May Update - Part I

Here is the first part of my effort to catch-up on my blogging. I put all things aside in order to prepare the posts for my China memories. Now...Back to your regularly scheduled program...

Potty Update
Saturday, May 10, Hope POOPED on the potty for the first time. I was so proud of her. We made a big deal of it, didn't flush until we could show Daddy, and got to have TWO M&Ms instead of the usual one. I was so excited and thought we were headed down a great road. Since that day however, she's only done it one other time. The following week she was going potty for Grandma and said, "Grandma go other room." Translation: "Could I have a little privacy please?" :) Anyway, she successfully took care of business. YEA - PROGRESS. Nope. Nothing. That was it. We can usually tell when Hope needs to go. She tends to hide. We try various tactics to get her into the bathroom, but not wanting to make it a traumatic experience, we eventually seem to always end with being shoo'ed from her room so she can "finish" on her own. Maybe this summer while we're home together we can push it a little bit.

Mother's Day
Sunday, May 11, was my first Mother's Day with my daughter home. I remember a year ago we had Hope's photo in hand and I was so excited about becoming Mama to this sweet girl. I spent the day thinking about her birth and foster mothers and the love, sacrifices, choices,...I have to stop there. Anybody who reads this blog knows what I've felt and said before about the people who were part of Hope's life for her first year. Many of you share a very similar story and I know we're all just very thankful. Well, this Mother's Day I got to actually spend with my little girl! Believe me, all those emotions came back, but I of course have a different perspective now. It was amazing to be able to share this day with Hope and Ron, celebrating family, and honoring this new "title" that on many days, I still can't believe is mine.
This is Hope with her very first pigtails made with all her hair and not just the top half.

Grandma, Hope, Mama at Church that Morning

Playing with Grandpa - May 12
I showed up on this afternoon to pick up Hope after work and this is what I found. Apparently this is her idea of "helping" Grandpa mow the lawn. :)

Hope doesn't quite get the bounce/scoot needed to make the worm move, so she's perfectly content to just let Grandpa pull her around the yard.

When I said, "OK Hope, let's get in the car." She decided to RUN from Mama. Fun new game, I guess. Anyway, she stopped for a quick pose by the tree before she was off to the races again. Doesn't it look like she's coaxing me..."Can't catch me, Mama."

Oreo - May 12
I think she likes them!

First Track Meet - May 15
I was interpreting for a student on the track team this year and Hope and Daddy came over one afternoon after school for a meet. Hope had a great time and tried to run FAST like the other girls. It was so cute.

Mitchell & Nicholas - May 17
On this Saturday we got to babysit for our nephews for the night. We had so much fun, but holy cow! God bless you mothers of 3. We were pooped that night.
Hope gets a push - they were so good about taking turns!

It was funny because Hope was no longer the baby for the night. She wanted everything Nicholas had. She wanted to lay like him, have his bottle, share his blanket...you get the idea. I just love this picture.

Can't Forget Ella

Smiley Boy! That little tongue is too cute!

It was the same thing inside.

After Hope went to bed, Mitchell and Uncle Ron watched a little Nemo to end the night.

Cute at Church/Living Stones Final Day - May 18
During the school year, I sing for a group at church that plays once a month. We have a great time. Hope has been getting used to seeing Mama up front with a microphone and she is NOT AT ALL shy about coming up and trying to take over. Grandpa plays the drums, and once in a while...with a lot of persuasion, Daddy joins us up front, too.
On this day, Hope came prepared. Here she is with her own supplies and ready to go.



Friends - May 24
On this Saturday we met our good friends for an afternoon of geocaching. Here are my favorite photos from that afternoon.
This is easily my new favorite picture of Hope. I just think she looks so pretty.










Sam's Graduation - May 24
I used to babysit for him! YIKES! I'm very proud of you Sam! You and your whole family will always be very special to us. Best of luck in Michigan next year.


Part II to come soon...