Last Wednesday Maggie pooped in the potty. It was a total fluke and it scared her to death. LOL  But at least she experienced the feel of going in the potty. Friday night she asked to go potty. I took her to the potty and nothing happened but she wanted to go. I have such a BIG GIRL...

So today we went to Target to purchase her a potty!  She got to pick it out and picked out the green frog. Once home we tried it and she would have nothing to do with ... << MORE >>

Today Maggie and I met some of my co-workers at the Splash Pad in Gardendale. It is at the Gardendale Park and is free. They have a lot of water sprays that squirt chlorinated water that is filtered then recycled. Why don't we have one of these on my side of town?

It was a lot of fun. Here are the pictures:

(Sheryl and her daughter Harper and Shawnte and her son Sean)



... << MORE >>

Happy Birthday America!  Our newest American citizen celebrated with you and our family celebrated being together for 7 months!  It has been the best 7 months of my life and I could not imagine my life any other way.  I am so blessed and my "love tank" is overflowing every day.

Our family went to Gulf Shores for our annual family vacation.  It was a great time, as always, being with everyone and was extra special this year with Miss Maggie!  She was able to bond with her Uncle Art "Ott", Aunt Lisa "Aunt Pisa", Jordan "Jadun", Ty "Ty" and Wes "Wus".  We even renamed her Gran to GeGe!  LOL  She had a great time being spoiled, being thrown up in the air, kissed, snuggled, and I loved some time to sleep in each morning - thanks Mom!

Remember when I prayed for a strong willed little girl?  I wanted one because I knew if she was strong willed she would get attention in the orphanage.  It is the little quiet children that often get overlooked most of the day.  Well, God heard my prayer and granted it!  I LOVE IT!!!!  But boy can this girl throw a fit.  She does not like to come in from the pool or the ocean.  LOL  She wanted to be outside "outsi" all the time.  She would throw her whole body into a fit and scream.  It was pretty funny and I loved that she was being a typical 2 year old.  When you adopt a child you long for the typical behaviors that mean they are just being a toddler and not having attachment issues.  Well, Maggie is a typical two year old!  She is such a delight and so much fun and NEVER stops.

Maggie didn't much care for the sand but loved the waves.  I let her put her feet in the ocean and she loved it.  I was a little nervous about the disbursement chemicals that may be in the water so no swimming.  We did see some tar balls but not many as the workers were out there at night cleaning it up as fast as they could.  The pool has a zero entry which was awesome for Maggie.  She could just wade in and play.  She made a little friend named Cooper and they played ball together.  He even fed her some of his goldfish!  Now that is a sacrifice for a little one!

Maggie will be 2 1/2 years old this week.  She has changed so much in the last 7 months.  From that little girl in China that could not even grasp a cup or even walk steadily to this happy, healthy, and strong toddler.  Her vocabulary is taking off and she is not afraid of trying anything.  I just love this kid - She is such a blessing.  I thank God, daily, for bringing us together in His PERFECT timing. 

Here are the pictures!


  Happy Independence Day America!  Maggie celebrating her first 4th of July as a US citizen.  Her dress was given to her by my cousin, Leigh.  Thanks Leigh she looked so cute.



  First time on the sand.  Didn't like it too much!



  Please don't make me go in...

  Mommy and Maggie take a tumble in the sand LOL

  the compromise to leaving the beach - swimming in our clothes - sorta!

  Playing with Ty in the pool.

  Aunt T and Wes (Art's youngest)

  Art and Ty (his middle son)

  Art and Jordan (his oldest)





  The Thompson Family

  Art and Lisa

  Art and Maggie

  Art and his family - Lisa, Jordan, Ty and Wes

  The 3 nephews - Ty, Wes and Jordan





  Art, Mom and me



  Mom



Maggie and her Aunt "Pisa" - Lisa



  Gran (GeGe) and Maggie at LuLu's

Gulf Oil Cleanup:
  Tar Balls




  Workers cleaning up tar balls

  Every 45 minutes they took a 15 minute break!

We are very busy and having a great summer.  Maggie was sick for 4 days with a fever virus.  She was just pitiful but is back to her spunky self.  She is just growing up so much and is just my fun!  Here are some pictures from our summer days!


Our buddy Finn had a birthday party.  Finn is a classmate of Maggie's.  The kids had a great time!
Maggie, Bailey and Zoe (with her back to us)
Birthday Boy, Finn!
  Charlotte joins in the fun now (orange dress). 

Memorial day in Auburn with DeEtte, Hannah and Sadie!

My little gymnast!



  Growing up so fast, Hannah (6 years old)

  Our sweet buddy, Sadie (4 years old)

  Blowing bubbles!

  Maggie and her Gran

   Helping Pete count his loose change.

  I love  my backyard pool, Mommy!

  When a girl is thirsty, she is thirsty...



Inside Water Play
(What you do to satisfy your daughter's need to play in water and it is too hot for you to go outside)

Maggie is nearing her 27th month birthday.  She still is 20 to 21 lbs, depending on which way the wind is blowing!  She is very healthy and is eating more every day.  She is learning so much now and has a lot of words in her vocabulary.  She is still only using 1 word but I believe will be putting 2 words together soon.  Some of her favorites:

• Uh-oh
• otter - water
• bush - brush
• Bye-Bye (even says it like a flight attendant)
• Tank u - Thank you - says it anytime I give her something - good manners already!
• Gooot - stands for Good as in "Maggie, how are you? Gooot
• peas - for Please
• Up for please pick me up
• Down for I want to get down
• bat - bath
• Boo - Moo
• Hay -  Hay - this one is in one of her books
• Baaaaa - for sound sheep make
• boom boom - sound trucks make - should be vroom vroom
• Amen
• Ah-uus - Jesus
• na-na - night night
• bottle - pronounced perfectly - LOL
• ite - bite
• Momma
• Maggie
• Wheeeeee - when I take a curve too fast in the car  LOL
  
  UH UH UH for everything else!  LOL

One of the funniest things Maggie is doing now is pretending and mocking.  She mocks me on EVERYTHING!  Scary, I know.  We are in the car and she all of a sudden throws her hand to her ear and says Hello?  She then proceeds to have a conversation with someone on the phone - including knee slapping laughter and then will say Bye.  It is hysterical.  She loves to sing still and knows the tunes (not the words yet) to most of our Bible Songs for Kids CD's.  She cracks me up as she sings to the top of her lungs and it is so off key - now that is MY daughter!!!  LOL

Maggie doesn't walk - she RUNS everywhere.  She has scrapes on her knees from falling all the time.  I just can't catch her quick enough.   She also does the weirdest thing at home.  I have hardwood floors and she walks around the house then all of a sudden will jump up and plop right down on her rear on the hard wood.  It is like doing a seat drop on a trampoline.  I don't know why and it is so funny to watch.  It hurts me but I guess she has diaper padding!

She also loves to jump.  Any time the flooring changes - like from tile to hardwood or grass to concrete, she will jump.  She even skips some too - don't know how she learned that one.

Daycare has also taught her some not so good things.  She says NO to everything, whether it is Yes or No.  But it is all in her tone.   Sometimes she will say, No, then OK - that means YES.  Being an instructor and conscious of my words, I know that I say OK a lot.  She has picked it up too.  Yesterday I was on the phone with my mom and mom said to tell Maggie she loves her.  I said, Maggie, Gran loves you.  Tell her you love her?  She said NO just matter of factly.  It was pretty funny on my end - mom didn't think so.  LOL

I used to work at my church's nursery to sharpen my "toddler" skills.  I worked there throughout the past 4 years.  The sweet ladies there threw us a shower this past Sunday and gave us some awesome gifts.  Thank you all!!!!!  It was so much fun and Maggie was the star, as she should be!  One of the ladies gave Maggie a little baby doll that cries when you remove her bottle.  Well Maggie just loved this doll but she loved taking the bottle out of the baby's mouth more so it would cry.  That just cracked me up.  I guess compassion is a skill we will need to work on.

Enjoy the pictures - the good ones were taken by my cousin, Leigh.:


  I love my shakers







  Wheeeee




  First time in the sprinkler

  This is so much fun!!!!









  Dinner with Hannah and Sadie - my friend, DeEtte's kids

Mother's Day weekend was the most perfect weekend!  It was everything I had ever dreamed about and more.

In the past, this day was always hard.  I have wanted to be a mom for so many years and it was so hard to see my friends get married and become moms.  Just being real here!  It is not that I wasn't happy for them, I was just sad for me!  Mother's day just screamed - you are not married and you are not a mom.  Two things I wanted so badly.

