Christmas with Caiya

We realized yesterday as we were getting the decorations out that we don't have a stocking for Caiya.. duh!!! So... Cary's mom made his stocking, my mom made mine, so to continue the tradition, I began to make her a stocking. This is a picture of me sewing on the lace that my grandmother made for me many moons ago... she'd be so pleased to know it was being sewn onto my daughter's stocking.

Closeup of stocking

Daddy lifting Caiya to place the angel on top of the tree.

Caiya placing the first ornament on the tree; she had to try and try again but the ornament and tree branch finally met!

She loved decorating the tree and couldn't wait to unwrap each ornament and she would oooo and ahh (loudly) over each ornament. We skyped with Nana and Bompie while doing the tree and they loved watching her open each ornament, and she would walk over the laptop and show them each ornament.. so stinking cute!

While unwrapping ornaments she found this angel and she started rocking it side to side and kissing it.. oh, I wish I'd had the video camera going!

I love this shot!

What a ham!

Check out the ho ho ho socks! Not the same red, I know.. for all you color police!

Yup, it's a wooden candy cane but she enjoyed it nonetheless!

Oh what a face!

Fa la la laaaa!

Last night I got these pics and a few of Daddy reading "Time for Bed" ( one of my FAVORITE books).




Caiya makes this funny face we call "Chinese Grandma". Anytime we say those two words she scrunches up her face, puckers up her lips and sticks her chin out.
Tonight we picked out our Christmas tree and I snapped a quick pic of Caiya helping to pick out her first tree! Decorating tomorrow and Christmas baking.. fa la la la la!!!

Cuddles

Our bedtime routine typically begins around 6:45 with milk, then upstairs to bath where Daddy or Mommy washes, then out of the tub, onto a towel and we let her "ride" the towel while we drag it on the floor into the bedroom. She usually "escapes" and then we chase (briefly) naked baby. Change into jammies, she zips the jammies up (so funny and she's so proud she can zip it up), then prayer, goodnight kisses, then rocking. I've tried to rock her all along but it's only been the last few weeks that she has relaxed enough to enjoy it. I let her rock as long as possible, although she changes positions every five seconds (no kidding!) while sucking her thumb. I truly love this time with her and enjoy every moment; even with her constantly changing position. It is so sweet to feel her relaxed and she frequently gives me spontaneous kisses and plays with my hair, ear, earrings, and tucks her hand into my chest. Oh the power of those cuddles!
Here she is cuddling with my mom this weekend... such a lovebug!

Thanksgiving 2009

Well, it was a wonderful Thanksgiving, not without its drama, but it was so great to spend time with family near and far. My sister from Missouri and her daughter flew in and we were able to make some new memories and allow the cousins to play together for more than just a couple hours (they met in September for a short time). It was also great to spend Thanksgiving with my mom and stepdad, although I wish Cary had been able to stay longer (he had to work on Wed. and Friday). We shared a (insert groan here) AWESOME meal together and just enjoyed being together!

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Six Months Ago...

Six months ago:
I didn't have to worry about stepping on toys in my living room.
I didn't leave my cell phone on while teaching.
I didn't worry about outlet covers, pottery and decorative items placed low to the ground.
I didn't shop consignment sales, scouting for the BEST, CUTEST clothes, shoes, and toys.
It made me sad to look at childrens clothes; thinking I would possibly never have a child to dress and touch.
I had so much one on one time with my husband I didn't give it a second thought.
I didn't have battles at bedtimes.
I thought parenting would be different.
I didn't wake up at every little cough, sigh, or cry in the middle of the night.
I didn't laugh or giggle with such wild abandon.
I didn't have a drawer in a room filled with tiny, little socks all in a row.
I didn't know how to make Korker curl hairbows or tutus.
I still cried occasionally when I saw a pregnant woman.
I ached for a child with every fiber of my being.
I had no one to read books to.

I didn't know the joy I could experience giving a baby a bottle.
I didn't know how awesome and heartbreaking and scary parenting could be.
I had never been to China and witnessed the grace of God in such a powerful way.



I didn't know how amazing a child could be.

I am so glad I don't have to go back to six months ago...
On May 18, six months ago last Wednesday, Caiya MingYe was placed in our arms and forever changed us as individuals, as a couple, and as parents.
Caiya, you have blessed Mommy and Daddy and all of your extended family and friends so very much! We love you.. the whole wide world and back again.

Chocolate Face Birthday

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