This week marks two years since we brought home our precious little girl. What an amazing two years these have been! We have watched her blossom from an infant who could not sit on her own or even pick up anything with her tiny little fingers. Today she is very independent, kind, thoughful, smart, and so very funny.
I have been very remiss in blogging for the past year. So, I have "harvested" the past year's Facebook status updates about Maddie:
Fri February 25, 2011, 6:09 pm: This sweet child of mine is so cuddly when she's sick. All I've heard since she got up from her nap this afternoon is, "Mama, I wanna snuggle." No arguments from the mama!!
Sat February 19, 2011, 9:46 pm: Today was a good day... took Maddie and two of my beautiful nieces to see the model railroad show at the Essenhaus, then to St Mary's College for their annual Chinese New Year celebration. Wow... what a show! I feel blessed to live in a community that celebrates my daughter's heritage.
Fri February 18, 2011, 8:00 pm: I tried to get Maddie to eat a sandwich earlier tonight. Her emphatic response, "NO! That tastes like yucky spiders and I'm fwustrated!" Dear Lord - Thank you for giving me another 10 years to prepare for when she's 12. As dramatic as she is right now, I shudder to think about that age!
Mon February 14, 2011, 8:15 pm: Maddie and I were talking about the five senses. I asked, "What do we do with our nose?" She said, "Stick my finger in there and pull out the booger. Then we blow it!"
Sun January 16, 2011, 2:40 pm: When I wasn't looking, Maddie got into the star stickers. When she was done, she brought me her artwork: a calendar with her star stickers all arranged very neatly in a small grouping. She said, "Look mommy, I made a constellation. It's a treasure chest." My little 2-year-old amazes me with something new every single day!
Sat January 1, 2011, 1:42 pm: Starting the new year out on the right foot... Maddie is napping in HER OWN bed. That is good on so many levels!!
Fri December 31, 2010, 6:03 pm: As I'm getting ready to go out tonight, Maddie said, "Wow, you're beautiful, Mommy!" I melted. After I said, "Thank you!", she demanded, "Now you tell me!" Sigh... they learn all too fast!!
Sat December 25, 2010, 5:15 am: Two years ago today the China Center for Adoption Affairs chose Doug and me to be parents to our sweet Madeline. That four-year wait was excruciating but the second we met her, we knew why we had to wait. God has perfect timing! Merry Christmas to our friends Kris, Shawn & Kaycee, and John, Lisa & Anna who were chosen for Kya and Lucy on that day as well.
Fri December 24, 2010, 8:19 pm: When we got to the hotel this afternoon, Maddie was running around the room chanting, "It's a crappy song, crap, crap." I was about to say something to her when she started singing, "If you're happy and you know it, crap your hands; crap, crap!"
Fri December 24, 2010, 7:43 am: Maddie and I are watching Polar Express. She just asked if Santa was coming back to leave her presents under the tree. (We opened our presents Wed eve when Doug was home.)
Thu December 23, 2010, 8:03 pm: Looking forward to a wonderfully relaxing weekend in Rockford with Doug and Maddie... just hanging out at the hotel, swimming, and taking Maddie to see where her daddy works.
Fri December 10, 2010, 6:54 pm: this morning Maddie wanted to play airplane. so as i'm flying her to the kitchen she says, "I wanna be the co-pilot!" hmmm... wonder who she learned that word from!?
Thu December 9, 2010, 8:14 pm: Me: Get your finger out of your nose. Maddie: But there are boogers!
Sun November 28, 2010, 7:39 pm: On our way home from seeing Santa this evening, Maddie said, "Mama, I want to go home and hold you and snuggle." Love, love, LOVE that girl!!!
Thu November 18, 2010, 5:55 pm: there is nothing wrong with my kid's imagination. as i'm rushing around putting groceries away, I hear her yell, "I have new shoes!" I turned around just in time to catch her trying two hot dog buns on her bare feet!
Sun November 14, 2010, 5:36 pm: Happiness is seeing Christmas lights through the eyes of a 2-year old. Last night we walked around and looked at the lights in downtown Shipshewana. Maddie was jumping, clapping, and squealing, "This is awesome, Mama. Look at all the tiny lights!"
