The last hurdle

Lily has made huge strides in the last year. She goes into "kids' church" without crying for us (for 2 weeks in a row now). She is potty trained. She is friendly to friends and strangers alike. She enjoys going to the doctor's office. She swims like a fish (with her lifejacket, that is). Temper tantrums are no longer a weekly occurance. She behaves more and more like a "big girl" everyday. HOWEVER, when it comes to bedtime...she still wants to sleep in our bed. Her beautiful room that we waited soooo long for her to occupy is STILL unoccupied. My mom says this is our "last hurdle". And I believe it is -- for now, anyway.

We have gotten her to fall asleep without me lying next to her, just recently. This is a huge step for us. The rest is a work in progress. I'm not going to lie, though. I still really enjoy snuggling with my little angel at night. She sleeps well...we all do...and look how sweet she is! (Now, if we could just do something about her stinky gas. PU!)

Just for laughs

Well, I know you can't see the little "stinker", but I just had to share with you what I discovered when she was supposed to be napping the other day. When I heard the giggling, I just knew she was up to no good.
Stinky gas...she gets that from her daddy!

Christmas In July

Why is my post titled "Christmas in July", you ask? Well, it is certainly not because I am sick of the heat and I have adorned myself in a Christmas sweater and started singing "Let it Snow" like SOME people(Mr.Brian)...No! It is because we have received so many wonderful packages in the mail as of late. Yep, all for Lily. She LOVES getting presents and she always wants to know WHO the gift is from and she will remember who got it for her, too. She loves wearing her red beaded necklace and when she puts it on she'll say "this is my necklace from Pam". When we do her puzzle of the world she asks for "the puzzle from Victoria". I love how thankful she is to receive a gift. So... back to the packages.
First, I ordered her the most beautiful white dress from Baby Gap...we will be taking "beach photos" next month and I cannot wait. When I opened it she said "Momma, that bwess is beautiful, you buy dat for me?" (Stay tuned for those pics)

Secondly, my aunt Lynn (affectionately known as Gee Gee) sent Lily some adorable Dora wear. Lily flipped over this. She loves Gee Gee so much and misses her cuz she lives all the way in Texas. Actually when she was crying the other day and I told her to go to her room she wailed "I want Gee Gee!" Cracked me up. She is lovin' her new Dora duds.

Then, if that wasn't enough, Kimberly had a cyber shower for Elizabeth and her gorgeous new daughter Grace Ryan. I won a shower prize -- the cutest t-shirt that Lily feels like a real princess in. (any guesses why?) Thanks Kim!

Speaking of Elizabeth, she has written her very own Children's Book titled "Lovebug", which I had to order RIGHT AWAY ! And that also came in the mail the other day. YAY! Lily and I both love this book about a Momma frog and her baby ladybug...they don't look the same, but they are a family just the same!

We are so thankful to be celebrating Christmas in July!

This one's for you, Loganberry Muffin!

I recently did a post titled "Ask me anything" where I invited ya'll to ask me stuff you'd like to know about me. Well, my 7 year old niece, Logan, has asked a very good question that I'd like to answer here. She asked "What is your favorite thing to do with Lily?" Well, Logan, I have thought long and hard and here is my answer...

It is not one particular thing that I enjoy doing with my girl. It is all of the little moments we share on a weekly basis that warm my heart, make me smile or laugh, make me beam with pride, and cause me to thank God for sending me my little angel from heaven.

- I like when she first wakes up in the morning, climbs out of bed to find me and greets me with "Good morning, momma, Buenos Dias!"

- I can't wipe the smile off my face when I watch her reading her favorite books -- word for word...even if I'm the only one who can understand all of what she is saying.

- I enjoy doing our puzzle of the world and talking about how we flew on a plane to China to get her and bring her home so we could be a family...and she chimes in with "and we flew over the American Ocean!"

- I'm touched by how she needs a "hug and a kiss" from everyone before she can leave someplace.

- I am proud to see how "nice and fwendwee" she is with all of our neighbors and even perfect strangers that cross our path.

- I have such a good time when she insists we have a "picnic" lunch on the front porch with our big blankie.

- This might be weird, but I love that she needs me to hold her hands when she goes poo poo on the potty...she needs my support for such a big task!

- I love our talks and when she gets really giggly for no particular reason.

- I love how funny she is and how often she makes us all laugh hysterically.

- I love dancing with her.

- I will never tire of hearing her call me her momma or telling me that she loves me sooo much.

And one of my VERY favorite things is watching her with you and your brothers. She loves her cousins more than anything. Your relationship has blossomed into something so very beautiful and she is so blessed to have you in her life and I know you will all be friends forever...

