Twirly Girl Alaina and Super Hero Ally

Inspired by my friend Sharon, I put my Hobby Lobby coupon to use, bought some fabric and blew the dust off the ole sewing machine! It took me over a week to finish Alaina's, so hopefully Ally's will go a little quicker!

Miss Sheryl took this great picture of Ally and Linzi jumping on the tramp one day! She caught Ally at just the perfect moment. The funny thing is that Ally has these little sunglasses that have a stretchy strap like goggles that she will wear and say "I'm super hero, mommy"!

No Way, I Love You!

Ally and I frequently share a little friendly banter that I usually start with saying, "Ally, I love you". Her reply has quickly become, "No way, I love you", to which I reply, "No way, I love you", and so on and so on... She makes me laugh so many times each day!

Just this morning as I was getting dressed, Ally was sitting in our bed. After our "I love you" coversation, here is what was discussed...

Ally - "I want a ba"
Mommy - "What?"
A - "A ba" (she was saying bra)
M - "you don't need a bra until you are a big girl"
A - "I AM a big girl and I want a geen (green) bra" (no I don't have a green one...)
M - "Someday you can get a green bra"
A - "I have dots. I want boobies, mommy"
M - "When you get boobies, we will get your green bra"
A - "I want big boobies just like you mommy"

Because of my laughter (if you have never met me, this IS funny), the conversation ended at that! Could that be any cuter? And she was totally serious!

An Almost Healthy Heart

Alaina's cardiologist appt was Friday. She did pretty well until about the last 10 minutes of the 40 minute echocardiogram; she got a little whiny and impatient, but who can blame her! The good news is that the doctor (Dr. Dooley with the Sibley Heart Center run by Emory) said that she has no limitations in activity, although there is still a small hole and murmur right where the patch was placed during her surgery in China. He also said that she would not likely need surgery to repair that, but does need to take antibiotics prior to dental cleanings, etc. That should be easy enough. The next appointment is with the dentist, which we are not expecting to be pleasant at all - her teeth are a bit of a mess.

We also returned to the pediatrician on Thursday of last week for her TB skin test to be read. I was honestly quite nervous about this because the dot on her arm was swollen and red - oh boy! I did look on-line, trying to stay calm. We got to the doctor and she suspected it to be a false positive reading, because of a shot she had had in China (similar to a flu shot when you are injected with the virus to build up immunity). The doctor ordered a chest x-ray and she was clear! Yeah - another praise!!!

We spent the day Saturday in Clayton and spent the night at the Tree House (or as Ally calls it, the "little house"). The highlight of the weekend was seeing our friends Jon and Donna from our Conyers days. Donna summed it up best when she told the kids that we all got to be friends at a time in our life when we were 'playing house'. We met about 18 years ago in our Young Married SS Class and they were also our neighbors (with the same house plan!). We had lunch at the Clayton Cafe, went to a bookstore, coffee shop and a park! It was great to catch up with them. We both agreed that it is so nice to have friends that you can jump right back in where we left off...

We all had fun at the cabin too. It was pretty cold and windy, so our smore cookout was during the late afternoon. A and A played Candyland and Diego and flags! It is so nice when we get the time to just run up for a quick weekend!!!

Sunday afternoon my friend Joan and I went to Jackie's shower in Atlanta. I had so much fun at this shower - Jackie is eagerly awaiting her referral for her first daughter from China. She and Eric will hopefully get their good news this week or next. They will be the very first group to ever officially wait 3 years - they will hit the 3 year mark on Tuesday. It's amazing to think how long ago they sent thier dossier. We are so happy for them and excited to see their new daughter!!! I'm working on Jackie to convince her that she needs to go the SN route next time!

Father/Daughter Dance

(written by Daddy) Tonight was Alaina's first Father/Daughter dance at Freeman's Mill Elementary School. It was so much fun seeing her eyes light up. She really had a great time. I think we danced just about every song for 2 hours. She participated in the Hokie Pokie, Chicken Dance, Electric Slide, Macarena, and the Cha-Cha Slide. She loved watching the lights, balloons, decorations etc. She even saw her teacher, Ms. Conoley, there!


