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A White Christmas!

Tricia@tmifamily.com (Tricia) — Tue, 18 Jan 2011 03:10:45 GMT

What an incredible surprise for Christmas! A White Christmas! I don't ever remember a white Christmas but mom said we had one when I was little. Anyway, it was just beautiful.

Maggie and I spent Christmas this year in Decatur at my mother's house. It was a great time. I considered this Christmas to be our first with Maggie as last year we had just returned home from China and were seriously jet lagged. Maggie had a blast and loved her gifts from Santa.

I started a tradition with Maggie and had to convey my wishes to Santa. I wanted Maggie to receive 3 gifts from Santa, tying in the biblical aspect of Christmas. This signifies the three gifts that the wise men brought to Jesus. It is so important to me for Maggie to know the real reason we celebrate Christmas, that is Jesus' birth.

Maggie's daycare had the kids practicing singing Christmas songs. Most of these songs had motions to them and are just precious. I took a video of her but don't know if it will load here. She is singing "Santa Claus is Coming to Town". My sister in law, Lisa, is leading her. It is the first time I have seen her do this - hysterical!!! Excuse the proud momma's excitement. I wanted to include it for her.

It is mid January and Maggie is still singing Christmas songs! How do you tell a toddler that Christmas is over? LOL

There are a lot of pictures to post! First, is a video of Maggie's first time to be in snow, Enjoy!

Christmas Eve

Preparing for Santa

Maggie left Santa some goodies

Santa came - coloring books and movies for the stocking stuffers; high heel princess shoes and a train for two of the three main gifts. The big present was left back at home!

Yay Santa Came!!!!!

We surprised GeKe with a GPS

First time walking in high heels!

I'm getting the hang of this...

Uncle "Ott" and Maggie playing with her new train.

The doll GeKe gave her.

Maggie loves her Ty and I think the feeling is mutual

Look it is a doll house from Uncle "Ott", Aunt "Pisa", Jordan, Ty and Wes

Maggie's First Snow - she loved walking in it but did not want to touch it. LOL

That squinchy face that I love

Footprints in the snow

The best Santa gift

Tricia@tmifamily.com (Tricia) — Tue, 18 Jan 2011 02:26:00 GMT

On Christmas Eve, Santa left a big surprise for Maggie at our house. Once we came home from GeKe's house, we found the big surprise! A trampoline! It is 24" off of the ground and 8' in diameter. Big enough for great fun but low enough to feel safe. She LOVED it! When she jumps she barely dents the trampoline! LOL

Thompson Family Christmas

Tricia@tmifamily.com (Tricia) — Mon, 17 Jan 2011 04:06:00 GMT

One of my favorite times of the Christmas season is when the Thompson family gets together. We usually meet at my cousin's home in Tennessee. This year was really special as we had 3 new babies to help us celebrate. Maggie was finally able to meet the rest of the Thompson family.

We had planned on going to Nashville the Friday before the reunion to meet our new friend, Molly. My blog friend, Amy, was able to adopt Molly this past year and we were going to spend the night with them. Molly is a few months younger than Maggie and we thought they would have fun together. I was so looking forward to catching up with Amy. Maggie developed an ear infection so we felt like we needed to stay home and get one more day of antibiotics in her before meeting the family. We will make it to Nashville soon so we can visit.

Below are some of the pictures from our fun weekend. I love my cousins!

Aunt Dot - she is my father's oldest sister. She is the only sibling living. We love our Aunt Dot - she has the best sense of humor.

Maggie loved this little tree - it danced and sang. She played it over and over and over again.

Sweet little Eli and his momma (sorry I cut your head off Ashley) - Ashley and John's son. He loved getting in this crate and playing.

Eli smiling at Aunt Dot - precious

Bailey and her momma, Christy.

Maggie's Godmother and my cousin, Laurie! What a great picture!

Bailey is precious! That is her grandmother and my cousin, Linda, in the background.

My cousin, Phyllis. She had to endure Maggie playing the tree over and over and over. Phyllis was a good sport.

Maggie's photography. She has her finger in every picture! My mom, Judy and Mickey (their beautiful home) and John standing up. John is Eli's dad. Judy and Mickey at Eli's grandparents.

