Yep...She's Ours!

By now, you know how much our family loves baseball. Richard set up this batting station in our garage so the boys could practice hitting, even when the weather is yucky. He sacrifices his parking spot for it. The boys love it and spend many afternoons in here hitting off the tee and doing soft toss. The other day, Richard brought Wesleigh in there with them and set her up in her stroller. I was in the laundry room, which is connected to the garage, and heard all this squawking and cheering. When I opened the door, this is what I saw. Wesleigh was so excited to see them hit the ball. She was screaming words at them (I have no idea what she was saying) and cheering when they hit the ball. It was absolutely hysterical. We have never heard her talk so much, and definitely not so loud. She'll fit right in at the baseball games with her Mama!!

The pics aren't great, but that's the best my garage will give me. Look close...she's got chopsticks in her hands. I don't know why I think that's so funny, but a little Chinese girl holding chopsticks, cheering very loudly for her American brother hitting the baseball just makes me smile ;)

The next day, Daddy started throwing a tennis ball to her. She loved it!

Pure sweetness! She is so smart. I swear she knows everything I tell her. We were in the kitchen and I told her to go get a diaper and bring it to me. She went all the way to her room, got the diaper and brought it to me. I was VERY impressed. Even if that was her intention, to stay focused long enough to carry through was very impressive.



We visited the 5th grade! Cade had his turn, now it was Braden's. He was so proud. Everyone got the biggest kick out of her squeaky shoes. I didn't realize that people didn't know that they actually squeak when she walks! Too funny!

This one isn't the best of Wesleigh, but I love the way Braden is looking at her ;)

Cade has a baseball game this afternoon, so we're off to enjoy that. It has actually turned into a pretty day, so I'm looking forward to being outside.

I appologize for not visiting everyone's blogs since I've been back. There are so many new "friends" that I am dying to check out. Wesleigh HATES it when I get on the computer, so that leaves me with naptime and night. There is just so much to do...I hope to get by soon!!

Video!

I finally figured out how to record video on my Nikon D90. So sad, because I would have really used it in China had I known how!! Silly, I know, but I had a little on my plate! So...I'm trying to upload video for the first time. I hope it works!

Just Another Photo Shoot ;)

I love these pictures. We've been stuck inside, for the most part with cold weather, but are trying to make the most of it. She hasn't quite gotten the idea of sitting still while I take the picture, but I thought these turned out cute. She can be quite the ham! Thanks Mrs. Ann for the adorable dress!

Gotta LOVE those lashes!

Everything is good. I'm still adjusting to life with a toddler...again, and she's still adjusting to..well, everything! Sleep hasn't been great but not too bad. She doesn't take a very long nap, so that is a bummer, but we can deal with that. We're going to be more vigilant about not letting anyone else hold her or feed her. This is so uncomfortable for Richard and I to tell people they can't hold her, but we know it's the right thing for her. She needs to be taught what a family is and what boundaries are appropriate. I know it's hard for the grandparents to not scoop her up, but everyone has been very understanding. We just need to make sure we lay the proper foundation for her attachment to us, now, and others, later.

Overall, she seems super happy. We are working on the whining a little bit. Do you think it is possible that she was actually spoiled in the orphanage? I had always heard of children who learned not to cry because nobody would come. Wesleigh seems to be the opposite. She can turn on the waterworks in a heartbeat. For the most part, I am immune to these. Whining won't get you very far with this mommy. The boys, on the other hand, think I'm horrible for letting her cry at all. It's not like I'm letting her cry for extended periods. We're talking about while I put the breakfast dishes in the dishwasher! She needs to know that I will meet all of her needs, but that doesn't mean she always gets everything she wants! We seem to be making some progress, so that is good.

The big news of the day is that Diana is leaving for China today!!! I am so excited for her family and can't wait to watch them meet Miss Sienna for the first time. Diana has been such a support and wonderful friend to me throughout this whole process. I am so happy for her! Go check out her blog! Be sure to look down a post to see the link to her adoption website.

