Happy Birthday, Avery!

Just wanted to wish big girl, Avery, a very happy Halloweenish birthday.  She is six!

Halloween Dance



having a hopping good time



ready to dance the night away

the grump-a-lumps set in

time for poopy-face

Like all well laid out plans there are going to be some setbacks. Friday night we had ours with Munch. After talking about the preschool Halloween dance for several days, Gi finally had her opportunity to put on her mermaid costume and dance the night away with her friends at school. We arrive to lively music and a fantastic show of kid-friendly costumes. Munch gets into the spirit and mommy and daddy are relieved that fun is being had. Then almost as if the good-attitude clock struck twelve, Munch turns into a sourpuss never recovering from her downward turn for the rest of the evening. What happened to our cheerful mermaid? Hubs and I go through our mental list of causes. Tired? No because she took a two-hour nap. Hungry? Not likely since she had a big bowl of strawberries and crackers at home. Thirsty? Not really since she refused a sweet cup of lemonade at the dance. What then??? Oh heck, we don't know! What we did learn is that when your child is determined to not have a good time, seize the moment and make a quick exit. Your deep and philosophical discussion about making right choices with your grumpy kid is always better had in the car ride home rather then on the noisy dance floor.

Hubby Turns 45

Ms. Ericka stopped by last night with a handcrafted Brazilian jersey cake for Hubs.

The three of us celebrated Hubs' actual birthday this past Wednesday with a surf n turf dinner and strawberry shortcake cake.

Poh Poh and Gon Gon took us out to Silver Pond (Hubs' fave Chinese restaurant) last weekend for an early celebration of Hubs' birthday. Father and daughter both enjoy a lobster claw.

Recipe for Mini Toni Soup

Munch jumps on my lap excitedly and makes her announcement.

Mommy, I'm going to make mini toni soup for Daddy!

Oh, you mean minestrone soup? How do you make it?

Mommy, you put 2 cups of sugar. And noodle and beans and two rice.

Wow, that sounds like a lot of sugar! Are you sure you need that much sugar?

Yes, and you put juice in it.

Hmm, interesting recipe, Gi.

Daddy going to love it. I'm going to make for Daddy in my kitchen cuz he likes mini toni soup. Ok, Mommy?

"I Don't Like Brown People"

Several months ago, Munch and I were shopping in our local warehouse market when a senior African-American woman pushed her cart slowly past us in the dairy aisle. I was diligently searching for nonfat Greek style yogurt and didn't realize that Munch had been eyeing the elderly shopper. Munch tapped my hand as I was pushing her in the shopping cart and loudly proclaimed that she didn't like brown people. If a 44 year old haggard mom could soil her pants, that would have been the moment to do it. I was mor-ti-fied. My head involuntarily turns to look at the elderly lady who, I imagine, very graciously pretended not to have heard my daughter's innocent but very insensitive comment. For the next few minutes, my daughter and I engage in a frantic dialogue about the right and wrong way to like or dislike somebody. Fast forward to yesterday. The ugly comment rears its head again. This time Munch is watching a Disney program which happens to feature a young African-American actress. Mortified again and mystified also, I reiterate to her what we had discussed before. Why would my child say such a hateful thing? She certainly didn't learn that from Hubs or me. Where is it coming from? Then it dawns on me that this may have a school origin. Upon further probing, Munch shares with me that a very naughty male classmate once teased her about how brown her skin was. My heart broke into a million pieces. Sure, I've been on the receiving end of racist, insensitive remarks almost all of my life. But was I ready for my four year old daughter to possibly have to endure such negative behavior from others? Apparently not. And so I mentally pull myself together. What do I say (other than you should punch that boy in the nose when the teacher is not looking)? What expression should I have on my face?

So J said you have brown skin, huh? So what did you tell him when he said that to you?

I say he hurt my feelings and he not nice!

That's good! You told him how his comments made you feel. What did he say after that?

He not say anything. He look at me and he run around. He run away.