Another photo from Maggie! LOL

Catching Up

Tricia@tmifamily.com (Tricia) — Mon, 17 Jan 2011 04:04:00 GMT

Well, I am so overdue for some posts! So sorry! Sit back and browse as I complete out the 2010 year. Thanks for following along. God Bless!

Tricia and Maggie

A Day to Remember....Our First Anniversary of Family Day

Tricia@tmifamily.com (Tricia) — Tue, 07 Dec 2010 19:25:00 GMT

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

An Ancient Chinese Belief

Today signifies a very important day for our Family. For as of one year ago today, all the way across the world in China, God allowed Ji AoSheng to be placed into my arms and officially tightened up the slack in our Red Thread so we could become one family. That day was a dream of mine for so many years and to see it become true was a miracle of all miracles.

You see, I started the journey of adopting Maggie in December, 2005. I researched and chose an Agency; filled out the application along with a fee; was accepted by Lifeline Agency; began the overwhelming amount of paperwork which included background research, fingerprints both local and federal, blood tests galore, medical tests, shots, certifications of all and authentication of those certifications; and everything cost a lot of money! Whew. Once I was logged in with China, the wait began, and went on one year, two years, three years and nearing four years with each year our government requiring additional money to retake my fingerprints and keep my paperwork up to date.

In October, 2009, Mom and I decided to take a once-in-a-lifetime cruise, at least for me J, to the Middle East. We flew to Greece, met up with some friends, boarded a ship and sailed to Israel, Turkey, Egypt and Italy. It was an incredible trip, one which I will never forget. After coming home, I received a phone call from my social worker, Karla, indicating that she had a little girl for me to look at. Well, the rest is history, turbo style, and on December 7, 2009, Margaret Ann Sheng Thompson and I became a family!

This first year as a mom has been one that far exceeded my wildest dreams. You read of those stories of people adopting where what they pictured in their head of the Family Day and what really happened were really far apart. I have to say that my experience was JUST what I had dreamed about and more - it was perfect. I guess after four years of waiting what else do you have to do but research, prepare and shop! Well, the latter I got really good at! LOL

I never knew that it would be so easy to change my life so drastically. I really enjoyed life pre-Maggie, but can't really remember what life was like then. I do remember that I read a lot and I still miss that!!! But what did I do with the extra hours I had, oh yeah, I slept. Like who is single with no kids and gets up at 6:00 a.m. on Saturdays? Me now….. LOL I love the long days and short nights because I get lots of hugs, spontaneous "kisses", invitations to "hold chu" and invitations to dance, color and "sit". I dare to say that there is NOTHING in this world more appealing than a slobbery kiss and sticky hands on my face while hearing the words "Maggie wuvs Momma"! My love tank is completely overflowing.

Mags, the first time I laid my eyes on you, a surprise encounter in the Civil Affairs elevator, was the most memorable moment of my lifetime. I will never forget Rebecca, our guide, rushing your GeKe and I into the elevator only to realize you were in there - thank you Rebecca! You were so tiny, as was your nanny holding you. With that somber face, you looked at me, your nanny said something to you and I believe you recognized me from all the pictures I sent. At that moment I just knew that we were going to be okay. You were whisked away to "get ready" to meet me. Mom and I just stood there in awe that I was able to see you so soon.

When I was able to "meet" you officially, they had changed your clothes to the traditional red silk jacket, yellow shirt and black pants. You looked so small in all the layers of clothes. You were handed to me and your silly mommy just bawled like a baby - you on the other hand, just stared at me! At that one moment, God had showered me with His blessings and answered my prayers of a lifetime to be a mom. The tears were of joy and much admiration of you, so small, so young, so innocent, persevering thru 22 months in an orphanage with no toys and not much food. It took a few days for you to show us your personality but when you finally did, boy was it fun, lively, and fast paced! One of my most memorable times in China is when you were scared or unsure, you would wrap your arm around my neck and play with my hair. You still do that to this day. You still only let me hold you on my left side. You still LOVE shoes, both squeaky and regular. You still love music which is our 102 Kids Bible Songs CD. You still do not like fruit. You still love eggs. You still love your bath. You still love bubbles. You still love to snuggle - my favorite!

