tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4721188837476542782012-01-31T00:11:08.707-05:00Our adoption story<br><br> "A journey of a thousand miles must begin with a single step." <i>Lau-Tso</i>Gary and Allisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09368779771686545561noreply@blogger.comBlogger4511100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-472118883747654278.post-1671555688706515152012-01-25T12:18:00.002-05:002012-01-26T10:19:23.766-05:00

Happy New Year everyone!! Gung Hay Fat Choy!! I haven't been on here in forever, but I assume I will be on here a lot more in the next few months as we start this journey again!!  Yes, we have started our second adoption through China special needs again!! We knew it was coming and we finally did it!! We are so very excited!! I forgot how many emotions this process, this journey stirs up. The

Gary and Allisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09368779771686545561noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-472118883747654278.post-31256367535285173882011-12-11T10:09:00.000-05:002011-12-11T10:09:25.572-05:00

Merry Christmas!!  

Gary and Allisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09368779771686545561noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-472118883747654278.post-34000268344159789912011-12-02T05:58:00.000-05:002011-12-02T05:58:08.482-05:00

Gary and Allisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09368779771686545561noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-472118883747654278.post-21779220991910657822011-11-01T12:27:00.001-04:002011-11-01T12:29:02.548-04:00

Happy Halloween!!

Gary and Allisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09368779771686545561noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-472118883747654278.post-59672188075014361862011-10-26T14:02:00.000-04:002011-10-26T14:02:26.789-04:00

We had the story hour Halloween party today, and Avery was an adorable ladybug! I love this costume, the wings are so neat. Truth be told, I tore the wings apart and stuffed them more with filling, took the bow off the jumpsuit, and made her antennas instead of the flimsy pair that came with the costume. I wasn't sure if we were going to use this costume so I ordered another costume also. So

Gary and Allisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09368779771686545561noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-472118883747654278.post-73344958434786899852011-10-14T09:23:00.001-04:002011-10-15T01:54:53.593-04:00

Avery and her Great Grandpa Lew We lost a great great man this week, my husband's Grandfather, and Avery's Great Grandpa, Grandpa Lew. He had been struggling for a long time being in and out of the hospital for various reasons.  Grandpa Lew was a very kind man, always willing to help, and always wanting to know how you were doing, and genuinely interested in your life. Grandpa Lew was

Gary and Allisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09368779771686545561noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-472118883747654278.post-2107659669950301562011-09-29T10:05:00.001-04:002011-09-29T10:10:30.551-04:00

The Girlies!!! Avery and her 2 cousins. Jessica is on the left, and Jodi is on the right. They see each other about 3 times a year. My Brother and his family live in Indiana. So they spend lots of time together when they are here. Our family!! One of the pictures we had to put in the last post placement update.  Get Up!! Let's Go!! Grandpa Scofield, Jodi & Avery playing on the

Gary and Allisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09368779771686545561noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-472118883747654278.post-22171909039161532482011-09-08T09:19:00.001-04:002011-09-08T20:28:43.282-04:00

We've done a lot this Summer... Vacations, and tumbling class, family visiting, a lot of family time for the 3 of us, and renovating the house a bit, and still in the process of doing that.  But to sum up our Summer, this picture says it all!!  We have one happy little girl that lights up the world!! We love you Avery Lin!! We had her caricature done at the NYS Fair, a Scofield

Gary and Allisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09368779771686545561noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-472118883747654278.post-50998040984914686622011-08-21T12:02:00.000-04:002011-08-21T12:02:23.723-04:00

Enough said!!!  :)

Gary and Allisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09368779771686545561noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-472118883747654278.post-84698615428336691212011-08-11T12:39:00.001-04:002011-08-11T12:40:44.419-04:00

Avery and I took Daddy to work today because Gary and I have a "date night" tonight. So I am going to pick him up from work so we don't have to drive separately, and Gary doesn't have to come home and go back up to Watertown. So the bug and I went to Panera for breakfast this morning, we were there by 8:00AM! It's so nice there at that time during the week, hardly anyone there, and

Gary and Allisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09368779771686545561noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-472118883747654278.post-20278303212105484302011-08-09T10:00:00.000-04:002011-08-09T10:00:34.771-04:00

