Mama blan, mimi!!!!!!

Our tree, the Leaning Tower of Pisa, without ornaments, so far due to the kittens fascination with anything that hangs.

TukiLogic on Ve's presence.

Tuki: where's Ve's Mama

Me: I am her Mama

Tuki: no, where is Ve's Mama

Me: I am Ve's Mama

Tuki: No, where is Ve's Mama (I don't think she knew exactly how to restate what she wanted, as far as she knows an older kid, who has never been around before, has a Mama}

Me; Tuks, I am Ve's Mama and I am your Mama

Tuks; OH, Oh OK




The Pick-Up
So after working all day Friday, I arrive home to find my friend B at my house, who already drove 3 hours so that she could drive with me another 8 hours round trip to pick up Ve. THAT IS A TRUE FRIEND!!! We hopped in my van and drove to a local car rental and picked up a KIA Sportage(sweet ride) to travel the 8 hours. My van is old and I wanted to drive with a sense of security on the trip in the middle of the night with 14 degree weather.

Once we had the KIA picked up, we packed it up and then hit the road while drinking mucho coffee. The trip there was rather uneventful except a great time for us to catch up. When we arrived, around 8:00pm, in the city of destination, we realized we were near the Mall of America (ok, probably a little give away of the airport location). B and I both discovered that neither of us had ever been to this infamous Mall. So we ate at TGIF's and then headed over to the Mall (across the street) for around 45 minutes or so. Since neither of us are shoppers, we weren't anymore impressed with this Mall than any other we have ever been in. Around 10:00pm we head to the airport, and find out that the flight was delayed and would not arrive until 12:35am. GAST!! we were already tired, so we found a little nook and promptly rested and fell asleep(a little) on the floor. There are perks to being an au natural gal that doesn't need anything fancy, and the floor was a bonus as far as we were concerned.

The plane arrived on time and while I was heading back from the restroom, I see Ve in the arms of GR. I quickly head to our nook and introduce myself. Ve looked at me, and I saw a spark of recognition. GR put her down and Ve fell into the embrace of my arms and squeezed me tight. She remembered!! GR went over some info from M and immigration. Apparently she had no difficulty in escorting Ve for me. I enticed Ve to put on the winter coat and mitten, but immediately she took them off. She was dressed in a very pretty top and she didn't want to cover it up. I decided I'd not make it an issue until we exited the building...

GR, D and L said our hellos and good byes within 10 - 15 minutes, since they were exhausted as well. They had gone to Haiti to visit their boy and girl that they are adopting from the same O as Ve's.

Once we exited the building, Ve shivered and willingly allowed me to put her jacket on. We hopped back in and took off back to my home. B drove the first 2 hours while I sat in the back seat with Ve. It didn't take long and Ve was sound asleep in the car seat. She didn't fight sitting in it one bit and hasn't since either.

Oh BTW - why no photos from the pick-up trip, well Miss forgetful, me, forgot the camera, but GR has some good photos and she will be sending them to me after Christmas.

Around 3:00am I took over the driving and B sat with the sound asleep Ve. We arrived home at nearly 5:00 am. I got Ve ready and put her to bed, and I also went to sleep with my clothes on and all.

Around 6:15am, I hear MAMA BLAN, MIMI!!! MAMA BLAN, MIMI!!!, I jump up and run to Ve's room, settle her down, chase the cat out, and go back to sleep myself. I'm not sure of the exact time, but when Ve woke again I brought her into my bed and we both slept for another hour or two.

My sister had taken Tuks for the night, so the next day, yesterday we were to meet them at our local Mall because M's daughter, N was in her first dance recital. I was to come early, pick up Tuks, introduce Ve, and then watch the performance.

And guess what...we did just that, so before Ve was home 24 hours she met most of the family members..and she handled it fine. Matter of fact she has handled all of the transition just fine. I'm not sure when the "shoe will drop" but so far, so good. I know we may very well be in a honeymoon period, but I will enjoy every minute of it I can get. BTW she has called me Mama from the first moment. I wasn't immediately reacting to it, I guess just not use to another voice calling for me, but now I do. B left around 2 in the afternoon to head back home. What a trooper!!!

And as far as Ve and the animals...she is warming up real quickly, Hubble is her favorite so far. It seems she can't get enough of petting, holding, and checking out his ears, toes, mouth etc.,WHEW!!!what a relief for me!!!

So what does Ve think of the snow, not really sure yet, can't get a feel for what she is thinking of the whole cold, snow thing. I know she doesn't like winter clothes or boots....LOL


That's all for now.........