A day at the Park

I know I probably sound like a wimp but I have been hesitant to take all 3 peanuts to the park by myself. You might remember that we lost Will and Harry at a big park right after Kate Emerson came home. That was the WORST feeling. Will and Harry want to explore the woods and climb trees. Kate wants to swing and crawl on the toddler gym. I have trouble keeping everyone in view. Anyway, we went to a small local park and everyone had fun and no one got lost! A good day.

An update on Jeff....He had a rough day yesterday and the doctors still have not made a definitive diagnosis. He is still in the hospital and needs prayers. Today is their daughter, Ruby Mei's 1st birthday! Happy Birthday Ruby Mei!

Black and Whites on the Porch

Love Shack

I just had to tell all of Georgia Blogger friends that Dave and I went to see the B-52's in concert tonight! When they introduced themselves they said they were "just a little Georgia dance band." I thought they were a one hit wonder but I discovered tonight they might have actually been a 3 hit wonder (Roam, Rock Lobster and Love Shack). We had fun! We danced! It was only the second time we have left Kate at night with a sitter!

Thank you for all of the prayers and good wishes for Jeff. Diana has left an update here in the comments section for you all to read. Jeff is doing much better but please continue to pray. The doctors are treating him for Lyme's Disease and he is responding. You can see their China journey (which is really beautiful) at this site.

Prayers Needed!

I don't think I have done this before--- but if you pray, please pray for my friend Diana's husband, Jeff. He is very sick and in the hospital. He needs prayers. Please pray for his healing and for the doctor's wisdom. They returned from China about 2 months ago with their beautiful daughter, Ruby Mei (who will turn one on July 31st!). This family is very dear to me. Thank you.

Five things

I am not too good at these memes. But since my good bloggy friend, Debbie tagged me, I am going to participate.

Five things I was doing 10 years ago:
1. I had a one month old with horrendous colic! Changing diapers, midnight feedings, etc.
2. Visiting my mother in law in the hospital everyday (she was dying of cancer).
3. Trying to decide if I should go back to work as a professor at the University of Houston or stay at home with my new baby.
4. Seeing my son smile for the first time!
5. Just hanging on. It was a tough summer.

Five favorite snack foods: ( I will just add here that while I LOVE these foods, I am not a big snacker and we don't usually have these in our house. Two of the peanuts are allergic to wheat, dairy, soy, gluten and nuts, so we eat awfully healthy here)

1. Pizza
2. Whole Foods lightly salted potato chips (we always have these)
3. Dark chocolate
4. Ice cream
5. Good cheese and good pate

Five songs I know all of the lyrics to:
1. These are the days-Natalie Merchant
2. The National Anthem
3. Anything Motown
4. Something Beautiful--from Debbie's blog. It plays in my mind constantly.
5. I love the way the river goes. (Laurie Berkmar--Kate's favorite song. She hears it and sings it 100 times a day) Thanks ELO !

Five things I would do with a million dollars:

1. Give some away. Breast cancer research maybe. Help others adopt maybe.

2. I hate to talk money so I am skipping the rest.

Five Bad Habits:
1. Blogging ( my husband thinks so)
2. Expecting too much from myself and from others.
3. I probably spend more time on the computer and the phone than I ought to (although not really since Kate has come home--I have no time now.
4. Staying up too late! This is very new. I used to be in bed early but the past few months, I have been a night owl.
5. I am "refreshingly honest." Some people like this but others think it is "brutal honesty."

Things I like to do:
1. Shopping
2. Decorating and reading decorating magazines.
3. Entertaining (having other families over for dinner mostly)
4. Reading
5. Taking photographs (this is a new hobby).

Five things I would never wear again:
1. A bikini
2. A bikini
3. Purple Eyeshadow
4. A bikini
5. A thong (they are NOT comfortable)

Five people I tag:
Danielle, Lori, Jennifer, Daleea, and Lala.

