Home from NYC & updates...

We had a great time in NYC. We were both sick, I have a sinus infection that won't go away. I'm on the 4th medication hoping it works, it's been about 3 months with this cold, it's really annoying now. Gary is sick now, he's been home from work for 2 days just went back to work today, he has a virus-I call it the "crud". Seems like everyone's had the "crud" this year and it sticks with you forever. But, we had a good time time in NYC, we needed the getaway. It was really tiring, and I hardly slept while we were gone but I love the city. The sights, the energy of it, and to be in all that culture is just good for our souls.

We went to Chinatown, as we always do. We went into some different places this time. Some holes in the walls too. At one place everything was literally thrown on the sides of the shop in huge piles, it was only about 4 feet wide, you had to walk in one behind the other and you could hardly turn around because there was so much stuff thrown everywhere. The woman kept saying, "very nice quality, we have every color, only $10.00". We didn't buy anything there but it was fun. I did buy a glass elephant the color of green jade for Avery's room. We went into another shop that had gorgeous scrolls with chinese characters and writing on them hanging from the ceiling. We bought a scroll there, I'm not sure what it says but it's really pretty.

Then we went to Pearl River Marketplace. It is a 2 story Chinese marketplace. It has lanterns and lamps, food, clothing, books, decorations, knick knacks...EVERYTHING you would ever want. It's my favorite place to go in Chinatown. We bought a lantern lamp for the kitchen, a fan, some more lanterns, and some new year decorations. Oh, and I bought a really pretty purse/bag that is black and red china silk-very nice. We had fun there.

We went to all the regular places to show the girls NYC. At Macy's I bought a little lady bug shirt and some really cute socks-they were really cheap, and Macy's was having a sale. We went to FAO Schwartz and I got some really cute stuffed animals for her room.

All in all it was a great trip, and we can't wait to take Avery there someday. We know she will appreciate the arts and all the culture as much as we do.

Today I just ordered her crib set. It was on sale at Pottrybarn, and also back ordered and that usually means it's popular and may sell out soon. I wanted this particular set because it fits the China adoption story with the lady bugs and her room is going to be pink, green, and red. It's the garden sprouts quilt set. It is green and pink w/ lady bugs and dragon flys. I'm excited about this, and excited to get going on her nursery. Even though the wait is long, I need to feel as if we are doing something.

To keep busy, I am sending out new notices about the quilt, and have started a wall hanging that is in chinese, it has the character for "dream" in it. I am also doing a silly lady bug latch hook-busy work!!! I'm also going to get some books on Feng Shui, and Buddhism to read up on some things. The busier I am the better. I have a ton of choreography to do for our upcoming May show. I am doing a piece about adoption-excited about the music and it only makes sense that our life spills over into my work.

So there's the update...we are still waiting, and we are trying to keep busy.

Love to everyone~
~Alli