We hope everyone's holidays were great. Chloe enjoyed her first Christmas, though she was a little disappointed that Uncle John could not come to Dallas to celebrate.
Chloe had many gifts to open on Christmas morning and we thank all of those who sent her presents. She has been playing with them everyday. Some of her favorite items are her Little People schoolbus sans Little People. She throws the people out of the bus. She also likes her chair that BeBe and PaPaw gave her and most of all her push car. Some of her presents will be for later in the year as she grows. Daddy bought Chloe a rocking cow from FAO Schwarz in New York City and dragged it 30+ blocks. Of course, wouldn't you know that Chloe is afraid to sit on the cow. She does kiss "Pink" every morning and we are sure she will warm up to it soon.
We rang in the new year with some of our old neighbors in Allen. Chloe was going to come and celebrate with us, but we took her to the aquarium and she was worn out. She stayed with BeBe and PaPaw and was in bed asleep by 8 p.m.
Chloe is really growing up fast and is constantly aware of all around her. Lately she has taken to saying "ok" and "ciao momma" (which was taught to her while we dined out on Mexican food). She also likes to randomly say "Matt", which she does not equate to her Daddy. Today she has been walking around saying "No" all day with an occassional "ok" thrown in there. She also discovered the word "pillow" and has been showing momma all of the pillows around the house. And, not to continue to brag but...she has been learning her colors this morning. I asked her to hand momma the blue crayon and she did. I went down the list of all 8 crayons and she got them all correct. Of course, when I asked for the pink crayon she pointed to the rocking cow (whose name is "Pink"). A little confusing, but she got it in the end.
We can't wait to see what unfolds in 2006. So far it is shaping up to be an exciting year like 2005. We have begun the process for adopting from China again and hope to bring home Emma Claire by early 2007. It also looks like our home plans may change once again. Instead of building or buying a home in the DFW area, we will more than likely be moving to New York City. Ok, before you chime in too, we have already heard more than we care to hear from friends and family all the negatives of NYC. Everyone feels free to share their NYC horror stories about what a nightmare it is to live there. Of course, none of these people have actually lived there. We are aware that every place has it's stereotype and according to the NYC stereotypes we have been priviledged to hear it is all yellow cabs, not family friendly, takes at least a million a year salary to survive there, everyone is rude and every place you can live (besides Central Park West) is a dump in the ghetto. With all of the endearing tales of NYC that we have heard, we are still excited about the move and a new opportunity. We believe any place you live is what you make of it. So, with that all said, we will let you all know when we move.
Best wishes for the new year!