The Three Ge Ge's (brothers)

I just had to take a little time from this "Wesleigh-fest" to talk about my three wonderful boys. I have to admit that when we decided to take the boys with us to China, I was a little worried. I was worried that they would complain about the food and it would become an issue. I was afraid that the traveling would be hard for them. I was afraid that they would get sick and then I'd have too much to handle. And, mostly, I was afraid that they would drive me crazy!! I could just see them in Wesleigh's face 24/7 and that the close quarters would make me lose my mind. In retrospect, I had nothing to worry about!

Before we left, we talked to the boys and explained that they were going to need to "step up". We told them that we were thrilled to take them on this journey but they needed to understand that it was not about them. We told them that it was an adventure for us too and that we didn't know exactly what each day would hold, so they would need to be flexible. That is exactly what they did! I can honestly say that in 2 weeks of living in hotels with these boys, never did I want to throw them out the window ;) They totally "stepped up". At meals, they would try some different things and find at least one thing that they could eat. They never complained about it. They, for the most part, stayed calm and didn't fight or bicker at all. When I told them to back off, they did...without question or hurt feelings. They were unbelievably helpful... getting food for me from the buffet, grabbing diapers for me, picking up dropped toys, whatever I needed them to do...they did...without complaining. They were so kind to their new sister. They loved her from the first minute and it showed.

Since we've been home, the trend has continued. They are so proud of their sister and are so disappointed if she's not awake when they leave for school. When they get home, they are immediatly looking for her. They gladly sacrifice their own time to play with her or help me keep her occupied so I can get something done. They are wonderful big brothers and wonderful sons. I am so very proud of them. I know this trip was a life changing experience for all of us. I loved every minute of sharing it with them. Seeing the way they responded to circumstances and to their new sister has made me love them even more, and I didn't know that was even possible!!

I Know, I Know...

What could I be thinking, missing a whole weekend of posting?! OK, I'll admit it, watching some of the shows I've had on the DVR, during naptime, took precedence over a post ;) We were actually pretty busy this weekend with lots of "firsts". This weekend, we went to our first baseball tournament! If you have been following my blog for any amount of time, you know how much I LOVE watching my boys play baseball. I would have to say, it's probably my favorite thing to do in the world. I am also very serious about it and really watch every second of it. I am trying to prepare myself for the fact that I'm not going to be able to do that this year. This weekend, Braden filled in for an older team in a tournament so it was a good trial run. Wesleigh actually did really well. We set up in the grass on the outfield side of the dugout and she just tooled around playing with her toys and eating. The difference between this weekend and what reality will be is that Richard was not coaching so he was there with me and able to share the responsibility. I told Richard that I have a feeling that Bryce will be making lots of extra money walking Wesleigh around ballparks this season ;)

We also went to our first birthday party. My niece and nephew had their birthdays at Gymb0ree. Wesleigh seemed to love it, and was right at home with all the kids. I told Richard I thought she felt more at home there than she had since we got her ;) We're having some attachment issues, though. She will go up to anyone and want them to walk with her or help her with something. She doesn't want them to pick her up, but it's still a little too friendly. We're going to have to work on that. Here are a few pics from the party.

She loved this stinkin' clown. It was bigger than she is but she carried it around for the longest time.

I started thinking that, based on my posts, you might think Miss W is near perfect. Well...she is, but I wanted to make sure you knew that we definitely have our moments. She knows how to turn on the water works. So much so, that it just makes me laugh. In case you're wondering...it's scrambled egg in her mouth. I don't even know what made her upset, but boy was she!
PS. My sil made the dress that she is wearing. Did you notice that it matches the blanket I posted earlier? So cute!!

Hal-le-lu-jah!!

Can you just hear the Hallelujah chorus? Let me show you why...

Yes, that would be the countertop!! I had forgotten how much I loved this granite ;) It is amazing ho much better I feel when I can see the top of the bar!! And, yes, most of it did move to my junk bowl, but I'm ok with that!

