Thursday, December 25, 2008

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Buon Natale from Italy!

We left Baltimore to Philadelphia by car to catch a direct flight to Rome. Finally arrived 8:30am Christmas Eve. Cupcake woke up in Rome. As the plane hit the ground she asked, Are we in It a Lee. She was an amazing traveler!

Wishing everyone, especially my friends I forgot to call....Merry Christmas.

Saturday, December 13, 2008

No. 73

Some exciting news, Finally got Cupcake's US Passport yesterday so we can share a big surprise this winter.  We are going to some really  cool places.  Details to follow.  I am figuring out how to use the new laptop so I can blog a little.


Happy 3rd Birthday Leif! I wanted to share some photos of us from the past year but I will add later. 
 







Wednesday, November 26, 2008

No. 72

Waking around 6 am leads me back to bloggerworld. Amongst a few emails, calls, and messages.

The past year I came to a crossroads with blogging. Sharing some of my daughter's life with the world seemed a bit strange.

Cupcake and I talk alot. A matter of fact she requests that we talk from the moment we snuggle in the morning to the second I switch out the lights.

Looking forward to reconnecting & meeting new bloggers.

Wishing you & your family a Happy Thanksgiving.


Tuesday, November 18, 2008

No. 71

Queen size changes have occurred! I can't believe PROJECT PINK is no more. I will confess to not missing bottles or diapers.The stackers & baby toys replaced dress-up chests & Legos. The toy chest has been replaced with an arts & crafts station. The popper, fisher price house & piano are gone too. Nothing made my eyes water like watching the crib being removed and the big girl bed being set up. WOW- I am not giving up the baby blanket yet!



Wednesday, October 29, 2008

No.70

On our way into NYC on Thursday. We got to hang out with Aunt Reesy who flew in from LA for work but found a weekend to go shopping with the girls. Accidentally we were the first in line at Macy's Herald Square when they were about to cut the ribbons for Macy's 150th Birthday. The first 150 people got $15 COUPONS so we got them but the balloon was the prize of the day for Cupcake. After our weekend we stopped by Cupcake's boyfriend's house for the night before catchiingour flight home. They had a blast. From bubble baths to rockin' music they laughed and played until they crashed. What a blast!














Friday, October 3, 2008

No. 69

Surprise, We are here with pics to share. Here is a little of Cupcake's 3rd birthday. Winter is coming quickly so I want to catch up a bit before Christmas. We are having a blast. Cupcake is doing well in school. I never could have imagined a year ago she would be where she is today. Food is always an issue for me not here. She is perfectly happy eating mac'n cheese or cereal 24/7 but I feel changes happening there too. Instead of making it a big deal I have given here enough mac n'cheese for the past 6 months to make me sick. Finally- She doesn't want it! What can I share...She is a healthy, well adjusted 3 yr old who greets everyone with hugs & smiles. Her speech, motor skills, and whatever else is at age level or above. She is loving and sweet all of the time. Gosh has she changed my world more than I could have imagined.

















BIG KISSES, Lauren & Cupcake

Sunday, September 14, 2008

No.68

Where have we been? Clearly it has been to long to figure it out. I couldn't believe how long it has been since I have visited bloggerland. As i looked at everyone's blog I realized the babies we brough home don't look like babies anymore.

Cupcake is all grown up too. Everything is still ALL BY MYSELF. She is Miss Independent. She finished her first year at summer camp and has entered her second year of pre school university. They even have swim one time a week in the indoor pool which she loves. She was tested as the highest level so she will get one on one swim lessons. Swimming everyday really has helped her swim well. The kid likes to swim laps! It is quite cute to watch too.

She turned three in July. Watching her grow up, listening to her speak, and watching her interact with her friends is so incredible.

So I guess life is quiet. Tell you a few more things soon with pics.

Tuesday, May 6, 2008

No. 67

May 2008 UPDATE:

Now I know why my mother didn't buy me the clogs I just had to buy for Cupcake (pic coming soon). Everyday it is a battle as they are her favorite shoes. Mine too but the teacher is starting to think I am a moron for letting her wear them on gym days. If she checked her bag she would find the tennis shoes!

Cupcake is all grown-up before 3 years old. Our favorite phrase is "ALL BY MYSELF" and the opinions are bold, definite, and confident. Food, clothing, and activities are a bit different than a month ago! Smart, witty and HYSTERICAL is all I can tell you.

Saturday, April 5, 2008

No. 66

It has been so long! Here is a Cupcake fix.
She is simply EQUISITE in every way! I love you Cupcake!
It is hard to explain but now she can walk, talk, and share an opinion. Our lives have meshed in such an incredible way! Watching her grow and learn is so special. In some ways it has become more private too. Blogging has been difficult with such a lack of time but I wanted to share a little more. Especially for anyone waiting...I promise FOR REAl you will forget the hardships of the waiting! Every paper chase, every 10+ hour flight, every check & charge will be FORGOTTEN!!!








