Halloween

We had a great time on Halloween, first Kiana helped me rake all the leaves in the front yard. She really did help and enjoyed doing it. She also loves collecting acorns on our walks and plays with them. She transfers them from one bowl to another...We went trick er treating with Tricia and Suzanne and all the girls. She really didn't get the hang of it until maybe the last two houses. I think in the beginning she was afraid of someone taking her ELMO candy bucket- she loves ELMO and wasn't going to part from that bucket.

I have gone back to work now and things seem to be okay. I don't think she quite gets it yet. I did say to her one day, as I was getting ready, that I was going bye bye to work and she was going to stay with BaBa. Her reply was NO, but everything went fine when I left. It's great for them to have one on one days together. Geno sends me video of Kiana everyday that I'm gone so I get to see what they are doing....(very thoughtful of him). I enjoy my time back at work, however I do feel guilty on day two and can't wait to come home....

Getting together

Yesterday we went to Connecticut and met all of the China families. It was so nice to see everyone and how much the girls have changed....Everyone is doing so well and adjusting fine. It's hard to tell if the girls remembered each other or not...They all got along great. Kiana even surprised me and went in a bouncy. It was a 3 hour drive and she slept maybe the last 15-20 mins of the ride to Connecticut....UGGG... I thought she would be a cranky kid come the afternoon, but she was just fine- I think running on the adrenaline....The ride home another story!!! She fell asleep about 15 mins into the drive and slept for about 2 hrs. I thought I would just put her to bed since I had put on her pj's before we left ( see how smart I think I am ) well, it all backfired- I put her in her crib and she played for about 3hrs and then started screaming. She was up until after midnight....DOUBLE UGGG!!! Needless to say it was a very LONG night. She just doesn't seem to need that much sleep, problem is, her parents do!!!!

Feels like Fall

Well feels like the fall is here...There is no more swimming in the backyard or sleeping with the air on at night. Kiana and I have been playing at the park a lot lately and she is enjoying watching the other kids play. She now will sit on my lap, on a swing, for maybe 30 seconds. It's getting longer each time. She does enjoy climbing and going down the slide. I have our scarecrow out and the fake pumpkins and Kiana waves at the scarecrow and says Hi every time she walks by him or if we see one in the neighborhood on our walk she points it out to me. The fake pumpkins she calls balls. I say pumpkin she says ball...(pick your battles) okay it's a ball.

I would say the one thing she has really been doing is dancing, dancing, dancing....She absolutely loves it!!! We dance all day in the living room, our room, the office and car. She is picky about her songs too- Nothing slow!!!

I'm going back to work the middle of Oct. and Kiana starts Music Together at the end of this month. We are also meeting ALL of our China family in Oct. It will be so nice to see everyone and to see how much all of the girls have changed...

A dose of reality

Well, this last week a dose of reality came back -I went back to work for 2 Day trips. Lao Lao and Nana watched Kiana. Seems like all went well. She is definitely a mama's girl this week and I'm not sure if it has to do with me going to work or not.

Kiana got so many gifts in the mail this week too. It seemed like everyday the UPS guy was here. She would see the box, get so excited and yell open.... She got a new baby doll, clothes, books, and cookies for her kitchen...She also went on her first Merry-go-round ride. (wasn't very fond of it) She didn't want to sit on the horse at all, but was excited for the music....

Lao Lao has been here for the week and we have enjoyed her company. We cleaned out all of Kiana's dresser drawers and went through everything. I found a tutu and put it on Kiana. She absolutely loved it...:) She doesn't like to keep clothes on, especially anything too fussy so it was so funny to see that she liked the tutu...

Great Weekend

This week really flew by...I have to go to training on Thurs/Fri...I'm not looking forward to it at all. I stress out EVERY year and now I have Kiana to worry about too....UGGGG!!! I also have two trips at the end of the month as well. I did put in for the month of Sept off and I got it YEAH!!! Lao Lao is coming out too and maybe Pa Pa. It will be so nice to see them... I made Lasagna this week hoping to have leftovers, yeah right??? Kiana loved it... She also received many gifts in the mail and is now understanding how to open them. She says open and if it is something soft like a pillow, blanket beach towel etc., she lays her head on them and says "nite nite" If it's a toy she says OHHHH....

