FINDING KOBI

And the first sport is...

2010-01-13T22:24:00.010-05:00

Ice Hockey!

Or at least that's what Kobi's attempting :)
Can you tell he was really excited about his skates?

(Sorry the pictures aren't the best quality)

Tonight was his first practice and all in all this little islander did really well. There is three other boys in his class (all with skills) so maybe some of their coordination will rub off on Kobi? Hehe! Time to lower that health insurance deductible! LOL! Its times like tonight that I wish his birth mama could see him now...

Happy New Year!

2010-01-01T21:04:00.004-05:00

I know the rest of the world usually starts a healthy diet on January 1st but not this household. (At least for Kobi anyway!) To bring in the new year we made buttery, fating, sugar cookies. Kobi is so thin! He's totally healthy at his weight and I think he is tall which makes his little butt look nonexistent anyway but I just wish he would eat more fattening foods. That sounds strange but he naturally chooses to eat fish and vegetables over mac & cheese and cake which I know is probably a really good way to start out in life but geeessshhh already! Cant mama still have one little fat roll to look at! LOL! I shouldn't complain about this issue because I am sure next month Kobi will only want to eat all the bad "forbidden food to mama" but really this kid does eat like crazy, just healthy. For example I am forced to buy salmon, mango's and persimmons on a regular basis (all fresh or he won't touch it) we go through a 15lb bag of rice in weeks and I just didn't think at age 3 I would really have to worry about that. At least he's got good taste. Lord help me when he turns 15! He'll eat me out of the house! I have tried to make little sandwiches (you know lunch meat, cheese, wonder bread, etc...) he looks at me like where is the real food and doesn't touch it. The only bread he will eat has to be croissants and if his lunch isn't something hot and cooked in the oven he refuses it. Uggh! Its a good thing daddy does all the cooking. Poor kid would starve to death if it were just mama :) So my goal for the year 2010...

increase my grocery budget by 50% and suck up the fact that trying to get out of the house in a timely manner because breakfast takes 20 minutes to make just isn't happening :)

Christmas 2009

2009-12-25T20:42:00.001-05:00

I gotta say for 2009 I was way late in the Christmas card department. Was it just me? Anyway if you did get a card it would have had one of these pictures in it. I swear I could take pictures of Kobi all day! If I could only keep up with him! So out of about 80 pics these were my favorite :) I hope you all had a wonderful holiday! Kobi needs no more toys until the year 2020 now and I will have to buy some kind of massive organization system for the basement but hey the way his face lit up tearing open those presents was totally worth the price of all the new plastic bins I will have to purchase! Hehe!

I am thankful for...

2009-12-20T10:48:00.002-05:00

Snow blowers a strong back and oil heat! I normally never post a non-Kobi picture but 21 inches of snow is on our deck! Now its time to make some snow angels!

Let It Snow, Let It Snow, Let It Snow

2009-12-19T13:06:00.006-05:00

Some of my favorite snow pictures thus far!

Happy Anniversary Kiddo!

2009-12-18T21:05:00.008-05:00

Another year has passed and this "Gotcha Day" we headed over to the B&O Railroads in Baltimore. Every year I try to take Kobi on an excursion and do something fun. December 18th will always mark one of the most important days on this earth for me and so each year I try to celebrate it with Kobi by doing something new and fun for him. Last year was the museums in DC, the previous year was the Baltimore Aquarium and of course my favorite "Gotcha Day" was in Taiwan when I got to hold my son for the first time. Kobi had a blast! I never dreamt that looking at old trains would be hours of entertainment but in this kiddos eyes... it was a good day!

This has to be one of my favorite photos! I know I took 30 hours of mandatory parenting classes and I should have totally abided by the museums rules but he's only off the floor by a foot or two and that train is like solid steel. :)

The ceiling was really amazing! This picture so doesn't do it justice but it would be awesome for some less photographically challenged people to take some amazing pics of.

Yeah... he's rolling around on the ground. Germs everywhere, people cringing when they walked by (I swear giving me dirty looks) but hey he's three and hubby was working so I had no backup here. LOL!

We met up with one of mama's girlfriends and this is another good picture. Kobi's buddy Brady is covering the sign that says do not play on this car but clearly the boys had a different plan.

Yep... those are ropes your not suppose to cross.

Not a good picture of us but its the best we got today. Even the "sports" setting on the camera is sometimes to slow to keep up with a three year old!

I can't believe how much my baby has grown!

No Order Whats So Ever...

2009-12-15T22:02:00.010-05:00

I asked for omelette's one morning and look what daddy cooked for me. Of course Kobi helped. Boy how my boys spoil me :)

Matt took these Redskin jersey pics about a month ago and I've been meaning to post them. I'm sure the game they were watching while mama was out shopping totally blew but it looked like Kobi was having fun in the backyard.

These are actually pretty current photos... I know go figure! LOL! I especially like how Kobi decorated his gaudy tree star with two ornaments. Hey its his tree so there is no rules.

At last I have been meaning to post the pics of the crib duvet I made for my friend/ coworker. I must say I am proud. It took twelve hours to complete by hand (my sewing machine gave out on this ones thick fabric but I especially love the cream fabric and had to have it!) They classified it as velvet although it felt much nicer. The buttons I made with a kit (very easy!) and the inside is lined with the soft mint green fabric that secures the comforter in by velcro. What do you think? Making this one really made me wish I was bring a little girl home any day:)

Hair Issues

2009-11-14T18:46:00.004-05:00

My babies hair is getting so long that I can even spike the back now. A part of me wants to just keep growing it out and maybe I can create one of those cool anime hairstyles but then again I remember looking back at my childhood pics and just thinking "What the?!" I know it doesn't look as long as I'm making it sound in the pictures but trust me when there is no gel its totally in the eyes. So what do you guys think? Kobi's gonna look back at this one day and say the same thing that everyone says to their mamas isn't he? Oh well. I mean its not like I'm tipping it blue or anything. Although... no then I can only imagine what daddy would say. Hehe! Maybe its time for a cut?

Happy Halloween!

2009-10-31T21:01:00.006-05:00

This Halloween mama put daddy in charge of the costume. Needless to say nothing was bought "created" in a timely manner. That daddy! So what did mama do? Two days before Halloween I cut up a red bath towel making it a robe, used piping for curtains as a belt and stuffed pillow stuffing in to white cheap girls gloves last minute. The hat we've had around the house since friends came back from Disney. Whew!

Note to self:

Next year try not to figure out what were doing two days ahead of the actually day Halloween is planned :)

I do think the robe turned out really good though. So this years costume cost... maybe $9.00? LOL! I think it cost more to make the dessert Matt took to Kobi's school for their party which by the way I had to post. Isn't it cute? Glad he enjoys being in the kitchen.

Two Post/ One Day

2009-10-19T17:46:00.002-05:00

Kobi should know by now that mama doesn't cook.

Updates

2009-10-19T16:41:00.000-05:00

I bet you all thought we were dead but nope everyone is alive and kicking! Kobi's the same as always. Playing hard until he drops and now quite the back talker. What can I say must get it from his fathers side but hey he is voted most helpful in class so at least you know were doing something right as parents if he doesn't act out there. Hehe! We've been trying to come up with a creative Halloween costume to surpass last years (click here) but this time the ideas just aren't flowing so it will not only be a surprise to you in blog world but also a surprise to mama if I don't get my act together. Just add that to the "to-do list". This past weekend I threw a surprise baby shower for a coworker and made the best baby duvet cover for a crib! Sure it took me twelve straight hours to make, two days before the party, plus my sewing machine died the first five minutes into construction but hey nothing beats the love sewn into every handmade stitch. (Laughing in my head... seriously it hurts to type) I am very proud of it though so I'll have to post a picture for all to see. I think every post from here on out will be titled "Catch Up". I swear gone are the days of posting once a week. I'll shot for once a month so every ones expectations aren't high of me :)

Catch Up

2009-08-11T21:22:00.011-05:00

I have managed to upload three post tonight. I feel my work here is done. LOL!
During our beach trip Matthew and I kept finding conch shells with the "conch" still in them. Not sure if that's the right lingo but these things were all over the place! I really thought conch's lived only in the Caribbean? Guess I'm wrong.
Kobi pretended to be ship wrecked :)

This last picture is my favorite! Look at all the excitement that stems from playing in the water. So cute!

Night Stroll

2009-08-11T21:01:00.006-05:00

No people, just us and the bug spray :)

Kobi was so excited because this cat came right up to him on the beach. There was another cat that ran into our house one day and as soon as Kobi spotted it (and grasped it), lets just say I strongly doubt it will ever come back around. Kobi's just to rough with kitties. I felt bad for the poor thing.

Cape May

2009-08-11T19:35:00.018-05:00

Can you tell Kobi was a little excited about his first ferry ride?
Such a happy little guy!

I did not realize the trip would take 75 minutes from Delaware to New Jersey or that the boat would rock so much. Not exaggerating car alarms were going off every 5 minutes! The wind was really bad! Kobi loved walking around the boat. Mama hardly has balance walking on ground that's not moving so I mainly stayed seated but it was so funny to watch daddy stumble around like a drunken sailor (who could not keep his balance for the record either) and watching Kobi pretend to fall about... even though he could walk perfectly fine :)

When we docked Pete the Pirate was waiting for us in New Jersey. All I could think of was this poor sweating person in the suit but Kobi acted as if he just met Elmo... too cute!

I love how Kobi throws his arms up for pictures.

