Chinese New Year

Today we went to the FCC Chinese New Year celebration. This was the first year at a new location and it was great. The old location was nice but this place had a lot more space and lots of grassy areas for the kids to play. It was made even nicer because the weather was perfect, nice and sunny (I even got a little bit of a sun burn.)

They had face painting, which Lauren loves and course was the first thing we had to do. They also had a balloon artist. He is the best balloon artist I have ever seen. They have him every year and he is amazing. He can make anything, from dogs and cats to a mermaid and Cinderalla. It is pretty wild to watch him work.

They had a large area for arts and crafts. They had a bunch of project and then just some coloring pages for the kids to do.

They had a ton of games including a cake walk. I am happy to report Lauren won one round. They also had bean bag toss and ring throw and many other fun games.

They had a ton of balls, hula hoops, Chinese yo yos, sand toys, and etc. They also had a rock climbing wall and a few jumpy houses.

Of course they had great food. There is a Chinese food place here that has catered the event for the past few years. It is Lauren and my favorite Chinese eatery. The owners have a daughter that was also adopted from China and they have the best food. They always provide a nice spread.

In addition to all the fun things that FCC brought the place is a park and had a huge sand area that the kids loved. Lauren loves to play in the sand so she was in heaven and spent a long time just playing in the sand.

There was a few really neat things they did this year. They always have dancers and other entertainment but this year they ended the day by having all the kids go up on stage by province.

They had all of the kids come on the stage when they called their place of birth. It was kinda of a parade of provinces. They then had the Dragon dance to end the day.

The other neat thing they did was give each child a lucky red envelope. Inside was ticket they got to take to the Lucky Ticket store and get a small gift. I thought that was such a great idea.

I was so impressed with all they did. It was so well planned and so thought out. It was the best one we have ever been to and Lauren is already looking forward to next year.

Happy Valentine's Day

Looking at all she got in her Valentine basket.

Already for Lauren

Ready for school party.

Preparing Valentines for her friends.

I admit I am a total sucker for any holiday. Now that I have Lauren it just gives me a reason to have fun and celebrate every holiday. Although I will admit that Valentine's Day is probably the biggest Hallmark holiday, I still think it is fun. I love the little cards and all the hearts and the pink and red it is just so much fun. It brings back fun memories of when I was little.

We have been doing Valentine projects for the past couple of weeks. This included making Valentine cupcakes, cards to classmates, a Valentine box and other little things.

This year I decided to do a count down to Valentine's Day. Everyday this week I would put a card and little present in her Valentine mailbox. It was actually the mailbox that gave me the idea. We got this mailbox kit one day and Lauren had so much fun decorating it and then writing little cards and letters and putting them in the mailbox. I thought she might enjoy getting a letter and surprise each day. It was fun to see how excited she got over a card and dollar gift.

Valentine's Day started with Lauren getting her Valentine basket. She was so happy to get a stuffed animal. She must have over 50 but it is what she loves the most. I know that if I get her a stuffed animal she will be so happy. She carried her new ape everywhere we went. Later that day we went to my brother's house and had dinner with them.

The evening ended with chocolate and strawberries. A few years ago Lauren was really into Dora. One of the books we had was Dora's Valentine Day. In that story, Dora and Boots have strawberries and chocolate and Lauren has wanted to do that since reading that story. This year I got the stuff and Lauren and her cousin had a great time dipping the strawberries into the chocolate. They both looked so cute with chocolate all over their face. It was a great Valentine's Day and I was so lucky to get to spend it with my sweetie.

On Valentine's day I had her Valentine's basket waiting for her in the morning. I told you that I love to celebrate. Holiday's also give me the chance to dress up my little girl in fun holiday clothes. I know that she will be over that in a few years so I am taking advantage of it while I can. Lauren is a good sport and will wear what I put out.

Update on Jacob

Lauren and I went to my brother's home last weekend. It was the first time I have seen Jacob since he was in the hospital a few weeks ago. At that time he didn't look too good. His color was bad and he was having a hard time breathing.

I am totally amazed at how good he looks. His color is so good. His cry is stronger and he just looks so much better. He has had two treatments so far and although they take a long time I think they are helping him. He is still not gaining enough weight and they are thinking of putting a feeding tube in him. Gain some weight little boy!!

For now I am just amazed at how good he looks. I am so happy for him and his mom, dad and sister. I know this has been a stressful time for them.

Lauren's First Softball Game

Today was Lauren's first softball game. I have been looking forward to her playing softball. for a long time. I played softball when I was young and really enjoyed it. I hope Lauren grows to like it also. (I am not sure she is that thrilled with it now!)

Lauren is in the youngest age group. The "games" are are coach pitch for the first 5 pitches and if they don't hit the ball then they hit off a tee. All the girls bat each inning. The fielders try to get outs but it does not matter if they get everyone out or no one because all bat. Also, if they do get someone out the person stays on the base to get use to running the bases. This age group is to really just teach the fundamentals of the game. It is not about winning. As the season goes on they learn more and more. Right now the focus is on hitting, running the bases, fielding and throwing. They are just starting to learn where to throw the ball.

Lauren hit the ball pretty good. She hit each time from a coach pitch. Her fielding was ok. I think she got a bit bored (see picture above) at times. But most of the times she paid attention.

The girls have to wear a ton of safety items. They have to wear the full batting helmet. The helmets come in one size and as you can see even on Lauren's big head it looks big. They also have to wear a mouth guard. That is the pink thing you see in her mouth. It can't be comfortable to wear but it is a rule. Lauren played with hers the whole time she was in the field.

I can't believe how grown up my little girl looks in her uniform. She is getting so big. She tried hard and I was proud to be her mom.

Hair Update #1

Two and a half weeks after accident. I think it is growing a little. I can't wait until it is covered and the scalp is no longer showing.

Three days after the accident.

Taking Pictures

This is hard to admit, ever since Lauren's accident it has been a bit hard for me to take pictures. I usually take pictures 3 to 5 times a week. For the past two weeks I think I have picked up the camera 2 times. I just feels so guilty about what happened. I wish I could go back in time and make different decisions. I feel so bad because it will be years before things are back to the way they were. I know it is just hair, it just makes me very sad that she has to go through this.

Last weekend, Lauren asked me to take some pictures of her helping with chores. I took a few of her and then put the camera away. I finally down loaded the pictures tonight and I am so amazed at Lauren.

She is such a beautiful girl. She is a healthy, happy and fun loving little girl. I am so proud that she is my daughter. She is so strong and although the hair bothers her she goes on with life!! I want to be more like her.

Super Bowl

The Super Bowl is over and the Arizona Cardinals came up a bit short. They tried hard and kept it exciting.

It was a fun week and everyone was so shocked that they were even in the Super Bowl. This past weekend it looked like Christmas all over again. Everyone was wearing red and just in a good mood.




We went to a Super Bowl party and although we left at half time it was a fun time. Before we left I got some pictures of Lauren cheering for the Cardinals.