Corn on the Cob

Corn on the Cob
Originally uploaded by Chris & Kelly.

A new food discovery! At first, Helen timidly nibbled around the edges, but then she fully embraced this hands-on eating experience. With each bite she would throw her head back in glee. Now that Helen is completely off of formula, we're working hard to make sure that her diet is well-rounded. So far, this has been an easy task.

Reading with Grandpa in the Blue Chair

Reading with Grandpa in the Blue Chair
Originally uploaded by Chris & Kelly.

WARNING: This picture is misleading. One would think that Helen is actually listening to a complete story one page at a time. In actuality, this story was read over an hour while Helen got in and out of her chair, in and out of her new toy car, up and down the deck, etc. There are a few times (late at night, when she's really tired with a bottle in her mouth) that we can actually make it through a book, but the competition for her attention is fierce.

City Hall Family Day

Dome
Originally uploaded by Chris & Kelly.

Mama's office has moved to the fabulous new San Jose City Hall, designed by Richard Meier. The building is gorgeous, and quite pleasant to work in too with it's great light, windows that actually open, and sweeping views. Helen has come to visit a few times already, but today was a chance to explore the entire building. Upon entering the Mayor's office, she marched right over to the phone and started dialing. Helen really does know how to make herself at home.

Helen's First Council Address

Helen's First Council Address
Originally uploaded by Chris & Kelly.

As part of the City Hall Family Day, we toured the Council Chambers -- giving Helen a chance to try out the public address system. Perhaps this is the first signs of a future career in local government. Then again, she may just be wanting to share a piece of her mind... "More parks, please!"

Brushing with Baba

Brushing with Baba
Originally uploaded by Chris & Kelly.

Five (!) months ago, Helen had 4 teeth. She quickly added 4 more for a total of eight. And, she's been holding at eight since then... Apparently there is no rhyme or reason when it comes to teeth; even twins can have completely different schedules. We know 1-year-olds who are only a couple teeth shy from having a full set. But, by golly, Helen is going to shine up the few teeth she's got! It certainly hasn't inhibited her ability to chow down.

Ryland Pool is Open

Ryland Pool is Open
Originally uploaded by Chris & Kelly.

We are very fortunate to have one of the only public pools for children just blocks from our home. Unfortunately, the first year we've had interest in using it has coincided with severe budget cutbacks which have kept it closed for most of the summer. Today, however, it was open -- and we joined our neighbors to celebrate the occasion.

After Lake Huron and Hawaii this summer, Helen is feeling much more comfortable in the water. Even bath time is easier now that she's finally o.k. with water going over her head to rinse her hair.

Green Dress & Pigtails

Green Dress & Pigtails
Originally uploaded by Chris & Kelly.

We paid a visit to Donna & Andrew -- our San Jose friends who are leaving for China next week to be united with Gwen from Shenzhen. Helen's job was to make sure that their home was properly child-proofed. After hanging on the kiddie gates, and finding an exposed outlet, Helen considered her job done and moved on to more important matters, namely checking out the toy chest and doll house. If I had to caption this photo it would say, "How about I settle right into this comfy couch and change my name to Gwen?"

Roaring Camp Railroad

Train Girls
Originally uploaded by Chris & Kelly.

It's still August, but we all got a good dose of fall as we trekked through the Santa Cruz Mountains in a steam train. The trip was mellow and uneventful -- a welcome change from our last visit with Naomi when a trip down a fast slide resulted in her broken leg. Our outing brings Naomi one day closer to her cast being removed, although she is ever the trooper.

Ta Da!

Ta Da!
Originally uploaded by Chris & Kelly.

Grandma paid us a visit today and had the chance to see Helen in her full glory at the Children's Museum. Each time she goes she ventures out further and tries new things.

Slip Sliding Away

Slip Sliding Away
Originally uploaded by Chris & Kelly.

We met up with our Group 99 neighbors, the Mau's, for a weekend barbecue. Helen and Christina played non-stop, and Christina's older brother Christopher entertained the girls with his pet hamster and tool set. It was fun comparing trip notes. Even though we were in China at the same time, our girls came from different provinces. Their appetites however, are exactly the same!

