Tuesday, June 3, 2008

Our little boy is 2 :-( HAPPY BIRTHDAY LEO!

Mommy and Daddy's attempt at a cake




The sign is a tradition started by Grandpa Shaffer. Everyone gets a sign above the kitchen table on their birthday!

It's a sad day for mommy and daddy as Leo officially turns 2 today. He is growing up before our eyes and it is a bit much to handle! This morning, I sat him down at the table and gave him his breakfast. Here was his reply "Thank you, mommy. Grapes, Nay Nay (milk), Diego (yogurt)" Each complete with a pointing finger!




10 things you should know about Leo on his birthday:




1. We call daddy at least once a day to tell him hi and that we miss him. Leo often waves at the phone


2. Leo loves to swing with us. We all hold hands and swing - for what seems like hours and hours and hours


3. Leo LOVES Lightning McQueen from the movie Cars. He counted his "Qweens" today in his crib ye-two-free-four. We don't know why 1 is still in Chinese :-) (one large pillow he chose with birthday money, the cake topper from last party, and two McQueen shoes!)


4. Leo wants his dog Mo by his side at all times, except when Mo goes on the couch, then it's "GET DOWN!"


5. Leo has learned how to kiss, high five, and now "Pound it" Thanks to Aunt Diana!


6. Leo loves grapes. Mommy probably owes the grocery store for 2 or 3 pounds that Leo consumes before we make it to the cashier


7. Leo, quite frankly, has Grandma Beth wrapped around his finger. She is a popsicle-getting slave!


8. Leo can spot any sort of Go Diego, Go merchandise from a mile away! He recognizes the emblem on anything!


9. Leo is learning to sing his ABC's


10. Leo is the best little boy around! (At least we think so!)




Here are pictures of Leo on his birthday. The fun toys are from Grandma Beth and Grandpa Bill

6 comments:

Amy said...

Happy Birthday, Leo! I hope you had a fantastic day (and I love the cake)!

You must be so proud of your boy - he sounds seriously smart!

Amy

Beth said...

Looks like Leo had a great birthday!! I LOVE his pool!

Shana said...

Happy Birthday Leo! We are so happy that you can spend your b-day at home with your very special Mommy and Daddy! Hope it was a great one!
-Shana

Jess said...

That is the greatest pool I have ever seen!!!

Dianne said...

Happy Birthday, Leo!!!

Chris said...

Love the cake-Mommy and Daddy did a wonderful job!! Love the play fort-we are in need of one of those as well, and the pool too-you guys are gonna spoil him so bad!!
Looks like you are all set for a super summer!
Hugs

Learn Chinese!

Timeline


January 8, 2007 Attend Adoption 101 Information Session in Mesa, AZ
January 22, 2006 - Apply for preapproval from our agencyand Taiwan
January 23, 2007 - Application for USCIS (I-600A) form submitted
January 28, 2007 - 1st Homestudy meeting
January 28, 2007 - Sign adoption contract with our agency
January 29, 2007 - Approved to adopt from Taiwan
February 1, 2007 - Clearance from state of Arizona
February 6, 2007- Maricopa application to adopt is filed
February 13, 2007 - Clearance from state of Michigan, Medical clearances, and Fingerprint invitation arrive from USCIS
February 24, 2007 - Fingerprinted for USCIS
March 11, 2007- Homestudy Complete and Court Certification from Maricopa County received
April 28, 2007 - Homestudy is translated into Mandarin
July 1, 2007 - Finally receive 171-H in the mail
July 6, 2007 - Get new case manager
July 22, 2007 - Sign adendum to contract
August 8, 2007 - Our lucky day! Referral for Lin Kai-Yi, born 6-3-06
August 8, 2007 - accept referral
August 13, 2007 - Sign Child Referral Agreement
August 23, 2007 - Paperwork arrives in Tucson
August 24, 2007 - Paperwork arrives to us
August 26, 2007 - Documents notorized (How many adults does it take to use a stamp?)
August 28, 2007 - Documents certified by AZ Sec. of State
August 29, 2007 Documents sent to TECO to be authenticated
September 4, 2007 - Documents arrive in Tucson from TECO
September 6, 2007 - Documents sent to Taiwan! YEAH!
September 10, 2007 - Update day! We receive 4 pics and a video!
October 2, 2007 - Receive word from TWCA that our hearing date is October 9, 2007 (this happened extreamly fast!)
October 9, 2007 - Keep your fingers crossed for a quick 1st ruling (even better yet, keep your fingers crossed for a final ruling!)
October 11, 2007 - October updates are here!
October 19, 2007 - Receive more pictures and videos from Ray's visit to Taiwan!
November 5, 2007 - November updates are here!
December 2, 2007 - December updates are here! Can't believe there has been no news all month!
December 13, 2007 - FINALLY! Word of our First Ruling! Yippeee! It happened on Dec. 13th in Taiwan (yesterday here)
January 4, 2008 - January updates
February 4, 2008 - February updates
February 28, 2008 - Leaving for Taipei!!!
February 29, 2008 - Arrive in Taipei!
March 4, 2008 - Gotcha Day! Can you even believe it!?!?!?
March 5, 2008 - FINAL RULING FINALLY FINALLY FINALLY! (by the way, our paperwork says the final ruling was issued December 24th!)
March 6, 2008 - First AIT appointment
March 7, 2008 - VISA DAY!
March 10, 2008 - Leave for home!
March 10, 2008 - Arrive home with our boy!!!!!!!!!!!
July 5, 2008 - Find out about Wil's arrival!
March 10, 2009 - Wil Shan-Yi Shaffer is born at 3:38 am 8 lbs. 4 oz. 20 inches long