She's No Shrinking Violet

Thanksgiving, Sisterhood, Birthdays...

2008-12-08T07:41:00.005-06:00

Thanksgiving at the Benton's. We also had a second Thanksgiving with Gma and Gpa Maloney, (but forgot the camera).

Who knows??

Nell cooked for about 12 hours. She's crazy (to our benefit).

Anna made a cake to celebrate Nell and my birthday. So sweet. We haven't had a home made birthday cake in years!

One more dead spruce tree

2008-12-07T19:04:00.003-06:00

Winter Wonderland

2008-12-07T18:55:00.002-06:00

Random Pics from last two months...

2008-11-20T18:40:00.000-06:00

Onyx is definitely Violet's dog!

Last Fall walk...
Milwaukee skyline

First Professional Photos

2008-11-19T11:17:00.012-06:00

These photos did not come around easily. We had to cancel two sessions with our photographer, once due to weather and the other due to Bob's grandmother's death. We finally made it through the 1 and 1/2 hour session with Anna, Nikolai and Helena, using food bribery, funny faces, begging and pleading, only to have our photographer accidentally erase all the pictures. So, we went in again and redid the shoot. We are happy with the outcome and despite all the tears (babies) and headaches (parents).

YES WE CAN!!!!!

2008-11-04T23:42:00.002-06:00

Note our t-shirts, courtesy of Sally. Thanks!

Fall in the Woods

2008-11-03T18:27:00.000-06:00

I will never tire of these woods a block down the road from our house. We are so lucky to live by acres of natural land yet within five miles of downtown. Housing market is terrible, but I think we are stuck in the right place.

A not so scary Lion for Halloween!

2008-10-27T07:27:00.004-05:00

Godess-Mama Extraordinaire

2008-10-23T16:12:00.009-05:00

Auntie Nell flew me and Violet out to Florida for a visit. We stayed in the ocean-front condo with her (not too shabby). We had a great get-a-way, and plan to go back with Bob with us next time.

Violet is a true "water baby." She wasn't frightened of the waves at all, much to my amazement.

The Zoo

Great restaurants
Auntie Nell insisted on ice cream more than several times during the trip.

View from Nell's balcony at sunrise. Why was I up that early, you may ask. Well, internal clock was slightly off due to the time change. Can't complain after seeing this.

Family Farm Pumpkin Patch

2008-10-12T20:13:00.010-05:00

Family Time at the Grandma/Pa Sue and Al's Cabin

2008-09-28T19:50:00.006-05:00

Aunts, Uncles, Cousins Grandma and Grandpa met at the cabin for the first of an annual Fall gathering. We had great weather, and got to decorate pumpkins, take a horse drawn carriage ride and play in the woods. The kids built a fort with timber twice their size.

Grandparents' Visits

2008-09-15T16:40:00.003-05:00

Granny and Grandpa Benton try to make it here very couple of weeks, if we don't go to them. We had several bbq's this summer with Anna, Nikolai and Helena.

We are often able to see Grandma and Grandpa Maloney as they visit when they come home from working out of state.

Grandma and Grandpa Yokers visiting during the summer (Grandpa could not make this particular visit:( We also like to visit them at the cabin!

Violet adores her grandparents.

Kangaroo Lake

2008-09-06T21:29:00.006-05:00

Every year, we go to Door County with my family. This was the first year we had Violet and Helena with us, and it was better than ever. A lake is the ultimate bath and the beach is the best sandbox.

Violet's New BFF...Introducing Onyx

2008-09-01T21:42:00.010-05:00

He came from Bob's sister, who is getting ready to go to grad school and will be too busy to give him the time he needs. He's a Dotson/Shitzu and Peekapoo mix, but seems to have the intelligence of the poodle and energy of the Shitzu.

Asian Fest, State Fair and Company Picnic

2008-08-15T21:26:00.008-05:00

State Fair: Size of a small city where you find holes in your pocket with nothing to show for it but a pint sized stuffed toy and cotton candy rot gut (but fun anyway).

Yes, she is sleeping with one finger to her temple...I had to look twice as well.

At Bob's company picnic, Violet was interested in getting a balloon, but unsure about the clown making them!

