Journey to Kaiwan

New Kyri Pictures

2012-01-09T21:55:00.002-05:00

Such cute dimples...

What a happy girl!

Enjoying a little lunch...

Hanging out with Big Brother!

Kyri and her new horse

2011-12-31T22:09:00.005-05:00

Baby Sister doesn't like to ride her new horse, but I do! She does really like the sounds it makes, though!

Christmas Pictures!

2011-12-29T21:31:00.007-05:00

Luckily, Baby Sister was home in time for this year's Christmas pictures. Gammy said we are dressed like the bluebirds of happiness (although Momma said Kyri is looking none too happy in the first photo)!

Kyri smiled for this next one! I smiled for all of them...

Speaking of me and my great smile! ...

Baby Kyri has a smile almost as cute as mine!

Mommy and Kyri look pretty happy, too!

Mommy and Daddy said it was tough taking a picture with Kyri and me in it. The only picture the photographer could get was when we were distracted by looking at the Christmas book. In all of the other photos, Kyri was either pulling my hair, my sweater or I was making strange faces...

Hope everyone had a great Christmas and that Santa treated you as well as he did me!

Taiwan - Day Seven

2011-12-07T19:17:00.001-05:00

Mr. Yeh took us to the Wulai Aboriginal Village, and this was perhaps our nicest day yet. The mountains outside of the city are simply gorgeous, we had our best meal yet, and we had a truly wonderful day:

After Mr. Yeh also treated us to dinner later, we capped off the evening with a visit to the night market:

We had a scroll made with Kyri's Chinese Name by a master calligrapher (we are getting one for Kai also)

The finished product - simply beautiful!

Taiwan - Day Six

2011-12-06T18:09:00.001-05:00

We had our appointments to get her travel visa and that went fine; that was another big milestone. Other than that, it rained moist of the day, so it was a good day to get caught up on sleep (Kyri took a four-hour nap, the little gal was pretty tired.) Mr. Yeh took us to buy her a stroller and some baby food.

We had dinner with our new friends, Beth, Christine, Michael, and Chia-An. Christine and Michael met Chia-An the same day that we met Kyri and are a wonderful couple. Beth is so very kind to volunteer her time to assist families with questions and issues during and after the adoption process.

Gotcha Day!

2011-12-05T08:43:00.001-05:00

Finally! Baby Kyri is now with us!

All went quite well and it was a whirlwind day... we're all too exhausted to write much right now, but we wanted to get some pictures posted here as soon as possible...

Taiwan - Day Four

2011-12-04T08:46:00.006-05:00

Today, we visited Taipei 101, which was until recently the tallest building in the world:

The building is a true engineering marvel:

The view of the city from inside:

A view from the (windy) outdoor observation deck:

A giant "damper" keeps the building stable:

You can actually see it inside the building:

I saw this good-looking girl on the 91st floor:

On floor 88, there is a lot of art, here is a piece of coral (coral gem - not coral reef - and therefore acceptable to harvest.) The detail carved into this piece was amazing:

Some Taiwanese accomplishments:

Later, we visited Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hall:

We spotted some turtles in a lake nearby:

Taiwan - Day Three

2011-12-03T20:04:00.007-05:00

A quick recap of day three...

Confucius Temple:

Baoan Gang Temple:

Where's Waldo?

Kim is hidden somewhere in the picture below. Can you find her?

Huge Outdoor Flower Market:

Very Large Jade Market:

You never know what you'll come across next on the sidewalk!

Waiting for a table at Din Tai Fung - an incredible Dumpling restaurant!

A nice pathway in the middle of the busy street:

We stumbled across this really large and beautiful park - Daan Forest Park - right in the middle of the city:

Nighttime Shopping, things are nicely decorated for the holidays:

Taiwan - Day Two

2011-12-02T10:28:00.003-05:00

Not a lot to report today; lots of rain and very overcast. We did some shopping at the Handicraft market (very large - four floors) which sells only things made locally. We got caught up on some sleep... we laid down for a few minutes this afternoon AFTER each drinking a Latte and we still slept for over four hours, so I'd say that we needed the rest. It is time to get caught up on sleep now, before we get baby sister!

Our hotel is beautifully decorated for Christmas:

Out and about in the rain:

This was pretty neat, a living wall surrounding a building that had thousands of plants, providing some nice greenery:

We stopped by a huge department store, which was all decked out for the holidays:
All hail the new master of the chopstick!

Taiwan - Day One!

2011-12-01T12:46:00.005-05:00

It was great to return to the Hotel where we stayed the last time, the Agora Garden:

Today, we visited Longshan Temple - a very old temple in the middle of the city where a many people stop to pray and make offerings:

Next, it was on to the Botanical Gardens, which were beautiful:

Then, we visited the Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial Hall, which was truly impressive:

Did I mention how large this building is?!?!

Across the way is the beautiful Natural Cultural Center:

Tired from sightseeing, it was time for some dumplings!

Taipei just would not be Taipei without scooters everywhere!

