tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-48034853554645552672024-03-04T23:07:23.143-05:00Frogs, Snails, & Puppy Dog TailsTales of a rambunctious little boyBill and Felicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00556616586258479499noreply@blogger.comBlogger94125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4803485355464555267.post-88622101903746843012011-12-23T10:23:00.001-05:002011-12-23T10:23:25.506-05:00Re:7<div dir='ltr'>...Hi! Friends asked me to invite you to our site! <a href='http://graphique-com.fr/december.site.php?utID=73ew0'>http://graphique-com.fr/december.site.php?utID=73ew0</a><br> </div>Bill and Felicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00556616586258479499noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4803485355464555267.post-87843414883927807982010-04-07T22:47:00.002-04:002010-04-07T22:48:45.003-04:00RelocatingOur blog is moving. The new blog is located at <a href="http://roots-branches-and-wings.blogspot.com/">http://roots-branches-and-wings.blogspot.com/</a><br /><br />If you would like to get updates, you can click the button on the left to become a follower.Bill and Felicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00556616586258479499noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4803485355464555267.post-49165219207638460112009-12-28T11:45:00.007-05:002009-12-31T21:45:26.176-05:00Reflecting on 2009<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmzh8TCfsHc0ZCFVuz0TzjmX6kLaqffSJAF4ZQQODOENtU7cOhPMDKNrVHuU0jvgm4r4dd9wLe1WVcX2uwrcjpNfZ0tdJ6VJqrsMHqSmRp0RwAtJTPxUv79KH1eA5dTHMNG44VZoXr6ncP/s1600-h/s41274ca115989_16.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5421596439783136482" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmzh8TCfsHc0ZCFVuz0TzjmX6kLaqffSJAF4ZQQODOENtU7cOhPMDKNrVHuU0jvgm4r4dd9wLe1WVcX2uwrcjpNfZ0tdJ6VJqrsMHqSmRp0RwAtJTPxUv79KH1eA5dTHMNG44VZoXr6ncP/s400/s41274ca115989_16.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>Wow! I cannot believe that the end of 2009 is here. It has been a very busy year. It has been full of ups and down, but mostly ups. </div><br /><div></div><br /><div>We were able to celebrate Michael's first birthday home this year. He turned 3 in July. He has 3 parties to match his age, one at our church with family and friends, one at daycare, and one at Gamma and Papa's house in New Hampshire. </div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Michael made many advancements this year in every area. At the beginning of the year he was still only saying one or two words at a time. He had surgery in August to completely close his palate. After this, he began to start saying more phrases. Now, he is making complete sentences and asking for things he want. He knows his color and shapes and can count into the double digits. He loves to read, color, sing, and play. He enjoys playing with his trains for hours on end. This year his personality has blossomed. He is a fun loving child who has more energy that the Energizer Bunny. He is a comedian and loves to make people laugh. </div><br /><div></div><br /><div>After Michael's surgery, we were given information on a foundation that helps parents with the medical bills of special needs children who have been adopted internationally called the</div><br /><div><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Laila</span> Rose Foundation, <a href="http://lailarosefoundation.com/">http://lailarosefoundation.com/</a>. After contacting them and applying for aid, they were able to help us with Michael's medical bills. </div><br /><div></div><br /><div>We met with our social worker Kristin in January (6 month follow-up) and July (1 year follow-up) to update her on how our life with Michael was going. We also filed for <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">readoption</span> here in Virginia. This makes the adoption legal in all states of the U.S. and allows us to get a birth certificate for Michael here in Virginia. When the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">readoption</span> was finalized, our agency closed our case. Everything is done!</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Bill and I both celebrated our 34<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">th</span> birthdays this year. In April, we celebrated 5 years of marriage. </div><br /><div></div><br /><div>I have been at my job for almost 9 years now. I made it through two rounds of lay offs at work this year. However, Bill was not as lucky. After working for his company for 12 years, he was laid off in September. Fortunately, he went out the next day with resumes in hand and was able to find a new job in a matter of hours. We think that in the long run the new company will be a much better fit for him. One other low point we had in our year was the passing of Bill's grandmother. She lived next door to us and was a wonderful woman. He health had been declining over the past few years and quickly deteriorated after a hospital stay in August. </div><br /><div></div><br /><div>We traveled a little less this year than last. We didn't go half way around this world this year. We spent time at Easter with Gamma, Papa, and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Mamaw</span> & Papaw Ryan. We showed them a few sites in Richmond and then toured D.C. for a day. We ended the weekend by visiting Aunt Carrie in <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Charlottesville</span> for brunch. In July, we took a vacation to New Hampshire to visit Gamma and Papa. Most of the time we were there it rained. However, it allowed us to have a very low key week. Since then, Michael and I have traveled to Alabama to attend my aunt's funeral. Gamma and Papa moved to South Carolina in November. Michael and I drove to visit them just before Christmas. He is down there visiting them again for almost a whole week. Our house is going to be very quiet...... too quiet. </div><br /><div></div><br /><div>As I look back on this year, there is so much to be thankful for....... our friends, our family, our faith, our health, all of the doctors, nurses, and medical staff that help with Michael's surgeries and routine care, the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Laila</span> Rose Foundation, and so on. </div><br /><div></div><br /><div>As we go into 2010, I am hopeful and look forward to all that is to come. Have a happy and safe New Year!</div><br /><div></div>Bill and Felicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00556616586258479499noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4803485355464555267.post-21318978390470912362009-11-11T18:50:00.002-05:002009-11-11T18:52:13.127-05:00Technical difficultiesIt seems that I am having technical difficulties with the blog. I will be working on it and hope to have it looking right soon.Bill and Felicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00556616586258479499noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4803485355464555267.post-69470412415143213422009-11-09T20:01:00.005-05:002009-11-09T20:16:04.343-05:00Family PicturesI will be updating a little bit more soon. However, I wanted to post this tonight. We had our family photos made on Saturday. Michael did very well and posed like the photographer asked. She was very good with him. Here are some of the pictures we ended up with:<br /><div><div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZy5swmaoEvVtIvOzT-jVN7WeZYTBEofQBTt3WbLhVojZFQ97zOEf1kvSsIvAvjc1ysJSLc2tQxAZL-OF8d96oSomvErrQROrzRpH0Q-zBr_NTdgPNQOLMtsWyA0cLjqfZv8CTnG8LGOpi/s1600-h/s41274ca115989_8.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5402275710675547218" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZy5swmaoEvVtIvOzT-jVN7WeZYTBEofQBTt3WbLhVojZFQ97zOEf1kvSsIvAvjc1ysJSLc2tQxAZL-OF8d96oSomvErrQROrzRpH0Q-zBr_NTdgPNQOLMtsWyA0cLjqfZv8CTnG8LGOpi/s400/s41274ca115989_8.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH_-vF1d9oQpYHogGAxjLbrs02o3q0vXKPpPTsmHCo2l1aCqMjE1meSGpR3BF-M2GHtko0dfM6CjtbYbyWBtKFhyphenhypheniyuwa7uHoMCKe1ITyPx2de8qjCuVjezy7LrhrquY2qSi6PZvzdcfxD/s1600-h/s41274ca115989_7.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5402275704516213138" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH_-vF1d9oQpYHogGAxjLbrs02o3q0vXKPpPTsmHCo2l1aCqMjE1meSGpR3BF-M2GHtko0dfM6CjtbYbyWBtKFhyphenhypheniyuwa7uHoMCKe1ITyPx2de8qjCuVjezy7LrhrquY2qSi6PZvzdcfxD/s400/s41274ca115989_7.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMJHwVu242kYbdnC7jFqRLGKY9S8m5rOXnMXYkEIC0XpjJlwVUFK41u61cERafECQDqL31kn83IxLppzTft8J7V8-Gi9n-6G6FMYGl_MXSro1byW_nEdL8LTdvyAM0-jzRoQWI8kcllLff/s1600-h/s41274ca115989_6.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5402275701922719778" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMJHwVu242kYbdnC7jFqRLGKY9S8m5rOXnMXYkEIC0XpjJlwVUFK41u61cERafECQDqL31kn83IxLppzTft8J7V8-Gi9n-6G6FMYGl_MXSro1byW_nEdL8LTdvyAM0-jzRoQWI8kcllLff/s400/s41274ca115989_6.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0czW6uLXSZzlLBbWJXTJ4YHR9cHsdDIJ-pVm3nE3s4wmadQbZgteXZazMnjISmxBVFXF-GV_YtvPIw2QQnGc5fZhVA0ODdDLnRCJn7Q2tkIlFThhaTDgygXYaanOaqDW5ykGYi3wbrOlc/s1600-h/s41274ca115989_5.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5402275694586523714" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0czW6uLXSZzlLBbWJXTJ4YHR9cHsdDIJ-pVm3nE3s4wmadQbZgteXZazMnjISmxBVFXF-GV_YtvPIw2QQnGc5fZhVA0ODdDLnRCJn7Q2tkIlFThhaTDgygXYaanOaqDW5ykGYi3wbrOlc/s400/s41274ca115989_5.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj81AqEFe2Ux2JRhYS2iUnve16IIBp7siYE1Y7Jh0pfPV90fbm8h9zPsvwy41uB56u3q7H1rL5rRW3v7u4To9zB7KC6WO3jYTR9PLf5umamtBHaoXvQxIAtfEGHWz-ME0tGGY0ckaqLWNOd/s1600-h/s41274ca115989_3.