My Mom

I hope I look this good when I'm 80. These pics were taken in February, so Caroline has grown a bit since then...but I wanted to share.

Caroline at the Westminster Preschool Program - May 28, 2010

8 Month Anniversary of Gotcha Day

We recently celebrated the 8-month anniversary of Gotcha Day on May 21. This was the most amazing day of my life. I had anticipated this moment for such a long time that when it finally happened it was a bit surreal....and it happened so fast. On this day, Caroline cried for quite awhile (which I totally expected), then became very withdrawn. She wanted to be held constantly (I didn't mind one bit) and had a sad look on her face for about 4 days. She had a cold and a bit of a fever. She wouldn't play with toys or interact with other kids. On day 5 she finally started to play with toys and started to grin and give me a sly look. Her personality finally started to shine through. She ate like a horse and it was clear that she didn't know what it felt like to be 'full.' Each meal took a very long time in order for us to demonstrate that she could eat everything that she wanted....that we wouldn't take the food away from her before she was ready. Now, her eating habits are normal and she has blossomed into an amazing child who is healthy, happy, and smart. She is a social butterfly....loves preschool....loves to play with other kids.....even has a little boyfriend named Riley at preschool. She is a girlie-girl and loves to dress up. She loves to play 'waitress' and loves to figure out how things are put together. Her comprehension of the english language is so good...and her ability to verbally communicate with the english language improves every day. I am so blessed. Blessed beyond words. I still have to pinch myself that she is really mine.

Family Time in Missouri

We have been with some of our family members for cousin Tori's graduation from Drury University. Last night was the graduation party. Caroline enjoyed playing with several cousins....all boys....there were no little girls for her to play with! She loved playing with the 'Nintendog' game....totally mezmerized. I smiled and enjoyed watching Caroline interact with the boys and watching the boys be so gentle with her.

A Special Mother's Day

This was my first Mother's Day as a mommy. For many years I have dreaded the holiday, except to celebrate my own mom. The holiday always made me feel inadequate as a woman and caused me to feel different/odd/strange because I didn't 'have' what the other women had. I will always understand how women with no children feel on Mother's Day. I will always seek out that woman and give her a hug, because I 'understand.' But for me, this year was so special because I am FINALLY a mommy. My daughter gave me hugs and kisses and seemed to know that Sunday was a special day. She also gave Grandma a few extra hugs. I feel blessed beyond words. The picture above includes from L to R: my mom, Caroline, me, and our good friend Myrna. We enjoyed a wonderful lunch at the Hostess House.

A Modeling Career?

Caroline is working her inner model as she poses for this picture. AND....she will actually be modeling this line of clothing for the daddyos.com clothing company! Our neighbors next door gave Caroline this dress and actually own the online clothing company that sells them. So, after our neighbor saw Caroline in this dress, she asked if Caroline could be a model for their website. YES!

Two Thumbs Up

Caroline's preschool teachers must do a 'two thumbs up' and say 'good job' a lot. Today, after I said 'good job!' to her, she looked at me, gave me a 'two thumbs up' and said "GOOD JOB!!" Too cute. Her teachers also told me that she LOVES to do paper mache. I have a feeling that I'll be doing lots of art projects this summer. I better get going on that....my summer break started today. YAY!