Thankful Thursday Giggles

Two fellow bloggers host Thankful Thursdays. One is Sting my Heart and a newer one is Three Thanks that Heather initiated. I like the tradition of taking a day out to think about what we are grateful for.

Here is my list:

I am thankful that my husband tries very hard to lighten my load.

I am thankful that Kate Emerson has settled into an afternoon nap routine again:) Well, does 3 days in a row make a routine?

I am thankful that today was the LAST day of swim team practice. That was a HUGE commitment with a new baby!

I am thankful that tomorrow my boys will swim in champs!

I am thankful for a healthy family. I have been hearing about so many people being ill or getting diagnosed with cancer lately. I thank God that we are in good health right now.

I am thankful for the wonderful conversation I had yesterday with a blog friend, Danielle. We have e-mailed before but it was the first time we ever spoke. Kate was sleeping, the boys were playing and we gabbed for an hour and a half! It was as though we had known each other for years. She is such a sweet person.

I am thankful that I have the opportunity to stay home with the peanuts. Even though it is the hardest job I have ever done, I am lucky to be able to do it.

I am thankful for the laughter in our house everyday (well almost everyday)!

What are you thankful for?

Richmond Zoo

Last Saturday we spontaneously decided to drive to the Richmond Zoo. It is a small, privately owned zoo but we had a fabulous time. The weather was cool (for July) and breezy. Everything was perfect. Afterwards, we went out for Mexican food and to Nordstrom's for the big anniversary sale! How much better can a Saturday get? Miss Kate got her very first pair of sneakers (pink). The bad news is that she has a wide foot. That could seriously limit our future shoe fashion choices!

P.S. Notice the way Kate holds on to Dave's ears when she is on his shoulders. I think it is hilarious. She also tries to put her dress (or shirt) over his head. She's a funny little girl.

Kate's First Steps!

Yes, today Miss Kate took her first step! I was blow drying my hair and Kate was in the bathroom imitating me with her maraca (she pretends it is her blow dryer). Then, I walked toward her and she took a step to me. I called Dave into the bathroom and she did it again! However, when we got the video camera, she went all "jelly legs" on us. I was very excited that Kate walked to me because both of the boys walked to Dave for the first time.

We had a great weekend. We went to the Richmond Zoo yesterday and had friends over for dinner tonight. I planned to post those photos (the zoo) but Kate walking was much more important! Also, I have had so much trouble in the past making videos but I found a new program on my computer (windows movie maker) that I did not have before. It just appeared and it was so easy!

Thank you

I am blushing here a bit. I was nominated for a blogging award. My good friend in Houston (Linda) has always teased me that I cannot take a compliment. I just giggle in an embarrassed manner. Don't get me wrong, I like compliments. I just don't know what to do with them. I know that proper etiquette is simply to say, "Thank you." So, thank you.

Daleea over at Jewels of my Heart, Debbie at Hiking through life with Ian and Lili and Amy at Nesting for Natalie all nominated me for this award as a Rockin' Blogger. Anyone who knows me knows that there is nothing "rockin" about me. But these really kind bloggers said that they enjoy reading about our family. It is ironic because I admire these three women immensely for their photography and their writing.

These women are very special and giving people and I am touched that they thought of my blog. I often think about stopping the blog or changing it to a password protected blog. Every time that I am seriously considering that, I will get a touching personal e-mail from someone out there who "happened upon my blog" while waiting for their referral. They share with me how it helps them hold hope for their future child. I guess you never really know how you impact others.

I honestly would have nominated the 3 women who nominated me but I am not sure I am allowed (I am new to this). So, I would like to nominate Kris at The Mad Race for Macey. Kris is an oncology nurse and a single woman adopting from China. She is an amazing photographer and a deep thinker who is on a incredible journey coming out of a tough time in her life. What I love about Kris' blog is that she is so honest and so willing to work through the painful events that have happened in her life in the last two years. Kris strikes me as strong, funny and empathic. She inspires me.

