NEW WONDERS

Nate has become very interesting lately. He’s started connecting more words with objects without our prompting. Today he pointed to his applesauce so I said “That’s applesauce”. Then he pointed up to a painting of fruit that my dad did and he said “Apple!” I’ve never talked to him about that painting before so I was surprised he made that connection.

He’s aquired a new favorite word…”No”. However, it’s more of a cute “No”…sort of like if someone were to ask you something and you had to think about it for a moment and then politely said “No I don’t think so”. It cracks me up every time but I know it won’t be cute when he turns 3. I didn’t think he really understood the meaning behind it until I tested him on a few things. Like when he smelled messy and I asked “Did you poop in your diaper?” He looked at me a moment and said “No”. I checked any way and sure enough, he was right. Or another time I thought his Baby E show was about over so I said, “Hey your show’s almost over”. He thought a moment and said “No.” He was right…it had a couple more minutes to go. He also likes to tell Harvard “No.” and then he’ll add “Giiiiiit” in a drawn out low voice. It’s pretty funny. This kid’s smarter than I thought. Ha!

He talks constantly and I mean CONSTANTLY, going over the real words he knows, babbling nonsense words as though he were really carrying on a conversation with us, or repeating everything we say whether it’s a word or grunt. I’ll have to record his mealtime conversations with me. I listen intently and respond even though I have no idea what he’s saying. haha.

LOOKING BACK

THE START OF OUR JOURNEY

This day, one year ago, we had our bags packed and were getting ready to fly 1/2 way around the world to China. I can't believe where the time has gone. Has it really been a year already? I remember wondering what life would be like a year after we had Nate. It's funny, but I feel as though he has always been a part of us. The newness has worn off and it is as if we've been living life with him since Day 1. I was looking back at my post exactly one year ago. This is a portion of what I wrote:

Yes folks, reality is hitting hard. Your mind begins thinking of your "firsts" & "lasts". This is our last night as just the 2 of us...the last time I'll be sitting on our porch steps not having to think about whether my son is waking up from his nap yet....last time I'LL really get to enjoy a long nap (ha!)....last time to really be spontaneous.

On the other hand, I think about that INCREDIBLE feeling the first time I see my child's face....first time I see him laugh and call me "mom"....first time he and Harvard get to play tug of war....first time for him at Disneyland!!!! Yeeeah baby!! (had to throw that one in there).

I had to smile as I thought of how I've already experienced his first laugh, first time to call me "mama" and how it warmed my heart, first time he and Harvard played tug of war and how I was dying laughing at the two of them, first time to take him to Disneyland and his eyes so huge at the sights. I also remember that anxious feeling getting ready to leave for China. Sometimes I wonder, "Did we really go there?" It's almost like a distant dream now and other times I remember the smells, sounds and sights.

In a few days, we will celebrate our official Gotcha Day anniversary with Nate. Not sure how to celebrate yet but we have a few ideas. I can't wait!

OUR FAMILY PORTRAIT

WE'RE DONE!!

On Friday we had our LAST post placement evaluation of our adoption. Yea!!!! I was a little nervous because it was the head of the organization instead of the usual social worker who did the other 2, but everything went really well. The director told us that Nate's ability to remember where things are, even though he can't see them, is a very good sign of attachment. Meaning...he knows that although he can't see an object, his trust that it still exists is strong. That makes it easier if we leave him at the nursery or babysitter because he will trust that we will return. She also said, his ability to accept us when we love him and discipline him is also a great sign of attachment. Kids who have a difficult time with attachment do not recognize the difference between "loving" parent and "disciplining" parent and will see them as two different people. Because of that, they are always fearful of "disciplining" parent and think that's a totally different person.

We noticed when we were at Sea World, while he was playing in a bouncy area, he would collect large foam objects of the same shape, color and size and put them all in a pile. The director said that was his demonstration of his ability to control a situation and feel confident about it. It's similar to the matching game they do in Kindergarten. We are excited that Nate is showing healthy signs of attachment, mental and coordination achievements. I'm also relieved that we are finished with the visits and just next week, we will celebrate one whole year with Nate!!

JUST FOR FUN AND SO TRUE!

YOU KNOW YOU'RE IN ARIZONA WHEN.........

You notice your car overheating before you drive it.

You no longer associate bridges or rivers with water.

You can hear the weather forecast of 115 degrees without flinching.

You can be in the snow, then drive for an hour...and it will be over 100 degrees.

You discover, in July it only takes two fingers to drive your car, because your steering wheel is so hot.

You run your air conditioner in the middle of winter so you can use your fireplace (Don't laugh...I know people who've done this!).

