Our Blizzard Adventures

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Be sure to click on pause (II) on the right of the screen to stop the music on our blog before viewing the video above and Santa's message to Audrey below.

A Message from Santa to Audrey!

http://portablenorthpole.tv/watch/8bc5ff8c4564813814e3e7d198fd55a8

Friday – Dec 18

We had a great day. It was to be a leisurely day. A little lunch and last minute buys before heading to Audrey’s school in the afternoon. We helped Audrey build a Gingerbread House! She enjoyed eating the different candies more than anything.

When we returned home Pat thought to check our flight that was scheduled to depart the next evening. We were supposed to depart out of Dulles International Airport (right here in Virginia). Pat called our airline and waited for a live person to help him.

He made contact! They said that they had a flight that was scheduled to depart just after midnight. We decided to go for it! This would get us a day early to California!

It had just started to snow not long before our taxi arrived. He was a little late and then he told us he needed to stop for gas. By then the snow was really coming down.

We were doing fine until we hit the Wilson Bridge (drawbridge that spans the Potomac River). We couldn’t believe that at the hour we were driving that the Wilson Bridge was open stopping all lanes of traffic. Our driver got out of the car to scrape ice off his wipers. It was amazing how it would accumulate and make the wipers not useable.

It wasn’t long after we left the drawbridge that what should have been lanes of traffic we saw as a free for all! Tires couldn’t find traction and people were getting stuck. Our driver was seasoned and often would drive us on the shoulder of the road…..where there was snow and traction.

We made it to the airport as the flight would have taken off. The airport was fairly empty and no agents were seen at any of the counters. After a time Pat found an agent and they said that all flights were cancelled the next day. They told him to come back the following day.

We called a hotel to come pick us up. By the time we were in our room it was 2:00AM.

Saturday – Dec 19

Our hotel had a breakfast bar so we lucked out with food in the morning. However they did not have a restaurant. So we had to check on that later. The snow was blowing to a white out. It was amazing to see from our window. We kept Audrey occupied as much as possible. Pat really wanted to go home instead of staying at the hotel. I wanted to as well but knew that it was too dangerous outside.

Pat took the hotel shuttle to the airport to see what our chances were for flying out on Sunday. He was told that everything was booked but someone may cancel so check back. To be safe he was able to secure seats for a flight Monday night.

When he returned we took the hotel shuttle to a restaurant. We almost didn’t get to go. The conditions were poor and there was talk about snow plows getting stuck. We filled the shuttle and off we went. There were many cars stuck in the middle of the road. You could see their emergency lights flashing. We ended up stopping at the first place available and ordered extra food to take back to the hotel for dinner.

Sunday – Dec 20
We had our morning breakfast in our room. Pat went to the airport to see if we could get a flight out that day. He was told that all flights were cancelled until 6:00PM and after that they were booked. He tried!!

Before leaving the airport he rented a car so that we could drive home. The sky was clear and sunny. By the time we left most of the main roads were drivable. There were questionable areas. We kept wondering what our neighborhood would be like! There were still a few cars and a couple of snow plows stuck in the road along the way.

Leaving our Hotel

We grabbed McDonald’s and near our home and started to venture in our neighborhood. The main road near our home was awful. In our track the plows managed to clear it a little bit but there was no place for us to park once we got home. We had to park in a neighbors driveway before Pat could clear ours to park in. Our neighbor Monty was kind enough to help Pat shovel snow.

Entering our Neighborhood

When Audrey saw the snow she said, “The snow is sparkling.” It was too. It looked so pretty and untouched…..like fondant icing.

First Look

Deck Door Won’t Open

Monday – Dec 21
I noticed that some creature walked around our backyard….even leaving some “yellow snow” behind. No clue what it was but they made tracks all over the place.

We hope to go out today.

We have to drive back up to Baltimore Airport. Wish us luck.

Papa's Home and A Visit with Santa

(click on photos to enlarge)

(cliquez sure les photos pour les elargir)

PAPA’S HOME
Pat was going to surprise me by arriving two days early. But he had to spill the beans when I told him that my friend Mary Ann invited Audrey and I over for Thanksgiving dinner so we wouldn’t be alone. Upon hearing that Pat was going to be home Mary Ann said that we were all invited over. We all had a great time. The food was super and it was the first time we all had a brined turkey.

Before Pat arrived I rushed and bought balloons to display inside and out to help welcome Pat home and a few groceries as well.

His flight was delayed just making the anticipation of his arrival all the more exciting. When we finally saw him it was a wonderful moment! Audrey wasn’t shy either. It was as if Pat hadn’t been gone. We were together as a family.

Picking up Papa at the Metro Station

Audrey just saw Papa

Papa & Audrey

Some of Papa’s Balloons

I Want That

Wearing Papas Hat

In Papas Boots & Hat

Thanksgiving at Our Friends Home

(The Ko Family)
Pat & Eileen

Papa & Audrey

Mama & Audrey

Cheiho, Alex, Mary Ann & Audrey….& little Jackie

Hugging Papa

(There’s no doubt Audrey loves Papa)

IRAQ – Al Faw Palace
Pat Sitting in the Chair given to Saddam Hussein by Yasser Arafat

SANTA CLAUS
The day we chose to go see Santa it snowed! What a perfect way to celebrate the coming season.

We are lucky enough to live in an area where we have choices of places to meet Santa. We ultimately chose to see the Santa Audrey met days after arriving here in the U.S. last year. He really was a good Santa and understood at the time that it was her first time seeing a Santa. He was quite gentle and sweet. Audrey did not cry but was a little serious. Fast forward to 2009!

Yesterday she was just so excited about going to see Santa. On the drive all the way to the mall she kept saying, “I want to see Santa.” Inside the mall she couldn’t get there quick enough. Our Santa actually remembered Audrey and remarked about how much she had grown.

