Angelina Ballerina

Hi all, glad to see that you are still logging in to get updates on Angelina. She is adjusting so well to her new home, family and friends. On Thursday Jan 11th Grandma Ferrazzi (Pam's Mom) arrived into Portland for her first visit with her new Granddaughter. There was an instant connection for the two of them and by the time we loaded up and left the airport Angelina was screeching with laughter as Grandma introduced her to the "tickle bug", when we got home they were like best buds. I just love to hear Angelina's laughter through the house as they play hide and seek together, it's cute because each time she runs off to hide she goes back to the same spot. Mom and I were both so proud of Angelina today because she used the potty chair to take care of business this morning. Angelina had a smile from ear to ear, I'm sure she felt like a big girl.

Today Angelina got to meet her Uncle Joe, Aunt Lora & Cousins Emma and Carla for the first time, what a great evening we had. Mom & Lora cooked up a fantastic meal which had chicken with roasted leeks, fennel, shiitake mushrooms and a ginger hoisin sauce, take a bow ladies you knocked this one out of the ball park!! The girls and I played together and sang songs and I must say that Angelina feels right at home with Emma and Carla. Uncle Joe helped me with some technical problems I was having and we were able to talk to Brian via a web cam(it was great to see you & hear your voice honey, we miss you!!).

Angelina received a very cute ballerina outfit from Joe, Lora , Emma & Carla and I couldn't wait to put it on her. Does this girl melt your heart or what? She does like to dance and she LOVES ring around the Rosy. Many thanks for her first dance dress guys.

Angelina has received so many wonderful gifts over the past month and we can't thank you all enough for being so thoughtful. The Lord has bless us with so much love and we are joyful to have such wonderful family and friends.

Happy Birthday!!!

Angelina, Uncle Mike & Aunt Virginia

I miss writing on the blog, something I looked forward to with anticipation when we were in the Ukraine. Since we have been home it has been crazy busy and I have little time to devote to the blog let alone much of anything else on our long list of to do’s. That said, I am cranking out an entry now and as I write this blog I am on the flight to Shanghai (I am actually already here, but wrote this on the plane) which is +13 hours duration and a bear of a flight. I arrived at 6pm Monday Shanghai time (+16 hours to PST) so the best plan is always to stay up the entire flight when flying from San Fran to Shanghai which is not easy - think I only slept 4 hours. Anyway enough of me………

What a day her birthday was, we woke up early Saturday and proceeded to knock items off of the list that needed to be completed prior to my departure on Sunday morning for Shanghai. Let me tell you that list is very long and there is still plenty to do before we leave in April. I left the house around 7am and returned around 8am to hear Angelina yelling Daddy, Daddy, Daddy, Daddy. I could not see her, but could hear her from the kitchen so made my way to the bedroom and found her and Pamela on the bed laughing it up. Funny enough, Angelina thought I was in the bathroom because the light was on……surprise I was not and walked in through the door! I picked her up, kissed her and told her Happy Birthday! She is now 2 and thinks she is going on 4…..we are in trouble folks, this girl is smart as a whip and knows how to work it for her benefit. The party was a hit, we had the White’s (brother), Parker’s, Rowland’s and Brannon’s over for ribs (oh yes!), burgers, all the trimmings, cake and ice cream - thanks to everyone! There is no doubt Angelina understands the gifting process, after Christmas just two weeks ago she has the unwrapping part down and is a pro. Thanks to all of our family and friends that sent gifts and cards, her day was a very special one and we were so glad to have shared it with those that were local.

The feeling of my daughter beginning to attach to me over the last 2 weeks has been overwhelming and an incredible experience. After +6 weeks of waiting for the ability to hold her without conflict and her melting down or scratching my face we have finally turned the corner……now I leave for China for 6 weeks! Leaving Sunday morning was one of the most difficult things I have done in a long time……it did not hit me until I woke Pamela up to say good bye. Angelina was sleeping (finally), but Pam was awake for a split second as I kissed her and Angelina before my brother whisked me off to the airport at 6am. Last week I bought 2 webcams, one for my laptop and one for the house so we can see each other and communicate while I am away. My parents bought one also and we tested it out on Saturday during Angelina’s birthday – they work great! Well enough for now, I still plan to do an entry related to our return trip from the Ukraine and hope to have it posted in the next week or so. It is worth documenting and sharing. Also there are many more pictures, but I am having some trouble with posting pics from China right now - hopefully the family one above worked.

Brian

Happy New Year!!!

Hi everyone! 2007 is now here and what an exciting year it will be for us now that we are together as a family. As I watched Angelina sleep last night I thought to myself thank God she is finally home and what a wonderful way to start the new year. My spirit feels awakened and my heart overflows every time I see our little girl's sweet smile:) She has been keeping us on our toes and in stitches as she explores her new surroundings and works at communicating with us. Her favorite activity right now is to play with her dollies, she received two for Christmas and they came with great accessories too. She will push dolly in the stroller, wrap her in blankets that her Great Grandma (Hi Granny!) made & rock her in the cradle that Papa Joe made her. She also loves books and her wheels on the bus toy has been a favorite as well. With her birthday coming up on Sat. and more presents on the way I'm quite sure the list of favorites will grow. Angelina has been progressing well with Brian over the past few days and I can see their connection strengthening, we continue to pray for this progress. We wish you all a Healthy, Happy New Year and we look forward to sharing new experiences with you in 2007.


Pamela