Lastly, Taipei 101 is a beautiful sight all lit up at night:

New Kyri Pictures

2011-11-20T10:11:00.002-05:00

Cuter than ever!

Final Ruling!

2011-11-12T09:39:00.002-05:00

We received Kyri's final ruling this week, on November 8th! Momma and Daddy were at Homeland Security being re-fingerprinted for the adoption when the call came! We are all very excited and Momma and Daddy are waiting for their travel dates. They think they may be there the first week in December. They are leaving me with Gammy, because someone needs to keep an eye on her while they are gone! I don't mind...

One thing I don't understand is that, for all this good news, all of a sudden Momma and Daddy seem to be a little frantic these days...adults!

Happy Birthday, Momma

2011-10-18T22:04:00.002-04:00

Momma celebrated a birthday recently. Daddy and I sang to her....

Updated Photos of Baby Sister

2011-10-15T20:37:00.002-04:00

We received new pictures of Kyri yesterday. Momma and Daddy think she looks healthy and happy...I think she is pretty cute, too.

Kyri is crawling, too! Momma said she remembers when I first started crawling! We are a little sad we can't watch her crawl in person, but this is a close second.

As a refresher, here is a video of me when I learned to crawl...and I am every bit as cute as Kyri!

FINALLY - Our first ruling!

2011-10-13T20:34:00.002-04:00

Momma and Daddy are very happy today. We FINALLY received baby sister's first ruling. The agency told us that it will be another 6-8 weeks for the final ruling and then another month before they travel (I keep telling them I want to go to Taiwan, too, but they said I should stay home and hold down the fort)!

Still waiting for updated photos but Momma said Kyri is eating well. We received measurements last week and she is in the 90th percentile for weight and the 10th percentile for height. And the parents said I had big cheeks...

Happy Birthday, Kyri!

2011-09-05T21:42:00.002-04:00

Kyri turned a year old a few weeks ago. We were sad she wasn't with us, but celebrated just the same.

Momma and Daddy bought Kyri a birthday cupcake. It's green!

I got to eat the cupcake all by myself. The best part is that I will get to eat another one when Kyri comes home and we have her "real" birthday celebration.

We made a video for Kyri to see when she comes home...

Working hard..

2011-08-31T21:44:00.003-04:00

I've been helping out a lot around the house.

Here I am with my toolbox, ready to help Daddy put something together.

I also have been helping Momma garden. I'm practicing in my sandbox...

Every week, Momma and I cut fresh flowers from our cutting garden. I now insist on having my own vase of flowers. Not only did I pick these flowers myself, I also arranged them myself. Momma says I have a gift!

Kyri in action..

2011-08-20T09:19:00.002-04:00

I love to watch this video...I wave back to Baby Sister when she waves to me!

Baby Kyri Update

2011-08-16T20:47:00.002-04:00

Hop, Hop...

2011-07-26T21:26:00.002-04:00

It might not be Easter, but it's never the wrong time to hop like a bunny!

Another Kyri Update!

2011-07-18T19:58:00.003-04:00

Giddy Up!

Hold on a moment...

Always look Left, then Right, then Left again before pulling out on a horse...

Baby Sister Updates!

2011-07-07T22:11:00.002-04:00

Momma and Daddy have been a bit behind in updating the blog...here are some newer pictures of Kyri! We also have more good news! We FINALLY have a court date - July 8th! Momma said things are starting to move - and I can't wait! Momma says we still have a ways to go, though...

Kyri can stand up with help!

Momma loves the dress and bow! I have to admit - Kyri is pretty cute!

Rock-a-Bye Baby...

2011-06-07T21:30:00.005-04:00

My new favorite past-time is singing to Mittens the cat....I sometimes even perform a medley! Here I start off with Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star, followed quickly by Old McDonald and finished off with Rock a bye baby....

New pictures of Kyri

2011-05-20T22:51:00.005-04:00

Momma and Daddy were very excited - and so was I - when we got new pictures of Kyri. These pictures show baby sister at 7 months old - she is actually 9 months old now....the agency in Taiwan is a little behind!

Daddy said he is not sure it is possible, but Kyri may be as cute as I am....I am not convinced!

Momma said this smile is going to break some hearts over the years. Kyri is pretty cute, isn't she?

I think Kyri's hair looks like Momma and Daddy's hair in this picture - hah!

I guess baby sister doesn't mind the playpen. I NEVER liked it! Even today, Momma and Daddy use it for time out to torture me!

Baby Sister!

2011-05-06T20:58:00.008-04:00

After almost 18 months of waiting, Momma and Daddy (and I) were matched with Baby Sister! Introducing Ching-Yu, soon to be Kyri Ching-Yu (Kyri rhymes with Erie). Momma said Kyri is in Taiwan, far, far away...just like I was!

Baby Sister is almost 9 months old and we are looking forward to bringing her home. Momma said we still have a long wait...maybe another 4-6 months! I am excited to have someone to play with!

Where has the time gone?

2011-05-04T21:14:00.008-04:00

I turned three years old last month! Momma says I get more handsome and devilish as the years go by!

Surfer boy (I look as though I like the beach, but really, it wasn't so much fun when I went this summer!)

To honor my heritage, Momma bought me this traditional Chinese outfit. I love the color!

Here I am in a traditional Indian outfit that Momma's friend brought back when visiting home.

Clapping and Stomping

2011-03-13T22:03:00.002-04:00

I LOVE the Imagination Movers. Here I am, dancing along...

A visit to the Museum!

2011-02-21T11:11:00.005-05:00

Momma showing me the Dinosaurs!

Check out this very rare species of chimpanzee...

Digging for Dinosaur Bones!

Where are they? I can't find any!

Walking with Granny and Dee-Pa!

It's been a while

2011-02-08T20:13:00.002-05:00

and there's not much going on except winter :{

I found Momma's old shower cap - a guy's gotta amuse himself somehow!

Next source of amusement...the diaper box!

...and, finally....in spite of even ME wearing a Steeler's jersey, they still lost the Super Bowl...

See you in the next snowdrift!

Happy New Year!

2011-01-01T20:48:00.002-05:00

Don't let this one get away from you!

Baking!

2010-12-26T20:58:00.003-05:00

I helped Momma bake on Christmas Eve. Momma bought me my own apron to bake in, which is cool!

I've gotten pretty good at using the mixer.

Daddy made me put both hands on top of the mixer after I tried to stick my finger in the batter.

I am also quite good at whisking...

Ok, Momma, "Cheese"....there, I said it....are you happy???

This batter is tasty! Momma said to be sure I mentioned that there were no raw eggs in the batter!

Another successful year of Christmas baking completed!

Christmas Photos

2010-12-19T21:01:00.005-05:00

I have my pictures for Christmas, so I am "officially" ready for Santa. Momma and Daddy say I sure have grown the last few years.

Here I am in 2008, two months after I came home. Who is this guy poking at my belly?

2009 - Thanks for the milk, big guy!

This is my current picture....so YOU'RE Santa??

Here I am with Momma....

...and Daddy....
In front of the tree..

Practicing for my modeling debut...Momma and Daddy think I'm handsome...

My innocent look - Who, me???

And a few other cute pictures...
Merry Christmas!

My new hat!

2010-12-04T21:48:00.001-05:00

Momma bought me a new hat last year, but it was too big. I've grown into it finally...and man, do I look cute in it. The hat was made by a fellow adoptive parent from Taiwan!

Bring on the snow!

With Daddy...two handsome guys!

Way too much sugar...

2010-11-27T18:34:00.001-05:00

I don't think I need to say any more!

Bird Seed Ornaments

2010-11-20T21:35:00.006-05:00

In preparation for the upcoming holidays, I helped Momma make bird seed ornaments. My job was to fill the mold and pat the bird seed down. It was fun...until I lost focus and just started putting the birdseed wherever I wanted....but then we got to vacuum!

Being Silly

2010-11-19T21:09:00.003-05:00

Sometimes I just like to be silly. I can really make Momma laugh...just watch! The lighting's not great, but you'll get the idea!

Handsome boy!

2010-11-09T20:45:00.001-05:00

I am one cute rascal!

Cheese, Momma!

Happy Halloween!

2010-10-31T20:49:00.006-04:00

Just got back from getting a whole lot of candy. I don't think the neighbors could refuse the cute Giraffe costume. Luckily, I wasn't quite as shy this year as I was last year.

One thing that hasn't changed since last year - I did NOT want to wear my costume. This was the trial run, on Halloween Eve, right before I started to cry...

Mason and Kaleb came to visit right before we went out Trick or Treating and brought me some cool treats. Momma used the treat bag to bribe me into putting the costume on. Not fair!!

Really...I have to wear this in public?

Ok, so I do look pretty cute, even if the costume is a bit silly...

Back home - Yay! There's still candy left!

Happy Halloween!

Celebration of Gotcha Day

2010-10-31T13:22:00.003-04:00

Momma, Daddy and I celebrated my 2nd Gotcha Day on October 20th. Here I am posing with my referral photo! Momma and Daddy said it was one of the happiest days of theirs lives...

Visit to Maine

2010-10-26T20:35:00.004-04:00

Am I getting cuter every day, or what?

This is a great place! Look how happy I am!

Ahoy, Matey!

Nothing quite like a good ride on a swing...

See you later, I've got some serious hiking to do!

Are the rest of you slowpokes coming along, or what?!? I don't have all day!

Adoption Rocks!!!

2010-09-25T21:12:00.001-04:00

...and so does the little boy in the t-shirt....

The Jenga Hat!

2010-09-19T19:52:00.002-04:00

by popular request...

Cowboy hats and slippers...

2010-09-18T20:59:00.003-04:00

I've outgrown my slippers from last year - Momma says I am going to be a Hobbit - short with Big Feet!

Anyway, now that there is a chill in the air, Momma decided it was time for new ones.

Introducing my new bear slippers! Look pretty cool, huh?

I have taken over Daddy's cowboy hat (he wears it while mowing the lawn!). I prefer to wear it while playing!

I actually insist on wearing it when playing Jenga! I even made Momma wear one, too!

The only problem is the static cling it creates...this happens when I go down tunnel slides at the playground, too!

Random Photos

2010-09-15T20:31:00.002-04:00

I love it when Momma bakes!

Weeding (or something like that...) in Momma's flower garden.

Hanging out in Momma's new tubtrugs....good thing it's a two-pack!

Vacation!

2010-09-06T08:28:00.005-04:00

Last month, I took my first trip to the beach - the Outer Banks. I went with Aunts Kim, Shar and Jan and Gammy went along, too!

Hanging with the Aunts Shar, Kim and Gammy in the waves...

Stay away wave!

It got me!

Look what I found!

Taking a walk with Daddy on the beach!

It's Momma's turn to carry me!

This sand is messy business.....

It's windy! I better hold up the umbrella!

This is fun, Daddy!

One day we went to the aquarium...this is a BIG frog!

Back at the house, relaxing in the hot tub.

After a fun week, we are heading home....

Phipps Conservatory

2010-08-21T20:47:00.004-04:00

Today Momma and Daddy took me to Phipps Conservatory to see the Gargoyles and the Butterfly Forest.

With Daddy, in front of one of the Gargoyles.

Look out!! Scary Gargoyle!!!

Here's a Happy Gargoyle!
Hanging out in the tree in the Children's Discovery area.

I made Momma come into the tree with me!

They had a huge Agave there that grows 12 inches a day!

With Momma in the Dinosaur Room

A few pictures of one of the beautiful gardens.

Kennywood...and then some...

2010-08-14T21:04:00.006-04:00

A few weeks ago, cousins Shaun and Jacinta were in for a visit. We went to Kennywood one day and boy was it hot! But it was also a lot of fun!

Where to first, guys?

Check out this motorcycle! I look pretty tough on it!

I really like this elephant! I had no idea they could fly?!?!

On my way to outer space.....

Hang on!!!!
I need a break - man, it's hot....

Swinging cutie...

Wooaahhh!

Let's go...it's been a long, hot day!
The next day, we went to Granny and Grandpa's house to hang out! I can't seem to figure this puzzle out!

Aunt Lorraine was visiting from Florida...that was fun!

And finally, getting ready for bed after a busy weekend...ending things on a "cool" note...

Raspberries!

2010-07-10T09:47:00.004-04:00

My new favorite past time is dragging Momma about 1/2 acre across the yard to the raspberry bush. I LOVE raspberries!

On my way to the raspberry bush (carrying weadeater string - my new favorite toy!)

In front of the wonderful bush!

This looks like a good one!

A little further inspection before eating....

MMMMMM!

Hey Momma, the yard is a mess down here! Look at all the weeds....

Why is weeding all of a sudden "my job"???

New pics...

2010-06-27T20:50:00.004-04:00

I continue to be unbelievably cute...and happy!

My new 2010 Swimwear....

Best Buddies!

2010-06-20T23:06:00.002-04:00

Happy Father's Day to all the Dads out there...

Living Treasures

2010-06-02T21:05:00.006-04:00

We took a trip a few weeks ago to Living Treasures with some other adoptive families. It was great!

Posing with the goats....

Speaking of goats, here's a picture of me last August at Living Treasures...

...and this year's picture!

Here I am with Josh and Andy...they are brothers!

Another of the three musketeers!

A sleepy lion....

Get me out of here!

Hello up there!!!

A wallaby and her kid (check out the pouch!)

Ah, Mom, your dragging my face on the ground here!

This is me, feeding a .. ????

A beautiful tiger...

Speaking of beautiful, check this out!

Feeding the llama!

Momma's favorite animal, the Shetland Cows...she says they look like muppets.

Tell Santa I am being good to you!

Random Photos

2010-05-31T12:28:00.004-04:00

Momma just realized she didn't post any pictures at ALL in May...today's her last shot, so here goes....

These are just some random cute shots of me!

Here I am, sitting on the Foo Dog in Momma's flower garden. Momma gets mad because I step on her flowers, but she can't help how cute I look!

Nothing says "summer" like chocolate ice cream!

Recent Pictures

2010-04-19T20:56:00.006-04:00

Momma and Daddy have been real slackers lately. The cute pictures of me have been piling up....here a few!

Daddy bought me a pair of Chuck Taylor's, just like he wears (only his are white...)

I really am as angelic as I look...just ask Momma and Daddy (well, on second thought, don't!)

Momma says I am going to be a real heart breaker. What does she mean "will" be???

Momma bought me my very own ball cap after I kept stealing Daddy's!

Just hang on a minute there, Momma!

I make Momma laugh!

In my new Radio Flyer...with my traveling buddy, Zippy, and Daddy!

Hanging out in the wagon...seems awfully big without Zippy in it!