We God worked on the being content part of not being married but the motherless part was still very raw.  There are so many of my friends that still are not mothers and I choose to celebrate them too as they are "mother like" to so many children.  They should be honored too!  Then camel this year for me!

Maggie and I met my mom in Auburn at our condo there.  It was mother's day for me and my mom too!  We played outside, swam in the pool, blew bubbles,  and visited with friends all weekend.  It was incredible.  Maggie was so much fun and just is the happiest little girl.  She just rolls with the punches of life with a smile and laugh.

Below are some pictures from that weekend.  Take care,

Tricia

  Maggie loved to jump off the side of the pool





  Maggie with Gran - Grandmother's Day too!



  I love this picture of Maggie and her Gran

We are doing great but have had a couple of rough nights.  Last week and weekend Maggie had her first illness with me!  She had a deep barking cough and was favoring her ear.  So off to the doctor we went on Friday.  She had a slight ear infection so they put her on some antibiotics.  On Friday night, she starting running a fever of 101.9.  She was burning up so I gave her some Motrin before putting her to bed.  Her fever was gone around 3:00 a.m. when I got up to check on her.

Saturday was spent in the house all day trying to get well.  She had a fever again around noon so the Motrin came out again.  She would not nap and did not sleep well that night.  She was up at 1:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m.  Yes that is all night folks!!!  I resorted to putting in a Winnie the Pooh video and putting her in bed with me so I could rest a little.

While watching the news Saturday night, I learned that all the meds I had been giving Maggie that week were on recall!  Sweet...

Needless to say Sunday was a totally waste of not going to church and not doing much of anything but resting.  Luckily her fever never returned.  Sunday night, Maggie had a night terror.  They are usually brought on by lack of sleep, or overstimulation or just happen.  Luckily I had read a lot about them while I was waiting on Maggie!  I was not scared but was very intrigued.  It was wild to watch.  She was thrashing around in her crib like a wild woman.  All I did was to keep her safe and try to keep her from hurting herself.  I tried to soothe her too but she was asleep, albeit with her eyes open, and wouldn't hear me.  After about 7 minutes she settled back down and went to sleep.

Monday, daycare as usual and she is fine.  Monday night - woke up at 10:45 pm to screaming and wanting me to hold her.  I did and put her back in the crib once she feel asleep.  She immediately woke up and wanted me to hold her.  I ended up bringing her to my bed so we all could get some rest.  Tuesday night, had a night terror at 11:00 p.m.  When she woke up she wanted to get in bed with me.

Wednesday, wait and see...

What is it about her waking up around 2 1/2 hours of sleep?  She has been doing this for awhile now but just lately it has been worse.  I really don't want to co-sleep as it is hard for me to rest but if she needs it, I am doing it.  Anyone else with the same issues?

The night terrors are horrible to watch but at least I can usually find a reason to why she had one.  Night mares are worse in my opinion because they wake up frightened because they are aware of what is going on.  A night terror is never remembered as they are fully asleep.

Sorry no pics today!  I'm exhausted!  LOL

While we were in Auburn, Maggie was able to go swimming for the first time.  She was so excited and thought it was a big bath tub.  She had watched her cousins, Ty and Wes, swim the night before and was really anxious to get in.  Luckily, my brother was willing, or coerced to getting in, so I didn't have to.

I think we are going to be swimming a lot this summer!  I love how brave Maggie is and she is not afraid of anything!  That is my girl...

 Isn't her suit cute?

  First time to get in the water.  Kicking in the water is fun

Last weekend we went to Auburn for A-Day.  Boy was it a hot day!  Maggie wore her cheerleading outfit and looked so cute.  She happily sang and danced to the fight song and loved the "2 Bits" cheer.  She did really well - well until the game - as it was nap time and very hot.  I took her back to the condo in the first quarter. I think I am going to have to get used to missing some football this fall!

That morning we walked thru the new basketball arena and enjoyed the campus.  My brother and his two youngest came as well as Gran and it was a fun time.  Ty and Wes are so sweet to Maggie and she just loves them.

Here are some pictures!  War Eagle!  Gotta love her stroller - Orange and Blue and we bought it in China!!!!



  I love my stroller and my cheerleading outfit!

 I am loving Auburn

 Boy it is hot!

  Tiger Paws and Maggie

 Tiger Paws and Maggie

  Ty and Maggie

  New basketball arena - lots of natural light 



  Art and Wes

  Gran

I don't need any help in this area!  It was easy to dress Maggie in Wacky Tacky today. It was really fun to see all the kids' outfits this morning. I guess we can't go out to eat tonight, huh?  I didn't bring another outfit. Enjoy...


... << MORE >>

Today was Inside/Out day at Maggie's Daycare. They are doing something different every day this week. It was funny to see the kids coming into daycare with their pants on inside/out. Here is her outfit for the day.


  This is our daily routine for going to the car - Got to have that "bot-tol" every morning!  LOL  ... << MORE >>

Patrice Stewart wrote a sweet article about Maggie. It appeared in
today's The Decatur Daily. Thank you Patrice.

Happy Easter Everyone!  We had a great weekend at Gran's.  Here are some fun pictures from the weekend.

So sorry it has taken so long to update.  We have been grieving and very busy.

Izzy:
First of all, after almost two weeks of fighting for her life, Izzy was put to sleep today.  It has been an emotional roller coaster for us and I am just heart broken.  But she is no longer sick and in my mind is in heaven doing her "Bichon Buzz" and torturing Lacey (my brother's family dog) that died a few months ago.  They were good friends.  Thank you all for your comments of support and care over the past two weeks - we are doing okay.  Just the other day, Maggie came into the house and said "I-girl".  I told her that "I-girl" was sick and not here.  Then she proceeded to run laps around the sofa.  That is what we called the Bichon Buzz and Izzy did it several times a day.  It was one of the main things we loved her for.  Now my child does that!  Go figure!!!!



  Isabella Thompson (Izzy, Izzy-girl, I-girl)  Aug. 21, 2003 - March 29, 2010

Well, now for the update on  little Miss Priss, aka Maggie!  She is such a delight and I just love that she is happy almost 24/7.  It is so much fun to see life through her eyes on a daily basis.

Eyes:
Speaking of eyes.  When we returned to the States in December, Maggie had several appointments with the International Adoption Clinic.  One of their recommendations was that she see a hearing specialist and an eye specialist.  The hearing test showed a little fluid in her ears, which later turned into an ear infection, but her hearing was good.  Actually that was a fun test.

We then went to see an eye specialist.  Within 5 minutes of sitting down with her and using some stickers to help her focus, Dr. Metz noticed that she wasn't using her right eye.  He then dilated her eyes which I am sure everyone in the state of Alabama heard!  Wow, my girl has some lungs!

The final outcome is that Maggie's right eye has +4.00 sight - I believe that is extreme nearsightedness.  Her left eye is fine but if we didn't catch this early, she would develop a lazy eye and might lose sight out of that eye.  So she is in glasses.  They are so cute and small and she does NOT take them off ever.  Bless her heart, I guess she can finally see.  The doctor wanted us to patch her good eye to make her weak eye stronger.  Ever tried to do that with a 2 year old?  I have patched my eye, the bear is patched but no go for Maggie.  I called the doctor today to see if he had any ideas.  I have tried fun patches and have tried a patch that goes over her glasses.  That patch is the smallest they make but it is still way too big for her glasses.  Hopefully, just using her glasses will be enough.  We'll see - waiting on the doctor to return my call.

  Pre-glasses

  Trying on her glasses.

  I can See!!!!!

  Mommy (excuse my looks) has glasses too!

Development/Attachment:
As most of you know we have had beautiful springs days along with major winter days lately.  When it is nice, we have been escaping to the outside for some well needed Vitamin D.  Maggie is learning to play with so many toys and is just turning into the active little 2 year old she should be.  I am so happy with her attachment and progress.  You all would be so amazed at how much she has developed since I got her December 7, 2009. 

I have been a little concerned with Maggie's speech development.  She and I are learning sign language and that has been incredible.  My mom got us The Signing Times DVD set and it is awesome.  Maggie learned 7 signs in one night.  She has been able to use a couple of them in the way they are to be used.  For example, when she is hungry, this past week she has signed "eat" to me and says it too.  She is also saying "all done" and kinda uses her hands like when someone is safe at home in baseball.  But then she continues to eat so no telling.  LOL  She also is putting Eat and More together both with signing and speaking.

I decided to have her tested by the State to see if she would qualify for Early Intervention.  She did and they found her to be about 25% delayed in Motor and Speech.  They will be coming to her daycare at least once a month for therapy.  This was one test I was glad that she didn't excel.  I wanted her to have as much help as possible to make sure she catches up quickly.

