Happy Gotcha Day Olivia!

Six years ago today, I was flying half way around the world, scared to death about becoming a mom. There was a happy, smiling little girl waiting for me, not knowing that her life was about to change either.

We flew into Guangzhou, where we met up with the Stolts and got a quick shower in a hotel before flying out to Nanchang.

Once arriving in Nanchang, it was a quick 20 minute bus ride to the hotel, where Helen told us that the babies were waiting for us.

Olivia was the first baby right inside the door. She was happy and smiling. She had a little tweety bird pocket book that she carried. I had to wait patiently until they called my name to go up and get her. Olivia came to me very happy and never looked back. We brought her back to the hotel room where we stared at her in amazement and played with her.

Here are a few pics of my special moment. Seeing her for the first time, holding her for the first time and her on Valentine's day with her favorite duck.

Sick House

Yes the flu has hit this house. Olivia was sick and missed a whole week of school. Now, myself and Lexi are on day 3 of the illness and dad is starting it. It has been the high fevers that really beats you down. Only one person left still feeling healthy, she will be sick too, no doubt.

Gung Hay Fat Choy!

Chinese New Year starts on Monday and it is the year of the OX! With the new moon on the first day of the new year and ends on the full moon 15 days later with a Lantern Festival.

Here is how to celebrate the 15 days:

Day 1: Welcome the gods of the heavens and earth.

Day 2: Pray to your ancestors as well as to all the gods. Be extra kind to dogs and feed them well, it is believed that this day is the birthday of all dogs.

Day 3 & 4: Son-in-laws should pay respect to their in-laws.

Day 5: Called Po Woo. Stay home and welcome the God of Wealth. No visitors, or you will get bad luck.

Day 6 - Day 10: Visit your relatives and friends. Pray for good fortune and health.

Day 7: Farmers are to display their produce proudly. This day is also the birthday of the humans. Eat noodles and plenty of raw fish.

Day 8: Have a family reunion dinner and pray to the God of Heaven.

Day 9: Make an offering to the Jade Emperor.

Day 10 - Day 12: Invite your friends and family for dinner.

Day 13: Eat lightly as you just filled up over the past few days.

Day 14: Prepare for the Lantern Festival

Day 15: Lantern Festival


And of course if you can't do this, just celebrate your family and friends and wish everyone health and good fortune.

Ice Skating

Yesterday we had a warm day, 39 degrees, so we ventured out into the back yard to do some ice skating. We couldn't find the little skates so Lexi skated in her boots. Not pictured here, but Lexi was skating with the boys and playing hockey, while Olivia skated around with her friend Maura. Also pictured is Lexi trying to walk through all the snow back to the car. Yes, we drove next door to the ice rink, how lazy of us. That is our yellow house in the background.

Chopsticks??

Lexi seems to be a natural at eating with chopsticks, as you can see here she has picked up the cue sticks to their little pool table to eat her breakfast with this morning. Olivia and me can't for the life of us use chopsticks, but Lexi can!

Pig Tails & Pony Tails

The girls wore their hair curlers to bed the other night. I didn't get a picture of Olivia before she went off to school. But, here is a few pics of Lexi with her curly q piggy tails.

Mommy's Little Princesses

For Christmas our friends Kathy and Joe gave the girls some princess outfits. Here are the girls trying their new outfits on "over" their clothes and striking a pose.