I can also see the tabletop! I am embarrassed to say that we've been having family dinners standing around the bar because there was no room at the table. Sad...I know...but, oh well...

And...it's casual Friday! Wesleigh and I have been hanging out in our sweats today. She can still work a sweatshirt, don't you think? Looking at this picture, I think she is gaining some weight. Her face looks a little fuller and her belly is definitely getting rounder ;)
She's waving to me because she's about to go in the laundry room. She loves to close herself in there. I have no idea why, but whatever. She has carried this bag all day because it has straps. How does she know to do that? Gotta love it!

Visit to the 3rd Grade

I just had to get out today and do something. I decided it would be the perfect day to make a visit to Cade's class. Cade didn't know I was doing this today so I got to surprise everyone. They have been anxiously awaiting our visit, so it was an exciting day for everyone. Cade was so unbelievably proud to show Miss Wesleigh off! The class followed our blog while we were gone and they were able to ask me questions they had about China. It was alot of fun.

The school's theme this year is "rock 'n roll", hence the mirror ball in the class. Of course, Miss Fabulous LOVED the mirror ball!

I love the way Cade is standing back adoringly. When Wesleigh sat on his teacher's lap he said, "Aunt Mrs. (her name)". So cute. Wesleigh was a good sport and gave each child "five" with her hand. (We used germ-x right away!!)

I'm quite sure Braden will not be over-joyed with me today when he gets home because we didn't get to his room. I just didn't want to overwhelm her. Cade is in a t-building so it was easy to sneak in and out. Braden's will be next.

Miss Fabulous!

My brother and his family came in from CO this past weekend for a visit. We were thrilled to see them and introduce Miss W to them. My niece Madelyn was especially excited to get her hands on Miss Wesleigh, and of course, Wesleigh loved her!

Here are a few pics from the day:

Wesleigh LOVES her Daddy! She follows him with her hands up whenever he's home. Of course, he's eating it up!

My parents and all their grandchildren. It's not very often that we're all together. You can see that Cade and Braden came straight from baseball practice.

My whole family. I have two brothers and they each are married with a boy and a girl each.

Uncle Darren and Nanny gave Wesleigh a birthday present that included these adorable glasses ;) She thinks they're wonderful and seems to know she's quite fabulous in them ;)
I love Cade's face in this picture. They are such good sports!

She would get anyone she could to put her glasses back on when they fell. She walked around carrying the pink bag and wearing her glasses for the longest time.

Miss Fabulous, waving to her adoring fans. (She happens to have many ;)

Wesleigh's Birthday

I'm a couple days behind, so I'm going to work to catch up. We celebrated Wesleigh's birthday with a little party for her. She was a little unsure of the whole cake and fire thing, but soon learned that it was fun!

Look at Cade's face in this picture. I love it!! So stinkin' cute.
She didn't want anything to do with the icing until she tasted it.

She then decided that this could be a good thing!
So sweet. She will share anything and everything. She ate that whole piece of cake.

Then came presents. She is so funny and loves everything you give her. I tried to find things that play music because she really seems to love that.

Enjoying her "loot"

We're going to have a bigger family party in a couple weeks. This was big enough for now. Maybe I can get that kitchen table cleared before the next one ;)....maybe!!

Happy Valentine's Day!

From my newest and cutest (sorry boys!) Valentine!!

And...Happy Chinese New Year!!

I have pictures to post of our little birthday party. Wesleigh was absolutely adorable. I'll try to get those done tonight or tomorrow. My brother and his family are in town for the weekend, so we're going to spend some time with them this afternoon. Should be alot of fun.

Hope you're all having a great day!!

Thanks to those of you who responded to Pearl River Outreach!! I'm so excited that we were able to make a difference!!

Look Who Slept All Night!! and Can You Help?

Not only that, but she was in her own bed!! I know she had to be much more comfortable in that nice crib than she had been in the pack n play. I am so excited!! She is napping in there now, so I think we've graduated to our own room. Yay!!