I would also like to nominate, Danielle at The Daily Ice Blended. Danielle began reading and commenting on my blog when I got my referral (maybe before) for Kate. She ALWAYS has something nice to say. One of the things I love about Danielle is that she is a really hip, young person with really nice, old fashioned ideals. She is a caring person with a really good head on her shoulders! Even though she is young and hip, she still talks to an old Mom like me! Also, she wants to make a difference in the world. I like that. Danielle feels like an old friend to me.

Finally, I would like to nominate Kim over at The Seventh Diamond. Kim is probably the most selfless blogger I have ever seen. She is always announcing everyone else's good news, posting inspiring quotes, and offering support and prayers for those in need. This weekend she is even hosting a cyber shower for someone who recently got their referral for their child from China. As I was reading through my old posts, I think I realized that Kim was one of the first people to comment here who I didn't know in "real" life. She seems very giving and other oriented.

This was tough because I enjoy so many blogs and really consider myself quite the novice.

Make sure you read below about Harry's big accomplishment. He loves when I read the comments to him:)

Thank you.

Look Mom...No training wheels!

Dave has been taking Harry to a flat area in our neighborhood to practice his bike riding. The other day, Harry asked me to take him there so he could show me his progress. He had this look like, "You're not going to believe what I can do now!"

He hopped on the bike (sans training wheels) and pedaled away!

Obviously, he and Dad have been working hard.

He had such a joyful look of accomplishment on his face!

Well, Mom what do you think?

Way to go Harry! I am very proud of you!!

Thankful for a break sometimes (Thankful Thursday)

This week I would like to thank the people that allow me to get a little break from Mommydom once in a while. Will is an amazing helper with Kate. Yesterday when I was trying to answer an e-mail, Kate kept crawling to the computer and hitting my keyboard. Will volunteered to give Kate piggy-back rides around the house so she would not get to my computer. He also keeps a eye on her while I cook or do other little things around the house. Thanks Willie!
Lindsey has been my great summer helper. She helps me juggle the summer schedules of three kids. Because of her, I get to spend some quality individual time with each child AND I can even get my haircut once in a while too! Kate loves Lindsey and reaches out for her as soon as she sees her. Lindsey is going to be a teacher and I know she'll be great!
This is Miss Kristi. She was Harry's assistant teacher last year and she watched all three kids last week one night for us. It was our first night out as a couple since Kate joined our family. I was so nervous leaving Kate for the first time at bedtime. However, Kate fell asleep in Miss Kristi's arms while drinking her bottle and transferred (still sleeping) into the crib. This is something Kate Emerson has never done for me!


Last but not least, Dave is a great hands-on Dad. He bathes Kate most nights and puts her to bed (which despite Miss Kristi's experience is no small feat). He has been great about just stepping in and taking over when I need a break. We truly are complete partners in our parenting.
In his picture, he is "watching" Kate while she splashes in her pool. Now, when I try this with her, I cannot read a book. Kate usually climbs out of the pool, leans over and does other things that require my constant supervision!

Thank you Will, Lindsey, Miss Kristi and Dave for letting me have a few minutes to myself once in a while. I really appreciate it!

Swim Team Again

I am really proud of Will and Harry. We missed the beginning of swim team this year since we were in Houston. They missed swim shape camp and the first two meets so they have been a little "rusty." But when we got back, they made a commitment to try their best and practice everyday. They have worked really hard. It has been a hard swim season for both of them but I am really proud of their efforts. They will both swim in champs in a few weeks.

The photos I am most proud of though have nothing to do with swimming. My friend, Amie captured the shot of them during the national anthem. The boys had no idea she even took it. Dave and I were nowhere near the boys but I am SO proud that they stopped and paid respect to our country. I see so many people who do not take their hats off or talk during the national anthem and it really bothers me. I am glad that my boys did what they have been taught even though"no one was watching."

I also LOVE the photo of Will congratulating Harry after his freestyle. My boys fight like all brothers do but they truly are best friends and they cheer each other on. What more could a Mother really ask for?

