Live, Love, Laugh

Loving the Snow!

2009-12-31T12:27:00.002-05:00

We are enjoying our Christmas in the snowy north! Micah has embraced every aspect of the snow and even loves shoveling. We built a snowman in Uncle Kurt's front yard.
Snowball fight with Lao Ye!
It's a winter wonderland.

Children's Christmas Musical

2009-12-19T09:51:00.004-05:00

The Cherub Choir at church was invited to participate in the children's Christmas musical. Micah had so much fun singing the songs and learning the choreography. And then on the night of the musical he put everything he had into it. Enjoy!

Our Budding Beethoven

2009-10-07T07:53:00.004-04:00

Micah loves music. He loves to listen, sing and play. Our house is always full of music. I can't wait to see what he does with this love as he grows up.

Happy 4th Birthday, Micah

2009-08-31T14:57:00.005-04:00

My big boy turned 4 this week. Here's the birthday boy all ready for school!
After school Micah had a party at the jumpy place.
Look at the springs on that boy!
Blowing out the candles on the birthday cake.
Monster truck birthday cake.
The cake was blue. Not just the icing, the actual cake too!
Mical was king for a day.
Micah's presents went in the blue wagon. Pretty cool.
Wow, what a haul! Thank you everyone!

Micah's First Day at PreK

2009-08-14T12:47:00.003-04:00

This week, Micah started school at the local public school. Mama was nervous because this means a five full days of school each week. Micah was excited because he gets to carry a backpack! We got up early to pack his backpack for school.
All packed and ready to go.
I can't believe how big and grown up he is.

Visit from Lao Lao and Lao Ye

2009-08-14T12:33:00.004-04:00

Lao Lao and Lao Ye recently came for a week's visit. Micah was thrilled to spend time with his grandparents. (I think they enjoyed it too). We mostly stuck around home and spent family time together.

Stopping at the Redneck Gourmet.
Micah enjoying his sweet tea. Yes, he's a southern boy who happens to have been born in China.
No visit to the ATL is complete without lunch at Chik-Fil-A.
Yum! Nuggets!
Picnic lunch at the park.

Happy Independence Day!

2009-07-05T14:23:00.003-04:00

It was time for a 4th of July tradition, the Peachtree City 4th of July Parade. Ashley and Cole came over early in the morning. We picked up Tiffany, Tasha and Jennifer on the way and our little golf cart caravan made our way across town. We got there early to stake out our spot along the parade route. There were golf carts lining the road as far as the eye could see!
The boys had time to share a snack.
Finally the parade started. Micah loved the firetrucks.
But the sirens were a little too loud.
We all got to partake in popsicles handed out by the Fayette Piedmont Hospital.
At the end, we all piled back on the golf carts and joined the parade of golf carts driving home.

Crete!

2009-06-26T09:22:00.003-04:00

Summer is a time for family vacations. This year, we made the trek to Crete, Nebraska, Bruce's home town. It was a great time and Micah got to spend lots of time with NaiNai and YeYe. Micah helped YeYe cook, work in the yard and generally putter around the house. It was neat for Micah to see where Baba grew up, too. Bruce has childhood memories of climbing on this tank in the city park.
There was a big family picnic and we got to see lots of family and friends. Bruce with Brian and Wilma.
Bruce with his brother, David.
Micah was fascinated and terrified by David's motorcycle. Here he is showing off his "road rash."Micah thinks David is ultra cool 'cuz he rides a bike and drives a semi! Here he is hanging out in the cab of David's truck. I got to visit with David's wife Jahnee'. Jahnee' is a fellow knitter and shared several new techniques that will make my knitting better.
Bruce and Micah trying out the bike for size.
Micah spent lots of time playing with the neighbor boy. It was heartwarming to see an older boy be so tender and attentive to a little guy. Micah wanted to do everything he did.

Growing and Changing

2009-06-01T09:28:00.003-04:00

I could probably start each and every blog post with an apology for not posting more often. I think I'll just forgo that part and give you some cute pictures showing how Micah is growing and changing!

