Me and My Wee Ones

The Nutcracker 2009

noreply@blogger.com (Margaret M) — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 02:55:00 +0000

This weekend was filled with the Nutcracker for the wee ones and I. Graeme made his debut and Lily Wen danced in it for the second time. I may have mentioned a time or two how Lily Wen LOVES/LIVES to dance. Each day, she comes home and puts on her leotards and dances all evening. She takes two dance classes on Monday night and then HAD to be in the Nutcracker too. This had her dancing 2-4 nights a week for the last few weeks and she has been in heaven. Graeme got roped in by association but don't let that sweet face fool you. He LOVED it at least the performing part and I have been told by several friends that he stole the show on Friday night. There were four performances so here are some of my favorite pictures!

Lily Wen, Graeme and Makenna

Waiting to dance!

My beautiful son doing the minuet.

So so CUTE!

He really did well!

Ice Princesses, Lily Wen, Lily and Lucy

She kept sneaking and adding to her make-up!

Ready for the tap dance finale.

Graeme and the girls!

Katelyn and Graeme

Graeme at the end of day one. Dancing just wore him out!

He added something to each performance.

Lily Wen performed her first solo. She was excellent!

The Dance of Enchantment

So focused

Tap dancing

Each year Lily Wen gets a Nutcracker to add to her collection.

I started Graeme's collection this year with a Pirate Nutcracker!

Kyle, Boone, Graeme, Lily Wen and Adeline

Just me and the wee ones before the last performance. Such a pretty first snow!

All that concentration to bow!

Next years Christmas card!

2 Lilys

After the Christmas parade, they performed one last tap dance.

I love watching them dance. The Nutcracker is over for another year. Christmas is just a few weeks away and yet there is so much to do. I am one blessed Mom. I am off to wrap presents and sing carols. I found my Christmas Spirit in the eyes of my wee ones.

Happy Birthday Lily Wen!

noreply@blogger.com (Margaret M) — Sun, 29 Nov 2009 14:35:00 +0000

I love you so much Lily Wen. You are just growing up way too fast for me!

1st Birthday - You had just been home 2 months and you were so CUTE!

2nd Birthday - we had just moved to Kentucky
3rd birthday - the Louisiana celebration4th birthday, you were High School Musical obsessed

Lily and Lily Wen turns 5 with a Fancy Nancy party
Lily Wen and Lily are 6 with their babies Rosie and Sally

I am the most blessed Mommy in the world to have you as my daughter!

Introducing: Cameron Lewis M.

noreply@blogger.com (Margaret M) — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 02:41:00 +0000

My nephew, Cameron Lewis, was born last Saturday! These are some of the first pics. He is such a cutie!

He is so sweekt sucking his fingers.
My sis, Jodi, and her son, Cameron

So Alert

The whole M. family! Rodney, Cameron, John Christopher, Jodi and Luke

Proud brother, John Christopher.

Proud brother #2, Luke (I am trying to get Lily Wen and Graeme to stop calling him baby Luke because there is a new baby in the house. Lily Wen said that she would just call him Lukey!).

Stone Mountain

noreply@blogger.com (Margaret M) — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 01:58:00 +0000

After we left American Girl, we went to Stone Mountain for the day. We went with Amanda, my Godsis and Jeff, a friend I had not seen in many years (20+). It was a gorgeous day and a beautiful place to be. We rode the train and later, a cable car to the top of the mountain. We went on the Polar Express 4D experience and we are still talking about it. Graeme and Lily Wen loved climbing on all of the rocks.

Amanda at the edge!
Graeme waved the whole time the train went by! He was amazed. We took him for a ride on the train and he was so excited initially. Then, the rocking of the train almost put him to sleep.

While waiting for the parade, the mischief began.

Graeme and Lily Wen had a great time playing with Jeff.

The day at American Girl and Stone Mountain was simply Fun! I love how Graeme is eyeing his sister's hot chocolate in this picture.

The following pictures were taken by Jeff. He has taken some amazing photographs and I spent the day trying to learn from him. These are only a sample of the shots he captured.

A Christmas Parade, musical shows and gorgeous lights. Now, I have the Christmas Spirit!