I hope you enjoyed my answer. I'm so happy you visited my blog. Love you, sweetie! XOXOXO

My Ballerina is back...ready for "dance bwass"!

I took dance lessons growing up and LOVED it! So, I have dreamed of the day when I would have a daughter who would follow in my footsteps. I remember my recitals (that lasted HOURS) and I really cannot wait to sit thru some of those suckers. I went to my friend's daughter's recital a few years ago and cried through most of it...picturing my little darling up there. Well, it looks like the time is drawing very near. Lily has gotten her ballerina costume back out of the closet and has been doing her "ballaweena moves" all over the place lately. She is even wearing the shoes now! (thanks again for the great Christmas present Papa and Breema!) So, I have been looking online and making phone calls gathering information on dance studios in the area...my one major concern was how Lily would do in class -- without me or hubs there. But yesterday we went to church and Lily went into her "kids class" all by herself. Just said "OK bye, see you after church" to daddy. Um. This has NEVER happened before. Jay and I were in total shock and sat through the entire church service with one eye on the pager that the teacher had given us in case they had a problem. At one point I was convinced that dang pager was broken...Lily just had to be SOBBING for us by now, I thought. Nope, church ran late and when Jay went to pick her up she was still busy playing with "her tids". So, she is officially ready. I will be signing her up for a "dance bwass" in the fall and I am just giddy!

Just to clarify: "her tids" is her kids, her homies, her pals, her friends! (The "K" sound still doesn't exist in her world.

Oh, happy days!

Yesterday was one of those really nice days, where everything just kinda goes right. No whining, no crying, (from Lily or myself)...we went out to lunch, just the 2 of us. We enjoyed chips n salsa and good conversation while our waiter flirted mercilessly with my girl. Then we did a little shopping and came home so I could clean while she entertained herself with a new paintbook I had purchased on our trip out. Then it was over to the neighbors' house to blow some bubbles! In the evening a girlfriend of mine came over for a glass of wine before her date, so we all sat on the patio and watched Lily dance around and entertain us all. Then it was time for an oatmeal bath, books, and bed...she was sleeping soundly by 9:40pm. Days like this are a treasure...they are the days I think about when I am having an UGLY day. Yep, we have some of those too. (Oh, and we took some time for a photo shoot. Seriously, could she BE any cuter?!)

Doctor! Doctor! Give me the news!

Well, we heard from Jay's doctor today and he does NOT have a tumor or anything else life-threatening. He has been diagnosed with "cluster headaches"(you can click HERE for more info)...just like I thought. Thank you very much internet! He is picking up his prescription on the way home from work and we are just letting out a big sigh of relief!

Speaking of doctors -- I took Lily to see hers this morning. She has been complaining of an "itchy bootie" for several days and last night she was scooting her butt along the carpet like a dog with worms, so I gave in and called her Pediatrician today. Everything looks fine, so she told me to just soak her in an Aveeno oatmeal bath for a couple days -- could be from all the swimming she's been doing(?)

But, I was telling my sister that Lily loves going to the doctor's office so much I wish I didn't have a 30 dollar co-pay, cuz I would take her there weekly for one of our fun activities. I kid you not...she is in HEAVEN the whole time we are there. Her doc checked her bootie and Lily politely requested that she use her flashlight, so of course the doc obliged. Then Lily insisted that her throat be checked, and then she wanted to wear the stethoscope to check her heart. As I was cashing out Lily was picking out her sucker saying, "I really love going to the doctor's office. I feel better already." I wish I had brought my camera. (not for the bootie inspection, but for the rest.) Oh yeah, and when the nurse was taking her to the scale to get weighed, Lily said matter-of-factly: "I weigh 27 pounds"...and she still does. The kid cracks me up. My doctor kept asking "Is this the same child from a year ago?" To which I answered, "No, she really isn't the same child at all." I hardly recognize her myself sometimes.

Lily and Spot

Lily has always been fond of her doggy. Her pink and white stuffed doggy, that is. She has slept with it every night since she got it over two years ago. But recently the dog has moved up from sleepmate to best friend. She likes her pink bear too, but not as much as the dog. The bear is cool, cuz he's dog's friend -- she'll put their faces together and have them kiss, but she says the bear belongs to mommy.

OK, so back to the dog.

She has given him a name. Spot. OK, not real creative or original -- but it suits him just fine.

She takes him EVERYWHERE with her. I now have to launder him weekly, cuz she can't stand it when he's all dirty. But, that's what happens when he plays at the park.

I have caught her cradling him in her arms while singing "Rockabye Baby" and setting him on the chair at night. (this one I have GOT to catch on video)!

He apparently has magical powers...with just one touch of his paw all boo-boos disappear.

She will let others look at, pet, and hold (briefly) her precious dog, but then you'd best be giving him back to her or she'll get MIGHTY upset.

I think it is so cute to see the two of them together. It's a special friendship that will last a lifetime...(to ensure that he lasts a lifetime, I am on the lookout for his "twin" to use as a back up).

*Haven't heard anything from Jay's doc yet. Should hear tomorrow, but my mind is at ease. I have diagnosed him with "cluster headaches"...

*I will still be checking my last post for any questions that anyone might have for me*

Ask Me Anything!

Well, while I wait to hear some good news from Jay's doc on Tuesday, I've seen this post going around the blogosphere and I wanna play too. (I have been finding Stef's questions and answers so interesting) so ASK ME ANYTHING! I would love to know what you would like to know about me. C'mon people, I know I won't get 80 questions like Stef -- we tease her about being "Most Popular" in the blogging community. But, ask away. I'm listening...

I will just answer all of the questions as I get to them right there in the comment section.

But, first, I have to say a lil tidbit about my wee one. I got home from work tonite at 11pm and she comes RUNNING out of bed and wraps her arms around me saying "Momma, you're home! You're home! You all done with work? You get your money?" Yep, she is a crazy night owl, but it's hard to be too mad with a greeting like that.

OK, now ask away!

(P.S. Lily took the goofy picture of me...she loves taking pictures almost as much as I do!)

Congratulations Oatsvall Family!!!

Well, Jay had his test this morning at 8am. We won't get the results until early next week, probably Tuesday...I'll let ya'll know how everything turns out. Thank you so much for all your concern, kind words, and prayers -- I told Jay he didn't have to worry about a thing -- "The bloggin' community has us covered, babe!" A special "shout out" to RedMaryJanes for sending well-wishers my way. I was really touched by that! Have I told you all lately that I love you???


My last couple posts have been a bit drab, dreary, and depressing so tonight I want to post some GOOD NEWS!!!




Our wonderful friends in Tennessee (that hosted our reunion) have a new daughter! They found out on Tuesday that they were matched with a little girl on the Children Of Promise/Special needs list. She is a beautiful,almost 2 year old from China. When I got the phone call from Gwen I was crying and shaking as if it were happening to me! Please, if you haven't already, go over and congratulate Gwen and see some pictures of her newest miracle.
We are soooo happy that our friends will soon have another child to love and we are so glad that this little cutie from China will soon have such a wonderful family to spend the rest of her life with. Congratulations Scott, Gwen, Jeremiah, Elijah, Emily...and Maggie!!!

We love you guys and miss you. Lily keeps asking to see all her friends from China. Yesterday she was convinced that Sophia was coming to spend the night. Luckily, my niece and two nephews came for a sleepover, so she had a blast. Also, we were looking (again) at pictures from the reunion and I pointed at one of them and asked Lily who it was. She replied "Emiwee Woo"! I thought it was so cute. (her name is Emily Rui, pronounced Roo).

Hope everyone is enjoying their weekend. I'll post again Tuesday.







Me and Lily with Gwen and Emily

Please pray

I am asking that you all say a prayer for my hubby...he went to the ear, nose, and throat doc today to see about his "chronic sinusitis" and the doctor said his sinuses look fine. However, he can't sleep at night due to all the pain. The doctor is concerned about the headaches and is scheduling Jay for a catscan. I love my hubby more than words could ever express and I'm trying not to worry, but I have always been a bit melodramatic and have a tendancy to expect the worst at times. But I serve a big God and I know He has got my family in His hands...but I'm praying fiercely over here that Jay is OK and I'm asking you to do the same. Thank you!

Feeling a void

So, I was trying to figure out why I have been so cranky the past couple days when it dawned on me -- I'm lonely. I am having serious "reunion withdrawl"...not only from my friends we met up with in Tennessee, but my family too. My aunt (Gee-Gee) and Uncle Jim and my cousin Michelle and her kids Reilly and Harrison were in town for a week for a family wedding and they left right before we went to Tennessee. So, I never fully dealt with my sadness that they were going back home (to Texas and Florida)...well, now I'm home again and I am just missin' everybody like crazy. We always have such an incredible time when we are together, so here are a few pics of what we did while they were here.

Us gals at the wedding: me, my sis, my mom, my cousin, and my aunt /My cousin, me, my sister, and my crazy cousin Willy (Willy had a lot to drink before the ceremony even began!)

The younger ladies: Reilly, Logan, and Lily

Kids (and my sis) playing by the river at the park/ Gee-Gee and Lily eating ice-cream

So, now me and my girl are just sittin' here thinkin' about all the good times we have had this summer and wishing we could do it all over again. We don't have anything on the calendar for this month, so it's just back to quiet again. (sniff.)

