Good Times

Today we went to a park for a bit. 

The weather wasn't that great as it's been kind of raining on and off

but the kids had a pretty good time.

 

  Charlie got to run around and burn off some steam.

 

 They checked out a couple of ducks that were sitting around.

 

 Got in a quick game of 'peek-a-boo' 

and of course we had to get in some of Charlie's favorite thing ...

 

 ... the slide.

 

 this girl had some fun too

 

but I think the swings were her favorite

 Of course the kids fell asleep on the way home which resulted

in a super short nap time which equals a horrendous evening. 

but somehow the kids managed to find some forms of entertainment

... aaaaaaand we're still working on being more gentle with each other ...

The Chuckster

On Saturday, Charlie turned 16 months. 

It's so crazy to think that he's that old already!

yes ... the focus is all off, but I love this photo.

He looks like such a little Chuckster

(which is what we've been calling him lately)

tonight we went to The Fountains again and let the kiddos

run around and get some energy out. 

Since Bob is on Jury Duty for the month, 

we're all a bit spoiled with so much 'Daddy time'.

and I have to say - the little Chuckster

is soooooooo in love with his Appa.

It's super fun to see him squeal, wave his arms frantically,

then run to the door when Bob gets home.

you know what else Charlie loves?

FRENCH FRIES

(and pretty any much anything that's edible)

Feel Like Having a Good Cry?

Dude.

I'm not sure if I'm 'allowed' to embed this on my blog

but I guess if I can't someone will let me know. 

This YouTube video has been floating around FB

and so of course I clicked on it to watch. 

Let's just say that I bawled. 

I think every Adoptive Parent should watch this. 

and I hope every Adoptee watches it too. 

Our Pororo

We got this Pororo hat as a gift

and I've been meaning to get some shots of Charlie in it

it's a little bit big

but I think he still looks pretty darn cute in it

the other day we also had our first follow-up appointment

with the Pediatric GI Specialist. 

both of the kiddos go in every 8 weeks 

for weight checks.

Claire has gained 1 ounce shy of a pound

{that is HUGE for us}

She's now weighing in at 24 lbs 11 ounces

Charlie is now 21 lbs 7 ounces

... pretty sure he'll be passing her up soon ...

his height to weight ratio is 50% 

{awesomeness}

Our doctor thought that both of the kiddos

were looking really good. 

That made for a super good day. 

And then on top of that, our Social Worker

came by for our second Post Placement visit. 

{hard to believe that it's been 3 months already}

She thought that Charlie was doing really well

and was surprised at how secure he seemed

and made the comment that he acts 

like he's always been here.

Wonderific that's Terrific!

Of course all the credit for that simply goes straight to Charlie.

His personality lends himself to being a 

'go with the flow' type of kid.

I actually wonder if it has something to do with the fact

that he was in the hospital so much. Like maybe he was kinda

used to meeting new people all the time so it's not that

big of a deal to him anymore. 

Maybe when he starts talking I can ask him.

So here's what happens when you give Charlie rice

but forget to put a bib on him. 

Good thing he's washable.

SO tired

the other day during lunch I found Charlie like this

and no, I don't feed him veggie chips at breakfast

and yes, he's still in his jammies

it was just one of those days

I'm claiming this one for me!

I've said before that I'm really looking forward to 2011.

For some reason I've just been really pumped thinking about it. 

I have so many resolutions plans that I want to achieve this year

and I just feel this huge sense of motivation swelling within me. 

(I know, kinda crazy - right?!)

I'm looking forward to re-opening my etsy shop and also my retail site 

in the next few weeks. I've gotten some new fabric and I have already put

a few new Blooms together. It's feels good to be creative again. 

Expanding my 'business' is on my list of 'plans' and I'm super excited about it. 

I feel like I have a ton of ideas swirling around in my brain

so hopefully I'll be able to get them down on paper soon. 

(and then executed - so they become a reality)

Another reality that I'm aiming for is healthy living.

Yet another thing I feel motivated about for the first time.

And not in some 'quick fix' sort of mentality

but more of a rest-of-my-life-lifestyle-change kind of mentality.

You know what else I'm looking forward to? 

my family.

I have to say, it is sooo nice that Charlie is home. 

His transition and adjustment has continued to come along nicely.

And not just his adjustment, but mine as well. 

I'll be honest - in the beginning there were definitely days where

he just wasn't my favorite. And I really needed a break from him.

As soon as Bob would come home I'd just pass Charlie off and say, 

'He's all yours now. I'm done.'

But I don't feel like that anymore. 

Sure - there are still days that can be a bit rough

(especially since he currently has like four molars coming in all at once)

but now it's enjoyable - and it just feels different.

it feels really good.

So I can't wait to experience this new year as a unit.

A family unit - with all of us together.

So yes - I have all these wonderful hopes and plans for 2011

and to top it off - I just realized that it's 

The Year of the Rabbit

(which is what I am)

So I'm thinking that year is most definitely mine to be had.

And I'm claiming it. Just for me.

(and actually anyone else who's a rabbit too)

2011 - I look forward to spending the year together.

Let's make it a good great FANTABULOUS year!