Posting "Issues"

Every time I actually have the time or make the time to sit down and post, I just get too emotional. The last post was in August..September was a blur - getting back to work, then came October 2 - the one year anniversary of the day we saw our beautiful daughter's face. It seems I relived that day every day for weeks. Then came Halloween..I just boo hoo'd as I watched OUR little girl dressed as a princess. November was tough as we all passed around a terrible flu virus a couple of times...and I remembered the big trip - one year ago November 28, 2007 - what a trip it was (go back and read that post!), then December 3, 2007 was the day we met her...memories of her little birthday party in China with all her little friends on December 4, 2007.

What a great party we had here! She was very shy and overwhelmed at first, but had a great time! Her Aunt Vicki put a plan together to give Sophie her own kid sized Christmas tree for her birthday. Nana gave her a VERY old lighted angel tree topper (we'll cherish it forever) and every little one at the party gave Sophie an angel ornament for the tree. What a wonderful birthday party. Sophie talked about her "happy cake" for weeks..Then it was Christmas..where does the time go??

Christmas was beautiful..we are so lucky. Sophie is doing so well, is absolutely brilliant, and is very healthy. She loves talking on the phone to Nanny, reading books, pretending to go to the store, helping daddy outside, helping mommy with the laundry, dancing, snuggling - says "I holdju" and snuggles in, going to the park, she knows her ABC's, most colors, is starting to count " wwwuuun, two, tee, fur, FIII, ?? , Eight, nine, TEN!!" Can't figure out what's up with six and seven...bangs on the piano, does great at daycare, and loves playing with all her cousins...

Last week I experienced one of the best days of my life. She was watching one of her signing videos before bedtime. I gave her a kiss on the cheek and she looked around at me and gave me a kiss on the cheek, then the other cheek, then my nose, my head, my chin, then said "BEEEEG Hug, Mommy"...then...."I ludge you". Wow, this was one of the best days ever, I thought...

Thank you all again for all your support and continued love for our daughter. Love to you all and enjoy the pics...


Riding Pawpaw and Ganny's horsey.


BEEEEg Punkin!


Fun at the Disney pool..


Peek a boo!


Cousin - Tristan..on our trip to the zoo.


Big brother Corey, with CJ.


My favorite towel.


More Peek a boo!


Can you show me how to do that CJ???


She wants to reach those pedals so bad!


Ready to fill her punkin!


Hiding with Jack and Ava.


Piano jam session with Logan.


Wupped after a long night!


No candy for her yet..she thinks its a neat toy..


Cici gettin her rolling...


Overwhelmed at the beginning of her birthday party.


"I holdju Mommy"


A cupcake on her actual b'day 12/4


Almost exactly 1 year later...check out December, 2007..


Surprise!!!


Cici gets her jumping..


Love Cici!!!


This present thing is fun...


Swinging with Kelly.


Gracie's ready for cake!!!

She's growing too fast!!!

Can you believe how she's changed from the picture on the right?! She's talking up a storm and signing better/more every day. I hope to keep it up and get back into Chinese also...She has brought a joy to our lives that I can not imagine being without. I treasure every single moment...Enjoy the pics.


So let me get this straight, Nana rocked you in this rocker ?! Hopefully, Sophie will be rockin babies in it, too.


She's normally a wild woman on her rocky horsey.


Priceless...


OK, she looks 3 years old here...STOP IT!


Sleepin in on vacation..like father, like daughter.


Hangin with Aunt Rhonda.


I have the BEST daddy ever!


Huntin Manatee...


Chillin with Laynie...


Getting used to the life jacket.


Layne's first scallop of the year!


My girls...


Scalloping with Daddy.


Break dancing...


Chair dancing...


Can't take my eyes off her dancing...


Cheeeeeeeeeeeese!


Magic Man at the restaurant...it's the only time the girls stood still!

Love to all,

Happy Independence Day...

Hope you all enjoyed the 4th!


Did I hear fireworks??


Cheeeeeeese...


A daredevil...like her Daddy!


Hello "Swimsuit Illustrated"...


The slide is so much fun!


But the hose is more fun!!


I love this thing!!!


Likes really big slides, too!


Jack and Sophie looking for spiders...


Down we go!!!

Love to all,

Been too long...

I'm getting in trouble for not posting for those who haven't seen Sophie at all...or in a while. So here's some of my favorite pictures.


Azaleas...and Sophie, blooming in the backyard.


In HER kitchen drawer.


First day at school.


Already pooped on the first day.


Peek a boo!


Yes, Daddy installed wall to wall carpet!


Big girl thinks she holding an umbrella.


Hugs from Jack and Ava.


Lookin pretty with Daddy.


First time at the beach.


Never knew this kind of Love...


Rilyn just loves her!


Zara's gonna be a good babysitter:)


Giving some cheese in my fancy hat.


Sittin in Daddy's chair.


Swimming with Daddy.


Needed some shade.


Pooped from swimming and boating.


Check out our good fishing day.

Much love to all,