We saw some of our China family on Sunday for a B-day party. One of the girls turned two. Kiana had a great time. I think she was a little overwhelmed and overstimulated, but interacted with the girls. She went in the kiddie pool and tried blowing bubbles. She had her first piece of cake too...She is not a sweet eater, she is like her mommy and likes salty things instead. :) We are trying to get the whole group together in the fall so that we can all see each other and celebrate all the girls b-days....

Playing around

This week we really didn't do too much. We bought Kiana a slide for the backyard and she loves it. She also loves making up games (like a magic carpet ride) and playing with boxes...It's funny how when she gets a new toy she almost likes the box it came in better than the toy itself....She is definitely starting to become her own person now. She tells you no when she doesn't want to do something....

I'm going back to work earlier than expected (it's a long story). I'm returning to work on the 20Th for training and then I have two day trips the last week in August. (Wish us LUCK) I'm very nervous about going, but I have to go back and she is just going to have to learn to adjust without her mama home every night. I'm sure when she is older she will be thrilled that her mommy is gone and her and her ba ba can have daddy/daughter days... :) I'm having Nana come over twice a week so that she is used to her being here. Nana just retired and I'm not sure she knows what she has signed up to do (hahahaha) I also signed up for music together classes in the fall. I think Kiana will really enjoy that. She loves music and dances to everything, including the ice cream truck when it drives by....

The beach

This week we had early intervention over and Kiana doesn't qualify...I'm a little disappointed as I would of liked to of had the weekly meetings for Kiana. They have placed her at 16months developmentally and since she is 19months it just isn't a big enough delay. Her real only problem is language. She now has a couple more words. I would say that she says about 13 words, maybe not words that you would understand, but I clearly know what she is saying... :) We practiced with smiling for the camera, which sometimes she does and other times, not so much!!! Nap time is FINALLY coming along. I had to post a picture of her napping with her favorite pillow and now at night time after her milk she says nite nite, so nite nite it is........................
We also met with the Young girls and went to the beach. Kiana really enjoyed the beach more than I thought she would of. She was nervous walking on the sand and going in the water, but Ba Ba warmed her right up. She even played at her cousin's house with all the girls and for about 5 mins didn't even look for me.....YEAH!!!

great week

We had a great week. The weather finally cooperated. We went to the park one night and Kiana enjoyed watching all the kids play. She doesn't really like to play herself, but I did get her on the slide w/my help and she loved climbing all around.

Kiana is also becoming more independent and learning to play by herself. (well it's only like 2-3 mins at a time, but I'll take it) She is watching every move you make and trying to copy you as well...She put on my bra and was very proud of herself :) We saw her pediatrician on Friday. Kiana now weighs 22lbs. She had to get 3 more shots. She should be all caught up with her immunizations by her 2ND b-day...(lets hope so) I hate all of this...

On Sunday we went to Borderland State Park, the weather was absolutely perfect. She enjoyed watching the people walk their dogs, people riding horses and feeding the fish. Overall we had a very busy week and I'm looking forward to a quiet one this week...

Weekend fun

It's been exactly a month since we have been home...Things are definitely starting to settle and feel right now. We have been enjoying the weather ( The sun has finally decided to make an appearance) I was starting to go stir crazy...We have been outside in her pool (thanks Pica girls) and she loves it. It does have to be warm though or she isn't going in...Did you hear that Lao Lao and Papa??? You MUST warm up the pool when we come out to visit....:) I know Papa will do anything for his little princess.

On Sat. we met with some of our China family. It was so great to see them. The girls have changed so much...I can't believe how fast the time goes. I hope we will continue to see each other often for the girls sake (and mine) It was so great to catch up and chat. We have this bond that no one else gets unless you have experienced what we did....Thanks Leland family for having us over, the food and drinks (love bucket) were great and you have a lovely home...Next time we will host :)

4th of July

We had a great 4Th of July...Kiana really enjoyed herself. We went to the Bourne parade, to Burger King (her first time w/fast food) and then to her cousin's house for a BBQ and swimming. I wasn't sure how she was going to be at the parade because of the noise. I thought it might be a little overwhelming for her and too loud. BOY WAS I WRONG....She absolutely loved it :) She clapped her hands and danced until the music stopped, which was about an hour. She was so worn out that she fell asleep on the ride home and had a good night's sleep...

