Family Vacation!

Yes, it's finally arrived! The Loudenbacks are taking their first official "family vacation". Since China, our only trips have been back and forth between St. Louis and Kansas City, and those trips really can't be considered vacations. Destination? Nashville! Why Nashville? It's the reunion site for our China travel group. This is our first get together since meeting each other in China over a year and a half ago. I'm really looking forward to seeing how all the girls have grown as well as re-connecting with all the families. I'm sure I'll take a million pictures, so be ready for several blogs upon my return, Wednesday night.

We'll head out tomorrow after my MOPS meeting and arrive in Nashville in time to meet everyone for dinner. Then we have lots of fun things planned like trips to the zoo, botanical gardens, Opryland, and the aquarium. I'm looking forward to all of it. I look forward to sharing the trip with you (whoever you might be) when I get back!

Laurie

Fun with Parents as Teachers

Today we had our first visit of the year from our Parents as Teachers gal. This is a program sponsored by the school district and available to preschool kids to check their development. The program also offers LOTS of activities for kids to do outside of the home visits. The big trucks, cars and busses Allison visited last weekend was a PAT activity. They have an adoption meeting coming up this fall, so we signed up to attend that. Just lots of good stuff for kids and parents.

Today our gal brought over shaving cream to have Allison do some sensory work. It's unclear to me whether or not she really enjoyed it, but she certainly "got into it", if you will. You can tell that Mommy doesn't allow her to get dirty often enough because she kept checking with me to make sure it was okay with me to make a mess. It was so funny when some of the shaving cream, okay a LOT of it, went off the placemat and on to the table. She looked at me, and with a very serious face, said, "Uh oh!"

She never performs when Kristy comes over. Allison has so many tricks, but she'll only perform them AFTER the evaluator leaves the room. I hope she's not like that when school starts. I hope she'll show the teacher what she can do! "Allison, can you read this book to Mommy?" "Noooooo!", "Okay, can you show Kristy how you can count to 15?" "Nooooooo!" You get the picture. UGH!

Speaking of naps (sorry, no transition there), we've decided to have "crib time" instead of nap time. We're still calling it a nap, but we've decided not to push it. If she wants to sleep, fine. If she wants to play, fine. She's obviously getting enough sleep (lots of energy through the day and evening) so we're going with the flow. For this "go by the book" mom, that isn't so easy. But I'm trying!

Check out my Slide Show!

A Look Back

This morning I have some time to myself while Allison is at a friend's house, so I'm taking time to organize her room. I wanted to go through the big boxes of "China Memorabilia" to make sure there wasn't any fall clothing in there that might fit her (we bought clothing in a bunch of sizes when we were in China), and I came across the bag of Gotcha Day clothes. I will save these forever. They've never been cleaned, and never will be. I've read many, many Gotcha Day blogs, and in many you'll hear how the children were brought to the parents in brand new, matching outfits. Obviously that was not the case with Allison. Her outer outfit (the green one) was nice enough. But when I took her back to our room and looked underneath, I cried. Simply put, they were rags. I wanted to change her into brand new clothes right away, but I didn't. We'd been told that her clothing and its smells might comfort her through the night, so we removed the top layer and put her to bed wearing the underclothes she came to us in.

Over the next few days I would come to realize that even babies in rags can be very happy. As we traveled through the countryside where Allison came from, we saw many children dressed similarly. They were smiling, laughing, happy children. We did not "save" Allison from a horrible life. We just offered her a life with more opportunities, more choices, and most importantly a chance to learn about Jesus and what He did for her. Mind, you, I'm still going to buy nice clothing for my child and sometimes even go WAY overboard with her wardrobe, but today I was reminded that we are not judged by these things. Jesus will not care if we wore fine linens or rags. He will care how we treated other people, and I pray we are able to instill this truth in our daughter.

A Day with Daddy!