American Girl!

noreply@blogger.com (Margaret M) — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 02:44:00 +0000

We went on an early birthday trip for Lily Wen to Atlanta. All she wanted for her birthday this year was to go to this store so I took my American Girl to the American Girl boutique.

The anticipation...
Take the picture Mom....I'm ready to go in

She took her bitty baby DeeDee. The night before we went, I could hear Lily Wen talking to her baby and telling her about going to meet her sister. Little did I know that she was on her very own adoption journey. She knew exactly which baby she wanted and she had already named her, Rosey.

A forever family, Lily, Dee Dee and Rosey

The new Mommy

So I guess this makes me a Grandmother. I mean I am old enough to be a grandmother. I just didn't think that it would happen while my daughter was turning 6!

Yes, Rosey was taken care of even when her Mommy took a "break"

Lily Wen coming home dressed like her baby.

We got to stop and take cousin Caroline to dinner. FUN FUN FUN!

I LOVE FALL!!!!

noreply@blogger.com (Margaret M) — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 01:10:00 +0000

I grew up in Louisiana where Fall was a time of year but not really a SEASON. I love Fall and the gorgeous array of colors that nature displays. I am amazed by it every year. After a week in the house taking care of Lily Wen who has had the flu, we all needed a little time in the sun and the LEAVES!

Graeme helps Pastor John rake the leaves.

Our friends, Lily and Heather

Just me and my wee ones!

I was in my 20s the first time I jumped in a pile of leaves with my sister. I loved watching my kids play with Lily in the leaves today. I thought we were through the woods (and in the leaves) but Lily Wen has a slight fever again this evening.

Halloween....Excellent!

noreply@blogger.com (Margaret M) — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 01:57:00 +0000

Halloween with Just me and my wee ones! Trick or Treating and a Fall Festival! Amazing Day!!

Graeme and 2 Lilys!
Lily Wen
Lily

Graeme

Thanks for the earrings Aunt Verna. They really make the costume, don't you think? Well that and the green faux hawk!

After years of going as 'just a Mom', I went for the Queen of Halloween! It was FUN to dress up with the kids!

Makenna, Lily, Lily Wen and Emma

A little spider won't hurt anything.

Born just days apart on opposite sides of the world and ultimately given the same name. Amazing Friends!

My crew with Jailey!

Stephanie, Carl, Laura and Eliza...friends from OZ!

My friend Kellie and her wee one, Mark Thomas

Visiting with our mermaid friend, Jenna

The face of, "I think I ate a little too much candy!"

Happy Halloween!!!

noreply@blogger.com (Margaret M) — Sat, 31 Oct 2009 12:54:00 +0000

These pictures were taken earlier this week for a church Halloween activity. I am so glad that the wee ones got dressed up in the pretty fall weather because it is raining and much colder today! We are still planning to trick or treat later and then head to a fall festival!

Graeme is a pirate (again!) and Lily Wen an Arabian Princess!

Hannah and Lily Wen

Graeme and Captain Zach

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!!!

A Day with Graeme!

noreply@blogger.com (Margaret M) — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 01:15:00 +0000

This week, I took a day off from work to spend with Graeme and his class. We went to a pumpkin patch that is closer to our home. I was not going to go since we had just gone to a pumpkin patch but I just couldn't resist. Could you resist this face?

He was so excited because he got to ride the big bus and I followed along with all the other parents in our cars.

He spent lots of time with his buddy, Caleb.

I loved watching them explore.

They found the creek and started throwing rocks. I think they would have spent the whole day there!

For Graeme's fans who think that he smiles all the time, he doesn't! Even when he is not smiling, he is quite expressive!!!!

So SILLY

Can't we get a BIG pumpkin Mom?

Just a Mom and her boy on a beautiful Fall day! I am so glad I took the time to go with my weeest one. He won't be wee for much longer and I don't want to miss a moment!

Graeme is FOUR years old! Happy Birthday Wee Boy!

noreply@blogger.com (Margaret M) — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 02:39:00 +0000

This is quite the long post with a SURPRISE at the end so hang in here! Graeme is turning 4 tomorrow and we celebrated all weekend. We went to Lexington and had a Pirate party with both sets of his Godparents. We had a fabulous weekend and he was so excited.

A Cake made for a Pirate

Graeme with his stack of presents

For those who know him, he continues to be an excellent eater. He ate almost an entire container of spinach and artichoke dip.

He demanded a pirate party! He told everyone that is what he was having along with a wink and an ARGHHHHH for emphasis!

Graeme and "The Godfather" (Mark David)

Mel and Brian with Graeme (what we all wouldn't do to see that smile!)

Graeme LOVED his pirate cup holder (THANKS SARAH!) and his ship! Lily Wen is in character.

The day after the party, the celebration continued at Bi-Water Farms

Lily Wen spots the perfect pumpkin

Pumpkins, everywhere, Pumpkins

Becky and the wee ones on the hay ride

Graeme

Lily Wen

We got lost in the corn maze but oh what fun it was!

Our search for the perfect pumpkin ended in these great finds!

Graeme kept seeking out the mud and he found it with his bootie

Becky found the perfect tiny pumpkin

Graeme was too busy laughing to do any work

They loved these things and would have spent the day here!

My wee farmers

For someone who is so into pirates, he was not so into this one!

A very tired wee boy after a very festive birthday weekend!

Graeme's Godparents (yes, he NEEDS two sets) Mel and Brian have BIG NEWS!

Today, they received prior approval (FINALLY) to adopt this sweet wee one

Soon to be Amelia! We can't wait to meet her!

Say special prayers for a speedy LOA and travel approval so we can get her home for Christmas!!!!!

5 years ago today...

noreply@blogger.com (Margaret M) — Tue, 29 Sep 2009 02:08:00 +0000

I met Xiu Wen in a civil affairs office on the other side of the world. I had dreamt of her and prayed for her and finally, I was in the same room with her. I still can not describe how I felt when I held her for the first time. My Lillian Christine Wen was in my arms. Amazing!

We have celebrated Lily Wen's fifth gotcha day all day today and I do have pictures. This Mom is simply too tired to post them tonight. So it gives you something to look forward to later in the week.

I go to sleep smiling for I am the one Blessed as I was the one chosen to be her Mom. It still gives me chills. I have this beautiful, creative, energetic, vivacious daughter. I am hers and she is mine. Life just doesn't get any sweeter!

Our trip to West Virginia!

noreply@blogger.com (Margaret M) — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 00:15:00 +0000

A week ago we went to West Virginia to see my cousin and his family. We had a wonderful (long overdue) visit. They met Graeme for the first time and I believe the Love was mutual.

One of my bloggie friends asked if Graeme smiles in his sleep. Well, I'm not sure if he smiles but I do hear him giggle sometimes while he sleeps!

Lily Wen discovered the bars and she was determined to master them!
Look at her determination

And her joy as she moved her body from bar to bar!

Graeme loves Alison!

He mimicked her every move!

Alison, Graeme, Karen, Lily Wen and Mike

Me with all the kiddos. Even Evan made an appearance!

This is one of my favorite pics from the weekend!

A little guy bonding time

It was wonderful just to be with family!

Rejoining the blogosphere

noreply@blogger.com (Margaret M) — Thu, 10 Sep 2009 01:17:00 +0000

I am trying to come up for a breath. The beginning of this school year has been soooooo unbelievably busy. I have just had to let some things go like housework (let's face it, it never was a top priority for me) and blogging (this I have missed). I feel like I am breaking the surface and hopefully can be more consistent! So without further ado...the pictures...

Lily Wen's REAL first day of school. She did great and I survived!

Lily Wen and Lily in the shirts that Lily bought for them. These girls love each other. I was told by Lily Wen's teacher that they seek each other out at breaks.

Then, Lily Wen had to dress through the decades for school. First was the 40's, I had left my camera at a friends and missed that day. Oops! For the 50's, the picture was taken at the end of the day after the return of my camera. Thank goodness her Halloween costume from last year still fits.
Ahhh, the 60's Peace and Love

My 70's girl. This was Lily Wen's favorite outfit.

Last but certainly not least, the 80's. Lily Wen went with the "rocker 80's" look complete with Big Hair. It was fun to drop her off. I noticed all the kids who were dressed in a preppy style with side ponytails and then there was my girl. My Rocker!

