Kimi Williams

Holidays 2010

2010-12-27T01:54:00.000-08:00

We have just finished with boxing day also known as the day after Christmas. I wanted to update the blog as soo much has happened in a year and a half since the last post.

MEXICO
The holidays started for me back in October with a quick but needed trip to Loreto Mexico. We stayed in the nicest little villa and enjoyed the colbalt blue sky and warm weather! On our trip out to the island we saw 100's of grey dolphins diving all around us. Kimi was thrilled and it was magical! On the island the water is crystal clear and warm. We saw so many fish just walking in the shallow water.

HALLOWEEN
Then full swing into Halloween. Also about the time Ken started at a new job. It was time for a 2nd car so we had finally found one. We started early Oct. 31st to finish the deal which was the last day of the sale. To make a long story short I headed to work at 3pm, Ken and Kimi to the dealer to finish the car. They ended up missing the Halloween party they were supposed to go to, and trick or treated on Max and Erich's street which filled her candy bag twice over! Luckily she had a costume in the car she started off wearing that day. Earlier when I asked her what she wanted to be for Halloween she said a doggie (the same costume as the last 2 years!) Who am I to argue. Every day there were dress rehearsals of princess dresses, ladybug costume, and talk of wearing the spider man outfit she had begged me for but never wore. I still feel bad she missed her party and had to wear the lady bug costume that happened to be in the car. She fully embraced her lady bug, she was a trooper and was eating candy for a long time after 10/31!

DISNEYLAND
We made a quick trip to Disneyland and celebrated JJ Rubin's 6th Birthday. We stayed at the Grand Californian it was a real treat and one of the best trips to Disney in a long time. Kimi went on the Materhorn for the first time, she cried the whole time and vowed not to ride it again. We'll see how long that lasts. She is such a good traveler she loves to roll her own bags and it is so helpful.

THANKSGIVING
Then quickly into Thanksgiving season. And still no word of final home study even though I thought it was finished and to our agency. We have been talking about little brother who waits for us in Taiwan for so long now. More waiting is in store. Ken and Kimi headed to cousin Nancy's for Thanksgiving they had a wonderful time I was later told Kimi was the "Belle of the ball". Knowing I would not be at the party, I had coached her for many days on things like instead of saying YUK YUK loudly if you didn't like something, try no thank you!

CHRISTMAS
Then Christmas season was here. I vowed to enjoy this year since the last two years were so rough with Ken in and out of work, I had to work and missed most holidays or was just exhausted when not working. We started early with a visit and stay from Nini Kimi loves Nini and is so excited to see her and wake her every morning. First activity was skating in Union Square in the outdoor rink. There was a news crew and filmed Kimi she was so darn cute.

GOOD GRADES IN SCHOOL
Then we had parent teacher confrence, Kimi's teachers complemented her and told me how generous and helpful she is in class. She loves spending time in the building and reading center. I was so proud I promptly took her to Toys R Us for a new to she picked out a wood cookie baking set, she loves to pretend she is a flight attendant passing out hot cookies.

We also started baking cookies which is one of her favorite activities. She made an early visit to Santa and when he asked what she wanted for Xmas she said she had a lot of toys already and didn't need paints or art supplies either. Then he finally said not even a Dora she said oh she did like a Dora castle with the yellow bed. (We had seen this at the store when she got her cookies).

SANTA CLAUSE
This was the first year she really understood Santa and trying to be so good to get on his nice list. Ken got sick with cold only to recover in time for Schaefer's Party in Sonoma with Pisole! I was going to make this since they had not had their annual holiday party last year. Whaa Laa it was a Pisole party and so much fun. Then quickly to restock Kimi with lots of clothes since she was outgrowing everything even teachers had commented. I couldn't get away with calling short jeans knickers anymore. Then we made Gingerbread House, decorated the house more, went to Christmas school show. Twas the days before Christmas and Ken and I got the stomach flu. I ended up going to the ER getting hydrated we spent the until the 27th recovering.

2009-04-12T23:34:00.001-07:00

Wow can't believe the last post was Dec. There is so much to catch up on, this is the short version. We celebrated Ken landing a new job working at a gaming company in Marin (about 1hr from us).We had a fabulous Christmas. NiNi visited for a week and then we all went to LA to celebrate Xmas eve. Oh we stopped by Disneyland to celebrate with Mickey too. Kimi had a great time at her first Christmas she is still talking about her presents and thinks all her aunts and uncles will be giving her a gift every time she visits. We raced home so I could be at work on Xmas day, Ken and Kimi went to the Burgers for a wonderful dinner. A few days later we celebrated our final adoption at the court and met a great family who has a doughter from China and a bio daughter. Kimi will be going to school in the fall with the older daughter. New years we went to Tahoe with Max and E, Kimi played in her first snow field and saw her first ever snowfall. She is itching to snowboard but boots don't come in her size. Jan we celebrated our 1 year together as a family by going to New Taiwan for dinner. Next we celebrated Chinese New Year in China Town. We ate dim sum and Kimi would yell out what was on the cart in Mandarin so we would ask her which one is chicken or fish etc.. and she would say the name in Chinese (it was a true Chinese restraunt they didn't speak English). Feb we visited a great school in the east bay for Kimi. It is an international school Kimi visited and loves it, I think because it has a small potty/sink and they gave her snacks. In March we up and moved to the East Bay! We are now going to sell our house in the city. We are adjusting to our new home and town. We just celebrated a wonderful Easter in Sonoma (Kimi's first one there). Nini was here to join in on the fun. Kimi sang me Happy Birthday a few weeks ago it was precious and the best present I ever had! Kimi is growing up way too fast but turning into a delightful almost 3year old such a fun age. On April 15 Kimi will have her last day at Day Care she has been there almost 1 year. They are having a big party for her she is excited. We will be going to Mexico for a week to celebrate Kimi's 3rd B-Day. When we return she will start pre school....

Computer is now working after many repeat repairs, now looking for cords in moving boxes, inbetween runnign after Kimi.

The computer is down!

2008-12-16T16:45:00.000-08:00

Excuse our no posts lately..especially during this fun time of year. The picture friendly computer is down and in repair, promise more posts and pictures to come soon. We are doing great, Kimi is getting so big and smart. She is talking so much in English and in Mandarin, she out talks us in Mandarin now (which isn't hard to do). She often has conversations with the owner of Jasmine Tea House our local Chinese Restaurant they end up laughing and Ken and I are lost. This season has been a lot of fun we have been ice skating in the outdoor rink, visiting Santa, and going to many parties. grandma is visiting now and Kimi is having the time of her life beign spoiled.

2008-10-26T21:52:00.000-07:00

I'm so excited to experience Kimi's first Holidays. Starting with a visit to the pumpkin patch to pick out a Halloween jack o lantern. Kimi ran around picking up all the pumpkins she could. Then she picked out a perfect big, med, and little one.

Kimi and Daddy with her medium pumpkin!

Kimi's first bounce house! Those are a real work out since she doesn't bounce unless I jump hard to make her bounce.

It was fun falling all over the place!

Look out project runway I'm designing a line of hats/underwear....very versatile.

It has been a beautiful October and we have been on lots of trips to the zoo, here is a family pic.

The mini tractors in the petting zoo are a hit!

Time for some community beautification! Neon pink and blue paints were perfect! First I'll paint the paint brushes!

I think I'll repaint this car blue, it really needs a fresh coat of paint.

Just wanted to update some photos and new news. There isn't any new news but Kimi's first ever holidays are coming up and I'm very excited to experience them with her. Over the past few months I have been working a lot to make up for Ken being officially unemployed. I'm working 2 jobs and 7 days a week with one day off. I really miss being with my little Kimi. She is continuing with her Mandarin daycare which she enjoys. She started gymnastics and loves it she asks to go often. I will say we are going to school tomorrow with your friends, she will say no the other one, other school. She says nastics as she tries to do the splits or does downward dog. She is a natural and has very good balance. The second class she was up on the high balance beam ( with padding below of course). Now we can't keep her from climbing.

She is speaking so much both languages, she continues to count however we are working on expanding our numbers I think she is board with counting to 10. She likes to pretend to make and sell me or anyone food. Her specialty is chocolate cake and pizza, she never forgets to collect the money and quickly sticks it in her pocket. She loves cooking and we recently made our first batch of oatmeal cookies she actually helped a lot. We also made a fig tart for Max's birthday. She knows to ask for Tylenol for fever, orajel for her teeth, and ice with kisses for boo boos. She is almost ready for coming to work with me. Ken and Kimi do visit me for dinner@the hosp job they join me sometimes. Now when I go to work she says Kimi go work too it is heartbreaking to hear. We are thinking she can read or has memorized books we read. Tonight she pulled out a book we have not read in a long time and she look at the cover and said colors! which was the title. The other day she was reading a numbers book and on the right page she was saying numbers huh? She has an amazing memory, recently we were in a mall where we visited the Easter bunny last March! We walked in and she said bunny rabbit? I remembered we saw him there long ago. We are close to finalizing our adoption and met with a SW last week. During the meeting Kimi was running wild she was bringing the stool out of the bathroom to climb up and get dog treats! She is such a problem solver. She like to keep a small stash in her drawer of dog treats to doll them out as she sees fit.