Allison spent the day yesterday alone with her daddy while I attended a women's retreat at our church. There was a Parents as Teachers event going on at our local elementary school, so I signed them up to attend. All sorts of big trucks/vehicles were brought in, and the kids could explore them, inside and out. I called Scott on the way to the retreat and said, "Don't forget to take some pictures!" You can see that she had a good time and that she can also get through a day without a bow in her hair! :)

The last picture was taken yesterday in the car. I just love how 2 year olds think. She carries this little backpack everywhere she goes, and in it there is one of those view-finders with some cards. Evidently the cards kept slipping out of the backpack, or off her lap, so she devised a way to store them as she played. Gotta love it!

GO TO SLEEP!!

So much for our new "Don't make me come in there" plan. I put Allison down for a nap at about 1:15 PM. It's now 3:25 and she's still awake. As you can see from the picture, I have now taken 4 out of 5 animals out of the bed. Each time I've gone in she's just handed me one, like it's no big deal. IRRRRGGG!! All she has now is Shay Shay, her beloved doll that she's never slept without. I'm not sure if taking her would make a difference at this point. I don't think she really needs any "characters" with her to put on a play. She's a one woman show, folks!

Back to the Mall!

This is the final "all day session" for the painter, so again, Allison and I headed off to the mall to get out of his way. I decided to go to a different mall than our "usual" because there was a store nearby I wanted to check out. The sad thing about this other mall is that it does not have a carousel (I have to prepare her for this along the way), but they do have a great play area, so as soon as we got there we grabbed a snack and headed down there to play. "The Playland is Currently Under Construction" read a huge sign. Try explaining that to a 2 year old. :( She really didn't bat an eye and asked if we could go to a book store. SURE! We spent the next hour looking at and reading books. No one was in there, so it was like our own little private library morning. Good times! We left with a Courderoy Halloween book, a cook book for kids, and a preschool activity book. We then headed home for lunch and nap.

Speaking of nap, we are trying a new strategy. Allison normally sleeps with an enterouge (sp?) of animals (Shay Shay, Elmo, racoony, mama kitty, and baby kitty), and she plays with them for a LONG time before falling asleep. Daddy came up with a great plan that I introduced today. It's called "Don't make me come in there!" Once she's had some time to relax and play after laying down, we go in and tell her it's time to go to sleep, and that if she keeps making noise and we have to come back in, an animal is leaving the crib. At first I thought, how cruel! She loves her animals. Then I remembered my day yesterday and thought- great plan! Today I took Elmo out of the crib and, using my finely tuned Love and Logic training, said, "I know the rest of your animals will stay in your crib. You'll be a good girl and go to sleep now because you want them to stay with you the rest of the time. Good girl! I loooooooove you!" I haven't heard a sound since. YIPPEEE!!!

Last night I reflected on how blessed my life is. I'm able to spend every day with this precious little child while my husband deals with the daily grind of a wonderful yet stressful job. I get to make home made pizzas, hang out at the mall, watch re-runs of Will and Grace, go swing at the park, etc. I also have so many wonderful things to look forward to, like visits from out of town family, a reunion trip with several families we traveled to China with, holidays with Allison, and in a few years, an addition to our family. Life is so good! God is so good! That doesn't mean that my days are always full of laughter, and there are times I feel very stressed "on the job", but for the most part, it is the most glorious job I've ever had, and I wouldn't trade it for anything! The very best part is that at the end of the day, be it a joyous one or a stressful one, this wonderful man walks through the door and I am reminded how much I am loved and needed in this world. He is the best blessing of all!

Happy Thursday, everyone!
Laurie

Play Date Fun!

This morning we made a date with Beth and Katie so we could play with them and so that we could stay out of the painter's way. I love going over there because it's so much fun to watch Allison and Katie play together. Because they are so close in age (just 2 days apart), they go through very similar phases (well, we pray they are phases) at the same time. It just makes me relax and realize that Allison is normal and that screaming in frustration is okay when you're two- you're just having trouble expressing your desires. :)

We played outside, did a craft (a prayer box), and made homemade pizzas. I discovered that it's best to leave Allison alone when she's "crafting" because trying to help her just stresses both of us out. She ended up doing a good job and more importantly, enjoying herself in the process.