Lily Wen LOVES Kindergarten

noreply@blogger.com (Margaret M) — Thu, 13 Aug 2009 23:57:00 +0000

On Monday, Lily Wen and I went to the big school for Jumpstart. She was able to meet her teacher (who we already knew!!!) and her classmates. She was so excited and you already know how I was feeling.

My Lily Wen walking to the "big school". Doesn't she look too tiny to go?

Playtime

Maleah

Lily Wen and Maleah

The class explores the school while hunting for the Gingerbread Man who ran away!

Even though Lily Wen and Lily D are not in the same class, they managed to find each other throughout the day and walked out together.

They were both thrilled with their special day.

The first real day of school was yesterday. Lily Wen was so excited and kissed me at the door of her room to let me know it was okay for me to leave. I cried the whole way to my school. Thankfully, I had an extremely busy day and so that was all the time I had to give in to my emotions. I could not get there to pick her up fast enough. She had a Wonderful Day! As for me, I didn't cry today so there's progress!

Embracing Change or NOT

noreply@blogger.com (Margaret M) — Mon, 10 Aug 2009 03:24:00 +0000

I am struggling to go to bed tonight because I know that life as I know it forever changes tomorrow. I am usually one that embraces change and looks forward to new situations so why am I struggling tonight? I think maybe it is because I have just had enough changes for one year. I think I have met my emotional quota this year. Some changes have been excellent and amazing and more than I could possibly dream into reality while others have been challenging to say the least. Graeme came home and has been such a bright and oh so happy addition to our family. Lily Wen continues to grow and define herself. As a Mom, I am so fulfilled and so BLESSED. Graeme has had 3 surgeries in the last year and bless his heart has more to come. He bounces back so quickly though and the way he spreads Joy is simply a gift. His language is expanding rapidly and even though his speech is hard to understand, he is persistant when sharing a message. The divorce has been our biggest challenge. I have tried to be very private about it on this blog but it has affected us all deeply and we still struggle to find the new normal if there is such a thing. In that area, we take things one day at a time. We had a wonderful summer and I had more time off than I have ever taken in the past to spend time with the wee ones, our family and friends. It has rejuvenated me and so we move forward.

This brings us to tomorrow when Lily Wen and I will visit the "big school" and her new kindergarten classroom. She will meet her classmates and visit with her teacher. I have been dreading this day all summer...WHY? I can say that it is because she is just too little (or petite) to go to the big school or I can tell myself that it is because I work 25 minutes away (and that is just too far, isn't it). In reality, she is growing up. I want to hold that sweet little baby that I held in China 5 years ago for the first time again. I want to watch her take her first tentative steps and listen to her first words again. I want to turn back that clock. I just want LIFE to slow down. It is going by way to quickly for me.

In the morning, I will watch my beautiful daughter embrace this change. She is nervous but so very excited. She is moving forward. She is passing another milestone in her journey of life. I will be excited and happy with her and she will not know how I am struggling on the inside as I watch her grow, ever seeking her independence. Am I ready for kindergarten? NO! I better get ready because she is ready! (Can you imagine when she goes to high school, wants to learn to drive or gets Married?) One day at a time. The new normal. Embracing Change or NOT!

Sassier than Sassy!

noreply@blogger.com (Margaret M) — Wed, 29 Jul 2009 22:23:00 +0000

Lily Wen decided yesterday that she wanted to cut her hair. I wasn't sure what prompted her decision other than Graeme and I were getting our hair cut. This does not usually factor into her decisions. She said that she wanted her hair cut short and sassy.

After she was all done and had admired herself in all of the mirrors of the salon, she came over and said, "Mom, Now I look just like Janette from So You Think You Can Dance!" Ahhh, the real reason for the Sassy New Cut!

So you tell me, does she look like Janette?

Last But Not Least!!!!

noreply@blogger.com (Margaret M) — Wed, 29 Jul 2009 01:38:00 +0000

This is the last of the posts from our trip to Louisiana but it is definitely not the least. We spent a fabulous afternoon with my friend Kim and her daughter, Mary Grace. I met Kim and David and their daughter when we were waiting for Lily Wen's referral. Getting to know them helped make our wait go by so much quicker. Mary Grace is amazing and Kim is always there to listen!