Violet Day~August 1

2008-08-11T21:30:00.000-05:00

We met Violet one year ago today, in a small room on a hot day at the Taiwanese Women and Childrens Association. It was the most exciting day of our lives. She about 6 and 1/2 months old. That day, Violet was alert with interest and gave shy, sweet smiles. She slept in a tiny cradle next to our hotel bed that first night, and we woke up several times to watch her sleeping. It was surreal. We have had an incredible year with her as she has learned to crawl, cruise and walk. She says several words, including "mama" and "dada," and she still sleeps with the same Pinky Blanky she did the first night she came back to the Feng Yuan hotel with us. She is inquisitive, wickedly smart, funny and kind. We celebrated our first "Violet Day" by going out for dinner and spending a relaxing evening together.

Video recap of Mom and Al Cabin 08

2008-08-10T07:51:00.005-05:00

We spent Bob's birthday visiting the Yokers grandparents at their cabin. It is a great place where Bob can escape from the pressures of work. This is the the video highlight.

Beach with Montse and Owen

2008-07-16T07:35:00.005-05:00

Who knew we had such a lovely beach so close by! Owen and Violet continue to be best of friends with some hugging and foot rubbing mixed in...

Parent's Annual 4th of July Party

2008-07-10T07:24:00.001-05:00

The Cabin: Sparklers, Birthday Pie and Ice Cream Face

2008-07-07T21:02:00.010-05:00

Bob, Violet and I visited Bob's mom and Al at their cabin during the week of July 4.

Bob's mom and Al made cherry pie for Bob's birthday

Deer at the bottom of their hill

We were astonished to watch Violet finish her ice cream cone.
We took Violet for her first swim in a lake.

Such a cute barmaid

The Cat Days of Summer (ok, I know that's cheesy)

2008-06-29T20:43:00.000-05:00

On hot days, Violet makes sure that the cats, her stuffed animals and dolls are getting enough water. She is somewhat oblivious of Simba's ungrateful reaction (notice the teeth baring).

Summertime

2008-06-22T19:43:00.000-05:00

What better way than to spend warm June days than in the pool? I just have to make sure that Violet doesn't drink the pool.

Alas, a Morning Baby

2008-06-10T20:49:00.000-05:00

I don't know about how you feel in the morning, but I've always loathed it until about noon or when I am on my third cup of coffee. I had no idea that I was getting the happiest morning baby. It's really hard to not catch her enthusiasm, and I may be changing my tune about mornings. This is what I wake up to most days:

Gardening With a Toddler: Mission Barely Possible

2008-06-05T20:09:00.000-05:00

Despite Violet's crazy antics in the garden, oh you know, like eating dirt, transplanting flowers, falling in flower beds, we managed to get some gardening done. Most notably, we had the huge pine tree removed from the front of our house. We hate to kill trees, but this one was planted too close to the house and blocking sunlight from shining into the living room.

On The Road Again...

2008-06-02T20:03:00.007-05:00

We spent the week visiting friends and family. We went to Madison to visit Emme and Craig, where they fed us well and doted over Violet.

Violet and I started the week with Callie and her daughter Shannon, at her dad's house on a lake. It was fun watching Violet play with the child of my oldest and dearest friend of 26 years.

Foodie

2008-05-19T10:13:00.003-05:00

You would have thought I was serving ice cream and brownies for snack. Violet is so into food that she is super happy when I serve almost anything (in this case raisins). She is a great eater with one of her favorite foods being broccoli.

Playdates and Walks

2008-05-18T20:58:00.004-05:00

Nikolai resigned to being baby furniture for Helena and Violet.

Violet and her new BFF at the Children's Museum. NB: Owen has a little crush on Violet, and sometimes gives her very eager hugs that make her fall down (: I imagine that she is telling him here to mind her personal space.

Ahh, but Owen is not a quitter...

Tunneling

Owen and my awesome stay-at-home-mom friend, Montse.

Walks in the neighborhood take about five times longer now that Violet insists upon walking most of the way herself. She makes lots of pit stops to pick up bugs, sticks and pull grass.

Happy Momma's Day to Me!

2008-05-12T07:27:00.002-05:00

Breakfast in Bed. Does it get any better? Just imagine a scone on the plate (I ate it too quickly to take a picture), a latte is in the cup and chocolates to boot. Baby daddy is on the ball and we had a fantastic first Mother's Day. We went to my favorite flower shop to browse and out for lunch.

Happy Mother's Day to all.

