She's walking,
She's talking,
She's playing.
Audra is a new girl compared to 24 hours ago!
She slept very well last night and woke up this morning with an interest in food :)
She had a few bites for breakfast,
and kept it all down,
by lunch time she was ready.to.eat!
After lunch she was "talking" up a storm and dancing all around.
My girl was ALL BETTER!
All the nurses couldn't believe it. And all the staff who watched me do laps with Audra in her stroller the last two days were amazed at her little (ok, BIG) personality. They actually said to me...
"Oh my, she can talk?!"
Lesson learned: you can't rush Audra...she does things in her own sweet time!
When she's sick...she's SICK.
And when she's better...she's BETTER.
Just like that!
We came home this evening, and right now she is happily playing with Maura and Charlotte like nothing ever happened.
Friday, February 28, 2014
Thursday, February 27, 2014
taking the long road
Audra never seems to do things the easy way...for herself or her doctors!
...never by the books
...never the usual course
...always her own way, which is often the difficult way!
Poor girl, one of these days she needs to give herself (and her doctors) a break!
Today Audra continues to not tolerate having ANYTHING in her belly. Not even sips. It all comes back up. And she has spent most of the day sleeping...in her stroller of course!
She is not walking.
She is not talking.
She is not playing.
At first there was some concern that she might be having a complication from her procedure yesterday. Big, bad things...like bleeding or perforations.
Thankfully, all of those things have been ruled out today after x-rays and ultrasounds.
Clinically, she appears to have an ileus (sleepy intestines) just like she had after her malrotation surgery in November. That time it lasted for NINE days. We are praying that this time her tummy will wake up and cooperate in just another day or two.
For now, she has a tube in her nose draining her stomach. And they are giving her medicines in her IV to prevent nausea and protect her stomach lining, which looked so inflamed during the endoscopy yesterday.
All we can do now is wait.
Hoping to get the biopsy results tomorrow...which may make this whole process worth it in the end.
Fingers crossed.
...never by the books
...never the usual course
...always her own way, which is often the difficult way!
Poor girl, one of these days she needs to give herself (and her doctors) a break!
Today Audra continues to not tolerate having ANYTHING in her belly. Not even sips. It all comes back up. And she has spent most of the day sleeping...in her stroller of course!
She is not walking.
She is not talking.
She is not playing.
At first there was some concern that she might be having a complication from her procedure yesterday. Big, bad things...like bleeding or perforations.
Thankfully, all of those things have been ruled out today after x-rays and ultrasounds.
Clinically, she appears to have an ileus (sleepy intestines) just like she had after her malrotation surgery in November. That time it lasted for NINE days. We are praying that this time her tummy will wake up and cooperate in just another day or two.
For now, she has a tube in her nose draining her stomach. And they are giving her medicines in her IV to prevent nausea and protect her stomach lining, which looked so inflamed during the endoscopy yesterday.
All we can do now is wait.
Hoping to get the biopsy results tomorrow...which may make this whole process worth it in the end.
Fingers crossed.
Wednesday, February 26, 2014
tues/wed update
Tuesday afternoon:
Almost as soon as we set foot into her room, the nurse put hot packs on her arms and hands...and Audra knew exactly what was coming next:
IV in...
NG tube in...
Prep started...
Audra wore herself out fighting it all...
Tuesday evening/night:
throw up,
hurry to the potty,
clean Audra up,
change the bed sheets,
get her back to sleep...
then repeat...
and repeat, and REPEAT!
Every 30 minutes...for almost 9 hours!
Finally, at 1:30am they said Audra had had enough...and the prep was stopped. She and I slept like rocks...until phlebotomy arrived at 6:00am to draw her blood.
Wednesday morning:
The morning passed quickly, although I had forgotten to prepare myself for the fact that I wouldn't be able to eat in front of Audra...or leave her side...for the 24 hours from our arrival Tuesday until she went into the OR on Wednesday. So, by 7:00am on Wednesday I was drooling at the very thought of snacks from the vending machine in the OR waiting room.
Audra was her happy self as she waited for her turn. Happy as long as she had her flamingo-bunny, her pinwheel, and her silver glitter boots on.
