Hi All

Audrey is changing every day! She has two front teeth now that really gives her a whole new look. For those who worry that my sweet tooth will rub off on her (and a valid concern I know) I thought I would show you this photo as proof that she really does brush her few little teeth every night--Dr. Ed would be proud!

I am also showing a side-by-side shot of Audrey in China almost two months ago now and then a couple of shots in the last week or so. See for yourself how quickly they grow and change.

Soon I will post some of the great professional photos that Brenda shot--they are great. Also I hope to have some new shots of our fellow China travelers and their daughter, Harper Lee, we will see them this weekend when we travel to Texas for her first birthday. So stay tuned!

Okay, somehow the photos didn't make it, so I will try again:

Hello Everyone--it is Lori again, time for a little update. Well I had my first Mother's Day and it was nice to have a reason to celebrate--the day has a whole new meaning for me now. Audrey sent me orchids (at least that's what the card said--and I do love orchids) and we had a great day together, we all went to church, had lunch, napped and just hung out--perfect!

Everyday is a better day at school--she cries a little then has a great day and then Brad picks her up and she is quite happy. So far she has learned--numbers, up/down, letters and hopping. Well, we are still working on the numbers--but I think she has mastered down. As in I am tired of the high chair and want down now; or please do not hold me anymore I want down to run around. So I will again say she is a clever girl and as a friend told me "a very hard worker."

So here are a few photos: Nutella--a favorite treat of mine, and now Audrey's too! Naptime with a sweet bear from her Aunt Aimee, and a few others. Enjoy!

First Week At School and Work

Hello everyone--this is Lori. All is well with dear Audrey and she is now in school at St. Lukes and I am back at work. Her first few days were a test for me and her--she is doing fine ! I do the drop off and the crying and Brad does the pick-up--lots of smiling and laughing. Every day they say she does better, cries less and really enjoys playing with the kids. To be specific--she loves the slide, likes to color and do art and likes music. Everyday she brings home an "art project"--so if I begin saving it all now, I will need another foom just to house it all. Of course, how do you part with any of it?

The photos today are the best--but I will post them anyway. I have a few really good ones, but couldn't get them to download. So these are taken with my phone.

The first is breakfast before school (and before a bath too!) cottage cheese is delicious and messy. The second, after school taking a ride with Allie. And then a little OSU spirit--go Pokes!

Hi Again--it is Lori, even though it says that Brad is posting. I thought I would add a few more photos and try to keep them in the theme of eating. Eating is one thing that we have had no trouble with! She loves everything we have given her and she tries hard to feed herself too. She is a big "dipper" once Brad showed her how and now what ever she has is worthy of dipping in whatever soupy item she is consuming. Meat sticks can be dipped in ketchup, yogurt, applesauce and even creamed green beans--yumm-0.





So enjoy these photos. Oh, and tonight we celebrate "sleeping in your own bed" we will see how long before she realizes she is there--we'll let you know.

The first two photos are of our friends Tony and Margaret and Allie. They were on the first part of this trip with us and were there for Gotcha Day and a few days after. These were early photos of them with Allie--just a couple of months after getting her in 2006 and then on vacation with us about 10 months after getting her. We had forgotten how small she was and that she too was a chubby cheeked baby--I just wanted everyone else to see as well. The other photos are the first time Audrey really was successful with a spoon, then eating her favorite food at the White Swan--noodles (I haven't been able to duplicate those yet) and then contemplating the cat's food--I don't think she tried any of that . . .

Hello Everyone


Thought I would make a quick post and add some new photos. We are home of course and things are great. Audrey is a doll and gets more personality every day! Thank you to everyone who has made our homecoming so nice--we had quite an ordeal in the last leg of our flight, but are happy to finally be here. Now several weeks into being home, we are developing a little bit of routine and definitely getting used to Audrey being a part of the family. She is quite interested in people--like her mom she wants to be surrounded by friends. So here are a few photos and hopefully I can get Brad to post sometime soon. He said--we are home now, so I am done with the blog--but I think he might be compelled to add a few notes soon.

The photos are--my Mom and Dad and their first meeting with Audrey. Falling asleep during dinner--she won't sleep when I want her to, but mealtime works. With my dear friend Brenda! And finally--with all our luggage after our flight (the final leg) was cancelled in Dallas on the trip home, Audrey took it all in stride.