One more ...

 Had to add this one of Emma "posing" in the clothes and shoes daddy bought in Boston.  Never expected to be so excited about pink sandals :).

A few more pics!

That's right - more pictures already!  We had  fun weekend hanging out in town.  Hanging out on the porch of our new house on Friday night, doing a little shopping, and wandering downtown (suburbs :)) through the weekend.  I know I have been promising video and hopefully will get to that later this week, but here a few pictures from the last week that I thought you'd enjoy.

"Come on in Dad". 
Emma with her Team SOLID shirt daddy ordered.  This is dad's
cycling team that he has Emma signed up for in 2024 - let the countdown
begin. 

Mom and Emma hanging out with Sue, Fernando and Nicholas.

"Hey people - have a seat, we need to talk..."

Emma sporting her casual weekend dress and fashionable sandals.
I think, she thinks the baby monitor is a phone.  She tried to talk into
a LOT of electronics - and listen to them closely.

Now who doesn't enjoy reading a grocery receipt. 
Kids find fun in EVERYTHING.

August 15th - 1 year ago

Hard to believe, but it was exactly one year ago tomorrow that we were first matched with Shi Fang Xia (you now know her as Emma Jane!).  Things have been busy so sorry for not providing more regular updates.  Emma is doing really well and continues to be an absolute joy.  Hard to believe that the girl in the pink plastic chair, is now the girl in the pink dress and sandals. 

She met more cousins from Ohio at a family wedding outside Columbus in early July.  We all survived a 7 hour car ride, and we gained a better appreciation for her "limits" :).  The summer has been very hot, so not as much time outside as we hoped, but we make the most of the time we can.  It has taken her a while to come around to her blow up pool, but it is definitely growing on her.  And most recently, she made a return trip to the Brookfield Zoo so she could practice her Lion Roar!

Emma at about 8 months old just after "referral".

Sporting her pink sandals and dress, with Goldfish never too far behind.

"I am tired of sitting, take the picture already or I am outta here!"

Loves to arrange her stools, pretty much every day.

Getting ready for the wedding, and practicing throwing kisses.

Emma on the dance floor.  For the record, this is the "angel" just prior to the MELTDOWN.
But who expects to stay at an entire wedding with an 18 month old.

Fourth of July.  No one is going to steal her spot or toys with this serious look.

Any idea how long it takes to blow this thing up?!
Glad she is learning to love it ...

"How do I get in? Or am I trying to get out?  A little confused.

"Shouldn't they be paying ME to do this and not the other way around?"

Time for a little lunch.

See you all soon ...

Lillacs, Memorial and baths

I know, I know - it has been a while.  Is anyone still out there?  Things have been pretty busy, but Emma continues to do great.  She is loving the yard and being able to get outside.  She was a little hesitant with the grass at first, but now she is running around and thoroughly enjoying it.  She went to her first parade the other day on Memorial day, and had a chance to meet several of her new neighbors (at least they will be later in the summer when we move into the new place).

And if you get far enough through this set of pictures you will actually see a picture of the three of us (in front of our new house).  We need 10 pics before October.  Sounds easy, but this is number three after 7 months.  They can't have food, bare feet, or alcohol (you decide which has been the limiting factor :)). 

Hope everyone is doing well and I will try to update again in a couple of weeks. 

Happy Easter!

"Yes, you can take ANOTHER picture ..."

"Are you guys ready yet?"

Getting ready for dinner

Reading with Auntie

"So this is how I see things going - dad start in the kitchen"

"Don't even think about taking my egg"

Having a social break with cousin Nora - discussing the crazy adults

Walking AND reading at the same time

Assessing her basket

Emma and her Illinois' cousins

Getting tired ...

But plenty of room for dessert with Auntie

Reflections ...  Sorry to be so profound out of the proverbial "gates",
but couldn't help it.  Can't wait till she can get in the yard ...
And start mowing of course :)

Still working on the "pose" ...  Need to subsidize college at some point.

"Full on" walking, and the squeaks are there to prove.  Very cute - for a while ...

Yup.  You are witnessing the genesis of a shoe "obsession" - thanks Mom ...

"How cute am I?  Really?"

Every star needs a profile shot.  Emma "look away like
you really don't care".



All dressed up for Saturday night!!!  Time to meet some cousins.



"Just let me grab my bag, and I am ready to go!"

A future wrestler?  She has the pose, just needs to drop the smile.

After countless hours of pondering how to teach the skill of "drinking from a straw" she

finally mastered it.  Only wish we had actually come up with a solution. 

How do I look?

"Stop interrupting me! @$*&@  I am trying to read."

I love a good ending ...

Someday she will hate me for this one.  But can I say
"Emma waz a punk rocker, Emma waz a punk rocker ..."