Love, Laughter & Ladybugs: Friday Night Update

Hi there, C here,

Time compression is taking effect again after getting back to school and work - sorry for the week-long lapse!

But...Week #2 is in the books and it was a good one.

Ashley has been spending some real quality time with Mom this week as she settles into the routines & rhythms of the Lockhead Family, here in Harleysville. The weather has been good so they have been out & about running errands, getting new clothes (Mom's been waiting sucha long time to shop for pink, girlie stuff!), and walking (Mom walks, Ashley rides in her stroller) around the neighborhood and getting acquainted with everyone.

Da Boyeez seem back up to speed with their classes at their Goddard School. They are really looking after Ashley and she continues to build strong bonds with both of them.

Healthwise, we got some encouraging news on Wednesday at Ashley's follow-up appointment at CHOP. Her Doctor (a top Doc in his field) was pleased at her weight gain, and the fact that "things" are moving again on their own through her system. Her tummy still tends to expand at times, but the situation seems to be moving in the right direction. We have another follow-up appointment in 2 weeks, just before the holiday. This is shaping up to be another decision point, and the Doctor seems to think that he'll be in a better position to schedule Ashley's scope & biopsy procedure (perhaps 2-3 weeks after Thanksgiving - or if she's still doing well, we could wait until the new year).

It's not unlike the adoption process in some ways: don't get too DOWN on the lows, and don't get too UP on the highs. (after three runs through, we get it...). We're cautious, yet hopefully optimistic.

Ashley has developed an incredible appetite! Mom reports every day on the plethora of foods that the child eats (or at least tries) - and the list is long and varied.

Likes: Yogurt, Spaghetti, pretzels (she get this from our side of the family!), fish sticks, chocolate, Sun Chips

Dislikes: Tomatoes. Eggs... Yeah, I think that's really it!!

Ashley is very perceptive, forward and really likes what she likes. And she is learning the placement of key foods among the various kitchen shelves and pantry closet! She knows where the Sun Chips are - bottom of Pantry closet - within reach of even a 22-month old. Ashley had helped herself to a bag yesterday and was trying to make another grab at one today. Lisa tried to be firm and told her a solid "No". As you might imagine, Ashley was none too pleased! Lisa told me that A, after being denied her Sun Chips, stalked her around the house for 25 minutes, screaming curse words in Chinese, not taking that "No" for an answer!! Mom won and Ashley apparently found something else to eat.

Since Mom & A are home, the boys and I are getting pretty good at getting out the door in the AM by ourselves. They are really good at finishing their breakfasts and pulling everything together for our 6:25 AM departure. The morning routine has gotten to be a well oiled machine - thanks to them.

We got a real treat last night when we "Skype'd" with Uncle Mark, Aunt Avery and our Michigan cousins. The pictures were very clear and we could easily understand everyone. The Boys & A were very excited to see and hear Luke, Logan and Paityn.

AR's doing very well and getting back into the swing of her routines also. She visits frequently to check on the baby.

This past weekend we were shopping at the LL Bean store near Bethlehem, PA (Saucon Valley) for a winter coat for Ashley. They have a lot of great winter stuff already out and the boys were checking out the latest in Winter hat fashions. Here they are trying on their fur-lined lids: