Are They Puppies or Babies?

This is how I found the girls in the middle of the night last night. Yes, they are both sound asleep. They didn't even flinch when I took the picture. They are just too darn cute!

Three weeks post-op. Look at those eyes!

“Wo Ai Ni, Ying-a-Bing”

In case there was ever any doubt, O Baby and Y Baby are definitely sisters. I was thinking about this last night as I listened to them trying (not) to fall asleep. “Wo ai ni (I love you), Ying-a-Bing”, says O. “Ai ni”, responds Y – then they both laugh. They laugh together and play together. They fight and cry. They tell on each other. And when Mama is trying to get them to go to sleep, they conspire to keep each other awake. Yes, these two little girls who didn’t even know each other 4 months ago are sisters in every sense of the word.

Girls Rule!

I had to capture Y Baby wearing the doorknob sign like a hat. Yes, that's ketchup on her face. Kids aren't always nice and clean while they are being adorable!

Random Cuteness

Before and After

Conversations with a 4 Year Old

Big Eyes!
No more pictures! Get out of here with that camera!!
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O Baby and I had a great conversation on the way to school this morning:

O: Mom?
Me: Yeah?
O: I try really hard not to say this, but I have to tell you sumfing.
Me: Yes?
O: Well, sometimes you get on my one nerve.
Me: Yeah, sometimes you get on my one nerve, too.
O: Yeah. **pause** Mommy, you’re the coolest mommy ever.
Me: You’re pretty cool too.
O: I love you.
Me: I love you, too.

Through the rear-view mirror, I see her pop her thumb back in her mouth.

Remember Bing?

The little boy who was waiting for a new leg? Well, look at this!

Bing, standing on his own TWO feet! That smile is priceless!

A Week Post Op

This photo was taken exactly one week after Ying's surgery. She looks so amazing. Her “little eyes” are now big, round eyes. And the swelling and bruising are all but gone. I am just in awe of how resilient she is. She really is just an amazing child. And speaking of amazing children, O Baby continues to be a great big sister. She just loves her little Ying-a-Bing and is even learning to laugh when Ying steals blankie! (And if you know O, you know blankie is NOT a laughing matter!) I broke my toe this morning (stubbed in on a door jam!), and O Baby immediately went into nurse mode. She wanted to get me a band-aide, an ice pack, a tissue. “I’ll do anything for you, Mommy,” she said. If I hadn’t been so delirious with pain, I could have scored big there. But, too late I thought that I should have asked, “Will you clean your room?”

Why Does This Woman Keep Taking My Picture?!?

Could it be because you are beautiful, baby? Mama sure thinks so!

Tuesday's Face

On Day 4

Monday Evening

Monday Morning - She just keeps getting more beautiful!


Today is day 4 since Y Baby’s surgery, and I have to say that I cannot believe how well she has done. Her recovery has just been amazing. One of my biggest concerns was that Ying would have to go through a lot of pain because they were going to work on both the upper and lower lids. Do you know that girl hasn't shown any signs AT ALL of being in pain? And she isn't taking any pain meds! It just amazes me that she has let me put antibiotic ointment on her incisions since Day 1 without much fuss (ok, some fuss, but not, “Dear Lord, Mama, you’re killing me” fuss). She also has not been rubbing her eyes (another big worry). She really just acts like nothing happened. She spent the weekend happily playing with Mama and Jie Jie just like any other weekend. I have noticed that her walking is improving. I’ve seen her walk while actually looking at the floor, and the head tipping is going away. I wonder what she thinks when she opens her eyes and they actually open! Does she realize how much more she can see?

Knowing that we have to go through all of this again in about 4 years, I’m just thrilled that it has been this easy. Maybe next time I won’t worry myself sick beforehand. Those of you who know me can stop snickering now.

3 Days Post Op

Post Op Day 2

Post Op

Right out of recovery



10 hours Post Op (yes, her jammies are dirty, look at the kid, not the mess!)



4 hours post op

No More "Little Eyes"

Tomorrow is the big day. Ying is going to have her first surgery on her eyes. She is actually having two procedures – one on the upper lids to lift them so she can see without tipping her head back, and one on the lower lids to roll her eyelashes out and off of her eyes. It is out-patient surgery, and if all goes well, we will be home tomorrow evening.

She, of course, is blissfully unaware that anything is going on, while I am trying really hard not to throw up. According to other parents whose kids have had this done, it requires a lot of sedation to work on a kid's eyes. I just hope she reacts well to it. She has been so unbelievably healthy that I really don't know how she reacts to medication. The only thing I've ever given her is a dose or two of Tylenol and some cough medicine!

So, the surgery is scheduled for 7:30, but we have to be at the hospital at 5:30. Yes, that’s am. Nothing like dragging a kid out of bed two hours early to start your day on a good note! Fortunately, O Baby is spending the night with her best buddies (and day care provider) so I won’t have to drag her out of bed, too. She will just go over tonight for the slumber party and stay until I can pick her up after Ying is discharged.

You know I adore this child, and I hate to change a thing about that perfect little face. But, it is medically necessary. And, afterwards she will be able to see like she's never seen before. I know some of you understand my ambivalence. Of course I want what's best for her, and I'd do anything to improve her vision, but I hate that I have to change her face in order to do that. Big sigh! Of course, I’ll post pictures when I can. They may not be pretty. You were warned.

Baby Face

Oh how I love this sweet little baby face. After Friday, it will be forever changed. Yes, I know the change is for the better, and her life will be improved once she can actually see. But still, I'm going to miss my sweet baby Xiao Yin Jing Jing.

Real Sisters

Ying and Olivia are definitely forming a strong sister bond. Olivia is worrying herself sick about Ying’s surgery on Friday, and Ying showed me yesterday just how attached she is to her big sister. I sent Olivia to her room yesterday for some infraction of the rules that is unimportant to the story. She reacted in her usual style of high drama, complete with sobs from behind the bedroom door. I was in the living room talking to my mom on the phone (hi, Mom!) when I heard Ying knocking on the door and calling out “Jie-Jie, Jie-Jie” (big sister). Then, she came to me with tears spilling out of her eyes and said “Jie-Jie”. I told her, “Yes, Jie-Jie is in her room, I know she’s crying, but she’s ok.” Well, that wasn’t good enough for Ying. She took my hand and said “up” – clearly she wanted me to get up and go check on her sister! And she was crying real tears! I know the day will come when little sister will be saying “ha, ha, ha, ha, ha you’re in trouble” when Jie-Jie gets sent to her room, but for now, it is sweet to see that sisterly love starting to grow.

Who Needs Toys?

I'm just sittting here in my puzzle box lid, playing with my stroller . . .

When Mama calls my name.

Oh, Mama, aren't I supposed to sit around in a box lid with one shoe on? I'm having fun!

Baby Heat Miser

OK, am I the only one who see the resemblance here? The hair? The red nose? The teeth? Yes, it's Baby Heat Miser!