She fought the anesthesia like a bear this time. Usually I hold her, the anesthesiologist puts the mask to her face and she drifts off to sleep in my arms. But today she wasn't willing to go without a fight. My little tough cookie :)
She came out of the OR with a NG tube drain in place (just like the one she had for a week and a half after her malrotation surgery in November). This was not something I was expecting and it caught my attention right away. Turns out Audra had more bleeding than expected during the procedure so her GI doctor put the tube in as a precaution (aka...she doesn't trust Audra, rightly so!). And because she is so cautious with Audra she wanted her to stay another night, just to be safe. They will check her hemoglobin a couple times to make sure she doesn't have any further bleeding at the biopsy sites.
As far as results: they found the same areas of inflammation and friable tissue that she had on her last scope in May. Something they found, which they had not seen before was "bumpy areas"...which they biopsied. "Bumpy areas"...the GI doc was pretty non-committal about what these could be until the biopsy results are in. Hopefully we'll have results Friday or Monday.
Wednesday evening/night:
Turns out the GI doctor's intuition was right. Audra's been having a rough time. She can't manage to keep anything down :( She was so anxious to get something to eat...the minute she returned to her room! But as soon as she takes a sip or a bite she gags and wretches. Then she throws up and her tummy feels a bit better so she tries again...but the same thing happens. Over and over. And she is sooo disappointed. She WANTS to eat, but her little tummy just won't cooperate. Her sad little face breaks my heart. So far the only place she hasn't thrown up is in her stroller. So now she believes that if she is in her stroller she won't throw up. And she wants to keep moving. We have done so many laps around to unit we have had nurses, nursing students, volunteers, and even strangers offer to push her for a bit to give my legs a break! And when I finally said no more walking she still insisted on sitting in her stroller, even as she fell asleep:
Almost as soon as we set foot into her room, the nurse put hot packs on her arms and hands...and Audra knew exactly what was coming next:
IV in...
NG tube in...
Prep started...
Audra wore herself out fighting it all...
Never underestimate her strength, despite her petite size!
Tuesday evening/night:
throw up,
hurry to the potty,
clean Audra up,
change the bed sheets,
get her back to sleep...
then repeat...
and repeat, and REPEAT!
Every 30 minutes...for almost 9 hours!
Finally, at 1:30am they said Audra had had enough...and the prep was stopped. She and I slept like rocks...until phlebotomy arrived at 6:00am to draw her blood.
Wednesday morning:
The morning passed quickly, although I had forgotten to prepare myself for the fact that I wouldn't be able to eat in front of Audra...or leave her side...for the 24 hours from our arrival Tuesday until she went into the OR on Wednesday. So, by 7:00am on Wednesday I was drooling at the very thought of snacks from the vending machine in the OR waiting room.
Audra was her happy self as she waited for her turn. Happy as long as she had her flamingo-bunny, her pinwheel, and her silver glitter boots on.
And...YES...she wore her silver glitter boots all.the.way into the OR :)
She fought the anesthesia like a bear this time. Usually I hold her, the anesthesiologist puts the mask to her face and she drifts off to sleep in my arms. But today she wasn't willing to go without a fight. My little tough cookie :)
She came out of the OR with a NG tube drain in place (just like the one she had for a week and a half after her malrotation surgery in November). This was not something I was expecting and it caught my attention right away. Turns out Audra had more bleeding than expected during the procedure so her GI doctor put the tube in as a precaution (aka...she doesn't trust Audra, rightly so!). And because she is so cautious with Audra she wanted her to stay another night, just to be safe. They will check her hemoglobin a couple times to make sure she doesn't have any further bleeding at the biopsy sites.
As far as results: they found the same areas of inflammation and friable tissue that she had on her last scope in May. Something they found, which they had not seen before was "bumpy areas"...which they biopsied. "Bumpy areas"...the GI doc was pretty non-committal about what these could be until the biopsy results are in. Hopefully we'll have results Friday or Monday.
Wednesday evening/night:
Turns out the GI doctor's intuition was right. Audra's been having a rough time. She can't manage to keep anything down :( She was so anxious to get something to eat...the minute she returned to her room! But as soon as she takes a sip or a bite she gags and wretches. Then she throws up and her tummy feels a bit better so she tries again...but the same thing happens. Over and over. And she is sooo disappointed. She WANTS to eat, but her little tummy just won't cooperate. Her sad little face breaks my heart. So far the only place she hasn't thrown up is in her stroller. So now she believes that if she is in her stroller she won't throw up. And she wants to keep moving. We have done so many laps around to unit we have had nurses, nursing students, volunteers, and even strangers offer to push her for a bit to give my legs a break! And when I finally said no more walking she still insisted on sitting in her stroller, even as she fell asleep:
Hoping that tonight brings some peaceful sleep for my little love and that tomorrow morning brings a more cooperative belly.