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5402275692760187266" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj81AqEFe2Ux2JRhYS2iUnve16IIBp7siYE1Y7Jh0pfPV90fbm8h9zPsvwy41uB56u3q7H1rL5rRW3v7u4To9zB7KC6WO3jYTR9PLf5umamtBHaoXvQxIAtfEGHWz-ME0tGGY0ckaqLWNOd/s400/s41274ca115989_3.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5402276639984076210" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCyq8GhXOMypgTtFLIAsOpezAz3tZw25wMB53J0dG29Zz4xbId0GNKm8WScwrYDfHJBpEf4-On_ZkeGouRfT61vTfYlrK5ytsdbxWkQ1tNYs2l0E7pABK0Z92WaiYthFYBqpJMqV3BlGRb/s400/s41274ca115989_9.jpg" border="0" /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5402276644591227202" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7JDFbUwxFrJSOknbX1NErlPBXONyGydXdHJK6EUtQbGn_iVPMh5-fLv5DUSQLYFF3OY1mJuy3O7yjjPUL_ba4xAcam38Pe6Uv90bHeqFSPJzIsJjxS_hm15eHTueme7XO0-L9gEXkVRQ/s400/s41274ca115989_13.jpg" border="0" /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5402276649282315810" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGEPP47jagZpSGCjX-lQSCx9yR_FI3RUQ7Apygdxchf8eTPoMYid5tPxzkLDa1_76VmqGs2PPtwkjcqGQpYt0GIwgtWmk_wcSR2i4bn5jNZqj1cU1P3z4HZsp6XXMm1iS2qK8RDBY1wDvK/s400/s41274ca115989_14.jpg" border="0" /></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Bill and Felicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00556616586258479499noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4803485355464555267.post-50705492458417308962009-10-05T20:49:00.011-04:002009-10-05T21:33:25.942-04:00This & That....Okay, I admit it. I am slacking off on the blog. It has been over a month since I posted and I have been told that I must post more pictures of Michael.<br /><br />It seems like time gets away from me these days. We are staying very busy and are all doing well. Michael has healed from his surgery and is able to eat anything he wants. His speech has really taken off in the last month or so. His vocabulary grows everyday.<br /><br />He is also almost potty trained. He his very proud and enjoys announcing to the world.... okay maybe not the world but all of Wal-mart or any other public place that we happen to be in.... "I PEEEEEEEEED!!!!!"<br /><br />Over the last month, we kept very busy. We enjoyed a trip to the zoo and celebrated the Autumn Moon Festival with Families of the China Moon at a local park. Michael also got his first big boy haircut.<br /><br />Here are some pictures from the last month.<br /><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5389288574627141778" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 266px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFurtnM1FIQ4jx0TMbF3jmV7oIgU2yBPWV0i3VKC4mEW9HniwVa7_5BAdzy0wghIoUjrpqxgmus193genCmSCpIo0SN2aY4bUheUyE414764RVCZ3_Ll_gt24dVLWBQcnwVz0vmMxfhg8z/s400/DSC09990_edited-1.JPG" border="0" /><br /><div align="center">Feeding the Giraffe </div><div align="center">(one of my favorite pics)<br /><br /></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5389288598681185026" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2qXqFxVwTURqvN3xtrjnJTFDl9kLI1A_3GASBEkTkFMOCvt_m6zfqYurIoodclJHbENBb4SUwErwc14gay7Z3Dw7Qytl-2n_odxLFI1RPBgI_Qrvk7OoQjLVNjFFQvPHE-ih7kEwhD6L6/s400/DSC00088.JPG" border="0" /><br /><div align="center"><br />New Friends</div><div align="center"><br /> </div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5389288606309795858" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHetBFqPVbWK4g23HKn9h_xsUBhLIyh89sfwM532P0EQZCyLKdRuDqdNQRM9chv91XFfHLYJrKGezOTK7xHwzLpH6ow_73CsQlYt7Xay4uaxJQY8lm2FX3P0qqp8UXOCuz4sG35SP_0Etw/s400/DSC09905.JPG" border="0" /><br /><div align="center">They liked the animals.<br /><br /></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5389288585873992562" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj1Qa3ItXeH1H9flGO0pnyTTQPvE2YjPxKjVS2R8sBEHj3LSMjhfHE7kECywXEsnY6ysfMx9ClyQpyGw9cawf8yEw1un8nWOGZ-ZMPX1OoYc1tsj5Hna_hbz7Ea-HJ8d8I9IeaJClEJEfE/s400/DSC00084.JPG" border="0" /><br /><div align="center">But.... They loved to climb!<br /><br /></div><div align="center"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5389288616163946370" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaxmIwQz4ZLeJNxA7hUe4zADkgby0z6hLtW6cTZliBrMxAX2DmrUCJDR8jCnJgKPKpann9cWwHLc6wrHr1e18LdopH8sMOzTSHdxtcpGch3TsYf_L1Feng3dBXOn5Eoec0fuo4f92-P_mC/s400/DSC00130.JPG" border="0" /> </div><div align="center">Here we go!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilVi6yu46bChlMHnzmszwoT9XjHgfIkVEzjc6fQPygJxEkYT7F1GQcZe28kl7lsdyTkG-t6kLYhOdKDK_ZciXr_b6m_SixGEQ_2873ujLjxZA22AHilixYjARvS9Fni4WyqOzS9zmo96UN/s1600-h/DSC00141.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5389284982123673570" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilVi6yu46bChlMHnzmszwoT9XjHgfIkVEzjc6fQPygJxEkYT7F1GQcZe28kl7lsdyTkG-t6kLYhOdKDK_ZciXr_b6m_SixGEQ_2873ujLjxZA22AHilixYjARvS9Fni4WyqOzS9zmo96UN/s400/DSC00141.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />This is fun!</div><div align="center"><br /><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8YcWWbHEV6UPBCmZGepdKVPZxZ5ps4PJ_jO9ja0EyGYw4uAsTKKdrVCl-qUlHgU_SUm4oDRrQ9BES4oYn71MH9rXTYrSwpxIOobUmJ1oCzMpesre9GFEFAKCxJUYajzDgqLborhPhGIXZ/s1600-h/DSC00151.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5389284969026708898" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8YcWWbHEV6UPBCmZGepdKVPZxZ5ps4PJ_jO9ja0EyGYw4uAsTKKdrVCl-qUlHgU_SUm4oDRrQ9BES4oYn71MH9rXTYrSwpxIOobUmJ1oCzMpesre9GFEFAKCxJUYajzDgqLborhPhGIXZ/s400/DSC00151.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />Mohawk<br /><br /><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwvLxGonfjfLcd28hf8BHqKDQ6YiCzRo0s1vLnAeGh_N3W68WrNowop_XXCJEuthWYNNp3WcwN33GKQk-vE_TElKIHvuJg6TLUWOh9CsSPcFfDTHRoT0mqbJ8gW12rBxJq3k0z1JVmJFE1/s1600-h/DSC00176.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5389284957688887490" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwvLxGonfjfLcd28hf8BHqKDQ6YiCzRo0s1vLnAeGh_N3W68WrNowop_XXCJEuthWYNNp3WcwN33GKQk-vE_TElKIHvuJg6TLUWOh9CsSPcFfDTHRoT0mqbJ8gW12rBxJq3k0z1JVmJFE1/s400/DSC00176.JPG" border="0" /></a> All Done<br /><br /><br /><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjfb7B2VOfXjtQQyrrMezMdarK9oQwipwJyaHeeRI3kXPKTKOLmP_d2wWWI7gBAnJsdjK-R7ySRIgDCCQc_reMJcPH_noSs6S6WbiJTpagFivQp4m34ijuRoETh5bj2-IyWlTYRI8ZA59q/s1600-h/DSC09777.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5389284947504004338" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjfb7B2VOfXjtQQyrrMezMdarK9oQwipwJyaHeeRI3kXPKTKOLmP_d2wWWI7gBAnJsdjK-R7ySRIgDCCQc_reMJcPH_noSs6S6WbiJTpagFivQp4m34ijuRoETh5bj2-IyWlTYRI8ZA59q/s400/DSC09777.JPG" border="0" /></a> Big Boy<br /><br /><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZnYQtmlmt_aeL0YthkTyun0Ht3PVoNGrzMOg1-okB-EzYXt8-L3WmRqDkVvfcpHfuT1GqAk-832o_LtXKZHXhUX1N0RpZxSRaTMyUb5w5sUglovUiE0-RcGbbO88cZw4bSynKrndRhHMo/s1600-h/DSC00181.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5389284940629303842" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZnYQtmlmt_aeL0YthkTyun0Ht3PVoNGrzMOg1-okB-EzYXt8-L3WmRqDkVvfcpHfuT1GqAk-832o_LtXKZHXhUX1N0RpZxSRaTMyUb5w5sUglovUiE0-RcGbbO88cZw4bSynKrndRhHMo/s400/DSC00181.JPG" border="0" /></a> Michael & His Arch Nemesis at Peace<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhtV4WziJ2o-IKS6g1kE-CtdFGqEN2B_spXGDW__bfdJ7NWvBfhNVqcOQrHHT6IkJAzVCf94A8TxhPwzsU1CnXj8q9xOkK2w6FQQNYKOCWyxCOvlLaTTzlipNvO28cbiJvn22TlvdL5fg1/s1600-h/DSC09846.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5389291132542893362" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhtV4WziJ2o-IKS6g1kE-CtdFGqEN2B_spXGDW__bfdJ7NWvBfhNVqcOQrHHT6IkJAzVCf94A8TxhPwzsU1CnXj8q9xOkK2w6FQQNYKOCWyxCOvlLaTTzlipNvO28cbiJvn22TlvdL5fg1/s400/DSC09846.JPG" border="0" /></a> He loves to swing!<br /><br /><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUn9AgBWVG__QnkGQTP1dnM_-a5RdV3PxfMXJ88DaJLwWKWONRKmPc5THM9mRraK0SsCC8DohuG9SLNLjry2URglvS8S-xgvX5GeMnPsXoq0JeSf5kxyQcw6QwZEWxNZ_wafY0d0Xf3kMv/s1600-h/DSC09835_edited-1.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5389291126463557538" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 354px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUn9AgBWVG__QnkGQTP1dnM_-a5RdV3PxfMXJ88DaJLwWKWONRKmPc5THM9mRraK0SsCC8DohuG9SLNLjry2URglvS8S-xgvX5GeMnPsXoq0JeSf5kxyQcw6QwZEWxNZ_wafY0d0Xf3kMv/s400/DSC09835_edited-1.JPG" border="0" /></a> I bet that made you smile!<br /><br /><br /><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8y-a5_lc8EDP0YrfHAcYojjvGGtnTCodfGAd3VZwfdY9eYF9kgQzbkDnV60ILE4VemvAyXACeWfJMbSn6B-VFgpXect-i5-UYTojKV_6BtHtBKvj9txLErelosA5-u0lbd_YlB16tYJkc/s1600-h/DSC09855.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5389291118193000834" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8y-a5_lc8EDP0YrfHAcYojjvGGtnTCodfGAd3VZwfdY9eYF9kgQzbkDnV60ILE4VemvAyXACeWfJMbSn6B-VFgpXect-i5-UYTojKV_6BtHtBKvj9txLErelosA5-u0lbd_YlB16tYJkc/s400/DSC09855.JPG" border="0" /></a> Sliding</div><div align="center"><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5389291546086223554" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 385px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicTiBdKi3KiPxbWU6S_DeS68mCu28_DFwqJftXe5-N2KP1nWdlYtRUCCvteXxYMcmQQ4Sdg_Jolkmb84w8nbiCVaw-HBDSNBEgWilurpksC3xbItw0zhyTRlHF3G3BdU4vCtXjEiu4DAbo/s400/DSC09897.JPG" border="0" /><br />Being Crafty<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLoLHTOVvCf2ylTqll0z724S6TIepDkROJVbbyj5kXpqEQgtNBR-cvjf6_pjJmNjaj9Hca1UMibW96jBKODJhu061myvPXn7_o4QT9Uw9Oxs32_wc-HpUDDYNN8j-VyARbQdFhFvsrXahd/s1600-h/DSC09899.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5389291109204437266" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLoLHTOVvCf2ylTqll0z724S6TIepDkROJVbbyj5kXpqEQgtNBR-cvjf6_pjJmNjaj9Hca1UMibW96jBKODJhu061myvPXn7_o4QT9Uw9Oxs32_wc-HpUDDYNN8j-VyARbQdFhFvsrXahd/s400/DSC09899.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />Michael's First Driving Lesson<br />He drove from Nana's driveway to ours.