Anniversary of First Call/photo

It was just a little over one year ago that we first got to see and know our little Iris through a thin file of photos and medical records. My how she's changed! She is walking and almost talking. We marvel at how her face appears to understand some phrases we say, such as "Go find Ho Gao(our dog)" or "get the book over there." We have enjoyed her smiles, and are getting used to her grunts and cries for communicating some of her wishes. No real words, except "uh-oh".

Grandma from AZ is visiting and helping out so much. We all went to to Angel Island for a change of scenery. Iris experienced her 2nd boat ride with us on the ferry to the Island. She was pretty quiet most of the day in her stroller, but preferred being out to walk about.
She also likes mom's hat a lot (see her wearing it in the above photo), but forgot to tell us that she dropped the hat on a trail near the picnic area. Oops! One cap missing!

At home, she has been interested in spending time in the backyard. Here's a video of how she likes relaxing in a chair with a magazine, and oh yeah...there's another hat.

Busy work week

This was the first week of Iris not waking up with either of us. So, who stayed with Iris three mornings this week? A friend (Azar) and temporary nanny came to stay with us because we both had to be at work by 8am. Iris and Azar got along very well. This was very strange for me because Iris would reach for her in the afternoon when I returned. I know she hasn't forgotten about me, but it still rattled my mommy bones not to be the main connection to my daughter. What was of great comfort was that God was keeping Iris healthy, happy and safe while I worked all morning (3 days/week). This will continue for a few more weeks. In fact, Grandma is coming to stay with us for two weeks for the reason of taking care of Iris in the mornings and late afternoons that we can't be home. As with many parents, I wonder if we're working too much outside the home.

On Thursday, Iris met up with an aquaintance, Alina, who is only about 10 days younger, but much bigger in size and weight than Iris. They enjoyed time at the park in Sebastopol, while mommy (me) walked and talked with a couple of other friends from work.

Well, we're looking forward to the July 4th weekend when we'll be together as a family and spend time with my family in the East Bay on Friday, as a well as getting together with families that also adopted from China. The weather is sunny and nice, and isn't that great?

First Father's Day

June 21st found us walking on the beach with the sun shining and a cool breeze that wasn't as strong as the previous days. Where is this? Fort Bragg, CA! Before my summer teaching got too hectic, the Avenells spent a few days and nights to get away from the phone, computer, and chores. It was glorious! We rented a house that we've been to before and Iris felt right at home, even though she had to sleep in her portable playpen.

What do visitors do in Fort Bragg? Well, we were thinking of going on the North Coast Brewery

tour, but walked around town on the day that there was a car show. Here's a Porsche that I liked. It's red and cute!

We took long walks along the shore, but it was very windy and a bit chilly. So we drove the Point Cabrillo lighthouse one afternoon and the nearly Botanical Garden a different afternoon. The flowers were gorgeous, but it was a real treat to see a working model train set outdoors.


We went out for dinner one evening, but saved money by cooking at "home." While Iris was sleeping, we read books, slept, watched two DVDs, slept, and snacked a lot. Needless to say, it was fun being on vacation.


Well, it's back to reality and I am praying for a favorable outcome regarding my teaching jobs. The state budget is a horrendous mess! Thank God for our ability to earn decent income, especially now that we have Iris.

We feel tired in the evening, and Iris is more "cling-y" and whiny (because she has no real words yet). I especially enjoy her backing up to sit on my legs when we're on the floor, and her grabbing my legs when I'm standing up in the kitchen. Dada is great at giving baths and putting her into her crib. Our almost 13-year old dog had a recent yeast infection (we think) and so she's been taking medicine for that and her arthritis. Poor H.G.!

As Iris is now 19 months old, I wonder what she really thinks of her parents-"They're weird! They're funny! They speak different languages." I pray that God will help her sort things out and love us as much as we love her.

Loving visitors

In the past few weeks, two of Da-da's good friends from Colorado came for quick visits. Of course, they came to see Iris and she took to them all very well.

Memorial Day weekend was full and busy. Mark and Judy S. came from Parker with a basket of Dr. Seuss books and a stuffed toy Cat in the Hat that was taller than Iris. The challenge now is for Mom and Dad to be able to read all the tongue twisting words in "Fox in Sox." We spent a sunny day at Korbel Winery, Armstrong Redwoods, and drove to Bodega Bay Head. Here are a few photos from their visit:



In early June, Dave and Denise M. came from Fort Collins -home of the CSU Rams- to spend a day with us. We had a nice walk/tour around Jack London State Park. By the next morning, Iris was so comfortable with them, that she would go to them motioning for them to pick her up. Here they each are holding Iris: