The Adventures of Little Red & Princess Buttercup

Wednesday (7/12/05)

2008-07-12T04:52:00.000-07:00

It is early Wednesday Morning here in China. We are getting sleep now. I had eight hours! Up early, that's ok! Maggie is sleeping. She woke up 3 times last night. But, went right back to sleep with me patting her back. She was just checking to make sure we are still with her.

Some of the babies from Changsha are not having an easy time. One in our group is sick with a high fever. They think it is dehydration. All the girls from Changsha are 18 months and are grieving pretty hard. One of the girls is starting to come around and her parents got their first little laugh yesterday.

The Qidong girls are doing very well. All are coming out of their shells. We think they all had scabies and were treated a couple of the girls look like they still have them. I am watching Maggie. She has some little bumps but she is not itching them so it could be heat rash.

Maggie is coming out of her shell and is so playful! She giggles and rolls all over the bed.

Oh it is hot here! My hair is so curly and out of control. I just laugh at it! Oh she's awake so I have to go.

Amy

Walmart in China (7/12/05)

2008-07-12T04:40:00.000-07:00

When we were done we went to Walmart. Man was that an experience! We were the show! Matt and I almost bought a case of milk because we thought it was water. Ginny our guide thought that was pretty funny. She helped us find the water and the diapers we needed. Oh, our little Maggie wears a size 1 diaper! We bought her a 0 to 6 month outfit and it fits her perfect.

Maggie slept all night! I woke up and was up an hour in the night and then poor Matt woke up around 3 am.

Today Maggie ate so good! Scrambled eggs and congee- we have to stop her from eating too much! She is very good and tells you what she wants. We ventured out and wandered up the street. Watch our because cars, mopeds and people all us the side walks! Everyone is very friendly and says "Hellow". We are definitely the attraction. A group of young girls all came up and to see us all saying "Hellow". They were in some sort of dance recital. They were all so cute! I felt like I was looking into the future!

This afternoon we will be heading off to the embroidery museum and some more shopping. We need to buy Maggie some clothes that will fit!

Thank you all for following our adventure! We love you Luke only 10 days until we are home!

Amy

2008-07-11T04:40:00.000-07:00

3 years today we met our daughter and became a family of four. It is so hard to describe how much we love her and how she is a perfect fit for our family. Luke and Maggie are a "normal" brother and sister. They pick on each other, fight, hug, play, and most of all they love each other.

Maggie has grown into a very precocious and at times a very spirited little girl. Her beauty is captured by numerous photos that her father and grandfather have taken the last 3 years. For the many who are waiting for a child I can say that I would have waited forever to meet our sweet little girl and I am so thankful to God for leading Matt and I down this path to our second child.

A Few More Words from Matt (7/11/05)

2008-07-11T04:39:00.000-07:00

The eastern sun is dawning, and I've been up since 3, so why not leave a few more comments. Maggie is the sweatest little girl. She has the best disposition and very happy. She went to bed at 7:30 last night and is still asleep at 5:30am...but she had a big day yesterday. Mainland is much different from Hong Kong. The language barier takes a step up. I find my self talking in 2 and 3 words sentences , and pointing a lot (sometimes when just talking to amy). The people here are very nice, and are helpful to all the new parents. We went to Wal-mart yesterday, which is only like our's in name and the little price signs. The smell was bad, primarly coming from the aquatic area also known as the sea food dept.(see day4 photos) How would you like to buy frog legs with the frog still attached....oh ya and allive!??? We had Pizza Hut last night which was good, but not exactly "like home". Yesterday on the bus Ginny commented that there were only 4 men in the group of 16, but that was o.k. we could all carry the luggage, of course big laughs from the other 12. Well that's all I have for now, I'm a better talker than typer (ask anyone).

Matt

We Have Her! (7/11/04)

2008-07-11T04:37:00.002-07:00

We are pleased to announce that we have been united with our daughter and Luke's little sister! Maggie is so good. She takes it all in and she hasn't cried once!

Think tiny! Size 2 diapers are too big! We are doing fine! She has 6 teeth and she is working on more. She is babbling and chewing on everything. Maggie has had her first meal with us and she likes Cheerios! She doesn't like the formula we brought. Ginny is running out to get some for all of us.

She is beautiful! She has the cutest little smile and a cute little laugh!

Thank you God and China for our new daughter!