We took a tour by trolley to all the scenic places in Cape May. It was actually really neat. I totally loved it because the gardens were amazing to see and the homes looked so well preserved. Matt and Kobi on the other hand fell asleep but hey... no one bothered me while I got to snap great pictures. Hehe! After the trolley we walked to HotDog Tommy's which Matt had just seen on the Food Network or Travel Channel or something? I guess its one of the top 10 places for a hot dog and man was the line loooong! We finally get to order and this guy holding a tiny little girl (maybe 18 months if that) says "Do you mind ordering a side of macaroni with your order because I can't wait in this line with my little girl?" I looked at him and said "You realize we could die because of this!?" He said he'd take full responsibility if we felt any heat (like a man holding an 18 month kiddo could fend off the likes of that crowd) and we ordered the macaroni. The nice part was the guy paid for our food but as I walked back to our ride I thought to myself "Why didn't I think of that?" LOL! Kobi could have totally put on the tears and I could have been a line jumper too!

Pre-nap :)

On the way back to Delaware our little guy went into total melt down mode. No "thorough" nap and age three... that's understandable. However we got some cuteness shots before the "1-800-Whaa" occurred.

Finally after a long day we were back at the beach house and what did we do before bed... Peek-A-Boo. I don't think that game will ever get old :)

Were back from Delaware!

2009-08-05T19:58:00.002-05:00

This year we returned to the same beach house as last year for one week and boy was it hard to return home:) I have a ton of pictures to upload and I promise I will but right now I have a little three year old that needs to go to bed (me included) so more pictures to follow on another day. This year we also took the ferry to Cape May (Kobi's first ferry ride!)

Kobi can you look at the camera?

2009-07-10T23:43:00.005-05:00

I know your "drum-bucket" is way fun but can you look at mama?
OK, that's a little better. Now can you actually open those eyes?

Hmmm... yes they are open but can you take that cup off your face?

Finally a good 1 second shot before the cover was over head!

And there you go. Bribing with food works every time :)

Is my baby getting cheekbones? I think he's getting cheekbones? Baby pudge where have you gone?

Where has the time gone?

2009-07-09T22:55:00.015-05:00

4th of July pics

Kobi's buddy Sean. He's told me he wishes for a big brother :)

Auntie Cassie (Sherry's sis). They have the best bond :)

Fun at the cabin in June.

All I can say is there is always one scrunched up face picture to a post these days.

I can not believe how long I have gone without posting pictures! Where are my manners? To get everyone up to date I've been a little preoccupied with computer problems (who has signal strength issues?!) , house difficulties (hot water heater flooded basement) , to many visits to the court house and zoning committee to count (nothing bad but attempting to even build a "forever-house" is more stressful then anything I could have imagined... are there groups for that sort-of thing?!) and just life in general! Other then that all is good here in Kobi-land :)

Ok... now that's out of the way who wants to hear "Kobisms" ?

1. I took Kobi shopping the other weekend and the nice people at Gap let him choose a balloon to take home. He was so excited about his new green balloon and mama was so careful putting it in the backseat and driving it all the way home. It didn't pop. Now imagine you get home and you unhook your 3 year old (he stands right near the edge of the car because lets face it a new balloon awaits him) and your mama reaches in to grab it and by the gust of God it floats up in the air and poof its gone. Now you know your child is getting so grown-up when out of his mouth he says, "What just happened here!?" I proceed to tell him I'm so sorry but the balloon is gone (at this rate outer space is its new home) and mama can't get it. A scared frown face is looking up at me. Out of his mouth comes (in a frantic voice) "THEN CALL SUPERMAN AND TELL HIM TO GO GET IT!"

2. I come home from an exhausting day at work and in the dinning room Kobi is already eating dinner. I'm just so thankful to be home and eagerly always ask my son what he did in school today. Before I can actually get the words out of my mouth I am greeted with "What are you looking at hockey puck!?" Yep... timeout followed with early bedtime.

3. Daddy has been so disciplined this summer with workouts and diet that in the evening time you will hear the punching bag, weight bench and treadmill all in use. All about the hour that is a certain 3 year olds bedtime. Every night mama is in charge of tub time, teeth brushing and stories and at the end of this ritual Kobi will always say "Now daddy... he's comin up, right?" Yes daddy always does. So after Matthews reached the point of exhaustion he always checks on Kobi who is always still awake and says goodnight. Except one night I hear from the hallway "Daddy why do you exercise?" Daddy replies "To have big muscles like Kobi's". Daddy proceeds to tell me the next thing Kobi does is stretch his body out on the bed, slowly fold his arms behind his head, lets out a sigh and says "Yeah... and I don't even workout." Oh my God we couldn't stop laughing!

4. The beach house is on the agenda again this year (same one in Delaware) and we finally tell Kobi that he will be playing on the beach again very soon. The facial expression of excitement I can not even begin to explain. Like Christmas morning about sums it up. Matthew and I go one step further and ask "Is there any special thing you would like to do at the beach"? Assuming he would say ride golf carts, etc... His response "I think maybe I'd like to have a Coke Cola".

God I love this kid!

Me and my tractor

2009-05-28T19:50:00.008-05:00

Ok... so I have just posted a million of the same picture but Kobi's facial expressions were just to cute to not post all my favorites (especially the first one). Man does this tractor go fast! I'm not joking! Its got two speeds and a reverse and I can not even be outside when Kobi's riding throughout the yard because it makes me so darn nervous. Seriously he took out half a bush and it must get up to

15 MPH! I think this will become a Kobi/ daddy toy. Hehe :)

Country Picnic

2009-05-26T18:56:00.011-05:00

Again daddy made another bunny melon. I had to post this one because I just think its cuter then the last :) He changed up the eyes and used tapioca pearls (instead of carrots) and the nose is the bunny ears cut off of a Peep all held together by toothpicks. Next daddy is working up to these amazing works of art. (click here)
The picnic we attended on Sunday was way out in the country and we drove through some beautiful farms to get there. Now growing up I did view myself as a country girl but it takes a certain criteria for me to categorize "way out country".
Examples...

A. The original outhouse has been removed (only in recent years).
B. The elders homemade alcohol is passed around and yes some of it is made from dandelions.
C. You have to remove the black snake (that has affectionately been named Billy) to open the cooler in the shed.
D. Etc, etc... you get the idea.
These are just some examples I can think of off the top of my head.

That being said it was a great party (snakes and all) with the best food! Country folks sure can cook!

I love this picture. In the past couple weeks Kobi has become infatuated with motorcycles and race cars so when he saw this chopper he had to make a "tough man face" and tell us that he was "To Fast To Furious". (I swear!)

After party bedtime. He didn't even make it to the bed. Isn't that little butt so cute? :)

Kobi Turns 3!

2009-05-16T21:52:00.001-05:00

Its hard to believe that three years ago today Su-O was giving birth to our son and probably experiencing one of the scariest days of her life in exchange for one of our happiest. All that has happened to him in that short time frame and all that he has experienced has truly been amazing. To think of all the places and people in Taiwan that raised my son for me while I eagerly waited to and the wonderful foster family that took him in and loved him as their own bambino while our power of attorneys and judge worked to form his future here in America. The first couple months of his life he had been passed around like a gypsy and now here he is with us (the most home-body like of people). Poor kid if he doesn't grow up confused it will be a wonder :) So since today is Su-O's special day (I truly believe mine is Dec 18th... the first moment I held Kobi) then I wanted to do something that possibly she would take him to do on his birthday in Taiwan. So when I heard that the Dragon Boat Festival was happening in DC it only seemed natural to go. For such a gloomy day it was lots of fun.

Pictures of Georgetown

(great shopping!)

The Kennedy Center

If I were cool I'd live in one of these urban condos overlooking the water :)

Returning home for lunch we cooked a very "Marylander" tradition. Crabs... yummy! Kobi was so fascinated by the crabs but after we steamed them he could not understand why they weren't moving. Maybe next birthday he'll understand??

After lunch/ nap we headed to a Hibachi Grill for dinner. It was a totally fun experience that Kobi loved!

And since our son will always choose fruit over cake, cupcakes or ice cream (I know weird right??) daddy made him this bunny out of a honeydew melon. Isn't it cute! The eyes are carrots, the nose is a chocolate kiss and the strawberries he dipped in dark chocolate. Yummy!

Happy 3rd Birthday Baby!

One Kobi Three Matthews

2009-05-06T21:47:00.005-05:00

The last three photos I took a couple weeks ago. Matthew is a friend of a friends son. His hair and eyes and skin were just to yummy not to stalk him "Mamarazzi"style at a friends party and since I was playing around with photo editing anyway I threw one of Kobi in that captures his last trace of chubby cheeks. I think my babies fat-ness is almost gone. He's getting so big and I think he will have high cheekbones just like his birth mama. Heck I wish I did... hehe :)

I know its been awhile since I last posted so scroll down to get your "Kobi-Fix" :)

I've posted two more entries to try and catch up!

Pictures between the rain

2009-05-06T21:38:00.004-05:00

Kobi making a silly face. Do you think he knew I had the camera? Hehe!

Its been such yucky weather here but I took these pictures two weekends ago when we were having a beautiful Sunday. Swing set almost complete... woo hoo!

A Birthday Party

2009-05-06T21:10:00.008-05:00

I love these two pictures! Rachel's facial expression in the first one just says it all. The second picture... I just can't stop laughing! I think this was taken right before Kobi threw her to the ground.
A couple weekends ago was Rachel's 3rd birthday and she had her party in this cool play land place. (When I'm tired my poetic writing just flows out:) Anyway... this "warehouse-looking-toddler-fun-for-all-arena" had different rooms the kids could play in and every couple minutes a director would move them to another area.
So here is Kobi as a weatherman...

unloading groceries from his ambulance (?)

and stealing groceries from the ambulance play land in a shopping cart adequate to his size and able to hightail butt at rapid speed. Moving on...

I had to post this last picture. At what age do children become embarrassed that mom is taking pictures around "friends"? Apparently at TWO! I just like how Kobi put his own name tag on. Hehe!