On the Cusp of a Midwest Summer

2008-05-10T06:44:00.008-05:00

We go outside every chance we get, and while Violet eats dirt, Bob and I prepare our flower beds, plot, scheme and negotiate plant choices and placement. It's the most exciting time of the year in Wisconsin as we sit on the cusp of beauty and warmth, very ready to leave dead and cold winter behind.

We live near an international airport and sometimes find ourselves part of their flight pattern. We don't notice the planes anymore, except when Violet squeals and points up to the sky.

Visit Home For Mom's Birthday in April

2008-04-30T06:32:00.001-05:00

Happy Birthday Mom! We met up with my parents, Anna, Nikolai and Helena for a celebration with Chinese take-out and lemon meringue pie.

Bliss

2008-04-23T16:09:00.007-05:00

Violet and I stollered down to the playground. Beautiful day, not a cloud in the sky. Then we came home for some peanut butter toast. Perfect day.

One Big Sick Family...the Domino Effect

2008-04-20T14:24:00.000-05:00

Cousin Helena came down with a stomach virus last week. My mom came to town on Wednesday to help me take care of her.

By the time Helena started feeling better on Friday, my mom and Violet had taken ill. Violet's temperature reached 103 and she couldn't keep down water during the worst of it. Next to follow was Anna, then Nikolai. Not so fun.

ALL BETTER...enough to enjoy a gorgeous Spring day, and eat some dirt and leaves.

Portrait From Aunt Barb

2008-04-15T14:03:00.000-05:00

Imagine our surprise and excitement when we found a watercolor portrait in the mail, commissioned by my Aunt Barb from an artist friend of hers! We were thrilled and have proudly placed this painting on our mantel. It shows one of Violet's first sippy cups, and her fabric bunny in the painting. The post of me holding Violet is from a picture taken on the day we met her. Thanks so much Barb. It is treasured.

April Video Update

2008-04-13T20:21:00.004-05:00

Here is a new round of videos we wanted to share:

Standing On Her Own Two Feet:

Dancing:

More Dancing:

Sharing a Laugh with Grandpa Benton:

Learning to Walk:

Using her Popper Toy:

Queen of Lulu's:

The Aids Resource Center Fundraising Gala

2008-04-08T13:38:00.003-05:00

Anna invited me to the ARC Gala last Saturday, where I met some of her co-workers and thoroughly enjoyed myself. I had not been out without Violet for quite awhile, let alone to a complimentary Gala. We got dressed up with the intent to have a ball, and were home by 10pm, before the band even started. It was great while it lasted, but so is a comfy bed these days.

Spring Day at the Zoo

2008-04-08T13:14:00.005-05:00

We decided to spend the first 60-some degree day at the zoo. So did everyone else in Milwaukee. Despite the crowds, we were were impressed by the zoo, and loved watching Violet's joyful interest in the animals. I think she particularly liked the fish.

Violet's Baby

2008-04-08T13:02:00.004-05:00

Violet's "Auntie Anne" sent her a baby doll with a soft hand-sewn nightgown and blanket, and needless to say, Violet loves it. She carries it around giving it kisses and hugs. Anne managed to find Asian dolls for Violet and Helena. Thanks Anne!

Playing With Light

2008-04-02T17:08:00.004-05:00

The amazing Betty Brinn Children's Museum

2008-04-02T15:20:00.003-05:00

What a treasure to have this Museum so close by. Violet and Helena had such a good time. It has enough range of activities to keep a child interested from one to ten years old, including a artificial flower shop, puppet stage and vegetable patch (fake veg. of course). We eagerly bought a yearly pass for $50.

Happy Easter...now where's spring?

2008-03-31T15:02:00.000-05:00

We spent a very happy Easter with Gma, Gpa, Uncles, Aunts and cousins. Violet received her first Easter Basket from the Bunny, and was eating the crayons in no time. I can sense Spring on some days, and the next day we will be back in the depths of winter. Only in Wisconsin...

Violet walked across the room for the first time over the Easter weekend. She is a deliberate and cautious walker. We better get more baby gates. Bob and I were the proudest people on the planet, like she had just become president (well, she is a few steps closer now). Funny how parents feel about their children's accomplishments.