Mama was close by as Santa spoke with Audrey and then she said she was ready to sit on his lap. He spoke with her quite a bit and then asked the important question, “What would you like for Christmas?” The first thing she said was Ponies! Of course!! She also asked for Barbie, puppies, princess, Dora, Monkey Boots and frogs. She said, “I want all of those.” She was a happy little girl with Santa. It was so cute. When their time was done he told us to have a Very Merry Christmas and handed Audrey a lollipop and she had a choice of a little stuffed animal (a sparkly blue & purple dragon).

After her photo session and a little lunch Audrey wanted to go back and see Santa again. She wanted to hug him. By that time the line was too long. We told her that we would go back on another day so she could get her hug.

What a difference a year makes!!

Audrey and Santa 2008

Audrey and Santa 2009

Santa’s Village

Hochstein Family

Audrey & Papa

Dancing Girl

Santa’s Village Girl

My Little Pony – Ponyville Advent Calendar

About to get a present

Here it is

Day 1

Opening Day 1

I have a Baby Pony

Shopping with Mama

About to go shopping

On her way

Little shopper

Do you want coffee Mama?

Being silly

Christmas Together

UPDATE: Pat is heading home alright! The little stinker was going to surprise me. We were chatting via e-mail when I told him that our friend Mary Ann invited Audrey and I over for Thanksgiving so we wouldn't be alone (she's so thoughtful). So he felt he should spill the beans and tell me that he's coming home "tomorrow" (Wed) instead of Friday! Yikes...I'm not prepared but who cares....he's going to be HOME! We are so excited and thrilled! I can hardly believe it. We are all invited over to Mary Ann's and we'll still have our own Thanksgiving on Saturday as planned. I had to shop at the grocery store last night, ordered balloons for pick-up while I was there and have everything I need for Pat's early arrival. I'm tired but now I have to get crackin' and clean while Audrey is sleeping (so much easier that way). YEAH!!!!!

PAT IS ON HIS WAY HOME
Pat is heading home!! He’ll be here on Friday, November 27th. Which is our 16th wedding anniversary!! We’ll celebrate our Thanksgiving on Saturday and group in Pat’s homecoming, our anniversary, my birthday and Audrey’s Gotcha Day all at once then too. He will leave us for a very short time (a couple of days) to go to Norfolk, VA. There are a few things that he needs to take care of (medical & paperwork) upon returning back to the U.S.


NEXT DUTY STATION
We are going to San Diego! Pat “finally” received orders to go to Point Loma. He will be the Public Works Officer. He will detach here in December and must report to San Diego in January. He’ll go out ahead of time so that he will go house hunting! We will buy our first home. All these years we’ve rented and it’ll be nice to settle. This will be Pat’s final tour in the Navy. He’ll have had 24 years and plans on going into the civil service after that. There should be more job opportunities in San Diego. He will be stationed at Point Loma but we have a choice of many surrounding communities that we can live in.

Old Point Loma Lighthouse












Naval Base Point Loma













As far as hunting for a house if I need to fly out there for a look I will go. This is our first home and will be for a long time. It’s something that we’d really like to do together. We have armed ourselves with info but will need the assistance of a realtor who has experience with foreclosed homes. Anyone know one in the San Diego area? Let us know!

We’re excited about all there is to do there for Audrey and as a family! I also have an aunt and two cousins in the area that we can visit. I grew up in San Pedro (LA Harbor) and Huntington Beach. Being near the ocean is what I miss! I can’t wait for Audrey to see the ocean, tidepools, play and explore. Sand, surf and sun….Audrey will be a beach babe!

Wait until she sees Sea World, Wild Animal Park, San Diego Zoo, Lego Land, Balboa Park (museums), beaches, Old Town, Queen Califia’s Magical Circle, etc. Also not too far up north we could take Audrey to Disneyland, Disney California, Aquarium of the Pacific, Pirates Dinner Adventure, Knott’s Berry Farm, Medieval Times….taking a boat to Catalina Island or a Baja Cruise. We also have friends in LA and Orange Counties. Yeah!! Oh….San Diego also has wineries for Pat and I to enjoy! There are so many other things to enjoy too.

CHRISTMAS IS AROUND THE CORNER
I’ve been done with buying Christmas gifts and have been for awhile. I just wanted to be prepared for Pat’s homecoming. I didn’t want to rush out and shop when he came back. It’ll be great to spend family time together instead.

We will be going to my family’s home in Nevada City, CA the day after Audrey’s Christmas party at school.

Things seem to be all the more exciting because Pat will be here AND we’ll get to see my family during the holidays. It’ll be the first time they meet Audrey!

Even though Pat has been far away that doesn’t mean he hasn’t been able to help choose Christmas presents for Audrey (or for me too). It’s not conventional the way we “shopped together” but we made a great team. It’s quite clear that Audrey will have a “My Little Pony” Christmas (from toys, advent calendar, pony musical toothbrush, handmade pony soaps, pony panties, etc). Both of us put effort into what to get Audrey. In addition to My Little Pony she’ll have Dora the Explorer, Strawberry Shortcake, puppies and Disney Princess things. Having a little girl is wonderful but highly dangerous as there are so many adorable things out there. Right now for her she is mainly about the "Five P's" - pink, purple, puppies, princesses, and ponies!

So Soft Sleep & Twinkle StarSong


















Dora the Explorer Prance & Fly Pegasus


















Strawberry Shortcake Berry Café



















There is so much excitement that this will be the first holiday as a family of three. Audrey is old enough and confident to understand what’s going on now too. Since we’re flying to California we will just bring smaller items and stocking stuffer stuff there. Bigger items will remain here in Virginia and she’ll open things when we get back home. I had fun shopping Toys “R” Us, Etsy.com, Amazon.com, and E-Bay!

Barbie Hug n’ Heal Pet Doctor
















OUR CHRISTMAS CARDS







I’m giving you a heads up on something I’ve been going back and forth on. People who really know me know that I handstamp/watercolor and create our Christmas cards. This year it feels odd that I’m not doing that. I decided that we’ll have a photo card this year. It really was tough for me to give that up this year because I love to be creative and share that with everyone.

