The before:
The durring:
The after:
Since this was her first US cut, they gave her this certificate and a some of her hair for her baby book.
How Old Is Taylor?
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
First Haircut
Today Taylor had her first haircut in the US. It is probably her first professional haircut ever. She sat in a fire truck while having it done. She did great!!! She sat still and had lots of smiles for Michele who did the cutting. Now she is ready to have her pictures taken on Friday!!!!
The before:
The durring:
The after:
Since this was her first US cut, they gave her this certificate and a some of her hair for her baby book.
The before:
The durring:The after:
Since this was her first US cut, they gave her this certificate and a some of her hair for her baby book. Saturday, March 20, 2010
Thursday, March 18, 2010
The Latest.....
I can't believe that this Saturday we will be home from China 6 weeks. The time has gone by so fast. It is as if Taylor has been here forever. She has changed to much since our Gotcha Day on January 24th. Two weeks from today (April 1st) she will turn 3 years old.
Baths are a time of pure enjoyment for Taylor. That is after she gets her hair washed. Still doesn't like that but lets me do it. Sometimes she has a fit when I try to get her out of the tub. What a change from a few weeks ago. Whoever said that baths are supposed to be relaxing for kids and start winding them down obviously hasn't met my daughter. She gets out with more energy than she went in with.
Taylor still always has a smile and laughs at the drop of a hat. She is one happy little girl. Doesn't cry often unless she takes a fall. Then it is break out the Elmo ice pad and she is happy again.
Sleeping through the night has been eluding us. Although this week we did have a few nights where she didn't wake up until morning (very early morning). Has also started sleeping past 5:00am most mornings. Still need to lie down with her at night until she falls asleep then I try to sneak out. Sometimes I can make it on the first try but half the time it takes 2-3 tries. Sometimes I can get out of her room but not down the stairs. Hopefully over time she will be comfortable enough that she can go to sleep by herself. Don't mind this time with her until that happens.
About 2 1/2 weeks ago she started talking in Chinese (or Chinese babble) much more than she had in the past. She looks at me and can talk for 5 minutes and I just look at her thinking I wish I knew what she was saying. It is so cute to here her talk like that. Her English is improving every day. I am constantly asking her to repeat words that I say to her. She watches the Signing Times DVD's she has and I heard her the other day say the words back. She understands everything I say to her....may have to repeat it 2 or 3 times but she gets it. On Sunday she actually answered 2 of my questions in English. Wasn't expecting that. She was about to stand on her booster seat on the dining room chair and I asked her to please sit down which she did. Then she started standing again and I said to her "What did I just tell you?" and her response clear as day was "Sit Down." How do you keep a straight face with that?
She is also learning to sign. Her most used ones are eat and more. She signs water for her juice. We were in the grocery store the other day and I said I have apples at home and I would cut one up for her later. She looked at me and signed and said apple. Big smile on my face!!!
There are times when she seems to get better around dogs as she has had a few meetings with friends dogs these past few weeks but most of the time she is hesitant, afraid and wants to be held. If they are across the street she is fine with them and waves. Will keep working on liking and being around dogs.
Once we got home I decided that since she was so extroverted and was used to being around kids that when I go back to work I would send her to nursery school instead of hiring a full-time nanny. We went to an open house at a near by nursery school and she seemed to like it and was comfortable there and didn't want to leave. Signed her up for full-time in May and also decided to send her 2 mornings a week starting in March so she could get used to it. If she didn't like it then I would have time to come up with another option. This was her first week. She goes on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9-1. So far so good. I think she remembered it from our first visit because when we got there on Tuesday she went right in with no hesitation. This week went well. She is playing well with the other kids and participates in all the activities. We have has some wonderful weather this week so they were able to go outside and play. Will take her back next week and hope for the same results. The best part is she is happy to see me when I pick her up. Has a huge smile and runs over for a hug.
Taylor was invited to her first birthday party on the 13th for our friend Danielle who turned 5 today. Taylor did very well and had fun. There was a magician there that she watch for about 5 minutes and then went back to the table for another piece of pizza. She also tried out Danielle's sit and spin and had a lot of fun on it. Below are some pictures from the party.
No particular reason for this picture except that I really liked that outfit she had on. Thought it was cute so had to have a pictures.