The best parking is determined by shade.....not distance.

You realize that "Valley Fever" isn't a disco dance.

You can make sun tea instantly.

Hotter water comes from the cold water tap than the hot one.

It's noon in July, kids are on summer vacation and yet all the streets are totally empty of both cars and people.

You actually burn your hand opening the car door.

Sunscreen is sold year round and kept right at the checkout counter.

You put on fresh sunscreen just to go check the mail box.

You can pronounce Saguaro, Tempe, San Xavier, Canyon de Chelly, Mogollon Rim, Cholla, Gila and Tucson.

You can understand the reason for a town named "Why"

You can say "Hohokam" and people don't think you're laughing funny.

You see more irrigation water on the street than there is in the Salt River

You have to go to a fake beach for some fake waves

You hear people say "but it's a dry heat!"

You buy salsa by the gallon.

Your Christmas decorations include sand and l00 paper bags.

You think a red light is merely a suggestion.

You think someone driving wearing oven mitts is clever.

Most of the restaurants in town have the first name "El" or "Los."

You think 60 tons of crushed red rock makes a beautiful yard.

Your house is made of stucco and has a red clay tile roof.

Most homes have more firearms than people.

Kids ask, "What's a mosquito?"

People who have black cars or black upholstery in their car are automatically assumed to be from out of-state or nuts.

You know better than to get into a car with leather seats if you're wearing shorts.

You have a towel in your car so you can sit on your leather seats.

You can finish a Big Gulp in 10 minutes and go back for seconds.

You take rain dances seriously.

A rainy day puts you in a good mood.

You have to look up "mass transit" in the dictionary.

The temperature drops below 95, you feel a bit chilly.

You would give anything to be able to splash cold water on your face.

You can attend any function wearing shorts and a tank top.

You realize that snowbirds aren't really birds at all, but just really bad out of state drivers

Even thinking about not having air conditioning makes you sweat

You travel out of state and any sort of humidity nearly kills you

You can't stand those "crazy California drivers"

You own an insulated bag to transport your dairy home from the grocery store.

You carry tweezers for pulling out cactus stickers

You use the term "You guys" for both males and females

You're automatically dry as soon as you step out of the shower.

You know better than to be near a wash during monsoon season.

You know what a wash is.

WE'LL KNOW YOU'RE FROM OUT OF TOWN IF.....

You wear southwestern clothing

You wear black in summer

You think an Arizona native is an Indian

You think the word Mongollon is pronounced "Mon-GO-lon"

You prefer mild salsa

You think tacos are only made with ground beef

You don't understand why there are long lines at the Indian Fry Bread booths

You get closer than two feet to a Cholla cactus


HOW WE SAY IT:

Mongollon Rim (MUG-ee-on)

Tempe (Tim-PEE)

Gila (Hee-la)

Saguaro (Suh-WAR-oh)

Canyon de Chelly (Canyon de SHAY)

Cholla (CHOY-yah)

ARE WE GETTING CLOSE????

Nate has been hating his diaper changes lately and every time his diaper is full, he'll grab it and say "Diaper!" He knows what the bathroom is and that we "go" in there, so I've been keeping an eye out for potty training opportunities. I know it's still a bit early for him but the more comfortable he is with the idea, my thinking is that it will be a little easier to teach him when the time comes. Plus I'm getting tired of forking over money for diapers.

So anyway....this morning I'm changing his diaper and notice that he might possibly still have to pee. So I ask him, "Do you need to go pee?" He looks at me like he's really concentrating and suddenly he starts to "go". So I seize the moment, whisk him over to his potty chair and plop him down on it. He looks at me like, "What do I do?" So I'm telling him to try and pee in the potty. At first, nothing, but then he starts to do it! I praise him LIKE CRAZY and he looks down at himself peeing, then up at me like "Wow! I'm really doing it!" Big 'ol smile on his face. Then we go through the steps of cleaning up.

I know we've got a ways to go but I was so excited that he went in his potty for the first time! And luckily, so was he!

WEIRDNESS AT THE COFFEE SHOP

So this afternoon, I go to the coffee shop to get some much needed work done. As I'm immersed in my work, a guy in his late 60's or so, sits down at the table across from me with his coffee. Suddenly, out of the corner of my eye he starts bopping his head to the music..I mean REALLY bopping...like he's listening to some rockin' stuff on his iPod...except he doesn't HAVE an iPod! I'm pretending not to notice as I continue working. Next thing I know, he stands up and starts DANCING..shuffling his feet across the room and totally rockin' out!! It's like a live iPod commercial, except, like I said, no iPod. By now, I'm REALLY trying not to notice and in my head I'm thinking "Don't look up! Don't look up!" But I'm about ready to bust up laughing. What the heck was in his coffee??!! By now I'm thinking this guy is totally insane. But then he sits down and his cell phone rings and what do you know? This guy is having a totally SANE conversation with whoever he's talking to.

