A Year!

So Izzy Thu Thi turned the BIG 01 on Tuesday May 20. She started walking about three weeks ago and is very (well okay, so take this with my bias), sophisticated! she likes to read her books (turn the pages), play peek-a-boo to humour all the adults, and give (puckers up and makes a kissing sound) kisses. And she does this really cute thing with her eyes -- where she blinks them intentionally (I am just sure that anyone who sees this will think she has something in her eye or a twitch :)). We are having a very small celebration this weekend but celebrated with an even smaller party on the 20th. And we blew out a candle and made a wish for her birth mom and family who we thank so much for wishing a world of opportunity for her little girl. What a gift she (and they) gave. So enough with the words; here's a little view of this beautiful in all ways child.

Way too long! but oh, how time flies

Wow, time sure does fly. and in baby days, what a difference each and every moment makes! Izzy is such a pleasure! She really is such a gift. We just returned from a ten day trip to visit grandma and pa (and Bac Doo (her Aunt Debbie) joined us) in Arizona to help Grandma recuperate from some surgery. Grandma is doing just great and Izzy provided lots of kisses (she literally puckers up and makes a kissing sound - see pic below).

I returned to work on Tuesday; have a wonderful woman named Estela taking care of izzy and am working from home for the most part which is helping with the transition. So it's harder on me than it is on Izzy :). But all-in-all, doing just fine. I thought I would at least share a picture update, since I have failed miserably with the text. I will see (no promises) if I can do a bit better going forward.

kisses from izzy (she had a bit of a rash but it should give you the general idea.....)

Wishing All a Very Happy New Year

I have been thinking about the other two groups of families that followed us just one and two week's respectively with their own G&R dates. So thrilled for them. And for those families that are in various stages of the waiting process, I am thinking of you and hope that 2008 brings that light closer very fast. For our fellow NT families, I can tell you that these children are so loved. But I know how hard it is to wait and how important each update is. I let most of you know that the Dillon staff took photos while we were there and, hopefully, you should get some soon. I know how much they mean when you are waiting.

It's hard to believe but we've been home for more than a week. That jet lag was something and, of course, it's far more than jet lag. Quite a change in our lives and learning to manage a bit better on broken sleep is no easy feat. So enough about me :). Izzy Thu is a trooper and is doing really, really well. In fact, I was quite confident that she would not sleep through the night - or even take a nap for more than 30 minutes - just two days ago. But the last two nights have seemed (knock on my head) to get us some rythm. And we all talk about schedules and how important they are -- it is the truth, no doubt. So we are working on it. And making progress for sure.

And Grandma and Grandpa Stern (previously mom and dad) are just in love with you Izzy Thu Thi. Just head over heals. I mean, who wouldn't be? But really! I am just a conduit! :).