You amaze me little one to have had the strength, trust and desire to love another person the way you show me love every day. The way you have grown physically yet still remain my little mighty one; the way you have learned English; the way you have learned to play; the way you have learned how a mother is different from a caregiver; the way you have learned to laugh belly laughs and sing our Bible songs just amaze me. You are my joy and my life and I want to celebrate this day, our first ever Family Day.

I love you Maggie (a.k.a. Mags, LuLu, Magster, Magpie)!

Your Mommy (a.k.a. Mommy, Momma, EEEEEEE - when she sees me at daycare J - melt my heart)

One Year Ago Today:

The first moment we saw each other

Here is the first moment I held her.

Her look here cracks me up! Who is this lady with blonde hair, blue eyes and is crying????? What have I done? Where is my nanny?

And here is my little bundle of energy now - one year later!

Back atcha little one!

A Post with NO Pictures - and you will thank me for that...

Tricia@tmifamily.com (Tricia) — Mon, 06 Dec 2010 20:38:00 GMT

Please come visit tomorrow too as we have a big day happening!

Well last week was the big "THROW UP OF 2010"! It was horrible! Apparently, Maggie's daycare has had the sweep of the stomach virus. Most of the kiddos have had it and some of the moms with two moms going to the ER!

Last Wednesday, Maggie was in bed and I heard her screaming? I ran in there and she had thrown up all over herself and my bed. She was so scared, I am assuming she had never done that before. Bless her heart. I felt so sorry for her.

Sidenote: This was the main fear that I had being a new mom - I didn't know if I would be able to handle throw up without doing the same. Apparently, it really doesn't matter when it is your child as you only care about them being upset and getting them cleaned up. WHEW...

Back to the story, Got her cleaned up, stripped the bed, put on clean sheets and laid down for another try at sleep. Repeat came 3 hours later - this time on me too. Rinse, repeat, literally! (Note to self, 2 sets of sheets are not enough) Maggie got back to sleep, this time on her mattress from the crib on my floor. I slept on a bare mattress with a blanket - hey, who is going to wash sheets and dry them and make the bed so late?

Thursday morning came and all was well. No fever, happy child, drank a lot of water, etc. She went to school only to find out that there was a virus going around - really? LOL

Got home and she was fine that day. Went to bed early Thursday night and at 4:00 a.m., I awoke to the fun virus. Mine came with body aches, chills, headache and fever. While huddled over the toilet, I feel a little head resting on my back. Maggie was out of bed and came to see what was going on and was trying to hug me. HOW SWEET IS THAT???? I took her to daycare and made it back to the subdivision before throwing up all over myself in the car - did I mention that this was FUN? What is it with kids bouncing back in a few hours and us adults taking 3 days?

I literally died on Friday - called in my daycare mom troops for some help and Charlotte's mom, Heather came to the rescue. She volunteered to pick Maggie up from daycare on Friday and keep her overnight. What a lifesaver as I will say, it took until Sunday morning to recover. Thank you Heather and family - you were a much needed guardian angel.

On Saturday, we watched Auburn win the SEC Championship game and head to the BCS National Championship game - all is right with the world again!!!!

So aren't you glad there were NO pictures???? Remember to check back in tomorrow!

Tricia

May have one out of 147 pictures for the Christmas Card

Tricia@tmifamily.com (Tricia) — Tue, 23 Nov 2010 01:19:00 GMT

Yesterday Maggie and I went to Aldridge Gardens to try and take a Christmas Card picture. Who knew we would have so much fun in the process. Here are some of the pictures.

Our First Christmas Tree

Tricia@tmifamily.com (Tricia) — Tue, 23 Nov 2010 01:17:00 GMT

Since we came home from China last year on December 19, I am considering this Christmas to be our first together. Neither she nor I remember much of last Christmas - jet lag...

I got a small tree this year and put it up the other night while she watched a video. Once the lights were up, I went in and told her I had a surprise for her. I had turned off the lights in the living room so the tree would be bright. She said "OHHHHHH"and wanted down to explore. I took her to the tree and showed her it was okay to touch that the lights were not hot.

