Thursday, September 20, 2012

Setempber 19--Happy Gotcha Day

Happy Gotcha Day!!
 
 This was the moment that Tatum and her Nanny walked into the Civil Affairds office one year ago, and we first laid eyes on our beautiful little girl for the first time.
 This was the moment that I held my baby girl in my arms for the first time...I was so scared, so happy, so in love....and I think she felt the exact same way!! But....mostly scared.
 And this is all 1 year later to mark this special day.....can you believe how much a year has changed our beautiful little Ju Lin from Yiwu China?
I just love this little girl more than you know....
 
Happy Gotcha Day!
 
We love you Tatum McKenlin Elliott
xoxo

Wednesday, September 5, 2012

Labor Day weekend

 This weekend, we headed to Baltimore to meet up with a few families that we travelled in China with last year. It was WONDERFUL to reconnect again after this past year and even more exciting to see how much all the kids have grown.
 Tatum loved seeing her big brother, Kyle and big sister, Sofia again!!
 
 Fun times at the Children's museum driving a car
 
 Tatum and Lily having some fun at the hotel together
 

 More Children's museum fun
 
 Tatum loved seeing all the fish at the aquarium--this was our first visit there and we loved it!
 
On the way home, we stopped in Stevensville to see Nai Nai and Pop Pop at Kentmoor for a drink. Tatum had some great fun with them while we enjoyed some time winding down with a cold one (or two) after our weekend.
 

 Nai Nai and Tatum exploring Nai Nai's purse....make up was a BIG hit!
 
 Frozen strawberry drinks are yummy!!
 

Tatum's first ice cream in a CONE was a HUGE hit too!!
 
Needless to say after this weekend, she slept like a BABY Sunday night--didn't hear a peep until after 9am the next morning. Monday, we stayed home and enjoyed some quality time together. I am off work this week before I start my new job on Monday.
 
I had a fabulous send off from work last week with a great lunch, and a wonderful gift of money and a Kindle Fire. I am very touched for such thoughtful friends and such a great gift. This week I have been getting the house cleaned up, getting ready for upcoming consignment sales and enjoying a little ME time.
 
Tatum is transitioning to the next class up at school this week, so it is nice to be close in case she needs me. Yesterday was her first day, and she did great!! She was in the classroom for a few hours. Today she will stay all day. I am so proud of all her accomplishments. Tatum is moving up a little earlier than we expected. This little girl has caught up with all of her peers and is just full steam ahead!! She has a busy, yet fun month ahead at school this month....I can't wait to follow along with her for this journey.