Maggie Day! (7/11/05)

2008-07-11T04:37:00.001-07:00

Good Morning! It is 5:30 am Monday morning and we are only five hours away from meeting our Maggie! I have had 5 hours of sleep. I woke up this morning starving. I had some of my oatmeal that I packed. It was sooo good. This morning breakfast starts at 6:30 am. Matt wants to eat early today! We have to see Echo this morning about paperwork.

Last night coming in from the airport it was very dark. No real street lights. It was after 9 pm and there were so many people outside. It is very hot here! The shops were all opened and people were milling about. As we passed by people we were now the attraction. Very poor area we drove up through. So many men outside with no shirts on, children running everywhere, you would have thought is was 12 noon. Couples riding on motorbikes and the women were on the back riding side saddle. We also so a man on a motorbike with a large cart that he was using as a fish tank. In the back of the cart there was a catfish. Did I say if is different here? It is so interesting to see all of this and to take it all in.

Then, we pulled up to the Dolton and the lobby is so lavish and grand and it is in the middle of all this poverty. We were very happy to get in and to our room. I was hopped up on adrenaline again and got things somewhat organized for today.

Today, after we get the babies we will be going to Walmart to get supplies. It is so funny to be so happy about something so mundane. We will be shopping for baby clothes, baby food and baby shoes. For us bananas and oranges (fruit that can be pealed), chips, Ritz crackers will be a good start!

We love and miss you Luke! The day is finally here, we are going to meet your little sister! Big Hugs and Big Kisses are coming to you from around the world!!!!

Amy

We are in Changsha! (7/10/05)

2008-07-10T06:03:00.000-07:00

Good Morning to you all!

What a day! We woke up early at 4 am. Called home and then ventured out for a bite to eat! Have I said that it is monsoon season. Well, it was quite interesting walking around and seeing where we needed to get back to and not know how to get there. Obviously, we made it back to the hotel. We hung out at the hotel because both of us are feeling a little out of sorts.

About 12 we decided to go back to the airport and then it was sunny and beautiful! We could see the island. I keep having the Bali Hi song from South Pacific running through my head. We got to the airport really early and man I started to hit the wall. I was dizzy and nausated! I laid down on the chairs and slept for an 1 1/2 and felt great after that! Jet lag kicked my rear and won!

We then met our travel mates and Ginny, Echo and Mandy! Echo is the mother hen! It is great to have them I feel so much more at ease with them leading us through the process.

We arrived at Changsha at 9:00pm this evening. The 75% of the plane were families adopting! It was wonderful. You could feel the energy! I sat by a very nice woman from HK who was meeting a friend from Belgium who was adopting a little girl as well.

Susie Smith: I met a woman named Janet who is traveling with a friend from our group who is adopting. Janet used to work with you in Davenport. Her grandpa was our grandma's cousin! She was at your wedding. She looked too familar when we met. Also, we are traveling with a couple from Mahomet who are adopting and Ellen use to work with Eric! Small world!

Fill you in on more tomorrow! We get the babies at 10:30 am!!!!! Maggie here we come!!!!!

Can you believe that I am not tired! We will post pics as soon as we can!

Amy

McDonalds Tastes like McDonalds (7/10/05)

2008-07-10T06:01:00.000-07:00

We just got McDonald's for breakfast and we were SO thrilled that McD's tastes exactelly like home...uhh yum!!! "I'm Lovin' It"

A Few Words from Matt (7/10/05)

2008-07-10T06:00:00.001-07:00

Just to be sure this is an unbiased blog so I decided to post a few comments.
#1. The number of stars to rank hotels varies greatly from country to country and city to city. The Regal at the airport, very nice. The Marco Polo is supposed to be 4 star, I'd say closer to an old (unupdated) Holiday Inn. Although at least this hotel has hot water, not sure what was up with that.

#2. Speaking of stars, I would give Hong Kong a 2 1/2 out of 5 stars for places I'd return to. It blends the smell of New Orleans and the noise and people of New York. I prefer quiet cornfields, but this his how we grow....or go completely insane.

#3 It looks like I will be able to survive on power bars and crackers, at least I did for 3 days.

#4 In a monster mall with over 200 stores, why can't I find a sweatshirt? I am going to move to China and open, Matt's Monster House of Sweatshirts, and make a fortune.

#5 Jet lag sucks!

In summary, I am not a good "tourist", and I'm ready to go get Maggie.

Matt

Early Morning Day 2 in Hong Kong (7/10/05)

2008-07-10T05:57:00.000-07:00

Early Morning Day 2 in Hong Kong

Good Afternoon!