I have been to a lot of these dances as Sara was the first class of kindergarten students at FM. So I started going to these dances 9 years ago. Lucy said she remembered the first dance. I drove over to the elementary school in jeans and a nice shirt. When we arrived, I saw dads and girls getting out of limos and quickly headed home to change our clothes. So if Lucy's calculations are correct, I have 7 more years of Father/Daughter dances.

Last year was Lauren's last Father/Daughter Dance and it was quite a different experience. I basically got there and was stood up for the remainder of the night. She came and got me about 2 times to dance. I think one of those times, she walked away with her friends!

It Really is Pretty Simple

So many children that need 2 things -- a mommy and a daddy! Pretty simple, huh?

We sure do complicate things as grown-ups. I remember when we were in the deciding stages of adoption. We tried to weigh all the options; the pros and cons; the challenges, etc. One night as Lauren was getting into bed, she asked me "what's the big deal, mom? You know it would be a great thing to do, so why don't we just do it?" Yes, simplicity spoken by a child (she was 8 at the time). She was right...

A Look into the Past

Sara and Lauren are 3.5 years apart in age; Alaina and Ally are about 2.5 years apart in age. As Alaina and Ally become better friends and enjoy playing with each other, it is as if I am able to look back in time to the day when Sara and Lauren were about their ages. It's quite amusing sometimes as Sara and Lauren observe how silly their little sisters can be and some of the crazy things they do! I just smile and say, "I remember when it was the 2 of you doing something very much like that..."

For instance, tonight A and A put on their American flag bikinis and used some streamers from the aquarium to decorate Alaina's door. Ally was the cutter and Alaina was the taper (one who applied the tape). Then they decided to bring every blanket and pillow and stuffed animal they could find to the foyer and make a "bed". That was great, but it was even more fun when they decided to do this without the swimsuits! So, off came the suits and the nuddies ran back and forth from the foyer to the bedroom - giggling the entire time.

What fun we have in our household. Here is a picture after the suits came off...



Alaina had her 6 year old "well check" and first physical yesterday. She weighs 31.5 pounds and is 35.5 inches tall. She is not on the chart for weight, but is in the 9th %'ile for height. She had to get the TB skin test (along with some whimpering). Ally, who happened to be along for the ride, got 2 shots (to update her school records) - at first she was excited, for she has been saying how she wanted 3 shots ever since Alaina got her 3 shots in China. Her "tune" quickly changed when she got her shots... no tears yet. Alaina then had to have blood drawn for multiple tests. This process brought on the tears - from BOTH of them. Alaina cried from the needle; Ally was crying for sympathy or for attention.

We made it to the car with me carrying both of them... still crying - both of them. The "chorus" continued for several minutes, but for some odd reason, quieted as the lady from the McD's drive thru handed me 2 vanilla ice cream cones. Yes, the power of ice cream... no more tears and actually before we pulled out of the parking lot, a few giggles were heard from the backseat... imagine that!

A Naked Dog and A Beluga

We started our Saturday morning quite early and took off for downtown Atlanta. My mom had given us passes for the Georgia Aquarium and for lunch at the Varsity! I wasn't feeling all that great (sinuses), but we had fun. We all enjoyed seeing the fish and other aquatic life.

I laughed when I looked at the pic of the girls at the Varsity - never have WE worn so much RED when at the V - usually, we are wearing GT gold! Oh well - happy Valentines Day!







A and A both enjoyed exchanging Valentine treats with their school friends. We got them each a little lunch box tin with treats; the big girls got hearts with chocolates. Alaina's was princess and Ally's was Lightning McQueen (Cars) (couldn't find Diego)... They loved them and carried them around all day!

Nose Bleeds and Allergies

Delightful, right? Makes you want to jump right into this post, I know.

The last 2 nights have brought Alaina into our room in the middle of the night with nose bleeds. This is obviously something she has experienced before, as it doesn't upset her at all. I think it is the dry heat in the house, but not sure. So I have washed sheets a couple of times and pajamas too. Ally even woke up this morning with a little bit of a bloody nose.

