Will is doing much better!...so we put up the tree.

I realize that I need to update from my last post lest you think Will is still sitting on the couch all lethargic like my last post. He recovered in a few days but was still contagious so we had to keep him quarantined (he did pass it to a few friends I'm afraid- sorry Monica and Gina). SO Will was feeling much better but we were stuck inside so... we put up the Christmas tree! Before Thanksgiving I know I know but let's be honest its a little depressing on Dec 26 after Christmas and so this way we can enjoy it longer. Here are a few shots from the event. :)

When we took the tree out Will was really not into the tree at all. This shot was taken by me telling Will- "Will just touch the tree. Touch the tree." So definitely posed.

This is what Will asked to do for most of the time the tree was going up- "uh uh" he says as he makes the sign for eating.

This was taken to show you how very far from the tree action he was- he even had his back turned- ha ha.

However.... as the  ornaments started to go up he suddenly got very interested and wanted to help.  So cute.... and lasted for about 9 minutes before returning to snacks, but here are some shots from that brief window of interest.
So we have the apartment all decorated and haven't even made my Thanksgiving dishes yet- its great! You should all try it. :)

Here We Go Again....

Many of you may know that our family has had a surprising number of random medical issues this past year.  (Seriously two of us have met our deductible). But anyway, as you can see from the picture- it is Will who has fallen ill with hand, foot, mouth disease- yes that's correct you read it right. I thought that this was common everywhere but I think maybe only those of us who live in asia are more familiar with it. I'll spare you the details but it involves painful blisters in the mouth, hand, and yes feet you guessed it.  Today he seems to have turned a corner so we're hoping that it won't be long until he's feeling like this again.............................

(sorry Will- your father thinks I'm horrible for posting this picture- but I couldn't help it)

A Quick Getaway

Last weekend we went for a quick getaway to our favorite city in China- Hangzhou. It has this beautiful Lake in the middle and that's where we spend most of our time. There aren't many places here that I would say oh I love being outside- but Hangzhou is definitely one of them. We rented bikes and rode around the lake and paid the equivalent of 25 cents to rent them- crazy!  Anyway- we aren't the best picture takers- I often defer to others with cameras when I'm in groups and say- oh send me a copy (like that ever happens)- or I just don't want to stop what I'm doing to take a picture- however this time we were really good about taking pictures. So here a bunch of pictures from the weekend (too many maybe?). :)

Halloween

Ok, can anyone seriously deny that this is the cutest Lion they've ever seen?

Ok, so just incase you're not convinced yet, here is compelling evidence: a video, where he roars the cutest lion roar you've ever heard. Sadly, I (Den), like an idiot, filmed the video sideways (I had just been taking several vertical photos to try to get his whole costume). So please either flip your computer screen on it's side, or kindly tilt your head 90 degrees to the left, and enjoy the show...

Happy 1 Year Homecoming Will!

We celebrated one year with our precious little boy. (We are a little late posting it but better late than never). On October 1st 2007 we first met Will in a little conference room in an orphanage in TaiPei Taiwan. I can still remember so clearly how nervous I was when I saw his little face. I had read lots about adoption but didn't know anything about being a mom (I think I called my mother that first week and asked how much should a nine month old be eating!) The start of our time together was many sleepless nights (lots of night wakings) but slowly he trusted us more, slept better, and smiled and laughed with greater frequency.  I can't believe how much he has changed in just a year.  He loves life, laughing, giving snuggles and kisses, playing with his friends, jumping, dancing(well rocking side to side), roaring like lion, whew.. he keeps us moving. We are so thankful for the amazing gift of him- we simply cannot imagine life without him.  So Will- happy 1st Homecoming Day- we love you!

The first moment meeting Will.

  So little!

Now here is our little string bean today- look at those long legs!
We had a little homecoming day celebration with some friends at our favorite Taiwanese restaurant here- so yummy and yes a little crazy as the picture looks. Can you find Will?

New Raincoat (well first one ever) Isn't he cute?!

My Minivan

As a mom living here I can sometimes lament that I don't have a minivan where I can strap Will in and he will just sit contentedly as I travel to lets say the grocery store then afterwards strap him in again while I load the groceries in the trunk.  Now I know in reality its probably not as simple as that but when you are traveling home on the subway or the bus or a taxi with squiggly kid and tons of groceries the idea of having a minivan sounds SO nice.  Well, when I set out to buy a new bike I had this in mind- let me introduce you to my china minivan. Will actually sits very contentedly in his bike seat pointing out the cranes he sees (he's very into these and with all the construction going on in this city- they are everywhere).  And I bought the biggest basket I could find to load my groceries in my front "trunk".  Seriously compared to other regular bikes on the street mine looks like a minivan- its huge. :) 

Doesn't Will look cute in his chicken coop helmet. He HATED the helmet at first- would scream whenever I put it on him. (People would look at me like "What are you doing to that child!" mind you most kids here don't wear helmets) But I am happy to say Will has made his peace with the helmet and will wear it without tears.