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I have a BIG GIRL!!!!!

Tricia@tmifamily.com (Tricia) — Mon, 26 Jul 2010 01:57:00 GMT

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 it. In fact, she decided she wanted to sit on the step stool instead! Oh well, we have some work to do. I just wanted to introduce her to it. I don't think that she is ready yet but it is good to get started.

Now for the big girl cup. Her daycare is beginning to introduce her to cups with no lids. Yea, right! lol Anyway, we are practicing at home and she did a great job this weekend. Here are some pics of Maggie drinking out of a big cup. Way to go sweetie! I am so proud of you and love watching you grow up - but please do grow up too fast.

Maggie's new Froggy Potty

Not sure of this potty thing!

Uh Maggie, that is NOT the potty!!!

This just makes me laugh.

Big girl using a cup

Splash Pad Fun!!!!

Tricia@tmifamily.com (Tricia) — Sun, 25 Jul 2010 02:05:00 GMT

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)

We started the morning with breakfast at Cracker Barrel

Beautiful Harper

Not quite sure about this.

Harper anticipating the bucket of water about to drop
Sheryl and Maggie at the water cannon.

It got me!!!! She loved it! LOL

Sweet Sean!

They loved this keyboard. You step on the sensors and it plays notes. I liked it too!!!!

The Newest American Citizen

Tricia@tmifamily.com (Tricia) — Mon, 12 Jul 2010 00:07:27 GMT

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!

Summertime!

Tricia@tmifamily.com (Tricia) — Sun, 27 Jun 2010 20:03:00 GMT

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)

May Pictures

Tricia@tmifamily.com (Tricia) — Wed, 19 May 2010 17:22:00 GMT

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

My First Mother's Day

Tricia@tmifamily.com (Tricia) — Wed, 19 May 2010 17:03:00 GMT

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

Night Terrors

Tricia@tmifamily.com (Tricia) — Wed, 05 May 2010 14:20:00 GMT

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

First Time Swimming

Tricia@tmifamily.com (Tricia) — Mon, 26 Apr 2010 02:36:00 GMT

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

Auburn A-Day

Tricia@tmifamily.com (Tricia) — Mon, 26 Apr 2010 01:57:00 GMT

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

Wacky Tacky Day at Daycare

Tricia@tmifamily.com (Tricia) — Wed, 14 Apr 2010 21:18:00 GMT

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...

Inside/Out day

Tricia@tmifamily.com (Tricia) — Mon, 12 Apr 2010 17:11:00 GMT

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.

Hey dude - I'm cool with my dress on inside/out!

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

Article in Decatur Daily

Tricia@tmifamily.com (Tricia) — Sun, 11 Apr 2010 23:43:36 GMT

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

Bringing Maggie home

After 4-year waiting period, Decatur native one of last single moms to adopt from China

By Patrice Stewart
Staff Writer

Courtesy photo by Jennifer Culp from 810studio.com

Tricia Thompson with her adopted daughter, Maggie, and mother Ann Thompson during a photo session in Decatur. After a four-year wait, Tricia was one of the last single moms able to adopt from China.

BUY THIS PHOTO (More info)

After four years of planning, paperwork and prayers, Tricia Thompson was finally able to adopt a toddler from China.

Maggie is special for many reasons, including the fact that she is one of the last children China is allowing to be adopted by a single mom.

Tricia, who grew up in Decatur and now lives in Pelham, sent her packet of information to China in July 2006, expecting to be matched to an infant in about a year. Ten months later, China changed its rules and stopped allowing singles adopt, but those already on the list could continue the process.

“That’s when it got scary,” Tricia said, referring to the 2007 rule changes toward stricter policies.

Tricia, longing to fill an empty space in her life, was 42 in 2006, when she started the process to adopt a girl from China through Lifeline Children’s Services. That year she officially applied and also began researching day-care centers, paid an application fee and shopped for baby items.

She decided to name the baby for her mother, Margaret Ann Thompson of Decatur (who goes by Ann), and call her Maggie.

And then she waited, and waited some more, through repeated requests for letters and birth certificates and other verification (read about the process at Tricia’s blog at www.tmifamily.com).

In 2009, Tricia decided to go with her mother on a two-week October cruise to see Greece and nearby countries.

As soon as Tricia got back to work, her social worker called with the news that China had a girl for her, and she should prepare to leave for China in a few weeks.

