What Rhymes with Annie?

Annie Kate's language development is progressing well.(says her clearly bias mother) Is she on par with her 4 year old peers? No, but we are working hard and practice everyday. Annie Kate can repeat anything she hears so we are very careful as to what she is exposed to.

At the her first hockey game Saturday, Hockey For Hope, she would appropriately say: "darn it!" when the puck slipped into the goal.

Sometimes she forgets the new word she is attempting to apply. Looking for assistance, she will turn her ear towards me, requesting the answer be whispered into her little ear. She then proudly pronounces the word, thought or phrase as an original independent accomplishment.

The other day I introduced her to words that rhyme. She found these sounds to be the funniest thing she has ever heard. We may need to find a different way to teach this skill. She doesn't seem to be taking this lesson very serious!

Peaceful!

When falling asleep Annie Kate still comforts herself by laying face down in her little bed while banging her head onto her pillow. All the expects ( and even the Internet) claim this is harmless. Due to my bionic hearing I can hear her rhythmic motion from the adjacent room. It breaks my heart to think she developed this habit as a way to put herself to sleep alone in the orphanage.

Last night I heard the familiar head banging coming from her room. As I knelt down next to her bed and stroked her black velvet hair she turned towards me as I whispered: " Mommy is right here." With eyes half closed she looked up at me as the sweetest smile I have ever seen grew across her face. Her eyes closed and she drifted off to sleep the smile lingering on her precious face. The expression of peace on her face brought tears to my eyes. I could have stayed there watching her all night.

March Madness!

The recent beautiful weather allows Annie Kate spend lots of time outdoors, which she loves. We may be bias but she seems to have a fair amount of athletic abilitiy and loves any sport. "bake it ball" is top on her list.

Annie was getting in some hoop time with daddy to gear up for the "cuse" game.

Fearless is an understatement! As she hangs on the rim or scales an 8 foot climbing wall at the park it seems no one has told her most people require two hands to accomplish these feats.

We have no plans to inform her... she wouldn't believe us anyway.

All by my "cell phone"!

The days are just flying by. Annie Kate continues to thrive. I keep waiting and wondering when the supposedly "honeymoon phase" will end because this has been complete joy.

Her comfort and feelings of security are evident. She no longer needs us to stay in her room until she falls asleep. Is comfortable with family members leaving and returning. (including Mom)

She clearly understands cause and effect. One day when she was so tired she fell asleep for a nap without any "fuss" we praised her when she woke saying "good job." She also received a Hersey Kiss ( thank you Aunt Nancy for the huge jar located in Mama's office) Now she praises herself saying for any perceived accomplishment saying: "good job...chalk let for Mee? K? Just one!"

Her language development is unbelievable and she repeats any and everything she hears such as: "Is great idea!" as she discovers her unactivated, taped together cell phone fits in the cup holder of her car seat.

She is growing more and more independent. The best is when she proudly proclaims:

" I did it! I did it all by my cell phone!"

Timmy, laughing into his shirt sleeve, will say, make her say it again.

So I will ask her, "Did anyone help you?"

Excitedly she proclaims with palms flipped upward: "No, all by my cell phone!"

Sticky ribs!

When you are 3 years old everything is a new adventure. Did you know that after you eat ribs with your fingers .... your fingers will stick together! It is just fascinating!

To ignore or to intervene?

Wednesday morning we were heading off to meet Meaghan and see Timmy in Fl. for 5 days. Since Christmas one of Annie's favorite pass times is to push her mini shopping cart all around the house collecting anything that isn't nailed down and throwing it in her cart. She repeats this with purses she drags, usually, from my closet.

Annie Kate had her panda back pack all set to go to Fl. As Tim handed it to her she pretended the straps were too big, dropped it on the floor and started crying: " No work, It no work!" She then proceeded to go to my closet to retrieve the red, Paten Leather Coach purse she had been "borrowing" lately. Dora the Explorer, sunglasses and a "juicy box" were hastily thrown in the purse and we were off to the airport.