<br />(with a little help)<br /></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Bill and Felicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00556616586258479499noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4803485355464555267.post-59450614320413551032009-08-30T10:46:00.004-04:002009-08-30T11:01:27.424-04:00Surgery and more<div><div><div><div>Michael had surgery this past Tuesday. It was an adventure. He came through surgery with flying colors. However, we were in the recovery room for 9 hours, because they were unable to find a room for him. Finally, at 9:30 p.m. we were in a room. After a long day on Wednesday, we were able to go home at 5 p.m. </div><br /><div>Since coming home, Michael has been doing very well. He is back to his rambunctious, playful self. He is eating like an NFL linebacker. </div><br /><br /><div></div><div>I have found a site to upload our adoption video to. If you click on this link, you will be able to view it. <a href="http://blip.tv/file/2533075">http://blip.tv/file/2533075</a></div><br /><div></div><div>Here are a few pictures from the hospital:</div><div> </div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5375771328248711042" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkhUzUy2pL7fsWrZUb1X13Lpwmqyu_hm4EOBiSUY2FH2QsU1wLbgAAotK_wC25AA3G2awagPnxGCmVOgpn4T-Z6nEONW0WrTlTfK4VQ4CiqQgzzexsFd4g2NlFKbIBWaMO3Sa9XIEiAiBl/s400/100_4788.JPG" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5375771337146523554" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8E8ep67pITfDIc6xpb2MK9vfw8mh6qK-E9ez4b3zPCzby-dytDi49-F1FV_naE0L-WMILHjB7OGzkHdd4OAP8WxRCHuhEWAQhOSqB1K5A8RkIuG_ImWJOJqKSUfrmoyskFRvn5wgtFsVY/s400/100_4800.JPG" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5375771347510558482" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA_gPkJQfJlyGGRZfblZ8Yml8P4nBGnY3OUlVr1spEZK_HCiB1sLcf7GY6wy9uUocaTsE4Qe49U0GPoI4Yt8YGf6Sxvyu6gVViPxbwpW4JWgpWmQqZ1Nh68bxjBpMmCHZSgW9yljcMddGG/s400/100_4810.JPG" border="0" /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkwMZj8oguJYxDA5u1lQ13HnUa2BpTzG7lYrPbQCcC8K86KHOVem8SZy1XwoPvA02AMRGfRl65njsi9E2Vd83kKfwB_uZbViBTFu9_Qv9j3B2dvvk6xGcBjL8ZPKXQHeQ_EcrUET5u2x-C/s1600-h/100_4817.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5375771355553350242" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkwMZj8oguJYxDA5u1lQ13HnUa2BpTzG7lYrPbQCcC8K86KHOVem8SZy1XwoPvA02AMRGfRl65njsi9E2Vd83kKfwB_uZbViBTFu9_Qv9j3B2dvvk6xGcBjL8ZPKXQHeQ_EcrUET5u2x-C/s400/100_4817.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div><div><div> </div></div></div></div></div></div>Bill and Felicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00556616586258479499noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4803485355464555267.post-68530565729856928142009-08-18T20:21:00.009-04:002009-08-18T21:29:15.101-04:00Talking, Potty Training, and MoreThe last month has been a blur. Michael's vocabulary has taken off. He has started putting words together in small sentences. Just a couple of weeks ago, he pronounced his name for the first time. We were in the van and I said, "I'm Mommy." To my surprise, he answered with "I'm Mi-al." He has also been working on his counting and his colors. He recognizes many colors and can count by himself to 5 and sometimes higher.<br /><br />Michael had pink eye, but luckily we did not get it. His nosebleeds have continued. However, we have been told that they should stop after his next surgery. He is breathing through his mouth when he sleeps, because his cleft is still partly open it is trying out his nasal passages. This is causing the nosebleeds.<br /><br />We have started potty training, too. He is about 95% potty trained at home. He really enjoys wearing his big boy "unwearwear."<br /><br />This past Saturday, we took Michael to Busch Gardens. We all had so much fun. Michael rode his first roller coaster, met Elmo & his friends, rode the choo choo train, drove a ladybug car, and surprised me by doing the Chicken Dance with a huge group of kids at one of the performances.<br /><br />Next Tuesday (August 24), Michael has his second surgery. They will finish closing his palate, do some rhinoplasty, and insert new tubes in his ears. He will be staying in the hospital overnight again. We will update everyone as soon as we can as to how he is recovering.<br /><br />Here are some pictures from the last month:<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div align="center"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5371464902391441522" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 266px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOKtWCScS07_xB_UmgTGl9_hlvb0GC5-Qo1PrqCEHIqGeDjK26aEMvZioe3aCVgQlhfjZErH3_J3AGdQ48xHsfTg4kID-Y8-ze_KuYYebLySKqnKsUUBLDoHYeU26rM3OU7-Iq3rliKZyx/s400/DSC09787_edited-1.JPG" border="0" /> </div><div align="center">Biker<br /><br /><div align="center"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5371464906225659890" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 329px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7Ch7Z3N18SMghB8cRXOXpnxuMjMMlNdjAigr2wPNHzDlWlBN2bwS8dCYNNVpJg8qH_JzzW4kw_mzsVThCqws7-aN2WWwBFJ4Dn-LMYSQ7x3aXqMgRCTlqliA3lmPmHOBAc7VyyfLZf1Ys/s400/DSC09778_edited-1.JPG" border="0" /></div><div align="center">Pink Eye</div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5371464912804226354" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 266px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii7Tex2K7NUYJ0eJ9u5YPX9ilHViTLFf-SIiNWDpMOQtgBR74tLh9GMIDIRyuGAvZrnCNMPEasw-rQYeTXgxKYdJIw2yBjChPlHhXLzNZNAM1L_EcR92Cav3_ZVmwtBQIFaiHn-RShgVcL/s400/DSC09800_edited-1.JPG" border="0" /> Wacky Tacky Day<br /><br /><br /><br /><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgStVPUJtoH9h6eVK7XSF4GkKKXAeDnWPws6RMEwY4B_gZXCqqfv7f3dMVKZk-i1nEDok-gDe-42VmN0HfjVvQtpvdsbDB79GgoiwXO7BPP-1sNqoInB7jSmvQY0dfg4vjbhPk_waM9AKxN/s1600-h/DSC09882.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5371467449807126034" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgStVPUJtoH9h6eVK7XSF4GkKKXAeDnWPws6RMEwY4B_gZXCqqfv7f3dMVKZk-i1nEDok-gDe-42VmN0HfjVvQtpvdsbDB79GgoiwXO7BPP-1sNqoInB7jSmvQY0dfg4vjbhPk_waM9AKxN/s400/DSC09882.JPG" border="0" /></a> First Roller Coaster Ride<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5371467458595378274" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGdv1npnQrPwl2-whUF5Te538MCGu3QyPfxo5ygxaxwCEU0j9jJ0McZd02sBSqI3XqEvvqTnN1MwEo3HtOJZd05N5hPry-o91jocBgVMtUIVOGA9o_rKGOfK0vSgg8cBUlDC-QbRc4GUAk/s400/DSC09887.JPG" border="0" /> He Loved It!</div><div align="center"><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5371467421062727938" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGU-nPsqvSUzZ6JjTUaWC3jLWWcOKUtnLXEEuLuPBZW6UZNXi86Oz93QaLH7PPOBYmSnP3pLhjB0I3eAOp2ExeUOasZuhvCeEoYA0AcFhAVQN6A4FRbP2HT3XOcUPKb8iYArLOmkb3DkFA/s400/DSC09840.JPG" border="0" /> Michael & Mommy</div><br /><br /><div align="center"></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5371473647577388866" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 266px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKCEjJUFZVr-9m5pik0iFieKJG3DOT3amfCOt-xL10Qtwq1MQ6Mtkgt2fWoomzQBVcPwBCc14_zH5lgucUiz04-bGgrv3fD68YDODOEcj0O0OvRYSDU0TpAocLiwJL7zTTQ78OTfKS1O2H/s400/DSC09847_edited-1.JPG" border="0" />Michael & Elmo<br /><br /><br /><div align="center"><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinUJCs-CdRaQcAqTjrseViZQBPFoqdivr2fBHKxoG6-8nt7d_0VxFljsM97PByRFE4Oo2r4X0uWfF1gK5IGdw79pvOaIhWhwdEf3qGE5eXdI5ekmu7HHOGIpSrn122E20-Dd8RqL-N1lCY/s1600-h/DSC09853_edited-1.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5371467441162011282" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 266px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinUJCs-CdRaQcAqTjrseViZQBPFoqdivr2fBHKxoG6-8nt7d_0VxFljsM97PByRFE4Oo2r4X0uWfF1gK5IGdw79pvOaIhWhwdEf3qGE5eXdI5ekmu7HHOGIpSrn122E20-Dd8RqL-N1lCY/s400/DSC09853_edited-1.JPG" border="0" /></a> Michael & Zoe</div><br /><div align="center"><br /></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5371469078688796658" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4AzUOOsusYRuBcsUhZMPQLBGknm54vFiCttWXba-RkEoYapu9Hw29SRhxQEG64dRt9FZxiCFJj4p9UKF7E2nxwEdY09ILv0kC3MXEdWhdF4vEDHYluVfjMWb1HQwe-Q0p5QLv11N8A2JY/s400/DSC09931.JPG" border="0" /> Driving<br /><div align="center"><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5371469084824272162" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-gRvb67tQY_Zb76aF2wxYAsIVBFOTQZpnXwFC1QEtfHWMOk3lpjOuyHp66q355zhn46HWMN5Oae8jGM1KPJ9U0Pp7qlxaulJBrVFEQ7hZPxuEK1ciB2vciT577-JoulwFNO3UiXc8i5sj/s400/DSC09971.JPG" border="0" /> Playing int the Treehouse with Baba</div><br /><div align="center"><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5371469095226683522" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjObA4ebuUrGO51nnqwueGnnoFfpAECTtXsBblt23lSL6ha8QxlKcJmKncmcbhHJ-cooVvrO6xPdv9UHFlyQ6WnFLNHOEGZWHyckjdJQv9ONYt_si5yOyZRD98-R5CySjxUHac89ldyPEHP/s400/DSC09972.JPG" border="0" /><br />Having Fun on the Slide<br /><br /><br /><div><br /></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5371469097423225234" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 266px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHM-KLt0lAlcgRXzBRiyw3x6LXL8BtQ3Np77K0FFAAwsUDSaNfpU4t7fhJEZgTK51Rp10J3ZeUYfoN2bIe-jP0LVrtqzYWtsMCKrHkzI04chu4nyEhmThODcmh93Tm8JrLp-2L_e8Gfb_B/s400/DSC09996_edited-1.JPG" border="0" /> The Chicken Dance<br /><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5371472158131552514" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEichajLR28px3dwaIPR9k6F0R2G8PEDjYiYfgULdwS8nBoWdKBAkfu8kHLsoEqTqW5eKt636VVjOg1IEnnTPtwE8hzTmKqGdo1M9lHNKYWXnVTpRn5-sTJnC03XoFD4jjEnmOC8CDiZdJe1/s400/DSC00030.JPG" border="0" />Resting Before the Trip Home<br /><div><br /><br /></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5371470213624981602" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjml3Wa6PRegzngDWzRSL9yQkplFofJ0yPViEBp36rQX_wxZXpjKggaUBB9PkPuuTmhcRSylDZQiVvXyqA2cHyfumi47R1Szpv5_ear5sEK8tZyf4nmRBTuQ812dy0X9x-5vP75A8p59req/s400/DSC00042.JPG" border="0" /><br /><br />Our Little Superman<br /><br /><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5371470206670783122" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 266px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO8j2iDfZSxdJN1QyL3tLu9TOFwu3XR1YE-TANq7q4jTmgKsODObeYw8u1W0hLjEOfqha3bSIi-Ff_U121_dV61_kUCtfvmWLWcuSOpNSmqcXqag77ruaLM5HIwibSYGlZvWoMXJzSnSfB/s400/DSC00039_edited-1.JPG" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5371470221628720290" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizCbl58l7PKsYjXwGk1IaRiOo9nHReBF47ebhXqRCKAA6Y91fUbLGtHSOzhX7ldXleM3xRFanfmIm8Hod087JVE8F5ssUs7Jq3D1FNVnRoOi6gGb1fGs826H_3PbTm2unDnhIOMCgKNsXF/s400/DSC00058.JPG" border="0" /><br /></div></div></div></div><p align="center">Rest Well All..... Michael is on the job.