomplishment!!!

2011-01-04T21:00:00.003-05:00

That is a BIG smile on my face. About a year ago Lydia exhibited signs of severe aversion to the Chick-fil-A cow. You know, the panic, screaming, hyperventilation, claw -someone -to -pieces -to get away type aversion. It's not so good when your dad sends out the cow each Tuesday night at dinner time. We thought cow-therapy would help. She only became scared of the room that the cow dressed up in, the cow handler, and yes, even some of our employees that were the cow (shh..don't tell Truett Cathy I'm saying all this). Our cow knew to avoid Lydia at all cost. Until tonight, something clicked she decided with a little safety of mom's arms, she would "high five" the cow. We did it over and over. Our workers were even happy to see this huge change of heart. She liked the soft feel of it's umm...hoof. And, even went back again to give it a goodbye five! I am curious if the love will continue. I guess we are safe to go to Disney and visit characters now huh?

Lots to do

2011-01-03T13:55:00.004-05:00

The kids headed back to school today. This morning (at 7:30) I remarked to Caleb that he was up and ready fast. To which he replied "Yeah, I've got a lot to do."

1-2-11

2011-01-02T17:59:00.003-05:00

Putting away the Christmas decorations at our Chick-fil-A.
I actually love being in the store when it's closed. It kind of gives you a sense of ownership and privilege. We usually go as a family every Tuesday night for Family night and it can often get a little crazy so I like being there in the quiet to just enjoy the blessing it is to us.

Picture #1 January 1, 2011

2011-01-01T22:14:00.004-05:00

My little Indians were running wild today around this ti-pi. Where? Off the National mall on Independence Avenue.
To ring in the New Year, we headed downtown with no particular museum in mind. We ended up at the National Museum of the American Indian. This is a ti-pi exhibit outside the building. The kids had fun burning some energy on a somewhat warmer day. We then headed over to Chinatown to enjoy quite a vast array of good food.

Resurection of the blog

2011-01-01T22:11:00.003-05:00

DSC06544
Originally uploaded by The Amicks

It has been 18 months. I will not even begin to try to catch up on everything that has taken place since my last post. Most people know anyways. This year I am going to ATTEMPT to post a "picture of the day". This will greatly challenge my creative juices that I have always been pretty low on. However, to satisfy my faraway family and to keep track of our goings-on I will try to log them here. We will see...

This is a picture that I think sums up our life over the past year. Erik (and family) pursued and was granted a Chick-fil-A store here in Maryland. So we packed the house, moved and watched the store be built after the winter snow finally melted. It was a joyous opening in July and we have loved everything about it!

What Lydia likes

2009-06-07T21:10:00.004-05:00

Lydia likes to sit up and play with her toys but not being on her tummy to do the same. She likes the sippy cup but never the bottle. Lydia likes to pet her doggie but doesn't like the licks in the face she gets in return. She likes to watch mommy work outside in the garden, but not from any seat. She likes to be carried around to look at everything (which makes it a workout for me!) Lydia likes books - to eat. She does not like cutting teeth (she has two). Lydia likes it when daddy comes home and talks to her. She likes giving open mouth slobbery kisses and sweet hugs. She is finally starting to like to eat her foods. Of all the foods she really enjoys - are our desserts that she gets nibbles of! This video was when we were in Maryland a few weeks ago at a pretty little bay town. She had one bite of my mint chocolate chip ice cream and she ws hooked!

Summertime

2009-06-07T20:42:00.005-05:00

Have have had two weeks of summer and pretty much nothing to show for it! We hit the pool most of this past week and went to my aunt and uncle's house to enjoy some family time at their swimming hole on Sat. Lydia is proving to be waterbug #3. I put her in and she just starts kicking with a big grin on her face. Here are some shots of our summer so far (somehow we missed getting any of Lydia in the pool though).

Caleb and Lydia's first Braves game (it was a GOOD one)!

A boat ride with daddy (in Caleb's word's "Daddy has good ideas")

Hiking at Lake Arrowhead

My niece Lauren and I

Some of the little cousins with uncle Richard in the "hot pool"

The beginnings of our little garden.

Part 4 - On Yonder Mountain Day

2009-05-06T14:27:00.003-05:00

This spring Alexia's class read a book together called "On Yonder Mountain" which was set in "old-timey days". Earlier this week they got to have a special day of making butter, applesauce, beef jerky and tasting real maple syrup and homemade bread. They did some fun crafts as well. They even sported some great settler wear for the day. I didn't think of it until last night, but Alexia's outfit was supported by 4 generations. Her great-grandmother, that she never knew, originally sewed the blue dress for my sister when she was in first grade. My mother-in-law figured up and sewed the mob cap (and one for the doll as well). I whipped up an apron for effect and Alexia wore it all well! The main character had a special doll, thus, Alexia's doll went to school as well. Her class was so cute they looked like a bunch of Little House of the Prarie characters!

part 3 Art Competition and Chorus Concert

2009-05-06T14:19:00.003-05:00

Alexia has been in an extra chorus at school this year and they put on a concert last week with some of the other choirs - it was a good show and they learned some hard songs - a couple even had some foreign words! That was the same night as the art competition results were revealed. She won 3rd place in her grade for her painting of an ice cream on a canvas - Yea Alexia!

part 2 -Soccer season

2009-05-06T14:07:00.005-05:00

Alexia and Caleb both played soccer this season (well, Alexia played soccer, Caleb played what I call "bunch ball" -where they just all travel in a bunch around the ball. But more on that later). Alexia's team was undefeated this year. She even emerged as a pretty good goalie at times this year-that is, when the other team would make it to our side!!

Alexia catch up part 1 - The Hair

2009-05-06T13:54:00.003-05:00

I am real proud of my big girl. When she finally decided it was time for her hair to be cut, she did it in a big way. She had 10 inches chopped off and donated it to Locks of Love which makes wigs and gives them for free to children with hair loss for medical reasons. We all know that some little child will be thrilled to have a piece of her gorgeous red locks!

She Likes It!

2009-04-22T13:52:00.006-05:00

In my dread of starting the babyfood phase - we put it off as long as possible. But now at almost 6 months, Lydia wonders why we have been holding out on her!

Bow Girl

2009-04-22T13:27:00.002-05:00

Here's one of my new favorite pictures of Lydia. I know it's a huge bow - but like my sister-in-law said, I live in the south, that's what girls are supposed to wear!

Lydia 5 months

2009-03-29T20:41:00.003-05:00

Some pictures of our little Lydia that's 5 months old now!

Jumpa- Jumpa-Jumpa

2009-03-29T13:36:00.003-05:00

Here's Lydia in her latest activity - her jumpy seat. I put her in a few weeks ago thinking she might still be too little, but she immediately proved me wrong. Her little feet started bouncing and a smile broke out on her face. I think she likes it!

International readers

2009-03-12T12:56:00.004-05:00

Right now I have family spread out to four different countries (not counting the good ol' US of A). This is a note to them to say that I see that some of you have been peeking in and not leaving a note - tsk- tsk. Since I can't talk to some of you - I will say a public "hello" and miss you all!

