New blog

It's been a long time since I've updated this blog. We're all doing well. Another year older, maybe a little wiser.

Recently I've turned my blogging attention to another topic that is near and dear to my heart - "living more with less." We took a big leap of faith 18 months ago which led us to many lifestyle changes. Come on over and read all about it at Simply Life.

And since this blog has been all about the two latest additions to our family, here are a couple of photos from Halloween 2010. Too cute!!

Between two Gotcha Days

A little more than a year ago Melinda joined our family. A little less that three years ago, we were in Taiwan picking up Alex. On either side of those travel anniversaries, they each have birthdays. Alex turned four a week before we celebrated Melinda's '1 year home' adoption day, and Melinda will turn two just two weeks after Alex's '3 years home' adoption day. So from mid-September to mid-November it is one celebration after the next with these two. I can't think of a better way to spend the Autumn!

One Year Ago


Today (believe it or not, that's a smile)


Three years ago

Today

Writing, finally

One of the things Alex has shown absolutely no interest in - ever - is picking up pen (pencil, marker, crayon, chalk or any other writing implement) and putting it to paper (or any other surface). In fact, from early on he was down right emphatic about not participating in anything remotely related to writing. Finally that is changing! He's taken an interest lately in the big chalkboard easel in the playroom, drawing great sweeping circles around and around. He's always loved circles and it's been fun to see him enjoy creating his own (finally!). Tonight we had an even bigger breakthrough. His very first person:



and his very first attempt to write his name (I've highlighted each letter to help you read it - A in yellow, L in blue, E in green and X in magenta):


I am one proud mama!