As my friend Joan said, "Who knew riding a sheep could be so much fun?" And Emily couldn't be a more proud big sister. It really rocked her world not to be queen bee around here, but she handled it better than I ever could have imagined. I'm hoping we'll have a warmer weekend so we can make it to the apple orchard before it snows.

Summer's over

Emily and Cassidy are best buddies, don't mind the age difference, they both giggle at anything the other does. This is becoming a problem at bedtime when I have two giggling girls for an hour.

Cassy suffers through each new tooth--fever, crying, difficulty sleeping. Remember, Emily already had eight teeth when she was adopted; Cassy had none. The nights can get very long. For six nights she woke up every hour. Thankfully, that's over.

Tate is forever patient with Cassy. She'll lay on him, pet him, pull his tail; he just waits patiently then gives her a kiss. What a great dog--I don't think Tucker would have had a fraction of his patience.

We enjoyed a day at the cabin Labor Day weekend. The girls played in the sand and went for a short walk with Nanny. Then the jungle gym came (Uncle Dirk) and the fun began!

Emily's first day of 1st grade went really well. She likes her teacher and has made new friends. We had been offered a full year's tuition if I wanted her to go to Bunker Hills this year--this was when Cassy was waking up every hour and we were getting to the breakfast table at 7:45 am--that's what time Bunker Hills starts. So, regretfully, I had to turn that down.

Keep checking back. Cassy has her fifteen month appt next Friday. I need to find out how much she's supposed to be eating. I think this kid would eat until she blew up, never gives me any indication if she's full.

Happy Autumn!

A few new pix

We're having a fun summer. Cassidy continues to "catch up" in fast forward (except for hair growth!). She's become much more active and repeats everything. Just this week she's been saying "meow," "kitty," & "puppy." And what a comedian she is! She'll be singing the "mama song." You know, "mama, mama, mama..." When I ask her to say "mama," she smiles and says, "dada." Great! A thirteen month old with a sense of humor lol

My favorite of her "new tricks" is throwing kisses. She's also learned that if she throws kisses at bed time, mama will giggle, take pictures, and throw kisses back instead of allowing her to settle down to sleep! And with the kisses comes, "Nigh night." awwwwwwww

The two portrait pictures above were taken in April. I just finally got the disk. It was so easy getting her to smile.

She enjoyed the parade in Red Wing last weekend. She was clapping when the Veterans drove by and dancing when the band passed. Since she's so much more mobile and active, she does not like to sit still but did pretty good.

Keep checking back! Derrinda

Happy Birthday, Cassidy!

Celebrating Cassidy continues! She turned on on June 11; her party was Sunday. Family & friends made it fun. Did you see the cake?? I've been saving the picture of this cake for almost five years, knowing I'd be adopting again. I found a pasty chef, and I must say, she did a great job. And it was delicious. Not everyone was able to make it to the party so I have lots of leftover cake (bummer!)

When a baby is nine months when you first get her, the time to the first birthday flies! The days up to her birthday were bittersweet...knowing a year ago she was growing in another woman's tummy and now she's half way across the world calling me mama. We lit a candle at the party, recognizing her birth mom, who I'm sure still has a heavy heart.

Otherwise, Cassidy is doing well. She was sick a couple weeks ago with an ear infection and viral sore throat (blisters). That and teething six teeth made it an interesting weekend! She's very loving and has a "new" smile that almost looks like she's showing off her new teeth lol

Keep checking back for pictures.

We had a fun albeit chilly Mother's Day at Como Zoo. We didn't stay too long then headed home for a picnic on the living room floor! Emily thought that was pretty cool. Last weekend Phoebe, one of the girls from our adoption group, came over to play. She's a pretty stoic kid in unfamiliar places! A smile couldn't be forced!

Day care is going better than expected. Geri has given me faith again in home day cares. We're looking forward to a fun summer. Emily got a new bike and has enjoyed our bikerides. I do wish I had taught her how to ride a two wheeler last fall, because it will be tough with a baby in a stoller! I guess she'll have fun until then.

Cassidy is sleeping through the night about 50% of the time. I'm counting the days!! Keep checking back for pictures and updates!