Baths are a time of pure enjoyment for Taylor. That is after she gets her hair washed. Still doesn't like that but lets me do it. Sometimes she has a fit when I try to get her out of the tub. What a change from a few weeks ago. Whoever said that baths are supposed to be relaxing for kids and start winding them down obviously hasn't met my daughter. She gets out with more energy than she went in with.
Taylor still always has a smile and laughs at the drop of a hat. She is one happy little girl. Doesn't cry often unless she takes a fall. Then it is break out the Elmo ice pad and she is happy again.
Sleeping through the night has been eluding us. Although this week we did have a few nights where she didn't wake up until morning (very early morning). Has also started sleeping past 5:00am most mornings. Still need to lie down with her at night until she falls asleep then I try to sneak out. Sometimes I can make it on the first try but half the time it takes 2-3 tries. Sometimes I can get out of her room but not down the stairs. Hopefully over time she will be comfortable enough that she can go to sleep by herself. Don't mind this time with her until that happens.
About 2 1/2 weeks ago she started talking in Chinese (or Chinese babble) much more than she had in the past. She looks at me and can talk for 5 minutes and I just look at her thinking I wish I knew what she was saying. It is so cute to here her talk like that. Her English is improving every day. I am constantly asking her to repeat words that I say to her. She watches the Signing Times DVD's she has and I heard her the other day say the words back. She understands everything I say to her....may have to repeat it 2 or 3 times but she gets it. On Sunday she actually answered 2 of my questions in English. Wasn't expecting that. She was about to stand on her booster seat on the dining room chair and I asked her to please sit down which she did. Then she started standing again and I said to her "What did I just tell you?" and her response clear as day was "Sit Down." How do you keep a straight face with that?
She is also learning to sign. Her most used ones are eat and more. She signs water for her juice. We were in the grocery store the other day and I said I have apples at home and I would cut one up for her later. She looked at me and signed and said apple. Big smile on my face!!!
There are times when she seems to get better around dogs as she has had a few meetings with friends dogs these past few weeks but most of the time she is hesitant, afraid and wants to be held. If they are across the street she is fine with them and waves. Will keep working on liking and being around dogs.
Once we got home I decided that since she was so extroverted and was used to being around kids that when I go back to work I would send her to nursery school instead of hiring a full-time nanny. We went to an open house at a near by nursery school and she seemed to like it and was comfortable there and didn't want to leave. Signed her up for full-time in May and also decided to send her 2 mornings a week starting in March so she could get used to it. If she didn't like it then I would have time to come up with another option. This was her first week. She goes on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9-1. So far so good. I think she remembered it from our first visit because when we got there on Tuesday she went right in with no hesitation. This week went well. She is playing well with the other kids and participates in all the activities. We have has some wonderful weather this week so they were able to go outside and play. Will take her back next week and hope for the same results. The best part is she is happy to see me when I pick her up. Has a huge smile and runs over for a hug.
Taylor was invited to her first birthday party on the 13th for our friend Danielle who turned 5 today. Taylor did very well and had fun. There was a magician there that she watch for about 5 minutes and then went back to the table for another piece of pizza. She also tried out Danielle's sit and spin and had a lot of fun on it. Below are some pictures from the party.
No particular reason for this picture except that I really liked that outfit she had on. Thought it was cute so had to have a pictures.
I am thrilled with the progress my angel has made these past few weeks. I am doing well also. I have accepted a new definition of organized (don't laugh too hard!!!) and have accepted the fact that not everything will get done as quickly as I want it to. Somethings won't get done at all...oh well!!!! I was able to catch up on a lot activities when my Mom was here so I am in a good place. I am sure I will be doing some more adjusting when I go back to work in May. At least now I am in the right frame of mind to do it. When I came back from China I was focused on Taylor's adjustment and not mine. I think it was harder for me than for her.
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
Sunday, March 7, 2010
One Busy Little Girl
Miss Taylor has been a very busy little girl the past couple of days with entertaining Grandma and then this weekend Auntie Linda and Rick on Saturday and today Uncle Steve, Aunt Amy and cousins Max and Meg. She had so much fun playing with her cousins for the first time today. She has also had a few firsts this week (at least since she has been with me these past 6 weeks.) Below are some pictures from her adventures these past few days (they are in no particular order as I am not sure how to load them in the order I want them to appear.) I have also added 2 videos that I think are adorable and wanted to share.
