China Girl

BIG NEWS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2007-03-14T20:05:00.000-04:00

Curious??????

http://www.twiceuponatime2007.blogspot.com

Alex likes her new hat (she put it on like this)

2007-03-06T11:04:00.000-05:00

The last photo is Alex's version of casual dining. She is too funny.

Our Computer Whiz

2007-03-04T21:14:00.000-05:00

She is totally obsessed with the computer. She can climb up in to that chair faster than anything you have ever seen. She loves to push buttons she loves to watch the screen. She is just fascinated by it.

Daily Adventures

2007-03-04T20:53:00.000-05:00

Alex is doing and learning new things everyday. She never ceases to amaze me at her untiring energy. You have to watch her every single second or she is in to something you don't want her to be. Hence the picture to the left, she was quiet for 30 seconds and I peek around the corner and this is what I found. She loves to unroll toilet paper. She laughs and laughs.

She loves to dance. She has started dancing in circles and doing ring around the rosy.

She has started to take our hands to lead us to where she wants to go.

She is starting to talk a little more. She said some version of "sunshine" yesterday. When daddy got home tonight she said very clearly "HI". If you ask her to repeat words she will usually try.

She loves Dora. She says Dora all the time. She recognizes her at the store.

If she sees a picture with mommy or daddy in it she will tell you who it is.

She will follow commands like nobody's business. If you tell her to do 2 or 3 things she can do them all.

She loves mommy to sing to her and she will clap for me when I am finished.

She is still signing alot. She will tell you when she is hungry, tired, thirsty, wants more of something, wants you to sing to her.

If she acts like something is hurting and you ask her where it hurts she will point to that area (usually it is her teeth-- those 2 yr molars)

If you ask her if she wants to sit on the big girl potty- she cries and runs away (needless to say, I think that means she is not ready to potty train) But she is very interested in the toilet and what is in it.

She has an adorable giggle and just the best smile (as you can see from the pictures). She is my most precious angel.

Chinese New Year

2007-03-04T20:33:00.000-05:00

We took Alex to her first Chinese New Year last Sunday. She looked adorable but was a bit crabby. The nap schedule was messed up so she didn't really get one. We met some really nice people, won some good prizes, ate yummy food and got to see our first lion dance. Here are a few pictures. They aren't great because our subject would not look at us or smile hardly at all.

Most all of the kids there had on their Chinese silks but Alex was the big trendsetter. Tunics are big this year, so Mommy thought since it was cold out we would do our Chinese dress over jeans. We got lots of good comments from everyone. I am sure next year it will be all the rage.

We also got a ton of comments on Alex's curly hair. Only one other little girl (Gia) had curls. Everyone seemed very fascinated by it.

SAY CHEESE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2007-03-03T05:58:00.000-05:00

Ever try to hang a shower curtain with a 20 month old standing there?

2007-02-21T08:58:00.000-05:00

OK so she isn't exactly 20 months old yet, but she will be tomorrow. Wow what an event, not only does she think that your playing a game, but she also thinks that you are trying to leave her at the same time. You know you normally have to get in the tub side of hanging a shower curtain, well once I started putting it up, Alex turned it into a game, well then I asked her to leave the curtain alone and she really started freaking out. Then to calm the freaking out, out I started playing peek-a-boo with her and then she started pulling on the curtain again. Remind me to never hang a new liner with my 20 month old standing right there. I think nap time might be a more appropriate time for something like that.
Well we have finally got the runny nose under control thanks to pedia care decongestant & cough. I just don't think that Tylenol is getting the job done. I really think that pedia care decongestant is the better product, maybe it's because you have to get it from the pharmacy now, you know it has the stuff they make meth with, kind of a shame now it is harder to get the medicine you need because of the dope heads. What dope head figured out that an ingredient in cold medicine is one of the main ingredients in crystal meth??
Poor little thing is sick and I hate to see her like this, but you know what even when she is sick she is good, I just feel bad knowing that she is sick and doesn't understand. Maybe tomorrow she will wake up and be all better. Todd>>>>

When will the runny nose END????

2007-02-19T09:04:00.000-05:00

This poor girl has had a runny nose now for a few days and the decongestant just isn't working. I feel sorry for her everytime I have to sit here and wipe that poor little nose, I just know from the looks of things that it must be hurting something terrible. She woke up this morning to the crustiest upper lip I have ever seen, nothing like starting your day off with a nice little face washing. Now just for the record, she really is tolerant to me punishing her in the morning washing the cement crusted boogers off her face, just a little fit at a time, honey.
I sit here trying to type this and she is getting into everything, she just brought me her lotion and I had to stop and lather her up, the girl is turning into a lizard in this cold weather. Nothing like a little "Grins & Giggles" lotion to smooth things out. I really like the smell also.
Alex is really trying to be good, she is growing like a weed, still not talking, don't know what the malfunction is but everyone is telling me to not get my drawers all bunched up, she will talk all in due time.
Loving fatherhood, nothing like I imagined, it's better than ........EVERYTHING. Believe me we have days, but for the most part I wouldn't trade it for anything. Nothing like being woke up in the morning hearing your daughter yelling DAD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!, DAD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I just keep waiting for her to say DADDY, this is what I want to hear. I try just about everyday to get her to add those two letters to DAD, no such luck. I guess I will keep her anyhow.
We still have the sleeping champion, this girl loves to sleep, I know if we adopt again, we will never have another that likes to sleep like this one does. Yes she still sleeps from 8P - 8A and takes 2 naps a day, I think she sleeps about 15 - 16 hours a day. No, we don't medicate just in case you think we do. When she is awake, she is full speed, there is very little time that she isn't moving. Well have to go time to go do some Dora or Doodlebops. Todd>>>>

Alex, Elmo and Ice cream

2007-02-10T21:54:00.000-05:00

We got Alex this cute Elmo that talks, knows her name and all her favorite things. As you can see from the pictures, she loves him very much.

2007-02-10T21:52:00.000-05:00

more snow pictures

2007-01-21T22:43:00.000-05:00

Snow Days

2007-01-21T22:33:00.000-05:00

Here are some pictures of my darling girl reading her book and playing in the first snow she has ever seen. She was absolutely mesmorized by it. I tugged her around in the sled that Grandma Linda got her for Christmas and she was loving it. When I took her in she kept pulling at my hand to go back out. And of course, she who puts everything in her mouth ate the snow (I told her to look out for yellow snow and don't eat that --- wink wink). She loved it outside and daddy doesn't work tomorrow so he can take her out again.

Been a while hasn't it?