Our afternoon was less than fun, as she decided to play the "I don't need a nap today" game. My LEAST favorite game, let me tell you! I spent all afternoon trying to get her to fall asleep and finally gave up, exhausted. What did she say when I came in that final time? "I'm ready to be AWAKE!" with a big smile on her face. IRRRRRR!!!

Enjoy the pictures!

Laurie

Dressing it up!

Okay, folks, I had to work hard on that cheesy title, so you'd better appreciate it! :) This week our house is being painted- YIPPEE!! I wanted it done when we moved in back in March, so it's been a long wait for me. I snuck upstairs when the painter was at lunch to take some "during" pictures. I love the new color! It makes me want our kitchen remodel now rather than later, but first things first.

I also included a shot of the dress I spoke about earlier that I splurged on for Allison. It's a good thing I'm on a budget or I'd be dangerous!! Of course Scott would say, "Budget? Really? I had no idea!" :)

This morning we got out of the painter's way and headed to the mall. We just HAD to buy a book about princesses- really, she doesn't have one! It came with a CD of the stories being read- that was fun to listen to before nap today. Then I took her out to lunch at Cheesecake Factory, where we shared some chicken fettucini. It's funny cause it came with cream and green noodles, and she would have nothing to do with those green noodles (sounds like her mother, right Mom?), so I had to carefully choose only the cream noodles to put on her plate. She ordered for herself, charmed the waitress, and did a fabulous job all through lunch. What a girl! Well, she also called out "POOPY!!" a little too late after being put down for a nap, but nobody's perfect, right? :)

Have a super day!
Laurie

Fall back to Summer

Two days ago I put Allison in long sleeves, jeans, socks and shoes, and today she was back in short sleeves and shorts. Come on fall, return, return!! :) Shopping for Allison, her Daddy will concur, is one of my favorite things to do. We are SO fortunate because we get TONS of great hand-me-down clothing from the professional shopper, my sister-in-law, Sheila. I really don't have to shop much to finish off Allison's seasonal wardrobe, but of course I do anyway! And fall clothes shopping is my favorite, both for myself and for her. The colors are just so warm and inviting. And even though I love putting her in girly clothes, I also love for her to wear jeans- she looks so grown up when she wears them, and there are some really cute jean styles out there for little kids. I hope I won't live vicariously through my child, but I do shop vicariously through her, that's for sure!

Today we had a lazy day (no plans), so we ran some errands and then headed to McDonalds to share a lunch. She is such a great dining companion. I told my mom that I enjoyed eating with her more than some adults- she is always LOVING the food, she makes me laugh through the whole meal, and we have great conversation. What more could I ask for? Of course after eating with adults I don't have to come home and deal with wet panties and then poopy panties all in a matter of 5 minutes. IRRRR!! It's "funny" because we have a potty book where the child has an accident and the mommy says, "That's okay!', so every time she has an accident she looks at me and says, "The mommy said that's okay!" Dang mommy in that book! Why couldn't she have said, "That's okay, but please remember to tell me you have to go next time, okay?"

Funny Allison story of the day... This weekend we were shopping for a new washing machine, and out of nowhere, as this man is showing us around, Allison says, reciting from a book we read a lot, "We do NOT have to be afraid. God is ALLLLLways with us!" Was she thinking she should be afraid of the washing machines or what? Seriously, she has got to go into ministry in some way. She knows her Bible stories so well. Later, at dinner, she tells me, "God and Jesus live in my heart.... and in my mind" I just smile at her and say, "Yep, they sure do, honey!" She also thinks she was born in heaven. We really have worked on the China answer, but I think she prefers heaven. Works for me!

Happy Monday, everyone!
Laurie

The Importance of Friends

After returning from China in February '06, we decided to make a move from Kansas City to Saint Louis. Through a yahoo site I met Beth, who lived in St. Louis and would be traveling to China the day we returned home- I'm sure our planes passed in the sky. Her daughter, Katie, was born in the same province as Allison, Jiangxi, and they were just two days apart. As soon as we relocated to Saint Louis, Beth and I got together with the girls. We didn't know then what a wonderful friendship would form for the girls, as well as for us. Now we get together about once a week, and recently we've started the date night swap, where once a month Scott and I get date night while she and her husband John watch Allison, and then we swap. It's been a great arrangement! The pictures today show Allison and Katie playing and eating together at Beth and John's. She always has a wonderful time when she's over there, and we love keeping Katie in turn.