I just woke up! It is 4 am but I did get about 8 hours sleep! Yes, I did wake up at midnight wide awake and decided to take one of Matt's happy pills. I am so glad I did.

The smells in Hong Kong at times can be quite over powering. We drove by beaches and saw families swimming and then we saw all the garbage in the water. It was very gross!

Driving through the city we saw all the housing. It was so interesting! All the windows had laundry hanging out to dry and it was pouring down rain. All the bamboo scaffolding is so weird. It also appears that they erect buildings and then do no maintence on them at all. Mold appeared to growing on a lot of buildings.

When we went to the mall in the afternoon, the place was wall to wall people. The noise was incredible. We saw some soccer promotion in the mall. It was very funny! They had a big blown up character running around. Some sort of promotion. It was fun! I made the comment about to Matt, "How many people do you think are here?" Matt said, "Everyone!"

The landscaping is so pretty all the lush greenery everywhere. Our taxi driver did say that this is monsoon (sp) season.

The people are very polite and friendly. We really don't feel the culture shock yet. I know tomorrow we will! It will be very interesting to see the differences from Hong Kong and Changsha.

I am very excited about meeting Maggie! I just can not believe we are leaving today! Tonight she will go to bed like any other day in her life and tomorrow everything will be shaken up! I am praying for a smooth transition for her and preparing myself for a rocky one.

I can only imagine what tomorrow will be like. I keep dreaming of her and what the moment will be like and tomorrow I will be living it.

Amy
Love you Luke!

Day 1 (7/09/05)

2008-07-10T05:53:00.000-07:00

Well woke up at 3:30 am and got up and surfed the web. We got down to breakfast at about 6 am. It was ok. We wandered around the airport and converted some cash. We really liked the Regal Hotel. It is very nice. Flat screen tv, comfy bed, and we did find English television programs.

After breakfast, we checked out of the hotel and took a cab to downtown Hong Kong. I would love to say we have great pictures of it but it was pouring down rain! The mountains meeting the bay are beautiful! After we got checked in at the Marco Polo, we took the #273 bus down to Stanley Market. When we arrived it looked like the weather was clearing. We even saw blue skies. When we got into the market we wandered around and bought a couple of things. Susie we got Christyâ€™s name for you. Then, the weather let loose! Buckets of water falling from the sky! We then bought another umbrella. I did buy two light weight tops for a total of $5.50.

We left Stanley market at about 2 pm and realized we hadnâ€™t had anything to eat since 6 am. An hour on the bus and we decided that we were not going to be adventurous on our meal. We went down to the hotel restaurant, Gripps American Restaurant. We had cheeseburgers and fries. We arenâ€™t sure if the meal was really good or if we were just so hunger that anything would taste good. We did find two things that are made in the US- mustard and hot sauce.

We came back to our room to hang out for a little bit and to regroup. I laid down and started to fall asleep. Matt made me get up and told me to work on the computer and then he laid down and fell asleep. Ginny, from the ISS, called to check on us and to confirm the time we would meet at the airport tomorrow afternoon. I let Matt sleep for 20 minutes and then we when to the Harbor City Mall. It is huge! There was easily over 200 shops, restaurants plus our hotel.

Tonight we are going to go down to watch the light show on the harbor. Matt has said no way to the Star Ferry! If we go to Kowloon it will be through the underground tunnel by taxi or shuttle.

One thing I have noticed is that the air quality is not very good. Lots and Lots of exshaust from all the buses and cars. I have notice that sometimes it is hard to breathe.

We are very tired and are hoping that we can get a good night sleep tonight! I would love to sleep until at least 5 or 6 am. Tomorrow we leave for Hunan! I can't wait until Monday! Our Maggie Day! We will be posting pictures tonight!

We Made It! (7/08/05)

2008-07-10T05:49:00.000-07:00

Hi All! We made it at 9:25 pm on July 8th. What a long day! Over all not that bad! The internet is working and we are beat! Tomorrow we will get up when we get up and go to the Marco Polo Hotel and site see in the afternoon!

Hi Luke, by now you have two presents. I hope you like them we miss you so much! Be good!

We posted pictures. Just look to the left side of the site.

Love,

Mommy and Daddy

Amy and Matt

Today! (7/07/05)

2008-07-07T11:56:00.001-07:00

Today, the day we have been waiting for is finally here! We are at the airport and we have free internet access! We are such geeks! It will take us 27 hours to get to our final destination! Tomorrow when you all get to up we will still be traveling.