2008-09-05T22:01:00.001-07:00

One of Kimi's first trips to the beach, or at least a beach that was sunny! She loved the sand and water...just look at that smile!

Before the beach we went to a park with water spouts, here she is running through in between spouting water!

She could have been carried away by the balloons there were so many. This was a party for all kids from Asia. We had a blast and Kimi went to her first concert/dance performance. She was so cute saying BYE really loud every time a performer would leave the stage.. she had the whole auditorium laughing.
I added this picture because she picked out these fantastic pink boots earlier that day and I couldn't resist!

Random cuteness the morning before the beach riding a stone snail!

We have managed to have a few fun outings in between my new hectic work schedule. our summer has been very cold so we headed 30min. south to warmer weather ( by 20 degrees). We found a part of an ocean inlet that has wave less water and a park play area on the sand. Kimi had a great time and so did mom and dad relaxing in the sun.

Kimi and her silver spoon

2008-08-21T13:26:00.001-07:00

This is Kimi with her first (and only) silver spoon! It was a gift from our cousin Lilian who lives in NY.

Kimi loves getting little blue boxes...who wouldn't!

She loves her spoon and takes good care of it, she makes sure not to throw this one!

Marissa, Kimi, and Kyle! The three cousins on ken's side of the family. Kyle came to visit from Virginia. We had a good time golfing and swimming. Kimi loved Kyle's magic tricks and eating his chocolate cake!
We decided to celebrate all the cousins birthdays since it was the only time they were all together. This is the delicious B-Day cake!

Here is the crew out for a walk, can you believe it is the middle of summer and we have to wear winter clothes! Have you heard the saying the coldest winter was the summer in northern cal?

Kimi and daddy went swimming with the cousins.

A girl and her dog, they are inseparable most of the time!

This is Kimi opening her gifts for her cousin B-day party! Like her summer outfit haha.

I'm behind on blogging these days so there is much to catch up. First I'm excited to announce a few of Kimi's Taiwan mei mei's (sisters) are coming home to their families in California Lucy and Gracyn after very long court adoption cases! Kimi actually met Lucy briefly when we were in Taiwan. We can't wait to get together with them. Best wishes to all the little ones on their way home. This summer stinks here, it has been cold and dark I think we have had 4 days of sun. Kimi has not been able to wear all the summer outfits she has. We have been going to a park 30min. south of here just to get some sun. On th job front....Ken' s company decided to close after 6 months of negotiations to be bought by a Chinese company. Thier first game sadly did not do well. I can't get into to many details now but new projects are in the pipeline for him. For now I have taken extra shifts @ work and he is MR. MOM and finishing up closing the company! His cooking skills have pleasantly surprised me, one dish was so good I thought it came from a restaurant! He still has a ways to go in hair styling dept. especially working Kimi's favorite 2 ponies doo.

Kimi is doing well, she is getting her bottom two 2yo molars in and that has made her fussy. She is doing well in her Mandarin School, she is speaking a lot of both Mandarin and English. She is also counting which she loves to do. She is also loving trains and any type of tunnel! We went to train town on the 4th of July, there is a miniature train and it goes through long dark tunnels. I taught her to clap her hands in tunnels to help the darkness go by fast. After that at home she was saying nano nano. It took us a long time to figure out she was saying tunnel! Now she loves going under freeway passes she claps her hands saying nano nano again. She is loving watching gymnastics, swimming, and running in the olympics. we may sign her up for a toddler gymnastics class since she is trying to do fancy downward god and headstand moves.

We have been with Kimi for 7mos. we are adjusting well to being a family. Most of all we celebrate everyday she is in our lives!

2 parties in 1 day!

2008-07-01T00:15:00.000-07:00

Party #1 a baby shower early in the afternoon. I love this dress, she was completely overdressed for the bbq party. I couldn't resist.

Party #2 Erich's B-Day in the country. Which one is real?

Kimi on the cutest cow you have ever seen!

Kimi has become an avid runner, she loves running and watching runners go by. She will say pow pow (run run in Mandarin) and start running. It is really cute when her top half of her body sways in a waddle. Here she is running pretty straight.

Kurt (half pictured) Sam, Kimi, and Grant playing in the awesome country yard.

Rick and Erich, Happy B-Day E!

Max, me , and Kimi with cupcake!

This Just In!

2008-06-21T22:12:00.000-07:00

Normally I wouldn't report this. This blog is being printed in a book form for Kimi so I had to mention this historic day in the life. After a heat wave, a very restless night, a 2am bath just to get cooled off, we headed north to visit Kimi's Nini Sandy and Yea Yea Rick. We had a great time but it was one of Kimi's fussiest days we could remember. Kimi learned the itsy bitsy spider and can't stop singing it courtesy Rick and Sandy (this one I need to get on video). We got home to do our usual routines, then Kimi went to the bathroom completely on her own from start to finish. Without even telling me or needing help! She went in took off her diaper (which she can change herself LOL!) set up her ladder potty, and climbed right up! She has been very close to being potty trained since we got home but today she was on her own completely. Our little girl is growing up so fast! Needless to say there was a lot of cheering and chocolate ice cream!

Kimi's 1st modeling gig

2008-06-20T01:05:00.001-07:00

I actually took this pic it was hard. Kimi had about 7min. before she was running around like crazy. The photoshop touch up is not great but I couldn't resist posting this pic. Kimi has been asked to be in a calender for kids adopted from Taiwan! I'm excited we may get some great B&W photos after all.

Good Bye to our friend and Stepmom

2008-06-19T11:53:00.000-07:00

We sadly said good bye to Jeanne Feeney my stepmom. She passed away late May. She would have enjoyed Kimi when she was feeling well. She did get to meet Kimi in early May but it was brief as she was not doing well. We pray she is at peace now and looking over us enjoying watching Kimi. She will be missed and remembered as a loving kind person. Here are some photos of Kimi and my side of the family. We took our first car trip to LA for the ceremony, it was looooong. I got sick with a nasty flu and then so did my dad...sorry. Kimi did great for such a long drive. On the 8hr car drive Kimi slept 1 hour! At home when we are just driving around the city she will crash out in the car so easily go figure! Anyway we made it to the ceremony in LA and back sort of in one piece. My dad and I still recovering from being sick.

Cousin Nicole showing Kimi how to rock your sunglasses!

Yea Yea (Gpa) and Kimi out for a walk.

Move over Nicole there is a new cousin in town to share Yea Yea (Gpa) .

Nini and Kimi in her sailor dress, thanks to Nini for all the babysitting so we could sleep a few extra hours!

Cousin Nicole and Kimi meet for the first time, Kimi loves her cousin!

Cutie Pie

2008-06-02T00:22:00.000-07:00

First Family Trip to Disneyland

2008-06-01T12:48:00.000-07:00

Kimi's first stroller nap @ Disneyland!

Dancing after learning princess dances @ the princess fair.

May 10th and 11th we went to Disneyland for the first time as a family. We were celebrating my 1st mother's day and Kimi's 2nd birthday. We had a great time, Kimi loved meeting Mickey Mouse and visiting his house (literally). We went to California Adventure and Disneyland there was so much for Kimi to do. To see her face when she saw Mickey and do her first Dumbo ride was priceless. We met two other friends with kids and a lot of fun with them. We did our first princess breakfast. Kimi wasn't sure what was going on as she knew nothing about the princesses. Now she gets very excited to wear her princess pull up's. I also got her some princess slippers for a successful first week at Mandarin School (day-care).

1st Family Trip part 1

2008-05-20T00:33:00.000-07:00

This is a great vaca!

Can mouse ears work as a belt? Who is Minnie Mouse anyway?

Practicing my So. Cal. look!

Meeting new relatives, Uncle Alfred from NY. The closest thing to a Yea Yea on dad's side. Sorry for vomiting my lunch in front of you.

Making new friends!

1st time swimming with dad, and going under water.

Tennis anyone?

A father daughter moment brought to you by Starbucks

Getting to drink some of mommy's Starbucks!

We had been telling Kimi we were going on an airplane to go see Nini=grandma. She did great on the plane she had so much fun and cried just a little. Once we landed we got the rental car and baby seat situated, she was all buckled in and asked for Ninei=milk so I handed her a bottle of milk, she said no, Nini (the two are so similar sounding) Nini, she held her hands up questioning. We realized she flew on the plane waited to get in the car were was Nini/grandma as we promised? Luckily she fell asleep fast and soon we were at her house. Kimi did great traveling staying at different homes and beds. I was worried because I have heard stories that first trip or hotel could scare kids (Intl. adopted. kids) since that is where we first stayed. It was nice to have some warm weather and not pile on clothes. Our friends tried to convince us to move toward Palm Springs. We will pass for now.