HOLIDAY MUSIC
Audrey loves her Christmas DVD’s….classics from when I was a child. She likes it when I sing the songs from the movies. I got to thinking that we have a few Christmas CD’s…..Classic, Celtic, Jazz, etc. But we have nothing for a child. Audrey really responds to songs with children singing in them.

A Sesame Street Christmas












Dora’s Christmas












Well now Audrey has her own Christmas music! There are so many children’s Christmas CD’s out there its mind-boggling! In the end I chose, “A Sesame Street Christmas” and “Dora’s Christmas.” You can go online (I went to Amazon) to hear what you’re getting before you buy. I had to hold back and just get two CD’s! I ended up getting Dora’s Christmas DVD as well….to play on our flight to California.

PERSONALIZED FUN GIFTS
I know that Audrey loves music and to sing. I’m always making up Audrey songs and she tells me to “Sing it again Mama!” So I discovered a Disney Princess CD (Amazon.com) that will say a child’s name 60 times in various songs! She’ll love it. I was able to hear a sample online and thought it sounded pretty good.

Princess Audrey Music














Another fun thing…personalized books. I bought a Christmas book (which will not only have Audrey’s photo and name but have the name of her friends too). I also bought a Dora book. They will be fun to read with her over and over again!

CHRISTMAS PLANS
We have our tickets, hotel stays and car rental already for this trip! We’re going to see my father, sister and her son Zach in Nevada City, CA (an old gold mining town in the Sierra Nevadas)! We’ll be there just in time to see Victorian Christmas! This will be the first time my family has seen Audrey (other than photos). I have been afraid to fly with her. The horrible flights from Kazakhstan, Copenhagen to D.C. have stuck in my head. I’ve never seen a child like that on a flight in my life…..10 years as a flight attendant or traveling with Pat the last 17 years.

Church We Were Married In – Nevada City, CA


















Victorian Christmas














Rainy Night, Broad Street, Nevada City














I know that things will be different now. Audrey knows and loves me and she loves Papa too. We’ll be traveling with Papa who will be wonderful to travel with…..all this will make a huge difference. We love to travel and hope that this will be the beginning of good times.

To get a little help with Audrey I bought a DVD called Shae by Air. It’s done by a child’s perspective. It’s a great way to show Audrey about the steps of air travel (what we will do in the airport) and social etiquette on the airplane (i.e. do not kick the seatback in front of you). I hope that as she continues to see this that she’ll proudly say she’s a good little traveler too!


Travel DVD












I know Audrey pretty well now. I also know that she has a short attention span. So we will be armed with things to help occupy her for this cross-country travel and keeping our fingers crossed that all goes well. I thought of things that are fun but do not make noise (or very little noise) to bother other passengers.

My travel kit includes: Pipe cleaners, thin small soft-bound books, sticker/activity books, small etch-a-sketch, Princess View Master & extra reels with reel case, jumbo crayons, coloring book, Colorforms, preschool activity books, Color Wonder, I Spy book, toddler age Wonder Pets I Spy type book, lenticular Disney book, Angelina Ballerina book (she can make the cardboard dolls dance on the pages in the book), **Sony 8” DVD player with Sony’s children’s pink headphones and movies.

Books & Activity Books














View Master, Pipe Cleaners, Travel Books, etc.














DVD Player, Case, Headphones, Holiday Movies, Holiday Book














**Sony phased out the 8” portable DVD player. They now make a 9” model. Both the 8” and the 9” come in different colors. We ended up getting a new black one as they only had the 8” pink model refurbished. We bought the DVD player for a steal $119 new (retail price $179) at Tigerdirect.com. When Pat's folks heard about this they wanted to give this to Audrey. So it's from the grandparents.

The manufacturer (Sony) says that their children’s headphones are for 8+ years. I looked at the reviews and many younger children use them successfully (hopefully Audrey will too). To make it “girly” we bought them in pink along with a pink travel case for the DVD player.

Fall Events

GOTCHA DAY

November 5th is Audrey’s “Gotcha Day.” I can’t believe the time has passed so quickly! It’s a huge day in our lives that we are forever grateful. We love this little girl so much. With all that is going on in the month of November this is one more wonderful reason to celebrate!

The First Day of Bonding

Final Babyhouse Snack

Before Picking Up Audrey – Medina, Eileen and Valera

As a Family of Three – Leaving Babyhouse
















Audrey Today



















FLU VACCINATIONS
On October 20th Audrey and I were vaccinated. Fort Belvoir had an open call listing on base of all the dates listed for vaccinations. I knew that if we went immediately it would have been a madhouse. From what I understand I was correct. By the time we arrived they’ve had 5 open calls already. We walked in on a weekday and immediately got to business. It was great!! I was told that the weekend prior to our visit that there were over 1000 people lined up. Whew……Audrey (and I) would not have been a happy camper.

I had the seasonal spray and Audrey had the H1N1 mist. Both of us did rather well. Audrey was a trooper. She was asked if she could sniff. She stared at the woman and I said, “Let’s do it together!” After each side of her nose was complete….she was all about the sucker she knew she was going to get! Then she saw that I had a spray too. She thought that was neat that Mama and Audrey did it together.











We will return for Audrey’s second dose of H1N1 and at that time she will have a seasonal flu shot. I’ve prepared her for this. Maybe I’ll bring an extra sucker or stickers. At that time I will have a dose of the H1N1 mist.

ACCOTINK FALL FESTIVAL
I volunteered to help with this function at Audrey’s school. I remember my mom doing things like that for us. I’m a stay at home mom so why not! I was able really meet and talk with other parents and see Audrey and her classmates have fun. Audrey liked it that I was there. She would stop and blow kisses to me. I helped kids pick out pumpkins at the pumpkin patch and writing their names on the bottom of each pumpkin. I also helped with tattoos. There were about 7 or 8 different fun activities.