Pingjiang Reunion

Mya, Sophia, Lily, Maggie, and Emily eating b-day cake

Baithing beauties: Chloe, Sophia, Emily and Lily

Emily and Lily eating popsicles poolside

Red couch photos: with all of them pictured it is (left to right)Emily, Leah, Mya, Olivia (on top), Hannah, Maggie, Sophia, Lily, Chloe, and Anna.

So, this past weekend was our Pingjiang reunion. We drove to Tennessee to spend Friday and Saturday with 10 (out of the 11) families we traveled to China with in 2005.

I don't even know if I have words to describe how amazing this trip was for us. We had been looking forward to it for months, and it did NOT disappoint. The girls are all so beautiful, funny, charming, happy, and unique. It was so wonderful to feast my eyes on all of them splashing around in the pool together, drawing with sidewalk chalk, sharing meals, giggling, playing "simon says" and "ring around the rosies"...I could just go on and on. It was also such a treat to share the same space with my friends that will always feel more like family to me. No one else in my life quite understands what my journey to Lily FELT like...not like these folks.

The Oatsvall family hosted us at their beautiful home. (You can check out Gwen's blog listed on my sidebar). I have never in my life met a family like them. They are the most incredible people and gracious hosts! Gwen thought of EVERYTHING! In addition to wonderful meals, a large inground swimming pool, swingset, and trampoline, she also hired lifeguards, a professional photographer, and she even bought the girls a birthday cake! (they all turned, or are turning 3 this summer). We all felt so welcome and comfortable...we did not want to leave. And I personally cried like a baby on the way home. These people have always held a special place in my heart, and this weekend it just grew a bit. I have posted a few of my favorite pictures, but I'm sure there will be more to come. To my Pingjiang "sisters": I love you and miss you already. Lily has already asked today if she can go see her "fwends fwom China PWEEZE!?" It was so nice to SEE you and give you all hugs...can't wait till we do it again in 2009.

*To Gretchen and her lovely family: you were deeply, deeply missed. We thought about you all and wished you could've been there...next time FOR SURE!*

Fourth of July Photo Shoot

Happy 4th to you all! We took some pics of Lily in her patriotic new dress (thanks Aunt Michelle)...Lily has always LOVED American flags, so she was happy to pose with hers. We ran across the street to snap a photo of Lily with her friend Laney - could they BE any cuter? We are off to one more family BBQ this afternoon and then we must pack for our big reunion this weekend...we will be in Tennessee with 10 of the families we traveled to China with for a nice, long weekend. I am so excited I can hardly contain myself. I am WAY behind on my blogs -- hope to catch up soon. XOXOXO

Back to Lily

Well, just when I thought we would remain a family of three -- God shows me that I don't know much of anything at all! No, we have not started the process for baby #2, but it's lookin' more and more like there is another child in our future. We have some things to do first, but I am again hopeful that someday...







But, for now, back to baby #1! Lily is doing sooooo great. I have much to tell. First of all, my sweet girl is POTTY TRAINED! I am so proud of her I could burst. I find myself telling anyone who will listen about her latest accomplishment. I'm sure the clerk at the grocery store could care less that my child goes pee-pee and poo poo on the potty, but I just can't help but tell her. I never pushed Lily in this area, because I had decided long ago that she would let me know when the time was right for her. Well, the time is now. She has gone several days with no accidents and she has even woken up in the morning with a dry diaper.(not every morning) The other night she actually woke me up at 3 in the morning cuz she had to go! I am amazed.







Other than that, she has just been up to her usual antics. She is not quite over all of her "baby" behavior just yet. Still fights her naps with every ounce of her energy most days, but momma knows she still NEEDS one. She had a major melt down last week before she finally fell asleep and when she woke up she immediately began to re-count the events: "I all done bwying now. Momma shut da door. Momma told me to bweeve"...(I had shut the door to the bedroom and returned because she was so hysterical I thought she might get sick, so I went and sat with her and said "Lily, you need to breathe, calm down" etc. etc.)







She is memorizing more and more of her books -- so much so that I have to be careful to read EVERY word correctly to her. Otherwise she gets upset, scolds me, and makes me begin again. (My mother-in-law got in trouble for mis-reading one of the pages too.) Hilarious. Once when she was correcting me I began to read the page again (the right way), I guess I was reading too loudly for her liking so she told me to "turn it down". Then she shh'd me for awhile. Bossy kid. Should've named her Lola. Whatever Lily wants, Lily gets.





We have family in from out of town so we are GO GO GO right now. I'll be back later.

Oh, and be sure to check out Lily's new "bwocks" (mock crocs) that daddy bought her. She wears them EVERYWHERE. Her other shoes no longer exist.