Sundaes and CDM

Sorry I haven't posted in awhile, but my back began bothering me last Thursday and is just now feeling better, so I have spent most of my time laying flat on my back or standing up (it hurt to bend).

It was kind of a relaxing week for the most part. Maggie began going to speech therapy twice per week this week and seems to be progressing well. She is talking more and more all the time and really has an amazing grasp of the English language. We are optimistic that therapy will do the trick.

On Monday, Mia and her mom came over and the girls had ice cream sundaes and played around the house. Barbara said they had a great time. Today, Barbara and Maggie went to the Creative Discovery Museum with Barbara's cousin's wife, daughter, and granddaughter Emily. Emily is also 3 years old. From the pictures, it seemed they had a great time.

I hope to have pictures of Maggie in one of her Tennessee Vols outfits next week (if I can convince Barbara to let her wear one...) Their first game is Monday night!!

Happy!

As I may have mentioned earlier, Maggie LOVES watching Barney. Lately she has been watching one of Barney's DVDs titled "Happy, Mad, Silly, Sad". This morning when Maggie woke up, she didn't come into our room and get into bed with Barbara as she normally does, but she called Barbara into her room, and proceeded to smile and inform Barbara that she was Happy! Barbara said it was the sweetest thing. Tonight she made happy, mad, silly and sad faces at my request. She has learned so much in only 5 months that we are amazed. It seems there is a memory built every single day.

Anyway, here are pictures from last week that I wasn't able to post for some reason the other day.

Kindermusik and Gymnastics

On Thursday, Maggie had her first Kindermusik class. I went to work late so was able to attend with her. I'm glad I did as it was amazing to watch her enjoy herself and participate like she did. She did great and had a big grin on her face. It is a class that uses music and instruments to teach children all kinds of things. You can read more about it here - http://www.utc.edu/Outreach/Kindermusik/index.html

On Sunday, we attended Sam's 4th birthday party at the Little Gym. Again I was almost in tears watching Maggie enjoy herself. It was a great place for a birthday party as lots of fun activities were planned for the kids, and they got to play on the different gym equipment. I was able to see a little of Maggie's gymnastics and was thrilled at how she is doing.

Today Maggie got a couple of more birthday presents from Will and Anna and from Cara. Will and Anna got her a big pillow to lay on while she watches Barney and two stuffed animals. Cara got her some dress up items including a crown, rings, earings, shoes, and necklaces. Of course after she tried them on, she had to try them on daddy. She had fun. Barbara asked her if she wanted to get her ears pierced and she said "no - it hurt". She gets smarter every day. I can't post pictures on here today for some reason, but enjoy the videos.

Our Artist

Time really does fly, and I can't believe it's been over a week since I've posted anything. It's a busy place, but I try.

Maggie started her speech therapy last week and had her second session today. It is a work in progress, but she will be fine. We are now working on her b's, d's, p's, and t's. We just have to practice alot, but she is very compliant.

After Maggie's birthday party last week, my niece Kacey went to visit her grandmother in Knoxville. On Wednesday, Barbara, Maggie and I drove to Knoxville and picked her up, meeting my mother for dinner on the way back. Miraculously, Maggie did great in the car, so she is showing some improvement. We plan to get a portable dvd player very soon and hope that will make the car rides even better. Kacey went home on Friday.

Friday night we ordered Chinese take out and watched the opening ceremonies of the Olympics. Maggie actually watched without asking to watch Barney. I told her that she was from China, and I think she kind of understood. I asked her if mommy and daddy were from China, she said no. We then asked if she was from China, and she said yes. we also asked if her friend Mia was from China, and she said yes.

Maggie has been swimming alot lately and really enjoys being in the water. She also continues with gymnastics and really enjoys her days with mommy.

Maggie got an easel for her birthday and she has really grown fond of drawing and painting. She drew what I think is a face on her chalkboard, and we let her paint in the garage on Sunday as it was a beautiful day! Like myself, she loves to be outside.

Maggie's Birthday Party

Today we had Maggie's 3rd birthday party. It was Barney themed and we had a great turnout. The kids played pin the tail on Barney, played in the pools, and swung on Maggie's new swingset. We had a Barney cake, Barney decorations, and dinosaur shaped chicken nuggets. My mom and sister came in town for the occassion and pretty much all of our friends and family in the area were present. I think Maggie had a great day and we were pleased with how everything went. I took alot of video and pictures and will look back on this day with fond memories. Maggie got a lot of very nice gifts and we continue to be amazed at everyone's generosity and friendship. We are truly blessed.

Maggie's Birthday!

Maggie turned 3 on Friday and we celebrated at home with myself, Barbara, Maggie, my niece Kacey, and Barbara's mom. We had a Cinderella cake and Maggie's favorite meal....spaghetti!! It was so exciting watching her open presents and enjoy the moment. I think that she realizes it was her birthday as before the night was over, she was saying Happy Birthday to ME!! It was adorable. She got a new swingset, an easel and artset, a cell phone, a bouncy ball, and a puzzle we bought for her in China. Thanks to everyone for the wonderful cards, telephone calls and well wishes, they are all cherished.