About to Sing Fun but Spooky Songs














Getting into the Song














Playing Hopscotch














Mrs. Buell Helping Audrey



















HALLOWEEN
Between Oct 30th and the 31st….we had a lot of things packed into two days. I actually fell asleep at the computer with my hand on the mouse one night. Thankfully I wasn’t in that position for long.

On Halloween Audrey attended the birthday of her classmate Isabella. It was a Little Mermaid party and the kids dressed in their Halloween costumes. It was a little crowded in a townhouse but Audrey enjoyed playing with her friends. There was a possibility of rain so the party ended up indoors. There was a piñata and amazing enough it broke open before all the kids had a chance to hit it. Isabella’s mother is from Mexico and while the kids were hitting the piñata people were singing the Piñata Song in Spanish. Fun!

Isabella’s father works for the State Dept. The family will be moving to Astana, Kazakhstan in 2011 for a two year tour! So we now have another thing in common – Kaz!

TRICK OR TREAT
Later we arrived at another classmates house to go “Trick or Treating.” It was nice for Audrey to be with other children on her very first Halloween (Tabitha and Anabelle). I enjoyed being with Kirsty, her husband Jim and Kirsty’s cousin Liz. They dressed up too! Normally I dress up as well but I honestly didn’t think about it this year as I was focused on Audrey.

Audrey was thrilled to run and go door to door. She loved saying loudly, “Trick or Treat” and that people gave her candy!! She had a bit of a scare a couple of times but not enough to stop her from getting the candy.

When we came back home we passed out candy…..thankfully giving most of it away.

I Love My Light-Up Wand














I’m a Fairy Princess

With Tabitha and Anabelle

You Can Feel Her Excitement



















HALLOWEEN PARADE at SCHOOL
Just before the Parade














Lining Up














Little Military Dude



















Singing














THINGS I CAN’T WAIT FOR
1. Pat coming home
2. Audrey’s date with Santa (photo op)
3. Being with my family in California….seeing our friends there too
4. The smell of a pine Christmas tree, listening to Christmas music & drinking Mexican hot cocoa!!

RE-ADOPTION PLANS
After the holidays we will be working with our social worker one more time before we move. We will go to court for re-adoption!! Audrey already has our name but it would be nice to have a U.S. birth certificate for her. We have her Kazakh birth certificate with our names as parents. It is in Russian and translated in English. Re-adoption will also remove any possibility that our adoption will not be recognized by a probate court in the U.S.

SIGN LANGUAGE
Audrey still signs “more” but recently I taught her to sign “I love you.” She does that all the time now. She’s so proud that she can do this!
















TODAY, AUDREY SAID…..
We were talking about Papa coming home. She said, “Ah-dee really want Papa to be home now. Ah-dee want Papa to hug, kiss, play with me, eat and cook too.” We had to call Papa so she could tell him this. Cute!

I wanted to hear how Audrey said the word ridiculous. She tried and said, “dic-u-lis.” Not bad. Audrey then said, “It too hard Mama. Ah-dee be a big girl and grow and grow and grow and then Ah-dee say the word."

THE PLEDGE
I found out that Audrey can say The Pledge of Allegiance! I knew it was said in class but I had no idea that Audrey remembered it. She even said it for Papa over the phone with her right hand over her heart!



















LITTLE MISS SHOPPER
We discovered that our grocery store now has little carts for children. I’ll have to remember to bring my camera. Audrey had a blast and wanted me to follow her (she didn’t dare let me get ahead of her). Normally people barely glance at us, if at all, when we’re shopping. But this time I could see people walking our way with a little smile on their face and looking at Audrey. Sometimes they’d stop to say something to her. She was quite cute I have to say! She would tell people that she was helping Mama.

AUDREY WORDS
Leaf-ease – Leaves

Live-ease – Lives

Loom-mama – Aluminum

Panties – What she calls Pants or Shorts

Prize – Surprise

Bye-da-min - Vitamin

FUNNY MOMENT
While shopping in Kohl’s we were next to the lingerie dept. Audrey saw a “sea of bras.” She loudly said, “Boobies….lots and lots of boobies.”













TWO THUMBS UP
She can do this and thinks its fun to do with her thumbs. However there are times when she uses her index fingers instead and quickly realizes she’s made a mistake! Cute!

THE FUNNY NEW STICKER














A friend gave us a purse that she was going to put in a garage sale. Audrey discovered it and wanted to play with it. She opened it up and said, “Mama what’s this?” It was a pantyliner. She started to peel off the backing and excitedly said, “It’s a big sticker!” and “It’s different!” She didn’t understand the “quilted” pattern or why there wasn’t a picture on it! I tried not to laugh too hard and let her play with it. She started to put it on her arm and face. Ultimately it ended up on her little kitchen…..and it’s still there.

CRAFTY KIDS & MAGIC KITCHEN
Audrey is continuing to enjoy both of these classes. Two hours of fun Sunday afternoon. I like it too because Audrey and I are doing something together and I get to chat with other moms!

DENTAL APPOINTMENT
Audrey had her six month cleaning and check-up. She didn’t cry but needed Mama there to hold her hand. She’ll just get some sealants on her molars but other than that she’s fine. The hygienist noted that Audrey is very girly. She certainly is!!

I NOTED ON MY FACEBOOK WALL LAST NIGHT......

Audrey just said, "I love you Mama" and blew me a kiss. She came to me and said, "I want to give you a hug." While hugging me she kissed me and said, "This is love." I'm tearing up guys!! How lucky am I to have such love!!

What a little love she is!!

Another Big Update

There are many photos here. Be sure to click on them to get a closer look!

PRESCHOOL
We are now in the fifth week of school. Audrey absolutely loves it! She “pulls” me by the hand to rush to her class. She enjoys her immediate hugs from both teachers. She’s always happy to go. Picking her up is fun too. The teacher will call each student by name to come to the door to be matched with their parent to go home. Audrey usually barrels out of the classroom and runs into my arms. She is by far the loudest and says, “I love loo Mama!” Sometimes she’s so proud that she’s gone potty there and loudly tells me what a good girl she was too. Cute!