Gary and Allisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09368779771686545561noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-472118883747654278.post-74626276039798783052011-08-09T09:58:00.000-04:002011-08-09T09:58:36.504-04:00

Gary and Allisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09368779771686545561noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-472118883747654278.post-26651584048741608512011-08-09T09:57:00.000-04:002011-08-09T09:57:31.530-04:00

Gary and Allisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09368779771686545561noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-472118883747654278.post-18508189093260204242011-07-24T16:38:00.001-04:002011-07-24T16:40:07.619-04:00

Gary and Allisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09368779771686545561noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-472118883747654278.post-55965781145382344752011-07-20T17:05:00.000-04:002011-07-20T17:05:27.582-04:00

Gary and Allisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09368779771686545561noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-472118883747654278.post-43135521860088565202011-07-19T10:55:00.002-04:002011-07-19T18:43:03.036-04:00

One year ago today we were in China, and at 3:30 in the afternoon we met our Avery, and became a family, a forever family!!  I remember being so nervous, and my stomach doing flip flops. Our driver was running late, and we were a mixture of excited, nervous, curious, and the happiest we had ever been!! I remember getting to the office, and our guide "Smile" saying the adoption offices were

Gary and Allisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09368779771686545561noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-472118883747654278.post-75617963488600575602011-07-13T13:20:00.002-04:002011-07-13T13:20:56.997-04:00

Gary and Allisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09368779771686545561noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-472118883747654278.post-37704337739738279342011-07-12T13:57:00.000-04:002011-07-12T13:57:00.645-04:00

Gary and Allisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09368779771686545561noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-472118883747654278.post-16824843863088373622011-07-07T08:57:00.000-04:002011-07-07T08:57:51.174-04:00

Gary and Allisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09368779771686545561noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-472118883747654278.post-34968147792731333312011-07-05T09:23:00.001-04:002011-07-05T16:18:29.328-04:00

We were in PA over the weekend, with my family. My Mom & Dad, and Brother and his family all went. Ten of us all together. We stayed in Paradise PA. The hotel was great, it had an indoor and outdoor pool, great for the kids, we all had a nice time. Avery went in the pool with no problems, she was trying to swim, so cute, absolutely no fear! Big change from last Summer. Jodi her cousin is in

Gary and Allisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09368779771686545561noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-472118883747654278.post-29058320327903279622011-07-04T10:41:00.001-04:002011-07-04T10:42:50.579-04:00

Gary and Allisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09368779771686545561noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-472118883747654278.post-18846512273531623882011-06-27T19:33:00.002-04:002011-06-27T19:33:47.901-04:00

Gary and Allisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09368779771686545561noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-472118883747654278.post-57950101503395603992011-06-26T09:17:00.002-04:002011-06-26T09:17:47.710-04:00

Gary and Allisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09368779771686545561noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-472118883747654278.post-49565319437799071092011-06-24T12:58:00.000-04:002011-06-24T12:58:24.963-04:00

Gary and Allisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09368779771686545561noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-472118883747654278.post-21100783437016652612011-06-22T14:17:00.002-04:002011-06-22T14:17:48.989-04:00

Gary and Allisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09368779771686545561noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-472118883747654278.post-30211938026080492582011-06-22T14:16:00.001-04:002011-06-22T14:17:09.962-04:00

Gary and Allisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09368779771686545561noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-472118883747654278.post-35911592115200926132011-06-20T15:21:00.002-04:002011-06-20T15:28:42.696-04:00

This is what our Summer is going to consist of...playing in our water table, the sand box, and swinging on our swingset!! Sounds good doesn't it? I have about 4 weeks off before I do a few Summer dance camps at the studio. We are going to start Avery in gymnastics I hope, and hopefully find a story hour or something else that we can do this Summer that fits in our schedule. We are also

Gary and Allisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09368779771686545561noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-472118883747654278.post-18191472803723856822011-06-09T12:11:00.003-04:002011-06-10T12:43:50.425-04:00