Look out Maggie Mommy and Daddy are coming! We love you and miss you already Luke! Be good for Jama and Papa Edwards!

Been a long time...

2008-07-07T11:51:00.000-07:00

WOW! I can't believe I haven't posted since April. What a slacker I am! Well, for the next few weeks I am going to be posting all of my posts from when we traveled three years ago to China to adopt our Princess Buttercup! I hope you will enjoy the Journey to Maggie again.

Amy

My pants don't hurt!

2008-04-02T07:15:00.000-07:00

This morning I put on my favorite pair of jeans and they didn't hurt me! Been doing Weight Watchers again and have lost 8 or 9 pounds - just depends on the morning. This time I am just going to keep going to the meetings. I have been a life time member since I think '96. I am also doing a walking routine every morning. Walking either a mile or two at least 5 days a weeks. My goal is to lose 15 to 20 pounds by our trip to Table Rock this June!

The big thing for me is snacking and portion control! I love feeling in control of my eating instead of it controlling me.

Amy

Spring?

2008-03-31T12:32:00.001-07:00

It seems that Spring has finally arrived! The temps have warmed up and it looks our lowest high temp will be 50 degrees this week. It is raining here today and the humidity is back finally. My hair is curlier and my skin is not itchy. Yea!

Last week was Luke's Spring Break and we went to my sister's home in Michigan. I know we went the wrong way! Everybody is heading to warmer climates and we headed north. It really was a fun time together. We took a long weekend over the Easter holiday. The kids had a great time playing with there cousins for a few days.

Luke went back to school and it was such a bummer for him. He only has two more months of first grade. I can't believe it! This year is flying by.

Maggie is growing up so fast. Today the two of us went to the grocery store and just looking at her I can't believe how she has changed over the past 2 3/4 years. She is a fun loving child that wants to do everything herself.

Ok...I will sign off now. Just had to put this pic of Luke playing golf in the back yard.

Amy

March already?

2008-03-12T19:21:00.001-07:00

Wow time is flying by! I can't believe we are almost done with the 1st quarter of the year. I haven't posted in awhile so I thought I would give an update. The past two months were extremely busy for me. I wrapped up to big volunteer projects. Yea! Never sign up to do your child's school's yearbook. Huge project! Had some nice Pampered Chef shows and now we are getting ready to take a trip to see my sis in Michigan.

I am trying to gear up my Pampered Chef business. I really am enjoying it! I get to got to a party when I work. It is too cool!

The kids are doing great! Luke is still in Taekwando and he really likes it. Maggie is now a ballerina and tap dancer. She loves it! Today they got to play outside for the first time in a long time.

Matt is doing well and he still makes me podcast with him!

Well that is it!

Got Milk?

2008-02-12T11:22:00.000-08:00

So my 7 year old came home from school today. As he was taking off his coat and he asks me the following question, "Mama, do girls, women make milk?"
I said, trying not to giggle, "why do you ask?"
Luke,"Well, someone said that girls make milk...that's not true?" Luke looks at me with a funny puzzled look waiting for me to answer.
I said,"Yes, women can make milk."
Even funnier look on his sweet face. With his eyebrow lifted, he asks, "Why?"
Me, "to feed babies."
"Huh," he questions.
"Because, after a woman has a baby her body produces milk for the baby to eat," keeping my answers simple.
Questions keep coming, "Where does the milk come out?"
Me,"Out of her breasts."
"What,how does that work," Luke replies.
"The mother puts the baby to the breast and the baby eats," I reply, keeping it light but, wanting the conversation to end.
Luke,"ahhh, did I do that?"
Me,"Yes."
He leaves the room. I am off the hook.
Luke returns 10 to 15 minutes later and asks,"How?"
"How what, honey?" I reply.
"How does it work, your body and the milk?"

Now we are into the science part of the discussion. I then go into an abbreviated version of how a woman's body creates a baby and when the baby comes out that the body says time to feed the baby and it makes milk. Luke was so surprised by this fact. It was very funny to see his reactions to my answers. I wish I could have had this on video.

He is such a cute kid and I know he thought that there is no way that girls make milk. It really is a new twist to...Got Milk!

Merry Christmas

2007-12-19T12:57:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas and a Very Happy New Year to All!

We have all been so busy the past few weeks that I haven't posted any pictures or blogged at all. We are enjoying the holiday season immensely! We put up the Christmas decorations the Friday after Thanksgiving. The kids have been enjoying watching the Christmas cartoons and movies. Everyday one the kids places the next piece of our Advent calendar on to the manger scene. This is a very big deal!

