Once upon a hammock

This is what Sophie did to her face after falling off a broken hammock. This was done at the neighbor's. This was day 3 after the fall and it looked better than when it first happened and than the day after when it started turning yellow.

Birthday Dinner

We took Margaux to the Chinese buffet for her birthday dinner on Tuesday. Unfortunately she had been sick that day and refused to eat her favorite thing - Chinese noodles. Instead she just had ketchup. This child just loves ketchup and will eat it with a spoon. This is her new photo face by the way. She thinks that's what you want her to do when you get the camera out...

Birthday girl

Last weekend was so incredibly busy. On Saturday morning I had to get up very early to go to the March of Dimes. Since I was the coordinator for my work group, there was no escaping it. I left Sophie at home with Daddy, so he could take her to her ballet class and I took Margaux with the stroller. It was actually very pleasant. The weather was beautiful and I even spotted a couple of turtles at the park. Margaux was semi-cooperative, especially since she had some munchies to keep her busy.

After I got home, I waited for Chuck to come back and I ran out for the party shopping. I went to both Costco and Sam's. I was absolutely exhausted by the time I got home.

I just kind of vegged out until Sophie showed up. She had been playing at the neighbors and fell off a hammock. Her face was scraped everywhere. It just looked awful. It has since then turned several shades of bruise and the scratches are healing.

On Sunday, I got up very early to start cleaning the house. I kept going, making loot bags, and just getting ready until the first guests showed up. Unfortunately the weather did not cooperate and we had to bring the outdoors party indoor. We were a little tight, I think we had about 40 people total, but we made it work.

The kids looked like they had a ton of fun We had a yummy cake and a butterfly shaped pinata.

After the party, I got myself a glass of wine and just chilled. I had a hard time making it through the work week and I'm thankful there's nothing planned this week-end, so I can try to recover!

Of ladybugs and pandas

Like most China adoptive moms, I have a clear obsession with anything pandas and ladybugs. Pandas are obviously Chinese and a great symbol of the country. Ladybugs are reverred and a sign of good luck in China.

I've been collecting different items, clothing, stuffed animal etc with pandas and ladybugs ever since we decided we were going to adopt from China. This weekend was no different. I picked up this snugglekins panda for Margaux's birthday
http://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2674068

Last Christmas, I ordered this bean bag chair, thinking it would be a huge hit with Margaux, as it's made for kids exactly her size.

I was slightly off-base as she's never really used it. However someone else has claimed it hers!

There's an alligator in my kitchen

Check out this newstory!
http://www.cnn.com/2008/US/04/22/gator.911/index.html
Yikes, I guess I'm glad I don't live in central FL.
We do wrestle some with raccons, but not 8 ft gator!

Easy transition to sitter

It could not have gone any better. Once again I worried over nothing. Margaux did not cry on Monday or Tuesday. At most she whined a little on Thursday, but it was over not getting something she wanted. So, it's a big relief for us. She's very happy at Theresa's, enjoys the other kids and all the pets. There's even a duck in the backyard. Long story, but he was won over Easter and used to be green! The only drawback is I'm having to do so much driving. I hate being in the car for so long, and gas has become so expensive. Regardless I'm very thankful Margaux is at Theresa's!

Please keep this family in your thoughts and prayers
http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/carolineharmon

I "know" them from an infertility and adoption community site I've been on for 8 years. This little girl just lost her battle against cancer. There are just no words. May you rest in peace little Caroline.

A new beginning for Margaux

Sadly, Friday was the last day of daycare for Margaux. Both Margaux and Sophie have attended Underwood Methodist and it shut down after 35 years! :( It was very sad. I think of all the teachers and I hope they find another job quickly. They took wonderful care of Margaux.

So, tomorrow, we are off to Theresa's house and we will be there for about 4 months until pre-school starts in August at CTK. I just hope she does not have a hard time adjusting. It's going to be hard for me as well, because I will have to drop her off further into Collierville and then head back towards G'town (my office is close to the Collierville/G'town border). Also, since she'll be in Collierville, I'll be responsible for picking her up as well and in the summer I'll have both girls in Collierville, so p/u and drop off will be done by me every day for both girls. I figure this will add an hour to my day at least. But, we got to do it! Thing should fall back into a better routine when school starts again in the fall. Of course, if Sophie makes it into Richland, we'll have early mornings because it starts at 7:30!