It's been awhile since I've actually written on here. It's that busy time of year again, 2 shows coming up with 120+ dancers and 59 dances...it's Senior Company Show time and Recital time...busy, and busier!! But Avery's Birthday Bash was a hit!! It was just family. Grandparents, Aunts and Uncles, Great Grandparents, and Great Aunts and Uncles, cousins, my former dancer Katie, who is like my

Gary and Allisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09368779771686545561noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-472118883747654278.post-47226051508614354072011-05-30T14:30:00.001-04:002011-06-09T12:13:10.674-04:00

Gary and Allisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09368779771686545561noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-472118883747654278.post-20702344579657189772011-05-20T08:35:00.000-04:002011-05-20T08:35:25.958-04:00

Gary and Allisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09368779771686545561noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-472118883747654278.post-29046130639902880582011-05-16T13:39:00.000-04:002011-05-16T13:39:28.563-04:00

Gary and Allisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09368779771686545561noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-472118883747654278.post-6982104736170217922011-04-26T13:44:00.000-04:002011-04-26T13:44:32.554-04:00

Great Aunt Nancy and Avery Noah, Owen, & Avery Avery looking a little concerned about Baxter the dog's tail! Grandma & Avery Grandpa & Avery Finding Eggs! Come on Mama, "I see one!!" "I see another one!!" Great Grandma's famous Easter sherbet cake-Yummy!! In my Sunday best all ready for church!!! Hope everyone had a great Easter!! We did!!

Gary and Allisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09368779771686545561noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-472118883747654278.post-59272771532046496472011-04-25T13:09:00.001-04:002011-04-25T13:09:12.916-04:00

Avery in her Easter dress!! We had so much fun!! Will post more pics later!!  Enjoy!!

Gary and Allisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09368779771686545561noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-472118883747654278.post-59528754702355338452011-04-22T08:38:00.000-04:002011-04-22T08:38:19.255-04:00

Gary and Allisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09368779771686545561noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-472118883747654278.post-63113661172589220412011-04-22T08:33:00.002-04:002011-04-22T09:16:00.289-04:00

We went to Indiana last weekend to visit my Brother and his family. We had Easter dinner on Sunday and an Easter Egg Hunt outside with my brother and his family and my cousin and his family. Avery, Jodi, Tori & Taylor had a ball finding the eggs and of course we had to blow bubbles to top it all off!!! Jessica, and Aunt Liz were blowing the bubbles!! Avery and her cousin Jodi had a blast chasing

Gary and Allisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09368779771686545561noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-472118883747654278.post-53529288129475161352011-04-14T11:45:00.003-04:002011-04-14T11:54:43.411-04:00

A few new pics of the Ladybug... The first one is Avery in the new Burley buggy for Daddy's bike. Can't wait to go on a bunch of rides this Spring/Summer/Fall!!! The second one is where she sat to watch Toy Story 3 for the 100th time. Dumped out all the Lego to get in there...no better place to sit, right? The last one is a picture of her pookie tails-so cute!!

Gary and Allisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09368779771686545561noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-472118883747654278.post-64394687851410419332011-04-13T07:34:00.007-04:002011-04-13T14:41:21.447-04:00

We are heading out to Indiana tomorrow after I get done with work to visit my brother Tom, his wife Liz and our 2 nieces, Jessica & Jodi. We are very excited as this is our first trip as a family since we've been home from China!! Avery is very excited to see her cousins Jessica & Jodi!! On my side of the family it's all girls, and will continue to be as we will be adopting another little girl.

Gary and Allisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09368779771686545561noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-472118883747654278.post-14706991229160729972011-04-08T07:50:00.000-04:002011-04-08T07:50:39.959-04:00

Gary and Allisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09368779771686545561noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-472118883747654278.post-27954716190262009952011-04-04T09:27:00.003-04:002011-04-04T09:36:55.479-04:00

The news being we had a daughter waiting for us in china, we got Avery's referral!!! The picture with the red background is the first picture we saw of our Avery. We just loved that face, and those LIPS!! How perfect!! We were in Indiana visiting my brother and his family. We left NY in a very frazzled, and heart broken way, so sad it was unbelieveable. We truly didn't know what we would

Gary and Allisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09368779771686545561noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-472118883747654278.post-29322102969459766762011-03-30T09:18:00.000-04:002011-03-30T09:18:36.151-04:00

Gary and Allisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09368779771686545561noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-472118883747654278.post-7796201645402783832011-03-18T10:09:00.002-04:002011-03-18T10:14:28.341-04:00

It has been awhile, almost a month since we have posted Friday faces. We have been extremely busy or sick. So we are nearing the end of our busy extra goings ons, and we are all feeling better, just tired, nothing new there. Avery continues to amaze us everyday, and she is putting phrases together now, and she says new words everyday. This week it's, "AWESOME"!! It's really sweet the way she

Gary and Allisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09368779771686545561noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-472118883747654278.post-24234596762318560702011-03-01T10:08:00.001-05:002011-03-01T10:10:06.756-05:00

We are a little behind on our blogging lately. Really busy schedules, with the dance studio, musical rehearsals at school, choreography, and the company-not much down time right now!! We took Avery in for her next round of shots yesterday, first Hep. A shot, and another one I can't remember right now but it was the last one in a series. Dr. O our pediatrician is always really good with Avery.

Gary and Allisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09368779771686545561noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-472118883747654278.post-48345198613916049022011-02-18T21:19:00.000-05:002011-02-18T21:19:18.518-05:00

Gary and Allisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09368779771686545561noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-472118883747654278.post-59807718301373785162011-02-16T09:25:00.003-05:002011-02-16T09:34:37.543-05:00

After tubby, and Avery gets all her lotions on and jammies on she loves to play on our bed. She tickles Daddy, and jumps, and falls backwards onto the pillows, and rolls around everywhere. I finally got some pictures of Gary and Avery during playtime after tubby-SO SWEET!!

Gary and Allisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09368779771686545561noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-472118883747654278.post-18141165652945009082011-02-15T12:28:00.000-05:002011-02-15T12:28:56.299-05:00

The first one is our newest NDC dancer!! She dances, and twirls all the time. Love, love, loves music, and is always raising the roof, and bopping her head to music! The second one is Mommy having fun with her hair during tubby time. She has been really good lately during tubby time, no more screams. I love to give her a mohawk/fauhawk!! The third one is Avery on Christmas morning

Gary and Allisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09368779771686545561noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-472118883747654278.post-6026872971588745002011-02-14T11:52:00.001-05:002011-02-14T14:20:51.503-05:00

The bug in her Valentine's Day outfit. We will get a clearer picture with Gary's camera later, this was from my iphone...plus we were on our way out the door, and she was ready to go!! But yes, that is a red hearts tutu, heart leggings, and a Valentine's day shirt-of course!!! Such a sweetie!! Avery is doing very well. We have had some waking up in the middle of the nights

Gary and Allisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09368779771686545561noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-472118883747654278.post-4725549230300345902011-02-12T22:06:00.000-05:002011-02-12T22:06:31.627-05:00

Gary and Allisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09368779771686545561noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-472118883747654278.post-83414467572059748792011-02-06T23:36:00.000-05:002011-02-06T23:36:51.762-05:00

Gary and Allisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09368779771686545561noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-472118883747654278.post-87013274364850268162011-02-03T09:43:00.004-05:002011-02-03T09:50:40.929-05:00

Happy Chinese New Year!! Xin Nian Kuai Le!! It is our 1st Chinese New Year with the little bug in the house. I ordered some red lanterns like ones we saw all over in China. I will put up a few more decorations today. Doesn't she look cute in her red outfit!! It is the Year of the Rabbit: 1915, 1927, 1939, 1951, 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999People born in the Year of the Rabbit are articulate

Gary and Allisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09368779771686545561noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-472118883747654278.post-52766480549977465302011-02-01T11:12:00.001-05:002011-02-01T11:15:48.881-05:00

Avery is now 20 months old!! We've been home 6 months, and Avery is just thriving! She is learning new words everyday, and she amazes us with the amount of new things she can do now. She is learning her colors, and shapes, and numbers. She now can point to her nose, mouth, eyes, hair, head, feet, toes, fingers, hands and ears when asked. She recognizes the numbers 1-6. She says new words

Gary and Allisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09368779771686545561noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-472118883747654278.post-89936237716194649442011-01-28T23:37:00.000-05:002011-01-28T23:37:05.523-05:00

Gary and Allisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09368779771686545561noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-472118883747654278.post-19180338786814322752011-01-28T23:36:00.001-05:002011-01-28T23:37:23.521-05:00

Gary and Allisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09368779771686545561noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-472118883747654278.post-20513651379512207762011-01-25T10:59:00.001-05:002011-01-25T11:01:44.839-05:00

It's from China, at our hotel in Guangzhou. It was taken the day before we came home. Avery is in one of her Chinese outfits. Look at how little she was...she still is little but oh how she's grown and thrived!!  Our little girlie bug!! We love you!!

Gary and Allisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09368779771686545561noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-472118883747654278.post-22836322219701221832011-01-19T14:55:00.001-05:002011-01-20T09:30:47.977-05:00

6 months ago today we were in China and met our daughter Avery Lin Xuan Newton for the first time in person. We had been looking at her picture for 3 months and the thought of finally meeting her and becoming a family was so overwhelming!! We were very anxious and very nervous, so excited words don't even begin to describe it.  I remember walking into the civil affairs office, not really

Gary and Allisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09368779771686545561noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-472118883747654278.post-53911513395454474932011-01-14T11:05:00.000-05:002011-01-15T01:05:40.468-05:00

Gary and Allisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09368779771686545561noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-472118883747654278.post-41176563897874738672011-01-10T12:25:00.001-05:002011-01-10T12:28:52.820-05:00

Just a little update on our girl. Avery is doing so good, she amazes us every single day. We still have those moments where we stop and look at her and can't believe that she is here. I have those moments a lot when I am rocking her to sleep at night. Sitting in the rocking chair with Avery bundled on my lap, and the stars from her light up ladybug glowing on the ceiling and Kenny Loggins, "

Gary and Allisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09368779771686545561noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-472118883747654278.post-82982631143877453862011-01-08T12:37:00.001-05:002011-01-09T23:56:24.133-05:00

Pookie tails!!

Gary and Allisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09368779771686545561noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-472118883747654278.post-61895286262182014362011-01-03T15:18:00.001-05:002011-01-03T15:25:28.783-05:00

Happy New Year Everyone!! The biggest change in Avery lately is the amount of words she can say and objects she can identify. Gar and I have both been off for Christmas for 10 days and what a difference when we are both home with her all the time!! These are the words she can say: Mama, Dada, Grandma, Grandpa, more, juice, cat, Koko, Jesse, Homer, cheese, yes, no, flower, nana (Banana), apple,

Gary and Allisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09368779771686545561noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-472118883747654278.post-46901974493266742782010-12-31T23:00:00.000-05:002011-01-01T02:37:08.785-05:00

Cheers!

Gary and Allisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09368779771686545561noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-472118883747654278.post-23533106095843137562010-12-24T07:39:00.005-05:002010-12-28T02:19:48.340-05:00

The gift of Love, the gift of Peace, the gift of Happiness...may these be yours at Christmas. Merry Christmas! Love, Gary, Allison & Avery

Gary and Allisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09368779771686545561noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-472118883747654278.post-51108348301726189102010-12-20T09:46:00.001-05:002010-12-20T09:46:59.280-05:00

Lights on the Lake is what we did last Friday night with Avery. It is at the Onondaga Parkway in Syracuse and you drive through it.  They have all sorts of animated lights, and light structures of animals and scenes set up throughout the park. It takes about 60-90 minutes to get through it. We'v been before with our nieces and we went one year just the two of us. But what a difference when you

Gary and Allisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09368779771686545561noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-472118883747654278.post-44425578513254101342010-12-19T07:44:00.002-05:002010-12-19T07:46:28.889-05:00

Today happens to be Gary's 40th Birthday. He is the most wonderful Husband and Daddy in the world!! Gary and I have been together since 1989-a long long time, and he is the best person I know, my better half, my soulmate and I love him so very much!! Happy Birthday-Sheng Ri Kuai Le!! Also, 5 months ago TODAY we met Avery in China!! We brought her home and became a family!! Our