Two Year Birthday Pics

2010-04-02T21:06:00.005-04:00

I recently had pictures taken for my upcoming birthday...check them out!

Here I am in my outfit from Shanghai! Momma loved this, but I wasn't so crazy about the collar!

For comparison, here is a picture of me last year in my traditional outfit....

This is fun!
Last year's picture...

With Momma!

Outfit change...why does Momma make me do that? (By the way - hard to believe, but I'm not REALLY in a park!)

With Daddy!

With Momma and Gammy (had this taken early for Mother's Day!)

Another exciting meal!

2010-03-09T20:36:00.004-05:00

Enough said....

Mommy's Little Helper

2010-03-08T21:11:00.004-05:00

I have become very good at vacuuming and mopping...check it out!

The older I get, the cuter I get...

2010-03-06T21:07:00.001-05:00

at least that's what Momma and Daddy says!

Jumpin' Castle, etc.

2010-02-19T20:40:00.004-05:00

Last weekend, I went to the Jumpin' Castle with my friend, Blade. It was alot of fun!

Here I am, in the castle of make believe - Hi, Momma!

On the slide with Daddy, Blade and his Mommy....

Coming down the Dragon slide...

In the bouncing castle..I have not mastered jumping yet, so I just sort of lounged, since walking was tough...

Here's a pic of Blade, trying to figure out what this tea party thing is....

After 2.5 hours of fun, Momma and Daddy said I passed out before getting out of the parking lot!

Other pics...my Chinese New Year gift from Aunt Kate. A Thomas Chinese Dragon train and training chop sticks. Cool!!!

And, in the spirit of the New Year, eating a fortune cookie!

Some recent pics..

2010-02-12T21:21:00.005-05:00

Cuter than ever, if I do say so myself...

I don't think there's anything wrong with relaxing in the dog's bed while reading a book or two!

Cool dude with a yoghurt smile....

Cool dude with an "I think I'm about to get fussy" look....

Atta girl...nice and easy....

Ride 'em cowboy...

Riding alongside cowgirl Jenna...

With Jenna and her mom

At the end of a long day, winding down while reading the grocery store specials....why is there no Wegman's here???

The Case of the Missing Bowl...

2010-02-03T22:00:00.003-05:00

Well, Hello There!

2010-02-01T21:08:00.001-05:00

Time for some new pictures...

2010-01-23T19:34:00.005-05:00

I've got my mittens, my snow pants, my boots... Let It Snow!

Just Hangin' Out!

Sometimes I'm Happy Kai...

... and sometimes I'm Fussy Kai...

... but I'm always Happy Kai when I have a fudge bar!

The Kai at the End of the Tunnel...

"Paging Doctor Kai, Paging Doctor Kai..."

(Mommy and Daddy got me a play Animal Hospital... I am getting the feeling that they are trying to talk me into becoming a veterinarian!)

Thanks for stopping by... see you later!

Christmas 2009

2010-01-01T20:34:00.009-05:00

Finally, some Christmas photos!

We had a "Breakfast with Santa" day at work... I'm not so sure about this...

Who IS this guy with the scary beard? Get me out of here, Mommy!

Now, this is better... helping Momma bake some cookies!

I think making cookies is almost as much fun as eating them!

Joe Cool!

Opening a gift with my cousin Shelby:

Christmas Day with Mommy:

Hmmm... this gift tastes pretty good:

Shelby, don't eat my cookie!

This is great! Everyone came to visit me!

Hi, Granny!

Hi there, Grandpa!

Wait, I think I hear reindeer hooves...

Hangin' out with Aunt Patty:

Good night Granny, good night Aunt Billie:

Almost time for bed; check out my cool Elmo jammies!

Mommy and Daddy think the best gift ever is having me in their lives!

Merry Christmas!

Christmas Pictures

2009-12-19T20:48:00.004-05:00

It's that time of year again...

Wow - Presents!

I wonder what is in here?

This year:

... and just for reference, a couple photos from last year:

...have I changed at all in the past year? Mom & Dad sure seem to think so.

Let it Snow!

Ooohh! Milk and Cookies!! Thanks, Santa!

The Family Portrait... Daddy, didn't I ask you to shave this morning?!?!

Honest, Santa, I've been a good boy this year!

Have Gift, Will Travel...

Okay, I've had enough of this photo shoot... I'm Outta Here!

Merry Christmas Everyone!
Love, Kim, Kent & Kai

Earmuffs...

2009-12-19T09:50:00.001-05:00

The snow has arrived....looks like I will be needing these!

Rub a Dub Dub - One Boy in the Tub

2009-12-15T20:39:00.001-05:00

Just a normal evening bath....

Thanksgiving and Such

2009-12-08T20:18:00.006-05:00

Pictures from Thanksgiving day at Grandma and Grandpa's house.....sitting with Grandpa

Finger puppets anyone??

After that big meal, it's time to walk the dog.

With Granny's walking stick....Grandpa made me one my own size, but I prefer to walk with a big stick!