When we arrived at the FL rental car I was struggling to secure Annie's car seat in the van.

Annie climbed into the front seat and appeared as if she might attempt to drive the car away herself,

so the very nice Hertz man asked her if she wanted to see all the airplanes. As I was buckling and tugging on the car seat I heard him say: " You need to hold my hand, you must have a hand in that sweater somewhere!"

In that split second my mind was trying to figure out do I tell him, actually she doesn't have that hand or do I just keep quiet? With the car seat now in place the man returned to try and place a non compliant Annie in the seat. To distract her, he asks," what is your name?" For the first time she replies: "Annie" instead of Xin Tian The man then asks her how many planes did we see? They start counting together but he is showing her how to count to ten in sign language...which only requires one hand...and she followed his lead.

The Little Engine

Annie's vocabulary, understanding and expressions are expanding with leaps and bounds. Today while at breakfast on our way to the Molly's dance competition in Scranton she reprimanded me with the same words used to correct her behavior. The Myers ( ok Kim only) family tradition of blowing the paper off a restaurant straw, regardless of direction, was... misplaced today. In fact, it hit Annie square on her left cheek. With finger pointing she announced: "donut do dat a-gan, No in da face...peas... you be nice-a!" (over and over again)

Lately I have noticed her seemingly being frustrated if she cannot accomplish a task usually requiring two hands like buttons, zippers or carrying 8 or 9 books at a time. With her increased verbalization she started saying in the saddest little voice: "I can no do it!" In an attempt to encourage and refusing to allow her to limit herself I told her once: "how about we say, I can try it." This is usually followed by her rendition of The Little Engine That Could chant: "I fink I can, I fink I can, I fink I can!"

As her mother, I know she can!

New Friends!

Lots of fun today! Lunch with my new friend Kaden & our dear friend Candice! Then to the new Lego play place where Kaden and Annie continued to act as if neither was in the same room. Annie loved the nude Barbie dolls Kaden brought along to play with. She was most pleased that one of the Barbie dolls at least had on blue earrings!

First Day of Skewel!

 Annie Kate is clearly very bright, confident and full of personality! After only 10 weeks in this country she was admitted, to top rated Binghamton University!

Today was her first day of "skewel."

As we tried to prepare Annie for the start of her school career she was a bit confused.  Initially she thought "going to school" meant on her daily, early morning rides she was finally going to be able to get out of the car and march into  Vestal High School with Molly. Once we explained she accepted that she had her own school. Next was the idea that Mama would not be staying.  No" was followed by, "Ok, Annie said: " mama be white back."

Before leaving we took the traditional Myers family first day of school photo by the light post in the yard.

We arrived at BU preschool 8:50 AM. Annie Kate ran into the classroom practically trampling over classmates and parents in her path.  Her teacher greeted her with a warm smile and showed her the cubbie to keep her belongings in. As she took off her panda hat to reveal her panda hair tie and her panda dress while putting away her panda backpack and stuffed panda bear, her teacher commented : "Oh my, it all matches!" She obviously has no idea who she is dealing with.

Was Annie comfortable in her new class? ... Mama was back home by 9:07AM...alone and wondering what I was supposed to do until pick up at 1:00PM.

Baba wasn't much better. At 12:15 the car was running in the driveway ready to head out to scoop her up.

 Upon entering the classroom (early) at dismissal time our first clue that she was not only ready for school but eager was when we told her it was time to go she said" "no" and ran to the play kitchen area.

Finally she bounced out the door proclaiming she would be back "a mar row" which is really Thursday!

Trip to FL...Go High!

  Every new experience seems to be pure joy for our Annie Kate!

Last week was her first trip to sunny Florida and the beach! In preparation for the trip we tried on sun dresses, swim suits and shorts! Each outfit was received by, first "my can do it" (dressing herself) then "so pity" while twirling around in circles.

Every morning  mounted on the back of Mom's bike, it was off to bagels with helmet, sunglasses and new flip flops.

