Bracelets and Toilets Don't Go Together

Munch and I stop by a local warehouse market to pick up a few items. We go in. We go out. That's the plan. But the food sample vendors are out and this does not escape Munch's eyes. So Munch directs me to every stainless steel cart for a little snack time. Soon nature calls. We mosey to the large industrial bathroom. Munch obliges cheerfully. Before I can even lift her off the toilet seat, I hear a loud clink. Munch's pink princess bracelet escapes from her tiny wrist and splashes into the toilet bowl. Standing there with her hands still holding her dress up and her princess undies straddled around her ankles, Munch gasps at the tragedy. "Mommy, get it pease, pease!" I stammer about how dirty the toilet is when suddenly the automatic flusher shoots down a herculean rush of water sending the bracelet to potty heaven. Unable to be consoled, Munch's tear ducts open up like the sky. And now one can imagine how the rest of the shopping trip went. And so after a few more laborious rounds of vendor snacks, we leave the store relatively calm and, hopefully, scar-free. I just wonder what the outcome would have been if my Munch had dropped her teddy.

Ready for World Cup

with Coach Stephen and soccer buddy Brooke

little soccer beauties

making Daddy proud by wearing the Brazilian uniform
(big thanks to Sammy PJ for passing the outfit over to Gi)

kicking the ball as hard as she can

Munch is definitely not a natural at soccer but she is having great fun.

listening to Coach Stephen

with her team mates

I signed Munch up for a one week soccer camp at a nearby rec center. She is having loads of fun especially since her little school buddy is in it also. Hubs whipped out the "official" Brazilian soccer uniform the other day for Munch to wear to practice. It was tough marketing that outfit---no frills, sparkles, rainbows or the color purple, all standard Gi requirements for ready wear. But we presevere and Munch dons it on every morning with the promise that she can change into her rainbow shorts when she comes home. Such girliness! Nonetheless, Hubs is very proud of his little soccer girl.

Hello Amelie

At long last, our friends, Kristen and Dave, received their referral today of their gorgeous baby daughter, Amelie. Congratulations! Amelie was well worth the wait. Oh those cheeks!

Welcome Home R Family

proud papa and momma with Alex arriving

handsome!

fast friends

Last night was a special evening. The three of us along with some good friends made our way to the airport to welcome home another adoption family. Congratulations, Castor, Joyce and Alex! Munch was immediately taken with Alex, a bright eyed sociable 3 year old. They even exchanged a friendly kiss! So adorable. We're so happy for this brand new family and can't wait for future playdates.

First Dance Recital

Munch is fourth from the left

with dancing buddy, Kathleen

Munch Kathleen Addison


strike a pose

Munch bumped into fellow mei mei, Avery, at the rehearsal.

ice cream chow down with Sammy after the recital

Munch had her first dance recital today! Her little group danced to "Baby Ballerinas." Oh such cuteness on stage! Enjoy the pics.

Heavenly Discussion

Munch and I were driving to the mall this morning. During our usual car chatter, Gi asked about Daniel again. In simplistic terms I told her how Daniel's heart needed fixing and that sometimes even the best doctors can't fix everything the way we expect. After a small pause, Munch's eyes lit up. "Oh but Daniel is in heaven. Fifi (our greyhound who passed away 2 years ago) is in heaven, Mommy. She going to lick Daniel's face alot!" Such surprising sweetness from a three year old. I'm so proud of her.

Daniel is in Heaven

Little Daniel passed away last night. We are devastated by this news. I can't even imagine losing a child. Please send the Murphy family your love and prayers.

It's All About the Characters

look at the sophisticated crossed legs

the Mulan kiss

Mulan saved the day



Snow White squeezed Munch in before going off to her water break.

Hubs did all the heavy lifting

With a busted knee, a mighty sore belly and two soon to expire tickets, Hubs and I braved another trip to the Orlando area so Munch could get her fill of all things Disney again. This time it was all about the characters. Munch pestered us for an autograph book and a special pen even before we reached mile marker 15 on 192. Once inside DW, Munch exhibited uncanny patience in waiting to be snapped picture perfect with each character and gathering their signatures. Same thing at Epcot...relentless pleads to meet and greet Minnie and Donald. Typical futile conversation between members of the D household:

"But, Gigi, don't you want to see Nemo and ride the clammobile??!!"

"No, where Minnie and Donald?"

"Hey, how about we visit China and Japan? Wouldn't that be cool?"

"No, Daddy! I want Minnie and Donald!"

Hubs and I hold strong even though the whining is persistent and done in 91 degree humidity. We firmly plant ourselves in the Japan pavilion to watch the Taiko drummers. Gi momentarily forgets about Minnie and Donald and is entertained by the hardworking musicians. I'm sure the $3.75 cup of rainbow ice being hand fed to her also greased our way to this fleeting moment of parental peace. Next, China! While waiting for the acrobatic show to start, Gi and I, sans Hubs who is off to the bathroom again to recuperate, wander into the Chinese store. Upon coming out, we spot Mulan! I'm very pleased and desperately pray that she doesn't go off to her water break and leave my Munch waiting. Gi, with new found sophistication, waits for her turn and is rewarded handsomely not only with autograph and picture opportunity but also with a gracious red kiss on the cheek. There IS a stop-your-kid-from-whining goddess and her name is Miss Mulan! Munch is happy as a clam and lets her middle age, heat debilitated, aching parents watch the acrobatic show in relative peace. We end our visit to Epcot with a 45 minute wait to meet and greet all the MMCH characters. Munch was in heaven and so were we because Hubs and I can now drag our hot tired butts back to our hotel room for some much needed R&R. Mega park visits---not for the faint hearted when traveling with a soon-to-be four year old and one parent who can not lift anything heavy for six weeks. Kisses to my hubs who took on any extra duties that required lifting the Munch whether it was potty breaks, getting a better view or just plain hugging.