Gary and Allisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09368779771686545561noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-472118883747654278.post-62460176586482067292010-12-17T09:40:00.000-05:002010-12-17T09:40:18.527-05:00

Avery is doing GREAT!! The black and white photo is Avery and her kitty Koko, and the bottom one is our girlie in her Dora the Explorer pajamas-she loves these!! We are gearing up for Christmas. Even though I don't think Avery understands anything about Christmas at her age she is as wound up and excited as all the kids I teach at my dance studio-go figure! Gary and I need to start

Gary and Allisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09368779771686545561noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-472118883747654278.post-72932168852602401462010-12-10T19:24:00.000-05:002010-12-10T19:24:32.876-05:00

Gary and Allisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09368779771686545561noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-472118883747654278.post-57997665243493280982010-12-10T05:24:00.004-05:002010-12-10T05:32:53.612-05:00

The top photo was taken at the civil affairs office about  15 minutes after we met Avery.  The second is after we got back to the hotel and we were getting ready to leave for our first dinner together as a family!! The third is our little ladybug 5 months later!! AMAZING!!!

Gary and Allisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09368779771686545561noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-472118883747654278.post-6510496063060976292010-12-09T09:46:00.005-05:002010-12-10T05:07:52.919-05:00

Our Dance Company was in the local Christmas parade last Sunday.  It was snowing-A LOT, and cold. Avery and Mommy sat in the back of the truck, and Daddy drove. Our 27 girls walked and danced in front of the judges. We won 1st place in our category!! A lot of fun was had by all! Avery is NOT a fan of the cold, not one bit, being from Central China I can see why.  But she likes to catch

Gary and Allisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09368779771686545561noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-472118883747654278.post-13146199392189659922010-12-03T10:32:00.001-05:002010-12-03T10:37:19.718-05:00

Gary and Allisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09368779771686545561noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-472118883747654278.post-10001661029960268392010-12-03T10:11:00.011-05:002010-12-03T22:11:29.648-05:00

I am so far behind lately, a lot to do and I'm so tired that my energy level is not where it usually is. Our Thanksgiving was chaotic at best. I ended up having a tooth absess on Tuesday, taught classes all day in severe pain then that evening couldn't stand it anymore and ended up in the ER Tuesday night to Wednesday morning, was there 5 hours. They gave me penicillin and vicodin. Neither of

Gary and Allisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09368779771686545561noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-472118883747654278.post-1105618597096191692010-11-26T16:28:00.001-05:002010-12-03T22:05:48.952-05:00

Gary and Allisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09368779771686545561noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-472118883747654278.post-56485480473657138032010-11-22T12:49:00.001-05:002010-11-22T12:51:29.955-05:00

Hello All! Everything here is so very good!! Avery has a touch of a cold, a runny nose, running like a faucet Saturday & Sunday, not too bad today, but you can tell she doesn't feel up to par. She doesn't have a fever but I am monitoring her closely. Haven't called the doctor yet, wait and see for tomorrow, she acts fine, just quiet. Gary & I had a date Saturday afternoon without Avery. We

Gary and Allisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09368779771686545561noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-472118883747654278.post-71631139514835035432010-11-19T23:00:00.000-05:002010-11-20T12:05:07.780-05:00

Gary and Allisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09368779771686545561noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-472118883747654278.post-39984379940701811872010-11-13T13:23:00.001-05:002010-11-13T13:32:39.480-05:00

This is the first time Avery's really spent some time in the backyard. She had fun picking, and throwing the leaves up in the air, and chasing our cat Jesebelle. What a beautiful day today. A ladybug kept flying and landing on me and Avery while we were out there-SWEET!!