March 2008

2008-03-31T08:41:00.000-05:00

Yes, the whole month clumped together, because it slipped through my fingers somehow! Violet and I went to my parents house to cheer up my dad who broke his arm slipping on the driveway. Between Violet and the Vicodin, I think he felt much better. We had record snowfall in March, so we were marooned indoors a lot of the time. But here's a snapshot of last few weeks.

When we did venture out, we met up with Anna and Helena the coffee shop.

Butchered Bangs

OK, so I didn't know it was so hard to cut bangs. I have a whole new respect for hairdressers. I believe this is what Violet was thinking:

"I'm NOT showing anyone."

"Let's see, how will I get back at you?"

"I guess you did the best you could."

Auntie Nell knitted me this gorgeous scarf, but I'm not quite sure how to put it on..."

"Like this?"

"Got it!"

We celebrated Chinese New Year with other members of Families with Children from China (FCC). A huge affair with dancers, a market, food, and crafts. Violet and Helena will join a Chinese class when they are three. Bob is thinking about learning the language for business. I fell asleep during a French class exam in high school, and won't be attempting to learn the most difficult language on earth.

Violet and Helena's First Birthday Party

2008-02-03T17:27:00.000-06:00

Violet apparently enjoys chocolate cake!

We observed a Chinese tradition of putting different objects, representing professions, in front of a baby on her first birthday and seeing what she choses. Violet chose a Buddhist Prayer Spinner, representing something spiritual (perhaps a monk?), and Helena chose crayons (artist).

Close Ups

2008-01-30T17:19:00.000-06:00

Violet was in a particularly playful mood, so I grabbed my camera to capture some of her expressions.

Happy First Birthday Violet!!!

2008-01-22T06:46:00.000-06:00

Anna, Nikolai and Helena helped us celebrate Violet's actual birthday with take-out Indian food and chocolate cupcakes. Yes, Violet enjoys Indian food. She loved the cupcake, and would have finished the whole thing if I didn't mind my dining room covered in chocolate.

We will have had Violet with us for six months in a few days, and the time has flown by, measured in happy surprises and constant change. When we first met Violet, she had no teeth, and now she has seven. Her head was very wobbly and she had just learned to roll over, and now she is near walking. She was drinking formula with rice cereal, and now she is eating Indian! The thing that remains the same is her enthusiasm and curiosity.

Robins Birthday

2008-01-21T20:41:00.001-06:00

We traveled to Appleton this weekend to visit Mom & Al, as well as attend a birthday party for Aunt Robin.

Violet Slept most of the 2 hour drive.

All Photos can be found here

Grandparents Visit!

2008-01-15T08:06:00.000-06:00

The Benton Grandparents came for a night, and brought dinner with them! We celebrated Anna's birthday with Coronation Chicken and Chocolate Mousse. Violet and Helena take increasing interest in each other. They are starting to mimic each other's sounds and try to out-scream the other. They're hysterical to watch. We fortunately get to see the B. Grandparents every other weekend.

December Videos

2008-01-05T18:15:00.000-06:00

In this low quality video, Violet takes my hand off Bob's, to hold his hand herself. She did this countless times that evening, and still does it. She loves to hold her dad's hand, and hasn't quite learned to share...

We decorated the Christmas tree while Violet was napping, so she was astonished to find a tree in the living room upon awakening...

Violet is Formally Readopted

2007-12-31T12:08:00.000-06:00

Violet was formally readopted in the U.S., which is basically a way for the county and our home study agency to milk us for more money. It also means it may be easier for her to replace SS cards and other docs in the future, if lost, because she will have a birth certificate in English.
Despite my cynicism, it felt good to hear the judge say that Violet is irrevocably ours forever and ever. It is clear that all in the courtroom enjoy adoption cases, as it is probably the happiest occasions in their court, and the judge gave Violet a stuffed animal as a welcome gift.

Violet's First Christmas

2007-12-29T18:38:00.001-06:00

Christmas at the Yoker's this year was a happy time. We had a delicious ham and sides that grandma and grandpa had whipped up. We played a white elephant game, and talked about "adopting a family" for Christmas instead of buying presents next year. All the kids played with Violet with enthusiasm and gentle hands.

Violet with Uncle Bill

Grandpa is obviously an avid deer hunter

Grandpa reads "A Night Before Christmas"

It was the first Christmas with babies around at the Benton's, and they infused the holiday with energy. We imagine that next Christmas will
be even more entertaining with walking and talking babies.