Scott and I had a superb dinner last night and then laughed until we hurt at a local comedy club. I'm already looking forward to our next date night. :)

I hope everyone had a great weekend!

Laurie

Around the House

Each time I download pictures onto our iphoto account I have to name the file. I have many, many "around the house" files. This means nothing of consequence was really captured, but I took pictures none the less. You know, she could change from day to day, so I want to capture EVERYTHING!! Will she thank me someday or think I was a crazy mom? Hmmmmm.

Picture #1- MOPS

In case you haven't heard of it, MOPS stands for Mothers of Preschoolers, and it's run by local churches who want to support moms of little ones. Last year was my first year to "qualify" for membership, and I loved it! So much that this year I am our church's coordinator- that's a long story, but the short story is that I'm really loving it! It reminds me a lot of teaching, only that the lessons are much shorter and I'm working with people who can write complete sentences! :) I have never really had this type of leadership role before, and never in a church setting, so I am learning a lot. But most of all I'm learning that God calls us to things for a purpose, and He wants us to learn from it and grow closer to Him. On several occasions (like today) I had to step out of my comfort zone (I don't "do" large group praying) and I think that's good for me. If you haven't investigated your local MOPS group, and you quality for membership (you have a child 0-kindgergarten) I highly suggest you look into it. You won't be sorry!

Picture #2- Noodles

This has become Allison's favortite food (she actually says, "More angel haired pasta, please!")- she might even choose it over the Cheetos! She can slurp these suckers up like no one else- no need to cut them- she's a pro at cutting them with her teeth. You can see that she doesn't even mind if one or two hangs out on her face while she gobbles up more. I'm guessing we may fatten up our little 25 pounder if we give her these every night. I know they work to fatten ME up!

Picture #3- "I LOVE MY ANIMALS!!"

I took this picture today before nap time. I was laying on our bed, talking to Scott on the phone, when she starts bringing in EVERY animal and blanket from her toy room. Then she decides she's like to hang out there while I read her naptime stories. Works for me. Today's selections were "I'm Big Enough!"- thank you, Nana, and "One Lost Sheep", thank you Grandma Judie. We LOVE story time at our house. Does she look comfy and cozy or what? And yes, she did want to stay in our bed to take her nap. And no, I did not let her. :)

I hope everyone reading this has a joyous weekend. This is our "date night" weekend!! YIPPEE!! We are doing a monthly babysitting/date night deal with another couple, and this is our weekend to go out and have them watch Allison for an evening. Our plans right now are to go out to dinner and a comedy club. I really enjoyed this season of Last Comic Standing, and it made me want to see a live show. Fun times!

More later...

Laurie

Time to kill? Visit Petsmart!

Today was lunch with Daddy Wednesday, but we had some time to kill before meeting him, so we visited the local Petsmart. We've been doing this on a pretty regular basis over the past year, and it's funny to watch how her favorites change and how fears develop. Those of you who know me know I have issues with birds, so I've been VERY careful not to project that fear onto Allison, but these days she wants nothing to do with the birds, covering her face with her hands as we walk by them. Her favorite place to visit is by far the fish tanks. Those poor fish. I'm sure they see her coming and panic. She RUNS to the tanks, and the fish scatter everywhere. I want to tell her not to do it, but it's so darn funny to watch!

After the pet store we still had time to kill, so we dropped by our local "outrageously priced but really cool kid clothes" shop, where Mommy dropped more on one dress for Allison than she did on 3 items of clothing for herself the previous day, no lie! I had Allison show the dress to Daddy- I mean, how mad could he get with his daughter holding the dress up for him to see? :) This trick works, ladies, take it from me.

