Happy Birthday KJ!

July is the month of birthdays in my family. My siblings and I are all born in July. My nephew celebrated his 21st birthday on July 6th, and my youngest niece will turn one on Wednesday, July 30th. My sister and brother-in-law celebrated her birthday this past weekend with a party. My daughters especially loved the chocolate cupcakes, and spending time with their cousins and new friends. At 12 months, my amazing niece, KJ, is walking (trying to keep up with her big sister), eating big kid food (like pasta and bread), and beginning to talk. I've even heard her say, "Auntie" a few times even though my sister doesn't believe me. Here are a few photos of my darling niece:



KJ loves shoes!



KJ and me at her party.




Animal crackers are her favorite.




Standing with her cousin, Little Sister.

Stares and dumb questions

When you are out with your family, do you ever get stares? We get them all the time. They seem to have increased with the addition of my second daughter. The 'cold' stares as I like to call them aren't always from Caucasian people, they can also come from Asians, especially Chinese women. The stares don't necessarily bother me. Two gorgeous Chinese daughters walking around with me all day is like having a moonbeam on my shoulder. They bless me with their presence, and I am forever grateful to be their mother. Yet, I often wonder how they will react when the moment of awakening comes for them. That moment when they realize that the majority of children look like their parents. How will they handle the cold stares and invasive questions. Today, while shopping in Target, the cashier, a woman, asked me in front of my daughters and another customer if the girls were mine or adopted. I looked at her and said, "They are mine AND they are adopted. I am their forever mommy." The cashier, trying to save face, replied, "Oh, that's what I meant."

Potty Training Update

For the past several weeks, I have been in phase 2 of Little Sister's potty training. Phase 1 began several months ago. Back then, she sporadically used her potty. Now, I am happy to report that she is consistently using her potty anywhere from 1-4 times per day. We are getting there! Progress is being made. I attribute it to the introduction of a new motivator, M&M's. Little Sister especially loves the blue ones! Each time she deposits something in her potty, she gets one. She knows that the only time we can eat them is if she goes in her potty. The next step will be to try having her wear underwear and/or training pants, if I can find them. I also need to get into the habit of asking her to use the potty when we are out. I've done it a few times, but haven't been as consistent as I need to be with that. Wish me luck as the journey continues.

Three Word Sunday

HAPPY BIRTHDAY KELLY!



Yesterday, we celebrated my little sister's birthday. The two of us went for a massage in the afternoon. I had a hot stone massage which was heavenly. Kelly had a signature massage. It was nice to get out by ourselves for a little while, a rare treat. Later, Kelly and her family came over to our place for dinner. We enjoyed baked manicotti, salad, and strawberry shortcake.

Famous Adoptees

Faith Daniels, TV News Personality

Melissa Gilbert, Actress

Sara MacLachlan, Musician/Singer

Jim Palmer, Pro Baseball Player

Dave Thomas, Founder/Wendy's

Anthony Williams, D.C. Mayor

Cute Moment

My father has been visiting with us over the past 2 weeks. A few days ago, this happened . . .

BIG SISTER: "Papa, how old was Mommy when you adopted her?"

PAPA: "Three, I think."

--30 minutes later--

PAPA: "Ashley, Big Sister asked how old you were when I adopted you."

ME: "What did you say, Dad?"

PAPA: "I told her you were three."

ME: "Why did you say that when I'm not really adopted."

PAPA: "I thought I'd leave the explaining up to you."

Summer Splash at the Pool

Three Word Sunday

Who Needs Shoes?

My adorable nieces.

The little one is just starting to walk on her own. Check it out!

Three Word Sunday

I LOVE SUMMER!

God Bless the U.S.A. by Lee Greenwood

Happy July 4th!

Happy Birthday to Me

In honor of my birthday, I have posted some of my favorite flowers. Since we live close to a botanical garden, my daughters and I go there often and enjoy seeing these and many other exquisite flowers and trees.

Flowers: poenies, tulips, oriental poppies, water lillies, and sunflower