Camping October

In October, we went on a camping trip. 

We thought it would be nice and cool by November, but to our surprise (or not so much surprise living in Houston), it was 78 degrees!!

When we got there, Hannah already had about 20 mosquito bites on her body that she was scratching. 

The first night, she was waking up screaming during the night because her legs itched so badly. 

We almost went home, since it was only 20 minutes away, but we managed to get through the night, all three of us on our air mattress. 

We had a great time cooking and playing outside with all of our friends. A big thanks for Andy and Stephanie Pace for all their hard effort in getting this trip all together. Andy was slaving over the fire making delicious food, we were so grateful!

Here is a look at our trip...

Hannah's First Visit to the Dentist

Hannah had her first visit to the dentist. She was 3 1/2. 

She kept telling me that she was not excited to get her teeth cleaned and was afraid. 

I had my teeth cleaned first and she sat on my lap for part of it to watch. 

Then, when it was her turn, she very skeptically sat on me while she had her exam. 

She got to wear cool glasses too, since they used a bright light to look into your mouth. 

The glasses made her visit a little less daunting.

The hygienist was only able to see her front teeth before Hannah was done, she had had enough. 

I am glad she at least got her glasses on and let the hygienist look in her mouth. Usually when we've come, she wouldn't even go near my chair!

Overall, she did great. We will try again this next year for another exam. 

Until then, she will continue to come with me for mine so that she can see what it's all about.

Three-Day Preschool

Hannah started preschool on Wednesday, September 4th. She goes T/W/Th. 

Her teachers are Ms. Roxanne and Ms. Kayce
Before school began I helped her to find pictures of her routine and cut them out. She is very good with her fine motor skills and insisted on cutting everything out all by her self.

Dime Box Clean Up Weekend

Back in November, Daniel, Hannah and I did a lot of work up in Dime Box. 

We love to spend time there together and we enjoy working there too. 

We have been the Landscapers, if you will--and we LOVE it.

This particular day we did A LOT of hard work for about 7-8 hours.

We cleaned up bushes and pulled some wild ones out. 

We also tore down the old garden bead which meant we had to dig out all the 20" rod iron stakes and remove all the wire fencing.

Hannah has mastered driving the tractor, with help of course. 

She also enjoys taking her little John Deere around and picking up twigs, rocks, etc. to be JUST like Papa.

Grandparents Day

On October 3rd, Hannah's preschool had a day devoted to Grandparents. 

It was precious. 

Oma and I came to be with Hannah. 

When we came in, there was a meet and greet with the teachers and the kids showed their Grandparents where their work boxes are, classroom activities, etc. There was a refreshment table and Hannah was all about some goldfish...and muffins...foods I don't stock at home ;-)

We had a really nice time and they even sang a song about Grandparents. Hannah didn't sing, I think she was taking in all the people staring at her...that had to be intimidating, even for a 3 year old :-)

Hannah is showing Oma the placemat she made--it includes pictures of friends, family and Hannah's creativity--they eat lunch on these every day. 

 

Adoption Update October 1, 2013 (One month in)

Here we are about a month in from beginning our journey to adoption. 

Last time I posted, we had just received all the paperwork in the mail, and we had scheduled doctors visits and were preparing our home for the inspections. 

This time, I am SO excited to share that almost ALL the paperwork is completed. 

All of our references, medical paper work, employment verification, TB tests, background checks, fire escape routes, floor plans, etc. have all been completed and sent off to the agency. 

Hannah was SUPER excited to be a part of the mailing!

When we got into the car to go in to the post office, she asked me if we were doing this for baby brother since I said we had to mail something to the adoption agency. When I said yes, her face lit up with her "Oh" face! She is so excited about having a new sibling. 

She loved that she was able to put the sticker on to mail it.