Sicko

2007-12-15T17:38:00.000-06:00

OK: We had no idea what living with a baby's cold for two weeks actually meant. Yeah, sure, I had heard parents say mournfully that their baby had a cold, but shrugged it off as no big deal. Wrong. It is a snot explosion, sleep deprivation, vomit filled, nasal asparating, bottle refusing pain in the behind. This was Violet's first cold, and we are hoping her last...for a few weeks at least. So, here are some before and after pictures!

Oh yeah, feeling good...

Not so good...

First Christmas Tree and Santa

2007-12-08T16:42:00.000-06:00

Mama's Birthday

2007-12-06T17:17:00.001-06:00

I woke up on my birthday to a sunny winter wonderland. Violet and I spent the day at a coffee shop and running errands. That evening, Violet went over to Helena's for some play, and Bob and I went out to Maders for dinner. After an embarrassingly long conversation about how old I am, we settled on 32.

Santa's Helpers

2007-12-05T17:54:00.000-06:00

If you need a laugh, check out this link:

Baby or Puppy?

2007-12-04T17:04:00.000-06:00

Violet has taken to carrying things in her mouth as a means to transport toys with her! It's actually quite clever, but does remind me how much babies have in common with popular house pets.

Dance Dance Dance

2007-12-03T10:34:00.001-06:00

Here is Violet showing off her dancing skills.

Thanksgiving at the Maloney's

2007-11-25T11:51:00.000-06:00

Violet met so many cousins, aunts and uncles for the first time. She also met Great-Grandma Maloney, and was went straight for her hair. We feasted on lasagna, thankful not to have turkey again. Everyone is doing well, and we will see many of them again this summer, if not at Christmas!

Grandma

Aunt Karolyn

Uncle David

Grandpa

Aunts Nicole and Mandy

The cousins

Maloney kids

Grandma

Uncle Jason and Aunt Sarah

Grandpa and Uncle Bill

Thanksgiving at the Benton's

2007-11-24T11:50:00.000-06:00

Violet loved meeting her great aunt Barb and her friend Tom, for the first time at Thanksgiving. Nell and mom negotiated their way through the kitchen together and no one got hurt. In fact, dinner was delicious. Dad's TA from Viet Nam came again this year, so I picked her brain about the difference in Chinese and Vietnamese culture, particularly as it relates to New Year traditions.

Great Aunt Barb

Thanksgiving with the Yokers

2007-11-23T11:50:00.000-06:00

Grandma and Grandpa made a tasty brunch to kick off Thanksgiving. We caught parts of the football game in the basement. The highlight was watching Violet play with her Laehn cousins, whom she loves. Grandma looked healthy and is feeling much better. Al secured his first deer of the season the night before...ahh, holiday time. Snow made it's first appearance on our way to Gma and Gpa's house on Wednesday.

Mommy on the Loose...

2007-11-20T11:31:00.000-06:00

Nell stayed with us for a week, and we packed in loads of activities, mainly focused around food, somehow!! Nell made spectacular meals, including a Thai dinner with eggrolls, potstickers and curry. The girl can cook, that's for sure. We went out one night (only my second night out in four months). We also caught a Packer game and did some shopping.

Margarita Madness

2007-11-18T10:17:00.000-06:00

The clan met out for Mexican, with babies in tow and had a good time! Violet is eating table food, in addition to jar baby food, and she especially loves pasta, yogurt and apples.

Playdate with Helena

2007-11-16T08:13:00.000-06:00

Auntie Nell's Home!!!!!

2007-11-12T08:14:00.000-06:00

Nell flew in from the UK on November 10, and we have been having such fun. She is spending loads of time with her nieces, and cooking us all amazing meals. The babies love her, and she is so good with them. We met my parents for lunch, and were entertained by baby antics.

Woods and Park with Auntie Anna and Cuz Helena

2007-11-01T09:52:00.001-05:00

Thanks to global warming, we were able to enjoy a lovely 70 degree day in late October, walking along Lake Michigan, and swinging at the Park. Violet now weighs 20 lbs and my back is feeling every additional ounce in the Baby Bjorn. It will be a sad day for us both when I have to use a stroller and stop Bjorning. Violet loved the swing, although we noticed after she used it that it is for children over 3 years old. What's 26 months early for my kid, right?