Best-laid plans

For four years, she and her cousin, Laurie Loyd, who was to be the baby’s godmother, had planned to go to China together and bring the baby back. However, when the exact dates in December were confirmed, it included the week when Laurie and her entire family had booked a cruise.

Tricia’s mother quickly made plans to go with her for the two-week stay in the White Swan Hotel in Guangdong City, Guangdong Province, People’s Republic of China. Maggie would be brought to the Civic Affairs office there by one of the “nannies” at her orphanage, the Huazhou City Social Welfare Institute in Guangdong Province, about 4 hours away.

“Thank goodness Laurie couldn’t go, because I wouldn’t take anything in the world for getting to see Tricia hold Maggie for the first time,” Ann said. “She’s a precious little girl and has bonded so well with Tricia, who is the best little mother.”

While Maggie was quiet and shy for the first couple of days they had her in China, “she woke up after that and is so bubbly all the time,” said her grandmother. “But if you hurt her feelings, she can get that lip out in a hurry.”

Tricia, who received photos of Maggie in October, recalls first seeing her in the arms of an orphanage worker in an elevator in the Civil Affairs office in Guangdong City on Dec. 7.

Later, when all the families had arrived, the children were officially presented.

“When the director handed her to me, I started crying, and Maggie just stared at me. It was the sweetest thing, and I couldn’t believe she was my daughter,” Tricia said. “She wouldn’t cuddle up to me at first, but she let me hold her, and she would hold onto my hair, which was like a pacifier for her.”

She learned about Maggie’s nap and bottle schedule, and then they went to the Chinese version of Wal-Mart to load up on diapers and formula.

Tricia said she could not have managed without her mother’s help in China, where they were allowed to keep the baby with them in the hotel.

“Mom was the one who made the bottles and did everything I needed, but she was careful not to be involved in the caretaking part right at first. She did the work, while I held Maggie and played with her,” said Tricia.

She had to teach Maggie how to have fun and play during a bath and how to use the toys she brought. Tricia carried her close to her body in a baby carrier to foster attachment and Maggie liked that, but she liked the stroller even better.

“We knew she could walk, but she wouldn’t, until we got her some leather squeaky shoes in China,” Tricia said. “Then she would stomp her feet to make her shoes squeak, and start laughing, and that was the main thing that brought her out of her shell.”

Throughout the two weeks they were in China, Tricia said, it was exciting to see her develop. Maggie kissed her the first time during the second week.

“Her orphanage was poor, but they loved on her, and she knew how to love. I think that really helped with her attachment and trust,” she said.

At the orphanage, 29 babies were in her room with four nannies, Tricia said, “so she was probably in her crib 20 hours a day.”

They arrived home in Birmingham on Dec. 19, and after some family visits, Tricia decided they needed a low-key Christmas with time to bond at home.

Tricia has a wide support group via an Internet adoption group, including some friends with children from China in Birmingham and Decatur. She also is active in Shelby County Families with Children from China, where Maggie was first introduced at the Chinese New Year celebration. Her Chinese first name was kept as part of her name, so she is officially Margaret Ann Sheng Thompson.

Last month, Maggie was formally introduced to her grandmother’s friends at a “Sip and See Maggie” party at June Odom’s home in Decatur. Co-hostesses Kathryn Wilkes, Joyce Nabors, Susan Horton and Linda Brooks helped serve raspberry cream cheese sandwiches, strawberry mini cupcakes, cherry Russian tea and other goodies.

Cookbook for Maggie

Many of those attending loaned recipes for the cookbook Tricia published in 2006 to help pay for the adoption process. “Recipes from the Heart: My Journey to Maggie” was featured in The Decatur Daily then. A few copies are still available by e-mailing tricia@tmi
family.com

In the cookbook, Tricia’s “Letter to Maggie” told how she had “an emptiness in my heart” for a child to love. “I will not be complete until you are my daughter,” she wrote.

Today, she knows the four years of waiting and uncertainties were nothing compared to the joy Maggie has brought.

“She’s so much fun,” said Tricia. “She’s already changed so much, from the baby she was in China to a typical 2-year-old, singing, laughing, running, jumping, dancing and squealing.”

Because Ann was one of the first two people Maggie got used to in China, she earned Maggie’s trust from the start. Ann has already driven to Birmingham twice to bring Maggie to Decatur for an overnight stay.

All the firsts have been so sweet for daughter, mother and grandmother: first birthday celebration (Maggie turned 2 on Feb. 17), first Easter, first time to walk barefoot in the grass and swing and go down a slide.