After dress shopping we took my car for a much needed wash. Is there anyone else out there who struggles with these "put it in neutral and don't brake" kind of car washes? Probably not. I'm sure it's just me, but I'm the loser in front of you who has no clue what to do. That's right- advanced degrees on the wall, but I can't get my car through a simple car wash. I was showing my stress (no bad words, I promise) and from the back seat I hear, "Mommy, it will all be O... K!" God love her!

I am reminded daily of how blessed I am to be raising this little girl. In a world with such uncertainty (I'm sure we all thought a lot about that on yesterday's 9/11 anniversary) we must embrace every day and remember that this life is in preparation for the next one. I still have a LOT to learn, but this little girl is teaching me every single day!

Interview With a Two Year Old

I noticed some friends had interviewed their kiddos on their blogs, and I decided to try. I had no idea what I was in for. I normally have a very chatty little girl, but the way I formed the questions forced her into mostly one word answers. I'll have to work on my technique! I also didn't know she's LIE!! Or maybe she just doesn't really understand what different meals we eat at our house. :) See below to find out what's on the mind of your average two year old. I think I'll do this once a month- it was just too much fun!

What's your name? Allison

How old are you? TWO! (holding up fingers too, of course!)

Where do you live? St. Louis

What's your favorite song? EIEIO

What do you like to eat for breakfast? hot dogs
for lunch? Cheetos
for dinner? cantelope

What do you like most about Mommy? Because she's just a little bit older (EXCUSE ME????- the things you do for your kids and this is what you get???) Ha!

What do you like most about Daddy? He's a man

Where is your favorite place to go? Park
Where is another place you like to go? Chuck E. Cheese

How old is Mommy? Three

What is your favorite book? (she looks over at bookcase) Um, Um, Um, Red Fish, Blue Fish (I'm sure it was just the first one she saw)

Who is your best friend? Katie

What should we do tomorrow? Play..... and eat.... and read books (welcome to my EVERY day, folks!)

Thanks for the interview, Allison

You're welcome!

Sunny and 65 degrees!!

After a long summer of unbearable heat, it was wonderful to go back to the park today. I even had to dress Allison in pants and a long sleeved shirt, as it wasn't even 70 degrees. She loves this incredible park, and each time we go she gets a little more brave and tries more new and exciting things. Her favorite, though, remains the swing, where she would stay forever if I let her. You can see from the first picture that she's really enjoying herself- what a smile! The 2nd picture, however, was taken seconds before she said, "Uh oh!", the worst words you can hear when your child is working on potty training. The trip to the park was cut short and we traveled home to change clothes for the 3rd time today. This time I didn't bother putting pants on her at all! :) All in a day's mothering.

Boys and Girls- they are different! :)

Well, we've just ended our second round of "babysitting swap" with my friend Julie and her son, Landen. We're taking turns getting some much needed Mommy alone time while giving our kids the opportunity to play together. Allison is learning that boys are pretty fun (Landen cracks her up!), but they play a bit differently than she does. Take, for example, the Mr. Potato Head "game". Allison puts out all the pieces, arranges them just so, and then begins to "dress" Mr. Potato, putting all the pieces in the correct places. Until babysitting Landen I thought all kids put the pieces in the right places and just looked at it. NOPE! Landen proceeds to put pieces wherever he feels like it. Then he grabs the ear off the top of Mr. Potato Head's head, throws it into the air and yells, "BLAST OFF!!!" Allison and I just stared at him like, huh? It's a great lesson for all of us- play is play- it's just different for boys and girls sometimes. I think we could both learn from each other, and hey, maybe they'll both understand their future spouses just a little bit better someday. :)

Starting A New Blog....

Hello!!

I decided to keep a more active diary in addition to our regular Loudenback log. I have too much to say about life these days and thought I'd use this as a more personal diary with pictures, of course! I'm just starting out, so have patience with me, please. Now I have to go learn how to add pictures to my posts. Wish me luck- I'm a bit technologically challenged!

It worked! The picture showed up- yeah! We hung out with Allison's friend Katie this weekend, and the girls did a little baking. They both take it VERY seriously, and I must say the brownies were delicious! :

Laurie