Chilly Day on Her Way to School



















Dropping Her Off at School



















There are 10 kids in Audrey’s class….all girls and one boy. The kids have been active in class with art projects, show n’ tell, story time, music, PE, letter recognition and writing them, later she will be in drama, etc.

Preschool Bully…..
There is one little kink….a bully. All three days in the first week she mentioned that “Abby was mean.” By the third day however she told me that Abby hit her. She was telling me this in front of Abby’s mother. Abby’s mother didn’t say a word. That was awkward!! I wanted to speak with Audrey’s teacher to figure out what was going on. So I spoke with Mrs. Buell that evening and she told me how she handled things. We were on the same page. It’s something that she is monitoring. I had been telling Audrey that if anyone is mean to her to loudly tell them that’s not nice. If someone hits her then she is to tell a teacher about it. The teacher will talk to the kids involved and remove the problem student onto something else. I noted that Audrey let other kids hit her at the orphanage and she let it happen and just stood there. I worried that Audrey did the same thing with Abby. Apparently that is what she did when Abby got in her face one time and again when she hit Audrey. The teacher spoke to Audrey alone and told her the same things I’ve been telling her. Again, it’s nice that we’re on the same page. I said that I didn’t want to come off as a Mama Bear but really needed to know what Audrey was trying to tell me as I would only hear bits and pieces. I also didn’t want to minimize Audrey’s feelings. Her teacher said, “Don’t worry about being a Mama Bear….I have you beat on that!”

I have observed this girl and her mother on a few occasions (including time spent at a birthday party). This girl is a bit of a problem and the mother doesn’t do anything. By now the teachers are aware and seem to be handling it.

By the way, Audrey had picture day at school (October 5th). I’m crossing my fingers that she did not have a cheesy fake smile on her face! She’s got that look down pat!

Picking Her Up From School – Happy Girl



















MAMA VOLUNTEERS
I went to School Orientation on September 11th. Earlier that day I had to put Oreo to sleep. I was pretty devastated and looked awful from crying. I did the best I could with make-up but it was apparent that something wasn’t right. I was embarrassed. However, going to her School Orientation helped me focus on something else.

It was great to see what they have in store for the children – activities and what they’re learning. In one area they had sign up sheets to volunteer. I don’t mind doing that. This is something that I remember my mom doing. I always loved that she was there to help.

I’ll be working the Pumpkin Patch for their Fall Festival and possibly the tattoo area too. I will help with their class Halloween party and parade. I of course wanted to volunteer on St. Patrick’s Day because that is Audrey’s birthday!!

SCHOOL EVENTS
Audrey will have a Christmas recital and another one in spring. Papa will be here for both!!!

WORDS BY AUDREY

Oh-pain – Airplane

Mit-tee – Misty

Fun-na-lee-la – Thumbelina

Ba-lee-rees – Batteries

Lell-low – Yellow

Pook-sure – Picture

Swoop-pers – Slippers

*Cool – School

Hick-bucks – Hiccups

Ah-ver-er - Oliver (a school friend)

Cinder-gella – Cinderella

Keem Up – Clean Up

Macaroni – Pepperoni

Bod-du-Bidder – Bob the Builder

*She is really starting to come along with pronouncing the letter “s” at the beginning of a word. She’s working on it. Especially the word “school.”

Another letter that she has trouble with is the letter “m.” The difficulty is pronouncing it when it is at the beginning of some words. She can say “moo” but she can’t say “mouse.” She pronounces the “m” like the letter “n.”

LATEST SAYINGS

What’s this Mama? (Questioning what is in her food)

Yes “me” do! (Meaning to say “Yes I do!”)

Ah-dee love boys! (Wait until Papa hears this!!)

I made music Mama! (that means she "tooted.")

While driving to school this is the conversation we had…..
Audrey - Red light mean “top” (stop) Mama.
Mama – What am I doing now?
Audrey – Mama “topping” (stopping).
This was the first time she used “ing” for an action word.

AUDREY TRIVIA
She now has 8 freckles

RANDOM PHOTOS AT HOME

Fun Skirt and Shoes



















Singing Princess Songs



















Ta-Da



















PAPA….COMING HOME SOON
I am crossing my fingers that he’ll be home for our 16th wedding anniversary! November 27th. We’ll celebrate Thanksgiving, my 47th birthday (which is November 22nd) and our Anniversary all at once! He will have to leave to go to Norfolk, VA on November 29th to do what they need to do upon returning from Iraq (paperwork & medical). THEN he comes home for good!!!

I’m so excited!!!

POST ADOPTION REPORT
Yesterday our social worker arrived here to ask me questions and to observe Audrey. She will be writing the one-year report. She felt that Audrey is a loving child and feels very secure in her surroundings. I just can’t believe how quickly this came up!

For those of you who don’t know, Kazakhstan has asked families to have a yearly report update on the adopted child until they turn 18. Initially I had to write a self-written one-month report, our social worker had to write a six-month report and then it starts with the yearly reports. The social worker will do yearly reports until 2011. Those reports must be notarized and apostilled. After than Pat and I will make self-written reports until 2024. Thankfully they do not have to be notarized or apostilled. They will be translated and sent to Kazakhstan.

FOOD ISSUES
Audrey is still difficult at times. Even with food I know she really likes. When she likes something and doesn’t want to eat it’s because she wants to do something else (play or watch a DVD). Sometimes it’s a power struggle and I’ve been learning to let things go. I do remain firm that she is not having something sweet instead of a real meal.

Audrey is all about mind games too. She’ll tell me that she doesn’t like something. She will mutilate it, get it all over the place or play with it. When I throw it away she starts crying big time and says she now wants to eat it. It is enough to drive you insane in these moments. Oh…sometimes when she cries it’s fake but she can still manage to create real tears.

She’s still *iffy* on meat.

Steak – likes it must have Worchester Sauce
Hamburger – likes it
Roast Beef – dislikes it
Pepperoni – likes it but sometimes she doesn’t
Salami – likes it but sometimes she doesn’t
Chicken – doesn’t really care for it. May take zero to a couple of bites and shoves it aside.
Turkey – likes it but sometimes she doesn’t
Ham – really dislikes it
Bacon – likes it
Sausage – too spicy doesn’t like it
Morningstar Vegan Sausage Patties – likes them (not real meat but they’re not bad)
Bologna – likes it but sometimes she doesn’t
Pork chops – only likes them fried with salt and pepper on them
Tuna - used to like it but won't eat it now
Fish Sticks - a no-go

Talking with my mommy friends and doctors – Audrey is very typical when it comes to meat. I wonder how the Kazakhs would feel about this!!

CLASSMATE TABITHA’S BIRTHDAY PARTY

Ready to go to the Party



















Putting Soil in a Pot to Plant a Flower Bulb














Our Cutie



















Group Photo











LEE REC CENTER CLASSES
Two hours every Sunday Audrey has classes at the Lee Rec Center in Alexandria.

Recently I pulled Audrey from a dance class she was taking there. I didn’t feel comfortable with the teacher. She was quite young and seemed unsure of herself. She didn’t have command of the class and the kids were just running around. Even so I thought that I’d give her a chance. By the third class I still didn’t feel right. Audrey ended up getting injured. She fell on the wood floor landing on her chin. She was so lucky that she did not bite her tongue, lip, cheek or break her chin open. She ended up with a huge knot on her chin. It started to bruise right away. The teacher walked the opposite direction and stood on the other side of the room. She did not come to take a look at Audrey nor did she come to suggest Audrey go to First Aid. Two moms came to me and had a look. One of them even took me to the First Aid station.

Dance Class Day 1















In the Car Before Dance Class














I moved her to a Crafty Kids class. She loves it and loves the teacher…..who also happens to be her Magic Kitchen (cooking class) teacher too! She’s made a number to craft projects and is having so much fun. She has enjoyed the food in her cooking class too.

She Looks so Small



















Dance Class Day 3











Ice Pack



















Fresh Boo-Boo



















Decorating a Cake She Baked in a Terra Cotta Pot



















Flower Pot Cake Completed with a Silly Smile














Egg in a Nest – Step 1














Egg in a Nest – At the Griddle



















Egg in a Nest – Flipped It Over














Egg in a Nest – Eating It



















Paper Aquarium














Candle Holder














Snow Globe (lid painter later)














T-Shirt (fabric paint)



















These are only a few of the projects she’s worked on. She’s also created art projects in school too. I’ll have to leave that for next time.

Our School Girl

IRAQ
Earlier today when I was speaking to my husband I could hear the "duck-and-cover" alarm going off. Nothing like hearing him tell me that he had just heard a boom moments before I called. After a time I heard the "all-clear" given over the loud speaker. I just saw on CNN that U.S. Ambassador Chris Hill said that a projectile landed in the east end of the embassy complex. I can't wait to find out where Pat is in comparison to this.

MY HAND UPDATE
I forgot to say in my last posting that my hand is fine! I was given a single shot (which produced a few days of bad pain) I am now doing great!!

OREO
I want to thank all of you for sending your best wishes and virtual hugs about dealing with Oreo. She was a special kitty. I know that she is in a better place. Thanks to my friend Mary Ann who came to the vet’s office with her son Alex. They kept Audrey occupied giving me time to spend final moments with Oreo and doing what I had to do. Pat and I both appreciate that! Oreo is very much missed!!!

AUDREY WORDS
Pock-sure – Picture
Bee-U - Blue

OUR LITTLE SCHOOL GIRL
Click on Photos for a Closer Look

School Flag

Our Sweet Girl

I thought that I’d be okay with Audrey starting school. I am but a part of me wasn’t exactly ready to let her go (I’ve had one nightmare and a little panic here and there about it). I of course did not let on to Audrey about that. I read books to her about going to school, showed her a Leap Frog DVD about school. I pumped her up about how great it will be to be a school girl, having nice teachers, meeting new kids, playing with new toys, etc.

Not only am I blogging Audrey’s preschool time…I’m creating a scrapbook too. I wrote a poem (at the bottom of this post) for Audrey to include in her scrapbook. Scrapbooking her journey will keep me busy while she is in school.

Waking Up on Her First School Day

Uniform Ready

Book Bag

Book Bag & Show in Tell Puppy

Ready to Go to School
Come on Mama….Let’s Go!
Photo with Mama

It turns out that her first day of school was a success. I spoke with one of the teachers and she said that Audrey had a great time and was as good as can be. I could tell from Audrey’s attitude that she loved it. She said that she wants to go back.

I was half afraid that when I picked her up that she would tell me to go away (because she was having fun) but she ran to my arms and gave me a huge hug and kiss!! It made me feel good. Then on the way home she talked about school and sang songs about loving Mama. Of course I loved that part!!

Finally at School

Ready to Go Inside

Hanging Up Her Book Bag
Mrs. Stonelake Takes Her Hand
Mrs. Buell Welcomes Audrey to Class

Her class has 10 or 11 children….still only one boy. So far only one child seems to be proving difficult (including some interaction with Audrey). It’s hard for me to see this because I want to say something. On the other hand I want to see how Audrey deals with this girl. Right now she just lets things happen because it’s a new experience for her. I’m hoping that the teacher’s will guide things and/or Audrey will learn and say “Hey….I don’t like you poking me or taking my things all the time” and doing something about it! So far this girls mother doesn’t say a word to her daughter….except when the girl yelled at the parents and kids to be quiet (and it wasn’t even very noisy) in the waiting area before school began.

Her main class has two teachers. Mrs. Buell and Mrs. Stonelake. Her class is called “Buell’s Butterflies.” She also has a music teacher (Wednesdays) and two PE/Drama teachers (Mondays) too.

