Lillie's Birthday

Some pictures from Lillie's birthday!

New adventures

Dear Friends and Family,

I made my first blog mistake. Grandma called and reminded me that Beth was born on the 17th. It is easy to remember since Mom was born on the 17th too. I just know that it was a Wednesday. Mom is still trying to teach me my numbers and she is always singing about the ABCs. This is a picture of me with Mom, Natalie, Paige, Anna, Aunt Bridget, and Beth. Mom bought us all dresses in China while Dad and I tried to wait outside and be patient.


I am learning a lot of new words. Mom tries to get me to talk a lot. She will say a word so I can practice. Last night, she said asparagus. I don't know what that is but I was sure that I was not going to say it. She tells me a lot that I am goregous. I like to just say "gor" and laugh at Mom. She is trying to teach me to cooperate with the camera so this is one of our practice pictures.

We had a really fun Christmas and were happy to have Dad back home to play with us. He is a little more crazy than Mom so I do things like stand on my car. Dad thinks that I could be a gymnast but Mom thinks it is a bad idea. She prefers dancing. This is our first Christmas picture together. Mom had Dad wear purple so he could match me in my new dress. We went out for dinner the next night and Dad bought me a new tool box at Sears. Santa didn't bring one and Mom doesn't like for us to share tools. Dad thinks that I am "crazy funny."

On the Saturday after Christmas, Mom and Dad took me swimming for the first time. It was a very big pool and much larger than my bathtub. Dad thought it was really fun and took us out for dinner at a new Chinese place. I also learned to say "book" so now Mom and Dad try to get me to say it all the time. Mom signed Dad up to take me to swimming lessons. She gets a lot of funny ideas.

Mom and I try to go to the library on Mondays and get some new books to read. It was too cold out to go yesterday and we stayed home from school today.

We had a race dinner with Dad and watched his race on Speed TV. It was really cool since he got 2nd in the whole country and he got to be interviewed on TV and say hi to Mom. If you want to see it, he has a tape but don't tell him that I told you.

I have to go take a nap again so I have to sign off. I will try to write next time about my New Year's Eve adventure at the zoo. Hank is already naping.

"Nigh nigh"

Lillie

Bethany Rose

Dear Friends and Family,

I am so excited to find that people are reading my blog. I am still very behind and need to catch up on December. On December 19th, Mom got a call in the middle of the night. She was getting very worried that Aunt Bridget was still pregnant. Bethany Rose arrived just in time for Christmas! Dad promised to take us to Morris on the weekend but there was a big snowstorm so you have to wait for my next post for the cute pictures with my cousins.

Mom's friends from Ohio came to visit us for dinner. It was very fun because Theresa went to school with Mom and knows a lot of funny things about her. This is a picture of Maile and Lily at my house.
I also went for my first shots this week. Dad met us so Mom and I would be really brave. It went pretty well except I ripped the bandaids off right away. Dad took us to Arby's for lunch. I saw one of the girls who works at my clinic and she remembered my name. At night, Mom's friend, Darcy came over to meet me and help us make cookies. She had to go to the airport to pick up her niece. I am glad to be done with airports for a while.

We had another adventure the next day! Dad came home from work and thought it was a little cold. He said we needed a new filter on our furnace. After dinner, Dad took me on date to Menard's. He was a little nervous because we never went out without Mom. He explained to me that sometimes Mom needs to go places without us. She went to the grocery store and she said that we weren't invited. I still like to eat things at the grocery store so Mom tries to leave me at home. Well, we put in the filter and the furnance still didn't work right. Our neighbor came to help us and fixed it right away. We were so happy and he was glad to meet me. He is going to adopt a baby from India and I am very excited to meet her!

During the snowstorm, Dad thought it would be a good idea for me to learn how to eat by myself. I really knew all along but I didn't let on to anyone. This is my first attempt to eat yogurt. It is one of my favorite foods.

It is time for another snack so I will sign off for now. I will put up some pictures of my cousins next time so be sure to check back soon!