Lydia 4 months

2009-03-05T15:11:00.004-05:00

Lydia had her four month check up today. She is growing like a champ. She is in the 97% for height, which is consistent for her and is in the 90% for her weight. We have some height in the family so it is no wonder her little ankles stretch out of her 6 month clothing! Lady Lydia is not yet rolling over but she thinks it's really funny when I help her to her stomach and she gets a new vantage point. I think she will be sitting straight up quite soon because she is always pulling her heard forward when in her little lounge chair or car seat.
We have a grabber on our hands. Lydia is really grabbing at anything especially a hand full of Alexia's red hair that's so shiny. She mouths on anything and slobbers on everything!
She is always being entertained by her loving siblings. We have found when they jump up and down, she will give you a good belly laugh - so cute! She is called Lady Lydia by me because she just sits quietly and asks for nothing. Princess is just not fitting for her. Erik calls her "pinkie-pie" because 95% of the time I do dress my little girly girl in pink. We have been extremely blessed once again with such a good sweet baby.

In Search For a Daddy Tie

2009-03-05T15:01:00.004-05:00

Caleb loves to dress like his daddy. Early on, white undershirts became known as "daddy shirts" because daddy wore them. Then a button up dress shirt was also known as a "daddy shirt" because he saw daddy wear them to work every day. This daddy "stuff" has now moved into other areas - daddy's chips, daddy's cereal. Sometimes I ask him what he wants for breakfast and he asks me back " what did daddy have?"
One day he piped up that he wanted a "daddy tie, a yellow one. " The search was on. Major department stores did not have them, a suit store did not have them, kids boutiques did not have them - where to find one??? I was at our church's consignment sale two weekends ago and there it was! A clip-on "yellowish" daddy tie! For $1 no less!! Thank you Lord, you can't pass that up and here he is looking and acting like his daddy.

Magic Show

2009-03-05T14:51:00.007-05:00

Alexia took part in her school's talent show this past week. We were very proud of her because she has never been one to boldly take to the stage. She and her friend Maggie awed the crowd by changing the color of a scarf, making a cup of candy disappear and other little tricks. They also elicited giggles every time they uttered the magic words "Scooby-Dooby-doo!"

Yummy Fun

2009-02-23T13:16:00.004-05:00

Caleb LOVES peanut butter and honey like nobody's business. So when I heard about an edible play dough on Jon and Kate that includes both these these ingredients -we had to try it. It was super easy and oh so delicious to eat on. Caleb mixing it all up

spreading it out for cutting out shapes.

He decorated a dinosaur with raisins (looks more like a pac-man in the pic). We finished it off with apples and bananas and called it lunch!

Recipe:
1 cup creamy peanut butter
1/2 cup honey
1 cup of powdered milk

0 for 3

2009-02-05T21:02:00.002-05:00

One of Alexia's ultrasound pictures was such a treasure. It was her sucking her thumb in utero. So, it was no surprise that she quickly became a thumb sucker. It was a tough habit to break, but 7 years and an orthodontist later, it's done. We strongly encouraged Caleb with a passie in order not to have such a hard split with the thumb. We lost. However, he is only 3 1/2 and is already giving up the thumb with encouragement. Now, I submit sweet Lydia. We bought many different types of passifiers for the little babe to choose which one pleased her. At 14 weeks, to our dismay it is apparent which device she perfers. Below is the evidence of passy out, thumb in. So that leaves our score Parents 0, kids 3.

Sweet Lydia

2009-02-05T20:01:00.006-05:00

Besides our thumb issue, Lydia is a sweet, very content baby that just goes with the flow. Today alone I had to wake her up three times from a nap. But, she goes down by 7:30 and stays down for almost 12 hours now!! She gives out lots of smiles and giggles to all the family members that want a piece of her. Here are a few recent shots of her around the house.

Big brother showing how to play in the exersaucer for the first time.

Hanging out with the new cousin Lauren (how BIG she looks)

Sitting pretty in mommy's favorite dress that used to be Alexia's

Happy Chinese New Year

2009-01-26T10:08:00.003-05:00

We have several sets of friends that live in various places around China and they have each marveled on how how extensive the fireworks are during the New Year festivities. This is on the Hong Kong harbor and I love how bright and colorful the sky is.
It is the year of the Ox and we are hoping that this Lunar year brings us much closer to our little girl than the past years have.

Lydia says what is on her mind!

2009-01-14T22:50:00.006-05:00

	Lydia is quite a chatterbox when you put her on her changing table. I don't know what it is about that one spot, but she just starts chirping it up. She is so cute as she starting to find her voice and laugh a little. Click on the picture to watch her talk!
	Click picture to play video

My newest niece

2009-01-14T11:24:00.002-05:00

She's here. My LITTLE brother is a daddy!
Lauren Elisabeth was born Jan 13 and is a cutie! Here she is with a proud aunt.

Catching Up

2009-01-04T13:52:00.005-05:00

In order to wrap up the year's events without an overblown report, here's some highlights in brief...

Erik and big kids went to FL to meet new cousin Krisanna.
Mommy and Lydia stayed home to meet grandma and papa
Kids had a blast swimming outside in December
Erik and big kids spent a day in Epcot!
Everyone together for Christmas Eve with extended family
Christmas morning was celebrated acknowledging Jesus' birthday and opening gifts
Favorite gifts = Samantha doll and remote control car
Hikes on days it did not rain (and one when it did by surprise)
Movies with grandma and papa
Watching Lydia grow like a weed and start cooing a lot
New Year's Eve date with my brother and his very pregnant but still elegant wife
LOTS of daddy time as he has been off work for 2 1/2 weeks (tomorrow will be a hard one)
Lydia is sleeping 8-9 hours a night now!!

Since we don't have the privilege of having a white Christmas, these special effects for the pictures will have to do.

Happy New Year

2008-12-31T17:08:00.001-05:00

Happy New Year Everyone!!
I'll be posting some Christmas pictures soon. Just you wait. I will return to blogging soon enough. Hope everyone has a safe and joyful 2009!

2008-12-15T13:14:00.003-05:00

Yikes! It's almost been two weeks since a post. Hmmm...What HAVE I been doing? Well, our camera pooped out on me when I went to get a nice Christmas picture of the kids last week. I had them all spiffed up and shiny. So option B of the compact camera would suffice if I could find it after the move. No such luck. I even bribed the kids a dollar if they found it. They looked everywhere they could with flashlights in tow for two days and it has not shown up. My suspicions are on Caleb who loves cameras. Augh. So Erik is on it to get a new camera before the holidays. Since he is ever the analytical one, this is taking some time.
On the Lydia update, she is growing fast. Newborn clothes are long gone, we are trying to wear all the small 3 mo clothes before she grows through them. I took inventory of all the diapers I had tonight. I am hoping that we will be able to use all the size 1 diapers before she grows out of them (one brand is getting snug). If we can't get through them all I will be passing them along to our newest cousin set to appear in mid Jan. Which allows me to announce that my brother is returning from Iraq tomorrow the same day that my parents are coming back in town and will get to meet Lydia. So, this will be a big weekend for little Miss. But, it will not be enough family. I will still be missing my sis and family and sis in law and her family with their new little one.
Partially because of the camera mishap and also due to the fact I have not gotten on the ball to write a family letter, we did not send out Christmas cards this year. I still hope everyone is having a good holiday season. Maybe we will have a picture to post in time for further holiday wishes from our family.

