Christmas In July...and other craziness!

Long time...no post!

Last week was the annual Deaf summer camp I've been involved with for many years. I direct the middle school group and this year I was lucky enough to have an awesome co-director, Emily. I just love the middle school age group. The kids are past the home sickness and wet beds of elementary school and not quite to the hormones and drama of high school. I started out years ago working with the elementary school group but have found my home with the middle school kids. It's so much fun to see the kids each year and realize that the kids I had in elementary camp are now in the high school camp. What I don't understand is how they're getting older and I'm not!

The theme this year was "Christmas in July". We had a lot of fun with the theme including Bible lessons about the true Christmas story, a signing Santa, Christmas decorations, gingerbread houses, and more. Many of our campers have difficult home lives and really look forward to coming to camp. I don't think this year was any exception. It was so much fun to see their faces light up at the Christmas trees, lights, stockings, and all the trimmings.

For the last two weeks I've done very little but eat, sleep, and drink summer camp. Well, that's not entirely true. See, I have this little beauty in my life now...so camp had to take a bit of a back burner! I've never had to divide my time before. I've always been able to arrive at camp on Saturday and leave the following Friday and not have to think twice about what was happening at home. Tony is completely self sufficient and actually looked forward to the week I was at camp so he could rent all the movies I never want to watch like Diehard 1, 2, 3, etc. Naturally, I didn't stay overnight at camp this year. Honestly, I spent very little time there at all!! When I was at camp I was worried about what was happening at home...when I was at home I was worried about what was happening at camp. I think that's what's called...being a parent!

A week ago Saturday I headed to the camp grounds with Lily, Katie, Sadie, Jamie, and RB to unpack, meet all the counselors, and get everything set up. Where was Tony you ask? Well, he stayed at home waiting for the guy to come and set traps for the RACCOON that decided to move into our attic Friday night!! Yup, that's right. A raccoon decided to come through our attic vent and take up residence in the "pent house". You can not believe how much noise one animal can make. The funny thing is Lily slept right through it! So did Katie and Sadie (who had spent the night to help me sort through all my camp stuff)! The not so funny part is that Tony and I didn't sleep a wink!!

Two of Santa's elves

Sunday I headed back to camp to welcome all my kids back for another year. What I learned this year is that as much as I love my campers (and I really do love them!) I love and wanted to be with my little Lily so much more.

On Monday Lily was with a babysitter (her cousin Katie) for the very first time and everything went great! Tuesday...well...not so much. I ended up passing myself going to and leaving from camp! Unfortunately, it's an hour drive each way.

Tony worked half a day on Wednesday so I could go to camp in the afternoon and evening. Tony brought Lily down to camp and the 3 of us were able to catch the elementary kids do their Talent Show. Too cute!

On Thursday I didn't go to camp at all. I've never missed a day of camp (or an hour of camp for that matter) until this year. As it turns out it's a good thing I didn't go to camp Thursday because Lily took her first 2 steps! I would have been heart broken to have missed that! What was funny is that she just kind of...did it. I wasn't holding my arms out...or coaxing her...or anything. She just pulled herself up on the couch, took two steps, got the funniest look on her face, and then plopped right down. I was really hoping she would do it again for Tony but she hasn't taken another step since!

Lily also had another first on Thursday. Lily climbed up the steps, crawled over to her highchair and signed and said "Eat" as clear as a bell. Now, she has done this a bunch of times since Thursday so Daddy has had opportunity to see and hear her. This brings Lily's vocabulary to a total of 5 words and 4 signs. She says: Daddy (Dad DE), Mommy (Me Ma MEE), Hi, More, and Eat. She signs: More, Eat, Finished/All done, and Bottle/Milk. By the way, if Lily says "Hi" to you...please say "Hi" back. If you don't she will keep saying "Hi" at ever increasing decibel levels!

Mommy, can't we have Christmas in July right here? Do you have to go to camp???

Friday morning Lily, Katie, and I headed to camp and then Tony took off early and drove down and picked up Lily and Katie. I hated to ask Tony to miss time from work...but camp is incredibly important to me and even more so to my kids! I can't tell you how many times kids have told me that camp is the best week of their year.

Another thing happened this year...that Tony reminded me happens every year right after camp...I got sick. I think it's a combination of burning the midnight oil getting ready for camp and then being around 130 kids and 60+ volunteers for a week that always does me in. I can't wait for my doctor's office to open in the morning. There is definitely a Z Pack in my future!

