Interesting Article

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20101101/ap_on_re_as/as_china_census

Two Milestones Achieved

Today was Hanna's first day at Primrose.  She wasn't clingy and didn't cry at drop off, but you could tell she had apprehension.  I was very proud of her.  It probably helped that the kids were outside on the playground.  She wanted to play, but didn't want us to leave.  She is my big girl and I can't wait to see her blossom and her language skill improve each week.

After we dropped Hanna off at school, I took Davis to the dentist.   They put a little numbing jelly around the loose tooth and it came right out.  He is excited about his first visit from the tooth fairy.  We certainly are surrounded by blessings and I think we will celebrate today, not sure how yet.

It's my last full week at home.  I am ready to go back to work but leaving the less scheduled routine behind will be bittersweet.  Davis starts his 3 week track out this week, so I am fortunate to spend some one on one time with him before I go back to work next week.

Just thought I would post some older photos of Davis...to remind me how quickly life can pass you by.  Enjoy the moments.

Davis' first Halloween costume

18 months old

5 months old, yes he was a big baby.  

Just a few shots of Hanna that were shared with us from the orphanage director.  These photos are special to us since photos of her first few years are so limited.  

Davis' Debut in Children's Choir & His First Loose Tooth

Davis had his first performance with the children's choir at church last Sunday.  He was on the front row and sang his little heart out.  I was so proud of him!  The Christmas program is the next performance, and that is going to take some practice.

Bottom row, second from the left

He also discovered today that he has his FIRST loose tooth!  He was on cloud nine and can't wait for the tooth fairy visit.  He has been wiggling it all day and immediately asked for an apple to eat for snack.  I have a feeling it will be out by week's end.

Happy 3rd Birthday Hanna

Happy birthday sweet girl!  Friday was Hanna's 3rd Birthday (10/15).  On Saturday we celebrated at home with close friends and family.  She had a full day and seemed to enjoy all the commotion around the house and especially loved the bounce house that we rented.  She LOVED it when we all sang happy birthday to her.  She wasn't sure what the tune was, but she knew it was just for her.  The theme of the party was cupcakes mixed with a princess twist.  I was a wonderful day and the evening ended with a Hanna first.  She pointed to the bed during our bedtime rocking routine to let me know she was ready for bed.  She usually likes to milk the rocking for as long as she can, but even with extra doses of sugar throughout the day, the jumping left her wiped out!

Jump fun with big brother and cousin Micah.  The bounce house was delivered early and they took advantage of the extra play time.  It was perfect to give me time to set up for the party.  

Her amazement at the Happy Birthday song.  It truly was touching because we have no idea how birthdays were celebrated with her if at all.  I have to believe there was some celebration...it breaks my heart to think otherwise.

She wanted to be on Pop Pop's lap while opening presents, and wouldn't open another one until she was in the right position.  It was really special watching her, she also seemed a little overwhelmed with all the gifts.  

Autumn is in the air...and that means pumpkins, mums, state fair, beautiful colors and coats!

I can hardly wait for October each year so I can head up to the attic and get my fall decorating items out.  I enjoy it almost as much as Christmas.  Friday afternoon after Vince got off work, we headed to a pumpkin patch close to the house to make this year's selections.  It's tough getting shots of busy kids, and Davis is at the age where he poses, which don't make the best photos in my opinion.  I prefer the quick grins.  They took their jobs very seriously, and had fun selecting pumpkins for our front porch.  After we were home, we added our tattoos to them and only need some mums to complete the look although I am finding it hard to find healthy looking mums this year.

Smelling the Roses with Hanna

Okay, so we weren't literally smelling roses, but we were enjoying each other's company immensely and the wonderful weather.  We played outside in the backyard on the playset for a solid hour or more.  She was just enjoying my attention, encouragement and laughter and I was giving thanks for all the smiles and the looks that said, "this is really fun".  It's moments like this that warm your soul.  Here are some photos of my sweet girl at play.

IG is 40!

Vince and I had our first night out without the kids, since bringing Hanna home, this past weekend.  Our good friend Ian turned 40 and we celebrated with him. It was a great party.  What better reason is there to ask Oma and Pop Pop to watch the kiddos while we have a little adult fun?  The soiree was catered by 42nd Street Oyster Bar, the NCSU mascot, Mr Wolf , joined us and there were poker and blackjack tables to gamble the night away.  Vince was taking lots of notes and throwing plenty of hints my way.  Happy Birthday IG- here is to another 40 more!