A Lydia fix

2008-11-30T21:24:00.003-05:00

Here's some pictures of our growing little girl and big siblings who are also growing like weeds lately. A certain grandma needed a Lydia fix - so here you are.

The siblings
I call her "Cherry Blossom" in these PJ's
Good times!

Caleb ADORES Lydia.
Mommy and Lydia

Happy Thanksgiving

2008-11-27T14:56:00.003-05:00

This Thanksgiving I am especially thankful for:
A new life in our family
My husband still has a job (as an indirect employee of GM)
We have a contract on our house
The wonderful life I live with many friends and family
Our country still upholds the freedoms that the pilgrims seeked out hundreds of years ago

These only represent the tip of the iceberg of my blessings, but I have to go exercise the right of motherhood and get my kids ready to go to our dinner at my aunt's house. I hope everyone has a blessed day.

2 Years

2008-11-23T15:39:00.005-05:00

November 24th marks an anniversary of sorts. When we started our adoption jouney, it's one that we never imagined we would be thinking of. It has been a full two years to the day of our Log In Date for our little girl from China. Way back when we first started each month seemed closer and closer to our little girl that was a world away. With the way that the Chinese adoptions are moving, each month seems like we are getting further and further away from the date we will get to bring her home.
She is still in our thoughts and prayers as are the many other families desperately waiting to bring their children into their forever families. We know God's timing is perfect for each one. We trust in this and know we have to enjoy each passing day with the blessings that we have been given. However we still long for the little girl that needs a family to love on her. We will keep the candle burning for you little one.

Big Girl Bed

2008-11-20T22:00:00.003-05:00

Well, so it's not exactly a BIG girl bed, but she slept in her own crib ALL night for the first time last night. The first two kids slept on their own from the first night we brought them home, but I knew that Lydia would have to sleep nearby because I need every extra minute of sleep I can get. The problem was, she was actually keeping me awake with all her little grunts and squeaks. I'd sit up, peek over, make sure she didn't need to be rewrapped, or a pacifier popped in her mouth. I remember the comment from some wise mama before Alexia was born. Put them in their crib, turn off the stinkin' monitor and you will hear them when they cry for something they really need. Well, the monitor stayed on (low) but I slept very well until she needed to eat which was 1:30 and not again until 6:30. Now, that's a great schedule for a 3 week old, and I'll take it any day, but, I am not holding out any hope on that continuing. She's going back to her room tonight!

2 1/2 weeks

2008-11-13T21:31:00.003-05:00

After no mention of her since the birth, Lydia is doing great. She is eating a sleeping like a pro. She is finally having some longer periods of awake time during the day which is fun for us. Some of her first outings have included Chic-Fil-A, Barnes and Noble and of course the grocery store and Target. At her two week appointment, she had gained a pound and five ounces already and has started having some pretty good head control for a little squirt. Here are some pictures of our sweet little Lydia.

Pictures

2008-11-10T08:46:00.002-05:00

The evening before we had Lydia we took a walk on some nearby trails and took the camera for a photo session with the big siblings. They came out so good I wanted to come back and post a few of how big the kids are getting (or do they seem that way because I just had a newborn?) There is also a shot of their Halloween getup as a bride and cowboy.

She's Here!

2008-10-29T16:00:00.008-05:00

Some of you have already seen or heard the rumor...We have our little girl in our arms!
Lydia Kate is her name and she is well received by her loving siblings (and parents) already.

Stats:
born:Monday, October 27 at 7:30 pm
7 pounds 7 ounces
19 inches

Thankfully no complications with mama or baby! She did not have red hair as Alexia has prayed for, but a moderate amount brown fuzz.
The name Lydia, is taken from the Bible in Acts 16:13-15. She was a worshiper of God who had opened her heart to His message. She not only believed the message but was hopitable to the apostle Paul and those who had shared this truth with her and her household. Kate (as some of you guessed) is after my sister and best friend Kathryn. Speaking of her name, there were a few correct guesses as to her first name, but the first one was our friend Emily at "Not Home Yet". She was one of our summer workers when we were in Paris and it has been fun to continue to keep up with her life since then.

It is the sweetest thing to hold a newborn and feel their depenence. The main reason for the delay in posting her birth is that every free moment I just pick her up and try to savor the moment. Here are some snapshots of our sweet little girl.

Teaching Patience

2008-10-21T08:39:00.003-05:00

Lately we've been having a problem about Caleb "demanding" things NOW. His requests quickly escalate into whines then cries if they are not met within a very quick time frame. This is especially not good timing as very soon he will be having to wait longer for his demands because the new baby. I have enforced to him for some time now that "mommy can only do one thing at a time".

I think he finally "got" that concept this morning at breakfast. I was fixing breakfast for the three of us meantime putting Alexia's lunch together. He requested his vitamin once, to which I replied it would come in a minute. When I delivered his plate with no vitamin on it, he became upset to which I reminded him - I can only do one thing at a time. He quickly replied "can you get my vitamin FIRST?" Oh well, he's getting there.

My dorky husband

2008-10-16T12:50:00.005-05:00

Since my husband Erik doesn't get enough air time on this blog, I'll go ahead and give him a full post dedicated just to him! For those of you that have been reading the name game comments, if you read Erik's "guesses", you see a glimpse of the sense of humor I fell in love with many years ago that I still roll my eyes at. He is a dork. Who else rides around with a "Reagan/Bush '84" bumper sticker on their car? No joke, he put it on a few weeks ago.
My children have been subjected to learning nursery rhymes in gangsta' rap style - because he thinks it's funny to hear them rap it back to him. If you ever want to hear it in person, just ask the kids, I wouldn't even post a video of it on my blog for fear of misrepresentation.
He has also taught our children how to dance the Robot, the Grandfather clock and other ridiculous 80's dance moves. He even inspired this family picture at my grandmother's 90th birthday a few years ago (yes, there are some other dorks in the family as well)

Those who know him well, love him. I love him real well despite him being a goofball and turning our children into future goofballs. I shudder to think what he will be doing to or teaching our new little one soon. So here's your post honey maybe I gathered a little pity out of it!!

Name Game.. continued

2008-10-15T13:12:00.004-05:00

My goodness there are a lot of guesses! This is fun to watch! Since the full moon had no effect on my delivery (darn) and baby girl is still within me, I will hand out one more letter. I have debated about which one and I will hand you the letter "I" Now whatda you got?
For rules and previous guesses, click HERE

Caleb Vacuuming

2008-10-09T16:27:00.005-05:00

"Hey Caleb, I don't feel much like cleaning the floors today, can you take care of that bud? - Thanks!" (He really was zipping it along!)

