Frosty the Snowman (with sunglasses)

We are getting ready for our first Christmas with Adelyn. We strung lights outside, trimmed the tree, decorated the house and explained the story of Baby Jesus to Adelyn. She is beginning to comprehend the whole idea of Christmas. It was really sweet watching her fix up the manger and kiss Baby Jesus. She really liked playing with the animals too. And of course she is extremely excited about the "pessants" (ie presents). This Santa Claus person is a little scary to her and she keeps her distance but we have been reading "Twas the night before Christmas," and "Dora Christmas" to ease her fears. Lately, "Frosty the Snowman" has been a hit. She really enjoys the story and loves to sing the song. We couldn't get her to watch the Frosty cartoon at all. The only TV show that captivates her is "Little Einsteins." She also absolutely loves the movie "Alvin and the Chipmunks." She asks to watch this movie at least once a day and will watch almost the whole thing like she's never seen it before. She calls it "oopunks." She tries sooo hard to say Chipmunks but just can't pronounce this complicated word! It's funny to listen to her recite phrases throughout the movie as they happen or before they happen since she has watched it so much.

What's on Adelyn's wish list? Roller skates, elbow pads, play-doh and gum. We hope Santa pulls through....

Santa at the mall

Having fun with Daddy

Helping Mom make dressing for Thanksgiving

First Trip to the Beach

ST. PETERSBURG, FLORIDA

On November 12th, Papaw took Adelyn and I on a trip to the beach. We had three beautiful 87 degree days while we were there. Adelyn loved the beach! We returned home to 40 degree weather. Oh, how I miss the sun.

The lobster raft....

Strollin' with Papaw.

Fun at the pool with Mom.

Testing her balance as the waves roll in.

WARM FALL DAYS

Adelyn and Mommy tried to make the best of these last days with above average temps. As you can see, we painted (sporting her favorite sunglasses from Aunt Kim), and then went to Henry's Ark in Prospect. Adelyn loves to be outside. Almost every morning she asks to go "outside for minute." If I tell her it's too cold she says "jacket on, Mom." So much for outsmarting her!

MY LIL' PAINTER



HENRY'S ARK

Adelyn's First Halloween

Happy Halloween from Adelyn & Butterbean!



We started celebrating at the Louisville Zoo 2 weeks before Halloween. It was great because there weren't alot of scary things/costumes. Adelyn picked up quick that treats were being given out along the halloween path. We took the "Headless Horseman Trainride" which was scary but we just kept saying "look at the horsey." I don't think she even noticed that he didn't have a head.
Our lil ladybug wore her wings out this halloween. It was a wonderful surprise that Daddy made it home in time to be with us. Don returned home from Germany as we were walking through the neighborhood trick-or-treating. He joined up with us to enjoy the rest of the night. (Thanks, Daddy....I know you were exhausted!)
We wondered if Adelyn would be afraid of all the costumes, but after getting treats from the first few houses, she didn't seem to mind. Mom has been a little strict (ok....very strict) about not giving Adelyn alot of candy. She was very under weight and we had to ensure that most everything she consumed was nutrient rich. But after halloween, she has finally discovered that the "ball on the stick" is actually something you eat. Bless her heart!

Our first stop was at our neighbors Halloween party (before all the treats).


Adelyn and Emmi


Adelyn's "old" favorite food.


"New" favorite food. Yummy, yummy!!


After all the treats!

Baptism

In October 12, 2008, Adelyn was baptized. She wasn't afraid at all and actually smiled after we dried her head. The week before, we took her onto the alter and showed her the baptismal font. We explained what would take place and let her touch the holy water. After mass, we celebrated by having our families over for lunch and cake.






Adoption reunion at Hubers Farm 10-18-08
The following Saturday, we went to Hubers Farm with several of our adoption travel families. Although we didn't get a group photo, we had a great time letting the kids run around and play.

Lil' city slickers, Audrey and Adelyn

Drew, Cara & Audra

Alivia

Audrey

Ame


Leo (Grace's Daddy) playing with Adelyn and Ame


Our lil' punkin' picking a pumpkin

Adelyn and Audrey

First Day of Fall

The high today was 89 degrees, a perfect first day of fall. We're not ready for summer to end yet. Adelyn has changed so much in the short time she has been here. She wants to make her own choices now, i.e. red cup vs yellow cup or blue popsicle vs. orange. Although her pronunciation cannot always be understood, she can count to 10 and say her abc's. (The "l-m-n-o-p" is not too distinguishable, yet.) She has grown over 4 inches in height and gained almost 3 pounds. She is still underweight for her age, but eats well. Her favorite foods (this month) are apples, blueberries, any kind of chicken, french fries, salmon patties, craisins, hard boiled eggs, sweet potatoes (still will not eat mashed potatoes), peas, vanilla wafers and popsicles. It took her a while to say the word popsicle but now she is fasinated by it. She walks around saying it over and over. Pop....sicle, pop....sicle.

Adelyn's favorite things to do are swimming, playing with the infamous "Butterbean", her favorite doll, jumping (on the neighbors trampoline), playing with chalk, and singing with a microphone. It doesn't have to even be an actual one. A stick will do, or a camera cable, or a crayon, or a play-doh mic. She also loves to dance to music. She seems to like all music. She loves, loves, loves play-doh and she loves to swing. She has also formed a special bond with Mr. P, our 16 year old cat. Adelyn calls him "P."

Strolling her favorite doll, Butterbean


Dumping out all the chalk


In September, Adelyn has her last visit at the International Pediatric Clinic at UK. She is a healthy 2 year old. We will miss seeing Dr. Taylor as she not only fully assessed Adelyn upon arrival to the U.S. but she helped and guided us via email while we were in China. She is a wonderful Pediatrician. We wish she had an office here.
Adelyn also had her first dentist appointment last week. She was scared at first but then just sat there with her mouth open while the dentist counted and brushed all twenty teeth. After they finished the exam, Adelyn sat up and loudly pronounced "Alllllll Done!!!" It was pretty cute.

Yeeeeaaaahh Play-Doh!!!!!


Having fun with cousin, Bradley


It's Raining!


Iron Horse Festival, New Haven
Adelyn loved the face painting.