Look Who's Reading

Pryce used to always use the phrase "by my lone" instead of saying "by myself". I loved hearing him say it. For the most part, his cute little phrases have been replaced with funny statements. However, the other night I asked Colin to let Pryce read a book to him. Colin jumped at the opportunity to help out and Pryce stood there with his eyes big and round and said, "You mean, me, read all by my lone to Colin?"....I loved hearing those words! Pryce is reading and the best part is that he is motivated to do so. Instead of reading one book at night to me, he wants to read 3 or more!

You Might Be Adopting From China If.....

A friend passed this along to me. It is funny and oh so true.....

You Might Be Adopting From China If......

~You know that I-600 & I-171 aren't highways....
~You've been expecting a baby for over 3 years....
~You understand that it's 2006 in some parts of the world....
~You've "paid for" 3 citizenships, but never brought anyone into the U.S....
~You know that waiting for China has nothing to do with Dillards or dishes..
~Your homestudy is followed by a number (i.e. #3 or #4)...
~You never know how many days next month will have...
~You know that babies come in batches...
~You've been fingerprinted four times, but never committed a crime...
~You automatically assume everyone who is expecting is having a girl...
~You own new clothing in 3 little sizes for all 4 seasons (because you don't know when or how big)...
~You look twice when you see a lady bug...
~You're more interested in what will happen in March 2006 than in March 2009...
~You know people who understand when you talk about 2 day months & 5 day months...
~Your due date hasn't changed by days, but by years...
~You know who the Rumor Queen is ... AND ... you don't know who she is...
~You know that forecast doesn't have anything to do with the weather...
~You've waited so long, they re-checked your fingerprints to see if they changed...
~Trying to understand why they're printing you again, you study your own fingerprints and wonder if fingerprints grow wrinkles...
~When you speak of "that time of month" you're talking about CCAA updates & referrals...
And finally...You might be adopting from China if you love someone you've never met with all your heart

Our Spicy Girl, One Year Later

Last year at this time I was in disbelief that we actually had Mason-Kate in our arms. This year I am disbelief that we have had her in our arms for one whole year. I have really enjoyed going back in time and reading about our trip to China, seeing the pictures and even telling Mason-Kate her story. She doesn't understand it yet but she will in time and I look forward to telling her what I can about how she came to be our little girl. Enjoy the pix.....

Our first glimpse of MK, December 7, 2007

Gotcha Day 2008

March 2009

Look how much she has grown! And notice the "split pants".....she didn't want anything to do with taking this outfit off last year or this year. Note that there is another layer on beneath the one you see. Also note that the pink split pants are extremely thick....she was sweating bullets on Gotcha Day as well as the day I took the current photos....but, still, she didn't want to take the clothes off!

Then and Now

This time last year we were in Beijing. We were touring the city, adjusting to the time change and eating some unknown foods (well, Ryan was....the boys and I pretty much stuck to McDonalds and Pizza Hut).

The Great Wall of China....the first pic gives a little idea of just how steep it really is...the second pic is of the boys keeping a lookout from one of the watchtowers.

We loved seeing how the Chinese population entertains themselves. Everywhere we visited, the people were in groups exercising, playing cards, singing, writing.....

so our boys decided to give the writing thing a try....check out their drawings compared to the ones above....they did some letters from our alphabet and a few smiley faces....love it.

And then fast forward to the present....

Our family picnic....and family prayer. As you can see, MK just wants to get through the prayer so she can eat. Colin is honestly thankful for the food and picnic. Pryce, well, he is inspecting the food selection before going any further.....the celebration follows.

The belly.....

SHHHH! Stop talkin about my belly! It is all good!