Knowing me, Knowing you... Adoption & our Happy Family.

We had a nice Thanksgiving this year.  It was just the four of us (Mum came too) and was very relaxing.  We started with the traditional hand prints on the Thanksgiving tablecloth.  I am doing this every year with Mia and she loves that permanent paint!  I should have stripped her naked, but we survived with just a little paint on our legs along with the tablecloth.  The girls also made cookies.  It was mostly Mom and I at the end but Mia now gets the idea.  Poor kid didn't even know what sprinkles were!  At dinner we said a prayer and went around the table to give Thanks.  Mia couldn't wait to tell us that she was thankful for "animals, macaroni and cheese and Muck."  (Muck is her cousin Michael.)  This was so cute and she really understood the concept.  She truly LOVES all three of those things.  We also cruised up to Orlando for a day at Animal Kingdom, a night in a hotel and lunch with our Orlando family, Matt, Catherine, Matthew and Michael.  Today is Mia's photo shoot with Santa so hopefully that goes as well. 

I'm so sad about the loss of my cat Gator.  He was so old and these last couple years were so tough I really thought I would find some comfort in him not suffering anymore.  Not yet, I miss him.  Gator was the sweetest cat.  He never hurt anyone and was gentle and loving every day.  He was a bit of a scaredy cat at times but I think that's what made him so sweet too.  I thought he would never survive without me on our 19 day trip to China but he did fine.  He was so good with Mia and accepted her from day 1.  He let her carry him and pet him.  She would lay next to him while he ate and even sampled his chicken at times, in her own bowl of course.  I know in time it will get easier, but for now I am just so sad.

     Cross that rainbow bridge Gator.  I know you are not hurting anymore and you can run, play, chase snakes and cuddle with Blanche.  We will never forget you.  Thank you for being my cat.

10/01/90 - 11/19/09

Big girl bed!  Mia is so proud.  She sleeps in a big girl bed now!  We moved her on Friday night, 3 nights and 3 naps ago.  She is doing awesome.  LOVES her bed and her bedroom.  She is sleeping even better than before - I did not think that was possible, but we have had to wake her from her naps!  I think 2+ hours is long enough for a girl to snooze!  She sneaks out to get a toy or two when she first goes down but is not very quiet about it so I go in and gently tell her it is not toy time.  She takes it in stride and lays down to sleep.  Mike and I were really worried she would miss her crib toy (a fish tank that made a bubbling noise she turned on constantly when awake) but she has not mentioned it.  Amazing to think I thought we would be using that crib for at least 4-6 more months and in less than a week its GONE!  I'm happy about it, its exciting!  Yea Mia!

Mia fell out of her crib yesterday at nap time.  I had just put her down and was in the kitchen when I heard the first cry/scream.  I knew something was wrong.  I found her, flat on her back, on the far side of the crib.  My heart skipped a beat.  Should I move her?  How hurt is she?  She was crying quietly so I think she was totally in shock and not moving so I was scared.  I asked her to scoot herself to me to see if she could move.  She could, so I picked her up and checked her over.  I couldn't see any injuries, she said she hit her head, but I saw no marks.  After a few minutes I decided she was OK.  We talked about the dangers of stretching over the railing and she took a nice 2 hour nap.  Last night we bought a new bed for her so its bye-bye crib tonight!  I'm nervous about this new phase and when she figures out her freedom I'm in big trouble!

Mia,
    Just two short years ago we saw your face for the very first time.  I will never forget how excited we were, waiting all morning.  Daddy came home early from work as he could not concentrate.  We waited by the phone and checked for updates on the computer, every minute it seemed.  Finally the phone rang and we got the news that China has given us our wish, you.  We heard all about you, your age, size and abilities.  We learned where you were born and where you were living.  We heard that you were being cared for and that you loved your special Ayi at the SWI.  We were happy you had comfort and love in your life while we waited just a few more weeks to come to get you.  We had to wait a couple hours to see your picture but I was in love with you already.  You were deep in my heart.  Grandma (Mum) was here when we opened the e-mail that contained your picture.  We all cried tears of joy when we saw you.  You were so little and cute and looked great!  I could not believe that you were mine.  Daddy picked out your name, Mia, because it means “mine”.  You are ours forever and ever and I would not change a single thing about you.  The last two years with you have been so awesome.  You are kind and sensitive.  You love to cuddle and give hugs.  You play with your babies and say “I am a Mommy” as you pat their back or rock them singing and saying “awwww - you’re ok, you’re ok”.  You are still a great sleeper and sleep most nights through the night.  About once a week, you wake and call or cry for me and I jump at the chance to hold you and cuddle you a bit in the night.  You can be cranky without a good sleep or if you miss a nap.  You have sat in the time-out chair for hitting or throwing toys, but you even seem to be growing out of that.  You are learning to control your temper and it shows me you are growing up.  You are a great eater and LOVE your juice “oo-chee” you call it.  We have enjoyed watching you grow and learn and cannot wait to see what the future holds, though I worry it will go too fast!
       I love you to the moon and back.   Your Mommy.

Mia celebrated Halloween for 2 days!  A party at school on Friday, another party Friday night then actual trick or treat on Sat.  We were having a great time!  Mia loved every minute.  Was not afraid of the ghouls and ghosts and even decided to scare some of them!  Our baby is growing up.