This sign awaited us when we arrived...so SWEET!

Lily Wen, Mary Grace and Graeme
They really enjoyed playing and creating!

Mary Grace

Lily Wen is showing Kim her caterpillar, bracelet and tiara.

We love you all and can't wait until our next visit.

Special times with Wonderful friends!

noreply@blogger.com (Margaret M) — Thu, 23 Jul 2009 01:47:00 +0000

This was another very special day on our trip to Louisiana. When I was a teenager, close FAMILY friends adopted my Godsis, Danielle. I remember when she came home and all the excitement around her adoption and that of her older sister, Amanda. I think from those special moments as a young teenager, I was touched by adoption and it just became a natural way for me to build my family. On this trip, my Godsis, Danielle, and her daughter, Molly, joined me for a visit with close friends who have all adopted from China. I love going home and seeing friends and there is just always something special about seeing all the kids play together. We were able to see four families with children from China (3 that we have known since right after Lily Wen came home and 1 that we were able to meet on this trip). There is another interesting side note about red thread connections. I went to an extremely small private school for high school (my graduation class had 63 students). Two of the other Moms also went to my high school. We all adopted from China and all realized it either after we were home or while waiting for our little ones. On to the pics of our day!

Molly and Mommy, Danielle

Makenna and Lily Wen with Danielle and Molly. So sweet!

Audrey and Graeme are 3, Lily Wen 5, Makenna 4, Sydney and Sophie 5

Our upside down picture (we take one each time we get together)

Lily Wen and Makenna started the tradition in one of our first visits after Makenna came home.

Sydney and Lily Wen are three months apart in age. As Lily Wen now says, "I'm just petite!" I think that may be an understatment!

Graeme is already riding in cars with girls!

Miss Molly! Stunning!

The underwater shots...Makenna and Lily Wen

The trio, Lily Wen, Hannah (who joined us later in the day) and Makenna

Hannah 4 years old

Graeme with his signature smile. (He was probably developing swimmer's ear as this shot was taken! Oh well)

Makenna...Gorgeous!

Three oh so special girls!

Hannah...with attitude!

So much FUN! Looking forward to our next get together hopefully at Christmas!

An afternoon at Mikie's house

noreply@blogger.com (Margaret M) — Sat, 18 Jul 2009 21:55:00 +0000

I am determined to catch up on posting pictures from our Louisiana trip before August!!!! We spent an afternoon at my brother's house. It was wonderful to see Mike, Mary and the kids, Anna, Alex, Ashley Grace and Catherine. As you will see, there are more pool pictures. It is soooooo HOT in Louisiana that we spent most of our time in a pool! I wish we all lived closer so we could see each other more often. Looking forward to Christmas already!

Lily Wen loved the play house and would have spent all day in there!

Lily Wen and Graeme greeting visitors!

The rope swings were a big hit too!

Graeme was actually a little nervous but kept on smiling!

Ashley Grace and Graeme loving some watermelon

Catherine and Lily Wen

Catherine - so CUTE!

Alex, Ashley Grace and Graeme playing in the pool.

Ice cream break!

I think he thought he was sneaking in where he shouldn't be playing. It made the experience even more fun for him ;^)

Graeme loved playing in the fountains!

A full circle moment!

noreply@blogger.com (Margaret M) — Fri, 17 Jul 2009 01:47:00 +0000

The wee ones and I went to Lafayette one of the days of our vacation. We got to spend time with some very special friends, Mary and her daughters Ann Marie and Jon Terez. I have known them for many years now. (I talked to Mary before sharing the following information :) The girls were toddlers when I first met them and their Mom. They are both profoundly deaf and have cochlear implants. I worked with them in auditory-verbal therapy to teach them to listen and speak. Mary would drive over an hour one way for therapy and bring both girls for weekly sessions. Amazing Mom, amazing girls, amazing family! We spent lots of time in therapy and became friends. I have a vested interest in how the girls are doing today. They are AMAZING!!!!!! They listen so well and we had wonderful conversation about all that they love including their academic success, how active they are on swim and soccer teams and the things they remember from those sessions so long ago. I especially loved watching Ann Marie and Jon Terez teach Lily Wen how to swim the butterfly stroke and dive. Mary and I were able to visit and catch up. What a wonderful way to spend our day!