Tricia, 46, continues to be amazed at the doors that were left open for her to adopt this child.

“God knows what he’s doing, and the timing was his plan,” she said.

She returned to her Birmingham job as a training analyst for Burr & Forman legal firm Feb. 4, and each morning she takes Maggie to Harris Early Learning Center downtown.

“My favorite thing ever is when I go to get her in the afternoon and she runs to me and jumps into my arms and squeals,” Tricia said.

“It’s like she’s been my daughter forever.”

He is Risen, He is Risen Indeed!

Tricia@tmifamily.com (Tricia) — Mon, 05 Apr 2010 02:01:00 GMT

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

Update on Life

Tricia@tmifamily.com (Tricia) — Mon, 29 Mar 2010 19:02:00 GMT

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!

Update

Tricia@tmifamily.com (Tricia) — Sun, 21 Mar 2010 22:23:32 GMT

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

My Sweet Izzy-girl, I-gurl, or Isabella

Tricia@tmifamily.com (Tricia) — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 13:30:00 GMT

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

2 Year Old Pictures

Tricia@tmifamily.com (Tricia) — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 13:00:00 GMT

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 blue flowers is my mother's baby dress. Can you believe that? It is 74 years old and like my mother does not show it's age! We were hoping it wouldn't vaporize during the shoot and I guess that goes for mom too! LOL Enjoy.

www.810studio.com Click on Online Ordering, then Thompson, Trish The password is Maggie.

My First Haircut

Tricia@tmifamily.com (Tricia) — Sun, 14 Mar 2010 20:33:00 GMT

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.

Dancing before the haircut

I think I may not like this!

Whoooo here comes the water.

Off come the uneven bangs

Okay not liking this now.

Stephanie is working hard....

Are we done yet?

The finished product. Thank you Barbara (Aunt B to Maggie) for taking her home while I got my hair done!

Sip and See

Tricia@tmifamily.com (Tricia) — Sun, 14 Mar 2010 20:13:00 GMT

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

Order the Invitations....

Tricia@tmifamily.com (Tricia) — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 19:10:00 GMT

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 Charlie, 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 Charlie but may have to ask the nephews to visit daycare and check him out! I find this very funny...

90 Day Warranty

Tricia@tmifamily.com (Tricia) — Sun, 07 Mar 2010 22:06:00 GMT

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!

The Big Party for a 2 year old

Tricia@tmifamily.com (Tricia) — Sun, 21 Feb 2010 02:13:00 GMT

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

Happy 2nd Birthday Maggie!

Tricia@tmifamily.com (Tricia) — Thu, 18 Feb 2010 03:13:00 GMT

Two years ago today a little 4 lb 4 oz baby girl was born into this world,. on the other side of this world. She would be my daughter, Ji AoSheng! Her birth mother carried her for 9 months and gave her life - all so she could be with me. A loving orphanage took her in and loved on her for 18 months, all so she could be with me. They showed her how to love and for that I am forever grateful. She is so loving, kind, funny, spunky, sassy, silly, joyful, energetic, and many more adjectives. God has blessed me with this little girl and kept her safe and healthy until we could be together. And TODAY, we are together as a mother and daughter should be - on her special day, her birthday!

Maggie, I was not able to help you celebrate your birth nor your first birthday, but I know you were being prayed for during that time. You see, I have been waiting 4 years for you and praying for you for many more along with many friends and family. But God, in His mighty wisdom, knew that I needed to wait to be united with you. YOU are my daughter and were meant for me long before you were even born! It just took us a while to be together. God has prepared us both for this time and HIS hands are all over how our family was created. I am so excited to finally be with you and to share in your life. You have brought so much joy into my life over such a short amount of time and I am so excited to see what is in store for us in the future. I love you my sweet girl. Happy Birthday! Mom (and Izzy) - PS, Izzy says any cake dropped on the floor is hers!!!!

Below are some pictures from the party at Maggie's daycare today. I am having her official party on Saturday with just my brother, his family and my Mom and Pete. I don't think Maggie is ready yet for the big celebration so we are keeping it low key. But next year we are having a big party with more family and friends invited. Thanks for understanding!!!!