Gary and Allisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09368779771686545561noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-472118883747654278.post-34483366603621933572010-11-12T21:17:00.000-05:002010-11-12T21:17:08.818-05:00

Gary and Allisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09368779771686545561noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-472118883747654278.post-58335332776007668712010-11-12T10:04:00.000-05:002010-11-12T10:04:28.608-05:00

Gary and Allisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09368779771686545561noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-472118883747654278.post-38826122927280544572010-11-09T06:23:00.002-05:002010-11-09T21:02:40.072-05:00

I was going to hop in the shower at 6:01 AM this morning, but Miss Avery just woke up, and just quieted back down and our stairs are extra creaky so I'm waiting a few minutes before I go up, so I will post this quickly. We are doing great, Avery is learning more everyday. Her new thing is to take you by the hand and go into another room. Our house has 2 living rooms in it, so after awhile she

Gary and Allisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09368779771686545561noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-472118883747654278.post-3469260475182753602010-11-06T07:48:00.000-04:002010-11-06T07:48:27.437-04:00

Gary and Allisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09368779771686545561noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-472118883747654278.post-65025955967689340442010-11-03T10:53:00.001-04:002010-11-05T13:15:58.870-04:00

I never post mid week, but I've been watching the series on the Today show this week about is civility dead, and wanted to share some random acts of kindness I've been witnessed to as a new Mom. I do believe that civility is a little dead, with all the reality shows, and the political scenery recently. I do believe that children are different these days. Not all children are taught to say please

Gary and Allisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09368779771686545561noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-472118883747654278.post-52573931144830203462010-11-01T12:18:00.004-04:002010-11-02T00:04:37.101-04:00

We have been looking forward to Halloween for some time...10 years waiting to take out one of our little ones. Well let me tell ya, we had a blast!! Avery was a little black kitten, with pink ears and tummy. She was just adorable! One of the benefits of being a dance teacher, you get all sorts of costume catalogs etc. Everyone expected us to dress her as a ladybug, and we hate to be

Gary and Allisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09368779771686545561noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-472118883747654278.post-8065828351512568182010-10-31T22:33:00.005-04:002010-10-31T22:54:19.337-04:00

MEOW!!

Gary and Allisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09368779771686545561noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-472118883747654278.post-91268240973240885802010-10-29T23:45:00.002-04:002010-10-29T23:45:41.032-04:00

Gary and Allisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09368779771686545561noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-472118883747654278.post-79402507190512566962010-10-26T09:49:00.002-04:002010-10-26T21:22:18.268-04:00

It's Tuesday and I'm a day late yet again so we'll just give weekly updates when I can get to it from now on... I wanted to wait until today anyway because Avery had her well child check up yesterday. So I thought I would give the details of that... Avery is now 17 months old on Thursday this week, and we've been together for 3 months. According to the doctor's visit yesterday Avery is now

Gary and Allisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09368779771686545561noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-472118883747654278.post-85095534086186842752010-10-22T23:00:00.001-04:002010-10-26T21:26:02.895-04:00

Gary and Allisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09368779771686545561noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-472118883747654278.post-6234781964613578822010-10-19T12:14:00.001-04:002010-10-19T12:20:19.901-04:00

 Okay so I'm late again on my weekly update, maybe I should change my day of the week that I do this on...we'll see. Avery continues to do well, and is teething again. She had 2 days this time where she was really uncomfortable, poor little duffer. But she is doing much better this week. She is climbing everywhere, and trying to stand on everything. She's a strong little girl that's for sure

Gary and Allisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09368779771686545561noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-472118883747654278.post-44826449920324801492010-10-15T09:07:00.001-04:002010-10-15T09:08:00.269-04:00

Gary and Allisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09368779771686545561noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-472118883747654278.post-27823724196898790192010-10-11T14:05:00.004-04:002010-10-12T13:48:28.098-04:00

Since I didn't get around to an update last week, I will do a double today. Things here are so good!! Avery is thriving, and we are amazed at her everyday. The weekend before last we had a surprise visit from Aunt Beth and Uncle Steve, their kids were with other family for the day, so they came down just the 2 of them for a visit with Avery-a very nice surprise!! Everyone's schedules are so

Gary and Allisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09368779771686545561noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-472118883747654278.post-23165048172854520182010-10-08T21:00:00.000-04:002010-10-08T21:00:13.971-04:00

Gary and Allisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09368779771686545561noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-472118883747654278.post-85385626642651311182010-10-01T12:36:00.000-04:002010-10-01T12:36:47.360-04:00

Gary and Allisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09368779771686545561noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-472118883747654278.post-80257944117918425952010-09-27T13:19:00.003-04:002010-09-27T22:26:00.853-04:00