</p>Bill and Felicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00556616586258479499noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4803485355464555267.post-85869084397129995752009-07-20T20:47:00.003-04:002009-07-20T20:59:11.508-04:00Catching up...We have had a very hectic few weeks. I have not been able to post an update that includes pictures from out New Hampshire trip. However, you can catch all of the events of our vacation on my mom's blog at <a href="http://dryanramblings.blogspot.com/">http://dryanramblings.blogspot.com/</a>.<br /><br />On July 8, Michael and I flew to Alabama. My aunt Jimmie's funeral was on July 9. While we were there, we were also able to spend time with family. Michael got spoiled rotten as usual. My best friend Gennifer and her little girl MG stopped by for a visit while we were there. My birthday was July 11 and I was able to celebrate with my mom, dad, grandparents, 3 of my uncles, and some of my cousins. I cannot remember the last time I was in Alabama for my birthday. We returned home on July 12. One of Michael's favorite parts of the trip was riding the planes. Everyday since then he has told me "clouds mommy! Up Up Plane!"<br /><br />Since coming home, we have been busy with work and school. This past weekend we decided to convert Michael's crib into a big boy bed. While Bill worked on that, I took Michael to the Children's Museum to meet Spiderman. At first, he wasn't quite sure of the red arachnid like creature standing on two legs. After a couple of minutes, he warmed up to him enough to get a quick picture. When we got home, we had lunch. Then, we surprised Michael with his "big boy" bed and rug. He giggled and grinned. He just loved it! We ended the day at a friend's pool. Michael is fearless and will go down the waterslide or jump off the edge. You have to keep your eye on him! That evening we had dinner and Michael was happy to go to sleep in his "big boy" bed.<br /><br />Here are some new pictures:<br /><br /><br /><div><embed src="http://widget-37.slide.com/widgets/slideticker.swf" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" quality="high" scale="noscale" salign="l" wmode="transparent" flashvars="cy=bb&il=1&channel=1297036692707008567&site=widget-37.slide.com" style="width:400px;height:320px" name="flashticker" align="middle"></embed><div style="width:400px;text-align:left;"><a href="http://www.slide.com/pivot?cy=bb&at=un&id=1297036692707008567&map=1" target="_blank"><img src="http://widget-37.slide.com/p1/1297036692707008567/bb_t017_v000_s0un_f00/images/xslide1.gif" border="0" ismap="ismap" /></a> <a href="http://www.slide.com/pivot?cy=bb&at=un&id=1297036692707008567&map=2" target="_blank"><img src="http://widget-37.slide.com/p2/1297036692707008567/bb_t017_v000_s0un_f00/images/xslide2.gif" border="0" ismap="ismap" /></a> <a href="http://www.slide.com/pivot?cy=bb&at=un&id=1297036692707008567&map=F" target="_blank"><img src="http://widget-37.slide.com/p4/1297036692707008567/bb_t017_v000_s0un_f00/images/xslide42.gif" border="0" ismap="ismap" /></a></div></div>Bill and Felicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00556616586258479499noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4803485355464555267.post-73910489697336393232009-07-14T05:45:00.002-04:002009-07-14T22:17:58.581-04:00One Year Ago...<div align="center"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5358115667734581378" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 374px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnZQurw42irbvbQErNBiC0lYn2qNV5gAcPWUR3A3ZnHRoGAsFrUNJxm6kEQDbjl9Osn5k1m3iSYghE93z0SxPnkCCHW0MseSeS3LjkAtDnxtSzCoc1lL_b7Tm4jzn5cttRAkGckPUujLj7/s400/DSC04776.JPG" border="0" />One Year Ago</div><br /><div align="center">(Our First Smile)<br /></div><br /><div align="left"></div><br /><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVbLiBlt_Vmrx3J_CnoATknv1LDi1o9iaWzvgZDahxCtNriXa3kpJaI4sUQ4_TnUNX_3m2yWZfQ9_ZUXbd06pOrf0jwntT_PW4zaXHM4TpVptZsmk9nPSDCcwAQpO90kejFZmSw3HY4Nq6/s1600-h/DSC09185.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5358115673654329138" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVbLiBlt_Vmrx3J_CnoATknv1LDi1o9iaWzvgZDahxCtNriXa3kpJaI4sUQ4_TnUNX_3m2yWZfQ9_ZUXbd06pOrf0jwntT_PW4zaXHM4TpVptZsmk9nPSDCcwAQpO90kejFZmSw3HY4Nq6/s400/DSC09185.JPG" border="0" /></a> After One Year as a Family</div><br /><div align="center">(1,000s of smiles later)<br /></div><br /><div align="left"><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><div align="left">One year ago today, we held Michael in our arms for the first time. If anyone ever wondered if God knew what he was doing, all they need to do is look at our family and see that He has a perfect plan.<br /><br /></div><br /><div align="left">Raising Michael is an exciting adventure. He has been the perfect addition to our family. This has been a wonderful year that has really flown by.<br /><br /></div><br /><div align="left">Michael has learned and done many things this year. Michael has...</div><br /><div align="left"><br /><ol><br /><li>traveled 1/2 way around the world. </li><br /><li>been in 7 different airports.</li><br /><li>flown on 14 planes.</li><br /><li>gained 11 pounds and grown 7 inches.</li><br /><li>seen many doctors.</li><br /><li>had palate surgery and ear tubes put in. </li><br /><li>taken speech therapy once a week.</li><br /><li>learned to count to 5.</li><br /><li>learned to identify many of his colors. </li><br /><li>started saying 100s of words.</li><br /><li>been to the beach. </li><br /><li>taken trolley tours of Boston and Washington, D.C.</li><br /><li>been to Virginia, Tennessee, Alabama, North Carolina, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Maine. </li><br /><li>taken a trip to the National Zoo.</li><br /><li>celebrated his 3rd birthday with 3 parties.</li><br /><li>learned to do the Tomahawk Chop. Go Braves!</li><br /><li>learned to say "ROLL TIDE."</li><br /><li>learned many cute phrases, like "AWWWW MAN!"</li><br /><li>made it hard to go out to dinner incognito. We get told how cute he is or he stands up and gives a big "HELLO!" to the entire restaurant. We wouldn't have it any other way!</li><br /><li>had many people fall in love with him.<br /><br /></li></ol></div>We have learned many things about Michael, too. Michael...<br /><br /><ol><br /><li>is fearless. He will jump off and on almost anything. I am just waiting for the words, "Hey mom! Watch this!"</li><br /><li>loves to eat!</li><br /><li>loves music, both playing and singing. </li><br /><li>is all boy! He loves trucks, trains, planes, tractors, and construction equipment. </li><br /><li>never stops, unless he is asleep. He is like the Energizer Bunny!</li><br /><li>is a very happy, easygoing little boy whose smile can light up a room.</li><br /><li>loves to joke and laugh. His laughter is contagious.</li><br /><li>likes to figure out how things work. He will even take the keys off of your laptop if you don't watch him close enough. Just ask Papaw!</li><br /><li>enjoys dancing and turning in circles.</li><br /><li>likes to watch cartoons and other shows on the Disney Channel.</li><br /><li>likes watching "moomies" (movies) on the tv, such as Cars, Thomas the Train, Monsters Inc., and Nemo.</li><br /><li>has a favorite store. "WAL-MAR!!!"</li><br /><li>loves day care, but loves being picked up in the afternoon, too.</li><br /><li>will sleep in the buff if you do not put shorts over his diaper.</li><br /><li>enjoys being outside.</li><br /><li>loves to take a bath but does not like the shower. </li><br /><li>has an arm! Watch for flying objects!</li><br /><li>likes to cuddle and give hugs and kisses.</li><br /><li>loves playing demolition derby with his cousin "WoWo" (Joseph).</li><br /><li>knows what the word "home" means.</li><br /><li>most of all has learned that he has a family and many friends that love him more than words can explain.<br /><br /></li></ol><br /><p>There are so many other things I could list, but I will stop with these. Over the last year, Michael has not only stolen our hearts, but the hearts of so many other people. Thank you all for praying for our family, showing us your love, and being a part of Michael's first year with us and his life.<br /><br />Today, we celebrate our "Familyversary."</p><br /><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5358115678261746802" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilvX_i1TkMYM4xOqndZ5RQ050UEKdmGmIXtGFCu3OXczWUl4G46shkY1jaRM96YPFWwQLxf3IbT9-TA4-w71n5Qu-KQDAfZDYMvqyr3nTExhfTQqCFwlTuZvif6dYClnFs9KQi6Kl-301F/s400/DSC09788.JPG" border="0" /></p><br /><p align="center">Thanks for celebrating with us!