Love,

Lillie

P.S. Today was the first day of school. Mom couldn't get into ECFE so we are going to Tornado Toddlers. We will try to take a picture next week. It was pretty fun but I had to hold hands with Mom sometimes. There are five kids in my class and only boy. There is another girl from China who came home last year.

Dad's Birthday and other fun stuff

Dear Friends and Family,

Mom said that I could take over the blog since she isn't keeping up with it very well. She will help me post the pictures if anyone is reading. If you are reading, please be sure to tell mom or dad. I have a lot to catch up on with you. I still prefer to nap with my dad. I put up this picture so you can see Hank too. He follows me all day and tries to eat my toys. I have learned to carry his squirrel by the ear and throw it to him to trade.

After Thanksgiving, we got to celebrate Dad's birthday. Mom and I took him out for Mexican dinner and had a dance party in the basement. Dad got the basement finished just in time for me. We also had fried ice cream to celebrate!

When Dad went back to work, things got a little rough. Mom made Dad put up an extra gate so Hank and I could have some alone time from each other. Hank likes to sleep on his side of the fence so I don't bother him. Mom also taught me to color which is very fun. I have been trying to make something for everyone but there just isn't enough time before my nap and in between snacks. I take my snacks very seriously.

I did go on a lunch date with my friend, Mattea. We try to get together every week if our moms will let us. We went to the Ole Piper so Mom could have some pizza.

Mom and Dad thought it would be a good idea for me to meet Santa Claus. I was crying a lot so Mom and Dad are in the picture too. Mom made us all decorate the Christmas tree. She played funny music and said that we had to have fun. We only decorated the top half of the tree so Hank wouldn't eat the ornaments and I couldn't break them.

Well, I have more fun adventures to tell you about but Mom said that I have to go to bed. I will write again as soon as I can. Don't forget to tell us if you are reading our blog.

Love,

Lillie

Lillie Time

We are a little behind on our blog. We are operating on what we have come to call Lillie time. We have a plan for the day and she usually has another plan. Here are a few last pictures from China since we couldn't post them earlier.

Celebrating Mom's birthday...

Lillie was all dressed up to go to the United States Consulate.

We tried to have her picture taken in her new dress with all of her friends but she cried the whole time for Dad.

Going home tomorrow...

Mom and Dad wanted to go to bed but Lillie thought we should play toys. She broke all the rules eating Cheerios and applesauce at 2 in the morning on the couch while Mom and Dad watched a cartoon to stay awake.

We don't get out a lot yet. Lillie goes out every day when Dad gets off work to get the mail.

We had all of the grandparents to visit and a turkey for Thanksgiving. The Christmas tree is up now but we are missing all of the decorations.

Lillie is also learning to get along with Hank. She gives him his treat every day so he has figured out that she is a source of food. She still prefers that Mom carries her around most of the day so Mom is very busy. We will post again soon and try not to get too behind!

Lillie At Home

We are all home now and doing well!

Almost Home

Our connection is slow today so we aren't posting any pictures. We had a fun day yesterday and went to a temple for the baby blessing. We also went to an art museum and played in the courtyard. I was too tired for lunch so I took a nap with Dad. Mom went out with some of her friends and had apple pie. After my big nap, we had birthday cake in our room. We took Mom out for dinner on the river with some of our friends. I sat in my high chair like a big girl. My favorite toy today was a water bottle or actually two water bottles is even better. I also took Mom to the play room today but it is a little overwhelming to me.

We slept in today and ate breakfast late. We have to go to the US Consulate office for Mom and Dad to take an oath this afternoon. After that, we are having our pictures taken on the red couch. I am going to wear my new dress with all of my friends.

We are leaving our hotel at 5;30 in the morning so I get to wear my pajamas to the airport. I am coming home soon! Mom is a little homesick so she is pretty excited to go home too. Dad is just getting used to China so he might stay a few extra days-just kidding.