flashback

These pictures just caught my eye, and I don't think I ever posted them, so here they are! I am amazed at how much my girls have changed in less than a year. These photos were taken before Cora's first haircut, so it had to have been sometime during her first few months home. Olivia had barely enough hair to pull back into piggies (but how excited was I that I finally had something to work with!) and Cora was sporting sideburns and a mullet.



I don't remember why Olivia was crying, but she sure has a pretty cute "sad face."



And this pretty much sums up our first few months, too. Olivia adored Cora. From day 1! Cora did not return that same admiration.







Weren't they SO little? Too fast! Too fast! Too fast! They're growing way too fast!

rise and shine!

It's Cora time!








Today's nap was unsuccessful. The trip home from church is too long to keep her from falling asleep, but too short to give her a real nap. At least she's smiling. :)

Olivia, on the other hand, is still sleeping!

oh she's cute

chinese new year 2012

Finally - a party! We celebrated Cora's first Chinese New Year in the good ol' USA last night with a couple family-friends. (Or maybe I should say that we celebrated our first Chinese New Year with our girl!) The local Chinese culture club hosts a dinner and talent show each year, with decorations and activities for the kids. The girls dressed up in the silks that they wore in China, which they loved to twirl and dance in! (And I just want to note that Cora's dress is now a little snug - yay!)

My little princess


And my little empress


Doing what we Barrettes do best...

That-a-girl! Go for dessert first!

Looks like kung fu, but she's actually dancing.


Olivia with her bestie.


And here is Cora with her friend, Vivi. Remember our travel buddies in China? (See second picture down.) So glad we live close enough to celebrate these special dates together!


We had a great time! It was fun to meet other families who had adopted as well as celebrate our youngest's culture. (And of course we always love getting to meet up with good friends, too!)

Happy Chinese New Year!!!

ketchup, anyone?

stockings

A little Christmas flashback... I did not get pictures of the girls and their stockings (which my mom knit!) on Christmas morning because I FORGOT to bring Olivia's to my parents' house. So we took pictures of the girls and their stockings today. They're so cute, I could keep them out all year round. (The stockings - I obviously do not pack away my children with the ornaments.) But I guess that's okay. My mother-in-law has historically kept her Christmas tree out all year round, so you could say it's a family-thing. (And yes, she does follow my blog, and I expect she will read this. Ha!)

rainbow rice

So I filled my evening last night looking up activities to do with the girls. I started with pinterest, which linked up to several blogs that offered some really great ideas (which I will now be stealing!) Some people are incredibly creative - thank goodness for the internet! We have quite a few activities to try now, from blowing up balloons to blowing up soap. Today we colored rice, because we had all the supplies to do so. (I have a pretty long shopping list...)



The girls loved it. I only wish I had more rice. (Add it to the growing shopping list.)


They did not share very well. I guess it's an opportunity to provide life lessons, as well.




These are a few of the blogs that I thought were very good: allfortheboys.com, playathomemom3.blogspot.com, bkids.typepad.com. Let me know if you have any other suggestions! We're ready for some fun!