Off to our second dinner at Gammy and Gampy's. I found out I like olives as much as my cousin Saige does!

The weather if finally starting to get colder here. I look pretty cute in my new jacket - just wait until you see the new hat Momma ordered me...it's not in yet, but there will be plenty of pictures to come!

Momma and Daddy put the tree up "early" this year, so I would have more time to enjoy it. Here I am, admiring the tree in my big boy chair.

This ornament sure LOOKED like a cookie!

Can I go now??

Gymboree

2009-11-23T20:41:00.006-05:00

A few weeks ago Momma and Daddy signed me up for Gymboree on Saturday mornings. They said I need to be "socialized" with kids my age...puh-lease...but, it is fun - I will give them that much!

One of my favorite things is drumming on the big inflated log!

Here I am climbing....I look like a natural, don't you think?

and balancing up high.....

On the first day, I was ready to go home after a short while of being there...please, Momma, too much stimulation!!!

After the first visit, I started to get the hang of it. Here I am on my third visit... getting ready to JUMP!

Uh, excuse me - you have three, I have one...and now you want this one, too???

The cute girl is Eileen - She's surrounded and not going anywhere! I am starting to like this!

Drumming in real time...

Thanks Giving

2009-11-21T20:22:00.003-05:00

What Momma and Poppa have most to be thankful for this year....

As we head into this Holiday week, don't forget to count your blessings (especially your little ones!)

Visiting Momma at Work

2009-11-15T20:52:00.006-05:00

Last week I visited Momma at work. Momma's Administrative Assistant Sue was retiring and seeing me was her going away present!

I got to meet many of Momma's co-workers. Here I am, flirting with one (I know she thinks I'm cute!)

Here is Jake, showing me how to access Sesame Street from his computer. Wonder why Momma and Daddy never told me about this??

This is Sue, Momma's Admin. She must look so radiant because she knows she's retiring!

Looking out the window near Momma's office...wow, it's a long way down....

Don't sneak up on me like that - not when I'm near the window!

Sitting at Momma's desk. Momma's coworkers call the wall behind her desk the "Wall of Fame" - I wonder why???

Momma showing me how it's done....

Here I am, showing Momma how it's REALLY done!

Training Daddy....See Daddy, if you set a boolean right there, your program will work just fine!

Step aside, Daddy...just let me do it so we can go to lunch!

You want me to do what?? By when??? Are you kidding me??

Aunt Sue, hope you enjoy retirement! Come and see me, since we both have a lot of free time!

Halloween Pics

2009-11-03T20:18:00.003-05:00

Anyone in need of a rescue???

I'm not so sure I like this... Who are these people and why am I meeting them for the first time dressed like this??

Uhh...you don't know me but - can you give me some candy?

Momma, can I PLEASE eat just one!

Sugar high is kicking in...I'm actually smiling!

And then, the sugar shock...

Hope everyone had a great Halloween!

You gotta love fall...

2009-11-02T20:29:00.005-05:00

With our intermittent Indian Summer Days, Momma and Daddy took me to the park!

Riding the.....whatever animal this is supposed to be!

Here I am on the duck! Quack Quack!

Why do my parents take so many videos??

Get ready Momma, here I come!

Get ready, Daddy! Here I come - AGAIN (and again and again)!

I love the sound of leaves crunching under my feet!

I like playing in the leaves even better!

The yard's a mess...I better get to work!

Maybe I'll just pick the leaves up and put them in my bucket....

Back inside, I reinvented the meaning of "walking the dog" - it's just as much fun inside as it is out! Here I am with Zippy, ready to go fishing! All I need is my dog and a cooler!

Huh? I should be walking the dog outside??

Maybe I will just empty the tupperware drawer, instead....

Enjoy the fall weather! It won't last much longer!

Carving the pumpkin

2009-10-28T20:34:00.004-04:00

I got to help Daddy carve my first pumpkin this week!

So, where do we start?

Uh huh....I see....

Let me try!

How am I doing??

The Puppies are cheering me on!

I need to really get in there to get this job done!

So this is what's inside! Cool!

The finished product!

This is Jack, all lit up!

Here I am in my Halloween bib that Ryan's parents bought me last year, right before I came home!

Lastly, a video of me in action! Happy Halloween - Be sure to check back for pictures of me in my costume!

One Year as a Family!!

2009-10-20T20:22:00.004-04:00

Today marks one year since the day I was placed in Momma and Daddy's arms. Momma said she can't believe it's been a whole year, but I feel like I have been here forever! To celebrate, we watched the video of our first meeting....boy, was I little!

Momma holding me for the first time!

Daddy holding me for the first time!

The ride from TWCA back to Taipei - I am happy to be with my parents!

Our first picture as a family....

Today as a family (Momma still likes the striped shirt!)

Here I am, one year later! Momma and Daddy said I am as cute as ever!

2009-10-18T20:15:00.003-04:00

Last weekend, when the weather was still nice, I helped Daddy do some yard work. Here I am with my broom...