We are already planning for Tony to take a week of vacation next year while I'm at camp. That way the 3 of us can stay at a hotel not too far from the camp and I can spend the day with my campers and the nights with Tony and Lily. This will be a lot easier on everyone!

On a separate note, yesterday was Dave and Jason's birthday. Happy Birthday...a day late...guys!! Jason is due home in just a few days from his time served in the United States Marines. We are all so proud of you, Jason, for serving our country and we will be so thankful to have you home safe and sound!

Lily Lovin'

It's taken 3 months...but Lily has figured out she has love to spare! Since the moment we met Lily has been very affectionate with me...but has not been willing to "share the love" with other people.

For the first time on Sunday afternoon Lily kissed her Daddy. The moment was priceless and I wished we had gotten a picture of it. Since our very first day together Tony has been showering Lily with kisses. Lily is very comfortable with her Daddy and loves to snuggle with him but had always more or less had a poker face when Tony kissed her. Well, on Sunday Lily was sitting on my lap and when Tony gave her a kiss Lily puckered up and kissed him right back. I'm not sure who was more surprised...Tony or Lily! You should have seen the look on Lily's face! She was so proud of herself!! Me, being the emotional basket case that I've become....cried. No surprise there! Tony was positively beaming and as always was the Proud Papa.

Knock, knock.

Who's there?

Oh, hi Daddy! Sure, I'll mail that letter for you.

Lily absolutely hates when Tony and I hug. If she's not part of the action she doesn't want anyone else snuggling! I know you need to make sacrifices for your children but not hugging Tony is not one I'm willing to make! So, we compromise and make a 'Lily Sandwich'....we hug with Lily in the middle. Lily just loves this! The other day when we made a 'Lily Sandwich' Tony and I smooched and Lily puckered up and joined right in. It was soooo cute!

Lily is also beginning to share her affections with her extended family. Lily has started to raise her arms for other people to pick her up. She has done this with Aunt Pappy, Aunt BaBa, and with her Dad Dad. Needless to say, she has them eating out of the palm of her hand!

It is so much fun to see Lily gaining more confidence every day!

The Moment We Met

It has been 3 months today since we first met our sweet Lily. The time has absolutely flown by. But...for a few moments 3 months ago time absolutely stood still.



Looking at this video now the moment still seems surreal. We had been told by our guide what to expect when we arrived...we would enter a conference room...there would be a brief speech...then we would be called up to meet our children.

When our travel group entered the conference room our precious girls were all there waiting for us. We were ushered to one side of the room and the nannies (who were holding our little angels) were on the other side of the room. After waiting for what felt like a lifetime the only thing separating us from our daughters was a large conference table.

The travel group that had their appointment before ours was finishing up and the Civil Affairs staff was trying to get them out and our group in and seated.

Of course, Tony and I spotted Lily as soon as we walked in the room. We waved to Lily and blew her kisses. The nanny holding Lily told Lily we were her MaMa and BaBa and waved her little arm at us. Then suddenly the nanny just kind of walked across the room with Lily and walked right up to us. We were shocked! There hadn't been any speeches, the other nannies hadn't moved...so, what was going on? Were we allowed to touch Lily? Could we stand up? Would we get in some kind of trouble for not following protocol? We were being asked to please be seated and all we wanted to do was jump up and hold our sweet baby! As you can see...that's what we did!

There are no words that can describe the pure joy we felt at that moment. I can't imagine there will ever be a time when watching this video clip will not take my breath away.

Jim, thanks so much for taking over the video camera in the "Delivery Room" so Tony and I could share this amazing experience together!

Snick, thanks for providing such awesome step-by-step instructions so this YouTube novice could post this video.

How Big Is Lily? SO BIG!

Lily is just changing and growing faster than we ever imagined possible! Every day there's something new. In the last couple of weeks the proof has been undeniable. Here are a few examples:

I have a new name and I absolutely love it...it's...Me MA MEEE. It is the cutest sound I have ever heard (even at 2:00 am). The funny thing is is that the "MA" part has a distinct New England sound to it. I wonder if we flew over Boston on the flight from China to DC?

We had to lower Lily's crib mattress to the lowest possible setting. Tony and I had Lily in her crib the other day while we were hanging a few pictures in her nursery. When we turned around she was trying to swing her leg up and over the side of the crib. Yikes!

We've had to start buying the next size larger in diapers. She still fits in the Size 3's but just barely...so 4's it is!