Monday, February 24, 2014
tuesday/wednesday
Tomorrow Audra will be admitted to CHOP. Wednesday is her scheduled endoscopy/colonoscopy in the OR under anesthesia. She is being admitted the day before for the bowel prep and IV hydration. I am not sure what I am hoping for with this procedure...I suppose any news will be good news...as it will hopefully point us in the right direction of diagnosing and treating her malnutrition and bouts "tummy troubles" (to spare you the details). I have been wanting the GI doctor to do another scope for many months now. Audra's first scope, which was done during her admission in May, showed some abnormalities...inflammation (gastritis/colitis) and villi blunting (similar to but not exactly the same as seen in Celiac disease). But it was difficult for GI (and the pathologists) to determine what the problem/diagnosis was. Now that her GI doctor is telling us that tube feedings are a real possibility for Audra, I was pretty insistent that they do another scope before heading down that road.
Turns out Audra has impeccable timing...
She has been struggling with ear infections since mid January. Friday I took her back to the pediatrician for her follow up appointment. And the infection still hasn't cleared up. Now, she is on her third round of antibiotics (in addition to the daily antibiotic she takes for her kidneys). So, 4 antibiotics in 1 months....praying that she doesn't get the C-diff infection again! Not to mention that antibiotics are rough on her sensitive tummy...causing her not to eat as well, and spend too much time in the bathroom...which inevitably leads to weight loss. Friday she was down one pound from two weeks prior. Not what my little peanut needs! So...I called her ENT doctor as soon as we got home from the pediatrician...he will see her first thing Tuesday morning before she is admitted and he may join her in the OR on Wednesday to get a better look at what's going on and do whatever he needs to.
Kind of like a 2 for 1 deal.
Have to keep a positive spin on it :)
Turns out Audra has impeccable timing...
She has been struggling with ear infections since mid January. Friday I took her back to the pediatrician for her follow up appointment. And the infection still hasn't cleared up. Now, she is on her third round of antibiotics (in addition to the daily antibiotic she takes for her kidneys). So, 4 antibiotics in 1 months....praying that she doesn't get the C-diff infection again! Not to mention that antibiotics are rough on her sensitive tummy...causing her not to eat as well, and spend too much time in the bathroom...which inevitably leads to weight loss. Friday she was down one pound from two weeks prior. Not what my little peanut needs! So...I called her ENT doctor as soon as we got home from the pediatrician...he will see her first thing Tuesday morning before she is admitted and he may join her in the OR on Wednesday to get a better look at what's going on and do whatever he needs to.
Kind of like a 2 for 1 deal.
Have to keep a positive spin on it :)
Friday, February 21, 2014
a whole new world!
Audra got her much anticipated glasses today :)
When I first put them on her she just stood there...looking all around...taking everything in.
Oh, how I wonder what was going through her sweet little mind.
She is farsighted, which means she can see things that are far away, but everything up close is blurry for her.
Now, with her glasses on, I am so excited for her...
...to see the food on her plate
...to see what she is coloring on paper
...to see the pages of books I read to her
But most of all, I am so happy that she can now see clearly the faces of all those who love her so dearly.
I was worried about how we would fit both her hearing aids and the glasses on her petite little ears...but she is managing just fine. In fact, she did NOT want to take her glasses off tonight. I had to encourage her, promising her that she would get to wear them again tomorrow. And everyday after that!
As of today...Audra can hear AND see better!
It must be a whole new world for her!
Friday, February 14, 2014
A day of Many Celebrations
Today was a day with many reasons to celebrate! AND my brother and his family were here from North Carolina to join in on all the celebrating.
Audra's 1st Valentine's Day:
Happy Valentine's Day to my little sweetheart! Last year on Valentine's day we were excited about our recent I-800 approval, knowing that we were just a few short steps away from finally going to get our girl. This year, as we hold her in our arms, it is STILL amazing to think about all that it took for us to get to her, and all that has happened since she joined our family. She is a sweet, sweet girl with a smile so bright and a laugh so contagious...she lights up our world!
Lantern Festival:
Lantern Festival is celebrated on the fifteenth day of the first lunar month. The 15th day is the first full moon of that lunar year. According to East Asian tradition at the beginning of a new year, when there is a bright full moon in the sky, there should be thousands of colorful lanterns hung. Lantern Festival is the official end of the Chinese New Year celebrations.