Well....at least someone found their "happy place" today. Too bad I didn't have a camera phone to take a picture for you. ha!

THIS WEEK'S FUNNY

This morning I opened the door to The Cracker Barrel restaurant and this elderly lady, about my height, was standing there. She jumped back, startled and said, "Oooohhh! You scared me! I didn't see you coming because you're so SHORT!"

HUMPFH!!

ONE OF MANY FACES

Ok so I finally joined the crowd at Facebook....and I have to say it's totally addicting. It's more fun (and as a friend said "less creepier") to use than MySpace and easier to find friends.

The bad thing is there are so many gadgets and things to add to your profile, I can't seem to tear myself away from it.

Just go to facebook.com and start searching for friends and family.

YEA! DAD'S BACK!

Don went on a retreat with the elders this weekend in prayer and fasting as they considered the direction God wants for this church. While they had a much inspiring weekend, I was glad to have my hubby back and Nate was glad to have dad back! Don came in his room today to get him up from his nap and he SQUEALED with joy when he saw it was dad! It was the sweetest sound and I know it made Don feel like a million dollars. It's interesting that when kids are used to having both dad and mom around, when one parent is gone, their behavior changes. Nate wasn't a bad kid all weekend but he was definitely more moody and irritable.

I didn't stick around the house much while Don was gone. Friday I took Nate to Rawhide and did some shopping at the AZ Mills outlet. Found a great deal on some very cool Vans shoes for Nate. They're black with flames on the sides and a chinese dragon on the top..for only $4.98!! These are $24 shoes so I was stoked! (do people still use that word today? flashback to high school). The only problem with our little trip was that I forgot that Phoenix is 10 degrees hotter than Tucson (we're talking 116 degrees that day!!!). So we waited until sundown to go to Rawhide but it was still in the 90's and you couldn't see anything. Rawhide is a little western town with shops, shootouts, and western "rides" like the train, stagecoach, burro rides, etc. It always reminded me of FrontierLand in Disneyland.

Saturday, I went to a movie while Nate slept in his stroller. 'Journey to the Center of the Earth" in 3-D! I can't remember the last time I saw a 3-D movie but it was totally cool! The acting wasn't that great but the special effects were fun. That afternoon, we went to Trail Dust Town, which is a miniature version of Rawhide...and frankly I liked it better. The train ride was much more fun and the shootout stunts were 10 times better. The only thing I didn't like was that the script was more adult material than kid-friendly. There were several crude lines that they could've re-written. You tend to be more aware of that stuff after you have a kid! The lady next to me had a 3-yr old and she was cringing. I can just hear her son repeating some of things they said!

It was a fun-filled weekend with my son but I'm glad to have my hubby back. He is a great husband and father and I admire and respect his leadership, his love for me and God, and love how he enjoys being a kid with Nate. Although I don't say it often enough, I am very proud of him and glad to share life with him.

SWEET DEAL!

We live in a little pocket of the city here in Tucson. It's strange because we're kind of out in the boonies, although there are large neighborhoods just a couple minutes from our house. For whatever reason, Sprint decided to stop offering their broadband service to our area...meaning..NO INTERNET! Today it was cut off and I found myself inconveniently making a trip to the coffee house to use their WiFi. Unfortunately the only service we get in our little neighborhood is Direct TV or satellite...both of which are ridiculously expensive. Both of our careers depend on internet and email, so while it was nice working in the coffee shop for a few hours, it was a pain trying to juggle who's going to watch the kid while the other tries to make a run to the nearest WiFi spot.

That's when hubby remembered the laptop wireless USB card. I promptly went to Costco, listened to the sales pitch and we got a sweet deal on a Verizon USB Broadband Access. Basically, everything was FREE except the monthly service payment! We opted for the larger 5GB USB because I have to upload gianormous art files every month and it ended up being around $59 a month. That's only $20 more than what we were paying, plus it's a heck of a lot faster AND we can access the internet all over the U.S.!

So needless to say...I'm glad we ended up losing our internet service!