Tue November 9, 2010, 7:04 pm: Tonight I'm thankful for my husband. It's wonderful to have another "adult" present to help abbsorb some of this 2-year old's energy.
Sat November 6, 2010, 6:49 am: I'm thankful for my mom. She came over for dinner a few nights ago, and stayed around to read Maddie her bedtime story. Maddie loved it. There is an incredible bond between Maddie and her two grandmas... I love that!
Sat October 30, 2010, 10:59 am: I had an epiphany while Maddie helped me reload the curio cabinet... it can be free of fingerprints after she goes to college.
Wed October 6, 2010, 5:41 pm: With Maddie and me both sick, her crud even worse than mine, how can it be that she has that much more energy than I have?
Sun October 3, 2010, 8:14 pm: Maddie's prayer tonight: "... and God bless Miles and Cassidy and SpongeBob and some pineapple. AMEN"
Mon September 27, 2010, 7:02 pm: Dinner with Maddie... always an adventure. Tonight we had to use a flashlight to rule out that she had a small lima bean stuck in her nose.
Tue September 7, 2010, 7:11 pm: Maddie keeps talking about wanting to go to school... "Step, step, step on the schoolbus; and the wheels on da bus go round an' round; an' my backpack, an' paper, an' pencils, an' colors, an' snacks, an' kleenexes, an' scissors..."
Mon September 6, 2010, 9:43 am: Wow... whirlwind weekend! Road trip, first annual (hopefully) reunion with other families who traveled to China with us, a day at the Cincinnati Zoo, and now a day at home to recuperate. Good times!
Wed September 1, 2010, 5:50 pm: "Sowwy Mommy. It was a atsident!" That's Maddie's explanation for everything... dinner on the floor, broken sunglasses, dirty footprints on the kitchen countertop... the list goes on forever.
Sun August 8, 2010, 8:37 am: My only not-so-proud moment on the plane... a rancid smell wafted around our seats. I thought it was the guy snoring behind us. Then Maddie loudly and proudly announced, "I tooted. Maddie is stinky!" I would have expected that AFTER a week with the Grabers, but not before!
Sun August 8, 2010, 8:32 am: Maddie did amazingly well on the first leg of our flight, especially considering she had only 4 hours of sleep.
Thu August 5, 2010, 6:46 pm: 26 Grabers... 15 kids and 11 adults (and I use that term loosely)... is CO ready for us?
Sat July 24, 2010, 12:17 pm: Dear Mom... I'm sorry for when I was 2!
Mon July 19, 2010, 6:59 pm: My kid's off button is broken!
Sun July 18, 2010, 7:46 am: We tried out Goshen's new splash pad at Rieth Park yesterday afternoon. It was a hit with Maddie.
Sat July 17, 2010, 10:39 am: Sad day in the Snow household... we found out this morning that Squirt is in end stages of renal failure. This is her last weekend with us. This tiny kitten showed up five years ago on our doorstep, the morning after we found out Doug has MS. She was a welcome distraction at that time. It's very ironic that her demise is due to complications from diabetes.
Sat July 17, 2010, 9:53 am: Had a great evening with Maddie... her first Movie - Toy Story 3, then her first trip to The Chief for some pink ice cream.
Sun July 11, 2010, 6:47 pm: During dinner, Doug belched (I know, big shock). Madde reached over, patted his shoulder, and said, "Escuse me!"
Tue July 6, 2010, 9:07 pm: Maddie's prayer tonight... and God bless "Miles, and Daddy, and Tassidy, and Kai Lan. The end!"
Mon July 5, 2010, 9:26 am: Seven whole days without pull-ups or diapers (for Maddie, that is). Only 2 accidents all week! YIPPEEE!! Thanks Sara and Mia for being our inspiration!
Thu June 24, 2010, 6:27 pm: When I picked up Maddie from the sitter tonight she said, "I wanna go home." I asked her what she wanted at home and she replied, "I wanna have a tea party and watch Kai Lan with mama." No way could I deny such a sweet request, so instead of dinner, we had a tea party with little sandwiches, fancy cookies, and the good china.