Send Your Love and Support

If you read this blog, I am asking that you send all the love and positive vibes you can to the Murphy family. Their newly adopted toddler son, Daniel, is currently undergoing corrective heart surgery down in Miami. His recovery is somewhat touch-and-go right now as complications have arisen. Daniel is a strong little fighter and his parents are equally strong and faithful. As you go about your normal daily routine, think of Daniel often. He's a great kid with a wonderful family. Thank you!

Happy Mother's Day

enjoying Mother's Day tea at Munch's school

Look at the flower arrangement!

I just want to wish all the mommies that I know a fabulous Mother's Day. July 23, 2007 was the day that I became a full fledge mommy and it has been a wonderfully bumpy ride ever since. I must thank my mighty Munch for keeping me active, compassionate and humble. I'd like to share a little Q&A project that Munch did at school with her teachers.

My Mom

My mom is 5 years old.

My mom is prettiest when her eyes blink in the morning.

My mom likes to make cereal, popcorn.

My mom always says, come here.

My mom is funny when she and Daddy laugh at the table.

Hugs and kisses to all the mommies!

Hello, Disney!

ready to conquer Disney

teacup fun

checking out Minnie Mouse's refrigerator

newly glamorous as Minnie Mouse

Tinkerbell encounter

fun with Goofy

bug girl

First of all, we'd like to thank the Y family again for making this wonderful trip possible for Munch. Brea's grandparents, John and Vicki, treated us to a wonderful two days at Disney World and Animal Kingdom in celebration of Brea's 4th birthday. The three BFFs enjoyed themselves tremendously as well as the adults. Happy birthday, Brea!

No Elbows

Hubs and I are tired. We have just come home from a Panthers game with Munch. Munch loves the hockey experience and comes home in a good mood. She hops into bed without protest and I finish reading a Maisy book to her. Before I step out of her room to make way for Hubs to read to her, she instructs me to inform Hubs that he is not to put his elbows on her pillow. I am amused by this edict but nevertheless assure her of my duty to remind Hubs about the no-elbows rule. Hubs walks in and before he can even sit on Munch's bed she boldly tells him that he is in no way to lay his elbow on her pillow. Hubs looks at her defiantly, walks over to the head of her bed, bends his arms upright and drops his elbows dramatically on her pillow like a showy pro wrestler does to his disabled opponent. You see, Hubs thought he was being funny with his one-and-only child. What he got was merciless sobbing followed by a flowing river of tears from dear daughter. In an effort to make amends, shocked Hubs asks Munch why he is not to lay his elbow on her pillow. Her response---her purple pillow is very fluffy and soft and when Daddy puts his elbow on it the pillow becomes hard. There. You got it, Daddy? No elbows on the pillow. Ever.

Spring Time in Tallahassee

Gi had a hopping good time playing airplane with fellow Chinese toddler, Ethan at the Easter party.

enjoying a nice game of "kick the flat ball" with Uncle Mark and Mommy

kayaking with Uncle Mark


family portrait at Mission San Luis


Dorito crumbs all around Munch's mouth at Mission San Luis

An interpreter at Mission San Luis is demonstrating how the Spaniards made empanadas. After observing this demonstration for several minutes, Munch exclaims loudly that she is hungry.

inside the counsel house at Mission San Luis

posing in the fire pit at Mission San Luis

We went shopping for the Easter party at a Costco in Tallahassee. Of course Munch easily convinced her daddy to get her a large cup of soft serve. All smiles when it comes to ice cream.

downing a small piece of hotdog before being granted her wish for ice cream at a Tallahassee Costco

family shot at Tom Brown Park

ever the swing hog at Tom Brown Park

Hubs working on getting Uncle Mark and Auntie Sara HD on their tv

posing with her favorite uncle at Oven Park

beautiful Azaleas all over Oven Park

swinging in a beautiful garden

Oven Park has beautiful flowering Camelias. Munch was estatic when we allowed her to pick some off the ground.

Munch, a flower enthusiast herself, couldn't believe how many amazing flowers were at Oven Park.

posing with a sculpture by Uncle Mark in the front yard

This is Munch's tai chi pose.

Auntie Sara gave Munch this set of pretty barrettes. Munch was in heaven!

Tallahassee is hilly to say the least. A little more effort is required of Munch.

cozy in her blanket before taking her nightly bath at Auntie Sara and Uncle Mark's house

We must thank Uncle Mark and Auntie Sara again for putting up with the 3Ds for an entire week. Auntie Sara, ever the professional shutterbug, snapped all of these pictures of us. There was even an Easter party in honor of the mighty Munch. We had a fantastic time and look forward to seeing auntie and uncle again in the summer. Happy Easter to all of our family members and friends near and far.