Good Times

I am LOVING the Olympics!!  It bothers me a bit that we get everything a day after it happens, even when we are only an hour different from Beijing.  We get everything second hand from the states, so I have to ignore the internet/news/t.v. programs that announce winners before I get the chance to see them.  How utterly swimtastic is Michael Phelps?  (in a total not cute...but totally BUFF way).  That relay race today (err... yesterday) was AWESOME!!!!  

It's so great to see the places that Matt and I visited in September.  The "Birds Nest" is INCREDIBLE!!  And the "Water Cube"  totally crazy looking.  It really is an amazing place to see.  Their antiques there, really are ANTIQUES - they will only categorize something as an "antique" when it's over 1000 years old.  So basically any antique in the states would still be considered new in China.  

When we were there, the pollution was HORRIBLE...so don't let them fool you into thinking that it's just the humidity that is creating all that smog.  We have at least 10% more humidity here in Okinawa  and we have ZERO smog...what does that tell you?  China has a very distinct odor...sorta like burnt rubber, especially in Xi'An.  I couldn't get that smell outta my pregnant little nostrils - trust me, I have to really focus on not tossing my cookies when I think about it. 

If this computer could only send out "smell-a-vision"...  You can tell by my face in most of our pictures that I was gagging a lot of the time.  Being pregnant didn't help either.

Letter to Miss E - Month 5

My, oh my how you've grown!  I see changes in you every day.  You are getting more independent now - we can almost hear you saying "LET ME DO IT" when we are feeding you.   You are by far the best baby I have ever seen.  You go to bed around 8pm, you wake up at around 4am to eat, then back to sleep until 8am - eat, THEN you want to go back to sleep until around 10am.  I am amazed at how much you like to sleep and how much you LOVE your crib.  You let us know when you're ready for your naps as well - you get a little bit fussy, and your eyebrows turn red.  Once you're in your crib you smile, stretch your arms above your head and you are OUT.  

Your daddy can make you giggle like no one else, and when he's around - you know it's play time.  Your eyes light up when he walks through the door after work - and all you want is DADDY.  I love seeing the two of you together - and it doesn't hurt my feelings too much to know that you're a "Daddy's Girl".  You are copying us when we do "raspberries" too - which I know will be a mistake once you start eating peas.  We can't help it though - you are just so smart!!

This past month your Mommy had ankle surgery, and our squadron family took care of you every day while I was on crutches.  We are so lucky to have such a wonderful extended family around us - I don't know what I would've done without everyones support and love.  I know you enjoyed getting to know all your "Cockette Aunts", and that you loved playing with all the big kids too.  You love to watch what kids do, and I know you're trying to figure out how to be as big as them.   

Everyone loves you Em.  Where ever we go, people fight over who gets to hold you.  You even have kids in the squadron begging their moms to babysit you.  When we are off base, the Okinawan people can't help but pinch your cheeks and say "KAUI" (ka-wy-ee) which means CUTE -and they always want to hold you.  I am so proud to be your mommy.  I know that my life has been blessed to have you in it - thank you for being unique little YOU!