Last Chance Get-Away

Last Chance Get-Away
Originally uploaded by Chris & Kelly.

Perhaps Helen knew that this was absolutely her last chance to voice her opinion on this whole adoption business...

We're happy to say that she didn't get away, and our family status is now that much more rooted in the paperwork and bureaucracy that makes this country great. (I can say that as a professional bureaucrat!)

California Re-Adopt

California Re-Adopt
Originally uploaded by Chris & Kelly.

Judge Edwards presided over our "Adoption Order", the result of which is that Helen will have a California birth certificate listing us as her parents. There were about 20 families there to do the same thing as us, with children from around the globe.

Grove Trolley

Grove Trolley
Originally uploaded by Chris & Kelly.

Being in Los Angeles means being able to visit Stephanie. We all met up at The Grove for brunch, a trolley ride, and of course, icecream!

With Maxine and Helen wearing their matching Hilo Hattie dresses, we got a few "are they twins?" questions.

Baby You can Drive My Car... Not!

Baby You can Drive My Car... Not!
Originally uploaded by Chris & Kelly.

Maxine and Helen enjoyed each other much more when the coveted car wasn't in play.

The freedom, control, and ownership we feel about cars apparently starts very early.

Can I Hold Your Hand?

Can I Hold Your Hand?
Originally uploaded by Chris & Kelly.

This moment lasted about about 3 seconds, and luckily, camera was in hand.

How sweet is this?

You Found Us!

You Found Us!
Originally uploaded by Chris & Kelly.

As the weekend progressed, Helen & Maxine's comfort in each other's company expressed itself more and more.

Little Sunbonnet Girl

Little Sunbonnet Girl
Originally uploaded by Chris & Kelly.

The Green's gorgeous home provided a great backdrop for beautiful portraits. This one of Helen catches her at her at her permanent station next to the ice bucket, but there are many more of her Hubei friends. Click on this photo to see more.

Handfull of Hubei Sweeties

Handfull of Hubei Sweeties
Originally uploaded by Chris & Kelly.

What a grand party, with dozens of families from our March trip to China. The celebration lasted well into the evening, but these Hubei girls can hang in there with best of them.

Watermelon Girls Quarterly Reunion

Watermelon Girls Quarterly Reunion
Originally uploaded by Chris & Kelly.

Helen, Maxine & Kai (with virtual greetings to Aethena!) We feel so lucky that three of our four watermelon girls live in California, making it possible for us to be an active part of each other's lives.

Watermelon Girls -- The Beginning

USAA-DreamTeam
Originally uploaded by Chris & Kelly.

Our referral photos from Daye SWI had the girls seated in a bowl that looked like a watermelon. Maxine & Helen are at the top, and Kai is at the bottom right. The next photo shows how our watermelon girls have changed in the 10 or so months since these photos were taken.

Helen & Maxine at the Breakfast Bar

Helen & Maxine at the Breakfast Bar
Originally uploaded by Chris & Kelly.

This weekend we flew to Los Angeles to attend our first China Reunion. We stayed at the much anticipated "Camp Press" where Helen & Maxine re-lived the old days of competing for food and attention. It was absolutely wonderful to be with our dear friends, and to see how our daughters have changed.

One and a Half

One and a Half
Originally uploaded by Chris & Kelly.

Helen is 18 months old today -- and marked the year and a half milestone by performing her first somersault. After weeks of standing on her head, it was only a matter of time until the legs swung over.

Limahuli Garden

Steep Cliffs
Originally uploaded by Chris & Kelly.

Our last day in Kaua'i we ventured back up to the northern-most end of the island to see Limahuli Garden -- a national tropical botanical garden with beautiful terraces set against a backdrop of steep cliffs, pristine streams, and an array of plants that must have inspired Dr. Seuss (like the "Ha Ha" plant!)

After hiking through 35 informative "stations" we got back to the base lodge to discover that Helen was missing a shoe. Thanks to Jim's quick jogging, it was found at station 19 -- the steepest point, of course! On our way to the airport, we had dinner at Hamura's Saimin house where you can still get a huge bowl of noodles for less than $5. Aloha!