Ladybugs and Dragonflies: July 2006

This past weekend we met in Chicago for some of the families who travelled to China in November to get together. Unfortunately only four of the eleven families were able to come but we still had a great time. The girls have grown so much and it was great to see them all again. We spent the first day relaxing after much drama for our family. Our flight to Chi Town was cancelled and we had to wait until the next morning to come and it was very stressful being a single parent in the airport with a 21 month old. Finally we arrived in Chicago and met up with everyone. We spent good quality time together on Friday then Saturday we headed by train to Union Station to make plans for the day. We ended up on a water taxi to Navy Pier where some rode the Ferris Wheel, everyone ate and we all sweated a lot. We then headed to the Sears Tower to enjoy the view. We also spent our downtime swimming which Annslee loves. On Sunday we were down to only two families because Mikayla and Lianna had to leave. We headed in to Chinatown with JiaLi's family and enjoyed some great food..the best since November. Of course the kids liked playing with the chopsticks. Once we got back to the hotel it was pool and pizza party time. Then sadly it was time for us to leave so we made our way to O'hare only to find out our flight was cancelled (can that really happen twice in one trip!!!) so we had to rent a car and drive home! In line behind me at the Avis counter were two ladies trying to get home to Louisville but they were out of cars. Since we go right through there we offered to let them share a car with us and the five of us piled into a small car for the ride home. Even with the crazy airport moments it was a wonderful weekend and we can't wait to see everyone again soon!!

Wednesday, July 26, 2006

China Cousins Weekend

This past weekend we got several families together so our girls could play!! It was a great time and so much fun to see how all the girls have grown. There were three big sisters and one baby brother along with seven little girls who all travelled together last November! We really need to make a point to do this more often. At this point the girls have no appreciation for it really but we know in the years ahead these friendships will remain special. Afterall, we were all in the "delivery" room together on the other side of the world.

On the black couch: Zola, Lily, Josie & Seely (Jiangxi), Lauren & Annslee (Hubei) and Katie (Guangdong)

Wednesday, July 19, 2006

Light Out of Africa

"Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness, that frightens us. We ask ourselves, who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented and fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small doesn't serve the world. There's nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you. We were born to manifest the glory of God within us. It's not just in some of us; it's in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others."

~Nelson Mandela, President, Republic of South Africa from his 1994 inagural speech

I ran across this in something I was reading and I just wanted to share. Sometimes when I watch our daughter, or any children playing I am reminded that we are all free to express ourselves and just let go. It seems that as we get older we forget how absolutely wonderful we all are and sometimes we need to remember that and do a few cartwheels or just dance and not care that someone is watching.

Monday, July 17, 2006

Hide and Seek

“The laughter of girls is, and ever was, among the delightful sounds of the earth” - De Quince

Annslee loves to play games with us. She is such a funny child and is continually laughing, a sound I never tire of. One of her newest games is trying to hide in the cabinet. Of course she usually just sits there pulling the door shut onto her legs. Then she will peer out to make sure I am watching. I will say "where's Annslee?" and she will look out laughing. This, and most other games, can go on for hours!

Saturday, July 15, 2006

The tradition continues

Mark has always "played the guitar" on all the nieces and nephews when they were little. Last night he played the Annslee guitar for the first time and as you can see, she loved it. She made him do it again and again!

Random shots

Just a swingin'

No surprise..her playing in the water!

Annslee got a lobster hat at daycare..I have no idea why. Anyway, she wanted her picture made in it but as you can see she also wanted to walk toward the camera as I was taking it. Oh well...

I love bathtime and Mama loves getting kisses from me!

Napping in Mama and Dada's bed..don't I look comfy?

Thursday, July 13, 2006

Pulling on that Red Thread again!

Why a Red Thread? Chinese folklore says that there are invisible red threads that connect a newborn child's spirit to all the people who will be important in the child's life. As the child grows, the threads shorten, drawing closer those people who are destined to be together. The China Adoption community has taken this legend to heart, and has embraced the tradition of the red thread as a means of connecting with the children who wait to be united with their new families. I have added the Red Thread legend below.

"An invisible red thread connects those who are destined to meet, regardless of time, place, or circumstance. The thread may stretch or tangle, but never break."

I think most of you know this but for those who don't, we are paperchasing again! The wait has gotten much longer since we waited for NaNa (and that seemed like forever) so we more than likely won't travel until Spring/Summer of '08. Hopefully we will get to China and back before the Olympics. However, it is all in God's timing and His timing is always perfect. So keep NaNa's mei mei (little sister) in your thoughts and prayers. More than likely she hasn't even been conceived yet but she definitely already has a place in our hearts.

Wednesday, July 12, 2006

Being a mommy

Being a mommy is hard work. Sometimes your baby doesn't listen. So I just give her a "talking to" and then a hug. Of course when my Mama says "Smile" I just put my baby on the windowsill to pose for my photo op!!

Tuesday, July 11, 2006

Weekend at the Lake!

The pool was a HIT! The bikini Cathy gave her was not Dada's favorite though. He thought it was too skimpy but she loved it.

Can you say Boat?? Annslee can, but it sounds more like Bot.

I saw REAL ducks!!!

At our friends house on the lake there was a great playroom and also real ducks that would come into the yard. At first she wasn't sure about the fact that they would come right up to us..hey, they are ok in a book or as a stuffed animal but right beside you...hmmmm...

Hey guys..do you see those ducks?? Not real sure I want them up here....

Dada and I are waving bye bye to them so we can go eat now!

Mama and I are on the next American Idol!

Wednesday, July 05, 2006

4th of July weekend!

Well Annslee spent her first 4th of July as a US Citizen having a great time! We went to the Park nearby where she refused to ride the ponies but loved playing in the bounce factory. She also of course loved swinging and generally running around. We also went to a winery for Jazz on the Lawn and she danced the night away.

Jumping at the celebration in the park

It was time to get out but she didn't want to

She did not want to cooperate in Mama's photo shoot

I thought I would see what she thought about the sand since we are going to the beach in August. We may be in trouble!!

Jazz on the Lawn with Mama

A new beginning

After having Annslee's website up and running for almost a year sadly we are saying goodbye to it. I was at the point of having to purchase more space so I thought I would just join the free blogging world instead. We'll see how it goes : )

I haven't posted photos since the 4th of July weekend so these first few posts..the dates will be a little off. Bear with me on that. You will still get to see her sweet face and how much she is growing. I can't believe it when I look at some of the pictures! So jump on board..the ride is beginning..again