I have noticed that Maggie is really smart.  I have had many people tell me that "Asian" people are smart and I should get her to be a doctor.  That may well be true, but I don't want to put that kind of pressure on her and I hope people don't say that to her when she is older.  As long as she does her best and tries, that is all I ask for.  She can be who she wants to be and I don't care - as long as a college education is completed!

Speaking of crazy things people say:  I was at the grocery store this weekend and a Vietnam vet was bringing out my groceries for me.  He was excited to see Maggie and know that I adopted her.  I was enjoying chatting with him until he said "China only wants money from the Americans.  I'm sure when you "BOUGHT" her, you could have gotten her cheaper than you did."  I said "WHAT???"  He quickly said, "I mean, when you adopted her."  Talk about Momma Bear coming out.  I just looked at him and was just dumbfounded that he would say something like that.  I thought I would not say something nice in return, so I got in my car and just sat shocked.  You know, I knew things like this would happen but when it does, you are just in shock.  God bless his little heart.



  Posing by my car.

  Pushing it back - can't quite do that 3 point turn yet.

  Look mom - no hands!!!!   YIKES!

  Hey Mom!

  Getting in and out of the car by herself.

  Look Mom got me chalk today!  How much fun is this!

  Time for a sippy cup break.  Excuse the mess - I was cleaning out my garage!

  Oh my goodness, this is so much fun!

  Check out my shakers Gran gave me.  Yeah!!!!

  Practicing for Auburn Football games.  War Eagle!

  Learning to pick up money.  Putting it in her Auburn bank Pete gave her.  Learning to save early!!!



First Birthday Party:
This past Sunday, Maggie attended her first birthday party.  Two of her classmates from daycare turned two and they had a big blowout with a Easter Egg hunt and the Easter Bunny.  There were lots of people there and Maggie had a blast.  She was a little timid at first then we began playing on the great swing set that Walker has in his yard.   She loved the swing and loved the slide.  She didn't really care for the Easter Bunny though and being the mean mom that I am I thru her into the Easter Bunny's arms for a picture.  Oh boy, can't wait until Christmas!!!!  LOL  I believe she was not emotionally scarred but who knows!  I am so mean...

I'm sorry the update is so long.  I promise to be better about updating as life happens.  Enjoy the pictures.  Love,

Tricia and Maggie and in memory of Izzy!

  Mom and me going to my first birthday party!  Happy Birthday Ford and Walker!!

  Don't you just love her watermelon outfit?  I got this year one of five while waiting on her.  It is really too small but I wanted her to wear it at least once.

  Look my first swing with mommy!

  This is cool!

  I loved the slide!

  Weeeeeee

  Easter Egg Hunting.  Maggie mainly just took her eggs out of the basket as I put them in.  We have another week to work on that!

  Cute baskets that the Easter Bunny handed out.

  Maggie's friend in crime at school - Finn

  ME NO LIKE THIS GUY!  LOL (I'm so mean)

  Ok they slide again - whew, better!

  Finn going for it with Maggie ready behind him.

  Bye Bye - we had a good time and mommy didn't even get a picture of the birthday boys!  There were so many people there!

We did NOT have to put Izzy down yet. When I got there Friday
afternoon she was doing better. The vet wanted to give her a few more
days. The emotional rollercoaster continues. I was able to tell her
goodbye though.

Sent from my iPhone

Tricia

Update:  Izzy ended up having Cushing's Syndrome and she couldn't make it through treatment.  Her kidneys failed.  We put her to sleep today, March 29, 2010.

Isabella Thompson "Izzy"
  April 21, 2003 - March 29, 2010


Today is a very sad day for me.  My Bichon Frise dog named Izzy is being put to sleep.  Izzy is just 6 years old and has not lived a long life - she is just too young to go!  She has been lethargic for a few weeks now and last weekend was really weak.  We took her to our vet and after running tests on her for a week, he has determined that she more than likely has liver cancer.  She is not in any pain right now just very weak.

I made the decision, along with our vet, to put her to sleep today.  I want to be there loving on her and rubbing her ears which she was so fond of.  I want to tell her bye and tell her what a good dog she was.  It is just breaking my heart.

But I know that God has a reason for everything and at least we found it before she was in any pain.  Below are some photos of Izzy - she was so much fun, loved on you, wanted to be rocked, and chase the neighborhood lawnmower sounds around the fence.  She was so gentle with Maggie and I loved her very much.

Rest in peace my sweet puppy.

Mom


Izzy's Brothers and Sisters - she is the 3rd from the left






Day one with Izzy - she weighed 2 lbs


Look how small she was!  So cute!



Izzy loved her Greenies

I have a lot to blog about this week so come back often. Today, I wanted to give you an opportunity to see Maggie's 2 year old pictures that we had taken this weekend. We went to Jennifer Culp at 810 Studio in Decatur and just loved her. She was so good with Maggie and took some amazing shots.

The blue dress she has on is my dress when I was a little girl; the white dress is from a friend's daughter in Orlando (thanks Sharon and Mary Alice); and the white dress with ... << MORE >>

In preparation for Maggie's professional pictures and Tea, she got her hair cut. It is really cute. I am going to let it grown out but it needed shaping up badly. She was pretty good until the end. Way to go sweet girl - another FIRST with MOMMY.








  The finished product. Thank you Barbara (Aunt B to Maggie) ... << MORE >>

A few weeks ago, the weekend Izzy got sick, some very special people threw an awesome party for Maggie.  It was called a Sip and See - come sip tea and see Maggie!

It was so much fun and Mrs. Jim Odom (June) had her home decorated so beautifully.  There were five sweet ladies that gave the party, the other four are Mrs. John Wilks (Katherine), Mrs. Walter Brooks (Linda), Mrs. Susan Horton, and Mrs. Joyce Nabors.  They have been such special people to our family for many years.

There were a lot of people who attended the party and Maggie was so good.  She lasted the entire party without a breakdown.  I think that is pretty good for a 2 year old meeting a lot of new people for the first time.  She looked cute in her new dress that Gran got her and she wore her hair bow the whole time - that is my girl!!!!  She knows when she has to look pretty.  LOL

Several of my friends brought their adopted Asian children too.  Maggie hasn't been around a lot of Asian children and she just loves to look at them - funny.  Thank you Madison, Georgia, Addie Lu, Lauren and Anna for playing with Maggie.  It meant a lot that you would take time out from your busy Sunday to come meet Maggie.  Next time, we will all go play!

Enjoy the pictures!

  Mommy and Maggie

  Sweet Anna and Lauren Akin (photo courtesy of Allison Akin)

  Georgia, Madison and Addie Lu (sorry Maggie didn't smile)





  Mrs. Katherine

  Mrs. Susan, my mom (Ann) and Mrs. Linda

  Mrs. Joyce - I didn't get a picture of Mrs. June (so sorry!!!  She was working so hard)

  Mrs. Nelson (in the blue)  meeting Maggie.

  Beautiful table.

Thank you all - it was so wonderful.

Love you,

Tricia and Maggie

Well, I guess it is time to order the invitations. To what you might ask?  To Maggie's wedding!!!!

Maggie, it seems, has a boyfriend at daycare!  Her teacher told me that a little boy named George, who is in another room, LOVES Maggie. Apparently, he chases her every time he sees her. What does Maggie do?  Runs, of course!  Smart girl....LOL

I have yet to meet said George but may have to ask the nephews to visit daycare and check him out!  I find this very funny...
... << MORE >>

My 90 Day Warranty is up - I think I made it!  Don't jobs have a 90 day probational period?  Don't some products come with a 90 day warranty?  How about motherhood?  Does Maggie get to "send me home" if she wants after 90 days?

Well, Maggie and I have been a family for 90 days.  And she is still here!  She did not leave, she has not packed her bags and she has not booked a flight - well that I know of at least.  She may, in fact, still want to be with me!!!!!  LOL

I cannot believe that we have been a family for 3 months.  The time has on one hand flown but yet I feel like we have been together forever.  I don't miss my life before her and would never want to return to it.  She has filled that missing piece in my life and I hope I have in hers.  We are a pair - mother and daughter forever.  Magster, I love you and delight in what you teach me every minute of every day.  I love living life through your sweet two year old eyes.

I thank God for you every day.  How He brought us together at just the perfect time.  How He laid the pathway for me to get to you.  How He opened doors that would normally have been closed so I could be your mom.  I love how you are learning about Him and learning to sing His praises.  One day, hopefully soon, you will know who Jesus is and that He died for your sins.  One day, hopefully soon, you will learn about the peace that loving and following Him means.  Jesus LOVES you more than you will ever know and I am so very thankful that you now live in a country where you can get to know Him freely.  I am extremely privileged to be your mom and I love you with every fiber of my being and everything I am capable of.

