A TODDLER Shower for Maran & Luke is included too!

David's office gave Maran a "SHOWER".  It was tons of fun.  Not only was there mommy juice and creamsicle adult drinks there was an ice cream bar, HOME MADE CAKE, WINGS from Mac's Barbecue (which by the way are the BEST), Subway sandwiches (which rank in my world too), Meat balls, dips, Garbage mix (which was yum-a-licious) much more and the ever important juice boxes for the kiddos (although we are pretty sure that Luke got his Sprite mixed up with a vodka cocktail).

Lil' Miss Sassafras was in awe of all the gifts... THE MOST IMPORTANT one to her was the "JESSIE DOLL" that she has been wanting.  The look on her face was priceless.  I am SO sad that I didn't video tape the party.  We kept telling her that maybe the "VALENTINE BEAR" would give her a Jessie doll so when she actually got the doll at the party she thought she was going to then have two of them after the Valentine Bear brought one.  It was too cute.  Her English is so much better but we still have some catching up to do.  Maran also received clothes, (MUCH NEEDED) games, little puppet finger critters and more. She was a little confused because she didn't really understand why she was getting gifts and she asked why she wasn't sung "HAPPY BIRTHDAY" to.  She couldn't understand  gifts but no singing.  (She has already had a number of birthday party experiences).   I explained the best I could about how when Mommy's have babies or children are adopted that they are usually given a shower to receive gifts.  She gave me that 'side cock of the head' puppy dog look.  Maybe an explanation that will be saved for later with a little more English knowledge.

Luke received a Buzz in a rocket ship which he has totally worn out.  Anything BUZZ is grand for him.  It's really too bad that the ONLY REALLY GOOD pictures are of the food and the Mommy Juice.  Gosh, I hate it when that happens!

Not a great picture but you can see how jazzed she is about Jessie!

 "Mommy Juice -- Nectar of the God's"

 Feed Bag

 Lil' Sassy taking care of business

 In the midst of the mayhem!

 Doing the HAPPY DANCE

 Daddy Loves Ice Cream too!

Look at how full her hair is getting.....it is such a pretty color too.  Brown hues are coming through. 

Daddy's office really knows how to throw a party.  Everyone was so nice and giving.  We greatly appreciate the thoughtfulness.  It is nice to have such a wonderful group of people who care so much about a little girl and boy who now call America home. We are forever grateful for the love our children are shown. Thank you is so inadequate. 

Packing -- or TRYING TO!

On the bed are the items that have made what I believe to be the 'FINAL CUT'.  We were supposed to have our packing done yesterday but it didn't happen.  We still had some clean up to do from Snickerdoodle Luke's Birthday bash. 

These are the toys that have made the cut.... except the digital camera is not in the picture for some reason.  Yes, I know the Huggies are not a toy.  We are prepared for some slight regression on the potty issue.  Since we are prepared we won't need any we are sure.  (HOPE SO).  

The "GIFTS" that we are to take for the 'AUNTIES' or caretakers has been nothing short of a small nightmare.  I know everyone says that you shouldn't sweat over it but we have had a tough time.  I found the CUTEST candles at Bath & Body Works... bought them, hauled them all over the mall, got them home and then found out that "CANDLES ARE CONSIDERED BAD LUCK IN CHINA".  OK, so then we read about Ginseng Tea and Jelly Belly Jelly beans.  I drop Mr. Luke off this am at playschool (after allowing him to sleep in) and head to Trader Joe's.  Thankfully they had prepacked Jelly Belly Jelly Beans and some other neat "MADE IN AMERICA" candies that won't melt in our journey.  Then I headed to Target and bought all the Ginseng Tea that they had.  OK so after I was questioned about the tea and after a 30 minute adoption conversation with a group that started with one lady and ended up with about eight people I left the building.  Yes, Elvis was gone.  Went to the dry cleaners to return a money clip that I found in their parking lot early Saturday am but had put it in my pocket while putting Luke in his car seat.  I meant to run it to the door and give it to them after buckling Luke but when I got home it was still in my pocket.  (I was in a slight hurry since the party was going to start in a few hours).  So, MR. RLH initials your money clip and ALL YOUR MONEY that was in it is back at the dry cleaners where you conveniently dropped it Saturday am.  Now I am at work and trying to get it all "BUTTONED" up.  It used to drive me crazy when people would say "I have to button up things before I leave".  However, that is clearly what I am doing now..... well, not at this second.  Still have a lot to do.  It will get done or not.  I am now feeling guilty about not taking the Snickerdoodle with us.  I know it is the right decision to leave him at home so we can bond and get to know Maran but I also see both sides of the story regarding taking him or leaving him.  We will make it through I know.  Off to get some work done so I don't leave my co-workers with a disaster!!!