Cinnamon and Spice

Just like every year, I get super excited during the first chilly cold front. My house smells like vanilla, maple, cinnamon, and a variety of other baked goods during this season.

I've been behind on blogging, so I thought I'd write two today to catch up. Last Saturday, (the 18th), we visited the local pumpkin patch. I could post every picture - they are all so great!
( For the sake of space, I will choose a few favorites.)
SIL posted some of the really cute ones on her site!


He's so curious to feel everything... a tactile learner?

Here's my mom with Wei-J... we still haven't given her an official title. Open for suggestions!

I adore the way he loves to pat the pumpkins! So fun.

A little Ayi love...

Wonderful Wednesdays

Like you already know, Wednesdays are our days to visit Wei-J and his mommy. I recently looked at the "about me" section I created when I began this blog. I had said, "It won't be very long before he is greeting us at the door." I never imagined the depth of that statement; what it would really mean to me.

He is amazing beyond anything I could have imagined. Every week I am stunned by his growth - physically-cognitively-emotionally-socially. In every way that a child can blossom, Wei-J is.

To get specific:
Baby Signs:
A few weeks ago I showed him the sign for apple. He remembers it! When he heard me say apple, he put his hand up to his cheek, and waited for me to acknowledge it.

Charming Sweet Uncle K:
This Wednesday Uncle K joined in our family festivities. Wei-J put the charm on... he sat on K's lap and helped "label" his aquarium photos. "Fssss" (Fish) "Da" (Duck) They looked so cute sitting there.

To top it all: When I was leaving, I bent down and asked him if I could have a hug. He gave me the sweetest hug I have ever received! Then ShuShu said, "What about a kiss?" Ever so softly, he leaned in with a kiss. - I couldn't help but tear up a little. This precious little man has grown so much in such a short ammount of time. And to think, he's only growing into the person he was created to be.

For a certain SIL:

Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV)
For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

Psalms 139: 13 - 16

For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.
My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place. When I was woven together in the depths of the earth, your eyes saw my unformed body. All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.

I missed this part of wonderful Wednesday... the PJs are too adorable. In case your wondering, his finger is searching for his, "Beebo" - a hippopotamus way of saying "belly button."

I found it! My "Beebo"

Fresh Perspective

My nephew was in a glorious mood this evening. From the moment my feet stepped through the door frame, my ears were filled with Wei-J's joyful chatter.

He stood so proud - ready to speak with newly found confidence. During the past several weeks, I have heard his shy attempts to sound out and share his words. He always seems a little hesitant to boldly USE the words. Tonight, he looked at kitty, touched her ear, and said "essz," then he pointed to his ears to make sure I understood. After that, he pointed to himself and used the sound for his name. When ShuShu walked through the door, Wei-J swiftly took off and greeted him with an enthusiastic "HiiiI." His proud words and generous smiles filled the house this evening.

While we browsed for his Halloween costume, a pair of orange jack-o-latern crocs found their way into our cart. Wei-J smiled his scrunchy smile, and stated, "Shsssz." (Shoes)

How smart is he???

He picked up an empty tupperware, pretended to put food in my mouth, and motioned for me to chew. May I remind you that he is only 17 months... that is SO impressive. Pretend play is a cruical part of a childs development. I felt honored to be included in his wonderful world of pretend.

So I could go on and on. His language development is so amazing to follow. I had such an amazing night with the little guy. I allowed my mind to wander... soon-to-be moments in our lives... decorating Christmas cookies, making special secretive gifts for his mommy, meeting his someday little cousins.

I dreamed about going to China this week. It made my heart warm and fuzzy... it felt right.

For M-I-L: We made the spinach salad for the 2nd week in a row! It is SO good! I found myself craving it over the weekend. Thank you for sharing! We miss you...