Ann Marie, Jon Terez, Graeme, Lily Wen

My Girl

Jon Terez

Ann Marie

My boy!

Aren't they adorable? (Graeme was too busy eating to be in the picture. Is anyone really surprised?)

Just hanging out!

The Jump!

Trying it again!

Mary and I

A pic with my girls!

I am so looking forward to our next visit!

Dolphin Cruise

noreply@blogger.com (Margaret M) — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 01:32:00 +0000

I have so many pictures to post from our last week of vacation and so little time now that I am back to reality!!! Our dolphin cruise was a highlight and amazing!

Attempts at getting the perfect beach picture!

noreply@blogger.com (Margaret M) — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 02:35:00 +0000

Yesterday evening, we decided that we wanted to get the "perfect" beach picture of all of us. We never accomplished that shot but we did have a lot of fun and entertained many people on the beach as we got these shots.

The cousin shot, Graeme, Lily Wen, John Christopher and Luke

John loving on his Mom's belly and his soon to be baby brother!

Just me and my wee ones~

The Cain Women, Jodi, Mom and me

Miss Sassy Pants

I don't think I could love anyone more than them!

The bow is bigger than her head. It's a Southern thing!

He is smiling so big that he could hurt himself!

My nephew, Luke. Ahhhh, those eyes!

John

Mom and three of the grandkids. We couldn't catch Luke to get him in the shot!

The wind blown look!

Luke and Granny Mary

A bowless Lily Wen

Running for the ocean!

Tonight is our last night in paradise. We had a great day today that included a dolphin cruise. I think I got some great pics but won't download until tomorrow. We leave early in the morning to head to Baton Rouge. I can't wait to see our family and friends!

More beach pictures

noreply@blogger.com (Margaret M) — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 13:14:00 +0000

Lily Wen loves to play on the beach.

Lily Wen and Me enjoying the ocean!

Graeme and Granny Mary

A boy and his shades!

Lily and those sunglasses. Excellent combination!

First time buried in the sand!

The gang (minus the photographer, me)

Graeme and Lily Wen and their sand castle

So COOL!

Full of Sand!

The BEACH!!!!

noreply@blogger.com (Margaret M) — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 01:38:00 +0000

We arrived at the beach yesterday afternoon and are having such a good time. We are at Orange Beach, Alabama with my Mom and my sis and her family. Life is good and we will let the pics tell the story.

Graeme LOVES the beach!

Lily Wen was excited and told Graeme all about what to expect on the long drive here.

My nephew, John Christopher

Lily Wen is the only girl and quite the cutie!

Graeme loves his Granny Mary!

Me and the Wee Ones...don't know what is up with Graeme

My nephew, Luke, is the youngest and was falling asleep sand and all!

So he snuggled up to my sis, Jodi's belly, and huged on the soon to be newest member of the family. We will welcome a new nephew in November!

Graeme has been all smiles since we got here. Would you expect any different?

The wee ones...I may be biased but aren't they just the cutest kids?

A rare pic of John Christopher. He is running from his Aunt Margaret and her obsessive picture taking. I had to bribe him to get this shot.

Luke loving the view!

Luke, Uncle Rodney and Lily Wen

Lily Wen playing on the beach after the rain!

So pretty!!

Graeme is having the best time.

Showing me more sand!

Graeme

Lily Wen

Lukie

So we are having lots of fun and can't wait to see what the next few days will bring. I love watching the wee ones discover new things and this is a world of discovery!

Geaux Tigers

noreply@blogger.com (Margaret M) — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 13:01:00 +0000

VICTORY!!!

This is why I have not been on the blog much this week. The wee ones and I have been watching baseball. Not just any baseball but the college world series. Our Tigers beat the Texas Longhorns in 2 out of 3 games to win the CWS. It was Beautiful! Graeme is going through the house and swinging anything that remotely resembles a bat! We are so proud of our Tigers and so excited about heading south this weekend for vacation!