We literally go miles with Micah his trike. His favorite thing to say: "Mama go for a walk. Baba go for a walk. Libby go for a walk. Micah ride bike!"
Such a handsome boy.
Micah loves to "read." He will name each letter in the word, and tell you what sound each letter makes. Then he will tell you the word says, "Micah!"

Micah's New Toy Bins

2009-06-01T09:15:00.003-04:00

It was time to find a new way to store Micah's toys or risk having the house taken over by cars, Elmos and Thomas Trains. Micah was happy to help complete this project.
He has remarkable hand eye coordination (in my unbiased, proud mom opinion), and helped with the screwdriver and hammer.
The finished product!

Last Day of School

2009-06-01T09:03:00.002-04:00

What a whirlwind this school year has been! Micah has gone from a shy little boy who knew no one to a confident guy with a bunch of friends. He has learned the entire alphabet and knows numbers, too. We are so grateful to his teachers, Mrs. Sanders and Mrs. Kendall, for building into his life.

We've come a long way from the boy who would take one swipe at the page with a crayon and call it done. Here's my little lefty!
Micah loves to do puzzles. Mom: Micah, what does a duck say? Micah: Aflac. Aflac. AFLAC!!!!!
Hanging out on the jungle gym.

Mother's Day Weekend

2009-06-01T08:48:00.002-04:00

We had a wonderful visit with Bruce's sister, Brenda and her husband Greg. Micah had been looking forward to this visit and he really enjoyed getting to know his aunt and uncle. They went to school to be mystery readers which thrilled Micah beyond words!

Even though Micah wasn't feeling his best, we had a lot of fun tooling around on the golf cart and playing in the back yard.
This was my second Mother's Day as a mother (to someone other than a dog!). Micah brought be some gorgeous flowers. I grasp for words to express what it means to be the mother of this sweet, bright and active boy. I can barely remember a time when I wasn't "Mama," not do I want to!

Playtime!

2009-04-11T10:09:00.002-04:00

Playdough is a fave. We always end up making snowmen.
Micah loves to bake with Mama. Of course, the best part is licking the bowl.
Silly hair in the bath.
Baba's mini me.
Chillin' at McDonald's. I'm lovin' it!

Bye Bye Purple Potty

2009-03-26T10:38:00.002-04:00

Purple potty has been a constant presence in our life. Purchased for 27 yuan (about $7) in China, it was a wonderful investment. Our travel buddies became accustomed to seeing it bungie'd on the back of our backpack as we traveled from province to province to home.

Well, it's the end of an era. Micah has decided that is is OK to poo poo in the big boy potty. We said goodbye to purple potty with a special ceremony.

Snow!

2009-03-01T17:21:00.002-05:00

During church today, we looked out the window to see..... SNOW!!!! We got at least 3 inches and it stuck. We spent the afternoon outside playing in the snow.
Micah was so excited to get out and play.
We even built a snowman.
I don't know how long it will last, but we made the most of our snowy day.

One year ago today!

2009-03-01T17:13:00.006-05:00

One year ago today, we arrived home from China with Micah.
Taking our first steps off the escalator. Each step was a new experience for all of us.
The welcome home party with Lao Lao and Lao Ye. Micah is still in shock, but recognizes the faces in his picture book that we sent to China.
Now we're all smiles. Micah has grown 7 inches and gained 2 lbs and lots more confidence.
It's really nice to have Lao Lao and Lao Ye be with us to share in this 1 year celebration of forever family week.

One Year Together

2009-02-18T11:26:00.002-05:00

Micah became part of our family 1 year ago today. Baba holding Micah. Baba is proud; Micah is confused.
What a difference year makes! Baba is still proud, and Micah is becoming a cool, confident boy, comfortable with his surroundings and enjoying time with his family. Later, we'll have cake and celebrate our Forever Family Day!

Forever Family Week-Then and Now

2009-02-16T11:05:00.004-05:00

One year ago today. The anticipation of meeting Micah in 2 days was greater than the challenge of climbing the Great Wall. We were eagerly looking forward to both adventures.
Mama and Micah on the beach at Hilton Head playing in the sand. Funny how one year changes your life forever. Micah is in practically every picture now. When we look back at last year's pictures we notice something missing. That something was Micah. Now we are a family eagerly anticipating the trials and joys of bringing up Micah in a world full of opportunities as vast as the ocean is wide.