2007-01-15T16:02:00.000-05:00

Well don't worry all, I am alive and well and loving life with my daughter. I was burnt out writing on the blog, but I have been itching about getting on here and doing some writing. I just got tired about writing about the same old things and I will probably sit here and write about the same old things, but what the heck its been awhile since you have heard them.
Happy new year first of all, we entered the new year without any bumps and after a great 2006, I am hoping for an even better 2007, it is so hard to believe that we have had little miss Alex for 9 months, but yes it is true. She is a walking, talking, eating, running, get in to everything machine. It is truly amazing how far she has come in the past nine months. We walked into parent hood and hardly missed a beat, yes there is a little learning curve when you start out with a 9 month old, but we worked through it just fine.
Faye is really trying to get me out and get into some baby activity during the week and we are looking at some classes hosted by Gymboree, I don't know though, do you really want me out there with all them single mommies, this girl gets some attention now. I don't know. Faye would also like me to look into some swimming lessons at the YMCA, now that is probably going to be more my speed, I really want to look no but I would prefer to wait until the weather starts breaking so I don't have to take Alex swimming and then out into a cold car.
We have had some MINOR discussions about possibly adopting another, I am on the fence, but Faye is ready to move ahead full steam. I just don't know and I refuse to get too far into it until I know for sure. Some days I do and some days I am perfectly happy with the one I have, is there anything wrong with that?
Work has been going good, we signed our new contract a couple weeks ago which means I will have a pretty secure job hopefully for the next five years. This is one of the things that was kinda putting me over the edge about adopting again, as many of you know it's not a cheap venture. Well worth the money but not cheap.
Alex still isn't talking which had me worried, but the doc says she is just fine, she likes to do sign language vs. talk and this girl is a signing machine some days. The doc let us know that she should start really talking here in the next 2 months and if not then we can start worrying. You know it is just kind of odd that there are some girls that came out of the same orphanage and are about the same age as Alex and they are talking with 3 word sentences, this is really what has worried me. Just makes me feel like I am doing something wrong sometimes. Glad I have a good doctor that reassured me that everything is fine.
Alex absolutly loves the doodle bops and I think that it is funny watching how excited she gets when they come on in the morning. Yes I have come to the conclusion that watching these shows in the morning really isn't hurting anything. Alex dances, claps, bounces up and down if sitting on my lap, this cannot be that bad of a thing. I know all the experts say that you shouldn't let your child watch TV until they are 2, but what do they know? I don't have the energy to sit and play with Alex 16 hours a day, and I think that she really is learning from the show. Like I said earlier, we really need to get into some other activities other than going to the mall and sitting here at the house watching TV.
Looking forward to the weather breaking in the spring so we can get outside and try that brand new wagon and tri-cycle that nana and pop-pop got Alex. Well I have some chores that need doing, so I will write again soon. Todd

Is it summer yet?

2007-01-11T23:53:00.000-05:00

I know it has been mild here in Ohio but we are ready for flip flop weather. Here are a few things we have done to pass the time.

My friend Stephanie and I took our girls to the mall and got their pictures taken. We had a lot of fun and the pictures turned out so cute. This is the collage that I plan on hanging in Alex's room. Notice--- little Miss Audrey has on her "squeaky" shoes we got for her when we were in China. She loves them.

Daddy said no makeup until she's older. Is toenail polish makeup? I don't think so!!! Alex was so cute-- she was so still and let me paint those toes right up. I think she is going to be a girly girl.

Alex playing peek a boo around the door. She was belly laughing doing this. I love her laugh. It makes me laugh.

This is her new easel with the magnetic numbers and letters. It is never to early to start those ABC's

pretty girl

2007-01-04T21:04:00.000-05:00

Just experimenting with the picture program on the computer. Isn't this pretty? I love B&W.

cute girl

2007-01-04T20:51:00.000-05:00

Just a few pictures of our girl. She really doesn't like getting her picture taken that is why I have so many shots looking down or sideways. I take them anyway in hopes of getting a cute shot. Sometimes she will cheese the camera for me but not often. Hope everyone had a great New Year. We didn't do much. In fact, we were in bed at 10 pm. Oh well, that's what happens when you have an 18 month old. I joined the local chapter of Families that Adopted from China so I am hoping we get to meet some other adopted babies and go to some playgroups. Of course I will post pictures when that happens.

Pink Baby Gorilla

2006-12-26T19:16:00.001-05:00

Just wanted to share these pictures of Alex. My brother sent her this furry pink coat for Christmas. Isn't she cute? We went to the mall today and she got quite a bit of attention. Thank you Uncle Scott and Aunt Tracey for all the cute clothes.

Christmas with Nana and Pop Pop

2006-12-26T00:40:00.000-05:00

Alex opening presents with Nana

Alex on her new tricycle that Nana and Pop Pop got for her.

A sweet sleeping angel.

Christmas morning with Mommy and Daddy

2006-12-26T00:36:00.000-05:00

Alex loved opening her presents. She loved the bows and boxes too.

more Christmas pictures

2006-12-26T00:25:00.000-05:00

Cousin Polly sure loves Alex and Carson

Grandma, Papoo, Mommy and Alex

Alex decided she wanted to "help" Mommy make chocolate mousse. By the time she was finished she had it all over her. I had to give her a bath. I got some cute video footage of her stirring with the spatula and beaters. She was loving that chocolate.

Alex has become addicted to cookies and candy in the last 3 days. That is all she wants so it is back to fruits and vegetables tomorrow. In almost all the Christmas pictures, she has some kind of cookie or candy in her mouth. She will do anything for M&M's. She will sign, give kisses, give hugs, say please. It is too funny.

Christmas with Grandma Winnie and Grandpa Joe

2006-12-25T23:35:00.000-05:00

We also went to Grandma Winnie's and Grandpa Joe's house on Christmas Eve. Alex had a great time playing with all her cousins. As you can tell from the picture that there were alot of them. We actually got them to pose for this picture and for about 5 minutes no one was crying or trying to get away. Great Grandma Dodo and Papoo are posing with them.
Alex really didn't like Santa much this year. She would blow him kisses and wave but didn't want to sit on him lap at all.
3 generations. (Mommy, Alex, and Grandma Winnie)
Alex liked opening presents. She liked ripping the paper.

Christmas with Grampa Jim

2006-12-25T23:27:00.000-05:00

Alex and Mommy went to Grandpa Jim's to celebrate Christmas. Aunt Kate and Aunt Hannah were there and Alex had fun playing with her cousin Mariah. Mariah would be the superstar looking cutie in the sunglasses. We also had fun with Wendy. We want to thank everyone for the wonderful presents and Grandpa Jim and Wendy the food was yummy.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY DADDY

2006-12-13T11:28:00.000-05:00

TODAY IS MY DADDY'S BIRTHDAY. I LOVE HIM VERY MUCH. HE IS THE BEST DADDY IN THE WORLD. HAPPY BIRTHDAY DADDY!!!!!!!

Christmas lights

2006-12-13T11:19:00.000-05:00

Our neighbors had a little get together on their patio the other night. They put up over 30,000 lights in their backyard. It was so pretty. We were experimenting a little with our camera. Thank you Bob and Karen.

Our Girl

2006-12-13T11:09:00.000-05:00

We haven't blogged in a while so I thought I better put on some pictures.
These are of a typical morning at our house. Alex was wanting her breakfast.
Spence (the dog dog as Alex calls him) is never far away from her when she is eating. I think she hands him food when I am not looking. He has been great with her. He lets her climb all over him and she is constantly kissing him.
Alex loves her bath. She puts the letters and numbers on the wall.
Look how long that hair is when it isn't curly. Too cute

A few more cute ones

2006-11-26T14:36:00.000-05:00

In the last week or so, Alex has just loved to have books read to her. She liked it before but she would sit for about 10 seconds and that is it. Today, I actually read her an entire book. She went and got it and sat on my lap and I read it to her. She is starting to try to count too. We counted the 10 little lady bugs in the book. I take her finger and point to each one and she laughs. Ever since we got her I have always counted her toes and now we are starting to count other things. Yea!!! My diligence is starting to pay off. Or maybe that is just what 17 month olds do. (I want to think that it is my diligence)

She said her name yesterday for the first time. It sounds like she is saying Al-ya but she is definitely referring to herself. We were looking in the mirror this morning and I pointed to her and said her name and she said Al-ya. She loves to look at herself in the mirror. She tries to give herself kisses.

