Two years ago...

Has it really been that long? Two years ago today, we met Maddie for the first time in Changsha, Hunan in a governmental office building. Today it seems as though time has flown by at record speed. When we met, she had 4 teeth, she could pull herself up, had short hair and a serious look on her face.... Today she gladly shows you a great big bright smile along with a the cutest giggle as if she was cracking herself up, she loves to run, jump and do rolls, has long beautiful hair and charms all that sees her with a mischevious glance.

She is wonderful and we love her deeply and totally - which is something we tell her every day (along with hugs and kisses of course!).


I mean, really....how can you NOT love that! Our girl has fashion sense! (A lesson learned, when in a jam, and NEED to capture a moment, you always have your cell phone camera!)

Easter Excitement...

From egg hunts to family gatherings and an unexpected Peter Cottontail sighting, I think I can confirm that Maddie enjoyed her easter holiday. She was not thrilled with the big Easter Bunny that came to her school, but while we were out shopping the Saturday before Easter, she was more than happy to get her picture taken (and get an egg!) from the one at the store with Mommy and Daddy near by...

Checking out the Easter Basket that the Easter Bunny left for her...



Hunting Easter Eggs at Mom mom and Pop pop's house. 6 kids, 120 eggs = 2 minutes of hunting *grin*

Rainy days...

We had some pictures done at my favorite child photography studio today....Kiddie Kandids. It was pouring rain but we were able to get some smiles of pure sunshine! (not biased here at all!)

They have several new options from when we were at the photographer last time, including FAMILY photos! (Guess where we'll be going for our next family portrait!) But here is one where they were trying to catch her personality.


As we were heading out, I had my umbrella with us, and I knew we were going to need it as the heavens had recently opened up. I know what you're thinking, then why would you select THIS day to go get pictures taken? Well, because I wanted to =P. But as we were heading out and Maddie saw that I had my umbrella. She HAD to go and get her umbrella that we got last year in Philly at the Asian Festival. She plays with it all the time at home, pretending it is raining and walking with it and her doll stroller. Well, today it came in handy as a prop! Luckily the colors worked well with the sunflowers on her shirt.

Oh yes, this one captures the dual personalities of Little Miss Attitude with the hand on her hip and the charming smile that disarms everyone!

Newsflash: Sarcasm lost on 3 yr olds!!

This just in from suburban Delaware...

A 3 yr old will not understand the elegant and subtle humor of sarcasm when told you can not hear her when she is yelling things to you. Please note that instead, she will only yell louder to make sure that you CAN hear her....

"I crack myself up!"


THE COOLEST playground I've ever seen....


Having fun making snow angels...