I feel like I just wrote the other update yesterday, but it was a week already. I don't know where the weeks go. I can't believe it's Monday again so soon! Avery is doing great as usual. It's almost October and the bug will need to get her next set of vaccinations soon. We also need to get some stronger ointment for her eczema on her legs, it keeps coming back-pesky stuff!! She continues to

Gary and Allisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09368779771686545561noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-472118883747654278.post-27259101517174358242010-09-24T21:47:00.000-04:002010-09-24T21:47:28.871-04:00

Gary and Allisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09368779771686545561noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-472118883747654278.post-1996538199756431282010-09-21T12:40:00.002-04:002010-09-21T23:33:40.284-04:00

I am yet again a day late on my Monday update. But here we go... Avery is teething, and for the most part is a happy girl, but has her moments of being uncomfortable.  She has her fingers in her mouth a lot and looks at you with that, my mouth hurts look and a whimper. We made it through the first week of Mommy going back to work. I will say that I missed her something fierce though. Grandma

Gary and Allisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09368779771686545561noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-472118883747654278.post-47801767240272510902010-09-17T21:34:00.000-04:002010-09-17T21:34:52.192-04:00

Gary and Allisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09368779771686545561noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-472118883747654278.post-33059058061219979162010-09-13T06:25:00.004-04:002010-09-13T21:45:47.068-04:00

I am up early today, it's back to work week for Mommy :(... I have been dreading going back to work, but I will be fine once I'm there. I am excited to see all of my students, and meet all of the new ones. My schedule is actually pretty sweet. Monday & Tuesday 4:00-8:30, Wednesday 4:00-8:15, Thursday 4:30-7:00. I really can't complain at all. I have about the same amount of students and the

Gary and Allisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09368779771686545561noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-472118883747654278.post-6442355130877445212010-09-10T23:11:00.001-04:002010-09-11T01:12:57.671-04:00

Gary and Allisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09368779771686545561noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-472118883747654278.post-40177809288704285562010-09-07T16:09:00.006-04:002010-09-07T16:26:19.028-04:00

Yesterday was my Birthday and I didn't get around to an update, so we'll do Monday's Madness on Tuesday-oh well!! The bug is doing just fine!! She is walking all over the place, and I mean all over the place. We love hearing her little pitter patters throughout the livingroom and kitchen. We have gotten more gates to keep her where we want her, and out of where we don't want her. We took her to

Gary and Allisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09368779771686545561noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-472118883747654278.post-44344884500597776292010-09-03T06:39:00.004-04:002010-09-05T21:54:06.399-04:00

I couldn't resist this last one, had to put it in!!

Gary and Allisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09368779771686545561noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-472118883747654278.post-47925050028808755892010-09-03T00:03:00.000-04:002010-09-03T00:03:18.143-04:00

Gary and Allisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09368779771686545561noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-472118883747654278.post-80758177116863114712010-08-30T10:29:00.003-04:002010-08-30T22:34:26.861-04:00

A quick update as I am calling, and emailing, and returning calls for dance registration this morning. I am about a week behind, or more on calling people back, but that's just how it is these days people will just have to understand... Avery is great and continues to amaze us each and every day. We had another big and fun week & weekend.  I had to finish up 2 dance camps this last week,

Gary and Allisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09368779771686545561noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-472118883747654278.post-49502370991673457862010-08-27T19:53:00.000-04:002010-08-27T19:53:35.098-04:00

Gary and Allisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09368779771686545561noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-472118883747654278.post-71473656152247755822010-08-23T03:24:00.011-04:002010-08-23T03:39:25.300-04:00

A new schedule started, and an extra busy weekend, and a rant... Avery is quite the girl! She is the happiest little girl we know. She brings so much love to our lives, and so much happiness. Everyday is a new adventure, and when she smiles it lights up the room.  She can say "Hi" now when prompted. She knows who Mama, and Dada/Baba are. She can pull herself up off the floor and stand by herself

Gary and Allisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09368779771686545561noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-472118883747654278.post-69273487203334242022010-08-20T07:34:00.000-04:002010-08-20T07:34:18.063-04:00

Gary and Allisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09368779771686545561noreply@blogger.com0