This sure is a big pile of leaves....

I better use two brooms!

Collecting acorns, after the sweeping was done...

While I was working, Zippy was chasing moles...I think she found one!

After such a busy day, I went back inside to relax and catch the game...

Not only have I been collecting acorns during daylight hours, I have also been out after dark filling my bucket...there's a lot of work to be done before winter hits!

Look at what I found...what is it?? This is too big to be an acorn....

On a different note, last weekend we went to visit some friends. They have TWO (not one, but TWO) Welsh Corgis...I like being surrounded by dogs (especially when they are little, like me)!

More pics..

2009-10-15T20:51:00.003-04:00

Momma went out of town on business this week. I helped her with her bags.

...then I waved good-bye! Momma was sad!

When Momma came home, she said I looked like I had turned into a teenager while she was gone!

This is just a cute close up of me (I was trying to charm Momma into giving me the camera...it worked! - See below).

Finally, this is a picture I took of myself (see above). Momma said the picture shows how beautiful my eyes are!

Round and Round...

2009-10-08T20:40:00.003-04:00

and round he goes, where he'll stop, nobody knows....

Tickle, tickle, tickle...

Exciting News and then some

2009-10-03T20:33:00.005-04:00

Momma and Daddy found out this week that they have been approved to adopt through TWCA in Taiwan again! Yippee! I will have a sister in another one or two years. The first packet of paperwork was sent out this week, as well.

Momma and Daddy said waiting for this adoption will be easier, because they have me to keep them busy...they ain't kidding!

Here are some shots of me doing exactly that (keeping them busy)!

One of my newly discovered favorite things to do is ride in the Radio Flyer wagon that Aunts Shar and Kim bought me for Christmas. I barely fit in it, but it doesn't stop me from having fun! Here I am two weeks ago, before the weather became more fall-like...

Speaking of favorites, I also recently discovered Chocolate Chip Pancakes at First Watch. Even the leftovers were great, although they left a chocolate mess on my face!

All done!

Chocolate Chip Pancakes....good! Gourd - not so good!

Move aside, I'm coming in for the touchdown!

Hanging with the guys...I mean, gourds....

Reading with Grandpa ...

Wearing Grandpa's hat! I look good in it!

Sneaking up on Granny!

Walking the dogs...and other stuff

2009-09-26T11:44:00.010-04:00

My new favorite outdoor activity (other than collecting acorns and riding in my wagon) is walking the dogs.

I have the leash....

Hmm...I don't know why the puppies get so mad sometimes....wearing it is not so bad....

Now, where did those dogs get to??

There you are! Now how does this thing go on???

I'm getting closer...I can feel it!

Uh, yoo hoo, Smokey...I think you are supposed to be walking!

Observe Zippy..she's WALKING on the leash (not lying down!) - well, actually, she's snuffling while standing and wearing a leash...

C'mon Zippy, let's collect acorns instead!

I could use some help here! My hands (and cheeks) are full!

Look, a leaf!

I get distracted too easily....what was I doing again??

Oh yeah! Walking the dogs!

Wait - I've lost the dog!

How can you stand it??

2009-09-22T20:34:00.007-04:00

Last week, Momma, Daddy and I took Zippy to the vet. I didn't feel like being in the examination room (read: Momma said I was squirmy), so Momma took me back to the waiting room. There was a nice couple there with two big doggies. The lady of the couple told Momma I was very cute (which Momma knows...).

I started to warm up to the lady and smiled for her, waved to her and generally turned on my charm. The lady then turned to Momma and said, "He's so cute...how can you stand it??" Momma agreed but said, unfortunately, she couldn't take any credit for my cuteness.

So, here I am, in all my cuteness....

With my blue sock dog, that Gammy bought me...my mouth is slightly puffed out (as if you could tell) due to the piece of stir-fried shrimp that I carried around for about 1/2 hour.

Attacked!

Now where is that mouse?? I know it's up here somewhere....

Who, me??? No, I didn't touch anything...mouse...what mouse? What you are talking about??

Momma giving into my charms....

Getting ready to go out and collect acorns in my easter bucket!

Momma bought me a new ball (or as I say, "Ba")...Hope the puppies don't pop it like they did my last one!

Reading my book....I think I am up to a 3 year old level now...It's just that nobody knows it, because I can't talk yet...

Taking a ride in my wagon (more on that in a future post).

With my new Elmo bucket that the parents bought me for Halloween....I need to practice carrying it around...

I was told there was going to be candy in here. What's up??

C'mon, Momma, where are the goods???

The Art of Eating Skettie

2009-09-21T14:11:00.005-04:00

I have been practicing two very important etiquettes lately - eating with a fork and drinking from a cup. When I was allowed to do both in the same meal, I reinvented the art of eating skettie....

First, you use the fork to move the skettie from the bowl to the cup (after you have finished the water in the cup, of course). Then, you mix the skettie up in the cup, and transfer it back to the bowl. If you are lucky enough, you might have a piece fall in your hand, whereby you can directly put it into your mouth and actually get something to eat!