Thankful Thursday

My friend just sent me this picture of "Kissy Kate" and I had to add it to this post.

She has a GREAT sense of humor too!

It has been a few weeks since I wrote what I was thankful for. The other night I was giving Kate a bath and she pulled up and leaned over the tub to kiss me over and over and over again (maybe 30 times). An enormous smile spread over my face and I was filled with a sense of peace. I looked at my daughter who was playing and splashing in the water as she squealed with joy. I thought to myself....she is so happy and secure and incredibly affectionate with me, Dave and the boys. Then I realized there was a reason I waited extra long for her. I knew in my heart at that moment that Kate was the child that was meant to be my daughter. I have felt this before but there has never been a moment that I have felt it so strongly.

A good friend of mine advised me to pray for exactly what I wanted in Kate while I was waiting for referral and I did. I prayed for a calm, patient, happy, giving, kind, easy, sweet and healthy daughter. Kate is exactly what I prayed for. I am blessed.

I am so thankful that Kate Emerson was placed in a very loving foster family the day she was found. I think they taught her how to love because it obviously comes so naturally to her.

Poem

I know that most you who read here are Moms and I thought you might enjoy this poem. I LOVE this frame and it sums up exactly how I felt about Kate coming home to our family. It says," You are the poem I dreamed of writing ..the masterpiece I longed to paint. You are the shining star I reached for in my ever hopeful quest for life fulfilled. You are my child. Now with all things I am blessed." Isn't that amazing? The photo does not do it justice but it looks incredible in her room. It looks much better if you click on it to enlarge. ADDED: Several people have asked who makes this. It is made by Sugarboo Designs and you can customize the quote and color. They have a variety of really beautiful verses that would be great for children, weddings, family etc. I got mine at Williams and Sherrill in Richmond, VA. There is a link in the text above for the Sugarboo website.

So, this is what my little blessing is up to now. She loves to push this thing around and she climbs completely up the stairs. She is constantly on the go!

What is a peanut anyway?

After my blog makeover, a couple of people e-mailed me (very kindly, I might add) to tell me that peanuts do not grow on trees.


Apparently, they grow underground.

And they are not even nuts. They are legumes. So the images at the top of my blog are actually correct. They are horticultural illustrations of peanuts (notice the peanuts are growing under the plant). I am sorry for any confusion. I just wanted to set the record straight. Thank you to those of you who enlightened me on this topic;)


Now for a meme... I have never done one of these (let alone started one) but Daleea over at Jewels of my Heart suggested one sharing our children's nicknames. So, here it goes...

Will's is peanut but now that he is ten...that is getting a little awkward. We also call him Willie sometimes.

...

Harrison (almost always called Harry) was nicknamed "cutie' while I was pregnant. When I told Will I was pregnant, he immediately hugged my belly and said, "I love you cutie and I cannot wait for you to come out and play." We referred to Harry as cutie for a long time until Will came up with a second nickname. One day, Will started calling him "squishy" because he was so cute and squishy. It stuck and now he is often called squish.

Kate doesn't completely have nickname yet. When we started the adoption process (in Korea at first) we referred to our future daughter as Lili (lee-lee). It was cute and girly and it sounded Asian. We would say, "Well once Lili gets here...." or "put that in Lili's room." Now, I sometimes call her Katie Ru. Ru was part of her Chinese name and we have kept it in her legal name. But I am the only one who calls her that. I am sure her nickname will emerge. Will would like to call her "the bottomless pit" or "the black hole" due to her "healthy" appetite but I see self-esteem problems down the road if that were to happen! So, I have not allowed it.

In the end, I am lucky if I can call any of them by the right name these days. I often find myself saying three names before I get the right child (including Scout--whose nickname is Scoutypants by the way). We often call Kate Scout.

...

Okay, I tag Daleea, Debbie, Kim (Red Mary Janes), Tracy, Marina, Steffie and BeckyB (when you get back from your reunion) and anyone else who reads and would like to share.

Happy 4th of July!