The first trip to the beach was priceless. Before the ocean was even in sight Annie Kate was offended by the sand touching her toes. Raised on her tip toes she exclaimed : "dirty! " When she actually got to the beach and tried to walk in the soft, dry sand she looked as if she was 85 years old. Clutching her bag, head down, hunched over each tiny step looked as if she was walking on a tight rope with frightening perils on either side. 

The small waves rolling in were totally perplexing to her. First the water is here then it's gone but here it comes again!

As with each new adventure Annie adjusts in record time. Within 10 minutes she was in the water with big brother Timmy and making birthday cakes for mommy out of sand requiring a chorus of "hoppy bird day to ewe ,Mama" with each presentation.

Annie Kate would have stayed at the beach all day. Lesson learned: bring an extra bathing suit. When her bottom is full of sand....off comes the suit, refusing to put on the "dirty" outfit.

Back at the pool her favorite activity was to have Baba throw her into the air and catch her as she splashes back into the water. While wiping the water out of her eyes she yells: "Go high!" 

Leaving the pool even for the occasional "she she" 
(bathroom) was torture for Annie Kate. So when nature called and Mama wasn't present, this 3 year old convinced Baba that peeing along side the bushes next to the pool was acceptable behavior implying this wasn't the first time and Mama was on board with this. Not!

GMA's shovel and the Tiny Dancer!

 Finally a snow fall worthy of a family effort to shovel the driveway. Most people do not realize snow shovels can come in sizes other than adult or colorful plastic child size.  We are fortunate to have inherited my beloved mom's, (aka GMA, Grandma Mary Ann) snow shovel that could have been considered by Goldilocks as not too big, not too small but just right! The solid wood handle and perfectly curved metal blade makes this petite instrument effective and manageable when loaded with heavy snow. I am sure GMA is smiling and pleased at how skillfully Annie Kate can help clear the driveway with this unique 40 year old shovel. She considers this to be her shovel refusing any type of "toy" looking option.  We just need to help her understand that turning her shovel up side down and dragging the snow from the lawn onto the driveway is a bit counter productive to our common goal.

Annie Kate loves playing in Molly's room every chance she gets. Two older sisters with a combined 25+ years of ballet lessons have a fair amount of influence over Annie Kate's future dance skills. Today she refused to wear ballet shoes that were too big even though they stayed on just fine. Her turns were just not "clean " enough. It was only a matter of searching to find, among the dozens of out grown dance shoes, before we found an acceptable style and size.

 The "Tiny Dance" in her purple tutu had a ball attempting to perfect her maneuvers! Dizzy dance may be more accurate!

Home 2 months today!

What an incredible and fast two months it has been since we touched down with Annie Kate. Somehow it feels as if she has always been here with us.

To mark the occasion we thought a trip to the park, one of Annie's favorite things to do, ( despite the 30 degree weather) would be fun.

First we needed to run a few errands. The post office was not crowded, Annie only tried swinging on the blue straps that divide the lines twice,( tipping the posts over once) removing all the priority mail labels from their slots and made friends with a women in line by reciting her famous: " hello, how are you?" In short the USP was uneventful...not so at Lowes Home Improvement Store.

 The display of toilets was just what Annie's weary legs needed. $145. seemed like a fair price but to be sure one should certainly try it out. Luckily she did only use it as a resting spot and didn't not use it literally.

At the park Annie ran from one piece of equipment to another.  The slides, the swings, the climbing bars...oh what shall I try first?I could not help but feel overwhelmed at seeing this little girl playing so happily without a care in the world!

When we look back to Dec 8th, she hardly seems like the same child. What a miracle to see that scared somber face of 60 days ago transformed to  the ear to ear smile and giggles that fill our lives each day.