Lily is now drinking out of a sippy cup. We still sneak in a few bottles but she definitely loves her sippy cups.

Some of the clothes we brought with us to China we would need a shoe horn to get on Lily now. I have to tell you, it made me a little sad to pack up some of those outfits!

Lily is not walking independently...yet...but she's close...very close. Lily loves to stand for long periods without holding on to anything. Lily may not have taken her first independent step but when she is standing she loves to swing her hips from side to side. I tell you that girl has her Daddy's rhythm! Lily can also now get herself from sitting to standing by just pushing off the floor.

Lily's 9th tooth (a molar) is almost all the way in!

And on the not so pleasant front...Lily has shown us her stubborn streak. About 2 weeks ago we were out with Patti and the girls and had a great time. When we were leaving I tried to put Lily in her car seat and all he!! broke loose. We're talking arched back, stiff body, and high pitched screaming. Because I'm a rookie mom I thought, "Oh no, what's wrong? Is she hurt? Is she sick? Is her diaper a total mess? What could it be???". It took me a few minutes to recognize that what I was witnessing was Lily's very first temper tantrum. Not pretty!

This has happened a few times in the last two weeks when either getting in her car seat or her highchair. We've learned the best way to handle these episodes is to pretty much ignore them. Stay calm, act as if everything is just peachy, and eventually Lily decides she might as well sit down!

Life with Lily is so much fun...we can't wait to see what tomorrow brings!

Lunch With Aunt Teresa

My Aunt Teresa is my Mom's youngest sister and the Teresa of my Teresa Joan (TJ). People are always so disappointed to learn that TJ is short for Teresa Joan. They always want it to be an abbreviation for some absolutely hideous name. Nope, Mom named me after her two youngest sisters Joan and Teresa. Unfortunately, my Aunt Joan (who was also my Godmother) passed away several years ago. It's a good thing that Mom showed restraint and only named me after her two youngest sisters. If she named me after all of her sisters my name would be a mile long!

Mommy Teresa and Aunt Teresa smiling at me.

Aunt Teresa and her husband, Bob, were out of town and weren't able to come to Lilypalooza. So...yesterday we got together for lunch so Aunt Teresa and Lily could meet. Dad and Patti joined us and the 5 of us had a great time! Lunch was delicious and the conversation was even better!! With as busy as life can get it's always great to get together with extended family and catch up.

Peek-a-boo!

Aunt Teresa gave Lily a positively beautiful quilt that her friend, Annette, made. The fabric on the quilt is bright and beautiful and has parrots on it...for our little Parrott! There is also a fabric square that has my favorite picture of the 3 of us together! I took a few pictures but none of them capture how beautiful and colorful this quilt truly is. Thanks so much Aunt Teresa and thanks to your friend Annette, too! It's so good to know someone got the talents that so completely passed me by!

This picture does not do the quilt justice!

I like this one...and that one....

Sure, Aunt Teresa the crayons are nice...but...can we get back to me taking one of your bracelets??

It was great to see you Aunt Teresa! Let's get together again soon!

Happy Birthday Beanie!!

Yesterday was Christina's 8th birthday. For almost 8 years Beanie was the baby of our family. She has made the transition to "Big Cousin" beautifully!

We all got together at Patti's to celebrate all the recent birthdays (Clare, Ryan, Katie, Ed, and Christina). Just imagine what a mumbled mess that rendition of "Happy Birthday to You" sounded like! Happy Birthday Dear, Cl..ry..kat..ed...tina, Happy Birthday to you.

Um Christina...don't look now but there are worms in your birthday cake!

Jamie, is it me or was that the worst singing you've ever heard!

I imagine for the next several years we will continue to celebrate Lily's birthday separately. You know, Lilypalooza 2...and 3 and 4. But eventually Lily will be added to the summer birthday bunch. With a family this size if we don't group celebrations together we would be having a birthday party every other weekend!

Lily had a lot of fun and it's so much fun to see her warming up to her cousins!

This is so much fun! I love playing with you guys!

Maggie and Christina are you sure this is a hot potato? It sorta looks like a ball to me.

Happy 4th of July!!!

In our little town the 4th of July is a very big deal! There are various activities throughout the day including children's games, a parade, and fireworks. People literally set their chairs up to view the parade days in advance. For the life of me I've never understood that one! Each year my family attends the parade together and then we head off to various picnics and neighborhood celebrations.

