Pretty Pouty Princess

Olivia’s school, being rather “culturally diverse” (there are kids in her class from several different countries), chooses not to celebrate certain holidays such as Halloween. So, instead, the 4/5s had a “Name Parade” where they celebrated their names. No costumes, but some cute paper crowns and sashes. As you can tell from the pictures. OBaby was NOT really having a good day.

She did manage to smile once, and her offical school pictures came in today, too. Note to self: Next year, get O's bangs cut before school pictures.

Being Momma

Last night, ok very early this morning, as I was sitting with YBaby trying to will her to go back to sleep, she looked up at me and smiled and said, “Momma”. Sigh. I love being Momma. OBaby called me Momma for a long time, then it was Mommy, then she moved on to Mom, and now, occasionally, an exasperated “Mother!” But, she never calls me Momma any more. Only YBaby does. I guess it is a baby thing. And I like it. I like the “Momma!” screamed through the house when she is looking for me. I like the “Momma” whispered with a grin when we are being quite. I even like the “Momma” called through sobs with little arms held high for Momma to pick her up. The best Momma, of course, is the running, screaming, feet dancing one I get at the end of a long day when I pick her up from the sitter. I know that some day soon, Momma will give way to Mommy, and that’s nice, too. But there is something special about being Momma. I hope I get to enjoy it for awhile longer.

It Will Never Be Just Another Day

Time does not bring relief; you all have lied
Who told me time would ease me of my pain!
I miss him in the weeping of the rain;
I want him at the shrinking of the tide;
The old snows melt from every mountain-side,
And last year's leaves are smoke in every lane;
But last year's bitter loving must remain
Heaped on my heart, and my old thoughts abide!
There are a hundred places where I fear
To go, -- so with his memory they brim!
And entering with relief some quiet place
Where never fell his foot or shone his face
I say, "There is no memory of him here!"
And so stand stricken, so remembering him!

--Edna St. Vincent Millay

At the Pumpkin Patch

Baby's First Hair Cut

We went to Chicago on Friday and spent the afternoon in Chinatown. I decided to stop and get Olivia’s bangs cut (see Sammy picture below). While we were there, the ladies in the shop convinced me that Ying needed her hair cut. I was reluctant since she has so little hair, but they were right. It just needed to be cleaned up a little so it will all grow in more evenly. Of course, YBaby loved being the center of attention!

Mom Song

If you haven't seen the U Tube video of the Mom Song, go check it out! I had to watch it a couple of times because it is just so funny.

Help Chinese Orphans Carry the Olympic Torch

Jenny Bowen, mother of two girls adopted from China, is in a competition to be one of the few foreigners allowed to carry the Olympic torch in China for the 2008 games. Jenny founded Half the Sky Foundation, an organization that works to improve the lives of China’s orphans. The Bowen family moved to China 3 years ago to be closer to their work. If she wins. Jenny will be running with the children – 8 orphans from 8 different provinces will get to be part of this amazing event. Can you imagine what a thrill that would be for these kids?!? If you want to vote for Jenny, just click here. You can only vote once from each computer. Thanks!