Nick & Lauren are Married!

They finally did it, and I am sure Lauren is glad all the planning is over.  The wedding was a beautiful event and my children managed not to trip the bride down the aisle.  Davis felt that it was an extreme honor and took his responsibility as a ring bearer very seriously (minus a small melt down over an itchy tux 20 minutes before show time).  Hanna was just happy to be in the crowd.  They both were adorable, if I may say so myself.  I'm not convinced she new what was going on, but did well considering and only called out for Pop Pop twice during the ceremony.  She rotated between Vince and my mom in the pew mostly and didn't miss the opportunity to stop by to grin at me.  The reception is where we all finally able to relax.  I have to say though, Davis was the life of the party.  He danced the entire time- I'm not exaggerating.  He was trying to rush the mother/groom and father/bride dance to get on the dance floor.  He spent most of the night with mutual friends of ours daughter, Savannah.  She danced the entire night as well.  Hanna was on and off the dance floor between bites of food and cake.  Savannah and Davis (who also share the exact same birthday) get along really well, so well in fact, many people wondered if a future romance was budding.  The photo attached is from a camera phone, so not the best quality, but you can see he is enjoying himself!  The photo below if of the three of them from a dinner at our house earlier in September.  The great news is that Savannah will be welcoming a new baby brother from China in January.  Maybe sooner!!

Kiddies get Haircuts

It's has been haircuts across the board (Vince and I included) with Nick and Lauren's wedding around the corner.  Davis had his first hair cut at Sports Clips last week, mainly because it was right beside where we had dinner and convenient.  Being a first time client, he got the top of the line cut, it included a cut, wash, hot towel and massage.  His commentary on the massage- "Mommy, that massage felt so good, and it was my favorite part, I am going to let them cut my hair again!"  It was cute watching him during the experience.  He doesn't know we are going to spring for the massage with each haircut.  He might get one more, since we have a 50% off coupon in our citipass coupon book.

He had to get two booster seats to even reach the hair washing sink.  

Hanna's cut was today.  She did well at first (see first photo) but then got more and more busy (see second photo), so Ginger (our hairdresser) was in a sweat by the end.  It's a cute stack to hopefully get the back the same length as the sides so we can start to grow it out.   I want to let her bangs grow out, but she will not keep a bow in her hair so I think it will drive us both crazy!  Maybe later...

The tongue is a trick her big brother taught her- NICE!

I guess she thought Ginger needed some help.  She always is helpful.  If mommy is sweeping, she wants to sweep, if mommy is vacuuming, she gets her toy vacuum out to help.  

PHOTO DISCLAIMER:  The pics from the last two posts are from our point and shoot camera, and not great quality.  I just carry it around to not miss important moments and because its light and small.  I wish my SLR was as small so I could always have it handy and never miss a shot.

Wedding photos will probably be next...I can't believe my baby brother is finally taking the plunge.  I am so proud of him and jealous that he is heading to Dominican Republic for a relaxing vacation.  Ahhhh...those were the days.  Cabo seems so long ago for us.  Okay, I digress.  

A Day filled with Family and Friends

Davis and I spent the morning at the Safety Fair at Leesville High School.  It was nice for us to spend some time together, just the two of us.  We went with one of his best buds, Andrew and my friend (Andrew's mom) Kim.  We saw a helicopter land on the baseball field, watched a fire fighter climb up the ladder on a fire truck, saw the fire fighters and EMS staff perform jaws of life on a wrecked car, and escaped a house using a fire ladder.  Davis enjoyed jumping in a bounce house, spinning the chick-fil-a prize wheel, enjoyed tasty free treats- a hot dog, popcorn and two snow cones.  Then it was back home to meet my mom who was joining us for a baby shower our friends at church gave me and Hanna along with two other new moms.  It was a day full of blessings and it ended with a visit from Vince's brother and his wife Tammy.  The kids enjoyed playing with their doggie.  They threw a frisbee and let him bring it back to them again, and again, and again...I hope to post pictures for this post shortly.