After each class I will get a written note (called Butterflies Tales) of everything they’ve done in that day. Did they have anything special that day, what they did in circle time, art activities, what they had for snack, bathroom breaks, playground, story time and “show in tell.” Their art project that day was to make a puzzle “kissing hand” with a little poem. It went along with the story time book that was read to the children.

Kissing Hand Art Project


THE KISSING HAND BOOK
At “Story Time” Mrs. Buell read “The Kissing Hand” by Audrey Penn. If you haven’t heard of this book it’s about little Chester Raccoon who doesn’t want to go to school. He wants to stay home with his mother. She assures him that he’ll love school, with the promise of new friends, new toys and new books. Even better she has a special secret that has been in the family for years – the Kissing Hand. She tells him the secret to make school as cozy as home. She take’s her son’s hand, spreads his tiny fingers and kisses his palm. Little Chester felt his mother’s kiss rush from his hand, up his arm and into his heart. Whenever he feels lonely at school all he has to do is press his hand to his cheek to feel the warmeth of his mother’s kiss. Chester gave his mother a “kissing hand” too, to comfort her when he is away at school.

Saying Goodbye to Mrs. Buell

Ready to Go Home

T’was the Night Before Preschool

T’was the Night Before Preschool
And all through our house
Preparations were happening
For the big day while listening to Bach and Strauss.

Clothes were set out
To dress fast the next day
A carefully pressed uniform
And new shoes – hooray!

Her school bag was ready
And hung inside the front door
Filled with another set of clothes,
A white puppy and more.

Audrey awoke quite happy
And gave Mama a kiss.
She said, “Princess Ah-dee a big girl!”
Announced my little Miss!

Audrey had breakfast and later had lunch
She dashed to her room to dress and get ready
I just had a hunch

Arrival on time
Traffic lighter than planned
Posing for pictures
Mama’s camera in hand

Our big girl, so proud
With her book bag held tight
Outside the school doors
Everything looks and feels right

Off to her classroom
Hanging up her book bag
We hurried on quick so as not to lag.

Some hugs from Mama
Thoughts of Papa too
Off then she went to check out the room

Mrs. Stonelake and Mrs. Buell were waiting right there
Greeting her warmly and guiding her with care.

Mama looked at Audrey
My how she’s grown.
Mama is so proud and thrilled she’s our very own.

Audrey gave one last look, a big smile and a “I love loo.”
Mama smiled, blew a kiss and said I love you too!


By Eileen Hochstein

So Many Things Going On.....

Hi Everyone,
This a big update. So much time has passed since I last wrote (you’ll see why in a minute). Hopefully I’ve broken this update down so that it’ll be an easy read for you. Enjoy the photos too which are mostly at the end! (click on any of the photos to enlarge and get a closer look)

Oreo
I have been struggling emotionally with a sick kitty. I haven’t written about these struggles. Dealing with her is largely why I’ve let my blogging updates go for longer periods of time before I update again. I’ve been going back and forth to the vet 2-3 times weekly.

We’ve known that Oreo has had kidney problems since 2006. She is 17 years old. Her life is winding down now. She is still quite alert and gets around. But there are changes, even within the last couple of days, in her that tells me we’re getting close to when I need to “do something.” I can’t even bring myself to say it. She is not in pain. Don’t worry I will not let her progress to the point where she is in such a state that it’s super awful for her. I have been working closely with her vet and we have a plan in mind. I just take one day at a time. I think the care she has been given the last three years has prolonged her life and overall it’s been a good one.

I do cry a lot over Oreo. She is such a wonderful kitty. Very loving and a beautiful little companion. I sure wish Pat were here now.

NEXT DUTY STATION?
We just received word that Pat will not get the position he originally asked for (in Washington State). This changes the timing of our move and some plans that we had made….including where and when we do readoption.

Yesterday Pat spoke with his detailer. What happens next is that upon coming home from Iraq, Pat will work here in the D.C. area until the summer of 2010. We have choices we never expected and we’re not sure what we’re going to do yet!

He could be a Public Works Officer in one of three California areas – Coronado, Point Loma or Port Hueneme (we used to live there a few years ago). He could also be an XO of an Amphibious Seabee Battalion in Coronado. Or lastly he could be an Assistant Operations Officer in Bangor (Kitsap Peninsula Washington).

My father lives in Northern California (he’s 78) and it would be wonderful for him to see Audrey. He has yet to meet her. I have an aunt and two cousins who live in the San Diego area that we could visit too. For us west coast feels like “home.” I grew up in California (San Pedro and Huntington Beach) and Pat has adopted it and loves it. Now we have to think what is best for us and importantly for Audrey too.

On the upside of our recent changes….Audrey will now get to finish her preschool year here. I can’t wait to tell her teacher. She’s still quite young and when we move it’ll be easier now rather than later. Another plus is that we can still be with our friends here just a little while longer before we move.

IRAQ
Pat will return home in December. Can’t wait to get the exact date!!!

My brother just left his home in Hawaii to begin his year long tour in Iraq. Hopefully he and Pat can meet while there!

Audrey’s Teacher’s Home Visit
On August 31st we had a home visit with one of Audrey’s teachers (she’ll have two). This is something the school likes to set up before school begins. We had the option of different places to meet her teacher (school, park, or home). For me the best scenario was to have the teacher come to our home. It made Audrey comfortable because it was in her own environment. Now when Audrey goes to school she’ll see a familiar face….someone she met at home. The meeting went very well. By the end of the visit Audrey kissed her, hugged her and wanted to walk her to her car. She didn’t want her to go!

On September 11th we’re going to her school orientation. I’m looking forward to hearing more about what Audrey will be doing at school. This is an exciting time for her!! One thing I do know right now is that Audrey will have a small class (currently 7 children but when school starts possibly 10).

School Begins:
September 14th!!

LEE Rec Center Classes – September to November
Magic Kitchen (10 classes) – She loves cooking and doing things with her hands.

