Post Turkey :)

Pre Turkey :)

We stayed at the Mariott Ocean in Myrtle Beach. It is such a beautiful hotel and we were spoiled rotten by Keith's brother (he's the Exec. Sous Chef).

rotten apples

I started this blog 3 years ago to document our trip to China to adopt Maia. I kept it going after returning home because family and friends, near and far, wanted to stay in the "loop". I also use the blog as an online baby book. It is also a wonderful community to be a part of...the adoption bloggers. It is so amazing to find a blog and follow someone to their child and help each other navigate this journey called "parenthood". It is also a wonderful connection for Maia, as we stay in touch with other Xuwen families and our travel group.

Although I keep our last name and the name of our town out of my posts, I am fully aware that I am putting my family "out there", so to speak. I decided long ago that the second something/someone made me uncomfortable, I would reevaluate the settings of my blog.

Well, 2 events have occurred that have made me uncomfortable. One, is that someone names "LOTZAADS" is now a follower of my blog. I don't know who you are and have no way of contacting you to ask you who you are. If I do know you, I apologize...please email me! Secondly, I received my first (and only) creepy comment in 3 years. Someone called "123 123" left a comment with an inappropriate link. (I did not click on it, but the name of the link says it all). ***If someone knows how to delete a comment, and/or get rid of a follower please let me know!**

As for now, I just activated comment moderation and will consider setting the blog to private. It's such a shame because we can all learn so much from each other. Unfortunately, there are rotten apples out there with nothing better to do than ruin our fun. :)

11.18.99

Devin turns 10 today! I think he smiled ALL day! He even gave me a big wave, grin and a "HI MOM" in the hallway at school. Usually, he's too cool for that and just gives me a small smile while his friends all wave and say "HI" wildly.

As a baby, he was very chubby, very blonde, very cuddly and very easy-going.
In the future, Devin wants to play football for the Florida Gators and be drafted by the NFL. His back up plan? Ice cream man.

Now, Devin is...
silly
athletic
obsessed with sports
competitive (very)
vain
confident
trendsetter
popular
impatient
mouthy
lazy with chores
great hugger
picky eater
a chick magnet
a loyal friend
dreamy (according to the girls in his class)

The other day, the girls in my class told me that the walls in the girls' bathroom are covered with graffiti that says, "Devin S---- is hot" and "I love Devin S----".
He already acts like a teenager. I think we're in for it for the next 10 years. At least he makes us laugh!

mai-A

We call Maia "Mai" a lot. Lately, Maia has been correcting Keith when he calls her Mai. She says emphatically, "Mai-A". I can still call her Mai though ;). For now...
By the way, she's an awesome little soccer player.

3 years ago...

...I was teaching Social Studies and my cell phone rang. I said, "Please tell me it's a girl." Kat said, "It's a girl!". That long awaited phone call (and the email with the photo that followed) brought us our Maia and completed our family! I remember that amazing feeling of elation like it was yesterday.

"Hot"oween

Maia had an adorable unicorn costume but it was 85 degrees so we had to put together a quick butterfly costume. We had some friends and family over and of course, had a great time!

Moon Festival

Full moon
Chinese food
Sparklers
Moon pies
Jack o'lanterns
Family

After soccer...

This picture looks so funny...Dylan had cleats on and Devin was barefoot...they are really a bit closer in height than this!