We visited Ken's childhood friends near Palm Springs. It was nice to catch up as we hadn't seen them since our wedding 11yrs ago? They have a 12yo, 9yo, 18mos old, and just to spice things up a new addition due any day. They were so gracious to have us stay with them, our guest room/house came complete with baby proofing and a toddler bed that Kimi loved. next back to Nini, Yea Yea and Disneyland!

Terrific two's can we freeze her like this!

2008-05-19T23:03:00.000-07:00

We have been home now for almost 4 months. We just passed the 3mo milestone in Intl . adoption. I can say there is a deeper bond and better adjustment to the new family for everyone. Kimberlyn is learning so much and growing so fast. She is now (5/19/08 32.75" 23.2lbs.) We are doing our best to fatten her up a little while maintaining her nutrition. She is a great eater most of the time and will try anything. She just passed the sweetest phase where she waved hi to everyone, now she says hi to her regular folks i.e. the neighbors and coffee house friends. She is putting many English words together and her pronunciation is more clear. Instead of saying boo she says peep-a-boo (my favorite). She now says mur (for more food) instead of pls pls that she used to say and we like. She says shay shay "thank you" in such a quiet voice most people can't hear her. She also yells "Noney"=honey to Kenny as she saw me yell to him one day out the front window it isn't that clear so we couldn't tell for a while what she was saying. She notices fine details in pictures or anywhere and points out anything familiar. She is interested in how electronic things work. She is very sweet with other kids and does not like to see them cry. She will hand them toys at the park and does well with sharing most of the time. This is very hard for a 2yo. We are getting her used to a Mandarin day care I left her for the first time ever without Kenny or myself for an hour. She didn't do great so it will be a slow process. She does speak Mandarin when she is there playing and they are very nice. Every night we quietly sing golden slumbers the "Happy Feet" version @ bed time she can't help but yelling out the last word in every verse and trying to sing along it is truly precious. I want to freeze her at this age. Her favorite movie now is 101 Dalmatians, favorite song is are you happy clap your hands in Mandarin. Favorite game Ring around the Rosie she calls it "dutch?" that one we can't figure out. She loves to talk on the phone and is an attentive listens she and Nini bark like dogs for quite a while. She says no in a determined way when she does not want something. She says goo gr for good girl I hope this one continues. She is working hard to communicate her needs and us to follow.

Kimberlyn turn 2 4/26/08

2008-05-19T21:57:00.000-07:00

Congratulations baby girl you are now 2yo!

Celebrating Kimi's special day @ the zoo, with family and friends John, Sarah, Ellie, Rick, Sandy and all the animals! It was a perfect afternoon. Notice a similar smile from the Mei Mei videos haha!

Kimi on her new tricycle ruling the neighborhood!

"Soy sauce is not just for dipping!"

Kimi with new cooking set thanks Burgers, she is feeding "Happy" pot stickers and soy sauce.

The two lights of my life!

She is the light of my life, I love her smile and laugh they melt my heart!

Kimi with her new friend Happy Panda, thanks for the gift Yea Yea Rick and Nini Sandy he has a special place at the dinner table.

"Don't bother me I'm eating chocolate cake for breakfast!"

Kimberlyn with her own cake, Ken had to hold her hands so she would look @ the camera for a quick photo. She loves chocolate (it was one of her first English words) and was very excited to see her own cake.

This is a pic of Kimi with her cousin Marissa. This was the first time visiting her, they are becoming best buddies.

Kimi's 1st Auntie Joyce's Bday, Easter, & Passover

2008-04-27T23:25:00.000-07:00

Kimi went to her first Giants baseball game, we had fabulous seats just above the dugout. We went for Ken's B-day on April 16. At one point Kimi got away and ran down to where Peter McGowan (owner of the Giants) was sitting LOL! She had a fun cheering and dumping water on the people in front of us. Luckily they saw how cute she was and started laughing. There are no pics. We also went to a fun dinner for my B-day no pics. Passover April 19th, what can I say. Kimi wore the cutest sailor dress including hat. We had a wonderful time at Aunt Joyce's who hosts the best passover. Ken made the brisket this year it was delicious. Kimi lasted almost the whole dinner and enjoyed everyone.

My mom came to visit at Easter. I also found the old camera wasn't working great. I'm now back to my big camera and makes it hard to carry around with Kimi. Here are a few pics from Easter morning with bad camera. I had a basket and so did "Nini" we had a few friends over for an egg hunt later in the day. I wanted to make Kimi's 1st special since I have fond memories of Easter when I was young. "Nini" slept over a few days before and Kimi was very excited to see her in the morning especially because she had monkeys and bananas on her pj's! Thanks to Nini for throwing a super Easter party for us!

Easter morning she insisted in putting on her dress first thing so this pic is very early in the am we were half awake. She was having fun in her special dress.

Early Easter this year on March 23rd threw us for a loop since all of our birthdays are in April. We were sad that our traditional bash @ Rick and Sandys in Sonoma was canceled due to their trip to India! Here is Kimi coloring her first egg. She didn't like getting the dye on her hands and was not too happy it didn't wipe off easily. We weren't surprised as she didn't like simple stickers when we were in Taiwan she almost cried when one was on her arm for fun. Now she loves stickers and hand stamps, she is getting used to paint on her hands.

I took Kimi for her first merry go round at the meteron in San Francisco.

One of my cameras is not working so I missed a slew of cute photo ops. I did manage to catch Kimi's first time celebrating Aunt Joyce's B-day at the beach chalet the first time cousins Steve, Becky, and Dave got to meet Kimi. Kimi had a great time with Auntie Joyce.

Kimi's first time swimming and first swim lesson!

2008-04-14T22:12:00.000-07:00

Kimi is almost 2yo

2008-04-04T22:53:00.000-07:00

Just an update. Kimi will turn 2yo on April 26, she is growing up so fast. This week we started a music class, Mandarin, and next week we start swimming. She is not so sure about the music class as she kept trying to leave the room then got in a battle with a boy over some toy they were not supposed to be playing with. Ken gave me that report. I do recall the easter musical in the mall and she kept trying to leave so maybe live music is intense for her. Today we went to kindergym for the first time, it is a huge gym filled with all the toddler toys you could imagine. She ran in the gym and was in some push car at the other end before I even put the bag down. She loved it and it was great to see this amazing confidence she has. In the music session at the end she was the only kid singing and didn't even know the words it was really cute and everyone was chuckling with delight. She waves hi to everyone, the parking attendant, the little crying baby, any and everyone everywhere we go it's so fun to watch and heart breaking when the angry teen or people don't wave back. I sometimes have to tell people she is waving so they'll wave back to her. The fire truck goes by the park we go to and kindly waves and rings the bell she gets very excited and screams with delight. She really seems to understand things we tell her like how we flew on an airplane from Taiwan to here. She also has an amazing memory for detail. Our Aunt just came over tonight about the 4th day we were home she brought over a big polar bear. Tonight Kimi she was saying bear bear (brrr brr)and pulling out her big dog riding it like she did the polar bear which is down stairs. We realized later she remembered the bear which she has not seen for a while and that Aunt Joyce brought it over. I was impressed maybe it's normal toddler behavior but I think she is extra special. She seems so aware and considerate for an almost 2yo it is hard for me to remember sh is not even 2 yet. She also spots the tiniest picture of an animal anywhere and says the name often it's so small I need my glasses to see it and same with airplane sightings. The other night at Sushi she remembered Uncle Max broke her chop stix a long time ago (her first time meeting him @ Sushi) and asked him to break them again. I was also told she would lose all of her Mandarin skill by 2mos and not remember anything. Well, I learned a few new sayings in Mandarin and they really help when she is crying I can ask her what she wants and she can tell me for the most part. She does talk in English now and she is talking a lot, a few new words come out everyday.

More pics

2008-03-30T21:39:00.000-07:00

Kimi bunny, shusing one of the dogs or just saying shhh one of her favorite sayings next to gasping with excitement, and yelling airplane.

Kimi and Nini

Showing baby Grant how to use a straw

Grant and Carrie under our blooming cherry tree

1st egg hunt at daddy's office

Kimi and Rex sharing an egg after the egg hunt

Kimi and cousin Marissa having a ball on Easter

Kim and Apollo "bopo" out for a walk

Don't tell mommy I have her glasses

kimi dipping at our 1st mommy-daughter tea, we loved the cup

1st corn on the Cobb and for breakfast...yum

Kimi in her favorite outfit, thanks Tracy Lane, she picked this one out. I should mention when she saw a live turtle she was disappointed it wasn't nearly as cute as the ones on her outfit and shoes.