The Name Game Has Begun

2008-10-06T15:04:00.004-05:00

The three big questions you always get being pregnant is 1) When are you due? 2) Boy or girl? 3) What's the name? The first two I reveal, the second has been a guarded secret that I get mix reactions to.
But, I've really slacked on this name game that I've wanted to do, just because I wanted to see some of the responses. I already mentioned that our first name contains 5 letters. I will give out one letter at a time to see what you readers can come up with for a name. I will not confirm or deny anything. However, I will make note of the first person that might guess it correctly. You can repeat someone else's guess if you want and you will get an "honorable mention" if that is indeed the correct name. You can obviously make another guess as I hand out more letters.

I know some people send out cute little prizes. I will not promise anything more than a nice little mention on my blog - sorry, I've got more on my plate than go out and find a prize at this point! Ready to play? Okay...this is will start out broad. 5 letters, the name contains an "A" - ha ha that's REALLY broad huh? Well, start guessing and good luck!

Late note - You get as many guesses as you want. This is fun for me as well! With the first child, I have a non-traditional name with a tribute to where she was born (Alexia Madeleine) and the second is a Biblical name paired with a family name (Caleb Harrison). So really anything goes as far as what our preferences are.

Introducing...

2008-10-01T09:18:00.003-05:00

My sister in law started a blog not too long ago writing of the adventures of her and my "little" brother as they venture into parenthood. Aunt Stephanie has been an awesome aunt to my kids. I forgot to mention in my last post that she had them the entire day we moved and took them to a little festival where they rode ponies, jumped on moon bounces, and I don't know what else. They also had their favorite lunch of Chick-fil-A and made a stop in the American Girl store (with Caleb which was a brave thing!) She is a very creative person and, like me, her family is about to be spread out all over the world. Check out our newest family blogger HERE. Oh, and for clarification, her brother's name is Andy and her husband's name is Andy as well.

Another sporatic post!

2008-09-28T20:57:00.007-05:00

What have we been doing? Well, besides the move and unpacking boxes, we have been carving out a little bit of fun time. On Friday evening I got to actually meet a cyber -freind Angie, who is in the same time line of waiting that we are in for our China adoption. She was in town for her son's baseball tournament.

On Saturday we went to the state fair with the rest of the carni-folk. It has been solidified as an annual tradition now. There were turkey legs, funnel cakes, missing teeth, cheap rides and big bellies galore. But, the kids have fun and they now have their rides that they remember and "have" to ride each year. Alexia went on the big ferris wheel with daddy like always and Caleb chose the slippery tug boat ride. We were a little surprised that he wanted to venture to a bigger person ride, but with daddy by his side, he sported a big smile the whole time. Unfortunately we have pictures, but our connecting cord is missing at the moment so I can't download them - but they are cute!

Erik and I have both managed to NOT run out of gas here in GA thankfully. The lack of gas is amazing. I am conserving greatly and keeping my eye on the gas gauge and any stations that have gas on any given day. Erik had to wait in line for almost an hour a week ago to fill up at the only known station with gas that night. There are stories of people going out in the middle of the night trying to avoid the long lines only to find they still have to wait (sometimes for the gas truck itself). We are hoping it passes very quickly.

One More Week

2008-09-12T20:16:00.003-05:00

Warning: This may be a wordy synopsis of the past weeks - it's nothing exciting, just a quiet night to post.
The day after Alexia's party, my otherwise clean garage that we normally park 2 cars in, turn into this...

Pretty ugly huh? It is everything that has been stored in our attic for the past 4 1/2 years. I would hate to see what another 5 years could add! So, we have been sorting, packing, soon to have a garage sale and getting rid of what is left. It has not been fun. In the mean time, we had 7 lookers at our house last week and an open house, so the inside of our house was in tip top shape. It just has taken a few days to get all of our "stuff" out of hiding - hehe. I had to remember that I shoved a clean load of laundry from the sofa to the washer at a moments notice, b/c the dryer was still full. How is a pregnant brain supposed to remember all that?
Speaking of pregnancy, with the gestational diabetes, I am figuring I just have a little over 6 weeks until the baby comes. We still have to move next week. There is no sweet little nursery set up with the bed all made and blankets neatly folded in a matching basket. I will have to work on the other kids rooms first since the baby won't know any different. I am just hoping I can physically hold out until it's all done. I was chatting with my aunt this morning and told her I was "over it". I just want that "Easy" to appear and everything is finished and done with. Except that means I will be adding the newborn to the mix of carpool and errands - am I really ready for that? Or should I savor six more weeks of continuous sleep from pure exhaustion? In the words of little Caleb - aye aye aye!!
I am not discouraged. This will all pass (in about 6 months!) AND as long as the house sells. But, at this rate, I will be doing sporadic updates. I will try to get together something for the name game, I did think that would be fun, so don't discount me entirely! I'm still here (or there, I don't know which.)

7 Years Old

2008-08-30T15:42:00.003-05:00

My little girl turned SEVEN today. We celebrated by having a "not quite spend the night" party last night. The girls were treated to an evening in their PJ's at the spa (aka our dining room) getting a manicure and facial. The facials were only good for a photo op, then off they came!

I can't believe she is already seven. The older my children get it seems the faster that time is flying. Alexia is a very sincere little girl that has been a free spirit since the day she was born. She loves her friends and stuffed animals dearly. She always likes to be where the action is and never wants to miss a beat. It cracks me up when she asks to "be the last one to leave" or to pick her up from school a little later so she can have more time to talk in carpool line!! She was the first blessing to our family and we are so grateful to God for her in our lives. Happy Birthday "baby girl!"

Natural Backyard

2008-08-28T17:20:00.002-05:00

Look at what a sweet creature was caught drinking from our little birdbath the other night. There were actually two fawns and a doe just meandering through our back yard but I couldn't get a shot of them quick enough.

Just the other night Erik and I were deciding on how to term our backyard for a new listing...natural? (too wild sounding) private? (not in the winter) wooded? (some people can't take all the leaves in the fall). But, we have our fair share of the wild since our subdivision backs up to a national park. Imagine my surprise three weeks after we moved in, I was hosting a shower and a whole flock of wild turkey walk through my front yard!!! And we live in an older neighborhood!

But these little deer at our dinner time were so sweet to watch and provided table talk the rest of the evening.

21 and More

2008-08-24T20:39:00.005-05:00

The count is now up to 21 months of waiting for our China girl. I am thankful that God's timing is not our own. I don't know how anyone could handle a pregnancy, adoption, a move and all of the other stuff going on in our lives right now that I don't discuss here.
So, what do you think of the new look? I am too cheap to pay to have a blogover even with all the great adoption oriented charities they donate to. I knew I could figure it all out one day, but my sister in law had a great site on her new blog that I went to and it was SO EASY! The link is at the top of mine. I will try a couple different looks out over the next few weeks for the fun of it. I do want to change my blog around a little with the coming of a new little one. I was thinking something along the lines of "tending our garden". So, calling all you creative types -give me some ideas, I am brain dead right now!!!