Mon May 31, 2010, 6:55 pm: Busy weekend, but a great weekend nonetheless... can't believe it's almost over. Maddie's latest overused sayings: "You guys..." and "I'm mad!". She has such a vivid imagination. Right now she's in the tub, being supervised by her daddy. The conversation coming from that direction is hilarious.
Wed May 26, 2010, 7:09 pm: Woohoo... Maddie told me she had to poop in the pottie - her telling me that is a first! After she declared herself "All done!", I transferred from the potty to the tub. Unfortunately she wasn't all done and she finished the job in the tub!! Two steps forward, one step back.
Sun May 16, 2010, 8:22 pm: Today I told Maddie to bring me her socks... a minute later she came running into the kitchen, waving her socks and yelled TA-DAAAA! I have no idea where she picked that up but it was good for a laugh today. It's so much fun to see her wit and sense of humor developing. She's a real ham.
Sat May 15, 2010, 6:19 am: Last night, Maddie kissed an "owie" on my face, patted my cheek, and said, "Dere ya go, Mama." My heart melted - I so love that sweet girl!
Sat May 1, 2010, 2:03 pm: loves this drizzly Saturday... full of "eskinose", butterfly kisses, and big hugs. My heart is full.
Sat April 3, 2010, 6:43 am: Lots of hugs and eskimo kisses... well worth getting up at 6 AM on a Saturday for that!
Thu March 25, 2010, 5:10 pm: Maddie just burped, then laughed and said, "Two times" then faked a second burp - loud and long - then lauged and laughed. Where does she come up with this stuff?! I'm blaming this one on her father.
Mon March 1, 2010, 4:50 am: At 4:10 AM and Maddie woke up crying for her mama. So different from one year ago... crying her little heart out because she was scared to death of me (and Doug, and Grandma Jo). Sweet Maddie, you are so very loved.
Fri February 26, 2010, 7:10 am: I don't wanna close my eyes... I don't wanna fall asleep cause I'd miss you, baby. And I don't wanna miss a thing. ~ Aerosmith (Can't believe it's been a year already!!)
Sat February 20, 2010, 6:39 am: Poor Maddie... she has 8 new teeth coming through at once! Eye teeth and molars at that. OUCH!!
Sun January 24, 2010, 6:05 pm: The Wiggles are out... Barney is in. Woohoo! A whole new batch of annoying songs that will plague me throughout the day!!
Fri January 15, 2010, 7:47 pm: Maddie has three new molars. Hmmm... no wonder she was so miserable last week!
Tue January 12, 2010, 5:22 pm: F... is for Feathersword!
Sun January 10, 2010, 8:13 pm: In spite of all the puke and poop and cold weather, I enjoyed my week with Maddie immensely... sad to see it coming to an end.
Sun January 10, 2010, 10:19 am: is thankful Maddie waited until after we got off the plane before throwing up all over herself!!
Fri January 8, 2010, 12:01 pm: hopes Maddie's tummy settles down before we get on our flight home tomorrow afternoon!!
Thu December 31, 2009, 7:34 am: Winding up the week early this afternoon, then Maddie and I are leavin'... on a jet plane... Sarasota, here we come!!
Sat November 28, 2009, 2:32 pm: Maddie had her first encounter with Santa and she was NOT impressed! WAAAAAAHHHH!!
Mon September 7, 2009, 6:45 pm: After a full day of being in a stroller and shopping cart, Maddie has way too much energy. In the time it is taking me to type this update, she has climbed onto a chair, flipped the dining room light switch off and on, climbed on up onto the dining room table, rearranged the centerpiece, knocked off every placemat, knocked down and spilled her sippy cup, ate dog food, and spilled the pets' water bowl!!
Mon August 24, 2009, 4:05 pm: and Maddie and her Grandma are roasting in FL.
Sat August 22, 2009, 3:56 pm: cleaning house, moving Maddie, cleaning again, chasing Maddie, doing laundry, kissing boo-boos, feeding Maddie, cleaning again. Mom duty is exhausting but oh-so-rewarding!!
Fri July 24, 2009, 7:47 pm: (road trip) + (baby puke) = (not my idea of a good time)
I have been very remiss in blogging for the past year. So, I have "harvested" the past year's Facebook status updates about Maddie:
Fri February 25, 2011, 6:09 pm: This sweet child of mine is so cuddly when she's sick. All I've heard since she got up from her nap this afternoon is, "Mama, I wanna snuggle." No arguments from the mama!!
Sat February 19, 2011, 9:46 pm: Today was a good day... took Maddie and two of my beautiful nieces to see the model railroad show at the Essenhaus, then to St Mary's College for their annual Chinese New Year celebration. Wow... what a show! I feel blessed to live in a community that celebrates my daughter's heritage.
Fri February 18, 2011, 8:00 pm: I tried to get Maddie to eat a sandwich earlier tonight. Her emphatic response, "NO! That tastes like yucky spiders and I'm fwustrated!" Dear Lord - Thank you for giving me another 10 years to prepare for when she's 12. As dramatic as she is right now, I shudder to think about that age!
Mon February 14, 2011, 8:15 pm: Maddie and I were talking about the five senses. I asked, "What do we do with our nose?" She said, "Stick my finger in there and pull out the booger. Then we blow it!"
Sun January 16, 2011, 2:40 pm: When I wasn't looking, Maddie got into the star stickers. When she was done, she brought me her artwork: a calendar with her star stickers all arranged very neatly in a small grouping. She said, "Look mommy, I made a constellation. It's a treasure chest." My little 2-year-old amazes me with something new every single day!
Sat January 1, 2011, 1:42 pm: Starting the new year out on the right foot... Maddie is napping in HER OWN bed. That is good on so many levels!!
Fri December 31, 2010, 6:03 pm: As I'm getting ready to go out tonight, Maddie said, "Wow, you're beautiful, Mommy!" I melted. After I said, "Thank you!", she demanded, "Now you tell me!" Sigh... they learn all too fast!!
Sat December 25, 2010, 5:15 am: Two years ago today the China Center for Adoption Affairs chose Doug and me to be parents to our sweet Madeline. That four-year wait was excruciating but the second we met her, we knew why we had to wait. God has perfect timing! Merry Christmas to our friends Kris, Shawn & Kaycee, and John, Lisa & Anna who were chosen for Kya and Lucy on that day as well.
Fri December 24, 2010, 8:19 pm: When we got to the hotel this afternoon, Maddie was running around the room chanting, "It's a crappy song, crap, crap." I was about to say something to her when she started singing, "If you're happy and you know it, crap your hands; crap, crap!"
Fri December 24, 2010, 7:43 am: Maddie and I are watching Polar Express. She just asked if Santa was coming back to leave her presents under the tree. (We opened our presents Wed eve when Doug was home.)
Thu December 23, 2010, 8:03 pm: Looking forward to a wonderfully relaxing weekend in Rockford with Doug and Maddie... just hanging out at the hotel, swimming, and taking Maddie to see where her daddy works.
Fri December 10, 2010, 6:54 pm: this morning Maddie wanted to play airplane. so as i'm flying her to the kitchen she says, "I wanna be the co-pilot!" hmmm... wonder who she learned that word from!?
Thu December 9, 2010, 8:14 pm: Me: Get your finger out of your nose. Maddie: But there are boogers!
Sun November 28, 2010, 7:39 pm: On our way home from seeing Santa this evening, Maddie said, "Mama, I want to go home and hold you and snuggle." Love, love, LOVE that girl!!!
Thu November 18, 2010, 5:55 pm: there is nothing wrong with my kid's imagination. as i'm rushing around putting groceries away, I hear her yell, "I have new shoes!" I turned around just in time to catch her trying two hot dog buns on her bare feet!
Sun November 14, 2010, 5:36 pm: Happiness is seeing Christmas lights through the eyes of a 2-year old. Last night we walked around and looked at the lights in downtown Shipshewana. Maddie was jumping, clapping, and squealing, "This is awesome, Mama. Look at all the tiny lights!"
Tue November 9, 2010, 7:04 pm: Tonight I'm thankful for my husband. It's wonderful to have another "adult" present to help abbsorb some of this 2-year old's energy.
