Visit with the Lymans

I will always be grateful to the Lymans for their support and friendship during my time in China. I want so much for Aubrey to continue her connection with her Fuzhou cousin, Gracie Lin. It was wonderful to see them again. So glad Aunt Mo got to meet them. Aubrey was very shy and quiet at first -- so different from how she was in China with Gracie Lin (she was all over her on the red couch). Once we got off the beach and up to the pool, she started opening up. Aunt Mo played some music and Aubrey started dancing and playing with Carter and Gracie Lin. She loves to dance!! Aubrey had a great time at dinner, imitating everything that Carter and Gracie Lin were doing across the table. So happy the girls were able to see each other again and hope to at least be able to do that once a year when the Lymans vacation in Boca Grande. Thank you again to Paula and John for your kindness during our time in China --  I will  never forget it and will be forever grateful to you. We loved seeing you again!

On my way to see Gracie Lin!!

Love this photo of Aubrey hugging Carter-- will always remember the first laughter I heard from my sweet girl was when we chased Carter and his big brother Parker in the hotel hallway just 3 days after we met.

Future Marathoner

Aubrey and I just made it in time to see Uncle Timmy cross the finish line for the Marco Island Half Marathon. She was so excited to get her first marathon medal from Uncle Timmy! Uncle Timmy must really love Aubrey Mei to give up one of his special medals. She loves wearing it. Uncle Timmy came in third in his age group and got a cool award for that -- how great it was to be there to see that. We had a great time that day hanging out by the pool with Goppy, Uncle Timmy and Brian.

Uncle Timmy and Brian after the race -- He doesn't even  look tired!

Admiring her medal from Uncle Timmy

On the run already -- I see a marathon in her future!

Looking cool in my flamingo shades from Goppy

Uncle Timmy receiving his special award-- congrats!

First School Picture Day!

I know many of you told me on January 4th, my first day back to work and Aubrey's first full day in daycare (we call it school), things would get better. I just could not believe that was possible at that time. Not sure who cried more those first weeks, me or my poor Aubrey Mei. The pain I felt leaving my girl in daycare, no one ever could have prepared me for. I remember the days before I met my sweet daughter-- how I would casually talk of daycare and never realize the feelings associated with this time. I never, ever wanted my precious daughter to ever feel abandoned, wanted her to know her  Mommy would always be there for her. The pain and sadness I saw in her eyes those first 2 weeks -- I will never forget. I know she knows now her Mommy is coming back for her every day, but she did not know that those first few days and I sit here now crying at the thought of how sad and scared she may have felt. How I wish I did not have to work or had thought of some other way that we could have stayed together and she did not have to experience that fear and sadness. But that being said-- what a difference time makes. It probably took about 3 weeks, but my daughter is now excited to go to school. The report I get from her teachers are all positive, they love her there and I can tell she is well cared for. They tell me often how amazed they are with her and how advanced she is.  She now gets excited to go to school and we have to look in the mirror each morning to check out how beautiful she looks and then she runs to the door with Aubrey bear (her special lovie bear from Kathleen that goes to school  everyday with her). I get to see my precious girl during nap time almost everyday during my lunch time. She is always sound asleep and I get to give her kisses and pats on the back in her sleep. The teachers told me the other day that at nap time she went to all the other kids while they lay on their cots and patted their backs-- that's my sweet, sensitive girl! They love to watch her slow motion dance moves-- Aunt Mo says it looks like Chinese exercising, must admit it does look like she is incorporating some Tai Chi into her dance moves! Speaking of Aunt Mo, I will be forever grateful to her for being there for me and Aubrey those first few weeks in school. She would pick up Aubrey early on Thursdays and spend some one on one time with her until her Mommy finally got out of work. What special days for Aubrey to have Aunt Mo all to herself - thank you, Maureen. (you will never know how much that meant to Aubrey's mommy).

Happy girl outside her school with her special Aubrey Bear

Admiring her own artwork!

Aubrey had to wear her ladybug outfit with matching hat from Aunt Mo for Picture Day

She loves her mirrors!!!

Aubrey did not know I was there yet --loved seeing her interact with the other kids. So proud of my girl.