</p>Bill and Felicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00556616586258479499noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4803485355464555267.post-39444151367832396412009-07-06T19:54:00.007-04:002009-07-06T20:24:40.627-04:00Birthday CelebrationsAlthough Michael's birthday was not until July 1, we had a couple of early parties for him. We would be on vacation for the actual day of his birthday.<br /><br />On June 20th, we had a Cars birthday party for Michael at the pavilion at church. It was a very hot day (the hottest day of the year), but we all had a lot of fun. It was all worth it to see Michael's face when he finally figured out that the party was for him.<br /><br />On June 26th, we had an "upake" party for him at daycare. Mommy did not think about how messy red and blue cupcakes would be until after they were all over the kids faces, hands, arms, etc.<br /><br />Please check back in a few days for an update on our trip to New Hampshire and Michael's birthday celebration there.<br /><br />Here are pictures from his Cars party and his "upake" party:<br /><br /><div><embed style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 320px" name="flashticker" align="middle" src="http://widget-a3.slide.com/widgets/slideticker.swf" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" flashvars="cy=bb&il=1&channel=1297036692706932643&site=widget-a3.slide.com" wmode="transparent" salign="l" scale="noscale" quality="high"></embed> <div style="WIDTH: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: left"><a href="http://www.slide.com/pivot?cy=bb&at=un&id=1297036692706932643&map=1" target="_blank"><img src="http://widget-a3.slide.com/p1/1297036692706932643/bb_t017_v000_s0un_f00/images/xslide1.gif" border="0" /></a> <a href="http://www.slide.com/pivot?cy=bb&at=un&id=1297036692706932643&map=2" target="_blank"><img src="http://widget-a3.slide.com/p2/1297036692706932643/bb_t017_v000_s0un_f00/images/xslide2.gif" border="0" /></a> <a href="http://www.slide.com/pivot?cy=bb&at=un&id=1297036692706932643&map=F" target="_blank"><img src="http://widget-a3.slide.com/p4/1297036692706932643/bb_t017_v000_s0un_f00/images/xslide42.gif" border="0" /></a></div></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><embed style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 320px" name="flashticker" align="middle" src="http://widget-26.slide.com/widgets/slideticker.swf" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" flashvars="cy=bb&il=1&channel=1297036692706932774&site=widget-26.slide.com" wmode="transparent" salign="l" scale="noscale" quality="high"></embed> <div style="WIDTH: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: left"><a href="http://www.slide.com/pivot?cy=bb&at=un&id=1297036692706932774&map=1" target="_blank"><img src="http://widget-26.slide.com/p1/1297036692706932774/bb_t017_v000_s0un_f00/images/xslide1.gif" border="0" /></a> <a href="http://www.slide.com/pivot?cy=bb&at=un&id=1297036692706932774&map=2" target="_blank"><img src="http://widget-26.slide.com/p2/1297036692706932774/bb_t017_v000_s0un_f00/images/xslide2.gif" border="0" /></a> <a href="http://www.slide.com/pivot?cy=bb&at=un&id=1297036692706932774&map=F" target="_blank"><img src="http://widget-26.slide.com/p4/1297036692706932774/bb_t017_v000_s0un_f00/images/xslide42.gif" border="0" /></a></div></div>Bill and Felicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00556616586258479499noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4803485355464555267.post-40173836392353406902009-07-01T00:08:00.002-04:002009-07-01T00:11:27.648-04:00On VacationI haven't had a chance to update the blog lately. We are on vacation in New Hampshire. Check out my mom's blog for the most recent update. It is <a href="http://dryanramblings.blogspot.com/">dryanramblings.blogspot.com</a>.<br /><br />I hope to update this weekend after we get home. Have a great 4th of July.Bill and Felicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00556616586258479499noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4803485355464555267.post-13911274489884308682009-06-21T20:56:00.003-04:002009-06-21T21:15:08.898-04:00Happy Father's Day!We have had a very busy weekend. I hope to post pictures of Michael's birthday party later this week.<br /><br />Today, we would like to wish a very Happy Father's Day to all the wonderful men in our life. <br /><br /><br /><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRIaiIYp9C_RegAC3GOgnPidMcDmbKZrYbOPMgFO-ROX6vU_8cxsWpJ65gCyS4vP0MCBOWpdTl7Xpgj0ChFx9QobjBUV_2RTw-H23EJQHtnX6R7UdP68fQU5-Q7VJYFi0dnmWA5R8Si5VZ/s1600-h/DSC09687.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5349952035003610018" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRIaiIYp9C_RegAC3GOgnPidMcDmbKZrYbOPMgFO-ROX6vU_8cxsWpJ65gCyS4vP0MCBOWpdTl7Xpgj0ChFx9QobjBUV_2RTw-H23EJQHtnX6R7UdP68fQU5-Q7VJYFi0dnmWA5R8Si5VZ/s400/DSC09687.JPG" border="0" /></a> Napping with Baba<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO5eQyMDY1W9scN19rfTkplUzhI95mibfLsDuThDonJIRxumDoJfLGpW5bRrmfuObDOuVDaRId9cUaQr-TfAdI7zmIbvfsiQqp4bn6FzBKVYSS9rckDWS4BMLXE9eVP3YtRbX2ysX33zow/s1600-h/DSC08582_edited-1.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5349952030288745186" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 303px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO5eQyMDY1W9scN19rfTkplUzhI95mibfLsDuThDonJIRxumDoJfLGpW5bRrmfuObDOuVDaRId9cUaQr-TfAdI7zmIbvfsiQqp4bn6FzBKVYSS9rckDWS4BMLXE9eVP3YtRbX2ysX33zow/s400/DSC08582_edited-1.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />Making "Scrunchy" Faces with Papa<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5349952043292428978" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisvwn8Y3KFq8CWbAv0ixVILtMJBKy-9zbfSFi9hfd7EaknY2pY9RKZPn9ULo_RiGNVPovY8zH0KqguZFSAeUXM3PPQLO0tAOxEplJotcsxn7FXZCVbQ_E7HYHQu1x5mt81o4l2ehkH61AS/s400/DSC08576.JPG" border="0" />Playing with Grandpa<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5349952046195724290" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidXh-e3C0UTBf0etea5vOxpWDsg23oE2OEDXL7c6S0O_TAqnZqEbsIFjidHoxAYLO_nxYKErqSyQvwBUv-cu53H8Yj6pBzGuBuS-eX8glH-li5Lxsw8ENWJGIzto_GN1KM-sTPyHASQLRb/s400/DSC08132.JPG" border="0" />Hanging out with Papaw<br /></div>Bill and Felicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00556616586258479499noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4803485355464555267.post-39102516788979477312009-06-14T21:04:00.005-04:002009-06-14T21:28:53.798-04:00The National Zoo (Washington, D.C.)We took a trip to Washington, D.C. this weekend. We drove up on Friday. When we got to the hotel, we checked in and then went to a little diner for dinner. Afterwards, we went to the pool. It was a lot of fun. We decided to leave when the 50 teenagers started pouring in.<br /><br />On Saturday, we met Jonathan, Jennifer, and Elijah at the National Zoo. We all had a lot of fun. The boys (ages almost 3, almost 5, and getting close to 9) had a great time together. Joseph and Michael had never met Elijah, but you would have never guessed it. They had so much fun together! Michael received and early birthday present. It was a bulldozer. (He loved it! He has hardly put it down since he got it.)<br /><br />The day passed by quickly. After our time at the zoo was over, we all headed to the Metro. We were headed the same way. We had to depart the train before Jonathan, Jennifer, and Elijah, so we said our goodbyes and headed to our hotel. We ordered pizza in and then went swimming.<br /><br />On Sunday, we slept in. (Michael slept until 8:30!!) Then, we packed our bags, went to breakfast, and headed home. It was a wonderful much needed weekend away.<br /><br />Below are pictures from the trip.<br /><br /><div><embed style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 320px" name="flashticker" align="middle" src="http://widget-47.slide.com/widgets/slideticker.swf" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" quality="high" scale="noscale" salign="l" wmode="transparent" flashvars="cy=bb&il=1&channel=1297036692706795847&site=widget-47.slide.com"></embed> <div style="WIDTH: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: left"><a href="http://www.slide.com/pivot?cy=bb&at=un&id=1297036692706795847&map=1" target="_blank"><img src="http://widget-47.slide.com/p1/1297036692706795847/bb_t017_v000_s0un_f00/images/xslide1.gif" border="0" /></a> <a href="http://www.slide.com/pivot?cy=bb&at=un&id=1297036692706795847&map=2" target="_blank"><img src="http://widget-47.slide.com/p2/1297036692706795847/bb_t017_v000_s0un_f00/images/xslide2.gif" border="0" /></a> <a href="http://www.slide.com/pivot?cy=bb&at=un&id=1297036692706795847&map=F" target="_blank"><img src="http://widget-47.slide.com/p4/1297036692706795847/bb_t017_v000_s0un_f00/images/xslide42.gif" border="0" /></a></div></div>Bill and Felicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00556616586258479499noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4803485355464555267.post-77762852295736824512009-05-23T18:46:00.003-04:002009-05-23T18:54:09.714-04:00Pictures from Our Day<div align="left">Here are a few fun pictures from our day out running errands. We didn't have the camera, so we used the one on the cell phone.<br /> </div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5339155066606462850" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigABOvVKVAL-NS0NNr6lsZqekvJsl01VWrw2q1i9eqJLGhU37NQ2mskxkzL20-KoqJYs7EFQljy6j5DbOyGpObrTZDQUhyKyXq8fA_dnaoUw97Z0d2CKgPqei6AS0CeQZZKNps7Sq3wjqR/s400/0523091443.jpg" border="0" /> <p align="center">Watching Dirt Bike Racing on the Big Screen</p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXLOeesy3IMDCO6BgSZosQTS3ykmCNCt07D7rIiwbpQ0TLhECi96pisVUIHHMuytw_j5PaP08CUayCRDU-c3hPQmtpgJZ-j7Ao2saajE2qgLRn16yHcW__NHUm1DHtLZAlokKv6K8hbH9D/s1600-h/downsized_0523091609.