Breakfast with the babies . . .

TWO!!!!

Little Miss turned two today!! It was an exciting day full of the usual birthday treats . . . cake, ice cream, presents, family, and fun! I couldn't be prouder, happier, or more in love with my sweetie girl. A few snapshots from the day:





Blowing out her candle all by her "self" - as every two year old must after all!




Mommy's creation in response to Little Miss's request for a "meow meow cake".




The excitement of a new set of golf clubs!!!





A big hit - a high chair for her babies! The girl knows how to care for her babes!





And here she is snuggling with the newest babies that she received today!




And what gift giving event is complete without a toy that comes in a box large enough that it makes you forget all about the toy that was in it, and becomes the most entertaining object of the day!


Happy Birthday Baby Girl! I love you soooo much!

Today's ensemble and more . . .

A few recent, self-selected outfits . . . the crown has become a daily accessory that compliments any outfit really.


We've been teased with a taste of spring over the last few days and it's been wonderful. We've hit all the local parks to enjoy the sun. Little Miss can never get enough park time.








And when the weather isn't so nice, there's always the museum.

Approaching Two

Little Miss turns 2 next month. Someone recently asked me what she is into these days and it made me think about the fact that time passes so quickly and she is changing quickly too. So in an effort to stop the clock, to take a virtual picture of this moment in time, and to preserve the memory of who Little Miss is right now, here's a snapshot.

Little Miss today:

FAVORITE FOODS: yogurt, pasta, pizza, milk

FAVORITE TOYS: baby dolls, musical toys, push toys (doll stroller, shopping cart, etc.), kitchen/wooden food

FAVORITE PASTIMES: running, reading books, writing/coloring, dancing, singing, anything physical, play dough

FAVORITE PLACES TO GO: Grammie's house, the park, the mall, the library

FAVORITE SONGS: Waterloo by ABBA, Tick Tock by Keisha (not my choice), Say Hey by Michael Franti, Happy Birthday, Wheels on the Bus, most Raffi songs, most Laurie Berkner songs, and a few made up songs by Mama (in that order)

SONGS SHE CAN SING ALL BY HERSELF: Ring around the Rosy, ABC's, I love you (Barney song), almost Twinkle Twinkle Little Star

CLOTHING SIZE: anything from 12 months to small 2T's

THINGS MAMA IS ENJOYING ABOUT LITTLE MISS EVERYDAY: the new, amazing language that pops out of her daily and cracks me up, the spontaneous and unsolicited hugs and kisses that have emerged, the eye-brow raised look of excitement or surprise when something interesting happens, the satisfaction on her face when she knows I get the point she is trying to make, the creative pretend play that often mimics our lives, the joy I see other people get from interacting with my Little Miss, the list goes on and on . . .

And while 2 (or nearly 2 at the moment) has it's dark side . . . the tantrums, the stubborn will of iron, the quiet mischief of destruction, etc., etc., . . . the joy and delight of watching your baby morph into an independent, interesting, unique little person is priceless. So I welcome 2 with open and eager arms . . . well, and maybe a hard hat too for the rough spots!




the concentration of an almost 2 year old - highly focused for writing/drawing





the self expression of an almost 2 year old - tutu worn as often as possible





the mischief of an almost 2 year old - panties double as a hat while catching the cat by his tail





the joy and laughter of an almost 2 year old - with a hint of egocentrism

Chinese New Year begins February 14 and we were lucky enough to celebrate the new year with family and fellow adoptive families this weekend. Little Miss spent every minute she could on the dance floor! Take a peek and watch this girl cut a rug with the big kids!

Little Missy's rendition of Cotton Eyed Joe - her debut!

My Ethiopian Princess

In honor of Timkat (and having this traditional dress that Little Miss will soon outgrow), I had her pictures taken . . . Ethiopia style! Below is a sampling of my goofy, beautiful girl!! Oh, how I love this girl!!!

Christmas Joy

Can't believe Christmas is winding down, but here we are almost in the new year. Little Miss had a fantastic Christmas thanks to our wonderful family and friends! We started the day with not 1, but 2 rounds of "Happy Birthday Jesus" much to my girly's delight. Then it was off to the presents! It took us about 3 days to get through her gifts because she opened and played with each one at the moment of unwrapping. It was so sweet, and a nice way to savor the process. Someday Christmas morning will probably be a 20 minute whirl wind of torn wrapping paper. Fortunately at least for this year, we enjoyed each gift with care. Little Miss is so excited about her new things that in the few days since Christmas when we have been out and about she tells me, "Mama, home, toys!" Here are a few pics of our days of Christmas.

"Presents are fun!"

"Um, what do I do with these?"

"I think I like this!"

"When is the next American Idol audition?"

"Is that a baby I see?"

"Rock on baby doll!"

Mama, Little Miss, and Auntie in our Christmas PJ's

preparing a Christmas meal on the new, amazing kitchen set

"A chef's work is never done!"

"Alright, maybe it is too fun to call it work. Soup anyone?"

A Dora (or "Deeda" as she is known in our house) play tent

"Bet you can't find me in here."

My Christmas Dancin' Queen

laughing with her cousin

A few weeks before Christmas, we had our annual cookie decorating day with friends. This year something new happened. Little Miss discovered . . . FROSTING!! A little frosting miraculously did make it onto a few cookies rather than into Little Miss's mouth.

a sample of the finished products

post-decorating release

some of the gang

We hope everyone has had a peaceful and joyous Christmas season. Thank you to family and friends for making ours so special!