Art Museum and Fun with "Dadadadada"

2007-10-26T08:42:00.000-05:00

Helena, Anna, Violet and I headed to the Art Museum which is free for
county residents on Wednesdays. Violet preferred the Impressionists to the
Modern Abstract, explaining that her medium (food) and canvas (clothes) produced
far better art.

Violet plays with dad after he comes home from work.

Feeling Good Music Video

2007-10-22T22:54:00.000-05:00

We finally finished putting together the remaining video from our trip to Taiwan:

Violet is 9 months old today

2007-10-21T17:01:00.001-05:00

Today we took a long walk on this unusually warm October day. We spent time at the coffee shop and read the paper, but most of the day we spent chasing a quick crawling Violet.

This week Violet started climbing up furniture and we found her standing in her crib.

Videos from October

2007-10-15T09:58:00.000-05:00

Violet's first crawl

Playing with Helena

Doing the Kung-fu hustle

Mom & Al's Cabin in October

2007-10-15T09:44:00.000-05:00

We spent last weekend with Mom and Al at the cabin. It is a very relaxing and beautiful place.

Cabin view from the hill

Enjoying the screen porch

Taking a walk in the woods

Mom showing us her deer-stand

Violet cozy in Dad's arms

First playtime in the leaves

Sleeping Violet

2007-10-14T13:26:00.000-05:00

The first photo is of a sunset over the Fengyuan sklyline from our hotel room. V. likes to sleep (almost as much as mommy). We often take the morning nap together for an hour. She sleeps in the afternoon again for about an hour, then at night from 8pm to 7 am, without much difficulty. Sometimes I miss her when she is sleeping. Sometimes...

Play: A Child's Job

2007-10-14T08:13:00.001-05:00

Violet does the splits, no kidding. This seems to be her preferred sitting pose. She also does Downward Dog yoga poses, and is trying to stand. She now crawls forward, and pivots like a point guard. She loves to play with the cats, although the desire is not really reciprocated. Violet is very curious and is just as happy with a plastic cup or key chain as she is with a fancy gadget.

Playdates with "Cuz" Helena and friend Shannon

2007-10-01T22:19:00.000-05:00

We love spending time with A, N and Helena. Who else understands just what we're feeling better than they do? Violet and Helena are taking more note of each other. We've read that babies really don't interact until about one. Violet is awfully interested in whatever toy or pacifier Helena has, so I play referee sometimes. Violet and Shannon will get to know each other well throughout the years as I have known Callie for 25 years (note bottom picture: again, Violet has a thing for collars and wrestling!)

Lunch date at A and N's.

Discovery World

More abuse from Violet

This is what crazy underslept moms look like.

Playing with Callie and Geoff's daughter, Shannon.

We like to think she is going for a hug, and not the jugular.

Day at the beach

2007-09-15T11:21:00.000-05:00

It was a magical day at the beach halfway between our house and my parents. We spent a sunny warm autumn day eating a tasty picnic. Mom and dad wrangled over who would hold Violet next, and mama dipped V. in cold Lake Michigan. She didn't seem to mind, and this further confirms our belief that she is a true Buddhist.

Daddy's girl

2007-09-05T11:13:00.000-05:00

Daddy and Violet bonded quickly, and it wasn't long before Violet had him securely wrapped around his finger. How's the circulation Bob? They like to play flying, tummy tickle monster and chill out together after Bob returns from work.

Meeting Maloney Grandparents

2007-09-01T11:08:00.000-05:00

Today, Violet met her Maloney Grandparents. They were driving through WI back to MI, where grandpa is working on a project.

Settling In

2007-08-30T10:55:00.000-05:00

Violet has been adjusting very well. She had no noticeable jetlag which is more than I can say for me and Bob. She has two teeth now, and is standing, with assist, and sitting. We'll need to childproof the house soon. Violet's really interested in mirrors, toys that make sounds, food, and music.

First try of solid food

Asleep in the backyard

Enjoying the park & Lake Michigan

Our first restaurant outing back home

Meeting Yokers Grandparents and Aunt Robin.

2007-08-26T10:45:00.000-05:00

Violet got to meet more Grandparents and her Great Aunt Robin.

Homecoming

2007-08-21T11:33:00.000-05:00

FINALLY!!!