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5339155069602412578" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXLOeesy3IMDCO6BgSZosQTS3ykmCNCt07D7rIiwbpQ0TLhECi96pisVUIHHMuytw_j5PaP08CUayCRDU-c3hPQmtpgJZ-j7Ao2saajE2qgLRn16yHcW__NHUm1DHtLZAlokKv6K8hbH9D/s400/downsized_0523091609.jpg" border="0" /></a></p><p align="center">Hola! Donde es la fiesta??</p><p align="center"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5339155071317329730" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrpPYoByZ-zNmdCbfJpipOAhzYvnsHgO8IfnDNhPLqleZZu1b-3LHh3cJnTKpC5RsQZjN_dQBJGCC-vmUe5Ta2-QIgFxywPTlT3ERMeSfyOSkMS2d56qgBhrAzxsb3lbGcbPzGQj8eUKwq/s400/0523091703a.jpg" border="0" />Watching the fishies in his favorite store....... "WALMART!!!"<br /><br /></p>Bill and Felicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00556616586258479499noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4803485355464555267.post-71309278179626449832009-05-23T06:28:00.007-04:002009-05-23T07:04:10.662-04:00LifebookOur week has been pretty low key. It has been filled with the regular work and daycare. Michael did decide one night that he wanted to be a nudist. After he went to sleep, I went to check on him and he was laying on his knees and stomach totally naked. I now have blackmail pictures for when he is a teenager! It was very cute, but I do not think I will post those photos.<br /><br /><div>I have been working on Michael's lifebook a lot in the past two weeks. It is a big project. What is a lifebook? It is the story of an Michael's life that contains pictures and text to tell him about his life before adoption, where he came from, and how we became a family. It is written to he age level. It will also be his very own. He can keep it to himself or share it with whomever he would like. It will be his decision as to who he shares his story with.</div><br /><div>Before I go, there is one thing I will share about the lifebook. Here is a picture of the cover:<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5338967805093379970" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5IKUzH-p6R_emBimKI0j2NRC20hWf8DbgrtnaF8JsvrDtmi_rFOXm5qvHyavbI_l0gMsr5H5QutNsOT6hJfT906sgnkaXjydQ0QcXFeSRFYbcBPgRHI1I0RTmw2QKW-T6jUgvCUWHkD6e/s400/Lifebook+Cover.JPG" border="0" /></div>Bill and Felicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00556616586258479499noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4803485355464555267.post-1404587082740017702009-05-12T20:15:00.000-04:002009-05-12T20:15:18.650-04:00What y'all have been waiting for...I know that you all have been waiting for an update, so here it goes. Since our last update, we have had a lot happen. Michael has continued with speech therapy. He is saying new words everyday. He is also saying new phrase and is able to let us know what he wants. One Sunday, I was in the kitchen and Michael looked at me from the living room. He said, "high chair, bye bye, please." The only time we say high chair is in a restaurant, so the translation of this is, "I want to go out to eat for breakfast please."<br /><br />On Tuesday April 14, I received a call from Michael's daycare. When they went to wake him up, he had a bloody nose. There was so much blood that they compared it to a CSI crime scene. I picked him up and took him to our family doctor. He could not find anything wrong and gave us some suggestions to keep it from happening again. We followed his directions, but Michael had two more nose bleeds during the next week. These were at night. (I will have to warn you not to get on my bad side, because I have become very good and getting blood out of and off of things.) We became regulars at our doctors office. I must admit that I was starting to think that Michael just had a crush on Ms. Carolyn (the nurse that we go to church with) and wanted to see her as much as possible or that he was trying to play hooky from school. On our last visit to the doctor Michael was diagnosed with a sinus infection. He showed no signs of the infection until over a week after the first nose bleed. He started antibiotics and seemed fine after that.<br /><br />On April 25, we went to Joseph's baseball game. Joseph has become a very good ball player. It is a lot of fun to watch him. After the ballgame Baba, Uncle Wo (Joe), and Wo Wo (Joseph), went fishing while Michael and I attended Ms. Lilly's birthday party. She goes to daycare with him and was turning 3. There were about 7 kids in attendance. This was the first birthday party that Michael had been invited to. He had a great time playing with everyone and singing "Happy Cupcake" (this is what he says instead of happy birthday) to Lilly.<br /><br />The week of April 27th was pretty low key. The biggest thing to note is that Uncle Wo's birthday was on April 29.<br /><br />On May 2nd, we took Michael to Chesterfield Berry Farm for the Strawberry Festival. We all had a lot of fun. He rode the barrel train, rode a horsie, fed the animals, and so on. We also learned that even though he does not seem to care for the strawberry that he LOVES the strawberry milkshake. That evening Gamma and Papa stopped for a short visit on their way to Alabama. They stayed in Alabama for a week and then came back through the next weekend. There will be more on that in a bit.<br /><br />May 4th was a big day. It was a long day, but a good day. We went to the cleft clinic at VCU to meet with the team of doctors. Michael saw a psychologist, an ENT, a speech pathologist, an audiologist, a pediatric dentist, an orthodontist, and the surgeon who is the head of the clinic. He weighed in at 41 pounds and was 36.5" tall. However, he was wiggling so much that I think he was a little taller than that. The ENT found that one of Michael's ear tubes has come out and that he was starting to get an ear infection. Therefore, he had to go back on antibiotics. All of the other doctors were very happy with his development. We were told that we got the "gold star for parenting" which made us feel good. We also found out that Michael will have surgery this year. During the surgery, they will do multiple procedures. This will keep him from having to get anesthesia multiple times. They will do a uvula repair to finish closing his cleft. They will touch up his nose where it is a little flat to help him breath better. They will also replace the ear tube that has come out. He will have to stay in the hospital overnight again. We are praying that he comprehends what is going on more this time and is able to process it better. Last time we were in the hospital he stayed upset the whole time he was awake. For those of you who know him, it takes a lot for this kid be like that. The surgery will be sometime between the end of August and the end of September. Once we know the date, we will let everyone know.<br /><br />The rest of that week was pretty calm. Gamma and Papa stayed at the house again on May 8th on their trip back to New Hampshire. This time they did not only have their dog Chloe with them. They had a puppy with them. His name is Thibodeaux (tib-a-doe). It was so cute to see Michael play with the puppy and say "hib-a-oe." On Saturday, we all went to Joseph's baseball game. Then, Gamma and Papa packed up and headed to Aunt Carrie's house for a short visit.<br /><br />Sunday was my first Mother's Day. It was a wonderful day and there are more posts below about that.<br /><br />Enjoy these pictures from the last few weeks:<br /><br /><br /><div><embed style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 320px" name="flashticker" align="middle" src="http://widget-c1.slide.com/widgets/slideticker.swf" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" quality="high" scale="noscale" salign="l" wmode="transparent" flashvars="cy=bb&il=1&channel=1297036692706596033&site=widget-c1.slide.com"></embed><br /><div style="WIDTH: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: left"><a href="http://www.slide.com/pivot?cy=bb&at=un&id=1297036692706596033&map=1" target="_blank"><img src="http://widget-c1.slide.com/p1/1297036692706596033/bb_t017_v000_s0un_f00/images/xslide1.gif" border="0" /></a> <a href="http://www.slide.com/pivot?cy=bb&at=un&id=1297036692706596033&map=2" target="_blank"><img src="http://widget-c1.slide.com/p2/1297036692706596033/bb_t017_v000_s0un_f00/images/xslide2.gif" border="0" /></a> <a href="http://www.slide.com/pivot?cy=bb&at=un&id=1297036692706596033&map=F" target="_blank"><img src="http://widget-c1.slide.com/p4/1297036692706596033/bb_t017_v000_s0un_f00/images/xslide42.gif" border="0" /></a></div></div>Bill and Felicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00556616586258479499noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4803485355464555267.post-75098091871180270502009-05-10T12:35:00.006-04:002009-05-10T12:59:09.161-04:00My Very Special Day<div>Today has been a very special day for me. I got to sleep in. Then, I was awakened by the sounds of Michael giggling and stabbing me in the face with a card. It was a beautiful card from him and Baba. He even signed it himself. By the signature, I think he will be a doctor when he grows up. After my shower, I had breakfast waiting on me. Bill had made a very tasty meal. It was nice to have breakfast with my two favorite guys. We got ready and headed to church. When we got there, I was met by Joseph. He told me to close my eyes and then made me count to three. When I opened my eyes, he gave me a card that he had made at school. For those of you who know our back story, you will know how special this is. He is a lot like a son to me. It made me cry.... tears of joy. He is such a wonderful kid. </div><br /><div>The rest of our day is going to be quiet. Bill is going to clean out the van and change the oil. This is a great present. Do you know how messy a van can get when you have a 2 year old?? </div><br /><p>I could not have asked for a better first Mother's Day.