It's been soo long

2008-03-30T20:51:00.000-07:00

It's been soo long since last post so I'll try to catch everyone up. Kimi is feeling better these days and Ken and I are flu free...fingers crossed. We have been very busy preparing for Easter and a visit from Nana which Kimi calls Nini=Grandmother. Before Easter Kimi got her 1st hair cut, check out the pics. Nana came and conquered she threw a great Easter party which made our first holiday together very special. Kimi had a fabulous time with Nini, we only wish she didn't have a cold and was feeling better. We also had a few warm days that we spent at the park, pics included in this post. Kimi's English is exploding, here is an excerpt from her daily conversation. Toast, banana, apple, juice, Cheerios, cracker, rice, and chocolate was one of her first English words ever. She says all of her friends names. She says baby which was an early word. She knows a lot of animals too many to mention along with the names she likes to imitate the sounds they make. She is also really into airplanes, a few weeks ago there was a fire nearby and three helicopters we over our house she loved it and watched them all evening, screaming our names to come and look at them out the window. She can also count to 10 and knows colors. She has retained a lot of her Chinese and we are realizing she understands much more than we thought. She can count in mandarin and does things a video says, we can't understand because it is in Chinese but it has something to do with cooking, counting, and parts of the body. This week we start toddler music class, and next week we start Mandarin and swimming. Thank you again to everyone who sent and brought by gifts. Aunt Ann and Uncle Dan for the cute outfit and fun box, Carrie and Chris for the (mess-free) markers and bubbles, Nini for the Easter gifts, basket & party, Yea yea for the egg wreath, Margaret and Stephen for the Pooh baby bear and Aunt Sharon Uncle Todd, Cousin Marissa for the Easter bucket and animals.

Too cute for words!

Just being cute as usual

Mommy and Kimi in the sand box

Just being cute

Kimi loves to check out our teeth, she may have a future in dentistry.

Kimi and Daddy giving the peace sign @ the park, she has on her favorite turtle outfit.

First hair cut from the very cool kids hair cutting place.

First hair cut, Aww how cute.

More Pics

2008-03-13T00:29:00.000-07:00

First Mexican burrito for dinner, Kimi was glued to the Spanish soap opera. So glued she ate a lot of dinner and didn't even know it.

She picked out her new big girl bed and is very excited to sleep every night.

She ran around the store trying out every riding toy!

She had an afternoon of music she really does know how to play this recorder we got her.

She likes to bow after too.

We got this cute play house, she loves it.

Peek a boo

Just being cute

Is someone at the door?

Closing shades for peek a boo

Checking out my yard!

Hard to believe Kimi got another cold while on antibiotics.. you know what they say...antibiotics won't kill a virus. So now were are staying away from the park and the other sick babies. All the parents I talk too say oh yea you will be sick too and the kids are always sick is this true? The MD said she may have a few non cold days but until end of April expect her to be sick UGH! We got some backyard toys for some at home fun. Here are some long over due photos.

We are feeling a little better

2008-03-01T21:15:00.000-08:00

A quick update, Kimi is feeling better. We have been going for a few stroller walks so she can get some sun and fresh air, it has been hard keeping her quite. She's getting better, we are so glad, I thought we might of had to admit her to my hospital unit. We never found out where the infection came from, potentially it was from some bad milk/food or residual virus. Thanks for all of your get well wishes.

Taking a break from posts

2008-02-27T23:12:00.000-08:00

I have been taking a break from posts because Kimi has been sick. She started with a cold two weeks ago, she seemed better. The day after meeting with her new MD last week and some vaccinations, she started having high fevers (not uncommon in toddlers). The MD decided to rush with the numerous testing that we were going to have done over time. Luckily he did because we found a very high white blood cell count which means she has an infection. Basically it is an infection of unknown origin. She started on antibiotic injections and is doing a little better, she will continue treatments and tests over the next 2 weeks. She has been so brave through the numerous blood draws, poking and prodding by different people. She is a trooper, it has been hard to tell she is sick except she sleeps soundly through the night. We are going a little crazy with watching videos and quiet indoor play. On a positive note she woke up Sat speaking a lot of English and continues more every day. She now says all the animals on baby dolittle video and when we are out she recognizes pictures and screams the names. As soon as we are back in action I'll continue with posts.

A Day In The Life

2008-02-22T22:30:00.001-08:00

One day when I'm bigger can I go out there?

Yo.... check out my hat
Can someone turn the lights on?

Seriously, check out my hat

These boots were made for walking ( or making mommy taller) haha!

Daddy's shoes are kind of boring.

I don't know why I'm riding on Marissa's rabbit, but I'm pretty cute huh?

A blue little box I wonder what this could be, I thought Daddy said I was too young to start getting blue boxes.

OMG........... just what I wanted a beautiful ballerina box! Thanks Tripp, Dawn, Vanessa, and Nina. I can't wait to put my Tiffany trinkets in it.

These photos sum up a typical day in the life of Kimi. We have all been sick so having the UPS guy ring the bell and deliver gifts has been a highlight of our day. Kimi had her first American cold, and it wasn't pretty. I'm a nurse for kids but I was a wreck making sure her temp didn't get too high and she stayed hydrated, got enough rest etc...... Then Ken got sick and I was next. She sneezed so much she learned to say tissue and get the box. She also learned to blow her nose but usually forgets to wait for the tissue she says uh oh and laughs! A week later we had our first MD apt. Kimi did great he was very impressed with how advanced she is, language, physically, and developmentally. She shook his hand and had a lot of fun with him he said she seems happy (she is). He was also pleased she is way ahead of the curve on potty training (so are we). She now tells me in the morning she has to go to the bathroom and waits until I take her, she gets to pull the toilet paper as her reward haha. I just broke my promise of never discussing my daughters bathroom habits now it's all over the internet I can't help it I'm so proud of her!

A few cute she does she says Shhhhh with finger in front of mouth to tell us quite at nap time..she got this from me doing this to Kenny when I was trying to get her to sleep. She'll lock any safety latch if she sees it undone (which are to keep her out of things). If she sees the back door open she will run and close it luckily because it's not done being baby proofed. She will find a dog anywhere in a crowd or on a photo and scream go go with excitement (dog in Mandarin) this one never ends. For cat she says youm (meow backwards) she is working on saying cat! She has memorized the baby Einstein video of animals.....unfortunately so have we. She lives on rice, seaweed rice crackers, noodle soup, and broccoli.

Gifts.....thank you everyone for the amazing gifts just to mention a few. Tracy Lane, gave us a gift card and we will have to post the awesome turtle outfit we got. Aunt Kathryn and cousin Kathy and Bill White sent us two cute outfits on baby guess and the other too cute to describe but she loves them both I'll post photos soon. She got the beautiful Tiffany keepsake box she loved it and could not believe there was something else inside the blue box. Hopefully thank you cards will make it out soon.

The New World

2008-02-11T22:55:00.001-08:00

"I came to the new world, and started my own business...Kimi's Kickin' Dog Walking Service!"

"first I have to get the leashes in order."

"This job is so chill since I'm the real dog whisperer"

"Sometimes I have to push the dogs to go, they stop to sniff a lot!"

"This is not my day, the dogs won't listen, and my mom has to carry me across the street."

"I'm the dog whisperer...with treats!"

"One for Daddy, one for dogs and two for me haha!"

" Of course my hands are clean, the dogs just licked em "

This was Kimi's first pizza, it was friend mark's party..she ended up eating dinner rolls and didn't like the pizza.

Kimi and Mommy at Mark's party! Hope you had a great 40th!

We had our first Dr.'s apt today, sorry no photos but I had to run after her in the office and Ken had to carry all the stuff and make a bottle etc. Everything went well, she is very healthy, a little under weight, but nothing American food can't cure. She said she also seems very smart, and was amazed at how much she can understand and say already (in both Mandarin and English). She was also impressed at her ability to focus on one task with fairly long attention span. She did tell us in 2mos she will probably lose her Mandarin language skills, which we hope to help her retain with classes. We have already been doing Mandarin videos and speak to her in broken English/Mandarin for example for head is (toe in Mandarin) we learned the body parts. Today I was telling he her feet in Mandarin then English (I'll say gio-foot and point to her foot) then I said this is your toe and she pointed to her head...which is correct. So we have developed our own crazy language. We are not worried at all about her learning English, but more about trying to keep her Mandarin.

She is still adjusting and doing well except for some issues with sleeping. The last two nights we have not had her video on thankfully, and she went to bed pretty easy so things are working out. The adjustment can take a while so we appreciate everyone helping us.

Happy New Year

2008-02-11T22:09:00.000-08:00

Wishing everyone a Happy Chinese/Lunar New Year! It is the year of the Rat! Here are a few pics from our New Year's Day!

This is Kimi's new friend Rex, his mommy and I went to RN school together. Rex has been waiting to meet Kimi for a long time. Isn't he cute going down the slide!

Kimi can't believe Rex takes on those big slides by himself!

"Rex, I'll catch you, don't you need someone to catch you?"

Later that night we went to New Taiwan for dinner with Todd and Deidre, Kimi's favorite grown ups in the new world! First they brought a gift the cutest out fit (thank you!), they played games all night at dinner, like sing with the spoon while wearing the monkey hat. They took us to the fish store and ice cream store. You Guys Rock!

'Um..Mom does dad's hat match this outfit and can I wear it to New Years Dinner ?"

"I'm showing Daddy how to use chop stix and look at my red envelope I got a $2.00 bill, and some NT money... YIPEE!"

"Mommy and me at dinner before I took off my bow."

After dinner we went to the fish emporium next door, thanks to Tod and Dee for an awesome night!

After the fishies we went to Toy Boat, an ice cream parlor with a horse! "This horsie is going really fast Daddy, n ot sure if I like it!"

"More quarters please?"

"A short horsie break for my first rainbow ice cream ....YUM!"

" If I can stay awake, I'll ride this horse all night long !"

1st week home

2008-02-05T23:12:00.001-08:00

Kimi loves her dogs Apollo and Sabrina, she insists on feeding them every morning and night and holding them when we go for a walk. I'm not sure why we even got a stroller.

This is in front of our local coffee shop on a very cold day.

Kimi loves her rocking unicorn from BFF Sophia (also from Taiwan). She often puts on a hat or on this night mouse ears and rides the unicorn. I think she is falling off in this photo she doesn't care she just loves it and drags it around the house.

Kimi and her new doggie BFF's, she loves them more than anything. She will constantly ask Ken for snacks pretending like she is going to eat them then gives them to the dogs. They love her for her easy access to treats. We do ring around the rosie at night and Apollo who surprisingly loves Kimi follows in the circle with us it's really cute. She also insists on feeding them in the morning and at night. She is so excited when they eat the food she has given them, I hope the novelty on this one does not wear off.

The third day we were home cousin Marissa came to visit, Kimi loves her and can't wait to play with her again.

This is our first time with Ken sister Sharon and cousin Marissa.

"Hey to my peeps in Taiwan" check me out at my cool park!

Going down the slide together.

On the spinny wheel, just taking it all in.

Our first week home was one of exhaustion/jet lag for us grown ups, and luckily not for Kimi. She has learned and done so many new things this last week. She is a delight to be with and we are having so much fun showing her around town. Today marks 1 week home and 2 weeks with Kimi. She is sleeping a little earlier around 9pm and still wakes at 4am to see the dogs and daddy but goes back to sleep by 6am until 10 or 11am. We go to the park or an outing everyday to keep her busy (hoping it will help her nap/sleep better) on a schedule. Our lives have changed in the most enjoyable way we ever could have imagined. To see her face light up with joy is almost overwhelming. She does this scream with pleasure when she loves something like the first time with daddy on the tetter totter, yes everyone kind of looked at us but it was awesome. We have been teaching her more Mandarin by watching Mei Mei videos. It has been helpful in communicating, for example when we want her to sit we say pigo down that means bottom. She knows shake your hand (wa wa shaw), all parts of the body, and some songs. Ken and I love ring around the rosie at the all fall down part we lay down for at least 5 or 10 min or as long as we can get away with haha! She also understands and says some English. She says Apollo, please, bye bye, and red clearly with understanding. She learned patty cake, give high five (which she usually does to your hand and sometimes to your face) oopsy. She understands going out, put your shoes on, put that away, and unfortunately no no. She had learned that before in the US. She will touch the VCR and hold her finger up and gently say no no to her self. Her game of peek a boo has greatly advanced and includes clever hiding places. She does loves her dogs, she is learning to be gentle all the time and not pull the soft ears or give them a hard high five. Apollo who never liked children and is now deaf loves Kimi and follows her around even during ring around the rosie. She will give all of her food if able to the dogs, she love taking care of them. She learned how to bring the bowls to feed them and pretty much does it her self with little help. If she wakes up in the morning crying we show her a dog or tell her it's time to feed the dogs she quickly smiles. We are such a perfect match as a family it's amazing. She has been given many new toys this from the Wilde's and Perry/Downings she is enjoying all of them and says a big thanks.

Travel Tips to Taiwan

2008-02-03T22:58:00.000-08:00

It has taken me a while to post this, so here are a few tips when picking up baby in Taiwan. We found a good deal leaving out of LAX on EVA in the evergreen deluxe section $1,100.00US. We flew Virgin America to LAX. You have to exit with luggage to bus A takes you all the way around airport to International terminal. You need to go to 3rd level to find EVA check in. Check in opens @11am. There is a large food court up stairs where we waited for airline to open. Deluxe is between coach and 1st. The seats are bigger and recline slightly more than coach. I found them to be hard as a rock on the 14 1/2 hour trip going. The food came and it was a meat dish, it looked bad so I asked to switch to vegetarian which was rice and something good (can't remember exactly). Ken did like the meat dish though. 3/4 way to Taiwan they serve a noodle cup which was not served on the return flight. The second dish was not good looking I would suggest the western breakfast choice. I recommend sitting in the back of the plane in coach possibly will not have others near and can lift armrests to lay down. Deluxe and 1st armrests do not lift.

The way back we had basinette seating which has a 20lb weight limit. We sis not use the basinette but it was great to have the extra room since it is bulk head seating. We first had made a bed on the floor as we heard others had done, they told us she could not lay there, she refused to use the basinette so sat on my lap crying on and off the flight home. I still suggest using coach and not basinette because armrests do not life in bulkhead and you may get more room if you can find three seats in a row. One baby across form us coming from Hanoi cried every hour the entire flight she wished she had sat in coach too since there were many empty seats in back.

Once in Taiwan we were totally exhausted, especially since I did not sleep on the flight. When you exit after getting luggage there are people trying to give you a cab ride for 2500NT. Go past these people toward the left and next to information booth there is a Limo stand the ride to Hyatt in 1500NT this a Mercedes car. The ride is about 40min to Hyatt. You can get advanced reservation to any hotel from Taipei Airport this is the info Mickey International Director Michael Lee, email phyliss8536@yahoo.com.tw cell (886)+ 0913-513-753

We stayed @ The Grand Hyatt in Taipei the entire time. We stayed grand suite on club level. The hotel is beautiful and huge lobby for Kimi to run around. Our room was awesome, it had a living room, close off bedroom, and two huge bathrooms and closets. There were 2 50" plasmas, computer with internet included, and a hot water dispenser I assume for tea but we used it for bottles. We had access to the 22nd floor which had food available most of the day, more food from 6-10 and 5-8, you could also order room service from that level. The club was quite and we were able to sit in our own section which was great for us and Kimi. The service was great at the hotel, they loved Kimi. They had a crib in the room that we did not end up using. I forgot to ask if they had a stroller to borrow as Les Suites de Ahn does have one. There is an outdoor pool on the 5th floor we did not use because it was raining and cold. They do not have a spa. We had asked for the ipod player a few times but is was not available-they do have one so you can reserve early. There are a few places to eat downstairs (looked expensive and good). The hotel is directly across the street from Taipei 101.

Grand Hyatt to left and Taipei 101 from in front of 7-11 across the street. Taipei 101 is awesome it is one of the tallest buildings in the world. There is a huge mall about 10 stories form what we could tell. We kept getting turned around inside. There is every high end and retail store you would find in US. Down stairs is a great food court even has a KFC for those less adventurous. The noodle places are amazing and the fruit stand in the center is very refreshing for drinks. There is a huge market Jasons that sells everything you might need. It was a great place to let Kimi loose, they have child mini shopping carts it is so cute. She spent many hours watching the live crab and food stands that are low enough for her to see.

Next we took the high speed rail it is about 20min cab from Hyatt. You buy tickets downstairs in an automated machine. You need to pick reserve seating it is $80.00/per person round trip. There si also a business class which did not seem worth it. The train was not crowded we took middle of day on Tue and slightly more crowded the way back. There is a food trolley that comes by with snacks which saved us since we did not have much time to eat in that morning.

Gifts you can buy on the HSR

Trolley menu on the HSR, note the larger dishes are not served during the day. There are vending machines and bathrooms in between cars.
Ken is happy to be on the HSR, it is clean and nice.

Here is a map of the train car configuration. They announce the stops in English get off at Tainan for St. Lucy's it is 1:45 min from Taipei. We used Stephen the cab driver, he is so friendly and speaks some English. We arrived early and asked him to give us a tour of Tainan. He took us to the Confusious Temple and took our picture. He also told us about things as we drove by.

This is the famous cab driver in Tainan, Stephen, his number is 0933-346347. We called him in the morning when we left he met us at the train station. Some info gets lost in translation so this is his photo if he can't find you look for him.

This is a list of places he can take you to in the area, we loved the Temple as there is a wonderful rustic gift shop.

Other places to see in Taipei were, Lunshan temple & LSD, Shinlin Night Market, you need to take MRT shuttle from taipei 101 to red lint switch to blue it's very easy. The Market is the oldes and largest it is crazy and bring a baby carrier not a stroller it's crowded but worth seeing. The craft mart which is 5 stories we never found, Botanical garden we did not visit it was too cold and rainy. kids play is a park we did not go either because of weather, CKS memorial, and jade market. I think the jade market is only open weekends so did not go either but it is a few blocks from Hyatt.