Luke was great in his class holiday program. The kids were all so cute! On Christmas Eve he will be performing in our church's Christmas program. He has a speaking part. Both he and Maggie will be singing in their choirs. We just have to keep them healthy.

Luke is on his second round of antibiotics for strep throat. At least he is on meds for the next ten days so hopefully he will stay healthy through the holidays.

We are all so excited we have family coming to spend part of the holiday with us. My sister and her family are coming and will be staying a couple of nights. We will have a full house! This year we are hosting Christmas for my family at our home. Yikes 17 of us in our little house! I am really looking forward to it! Matt is saying, "yah, I'll be out for the season..." Matt's brother's family is coming too! We are excited to see the Texas clan! Luke is sooooo happy that he will get to see all of his cousins this year!

I worked on Christmas cards today. So, I thought I would share what our good friend Dee came up with for our Christmas/New Years card. Coming to a mail box near you! Matt and I wish you all peace and joy in 2008.

Finally, a friend sent me very nice poem about the season and putting Christ and our families first.

______________

If I decorate my house perfectly with plaid bows, strands of twinkling lights and shiny balls, but do not show love to my family, I'm just another decorator.

If I slave away in the kitchen, baking dozens of Christmas cookies, preparing gourmet meals and arranging a beautifully adorned table at mealtime, but do not show love to my family, I'm just another cook.

If I work at the soup kitchen, carol in the nursing home, and give all that I have to charity, but do not show love to my family, it profits me nothing.

If I trim the spruce with shimmering angels and crocheted snowflakes, attend a myriad of holiday parties and sing in the choir's cantata, but do not focus on Christ, I have missed the point.

Love stops the cooking to hug the child.

Love sets aside the decorating to kiss the husband, wife or significant other.

Love is kind, though harried and tired.

Love doesn't envy another's home that has coordinated Christmas china and table linens.

Love doesn't yell at the kids to get out of the way, but is thankful they are there to be in the way.

Love doesn't give only to those who are able to give in return but rejoices in giving to those who can't.

Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.

Love never fails.

Video games will break, pearl necklaces will be lost, golf clubs will rust. But giving the gift of love will endure.

Happy Thanksgiving!

2007-11-23T16:50:00.000-08:00

Gobble, Gobble! I hope all of you had a wonderful Thanksgiving! We sure did! I would just like to thank Matt's Aunt Darlene for hosting and making sure a wonderful meal. Man I am still stuffed! We can always count on a great doggie bag after being with Matt's family.

Today, I decided to forego the doorbusters and shop online. Well, after spending an hour online and selecting my purchases the Kohls online system farted out on me. I was soo mad! So, I jumped up and headed to the mall! Yikes was it crazy! I ran in and got my items and then spent about 20 or 30 minutes in a line that snaked through the whole store. I ran into a woman who lives in my neighborhood so the time went by quickly as we chatted.

Tomorrow Matt and I have a lunch date! Yeah!!!!! We are going to finish up the shopping for the kids and enjoy a couple of hours away from the kids!

Happy Halloween!

2007-10-31T12:35:00.000-07:00

Well, today is one of the best days in kiddom! Happy Halloween! Tonight we will be trick or treating at our former babysitter's neighborhood. This is a tradition that we started when luke was just a year old. It is the perfect neighborhood for trick or treating. Almost all the neighbors participate in decorating their homes and passing out candy to the kids. One family even puts together a haunted house! Luke and I will be going into the haunted house for another scare this year.

After we trick or treat, we head out to Jama and Papa E's house so the kids can show their grandparents their costumes. This year Luke is dressing up as Luke Skywalker and Maggie a beautiful princess. She has been in her costume all day and she even took her nap in it. Can you say Sleeping Beauty?

I am posting a couple of pictures from Luke "Halloween" birthday party this past weekend. It was a wild couple of hours. Just a tip 90 minutes is plenty of time for a birthday party. We did a 2 hour party and it was too long!

Amy

October 1/2 over

2007-10-16T14:34:00.000-07:00

Well, it has been awhile since I posted last. We have been busy. My new business is going well and I have to say it is a lot of fun! I love being an Independent Kitchen Consultant for The Pampered Chef. If you would like any information on product please email me and I will be happy to contact you and assist you with any questions that you may have about PC product.