Love to all my faithful followers,
Chelle

Sunday Lunch

I just love Sundays. The chance to eat a good meal and catch up on homework. : )

Great news! Hubs got a job on Thursday. He will be the director of an after school program. He's in charge of 5 people who are in charge of 90 children! It's part-time, but is much better pay than subbing. I really like that it gives him the chance to make a good impression in a specific school, (As opposed to random schools across the city). I just know that this is right for this season. They want him to learn ASL..... which brings me to the little man.

This week was great because I was able to visit Wei-J 2 times! : ) On Tuesday we took a trip to the neighborhood park. He loves the tire swing and slide! More than those things, he loves the little rocks. My favorite scene from the day is WeiJ in the baby swing with his head back - breathing in - smiling into the sunshine - loving his life. It was such a beautiful peek into his peaceful life.

On Wednesday we had a yummy dinner! M-I-L's spinach salad and dressing was a wonderful compliment to our juicy burgers. Wei-J was really proud to show off his newish word, whisper. He looked intently at my face and said, "per." I said "whisper" back to him. I could tell that he was pleased that I knew what he was saying. He spent several minutes saying "per." I thought it was the sweetest little word ever!

Transparent Desire

I write during every season.

I really like to write poems and prose which are not neat and tidy. Throughout many phases of my life, I have struggled with the "need" to be perfect and to overachieve, (Be everyone to everything - and fix it all) What a silly first-born struggle indeed. I don't feel these worries when I journal. I have books filled with non-traditional writings... they don't adhere to the typical standard English rules and regulations. That's why I love the English language - it's so alive and flexible. (Shout out to Prof Williams ENG 3333)

Morgan encourages me to share my words. So... here goes.

11/11/07

Transparent Desire

With affectionate child-like awe I stand

Peering, gazing with enamored eyes

Lives, like mirrors, fall - shatter

Scattered pieces reflect what was

A broken image magnified 1000 times over

Staring into eternal truth we begin

Picking up the pieces only cuts us deeper

These hands cannot bear this sorrow

Looking into each reckless piece,

we are losing our tomorrow

Somewhere I stop.

The realization awakens.

Our reflection is irrelevant.

Time is fading while we injuriously examine what was.

Now.

Transparent Desire - Glass.

So they see you through this mess.

Yes, I'm still Alive

Hubs subbed for the first time today! (YAY!) He already has several more jobs for October, and will be getting more last minute jobs everyday. I'm happy for him - his smile was so big today!

This week has been Crazy, (with a capital C!) The best thing about this semester is that Thursdays are my last school day of the week. The worst thing about this semester is that EVERY assignment is due in a row... bam -bam -bam. Actually, I don't breathe until Thursdays at 7:30 when class ends. ; ) After spending the entire day on campus, my brain is fried, but it's past 7:30 - so I'm breathing.

So what is going on in our life? I'm glad you asked.

Last Saturday we visited the park. Wei-J is totally into ducks - good thing, because many ducks live at the park. He finally had the chance to visit with Sweet K and my mom. If I'm not mistaken, I sense that my family is completely in love with the little man.

First off, there is mom and her woodland creatures. Look at her, they just love her.

I believe that this is Wei-J saying "Da" (duck). He is amazed by these floaty animals.

"Duck where are you?" Where did the duck go?

One for the ducky, two for Wei-J. He didn't eat much of our bean and cheese dinner... bloated from the bread! : ) I love how happy he is to eat it... it's just bread. Looking closely, I see that Sweet K is furnishing the snack.

He is still the highlight of my week. The best part of Wei-J is how he has transformed his mama. I can't imagine a happier pair. So awesome to be a part of their miracle.

I found a treasure of books that my mom bought for Sweet K and I. In the stash was the wonderful, "More More More Said the Baby." The best part of my week: I read Wei-J the book. He thought it was ok at first, but later kept coming back to it and making the sign language for more. I am going to try and bring it every week so he can get familiar with it. : ) So sweet.

The recent struggles pale in comparison to the lasting peace within my heart. Sometimes I need reminders of what's truly important. I just can't express how much I love our unique family.