This is what I'm wearing to the parade? Are you kidding me??

Somehow I forgot about the millions of fire trucks...with sirens blaring...that lead off the parade. Honestly, I think they bothered me more than Lily!

One of the many, many fire trucks

Mommy, how many fire trucks do I have to wave to???

Our friend, Mr. Jim, is the second flag carrier from the right. He's usually really silly...but during the parade he was all business!

Thanks Miss Elayne for my red, white, and blue dress! It was perfect for the parade!

Is he delivering Mommy and Daddy their iced teas?

As the parade was ending the skies opened up and the rain came pouring down. We got quite wet on our walk home! After the rain let up we went to a picnic at a neighbor's house and had a great time. Mother Nature decided to provide her own fireworks last night so the town's fireworks are postponed until Saturday. Since Lily is asleep before dark...we'll have to wait until next year to catch the fireworks!

PS - Happy Anniversary Dave and Patti!

Happy Birthday Ed!!

What's on the grill? That doesn't look like Captain Ed burgers!

Today is one of my favorite people's birthday...my brother-in-law, Ed. I would tell you how old Ed is turning...but...I can't count that high!

Ed and Mary Beth got married during my senior year of high school. Ed and my brother, Don, played on the same rec softball team. Patti and I knew something was up when Mary Beth asked us if we wanted to go watch Don's game and then made us change our clothes into outfits she had picked out. Why did she care what we looked like to watch Don's softball game?? Once we got to the field it didn't take us long to figure out that we were strictly there as cover!

When we were growing up my mother had a rule that we had to call anyone more than 10 years older than us Mister or Misses. Let me tell you the fun Patti and I had calling Ed...Mr. Ed. Of course, that didn't last long but it sure was fun to torture him! Speaking of my mother...Ed was Mom's favorite. No, I don't mean favorite son-in-law. That's a given! I mean favorite. Period. Oops. I almost forgot about Patti. Okay, so Ed was a very close runner-up as Mom's favorite ;-). When Mom talked about Ed her tone of voice changed and she always called him "My Ed". My Ed this...My Ed that... It was really very sweet. Little did Mary Beth know when she married Ed she had married a saint!

Uncle Ed, would you like a piece of my cake?

Ed is a thoughtful, kind, generous, loving person. He is a wonderful husband to my sister, a great dad to my niece and nephews, a terrific son-in-law to my parents, a fun and loving uncle to Lily and my other nieces and nephews, and the best brother-in-law a person could hope for.

A little to the left Uncle Ed...ahhh...perfect!

Happy Birthday Ed! We love you!!!!

An Aunt T, Beanie, and Lily Day

Over the years Christina and I have had a sort of tradition of having some Aunt T and Beanie time during the summer. We don't really have to do anything special...just be together. Sometimes we do crafts, or go to the park, or to lunch with Uncle Tony, or go to a petting zoo, or....sometimes we do all of those things in one day! It really just depends on our mood.

Last Friday was our first Aunt T and Beanie Day since we brought Lily home. Really, it was an all the girls day....Mary Beth, Katie, Patti, Sadie, Christina, Lily and Me. But, for part of the day it was just the Three Musketeers. All the girls met Dad Dad for breakfast. After breakfast Christina, Lily, and I headed off on our own. We came back to our house and played together for a little while before it was time for Lily's nap. After Lily went down for a nap Christina and I worked on some crafts. Christina made a beautiful butterfly suncatcher for Uncle Tony's office.

The World's Best Mommy's Helper!

Christina is a SUPER Mommy's Helper and I just knew she would be! Several times while Lily was napping Christina crept up the stairs to check on her. Christina also kept her ears glued to the baby monitor in case Lily made a peep. Once Lily was awake Christina helped me change Lily's diaper and feed her. Christina even got a chance to be "the baby" for a few minutes and climbed into Lily's crib.

Friday was a really dreary day so in the afternoon we met up with the girls again at the mall. Christina pushed Lily in her stroller and was an AWESOME driver! Christina paid close attention to where she was going and was very attentive to Lily all afternoon.

Christina, Sadie, and Katie took Lily on her very first Merry-Go-Round ride! I assume she did fine....I can't even watch those things without feeling nauseous!

The 3 of us had a great day and I hope we will be planning another Aunt T, Beanie, and Lily day soon!

I didn't bring my camera with me on Friday so I thought I'd include a few more shots from Lilypalooza.