The Most Random Post of Pictures

2009-04-14T19:20:00.015-05:00

(The following pictures are from Easter and baby Brady's B-Day)

I love what this two year old filled his bucket with.

Believe it or not but this was the best picture by the yellow bush. Hehe! Silly kid!

Daddy made Kobi's Easter basket this year. Isn't he such a good daddy? Matthew also made something similar for me on Valentines Day which turned out awesome and a total surprise!

We are currently building a small fort in the back of the house:) Thanks Uncle Pete & Auntie Cassie! I swear this swing set was never this big before?? It will soon be complete with monkey bars, swings, rock climbing wall, sand box and roof.

I know this is Kobi's blog but below are pictures I took for my friends family at a state park. I think they turned out really cool.

So far these are some of the pics I've finally gotten off the camera. Like I said in my last post more to come... :)

Happy Easter!

2009-04-12T22:44:00.006-05:00

Yes we are still alive (hehe) and I hope to add new pictures come Tuesday. Hope everyone had there fill of sugar, Easter bunnies and egg hunts :)

An Interview with Kobi

2009-03-17T19:47:00.007-05:00

Pictures "Pre-Buzz"

2009-03-12T20:36:00.006-05:00

Lately if Kobi doesn't want to take a picture this is the face I get. I don't know why I posted this first picture but it makes me smile:)

My Buzzed Bambino

2009-03-09T13:03:00.011-05:00

I know these first two pictures are blurred but they just capture Kobi's silly personality perfectly.

So as you can see Kobi got the "chop". His last haircut was horrible! Were talking moved head during sideburn trimming and the bowl cut... ughh! This was the one time I took him somewhere. So in an effort to save my poor babies dignity I tried to doctor up the "do" myself. Oh my gosh... by the time I was done it looked like this (click here). Not to worry daddy came to the rescue with his clippers. As daddy worked his magic all I could think was "That's a lot of hair on the floor... That's to much hair on the floor... OH NO!" and so were off to hat shop and are creatively thinking of new ways to photograph a bald child:)

Its not that bad right? (I hope) Maybe I'm just not use to such shortness? Hey I never did notice his little ears were so darn cute!

My Future Teenager

2009-03-02T10:48:00.007-05:00

Doesn't it look like all Kobi needs is a snowboard? I swear he looks so grown up! (Sniff, sniff)

I also can not believe Kobi's snow pictures were taken in March this year! You think Kobi's big enough to shovel out the driveway? Hehe!

Kobi's Room

2009-02-26T10:38:00.012-05:00

Hmmm... Where's Kobi?
Oh there he is!

The next picture Kobi is reading Easter books to Pickles (yes he named this bear Pickles) The other pandas are named as followed:

Ber-miss-in

Benjamin

Home Depot

Tuna Fish which sometimes he calls French Fry (?)

After this Kobi's taking Pickles on an Easter Egg hunt. (He's a little confused about the holidays but hey if it keeps him busy mama just goes with the flow:)

February 2009

January 2007

After his first vaccine shots. I miss those little fat rolls:)

Future Oodles of Noodles Spokesperson

2009-02-25T20:07:00.010-05:00

Mama being goofy. Actually Kobi ate all these noodles in the next bite!

Fork included:)

That's one way to eat a noodle!

(I'm not real sure why I posted these but I think they are cute:)

Blue Room Photo Shoot

2009-02-23T11:16:00.008-05:00

I rarely take pictures in our blue room but thought it might look neat with Kobi's pajamas that we had bought in Taiwan. He's finally grown into them. I remember saying he's never gonna fit into these! Well two years later and here you go! I love the way they turned out. Maybe more photo shoots will happen in the blue room:) I have been very behind in the picture department these days however I promise I've got some great ones in store:)

On a very exciting note I have a health update. In November I was told that I had Type 2 Diabetes. I was put on medication as soon as I left the doctors office (which made me extremely sick) and I removed myself off of the medication within one weeks time. I am happy to report that I not only have NO MORE type 2 diabetes but also am not even a pre-diabetic! I am such a disbeliever in medication to begin with. Except for extreme cases when clearly medication is needed. However this problem I have taken care of naturally by changing my complete way of life. I stopped eating carbs and sugars in the initial first two months and stuck with lots of vegetable soups and replaced my baked potatoes with sweet potatoes. I of course have the worst sugar tooth of all time and so I went through many pears and strawberries to replace ice cream and the brownies. I now eat organic food as much as possible and when I need sandwiches I've ditched the croissants for multi-grain pita's making sure nothing says "enriched" anywhere in the packaging. Towards the last month I ate "sugar-free" puddings and ice cream made with Splenda and I gotta say every bite bothered me a bit because I just think that stuff causes cancer. As an interesting note the same doctor also has had my thyroid checked out (which was normal) three months ago and now it appears as if I have an over-active thyroid. Now knowing me I have researched all this online and would you believe that eating artificial sugars can make your blood work appear as if you have an over-active thyroid? So now I have ditched the "sugar-free" stuff and gone completely to honeys and organic cane sugar. By far though the hardest part of my diet was cancelling out alcohol but I did and now only drink about once a week! This coming from the women that had wine every night:) I have more blood work in six weeks so we shall see. It will be interesting to see if my Thyroid appears with more normal numbers again and I'll keep you guys posted.

Now like I said more Kobi pics to come!

The Yellow Jacket

2009-02-08T13:01:00.009-05:00

I can not believe it is February and we are running around with wind breakers on. Must be the calm before the storm? Anyway I love Kobi in these pictures with his little yellow jacket and snot rolling down his nose:)

It was just nice to get outside!

Yeah Mon

2009-02-04T20:09:00.003-05:00

The award for goofiest child goes to ____.

Yep its bed time but my kiddo is running around with pants on his head and would you look at those skinny legs! No more pudgy thighs (sniff, sniff). We were also told today that Kobi will be moving out of his 2's class early (another sniff, sniff) since he is already potty trained and speaks like a little adult. Speaking of speaking like an adult a funny thing happened in the car today. Brief recap... one of my nieces just had a birthday & I (the bad auntie) have been driving around with her present in my trunk for awhile. Anyway this morning Kobi says where is the present? Present came out sounding like "pres-dent" and it was early so this took me some time to figure out. Finally I realized, oh you mean "PRESENT" and that's in the trunk. Next thing he said (and I kid you not) was, "Pres-dent Obama's in the trunk?!" I just had no idea that he

#1 knew who Obama even was

#2 even what a president was for that matter.

So with my astonishment said VERY GOOD and Kobi gave me this look of horror like there could actually be someone in my trunk. LOL! We cleared things up and I don't know what people are talking about... I love the "terrific two's"! :)

Cute pictures from today

2009-01-31T21:44:00.010-05:00

Today the family headed over to Baltimore with a mission. To have some much needed "Brady time" (aka a play date with one of Kobi's buddies) and scope out a girlfriends new addition. Yep... as if Brady was not one of the cutest little kiddo's you've ever seen now he's got an equally cute bro that we affectionately call baby Bennett. Baby Bennett was so calm and sweet and felt like air. He is a very healthy baby but after you carry a 33 pounder around an 8 pounder was nothing! LOL! Kobi would glance over as I helded him but seemed virtually unaffected. However I think that was all a front because as soon as we got in the car he screams from the backseat "Mama Hold You"! His English gets a little messed up at times but I think that was code for "that wasn't cool" :)

On another note Kobi is eating EVERYTHING! I can't keep up! For example just the other day I gave him oatmeal and a banana for breakfast (like I do every morning before school) and as soon as I dropped him off he ate again only this time it was 3 more bowls of cereal. The following day at grandma's house he ate 3 plates of dinner (pork chops, macaroni and cheese, green beans, ice cream) all of which he never ever eats then came home an hour later and ate half of a Digiorno pizza with daddy, grapes and crackers all before going to bed! Oh and the other night he ate half of a Gyro all by himself! He hates meat! Hey I'm just happy he's getting the protein. Tonight we went to a Chinese buffet because frankly if he's going to eat like that I can't be cooking every 5 minutes. Oh who am I kidding I don't cook but I would feel bad watching daddy run back and forth between the kitchen. Hehe! Must be a growth spurt? I put some pj's on him tonight which now look like capri's. I swear he's grown at least 2 inches in one week!

Working on a Project

2009-01-21T23:13:00.003-05:00

Okay to all you Taiwanese adoptive parents. If this is your child's foster mama from Taichung (see picture above) I am putting together a Shutterfly booklet, etc... to send for Taiwanese New Year! I think she would be very excited to see all her foster bambinos growing so big so if you want in on the action email me at Leifang22@yahoo.com. It might be cool to have for all the kiddos too to look back at other adoptive babes who probably slept in the same crib. This is something I've been meaning to do for awhile. Also I am totally up for suggestions so by all means leave comments! I am also up for creating a video to send so if you have video clips or DVDs you want me to edit (nothing fancy) then send them my way. So who's in? :)

And the best remote control ride goes to....

2009-01-21T22:56:00.003-05:00

This thing right here. Why you may ask? Well I'll just tell you. It is a blow-up! You heard me right. A blow-up toy that will put no dings in your nice tables, no bruises on your legs and neatly deflates to store away safely in a bin taking up no space whatsoever unlike just about all those toys your kiddo has accumulated since birth! (Click here for where to buy) Grandma bought it for Christmas and I cant tear Kobi away from it!

Go Ravens!

2009-01-11T19:05:00.004-05:00

AFC Division Champs all the way baby! Is it just me or is Kobi's hair lookin like Kid N Play?

Note to self: Time for a haircut!

I See You!

2009-01-06T20:33:00.005-05:00

Here is a quick video of Kobi's F-A-V-O-R-I-T-E game!