So what is Maggie doing now?

• Weighs 20 lbs - lost 1/2 lbs
• Had her first ear infection
• Says HI - to everyone and I mean everyone - at the store, daycare, restaurant, me, etc...
• Says Bye-Bye to the same people as we leave
• Loves to say good girl or "goot url" - I must say that a lot
• Blows kisses without  having to prompt her - so sweet
• Calls herself - "Baggie" instead of Maggie and calls me Momma (taps my chest as she says it like I do hers)
• Does not like icing or anything sweet - can this girl really be mine????
• Loves food (but not sweets or fruit) and no snacks
• Loves to dance
• Has started to sing in the car with the 101 Bible Songs - really cute!  Yesterday we were coming home from work and Crown Him was playing - at the end of the song they shout Crown Him very loud to end it - when it got to that part all of a sudden I heard Maggie shout something like Crown Him - she knows these songs and it is hilarious - she claps after every song too
• Dances to the Auburn fight song (keychain plays song) and knows how to do War Eagle, Hey at the end - fist pumps and all
• LOVES the outside
• Rolls the ball to you
• Kicks the ball - sometimes
• Runs to her daycare room every morning - then remembers that I am leaving her so she cries  LOL
• Can sorta count to four - there are four scoops of formula in her bottle - I say one then she says the sweetest two, three and four
• Feeds herself - well some food gets in her mouth but needless to say, Izzy is getting fatter!
• Knows  how to blow (or I call it spit) on her food to cool it down
• Knows the word HOT
• Plays this game with me by cowering up to me and putting her finger in front of her mouth and going "shhhhh"  I do it back and we just laugh and giggle - so precious
• Kisses me every night before bed and every morning when I get  her out of bed - my love tank is full with this child!
• Learning how to WHINE - Yuck I wish she hadn't learned this one!
• We are working on the word Please so maybe she wont whine too much (I know BTDT parents - they still will!  LOL)
• Got her first haircut - a little short but cute

  Overall day at daycare - Mom don't look (my mother  HATES overalls and jeans on Maggie LOL) - I think she looks precious!

  Don't tell Maggie but she has a hair bow in her hair!

 At the hair salon about to get my first hair cut


  I love this picture - good shot of her double crown!

 Being very still!

OK I dont really like this anymore

All done!  The sweet hair stylist, Stephanie, was awesome - she even thought to give me the first lock of hair to save.  How sweet!  Here Maggie is with my neighbor, Barbara, who babysat while mom got her hair done too.  Thanks Barb!

Today was just so much fun!  Maggie had a great day.  Mom and Pete came down this morning and we opened up gifts and then played outside.  This was the first day we could play outside and the weather be nice.  She had a great time chasing Izzy and me and throwing the ball.

After a nap and some lunch given by Pete, my brother and his family got here.  We all went back outside and played kick ball.  Took a lot of pictures then it was time for cake and ice cream.  Below are the pictures!

Maggie had nothing to do with her cake or ice cream - this kid is just not mine - I LOVE Ice Cream!!!  LOL  No playing in the cake or anything.  She would get some icing on her finger and then give it to me to get it off.  Oh well maybe next year!  However, we all LOVED the cake and ice cream!



  The shirt and hat that Patti Stutts gave Maggie!



  Playing in the back yard!



  Aunt Lisa brought me Mardi Gras beads!!!!



 Kicking the ball with Mommy and Ty

  Pete brought her an Auburn piggy bank and helped her put money in it.  Thanks Pete!

  Lunchtime with Pete

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Sunday, February 14, 2010 was Chinese New Year. This was Maggie's and my first one to celebrate together. Every year our Shelby County FCC (Families with Children from China) get together and eat at a Chinese Restaurant and visit. This year, I finally got to take Maggie!!!  It was a lot of fun to get to dress her up in her Chinese outfit and visit with some good friends.

Below are some of the pictures from that night!



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Here are some pictures of Maggie playing at home. Enjoy!





  See my new teeth?  I have 4 new 1 year old molars - 12 teeth in all.


  Gotta love that she brought me one shoe to put on over her pj's. She ran around like this for about an hour before she brought me the other one. This girls likes to ... << MORE >>

One day last week was wear "red/pink" day at daycare. I dressed Maggie in a red and white polka dot onesie and red pants and of course red squeaky shoes!  Here is a picture of her in the car on the way to daycare.  She was wearing her hat on her head but figured out how to unroll the front.  She didn't quite grasp the idea that she could roll it back up!  LOL

This daycare thing is great for her sleep (and mine!)  She went to bed at 8:00 and didn't wake up until I got her at 6:30.  2 nights in a row!!!!  WHOOOOOOHOOOOOO.





I left my camera at the daycare so they could take come pictures of her and her classmates at the Valentine's Day party on Thursday.  I think they turned out cute.  I am also putting a few pictures of her "artwork".  She is a budding artist, don't you think?  LOL





  Maggie and her friend Piper

  Being cooperative?  I don't think so....

  Some of her buddies

  The other table of kiddos

  Do you have to keep taking pictures?  My back is hurting...

  Art work after learning about hearts

  Her birth date is on the wall

  Art work after learning about squares

  Fingerpainting

  This is her envelope at daycare where I get all her reports



  I love the bye bye buggie - sitting next to Zoe!

  Trying to put her coat on

Well, I have started back to work after having several weeks off.  I must be honest that in a way it is good to be back!  I know that Maggie is very happy at daycare so that makes it easier.  I seem to be a creature that likes schedules and it is good to have one for ME!  Is that bad?

Don't get me wrong, I have loved every second with Maggie.  Her laugh is contagious, energy high and if I could see her brain, I know it would be going ninety-to-nothing.  But I am tired!!!  LOL 

Now the next stage is our morning routine.  Wow is it early!  I decided to change my hours to 8:00 - 4:30 so I could have more time with Maggie and hopefully get ahead of some of the rush hour traffic in downtown Birmingham.  So that means I am getting up at 5:30.  Yes that is A.M. folks and until I had a daughter, I only knew that there was a 5:30 P.M.  Needless to say, I am not a morning person.  But to get ready for work then get Maggie up and ready and fed, it takes that long.  But oh the reward - I get to see a smiling little face every morning that is glad to see me and get some major morning snuggling in before work.  She wakes up happy and is easy to dress and loves her eggs for breakfast.  She has learned to take her morning bottle in the car on the way to work so that has helped a lot.  Once she learns to eat the breakfast foods at daycare, that will help a lot too.

Now if I could just get Izzy back on this routine.  Last night, Maggie was so exhausted from daycare (more on that in a minute) that she was fast asleep by 8:15 and I didn't hear anything from her until I woke her this morning.  But Izzy decided she needed a drink of water at midnight, then the neighbors needed to be informed on what was on her mind at 1:30 (otherwise known as barking and she got spanked for that one) then at 3:30 needed to go check on Maggie in her room (cute but not needed).  ARG but it will take a little while for this spoiled fur kid to get into the routine.  I really just think that she was lonely yesterday and was ready to play last night.  Need to get back to those doggy walks.

Let's talk daycare!  Maggie is having the time of her life.  On Mondays the Children's Theatre comes and sings, dances and plays instruments with the kids.  Last Monday was Maggie's first trial day and she just loved it.  I was able to watch her and was told that yesterday she had fun doing this again.  I love her daycare.  They are so attentive to her and want to see her succeed.  The little ones in her room are also just precious.  She will develop some good friends from this group.  She attended 3 days last week for a while each day.  Yesterday was her first full day.  She was exhausted but glad to see me!  Be still my heart!

Pictures were taken last Thursday and I will be anxious to see what they look like.  These will be the first professional photos taken of Maggie.  I will get her two year old pictures made within the next few weeks - she turns 2 on Wednesday - Feb. 17.  Can you believe it?

We had our follow-up visit last week to the International Adoption Clinic and they were really pleased with her progress.  They think she is about 6 months delayed which is right on track with a child who was in an orphanage.  She also has gained 1.5 lbs since we have been home - 19.5 lbs. total.  I am so very proud of Maggie and how far she has come.  I did not think that a child could learn so quickly and catch up developmentally as fast as she has.  That is my girl...

Now what have we been doing lately?  We went back to Decatur to see some more of mom's friends.  There are so many people who had purchased the cookbook I made for funding the adoption that I want them to see who they supported and prayed for.  After that, we headed to Auburn for the weekend.  While there, we got together with some of my friends and mom's friends so they could meet Maggie.  She was in rare form and just as sweet as can be.