AIT is about 15 to 20 min from Hyatt, be sure to get address in Chinese for cab driver. We also always brought the hotel card with us to give to cab drivers. AIT is now $400.00 dollars we paid cash not sure if you can use credit card. Go to the 3rd floor window 7 they open at 8am. Bring snacks for the baby as can be somewhat of a wait for the interview. Interview is not a big deal just asked us about jobs. They have an area with toys so you don't need to bring any with you.
Internet people have suggested getting a wifly @ Starbucks for 500NT since hotel internet can be expensive. There is a Starbucks in Taipei 101.

Pacifiers The kind the babies use at SLC are called nac nac you can find them at SOGo Ren Ai Road Sect 4 418 2nd floor across from San Yet Sen memorial above KFC. Also branch store Ren Ai Road 4 ally 112 across Chung San hospital (9:30-8:30).

Watson's A pharmacy type store in taipei 101 the only place we found diaper rash cream (we have not used it yet). They keep it behind the counter so you need to ask for it. The only word I knew was pego (butt) in mandarin so it was very funny using mime and mandarin to get the cream.

Cabs There usually is not tipping so we did not tip. Most trips to AIT and train were about 200-500NT.

The trip can be exhausting with the 15hour trip there, preparations before, baby pick up, trip home. Try to enjoy your time in taiwanwith your baby before the final adjustment of getting used to US time schedule. We just celebrated our 1st week home and 2nd week with Kimi and not quite on US time but getting very close. Good Luck with your trip.

There is a 7-11 across from Hyatt, this was one of the item of interest it read chicken with collagen, I could not figure if it was face cream or soup by Quaker?

This is one of the old gates in Tainan, it used to be the capital 400 hundred years ago.

This looked like a rice store next to the 7-11 across from the Hyatt.

These were cute kids at the temple, we were only moments away from picking up Kimi.

This is the University Hospital in tainan, some of you rchildren may have been born here if born in Tainan. the city is known for many good colleges.

Look who's wearing the helmet.... Our daughter lights up when she saw scooters in Taiwan, I hope she wasn't on one.

The scooter nation is huge in Taipei and Tainan, this was in Tainan. Oh it is very warm in Tainan, we brought many sweaters and jackets we were very hot even in the winter.

From Taiwan to SFO

2008-01-28T21:13:00.001-08:00

This was Kimi's @ LAX 1st time seeing a jet take off in the sky! This was before our final flight home from LA to SFO.

"I'm now a US citizen YEA!" After all of our paperwork Kimi becomes a US citizen once she touches the ground in the US for the first time! Here it is, she insisted on her new pink shoes for the occasion!

"If they could see me now in Taiwan, I have my own eating chair! and a bib with pockets!"

This was a long week for the little lady, she hadn't woken up from the plane flight to home, look at that sleeping beauty...after such a long journey.

Kimi isn't awake to know that was our first family photo in San Francisco. It's so great to be back in our city.

At the LAX Marriott for a night before heading home. Kimi is zonked after an 11 hour flight sitting on mommy's lap, and two hours in the airport immigration.

Mommy and Kimi at the Hyatt Hotel in Taipei. We encouraged her to touch this wood sculpture whenever we walked by, she loved it.

Kimi and daddy playing push the buttons game, she is slightly obsessed with pushing electronic buttons it's very cute.

Kimi and Mommy at the Hyatt in Taiwan. they knew us well since we were always down there playing.

I'm not sure where we left off but we are Home Sweet Home. The flight from Taiwan to LAX was long but not too bad. In Taiwan waiting for the plane we kept busy in the awesome Hello Kitty play room before take off she ate a huge bowl of noodle soup. Our attempt at have her drink her bottle at take off completely failed as we gave it to her too soon (oops..first time parents ya know). I was very nervous about the flight since Kimi had trouble sleeping the last few nights in the hotel. The flight took place during her normally awake time. We had bulkhead seating with a bassinette on EVA. Kimi did great at first falling asleep we made a bed for her with the down blankets from EVA on the floor in fron of our seats. Then they came by and told us can not sleep on floor. So she woke up crying hard, she would not stay in the bassinette and I don't blame her it was hard and too small. She cried for like and hour and they kept coming by asking us to keep her quiet since we were just behind first class (if she could have stayed on the floor she would have slept the whole flight probably). We did not care for the service from EVA at all. She finally settled and the baby across the was coming home from Hanoi cried on and off the entire flight it would also cause Kimi to start crying on and off too. We got a lot of nasty looks from other passengers...(OMG that would have been me pre Kimi).

With a quick stop in LA where she met nini and yea yea (grandma and grandpa) and had a lot of fun with them it was off to home. She recognized my parents from the photos we sent her in Taiwan, now she sees the photos and can't stop saying nini and yea yea it's really cute.

Once we arrived in San Francisco she never woke up until a few hours later. To her delight and ours she woke up to find 2 go go's (doggies). They were instant BFF's. She is absolutely in LOVE with her new go go's. She is obsessed with getting cherios or crackers and feeding the dogs. We have taught her to be gentle with them and still some times she can't resist pulling their soft ears oops. She sometimes will pull their ear and say "no no" to herself. The dogs tolerate her screaming in excitement since she is always with snacks to share. They can't believe someone is living with us that has a constant supply of treats. The other day she got out a bowl and spoon and tried to pretend feed Apollo.

Ken and I are totally exhausted from the trip, preparations before the trip, and now new parents of toddler that is awake all night. Kimi is on Taiwan time, it takes about 2 weeks for the kids to switchover. So her day and play time strt about 8pm. last night I got to sleep at 7am. Tonight she went down at 10pm let's see if it's just a nap or for the whole night. She came with a crazy video that she watches until she falls asleep (the foster family sent it with her). It is an Asian misses Doubtfire on LSD. Ken and I have memorized all the songs and find ourselves humming them during our dazed awake hours. Once she is asleep Ken is glued to the video monitor giving a play by play sleep movement actions. It goes like this she is moving, ok now she stopped...she rolled over.....now she's not moving etc. Have to go for now, she just woke up.

More pics from the hotel

2008-01-24T16:17:00.000-08:00

Time in Taiwan

2008-01-24T13:14:00.001-08:00

This dress was made especially for Kimi by Robin she loved wearing it.

All she needs is a mini shopping cart, a pacifier, and her new dress for her new world LOL!

"Let me think...what was on my shopping list?"

This is in the cab after AIT, she falls asleep so easy in the cab if only we were taking a cab all the way home!

We have been very busy with a little lady as you can imagine. She has an adventerous spirit which will more appreciated when her play time isn't our 4in the morning. Today which is yesterday US time, we got her dressed up and all went to breakfast, it was very cute. Kimi had a good time bonding with daddy over some scrambled eggs. She loves to wear her new clothes and never fussed when being changes. She also loved that mommy and her had similar pockets in our pants (in a later outfit). We have been doing so much in Taipei with Kimi. We have been on trains, busses, subways, and cabs it has been a bonding experience. She still getting used to being held by daddy so I have been doing most of carrying her. She's giving me a good work out haha. We are staying next to Taipei 101 the tallest building in the world. Below it there is a huge mall with a fun grocery store. They have mini carts and Kimi ran around for a long time shopping with her cart!

2008-01-22T06:46:00.000-08:00

This little lasy loves bubbles, she is so independent it's awesome!

This is the cab ride to the train, she was crying terrible but still such a good girl. I think her wool knit outfit very cute was too hot for her.

This is outside at SLC, she recognized me from all the pictures and only wants to be held mostly by me, it's so cute. On the train she spent the whole 2 hours pushing the door open to watch Ken jumping up and down like a monkey she wore us out! 3 people gave her food thinking she was hungary and just plane cute.

We have Kimi! It was a crazy day in Tainan, it was so hot too. We arrived to see someone I met on the internet, Lori with Samantha. We literally waved good bye to her in the cab. We got there early and the family had not shown up. Once we saw her walking sown the hall I burst into tears as she was so beautiful. She came right to me and Ken they were very happy since I guess she can be shy. She seemed to know what was going on she was very brave on the the train and in the cab. The whole exchange was during her nap. She was very good. We are so in love with her. I had to wait until she fell asleep to write this. They let her go to sleep any time usually 11 or 12am! So I'm about to fall over right now so I hope this makes sense. Just a few photos for now.

We're in Taiwan

2008-01-21T14:48:00.000-08:00

OK the flight was sort of fun, especially when they handed out oreo bars! After this we still had 10 hours to go.

This is EVA airlines we flew a 777 in the delux class...it's between business and coach.

YIPEE!........ I can't believe we are here in Taipei, Taiwan. We got in last night after a less then fun flight (almost 15hours). Our hotel is beautiful we are @ the Grand Hyatt. The room amazing with a full living room. We splurged for the club level since threre is an area with food availble on the floor. We did manage to get almost full night sleep. We are off to get ready to catch the train and pick up the baby. Bye for now.