***Next video to follow... the best remote control toy for a two year old:)

Christmas 2008

2008-12-29T23:24:00.000-05:00

2008-12-29T22:33:00.007-05:00

This Christmas was very much "go-go-go" in our household. Kobi certainly mastered unwrapping presents with extra practice before Christmas even got here this year. Luckily Santa was not scary at all and hopefully the Easter Bunny will be cool in the near future to:) I am amazed at how well Kobi did. He always gave a full 110 % in the unwrapping category! LOL! The occasional "MINE" would come out of his mouth every now and then but usually not last long and would share his new toys with the cousins or play buddies rather quickly. Now since I have taken over four hundred pictures within the last seven days I figured a slide show would be the best answer to posting some of my favs. (To view all pictures quickly click on "view all images")

Hope everyone had a wonderful holiday!

The Case of the High Tower Cookie

2008-12-24T19:52:00.015-05:00

It was Christmas Eve and no cookies in sight. No cookies no Santa thought master baker Kobiyashi...
He quickly remedied this problem. To the refrigerator!

Using his tiger teeth he began his baking phenomenon...

but not without tasting first.

He carefully placed the cookies one by one on the baking sheet with

apprentice M's help.

However that is when Master Kobiyashi's inner baker came out. For years he has been the true "high tower" maker.

His skill still needs work:)

Apprentice M stepped up his game and promptly placed the cookies as needed to be edible.

With the cookies being baked left eleven minutes of down time.

Master Kobiyashi went straight to mediating.

The buzzer binged and as mama turned her head towards the kitchen two very shifty men glanced her way.

With much excitement mama was pleased with the resulting product as was the Kobiyashi.

And one carrot for Rudolph to complete the presentation.

Okay... mama was out shopping this afternoon (Yes on Christmas Eve... I know I'm a little behind!) anyway is this not the funnest apron and hat! I've seen so many adorable girl aprons in my shopping excursions but none for a toddler boy so to all you parents with future boy chefs in the home this was bought at Kohl's on clearance for $6.00. Isn't that crazy! I had to do it! (Sorry Kobi I will probably use these pictures as blackmail some day:) Also disregard the cabinets/ kitchen for the mean time. Mama is in the process of painting them white and only has gotten as far as priming. The counters still need to be changed and the appliances switched to stainless steel OH and a back splash added but you guys know me "DIY" so needless to say I haven't gotten to it yet!

Merry Christmas Eve Everyone!

My Favorite Pajamas

2008-12-20T21:35:00.012-05:00

These pictures were taken a few weeks ago. One of my closest friends was born in Vietnam and had returned to see her family, village that she grew up in. I loaned her my luggage and when it was returned these pj's along with a million other gifts were inside. Needless to say I am so happy Kobi has finally grown into his gifts! LOL! I love the way these pictures turned out. Kobi really is a laid back child and I think every one of these shots capture his true personality.

Happy 2nd Anniversary Kobi Baby!

2008-12-18T20:11:00.007-05:00

Two years ago in Taichung Taiwan...
Today in Washington DC!

It has been two years since the first moment I held Kobi in Taiwan. Today will always mark an incredible day in my life and keeping up with my tradition I wanted Kobi to spend it in an equally cool way. Last year was the Baltimore Aquarium. So this year (being as behind as I am) I simply asked Kobi what he wanted to do this Gotcha Day. To which he said "Wanna see dead dinosaur's, wanna see their bones". Hmmm... OK... DC has those so here we come! LOL! (Should I be worried... I don't know??? LOL!)

Anyway, I made my way down county to the Metro. Which Kobi LOVES for some ungodly reason. Who would think public transportation would have such excitement! Moving on I must say that besides the fact that there is no elevators in site (hello stroller here!) that the Metro is the way to travel to DC. Although I did exit on the wrong street but a very nice bum sold me a map and all was good:)

We mainly only hit the National Museum of Natural History and ran up and and down the Mall before we called it a day but I do foresee a future trip (hubby included) back to those 'bones" :)

So HAPPY ANNIVERSARY BABY!

You light up my life with every smile you give.

To Kobi's Birth Mama

2008-12-15T01:13:00.005-05:00

It has almost been two years since Kobi was placed in our arms. Not a day goes by that I do not think of Kobi's birth mother or say goodnight to her picture. So keeping up with my tradition here is my 2008 Kobi video I have made for her. Most of the clips you all have seen but I hope you enjoy watching it. (Click here to see Kobi's video from 2007)

Happy Thanksgiving!

2008-11-30T14:29:00.006-05:00

This year I am thankful for... having two amazing boys in my life...
a Nai Nai that can pass down her piano skills...

and a crazy family of kiddos!

(Our very serious group shot with the cousins)

HAPPY THANKSGIVING EVERYONE!

Leaves, Leaves & More Leaves!

2008-11-22T17:09:00.009-05:00

Kobi played three hours in leaves last Monday. Who needs Christmas presents anyway? We've got piles of leaves! I can not wait til snow this year. Kobi wont be able to contain himself! :)

Kobi Talk Funny

2008-11-19T22:00:00.004-05:00

So you know the saying "See you later alligator, In a while crocodile"? Well Kobi likes to say "see ya later crocodile" and this is how he says it.

(You might need to turn up the volume)

On another note... is it already Thanksgiving time?! Where has November gone? This month I am really slacking! As of November 3rd I am a Type 2 diabetic. Yep this really comes to no surprise as my mother has had diabetes for decades and is on insulin but I just thought I had a couple more years before I was diagnosed. I always said I will eat the ice cream for breakfast up until I am told I can't:) Well now I've been told. The fact is I was put on medication the moment I left my Endocrinologist appointment along with an extreme diet. The first week of pill taking was my last. I've never felt so bad in my life with so many lows (blood sugar drops). So now Dr H is trying an experiment on me which I am determined to pass. I pleaded to go off the medication for 3 months and then recheck my blood work to which she agreed. HOWEVER I am on the craziest diet of my life! I am allowed no carbs (except what you get out of green veggies), no dairy, no sugar, no fruits except berries and NO ALCOHOL! What The?! After 3 months hopefully I can prove to Dr H that my diabetes will be controlled by diet/ exercise and then I might be able to incorporate some carbs back into my life by February. On the plus side I am glad I caught this in my 20's. I am now forced to eat right and exercise. Plus I have learned that Kobi actually likes salmon, shrimp and salads. This coming from the child who wont touch meat. So I'm excited! Someone that will finally eat stinky fish with me at the table and not complain that the house smells afterwards:)

Now I promise new Kobi pictures are on their way:)

And The Halloween Costume For 2008 Is...

2008-10-31T20:12:00.009-05:00

Not just a chicken... but a FRIED CHICKEN!

(All Kobi's idea I must add:)

This year we handed out fortune cookies because last year I must have spent $50 in candy! I mean that's mamas going out money! (More like Kobi's sneaker fund... LOL!) So this year I went cheap! The kids all seemed to like the idea so I think the "fried chicken" and I have started a new concept for future Halloweens. Plus it only cost us $11 for a HUGE amount of fortune cookies and that included a bubble tea! Woo Hoo! I know I'm happy:)

HAPPY HALLOWEEN EVERYBODY!

Picaboo and ...

2008-10-23T21:31:00.004-05:00

Kobi's level of speech has always amazed both Matthew and I but there are some words I especially love to hear. Kobi has always been a talker. Even at seven months we would hear him babble all day long be it in the crib when he was suppose to be napping or crawling around the family room playing with toys. Lately he has been putting together very long sentences and making up words that are almost right:) Words like "Lasterday" when he really means to say yesterday, "Shiver me Nintendos" which should be shiver me timbers and he lives in "A-med-ica" instead of America. These are just a few of the funny things Kobi says on a regular basis that come to mind. Its just amazing watching him grow and everyday a new sentence is said. Recently Kobi was given a 3-dimensional block castle to play with. (Of course daddy built it for him during a two hour nap) but after that nap the first ten sentences out of Kobi's mouth were "LOOK AT THAT! WOULD YOU LOOK AT THAT, TAKE A LOOK AT THAT, ETC...!" He just says the cutest things. Just a few days ago on our way to Grandmas house we drove by a farm with acres of corn. Kobi says "Mama, that corns only for cows". I was shocked because he was right! So I of course told Kobi "YES YOUR RIGHT HONEY!" to which he responded "I know... I'm a very smart boy". LOL! A couple weeks ago Kobi and I were rushing out the house (just like every morning:) and I tossed a sweatshirt to him saying its cold outside. He looked at me and with the same face I give his father on a normal basis (Hehe!) said "Is it required?" I think I maybe in trouble here. Usually when Kobi is in public (acting up) I will reprimand him then say "Neen dong ma?!" (Not the proper spelling but I write the way I say) which means "Do you understand?" Usually when I say this in Mandarin he knows I mean business. So one day my child who is playing extremely well in the car seat drops his McDonald's happy meal toy and starts screaming "Mama! Mama pick it up!" I of course cant drive 100 MPH, look for cops and turn my back to reach behind the passenger car seat that this Happy Meal toy has fallen, I tell Kobi nope buddy you dropped it. Kobi of course is simply disgusted and starts shouting "Ne Dong Ma, Ne Dong Ma?!!!" I think it was at this point I realized single words or sentences out of my mouth now were no longer safe from Kobi. LOL!

Kobi Goes to the Pumpkin Patch (pictures from last Sunday)

2008-10-15T20:23:00.017-05:00

This pumpkin patch was HUGE! Kobi started his day at the petting zoo.

"Donkey" was his favorite.

Then we moved on to our first pony ride!! Unfortunately this is the only picture of the big event I can show. Kobi screamed hysterical the entire time! The poor horse was afraid to even move! Looks like riding lessons will NOT be in order in the near future:)

After Kobi babe went one lap around the corral he latched onto his daddy and with the most pitiful, sobbing voice said "Kobi liked it"! LOL! You always make mama laugh Kobi. The picture below is Kobi's "Zoolander" look. Yes those are baby Ray Bans he's sportin. Too Cool that mama couldn't pass up!

