Life: January 2010

Life has been good so far in 2010. Caroline started preschool at Westminster Presbyterian and she seems to love it. She really enjoys church as Westminster as well. Everyone has embraced her and loves her. I started back to work (teaching at IWU). That is going well except for the fact that I just don't get enough 'Caroline time' on some days. Below are some pictures of special days in January.

Caroline is ready for her first day of preschool.

Caroline seems to be joining right in with playing on her first day of preschool.

Library time at preschool - Caroline's first day.

Playdate with Caroline's friends Bella and Malia. We meet about once per month for the girls to play.

Caroline's first basketball game at IWU.

Caroline is cheering for the Colts to win the Super Bowl.

Pictures of New Year's Eve / Caroline's 2nd Birthday Party

I decided that Caroline's birthday party would have the "Red Thread Legend" theme. The decorations fit it with all of the existing Christmas decorations and it provided everyone an opportunity to become familiar with the legend, something that is SO familiar to those in the China adoption community.

The dining room decorations include some beautiful 'China' ornaments that were given to me by BJ in Kansas City.

The Red Thread Legend

More Pics of New Year's Eve / Caroline's 2nd Birthday Party 2009

The 'Red Thread' Cake

Caroline is dressed and ready for her birthday party. I just now realized that I dressed her in an outfit that has the Eiffel Tower on her sweater.....why didn't I dress her in a Chinese Silk dress? Oh, well.

Look at that face!

A room full of gifts. Caroline is not real thrilled with the boa that was put around her neck.

Caroline loves her birthday cake and ice cream.

Pictures from Christmas 2009

Caroline and Momma

Caroline displaying her wonderful smile / laugh

Caroline helps to do the finishing touches on the Christmas tree in the living room.

Chris, Caroline, Tori, and Nana in Kansas City

Caroline opens one of many Christmas gifts in Kansas City.

More Pictures from Christmas 2009

Chris, Caroline and cousin Jill from Wichita

Aunt Annie giving Caroline a gift at our get-together at a Kansas City IHOP

Faith and Austin Kelly with Caroline at the Kansas City IHOP

Caroline is sporting her new 'Old Navy' winter cap from Faith and Austin after we returned

home from our trip to KC, Mo and Quincy, IL.

Chris and Caroline with childhood friends Sheila Druffel and Bruce Arnold in Quincy, IL

Merry Christmas, Happy New Year, and Happy Birthday, Caroline!

It has been a LONG TIME since I last posted on the blog...sorry. But, now I am back home from our holiday travels and can resume a routine again. The last month has been so much fun. Caroline didn't really understand the 'Christmas or Birthday' celebrations, but she certainly enjoyed them. Since it seems that she has been receiving gifts since we returned home from China, the gifts at Christmas and her birthday didn't seem out of the norm for her..... though I don't think that she is at a place where she expects to get gifts. I think this holiday season was more for Momma and Grandma to enjoy.....it has been so much fun to watch her open gifts and interact with family and friends.

Caroline is now 2-years-old. Today, I took her to the Westminster Preschool to get the application packet. We also had a tour which wasn't all that necessary since my mom worked at the preschool several years ago and I was quite familiar with it. Caroline played with the kids that are in 'her class' and seemed to do OK. I guess we will start preschool next week. I plan to enroll her in the Mon/Tues/Wed morning sessions.

My next obstacle is to go back to school next week. My 'family leave' will end on January 11. While I have missed my students and colleagues, I have SO ENJOYED being at home with Caroline. This time with her has given me such a sense of satisfaction that I've never felt before. I am praying that God will make this a smooth transition. I have a feeling that it will be more difficult for me than for Caroline. I do have the benefit of having Grandma at home...I don't have to worry about daycare. Any preschool experience is optional, not a requirement. I don't have to worry about Caroline because I know she is in the best possible hands with her grandma.

Pictures are coming very soon!!!