Hanging with the Vovos

Gi posing with Grandma L at a local playground.


Munchkin picks up stuff that she shouldn't.


Gi got to spend some quality playground time with Grandma L.

Gi is trying on the new bathing suit that the vovos gave her.

Gi, who hates to have anything on her head, takes off the headband.

Gi actually kept the headband on for more then a minute.

Thanks, Auntie Rina, for the beautiful headband!

Gigi has already discovered Grandma L's shoes---her newest toy.

Day by day, Gigi is getting to know her vovos from Brazil. From their suitcase came many presents for Gi. Some from her vovos, lots from her Brazilian cousins, aunties, and family friends. Big hugs and kisses to all of them.

Vovos

Not sure if my spelling is correct but vovos stands for grandparents in Portuguese. Yes! The other set of gramps are finally here from Brazil. They are mad for Gigi! It is their first time meeting Gi in person. By the end of today, Gi was already warming up to them. Grandpa J and Grandma L got to see Gi in action at the library today. Gi and a dozen other toddlers were engaged in pudding painting. Guess who ate the pudding rather than paint with it? Welcome vo vos!

Happy Anniversary!

Getting ready with Daddy

Getting ready with Mommy

The celebration was held at Signature Gardens in Miami.

I don't want to sit in my highchair!

Lovely table setting

Cousins Sebastian and Veronica

Cousins Joe, Joe and Anabel

Cousin Veronica and her daddy, Miguel.

My dad is first cousin to Sammy.

Cousin Alicia, my dad, Cousin Enrique, Cousin Sammy and my mom

The happy couple, Leyon and Sammy

Last night Gigi went to her first formal banquet. My cousin Sammy and his wife, Leyon, celebrated their 25th anniversary. Family and friends were treated to a lovely gathering. Gigi got to meet her Miami cousins for the very first time. With a little bit of encouragement she gave everyone a "kiss kiss." Happy anniversary, Sammy and Leyon! Thank you for having us.

Wearing Her Feast

Mashed potatoes everywhere


Hands-on

Getting ready to dig in

The gramps carving up the bird

Well, the three D(s) have officially spent their first Thanksgiving as a family. Gi had a little bit of everything---a little Chinese marinated turkey, sweet potato souffle, garlic mashed potato and corn bread sausage dressing. By the end of the meal, Gi had more food on her than in her. Then it was onto a helping of French apple tart and Oreo cheesecake. We all watched a little bit of the parade and football game. All in all, a relaxing day. We are so thankful for Gi.

Thanksgiving Eve

Here are the top ten things I am most thankful for. I'll do a Letterman and start with #10 and work my way to #1.

10. A once-in-a-lifetime trip to China with my hubby. I don't think he'll want to go back anytime soon.
9. The opportunity for me to introduce Gi to my grandmother in Macau.
8. A chance to stay home with Gi.
7. The friendship of all of our adoption friends and their support.
6. The support and adoration that my parents and in-laws have given to Gi and continue to give.
5. Gi being able to sleep in her own crib and room now.
4. The health of my family and myself.
3. Gi's health and progress.
2. The love and support of my hubby.
1. Gigi, Gigi, Gigi!!!

Swing Time

The three D(s) enjoyed a splendid morning today at a local park on the intracoastal. Daddy got to push Gi on the swing for the first time. After much activity on the swing and slide, we all had a picnic lunch looking out onto the water and the boats passing by.

Elton John

Gi got this pair of sea-shell sunglasses as a baby shower gift. Alas, they are still too big on her. Her tiny nose can barely hold up the frame.

More Mei Mei Mayhem

Dino-riding with Sammi behind the museum

Getting on the "milk truck"

Sampling the "silverware"

Having "tea" with bud, Sammi

Getting ready to do some pretend play

Munchkin "raking" the cow pasture

Gi checking out the train tracks

Gi spent a fun-filled morning hanging with her fellow Mei Meis at a local children's museum. What a cool place! Mommy had fun too, chatting with other Mei Mei mommies. Can't wait to return to the museum with the Mei Meis again. Sammi, you are the best tea hostess!

Fifteen Months Today

Munchkin is officially 15 months old today. The cliche that "they grow so fast" really is true! She had her 15th month check-up yesterday and did swell despite the five shots that she received. This baby is a toughie! Gi has gained weight and a little bit of height. That little dynamo is a whopping 18.11 lbs and 30 inches long. I know, I know---she's still tiny but any progress is good progress. Lots of finger pointing, utters of single syllables, interest in body parts and a desire to eat more independently. She definitely makes her wants and needs known and is ever so curious. Hubs and I are, once again, attempting to transition Munchkin from our room to her room with the help and encouragement of Dr. L (Gi's ped). So needless to say, Mommy and Daddy are very sleep deprived but very determined to make this transition a success for Gi. Oh btw, thank you to all the mommies that have given us very good advice and encouragement on this very difficult sleep transition. Gi is also more sociable now. She seems to want to interact with other toddlers and is very observant on what others are doing. And boy, she has been bitten by the imitation bug. We continue to attend lots of classes and other social activities to get her growing juices going. She knows who her mommy and daddy are and is now truly beginning to hug and kiss us. One word that she does enunciate daily is "JaJa" which we assume is her attempt to say her nick name. But no concrete "mommy" and "daddy" yet. Well, that's about it for now. Mommy has to nap now!

Paparazzi Two

Big belly laugh

Blowing kisses

Touch down

Doing the Gigi hustle

Getting ready for bedtime

Bathtime laughter with Daddy

Is this what you're looking for, Daddy?

Look over there, Daddy!

Way too goofy, Daddy!