Time Goes By...

Yes it has been a while since I have updated Elizabeth's blog. I can tell you that it is not for lack of activity around these parts. And, I am often writing the blog in my head as the days go on--the problem is I keep wanting to add the photos after they have been retouched and to spend a little more time on my prose. And then, alas, life gets in the way and time runs out. I am reminded of the thought about a thousand good intentions are worth less than one small act. So, while there is lots more to say and in all likelihood I could do it more eloquently had I more time--I will do my best and at the very least, I will post something a little more often.

Also, I realized that Elizabeth has been home for about a year and a half now--so it is high time we started a new blog since we are past the Journey TO Elizabeth.

Elizabeth's new blog is:

journeywithElizabeth.blogspot.com

Just type in the above url and she should be there. See you there!


Oh, and thank you for sharing this amazing journey with us--it wouldn't be the same without you.

Elizabeth's Salon

So, Elizabeth has a new hobby--"doing hair". She is now in love with brushing and styling other people's hair. She is so cute when she does it--and she takes it VERY seriously.

Here she is with Sandra, making certain that Sandra has the perfect "do". Funny thing is that Sandra's hair always looks perfect--until Elizabeth gets her hands on it. And luckily Sandra is so patient because Elizbeth could spend an hour on your hair if you let her. She is also learning that pulling on a client's hair as part of the styling process will not increase her following.








It is also funny when Elizabeth is finished with her coiffure she usually comes around and looks at you as if she is assessing her work--and she often makes adjustments. I wasn't able to get a photo of that but it is funny when she does it.



And,here you can see just one of the reasons that Elizabeth is thrilled with Sandra. I may have mentioned this before, but pretty much the minute Sandra shows up she blows me a kiss and says, "bye bye mama"--even if I am not going anywhere. It is her polite way of saying, "get lost".

E and E

Last weekend we were lucky enough to have Erica come visit us. Just so you know, Erica and I have been friends for 38 years!!! (Yes, we met in the maternity ward on the day we were born--how did you know?)--cough cough.

Elizabeth adored Erica (how could she not?) and even managed to say her three syllable name "Ettata"--or something like that. We were sorry that Jonathan and Mark and Grandma Barbara couldn't be here. We are hoping to see them next time for sure!

Elizabeth had fun running around Fashion Island with Erica and mama. We took her to a pretty nice Italian Restaurant and she managed to behave "almost" all the way through lunch. Neiman Marcus was another story. NM store is designed so that in order to get to the restroom one must walk through the designer dress section. It was an unanticipated and unfortunate event when Elizabeth ran into a Gucci silk dress and decided it looked like a napkin. No joke.



I wish that I had gotten to take more photos when Erica was here--but the time went so fast and we were having such a good time that many photo opps got by me.



Elizabeth was so eager to hang around with Erica and she made sure to bring Erica her shoes and coat each time we went out. She has also evolved into wanting to be "helpful". Here she is "helping" Erica with her jacket.



Okay, so if you are wondering if Elizabeth took to Erica. Well, here you have it.



So did Elizabeth enjoy having Erica around? Take a look at this and tell me what you think.


And you wonder why Elizabeth woke up look for "Etata"?

Happy St. Patrick's Day-Then and Now

Here are two photos of Elizabeth on St. Patrick's Day! The first photo was taken today and the last photo was taken one year ago today. I was happy to see that I still had the same outfit she wore last year and I was actually quite surprised that it still fit her--albeit a little on the snug side. Funny how she was so chubby at 16 months old that I had to get her 24 month clothing--and now it isn't as small as I would have thought it would be on her a year later.

And--Happy St. Patrick's Day!!!

Toothbrushing with Bodhi

Here is a little video of Elizabeth brushing her teeth (well, sort of). You can also see her relationship with Bodhi--which one might say is "slightly strained".

Mandarin Class

On Saturdays, Elizabeth heads off to the Lango school in Irvine with her buddy Mei Mei to learn Mandarin. She has a blast with the teacher and her well devised techniques of teaching--she makes it fun.

So, has Elizabeth learned any Mandarin? Well, in four weeks so far, I don't think so. But, the important thing is that she is getting an ear for the language--as am I. I don't really plan on having her do too much studying of the language until she gets English under her belt. After that I would love it if she and I could learn at least enough to find a few restaurants and bathrooms in China. Marty hasn't expressed much interest and thinks I am a little crazy--but just wait until Elizabeth and I start becoming fluent. (and what century might that be?).






And here are a couple of photos of E posing in her glasses..

Raincoat and Moon

I really like this first photo of Elizabeth and dada. And, like a lot of things in life,it turned out pretty well--however unplanned. It was drizzling on Wed. and Elizabeth and I were suffering from cabin fever owing to our mutual colds so I dressed her in her fancy new doggy raincoat (which is actually 2 sizes too big but who is counting?) and we went out for a little stroll. Suddenly Marty appeared and when I saw that they were perfectly color coordinated I ran for the camera.

You also see her enjoying her little cart from Aunt Holly--oh she loves that little cart and it manages to keep her on the straight and narrow when we take our walks.















Here she is looking up and pointing at the moon, exclaiming in excitement--"moon".




A view of the back of Elizabeth's doggy raincoat