We left Taipei at 4:30 AM... we were not thrilled with getting up so early, but Violet didn't seem to mind and the car drive through Taipei was magical at this time. As we drove away from the city, the sun was just starting to rise and the mountains could be seen in the background in colors of blue and purple with scattered lights reflecting human presence in the distance.

We all stayed in good spirits considering none of us slept very well (except for Violet)... we had a short flight to Osaka and Violet slept in her bassinet. The trip from Osaka to Detroit seemed to take forever, but Violet didn't cry and was enthralled with the Taiwanese woman sitting next to us. The Taiwanese woman was very nice and was leaving Taiwan for the first time in her life to study at the University of Wisconsin Madison... (Bob's alma mater). We hope she is doing well in the cold Wisconsin climate.

We finally arrived in Chicago, 22 hours from our departure time. We were greeted by the Benton Grandparents and Aunt Anna. The trip was long and exhausting, but the joy of seeing family and being back home was exhilarating.

Life in Taipei

2007-08-16T07:41:00.000-05:00

Despite Bob's long work hours and following a baby schedule, we were able to do some sight seeing in Taipei. We found the city to be very metropolitan and dynamic. Violet was just as happy to people-watch at Starbucks as she was taking a walk in the Bjorn, or going to the top of one of the tallest skyscrapers in the world.

Standing at the top of Taipei 101

Chang Kai-Check Memorial

life in the hotel

Helping Daddy with work

Chang Kai-Check Memorial Gardens & Dancers in local park

Taoist Temple worshipers

Meeting Helena

2007-08-15T13:00:00.000-05:00

Today we were able to meet Anna and Nikolai's daughter, Helena at the TWCA office. Helena is a sweet cuddler with great hair. She is shy and observant.

Video - Giggle Girl

2007-08-12T18:54:00.000-05:00

We took this footage while in Taiwan, shortly after our final ruling. Violet and Mom were playing on the bed in our hotel when we first heard one of Violet's giggle attacks.

Discovering FengYuan

2007-08-12T12:22:00.000-05:00

We stayed in FengYuan, where the Taiwanese Women's and Children's Association is located. We were there for about ten days, until our final ruling. Violet was born in Taichung, ten miles away, but has lived with a nanny n FengYuan for about three months. Feng Yuan has about 100,000 people-most of them riding mopeds in organized chaos at any given time. We both adored the bakeries, which are said to rival Parisian Pattiseries (and I agree). The skyline picture was taken several hours before a minor typhoon hit the island. Calm before the storm...

Violet loves the Baby Bjorn. She shows signs of being a daddy's girl.

There is a very nice small park located between our hotel and the agency, otherwise the city is mostly a concrete jungle.

I needed new shoes, and we took a shopping expedition. I think Violet may have a shoe fetish like her her mom!

During one of our walks to the center of town, we found ourselves in the middle of a parade. It was very loud but Violet didn't seem to mind.

Meeting Violet (VIDEO)

2007-08-05T18:04:00.000-05:00

Hello all,
Meeting Violet was one of the most moving days of our lives. To meet your child for the first time causes a little shift in our galaxy. It's been a twisty windy journey that we wouldn't change. This video highlights our trip to Taiwan, the anticipation and the first meeting.

The Next Chapter

2007-08-04T12:13:00.000-05:00

We are finally off - traveling Chicago - Detroit - Osaka - Taipei. We arrived in Taipei around 9pm and quickly went to bed. The next morning we drove to FengYuan, about 2 hours south of Taipei, and met Violet. It was a long wait but Violet is amazing. She was a little unsure at first, but soon warmed up to us. We were bowled over with gratitude, joy and excitement.

Preparing for Violet

2007-06-05T10:44:00.000-05:00

Violet's Baby Shower! We had a nice afternoon with friends and family, despite the occasional rain shower. I suppose a shower at a shower is appropriate. Our friends and family have been so supportive and generous, and excited about our impending journey.

We also spent the next day assembling the crib.

Second Update

2007-06-05T10:32:00.000-05:00

Today we received the newest updates. She looks happy and healthy. In the second picture, it looks as though she is about to start reciting poetry any moment.

First Update

2007-04-18T10:23:00.000-05:00

We received our first update today. Violet looks amazing. She appears so much older than the referral photos. She is around 3 months in these photos.

Referral Photos

2007-03-27T18:30:00.000-05:00

We are so excited to have received our referal. Violet is so beautiful! Now comes the hardest part... the wait.