She Cut Her Hair

Yeah, you read that right. Little Miss cut her hair. Last Saturday I took Mia to get her hair ever so slightly trimmed. It had grown down between her shoulder blades and it was getting so easy to style. I wanted to shape it up a bit because this Saturday she's having professional pictures made and she's going to model in a fashion show. So Sunday I walk into the dining room where I had all the homeschool supplies in piles on the table, including a pair of scissors, and what do I see on the floor? Half a pigtail. In a chunk. On the floor.

I asked Mia, "What did you do?" She replied, "I cut my hair." "Where is your hair, Mia?" "It's over there, on the floor."

Like no big deal what-so-ever. I was livid. Livid. I had to just walk away and call a friend.

She got in trouble for playing with scissors without asking. But, as far as cutting her hair, I guess she thought since she'd gotten it cut the day before that she'd see if she could do it too. We've now thoroughly reiterated that she is NOT to cut her hair.

I took her the next day back to get FOUR inches cut off to even it out, and it still didn't make it even. In order to absolutely even it out I'd haveto cut it short to the base of her neck! So, we're improvising now and I'm hoping it doesn't show in the pictures or the fashion show. I think I'll just braid it, but that wasn't the original plan.

I don't have a camera handy, but I'll post pics of the fashion show as soon as I can.

Swimming & Glimpses of a Teen-to-be

Mia's godmother takes Mia to swimming lessons once a week. She got a couple cute pics of Mia loving the pool.




After swimming, I guess she needed to text someone. Can you just see the teenager she's going to be? Yikes!

Just So Sad...

Tina just posted on her blog that the finality of her journey came tonight. Her agency has handed out the last of the referrals they will be able to give before the September 1st deadline. This just breaks my heart for Tina and for everyone else who has been grasping with all the hope they can muster that they could be matched before the deadline. Tina especially though. Because of her own adoption from Vietnam. Because of her heart to return to her birth-country and volunteer at an orphanage. Because the orphanage she chose was my daughter's orphanage. She was a blessing to my child and to me personally. I didn't know it at the time she was there. I didn't know her. But, she found me on the internet through a picture I had posted of Mia's orphanage. She sent me the youngest pics I have of Mia. If anyone deserved to build their family through Vietnam adoption it is this woman. She has lobbied for VN adoption, she has personally cared for the orphans. This just breaks my heart and quickens my prayers that VN will reopen, ethically, soon.

I'm sorry Tina. I am so sorry and I hope you find peace in your heart.

Hijacked Blog

Since I don't have a blog specifically for my other kids (they would be MORTIFIED!), and I don't post pics with their faces on my other blog, I'm hijacking Mia's blog to post about her big sissy. Big Sissy just got back from her internship in Mexico. She had a great time, but she's exhausted and a little bit sick with sniffles. Of course she hooked right back up with the kids she's gotten to know in the orphanage she worked in. This is her fourth year there. I know she's struggling emotionally leaving them again. She gets really attached. She writes letters to them throughout the year and sends birthday and Christmas gifts to them. It is her desire to actually live in Mexico doing medical work after she gets out of college. We'll see. Here are some of the kids she loves. And what is so funny is that as much as she complains about her younger brothers, she attaches really quickly to the little boys. She loves the girlies too, but the boys are her favorites.

An Angel's Face

click on the picture to enlarge and look at that face! sweet baby girl!

Little-Miss-Mia is now Little-Miss-Clingon. I left her for five days to go to a conference for my job (amazing conference!). Three of those days she spent with her godparents who spoiled.her.rotten. haha That's okay though, that's what godparents do. She had a great time with them and has talked non-stop (what else is new) about her time with them. But, since I've been back she's been attached at the hip. She even has wanted to fall asleep with me every single night. And this is the girl who puts herself to bed.

