stickers and shoes

Right now a few of Adelaide's obsessions are stickers and shoes. Kiki bought Addie a book of Dora the Explorer stickers and they covered most surfaces in Kiki's house. Now that we are home they are all over our house (and Lucy too)! She's loving putting on our shoes and clodding around the house with them. Aunt Emily bought Addie a cute pair of fancy dress-up shoes for Christmas which have become apart of our daily play-time. Every time she puts them on she click-clacks around the house saying "pretty, pretty".

One last visit

It was hard the Saturday before we left to say our goodbyes to all our family and friends. We made one last visit to Grandpa Ray, Grandma Kathy, and Uncle Tyler's house. Addie fell in love with big Jackson (the 100+ pound black lab) and Gabby (the little fluffy white mix). She also spent plenty of time playing with her Uncle Tyler and her Grandparents. We were all so sad to say goodbye but were so thankful for all the quality time we had with them over the three weeks. Thanks Grandpa for the zucchini bread-it saved us on our flights home! We miss you all already.

girl time

We popped in to visit our favorite neighbors and their girls while we were in VA. The girls have gotten so big and amazed us with how grown-up they seem. Addie immediately picked up on the girl vibe and Lydia and Emma were her new best friends. With all their wonderfull girl toys and dolls how could any little girl resist. The three girls played while the parents all watched and reminisced about how Lydia was only one when we first moved in next door to them. Time flies and we decided if we still lived close by the three girls would have lots of fun playing together.

Aunt Meg!

Megan made the drive from New York to Maryland for a long visit with us during our trip home. I loved having my sister there! We all miss Megan so much. We got to see lots of her when we lived in VA and really miss those visits. Megan was a huge help with Addie during her visit. She did lots of the heavy lifting for me and chased Addie around to put on her (you fill in the blank) shoes, coat, pants, diaper! Thanks Megan. Addie had fun playing with her Aunt Megan but was a bit unsure of the resemblance between her Mommy and this other blonde lady. I think she never quite got over the fact that Megan was a Mommy impostor! It was pretty funny. Megan as always came along with us for the ride. She's family so she always comes along for the ride and is a super sport about it. We love you Meg! Here Addie is putting some make-up on Megan.

Gast Family Fun

Another joyous family get-together was thrown during our stay in the States. We spent lots of time at the Dotson's home for all sorts of family functions before we moved and really miss the warm welcoming family time that is always prevalent in their home. Mr. Kevin's family was enamored with Addie and she quickly fell in love with them too. A wonderful meal was cooked for Chelsea's birthday right before she headed back to college so we all enjoyed the evening of good food and good company. Once again Addie was at home with their dog Linus (Lucy's buddy).

winter clothes

I loved dressing Adelaide in cold-weather clothes. She looked so cute in her jeans, tennis shoes, and little layered shirts ensembles. At first the long sleeved and footie PJs freaked her out but it soon became normal. Her hat and coat I ordered from Old Navy before we left worked perfectly in the freezing temperatures of Maryland. I had missed the cozy sweaters, long pants, and socks that are a must in the winters in the States. One thing I hadn't factored in was my pregnant belly fitting in my post-pregnancy winter coat! We all ended our three weeks with dry skin, chapped lips, and a new appreciation for the tropical weather of the Philippines. Flip-flops and t-shirts never felt better!

Rolly Pollies fun

While at home Addie was lucky enough to have two evenings at Rolly Pollies (thank you Elyse!). The first evening she played with her Kiki and the second evening with her Daddy. I've decided this place trumps Gymboree. The running trampoline, foam pit, giant bouncy castle with a slide! It's all great fun for the little ones (an the adults too). Take a look at Addie playing with Kiki. She had her tongue hanging out the entire time-I guess it helped her balance!! Kiki admitted to being sore the next day after Rolly Pollies.