I took Ally to the allergist today because this itchy skin has gone on too long. The test they gave her show she is allergic to 2 things - go ahead, take a guess... cats and dogs! Yes, we have one of each! Luckily, her allergy isn't too bad, so the dr said to just avoid close contact and to wash after touching either. I guess I need to vacuum a little more frequently - or should I say WE need to... yes, I'll say that.

A and A enjoyed some dancing time tonight to the only English song that Alaina knows other than Happy Birthday... Beyonce's "Single Ladies" - so funny to hear her sing it and do the "woa woa woa's".

Post Adoption Blog Neglect

I was emailing one of our travel mates and telling her how I have been neglecting the blog since coming home! After blogging many long entries daily as we travel, I guess I needed a little break!

In that time I have been having fun on Facebook. It's amazing how many "old" friends I have found from HS and College! Fun to see where everyone is these days.

Life continues to click along. I found some Melatonin spray that is helping Ally get her sleep schedule back in order! Cool - she finally slept all night in her own room last night and even went to bed nicely! It's been since before Christmas that both of those have happened on the same night. Hope this doesn't jinx it!

The girls spent a lot of time outside this weekend. The new favorite activity is the trampoline. A and A just LOVE to jump with the big girls. It's so nice to hear the laughter! I need to get some video of them!

We went, for the first time since coming home from China, to a Chinese restaurant. It's our favorite little place near our house, Lin's Bistro, and all the ladies know us (and Ally) there. Our waitress immediately started talking to Alaina. I'm not sure if it really upset Alaina, but she hid her face and wouldn't talk to her at all. I'm thinking that she may feel it draws unwanted attention her way if she speaks Chinese in public now. But a funny thing happened in the bathroom (sounds like a movie or something!). Lauren took A and A to the bathroom and were in there for a long time. I went to check and heard the laughter as I went down the hall. I opened the door and Ally was spinning around dancing, while Alaina and Lauren were looking at one of Lauren's shoes, soaking wet on the floor. Lauren looked at me and laughed. Of course, I asked. She was dancing and kicking around with A and A and accidentally kicked her shoe into the potty. Alaina began laughing and upon returning to the table, she told the waitress what happened with Lauren's shoe! I was just so happy that she was talking to them (yes, in Chinese)! Not sure if they got the whole story, but anyway!

I will get some pics up! Ally had Pajama day at school on Friday and was very excited!!!

Saying a prayer for my friend Tracy R who begins chemo tomorrow for breast cancer - she is (I'm sure) younger than I am....

Figuring Things Out

Here are a few things we have learned about Alaina:

• She is very "girly". She will pick out princess or barbie or lacy or frilly ANYTHING - she is like a magnet to that stuff! The fancier and pinker, the better.
• She has a little stubborn streak.
• I suppose because of so many recent changes to her little world, she thrives on the predictable. We have found that if we are "out and about" at night that she has a really hard time going to bed. If we are home at night and the routine is followed, it is much better.
• Despite the fact that she has very little English, she is enjoying school. Again, the predictability of going each day works well with her.
• She does very well in new situations after a few minutes of sticking close to mommy.
• She loves to sing along with the blessing at meals.
• She loves yogurt, but doesn't care for cheese.
• She is very proud of every paper or art project that she brings home from school
• Ally adores her and follows her constantly. Of course, they have their "moments" but overall they get along quite well. They will chatter with each other, but have no idea what the other is saying!

Overall, Alaina is still adjusting beautifully. We are so thankful that God brought us together! She is, however, a Chinese school drop-out. We decided that she was just terribly upset each time we took her, and it's not worth the money or time if she isn't participating. I think the fact that the other kids were being taught such "basic" stuff really disturbed her. Maybe she thought she was in the remedial Chinese class. She didn't mind the writing part or the art projects, but the conversation part of the class really disturbed her! We are trying to think of other options, so if anyone knows of a high school or college student that would be able to tutor her, let us know! We don't want to give up on this, but I'm afraid that as each day goes by, the "window" is closing....