<br /></p><p>Below is a picture of my card from Joseph:</p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5334240271866965986" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 291px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmMVhEN2IVb439J7FK15geGXAcqKJj9cfaxow-1M92gLiuogecb3Wvn97Rw7k17CC3cqL9MMRlqP_1gMBAOMAlmGtaApCXfF9aEdmelpTns1ZHJtC7j1ZBE4PfnFND2MlJY0n4jHBEk19W/s400/scan0007.jpg" border="0" />Bill and Felicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00556616586258479499noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4803485355464555267.post-7620566168746430282009-05-10T08:40:00.000-04:002009-05-11T10:24:48.189-04:00Happy Mother's Day!<div align="left">Happy Mother's Day! This is for all the mother's who have children in their home, out of the nest, in their tummies, and in their hearts. We know that with adoption the "pregnancy" just takes a little longer. </div><br /><div align="left"></div><br /><div align="left">Today, I get to celebrate my first official Mother's Day. It is hard to believe that this time last year we were waiting to find out when we would go to China to get Michael. Life has changed a lot since then. We were happy before, but it is amazing how much more joy we have in our life now. </div><br /><div align="left"></div><br /><div align="left">After church today, we will do what we do each Mother's Day. We will put flowers on Bill's mom's grave in her memory. There have been so many strong women in our lives. Some are still here with us and some are in heaven looking down on us. Below are pictures of the women who are still with us and have had an impact on each of us. </div><br /><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5333803751480051970" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 196px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZhK5iHCuk_67huh0X8B-CpIZVKLXylK6mZUom1vrCPMkmcFEwE6SlMqQ1FPieZx6FjnEEbN8UQbd81R_Rir-F_5da0pyjEpp6kqlu9gwC2o_8zmDZObiOftJFGn6oWGAbqFQQlrWAAbC_/s320/Gamma+sledding.jpg" border="0" /><br /><br /><br /><div align="center">Gamma (my mom)</div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5333803751880121378" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 213px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnfUQsGw6JizDbj666S4VzMwtLuz8Y6C0Vbf4PphhlnZO-AomL_MXbipAZaCUiTitWuLPfz3Nnk3JyP8Pcy0r-xIWDt-k2DWjlMhB_jlw4sP77Dgz4i-3B2seC8oyUjIX8qKR-AHkODN61/s320/MamawK.jpg" border="0" /><br /><br /><br /><div align="center">Mamaw Kadle (Gamma's mother)</div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5333803753606862466" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 218px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx0B0VNbmcxoCrLR3pwcjO5YJJRl1hKnK6sthx_Vt680oYrRH09rMff1_QeQXfnwjQAvMfo0GQcFH7gcNZj9qn98Nhb0GDy2Qon5vbDc0XowQMhIgmRPgHOY4V79REahzQIKXcNJtPN6gG/s320/MamawR.jpg" border="0" /><br /><br /><br /><div align="center">Mamaw Ryan (my dad's mother)</div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivT_eEuBURaYRRqiesjQe5_16Ar3M3hECEyLAL9hr71c1FoUFnbpoiMqHZhQNXyV4PhpqrOANoUrioWx7KvuRVNj3h0x2XHRYOOeo4nNZn2ShFlozeIsm93lmdTm1QOVNaQQZXKPafmWZ3/s1600-h/Nana.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5333803757936393666" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 260px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivT_eEuBURaYRRqiesjQe5_16Ar3M3hECEyLAL9hr71c1FoUFnbpoiMqHZhQNXyV4PhpqrOANoUrioWx7KvuRVNj3h0x2XHRYOOeo4nNZn2ShFlozeIsm93lmdTm1QOVNaQQZXKPafmWZ3/s320/Nana.jpg" border="0" /></a> Nana (Bill's dad's mother)<br /><br /><br /><br /><div><br /><div></div></div><br /></div>Bill and Felicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00556616586258479499noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4803485355464555267.post-21548582596385704922009-05-09T08:42:00.000-04:002009-05-11T10:26:29.458-04:00Birthmother's DayMany of you may not know this, but today (the Saturday before Mother’s Day) is Birthmother’s Day. As I sit here and think about it, there are so many things I wish I could let Michael’s birthmother (and his birthfather for that matter) know. It could not have been easy for her to let go of this precious little boy, but living in China it may have been the only choice that she had. I imagine that she couldn't afford either the fee for a second child or the medical care that was necessary.<br /><br />I wish I could tell her that he is safe and has a good home. He has a mother and a father, a large family, and many friends who love him dearly. He takes on the world with a handsome smile and a laugh that warms the heart. He is bright, funny, inquisitive, mischievous, fearless, and rambunctious. He is one of the bravest kids that I know. She would be so proud of him.<br /><br />However, what I really wish I could tell her is that she did the right thing; she gave him life. By her giving him up, he was able to get the medical attention he needed. By her giving him up, he now has a future full of endless possibilities. By her giving him up, we have a son. For that, I will always be grateful. For that reason, today will be a day that we remember her.Bill and Felicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00556616586258479499noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4803485355464555267.post-76960437425629970882009-05-07T22:43:00.002-04:002009-05-07T22:44:07.539-04:00Under ConstructionPlease bare with me. I am going to be making changes to the layout of the blog. It may take a little while to get it exactly the way I want it. Thanks!Bill and Felicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00556616586258479499noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4803485355464555267.post-22200355438441215862009-05-07T19:27:00.004-04:002009-05-07T19:43:25.195-04:00What a difference 6 months makes....I plan to post an update in a few days, but wanted to quickly post these two pictures. We went to the Strawberry Festival at Chesterfield Berry Farm this past weekend. Michael loves to ride the barrel train. He also rode it when we were there in October 2008 at the Pumpkin Festival. It looks like he rode in the same car each time. It is amazing how much he has changed and how much he has grown in the past six months.<br /><br />Here are the pictures from both of those days.<br /><br /><br /><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5333230082959155058" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiset_HUOo98_2yA_n_cOXQWfbaBy6jjMnAcgQrCQdt0KMJ6JzUcJQM7SgAAJPqQM59Agq6IGL2nEfcu6h6y8O7qP9q48BFYLSm1efRDkAqJkGBn3WvnwyQ_eTngLxIpY0WZtqLRycjfOdz/s320/DSC08449.JPG" border="0" /></p><p align="center">May 2, 2009</p><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5333230834365804418" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuVag86VVCUI4YYTyJz95NJceLa95_TPXlXH5-2PPmrlzefBKLLcqexY4H0-e2KshMmgTjE7r6BuRSdXh7PYNZvKzDFeNqDU6YSuVjR55SVRHc1qdiNWjcHIaRD5TZIBpiVAp4HaWGvhXx/s320/DSC07603.JPG" border="0" /></p><p align="center">October 4, 2008</p>Bill and Felicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00556616586258479499noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4803485355464555267.post-63122384431147164202009-04-15T19:41:00.003-04:002009-04-15T20:23:27.724-04:00Family, Tours, & EasterWe had a busy, but good week last week. Gamma drove from New Hampshire on Monday. On Tuesday, Michael went to school. Then, I took him to get tested for allergies. We thought that some of his stuffiness might be seasonal allergies, but were wrong. They tested him for allergies to pollens, dust, foods, and animals. Thankfully, he is not allergic to anything. On Wednesday, Michael went with Gamma to visit Aunt Carrie in Charlottesville.<br /><br />At the end of the week, the rest of our family arrived from out of town. Midday on Thursday, I picked Papa up from the airport. On Friday, Mamaw & Papaw Ryan arrived at the house midday.<br /><br />Bill, Papa, Joe, and Big Bill went to play golf on Friday. After Papaw and Mamaw arrived, we (Gamma, Michael, Joseph, Papaw, Mamaw, and myself) all loaded into the van for a driving tour of Richmond. After our tour, we went to lunch and then returned home.<br /><br />On Saturday, we loaded into the two vans and headed to Washington, D.C. We parked in Springfield and rode the Metro into DC. While in DC, we went to the National Air & Space Museum. I think Papaw really enjoyed it. It was very crowded though. After a while, Michael started raising his voice and telling all the people to "O AWAY!!" I really didn't blame him. After the museum, we hopped on a trolley and toured the rest of DC. We had lunch in Union Station before heading back to the Metro and home.<br /><br />On Sunday morning, Michael found an Easter basket that was left by the Easter "RABBIT!" He enjoyed reading his new book with Papa. However, he really didn't care for the candy. We all got ready and headed to Charlottesville to have brunch with Carrie and Patrick. Michael was really excited to see Aunt Carrie again. When I asked him if he wanted to go see her, he said "YAY!!!!!" We waited for our table for a bit and tried to occupy Michael. There were 9 of us so it took just a little while for them to get our table ready. However, the wait was worth it. The food was very good. After brunch, we headed back to Carrie's where we all went our separate ways. Mamaw & Papaw started on their trip back to Alabama. Bill, Michael, and I came home. Gamma and Papa stayed in Charlottesville and left the next morning to drive back to New Hampshire.<br /><br />We had a very good visit with everyone. However, the time together always seems so short. We miss them all already.