Our big little baby

I've been sooo bad about writing, and I'm sorry. But this kid is keeping me so busy! And I'm back and work now, so I have no time! Isabella has grown into a full fledged little girl - no more baby. She has so much personality, is independent (thankfully), knows what she wants, and throws tantrums now when she doesn't get it (which is a huge drag). But we're getting through it. She loves to climb, and is quite the monkey. She can get into her high chair by herself now, and is very pleased with herself when she buckles herself in as well. Chelsea and Wingnut are nearly accustomed to her now, and put up with a lot of tugging and pulling. They really look forward to seeing her at the end of the day when we come home though. She is quite a joy - we are really enjoying her. She's full of hugs and kisses and loves everybody.

TET

January 24 we spent a wonderful day in Winston Salem with other Vietnamese adoptees and their families celebrating the Vietnamese new year (Tet). We ate lots of authentic food, played games, had a dragon, painted water buffalo, and generally had a great time socializing. I've attached some photos from another parent, Shannon Devine, since we haven't downloaded ours yet. I'm already looking forward to next year's celebration!

Post Christmas note

Sorry it's been so long since I've written. The holidays have taken their toll on me mentally and physically. We had a GREAT Christmas, but it's been so busy! We hosted our annual Thanksgiving dinner for our friends the week before Thanksgiving, then traveled to my family's the following weekend. After that it was nonstop preparing for Christmas and we've been blessed to have had visits from both sets of our parents and my sister's family! We're taking a brief rest till Friday when my great friend Rhiannon comes for the weekend. I can't wait! Then I'll start preparing to go back to work :( I'm in denial.

So enough of this. I know what you really want is pictures. Here they are!

Love, Kim

Home over a month now

Well, we've been home for over a month, and Isabella is doing great! She has really acclimated to the USA and to us and the dogs. She seems very at home here. She is sleeping and eating very well - she eats EVERYTHING, including chili and Bojangle's chicken.

Her first real word is "uh-oh", which she uses every time she drops something or throws something on the floor. She's also saying "Hi" and "Mama" and "Da".

She's growing like a weed, and doesn't really look like a baby anymore. She's gotten taller and looks more like a little girl now. She's absolutely precious, and we absolutely won the lottery with her.

Attached are some photos taken by my good friend Windy, who visited just before Thanksgiving with her little girl Cassidy.

Daily life

Well, things are settling down and Isabella seems to be thoroughly attached to me! The girlie won't let me out of her sight most of the time, although she is warming up to our friends quickly. Unfortunately she isn't so quick to warm up to Nana and Pop, which is bumming us all out. She goes to Nana, but I can't walk away without her crying.

She's an amazing child, and every day is filled with tons of fun watching her learn new things. She lights up like a Christmas tree when her "Da" comes home from work. he tickles her and the giggles are just priceless.

She's grown a lot (which is scary considering how big she was to begin with!) and is out of 12 month clothes. she's not yet in 18 month ones but it won't be long.

I've added some photos for your viewing pleasure.

Love, Kim

Updating

Well, we've been home over a week and as of tomorrow will have had Isabella with us for a whole month! She's doing amazingly well. She got a clean bill of health from the doctor (who was quite impressed with her, by the way!). We've gone to the park a couple of times and made new friends. We have very busy days and I'm worn out! She is very active in the morning when she wakes up. And she's into EVERYTHING (especially the recycling and the computer). I'll post new photos as soon as Jim uploads them to the computer.

HOME!

We are finally home in Wilmington, and all is GREAT! Isabella LOVES the dogs and cat - she laughed at them the second she saw them! We are so relieved - we were very worried that she would be scared, but not a bit.

It's kind of odd - it's as if Bella knew she were home. She made her way all over the house (even climbing the stairs), and is sleeping soundly (woo hoo!) in her very own crib in her very own room. We have striven to keep her out of our bed if at all possible (although we've given in a few times), so we're diligently attending to her while she's in her own crib so that she wont mind being there.

Her appetite has improved tremendously since we got home too - she's even taken to jar baby food. Loves carrots and peas, peaches and apples. And I've begun making congee - and she likes that too!

We had a great time at Mom & Dad's house this weekend. The birthday party was a smashing success! Thanks to all who came to celebrate with us.

Kim & Jim & Bella too!