I pulled another rookie mom mistake - Let's just hope that the Good Lord will let her live to be at least 5 with all the mistakes I am making.  I decided to try a cheaper formula - the Target brand, I heard, was just like Enfamil ProSobee.  Well NOT!!!!!  She had a horrible case of diarrhea and it took me 2 days to figure out the problem.  Then that problem developed into a drastic case of diaper rash.  Poor thing was just raw and screamed every time she had to potty!  I promptly discarded that formula and went back to the good stuff.  Poor thing.

Maggie attended her first Auburn basketball game.  She absolutely loved everything about it.  We watched the Auburn girls play Georgia and she danced, watched and was attentive the whole time.  I got her a shaker and she was all over that the whole game.  The whole section was playing with her.  She also warmed my heart by learning to say "WAR EAGLE, HEY!  Actually it is WOOOOOOOOOOOO (drawn out)- EGG-EL, A.  It is so precious!

Some things she does now are:

• pushes any musical toy to make it work
• brings all toys to me to play
• dances freely and often
• blows kisses
• has added 4 more teeth to her mouth - 1 year molars
• says "bye bye" and waves her hand toward herself - cute
• knows what "sit down" means
• runs full force into my arms when I come get her at daycare - that is what I have been waiting for my whole life!!!!
• bangs on the piano as she walks by
• pets Izzy - well most of the time pets her - or as she calls her "i-url"
• Says War Eagle Hey
• Says "tak-ew" to everyone (thank you)
• plays in her food most every meal
• finally is leaving Izzy's food alone
• gets me wetter than she gets during her bath and squeels with delight
• loves our family members - immediate family and cousins
• gives a high five when you put your hand out
• wants to wear her squeaky shoes at all times even if just in the house
• still brings me shoes to put on even when I am wearing shoes
• loves to comb her hair
• not liking brushing her teeth but we are working on that one
• still does not like fruit or anything cold
• tolerates mom's cooking!

Here are the pictures!

 

  She has Auburn squeaky shoes and cute socks!  (Thanks Pete!)
  Asleep in her car seat!

  Give me a kiss!



  Maggie's first day of daycare!
Maggie at daycare with the Children's Theatre (she is in the pink jumper to the left of the teacher)  Look how small she is compared to her classmates!

So sorry that it has been so long since I blogged.  We have been really busy lately traveling the state to see friends and family.  Below is a little about what we have been up to as well as some ways Maggie has grown and become more attached.  Pictures are at the bottom (if you want to skip the commentary).

We visited her new daycare and Maggie seemed to be very interested in the kids and opportunities to play.  I think it will be good for her.  They have something new every 30 minutes of day, it seems.  She will really develop and learn alot there.  Her first day will be for a few hours on Monday, Feb. 1.  I will be there watching her through a video feed to see how she reacts.  Tuesday, we will do the same thing, this time maybe during nap time.  Wednesday, we have doctor appts all day so no daycare.  Her first full day in daycare will be on Thursday.  I will take that day to rest and run errands.  My first day back to work will be Friday, Feb. 5.

I really hate to go back but it is time for us to tackle this next stage in our life.  I have loved every second of this quick time of being home with Maggie.  I have loved getting to know her and watching her grow in so many ways.  She is such a delight and most of the time she is really good!  LOL

Case in point.  This week, Maggie decided that her diet was lacking a certain food group - dog food!  I found her playing in Izzy's food and water.  It was actually really funny but gross.  As I said, it was funny but not so much after the 4th time that day.  She changed clothes 3 times because she was soaking wet.  Poor Izzy only has water out now and has to eat when I can distract Maggie.  Today, Maggie decided that the water container was really a lot of fun too.  So she played in it too.  You know, all of this in a split second that it takes me to go to the bathroom or put a load of clothes in.  That stinker!!!!

Two weekends ago, Maggie, Izzy and I drove to Mobile to visit my brother and is family.  We had a blast.  They just love her and I love watching her go from one to the other.  She feels like a queen and I got a well needed break.  She did not sleep well the whole weekend, I guess just being away from home, but had a blast playing.  Izzy got some well deserved love too!  I ate lunch with my college roommate, Kim, as she wanted to meet Maggie.  It was a great time of catching up!

We came home for one day and then drove to see my mom in Decatur.  There are so many people in Decatur that helped me bring Maggie home.  We were able to see some of these sweet people at the church dinner on Wednesday night.  The next few days were spent visiting others and catching up with family.  We had a really good time!

We came home and haven't left again for a few days.  Maggie got a small grade fever after getting her Flu and H1N1 shots so we laid low.  She didn't feel bad just ran a fever.  Nothing a little Motrin couldn't fix.

The weather has been nice lately so we have spent some time out doors.  A good friend, DeEtte and her 2 precious little ones from China came to meet Maggie on Sunday.  Her youngest, Sadie (4), walked in and said "she looks like me!"  It was cute and yes, Sadie, I do think Maggie looks like you!  And I love that!  Her oldest, Hannah (6) was such a good playmate with Maggie.  She was so nurturing and gentle with her.  Maggie kept falling into her arms for a hug.  it was so sweet.  I foresee a great relationship between these three.

So what is Maggie doing now?  How is she growing?

• She can turn a somersault - by herself it is a little sideways
• She runs around the house - of course in her squeaky shoes
• She plays with many of her toys and know how to work them - yes she still loves the musical toys the best
• She uses her tongue more now while eating - hopefully she will be chewing better soon
• She is curious about her sippy cup and likes water in it - apple juice not so much!
• She has started playing with her food - evidence below
• She goes to other people but immediately comes back to me
• She cries when friends leave the house after playing with her
• She tries to blow her nose with a Kleenex - she scrunches up her nose and blows thru her mouth - so funny
• Still gives the best kisses ever

Words Maggie say (of course all in Maggie language!)

• Hello? = "O?" and said anytime any phone rings
• Thank you = "Tak ew - doesn't know what it means but repeats it a lot
• Hi = "i"
• I say "Cows say moo" = she says "boo"
• Auburn = "au-ern"
• Izzy - sometimes called Izzy girl = "i-url"

We are headed to Auburn tomorrow to hang out at the condo.  There are some great friends in Auburn for Maggie to meet too.  And she will watch her first basketball game this weekend.  Let's hope that she likes noise and Aubie.  Pictures to come next week.  Thank you all for checking in!

Tricia, Maggie and Izzy
 I love my baths

  Macaroni and Cheese - YUM (notice the pasta in her hair and on the floor)  Izzy was in heaven!

  Hannah and Maggie  Sadie and Maggie   Izzy's food AFTER Maggie sampled it!  GROSS!!!! Maggie's first time on a trampoline - Thank you cousin Ty






  Maggie learning to blow her nose

 

What a great day!  It started out with my cousin, Laurie and her daughter, Leslie visiting Maggie. Yes I am not delusional thinking that they came to see me!  LOL  We had a great visit and I hope they come back soon. I have loaded some pictures below from their visit.

Maggie likes to walk under my legs now. It is pretty funny. I was hanging up some of her clothes today and she walked right under my legs and back. How did she know that that would be fun?  This girl amazes ...

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We had a good friend, one that I haven't seen in 3 years, visit us today.  She brought her 3 month old daughter and it was so good to catch up.  I am posting a picture of me holding Maggie and Anna.  It was so good to catch up, Tammy!  She also brought Maggie a little doll and a Valentine's outfit that is so precious!  Thanks Tammy!

Here are some "isms" that Maggie is doing lately.

• Today we did our first somersault - Maggie loved it!
• Today we learned how to blow kisses
• She has learned how to play with one of her gifts from Santa that is a musical Ladybug.  It is precious!
• Yesterday Maggie greeted me getting out of the shower with my Auburn crocs.  Today she did it again and wanted me to put them on!  It was really funny getting dried off with crocs on!  Thanks sweet girl, but I really do need to get dressed before I put on my shoes!

Tomorrow my cousin and Maggie's God mother, Laurie,  is coming to visit. She is bringing her daughter, Leslie too.  I can't wait for them to get to play with Maggie.  More pictures posted tomorrow!

Thanks for checking in.  We are doing well and getting our routine down.  Now if I could just get her to sleep the whole night and Izzy not to wake up too early I would be set.

I am also starting to work on those dreaded taxes.  Thank you, God, for allowing me to get an adoption credit for this year!  I just squeezed that one in under the deadline.

Love,

Tricia, Maggie and Izzy

Well it is so cold outside that Maggie and I are trying to stay inside.  But I have to admit that I am getting major cabin fever.  However, the little giggles are well worth it.