I left her today at her grandmother's house so I could go to work and she wanted to make sure I wasn't leaving town again. She's not traumatized by any stretch of the imagination, but I was away, her big sissy has been in Mexico for two weeks, and it's all been a bit out of her norm. I've been happy to get some extra snuggle time from her though. Usually she's a hug and go kind of gal.

These past few days since I've been back have been nice with her. Although, we've had a couple of times where her attitude has needed adjusting. She's gotten quite free a couple times with blatantly telling me "no!" and sternly refusing to do what she's been told. I guess she's figuring out boundaries again. But even in those times, I just look at her little face. She overwhelms me. She has the face of a little angel and I just want to squeeze her tight. When I look at her I thank God all over again for her. And, even when she's being a defiant almost four-year-old, I just can't believe God chose me to be her mommy. Amazing.

I love the two photos in this post. They were taken at her godparents' home back in May. And, embarrassing as this is, the man holding her is her godfather's brother...and I can't remember his name. Mia is so blessed to have this extended family that loves her so much. Her godmother jokes that we're going to have to hyphenate Mia's last name. ha!

Independence Day

I hope everyone had a happy Independence Day. I get all emotional every 4th of July when I think of how amazing our freedom is. We are so blessed!!! Woooo-hoooo FREEDOM!

We decided this year just to stay home and cook out, just for our family (the six of us). However when husband went to start the grill (his temple of manly maleness) he found an unwelcome mouse guest. There was a huge deer mouse in his grill. I cannot tell you how hilarious it was for me personally to see his shrine had been invaded. When I say that the man covets his grill I kid you not. It's not just any grill, it's like an extension of his manhood. And trying to get the mouse to exit, haha, oh that was hysterical. I actually felt bad for the mouse. Trust me though, husband was not amused by insistence on over sterilization (is there such a thing really) of the grill once mouse was gone. Flames for a long loooong time.

Mia was excited all day about the "boom-booms". It was all she talked about and actually started crying when the sun wouldn't hurry up and give nighttime a turn. Finally we went to do the fireworks. We went outside and as soon as we got out there my stupid %&#$@$# neighbor set off a screamer near Mia with no warning and scared her. She started shaking. She wanted back inside immediately. All the pleading in the world and I couldn't get her back out. I was so mad, not at her, but the *&%&%#$ neighbor. I even tried to get Mia to watch them out the window. She wouldn't have it. She just wanted to play. She finally let me go stand on the deck outside her playroom so I could watch my other kids and husband have fun. My daughter did get some photos, they didn't turn out too hot, but I got to see a little of what I missed.





What I got to watch instead of fireworks, Mia playing with her laundry machines:






Sigh... Oh well. Happy July 4th!

Ways to Find Fun Part 2 (photo heavy of course)

Mondays are fun days. (sorry Bangles, they really are) I'm off on most Mondays, and so is Kimberlee's mom. Monday is usually the day we get the girls together to play. This past Monday we met at the park about 10 in the morning. It was beautiful and the weather was perfect. The park is next to a lake and the breeze coming off the lake was awesome. Mia's favorite part of the park is the sandbox. (Which happens to be my least favorite part of the park.)



Mia is trying to motivate Kimberlee to play in the sand too.


Kimberlee is much less impressed with sand and wants to play elsewhere. Isn't she adorable in the glasses!?!


We picnicked next to the water and enjoyed the breeze. Check out Kim's face. I gave her something she didn't want to eat. I don't remember what it was, but her expression was killing me!





One thing I've noticed between Kimberlee and Mia, is that Kimberlee is way more brave than Mia. Mia would not go down the big slides until Kimberlee had done it over and over. She finally got up the nerve. And, of course, she loved it.


Pet Peeve Alert! People who let their kids put dirt or sand or whatever they can find on the slides and 1)don't correct the behavior and 2) don't clear the mess off!


I'm so proud of Kimberlee. She can pump her legs and swing waaaay high in the air. It's amazed me because she's so small. She's three but she's tiny.


