Christmas 2008

This is the 2nd year that we are celebrating Christmas with baby Elizabeth. Actually, she's not a baby anyone; she's a little girl. She likes to talk and babble on the phone. She loves to watch the baby Einstein and Elmo videos. She likes to go outside and play on the swing, the slide, and the jungle gym.

We had our 2nd visit with the social worker. She was impressed with the progress that Elizabeth was making. The report was completed and sent to CCAI to be translated and sent to China. This was the final part of the adoption process.

We are so blessed to have Elizabeth as part of our beloved family.

Gotcha Day Anniversary

Elizabeth always likes to view this video of Gotcha Day.

Pumpkin Festival

We visited the Pumpkin Festival in Katy, TX. As you can see from the picture, Elizabeth is dressed appropriately for the occasion.

Vacation In Orlando, Florida

Selina had a medical conference in Orlando, FL and Helen and the kids went with her. This is the second time that the boys went to Orlando, and Duo Duo's first time. Unfortunately, Simon had to work; it's year end for his firm.

Everyone had a great time and enjoyed visiting the Magic Kingdom, Hollywood Studios, Animal Kingdom, and Sea World. Jonathan and Joshua bought Duo Duo a little Mickey Mouse toy. How so sweet of them!

Maybe in a few years, our group from Chongqing can have a reunion of Orlando. That would be so nice!

Bluebonnets In Texas

Yesterday, we went out the Brenham Texas to see the bluebonnets in full bloom. Brenham is small Texas town about 80 miles northwest from Houston and is known for the bluebonnets and ice cream. Blue Bell Ice Cream is headquarterd in Brenham. We had lunch at a local restaruant call Must Be Heaven. We eat some deli sandwiches topping off with a slice of homemade pie and some delicious Blue Bell ice cream. We took a stroll around main street visiting several of the local shops and antique stores. We headed home back to Houston for the baseball game. Simon's sisters was given some near the dugout tickets to the Astos games against the Florida Marlin at Minute Maid Park. The weather was just absolutely beautiful - 70 degrees.

Spring Break In Colorado

Helen, Jonathan, Joshua, and baby Elizabeth went to Colorado for spring break accompanied by Simon's sister Selina and Simon's mom. Unfortunately, Simon was not able to go.

We arrived in Denver on Saturday, March 15 and were able to meet up with Alan and Xiaoli Polonski and their one year old Yanzi. Alan and Xiaoli were part of our travel group 1274 in Chongqing. We had a great time visiting and catching up.

Later, we headed to Vail, CO which is about a 2 hour drive from Denver. We stayed at condo and had a fantastic time. Selina's high school friend and her husband live in Vail, and we were able to spend some time with them.

The boys took snowboard lessons and had a dandy time playing in the snow. Even, Duo Duo got into the act. She loved playing in and touching the snow. See the bump on nose; that's from scapping on the ice. Ouch!

In Houston, it's very rare that we get snow. So, it's a real treat for us.

On our way to the airport on Wednesday, we were able to visit CCAI. The picture on this posting is with Joshua Zhong, the director of our adoption agency. He and his wife Lily started this agency back in 1994 and have placed over 7,800 children from China. We are so glad that we had the opportunity to meet with them and visit the office and the staff.

We are glad to be home now.

Happy Birthday Duo Duo!

Happy Birthday Elizabeth - 1 year old.

Special Singing Lotus Flower Candle purchased in Chongqing, China

Elizabeth in her Chinese vest and hat.

Re-Adoption

On Friday, February 8, 2008, we went to San Antonio to complete the re-adoption process. A friend who also had adopted a baby girl from China recommended that we go through this attorney in San Antonio. It worked out very well. Not only was the process smooth, it was relatively inexpensive. Simon took a day off, and we drove up to San Antonio and back on the same day.

Duo Duo continues to do well. She is now walking and can even climb up the stairs. She babbles and is accustomed to eat table food. She likes mangoes, rice, and goldfish. She has acclimated very well to life here with us.

Welcome Home Baby Shower

Baby Elizabeth (Duo Duo) has been with us in the U.S. for more than two months. We can't believe it. How time just flies by.

The day before New Years Eve, Duo Duo was admitted to the hospital due to a high fever and shortness of breath. We found out that she contracted the RSV virus which effects one' respiratory system. Helen stayed with her for two nights. After receiving breathing treatment, fluids, and antibiotics, she was discharged on New Years Day.

Duo Duo is acclimating very well to life in the U.S. She does like to eat table food of all sorts such as chicken, watermelon, yogurt, mandarin oranges, and rice gruel. Of course, like most American kids, she prefers to eat junk food such as ice cream, Cheetos, potato chips, and french fries. We try our moderate her intake of such unhealthy food.

When we were in Chongqing, Duo Duo was already standing and crawling. A couple of weeks ago, she started taking her first steps! Today, she's walking about 10 steps.

Duo Duo loves her brothers. When they come home from school, she screams and flaps her arms. Duo Duo also greets Daddy with a big smile when he walks through the floor after returning from work.

In the middle January, we did receive Duo Duo's citizenship certificate. After that, Helen went to the Social Security office to apply for her number. This Friday, we'll be heading to San Antonio for our re-adoption appointment. After that, we'll receive her Texas birth certificate.

On January 20th, several members of our church hosted a welcome home / baby shower party for Duo Duo. There were over 20 ladies who attended this event. Everyone had a lot of fun. And, there was plenty of food.