Holiday in the City

2006-11-26T14:25:00.000-05:00

Last night Alex and I (mommy) went to Holiday in the City. This is a special event in Springfield, Ohio to start celebrating the holiday season. We went with our friends Stephanie, Katie, Audrey, and Steph's mom Suzanne. Audrey is about 8 months older than Alex. The girls were very cute together. Usually they don't interact too much but this time they were holding hands or should I say Alex was trying to hold Audrey's hand. Audrey shared food with Alex and they gave each other kisses and hugs. Very cute. You can see from the pictures we had a great time. Audrey loved the characters but Alex wasn't too sure about them. She would pull away if they tried to shake her hand. I am hoping we have better luck with Santa.

Super Shopper

2006-11-24T19:36:00.000-05:00

Alex and I hit the mall this morning. It was her first day after Thanksgiving shopping spree. She lasted a few hours before Nana called me and offered to take her. Here are a few pictures. My girl is too cute. She had on her new sparkle jeans and sparkle vest and the cutest hat ever. Enjoy!!!!

A few more pictures from Thanksgiving

2006-11-23T19:03:00.000-05:00

Grandpa Jim frying a turkey
Playing with Aunt Sissy outside
Daddy's girl
Pretty girl

Alex's First Thanksgiving

2006-11-23T18:54:00.000-05:00

This was our first Thanksgiving with Alex and we have alot to be thankful for this year. We went to Willard to Grandma Winnie's and Grandpa Joe's house. Alex grazed all day. She really enjoyed her food. She loved pumpkin pie and jello salad. yum yum. She was so good all day. She gave hugs and kisses to everyone. She is very social once she gets comfortable with people. Especially when there is food involved. Here are a few pictures of our day. We hope everyone's day was full of joy and fun.

17 Months old TODAY!!!!!!!!!!!

2006-11-22T10:10:00.000-05:00

The other day was kind of funny, I was out in the kitchen cooking or doing dishes, I'm pretty much always in the kitchen doing something because this girl is a little tornado. Well anyhoo, I was in the kitchen and like usual when it is quiet I know that something is happening that shouldn't be. Well I walk into the living room and see Alex standing at my computer chair staring at the computer (pictures flash on the screen as the screen saver) so I just figured that she was looking at the pictures, which she does from time to time. Well what I failed to realize was she had my wallet, well I hear her come into the kitchen and I look down and she has my credit card. Is this a sign of things to come???? This is the only thing that she pulled out of my wallet. I figured I would come back to the computer chair and find my wallet emptied on the floor, but no the only thing missing was my credit card. Hmmmmmmmmm??? Her mother is teaching her well. Kind of funny I think.
Yesterday I started putting the Christmas trees up, and want to talk about not knowing what to think. I put them up while she was taking a nap; so all she knows is that there are two (yes two) trees in the house now. For those wanting an explanation for two, I like a nice gaudy (sp.) Christmas tree and Faye like a very formal looking tree. So we put the nice pretty tree in the living room in the front window and we hide my gaudy tree in the den. Good thing about my tree is that we have been doing this since we have been married; the nice formal tree has only been around about 6 years. Last Christmas we didn’t even put a tree up because we were expecting our referral in Nov. or Dec. Who knew that the referrals would be LATE? That is all history now, this will be our first Christmas with little Miss Alexandria and we are so excited. I say gaudy because there is no real theme to it, we have colored lights and just about everything that we have collected over the years, the formal tree is all white lights with snow men and angels, that’s it. The best thing about the gaudy tree is that it gets all the presents put under it for Christmas morning; Santa Claus is a good judge.
Alex still isn’t really talking, but she is going to any day now, I think I said Christmas and we feel that is a good guesstimate. You have read below what words she is saying, but she doesn’t say them on a regular basis unless you ask her to say them for the most part. I think she will be talking and asking questions in about a month. We get the regular Ma and Dad, but I want to her that sweet DADDY come out of her mouth and mean it.

We hope everyone has a safe and happy Thanksgiving, and look forward to seeing everyone this holiday season. Take care, Todd>>>>

P.S. I would like to welcome our friends Monte and Tara and their 4 little troopers home from Germany, yes Monte was the one I posted pictures of in Iraq this time last year, well Monte has retired from the military and they just arrived home to Michigan Wednesday. Welcome home; hope to see you guys soon.

P.S.S. GO BUCKS, sorry about your luck Michigan. (OHIO STATE – BIG TEN CHAMPIONS)

Sweet Girl

2006-11-18T08:40:00.000-05:00

Alex and I met my mom, Aunt Mickey, and cousins Polly and Darcey and Darcey's son Braden. We all met up at Red Lobster in Mansfield which is the half way point between Columbus and Willard. We had a great time. You can see from the pictures that Alex loved her cousin Braden very much. She gave him lots of kisses. She also had her first sucker. Boy, she loved that. Thanks you Grandma for lunch and for the new musical book. Alex loves her new book. She dances to the music all the time. She is so cute.

Her newest things to do are:

If you ask her what a cow says she says"mmmmmmmm"
If you ask her what a monkey says she says" ooo ooo"
If she is eating and she likes it she says"mmmm mmmm"
She understands so much. I told her the other night-- let't go take a bath and she heads for the stairs, climbs them and gets her bathtub out of the closet.
She will also take her clothes off if I tell her to or at least will try.
She loves to help push the shopping cart. Of course, it takes me twice as long at the store but that's okay most of the time
She likes to give the store clerks the money or credit card to pay for things.
After she takes a drink she says "ahhhhhhh"
Usually whenever she hears any kind of music she starts dancing.
She will go get a book and sit in our laps.
I taught her to do ring around the rosie. She grabs my hand and we go around a circle and fall down. She likes the fall down part the best.
If she drops something and I say uh oh she will say " oh ".
She is really starting to try to repeat words. I am trying hard with please and thank you.
She continues to be the light of our lives.

Little Miss Ladybug

2006-11-04T16:33:00.000-05:00

Yes, our princess had 2 ladybug costumes. (one for warm weather and one for cold weather.) It only makes sense to mommy to have 2 costumes. It is October afterall and the weather is very unpredictable. It has nothing to do with the fact that they were too cute. I just call it the mommy can't help herself, things are too cute not to buy defense. Daddy just doesn't understand.

I had to bribe Alex with candy to get her to pose in this costume. She really hates the camera sometimes. Oh well, hopefully it will get better.

I just loved the red tutu.

Happy Halloween

2006-10-31T20:08:00.000-05:00

WE went trick or treating around our neighborhood. Alex the Ladybug was a big hit. She seemed to like trick or treating. She was waving to everyone and blowing them kisses. The only person she didn't like was a guy with a skeleton mask on. She pulled her pumpkin candy holder away faster than you could say boo. He took his mask off and then she was blowing him kisses. too funny.