In other family news...

2008-08-20T19:15:00.003-05:00

...the key word is girls, girls, girls! Erik's sister welcomed her fourth little girl Krisanna Grace safely to the world last week. Isn't she a cutie in her fancy dress?

I am plugging along with about 10 weeks to go with my little girl. This has definitely been the hardest pregnancy out of the three. Some major back pains and gestational diabetes are my latest foes. But, it's all good - we will push through it and come out with a beautiful new life.

And last but not least, we had exciting news today that my other sister in law found out they are having a girl as well. So, including my sister's little one, that will make 4 little girls in a year's time - wow - that's a lot of pink!!

Back to School

2008-08-20T18:53:00.003-05:00

Alexia went back to school this week. She is in full day now which has had her coming home wiped out. She (and I) love her teacher who happens to go to our church as well. Alexia had her eyes wide open this past Sunday trying to locate her for an extra hug (is that considered brown- nosing?)
The splint that she has sported got to come off today - Yippee! However, there are still two more weeks of no running or jumping. I think my job of "knee monitor" will be even harder now that she is rid of her reminder!

Happy Birthday Buddy!

2008-08-17T20:22:00.006-05:00

Our dear precious little boy turned 3 today. He is such a joy to our lives bringing many laughs and sharing his sweet hugs and "smacker" kisses to us all. Caleb has been such a blessing to our family and we are grateful for three wonderful years with him. Today he enjoyed a "Cars" birthday with great enthusiasm. He wanted to dig into his cake since I made it yesterday! We even had to place a candle in his waffles and sing "Happy Birthday" to start the day off right according to him. Happy 3rd Birthday buddy boy!

Birthday #2

One year birthday - what a blondie he was then!

His true "birth day"

Knee Update

2008-07-30T19:44:00.003-05:00

Well, I didn't feel much like a nurse today. We get to the office and the PA explains that thankfully Alexia's fracture was vertical not horizontal therefore we don't need surgery and screws - WHAT??? We need a full leg cast. I wheled up in tears - how can my totally active little girl be in a cast her final days of summer? I guess I was so stunned b/c her knee never looked bad. No swelling or bruising and not a LOT of pain.
Well, option #2 was a no brainer. It was a removable splint that might take a little bit longer -about 4 weeks. Then the rules came - no jump rope, no bike, no scooter, no playground, no karate, no gymnastics, no swimming - well at least we can go IN the pool with another splint, just no jumping or actual swimming because she can't bend her leg. So what CAN we do I wonder. This is going to be a long 4 weeks.
When we got in the car, me and Alexia both let out our tears. I knew it would be a tough few weeks for her and she was already complaining how heavy and itchy the immobilizer was. With Caleb at my mom's we settled ourselves with some Chick-fil-A and a milkshake. But we were in "that mall" again - you know, the one with the American Girl store. Enter in - Moment of Weakness.
She didn't even want to go into the store because she said she would want a doll too bad (that's quite the self control). But I convinced her she had to chose ONE doll that she would want IF she was going to get one for her birthday. So we went and browsed. She finally settled on one - Nellie. Her face was brilliant when I informed her it was now her early b-day present from her grandparents. She forgot her leg irritation (for a while) and floated out the store carrying her beautiful new doll.
We let her sulk out her sorrows tonight, but, tomorrow is a new day. No more pity party!

Warning

2008-07-29T19:55:00.002-05:00

Mamas listen up and warn your children. Do not attempt to "jump rope" with a beach towel, while you are still in a wet bathing suit, on a wood floor. You just might happen to slip on the towel, fall on your knee and break your knee cap like Alexia did. You just can't make this stuff up!
We go to the pediatric ortho doc tomorrow. I can't imagine there will be anything to do for it. Hopefully there will be no exciting pictures to post. But, we will see. Meanwhile, I almost strapped her to the sofa this afternoon because she is still bouncing around - so, no, not too much pain.

20

2008-07-24T20:32:00.005-05:00

It's been 20 months of waiting in line for our little girl from China. So many things have changed in our lives since then. Since we have requested an older child, we originally thought she would be between the ages of Alexia and Caleb. Then as time went on, we had to realize, she may be the youngest of the three. Now, will she be between the baby and Caleb or the youngest of four? It will truly be a suprise adventure as we continue to wait this out.

Whispers

2008-07-16T20:15:00.004-05:00

My dad took this shot when the kids spent the night at their house the other day. Don't you wonder what secrets these munchkins are sharing?

Baby Shopping

2008-07-10T20:10:00.007-05:00

I finally got a little baby shopping in today (see below post). The poor child is definatly #3 in that the only thing I have bought her so far was one little outfit from Target. I got a few summer things to put away for next year. How's this for some Fourth of July cuteness?

Then I went to a baby store to look for a lamp I had seen for the baby's room. I figured I had better start somewhere on it and I was planning to do my own bed set for the crib. But when I found the lamp and saw the matching set, I really liked it and brought it home to test it out. The quilt is not heavy at all. It is a nice blanket weight that would actually be useful in a baby room so that was another thing that sold me on the "boxed set. " The pink is velvet soft with rich chocolatey browns - I think I am keeping it! Here's the blanket with a piece of the bumper.

Shopping Day

2008-07-10T15:36:00.009-05:00

I met a friend at a mall this morning. It was kind of far for shopping, but she was giving me all her maternity clothes, so it was worth it. Anyway, the kids hung in there for the shopping part and we finally went into the long awaited store for Alexia. (drumroll please...) The American Girl Store. For the past five months, she has been working on earning a doll for her birthday so this was more than Disney World to her at this point. She oohed and ahhed over almost every one of them. I have to say I was very proud that she held her tongue asking for each overpriced item on the spot. But, I will say I have never heard so many promises come out of her mouth in 20 minutes time!!! I had not been into one of these stores before and it was quite the baby doll overkill for me. I picked up the newest catalogue for her to gaze at everyday. So between that and going to the new movie this weekend, I hope she will make good on some of her promises (clean room without asking is the main one).

We Have a Name!

2008-07-08T07:48:00.002-05:00

Erik and I had a few hours in the car to finally get down to business and discuss baby names on our way home from the beach last week. It wasn't too painful. We found one that really stuck out to us with a good story behind it. After a week of walking around thinking of it and saying around the house I think it's a keeper!

_ _ _ _ _!

That's the closest you will know of it until the day she is born. heehee. Middle name is still yet to be determined though.

Swimmer Boy

2008-07-06T14:33:00.003-05:00

Caleb has taken to the pool just like his big sister did at an early age. He will be three in August and has already ventured swimming (or underwater manuvering) a short distance. This is all with no swim lessons ever - just a watch and learn little boy!

Make photo slide shows at www.OneTrueMedia.com

I can't figure out what the arms in the sky thing though. The best I can figure is that when he learned to put his head under the water, he would lift his arms back and up because the swimmies he would wear kept him from going under like he wanted.