Note: The cute little shirt that Maggie is wearing at daycare is a gift from one of Mom's friends. Patti Stutts gave her this shirt with a "2" on it and it has a matching birthday hat with her name on it - you will see that on Saturday! It is just precious and I love that she matches her cupcakes! Thank you so much Patti. That shirt was covered in icing so I put on another birthday shirt that her Aunt Lisa and I picked up a Gymboree for our time at home.

Mommy and Maggie on her 2nd birthday!

Maggie was not too happy this afternoon - woke up from her nap a little cranky.

Addison - one of Maggie's buddies- only had one swipe of icing!
Zoe absolutely LOVED the icing! LOL

Our friend Piper. She liked the cupcakes too

Sweet little Charlotte likes it too

Maggie's cupcake - Yes, lime green!!!!

Me like cupcakes! He swallowed it whole LOL I don't know all the boys yet.

Second shirt - celebrating at home!

Chinese New Year

Tricia@tmifamily.com (Tricia) — Mon, 15 Feb 2010 18:01:00 GMT

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!

Look how little Maggie is!!!

Sweet Sadie!

Lisa organizing the girls making bracelets.

Maggie at Home

Tricia@tmifamily.com (Tricia) — Mon, 15 Feb 2010 17:51:00 GMT

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

What? This is Izzy's bed? She won't mind will she?

The many faces of Maggie

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 be wearing shoes.

Valentine's at Daycare

Tricia@tmifamily.com (Tricia) — Mon, 15 Feb 2010 17:14:00 GMT

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

Back to work...

Tricia@tmifamily.com (Tricia) — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 21:19:00 GMT

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!

Traveling Alabama

Tricia@tmifamily.com (Tricia) — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 02:57:00 GMT

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

Mom gets a night out!

Tricia@tmifamily.com (Tricia) — Thu, 14 Jan 2010 03:54:00 GMT

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 me. She also mocks me a lot. Yesterday, I was eating some chips out of the bag and she put her hand in the bag. She then pulled out her empty hand, put her hands to her mouth and pretended to chew. I guess I now have a mirror in my life. Great weight loss tool. LOL

Mom came to visit too and we went to dinner. Maggie ate a whole sweet potato and a third of my mashed potatoes. Wow this girl can eat. After a great dinner I went to see The Blind Side by myself. What a great movie! My sister in law's cousin was the school teacher that stood up for him in the movie. Her name is Kim Dickens and she did a great job.

Maggie had fun with Gran too. I'm sure she was ready for a break from mom too. But I really did miss her and thought about her during the whole movie. It was good to get home and see her sleeping soundly. Sweet little thing.
Maggie and her Godmother, Laurie

Maggie and her cousin, Leslie

Awe Look I can play the piano with my squeaky shoes!

Maggie "isms"

Tricia@tmifamily.com (Tricia) — Tue, 12 Jan 2010 22:58:00 GMT

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

Inside Play

Tricia@tmifamily.com (Tricia) — Sun, 10 Jan 2010 04:15:00 GMT

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

One Month as a Family

Tricia@tmifamily.com (Tricia) — Fri, 08 Jan 2010 04:00:00 GMT

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

Home and doing great!

Tricia@tmifamily.com (Tricia) — Mon, 04 Jan 2010 02:22:00 GMT

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

Before the flight from Hell... LOL My Cousin Johnny in LA

Arriving at the Birmingham Airport - Aunt Lisa and Wes looking on

At the Birmingham Airport - Gran, Uncle Art and Maggie

Ty and Wes getting to know Maggie

Meeting Izzy Touchdown Auburn!!!!! She has learned to do this! Smart girl..... This is Christmas Eve. She and I just spent it together getting to know one another. Did you have to put that hat on me????

Look Santa came to see Maggie!

Chtristmas Morning 2009! Grandpa Pete gives me a bottleHow many Thompson men does it take to put together a little girls Cozy Coupe??? LOL

I LOVE my Cozy Coupe! Thank you Uncle Art, Aunt Lisa, Jordan, Ty and Wes!
My Cousin Jordan

We are okay

Tricia@tmifamily.com (Tricia) — Wed, 23 Dec 2009 02:14:37 GMT

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

Doing well

Tricia@tmifamily.com (Tricia) — Mon, 21 Dec 2009 03:23:16 GMT

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

We are in atl

Tricia@tmifamily.com (Tricia) — Sun, 20 Dec 2009 02:08:23 GMT

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

Sent from my iPhone

Tricia

Day 11 - Consulate Appt and Six Banyan Pagoda

Tricia@tmifamily.com (Tricia) — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 12:29:00 GMT

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