Yesterday she went with me to have my nails done. The owners spoke Chinese, were incredibly kind and tried desperately to engage her in conversation. Annie, once again, acted as if she had never heard the language before. Yet if I spoke to her she responded including running to pick out a pink bottle of nail polish for herself. By the end of our visit she was allowing the people to shower her with candy and give her rides on the rolling chairs but refused to react or reply to her native language. I wish I knew why.

Regardless...what a complete joy!

Thank you God for bringing her to us.

I ride my bicycle...Janis Joplin a.k.a. Annie Kate

"I ride my bike I roller skate don't drive no car

Don't go very fast but I go...pretty...far

For somebody who don't drive,  I been all around the world

Some people say I done all right for a girl"... Janis Joplin

Today was unusually warm and sunny for a January day in the northeast.

Annie and Tim ( Baba) decided to take the pink Cadillac of bicycles out for a spin. (Tim's oops, Santa's Christmas present to Annie)

As they were cruising down Southwood Dr. Annie's, plastic hard wired to the handle bars, (not real) cell phone started to ring.

An abrupt stop was made by tiny Nike sneakers scraping on the blacktop in order to answer it.

 She announced it was Timmy and proceeded to have, what appeared to be, a conversation...all in Chinese. As I tried to interject, Annie raised her finger to her lips and shushed her mother saying, with the phone cocked to one side, "just one minute!"

This bicycle does not have a Lance Armstrong celebrity endorsement nor a famous label such as Schwinn but this is no ordinary 3 year old trike either!

 Oh no! This bike has a seat belt, cup holder, cell phone, removable seat cushion, luggage compartment & canopy to shield its driver from the sun.

It also has the option to lock the peddles, extend the handle located behind the seat, to allow "Baba" to become the power source just in case Annie becomes tired or bored with that pesky peddling thing.

So far she shows no signs of any willingness to give up that control. 

"Baba" and Annie have made many laps up and down the street and all around the "hood."

New  phrases: ( with palms turned upward) "I don't know!" and "oh boy!"( then clasps hand over her mouth in excitement)

This just keeps getting better!

"Icey keem & Touchie down"

When, now 24 year old, Teddy was about 9 months old, his worried mother took him to the pediatrician fearing he was not on track for developmental milestones like crawling, pulling himself up on furniture etc. Dr. Nirgudkar patiently listened to my anxiety as he also observed older siblings, Timmy & Meaghan, handing and bringing Teddy any and all items he didn't even know he wanted. Kindly he smiled and said: " Keep those two away from him and he will be just fine... and he is.

 

I thought of this parenting 101 lesson yesterday as I have observed Annie becoming a champion communicator through physical jesters and charades. It occurred to me that  we should encourage her to say words for her wants as opposed to pointing and acting out her desires. For example, after dinner each night Annie will point to the freezer. We dutifully ask, "do you want some ice cream?" Her head nods like the bobble head dog I remember from my childhood in the back window of my grandparent's car.

All day today we told her, "us your words, say what you want." 

Clearly she is a fast learner because after dinner tonight announces: "All done...icey keem peas!" This was immediately followed by a score by the NY Giant football team on TV.

Annie threw her arms into the air and yelled "Touchie down!"  When I asked her to repeat it so I could capture  all this cuteness on film she was lightly confused and yelled "Amen." Then again maybe she knew exactly what she was saying!

ANNIE AND MOLLY THE DANCE...FEATURING BUCK!

Syracuse University and The Boss!

The good news is when you are 3 years old and one of your brothers, who attend Syracuse University, forgets his coat, drum sticks and pillows your mom drives to Syr to drop the items off to him at his dormitory.  Who knew that waiting in a dorm parking lot could be so much fun! To start with, while the car is parked, your mom lets you out of your car seat and you get to sit in the front seat as big brother, Daniel, makes several trips to and from his room hauling stuff in and out.  In that front seat you have full access to all kinds of cool things, like the button that magically makes the windows go up and down ...repeatedly. Who cares about the outside temperature or snow swirling around. There is also a round silver knob on the dash that allows you to crank the music up really loudly. You and your mom can "rock out" to Bruce Springsteen's soon to be released single, " We Take Care of Our Own." Certainly the many Syr. U. students looking at us as they passed by thought we were totally cool!