We are working on the following areas (reality of a toddler)

• Sleeping thru the night - so far only 3 nights since we have been home
• Teething - she hasn't eaten anything but formula for 2 days now because her mouth hurts.  I did get some great Hylands tablets that seem to be working - Thanks Kris!
• Slapping momma - she seems to think that it is okay to slap momma in the face using either hand.  We are working on that boundary.  It was better today - repetition will be the key to this one I think!
• Leaving Izzy alone when she curls up in her bed - poor Izzy is suicidal

Here are some cute pictures from yesterday and today.  She has some really cute Auburn pants in some of the pictures.  My girl can raise her arms when I say Touchdown Auburn!  Priceless.  She also puts her head on the floor with her rear in the air.  Today she starting walking like this - the crab walk I think we used to call it.  She is babbling all day long and tries to say Thank You when I do.  My favorite new "trick" is that when she sneezes I always say "bless you".  Yesterday she started fake sneezing by shaking her head up and down and making a "shoooo" sound.  I still say Bless you and she just loves this.  It is hysterical.

  Touchdown Auburn (sorry for the quality of photo)

 Crab Walk

  Running towards momma for a lift into the air

Today is one month as a Family! I received Maggie on December 7, 2009. WOW what a difference a month makes. Let me try to describe what she was like one month ago today.

• Maggie did not cry - she had the "orphanage stare" and really had no emotion what so ever
• She could not grasp anything
• She did not know how to play
• She liked a bottle and scrambled eggs - does not like anything cold - no fruits
• She was scared
• She loved her squeaky shoes
• She loves my iPhone because it plays 102 Kids Bible Songs - Gran and I are about over listening to these! LOL

One month later, I have a totally different little girl:

• Maggie has a million faces - my favorite is when she crinkles up her nose
• She knows who her momma is
• She laughs out loud and thinks all things are funny
• She is really happy and loves to play
• She still loves her squeaky shoes - even more if that is possible
• She can play with her toys and can play by herself when needed
• She roams the house on her own but comes back to her momma just to make sure I am still here
• She gives kisses freely to her momma
• She will go to a friend or family member but usually comes right back to her momma
• She loves to be flipped upside down or tossed up in the air
• She is very flexible and will be our little gymnast
• She loves music and tries to sing - still loves the Bible songs but now also likes classical
• She can say Uh Oh and today she learned Thank You or some form of that! She really just mocks what I say
• She still loves scrambled eggs but also eats macaroni and cheese, sweet potatoes, mashed potatoes, chicken and rice and broccoli and cheese soup
• Still does not put anything in her mouth - no cheerios, goldfish, or anything cold
• Is teething
• Loves her bottles still
• Likes to ride in her cozy coupe that my brother's family gave her for Christmas
• Wears 12 month old clothes but the pants are WAY too big
• Likes to torture our dog, Izzy

I could write a whole other list of how my life has changed. I could never have imagine how wonderful being a mother truly is. God gave me the PERFECT daughter. He knew what type of child I needed and matched us perfectly. I can truly say that I already love Maggie with all my heart. It is like she has always been a part of my life. Now don't get me wrong - that lack of sleep thing is for the birds. I need my sleep but this little one has only slept thru the night 3 nights since we have been home. But I can truly say that I would stay up all night every night if she needed me but someone might have to commit me if we do that! I hope we are now getting the sleep thing down.

I have been so blessed to have such wonderful family and friends that are so excited about Maggie being home as well. I took her to the office this week to meet everyone and it was such a special time. I left her for the first time too. I had my cousin keep her for a little while and I ran some errands. Maggie was wonderful and had a great time with her CuzAunt Leigh. By the way, the pictures below are from their play date! LOL

Maggie, I love you and am so excited that we are a family. You have made my life special and I look forward to many more family anniversaries to come.

 

  Maggie's Fishy Face



  Laughing "AT" mommy

  Smiling at CuzAunt Leigh



  Playing with her phone my co-worker Sheryl gave her 

 

We are home after celebrating a late Christmas with my family. Maggie slept through the night last night - first time!!!!  Whooooo Hooooo. I will try to write details of the past two weeks soon. But I kmow you only want pictures anyway.LOL  Happy New Year!

Tricia and Maggie

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I'm so sorry I have not posted pics or information yet. Maggie has bad
jet lag and got overwhelmed with visitors so we have gone into
seclusion with no visitors. Sleep may get better tonight as I have
taken her out shopping with me today. The sunshine is good for her
internal click to get reset.

We are tired but doing well. Some stomach issues and a slight ear
infection put her on some antibiotics. She did NOT like going to the
doctor yesterday. Some of you in north Alabama might have heard her
screaming. This girl has some lungs!

I promise to post soon. We are having a low key Christmas here at the
house with my mom and Pete coming just for the day. The family will
all get together next week. The Decatur crew sorry but we are not
going to be there this week.

I hope everyone has a very Merry Christmas. I know that we will with
this very special gift from God. Thank you all for sending the
beautiful comments. Love to you

Tricia, Maggie and Izzy (TMI)

Sent from my iPhone

We are home and doing well. Very jet lagged and got the days and
nights mixed up. Once we get settled I will do a post. She loves Izzy
and Izzy likes her they are so cute as Maggie walks around the house
Izzy follows her. We go to the international adoption clinic tomorrow.
I will try to post tomorrow provided the little one doesn't try to
stay up all night again.

Sent from my iPhone

Tricia

Waiting to board last leg of flight. We should be on time

Sent from my iPhone

Tricia

Well it is official by US standards.  I have taken the oath and unexpectantly cried like a baby!  I wasn't expecting the swearing in ceremony to be emotional.  I guess it is the end of 4 years of hard work.  Maggie is my daughter - I am so blessed!

We started the day off at the Six Banyan Pagoda Buddha Temple.  It was very pretty.  Two of the six banyan trees are left.  They are 1200 years old.  They were just beautiful.  The people were praying to the Buddha.  The light incense and wave the smoke upwards to get the Buddha's attention so they can pray.  The pagoda was really pretty too.  There was a priest conducting a blessing for the adoptive children for some families.  We went in and looked at the three Buddhas.  They were for past, present and future.  It was a nice place.  After that we went to the Toy Market.  It really was a really large mall.  A little too busy for my standards.

We came home and Maggie took a nap.  We left for the Consulate at 2:15.  We were not able to bring any cameras to the consulate so no pictures of that time. I really hate that as it would have been nice to have gotten that on video.

We will be packing tomorrow and leaving the hotel at 5:00 p.m. for the airport.  Please pray for Maggie to have a good flight.  I thought I would spare the other passengers on the plane and not bring the squeeky shoes!  We take off at 9:00 pm so maybe she will be ready to go to bed.

We will be meeting my cousin again in Los Angeles for dinner on Friday night.  Saturday morning we will be having breakfast with a family who adopted a little girl from Maggie's orphanage.  They live about 30 minutes from the airport and wanted to come meet her.  How fun to meet another little girl from the same orphanage.  They even resemble each other.

I hope those of you close to Birmingham can meet us at the airport on Saturday night.  Again, we fly in at 9:44 pm on Delta 1607.  See you guys in Birmingham!

Love to you all,

Tricia

Here are the pictures from yesterday.  So sorry - I was exhausted last night!  We start our journey home in one day!
  I have a glo stick at Willow's birthday party!


  Birthday girl
  Seahorses!

  Starfish  Scorpions







  Alligator head and part of body  Snakes


  Turtles



  Hat Renee Smith (co-worker) made her!

  Pearl Market

  Cruise on Pearl River

Day 10

Well it is official, Maggie is my daughter in the eyes of the USA! She will become a citizen when her feet hit the ground in Los Angeles. I am so excited! Tomorrow we have our swearing in ceremony in the afternoon at the US Consulate. There can be no cameras so we will not have a picture of this.

In the morning we will go to the oldest Buddist Temple - it is 1200 years old. Then we are off to the toy market then home ...

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Day 9 - The Village Tour

Today we drove to a Chinese village. It was really nice to see where the local people live. It turned out to be a rather upper middle class area. To our standards, it was really poor. It was sad. Maggie's parents are probably living in much worse conditions and she would have had that life too.

We saw ladies washing dishes with almost black water. We saw one lady sweeping the dirt and many men laying brick and repairing their walkways. I must say, though, the people were just so sweet. Many of the older generation were coming up to us and smiling and many let us take their pictures. It was really nice. There were little sticks outside most of their doors. They were for the people to light in the morning for their praise of Buddha. We also saw a family temple. It was really nice and very similar to the Chen Family Temple we saw the other day.