Anyway, Matt and I are getting ready for Luke's birthday party. I can't believe my baby boy is going to be seven. We are having a Halloween birthday party at our home. Hopefully, everyone can come and will have a good time. I am also praying for nice weather. I would like for the party to be outside.

Luke is going to be Luke Skywalker and Maggie going to be Princess Aurora (that's Sleeping Beauty for those of you who are not up on your princesses). We can't wait! Our house is all decorated with spiders, jack-o-lanterns, ghosts and one little happy witch.

Matt got a new to us camera lense so I will try to post some new pics soon!

Amy

PME's and stuff

2007-10-02T20:03:00.000-07:00

Well, Matt and I got back from our trip to California. We had the best time. It was so much fun being "just the two of us"! We went to Disneyland and had fun meeting some fellow podcasters at the park. Wandering around with no particular plan was very nice. I do have to admit that I did feel some guilt at the park at times and did miss having the kids with us. On the other hand, it was the first time that Matt and I got to go on rides together and that was a lot of fun!

After a day of Disney we drove back on the highway from hell! No really, I am not kidding! It was one of the most scarey things that I have experienced. When we got the car back to the rental place Matt dropped the keys and jumped out the of car and announced to anyone who was listening that he was done driving!

Then, we headed to the big event! Matt has wanted to attend the podcasting conference for three years and now he has done it! Can you say GEEKS! He was in heaven and he was with his people! I had a blast too! My inner geek kept popping up. It really is cool that we are part of the "new" media! Next year, we will be heading to Las Vegas for all the fun! And yes, they have moved the date of the conferece to the cool month of August. Yuck! I hate hot weather but I will see the Hover Dam, how cool with that be!

The kids had a great time at Camp Jama and Papa E's! I was happy to get home and it was so good to get hugs and kisses from my kids when we got back!!!!!

Happy Fall!

2007-09-23T16:37:00.000-07:00

HAPPY FALL!

It has been awhile since a posted last. We have been busy, busy, busy! I finally feel like we are all back in the swing of things! Luke is doing well in school. Maggie is as crazy as every. Matt is busy getting ready for our big conference trip. What is up with me? Well, I have started my own business. I am now an Independant Consultant for The Pampered Chef company. I am very excited about the opportunity. I signed the contract a week ago and all my stuff came on Friday. I LOVE IT! Matt is excited about it as well - which is a good thing! If you are interested in talking with me about The Pampered Chef company please email me.

I have started back at Weight Watchers too. I have only joined and rejoined too many times to count! The WW program works! I am a life timer. It is just hard to stick with it when you love high calorie foods! I am going to give it the old college try!

Well, the kids are getting crazy...gotta go!

Amy

on eBay...

2007-09-09T19:41:00.000-07:00

Ok, I just started exploring ebay. It is so addicting! I am trying to find some inexpensive Bitty Baby stuff for Maggie for Christmas. I have purchased a couple of items and have missed out on several other items.

Is a bargin really a bargin? Not always. I did discover that some ebay listers are not the most frugal with shipping charges. I am trying to buy Maggie a Bitty Baby crib. I have located a few and I am watching them. The truth is that some bargins could end up being more expensive than just buying it new from American Girl.

So, I continue to watch and bid with caution.

And a Spider Sat Down Beside Her

2007-09-07T16:36:00.000-07:00

So, this morning Princess Buttercup and The Queen of North Clinton Blvd. were heading out for an appointment. After buckling Miss PB into our chariot, I walked around and walked right into a large spider web. Yes, I was extremely creeeeped out! Right as I got in the car I said to Maggie, "Sure hope that spider isn't on me!" Just as I said it I looked down and a big spider walked across my lap. "AAAHHHHHAAAA!" I jumped out of the car and started jumping up and down and screaming! Of course, what is Maggie's reaction? Pure laughter! She is laughing and screaming. "BAAAAD Spider, Spider bite Mama, Mama silly!" I am totally sure that the poor little spider -who was a least an inch big- was laughing to himself or herself, "Ha Ha got another one!"

I hate spiders! I would hold a snake any day but let a little spider get near me and I completely freak out!

Hunan Sisters

2007-09-04T19:21:00.000-07:00

Here are a few of the pictures we had taken of the girls this past weekend. One of our little sweeties was just not up for having her picture taken. I just love these girls so much! We are so blessed that we have such a wonderful extended family.

Reunion weekend

2007-09-03T06:38:00.000-07:00

What a fun weekend! Our adoption travel group had our second reunion this weekend and boy did we all have fun! These are just a few of the pics we took! Our little ones have all turned into beautiful little girls!