<br /><br />Here are some pictures of our time with everyone:<br /><br /><div><embed src="http://widget-a5.slide.com/widgets/slideticker.swf" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" quality="high" scale="noscale" salign="l" wmode="transparent" flashvars="cy=bb&il=1&channel=1297036692706416549&site=widget-a5.slide.com" style="width:400px;height:320px" name="flashticker" align="middle"></embed><div style="width:400px;text-align:left;"><a href="http://www.slide.com/pivot?cy=bb&at=un&id=1297036692706416549&map=1" target="_blank"><img src="http://widget-a5.slide.com/p1/1297036692706416549/bb_t017_v000_s0un_f00/images/xslide1.gif" border="0" ismap="ismap" /></a> <a href="http://www.slide.com/pivot?cy=bb&at=un&id=1297036692706416549&map=2" target="_blank"><img src="http://widget-a5.slide.com/p2/1297036692706416549/bb_t017_v000_s0un_f00/images/xslide2.gif" border="0" ismap="ismap" /></a> <a href="http://www.slide.com/pivot?cy=bb&at=un&id=1297036692706416549&map=F" target="_blank"><img src="http://widget-a5.slide.com/p4/1297036692706416549/bb_t017_v000_s0un_f00/images/xslide42.gif" border="0" ismap="ismap" /></a></div></div>Bill and Felicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00556616586258479499noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4803485355464555267.post-81805697682102100822009-04-05T17:27:00.003-04:002009-04-05T17:42:57.333-04:00Day Care & Easter Eggs<div align="left">I have a few new pictures below. The first is one of Michael's day care pictures. The slide show is from our Easter egg hunt at church. Once Michael figured out what to do, he looked like a pro. We will be pretty busy for the next week. We hope that everyone has a very happy Easter.<br /><br /><br /><br /></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5321325338606760162" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 256px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaLqZzWiAviDRkPqSzI44V3e_L9ZrYrwoczidqYxj2ZWs_KTHwfieme5jpSjQQZ5m0zcyURbgWxKtIun3XJtGxQT6ZzIFG0X9rimMux3QfE5JjYf9A1Qbk1Rnb8qOCMC_zgvrke6xw6Uh-/s320/Michael1-small.jpg" border="0" /><br /><br /><embed style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 320px" name="flashticker" align="middle" src="http://widget-5f.slide.com/widgets/slideticker.swf" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" quality="high" scale="noscale" salign="l" wmode="transparent" flashvars="cy=bb&il=1&channel=1297036692706305631&site=widget-5f.slide.com"></embed> <div style="WIDTH: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: left"><a href="http://www.slide.com/pivot?cy=bb&at=un&id=1297036692706305631&map=1" target="_blank"><img src="http://widget-5f.slide.com/p1/1297036692706305631/bb_t017_v000_s0un_f00/images/xslide1.gif" border="0" /></a> <a href="http://www.slide.com/pivot?cy=bb&at=un&id=1297036692706305631&map=2" target="_blank"><img src="http://widget-5f.slide.com/p2/1297036692706305631/bb_t017_v000_s0un_f00/images/xslide2.gif" border="0" /></a> <a href="http://www.slide.com/pivot?cy=bb&at=un&id=1297036692706305631&map=F" target="_blank"><img src="http://widget-5f.slide.com/p4/1297036692706305631/bb_t017_v000_s0un_f00/images/xslide42.gif" border="0" /></a></div>Bill and Felicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00556616586258479499noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4803485355464555267.post-78756375492694004322009-04-01T17:52:00.004-04:002009-04-01T18:54:03.436-04:00Our Silly Boy!The past couple of weeks have been full of work, daycare, errands, church and more. The weather has been crazy here. It is in the 70s one day and freezing the next. As soon as we are almost dried out from days of rain, it starts pouring again. We are ready for warm, sunny days.<br /><br />Michael's little personality is starting to develop more and more. He is the silliest, cutest, smartest little boy we know. (We are not at all biased. Can you tell?) He does things just to make people laugh. He makes the silliest faces. He just starts laughing for no reason at all, which makes us laugh in return. He surprises us everyday with the new things he can do and say. His vocabulary is growing every day. He is also starting to say more phrases. I am not sure what this says about us. However, he calls every store we go in "walllll marrrrr." That is Michael for Walmart.<br /><br />The best thing we have seen over the past couple of months is that he is starting to form stronger relationships and bonds with other family members and friends. He has always enjoyed being around certain people, but now you can just see his eyes light up when he sees them. He is always asking to call Gamma & Papa on the "computer phone" via Skype. He loves looking at pictures and repeating everyone's names. He gets a huge smile on his face when he sees his Aunt "Arweeeee" (Carrie) in the pictures and in person. He loves his Grandpa, Uncle "Wo" (Joe), and "Wo Wo" (Joseph). He jumps into Grandpa's arms. He wanted "Wo" to rock him to sleep the other night. He loves playing with Joseph. He runs to Uncle David when he sees him to get a hug and he always has to find "Ronnnnnnnnn" at church. He adores his teachers at daycare. I could go on and on.<br /><br />Next week will be very busy. We have visitors coming from the south and from the north. Gamma is driving from New Hampshire on Monday. Then, Papa is flying in on Thursday. On Friday, Mamaw and Papaw Ryan will arrive from Alabama. We are looking forward to seeing and spending time with everyone. This will be Michael's first Easter. We are excited that he will get to spend it with a lot of our family. We plan on going to see Aunt Carrie on Easter Sunday.<br /><br />Below are some pictures from last couple of weeks.<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5319849254965375138" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2LocLMhpJAdgPnWYGdri44lcRhH0acKImwxhdY3tuG06IZdcdWl37-6oejr9EE-s_Jj5bxuM3yv-7JsoXR_9xfd_GTw2jyRNdnXwnF_mpb12M6niiP6bcsgnwzRHYt6FDF_rzngB-WmYB/s320/DSC09632_edited-1.jpg" border="0" /><br /><div align="center">Licking the Bowl After Making Cupcakes</div><div align="center">Michael got very mad at Mama, because she put them in the oven.</div><br /><br /><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDtoV1U8Ahce2GQIAxJfAhxMMfF7OfrCrWgBufbYukRXlJ7dyQycljcSGOw9dXOZBHOD9z4Gae10ws_rDuJIGfnjzZsgNOAuGqCDjErvdWQkuWGLbsK8ghiLNsBNcgT2PxNr6DdsFMwtN5/s1600-h/DSC09638.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5319849262597595986" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDtoV1U8Ahce2GQIAxJfAhxMMfF7OfrCrWgBufbYukRXlJ7dyQycljcSGOw9dXOZBHOD9z4Gae10ws_rDuJIGfnjzZsgNOAuGqCDjErvdWQkuWGLbsK8ghiLNsBNcgT2PxNr6DdsFMwtN5/s320/DSC09638.JPG" border="0" /></a> This is Serious Business</div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5319847215048160322" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj86t-2lXLTvcp24J05bfko206pstbiTl11Bg67PomOt00CPj8NRoT_pXe-DnzpG5oi_NfWXAoxWvloGyabNbMG-redZMWdMlP5CdB9vt09Z1qqqNtCIFZGNC2156_1btYf6pnvYGl82LLR/s320/DSC09690.JPG" border="0" /><br />It was 70 degrees outside and Michael decided to put on his winter hat.<br />Can you tell he put it on himself?<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdCRQn79Hy-MiGJTabhhpMZ-jkBzHOG8wAo5mdkYfuv5aXJt3LRRUE90z7lujGO_iZ9XAmNYT8Do3HgmqPKzWfV1d37Q9sfouAi8w5UcBawICKww4p6mkjGbI7q7SF6EqUmtNtKMRN1h0B/s1600-h/DSC09694.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5319847219894863538" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdCRQn79Hy-MiGJTabhhpMZ-jkBzHOG8wAo5mdkYfuv5aXJt3LRRUE90z7lujGO_iZ9XAmNYT8Do3HgmqPKzWfV1d37Q9sfouAi8w5UcBawICKww4p6mkjGbI7q7SF6EqUmtNtKMRN1h0B/s320/DSC09694.JPG" border="0" /></a> Our Fashionable Trend Setter<br />Wearing Your Hat Backwards and Crooked - New Spring Fashion for '09<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie_CqDyM3Umsng-YrS2YgXAQBF-OOdY1pn_yrcwa1uUVz1ZgafSZ2e8T9WFYQsavU-kjQ3mj04g7Yod5R1mhFD3CWBNBKN2SV3fjH_Yxpmrbq_kRlnCIzkoz4Mw8PtRJl8MFXRMydYFUdx/s1600-h/DSC09687.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5319849253726677394" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie_CqDyM3Umsng-YrS2YgXAQBF-OOdY1pn_yrcwa1uUVz1ZgafSZ2e8T9WFYQsavU-kjQ3mj04g7Yod5R1mhFD3CWBNBKN2SV3fjH_Yxpmrbq_kRlnCIzkoz4Mw8PtRJl8MFXRMydYFUdx/s320/DSC09687.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />Sunday Afternoon Nap<br /><br /><div><div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqGS9d0_DkcKiVxkqG2RA-IGf3kFqM0_bhkPnK8M8fBxAVY6bab6YzPKb9PYgAGZ02xUoR4_B3Tnhpy-5AdC7dhceOsHeiwA0MwtukdPBcngG1J-zs3NNVgboWkhvnlr9rB64jFvrKSVEi/s1600-h/DSC09719.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5319847208253389906" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqGS9d0_DkcKiVxkqG2RA-IGf3kFqM0_bhkPnK8M8fBxAVY6bab6YzPKb9PYgAGZ02xUoR4_B3Tnhpy-5AdC7dhceOsHeiwA0MwtukdPBcngG1J-zs3NNVgboWkhvnlr9rB64jFvrKSVEi/s320/DSC09719.JPG" border="0" /></a> Country<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwigqU5NSdwtC3pabi3QItOkAbx9gnZZhUF9J7S-2_3xjdLbVuK-mi5N1fORICNfy659fXyl3AVOQPH9TRYFt8ltoTaEPcGGkugdXp79htJtlBcc6bszcpLSzlHDyJa5cew7loBUTYaNkb/s1600-h/DSC09718.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5319847202321112322" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwigqU5NSdwtC3pabi3QItOkAbx9gnZZhUF9J7S-2_3xjdLbVuK-mi5N1fORICNfy659fXyl3AVOQPH9TRYFt8ltoTaEPcGGkugdXp79htJtlBcc6bszcpLSzlHDyJa5cew7loBUTYaNkb/s320/DSC09718.JPG" border="0" /></a> Blues</div><div> </div><div></div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5319847210819338738" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizMn4zSIUbQ7gxarTSFp1OIfV_lsBw1Xg7frs0HYj6eU0yp4R_i-kcB7F9oCkYSR6uJbDbN3WP5-e7Tvuh-_2_XJbD4pL5IuOrM9NKo707MVS-QFw5vF4gLJYznH0KNqAAzfvHz1fgC5hD/s320/DSC09720.JPG" border="0" />Rock & Roll!!!!</div></div></div></div></div>Bill and Felicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00556616586258479499noreply@blogger.com2