Next face painting!

Now there were only about 10-12 picture choices to choose for face painting. Candy corn, witch hat, cat, etc... you know all cute stuff for the 2 year old age group. Leave it to my son to tell the nice artist "I want Joker's face"! I said a Batman symbol will be just fine:)

So with his newly painted "Batman cheek" we decided to paint a small pumpkin like joker. Its all about compromise, right??

I love these pictures. I think they capture every bit of Kobi's personality.

Next up the Choo Choo Train.

Kobi insisted on front row.

This ride was much better then the pony's.

Lastly we chilled with the Brady Man.

Sunday was a good day!

Mama's Glasses Now and 15 Months Ago

2008-10-15T20:15:00.007-05:00

My Puma Prince

2008-10-06T20:21:00.014-05:00

Oh how I can't wait until the day he actually cuts the lawn. LOL!

Yes I know... who am I kidding?

Shortly after this Arctika got her first bath by Kobi:)

But then it was back to mowing!

Kobi is so proud of his pumpkin. It was the only one that made it out of our garden.

Wait until Halloween I think not! This pumpkin got picked October 6th! (You turn your back for one second...)

Mama will take as many hugs as she can get these days even if it means I have to snatch him up in the middle of playing:)

Now check the post below to see what a difference a year makes.

One Years Time...

2008-10-06T20:11:00.002-05:00

Where has my little baby gone??

The Red Bat Photo Shoot

2008-09-29T06:47:00.019-05:00

Look out bushes cause here I come!

Kobi playing pic-a-boo with the flower that magically appeared on his baseball bat. Hmmm...

Behind bars at the age of 2. What can I say, shouldn't have wreaked the bushes. LOL!

A Quick Kobi Fix!

2008-09-28T14:15:00.001-05:00

Has it really been this long?! Oh my! Here is a quick "Kobi Fix" for you guys and I promise to have pictures posted ASAP! LOL! (Also see "Before & After" post below) Here is the scoop on whats been happening in our home. Kobi has had his 2 year check-up (yeah its a little late) and we have got some skin issues! Just last Monday we saw the worst allergist I have ever met in my life (actually it was the only allergist I have ever met) and Kobi was tested for every food group and some other things. This woman was unbelievable but that in itself is a whole other story! Now since the day Kobi was placed in our arms his beautiful skin has been transformed from a flawless complexion to a splotchy, eczema stricken, scarred, bumpy mess followed by pigment loss. So since I have seen several pediatricians (that give me know answers) in allergist was next on the list. I swear to God this child's skin reacts to certain foods and soaps. If he even eats applesauce the next day he has chicken pox ("looking bumps") on his body. I wash all of his clothes in Seventh Generation detergent for babies (use no dryer sheets on anything) and even Dreft is to rough a detergent to use. So last Monday Kobi was tested for every food group, etc and get this the doctor says he's fine, no allergies! I looked at the woman, covered Kobi's ears and said "Lady I don't make this shit up! There is something wreaking my kids skin!" To which she says nothing that requires an epi pen. Now in my blonde head I'm thinking "Yes I know because I feed him...!!!! But you mean to tell me that the bumps that appear after he eats an orange is not related?" Her answer was they could be related but his throat isn't going to close up, now anymore questions? Ughh!!! So in an attempt to diagnose my own kid how many of you have ever had Tinea Versicolor and severe eczema? I treat one and it makes the other look worse. Lovely cycle! Kobi is scheduled to have some blood work done to rule out Vitiligo along with testing for anemia and when those test results come back with no true information just like everything else then I guess I will start buying "miracle creams" off the internet! So any advice is greatly welcomed in this department. I know for a fact that Kobi has a form of Eczema (and no I have never been told that he does but its obvious that he must, however he never itch's or complains about it) and that there must be some product (from Canada/ Mexico) somewhere that helps get rid of the redness/ Eczema. I've tried everything! ADVICE PLEASE! My last resort is the dermatologist because I truly believe these issues are diet related. Now that everyone is updated I better get a move on in the picture department! :)

Bathroom Before & After

2008-09-28T13:30:00.002-05:00

Kobi's bathroom is almost finished! With the exception of quarter round molding and accessories I can say I'm somewhat happy with the finished product! As most of you know I had no desire to spend any kind of real money on baby mans bathroom. Quite frankly I just don't know how long we will stay in this house as I feel like the walls are already closing in on me:) So here is the run down on my expenses. Now remember this was my "Design on a Dime" bathroom. LOL!

1. New peel in stick floors~$30 Home Depot

2. New toilet (since I cracked the tank putting the old one back in place and hey it was ugly anyway) ~$300 screw up. Home Depot

3. Paint~ $35 Walmart (for walls & ceiling)

4. Paint for cabinet~ $18 Rust-Oleum. This went on well (thin but that was a good thing. I used gray primmer then high gloss black)

5. New mirror~ $60 (Yes! Only $60 bucks at Home Goods... Rock On!)

6. New lights~ $275 Home Depot Expo

7. New ceiling fan/ light~ $80 Home Depot

8. New faucet~ $80 + $119 (Note to self... check how many holes are actually drilled in the sink if you are not replacing the counter top before you purchase a way cool bamboo style faucet on Overstock.com that requires only one hole and get this you have two! LOL! Its fine I needed another faucet for the basement bathroom anyway:)

9. Two shower curtains~ $50 total on clearance at Bed Bath and Beyond (I used one to make the curtain)

10. Curtain Tie Backs~ $6 Again on clearance at Bed Bath & Beyond that I used like a "curtain rod" to make a swag

11. New Shower Curtain Rod~ $15 Home Goods strikes again!

12. New Bath Mat~ $12 You guessed it... Home goods!

13. New knobs~ $15 Home Depot Expo

So that puts me out roughly (Drum Roll Please!) $976.00

Under a grand "Woo Hoo" and no more ugly blue and white floors!

DC Zoo & Metro Too!

2008-09-02T21:18:00.013-05:00

Kobi had his first train ride on Sunday. Ahhh... public transportation. LOL! He did awesome! I had forgotten how loud the Metro was and that it goes through tunnels but nothing seemed to scare Kobi so all was good:)

As soon as the train started his face had the biggest smile. It was the cutest thing just to watch his facial expressions the entire ride.

Once at the DC Zoo we hit the Asia Trail first.

When Kobi saw the panda bear he screamed "Look Panda Drinking His Nay-Nay!" (Milk, which is not how any of my Mandarin teachers have spelled it in English but this is how I read it and so this is how I write it... sorry I'm "phonetics" challenged :) Some Chinese people standing by started laughing.

It was really neat to watch the panda's. They play just like children! These must have been young ones.

The red pandas were Kobi's favorite and so he now has a new stuffed one that he affectionately named Home Depot. With the addition of the new red panda we now have a bedtime ritual. Kobi's beloved Ber-miss-son, Benjamin and now Home Depot must be tucked under the sheets every night before bed. There's one more giant panda that has been named get this... Pickles. However Pickles isn't cool enough to get covers like the rest of Kobi's buddies. Sorry Pickles, apparently your not in Kobi's posses. LOL!

After Zoo time we hopped over to Auntie Cassie's house (Sherry's sister) for a much needed pool dip. Sunday was hot! I just love this picture of Kobi hugging one of his favorite cousins Courtney. You can tell he just doesn't want to let go.

To the Beach!

2008-08-27T17:00:00.007-05:00

Delaware bound and sun lotioned up! A couple days ago we made our way over the border:)

I must have taken at least 300 pictures in 3 days so to not bore everyone I put them in video form with music.

I was so proud of Kobi this trip. For the first time he slept in a big boy bed. Actually a queen size bed but you get the point:) I was so worried that I would wake up to a wandering toddler that was playing with knives in the kitchen or pushing buttons on the hot tub outside but nope, to my surprise baby Kobi actually stayed put in his bed and hollered for us in the morning to come and get him. I think a big boy bed is in the near future now! It was so wonderful to see his face light up the moment he saw the ocean and I think because of this trip he has a true grasp on all the days of the week. One week before we actually left he would say "Goin to the beach now?" to which I'd say "On Saturday baby, today

is ____". Would you believe during our ride to Delaware he could recite all the days of the week. Matt and I were shocked! Such a smarty!

Now is it just me or where did the summer go?

Before Bed

2008-08-11T18:45:00.013-05:00

Look at that smile. Its so angelic, sweet, innocent...until he knows your taking a picture of him then you have this. (Photo below) That's OK. I smile with every face he makes... especially the silly ones:)The sky was beautiful tonight.After park time we headed over to our garden. Look at all those tomatoes Kobi grew! Now daddy go make some salsa... yum!I'm loving everyones recommendations for the bathroom so please keep them coming:) So far I have painted the ceiling, trim, drawers (black), purchased new mirror, ceiling light/fan and chrome knobs for the cabinet. Thanks to Janalee's advice for the "little boy aiming problems" I have held off on ordering the linen like wall paper. LOL! I never even thought of that:) And will hopefully have finished pictures up soon along with my new pant recommendations! For the meantime here's pics of an "all natural" Kobi... look no hair gel! LOL!

Noodles, Pools and Tiles

2008-08-05T20:49:00.017-05:00

Now you know why Kobi is fed naked. I'll get the hose :)

On Sunday we took full advantage of Aunt Cassie's pool. Her whole fam was away on a mini vacation so we totally broke through the gate, stole some towels, splashed around and soaked up some sun! Thanks Auntie Cassie! (Now if your wondering how you didn't know about this well daddy and mama meticulously put the pool cover back on, pushed all the million tiny pebbles Kobi was playing with back in to the flowerbeds where they belonged and left as soon as we heard sirens. Hehe! We probably should have told those neighbors of yours who we were:)

SO THANKS FOR LETTING US USE THE POOL!!

