A Day Off = A Day of Fun with Taylor

Today Taylor and I were going to go to the beach with our friends Michele and Ryan. The weather didn't cooperate so we went to plan B. Spent the morning at Kid Junction where the kids had a great time running, climbing and sliding. Afterwards we hit Wendy's for lunch and then head back home for some swimming since it was very hot and humid and the rain never appeared. The water was very inviting and the kids had so much fun swimming around. It did finally rain for about 15 minutes so out we went and waited it out and then back in. It was a fun day for all. Can't wait to do it agian and hopefully get to the beach.

Taylor pulled off her socks and Ryan helped her put them back on.

Enjoying their kids meal at Wendy's.

They each got a new nose and glasses in their kids meal and had a lot of fun with them.

Six Months Ago Today.....

At about 4:15pm China time a scared little girl walked into a room at the Civil Affairs office in Xi'an and into my heart. A day that changed both our lives forever. She took in everything that was going on around her, didn't shed a tear, accepted it and moved forward without looking back.

I can't believe it was 6 months ago today that we became a Forever Family. January seems so long ago. It feels as if Taylor has been here forever. These have been an incredible 6 months and I look forward to our life together. She has adjusted to her new life so well and is really thriving. I can't believe she is the same little girl I met 6 months ago.

Taylor has grown several inches in the past few months and is quickly growing out of 3T clothes. She hasn't put on any weight but still eats like a champion. She likes most fruits especially bananas, watermelon and apples. Her favorite vegtable is corn, especially if it is on the cob and tolerates carrots and broccoli. She will try most anything. She loves seafood especially shrimp and scallops. If you have any on your plate, watch out because they will disappear if you don't eat them fast enough. She doesn't really care for hot dogs but will eat just about anything else.

Taylor is still very extroverted and almost always has a smile on her face. She is still full of personality. She has the sweetest laugh and uses it often. Very ticklish on her feet and the back of her neck. She is a great cuddler and hugger. Willingly gives kisses and blows kisses good-bye. She always has a smile, a wave and a hello for all children especially babies. She is still very sweet, gentle and tender to her dolls and loves her dolls. She is definately a girly girl. Loves to wear dresses.

I would have to say her favorite thing next to her dolls is a mirror. This kid loves to look at herself in a mirror. She stops at any mirror and will smile, wave and say hi to herself. Sometimes when she does this I wonder if she knows that the little girl looking back at her is her. Difficult getting her out of the bathroom because there is a huge mirror above the sink. When she puts a dress on she loves to look in the mirror and twirl and dance around.

Taylor loves school and being with the other kids. The teachers adore her and love having her in the class. Knowing all this makes me realize that I made the right decision on sending her there fulltime when I went back to work. In September she will move to the 3/4 year old class with her friends. I feel very comfortable that the school will prepare her for kindergarten in 2 years.

Recently she started protesting when I left for work in the morning. This of course makes it hard to leave. The sitter that comes in to get her ready and take her to school is ready to distract her so I can leave. When I come home at night she gets sooooo excited she can't contain herself. It is like she won the lottery!!!! This of course makes it all worth it 100 times over.

As previously report Taylor's english is really coming along. She says more and more each day especially phrases that I have used over and over with her. She uses them in the correct context. There are times she is looking at me dead on and talking to me and must really think she is speaking clear as day...meanwhile I have no clue as to what she is saying. It is all gibberish. There are time if I listen real carfully and she repeats herself a few times I can make enough out to know what she is saying. She has added Row Row Row Your Boat to her singing repetoire that includes: ABC, Twinkle Twinkle, Frara Jacha, Patta-Cake.

Taylor also loves anything Elmo, Dora and Ki-Lan. There are a few other shows she likes to watch but always asks for these 3.

I have also discovered that Taylor is a little fish. She LOVES the swimming pool. Can't get her out of it when we go. She gets more and more comfortable in the water each time we go and a little more daring. Today she realized that her vest will keep her afloat when she isn't holding on. She starts swimming lessons next Saturday and will probably teach the instructor how to swim!!!!

These past 6 months have been fascinating watching her adjust to her new life and grow into so well. Guess I am doing something right.

As you will see in the pictures below from January 24th and today my little angel has come along quite well. I am one proud mama.

January 24th at the Cival Affairs Office

Later the same day back at the hotel. This is one of my favorite pictures of us.

July 24th on the train at Turtleback Zoo.

For an updated picture of Taylor and I, see the next post.

Turtleback Zoo

Today Taylor and I headed to Turtleback Zoo. It was a very nice zoo just the perfect size for a 3 year old. We saw a cougar, leopard, active kangaroos, horse, cow, the largest pig I have ever seen, wolf, black bear and some really cute penguins. Taylor got a kick out of feeding the goats. She wasn't the least bit hesitant about goats licking her hand. We went on the train they had twice....the 2nd time was more for me since it created a breeze...the only place there was one!!! There was a beautiful carosel that Taylor had to ride twice. There was also a playground that she loved playing on. After getting home we hit the pool to cool off. It was a very hot and humid day today...over 100 degrees.

Saturday (7/17) in Darien CT with Friends

Last Saturday we ventured to Darien CT to visit our wonderful friends Peter and Claire Conant. We spent a wonderful afternoon at their local beach. We had a nice picnic lunch, walked along the water, collected shells, played in the sand and Taylor tried her hand at a water gun. Back at their house, Taylor fed the ducks before we headed back to NJ.

Here is a little conversation Taylor and I had in the car on the ride up that was too cute not share.
Setting: In the car crawling along in traffic on I95 (very typical.) We were 2 exits away from where we had to get off and after drinking some iced tea and diet coke, Mother Nature was calling me.
Mama: Come'on cars lets get moving...come'on move.
Taylor: Move cars.
Mama: That's right Taylor get those cars to move.
Taylor: I'm trying. (Nearly peed my pants laughing!!!)

When Mama forgets the bucket and shovel, paper cups will do.

Searching for shells.

Grandparents in training!!!!! They did a GREAT job. Taylor loved every minute with them. Some day they will make terrific grandparents.

Taylor and her New Friend

This past Saturday (7/10) Taylor and I went visit our friend Cindy for the afternoon. Taylor and Cindy's dog hit it off and played together most of the afternoon. She has come along way for someone who didn't like to be within 10 feet of a dog 5 1/2 months ago. Taylor had fun throwing a tennis ball and having the dog run after it and bring it back to her. They played this game for most of the afternoon. Taylor did find time to take a break to have a wonderful lunch and go swimming.

My little fish.

Breakfast With The Girls

Today we met my friends Diane and Rich and their 3 daughters for breakfast. Taylor was excited to be dining with the girls - Allyson, Jessica and Marissa. She sat at the table with them while Diane, Rich and I sat at the next table. She had a lot of fun entertaining and being entertained. Taylor is also sporting a new hair cut.

Marissa, Jessica, Taylor and Allyson

(Note: There are 3 new posts that follow this one. Enjoy!!)

4th of July Weekend (continued) - Monday, July 5, 2010

After a busy weekend, Monday was a day of rest, swimming and getting ready for the next work and school day. As I was getting Taylor ready for the day she let me play with her hair. She didn't let me put in 1 pony tail or even 2. She let me put in 5 pony tails. She looked really cute while they lasted. Was able to get these pictures of her.

4th of July Weekend (continued) - Sunday July 4, 2010

Happy 4th of July....Happy Birthday America

Happy 4th of July Taylor!!!

Taylor loves kittykats. This is Daisy and she didn't seem to mind having Taylor around.

Taylor and Megan

Max and Taylor

After leaving Max and Meg we went to Auntie Linda's. She gave Taylor stickers to play with. Not only did they get on paper they came with but in a short time they were all over Auntie Linda's neck and face (was told I can't publish that picture) and all over Taylor. They were a hit!!!

When there is no swimming pool, the sprinkler will have to do. I had to run through it first to show Taylor how to do it (that piece of video will also not be posted!!)

Relaxing wiht Auntie Linda
Enjoying the sprinkler.

4th of July Weekend - Saturday July 3, 2010

For the 4th of July weekend we headed up to Poughkeepsie, NY to visit my brother Stephen and his family. Taylor had a great time with her cousins Max and Meg especially in the pool. On the 4th we were sitting in the living room and I wished everyone a Happy 4th and then said Happy Birthday America. Taylor looked at me, smiled and then sang Happy Birthday. It was a very cute moment.

We then headed over to Auntie Linda's for the day before heading back home. Taylor got to try swimming the old fashioned way...running through the sprinkler!!! While driving home that night with Taylor asleep in the car I saw so many fireworks. My timing was perfect. As I went by towns I saw their fireworks and a few times I was able to get a glimpse of the Macy's fireworks on the Hudson River. As I was driving over a high portion of the road (for those famility with NJ it was the Raritan bridge on the Parkway) I saw fireworks in 4 different areas. One of the prettier drives home. Monday as a day for relaxing after a busy weekend.

Relaxing/playing in the pool with Meg and Max. It was very refreshing.

Megan and Taylor

Enjoying popsicles!!! Yum :)

Hanging out with Megan.

After dinner we walked the "Walkway Over the Hudson" in Poughkeepsie. It is an old rail bridge over the Hudson River. It had been unusable for years and finally the renevated it and made it a walk way. The views from their were beautiful and it wasn't too crowded. Perfect ending to a great day.

Getting a ride from Megan and hug from Aunt Amy.

Looking south towards the Mid-Hudson Bridge

Poughkeepsie, NY

Looking north up the Hudson.