We ate at a place that was as authentic Chinese food as we have had yet. Ok, I am officially grossed out. I ended up eating Maggie's Cheerios. She didn't eat anything. They brought out a fish dish first that just about made me sick. First of all, I hate fish; second of all it smelled really fishy; and third, it was little minows - heads tails and all. Our guide and driver just ate it up! Then a few other dishes came out that were interesting as well. I found in the chicken, real chicken feet with nails and all. I took a picture but it didn't come out to well. I will see if I can edit it.

When we came back to the room, I had a peanut butter sandwich and some Pringles. Good eating....

One of our travel girls has a birthday today. Willow (April and Patrick's daughter) turned 2 today. Maggie, Mom and I attended her party tonight. The White Swan gave them a cake for her and everyone said it was really good. Maggie had a slight meltdown - I think it was too overwhelming for her. She was exhausted - no nap today because of being gone to the village for so long - and she was starving. I gave her a bottle and she was out cold in 15 minutes. Bless her heart!

Tomorrow we have to stay in the room while our guide, Rebecca, goes to the consulate for us. After she calls we are free until 5:45 when we go on our cruise of the Pearl River. It is supposed to be really cold tomorrow. It rained today and cooled us off considerably. Finally, my kind of weather!

We are leaving in 2 days (Friday) and I am ready to come home. I am going to miss my new friends but hopefully we can keep in touch.

Maggie giggled out loud today several times.  Mom got it on video as it was so cute.  She just kept us laughing all afternoon (when she was supposed to be having a nap!)  She is just the happiest little girl and tonight was really the only time she has just cried like crazy.  But she was just hungry.  I am still so blessed!

Enjoy the pics!

Love to all,

Tricia





  Bamboo



  House made of oyster shells

  Inside a house - very nice!

  Peeling turnips





  Are these not the cutest little twins?

Maggie is such a happy little girl - and so good too.  She just giggles and gives kisses all day long.  She wrinkles up her nose and smiles so big after she gives me a kiss.  She has a 100 little faces that just crack mom and me up.  I am so blessed and so happy to have to such a beautiful little girl.

Today we went to the botanical garden.  It was really pretty.  Lots of walking and just gorgeous.  The orchids were all in a large greenhouse and there were so many different kinds.

Tomorrow we will go to a typical Chinese village.  I am looking forward to this.  I'm sure it will be sad but I really want to see what Maggie's family's is like so I can answer those questions for her later.

We have met some of the nicest people while here.  We met a family from Georgia today and one from Maryland.  I love meeting all of these families and we all have so much in common.  It is nice to talk with people who understand the joy you are experiencing after waiting so long.

Mom again is invaluable!  She is my "nanny" as she calls herself.  I don't know what I will do without all her help when I get home.  But I will manage.  LOL  At least "I" can wear what I want when I get home!  LOL  She is my fashion police here - "you are not wearing that are you?"

Below are some pics from today.  Thank you for  all your comments.  They keep us going...

Amy Maze, any news on your end?  Sonya, Connie, Alicia, Emily, Mary Louise and anyone else I missed  - do you guys want to get together when I am in Decatur?  I will be there Christmas Eve day through a couple of days after Christmas.

To the family - I cannot wait until you guys meet Maggie. Enjoy the Family Christmas get together.  We will truly miss being there!  I love you all.

Tricia


  Touchdown Auburn!!!!








  Dancing Orchids - they look like little ladies with yellow dresses on

  Sorry it is sideways  Nemo

Day 7 as a family and I got kisses tonight at dinner!  Maggie was on my lap playing and laughing when she leaned in a gave me a kiss.  Several times in fact.  It was so precious!  My love tank is FULL!!!!!  She kept doing it when I would pucker my lips and say give me a kiss.   I just love this little girl.

Today we met in the lobby of the White Swan Hotel with our travel group for the famous Red Couch Pictures.  The hotel has several red couches and all the adoption families have their pictures made with their children.  The adopted children are usually dressed in Chinese outfits and Maggie looked so pretty.

After pictures we went shopping to the pearl market and mall.  Can we just say that mom and I put a lot of money into the Chinese economy today!  We stopped for lunch at KFC and that was the nastiest thing I have ever tasted!  YUCK!  No white meat chicken anywhere to be found and we ended up having a chicken burger that was processed chicken with english peas in it.  Did I say YUCK???  The shopping area was a really fun place to be - there were many many people.  It was cool to see this part of China.

We came back and Maggie and I took a nap while Gran went to get a pedicure.  She really enjoyed the pedicure but the ride back to the hotel was a nightmare for her.  The lady at the salon got her a taxi and told the driver where to take her.  She told mom not to pay more than 30 yen for the taxi.  He took mom all over the city and through the rough parts taking as long as he could to get her to the hotel.  An hour and fifteen minutes later she arrived at the hotel with a charge of 40 yen.  She was so shaken when she got back.  I felt sorry for her.  I think it scared her a little to be out there being so vulnerable.  I hate that for her but she is good now!  That glass of wine at dinner helped!

Here are some pics from today.  We are going to the botanical garden tomorrow.  I hear that it is a beautiful place!  Thanks for reading and your comments are so appreciated.  By the way, many of you have asked about our return flight.  We are leaving China on the 18th at 9:50 pm and arriving in LAX at 5:30 pm.  We will be staying in LAX for the night and leaving the next day for Birmingham.  We will be arriving in Birmingham through ATL on the Saturday, Dec. 19th on Delta 1607 coming in at 9:44 pm.  We would love to see you guys at the airport if you can come!

Thanks for reading and love to you all!

Tricia and Maggie

  Left to right:  Jennifer and Piper; Tricia and Maggie; Katie and her daughters (new to our group); and April and Willow and Eliana.
  Maggie



  Willow, Piper and Maggie - all adopted on Dec. 7, 2009 from Guangdong Province.  Willow will be two on Wednesday, Piper is 13 months and Maggie is almost 22 months.


  Great picture of Gran and Maggie on the red couch.

  All families - Patrick and April Holm, Willow and Eliana; Tricia and Maggie; Jennifer and Dupree Bingham and Piper; and Tom and Katie Marabello (sp?)

  Jennifer and Dupree Bingham and Piper - they are from Charlotte, NC

  Maggie was not cooperating in this picture.  She wanted to watch the Christmas tree and waterfall instead of looking at the camera - well who could blame her they were pretty.

  Playing in the Swan Room at the hotel.  It is sponsored by Mattel and is filled with fun toys for the kids.  This was a zebra that bounced up and down and talked to you.  Maggie loved it.

  Gran and Maggie playing in the Swan Room


 


  Look at that smile!  My kisses!

Day 6 - Free Day

We had a free day this morning. We got to take our time after breakfast and spend some time with Skyping with our family. Maggie was in rare form this morning and having a blast. She was able to smile and show off her squeeky shoes. She just loves it when I pick her up and drop her on her feet so they squeek. It is rather funny.

Congratulations to my oldest nephew, Jordan and Shana. They are engaged but will be waiting a little while before they get married. I am very proud of you both. I love you both!

Mom and I went shopping today for Maggie some more squeeky shoes! She just loves them and you can't beat full leather shoes for $5. This girl now has about 11 pair. WOW! That is more than me! We also got her a traditional Chinese red outfit for tomorrow's red couch photos. That is when our travel group gets together in the White Swan on the red couch and take pictures. We will also have a family picture made and a group picture made in front of the water fall. I am very excited!

This afternoon I had to finish up some paperwork. This was the US side of the paperwork. These forms were so I could apply for her VISA to get her out of the country. There were a lot of forms - the good ole US of A! There were also very confusing Hopefully I am almost done with the paperwork. I am about tired of my long name and Maggie's even longer name! LOL

The three families went to dinner tonight too. We all met at the German restaurant which was playing Michael Jackson music in China! HA HA HA We had a great dinner and even had a little toddy! It was a lot of fun and I really enjoy their company. I hate that we are all spread across the country though - Bingham's are in Charlotte and the Holm's are in Washington State.

Maggie wore the cutest purple outfit today. She looks really cute in purple with her dark hair and dark eyes. Her smile was big and she was her happy self. She found her hair bow today and I am sure that it is just a matter of time before she starts pulling it out. Well, that was a short honeymoon - I thought she was going to like bows! There still is hope!

One of the funnniest things she is doing now is when she goes to sleep. I give her a bottle and rock her a minute then put her in the crib. I turn on the 102 Kids Bible Songs music that I have (about sick of that by now! HA HA HA) She just takes her little hands and clasp them and shakes them to the beat of the music. Then she adds her legs up in the air one at a time just a swinging to the beat. It is hilarious. I took a video of her today but don't know how to put that on the blog. I just love her little personality. She is such a good little girl too. Very easy right now but we will see.

