June 2007 Update
June started off with a bang when we met Grandma Arp and Auntie
Laura in Saint Augustine for a weekend. The first day was
beautiful and overcast, so we were all able to enjoy a lovely
stroll down Old Saint George Street. Of course, Zoe rode is
style in her stroller and Grandma Arp would take rests in a
wheelchair. We shared many laughs and a wonderful time together.
Sadly, the sky opened up the second day we were in town, and a
deluge ensued. The unbelievable thing is that it had literally
not rained once in several months here in Florida. But it did
the second day of their visit. And for those of you that have
never had the pleasure of visiting Saint Augustine, let me just
tell you there is NOTHING to do on a rainy day (aside from maybe
the Ripley’s Museum, but that’s not appropriate for a three year
old). So after breakfast, we made the decision to head home
while Grandma Arp and Auntie Laura drove to nicer weather in
Orlando. It was terrific to spend even a short amount of time
with them before moving.
Zoe bravely began what we are calling summer preschool with her
friend Mary Kate. She LOVES it! The first morning Rob and I
dropped her off, we hardly even got a hug or a kiss before she
was through the gate and off to play. My mom called me later
that morning to see if I was in a puddle of tears. Surprisingly,
I wasn’t. I’m just so happy for Zoe because she is really ready
to branch away from Mommy and spend time with other children in
a preschool setting. I would not have wanted this a year ago
(nor would she have) but now it absolutely feels right! Summer
preschool only lasts three weeks for us but I have enjoyed the
time on my own. I’ve been able to set up all our new utilities,
sit in coffee shops, AND read a couple of books, all while Zoe
has the opportunity to play and learn with other children and
adults. I can’t wait for her new preschool to start in
September. She’s going to really enjoy it, as will I!
Father’s Day was awesome! We began by kidnapping Daddy on
Saturday. We blindfolded him and took him to a spa where he
received a much-needed massage. He has been under a great deal
of stress with our looming move, so it was good to pamper him a
bit. After his massage, we had a hot tea at a coffee shop, and
then took him out to dinner at a lovely Italian restaurant here
in town. Father’s day morning, Zoe proudly presented Daddy with
the gift she picked out for him … “pants.” That was her idea, so
she chose to give him green workout shorts with a white t-shirt.
And she did an awesome job keeping her gift a secret. Daddy had
no idea and she didn’t let it slip. Such a big girl!!!
Zoe has begun calling Daddy “Baba,” me “Mama,” herself “Jie jie,”
and Lexi “Mei mei.” These are all Chinese terms and it’s
adorable, especially when she looks up at Rob with her big brown
eyes and says, “Baba, let’s do xxxxxxx,” or “Baba, I love you.”
Makes my heart melt every time.
On the adoption front, the days continue to crawl by at a
snail’s pace. CCAA referred only six LIDs again this month. Say
a prayer next month is better. At this rate, it will be next
spring before we get a referral. Only time will tell… |
Spending time with Grandma Arp
and Auntie Laura in St. Augustine.
The first day of summer preschool!
Playing with Daddy, aka "Sammy the Shark".
Zoe's "Boo the Fishy." |
