Wordless Wednesday

A little boy's room

Print hanging in his room.

Knit panda bear.

Another print.

Little red chair that was Dan's when he was a little boy.

Picture of Grace by his bed.

Dresser.

Grace hangin' out with Will's stuffed animals.

William's new bed.

Will's room is just about finished. He has a new bed, dresser and bookshelf. I still have to put some sides on the bed so he won't fall out. Either Dan or I will sleep with him for as long as it's necessary to help him transition. We're going to be very flexible. I switched some things around in his room that was formerly for a little girl and those girl things went into Grace's room. He has a new quilt with cars, trucks and other vehicles on it. He also has a cute little rug with a roadway on it for him to drive small cars on. Grace has already been playing on it. His clothes, a swimsuit, PJs and blankets are washed, folded and in the dresser drawers. I told my friend Ashley that the other night I was putting his clothes and things away in his dresser and had a flashback to doing that many years ago for Nicholas and 5 years ago for Grace. All things we do to get ready for our children. Somehow I feel his presence very close to me right now in his room, can't explain it but I do. I imagine hearing Will laugh, see him playing with his toys, holding him, tickling him and just loving him so much. We're all ready for his arrival.

Father's Day

Dan and Grace at Disney in May.

My Dad and little Grace (age 2).

I'm very blessed to have my own father still in my life. He's 78 and is relatively healthy, except for some arthritis and a bit of a hearing loss. He's active (he plays golf and swims often). I'm a Daddy's girl and Grace is too so I completely understand that wonderful relationship between a father and daughter. My Dad has been an example of how all fathers should be to their children, strong, loving, non judgemental, and always there for his children and Grandchildren. He's also one of the funniest people I know. My husband Dan is quite similar in many ways, so I suppose in a way I did marry a man very much like my dad. I wouldn't have it any other way. Dan is my rock. He is a man of God, and a generous person with his time to everyone he meets. He's an amazing father to Nick and Grace and he will be the same to little Will. Both Dan and my father also have some of the biggest hearts of any person I've ever met. Happy Father's Day to the fathers in my life...I love you so much!

What a day!

What a handsome boy.

Goin' swimming.

Cool dude.

Let's see it started off with our visas arriving per UPS right about 10 AM. Grace and I were doing the happy dance about that. Now our TA just needs to arrive, but hey we can get into China now, Whoo hoo! Then I notice that babies are arriving which is just wonderful of course. Congrats to all the new moms and dads. Referral day is amazing and so happy. Lastly....I received updated photos of William today. The last photos I had of him were dated over a year ago and I had hoped that we'd get to see something more recent and we hit the jackpot! Here are 3 of him taken just a month ago, in May of 2008. He is one handsome dude is all I can say. He looks great, he looks happy, healthy and well taken care of and loved. When I saw the photos for the first time this afternoon it set me off in a series of crying jags...happy crying. Now I just want to go to China. Without further delay, let me upload these photos of our beautiful little boy William. I can't wait to hold him in my arms. :)

3 Word Sunday

Favorite Foto Friday....Jiangxi girls!

Almost 3 weeks ago we went to the Chicago area (Downer's Grove) for a brunch with Grace's travel group. Many of the families were able to attend ( I believe there were 4 missing), there will be another get together later in June where all the families will be there. We had a great time, lots of good food, catching up with friends and lots of giggling and 5 yr. old fun with the girls and their siblings. I know that I post a lot about this group of families, they are such an important part of our lives and will always be I hope. The weekend is almost here and I'm more than ready for it. It's been a long, busy week with so much going on. I'm ready to relax and I imagine everyone else is too! Come on weekend! :)

The last day of school

Sitting on the front step, the last morning of preschool.

Grace and her teacher Miss Trish. Grace loves absolutely everything about school and adores her teacher.

Today is Miss Grace's last day of school. Her summer vacation officially starts. Grace has had an amazing year in preschool and is definitely ready for Kindergarten in the Fall. She's matured so much emotionally this year. What will she be doing this summer? Well, she has swimming lessons that continue. She's enrolled in a daytime mixed media art camp coming up in June, for 4 days. Also will be going to 'Camp Kindergarten' for half days that will go for 3 weeks. Lots of playing with friends, her 6th birthday party, swimming at the pool and 1 on 1 time with me before William's arrival. And then we should be traveling to China sometime this summer too . Lots of changes for Grace and our family and we welcome them all. Summertime is finally here! :)

What we did this weekend....

Relaxed on the deck with my 'cool girl.'

Took some silly photos of Grace.

Went to the nursery and bought more flowers.

Did lots of planting. Also moved some perennials and took out a few things that didn't survive our Winter.

The lovely Grace (Ariel) and her good friend Lydia ( the Bride) played a lot outside.

Got the visa applications finished and all ready to send in tomorrow with our passports to the Chinese Consulate in Chicago. What else? Worked some more on William's room, grilled and ate outside a yummy dinner, it all went so fast. Weekends always seem to... don't they? :)