No. 65

Looking at the date from the last post is CRAZY! I know a few needed a Cupcake fix so don't give up on me yet. My work has been so time consuming that I can not miss one minute of "Life with Cupcake" so hold your panties because Little Cupcake is just Cupcake.

One year home came and went. Before I knew what happened to me the Baby I held, bottle fed, nurtured, and loved more than I have ever loved in my life grew up. She is my baby but she is just an equisite little girl with the best sense of humor I could ever of imagined.


So for every paper we chase, for every long flight we make, for every check & charge that gets us to another WORLD to find our new world...It is so easy to forget. I have almost forgotten. In a strange way I have not blogged as it keeps in the world of adoption. Even though I am eternally grateful for all I have found in this world I have enjoyed retreating into a private little snuggle spot with my daughter. This is what it is all about!


She is speaking fluently and completely. She has tested a few otnhs advanced where 8 months ago she was a few months behind. We are working on the potty with great progress. Eating time is not so stressful and the crib has become a jungle gym.

























Wednesday, February 20, 2008

No. 64

This or That? When we walk through Nordstrom's to the cafe I can't help myself but to play dress up. Before any silly comments come across, Cupcake really likes it too. As she grabs for things you do not hear a bunch of NO's like the other moms. I try it on her, take it off, and put it back. Sometimes we take a pic as Cupcake loves to look at pics together.

We meet 3 other Mother's and 5 kids for dinner Saturday. We are a party of ten at 5ish at the Cafe. Nordstrom's Cafe is very kid friendly. Not only were the kids enjoying htemselves but they were so good all we could talk about was how amazing it was to dine with 4 two year olds, an 8 yr old, and an 8month old.

Apparently a guest didn't feel this way. The baby yelped for 20 seconds as her mother prepared a bottle to feed her. Before our eyes this 50ish yr old CRAB walks over to tell us how annoying it is for her to have to hear our children. OMG! BLAH BLAH BLAH. This woman is now not popular amongst our table. SO the manager walks by while the plans and plotting of what to say to this woman is in the works.... Quickly I repeat teh story to the manager and request that she notifies the guest to please contact management if there is any problems opposed to addressing other guests.

GUESS WHAT? She offered us beverages and desserts as she felt terrible that we felt rushed out. TWO THUMBS UP TO NORDSTROM's!!!!




Or these?
This is what we do while waiting for our grilled cheese...

Tuesday, February 19, 2008

No. 63

No. 62

Happy Valentine's Day Cupcake!

XOXO,

Mommy & Daddy
(Our first post on this blog is from Feb 15, 2007- which was our first day together as a family after court on the 14th)





Thursday, February 14, 2008

No. 61

24 NEW PICS...

3 in one post today, last night, and last month in NY.

OMG OMG OMG- Today we have been Cupcake's parents for ONE YEAR!!! It is a very Happy Valentine's Day in our household. If you are looking for MUSHY TEARS go to "Our Adoption Journey." This blog is about our life together. So many friends, places, and fun things to tell...

This photo is Cupcake SCREAMING "Love you Mama" before we left for school today

Last night Cupcake's school had Pajama Night. All the kids left school around 5 and came back at 6:30. Each classroom had am activity. her room is the "Bakery" so they decorated cookies but I was having so much fun I forgot to take pictures. The #2 had cars & trucks tatoos. Then there was a playdoh , sand box, stampers, cars & mats, and doorhangers & signs, obstacle course. Finally, the story telling rooom (the library) with a real Curious George & Clifford the Red Dog.







Finally, The BIG BUBBLE BATH to wrap up a perfect night!!!




Number 3...Our first train ride to NY. See all of hte SUperstars we hung out with in The Big Apple. Special guests include Baby L, Monkey Girl, The Czar, and Cupcake!
We played with Mr. Lizard & Mr. Frog for 2.5 hours. Cupcake even shared her Teddy Grahams with them.


When we arrived in the City we took a taxi to visit Monkey Girl & Susan


A quick visit to the Children's Museum since they are closing in 30 minutes...we will be back!!! How cool Monkey Girl's neighbor is THE CHILDREN"S MUSEUM!
Two days later we returned for a double date with Baby L & THE Czar


The boys finished their project and back to The Children's museum we all went....

They all loved the indoor playground...




Learning the power of AIR really interested Cupcake
THE Czar took Cupcake for a ride on a MTA bus (limo next time, please...)
Baby L & Cupcake found the Sand Station ...
This was my all time favorite. A life size Lite Bright board. Did you love Lite Bright when you were a child. All four kids liked the lights!

The worst part for the girls was leaving....