Sat November 6, 2010, 6:49 am: I'm thankful for my mom. She came over for dinner a few nights ago, and stayed around to read Maddie her bedtime story. Maddie loved it. There is an incredible bond between Maddie and her two grandmas... I love that!
Sat October 30, 2010, 10:59 am: I had an epiphany while Maddie helped me reload the curio cabinet... it can be free of fingerprints after she goes to college.
Wed October 6, 2010, 5:41 pm: With Maddie and me both sick, her crud even worse than mine, how can it be that she has that much more energy than I have?
Sun October 3, 2010, 8:14 pm: Maddie's prayer tonight: "... and God bless Miles and Cassidy and SpongeBob and some pineapple. AMEN"
Mon September 27, 2010, 7:02 pm: Dinner with Maddie... always an adventure. Tonight we had to use a flashlight to rule out that she had a small lima bean stuck in her nose.
Tue September 7, 2010, 7:11 pm: Maddie keeps talking about wanting to go to school... "Step, step, step on the schoolbus; and the wheels on da bus go round an' round; an' my backpack, an' paper, an' pencils, an' colors, an' snacks, an' kleenexes, an' scissors..."
Mon September 6, 2010, 9:43 am: Wow... whirlwind weekend! Road trip, first annual (hopefully) reunion with other families who traveled to China with us, a day at the Cincinnati Zoo, and now a day at home to recuperate. Good times!
Wed September 1, 2010, 5:50 pm: "Sowwy Mommy. It was a atsident!" That's Maddie's explanation for everything... dinner on the floor, broken sunglasses, dirty footprints on the kitchen countertop... the list goes on forever.
Sun August 8, 2010, 8:37 am: My only not-so-proud moment on the plane... a rancid smell wafted around our seats. I thought it was the guy snoring behind us. Then Maddie loudly and proudly announced, "I tooted. Maddie is stinky!" I would have expected that AFTER a week with the Grabers, but not before!
Sun August 8, 2010, 8:32 am: Maddie did amazingly well on the first leg of our flight, especially considering she had only 4 hours of sleep.
Thu August 5, 2010, 6:46 pm: 26 Grabers... 15 kids and 11 adults (and I use that term loosely)... is CO ready for us?
Sat July 24, 2010, 12:17 pm: Dear Mom... I'm sorry for when I was 2!
Mon July 19, 2010, 6:59 pm: My kid's off button is broken!
Sun July 18, 2010, 7:46 am: We tried out Goshen's new splash pad at Rieth Park yesterday afternoon. It was a hit with Maddie.
Sat July 17, 2010, 10:39 am: Sad day in the Snow household... we found out this morning that Squirt is in end stages of renal failure. This is her last weekend with us. This tiny kitten showed up five years ago on our doorstep, the morning after we found out Doug has MS. She was a welcome distraction at that time. It's very ironic that her demise is due to complications from diabetes.
Sat July 17, 2010, 9:53 am: Had a great evening with Maddie... her first Movie - Toy Story 3, then her first trip to The Chief for some pink ice cream.
Sun July 11, 2010, 6:47 pm: During dinner, Doug belched (I know, big shock). Madde reached over, patted his shoulder, and said, "Escuse me!"
Tue July 6, 2010, 9:07 pm: Maddie's prayer tonight... and God bless "Miles, and Daddy, and Tassidy, and Kai Lan. The end!"
Mon July 5, 2010, 9:26 am: Seven whole days without pull-ups or diapers (for Maddie, that is). Only 2 accidents all week! YIPPEEE!! Thanks Sara and Mia for being our inspiration!
Thu June 24, 2010, 6:27 pm: When I picked up Maddie from the sitter tonight she said, "I wanna go home." I asked her what she wanted at home and she replied, "I wanna have a tea party and watch Kai Lan with mama." No way could I deny such a sweet request, so instead of dinner, we had a tea party with little sandwiches, fancy cookies, and the good china.