To celebrate Lantern Festival, families often dress in white, and lanterns are hung in honor of the moon to shine the way to a happy future. Children go out at night carrying paper lanterns and solve riddles on lanterns. The lanterns can symbolize the people letting go of their past selves and getting new ones. The lanterns are almost always red to symbolize good fortune.
The delicacy of choice for the Lantern Festival is Chinese rice balls, little white moon-like treats. It is believed that the round shape of the rice balls symbolize family togetherness, and that eating them will bring the family happiness and good luck in the new year. I was planning to make these treats today, but got a little side tracked with the day's events. Read a bit further and you'll see why!
January birthdays:
With my brother and his family here to visit this week, we celebrated Maura and Aunt C's January birthdays a bit late. Maura was a little confused at first...was she turning 7 already?! But she was happy to receive presents from grandma and grandpa, Uncle Steve and Aunt Brownie.
AND...
Steve's remission:
13 months ago my brother received the devastating news that he had lymphoma. He endured chemo and radiation that finally finished in July. Two weeks ago he received the amazing news that he is in remission....something to be celebrated!!!
Tatum's arrival:
Our entire family gathered at our house tonight to celebrate these many events. But we were also anticipating another very special event...the arrival of our newest family member, Tatum. My sister went into the hospital early this morning to be induced (she is more than a few days overdue!) Everyone wrote their predictions for Tatum's arrival on a poster:
Some people were generous...predicting a petite 6 pound baby with only 5 hours of labor.
Other were not so generous...predicting an 11 pounder with 15 hours of labor. Ugh!!
Time passed slowly for those of us waiting for news....
We enjoyed a dinner of tater tot casserole in honor of her arrival (she already has the nickname "tater tot")...
Audra's 1st Valentine's Day:
Happy Valentine's Day to my little sweetheart! Last year on Valentine's day we were excited about our recent I-800 approval, knowing that we were just a few short steps away from finally going to get our girl. This year, as we hold her in our arms, it is STILL amazing to think about all that it took for us to get to her, and all that has happened since she joined our family. She is a sweet, sweet girl with a smile so bright and a laugh so contagious...she lights up our world!
The cousins all made Valentine crafts together...
Lantern Festival is celebrated on the fifteenth day of the first lunar month. The 15th day is the first full moon of that lunar year. According to East Asian tradition at the beginning of a new year, when there is a bright full moon in the sky, there should be thousands of colorful lanterns hung. Lantern Festival is the official end of the Chinese New Year celebrations.
To celebrate Lantern Festival, families often dress in white, and lanterns are hung in honor of the moon to shine the way to a happy future. Children go out at night carrying paper lanterns and solve riddles on lanterns. The lanterns can symbolize the people letting go of their past selves and getting new ones. The lanterns are almost always red to symbolize good fortune.
The delicacy of choice for the Lantern Festival is Chinese rice balls, little white moon-like treats. It is believed that the round shape of the rice balls symbolize family togetherness, and that eating them will bring the family happiness and good luck in the new year. I was planning to make these treats today, but got a little side tracked with the day's events. Read a bit further and you'll see why!
We did manage to squeeze in time to decorate lanterns:
January birthdays:
With my brother and his family here to visit this week, we celebrated Maura and Aunt C's January birthdays a bit late. Maura was a little confused at first...was she turning 7 already?! But she was happy to receive presents from grandma and grandpa, Uncle Steve and Aunt Brownie.
AND...
Steve's remission:
13 months ago my brother received the devastating news that he had lymphoma. He endured chemo and radiation that finally finished in July. Two weeks ago he received the amazing news that he is in remission....something to be celebrated!!!
Uncle Steve, Maura and Aunt C
Tatum's arrival:
Our entire family gathered at our house tonight to celebrate these many events. But we were also anticipating another very special event...the arrival of our newest family member, Tatum. My sister went into the hospital early this morning to be induced (she is more than a few days overdue!) Everyone wrote their predictions for Tatum's arrival on a poster:
Some people were generous...predicting a petite 6 pound baby with only 5 hours of labor.
Other were not so generous...predicting an 11 pounder with 15 hours of labor. Ugh!!
We enjoyed a dinner of tater tot casserole in honor of her arrival (she already has the nickname "tater tot")...