2008-01-19T08:42:00.000-08:00

This is the bullet train we will be taking in the morning to meet Kimi. It is the 2nd fastest train in the world. It will take us 2 hours to get to Tianan in the southern section of Taiwan. We will pick up Kimi do the formal ceremony, then get back on train to Taipei. This was the train on The Amazing Race last week.

Kimberlyn Lauren Chia-Yu Williams

2008-01-18T21:58:00.000-08:00

Kimi @14mos.

Kimi @17mos.

Our bags are packed, we leave in a little more than 24hours. We still have a few errands to run, like picking up a rain Jacket for Kimi, and getting some papers printed. We are very excited and exhausted after chasing papers for final processing the past few weeks. There are still formalities that we need to complete in Taiwan once we have Kimi. Most importantly Kimi will be in our arms on (US's) Monday. This may be our last post until we pick her up as we arrive late on the 21st and leave morning of the 22nd on the high speed train to Tainan. (the same train on last weeks Amazing Race). Stay tuned for our first family photos!

Our Other Baby

2008-01-14T23:46:00.000-08:00

We are excited to announce our other baby..HellGate London, the beta launch in Korea started 2 hours ago. We are wishing for a successful year ahead from Asia!

Thanks to everyone with your tips on picking up baby. Can you tell we are freaking out getting ready to leave. No luck with the car seat as Fire Dept. like RN's can't install them any more. Ken is studying the manual and we'll try it ourselves. Today we noticed a flood in our basement. It may have happened with all the storms we have been getting. Then I got a call from work saying "Oops" the person that approved my LOA (last Nov) should not have and could I return to work now? Bonding leave will then start Feb 20th. My reply um..sorry no can do. They are not used to International Adoptions, so I got an extra 3mos off on a loophole. The funny thing is I tried to work last month, they said no since I was on LOA.

Here is Kimi's room. The crib was my nephew 19 years ago. Most all of our relatives and some of our friends have used the crib which makes it a special tradition for Kimi. I had to get it back from a friend who was still using it, sorry Rex.

Hanging on the panda scroll is a year of the dog charm from Kimi's friend Eric 1yo who is on his way home from Taiwan right now.

Kimi's Room Almost Ready

2008-01-12T22:13:00.000-08:00

The baby room is almost ready, promise to post pics soon. We didn't want to get the room together until the final decree (stating we were legally Kimi's parents). The decree happened mid December, then the holidays so here we are scrambling to get everything just right. We hope she will like her home. It has been super hectic running around doing last minute errands. So far, baby laundry done, travel plans done (still trying to change return flight home), dog sitter booked, baby food stocked in house, what's left? There are probably many things we're missing but how would we know we've never done this before. Tomorrow we're off to the local fire dept. to have the car seat installed. I told Ken we have to practice with a doll, he laughed. I have sat at work many times waiting for parents fumbling to get their baby strapped in properly (legally I'm not allowed to help because hospital policy) so I never learned. Also tomorrow, on to packing for Kimi, this is a tough one, stroller or carrier, 18mos or 24mos clothes, what snacks and formula to bring, bottle or sippy cup, what toys will she like? Wish we could call an expert in LOL!

We have Gotcha Day!

2008-01-11T08:29:00.000-08:00

Our pick up Kimi day is set for Jan 22nd @ 1:30pm this is earlier then we had expected. We are so excited, OMG we can't believe in 9 days we will be with our little angel. We are pinching ourselves....it is real. She will be 4 days short of 21mos old. Val our agency owner called us this morning at 7:30am. The SLC director is still waiting for our TECO papers to arrive in Taiwan, Kimi has to pass a medical exam, and she has to organize with the foster family to meet us. They are moving mountains because they know how much we want to be with our daughter. Our AIT date will be before our papers expire but not sure on the exact date yet. We are not sure right now if we will need to be in Taiwan any longer then scheduled. Right now we plan on leaving the 20th arrive late the 21st 11:00pm and pick up @ 1:30 on the 22nd. I assume AIT will be on the 23rd if all gets finished. We plan to return on the 25th. We are off now to get needed stuff for the baby.

Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday for sure

2008-01-10T21:25:00.001-08:00

This is an actual family saying used in similar situations. Meaning we will know of travel dates when we get them, they say no later then Sunday night. This is a good thing because we would be leaving in a week. We either leave Jan 20th or Jan 26th, they are trying to move up our AIT apt. because of our document situation. It is currently set for Jan 29th. We ran around again today trying to get people to send and find our fingerprints. This time my turn to drop off. Just when I thought we were done I got 3 more papers to be filled out.

After this week Kimi needed some retail therapy! Got Crocs?

This one is from Aunt Sharon and cousin Marissa, it just makes us smile!

Wow Eye TECO

2008-01-10T08:42:00.001-08:00

Here is Ken on way to TECO to pickup power of attorney for Kimi

All over TECO there are posters that say "wow eye" Taiwan. That is how you pronounce "I Love" in mandarin (Kimi's native language). Our papers were ready, on time , in a clean friendly way, today wow eye TECO. The parking was typical SF tow trucks were right behind me so I didn't have time for the photos I planned oh well.

Here is Ken in front of the SF TECO, with our official powers of attorney so someone in Taiwan can apply for Kimi's passport for us how cool is that!

No pick up dates today

2008-01-09T19:44:00.002-08:00

Today came and went without an end to our rollercoaster. We still go tomorrow for our travel meeting. We were told the date could possibly be pushed to Jan 28 for (AIT Apt) we had to laugh since it is one day after our I600A expiration. On the International Adoption roller coaster you think you are headed one way, in truth you never know if you are headed up-down-right -left or somewhere in between. So for now we are keeping our eye on the prize and as my wise friend Jody says it will all work out it really will.

We have travel dates, well sort of

2008-01-08T19:47:00.000-08:00

It has been crazy around our house the past few days. Trying to finish baby proofing. We realized sadly after 2hrs to install one latch, neither of us are good with power tools. We are waiting for a handyman to install safety latches and anchor book cases next week. We need to get this done and fast as we may have less than 13days to pick up the baby. Yesterday I got a call first from Teresa, Jeremiah's mama in GA asking if we got our travel dates. My answer was no. I had just hung up and got the call we have been waiting for, sort of. It was HAI saying we needed to rush over to TECO (Taiwan consulate) and sign power of attorney for Kimi's passport. We also got out of them we may have an AIT apt. (passport office in Taiwan) possibly Jan. 23rd or 24th! YIPPEE! We have official travel meeting Thursday Jan 10th we will know for sure.

Other people in our group had to make the TECO trip, I thought we were out of the woods. There were scary stories of long lines, missing photocopies, and difficult people, we found this to be the easiest part of the adoption. We breezed in and out and found free street parking. Yes in downtown SF @ 3:30pm. The Adoption Gods are on our side.

For those of you that are not familiar a homestudy(HS) is a 3 month interrogation of each of our lives. It includes 1000's of questions, alone blindfolded in a cold room. They compare our answers to see if they match. If so, they show up at our friends houses and do the same. They look at our bank accounts @ every last latte we ever bought. They look at our medical history and DNA from before birth. They search our house with a white glove looking for lint in every corner. Finally, where most people fail they dangle a juicy steak in front of the dogs and ask them if they were ever denied chicken treats, a walk, or a trip to the park. If they make the slightest peep which they usually do we would be denied. ok, Just kidding about the lattes or we never would have passed.

Recently, the HS agency we originally used suddenly closed last Nov & transferred all people to a new agency. New agency means new papers and new fees. We had to do a 5th set of police fingerprints (saying we were not criminals) for the new agency different then the new federal prints (saying we were not terrorists) for the new HS. Are you keeping track of all this? The new agency never got our new prints (saying we are not criminals). Those prints need to be to sent with our HS to USCIS so the US can re award us the coveted (I 600A) (saying we can be Kimi's parents in the US). For now we can be Kimi's parents until Jan 27th when the I600A expires. Still following? If we don't make it to our AIT apt. in Taiwan by the 27th we can not be Kimi's parents until new I600A is awarded. Meanwhile Taiwan says we are Kimi's parents as of Dec 13th 2007. If for some reason AIT apt. lands after the 27th or we get abducted by aliens and don't make it to AIT, we could be stuck in Taiwan for a while or worse. Did you follow all that? We are on pins and needles waiting to hear of our AIT date it has to be before Jan 27th! Please pray for us!

07 Holiday Photos

2008-01-04T01:42:00.002-08:00

The Holidays of 07 came and went sadly without Kimi. There are many gifts still under the tree waiting for her. We only hope it will be Christmas in Feb and not April or later. We had left off being told Jan 3rd we would learn of our long awaited travel dates that came and went. We are still being told we will be home before 2/7. I'm not so sure at this point as flights are booking up with Lunar New Year starting Feb 7th. If the date gets any later Rick and Sandy have wedding and travel plans and won't be able to join us as we had hoped. We will keep you posted. Here are some Holiday photos.

Can you guess what this is? Hint it was taken on Holiday Pisole night!