I took the pictures witrh my iphone so the quality is not the best. The first pictures are of her exploring the tree. Check out the appropriate jammies! I then decorated it and we have had a blast touching the ornaments - some gently HA HA HAl But they are all safe purchased so she could touch. The nice ornaments will come several years from now! Christmas is going to be so much fun this year! I dont have a tree topper yet so please over look that!

Trains, Trains and More Trains

Tricia@tmifamily.com (Tricia) — Mon, 22 Nov 2010 22:24:00 GMT

Maggie and I went to the Calera Railroad Museum again on Saturday. We took two very special friends of ours with us - our across the street neighbors, Peg and DadDoo (as Maggie calls them). DadDoo loves trains and we thought they would enjoy spending some time with us. We all had a great time! Maggie loves trains and I believe Santa has been informed already...
Playing on the Caboose

Meg and Maggie

Hurry, let's go!

DadDoo and Meg, Maggie and I

Girls Night Out

Tricia@tmifamily.com (Tricia) — Mon, 22 Nov 2010 22:16:00 GMT

I am talking about dinner with my BIG girl. Maggie and I had dinner out last Friday night. She decided to sit across from me at dinner and eat her meal by herself. Such a big girl. We had such good conversation too (although I am not quite sure of everything that she said! LOL)
Looking tired from Daycare... LOL

"Cant you see I am coloring here? Pictures later please...." I love this look of hers - tales of a teenager to come....

Look - mommy ordered me my own salad - yummy!!!!!

This salad is good!
I ate half of my salad and half of my sweet potato. That was good mommy!

Thanksgiving Breakfast at Daycare

Tricia@tmifamily.com (Tricia) — Mon, 22 Nov 2010 22:05:00 GMT

This year, Maggie's daycare, had a Thanksgiving breakfast for the parents. We had a great time eating with the kids. I loved my special extra time with my girl that morning.

Below are some of pictures from that morning. It was Pajama Day too for the kiddos - if only the grownups could wear pajamas to work...

Maggie with her cousin's dog puppet - thanks Wes and Lisa - she loves this dog!!!!

Being cute at daycare...

Mrs. Angela - One of Maggie's teachers

Jake and Amanda

Sweet Bailey!

Ashley and Jackson

Cute Maxwell

Charlotte, our buddy

Ford with a milk mustache!

Breakfast!

October 15, 2009 I Saw My Daughter's Beautiful Face

Tricia@tmifamily.com (Tricia) — Mon, 22 Nov 2010 21:56:00 GMT

October 15, 2009 is a day I will never forget! For that was the day that I received a phone call with my referral. A sweet 18 month old little girl from Huazhou City, Guangdong Province, China. Her name was Willow on our agency's site bur her Chinese name was Ji AoSheng.

Below is the video I received from the orphanage.

This is the video of Maggie that was sent with her paperwork. She is about 16 months here in her Orphanage in Huazhou City.

Trampoline Fun

Tricia@tmifamily.com (Tricia) — Fri, 29 Oct 2010 19:59:00 GMT

We visited my brother and his family a week or so ago. We let Maggie get on the trampoline and she just loved it. Below you can see pictures of her doing a forward roll. She loves to do this at home too even on the hardwood floor - OUCH! Every gymnast must finish off the roll with a proper pose! When I saw "Arms Up!", she does it! LOL We will be starting gymnastics in February when she turns 3. Fun times ahead...

Maggie jumping on the trampoline - 2010 - October

Jumping is fun!

Jump

Jumping with Aunt "Pisa" or Lisa

Practice makes perfect!

Head down...

Roll over....

Complete roll...

Finish the move - ARMS UP!!!! LOL

I wonder what Santa is thinking about bringing Maggie for Christmas - albeit a smaller, more toddler friendly version! This child loves to jump.

Pumpkin Patch & Railroad Museum

Tricia@tmifamily.com (Tricia) — Tue, 12 Oct 2010 21:13:00 GMT

This past weekend, Maggie and I visited the Railroad Museum in Calera. We invited the kids in Maggie's class and Jake and Bailey were able to join us. We had a great time and Maggie LOVED the train ride. I think we will have to do this again.

The train ride was for about 30 minutes then stopped for a visit to a pumpkin patch. They had a jump zone, pumpkins, hayride, and other fun items. After about 45 minutes, we boarded the train again for another 10 minutes ride, then came back to the station. I really enjoyed the day too and had a great time visiting with Lorie (Bailey's mom) and Amanda and Brian (Jake's parents).