Finally...we all got a text at the same time...
Tatum Aline
arrived at 7:07pm
6lbs 7oz
18 inches
and
BEAUTIFUL!
What a wonderful day, full of family and celebration, for many reasons...
that ended with the sweetest celebration of all!
Welcome Tatum!
Thursday, February 13, 2014
"snow-way"
One of the things Audra says most frequently is "no way".
And, because she is NOT a fan of snow...
when she wakes up in the morning and sees a fresh coat of snow (which has been happening 2-3 times a week around here), she says something that sounds like "snow way"!
In other words, she wants no part of the snow.
Today was another morning of "snow way". In fact...about 15 inches of "snow way". And overnight tonight another 3-6 inches is expected.
SNOW WAY!!!
Sure....
And, because she is NOT a fan of snow...
when she wakes up in the morning and sees a fresh coat of snow (which has been happening 2-3 times a week around here), she says something that sounds like "snow way"!
In other words, she wants no part of the snow.
Today was another morning of "snow way". In fact...about 15 inches of "snow way". And overnight tonight another 3-6 inches is expected.
SNOW WAY!!!
Sure....
it's beautiful...
and fun for the kids...
maybe even a little fun for Audra...
maybe even a little fun for Audra...
But enough is enough already!
SNOW WAY!!!
Sunday, February 9, 2014
Diagnostic dilemma
A week ago, on Saturday morning I received a phone call from one of the doctors of the International Adoption Clinic at CHOP. Audra had been there for an appointment on the 23rd and the doctor wanted to follow up regarding a few concerns.
The first concern, of course, is her growth...or lack there of. She is growing (she has gained about 3 pounds since coming home), but they would have expected to see her grow much more in the 9 months that she has been home. "Catch-up" growth as it is called. We know that she was malnourished when we brought her home, her bloodwork showed this for the first few months of her being home. But now, her bloodwork is improving, we know she takes in more than enough calories, and yet, no catch-up growth. She continues to have bouts of diarrhea which is more than likely part of the problem. But despite the very extensive testing that has been done so far...the cause remains elusive. The plan is another endoscopy/colonoscopy on February 26th. We are hoping that it leads to some answers. Because the possibility of tube feedings has already been mentioned.
Another concern is her developmental delay. Delays are expected in children who spend their early years in an orphanage. But usually, once home, children catch up nicely. The team is concerned that Audra is not having any catch-up gains. In fact, they think she has had "little absolute gain since her last evaluation" in July. Of course, my mama heart tried to justify it...
*she's been hospitalized 4 times
*she's been sick frequently
*she's had doctor visits and tests/procedures constantly
*and we have learned that she has significant hearing loss
Surely these things must be contributing factors!
Despite all of this, the doctor feels that further diagnostic evaluation is warranted due to her medical complexity. Audra has been referred to see Genetics, Metabolism and a Developmental Pediatrician.
More trips to CHOP. More doctor "friends". More testing.
Just want Audra doesn't want!
I am praying that one of these doctors can solve the puzzle of Audra.
And that all this medical "stuff" we are putting Audra through will be of benefit to her.
The first concern, of course, is her growth...or lack there of. She is growing (she has gained about 3 pounds since coming home), but they would have expected to see her grow much more in the 9 months that she has been home. "Catch-up" growth as it is called. We know that she was malnourished when we brought her home, her bloodwork showed this for the first few months of her being home. But now, her bloodwork is improving, we know she takes in more than enough calories, and yet, no catch-up growth. She continues to have bouts of diarrhea which is more than likely part of the problem. But despite the very extensive testing that has been done so far...the cause remains elusive. The plan is another endoscopy/colonoscopy on February 26th. We are hoping that it leads to some answers. Because the possibility of tube feedings has already been mentioned.
Another concern is her developmental delay. Delays are expected in children who spend their early years in an orphanage. But usually, once home, children catch up nicely. The team is concerned that Audra is not having any catch-up gains. In fact, they think she has had "little absolute gain since her last evaluation" in July. Of course, my mama heart tried to justify it...
*she's been hospitalized 4 times
*she's been sick frequently
*she's had doctor visits and tests/procedures constantly
*and we have learned that she has significant hearing loss
Surely these things must be contributing factors!
Despite all of this, the doctor feels that further diagnostic evaluation is warranted due to her medical complexity. Audra has been referred to see Genetics, Metabolism and a Developmental Pediatrician.