HAPPY HALLOWEEN EVERYONE

2006-10-31T17:24:00.000-05:00

Just had to quickly jump on here before everyone thinks I've forgotten them, I don't mean to be so distant between blogs, but hey you know what it happens. Doesn't look like it is going to be a good night for trick or treaters, it is very cool and rainy here in central Ohio. We are really wanting to at least put Alex in the cutest little halloween outfit and take a couple of snapshots, but well see about that.
Alex here lately is really becoming attached to her mommy, sure sometimes it makes me feel bad that she wants her mommy so bad, but the issue I have with it is this: Normally she is really good for me when it is just her and I, well when Faye is home Alex wants to be where ever mommy is and until she gets her way she will just throw fits. Well sometimes it isn't possible for her to be with mommy and I get aggravated when all she does is screams and cries until Faye comes downstairs. This seperation anxeity is becoming nuts, we were at the mall buying a couch today and there were things that Faye needed to do, well when I would try and walk off with Alex she would go into fits until I brought her back to Faye. Now if Faye is no where to be seen she is just fine. Just don't know what to do about this whole thing, will she out grow it soon???
She is really learning by leaps and bounds, don't know if I told you last time I blogged that this girl has a mouth full of teeth now. I don't know if there are any left to come in or not. When this girl smiles, she smiles.
Most days I really think that she is getting bored with her toys and surrounding, I like when we take her out because it gives her new surroundings and thing to look at and play with. Looking forward to Christmas, this will give us some new things to play with at least until spring gets here and we can play outside. We cannot wait to take Alex to the mall so she can sit on Santa's lap and tell him "Ho HO HO" she is getting good. Looking forward to seeing her open gifts at Christmas time. Todd>>>>

A beautiful autumn day

2006-10-29T09:56:00.000-05:00

some more good ones

2006-10-28T22:20:00.000-04:00

some of Mommy's favorite pics

2006-10-28T22:10:00.000-04:00

A few more cute pics of Our Little Buckeye

2006-10-28T21:58:00.000-04:00

Things mommy loves about Alex

2006-10-28T21:22:00.000-04:00

Alex is learning new things by leaps and bounds. Every day is something new. She never ceases to amaze me. Here are some of her new things that I think are so adorable.
1. Whenever she does something and I say good girl she will clap for herself.

2. I ask her what Santa Claus says and she says "hhh hhh hhh" (her ho ho ho is getting better every day.

3. I ask her how old she is and she touches her pointy finger to mine and I say your one and she laughs.

4. when she is done with breakfast I ask her what she wants now and she signs milk very insistently

5. when she does something bad and I am reprimanding her she leans toward me and wants to give me kisses. too cute

6. when you ask her if shes dancing she starts bobbing her head and shaking her booty.

7. she is saying ma, da da, dog dog, eyes, Scott, pop pop, na na, yes. She also signs milk, all done, more and we are working on please and thank you.

8. if you ask her if she wants something she will say yes and shake her head yes very emphatically.

9. she is becoming very independent. she wants out of the grocery cart so she can push it herself. she understands so much. She will throw something away, she will get a book, she will sit in her chair all if you tell her to.

10. she knows where her nose, eyes, ears, hair, bellybutton, toes, knees, teeth,and tongue are.

11. she is really starting to like books. she will get one and sit in your lap and let you read to her (for a few minutes at least)

12. today I was listening to the OSU game and they scored a touchdown. I threw up my arms and said "Touchdown" and she threw up her arms too so I kept saying touchdown and she kept throwing up her arms.

She is our little angel. She loves to give kisses and hugs. She is very loving. Just thought I would give you an update on her progress and post a few more pictures. The one in her swimsuit is from the summer but I just thought it was too cute.

More pics from our trip

2006-10-18T23:14:00.000-04:00

Here's the pictures

2006-10-18T23:07:00.000-04:00

Sorry here are the picutes, I don't know what is going on with blogger and it's failure to load pictures half the time. Sorry, Todd>>>>

We're back!

2006-10-18T15:47:00.000-04:00

How's it going everyone? Faye, Alex and I just got back from visiting the east coast. We spent the last few days visiting our friends that live over in Delaware and Fayes brother and girlfriend that live in Maryland. We had a really good time and we want to congratulate our friends Denise and Eric on the birth of their brand new daughter Isabelle. Isabelle was born on the 7th and is quite the little bundle of joy for them, congratulations once again Denise and Eric.
After a brief visit over to Delaware we drove back to Maryland (We landed at BWI) we decided to move in with Faye's brother Scott and girlfriend Tracey for a few days. Alex was very good for the most part, but come on she's almost 16 months old. She was into everything and that makes it kind of hard since Scott and Tracey have no kids, you know what I am talking about, she was into everything that she shouldn't have been into.
We had a good time visiting, we played games, went out to the local malls and ate. By "ATE" I mean we went to Wet Willys and had Blue Crabs and they were excellent, we miss blue crabs since we no longer live on the east coast, so the only time we get them is when we go over and visit. If you live on the east coast you know what I am talking about, if you don't then you are probably wondering what in the world I am talking about. Visit google if you want to really know or you can call someone on the east coast and they will explain things to you.
Anyhoo, just wanted to jump on here and let everyone know that we are back and post a few pics. Todd>>>>

I really tried to post yesterday, but I was too pooped

2006-10-10T17:07:00.000-04:00

All I wanted to do yesterday was get on here and wish our Alex a happy 6 month anniversary, but I was wiped out. But today will be just as good. Hard to believe that it has been only 6 months, it really does seem like she has been with us forever. I was looking back through the pictures earlier and I really just cannot belive that she has only been in our lives for 6 little months, and boy has it gone by pretty fast.
She is getting so big (Oh yeah she finally hit 20lbs.) and she is just so smart. Still not talking other than "DOG DOG", come on girl give us something else, no cussing.
This child likes to sleep, we are still taking 2 naps a day, at least when I have her, no real problems putting her down. She sleeps all night also. She is really gaining an opinion on what she is eating, but still pretty much eats everything that we put in front of her. (speaking of naps, she just woke up)
Well I just wanted to jump on here real quick and say "Happy 6 month Alex" mommy and daddy love you so much. Todd>>>>

You know what? We already have our pot of gold.

2006-10-05T18:55:00.000-04:00

Look at me MOMMY!

2006-10-05T10:59:00.001-04:00

Do I approve of this? NO I don't, but Faye caught her standing in her high chair - again. No matter how tight I tighten her lap belt, she manages to squirm out of it and stand up. I guess she didn't learn when she fell out of her crib. I really try and keep an eye on her now, but normally I am doing the dishes and I will look over and there she stands. Oh well they made for some cute photos. Todd>>>>

2006-09-22T10:25:00.000-04:00

Just pictures

2006-09-22T09:36:00.000-04:00

Just a few things to get used to as a new dad (I've gotten used to them)

2006-09-14T15:21:00.000-04:00

1. The whole diaper thing, it really isn't that bad. After a few attemps at it I have it pretty much down to about a minute for a #1 and 30 seconds for a #2 (Just kidding) as long as it isn't too messy it goes pretty quick. Learn to breath through your mouth. Don't worry your going to get it on your hands, on the changing pad ect. there is nothing you can do about it. Just know that it WILL happen. Just wait until the first time your child grabs the creamy diaper and starts flinging it around because you didn't get it out from under them fast enough.

2. Get used to them falling, it really didn't take me long, I still have to tell my dad to just let her go, it's not the first time or the last time she's going to fall.