Here are a few pictures from Saturday. How Lorie escaped the camera I don't know! So sorry Lorie!

My little Pumpkin!!!!

Our friend, Bailey

Fast friends

Wow Bailey, you are strong! I would rather just play with the hay.

Bailey, Jake and Maggie- there expressions crack me up

Such concentration, Jake!

Mommy and I Maggie on the train!

Getting a drink and snack break before the train ride begins.

Sweet Family - Amanda, Jake and Brian

The Pumpkin Patch Stop
Searching for the perfect pumpkin

I choose this one Mommy! Thankfully it was little so it was easy to lug around! LOL

Maggie in the jump zone. She didn't know what to do!

Amanda and Jake on the hayride

Maggie on the hayride

Maggie's First Auburn Game and my Birthday

Tricia@tmifamily.com (Tricia) — Mon, 06 Sep 2010 03:06:00 GMT

Last weekend was Maggie's first Auburn game. We played Arkansas State and the game was at 6:00. She absolutely loved it - all the sights, sounds, weather and cheers! I also had my birthday last Sunday. It was a great day with family. Pete even treated us to lunch at the Conference Center in Auburn.

Art, Lisa and Wes came to the game as well. It was awesome cooler weather and an extra day off too - Labor Day. Here are some pictures of Maggie in her (too big) Auburn cheerleader outfit at the game.

Here is my girl, her cheerleading outfit, her Auburn beads, Auburn sqeaky shoes and of course her (or momma's) Auburn iphone!

Maggie and Lisa (Aunt "Pisa")

Eating outside for my birthday! YAY!!!!!

Lisa and Wes

Me and Art

Mom and Pete

The Blog is Going Private

Tricia@tmifamily.com (Tricia) — Fri, 03 Sep 2010 12:54:00 GMT

UPDATE: I have decided to try approving all comments before taking the blog private. That means that when you comment, I will have to approve your comment before it will appear. My blog does not allow me to add email addresses like I thought but requires a username and password to go private. So I thought I would try this first.

In a few weeks, I will be taking the blog private. I've been getting some unwanted messages posted and I think it is time to take it private. What does that mean? It means that you will need to send me your email address if you want to access the blog. I really don't mind anyone reading about Maggie but I just don't like the "crazies" out there commenting.

I will re-evaulate it again after awhile. Anyway, please email me at tricia@tmifamily.com if you would like to be on the list to access our blog. Thank you!

Tricia

First Day of Two Year Old Class

Tricia@tmifamily.com (Tricia) — Wed, 01 Sep 2010 03:32:00 GMT

This week is Maggie's first day of her Two Year old class at daycare. She has the sweetest teachers - Jennifer and Angela or "Jeniper" and Agla". LOL

They were to wear pull-ups to class - no more diapers!

My first day at 2 year old class

Look - Pull-ups!!!!!

Hey I know you guys! New class - same friends.

Bye mommy!!!!!

Last day of Toddler class!

Tricia@tmifamily.com (Tricia) — Thu, 26 Aug 2010 13:21:00 GMT

Today is the last day of Maggie's toddler class. She moves up to the Two's on Monday! It is a bittersweet day for me as I think back on all that she has accomplished this year. She started her daycare in February knowing NO English and barely knowing how to play. Today, she is a self confident active two year old ready to tackle the world.

Her speech and motor development skills have just bloosomed and I attribute that to her sweet teachers in her class. Mrs. Monica and Mrs. Kristine have been awesome with Maggie. And she just loves them.

Monday, we will be going to her new room and right off the bat they are learning to be independent. No more diapers - only pull-ups (good luck with that one teachers! LOL), no more sippy cups - cups without lids; a bike helmet for big playground and tricycles and learning her letters. Her new teachers are fabulous and I cannot wait for Maggie to learn from them this year. Mrs. Jennifer (Maggie says "Jeniper") and Mrs. Angela will be awesome!

Here are a few pictures - one of her first day of school in February 2010 and with her teachers from this past year!

My Baby! First day of School - look at how young she looked!