Step 1: Transfer to cup....

Step 2: Mix well....

Step 3: Observe results....

Here are two videos of me in action. DO NOT ATTEMPT THIS AT HOME, unless your momma is in a REALLY good mood!

Trip to Soergels

2009-09-20T20:23:00.008-04:00

This weekend, momma and daddy took me to Soergels before, as they put it, the "fall madness" set in. They have a cool ship that you can climb up on - ahoy matie!

Sitting on a Farmall tractor....

Amish Kai....

I liked this cool wooden train - you can climb through and then "pop up" through the roof!

They had a really big pig there named "Dudley". Momma liked Dudley because he didn't bite her while feeding him, like the pigs at Living Treasures.

Momma and I, feeding sheep...

Daddy bought me a gourd at Soergels. When I got home, I received a phone call on it - I had no idea! Hello???

Trip to the zoo

2009-09-19T10:58:00.015-04:00

Last weekend, I took a trip to the zoo with my friends Ryan and Sarah.

I spent most of the visit on momma's shoulders. Here we are, looking at elephants!

There were lions, too!

Next up, Giraffes!

I really enjoy riding around like this!

I can snuggle with momma, even from up here...

And, it's fun and easy to pull momma's hair from this vantage point!

Sarah was able to ride alot higher than me! Her daddy's tall!

I really liked the fish in the aquarium! Ryan and I are checking them out...(I was also checking out the glass aquarium with my mouth - momma wasn't so happy about that!)

Momma said that Ryan's cheek can rival mine, but I probably still win!

Hmmm....what to get into, next???

Checking out the stingray....

Hanging upside down, getting a different view of the fish....

With Poppa, in front of bamboo!

Another pic with daddy!

Check out the polar bear...he's big!

Saying hello to Miss Karen, Ryan's mommy (Ryan thought I was trying to steal her!)

And finally, snack time (well, truth be told, I was snacking on pretzels most of the outing - hey, a guy's gotta eat!)

Momma looks thirsty! She kept saying she wasn't, but I insisted...look how much I am laughing!

Everyday happenings...

2009-09-12T21:44:00.007-04:00

Nothing too exciting going on, so here are a few picks from an average day...

Daddy left his flannel on the back of the kitchen chair, so I decided to try it on for size...it's a bit too big!

Here I am, just being cute, as usual.

Superman!!! (or a reasonable facsimile thereof....)

Here I am with my trusty (and very short) side kick..

And finally, Momma's taking a vote...could anyone, anywhere, have cheeks bigger than this???

Tickling the ivory...

2009-09-01T20:31:00.004-04:00

At my momma's recent family reunion, I had the chance to play the piano for the first time. You can't hear my song very well, because of everyone talking, but I really think it's catchy!

Ready for my modeling gig...

2009-08-31T21:35:00.002-04:00

Momma says I could be a model, based on this picture...I am very cute, huh?

Staycation Part II - Living Treasures

2009-08-30T17:21:00.024-04:00

On another day of our staycation, we went to the Living Treasures Animal park. That was alot of fun, because I got to feed and pet the animals!

Here I am, feeding deer....

The goats were a favorite....

Momma, I'm surrounded by goats - HELP!!

I make a pretty cute goat, myself!

This guy was giving us the evil eye!

The albino Kangaroo and I seemed to really hit it off...I think the carrot helped.

Here I am petting a brown kangaroo.

This kangaroo had a joey...daddy couldn't get a good picture of the joey, but you can see her pouch hanging down with the joey in it!

Speaking of babies, this momma monkey was carrying around her baby on her chest...see the baby???

Here are some other cute, very little monkeys!

I even got to see bears!

I'm worried these reindeer are trying to decide if I am naughty or nice. I'm NICE, I'm NICE!!! Tell Santa!

Daddy thinks the Scottish Highlander Cattle look like big muppets. I'm not sure what that is, but they were really cute!

And finally, we also fed a zebra! This was a great day!

Staycation Part I - Children's Museum

2009-08-30T16:32:00.016-04:00

A few weeks ago, momma, daddy and I had a "staycation" - they stayed home from work for an entire week! Momma and Daddy said they didn't think I was ready for a long car ride somewhere (it's more like THEY weren't ready for a long car ride WITH me somewhere!)

Anyway, we did a lot of fun things around home, like going to the Children's Museum!

Here I am in the Tree House from Mr. Roger's Neighborhood.

I also got to help pick vegetables out of a garden.....I found a carrot!

The museum had the world's biggest Lite Brite set!

The museum also had a lot of train sets to play with...always a favorite...

I even got to help build a stone wall - this was part of the "Bob the Builder" exhibit. Hmm...now which was does the velcro go??

I have the hang of it now!

I liked to play the piano...momma and daddy said I looked like a natural!

I had fun changing the stop light colors..

I really liked riding the green horse at the museum...maybe Santa will bring me one??

And, last but not least, I LOVED going down the slide - it's just like being at the playground!