I'm still working on nap time (in fact, she is screaming right now because I put her down.) It seems like she cries for about 15-20 mins before she falls asleep for a nap. At night she has been going down without a fight, no crying at all...

Today we meet w/early intervention and see what they have to say. I'm looking forward to some tools to get Kiana caught up. She has the best little personality when she has had enough sleep. She is just way too cute and makes me laugh everyday...

My little helper

Well, my mom left yesterday and after I stopped crying I realized I have to learn to do this on my own...(she was spoiling us) Anyways, it went okay. Kiana helped me clean. I would make things a game and she had no problem helping me out. Then we went over to her new cousins house. At first she was very timid and shy, but by the end of the night she was making the place her own. She walked around like she owned the joint. She played with the girls toys and watched them. She really didn't play with them, but definitely fit right in. (thanks for dinner Tricia) I should of given her a bath with the girls because she fell asleep in the car. We plan on spending time with them every week and also meeting our other cousins next week too... Today is our one month anniversary with Kiana and also mine and Geno's anniversary (8yrs wow....) I think overall things are going pretty well. Sleeping at night and still not taking a nap... We meet with early intervention next week to see where we need to go from here. I'm finally figuring things out and learning to enjoy and love every minute of it...even the hard parts....thanks mom for everything....you will never know how much it meant to us to have you here- I couldn't of done it without you!!!

playing

Just thought I would share this cute picture of Kiana playing with the phone...She even says hello, well her version of hello - which kinda sounds like "low"...She is saying up,bye bye, hi and down. Plus she says mama and baba. Nap time is still an issue, but bedtime is working out, so I can't complain really. She still loves her bath and eating...Lao Lao is still here, but is planning on leaving on Tues. (don't know what I'm going to do without her) we have been so spoiled with her her :) I'm going to have to start to do things on my own....I don't know how so many people make this motherhood thing look so easy....My hats off to you!!!! Tricia you are definitely one of them.....see you this week.....

Reality

It's finally starting to feel real...Kiana is sleeping now and so are we!!! She plays and laughs and is starting to make out words. I would say that her favorite activity is still her bath, but eating is a close second. I don't know if there is anything she doesn't like. Auntie Tina would be proud :) Papa left today, but Lao Lao is still here. We are planning to meet with the Thomas girls next week...That should be a lot of fun. Here are some more recent of pics of Kiana being at home and adjusting perfectly into her new home...Thanks again for all the calls and e-mails. I still haven't had a chance to call anyone back. Nap time seems to be the only time I have and I have a thousand other things to do at that time...Please know that I'm thankful and will call, as soon as, I get a free minute....:)

Sleep

Well, last night was a little better. I'm mean she slept more...We are still on the floor. The crib tent should arrive today!!! Lets hope and pray that this works. I know it will be scary for her, but at least we will start a routine now. Just a couple more sleepless nights.... Thought I would share her favorite activity...(bathing) she absolutely loves her bath....:)

HOME

Home sweet home...well kinda. I'm so so so happy to be back. China is beautiful, but Geno and I were over it. Kiana is having a tough time with adjusting here. I think a lot of it has to do with the 12hr time change.... She is not a good sleeper and this has just thrown her back. She flipped herself out of the crib. So now the poor thing is sleeping on the floor. We first put her on the floor with a futon mattress and piggy backed child gates at her door- only to find her at the top of the gate. ( Maybe she will be a rock climber when she grows up?) Anyways, the poor thing now is sleeping on the floor with the door shut she is not happy about it and Geno and I are taking turns laying down with her until she falls asleep. Last night she slept from 9-1am and then was up until 4am and now is finally back to sleep...Me not so much!!! I'm not a good sleeper either and once I'm awake, I'm awake... I'm so tired that I'm just going through the motions. My house is a MESS!!! Everyone that knows me knows that this is driving me nuts :) I want to thank EVERYONE for the calls and e-mails. I haven't had a chance to call ANYONE back yet. I apologize, but this mommy thing is new to me and I'm having trouble finding free time........great Kiana is now up again. It's 6:18am I think she has slept a total of 10hrs in two days. (This is killing all of us) Well, with that said I better go and try and figure out how to get her back to sleep....any suggestions???