3. The whole eating thing, it's hit and miss. One day they will love everything that you give them and the next day you could feed them the exact same things and they won't touch them. Now I feel that we have been very fortunate, Alex eats just about everything, but she is starting to show some dislike for a couple of thing. She doesn't care for the pasta pick-ups or green beans. Now when we first gave them to her she loved them, she would clean her plate, now she won't touch them. Well she touches them and throws them all over the place. Just put them in your mouth sweetie!

4. If you don't want her to get into it, then lock it in a safe. This child started walking and has moved into overdrive, she is out of control somedays. She will actually stand there and turn the outside lights on and off for 10 minutes. Thank god it's during daylight hours or the neighbors would think we're nuts. It would look like a freaking light show outside. Were going to have to explain the electric bill to her one of these days. Maybe she can contribute.

5. Murphys law here, you get your child all gussied up to take them for their pictures, you get there and all they want is you and they refuse to be put down. Now here is our delimma, we took Alex to the mall the other day, and one of the cute little teenie boppers standing outside the picture people says come in for a free portriat and no sitting fee. Well of course we do and granted she had a cute outfit on, it wasn't something that we were prepared to have her photos taken in. Wouldn't you know it, she was loving the camera, smiling, giggling, and then wham. They have her standing in this flower pot and she falls over backwards and the bloody nose is running all over the place. Just our luck. Now granted we did end up with some cute photos and ending up purchasing a few of the photos. Exactly what the picture people wanted minus the bloody nose.

Well that is all I have for now, I'll write when I have more. Todd>>>>

To make up for her big fall, which was my fault

2006-09-14T15:11:00.000-04:00

We went and got Alexandria her very first build a bear, I really tried to get her to pick one out (by her response), but she gave the same response for all of them. I was hoping that she would just reach out for one different than the others, but no luck. So she got the one that I thought was the best for her at this age. Also they told me that this bear was completely washable, we'll see about that. I really want this to be a special bear. I don't know they are always getting different styles of teddies in that place, maybe that will be something for Alex and I to share on special occasions. Who knows? Todd>>>>

Wanna talk about freaked out

2006-09-14T13:02:00.000-04:00

Today I laid Alex down for her morning nap, she went down with no problems. Well I got to my morning routine and after that I decided to clean the bathroom, when I finished that I took all the bath mats, towels and wash cloths to the basement. When I was on my way to the basement I heard Alex babbling, I said to myself your just gonna have to wait, well was I ever wrong, on my way back up stair I hear "THUD" and her screaming at the top of her lungs. I knew it had finally happened, she fell out of her crib. In a flash of light I was to the top of the stairs and there she is on the bedroom floor looking up at me and I scooped her off the floor and that was it. Next thing (Thankfully) was her looking at me smiling. The only thing I can guess is that she landed OK, but the fall freaked her out and that is what caused the crying. I have looked her over about a dozen times just to make sure that there isn't anything visibably wrong.
Needless to say her crib mattress got lowered all the way down, she will need a step stool to get out of her crib now. The girl is growing like wildfire, I knew that I needed to lower her mattress, but I just didn't think that she had the upper body strength to pull up over the rail. LESSON LEARNED, don't under estimate the strength of a child that wants out of their crib. TOdd>>>>

Cutie Pie

2006-09-10T08:22:00.001-04:00

Hi Everyone, this is mommy writing. I thought I would post some pictures of our sweetie. Daddy went to the store and bought some magnetic letters to put on the refridgerator. It is never too early to start learning. I love hats and bows and Alex, well, she usually doesn't, but this day we went to the park I put her hat on and it was sideways and I was adjusting it and she was wanting me to put it back on. YEA!!! I was so excited, but alas, it only lasted that day. She is back to pulling it off every 10 seconds. But I will keep trying.

How about this???

2006-09-01T00:36:00.000-04:00

Yesterday, little miss independant was out in the dining room while I was cooking dinner (normally she is under my feet) and I just knew that it was a little too quiet. What do I look around the corner and see, my daughter is trying to feed the doggie DIRT. Luckily I have a smart dog, but I do have a mess to clean up none the less. Just finding it funny that a little over a week ago she started walking, now I think she is ready to go to work. Today she was just way more independant than I have ever seen before, normally while I am cooking she is right there under my feet dragging all the pots and pans out of the cabinets. Part of me is happy for this, but other parts already feels that "I don't need you" attitude. HMMMMMMMMM! Todd>>>>

Does it always have to be "NO" ?

2006-08-30T15:21:00.000-04:00

It seems like that is all I say to this child anymore. Alex, put that down!, Alex, put that back!, Alex, get out of there, are you getting my drift? Well I woke up this morning and realized exactly how much I tell this child "NO" and I started feeling bad. Am I feeling bad because I didn't gate off or put the things up that I don't want her messing with or touching, or do I just feel that she needs to learn what she can and cannot play/mess with.

For example, mommy left her purse where Alex could get into it, should I be telling Alex "no" don't mess with mommies purse, or should I pick it up and put it where she cannot get into it? These are the kind of thoughts that I have been dealing with lately. See now I believe that she really should learn what she can and cannot play with by us letting her know weather it's allowed or not. Should I really have to get up and move it or should I just keep telling her "NO"?

You know Faye and I still haven't really baby-proofed the house, we just pretty much stay on top of things, she does know a lot of the things that she is allowed to mess with, for example when I am cooking I have no problems with her opening the cabinets and pulling out the pots and pans, it only takes me a second to put them up when she is done, but right behind the cabinet is about a half dozen bottles of wine on a rack that she just really hasn't tried to touch lately because I keep telling her "NO". Now I do keep a pretty good eye on her due to if she broke one of those bottles there would be glass everywhere. I just keep thinking that if I keep telling her "NO" she won't mess with them anymore. But here is the thought, what happens when I begin trusting her and stop watching her every second of the day, and she does get a hold of one of those bottles? I know, I know I keep answering my own questions, but do I really need to put them up or just keep telling her "NO" and keep in the back of my mind that things are going to get broken and this is just a lesson in life?

See my point here, or does it keep going in circles?

Next week I am going and getting her drivers license, at the rate I am expecting this child to grow up she will be driving.

YET ANOTHER REASON TO TELL HER "NO"

You know I just don't want my child to be that one that everyone talks about after you leave someones house. You know the one that is out of control and no one wants to invite you back over because your kids? I guess it bothers me when I'm out at a resturant and someones kid is running all over the place and you just want to get up and slap the parents, this is who I don't want to be. I truely understand that kids are kids, but what about the couple that is out for the night away from their kids, should they have to put up with yours???

****NOTE IF THIS IS YOU, THEN KINDLY STOP****no-one wants to go out to dinner and have it interrupted by your out of control kids. If you want to let your kids act like animals, then take them to the zoo.

Does this make it alright to keep saying "NO"

****I tell my child everyday that I love her, I praise her for all the good. I really don't want to sound like I am raising a soldier, I know that she is just a baby. I just wonder if it is good to be saying "NO" all the time? How much of the day should you spend telling her "NO"? Do you just keep telling her until she gets it or do you take the problem(s) out of the equation? Todd>>>>

Another day at the zoo.....Our first Merry-go-round ride

2006-08-29T18:07:00.000-04:00

Double pigtales

2006-08-28T13:04:00.000-04:00

Boy you want to talk about excitement

2006-08-28T12:42:00.000-04:00

I think everyone in the blogging community that has adopted from China is sitting waiting to hear from Mary and Rod over at "Do they have salsa in China" blog, today is their lucky day. Last I saw over there, the phone was ringing and they said it was their agency.