Maggie and Mrs. Kristine - last day of school

Maggie and Mrs. Monica - last week of school - in the playground area

Maggie's family

Tricia@tmifamily.com (Tricia) — Sun, 22 Aug 2010 02:23:00 GMT

I've been working with Maggie all summer on who her family is. She knows me as her mom but has been learning my brother and his family too. We don't get to see them as much as we would like so I have a picture of all of us from the beach that she looks at. She has about 6 pictures from our beach trip of all of us in which she will name over and over again. I thought I would capture it on film. As it goes with most toddlers, Maggie liked to look thru the camera so I just put the picture up to the camera for her to name that way! LOL

Art (her Uncle, my brother) - "Unk Ott"
Lisa (her Aunt, my sister-in-law) - "Aunt Pisa"
Gran/GeKe (her grandmother, my mom) - "GeKe"
Jordan (her cousin, my nephew) - "Jodon"
Ty (her cousin, my nephew) - "Ty"
Wes (her cousin, my nephew that I call Fred) - Wus

Maggie naming her family. August 20 2010

Last Weekend - It was a busy one

Tricia@tmifamily.com (Tricia) — Sat, 21 Aug 2010 01:50:00 GMT

Last weekend was a busy weekend and this week has been busy too. We had our Lifeline (Adoption Agency) Reunion on Saturday and we had a great time.

Mom came down on Friday and attended Maggie's end of the year party at her daycare. They had a really good time. We then had dinner at J.Alexanders and ran some errands at the Galleria. While there I decided to let Maggie ride the Carousel. Like, who doesn't like the carousel with the lights, music and fun animals? Well, that would be Maggie! SHE HATED IT and would not sit on a horse. Poor thing, I just laughed. My camera was not own a good setting and mom only got one picture of us. Oh well, we will have to work on her liking that later!

Saturday, my adoption agency, Lifeline, had the annual China Family Reunion. It is a time when the 2 guides from China, Lily and Rebecca, come from China and all the families that have adopted or will be adopting from China get together. We had a great time! I was able to show Maggie off a little as every other year I have been I have been waiting on her. I was also able to "meet" some of the families that I have followed on their blogs. It was a lot of fun but Maggie skipped her nap that day equaling a hard evening!

Tuesday, I had the new year orientation for Maggie at her daycare. I was able to meet her new teachers and I really like them. We have 4 or so new children in her room and I look forward to getting to know them and their families too. The craziest thing is that they will start potty training the kids on the first day of daycare on the 23rd. Good luck with that teachers?!!! LOL Anyway, no more diapers, we are to bring pullups and lots of changes of clothes - HA HA HA

Maggie's vocabulary has just taken off so well over the past two weeks. She now will tell me what she wants to play with in the car instead of saying UHHHHHH UHHHHHH UHHHHHH. Praise Jesus!!!! She is singing full songs now - Twinkle, Twinkle Little star, Ring Around the Rosie and You Are My Sunshine and Jesus Loves Me. She is putting together more two word sentences too. She asked for "Bofishfishes" for Goldfish - it is so cute! She says Come-On, Oh Boy with a Southern Accent, and There ya go a LOT. I say those all the time!!!!

My girl is growing up so fast!!! She still gives the biggest hugs and great kisses around. She will hug the people that I hug which is precious and tell's everyone Bye and blows kisses as we leave stores and restaurants. It actually makes a lot of people's days. There is not a shy bone in her body. She is very sweet in daycare - that I hear from the other families, but she did spill all of her milk on Jackson one day - oooooppps, sorry Jackson!

I had my follow up doctor appt on my wrist on Wednesday. It is healing nicely but I am to wear my brace for another month. I haven't been wearing it because my wrist was doing so well. I start physical therapy on it next week.

Below are some pictures of last weekend. Thanks to Fran (Christopher's mom) for taking the pictures of the daycare party. Thanks for reading!!!!

Zoe and her mom

Maggie, Christopher (back to us), Ford (behind Maggie) and Bailey (on the play structure)

Maggie and her teacher, Monica

Maggie giving GeKe some skin

Sweet artwork in the classroom

GeKe and Maggie

Ford and Maggie

Christopher and Maggie (Maggie is not into all the hugs her classmates give her! Look at that face!