These past couple of days we have had a real break through with her baths. Here is a pictures of her actually sitting in the tub and having fun. Now baths are a highlight of her day. Hopefully she will forgive me some day for posting it.
Here Taylor is having fun playing with Meg's ponytail.
Mama and Taylor in her new boa that she got from Uncle Steve, Aunt Amy and Max and Meg today.
Cousins.....
Meg and Taylor wrapped in her new boa. They are already to go out on the town!!!
How many things can one play with at one time? Doll, straw, magnets and chinese fortune sticks.
My spring flower.
She tired Grandma out when playing with my stacking doll. The stacking doll kept her busy for 30 minutes at one time. Well worth the trip to Russia to get it in 1990.
Eating waffles and liking them for the first time.
The past couple of days Taylor has managed to bang her head a few times (nothing bad) and I gave her the Elmo ice pack to put on her booboo's. She liked that. So much so that her baby doll had to have the ice pack put on her head also.
Eating strawberry ice cream for the first time. She really liked it. This was her treat for being so wonderful at her evaluation at Monmout Medical Center on Wednesday.
Boy am I going to be in trouble when she becomes a teenager....that is if teenagers still talk on phones to each other by then.
Why wear your own clothes when you have a St. Bernard that can wear them???? This is Yodel in her sweatshirt, socks and sneakers. She had so much fun walking him around the house in her clothes.
Eating and enjoying a fruit rollup for the first time. Her fingers and mouth were blue when she was done (it was blueberry and strawberry flavored.) Note to self....don't take them in the car!!!!!
She enjoyed sitting at the dinning room table with my glasses and playing with them. I suppose if she had to wear glasses of her own it wouldn't be so much fun!!!!
These past couple of days we have had a real break through with her baths. Here is a pictures of her actually sitting in the tub and having fun. Now baths are a highlight of her day. Hopefully she will forgive me some day for posting it.
Here Taylor is having fun playing with Meg's ponytail.
Mama and Taylor in her new boa that she got from Uncle Steve, Aunt Amy and Max and Meg today.
Cousins.....
Meg and Taylor wrapped in her new boa. They are already to go out on the town!!!
How many things can one play with at one time? Doll, straw, magnets and chinese fortune sticks.
My spring flower.
She tired Grandma out when playing with my stacking doll. The stacking doll kept her busy for 30 minutes at one time. Well worth the trip to Russia to get it in 1990.
Eating waffles and liking them for the first time.
The past couple of days Taylor has managed to bang her head a few times (nothing bad) and I gave her the Elmo ice pack to put on her booboo's. She liked that. So much so that her baby doll had to have the ice pack put on her head also.
Eating strawberry ice cream for the first time. She really liked it. This was her treat for being so wonderful at her evaluation at Monmout Medical Center on Wednesday.
Boy am I going to be in trouble when she becomes a teenager....that is if teenagers still talk on phones to each other by then.
Why wear your own clothes when you have a St. Bernard that can wear them???? This is Yodel in her sweatshirt, socks and sneakers. She had so much fun walking him around the house in her clothes.
Eating and enjoying a fruit rollup for the first time. Her fingers and mouth were blue when she was done (it was blueberry and strawberry flavored.) Note to self....don't take them in the car!!!!!
She enjoyed sitting at the dinning room table with my glasses and playing with them. I suppose if she had to wear glasses of her own it wouldn't be so much fun!!!!While preparing for our visitors my Mom took out the dust mop to clean my hardwood floors. Well Taylor thought this was pretty cool and wanted in on the fun. Now when I want my floors clean I just need to give her the dustmop!!!!
Thursday, March 4, 2010
A Busy Exciting Week for Miss Taylor
What a week she is having....
Tuesday (don't remember Monday) started out with a playdate with Ryan. Then off to the airport to pick up Grandma who is here for a week to get to know her new granddaughter. Taylor took to her right away and they have been having a ball ever since she arrived. This is good for me as it allows me some time for doctors appointments and some time to get things done around the house.
