Friday, October 24, 2008

Things are good :-)
























































Vacations are really amazing things! Alex and I have been off all week, and it has been a really nice bonding time for our family! Leo is just so happy to have us all to himself! We took a trip to Disneyland this week and also got to meet up with Alex's friend Eric at Huntington Beach! We had the best time! Leo was such a trooper...........He went as long as he could all three days without a nap until 3 pm! After that, he crashed in his stoller, something he NEVER does! Even when he was sooooo tired, he was agreeable and happy! We saw smiles on that kid's face that we had never seen before! His rule was that he could sit in his stoller, hold our hand or hold this strap that we tied to the stroller. He was excellent at following the rules, it was really cute! He also went on every ride he was allowed on, including the scary Pirates of the Caribeaan and The Haunted Mansion (aka the funny house) He was also one of the few little ones that would go hug, kiss or high-five the characters. Check out our pictures below. He's just too cute!







We also got some good news....back at our readoption visit with our social worker, she suggested that we have an early intervention specialist evaluate Leo. She was concerned because Leo was walking on his tip-toes that he may have some sensory deprevation issues. We were reluctant to have him tested, because we didn't agree with her theory - but decided to do it just to apease the "system" Well, Leo scored very high in all categories (communication, vocabulary, fine and gross motor skills) The evaluator thought he was not only on track, but advanced in most areas. We were a bit worried about his articulation, but she said to wait another year or so to start to be concerned. We were very happy to have a professional agree with us about our little smarty pants :-)






Baby brother is close to having a name.......we are narrowing it down. He is kicking me all of the time now and it's really cool to be able to feel that he is really there!






















We are also testing the waters with another dog. Little Mo still continues to be a pain in the neck, so we thought getting him a more dominant companion might do him some good. We found a dachshund that needed a home, so Shane is now staying at our house on a trial basis. So far, so good! He LOVES Leo!











This was Leo's favorite ride, the spinning ladybug. We saw a whole new breed of smiles on this kid's face on this ride!




So this is what Leo did for the ENTIRE Pixar parade at California adventure. He was SO excited to see all the guys from his favorite movies!

2 comments:

Beth said...

looks like you all had a great time! Awesome news that Leo is as smart as you thought he was too!! The video of him jumping up and down is super cute too! Glad to hear that you are feeling good. Keep us posted on the name of the newest addition!

Shana said...

When I read your message on the board about you guys going to Disney, I thought Florida, and then thought I would never forgive you for not calling. Disneyland, is forgiveable though:) So glad Leo got to go to Disney, it is so magical at this age.

Wow, have you guys got a lot going on! New dog, new baby! So excited for you guys!

Happy to hear Leo is doing so well and is advanced. As far as the toe walking goes, I was advised (because Haley is a toe walker) to wait until they are 3. Probably not a sensory issue if they are fine with all other stimuli. Haley is seeing an ortho this month because she is still toe walking, OT said she was fine sensory wise. So, I wouldn't worry about the toe walking for another year or so. Just my experience thus far.

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