Mia will swing, but not for long. She doesn't seem to enjoy it after a few minutes. She's never on the swing long enough for me to teach her to pump her legs. She still prefers the baby swing. Again, Kim is just more daring than Mia is.


This is "Mia's Castle". It's a log fort structure at the park. The snarky look is because if you'll notice the body limbs hanging from the top of the structure, well, Mia wanted them off of her castle.


By the way, if you click on the picture they'll get big enough to see. I didn't realize when I uploaded them how small they'd show up.

Ways To Find Fun & A Praise God!

Mia has had such an awesome experience this spring. For any of you that know me, you know that I love wild birds. Mia has picked up my love for the birds. She likes to help me fill the feeders and she waits patiently by the window to watch for the birds to come eat and play. This year we had a special treat. In a tree close to our house a family of mocking birds made a nest. Mama mocking bird has been so cool! She comes close when we're outside and "talks" to us. Anytime we pull up to the house she lands near by and sings to us while we're getting out of the car. She and Mia have quite the conversations! She laid two eggs and both of them hatched. She has let us watch her babies, from a close but safe distance, every since they hatched. A couple weeks ago she began to teach them to fly. Mia and I sat in the grass near the nest and watched her babies hop on the tree limbs and stretch their little wings. They screeched and peeped at her begging for berries. Mia loved watching Mama bird feed her babies. It has been a great learning experience for Mia. I'm forever grateful to Mama bird for helping me teach my baby about nature and nurturing.

Here's some pics of our new little neighbors.
















We have a new play place in town. We went to check it out last Monday. Mia loved it. It is large space comprised of play areas. The areas are pretty cool. One is a veterinarian's office complete with stuffed animals, examination table, doctor's tools. Mia loved that one. Another is a complete grocery store, another an art shop where you can make art using various mediums, another a dress up room with puppets and dress up clothes, an indoor playground, an indoor camping area, and Mia's favorite the water play area. All I can say is that the smocks were not Mia proof. She was still soaked head to toe. I'd thought I'd taken some great photos, but only one actually showed up.



And for the praise God... When I got home with Mia I learned that Mia had a horrid e. coli infection that had scarred her kidneys and damaged her urinary tract. She's taken medication every night to help fight infection and help prevent any further scarring. Last week she went for her check up where she had to undergo another catheter and something akin to live x-ray (but it wasn't like ultrasound). She did beautifully! She was so relaxed ~ that alone was a huge answer to prayer. The techs pulled the computer screen around so that Mia could look at her "insides". It was really cool, I have to admit. But, now she's obsessed with the thought of "insides". We talk about insides and who all has insides and what insides consist of etc. many times throughout the day. All that aside, the huge PRAISE GOD is that the tests revealed that there is NO SCARRING, none, where there was once scarring, there is scarring no more. She is also completely healed. Healed completely, as in no issue to be had, no more medication, nothing. It's all gone, it's all over. THANK YOU JESUS!!!!

The Graduate

Remember this post? Well, in mid-May (yeah, I'm a little late) Mia graduated the Three-Year-Old Preschool class, complete with Pomp and Circumstance! The little program they put on was great. It was short. Just my kind of ceremony! (and there were cookies too!)

Mia HAD to get all decked out in the tackiest "princess" dress she owns. It's a Baby Lulu with iridescent organza-ish netting and fake flowers...right up Mia's alley. It wasn't the dress she was supposed to wear, but she insisted. Since it was her night, I caved. I know, what else is new. She of course had to have the "princess braids" to match. Again, I caved.

the dress


the hair


So, all gussied up she went. She had practiced her little songs and rehearsed the hand motions. She loves to dance and sing. But, when she got on stage, it was like she'd never ever heard the songs before in her life. Oh well. She looked pretty.

the diploma


Mia's big sissy took a bunch of video and pictures but they didn't turn out too great. But, you'll get the gist of it. Mia's in the front row, second inward. That's Kimberlee (who DID remember the hand motions) on the end next to Mia.



I can't believe how fast that year went by. Next thing I know, it'll be her high-school diploma...sigh.