She hates to be wet which may be a good sign of potty training soon. She hates to have food on her at all. The one thing I really don't like is that she really wants to stand up to eat while stomping her squeeky shoes. It is really cute but I want us to eat at the table. Right now - our motto is survival in China - teach when we get home.

Here are some pics from the day. Sorry - not too many. Good day though.

Love,

Tricia

 

   Lucy's Iced Tea - YUMMY!!!!




 

Well, squeeky shoes are a hit! She didn't like them at first but once she figured them out - life was great! She just slams down those little legs to make the shoes squeek and just giggles. Yes we have a new girl on our hands.

Maggie has been grinning from ear to ear today. Tonight we even got a few giggles. It is just music to my ears. She even has dimples that we didn't know about. I have never seen her smile ...

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The Chen Family Temple and playtime in the park.  Maggie is such a blessing!




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Well we have POOP. Hurray! Goodness she will kill me when she is 16.
She is taking a bottle - three today and most of her problem was that
she was constipated. Poor thing

She is a new child today. She got some new squeeky shoes and wasn't
sure about them at first. Oh my goodness she loves them now and just
stomps her foot to hear them. It is so funny.

She is babbling and that little girl in the elevator (mirror) just
keeps her entertained. She still loves to walk and we have made many
laps in the hotel today. We also discovered that the stroller is cool
too. But nothing beats momma's arms. And of course I love that!

The Internet connection is really slow tonight so I am posting with my
iPhone. Sorry pics will have to come tomorrow along with the blog info

Tomorrow we meet at 930 to go to the Guangzhou Zoo. It will be fun.
The moms and I are getting massages tomorrow afternoon. Gram is
babysitting Maggie during her nap. Thx gran my shoulders are so tight!

Sorry about no pics tonight. It is almost 10 and I am wiped out. I'm
going to bed. I am so happy and blessed. I LOVE being a mom!!!

Live all
Tricia


Sent from my iPhone

Tricia

Somehow I lost everything that I had written for yesterday's blog under hairbow training 101.  I hate that and thought it has posted correctly so I will try to recreate it again.

Hair bow training is going well.  She is letting me put them in and doesn't seem to mind.  She finally found the hair bow but did leave it in so we are moving ahead!

Well Day 2 begins with us getting a bath.  She loved it but didn't know really what to do.  I sprayed her with the nozzle to the shower and played with the stacking cups.  She did not like for me to wash her hair but hey, who does?

We then got to meet Uncle Art, Aunt Lisa, Cousins Jordan, Ty and Wes and her puppy Izzy.  We are loving Skype as it is allowing all of us connect and for my family to share in this joy.  We had a good time talking and wouldn't you know, Maggie feel promptly asleep during our talk.  I guess we need to be a little more exciting!  LOL

I had to wake her up so we could head to the Civil Affairs office again.  It was there that I was interviewed by the Chinese officials regarding my adoption of Maggie.  Will I love her, provide for her, never leave her and educate her?  Do I want to adopt her after having had her for 24 hours?  Why did I want to adopt from China?  Apparently I answered okay as she approved me!  In the eyes of China, Maggie is my legal daughter!  My guide, Rebecca, was taking pictures during this interview and there is one that is so hilarious.  Maggie is holding up her finger and it looks like she is objecting to me adopting her!  Smart little girl but unfortunately, she was overruled!  See pics below.

I then had to stand in line to get everything notarized.  The lady once again asked many questions.  Apparently, we passed that one too and they let me leave with her!

We came back and Maggie ate a big lunch of meat congee.  It is not really bad.  It is something like rice with meat broth with a few pieces of meat in it.  She ate two baby bowls of this!  She was hungry.  She then took a good nap. Unfortunately I still cannot get her to take formula.  I will still work on it.  At least she is having wet diapers so she is not dehydrated.  No poopie yet so we may have to intervene soon.

We walked the halls again as this child loves that.  We played with the stacking cups again,  She is really getting these but cannot stack them just yet.  We are still working on that.  Remember that although is she 21 months old she has been in a orphanage for her whole life and has not had access to many toys.  She was really loved but not stimulated.  Usually you can take 1 month off of her age for every 3 months she was in the orphanage.  That would make her about developmentally as a 1 year old.  She is just that.  But she will catch up quickly.  We have already seen such a big change in her in 24 hours.

All three families met at Lucy's for dinner.  We had a good time and came back and got ready for bed.  She was out by 7:30.  The only time she wakes up is when she runs out of room in her crib to roll around.  She is my daughter alright as I roll around at night too and use the whole bed.  These cribs are so small that she doesn't have a lot of room.  It is pretty funny to watch though.

Sorry about the post yesterday - somehow I just lost everything that I had written except for the last two pictures.  I will add the pics below:


  I object!  LOL

Well Praise Jesus - she finally ate something - do you know what she ate?  Spaghetti.  Is this my child or what?  She also drank a whole bottle of water at dinner.  Now if we could just get some formula down her...

She also said MAMA two times tonight at dinner.  She may not know what she was saying but I sure heard it!!!!  She is babbling today and coming out of her shell.  She cried or whimpered most of the morning and the only thing that settled her was to walk - a LOT!  We made 7 loops of the hall to the elevator and back and it is a pretty long way - thank you MOM for walking with her as well.  She wore us out!  She walks on her own now, especially with Gran, but still likes to hold mama's finger most of the time.  She is just precious.  Every time we get into the elevator and ride up to our floor (15th floor) she just looks at herself in the mirrors.  There seems to be a little girl that looks just like her following into the elevator every time!  She just looks at her and then loves to watch the lights move to each floor.

Today was our medical exam day.  The US government requires that all the adopted children be seen by three doctors:  Heart and Lung, ENT and Weight.  She did not want anything to do with this.  All three of our babies cried or should I say screamed!  They have some lungs on them.  We really liked that as they all three have been very good and not cried much at all.  The crying shows us that they are experiencing emotions.  Now where did I put those earplugs???  We are very fortunate that all three of our families are I-600 families and not the new Hague rule families.  We did not have to get any shots today and some of the Hague families have to have up to 7 shots all at the same visit.  Isn't that just horrible?

After that we came home and this little one took a 2 hour nap.  She was just exhausted.

OK first rookie mistake as a mom.  And it was a biggie!  I have been pinning up her pants because they are just falling off of her.  She wears a size 6 month pant I think.  Anyway, the safety pin I used came loose and I didn't know.  At one time, she just screamed bloody murder and I thought she was just constipated.  How horrible is that?  It took me several minutes to figure out that she was being stuck by the pin.  She had little pricks on her bottom and a little blood in her diaper.  It had stuck her about 4 times.  Oh how I felt so horrible!  Poor baby!  She was fine once I took the pin out of her pants and put a cold diaper wipe on it.  Well who wouldn't be?  I told her that she had a rookie as a mom and unfortunately i would make some more mistakes but hopefully ones that did not physically hurt her!

This afternoon we went to the police station to start the process of her passport.  Cameras were not allowed.  It didn't take us to long and when we returned we headed to the Italian restaurant for dinner with our group.  Mom stayed back at the room and relaxed a little.  It was my first venture out to a restaurant by myself.  Well let's just say that my restaurant days are going to be limited for awhile.  She just likes to get down and walk everywhere.

God has so blessed me with having my mom on this trip.  She is just so helpful and Maggie loves her.  I have been ordering her here,  there and give me that and do that.  She has been so good with going with the flow.  So she so deserved a night off tonight.  She is already in bed and it is 8:30.

I have also been so blessed with the 2 other families with us.  The Holm's and Bingham's are so much fun and very helpful to me.  We are able to reassure each other that we are all doing fine.  It is great  having someone else there that understands your feelings and encourages you on the way.  it is so hard knowing how to interpret the littles ones' needs when you have only known them for 2 days.  We are all getting thru it together.  Dupree Bingham even loves to bargain for me.  He helped us buy a cute little dress for Maggie today.

Here are a few pics from the day.  Tomorrow is sightseeing day, we are going to the Chen Family Temple.  Friday, we are going to the Guangzhou zoo which is supposed to be a great place.



  She weighs 18 lbs.
  She is 29" long - she hated this!Looking into her ears

  MMMM, meat congee for lunch!  She ate two bowls...

  What I am looking at now - NAP!  (Gran is out too!!!)

Today is FAMILY DAY!  I am so blessed! ... << MORE >>