Next comes the tiles. I am ashamed to even show this picture. LOL! Below is how Kobi's bathroom looked. Now before you say OMG there is spackle all over the walls, why is the toilet and tub beige when the floor is clearly white and blue and could it be any more stark. Well let me tell you I am trying to rectify this problem. This is one of those rooms when we bought our foreclosed home in 2002 that was first on the "To-Do List" but sadly has been overlooked for years (mainly because the rest of the house was this sad on move in day as well). Plus I am attempting this room unassisted. Yep people wish me luck! I am such a HGTV addict that after watching all those design shows I've gone completely nuts and said "Screw it!" I can do this stuff myself just like those people on Design to Sell! LOL! So I went to Home Depot bought a box of Traffic Master Original press on tiles in beige slate, ripped off the quarter round molding, put the toilet in a different room and just started slapping new tiles down on the ugly vinyl floor.Oh my goodness! It was sooooo easy! I can not believe that I waited this long to do this and it really looks like real tiles (until you step on it) but you know what I mean. Plus get this... the box of tiles only cost $30! So Kobi's bathroom has become my Design on a Dime bathroom. Hehe! (***Yes where the cabinet meets the tile still needs moulding***) Next I will be changing the faucet to the "bamboo" inspired one that I found at Overstock.com , changing the knobs to silver and painting the blah, blah cabinet black to match Kobi's furniture. I think on the walls I will try a linen wall paper and I have got to find a cool mirror to replace the builders grade oh so chic humongous one. The 80's light fixture I have already ripped out and replaced with this one pictured below. I must say the Home Depot Expo had beautiful lighting and that's where I snagged this one. (The last picture really doesn't show it to well so go here to see it more clearly)

So noodles, pool, tile all in 2 days time. Been a little busy but in a good way. Now if anyone has any bathroom suggestions I'm all ears. As you can plainly see I've got an ugly room on my hands that needs "beautifying". LOL!

Hangin with Pop-Pop

2008-07-31T08:42:00.009-05:00

On Monday we took Kobi to help Pop-Pop (aka Sherry's father) on the farm. Pop-Pop can not do to much these days so Kobi's sole responsibility was to make Pop-Pop laugh. We give Kobi an A+ in this department:) Then Auntie Cassie's friend Steve showed us his tractor moves. I can not believe Steve came all the way from Tennessee to help out on my parents farm. Thank you so much Steve! We appreciate everything you've done!

Kobi's new fork:)Boy daddy needs to shave... hehe!
I think I have two new favorite pictures now!

A Walk In the Park

2008-07-27T21:47:00.010-05:00

(Pictures from Sunday)*A Note From Sherry*

Thank you, thank you for all the pant recommendations! You guys are the best and on an extra note the cutie pie Kobi was playing tea party with in my previous post is now Baltimore's Voters Choice (for 2-3 year "Precious Category") as well as 1st Runner-Up for "Judges Choice" in the same category most Photogenic Baby! Rachel also collected the largest amount of donations (for her age group) which benefits John Hopkins Children's Center. Rock On Rachel!!

Product Reviews and Kobi Updates

2008-07-23T19:05:00.011-05:00

Oh my goodness! It has been 19 days since my last confession. LOL! We have been busy, busy these last couple days!

Playing in our Zebra tent...

(Thanks Aunt Cassie)

Watching the rain...

Attending Tea Parties...

(yes I'd never thought I'd say that about my son:)

Dodging balls...

Ripping out hideous peach flowered floors and living "plywood chic"...

(Only for a day though...)

and Kobi's new permanent fixture to his left arm... Yoda. As a child I would think this stuffed doll would totally freak you out but apparently not this kiddo?? (Whats funny is he's never even seen Star Wars)

So a recap to the last couple weeks here in our household...

#1 Started phase one of our kitchen remodel.

#2 Phase one of our bathroom(s) remodel.

#3 Now have a stuffed panda bear to which Kobi named Bermisson. (Yeah no idea where that name came from but Kobi sure loves his Bermisson.)

#4 We now have a 2 year old that counts to 29 and is using full "long" sentences. He now tells us what he wants to eat (and if we don't have it to go buy it), dresses himself in the morning (and if he puts on that "frog shirt" one more time I'm going to say the dryer ate it! LOL!), tells mama that he is in love (with Miss Susan aka his teacher) and that he wants a sister to play with.

So these are just a few things happening in Kobi's world and on another note I have a new list of beauty products (well worth the money) for us busy mama's. Topping the list is Smashbox Photo Finish Light . This is a make-up primer worth the $36 bucks that I paid at Sephora. I have noticed that my make-up stays put all day long even when its a 100 degrees outside! (And I thought "primers" were just glorified lotion. LOL!) Next product in the running is GoSmile. My teeth did get whitter and I had no trays, no strips and no gum sensitivity. Personally if you just need to get a couple shades whitter pitch the Crest White Strips and spend a few bucks more for this stuff! Moving on I have learned that the Obagi line I use has changed formula's. Boo!!! Since the change I now have breakouts! Double Boo!! So a new 4-step line I am using is Philosophy "On a Clear Day" and so far I think its working. I have also added DDF "Sulfur Therapeutic Mask" into my routine and this is the first over-the-counter mask that has cleared up a breakout in under 12 hours for me. I'm impressed! Blush wise I still stand by my Nars (Mata Hari) because of its matte, pigment rich color and I have been using Mavala Double-Lash formula on my eyelashes every night which claims to make longer/ fuller lashes. Hmmm... yeah its crazy but I swear my lashes have grown longer??

So moving on I need pant recommendations! My favorite pants are Express's "Editor Fit" pants. I rate them higher then the Victoria's Secret Christie Fit pants and now I have noticed that they have made bigger pockets that now leave the line across your thigh look and I totally hate that! So I need pant recommendations people! Who sells good tight fitting, figure slimming, butt lifting pants? You would think this would not be a huge dilemma but for me to find time to try on 5 million different pants all over Maryland with my work schedule is just not happenin so someone out there in blogworld pleaseeee help! LOL!

***I promise that the next post won't be in another 19 days:)

Happy 4th!

2008-07-04T21:17:00.010-05:00

Hope everyone had a great 4th of July! Today we hung out with mamas close friends at the neighborhood park.(Here are Kobi's best buds Tyler and Sean... I thought this picture was to cute not to share:)After about an hour at the park we were completely rained out and so the boys took it upon themselves to find creative indoor activities. Hmmm... is it just me or does this not look so "indoors"? LOL! Oh who cares they loved it!Tyler pretending to take my picture.And lastly even the 2, 4, 7 and 30 year old had to show off there Wii moves! We may not have seen fireworks but this view was just as exciting to watch:) Hope everyone had a safe holiday:)

Just Speaking Out Loud

2008-07-02T00:08:00.009-05:00

I came across a "Taiwanese-adoptee" blog today and felt compelled to read it. She certainly has brought attention to what I as an adoptive parent may face if I don't raise Kobi baby right. As I read her post she seems to have issues about not having the choice to have been adopted, to not grow up around other Asian/ adopted people and to feel this sense of "why me" or at least that is how I perceived it?? Reading her post makes me wonder "What did her parents do or not do for that matter"? She brought up a line that probably all adoptive children here all throughout their entire life, "It was fate that you were placed with this family". Now I am a person who believes in fate but I gotta say when it comes to my son's story as to why he entered into our family fate will probably never be the answer out of my mouth. To me YES I do believe that it was fate that our agency had one little man left to place before its closure and YES I do think the fact that all our homestudy and dossier paperwork was completed in record speed because deep down I knew my paper-pregnancy would never be easy. However to say that to the person (who will someday be taking care of me) is just not good enough in my eye's and I can see how that can be twisted in Kobi's head as to how he may think "fate made my birth family not good enough"? I can say we are extremely lucky parents to have the court papers we do because when Kobi reaches that stage of "Why" then I can read right off his photo-copied adoption decree that your birthmother wanted you to go to the best schools possible and to be raised in a stable environment thus making you successful in life. That she thought being raised in America Kobi would have little discrimination to face.

So how do we adoptive parents raise our kids to be issue free adults anyway? That should be a book they make us read for all those mandatory twenty hours of parenting classes. Either that or give us list of "adoptee-blogs" to read. Is putting up pictures of Taiwan around our houses, making our kiddo's take Mandarin from age four and up, taking them back to Taiwan for vacations, is that gonna do the trick? Because after reading this girls blog my head is just saying "What happened in her life that she seems to not have any closure"?

I guess I can only hope I incorporate enough Taiwanese culture in this white woman's house but thank goodness I live close enough to DC because maybe then Kobi wont feel like this woman does... like the only Asian person in an all white environment. If anything I feel misplaced because God knows I'll walk blocks before seeing another white folk! LOL!

I am sure many of you adoptive parents out there have heard this statement to, "Why did you want to adopt a child not of your race, Why did you choose Taiwan"? I'd love to hear others response on this. I guess for me I only looked into cultures that I loved, not because I just wanted a baby. After all if I just wanted a baby then I would have adopted the knocked-up next door neighbor kids:) That the fact that my son is clearly different looking from me had no effect on our decision but that the Taiwanese people I have met in my life did. That for me the way their country was created, the way that they handled their adoptions and the fact that deep down I would give up this Marylander life to pick my "a_ _" up and move overseas in a heartbeat is the main reason why this Kobi man entered our family... because I wanted a piece of something greater.

Boy I'm rambling in this post! Anyway... like I'd post without pictures. LOL! Here's from the park on Sunday and NO I don't have the "Kobi Marley" video yet but its coming:)

ABC's

2008-06-20T20:38:00.003-05:00

By Blogger request I will totally make a "Kobi Marley" video! In the mean time here is Kobi reciting his ABC's. Lets just say there is room for much improvement but still one cute 2 year old:)

*This video is very short*

One Lazy Day...

