We were very blessed to have been able to adopt our beautiful daughter from Vietnam in early 2009.  Now that we are settled into life I have decided to bring this blog back to its original intention… sharing our journey to and in parenthood with our family and friends that we do not live close by.  However, through this journey I have had the privilege to meet those in the adoption world that have both become my friends and support.  I consider these people just as important as my family.  I worry every day about the well-being of my daughter and have decided to password protect my posts from here on out.  I would like to continue to share this journey with our family and friends and those adopting or have adopted.  Please leave me a comment if you would like the password or send an email to littlebirdoldshoe.yahoo.com.  If you are reading this blog and would like the password, please just introduce yourself and I will feel a lot better about those reading.  I love to be able to share Elizabeth with others… she is a fun and quirky little girl who I thank God for everyday.

Do you see anything wrong with this picture?

No?  Look lower.

Dun. Dun. Dun.

Today Elizabeth and I took Molly for a walk.  I really wish I were better about walking my dog everyday, but Elizabeth hates to ride in a stroller and always refuses to take Molly for a walk.  I made sure we got out today to take her before we drop her off at the kennel (dog hotel) tomorrow.  However, half way around on our route, you know… too far to turn back, too close to not continue around, that sort of thing… we had a flat.  Elizabeth also refused to sit in the stroller today, but rather stand.  She also had to ‘help’ me walk Molly by holding onto the leash.  I was in fear that Molly would pull too hard all of a sudden and Elizabeth, standing, would go flying.  So you try walking your dog, while your two-year old insists on standing in the stroller, holding onto the leash of a dog that does not walk well, while HOLDING up a stroller with a flat tire while trying to push it and keep it steering straight.  My arms got a workout today.

Thankfully Saturday the weather cooperated.  We went downtown so I could take Elizabeth’s pictures for our Christmas cards.  I know, it is crazy to think of that already, but I had to do it now while we could still get outside. Plus, it will probably take me until Christmas to get them ready.  I can’t disclose the main pictures I took Saturday right now to not spoil the theme of my Christmas card, but here are a few pictures we took after when we went for a walk through Riverfront park and the Stone Arch Bridge.

My silly, crazy girl in all her glory.

Last night when we were putting on Elizabeth’s pajamas we noticed that she had bumps all over her chest and back. Our immediate thought, chicken pox.  Of course, we are supposed to leave next week for Disney.  I thought for sure that she had chickenpox.  She had a fever slightly on Tuesday and then broke out on Wednesday.  This morning, however, it wasn’t any worse like one would expect chicken pox to be.  Plus it wasn’t itching her at all.  So after speaking with the nurse, we feel it is just something viral considering I also had a fever Tuesday and have been feeling pretty crappy all week, especially today.  So, here’s to hoping we are all well by the time we leave Tuesday! Elizabeth was so full of energy today it was hard to deal with and keep up with when all I really wanted to do was crawl back in bed.  But we made it through the day.  And here is how the day went…

Today was our Halloween party for my moms club.  I was debating going or not because I wasn’t sure what was going on with Elizabeth, but I decided it was nothing or if it was a virus it was on its way out, so at 9:00 I decided to start getting us ready.  Amidst the whining and crying while I showered because I could not hold Elizabeth or sit next to her on the couch I managed to take a shower and get ready.  And then came the feat of getting ready the girl who does not like to wear a diaper, does not like to get her clothes on, does not like to wear socks, always tells me her shoes hurt, will not put a coat on but complains that she is cold in the car, and has to have five items with her every time we get in the car (blanket, nu-nu, empty bottle, puppy, and penguin backpack)… I managed to pre-order our calzone and pasta for the party and get in the car.  Half way there I remembered I forgot something, came back home to get it.  Once we got to the restaurant I pulled into an empty parking lot.  Where was everyone?  I knew there were at least 10 people signed up to come.  Seriously, there wasn’t a mini-van in the parking lot.  I then looked at my phone.  I had put the party on my calendar for Thursday… but it was really Friday.  Dun-dun-dun.  So I got Elizabeth out of her car seat, shoved her unwilling arms in her coat, went inside and paid for my food I already ordered and took it to go, got in the car and cried.  Seriously, it was soo much work to get there, I can’t believe I now have to do it again tomorrow.

Luckily Elizabeth was in good spirits for the afternoon… aside from the one tantrum about having to take her nap in her bed not mommy and daddy’s.  She was actually pretty wild all afternoon.  It is so much fun to watch this new outgoing personality emerge from her.  She makes me laugh so much throughout the day.  I only wish I would have been feeling better today to be able to have the same fun right back with her.  Hopefully, tomorrow my energy will return.  I am off to bed!

At least I got to get out and get some pictures of her in her costume today… I hear it is supposed to snow tomorrow. (Florida, florida, florida)