February 2008
Update
What a fun month February turned out to be!
We started off by celebrating the Chinese New Year! Our local
FCC chapter threw a CNY celebration. There were crafts, many of
the girls performed traditional Chinese dances, and Chinese food
was served. Watching ALL the beautiful girls (and couple of
boys) run around and play together in their silks was awesome.
The highlight of the day came with the indoor fireworks! They
rolled out tons of bubble wrap and gave all the adults indoor
fireworks. On the count of three the adults set off their
fireworks and the children jumped all over the bubble wrap to
make popping sounds. It was a blast!
This year at home, we swept the floor in preparation for the CNY
in order to "sweep out the bad luck from last year and welcome
in new luck for the new year." Zoe is really had fun with this
activity and it fed into Rob's OCD (he LOVES to clean). We all
had haircuts “so we could begin the year all fresh and new.” My
hair dresser, Faith, who was adopted from Korea as a baby, did a
beautiful job cutting Zoe’s hair and Zoe was so proud to tell us
that “Miss Faith is Asian just like me!” We made an alter
(really just a display) "to our ancestors." On it we placed
oranges and tangerines "for money and good luck" and fresh
flowers "to remind us that new things can always grow." Above
the display was a mirror because we are teaching Zoe that,
although she does not know who her ancestors by birth are, she
can look in the mirror to see shades of what they look like in
her own reflection. We picked up a figurine of a lion dancer and
a dragon which we displayed as well. Zoe found a beautiful red
banner that prominently displayed a picture of a rat (really a
cute mouse) which hung. Finally, we gave her a red envelope with
"lucky money" in it. She even received a red envelope in the
mail from her Granmommy and Grandaddy. She was so excited!!!
To begin the first official day of CNY, we ate a homemade
chicken stir-fry and fish (it was supposed to be whole fish but
we decided fish sticks were in order) and dumplings. For dessert
the Chinese typically serve eight precious rice pudding. I could
not find the recipe, so we enjoyed regular rice pudding instead.
I went to visit Zoe’s classroom that week. Both Zoe and I wore
our Chinese silks and I read the book "My First Chinese New
Year" by Karen Katz (it has a wonderful and simple explanation
of CNY customs in China). I taught the children some Chinese
words, and we handed out red envelopes containing lucky money.
Zoe was proud to give a red lantern that she had made to each of
her classmates.
Finally, we attended a huge celebration and show that was put on
by the Chinese Club. There was dancing and singing and more red
envelopes. In all, the entire week was WONDERFUL!
The day after the CNY ended, we took a trip with friends to a
neighboring town in order to visit an AWESOME play museum. It
was princess day so Zoe and one of her best buddies dressed up
in princess dresses. They were too cute together and had a lot
of fun exploring all the interactive displays.
We also took a trip to visit Granmommy and Grandaddy at their
time share in the desert. It was wonderful to get out of the
cold northeast and enjoy a few days of sunlight and warmth. One
of the highlights of that weekend was Sunday when the Berry
women (my maiden name) relayed a ½ marathon. We came in last
place but all of us, including Zoe, crossed the finish line
together. It was quite an accomplishment for us!
Lastly, we made an amazing discovery about Zoe this month! I
took her ice skating, for the first time in her life, and found
out that she not only loves ice skating, but she is a natural at
it. Within 15 minutes of being on the ice, she let go of the
skate “walker” and began skating on her own. She was simply
adorable scooting across the ice and when she fell, which she
did occasionally, she would get herself right back up (on her
own) and try again. I think ice skating lessons might be in
order next year. In the meantime, we’ll go to preschool skate on
a regular basis.
In terms of Lexi’s adoption, there are still 52 LIDs ahead of us
that need to e referred before it will be our turn. We should be
able to adopt her some time in the next 8-14 months. A lot will
depend upon how many days CCAA refers each month and how the
Olympics, which will be held in China this August, will affect
referrals. I am mentally preparing for CCAA not to send any
referrals for about 3 months around August as all of China will
be focusing their time and energy on the Olympics. The will be
held in Beijing where CCAA is located. Only time will tell, but
I think we are finally within a year of bringing Lexi home. |
Celebrating Chinese New Year with Mommy.
The indoor fireworks. They were really loud!
Making rice pudding for our special CNY family dinner.
Princess Zoe and Daddy, shopping at the play museum.
The Berry Women just after we crossed
the finish line of our half marathon.
She's a natural! |