More trips to CHOP. More doctor "friends". More testing.
Just want Audra doesn't want!
I am praying that one of these doctors can solve the puzzle of Audra.
And that all this medical "stuff" we are putting Audra through will be of benefit to her.
Saturday, February 8, 2014
10 months
Today is 10 months of having Audra with us...
1-0!
double digits!
In two short months it will be one full year since the first day we laid eyes and arms on her.
Where has the time gone? It's gone by so crazy fast!
Someone stop the clock...slow this world down!
I want to savor every second of the blessing that she is.
CNY at preschool (updated with pics!)
Finally, after many delays to due school being closed for the recent snow and ice storms...
Audra celebrated Chinese New Year with her friends and teachers at preschool on Friday. Her teacher put a lot of effort into planning the day and it turned out great!
The activities included:
~reading a story about the traditions of Chinese New Year
~sweeping and cleaning the classroom (to get rid of bad luck)
~making a traditional Chinese hat
~writing Chinese characters
~counting out pennies to put in red envelopes
~making paper lanterns and parading around the building
~eating Chinese food at snack time
I love this preschool and I LOVE her teacher, Miss Anne. What a honor it was for them to go out of their way to plan a special day to celebrate Audra's culture.
I am working on some pictures of the day...so stay tuned and check back!
2/10/14...Update with pictures:
Audra celebrated Chinese New Year with her friends and teachers at preschool on Friday. Her teacher put a lot of effort into planning the day and it turned out great!
The activities included:
~reading a story about the traditions of Chinese New Year
~sweeping and cleaning the classroom (to get rid of bad luck)
~making a traditional Chinese hat
~writing Chinese characters
~counting out pennies to put in red envelopes
~making paper lanterns and parading around the building
~eating Chinese food at snack time
I love this preschool and I LOVE her teacher, Miss Anne. What a honor it was for them to go out of their way to plan a special day to celebrate Audra's culture.
I am working on some pictures of the day...so stay tuned and check back!
2/10/14...Update with pictures:
Sunday, February 2, 2014
CNY celebrations
Gong Hey Fat Choi
Our 1st Chinese New Year was fabulous!
And we are so thankful for all of our family and friends who took time out of their own busy lives to come celebrate with us, and honor Audra and Charlotte's culture.
Saturday evening we had a houseful of love and laughter.
We feasted on:
dumplings
lo mein
sweet and sour chicken
General Tso chicken
fried rice
and oranges in many varieties
We drank tea and indulged in chocolate covered fortune cookies & Chinese donuts!
Delicious!!!
All the little girls wore Qi Pao's,
danced around with dragon wands,
and were gifted with red envelopes
(filled with chocolate money instead of paper money!)
Even the little ones gave chopsticks a try,
but then they reverted to using their hands!
Uncle Mike obviously did his research before arriving...
he came bearing a red envelope with $5 for Audra,
and she carried it around ALL night long!
Today we went to the CNY Gala put on by Charlotte's Chinese school. She attends Chinese school every Sunday. The entire show was spoken in Mandarin and the program was printed in Chinese. And we were just about the only non-Chinese people in the entire auditorium.
It was two hours of insight into the culture shock it must have been for Charlotte and Audra when they joined our families.
Saturday, February 1, 2014
CNY Eve and Day
Thursday was Chinese New Year Eve.
In trying to maintain the custom of having a big meal with family...
we went to a local Chinese Buffet with Uncle Tim, Aunt Dawn, Daniel and Charlotte.
The food was good, and Audra was in all her glory with aisles and aisles of buffet choices!
She loved that she could keep going back to get more...and more!
The girls at the Koi wishing pond:
A few poses once we got home...
This year we skipped out on the tradition of making dumplings on CNY Eve,
but it's on my list of things to accomplish next year!
Friday was CNY Day!
I dressed Audra in her qi pao for school.
(turns out her teacher is planning to celebrate CNY on Monday,
because friday she wanted to do Groundhog day)
I spent the day decorating the house with red lanterns.
I tried really hard not to clean, as that is bad luck on New Year's Day.
I put out the tea set I got in China and hung some of the scroll artwork we bought there also.
Audra and Maura got a surprise gift to share,
they waiting anxiously...
and were delighted to receive...
a special edition 2014 CNY My Little Pony!
To end the day,
Charlotte stopped by for a little surprise too...
Each girl got a new Qi Pao to wear at our CNY party this weekend!
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