2008-06-15T21:59:00.015-05:00

and the biggest smiles ever! Happy Daddy Day! Today we chilled in the pool, got our tan on and celebrated what you might ask?

No More Braces! Woo Hoo! Mama's 7 month sentence is now complete. LOL!

On another note I must add that Kobi has a new talent! Singing! Yes people he knows most of the lyrics to Bob Marley's "Three Little Birds" and he recites them over and over again during the day. Nothing is cuter then hearing your 2 year old singing "Every thing's gonna be alright" :) Then there is his new infatuation. Star Wars! Yes this little boy loves Yoda! He cries if this scary looking Yoda doll isn't in his room at night and I hear him saying "Jedi mind trick" to it. OK... clearly this is all daddies doing:)

His language skills have really blown me away lately. I find it remarkable that he knows when to use English vs Mandarin. Since Kobi entered our family in 06' I've continued to speak Mandarin to him. Usually just basic phrases and I am finding that he speaks these phrases to his teachers and also complete strangers when he's out cruising the town with mama. Now the funny part is he only speaks in Mandarin when he is face to face with an Asian person, English with everyone else. When asked "What is your name" by an Asian person he responds "An-An". This is his Taiwanese nickname. He will also repeatedly say "Ni hao" & other small phrases. Isn't that funny? How does such a little person know this stuff?? Driving in the car yesterday daddy handed Kobi a toy (still in the box) and Kobi's response was "Scissors please".

What can I say other then... funny kid!

Faux Hawk It To Me

2008-06-08T00:04:00.004-05:00

Here it is guys! A "how-to-video" on the products I use, the way I cut Kobi's hair and the secrets I've learned to creating a long lasting "Faux Hawk". The video clarity isn't the best. Sorry guys the setting on the video camera wasn't for high-quality but I hope all you can see clearly enough my techniques. You know me... anything I can do to populate the world with more toddler faux hawk wearers! LOL!

*At the end of the video is a rolling credit screen of all the products I demonstrated with. As you can see in the video me placing the products 1 inch away from the camera lens was not the most legible thing to have done. If anyone else has got great products they'd love to share then do tell! I always love trying new things. Hope you guys enjoy!

Mar-lan-syl-vania

2008-06-01T20:37:00.018-05:00

This Sunday we took Kobi babe to a new state. Its Mar-lan-syl-vania! Some of you may think this mama has totally cracked but its true, its true!

Here is Matt's Uncle Al standing in Maryland but his beer is in Pennsylvania. LOL! What can I say... we had a great time playing at his cabin home that's right on the Mason-Dixon line:)

I think I have some new favorite Kobi pictures!

Here is Kobi's newest love... Miss Sarah.

What can I say. With the way Kobi gravitated towards her all day, I'm just glad she loves children! LOL!

Oh course no new post is complete without a flying mid-air picture! Daddy really is careful but his pictures don't always look like it.

Finally mama got her chance to throw Kobi in the air...

and don't forget to tickle!
We really had a wonderful Sunday playing outside! Kobi keep those smiles coming:)

Kobi's 2nd Birthday!

2008-05-20T06:07:00.002-05:00

This is a short video of Kobi's quiet birthday at home with just mama and daddy. Friday marked his second birthday and I am starting to think that he is finally grasping the idea of "presents":) We had planned to take baby Kobi to the DC Zoo this weekend and make our way over to Chucky Cheese but considering the fact that many of our local friends (with kids) are sick we opted to have a very calm birthday this year. This video is mainly just Kobi opening presents (and made for the grandparents) but hey there's music:)

Mama's, Birthday's and Bubbles

2008-05-11T16:28:00.015-05:00

Happy Birthday Daddy! (THE BIG 3-0!)

Matt's first picture as a 15 (I mean) 30 year old :) I can't believe I'm married to such an old man. (Hehehe!) Hope the next 30 years are just as exciting babe!

On Saturday we journeyed over to Aunt Cassie's house (Sherry's sister) to celebrate an early Mother's Day, Birthday and scope out aunties HUGE work in progress... the new pool!

Sure... it was totally freezing for mama's standards but Kobi had a great time playing with cousins and kicking the water.

I think Kobi was determined to jump right in.

After all that water splashing we found out what Kobi's newest infatuation is. Bubble gum!

I think this last picture is hysterical!

*On another note. This Friday is Kobi's 2nd Birthday. I have planned nothing! (I know I'm so behind on this... BAD MOMMY!) So does anyone have any good last minute ideas on where to throw a party or maybe a theme or something? I mean how awful is it to not have something planned? I need some advice on this topic. PLEASE HELP!

Im a Low Rider

2008-05-03T23:44:00.005-05:00

Today Kobi was given two bikes by Mrs. Vanessa (aka one of mamas best girlfriends) and let me tell you... he loves them! Thank You, Thank You!

On an even better note we are all "antibiotic-ed up" so we our feeling much better this weekend and with such nice weather today we just had to test out the new rides! Here's a short video of my low rider. I don't think baby Kobi will come in at all this summer with new toys like this outside:)

Oh No!

2008-05-01T09:55:00.002-05:00

Sorry guys we have:

Bronchitis

Tonsillitis

Laryngitis

and Pink Eye!

***I mean were only 2 1/2 people here! So sorry that the emails have gone unanswered and the phone just rings. Were to sick to answer right now but on a positive note... Kobi has gone back to school today. He's been pink eyed cleared via mama and I hope it stays that way! So wish us luck that we kick these bag bugs out of our house and it is ok to bleach everything... right? Now where'd that Lysol go??

(I had to throw in one cute picture:)

Up to Something

2008-04-22T20:43:00.001-05:00

Little boy what have you been up to?

With a face like that I'm guessing no good...

Pictures of Cuteness

2008-04-16T23:28:00.004-05:00

The shirt is covered in dirt much like his fingernails but I think these may be my favorite four pictures I've taken in awhile:)

Flip-Flop Ready

2008-04-10T19:06:00.003-05:00

Come on Spring!

Speaking of shoes... Kobi's new sneakers are huge! I will have to take pictures pronto for all to see. I was shocked to here that Kobi went up two sizes (now an 8XXW!) I swear I bought him shoes recently! Poor kid I've been squeezing size 6's on his sumo size feet. Whats next holey pants and social services? LOL!

6 Years Ago

2008-04-06T21:00:00.003-05:00

Happy Anniversary Babe! Still Love Ya:)

Party, Party, PAR-TAY... Party!

2008-04-05T22:56:00.013-05:00

Happy Birthday Baby Brady!

So today was the Brady-Man's 1st birthday! For all of you wondering who this beyond adorable little guy is, he belongs to one of my very best girlfriends that I have known since elementary school.

Now here is how the day played out. A 20 minute drive, meet and greet, say Happy Birthday then...

run for the swings! Brady's grandparents are the coolest! They had an awesome playset:)

Then we moved onto the tree...

and climbed that for awhile.

From there we spotted the baseball bat.

Then the ball.

Then the next logical thing seemed to be...

hit daddy with the bat!

Of course these pictures don't do Kobi's excitement justice.

He was so excited by the big kids (aka parents) playing football, wiffle ball, whatever, that he just kept running in their playing field with the bat. Yep... that's my kid hitting you with the bat!

Next thing this 1 year old remembers is being whisked away to the next party. That's right! Two parties in one afternoon.

At this party there were frisbee's (that Kobi rather wear), bubbles and people playing basketball.

Kobi's 1st Slam Dunk:)
So with a day like this here is Kobi pictured below after about one minute of being put in the carseat.

Night Night Little Man!

Can't They Stay Small?

2008-04-03T19:53:00.004-05:00

Already opening doors... such a gentleman!

Hey There Good Lookin

2008-04-01T19:35:00.017-05:00

I did it! Yes people I did! The old camera has been retired and a new (much cooler one) has emerged! I'm still trying to get the gist of how it works but have finally settled on the Nikon D60. It is so awesome to be able to just click, click, click away because God knows with a slow shutter speed and toddler running around I had had it with all the "missed good shots"! I am so happy with my new purchase!!! Can you tell? Apparently the D60 is also one of the smaller DSLR's out there and so I'm feeling oh so hip. Now if it only came in pink... LOL! I just wanted to thank everyone for their tips and advice. Trust me they were all fantastic and such a huge help in this department. Believe me... I am truly camera illiterate! :)

Of course I needed to throw one black and white in but I am just blown away by the Nikon's color! All these photo's were taken on the "Child's" setting. Who needs a manual this camera is fool proof!

Tub Time

2008-03-30T09:05:00.003-05:00

Isn't everyone this excited at bath time?

Happy Easter 2008!

2008-03-23T19:45:00.012-05:00

This Easter we had two very special guest...

and Kobi was beyond excited!

(Leaning in for the kiss)

For some reason I just love this "butt" picture:)

*Like I said these two puppies were GUEST! They belong to my sister aka Auntie Cassie and I think Kobi wished they belonged to him.

Hope everyone had as happy an Easter as Kobi!

2nd Day of School...

2008-03-20T08:47:00.004-05:00

Success!He still didn't nap but had fun dancing to his CD during school that was left in his backpack by a certain mama:)

*Extra bonus for the day:

Three new chairs have made their appearance!

Yep... the 3rd one is a beanbag but hey Kobi needed a new jumping toy. LOL!

Energized and Ready to Go!