Beach Pictures

2008-06-30T14:16:00.002-05:00

Here are some shots of our beach trip to St Simons with my parents and my brother Andrew and sister in law Stephanie. The kids really enjoyed being around the beach and family all in on trip. Our favorite saying of the week came from Caleb who couldn't figure out whose (rental) beach house it was. He asked many times "grandma is this your house?" or "is this Andy's house?" One time, finally annoyed that he was not getting a satisfactory answer he asked in exasperation "Whose HOUSE is this?" By the end of the trip, he finally just called it "Aunt Stephy's house". We had a good time with lots of family laughs. We just missed my sister and her family.

Treasure Hunt

2008-06-30T13:46:00.004-05:00

On the last morning of our trip, my brother and his wife Stephanie lead the kids on a treasure hunt following an old map they "had found." Alexia had to use some of her navigation skills to figure out where on the beach it was then set out to find the X that marked the spot. Caleb unknowingly stood right on top of it as we cheered them on. They found it and dug it up gently around the sea oats! There were crayons and chocolate coins and Hello Kitty bracelets in the treasure box - we figured the pirates took them for their kids at home!

Sand Castle

2008-06-30T13:11:00.003-05:00

In trying to spilt some of our recent beach pictures up, I am posting a few of different activities we participated in. The first being the building of a great big sand sand castle with the lead of my brother Andrew. He brought his shovel and started digging before we even arrived at the beach - look what we all made!

Baby Reveal

2008-06-11T20:03:00.006-05:00

Well, a whopping 61% of people polled were wrong! We are expecting a squiggly wiggly little girl. She was so fidgety during the ultrasound, we didn't come away with any glamour shots, but at least she cooperated to let us know "it's" a girl!
Everything else was perfect looking. As a cardiac nurse, I was so intrigued to get to see the four chambers of her heart and even the little valves. Everything is so intricately made by a wonderful creator. We are once again so blessed and thankful to have a child that is healthy. Now, on to some pink shopping!!
Say "hi" to our little girl-

Update - 2

2008-06-05T22:02:00.003-05:00

For clarification, yes, we are moving whenever we get the house sold. We are NOT looking for another house. We will be moving into my parents house nearby as they are leaving the country for a 3 year assignment in Greece. That is another story for another day. But, thanks to all for offering info on houses for sale in your nice neighborhood!! We did not expect to move quickly, but I ended up showing the house today to another family. This task overwhelms me since I have never been though this before. I don't really want to move, but it makes sense to take advantage of this opportunity to upgrade out of our 3 bedroom with two more kids on the way. All I want to do is go to the pool with the kids everyday. Who want to stay around to keep an immaculate house?!!?

On a better topic. Check out our little poll I started on the top left. I don't know why it screwed up my blog title color, but I will live with it for a few days. Many of you don't know us in person, but that's okay, take a guess anyway. I'll be honest with the public, Erik and I want a boy, but the kids are rooting hard for a sister. Actually, Caleb says he wants another big sister. It's kinda sweet I think. Maybe one day since we did request up to a 4 1/2 year old Chinese daughter -but doubtful we will have her by then to still be a big "sissy" to him. So, vote away friends!

Update

2008-06-04T07:40:00.004-05:00

Erik and I enjoyed a little getaway last week to celebrate our anniversary. We went down to the Gulf which was beautiful. We did some biking, kayaking, good eating and of course enjoyed the water.

And now, our house is on the market and we start showing Friday!! Yikes!! I've got a lot to do around here so I still won't be blogging much until next Wednesday when I get to announce if we are expecting a boy or girl - so stay tuned to my sporatic postings.

Marriage by the Numbers

2008-05-24T08:50:00.002-05:00

Today marks our 11 year wedding anniversary. I got a similar idea from another friends' blog and I thought it would be fun to see some of the things I could come up with. While coming up with some numbers, I laughed at how unstable we may appear - I mean our dog is the next most constant thing in our lives. And I thought we were a normal family!!

Anyway, here goes...

11 - years of marriage

9 -moves (none in the last 4 1/2 years)

2 -kids

2-kids on the way

1-dog for 10 years

15 - cars come and gone (Erik is in the auto industry)

11-countries visited together

1-time I mowed the lawn!

6-professional jobs held between the 2 of us

Countless - dinners with friends or family at a local Mexican restaurant (minus our time in Europe!)

Infinite- times he's asked me to do something with one of my "piles"

Ongoing- times I've asked him to put his cup IN the sink

Forever -how long I will love my husband because he is so good to me!
Happy anniversary honey!

Last Day of Kindergarten

2008-05-23T14:27:00.006-05:00

I know, Mother's Day was almost two weeks ago and several tragic events have happened in the world and closer to home as well. I have been a slacker in blogging lately. Alexia's school got out on Thursday and I am glad to say it already feels like summer! My kids arean't in to sleeping in, but it was nice not to have to be anywhere. Here's Alexia with her wonderful teacher that she and I absolutely adored. Her teacher is showing off a ring that Alexia had made for her a few days prior and she was still wearing it to school - how sweet is that??

And a shot of her buds...

Happy Mother's Day

2008-05-10T18:19:00.002-05:00

A very special Happy Mother's Day to mothers, women longing for the day to be mothers and a tribute to the mothers who have passed.

I attended a sweet little Mothers Day luncheon at Alexia's school the other day. As I got all dressed and ready to go, my sweet Caleb told me that I "look handsome mommy." Once I was there, there were songs and poems and I just loved watching my (normally non-dramatic) little girl sing her heart out. There was another class however that quoted some touching and funny lines that I dug back up. Here are some of my favorites I heard.

A suburban mother's role is to deliver children obstetrically once, and by car forever after. ~Peter De Vries

The phrase "working mother" is redundant. ~Jane Sellman

Sweater, n.: garment worn by child when its mother is feeling chilly. ~Ambrose Bierce

When you are a mother, you are never really alone in your thoughts. A mother always has to think twice, once for herself and once for her child. ~Sophia Loren, Women and Beauty

A man's work is from sun to sun, but a mother's work is never done. ~Author Unknown

A man loves his sweetheart the most, his wife the best, but his mother the longest. ~Irish Proverb

A mother understands what a child does not say - Jewish proverb

And my personal favorite...

If evolution really works, how come mothers only have two hands? ~Milton Berle

I hope all mothers are able to cherish this day and be truly honored for your roles - we ARE loved!!!.

Farm Day Part-2

2008-05-03T20:32:00.002-05:00

The day after Caleb and I went to a farm, I joined Alexia's class for a field trip to a local little horse stable. They learned some things about animals, had a nature scavenger hunt and played some games. It was a nice little way to spend a Friday as the year draws to a close.

Farm Day -Part 1

2008-05-03T19:39:00.004-05:00

This week Caleb and I joined Angela, Laney, Rebecca and Sophia at a farm full of miniature animals. Caleb especially loved the goats that were the perfect size for him. His favorite part was "ridin' da horsey!"

