I can read too!

Malia (just turned 2) to Alex (7): I can read too! I can do anything you can do. See, see me reading your book!

Happy 2nd birthday Malia! Your friends came over and played in water sprinklers and with water balloons in the backyard. It was fun for all! We didn't get Ava in the picture, but all the other kids are in it. Brooke, Matthew, Holden, Alex and Malia.

We had a busy weekend over July 4 and went to Houston, Galveston, the Kemah Boardwalk, College Station and then to Denton for Marc's cousin's wedding (Hailey and David).

Hanging out with the Bakers in Houston

Biking in Galveston

Biking in Galveston - a four seater

Malia and Marc checking out the fish at the Rainforest Cafe

Malia and Alex at the Galveston condo pool

Gavin and Cecilia on the ferris wheel at Pleasure Pier in Galveston

Alex won a giant Alien at the Kemah Boardwalk

Alex and Malia all dressed up for Hailey (Marc's cousin) and David's wedding

July 4, 2012

Linda on the patio with the kids in the Galveston condo

Dianne and Alex on the Ferris wheel at Pleasure Pier - Galveston

Pleasure Pier

Alex and Malia at the Rail Road Museum in Galveston

Our 10 year anniversary!!

Fountains at The Long Center - downtown Austin

Alex is such a good big brother and Malia adores him. They are so wonderful to watch.

Cute t-shirt

T-shirt link

I also like the one that shows a sonogram, but instead of seeing the baby, you see a map of China.

Malia is doing very well. She has favorite books now that we must read every night. She is still eating and sleeping well as she as always done. We are working on her "B" words for speech therapy like ball, bye, bubbles, boo. She had her "B" sound for a little while but reverted back to "M's" as a substitute for "B's". Her speech therapist says that's normal. Kids usually take two steps forward then one step back until the new speech pattern becomes routine.

Grandma took Alex to the train station yesterday to pick up Aunt Dianne. Alex loved every second of it since he's so obsessed with trains. While they were waiting, he studied the maps routes.

Today, Alex's other grandparents took him to 6 Flags and to a backetball game in Arlington. What a fun day for them all!

Tomorrow is a girl shopping day! Yay Malia!

The Little Gym and in the study at home

Malia is enjoying herself at a birthday party at The Little Gym. She's a pro! Also, caught a few cute pictures of Alex and Malia sharing the desk chair on our office at home.

Grandma Amy Reports During Grandma Amy Day (every Tuesday)...

Grandma's good for custodial care but for fun I prefer Bapa. Taking my nap now. Love, Malia. P S. In this pix I am refiling Bapa's rolodex. He doesn't seem to B aware of it so it will B a nice surprise for him. The morning walk & neighborhood playtime was great no sun so did not have to squint::))

Playground time

Alex and Malia had fun at Alex's school's playground this weekend. Pure joy!

Malia on our new banquette

Malia's G-dad built a kitchen banquette for us. We love it! Here is Malia enjoying the new banquette and drawing with a pencil.

Great Advertisement for Starbucks!

One Year Post Placement Report

We just had our one year interview post adopting Malia. One year!!! Our adoption social worker ended the report with this:

Malia appears to be thriving in the Parrish family home. She is developing physically, intellectually, and emotionally. There are no concerns regarding this placement. There are no referrals at this time. It is recommendation of this social worker that this placement continue.

This report and some family photos are sent back to China and that concludes our adoption paperwork. Hooray!

Happy Easter 2012

The Easter Bunny visited Grandma and Bapa's house again this year.

Malia and ST/OT

Malia just graduated from occupation therapy. She's all caught up with her gross motor skills. Hooray!

Malia said "wow" for the first time in speech therapy today. There were so many bubbles being blown, she had to say "wow!"

Nutty Brown Cafe for Brunch

Lots of sand to play in at the Nutty Brown Cafe.

First half of Spring Break 2012 - Mom (Dianne) and Alex go to St. Petersburg, Florida to visit Aunt Kate and Uncle Don

Last half Spring Break - Alex & Malia go to College Station and Galveston w/ Gema & Gdad & Uncle Gavin