Mon May 31, 2010, 6:55 pm: Busy weekend, but a great weekend nonetheless... can't believe it's almost over. Maddie's latest overused sayings: "You guys..." and "I'm mad!". She has such a vivid imagination. Right now she's in the tub, being supervised by her daddy. The conversation coming from that direction is hilarious.
Wed May 26, 2010, 7:09 pm: Woohoo... Maddie told me she had to poop in the pottie - her telling me that is a first! After she declared herself "All done!", I transferred from the potty to the tub. Unfortunately she wasn't all done and she finished the job in the tub!! Two steps forward, one step back.
Sun May 16, 2010, 8:22 pm: Today I told Maddie to bring me her socks... a minute later she came running into the kitchen, waving her socks and yelled TA-DAAAA! I have no idea where she picked that up but it was good for a laugh today. It's so much fun to see her wit and sense of humor developing. She's a real ham.
Sat May 15, 2010, 6:19 am: Last night, Maddie kissed an "owie" on my face, patted my cheek, and said, "Dere ya go, Mama." My heart melted - I so love that sweet girl!
Sat May 1, 2010, 2:03 pm: loves this drizzly Saturday... full of "eskinose", butterfly kisses, and big hugs. My heart is full.
Sat April 3, 2010, 6:43 am: Lots of hugs and eskimo kisses... well worth getting up at 6 AM on a Saturday for that!
Thu March 25, 2010, 5:10 pm: Maddie just burped, then laughed and said, "Two times" then faked a second burp - loud and long - then lauged and laughed. Where does she come up with this stuff?! I'm blaming this one on her father.
Mon March 1, 2010, 4:50 am: At 4:10 AM and Maddie woke up crying for her mama. So different from one year ago... crying her little heart out because she was scared to death of me (and Doug, and Grandma Jo). Sweet Maddie, you are so very loved.
Fri February 26, 2010, 7:10 am: I don't wanna close my eyes... I don't wanna fall asleep cause I'd miss you, baby. And I don't wanna miss a thing. ~ Aerosmith (Can't believe it's been a year already!!)
Sat February 20, 2010, 6:39 am: Poor Maddie... she has 8 new teeth coming through at once! Eye teeth and molars at that. OUCH!!
Sun January 24, 2010, 6:05 pm: The Wiggles are out... Barney is in. Woohoo! A whole new batch of annoying songs that will plague me throughout the day!!
Fri January 15, 2010, 7:47 pm: Maddie has three new molars. Hmmm... no wonder she was so miserable last week!
Tue January 12, 2010, 5:22 pm: F... is for Feathersword!
Sun January 10, 2010, 8:13 pm: In spite of all the puke and poop and cold weather, I enjoyed my week with Maddie immensely... sad to see it coming to an end.
Sun January 10, 2010, 10:19 am: is thankful Maddie waited until after we got off the plane before throwing up all over herself!!
Fri January 8, 2010, 12:01 pm: hopes Maddie's tummy settles down before we get on our flight home tomorrow afternoon!!
Thu December 31, 2009, 7:34 am: Winding up the week early this afternoon, then Maddie and I are leavin'... on a jet plane... Sarasota, here we come!!
Sat November 28, 2009, 2:32 pm: Maddie had her first encounter with Santa and she was NOT impressed! WAAAAAAHHHH!!
Mon September 7, 2009, 6:45 pm: After a full day of being in a stroller and shopping cart, Maddie has way too much energy. In the time it is taking me to type this update, she has climbed onto a chair, flipped the dining room light switch off and on, climbed on up onto the dining room table, rearranged the centerpiece, knocked off every placemat, knocked down and spilled her sippy cup, ate dog food, and spilled the pets' water bowl!!
Mon August 24, 2009, 4:05 pm: and Maddie and her Grandma are roasting in FL.
Sat August 22, 2009, 3:56 pm: cleaning house, moving Maddie, cleaning again, chasing Maddie, doing laundry, kissing boo-boos, feeding Maddie, cleaning again. Mom duty is exhausting but oh-so-rewarding!!
Fri July 24, 2009, 7:47 pm: (road trip) + (baby puke) = (not my idea of a good time)
Sweet Maddie... we are so in love with you and that love grows even stronger each day!
Much love,
Mommy & Daddy