TRAVELERS

VIEW FROM NANCY & LARRY'S CONDO AT OCEANSIDE

We just got back from a quick weekend trip to visit Don’s parents. They were near San Diego on a business trip and had not seen Nate since 2 weeks after we brought him home! It was a fast and furious but nice little getaway…especially since they were staying in condo right on the ocean! The first day, they took us to Sea World…something they’ve done for all the grandkids. This was Nate’s first trip, and although he was a little young to fully enjoy it, he was fascinated by the dolphin and Shamu shows, the Shark Encounter and the dance/ acrobatic show at the end of the day. In fact, the only time he got scared was at the water park in the kids area! He did not like the water shooting up through the holes in the floor. It takes him awhile to accept unfamiliar things and to get used to them but once he does, he starts having fun.

The next day we went to the beach and Don’s dad and I tried our hand at boogie boarding. Unfortunately, we inhaled more salt water than anything. In the meantime, Don and Nate dug a huge trench in the sand and played in that the whole time. The only thing I don’t like about the beach is sand all over Nate. I had to feed him a snack while we were there and he kept dropping his crackers in the sand and putting them in his mouth. Ugh! He had so much sand in his mouth it was disgusting.

Nate did ok while we were on the trip considering he was very over stimulated and over tired. He had a few mini-fits but that was to be expected. We kept him on his naps and even brought back his morning nap but the routine was out of whack. Fortunately, he slept almost the entire car ride home (6-1/2 hours)! He is now saying Me-Ma and Pe-Pa (grandma and grandpa) and I was glad to see him warm up to them while we were there.

It was a nice little trip and I definitely enjoyed the cool weather for a couple of days!

READ ME A STORY "ME-MA"!


SHARK ATTACK EXHIBIT AT SEA WORLD!


ENJOYING THE DOLPHIN SHOW WITH "PE-PA"


SHAMU SHOW


NOT VERY HAPPY ABOUT THE WATER AREA




GETTING BRAVER...MAYBE IT'S NOT SO BAD




THE PLAY AREA WAS MUCH MORE FUN!


CAN'T YOU SEE I'M BUSY?


CHILLIN' IN HIS STROLLER


"PE-PA" LARRY AND DENISE TRYING TO BOOGIE BOARD


THE BOYS ARE BUSY DIGGING

MANY FACES OF "MUNCHES"

MEET "MUNCHES" THE PANDA BEAR...ALIAS "QIAN", 

OTHERWISE KNOWN TO NATE AS "BEAR".....

NATE AND "MUNCHES" ARE INSEPARABLE

(heaven help us if we lose this bear!)

THAT'S WHY MOM & DAD BROUGHT HOME "MUNCHES'" TWIN BROTHERS!

SUMMER FUN

"I DON'T NEED NO STEEKIN' SWIM SUIT!"


TIME TO CLEAN THE POOL


I TOOK OFF HIS WET CLOTHES, HUNG THEM OVER THE CHAIR TO DRY AND WHEN I TURNED AROUND......!!

SUMMER AT THE MOVIES

Don and I love movies. Fortunately, we've winged it where we can put Nate to sleep in the stroller and still catch an afternoon movie every once in awhile. We're taking advantage of that for as long as the naps last. The last one we saw was "Hancock". It was entertaining but the story wasn't too original. I cannot WAIT to see "Journey to the Center of the Earth" and "The Mummy Returns"! I always loved the old "Journey...." version and love all the Mummy movies. Jules Verne is one of my favorite authors too.

When we were kids, on Saturday mornings, my dad would watch "World Beyond" with us (any Arizonans out there remember that?). We saw great classic "B" movies like "The Blob", "Them" and all the Godzilla flicks. I loved them all. I love nearly every genre too and have a fav from each one.

What is your favorite movie? What's your favorite movie treat? I cannot see a movie without getting popcorn...no matter how full I am. ha!

BABY LUCAS

Here's some photos of my new nephew, Lucas and my brother Terry...proud daddy!

MONSOON HAS ARRIVED

Yea! The monsoon season is officially here!! Now to us Arizonans, that means...RAIN!! And THUNDERSTORMS!! Stuff we rush to the windows to gawk at in awe. I love this part of the summer. Tonight, the monsoon blew cool breezes over the desert..cool enough for me to sit on the deck, drinking HOT..not iced...coffee and watch the storm. Big huge cloud to ground lightening bolts and other big bolts streaking across the sky. I wish I knew how to capture that on film but I'm not that talented.

