HAPPY BIRTHDAY

Happy fourth birthday to my oldest daughter. Seems like yesterday we met in a crowded hotel conference room. This little chubby baby with huge brown eyes staring at me, wondering who the heck I was.
4 years old, a little girl now. I shouldn't call you a little girl, you have never really acted like one. You have always been wise beyond your years, asking questions, taking everything in. Shy in public, loud and talkative at home, but you are slowly coming out of your shell (I think we can thank you baby sister for that).
Oh yes, you challenge me my darling. You know just how to push my buttons already, I can only imagine what the teenage years will bring. That's okay, because you are who you are.

You love school, swimming, soccer, gymnastics, dancing around with mommy, Hannah M*ntana (still don't know how that came about), the dogs, Frankl*n, your books, Toopy and Be*no, candy (okay, that's a given). You still are petrified of dolls.

This last year has brought a lot of change into your life and I know it's been difficult for you to adjust. You are starting to get used to your little sister and I think I've even seen you hug her, don't worry I won't let the word get out.

I love you my daughter, and yes I do believe you when you say "I'm going to be famous".

EDIT: I posted the pics out of order yet again. First, second and third birthdays.

Met with the local community group for a Chinese New Year celebration yesterday. It's hard to believe that Blair and I first went to one of these occasions 5 years ago, or was it 6?? The girls have grown up, some even entering the teenage years. Kind of makes you feel old. It looks like Brennyn will be the youngest in the group, most of the families who were logged in for their first/second child have switched programs or dropped out.

Speaking of Brennyn, wow that girl gives me a workout. I think I've mentioned this about 500 times, she is just the total opposite of Avery. I am beginning to think Blair and I were spoiled by Avery when she was a toddler. Oh sure, she had her massive meltdowns and temper but not when we were out in public (okay there was the one time at the grocery store, but I digress). Avery always stuck by my side no matter what. Brennyn, well unless she is in the process of eating, she is exploring. By exploring, I mean running around like a maniac. Yes people, I am one of those horrible parents whose child misbehaves. The horror!
I was so uptight with Avery, now not so much. Yes, I do get embarrassed, but that's just my personality. Heaven forbid someone thinks something bad about me. Honestly, I've had no choice but to relax a bit. This is who my child is. She is stubborn (they both are, as am I), curious, loving (she can be so cuddly), independent, curious, inquisitive, curious, outgoing, I could go on and on.
This little girl has been through so much in her life already, overcome serious challenges with many more to come. She is a fighter!

I'd hate to brag, but my dumplings were rather tasty. I admit to buying the dumpling wrappers, didn't feel like having to roll dough and cut it into 100s of round little circles. Avery had a great time filling the dumplings and pinching them shut. We had an even better time eating them. Seriously, they were so tasty. I finally was able to use my bamboo steamer that has been collecting dust in my basement for 3 years.
I forgot to take a picture of Avery filling the dumplings or of the finished product so I guess you'll just have to take my word for it.

I did, however, remember to take a few pics of the girls.

Mmm, all this talk of dumplings makes me want to eat some more.

Xin nian kuai le

I am going to attempt to make some dumplings today. I did cheat and buy the wrappers, have so much other food to make. Last time I spent hours in the kitchen making chinese dishes Avery was not impressed "mom, I dooon't like this". I made 4 different dishes and she did not like a single thing. Oh well, I loved them all so here I go again. This time I invited my parents for dinner as well.

We are crossing our fingers for my MIL. She (and all of us) were given a huge health scare a few weeks ago, but repeat testing yesterday has shed such a positive light on the ordeal.

To you and yours, Xin Nian Kuai Le!

I could only avoid it for so long

Gymnastics. You were my Nemesis when I was a child. I finally mastered a cartwheel in my twenties. Oh, how I tried, but my uncoordinated body would not cooperate. I even joined the gymnastics team in high school (my best friend at the time was a member) but didn't last long. Even the coach knew it wasn't going to happen (but she let me try and was very encouraging).

I avoided taking Avery to gymnastics for 3 years. Finally, yesterday I caved. Avery's little friend invited her (okay it was her mom) to the "bring a friend day". There was no way out.
Avery LOVED it. I'm sure, if she could have she would have stayed all day. I knew she would love it. She runs around the house doing splits all the time. She is so flexible, just like her mother ha ha. I swear I am not bragging, the kid is good.

I hate to admit this, but the only reason I have not signed her up for gymnastics is the cost. It's not too pricey for the little kids, but if you decide to become competitive the cost is crazy.

Oh well, she's been hooked. Looks like someone is heading to registration in March.

Oh, and Brennyn tried the parent and tot class. Let's just say that her gymnastic enthusiasm was a lot closer to her mother's.

Once again, it seems that I don't have much time to blog. Too much going on, and unfortunately, it hasn't been the best of news lately.

We did have a great visit with some friends. For the first time, Avery played with another child. Of course, Avery and L have known each other since we all met in China, but the girls don't see each other that often. We'll just have to work on that! Poor Brennyn tried to get in on the play action, but Avery just wasn't keen on having baby sister hang around. Brennyn quickly got over it!
Of course, when no-one else is around, apparently Brennyn will do (I took pictures as evidence).

Out of the mouth of babes

I have to write down some of the things Avery has been saying lately before I forget them. It may already be too late the way my mind has been working lately (or not working).

I asked Avery how I looked in my outfit one day and this was her response "um mom, you don't look very stylish". Sorry kid, I never was.

"Mom, we are missing a kid here, where's that other kid".

After I told her she was wise beyond her years. "I know mom, I am wise behind my ears".

After she played Mahjong for the first time "I have skills mom".

Avery has also very kindly taught her sister to say "mom bum".

Did I mention that she is cheeky?
As she runs over her sister on the little bike she likes to tell me "oh sorry, didn't see her".
When taking away some cherished item (even her Franklin books) from Avery when she has been especially naughty she usually says "that's okay mom, I don't want that right now anyway".

Gee, I wonder why I'm falling asleep by 9:00pm. These girls keep me on my toes. Don't they look so sweet and innocent in their pictures (and they are for the most part). The funny thing about Avery is that she is so shy when we are out in public that people don't believe she could be capable of doing some of her past escapades.