Dessert With Daddy

2009-02-11T15:33:00.002-05:00

Last week, Micah and Baba enjoyed going to Dessert with Daddy at preschool. The evening started with yummy desserts.

Then the boys got to make a sweet Valentine's Card for Mama.
Mrs. Kendall is so good with Micah. Micah learned to say, "I love you this much!"
This is how southerners do snow. It's some funky stuff you mix with water to make snow. The snow actually packs and the boys made a snowman. It's not like the snow I grew up with, but it will have to do.
A very tuckered-out boy showing his Valentine card. When he got home, he ran into the house shouting "Happy Valentines Day, Mama!"

Wordless Wednesday

2009-02-04T08:09:00.000-05:00

Just Life

2009-02-02T15:12:00.003-05:00

Life at the Ladman house goes on. Enjoy a few scenes....

Cuddled up with Mama....
Micah, what are you eating? I know I gave you string cheese, but what's that other thing?
A Scooby Snack? Wait a minute - those are doggie biscuits! Who thought it was a good idea to put Scooby Doo on the fruit snack package AND on the doggie biscuit package!?!?!?! Look at Libby wondering why Micah's eating her treat.
This is still one of Micah's favorites. He pulls his wooden pig everywhere. Thank you Grandpa Chadwick!

2009-01-30T17:49:00.003-05:00

Thank you, Shanna at Our Big Crazy Family, for this award. It's nice to know that someone is reading about and enjoying our lives.
Now here are the rules for this award:
1. Pass it on to 5 fabulous blogs, and include the one that gave it to you (and link them).
2. List 5 of your fabulous addictions.....

I am to nominate five fabulous blogs that I love. These just aren't blogs that I love. They are blogs written by people that I love!

1. Michael and Kim at Sheridan's Shenanigans. My lifeline while in China, I wouldn't be the mother I am without this amazing family.
2. Donna at Handsful. Donna is mom to six of the most wonderful kids I've ever met. Her blog entertains, informs and inspires me.
3. Another Donna - from Straight Talk. If you want the glossy, PC version of things, don't read her blog. But it you want the straight scoop, she's your gal!
4. Steph at The Boy and the Bulldog. Steph's little guy is just adorable and I love to read about his antics.
5. Brandy at Perpetual Tomorrow. Always full of pithy observations. She's an inspiration to me and she will hate that I said that.

Fabulous bloggers - feel free to pay it forward and nominate other Fabulous blogs. But don't feel obligated.

Now I am to tell you five of my fabulous addictions.
1. Bruce and Micah - I love my boys and am happy beyond measure as a wife and mother.
2. Facebook. What a wonderful way to keep up with friends, old and new.
3. Knitting. It relaxes and entertains me and at the end I get a cool, knitted item to keep or give.
4. Shoes. I don't even want to tell you how many pair I own.
5. Coffee. Gotta have it. Love it.

Knitting Frenzy

2009-01-24T18:03:00.005-05:00

I know, I know. We haven't made and update in ages. We've just been living life and staying busy. I've been on a knitting frenzy in my spare time. Micah's old hat was a little small, so I decided to knit him a new one. Bruce liked it so much, he wanted one for himself. Here are my handsome boys modeling their hats.
I didn't want to be left out, so I knit myself a pair of fuzzy slipper socks. Very warm and cozy.

Fast Away the Old Year Passes

2008-12-31T21:02:00.002-05:00

As 2o08 draws to a close, I wish I had some pithy observations on the year past. But the most special blessing of the year is reading a book with his Baba and will soon need Mama's warmth to help him sleep. So all I can say is....

Happy New Year, everyone!
May the year to come
bring you your heart's desire.

Bye bye to family

2008-12-29T20:09:00.002-05:00

This morning we bid farewell to Lao Lao and Lao Ye, the last of our house guests. I got a little misty as they left and a tear fell down my cheek. Micah looked at me, patted my hair and said, "Don't cry Mama. Lao Lao and Lao Ye going to Michigan. They'll be back."

Didn't help the tears.....