Well I didn't realize how hard it would actually hit me, I almost started blubbering, it just brought back my referral day phone call and it was almost overwhelming. I do however remember the day and I remember the excitement, the only problem was I didn't have anyone to share that day with, Faye had to work and almost everyone else I knew had to work, now granted I did call Faye immediately at work, but it just wasn't the same. Just for future refrence, take the day off, if you know that is the day.

I still remember our coordinator saying "Hi Todd, this is Nikki, I have your referral" What a great day, shame I didn't video tape it or something like that. I do have the paper that I (sloppy) wrote all the information on. Boy was I excited, kind of like when your wife tell you your going to be a dad for the first time. Not that I know exactly what that feels like, but I imagine that they are pretty close to being the same. Who knows, maybe this is better, I know that the wait is longer.

Now that it is almost 5 months in the past, part of it feels like yesteday, and other times it feels like we have had this child since "Forever", I have trouble remembering times without her now. I am just so grateful for everthing that I (we) have and I just had a little flash back with everything that is going on over at Mary's and it brings back such awesome memories.

If you haven't been over to "Do they have salsa" go to the link on the right hand side and say "Congratulations" they really deserve it. Mary is extremely helpful when it comes to keeping people up to date on what is happening in the International adoption community. Just wanted to say thanks, Todd>>>>

I think we might finally have a walker (not positive though)

2006-08-22T16:39:00.000-04:00

Yesterday our babysitter Kim dropped Alex off and to my surprise she was walking. According to Faye she wasn't doing that when she dropped her off. Well I brought her inside and she was really crusing the funiture and taking maybe one or two steps without assistance. Well I carried here down to see her Grandparents and the first thing that she does is walk from me to her Nana, I was so proud, no encouraging, no push, she just finally let go and did some walking. Now I know not to get my hopes up, but she let go multiple times, this just wasn't a one timer like before, this girl is ready to go. Might be time to finally install those baby gates on the stairs.

****sorry had to remove the photo, messing up the blog. Need to resize it. ****

Now just let me clarify that as of this morning and afternoon she has yet to walk on her own, she is really crawling fast though and I have been carrying the video camera around with me just in case.

This morning we woke up to her first bloody nose, well she actually had it before I got in the room, there was some blood on her bed sheet, bumper and some on the rail of the crib. Now when I saw that I really did question weather it was blood or pooh, I hate to say this but I was hoping for the later. When I realized it was blood and there was blood on her wash cloth (she sleeps with a wash cloth, like some kids with a binky or favorite blanket) I really did tell myself "don't panic" all I could think of is this poor girl fell in her crib and knocked her tooth out, well she wouldn't open her mouth and let me look, so I brought her downstairs and started changing her diaper when I could finally see the crustys around one of her nostrels. What a relief, I figured if it was a tooth she wouldn't eat all day and I wouldn't know what to do. I just really don't want to make a habit of going to the doctor.

Haven't heard from many people lately, I hope everyone is having a great summer and look forward to seeing everyone soon. Todd>>>>

Trying to keep up

2006-08-22T11:18:00.000-04:00

A day at the park (well more like a half hour)

2006-08-15T15:11:00.000-04:00

Today is the first day that I have taken Alex to the park, the park isn't too far from the house, so we walked over. I didn't quite know how far to push her on the swing, but it didn't take long to figure out that I wasn't doing it hard enough. The girl is a daredevil, the higher I pushed her the more she giggled and laughed, once again my camera didn't perform very well, I took 25 picutures and 15 were blurry or out of focus. I did however get a few good shots and a couple I could salvage even though they aren't focused very well. We had fun for the short period of time we were there, we will go back often now that I know how much she liked it. Todd>>>>

Getting ready for the fair

2006-08-15T10:53:00.000-04:00

Last Thursday we all went to the Ohio State fair and had a really good time, Alex was excited to see all the sights and animals. We also had to try some of the really good fair food, cheese on a stick, corn dogs, elephant ears, fair fries and so on. Nothing beats fair food if you just don't care what you are putting in your body for a day.
Also you can see from the pictures that Alex got to see (kiss) a baby duck at one of the exibits, the girl there actually got one out and let Alex touch it and then Faye said "kisses" and she puckered right up and the duck seemed to know right what to do. It was just too cute, I wish the picture was a little more in focus, but oh well.
Unfortunatly we didn't get to ride any rides, Alex just wasn't big enough. We were going to ride the merry go round, but decided to wait until we go to the zoo next time. I just don't know if I am comfortable with my baby riding fair rides. The zoo has this merry go round all year round and I think it is maintained very well. Just my opinion though.
By the end of the day we were all exhausted and ready to come home, I think we spent about 6 or 7 hours at the fair and that was enough for Alex's first fair. Hopefully next year we will be able to send Alex on a couple of rides and I will get some more pictures. Todd>>>>

Spending the day at the pool with Monika

2006-08-08T08:34:00.000-04:00

Thanks Monika for allowing us to come over and spend they day with you, we went and had lunch, and we also went to the pool for a couple of hours, with the heat it was cool treat. Thanks

Sophie Lu is getting a big sister

2006-08-07T15:17:00.000-04:00

Just in case anyone follows the "Waiting for Sohie" blog, you will be happy to know that Michael and Shana are adopting again. Follow their newest adventure at the link listed below:

Princess Isabella<

Water baby (Continued)

2006-08-01T08:19:00.000-04:00

Alex is by far a water baby, she absolutely loves the water

2006-08-01T08:17:00.000-04:00

Gullett Family reunion

2006-08-01T08:15:00.000-04:00

Visiting with Grandpa Joe & Grandma Winnie

2006-08-01T08:13:00.000-04:00

Visiting with Grandpa Joe & Grandma Winnie

2006-08-01T08:09:00.000-04:00

Yoda, you will be missed

2006-07-31T15:44:00.000-04:00

Yesterday, Sunday July 30, Yoda left us for doggy heaven. Yoda "Marie" "Little fella" Ringer passed away very unexpectantly at the age of I believe 12 or 13. Saturday he spent the day mingling with over 100 people at the Gullett family reunion. He spent the day swimming and eating whatever scraps of food he could manage to find. The little guy was always a big part of going and visiting Faye's mom and her husband Joe. This was by far Joe's dog, and pretty much anytime you saw him sleeping he was normally at Joe's feet or on his lap especially at night. RIP Yoda you will be missed.

This girl is just so cute, I can't stand it

2006-07-26T09:25:00.000-04:00

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Faye and Alex just got back from a visit with friends on the east coast, Delaware to be exact. They were gone for about 6 days and by the end I was missing my girls alot. Well last night when they got home I knew exactly how much Alex missed me, she was giving me big hugs and a few kisses (she is stingy with the kisses anymore). I couldn't believe how clingy she was being with me, I was worried the time away might make her forget me or at least want her mommy more, well I was wrong. I also couldn't believe how much I really wanted to hug them both, normally when Faye goes away I actually enjoy the time to myself, well not this time. I simply couldn't wait for them to get back.

