Sunday, March 29, 2009

Thursday, March 26, 2009

Sweet Sixteen

Ting Ting's big sister Lauren turned 16 on St. Patrick's Day.


She shared her green braids, wearing some to high school and giving Ting Ting one to wear to preschool. That night we enjoyed a nice dinner out.

Where does the time go? When Lance and I married, Lauren was just 10.





She hates that photo. So here's one taken on her 11th birthday:









And here she is in her last days as a 15-year-old . . . wearing the hat I bought her the year she turned 10.


Ting Ting just loves having her beloved "Alla" here every day, and so do we (even when "we" have geometry homework). Happy, happy birthday, Alla! We love you.

Wednesday, March 25, 2009

Life goes on

Wow, it's been awhile! You probably wonder what we've been doing.

Well, first of all,


Ting Ting's big sister Lauren ("Alla") moved in with us.

So why not put on the brand-new Easter dress (tag still attached) or your St. Patrick's day hat and make some silly faces?



Ting Ting loves having her big sister around every day.

As for me, well, there's work:



Also, I've been busy following Holly and Chip's trip to China to get Lola. They're home now, trying to readjust their body clocks (and not just because of jet lag!). It was a joy checking in every day and watching as the lovely Lola revealed more and more of herself to her new parents.

Also, I read a book! A real book! For pleasure! It was heavenly; I can't wait to tell you about it. Readers who have adopted from China will find it especially interesting, but I think a lot of folks will like it just because it's so compelling.

Ting Ting took her first trip to the dentist:


She did great!


And the princess had some company.

More on all these topics -- and more -- in the next few days.

Meanwhile, I have to get to the office . . .

Saturday, March 07, 2009

Friends


The girl loves that cat. And he's a good boy, too. Just look at this shot:

Despite the wild look in his eye, I can assure you that no kitties were harmed in the production of this blog entry.

Tuesday, March 03, 2009

And they're off!

Hey, everybody! Chip and Holly leave for China Wednesday afternoon to pick up Lola. Stay tuned.