Don and I have started working out to get fit and eat healthier. A few years ago we went on a very healthy diet and dropped a ton of weight..without even exercising. Well, unfortunately, that doesn't work anymore. We have officially entered the age where we have to eat right AND exercise if we want to see the pounds and inches come off. I'm a bit disgruntled because I let myself go to where my "fat" pants are too tight!! And they used to be really loose. Ugh! Some friends gave us some weight vests so I have started using mine when I take walks on our hilly dirt road. Don is going to the gym and enjoying it. I, on the other hand, HATE gyms and Don HATES walking, so we have to be accountable for own separate exercise. We are determined to get this weight off though and tone up at the same time.

I hear the canopy on our deck whipping around so I think another storm has moved in. Yea!

NATE'S FIRST 4TH OF JULY!

Today was very special to us in so many ways. One, because of the new life of my nephew...I just found out that one of our friends who was in our youth group several years ago is also an auntie today! But most of all because this was Nate's first 4th of July. What a great country to have the freedom to adopt and raise an orphaned child and give them the freedom and opportunities they wouldn't have had otherwise. Nate became an American citizen as soon as the plane landed on U.S. soil.

I bought some patriotic material to make him this shirt and finally got it finished this afternoon..just in time. haha. Tonight we went to Marana's 4th of July event and it was so much fun. A big storm blew in and the temperature dropped 15 degrees! I have to say it was the coolest 4th of July I can remember. In fact, the threatening black clouds and lightening caused them to start the fireworks an hour early for safety reasons. Nate did not even make a peep when the fireworks went off. After about 5 minutes, he got bored, laid down on the blanket and started fidgeting because it was past his bedtime! Ha!

THE WINNER OF THE WATERMELON EATING CONTEST




ENJOYING THE COUNTRY MUSIC




EATING HIS GOLDFISH




ONE OF MANY "PETS" WANDERING THE AREA


WATCHING THE FIREWORKS

I'M AN AUNTIE!!

Welcome to the world, Lucas Josiah! My brother and his wife just had their third baby boy today. A 4th of July baby! I got the call at 7am this morning from my bro and I can't wait to see pics! I hear he has a full head of dark hair!

Congrats to big brothers Zachary (3) and Nicolas (2-1/2)! And to my parents, Grandma & Grandpa Ramos!

Happy 4th of July everyone!

HOME AGAIN

We have left the cool breezy ocean and returned to bake in the desert. I have to say, I did not want to come home. Usually I'm ready to get back to normalcy but this time, Don and I really only had a weekend together and mentally and physically, I was ready for a true one-week vacation. Don't get me wrong....Don had a fantastic time at the worship conference and what better way to spend a weekend together than at the beach and visiting good friends? But it just wasn't long enough this time. I"m ready for a full week TOGETHER with no work..no responsibilies (other than being a parent!)

We didn't realize just how tiring this trip was for Nate. He slept most of the 6-hour ride home and today he slept in until 9:30am!! Considering he's usually up between 6-6:30am, this was very unusual. I slept in too but not as long as I would've liked because I was worried that something was wrong with him! Had to check in on him a couple of times to make sure he was still breathing. haha. Even with sleeping late, he still took his nap and went to bed tonight without babbling before falling asleep. Poor kid was just worn out.

We stayed the weekend with my art agent and it was great to catch up with her family and also get some business taken care of. Saturday, we visited with our close friends from college days, Chris & Gayle and their 2 kids. These are the friends who are guilty of getting us addicted to Starbucks. haha. Sunday, we were going to head home but decided at the last minute to stay the night in San Diego. Breakfast on Mission Beach was the best! Here's some photos for you.

CONNOR AND NATE...TAKING A WALK




CHEERS!


DON BEING GOOFY


OUR FRIENDS, THE SCOTTS


NATE'S LOVIN' THE ATTENTION


ALWAYS CLIMBING


LOOK WHAT THE STORK/PELICAN BROUGHT!


COTTAGES ON THE PIER THAT I WOULD LOVE TO STAY IN ONE OF THESE DAYS

GETTING THE GROOVE

I just watched a dvd of bass techniques from Norm Stockton. He's a PHENOMENAL bassist who tours and records with Lincoln Brewster ("Let the Praises Ring", "Love the Lord", etc.) I am in awe watching him effortlessly play the bass and his dvd, "Groovin' in Heaven" is loaded with techniques I can't wait to try out. The thing I like the most is how humble he is despite his talent and career. At the end of the dvd, he talks about using your talent for God, being a spiritual encouragement to your worship team and making time to strengthen your relationship with God. I love it! Of course, after watching this dvd I am completely humbled and feel like such a fledging beginner, but inspired at the same time to take my skills up a few notches....ok A LOT of notches. haha. Check out his website by clicking on this link: www.normstockton.com Listen to his rendition of "The Star Spangled Banner' below. His technique is amazing!