The time away did some good for Alex, now that she is back I see exactly how much she is learning. When you see your child everyday, you don't realize how much they are learning on a daily basis, well let your child leave for about a week and see what they know when they return, it's amazing.

While in Delaware Faye took Alex to the beach and like I figured Alex wanted nothing to do with the sand, this is no big surprise as she doesn't like the grass. However she loved the big ocean, all of Faye's friends took turns taking her right to the edge of the water and let her play. Must be like bath time in her eyes, all she knows is that she is getting wet and loves the water. Faye took plenty of pictures, but not many of them turned out, I think that Alex has learned what the camera is and is now for the most part refusing to look at it. I will attach what picutes I can, but like I said they are few and far between. Todd>>>>

Our little buckeye

2006-07-25T13:26:00.000-04:00

3+ months and counting

2006-07-11T14:54:00.000-04:00

Well all, it has now been over 3 months that Alexandria has been with Faye and I and there isn't a day that goes by that I am not grateful in one way or another. Have we had our moments? YES!!! but those few moments in no way changes the love and just unexplainable emotions I have for this child. Alexandria is currently up taking her afternoon nap (yes she is still napping twice a day). I know that it has been a while since I have wrote, but you really just want to see pictures anyhow. I have been very busy and will continue with that trend for a couple more weeks, lots of work going on around the house and Faye's dad is coming to help me put a deck on the house next week so I probably won't post much between now and then.

Alexandria is growing by leaps and bounds, I think she has sprouted about an inch a month since we have had her, but she isn't putting on a lot of weight, and that isn't our fault at all, this girl eats like a champion and the doc say she is just going through growth spurts. I think she weights almost 19 lbs. this past visit, we are looking forward to that 20 lbs. so we can officailly turn the car seats around.

She still won't walk on her own, hasn't worked up the nerve to just let go. She will walk between Faye and I, but won't do it on her own, we have to encourage her almost every time. My brother cruises that girl around the house and you would think that she was going to run first. I give her till the end of the month and I think we might have something, but I also said the same thing last month I think. Not much in the talking department either, we get the occasional dada or mama, but nothing official for the most part it is still babbling. I look forward to her asking for me and meaning it.

Faye and I have discussed going back and getting another baby, but for the most part it has been just that, a discussion. Don't know if we want more than one, some days we do and some days we don't. Is it really a bad thing to just have one? I consider this one such a blessing, I just don't know if I can handle more than one. We do know that if we are going to do it again we have to get our butts in gear, the wait is getting longer and longer, we don't want alex to be 10 by the time we decide to do this. We aren't getting any younger. Well I have to go, will try and write again soon. Take care, Todd>>>>

I just love this child in black & white photo's

2006-07-11T14:52:00.000-04:00

Brushey, Brushey, Bed time

2006-07-11T14:47:00.000-04:00

2006-07-05T21:06:00.000-04:00

Happy 4th of July EVERYONE!!!!!

2006-07-04T10:08:00.000-04:00

2006-07-02T17:43:00.000-04:00

How is this for cute outfits?

2006-06-30T13:35:00.000-04:00

Bubbles and some new friends

2006-06-28T14:53:00.000-04:00

Alexandria and mommy shared a desert for their birthdays last Thursday at lunch, I forgot to download the picture off the camera. Also our neighbors Paul and Nancy stopped by for a meet and greet, Alexandria really enjoys meeting new people. Last but not least while waiting for mommy to get home from work I blew some bubbles and she really thought that was fun. Gotta get back to work, Todd>>>>

The new referral batch is up over at Mary's

2006-06-27T13:52:00.000-04:00

There are a bunch of new referrals up over at "Do they have salsa in china" Figured I would post this so anyone interested could go take a look.

Do they have salsa in china

Is today going to be one of those days????

2006-06-27T12:53:00.000-04:00

Boy oh boy, what did I do to deserve this. Other than Alexandria opening and closing the door to our Florida room about 50 times and standing there laughing about it, this girl has been quite the hand full. She woke me up at about 6:15am this morning, well I just tried to ignore her until about 7, we got up went down and made breakfast, had a little milk (yeah she's on milk now) and spent the next 1 1/2 hours playing and she produced her first dootie of the day for me.

About 9 - 9:15 I went to put her down for her first nap, what a surprise, she didn't want to sleep, about about 35 minutes of listening to her cry I went up and got her and we came back down and played more. Well she played for about 2 minutes and then went back to opening and closing the door in the room. Then guess how surprised I was when she produced yet another dootie. Thats my girl, and I still think its funny watching her produce them, such concentration.

Well now we are working on about 11:30 and this girl is starting to get very crabby, so I figure lunch and then nap time, well boy was it ever a lunch. We started off with a little temper tantrum when I put her in her high chair, and heaven forbid that the food wasn't right there, the tantrum increased. I was worried that the neighbors were going to think I was beating her. Well once the food arrived she calmed down, I gave her another sippy cup of milk and it was quiet for about 5 minutes, or shall I say until she was done, then whamo back to throwing the temper tantrum that she had started 10 minutes before. I gave her that look, mind you I was now moping the kitchen floor, needless to say I got her cleaned up, got her out of that high chair and straight to bed she went.

Now I can breath a breath of fresh air, sit down and write a little blog entry and hope she sleeps for about 3 hours (knock on wood). All I can say is that I hope she wakes up on the right side of the bed this time. I know that she is cutting more teeth and that is probably her problem, but I really don't like temper tantrums, I don't do well with them, my therapy for them is to sit there and watch her throw them, I will not answer that call unless I absolutely have to. Hopefully the day will get better. Todd>>>>

Just a few more pictures

2006-06-21T23:44:00.000-04:00

Happy 40th Birthday to that other special person in my life

2006-06-21T15:54:00.000-04:00

Tomorrow is also my wifes 40th birthday, everyone please help me wish Faye a happy 40th birthday. What a coincedence that Alex's and Faye's birthdays are on the same day and they are only 39 years apart. What a great thing for mommy and baby to share the same birthday.

Just kidding, Faye won't be 40, she will only be 30 something, but I like making fun of her and teasing her anyway. I hope that she reads the top before she see's this down here at the bottom and freaks out. Happy birthday Faye, we love you.

Someone is having a birthday tomorrow

2006-06-21T15:01:00.000-04:00

Alexandria Grace will be 1 tomorrow, we did celebrate her birthday this past Sunday, and a good time was had by all, we appreciate everyone who came to the party, sorry we had to keep it somewhat small, due to lack of room. Hopefully next year will be a bigger event, this year had to be reduced due to the fact that I just ripped the deck off the house in hopes of getting a new one built.

Alex got all kinds of gifts and really seemed to enjoy her first cupcake with icing. The rest of us had a picnic style buffet and cake. We also got a few donations to start her up a college fund, which I will be setting up hopefully tomorrow on her real birthday. It is so hard to believe that we are already celebrating her first birthday, it seems like yesterday she was handed to us and she was barely 9 months old. She continues to grow and learn faster than I could have ever imagined, it does make me a little sad to see her growing up so fast, but at the same time I really enjoy seeing her learn things that we are teaching her(some things I wish she would forget). Being a dad is great, everything I had imagined plus some.