Thank You Lord

As many of you know I am watching my father's health slowly and painfully decline. It has really made me reflect on life and those whom I love so dearly. I'm amazed at the Plan, and how certain things collide in order for other things to happen. I know most of the world has probably already came to the very conclusions I'm just now realizing, but for me they are all new territory.

In addition to the reflections on life, death, and love, I have also been in deep thought regarding all that is going on with VN adoptions. Most of you all know about Mia's story and how her adoption was unplanned and a complete miracle. I am so thankful right now that I do not have to question Mia's adoption (other than the wondering about her first mother). I am so thankful that I have this little angel in my life, and that I can look at her and say, "your mother delivered you to the orphanage" and not have to second guess myself in wonder if her mother was actually paid, bribed, or threatened by an unscrupulous evil-doer looking to exploit her and her child.

My heart aches for all those panicked right now about whether or not they will be able to complete their adoptions. My heart breaks even more for all the mothers who have been cheated out of their children for the financial gain of evil people. My heart breaks the most for the innocent children. Yes, I know that other countries adopt from VN, but not near the numbers that US does. Yes, I also know that the numbers are one of the reasons corruption has been bread. But, none-the-less, it is the children who inevitably will suffer. Wouldn't it be wonderful if we all spent the money we do for adoptions on providing for the children we now cannot adopt? Is the money only worth it to us if we get to bring the children into our homes? Okay, I won't start this on Mia's blog. I may on the other blog, but not here...

So, anywho, like I was saying before I got a bit off track, I am so thankful. I recognize how blessed I am. I realize how precious life is and how important it is to cherish and cling to every moment we have with those we love.

Speaking of love, just look at the enamored look on Mia's face for her big sissy. It amazes me, with adoption, or the birth of a new baby, how from no where love can well up and grasp a complete hold on you.

Apologies

I haven't had the chance to update too much. There hasn't been too much Mia wise to update. (How many times can I tell you just how wonderful she is, really?!) I'm dealing with my dad again. I've updated what's going on with him on my other blog.

I have been reading your blogs. I haven't had the mental strength to leave decent comments and thoughtful insights. I'm sorry, but I do want all of my blogging friends out there to know that I am trying to keep up, and I do care!

Lord's Prayer ~ the adorable way!

My boss sent me a link to this adorable little angel:

Tidbits

Today we celebrated Mia's biggest brother's birthday. We took the kids to see a movie. It was Mia's first movie theater experience. She was SO excited she couldn't stand still. She had no clue what we were talking about when we told her where we were going but she knew it must be something thrilling. I tried to take a picture of her and she could hardly stand still because she was just wanting to hurry up and go.

She was an absolute angel. We didn't even have to tell her to be quiet in the theater. She just knew. She was ALL about the popcorn, oh my goodness. I had to finally take it from her. (I HATE popcorn! uck!)

going to the movies




On a different note... I finally got a couple pics of Mia playing with Kinhly via iChat. I can't get on the computer without Mia asking to see Kinhly. She talks about her all the time now. If I tell Mia that we can't talk to her at the moment, she'll say, "maybe later, okay, mom, later?". It's really sweet.







On a third note...
Tina over at http://secondgenadoption.wordpress.com/ found this blog and we've been chatting. I told her about the DaNang Gang, and bless her sweet heart, she had more photos of Mia, and Kinhly, and Kimberlee. The youngest photos I've gotten of any of them. Madeline, my dear friend Kathy Golden's daughter was in the pics too, but I think Kathy has younger photos. It's so awesome knowing most of the families of the toddlers who were stuck in the shutdown together. I think I may go on back to the Asian festival again this May to meet up again. I was debating it, but I think I may just give it a go again. At the least so Mia can see her orphanage palls again. It was really neat seeing the even younger photos of them that Tina has. Thanks Tina!!!!

Here's probably the youngest photos I've gotten of Mia: (one I already had but the other was new to me!)