Tour de Cul de Sac

2008-04-27T20:58:00.008-05:00

In honor of the Tour de Georgia that wrapped up today, may I present our own version which I call "Tour de Cul de Sac." Alexia gave up the training wheels a few weeks ago (perfectly in time with 2 other neighbor girls) and has been riding her heart out everyday since. It is really cute to get all the kids (5 "big" ones 2 little ones) in our circle out riding on their little circuit. Even Caleb tries to get in on the act with his miniature "hot wheels" bike.

The weather has been beautiful and not too sweltering hot yet to spend so much time outside. It has been nice to plop a chair outside with the other moms and just talk until the last minute of needing to get dinner started - which has also made for some shoddy dinners lately (sorry honey!) I just wanted to say "Yeah" to Alexia for reaching a great milestone!

Bedtime comment

2008-04-25T19:38:00.006-05:00

My heart just melted tonight. I was placing my son to bed and he asked where his angels were. I explained that we can't see them but God sends angels to watch over us all the time. To which he replied "and mommies."

Earth Day - How am I doing?

2008-04-22T19:27:00.008-05:00

Well, It's Earth Day 2008. Last year in attempt to start blabbing on my new blog, I stated I was going to go green at the grocery store. (Click here for the post.) Well, how have I done in one year's time? Very good I must say. I bought some reusable bags to do my shopping but the first set didn't work out too well. They were huge and the baggers would WAY overload them if I wasn't a drill sergeant. Then my grocery store started selling a perfect sized bag for $ . 99 - I couldn't resist! I use them all the time. My MIL even bought me more and I can do a big trip with them all. The key is to keep them in my car and just run out to the car if I forget them while shopping.

Okay, so my next goal is a big one. So we all know now there is a baby on the way. What clogs landfills? Diapers. I already have a great set of Kushies cotton diapers that I half heartily used on Alexia. Caleb got skipped. So now I will beef up my stock and buy some more liners and give this a good go. We will see how I do in one year's time. But if I fail...we don't use plastic water bottles anymore - maybe that will help!

We make plans...

2008-04-17T17:31:00.008-05:00

...and God laughs. This is what my ultrasound tech said smiling as she pointed out the growing little one now in my womb. Yes folks, our household had a big blow to our man made plans a few weeks ago when I discovered I was pregnant. My mom's term for it was a "God override." Our 3rd child will come not from China as we thought "she" would, but delivered at my hospital a few miles from home. As of right now, we are still in the adoption que and have not changed those plans. I just can't quite say "four" and "children" together yet - I still need some time! But we are all happy and expectant of our new family member to come.

FAQ's - Yes, we will find out what we are having.

Yes, the kids are excited (Alexia was in a little shock too)

Due date - Nov 3rd

Erik took it much better than I did!
I am feeling pretty good - just a tad nauseous and very tired

Yes, I still fear having fraternal twins (even after the ultrasound showing one)
No, no maternity stuff left, newborn stuff gone as well...I should have known.

So, fellow bloggers, do I have to change my blog title? I certainly have to change up my description!

Yippee!

2008-04-11T10:58:00.003-05:00

The word is out - we are finally out of the review room in China. What does this mean? Our file has been reviewed by the adoption authorities there and we were not approached to clarify or answer any further questions which means they see us as fit parents for adoption. We are now at the bottom of the pile in the "match room" where they will SOMEDAY match us with our child. The process has become so painfully slow this is a great milestone to have behind us!

Picture Time!

2008-04-02T14:32:00.001-05:00

I Am Here

2008-03-30T15:43:00.003-05:00

I am here and alive. I just am not able to get my pics to the blog site - so I will be sure to show them in a few more days. I am having a great time but miss my own family. The babies are so sweet, I just can't put them down. For the first few days, I just sat on the sofa holding a fussy one until they drifted off and before I knew it, they had taken a whole nap in my arms. The nights are long and bring back memories that you try to forget after the first 3 months have passed. My sister is nursing them, but last night there was too much demanding going on so I ended up giving one a bottle. I usually end up with one in my room early in the morning. They like to tag team cry, so if one is not there to pick up on the tag, the fussing ends and mommy gets to sleep for another hour.

Other than that, we have taken a few walks around their new village they moved to recently. The tulips are not ready to show their pretty blooms yet. In fact, I arrived to snow which was peaceful on the countryside with the canals in between. It snowed for a few days after that but since then has been the normal grey sky. The church bells wake me up in the morning (okay wake me up the third time after the babies, but it sounds more picturesque) and I did venture over to see the windmill house down the road on the canal. This village is small and walkable to most things as opposed to taking the bikes -but you still see a lot of them. The twin's stroller gains quite the attention, and surprised looks when they realize it's a boy and girl. I must say, I have had to stay outside a few times with the babies and stroller because the small shops do not accomadate the wide load in tow!!

I have to mention my nephew Jesiah as well. It is a tough thing to suddenly share mom and dad with two babies, but he is doing well. He has spent most of his life in The Netherlands and it has cracked me up that there are a few words in our everyday language that he lacks. For example, we were walking down the lane and he told his mom he wanted to sit on the chair that is by the road. She didn't know what he was talking about until he pointed to the park bench facing the canal!! Funny I thought.

Well, this turned lengthy. I will just put up some pictures when I return without more words!

*and I am now going mad because blogger spell check is not working - sorry!

Happy Easter

2008-03-22T11:26:00.005-05:00

I wanted to say Happy Easter to everyone! Take a moment to reflect on this victorious holiday. My next postings will hopefully be from my sister's place in Amsterdam so stay tuned. It's not looking very promising for getting out to the tulip farms this time - but I'm sure there will be some good pictures worth posting (like the niece and nephews). Meanwhile I will be anxiously awaiting our beautiful dogwoods to bloom here. They are so beautiful in the spring- I love them. Have a super day!

Follow Up

2008-03-14T15:33:00.003-05:00

As a follow up to my last post, I wanted to say thank you to all those that left kind words and e-mailed support. I am always thinking of what a funny little make-up of cyber-friends I have made in this blogging/adoption world.
Before I left, it was apparent that the verses I had been comforted with, (see below post) were divinely inspired. One of my MIL's friend's had written me that that passage was read to Jacques as he lay on his deathbed surrounded by his friends and family. It was also sited at his memorial. That was a wonderous thing to know that we as a family were being comforted by the same verses unknowingly and miles apart.
The trip down was fine with the kids thanks in part to my brother's wife Stephanie. She came over the night before loaded up with indiviually wrapped snacks of EVERY kind, new coloring books, a cooler full of Diet Cokes and juice boxes. She even brought over a yummy dinner from Macaroni Grill - so sweet! A neighbor stocked us up on "new to us" DVD's for the kids to stay glued to. So when we finally got to Orlando, we just had to roll the kids out of the car. A few days of running around with their cousins took care of all those extra calories. Even our dog was taken care of by our sweet friends who delivered excellent care including free pickup - haha!!
The week was busy- full of family, friends and endless tasks to get done. I was thankful for some quiet moments with my sister in law and mother in law. The memorial was beautiful. My husband spoke and sumed up Jacques life and transformation to the wonderful person he was. It was well attended as he and my mother in law are dear people and greatly loved.
I just wanted to follow up and speak to God's faithfulness to get me/us through a tough situation. Although we would have rather not had to make the trip for the reason, the logistics worked out smoothly.