2008-03-18T19:31:00.007-05:00

First off I must start out by saying a warm THANK YOU to all those cyber hug givers! You all are so awesome and really brought up my spirit since the last post:) Now moving straight to business...I so solemnly swear there will be no more mama meltdowns while you check in on "Kobi's World". All is good right now. LOL! The spa day on Friday did wonders. As I took some remarkable mommy advice to heart from fellow friend Kristen. The daycare situation has come to a cease-fire and dare I say it... Kobi just had his first day of school today! I was such a proud mama this morning when Kobi and I walked hand and hand right through the front door, down the hallway, greeting other children and marched right into "THE ROOM". Now I'm talking about the 2-3 year old classroom here people. Where my son is greeted by other 2 year old comrades immediately. Now a part of me seems to think "How could it be this easy?" Could my Kobi man actually take right to his teacher and surroundings just with a snap of the finger? Wishful thinking! All I can say is the "terrified yell/ screaming marathon" roared its ugly head from the moment I left the room until (from what I've heard) the moment daddy came for pick-up seven hours latter. There was no nap to be had, endless tears and my Kobi man portraying Gandhi as you guessed it... he refused to eat. So on a lighter note here are some Kobi pictures that were snapped "pre" school/ daycare.

Honestly I don't have a clue how much longer the crib will last. The mattress is literally resting on the floor and yet Kobi looks like he could climb out whenever he very well pleases.

Certainly not a photogenic picture but doesn't he look like a 3 year old? He may be the youngest in his class but I kid you not he's got some height on those other kiddo's. Must take after his daddy:)

Wish us luck tomorrow as we make yet another debut at school. Were gonna need it!

Exhaustion

2008-03-11T20:15:00.002-05:00

Yes people I am exhausted this week and I've said it! :)

Kobi is a healthy little perfect angel of course but this week has brought a realization to me. As most of you know that I am a 40 hour a week working woman on top of that whole parenting thing. That both Matthew and I are blessed to have both our parents living about 10 minutes away and helping us in our daycare needs and have the best coworkers in the world for allowing us come and go as we please (figuratively speaking). So why you might ask could I possible be exhausted? Yes we were given these fabulous parents that are supportive and would do anything for us but on the other hand not only do I feel as though I have to raise Kobi as an active member of society, bring in a pay check thus sending Kobi to the best schools I can, keep a clean home and finish home projects, plan Easter and have time to simply take Kobi to the park, along with an array of endless self accomplishments that I have mentally given to myself but I've also been blessed with "old" parents. Not that that's a bad thing but I have a mother who goes into diabetic coma about once a month (and she's the healthy one) a father that's never recuperated after open heart surgery, a mother-in-law that is very, very sick right now (and hopefully its not TB... a whole other story in itself) and I think to myself are all families like mine? I love my parents dearly but at 27 should you already be telling your parents things like "You have three children and you should start thinking of who you want to take care of you"? These are the things I have let run through my mind today. So now you see why I'm exhausted. All that plus the fact that now it has hit me like a brick to the face, Kobi needs to go into daycare. I have missed another day of work because all three of mine/ Matt's parental units are sick (extremely sick) and the idea of being a stay-at-home mom truly has me saying FABULOUS except that whole needing to eat part. So again exhaustion has set in. On the plus side with having an extra day off I have had time to tour a "what appears to be" wonderful little person's academy but I guess I will know for sure tomorrow when Matthew is taking off from his schedule and scooping out the place, plus meeting with another promising daycare provider that works out of her home. Now that I am finished with my rambling (and I hear another glass of wine calling my name) I feel the need to say something uplifting and positive because trust me I am not this person who is a "venter". That wants people saying it's OK, its just a bad day, I'm sorry blah, blah, blah. That's so not me! So in a happy note (Drum roll PLEASE...) Kobi has used the potty! And I'm talking the adult, full size potty! Forget the potty chair people! Yes I may be cleaning pee pee off my bathroom walls, curtains, mirrors, etc (the joys of having a boy) but right now I feel as though there has been an accomplishment. LOL! Now let us all cross our fingers that tomorrow Kobi will find the potty to be as cool a place to be as today. LOL!

We Found A New Park!

2008-03-02T16:31:00.010-05:00

That's perfect for a 1 year old:)

Now if I only had my video camera when it was time to leave. Let's just say Hello Terrific Two's! (A little early)

Calling All Blog Readers...

2008-02-28T21:25:00.002-05:00

My camera has got me feeling like this!!!

Exhibit AExhibit B Do you see the difference in these pictures? What the heck!? I have the Olympus Stylus 710 and all I can say is that one day it just stopped working right. Now these pictures were taken at Kobi's 18 month check-up. In an effort to rid the stress out of my life (Laughing hysterically here) I decided to give my Olympus Stylus 710 to my dear husband of 5 (or maybe 6) years to fix. That being said Kobi is now 21 months old and something just tells me that unless I magically meet the original camera maker in person then this Stylus 710 is toast. So that being said... WHAT DO YOU ALL RECOMMEND??

Under $500 dollars that is and that takes quick shots.

PLEASE HELP:)

Its a Snow Day!!!

2008-02-22T14:24:00.009-05:00

Yes people we have snow (and ice) so in honor of mama's day off Kobi and I started jumping on the bed...

Notice the walls are no longer red? I'm trying to have a more calming look throughout the bedroom (you know with a 1 year old jumping trampoline style on my mattress:) Next we made our way down to the "Little-Person-Free-For-All-Zone". Which usually looks like this but I have changed out the rug and curtains... oh and new chairs are being made in Texas as we speak! What can I say, I spend way to much valuable time shopping. Moving on...

Forget hanging around the family room the mail box is a much cooler place! (Like 40 degrees cooler)

(No sheep were harmed in the making of this hat)

Hope all you fellow bloggers had just an exciting Friday as us! Now time to make hot chocolate:)

So Big

2008-02-20T19:57:00.006-05:00

Hard to believe that Kobi's only one in this picture. It make's me wonder... just how tall will you be when your 20 little man? At 21 months he is now 35 inches and weighs in at 27 lbs! Thats a 3 lb drop in the past couple months and "NO" this little man is not on the Atkins Diet. We can not get him to eat meat for the life of us right now! All vegetables this boy! Is it possible to be born vegetarian cause if so then Kobi has been. All children love beef noodle soup right?? Nope! Not this kid. As I watched daddy enjoy his Vietnamese food tonight (packed with beef) I looked over at Kobi who was solely content on eating mama's tofu, white rice and vegetable's. What can I say... he must get these eating habits from observing me or the biological side or something?? LOL!

So tonight I also sorted through Kobi's closet and look what I brought out. His Gotcha Day clothes!Look his pants have now become capri's!!(December 18th 2006, 7 months old) A baby face close-up then...and now. He still has those adorable ears but look at that mouth full of teeth!

Playground Bound

2008-02-09T21:05:00.000-05:00

(Kobi modeling all of his personas)

He is a go-getter...

He is a thinker...

He is determined...

He is wild...

He is crazy...

Plus he's all mine:)

With the biggest baby feet in town... he's definitely in the right family! LOL!

When you actually sort through pictures...

2008-02-06T23:01:00.000-05:00

Sometimes you find ones that say "When the heck did I take that?" Anyway... I thought these were cute and so here you are world :)

Beach 2007

Playing in August(Look at those lips)Playing at Pop-Pops & G-Mama's house in JuneIn all likelihood a mama and Guru shopping excursion:)Kobi in his "pre" walking daysA very serious photo attemptOne year ago (Kobi's 1st real snow fall)

Has he really been with us for only 13 months?? It feels like forever...

I truly have seen the face of Taiwan adoption change since I started the process in May 2006. Back then my husband and I waited 57 days to see our son's face. 57 days was all it took for us to finish our homestudy, dossier and receive the referral of our son. The wait was an arduous six months after that and trust me it felt like an eternity but now it is all a distant memory. I truly sympathize for all you waiting families out there. I can not imagine what you are feeling as you watch your own wait times grow from 57 days to 365 days to 2 years and so on. I pray that you all have a more stable "mental" foundation then I surely ever did. As you all know I love to follow adoption blogs and to share in your journeys to all those beautiful children. Watching "Gotcha Day" videos and just seeing the happy, smiling faces of the families that traveled before me really help to keep my sanity during the long wait. So now I feel compelled to share my home movies and my millions (and millions:) of pictures with you all to maybe help you get through a day when you check your email and the agency hasn't responded or the packet thats suppose to arrive dosen't. Just hang in there and trust me it will happen... until then you can check out what Kobi's been up to.

***On a special note***
Kobi's newest (clearly spoken) sentence's are:

Ni Hao Ma? (How are you?)

What The HECK?!

Yes... my son is finally speaking some Mandarin. Go figure?? I just can not believe he listens to me. LOL! He has been talking for a long time and I am extremely happy with the way his language has developed. He has been saying small words together for quite sometime now and they all usually come out very clearly. However the other day when I walked into his bedroom (early morning to get him ready) he stood up in the crib and with a huge smile said "Ni hao ma?" I got to say my heart just fell right in my chest! I couldn't believe how perfectly he said this sentence!! I will try my hardest to get a new video of him talking.

Now you may be wondering when he said "What the HECK!?" Again a very proud mama here:) I was totally tossing him in to the carseat when I hit his huge head (I mean bumped it) on the car door and looked down at my son's big beautiful brown eye's (checking for a concussion) when he looked right at my face and said "WHAT THE HECK!? Again I just could not believe how perfectly spoken this sentence was!! Now please don't turn me in to child services... LOL:)

Three Ladies and a Little Lad

2008-01-29T19:03:00.000-05:00

So this past Monday Kobi and I had the pleasure of meeting these two fabulous fellow bloggers:) I gotta tell you I think Kobi and I have new shopping buddies!! YEAH!!! Here's a look into our day...

Trim and Refined

2008-01-24T10:39:00.000-05:00

Refined... yeah right but trimmed YES! So do you ever have one of those days when nothings going quite right and you arrive to your usual color appointment and just say "Take it all OFF!" So goodbye long locks after all your just hair:)