Little Dancers (10 classes) – Audrey loves music and dancing. Perfect class for her!

Kazakhstan Babyhouse Photos - Audrey’s Reaction….Interesting
Very recently I showed Audrey many photos of us at the babyhouse. I first showed them to her back in January or February. She didn’t have much of a reaction at the time about where she was in the photos but was excited to see herself.

However seeing the babyhouse photos recently they produced mixed reactions from her. She just kind of stared at the building a little bit. She recognized it but didn’t say too much. She saw the playground. She wanted to swing and play there again. I showed her photos of us playing with her during the bonding period. She loved that and would announce her name, Papa or Mama. Then I showed her a photo of her bed. She was surprised and said, “That Ah-dee’s bed….Ah-dee go there later.” I told her no that she has her bed here now. She said that she liked her bed here better. Next I started to show photos of the caregivers. Her immediate response was to put her face in my shoulder and say that she loves Mama. She squeezed me tight and kissed me. She looked at the woman and said, “Ah-dee no like, she mean.” Geez…..we had no idea she felt like this about anyone there!! There were a couple of other ladies she had a negative response to. Not everyone she gave a negative response to, she did like one woman.

Now that Audrey can express herself it was interesting to hear her thoughts. I know that she also thought that I was showing her those photos because she was going back there. I reinforced to her that she is ours and we are hers. She is going nowhere but here at home with us.
















AUDREY’S WORDS
Moco-cycle – Motorcycle
(which cracks me up because in Spanish moco is mucus & mocos in snot)

Packa-piter – Catapillar

PRINCESS AUDREY
She loves anything princess. She now wants to be called “Princess Audrey.” Sometimes she’ll even correct Mama when Mama simply calls her Audrey.

THE BANANA BREAD
Audrey wanted to watch one of her Barbie DVD’s before lunch. So while she was busy doing that I thought that I’d take the time to “finally” work on a blog update! I timed when the movie would end and headed upstairs to make lunch. As I was doing this I heard the sound of “foil.” I knew Audrey was getting into the banana bread on the kitchen counter. She immediately ran to the stairs and said, “I love loo Mama.” Then before I could say anything she said, “Shush, China Orneo (Oreo) sleeping.” In other words she was trying to divert my attention from what she was doing. Apparently I caught her in mid-act. I looked at the banana bread and there was hunk of bread torn out but dropped back in.

The look on her face when she was “caught in the act”…..priceless. The constant hugging, kisses and “I love loo’s” were super cute too.

CHINESE ZODIAC


















Pat brought this to my attention. Interestingly enough…..according to the Chinese Zodiac our three signs tell us that we are the most compatible with each other than with those in other signs. We were certainly meant to be as a couple and we were certainly meant to have Audrey as our daughter!

Eileen – Tiger (Water Tiger)
Patrick – Horse (Fire Horse)
Audrey – Dog (Fire Dog)

The Fire Dog is highly dramatic and an attractive type of Dog who will be thrown into the limelight by her alluring yet friendly personality. She will be defiant and rebellious when forced to do something against her will, but he will be very popular with the opposite sex. Although she may be the life of the party type, she is still careful to practice what she preaches and will not be spoiled by success and fortune. Fire makes her very fierce when attacked; nor will she make threats she cannot carry out. Her bite is just as strong as her bark.

The buoyant and self-assured Fire Dog has great magnetic charm and can convince others to follow her lead. Her independent spirit and courage will see to it that she is never afraid of getting involved with others. She will constantly thrill to new experiences and adventures. But she needs a strong shining example to pattern herself after. She will relate better to people older than herself, those from whom she can learn a great deal or whom she can depend on to bring stability into her life.

We have gotten a taste of the "dramatic", but so far - knock on wood - we wouldn't say that Audrey is an out-of-control drama queen. Attractive, friendly personality, magnetic charm....we sure think so. She seems to be the center of attention wherever she goes. Defiant and rebellious when forced to do something against her will....very popular with the opposite sex....God help us when she's a teen! She needs a strong shining example to pattern herself after...will relate better to people older than herself, those from whom she can learn a great deal or whom she can depend on to bring stability into her life.....that's us!!

BURKE LAKE PARK
We’ve recently gone back to this park so that Audrey could play with her friend Alex. They have a train, a merry-go-round, play areas, the lake and trails. The only thing to mar the visits….bees. Folks, I’m talking about a lot of bees! It’s unfortunate that they are buzzing all around the play area and the picnic area. When I told Pat of this he was worried. As sensitive as Audrey is of things we worry about the possibility of an insect sting reaction. I’ve never been stung either and who knows?

We’ve seen a turtle, geese, spiders, baby praying mantis, butterflies and caterpillars.

Here are some photos of our time there.

Aren’t I Cute Papa?

Having Fun on the Slide

Where’s Alex?

Baby Praying Mantis

On the Merry-Go-Round

Merry-Go-Round

Train at Burke Lake Park

On the Train

Little Park Cutie

Throwing Rocks is Fun

SINGER & LYRICAL DANCER
From the moment we had custody of Audrey it was apparent how she loves music. She’s a natural when it comes to how to move to different styles of music. When Audrey had dance classes on base the teacher told me that “Audrey feels the music.” If you were to see her, it’s quite true. I say that her natural style of dance is lyrical. It’s a combination of ballet, jazz and contemporary style of dance. Although sometimes it’s all ballet moves and twirling.

Here are a few photos of her with her Barbie “Floweroake” player where she is singing and dancing to the music. I bought three CD’s (Disney Princess and Barbie) for her. She loves singing and dancing….with an audience in attendance of course.

Barbie Floweroake CD Sing-Along Player

Singing a Princess Song

Our Little Dancer









Dancing in Her Ruffled Ariel Dress. It’s a little big so there is room to grow. But she loves it and thought she looked “boo-two-ful.” She saw these photos and said, “It Princess Audrey doing a Princess dance!!”