Atticus and Athena

Our friend Julie is at trial right now, and we are keeping her dog, "Athena". BTW, Julie is one of the attorneys, not a defendant ;0)

Atticus has claimed full responsibility for the feeding of Athena.

She knows the precise ratio of carrots & broccoli/kibble & yogurt.

She also gives the commands that Athena is used to with a very cute controlled enthusiasm. She takes it very seriously.

"Sit, Athena, si....t."

"Good girl.... GO AHEAD!"

Attie's "Wepsite" and Paul Luis Frantellizzi

As I said before, Attie has figured out the mouse.

She loves "It's a Big, Big World" on pbs.org.

When she wants to go on she says, "I need to go on my line."

Or she says, "I want to go on my wepsite."

Also, some people have asked to see Paul & Pam's baby.

With permission from the proud parents, here is Paul Luis Frantellizzi.

I told you....

Signs of Spring

It was a perfect California day.

The sun was warm and the breeze was cool.

Attie and I had lunch in the backyard.

Yes, I'm a nerd. I set the timer on my camera to take these.

Good times!

A complicated relationship

Lately Attie has become very protective of her snacks.

This is the system she devised to keep Levi from "bothering" her while she eats.

She barracades herself in with pillows until...







...old habits take over and the sharing resumes. Patient, optimistic, persistent Levi gets a snack too.

I don't know how she even finds her snack on that messy table!!! Somebody should clean that up :(

A Very Long Leprechaun

Atticus learned all about Leprechauns at school this month. Despite St. Patrick's Day being almost a week gone (Happy Anniversary J&R, Happy Birthday Julia) she is still talking about them and asking me questions about where they live and can we look for one. She asked me to cut out a circle for her and a little while later said to Terry, "Daddy, come look at my really long Leprechaun!"

Terry made the hands and ears, Attie drew the face.

Hanging out in The O.C.

Attie and I went on a little business trip with Terry to Newport Beach from Friday to Saturday. While Terry was working, we went to Fashion Island. It's a huge outdoor mall on the harbor with nice shops and restaurants. The highlight for Attie was this little train (which I rode with her.)

There was also a carousel. She still isn't too crazy about them, but rides them clutching on to me anyway. After shopping and riding, we had lunch together and then headed back to the hotel for a very luxurious nap.

We met up with Terry and walked to dinner near the hotel, then stayed up late. Attie is such an enthusiastic traveler. She kept organizing our room and couldn't get over the "kitchen". She insisted we store all our snacks in the fridge. We had room service for breakfast and then headed to the airport. Attie figured out how to navigate around pbs.org on Terry's laptop while waiting for our flight.

Good times!!!

Atticus & Charlotte

That was then...













this is now!






Charlotte is Attie's "Gao 'an Sister." They are the same age and from the same Social Welfare Inst. in China. Charlotte's parents, James & Carol, were our travel-mates in China and we experienced our adoptions side by side. They live in Los Angeles and came up this weekend to celebrate the adoption anniversary with us. The girls had so much fun running, screaming, playing games, snacking, and just being three-year-olds together. We have a special bond and are so happy that we live close enough to see each other on a fairly regular basis. It was a great time and we look forward to the next visit!

You've Come a Long Way, Baby!

Today is the 3rd Anniversary of Atticus' Adoption!

Every day has been a tremendous joy for Terry and me. Attie came into our lives with a remarkable willingness to accept our hugs and kisses. She was very disciplined and eager to learn new things. Her curiosity has only gotten stronger over the years and we are so proud that she is thirsty to learn and enthusiastic about life.

Thank you, Attie, for giving us the greatest joy of our lives, YOU!

It has not been easy to get to the point of acknowledging that I have not known Attie her whole life. I am grateful that Attie's birthparents loved her first; and that her caregivers taught her to be loved.

And finally, thank you, thank you, thank you to family and friends who endured the wait with us, participated in the process, and instantaneously loved Atticus. She is so lucky, we are so lucky, to have such loving friends and families.

Special Day for Good Friends

CONGRATULATIONS!

Paul & Pam, are becoming parents through adoption today!!!

For those of you who attended our wedding, you will remember that Paul was Terry's best man (and Pam was his best woman:)

Little Paul Luis was born less than a month ago in Louisiana and although I am not posting his picture for privacy, I have seen it and he is sooooo handsome!

Instead I put up this picture of Paul and Pam with Attie, taken two years ago.

Welcome to the wonderful world of parenthood. We couldn't be more thrilled for the three of you!

Artistic Atticus

Attie wanted to get out some creative energy today.

Or maybe she just likes to actually have permission to get all ooey-gooey.

Fun on a school night

Here's Attie and her best friend, Ayumi.

Attie is half hula girl.









Ayumi is a ballerina butterfly.

Happy Birthday, Levi

Our Super-Tiny-Lover is 10 !!!!!

Here he is today with his birthday presents:

A new bed and stuffed animal.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY LEVI !!!!!