Happy Birthday Alexandria
Love, Mommy and Daddy

Happy Fathers day to my good buddy Monte

2006-06-19T10:09:00.000-04:00

Unfortunatly Monte is spending his fathers day in Iraq, and I know that he really wishes he could be spending the day doing what dads do on fathers day. Just wanted to give him a little air time and let him know that we are thinking of him and to remind those of us who may have forgotten that there are people that are still in harms way that need to be thought of on a day like this. Hurry home Monte, I know that you have 4 little ones that can't wait to see you. We can't wait to see you guys in late 2006, early 2007. Glad to hear you had fun on your little helicopter ride. Take care, Todd>>>>

Then/Now

2006-06-13T10:33:00.000-04:00

The top picture is the second day we had Alexandria and the clothes we put her in were way too big, well this past Saturday Faye put her in the same outfit, and as you can see, she has grown right into those clothes, she is just a couple of months behind.

WOW!!! WHAT A SLOB (How's this for messy face?)

2006-06-13T10:27:00.000-04:00

JUST WAIT (Edited)

2006-06-13T10:02:00.000-04:00

Well the wife has made me feel guilty about writing this post, so I have now erased it and spared everyone who said "Just wait" the question of "Is he talking about me"? All I was trying to say was when someones kid does something that you wished your kid did, don't tell them "Just wait" and hope that it changes. Sorry if you didn't get to read the original post, I know that this post will now sound confusing. Oh well my kid is still a great eater and sleeper. Todd>>>>

2 Months and counting

2006-06-10T07:41:00.000-04:00

Yesterday was 2 months since gotcha day, it really has gone by fast. Some of it truly hasn't sunk in yet. It's so hard to believe that Faye and I are parents of such a wonderful beautiful little girl. We have had a couple of up and down days, which is to be expected, but for the most part this girl is really good.

She is learning new stuff by the day, still not talking, she does say da-da, but I really don't believe that she knows what it means yet.

I pick her up and pat her back, and she does the same thing in return, which I find really cute.

She is climbing the stairs, which I really don't like, but she has to learn sometime right???

We still don't have baby gate 1, does that make us bad parents??? We know we need to get this done ASAP since we have a house full of stairs.

When she sneezes she smiles and waits for us to say bless you.

She claps and bops to music, I think we have a baby that is going to love music, I turn the TV on and she ignores it, I turn the radio on and she seems to pay attention.

She loves to play patty-cake with mommy, and she will show you her toes if you ask "where are your toes".

I know that none of these thing are adding up to baby einstein, but it is progress. Everyday is a blessing with this little girl, even when she takes her entire breakfast and throws it on the floor 20 seconds after I give it to her. The past 2 months have been a blast and I am looking forward to the next 500. We are getting ready to celebrate her 1st birthday, what a grand day that will be for her. I am looking forward to seeing her dig into her very own birthday cake, I'll make sure that I get it on video. Well until next time everyone take care, Todd>>>>

2006-06-06T16:01:00.000-04:00

Caught some cute photo's over the past couple days. 1. Can you believe how smart this girl is, she can already spell her name with blocks. (Hmmmmmmmmmmm???) 2. Faye caught her sleeping in her crib like this. 3.Today I took her to one of the local malls and she fell asleep on the way home. She is just like her mom, put her in a car and it is time to sleep. 4. The last photo is my dad, he likes to stand her on the floor and let her go, she normally will stand there for a couple of second before she realizes that he isn't holding her anymore. She loves it, she thinks it's a game. She also like all the funny noises he makes when doing it.

Congratulations to my sister in law Miss HannahB

2006-06-06T14:36:00.000-04:00

Congratulations Hannah, sorry I couldn't be there, but I really am excited and proud of you for getting this done. Good luck in what ever you decide to do in the future, Faye tell me that you are thinking about massage therapy school, well I really do hope you do this and I totally expect to reap the benefits in the future. Congratulations once again, and I will see you soon. Todd>>>>

We love to eat!!!!!!!!!!(repost)

2006-06-01T22:31:00.000-04:00

Forgot to add this photo of cute little Lily (we had 2 Lily's), what a little eater she is. She is also one of Alexandria's orphange sisters.
We have a new contender for the messy face competition, this is after waffles and blackberry jam.
I'm guessing that we're not doing something right cause Lily is winning the messy face competition.
Lily's mom and dad say this girl likes pizza, well I'm assuming that she really does. Isn't she just the cutest little girl.

A day at the Columbus Arts Festival

2006-06-01T15:33:00.000-04:00

Today Alexandria, Faye and I went downtown to the Arts Festival, wasn't too bad to start with, then the rain came. The rain wasn't bad until it stopped. WOW did it become humid, I felt like I was being steamed for dinner. The weather was naturally WRONG here in central Ohio, they said we were supposed to have a high of 77 and it was in the mid 80's and with that humidity it felt like it was in the 90's. Like usual we didn't buy anything, whoever made up that saying "starving artist" I really do understand why. $1700.00 for a photograph framed and matted????? well if you are selling these then you aren't starving, your eating better than most. Was the photo nice?? YES, was it worth $1700??? I don't know, but if your not selling them then I understand why you are starving, and think if I bought one for that price I would be starving too. All I am trying to say is that some people are out of their minds, I do believe that there are some things worth the money and some of the stuff seems fairly priced, but for a photograph to cost as much as they did I don't know and it seems that is always what I want to buy when I am there. Guess I'll just have to keep taking pictures of my own. Hopefully one day, Todd>>>>

Uncle Scot sure is FUN!!!!!

2006-06-01T10:32:00.000-04:00

This is Alexandria having lots of fun with Uncle Scot, when Faye and I have had enough excitement with Alex, we unload her with Nana and Grandpa, well who else is there other than Alexandria's Uncle Scot and boy does she have fun. Yesterday Scot put her in the laundry basket and pushed her around and boy did she love it. I showed up just in time to take some photos and see exactly how excited she gets when Uncle Scot plays with her. I'm very happy to see how well she does when we take her down to visit with everyone, Nana is really starting to load up on the toys and she sure does love all the new things they have gotten her.

2006-06-01T07:51:00.000-04:00

2006-05-31T11:22:00.000-04:00

Hello all, again

2006-05-30T05:13:00.000-04:00

Sorry about the delay in posting, just honestly haven't much been in the mood, or had the time. As you can see from the time stamp I am up rather early, didn't have much luck in the sleeping department this morning. Nothing new just wanting to get on here and write something, most everyone knows about my Las Vegas journey and what fun it was. While I was gone to Vegas, Faye and Alexandria went and visited our friends Rebecca and Bryan and their 3 wonderful children (see pictures below) Lily and Alexandria were orphange sisters, and Faye and I would really like to see Alexandria grow up and know the other children that were in the oprhange with her. This was her first visit with Lily since we left China, and from what Faye tells me they all had a very good time, and I look forward to being there the next time.

We now have an extremely mobile baby, and to be perfectly honest I don't know if I like that or not. It was easier before when you just put her down and she stayed put, I now have to keep a very close eye on her and that is really cramping my blog time. We are on the verge of walking, she needs very little assistance walking now but she just won't let go. We still don't have really any talking other than babble, I just know that she will call me daddy any day now.

Sorry to be short, but I'm going back to bed, talk again soon, Todd>>>>

Got photos

2006-05-29T17:11:00.000-04:00

Got Photos?????

2006-05-29T17:07:00.000-04:00

Wanna know where I've been???

2006-05-26T11:59:00.000-04:00

See my other blog Whattajoke. Link is located over on the right hand side. Todd