Well, he must have gotten the hint! You know, I notice that you have several brown friends like M. Do you like M?

Yes, her very nice. Her play with me at my house.

Must be pretty cool to have brown skin and to have brown friends, don't you think?

Yes, Mommy.

Besides, maybe J was just jealous of the super tan that you have from swimming so much.

He very jealous, Mommy!

First Day of VPK

Munch was super excited at home on her first day of vpk yesterday.

But once we got to the classroom, Munch wasn't keen on Mommy leaving her.

Ms. Stephanie to the rescue! She got Munch involved in an activity as I slowly eased my way out of the classroom.

All better with the help of Ms. Stephanie. Munch warmed up to her teachers and classmates and had a wonderful first day in vpk.

Pee-nada and Am-min-nals

That's Gi-ism for pinata and animals---two things that Munch requested for her 4th birthday celebration. And so our backyard became a barnyard complete with chickens, ducks, goats, sheep, rabbits, piglets and even a miniature horse. The cute critters were a big hit with the junior set along with the dismembering of the horsey pinata. After all the goodies came showering down and were eagerly collected by Gi and her cohorts, the poor, dangling papier mache steed got no rest. The stick kept swinging and the fun continued. Once the barnyard went bye-bye, it was time for a cool down period in the pool. Throughout the entire morning and early part of the afternoon, Munch had great fun with her friends. Hubs and I couldn't be more thankful to have another great year with Gi and grateful for all of our friends and their children and our family. Thank you all for coming out to celebrate with us!

Introducing the New DLR Family

Mama Kristen with Baby Amelie

proud papa David

the gang with their newest mei mei

After almost a five year wait, our friends, Kristen and David, are finally a family of three. Our core group of adoption friends welcomed the family back last night at PBIA. And let's just say little Miss Amelie is even more adorable in person...scumptious pink cheeks, bright big eyes and chubby little turkey legs. Munch and her buddies, Brea and Alex, acting as junior ambassadors fluttered around and posed with their newest "mei mei." We'd like to send our congrats again to the DLR family---they've just boarded the fastest and most exciting rollercoaster. Enjoy the ride!

Punk-free

Is it wrong to sit quietly in your darken living room secretly savoring the quiet that surrounds you? I mean I have this silly grin on my face for no other reason then my number one Munch is NOT HERE. I am PUNK-Free tonight thanks to the fabulous Y family! Ohhh to not have to nag Sassy-Pants to eat her healthy foods, read bedtime stories, brush little teeth and wash her wiggly body...it's heavenly! I'm going to sit here for awhile more and imagine that I am that woman in the Dove chocolate commercial...with a swath of satin sheet wrapped around me while soothing wind blows through my hair. Mommyhood sure has its unexpected moments and this is one of them.

Monopoly of Time

Uncle Mark is king in Gi's world.

Thank you, Auntie Sara, for taking great pics of the family.

jungle girl

Tarzanita

Well, Gi got another super dose of Auntie Sara and Uncle Mark. Sis and Bro came down to visit for a couple of weeks. Munch spent almost every day hanging out with Uncle Mark while Mommy spent some QT with her sister. Gi got some genuine art lessons from Uncle Mark as he is a first rate illustrator and potter. In Gi's world, everything was about Uncle Mark. My girl woke up asking for Uncle Mark and went to bed singing his praises...too funny! Now that auntie and uncle are back in Tallahassee, Munch is pining away for them. Hubby and I give her daily assurances that she will see them in five months time. The only problem is Munch keeps inquiring if five months is tomorrow. Has anyone ever successfully explained the concept of time to a three year old without pulling out what thin remaining hair they have? Probably not and it looks like I will not be the exception either.

Summer Fun

playdate with Alex and Brea

send-off for Sammy

little bitty basketball

playing beauty salon with Poh Poh

making jewelry with Uncle Mark

hanging out with Gon Gon

Snow White with Bubba the Turtle

pool side

posing for Auntie Sara in her recital dress

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.