New pics

2007-08-25T09:58:00.000-07:00

I wanted to post a few new pics of the kids. Luke on his first day of school and a pic of Maggie previewing her princess costume for this Halloween.

This little piggy got broke

2007-08-24T14:44:00.000-07:00

This little piggy went to the market. This little piggy stayed home...and THIS Little Piggy went wee, wee, wee all the way to doctor's office. Yes, our little Princess broke her little, tiny, pinky, piggy toe! Poor baby! Yes, the jumping, bouncing, never sitting still daughter of ours dented her toe this morning. We iced it and I tried to keep her still but you can't keep her down. I put Luke on the bus and then Maggie and I headed to the first doctor's appointment. Dr. B. gave us a referral to see an orthopedic doc so we came home and waited.

By the time we left for the appointment this afternoon she was running around. Maggie had her first set of x-rays. It was the cutest set of x-rays I have ever seen. The doctor told us that little kids bones are like aluminum and that all though it wasn't a crack or a break that she had dented her toe - which he deemed broken. So, we have a little shoe and her toes are taped. A couple of weeks she should be ok.

I hope this isn't the first of many visits but I have a feeling it won't be our last!

Taekwondo testing

2007-08-23T11:35:00.000-07:00

Last night Luke tested for his second belt for Taekwondo. He did great it was so exciting to watch him and his best little bud as they tested for Master Newberry. The evening started with the testing of one little guy who was in the Tiny Tiger group (ages 3 -5). He was so excited and he did great we all cheered the little guy on.

Then it was Luke and Colton's turn. They did great! They were both so excited and did their series of moves perfectly and with much enthusiasm! At the end of the testing, Luke was recognized for his enthusiasm and was asked to demonstrate his ayyy-yah for the whole crowd! He was so cute!

The whole way home he kept asking us if we were proud of him. Of course, we are! Congratulations, Mr. Yellow Belt!

Off to school

2007-08-19T18:51:00.000-07:00

Summer is over...I have to say I am a bit sad right now. Tomorrow my little boy heads off to 1st grade. I am happy that we are going into fall but I am really going to miss the carefree days of summer. The three of us had such a great time! Well, now it is time for structure and schedules. I am looking forward to the next couple of months. Fall is such a beautiful season. I can't wait for sweatshirt weather and going to the pumpkin patch. I long for the sound and feel of leaves crunching as we run through them. I can't wait to roast marshmellows, eat pumkin donuts and drink apple cider.

Next month, we head to California and then time will start to fly by. October is Halloween; November is Luke's b-day and Thanksgiving; December the fun of the Christmas season!

We will talk about the long winter later...

The big sneeze!

2007-08-17T19:20:00.000-07:00

So, tonight we are on our way out and Maggie starts a sneezing fest. I ask her if she needs help and she does. So I hold a tissue up to her nose and do the usual. Well, as any good mother will do I look at the outcome and to my surprise I find a dum dum sucker wrapper. Yuk! And yes I said a dum dum sucker wrapper! The past day or so she has been asking me for help with her little nose and I could see nothing.

Okaaaayyyy, WHY? Why does a 3 year old stick a sucker wrapper up her nose. I don't know. This is not a new thing to many parents. I met a couple two months ago who were monitoring their little one who had shoved lots of popcorn up her nose. Interesting... I know the brain develops over time. Does the young brain think I need that when it sees something it wants and tells the hand to shove that thing up the nose so it can get a closer look?

Talk amongst yourselves...

Garage Sales

2007-08-15T04:44:00.001-07:00

Well, we are going to have a garage sale. Ugh! How I can't stand putting one together. We are not organized garage sale people. Yes, I do some prep work. I spend the week gathering up things around the house. But, I don't price things individually. I takes too long! I really don't know why we are doing one. A little extra money. Probably very little! But I decided what the heck. We have a crib that is in great shape that needs to go. An ottamon, that the kids have tried to kill themselves on by jumping off it and on to the couch. Some little girl clothes, toys and odds an ends. One thing that might be of great interest is our martini blender. Yes, and it still has the directions with. No cords - it is battery operated for your convenience. We might just give this one away!

The fun thing about garage sales is it brings out the early risers, the professional salers, and the neighbors. There is nothing like snooping through your neighbors stuff- with permission. I enjoying watching people look for that special find. What will be the unique nick nack or the mystery item that we have? The thrill of the hunt!