Also, can you help? I sponsor this adorable sweetie through Pearl River Outreach. They are in need of one more sponsor for her. This allows her to be in a foster home instead of the orphanage and get the special care she needs. There are many other children on the site who also need sponsors. If you can help me, go here and let Diana know. We can make a difference in these children's lives.

Happy Birthday Wesleigh Jane!!

It's my sweet baby's 2nd birthday today!!

One reason I was so frantic to get to China in January was so we could spend this birthday with her.

She is such a joy and amazes me with everything she learns everyday. Today she started puckering to kiss and says "myaaa" when she gives them. She picked up one of my adoption books that has the picture of a little boy about her age on it. She started kissing the picture! Makes me wonder if he reminds her of a friend she left behind. I know that one of her best friends in the orphanage was a little boy.

Yes, I dressed her up in this JUST to take pictures! I can't for her to wear it somewhere...it is super cute!! You can't really tell in these, but the dress is long and there are matching leggings underneath.

Check out the little feet! How cute is that!!

Cade was chasing her around the living room.

...and showing her the SNOW!! Yes, we have had our 2nd snow day this winter! I think that's a record. So, since Miss W has been home (8 whole days), the Saints won the super bowl and it snowed...AGAIN!! I think we'll be keeping Miss W around ;)

Here's a picture of the snow. This is about all we got, but it was pretty coming down. The boys got out in it for a little while, but not long. It's been raining forever so everything is super soggy and yucky. It's already melted now.

As I type, another great milestone is happening...Wesleigh is napping in her crib in her room!!! Whoo Hoo!! Granted..she doesn't know she's in the crib because she was asleep when I put her in there...but she is ;) Baby steps, I tell you!!

I'm going to try to answer a couple of questions I've been asked while I have a minute (because there's nothing in this house that needs picking up or cleaning ;). I was asked where the pink outfit with the tunic and leggings came from. That was something I bought a good while back from a local boutique. It was on clearance and I couldn't pass it up. It just happens to fit!

I have also been asked about her bows. Alot of her bows, I bought here. She is super fast and has great prices. I've loved everything I've gotten from her. There's also a local girl that makes gorgeous bows that we've been wearing. I can bring outfits to her and she matches bows to them! How great is that?!?! Around here, the bows Wesleigh wears are everywhere. It's just what we southern girls do!

I was also asked if Wesleigh was in foster care. The answer is no. She has been in an orphanage her whole life. I do have to add that she is right on task developmentally. She is doing all the wonderful things a 2 year old is supposed to be able to do! I can tell she was well cared for.

That's all I can think of at the moment. I think I'll work on this disaster area we call a home ;) Wish me luck!!!

So Stinkin' Cute!

So seriously...how cute is this? This is how she does her hands each time she says, "uh-oh". So adorable. She was throwing a toy out of the tub to Braden and saying it each time. Of course, our laughing egged her on.

As of today, Miss W can say Mama!! She also waves and says "hey". So cute!! We had our first doctor's appt. today. Lil' miss weighs a whopping 22 pounds! She's in the 3rd percentile for weight, but she's in the 25th percentile for height at 33 inches. I didn't let them give any shots or take blood today. I feel like we need to try to get this sleeping thing down before we start traumatizing her! I am not looking forward to those appointments one bit!

Last night wasn't a total success, but it wasn't a total failure either. She woke up twice but I was able to keep her from completely losing it and she went back to sleep quicker that way. Boy would I like another full night's sleep ;) I forgot how much energy a 2 year old takes. I've gotten OLD since I had a 2 year old running around here!!

...and because I know you need a Wesleigh Jane bow fix....

here's a look at our ensemble today ;)

Do you think anyone in the orphanage ever did this to her bottle? Hmmm...brothers!!!

btw...do you see what a wreck my house is? It's AWFUL!!! I can't seem to make any progress. Things are just getting moved from one pile to the other! Oh well, maybe tomorrow....yeah, right!