My Strength

2008-03-02T22:41:00.003-05:00

Tonight I had a few "Sound of Music" moments. I think mostly girls read my blog, so most of you should know what I will be referring to. Earlier this evening I was (knowingly selfishly) sobbing to my best friend on the phone "How am I going to get through this?" I have a daunting task at hand. Tomorrow I must tell my daughter that her grandfather (our Papa Jacques) has passed away. My husband had just left to be with his mother (out of state) and I was left to grieve alone and take care of my children (one still sick) and try not to think about the 9 hour drive I will be taking with my kids without my husband.

The verses Psalm 121:1,2 came to my mind. I will lift up mine eyes to the hills- from where comes my help? My help comes from the Lord who made heaven and earth. (remember Maria in the convent quoting that verse?)
I know God gives me the strength to "get through" things. He always has and always will. It's hard to see how until it's behind you. His bigger task is getting my sweet mother in law through the death of her husband.

My other Sound of Music moment came at the kids bedtime. I was nervous what my daughter would ask me or pray about for our Papa Jacques. I am waiting until after school tomorrow to tell her. She did ask why Papa J would have to die and I had to explain that he was in so much pain, it would be better for him to be in heaven. I knew she was getting sad and it might affect her going to sleep so we all piled on her bed with the light out and I sang them a few songs including "My Favorite Things" Well, this is one of their favorite songs to have sung to them and it was quite funny when little Caleb broke out singing it too! His two year old voice singing "when the dog bites, when the bees sting..." I was so happy when Alexia let go of her sadness and was filled with laughter. I knew that was one way God was taking care of things one by one. I will let you know the rest.

Meanwhile, I would like to mention that Papa Jacques had a peaceful death with friends surrounding him singing to him. We are sad that we could not enjoy him longer than we did, but we are happy to know that he is in a better place and we will see him again. We love you "Car Show Boy!"

Where is That Button?

2008-02-28T10:43:00.006-05:00

"I sick, I want candy" says Caleb. Umm...I don't know where that relation came about especially at 9 am but it didn't materialize even though he is under the weather right now. This ensued in 30 minutes of moaning and crying and the battle of wills began yet again. PS - I won. Didn't I just not too long ago post so proudly how sweet and cute my little boy is? Boy, they can turn on a dime. And just as quickly as it started, it completely stopped and he informed me he can't find his train (apparently the other 15 won't do.)

This leads me to ask the quesiton "Where is that magic on/off button that kids have?" Why haven't I found it somewhere on their body after 6 1/2 years of parenting? How do they get to it without us seeing them? Does it have a dimmer switch? That would really be cool. God has hidden it so well, it's part of His "sense of humor." But, I implore you, mothers of the world unite! We must find this button. Search your children now and get back to me so I can power down my son for a while so he (and I) can rest.

15 months

2008-02-24T15:44:00.003-05:00

It's been 15 months since our Log in to China...Still waiting and hoping!

Happy Birthday

2008-02-23T12:39:00.003-05:00

Happy 30th Birthday to my "little" sister Katy! (Have I mentioned she just had twins this week and named her little girl after me??) You can see their adorable picture below! She's awesome - love you!

Bon Voyage!

2008-02-21T15:49:00.002-05:00

Today one of our best set of family friends Maggie and Alan have taken to the skies to fetch their little 2 1/2 year old son, Garrett, from China to bring him home to their house full of little girls. You can follow their adventures in China on their blog HERE. While you are there leave them a word of encouragement! I can't wait for Caleb's new best friend to come home to us all!!

Introducing...

2008-02-17T15:35:00.006-05:00

My sister's twins arrived early this morning!! I have the honor and PRIDE of introducing (sniff, sniff) my namesake Eva Christine...

and her "big" brother by 2 minutes Ethan Robert.
We are so happy to have these little rascals out of the womb (thanks to the full moon)where they were torturing mama by flip flopping in all sorts of positions. They have both been breech for the past week - in Dutch it means "naughty!" But they came out fine and look like sweet angels to me. Eva weighed in at 6.5 and her brother was a healthy size at 6.11 Welcome to our world little ones God has blessed you with a GREAT family and - we love you!

Potty Troubles

2008-02-11T21:35:00.000-05:00

Let me ask WHO told my 2 year old son it was a good idea to practice standing up to go tee-tee without turning on the light?

Senerio: I was undressing Caleb for bed when he announced he had to go potty. I let him run out the door to the bathroom as I lingered in his room. When I caught up with him in the dark bathroom, he proudly announced "I stand up..go tee-tee!" Yep, you guessed it, when I turned on the light I had to go for the Scrubbing Bubbles!

2008-02-07T10:54:00.000-05:00

Happy Chinese

New Year!

It's the year of the Rat.

This is a very significant holiday time in China where people travel far to visit with family. Please continue to keep this country in your prayers as they are dibilitated by the winter storms that are still hammering much of the country. Pray for the safety and protection of all the children that are dwelling with no heat and running short on warm clothes, diapers and food.

China's Storms

2008-02-04T21:49:00.000-05:00

Military dispatched to crush ice on major roads in China

My heart has been touched the past few days. As some of you may have heard China has been experiencing wide spread snow/ice storms that has literally debilitated much of the country. Both ground and air transportation has struggled with this disater. The heart break of it all is that electricity for heaters is cut and those that depend on coal are not able to receive the shipments because of the conditions. There is no heat in the homes and orphanages with small weak babies. Other goods and food supplies are being cut off or at least the demand is causing local prices to sky rocket. Children need such basic materials as warm quilts, food, diapers and heat. Half the Sky is one charity which is collesting and dispensing money to the orphanges to help them with their critical needs. For many of us, our children are already there, lying in the frozen air. Please consider a donation to this charity they have dubbed "Little Mouse Emergency Fund" in recognition of their New Year of the Rat which begins this week.

Click HERE to give

Caleb Part 2

2008-02-03T21:58:00.000-05:00

Get out bed! Drink your milk. Eat time! Put on coat - it's cold. Tori, bad doggie. Do you hear me??

No, I did not mistype my words that my children hear from me everyday. These are words that Caleb spouts off to his 6 year old sister at various parts of the day. My two favorites are "Sissy, get up - it's bright!" Meaning there is a peap of dawn on the horizon and it's time for the whole house to be alive.
The other is "Do you hear me?" This is spoken to any of us for any given request that is not met within the expected time frame of a two year old. It's better used on the dog when she's lagging outside "Tori, here. DO YOU HEAR ME?"

Here he is in his doggie towel from Mimi and Papa Jacques- cute huh? Caleb still doesn't let us forget Papa Jacques in our prayers as he continues to battle his cancer. So, he's cute and sweet. Today he hugged and kissed all the other children in Sunday School goodbye as he left - good thing he was the only boy in a class full of girls!