We had a great day today! We started off with a slow morning. Harry went to ice skating camp and I cleaned while Dave hung out with Kate. Poor Will has an awful blister from ice skating and had to stay home from camp today. You all know that Miss Kate has not been napping for me AT ALL! So, today I told Dave that he was completely in charge of Kate. I needed to get some things done around the house (laundry). Of course, he puts her in for her morning nap and she lays right down and goes to sleep. WHY does this happen? It is so frustrating.

Our neighborhood has a parade every 4th of July where kids ride bikes and scooters through the neighborhood. Parents and kids decorate their wagons, bikes, scooters, golf carts and cars (even some little red convertibles) and there is a parade. At the end, everyone gets candy and popsicles and goes to the pool. It is very cute. Kate was supposed to be napping so only the boys participated this year. However, since I put her down this time, she never fell asleep!

Then, we went to the pool for a few hours. We came home and had a delicious dinner that Dave cooked. After dinner we headed to the soccer fields in our neighborhood for fireworks. It was a great crowd. Kate was not even phased by the fireworks. I am telling you nothing phases her!

I don't think Kate is legally an American yet. She has a green card and is a legal alien but she sure enjoyed her first 4th of July!

10 things I love

Heather initiated a photo challenge to post 10 photos that depict what "I love..." Since I am really trying to become a better photographer, I decided to participate this month (better late than never). Although, I did cheat a little. The rules indicate that all of the photos must be new (mine are not). Also, Elissa took one of mine. Hey, I have 3 kids...this is the best I could do;) Here are some things that I love.

I do love orchids and anyone who has ever been to my house can see that. I have them all over the place.

I love going to the beach with my family every summer. We go to Hilton Head each year and this picture is much lighter and cuter than it scanned. It was taken a few years ago (before I had digital). But I love it. The boys are being silly and having fun!

I love Christmas and decorating the house and the tree.

I am "slightly" addicted to this lemonade. It is very refreshing.

I absolutely LOVE peonies and I grow them in my yard.

Will's gorgeous eyes! Elissa took this one but it really shows his eyes.

My husband and our marriage ( and my front porch). I love them all!

Harry's freckles--they kiss his adorable little nose!

Kate's dimple (and smile)

I really love my kitchen. When we built our house, I spent tons of time thinking about all of the finishes and the design and the ceiling. We literally drew what we wanted and the architect created it. Although I love it even more when it is filled with good food, family and friends.

I also love my family, my friends, movies, books, libraries, decorating, gin and tonics, dark chocolate, whole foods' potato chips, pedicures, sterling silver, shelter magazines, cookbooks, the seasons, monograms, champagne, good food, the beach, hosting dinner parties, pizza and art. I absolutely love when Kate takes a nap (which she has not done for 3 days now) but I am too chicken to take a picture of that for fear of waking her! Check back tomorrow to see the 3 peanuts in their red, white and blue.

Thank you for my new look!

I have been wanting to give the blog a little bit of an individualized look for a while but wasn't quite sure how to do it myself. After a lot of checking around and playing with it, a few incredibly kind bloggy friends offered to help me. Danielle offered help and incredible support along the way. Emily gave me some useful tips. But in the end, a special friend designed this for me. She wishes to remain anonymous but I am so grateful that people I have only "met" in blogland would be so generous with both their time and their talent. I hope you all like it. I LOVE it! Thank you again;)

....

P.S. I feel as though I should take this opportunity to explain the "3 peanuts" title of my blog. When I was pregnant with Will, beanie babies were very popular. Someone gave me the elephant beanie baby called "peanut" as a gift for Will. He loved that little elephant and carried it everywhere. My nickname for Will quickly became "peanut." Ironically, when Will was about one, I gave him the littlest taste of peanut butter on my finger and he got terrible hives. We've since discovered that he is very allergic to peanuts (and lots of other things). However, I still use that nickname for all the little ones in our home. The botanicals in the header above are peanut plants and Heather located the image for me.