On Wednesday we headed to Monmouth Medical Center in Long Branch NJ for her evaluation on her cleft palate and lip. Both Grandma and mama were very impressed with the process they have there and liked all the doctors we met. Once we got checked in we were put in a room and then the parade of doctors came to us. We saw a social worker, 2 plastic surgeons, several dentists and orthodontists, audiologist, speech therapist and a pediatrician. Through all of this Taylor was a star....she only cried once. She actually let 2 people look in her ears and she didn't cry for either. In China at the medical exam and at her pediatrician visit she cried but not today. I was so proud of her. Basically what they said was before she starts school, they will even out her upper lip and her nose. It is undetermined at this time if she will need additional palate surgery. She will be monitored over the next couple of years to see. Shouldn't need any dental work on her baby teeth. Probably around 6 years of age she will need to start having her palate widened. She may also need bone grafting done at some point and depending on how her permanent teeth come she may or may not need additional work on them. I will take her to the speech therapist to have her evaluated in about 6 months. This will give her time to learn some english so they can determine if there are delays due to her teeth (she is missing her front left tooth) and the palate and if they are preventing her to make certain letter combinations. All in all it was a great visit and nothing unexpected was found.
Each night this week Taylor has been in the bathtub having a standing bath, getting her hair washed and having the time of her life. She loves playing with all the toys I have there and doesn't mind getting clean. She actually cried when I took her out at the end of the bath. What a change!!! Tonight we had a major milestone...towards the end of the bath she actually sat down. Three cheers for Taylor. She first started with kneeling and really liked that and then sat half down twice and on the 3rd try sat all the way down. Grandma and I cheered for her and she liked that. No crying when she got out. What a relief to have her now conquer the bath issue. Will have another go at it tomorrow night and hope she doesn't forget what she did tonight.
On Saturday Auntie Linda and Rick are coming down for the day to visit with her and Grandma and I suppose me too. On Sunday Uncle Stephen, Aunt Amy and her cousins Max and Meg are coming to meet her for the first time. I can't wait to see her with Max and Meg. They are going to have a lot of fun together.
This weekend will be our 1 month anniversary at home. Time has gone by so fast. She is doing so well and getting more adjusted each day. I am so proud of her and all she has been through and accomplished since we became a family on January 24th.
Tuesday (don't remember Monday) started out with a playdate with Ryan. Then off to the airport to pick up Grandma who is here for a week to get to know her new granddaughter. Taylor took to her right away and they have been having a ball ever since she arrived. This is good for me as it allows me some time for doctors appointments and some time to get things done around the house.
On Wednesday we headed to Monmouth Medical Center in Long Branch NJ for her evaluation on her cleft palate and lip. Both Grandma and mama were very impressed with the process they have there and liked all the doctors we met. Once we got checked in we were put in a room and then the parade of doctors came to us. We saw a social worker, 2 plastic surgeons, several dentists and orthodontists, audiologist, speech therapist and a pediatrician. Through all of this Taylor was a star....she only cried once. She actually let 2 people look in her ears and she didn't cry for either. In China at the medical exam and at her pediatrician visit she cried but not today. I was so proud of her. Basically what they said was before she starts school, they will even out her upper lip and her nose. It is undetermined at this time if she will need additional palate surgery. She will be monitored over the next couple of years to see. Shouldn't need any dental work on her baby teeth. Probably around 6 years of age she will need to start having her palate widened. She may also need bone grafting done at some point and depending on how her permanent teeth come she may or may not need additional work on them. I will take her to the speech therapist to have her evaluated in about 6 months. This will give her time to learn some english so they can determine if there are delays due to her teeth (she is missing her front left tooth) and the palate and if they are preventing her to make certain letter combinations. All in all it was a great visit and nothing unexpected was found.
Each night this week Taylor has been in the bathtub having a standing bath, getting her hair washed and having the time of her life. She loves playing with all the toys I have there and doesn't mind getting clean. She actually cried when I took her out at the end of the bath. What a change!!! Tonight we had a major milestone...towards the end of the bath she actually sat down. Three cheers for Taylor. She first started with kneeling and really liked that and then sat half down twice and on the 3rd try sat all the way down. Grandma and I cheered for her and she liked that. No crying when she got out. What a relief to have her now conquer the bath issue. Will have another go at it tomorrow night and hope she doesn't forget what she did tonight.
On Saturday Auntie Linda and Rick are coming down for the day to visit with her and Grandma and I suppose me too. On Sunday Uncle Stephen, Aunt Amy and her cousins Max and Meg are coming to meet her for the first time. I can't wait to see her with Max and Meg. They are going to have a lot of fun together.
This weekend will be our 1 month anniversary at home. Time has gone by so fast. She is doing so well and getting more adjusted each day. I am so proud of her and all she has been through and accomplished since we became a family on January 24th.
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
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