Oh and one last thing...I miss my China group so much... I just miss the honesty and comfort of knowing we were all going through the same thing. You guys will never know how much you mean to me. I'm so happy you a part of our forever family....Thanks BIG sister Quin, I know Kiana misses you...:)

rainy day at starbukcs

we had a great Italian dinner last night with two other couples...it was so nice to have a good meal.  we went in the pool yesterday.  we got Kiana a ducky float and we pushed and passed her around and she loved it. so we are starbucks right now blogging while Kiana takes her nap.  we are hoping to shop a little today and the pool again, but the weather hasn't been good at all.  we forgot to download the updated pics so maybe later today...

white swan hotel now...

blogging from starbucks; finally we made it to the white swan hotel...it's so nice here.  Kiana is adjusting well...she has slept through the last two nights which makes everyone happy.  She  is defintley becomming more comfortable/independent with us.  she also is a complete Mama's girl...Baba is fun, but Mama can't be too far away. Bathtime seems to be her favorite time of the day...she literally tried to jump in the tub, with her clothes on, as soon as the water started. naptime/bedtime on the other hand aren't her favorites. we had her medical exam this morning and we got a taste of her lung capacity...she wasn't happy...but she bounces back very quickly. well we are heading to the park today and then swimming...talk to you soon.

Hi there hopefully this works...we went to the mountains today, it's absoulutly beautiful. I feel bad though because poor Kiana fell asleep on the bus and then ad to wake up when we got there. She has no schedule yet....BAD mom. We are trying to get her to go down now, but daddy can't stop playing with her...I guess that's not a bad thing. Today she is really showing her personality. She shakes her head no and she means it :) well I will post again later if this works....

China here we come!!!

Okay so this is just the beginning of the stuff to bring. It's like we are taking a pharmacy with us. I'm just about done packing all of our stuff and took a break to blog. I don't think I will have any extra time to do it tomorrow. We leave on Wed. the 27Th and fly to Washington DC and then on to Beijing. We will spend 3 nights in Beijing and then leave for Nanning. On June 1st we meet Kiana........:) We are in Nanning for 6 days and then on to Guangzhou for another 6 days. We come home through Chicago on June 12Th. I can't believe it. The time has FINALLY come....We are SO excited and anxious. We can't wait. Auntie Jenny & Uncle Chris bought us a notebook so we should be able to blog while we are gone. Keep checking in if we have free time (yeah right) we will blog w/pics. :) Thanks Auntie Jenny & Uncle Chris.... Oh and Tricia thanks for coming over at the last minute to help with the car seat...We are so clueless about all this stuff. I'm sure I will have many more questions along the way. Can't wait for ALL the girls to meet... & one more thanks to our parents for absolutely EVERYTHING you have done for us we couldn't of done this without you!!! Off to China...YEAH!!!

Yippee!!!!

Yippee...we got the news we've been waiting for. We finally received our travel approvals. Our agency has given us the date of June 10Th for our appt. with the consulate in Guangzhou , which means we have to be in Nanning by May 31st.
I know, I know I'm panicking too.....so with that said I have to really make some lists and get with it. We have SO much to do and so little time left to do it. Wish us luck!!!

Still Waiting

Well, normally I think we would of heard about our travel date by now. So I'm convinced that the Swine Flu has officially set us back...We are hoping to hear something by the end of next week. I can't believe our luck, well I can, but COME ON...
Kiana turned 17 months on May 5Th and I'm really hoping that we will be with her on the day she turns 18months (wishful thinking) The wait is a lot harder now that we know who she is. I want to bring her home now!!! As soon as we hear something we will post it.

The latest!!!!

So here is the latest... We received updated photos of Kiana that were taken last week. Isn't she precious??? I'm so in love...We turned in our paperwork and should be hearing within the next 2-3 weeks of when we will be traveling. Just got back from visiting with Lao Lao and Papa and they couldn't be more excited... We are over the moon ourselves, but stressed out to the max too. I feel like I'm 13 again going to a new school on the first day. (so excited, yet stressed and scared) ... We have so much to do between now and traveling. Just wanted to share the latest info with you. When we hear something we will let you know....Until then I'll continue nesting!!!!

Introducing: Kiana Skye Piao Connelly!

Here she is...our daughter! Her name pretty snow matches her pictures! According to her bio she likes to play with dolls, she's very active/restless/walking - loves being outside, and loves playing games and listening to music....oh, and she's a good sleeper (yeah). She really seems to be very healthy and happy which makes her parents VERY HAPPY TOO:)