Bailey trying to love on Maggie - her expression is hysterical to me. It looks more like a head lock...

Charlotte and her mommy

Christopher and his mommy (Fran took these pictures)

Christopher and Kristine (the other teacher)

Before the carousel ride - a little apprehension I think!

No go on the horse

Fun area!

Mom, Rebecca (our guide in China), Me and Maggie (not cooperating) crazy picture but it had Rebecca in it. We loved her and she got us to Maggie and thru China!

Re-Adoption

Tricia@tmifamily.com (Tricia) — Fri, 13 Aug 2010 02:17:00 GMT

Today was a special day for me and Maggie. I was able to readopt her today. What is readoption you ask? When you adopt from a foreign country you are given all the paperwork needed for adoption. However, the paperwork is in Chinese and can prove to be very hard to replace if needed.

When Maggie begins school, signs up for sports, gets married, etc. she will need her birth certificate. Well, it is in Chinese. So I once again paid money to our US government to readopt Maggie in Alabama so she will have an Alabama Birth Certificate. It was painless (well except for the money part LOL) and took just a few minutes.

The attorney I used likes to do the readoptions in St. Clair County for the ease. So I took off work, grabbed Maggie and off we went to St. Clair County. She is now readopted in the State of Alabama. Enjoy the pictures!

Maggie in her sweet white dress with pearls!!!

Entertaining a cranky toddler (no nap)

More of me entertaining Maggie - she loved the camera!

Boy it was a long wait...

After being sworn in, going through the paperwork with my attorney (on right) and the Judge (on left)

Judge signing the Decree.

Maggie got candy...

Introducing Alabama resident, Maggie!!! Picture with the Judge and my attorney!

Being Re-Adopted is exhausting...

Surgery Update and Weekend with GeKe

Tricia@tmifamily.com (Tricia) — Thu, 12 Aug 2010 01:47:00 GMT

My wrist surgery was last Thursday. It went okay and they didn't have to do major surgery, just orthoscopic (sp?). So I have 2 little incisions on my wrist and a brace, no cast - YEA!!! It was very sore and swollen but is doing better now. Thanks for all the prayers!

After surgery, mom drove me to get Maggie at daycare and then to Decatur to recuperated. I slept on and off for 2 days and Maggie and GeKe had a good time.

GeKe aka Gran has had a name change. Every time Maggie would say Gran, it would come out as GeKe. So GeKe it is!!!

GeKe took Maggie to the Water Park in Decatur two days. They had a blast! Well we all know how much Maggie loves anything to do with water. Below are some pictures of their fun time. Also, Maggie's Godmother, Laurie and her daughter Emily came over to visit. They brought Maggie an automatic bubble blower and Maggie had a blast. Thanks Laurie and Emily - we love you!

Surgery for ME

Tricia@tmifamily.com (Tricia) — Wed, 04 Aug 2010 19:52:00 GMT

So sorry but this is a post about me, dear ole' mom. Maggie is doing well - cracking me up and talking up a storm. I will post about her antics soon.

As the story goes, back in December while in China adopting Maggie, I fell off of the van while holding Maggie. It was rainy and I slid on the marble at the hotel and went down. It was the second day I had Maggie and I protected her in the fall - good mommy! LOL Well as I protected her, my left wrist turned to break the fall and I fractured my wrist and tore some ligaments.

It hurt initially but soon the pain went away - you know I was a new mom and all and had more important things to figure out - like how to care for a 22 month old. Fast forward to May and man my wrist was hurting. I thought maybe it was carpel tunnel but I really don't use my left hand too much for that. So I went to see a doctor who sent me to have an MRI. Can you say ouch? Two needles inserted into my wrist and then an MRI on my wrist and shoulder that hurt like the devil.

I was then sent to a wrist surgeon and he needed an Arthrogram - more needles! The results were in yesterday, and I have to have surgery this Thursday (that is tomorrow).

So off to the hospital I go tomorrow at lunch for an afternoon surgery. Going to hang out with Mom this weekend so she can take care of both babies - me and Maggie! Thanks mom!

I would love prayers please for a speedy recovery. A single mom living my herself having to get ready and get her toddler ready should provide for some humorous tales! Stay tuned.

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!