Sandy and Rick lead Christmas Karaoke, high school sweethearts forever

Rick, Max, and Erich Schaefer, with Bill.....they all look related don't they...huh?

Aunt Patrina with baby Grant AKA Aunt P and Nutti

Ken with some pooped out pups the night before they head to their forever homes

Mom with sis Aunt Bonnie, she had just flown in from FLA aren't they cute

Mom and Ken after way too much fudge! Mom is so happy because after many years of trying to extending the Holiday season, she has an official excuse to leave up decorations. Do you think she can hold out until Kimi arrives?

Brother Kevin sitting with Vinci after cooking a fabulous roast for dinner

Me and Cyndee wouldn't we be a great team for the Amazing Race, we were trying to guess what nickname they would give us?

Niece Nicole, me and Dad. Nicole can't believe after 14yrs of being the only granddaughter there will soon be Kimi to share Nana and Grandpa. I'm sure they will both be spoiled equally.

Out with Red and Green in with the Crib!

2008-01-03T01:41:00.001-08:00

Happy New Year! It has been a whirl wind Holiday. We drove to LA to drop off pups and had Xmas celebrations with family. We had pre Christmas pisole in Sonoma and ended up in Tahoe for New Years! Logged in almost 1000 miles it was like living in the car. Luckily the crib has made it up to Kimi's room, the little lady has a place to sleep. No word of travel dates. Two other families I know with children in Taiwan are eagerly awaiting their dates. We now wait for official word of 2nd decree and Kimi's passport appointment. I have to admit a Lunar New Year trip would be extra special (starts Feb 6th), our agency insists we will be home before then. Thank you to everyone for another fabulous Holiday Season. Special thanks to mom for best fudge ever at her B&B and Kevin for a delicious dinner. Also to Sandy and Rick for the amazing flaming flan, and yummy pisole. Now to dust off that treadmill.

Out with Blue and White back in with Red and Green OHHH and 1st Decree!

2007-12-11T11:51:00.000-08:00

Back to Xmas season now to pull out the red and green decorations, it's my favorite time of year. Ken's good friends growing up were Catholic and my good friends growing up were Jewish, so after 12 years+ of catholic school mixed with some Hebrew school, we love and celebrate both holidays! It is perfect timing for the gift of Kimi's first decree! We got the call yesterday saying the court has given the first approval of our adoption! We are so excited and stunned everything is very real now......no question Kimi is ours for the keeping! The other great news is that two of my good friends also waiting for decrees for their children in Taiwan also got word. Lori lives north of us will be bringing home Samantha, and Teresa who lives near Atlanta, GA will be bringing home Jeremiah! I hope we get to travel together!

What we know now, first decree is official as of Dec 3rd! We wait for travel packet and more paperwork to arrive later this week. We should be traveling sometime towards end of January! I have not been able to call everyone as we have important renewal papers we are dealing with. These are most recent photos of Kimi we have.

Happy Hanukkah

2007-12-11T10:37:00.001-08:00

Just getting the x-mas season going we pause for Hanukkah! First can I just say finding decorations for this holiday is difficult. Macy's has an entire floor for X-mass decorations and one pillar in the basement with some random star plates. I managed to make the house look festive...... I get that from my mom. We were lucky enough to host the family Hanukkah party, first time ever! Thank you to everyone who joined us in the festival of lights. Once again our older menorahs stood strong and no fires were started.

What's Hanukkah without presents!

And without the Williams lotkas

Look at those candles, and no fires were started it's a miracle!

Dave and Nancy AAWW!

Kenny sneaking in sister Sharon, Todd, and Marissa family photo!

Nancy, Auntie Joyce, ans Steve enjoying dinner

Sharon with Holiday, how about a puppy for Hanukkah!

Priceless photo of Marissa with HSM pillow from Auntie Debbie in VA!

Ken with Go-Go, she's such a princess!

Sharon with Star of David pasta and I with Snowman pasta, who says you can't mix your holiday pastas! These are too cute for words...thanks to Ken's other sister Debbie, Tim and Kyle who could not be with us this year.

Todd with lucky Steelers nutcracker !

Becky and Sharon doing Karaoke video game, Todd cheering in the background. Bringing out the Karaoke game pretty much cleared the house it was hilarious. We really wanted Marissa to sing, after being in two plays recently. Next time we will have to find High School Musical sing along for her.

Over The River and Throught The Woods....

2007-12-03T23:50:00.002-08:00

When you live in SF it's over the bay and through the Golden Gate Bridge to Grandmothers house we go... We had Thanksgiving at Kimi's adopted Grandparents house in beautiful Sonoma. This is also where our wedding rehearsal dinner was it's like being somewhere in the French countryside. Thank you to our kind hosts Sandy and Rick and to our families who graciously excused our absence this year. The dinner was delicious everyone brought a different dish and we had two turkeys, one was smoked in an egg? One of the traditions is to go around and say what you are thankful for, Sandy always makes everyone cry, it is so sweet. This year we have so much to be thankful for family, health, and friends. It was even more special because our friend Gurjeev who had a lung transplant earlier this year was with us and in good health and spirits.

Sandy, Ken, and I

Chris and Carries Baby Grant @6mos, he can't wait to play with Kimi!

Grandpa Rick and Otis in the new back yard

Old Sonoma Farm House

Mark and Gurjeev with new bionic lungs !

Can you name that cop?

2007-12-02T00:04:00.000-08:00

Most of you know I'm on LOA from work, yea wasting my valuable time still waiting for the Taiwan Train. So after the pups were born I switched to puppy duty. We went to a Halloween party for Ken's game. The party was a bomb and we barley got in, there was a line of 300 people around the block. The place was not full but no one was allowed in. The fun part of the night was seeing Ken in his costume, I'll let the pictures do the talking. The 1st photo is me and some friends from Flagship.

Can you name that cop? Officer Jim Dangle from Reno 911..I'm the perp are you LOL yet? We had to walk right next to a bunch of riot cops on our way to the party, and I said," nice costumes" they just laughed at us. The funny thing is my sisters husband is a Sheriff in Los Angeles.

Puppies and Hellgate London on same day

2007-12-01T22:35:00.000-08:00

Are you lovin the new site? Welcome to the new blog, eventually older posts will be attached here. We have no word on Taiwan, little Kimi is going to miss the Holidays we will save gifts for when she arrives. The only news we have heard is that our agency is sorry they do not have information or updates. They assure us the case is in the court with a judge and going smooth, "no news is good news". Sorry no news is agravating and seems to be more so to our friends and family. We will enjoy our last few months together continuing to live it up before we have to behave for the baby..or is that toddler...or some say college grad by the time she gets home haha.

I think we left of at the old blog with Ken's game coming out on Oct31st Hell Gate London, they are continually working out the kinks of network issues. There are still more launches around the world to come next year. The other game is Mythos. It is a free online game in beta right now. It is mine and Kimi's favorite game it is prettier than HGL.

Our dog Sabrina had puppies which happened on Ken's launch day he had to go to work after puppy #2 arrived. Luckily I work in labor and delivery so it was no big deal. Actually Sabrina did all the work I fell asleep and she had two more pups quietly for a total of 4. 4 weeks old pictured is Tiffany, Go-Go (doggie in Mandarin), Holiday, and the only boy Gary Cooper. The mama is Sabrina who is the only dog we will be keeping. Don't you want one for X-Mas?

2007-10-16T22:57:00.000-07:00

Baby Shower

I have to admit I have been living it up the past few weeks. Last week I met my mom, aka "SusieMom" and headed to a fabulous B&B in Santa Cruz, Inn at Depot Hill. We started doing this years ago when Ken was in crunch season at work. The Inn is near my sister in Laws house. It is a cute victorian place that used to be a train depot. It poured rain on Friday while we made a stop in the mall for something. Everytime we tried to leave there was a whiteout of rain. So we kept shopping for the baby of course! On Sat my cousin Nancy and sister in law Sharon threw Kimi a baby shower! It was fabulous! Ken and I are lucky to have wonderful friends and family helping us welcome our daughter. There were people I had not seen in a long time which made the shower special. The party was at Nancy's house, it is beautiful and perfect for parties! Thank you to everyone who showered us with love and gifts. Sorry to those who could not make it I missed you . A few photos were too blurry to publish there were many spectacular gifts you will see them on Kimi. Again, Thank you all for sharing the special day can't wait for everyone to meet Kimberlyn.

S-I-L Sharon, Ken's "mini me"
she's super cute with a new hair-do

Paige and Allison, it was great to see them

Mom picked out this awesome pink coat!

I love this paper!

Our cousin Nancy handmade this beautiful quilt!
It is a work of art

Auntie Joyce would not let Kimi be without
a baby phat suit!

Can you read this..." Born to be Spoiled!"

2007-10-16T22:42:00.000-07:00

Hot Off The Press!

These new photos just in of the little lady! Kimberlyn is 17mos. The one photo is of her on a two wheel bike with training wheels...Oh my I guess we'll scrap the tricycle! Check out that Hello Kitty dress it matches her room decor!

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