To Infinity and Beyond...Our Story of Becoming a Family.

What a week this has been! On the surface it looked like just a typical week in the summer, but we did so many things! Of course we spent time in the pool because it has been so hot, but we also experienced some new things.

Tori turned 17 months old today. We can't believe how fast she is growing and how much she is learning. It really is amazing. She can be quite the little imitator, like holding her nose and blowing raspberries at the same time trying to sound like Daddy blowing his nose. She has also started to copy things like "uh-huh" and "mmm-hmmm."

Last Monday we went to one of the malls just to get out of the house, and we found Tori's dress for her baptism. We aren't sure yet when that will be, hopefully within the next month. But I love the dress, and can't wait for her to wear it!

On Tuesday we took Tori to Gymboree for a play class. We knew we had to do something because this little girl is a monkey! She loves to jump and climb and she has no fear, so we thought we better channel this energy and mobility creatively. The class is for children her age, and she had a great time. She liked being with the other toddlers too, although at that age most of them like to play on their own and/or be by mom and dad. Tori likes to stand in the middle of the action and watch first and then plunge right in. We had fun with her learning over and under which was the theme of the day. We signed her up at least for a month and we will see how she enjoys it. We were there an hour and as soon as we got into the car she promptly fell asleep.

Wednesday's lunch brought a new taste in food. Tori had her first egg salad sandwich. She pretty much lived on scrambled eggs while we were in China, so we figured she would like it, and she did. Something new to add to her menu.

On Thursday we took Tori over to the marina by our house to see the ducks. We had never done this, so it was a new experience for us too. At first we were a bit nervous because as soon as we got out of the car we could see a whole flock of ducks and pigeons swimming and flying toward us. A couple of the larger ducks came waddling over a bridge. So many people feed them that when they see cars stop they figure they are going to get a meal. But they were a well-behaved lot and didn't push their way or try to bite or peck. Tori wasn't afraid at all and loved being around them. It was a great way to spend 15 or 20 minutes, and next time we will be sure to bring a supply of bread.


Thursday's mail also brought with it Tori's Certificate of Citizenship. Jaydee thought she was over the emotion of it all, but when she opened the envelope it all came rushing back and there were quite a few tears. Accompanying it was a letter from the President welcoming her as an American. The sentiments expressed in it were quite wonderful and it will be something to cherish. We thought it fitting that she received it the day before Independence Day, and it was even addressed to her.


Tori's first 4th of July as an American was a bit low-key. We went to a party at a friend's where she got to wear her new red, white, and blue dress and red sparkle sandals that Tutu bought her. She dined on ribs, barbecued chicken, baked beans and watermelon. She had a great time playing with her cousin D'Anna who is thrilled that Tori can now say Nana. On our way home we saw the most spectacular fireworks display over the bay by our house. Tori kept pointing at them with her little index finger every time they exploded. Since fireworks are legal here, our neighbors were popping some and Tori was excited to watch them. She wasn't afraid of the noise and maybe they brought back some memories for her of China and the Chinese New Year celebration. She fell asleep a most happy and contented baby.

We look forward to another week of more fun family time and adventures and we wish all of you your own great family time.