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!!!

Update on Caroline

Caroline is saying more words in English these days! She can say 'button, book, balloon, eat, momma, and mamaw' without being prompted. She can repeat the words 'thank you, orange juice, and Jesus' when I prompt her. She still speaks long sentences in Cantonese. Caroline seems to be understanding what it feels like to be 'full' at mealtime. She no longer stuffs herself, and doesn't get stressed at the end of mealtime, easily handing her finished plate to me....that is HUGE. Caroline is getting more comfortable around my basset hound Higgins and lately she has been giving him kisses....she still doesn't like to get kisses from Higgins. Bathtime is getting better and better. Caroline has fun in the tub now....another HUGE bit of progress. She has gained approximately 5 lbs since Gotcha Day. She now weighs about 23 lbs and can wear most 18-month size clothing and a size 4 shoe. She sat through her first concert last night....the IWU Women's Chorus......Caroline didn't make a sound and seemed to be mesmerized the entire time. I continue to feel blessed beyond measure.

Caroline's First Studio Photo Shoot

Caroline survived her first studio photo shoot. Last week I got a call from Sears telling me that I had won a free 10 x 13 portrait with no sitting fee. Of course, it was a ploy to get me in the studio so that I'd spend alot of money on a 'package'....well, it worked. I took the bait. I thought the pictures turned out pretty nicely....better than I expected. Here is a sampling of the pictures. So now the pressure is off to find a photographer....for a couple of months, at least.

Caroline's Bedroom

Yesterday, I put up a small Christmas tree in Caroline's room and decorated it in butterfly ornaments (surprise, surprise). I put the tree up two years ago in her room...I didn't put it up at all last year... but for 'some' reason I was a bit more excited about it this year. I also got the changing table put together....thanks to Mark H....... and Caroline's bed is pretty much done. I'm including pictures and a short video clip of Miss C.

Caroline is Saying So Much...and I Don't Understand Her

In the last few days Caroline has become more verbal. I would equate it to speaking complete sentences.....of course her sentences are in Cantonese, so I don't know what she's saying. Yesterday and today she has been telling Mom and I a story of some sort. She has included hand gestures that are so sweet. I'm so profoundly proud of her for displaying such a beautiful means of expression, yet so sad that I can't understand her. I'm determined to videotape her, but she tends to 'clam up' when she sees the video camera, so I've got to be sneaky about it.

The New Adventures of Caroline

Today, the IWU Music Division faculty had a party for Caroline and I and we enjoyed food and fellowship with them. Caroline even decided to show off a little bit. I took her to my office for the very first time and she immediately went to the piano. I think she looks pretty natural at the piano. This week we also made a trip to Riley Hospital in Indianapolis for an appointment with a pediatric opthamologist. Her right eye 'wanders' then she is able to bring it back into focus pretty quickly. Good news from the doctor is that her eyesight is normal and things look good. He thinks that her eye will improve with time. He called her condition 'exotropia' and didn't seemed too concerned. We have another appointment in 3 months and if she hasn't improved, then she will either wear an eye patch over the good eye to strengthen the weak eye, or she might need surgery....either way, it can be treated. PTL. The other two pictures that are included on this post were taken by my cousin Ashley while we were in Kansas City.

Halloween with the Cousins in Kansas City

We have just returned from our 'Meet Caroline Tour' with family and friends in Kansas, Missouri, and Illinois. We were gone for 11 days. Caroline got to spend her very first Halloween in Kansas City with her cousins Zane, 8, and Zacalen, 6. She was a butterfly (surprise, surprise) ...notice her 'squeeky shoes'......and sort of got the hang of how to do the trick-or-treating thing. For awhile she wanted to stop after each house and inspect the treats. And, she was holding up the 'pack' of trick-or-treaters, so she had to be carried to most houses. She had a good time....so did I.