Amy

Pool Day

2007-08-12T16:23:00.000-07:00

Fun! Fun! Fun! Well, today we went to the pool for Maggie's birthday! We had a great time swimming and splashing! Perfect pool day with the high being in the upper 90s!

Amy

Happy Birthday Maggie Mei!

2007-08-11T20:44:00.000-07:00

Wow, I just can't believe that my baby girl is 3! Tomorrow is our little sweetie's birthday but tonight we had a wonderful celebration! Maggie's Jama and Papa E. and Aunt Dee Dee and her Godparents and of course her best friends Colton and Makenzie came over to celebrate.

We had a blast!!!! Maggie and and Luke were so excited about the big party. Thanks to the family for all the fun and all the wonderful birthday presents! I will post pics tomorrow. I have to say it was pretty much a princess explosion!
Tomorrow we are going to do more presents and go to the pool.

We love you Margaret Susan Yan Ying!

Mom and Dad

So what's a girl to do?

2007-08-08T16:59:00.000-07:00

So what's a girl to do when she needs a prince for her princess dolls? Go to her brother's room and find a Spiderman and/or a Superman action figure. If neither is available, well Buzz LightYear will do!

Just had to share!

Amy

Adoption Questions

2007-08-08T06:11:00.001-07:00

Well, last night Maggie decided she wanted to read some books about adoption. We have several that are for young children. Maggie's new favorite is "Shaoey and Dot" by Mary Beth & Steven Curtis Chapman. It is a story about a little Chinese baby who is befriended by a little ladybug. It takes a small child through from the point of the baby being abandoned/found to being adopted by her parents.

Reading this book opened the door for lots of questions from Luke about why his sister was left and why her birth parents could not keep her. We answered the questions the only way we know how. Truthfully, we don't know why. We speculated with him that maybe they didn't have enough money to take care of the baby. Luke always wants to dig deeper. His next statement was, " Well, then if they didn't have enough money then way did they have a baby." We went on to discuss that sometimes adults have to make very hard decisions and that Maggie's birth parents did what they though was best for her. Luke then wanted to know if he was adopted. No you grew in my tummy. Why didn't you have another baby grow in your tummy? I went through in an abreviated fashion that story with him. I told him that I had a pull at my heart that my daughter was in China.

After bed time, Matt was exhausted by all the questions. I told him Luke is just a warm up for all the questions that Maggie will have in the future.

A

Site change

2007-08-07T16:55:00.000-07:00

Ok, so the site has already changed. That's what happens when your husband develops websites for a living.

So, who is ready for school to start? The last few days the Princess and Little Red have been at each other. One minute they are laughing and playing and then someone is screaming and crying. It has been so hot and miserable we have been held captive in our house. Tomorrow we are heading to the pool bright and early!

Less than two weeks and school will be back in session! This summer has been a lot of fun!

Amy

Princess Mania

2007-08-06T18:04:00.000-07:00

Princess Mania has hit the Redboy household. We have been in Princess mode for quite awhile now but we are getting ready for the big Princess Birthday party this weekend. Little Miss Mei is going to be 3 this Sunday. This past weekend we celebrated the fun with a family birthday party with her Jama and Papa and a few cousins. She received a a bounty of Princess toys! Her favorite new toys were tiny "Polly Pocket" type Princess dolls. Maggie also received a very cute Princess tea set.

Tonight we went to Party City to get party supplies for the big party here at the Redboy household. They were having a big sale on balloons. We came home with two new mylar balloons for a buck a piece. Cheap entertainment! Anyway, this Saturday this house will be deck out in pink and purple with lovey Disney Prinesses. Hopefully, this year's cake will turn out. I will be attempting a purse cake.

Here is a pic of our little Princess Buttercup in her princess gear.

Amy

Shark Week

2007-08-02T19:41:00.001-07:00

Yes, I am a shark week nut. I love it! I have been watching it faithfully now since 1990. WOW, I am such a dork! Anyway, all I can say is DON"T SWIM in CLOUDY WATER! Especially, where sharks are known to live, breed and oh, eat!

Amy

posting a pic

2007-08-02T12:44:00.001-07:00

I am just trying to figure out how to post a pic on this. This is all new to me. Hopefully, I will be able to master this.

AE

New Site

2007-08-02T11:59:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone! I have just set up this new site to keep in touch with family and friends.

Today has been a crazy day. Our little drama queen is in rare form. She is down for her nap and little Red is out with his Grandma for a date. So, I decided to set up a new blog. I hope I can keep it updated.

Amy