As if that alone wasn't worth the trip, you also get to experience your first ride on a real live Carousel at the mall! One of those green pieces of paper from mom's purse, can be traded in for a wooden coin to be deposited in the little slot. The gate will open and your off on a dead run to pick any colorful horse you want to ride up and down as the music plays. What a deal!

The bad news is after setting a new record for the most consecutive rides on the Carousel your mom, dizzy from the adventure, draws stares from the crowd as if she is a child abductor when she is forced to chase a screaming child in circles in order to catch her and wrestle her into the stroller.

It was so exciting that sleeping in the car on the way up or back would have been a waste of time. What a great day!

My Sister Rocks Out To New Bruce Song!

Giants Win! High Five!

It has now become impossible to keep up with all the progress, changes, funny as well as endearing experiences with Annie Kate!

She learns and retains so much each day, each hour, that remembering it all is as big  a challenge as writing it down.

Today was football play off Sunday, in particular the NY Giants (home town favorites) against the Green Bay Packers. It was an exciting game to say the least.

With us all gathered around the living room TV Annie very quickly learned to raise her arms straight up in the air while yelling: "yes! yes! yes!" at the top of her lungs. This was followed by running from person to person screaming "high five!" as she slapped hands with everyone. If someone had left the room she had to seek them out. She pointed speaking rapidly in Chinese just in case they had missed the big play! She ate chili and chicken wings as well as a few chips.

A few days ago as we were about to go to bed. I looked up the stairs to find the lights had been, once again, left on in several rooms. Exasperated I threw my arms up in frustration saying: "Oh my goodness", as I climbed the stairs to turn off all the lights.  The new "mini me" followed behind as we went from room to room. Annie raised her arms, then slapped them against her thighs as she exclaimed with perfect inflection: "OOh... my good..ness!" with each room and light she extinguished.

Our bedtime routine is progressing. She still prefers me to stay in her room until she falls asleep. Yesterday as we started our bedtime ritual she pointed to the chair in her room I sit in, turned her palms up and cocked her head to one side in a questioning manner. She then wiggled her fingers like she was playing the piano, flipped her hands back over and said "All gone?" I immediately understood she was asking why I had not brought my laptop in, as I usually do, to work on while waiting for her to fall asleep. When I retrieved it in the other room she said: "OK." 

Earlier this week Teddy and Meaghan came home after not seeing Annie for several weeks. The fear that she would be confused or not remember them was far from the case. She immediately dragged them upstairs to play. Later in the week she would even go on an outing voluntarily with Meaghan...without Mama. In fact, she started to protest when she thought I was coming along. I had to go to the famous kitchen window and wave to her as she pulled out of the drive with her big sister.

Wednesday was Annie's first dentist appt. When we arrived she was not sure she was going to stay but once she realized repeatedly riding the elevator up and down was an option she was willing to give it a try. The old fashion real red dial telephone in the children's waiting area was fascinating to her. She "called" several people and had very loud conversations with them in Chinese. Certainly a phone this old would require yelling if anyone on the other end was to hear.

We were brought into an exam room.  Annie reluctantly climbed into the chair. Somehow she knew that if she pressed the little button next to the plastic blue cup the water would come on and refill the cup. She repeated the drinking/refilling process to the point one would have thought she must have arrived dehydrated. After taking her first sip she also somehow knew the round shaped object next to the water was for her to spit into. As the hygienist explained the tools and what she was going to do Annie seemed to understand by nodding and replying: 'OK."  While waiting for Dr. Farrell after her teeth were cleaned, polished and counted Annie was amused by all the gifts she received like the rubber glove, mask,(which she had to wear) tooth paste, floss and coins to be used in the prize machine. She enjoyed a self guided tour of each room and was in no hurry to leave as if to say:"this place is great and we get to come back every 6 months!!!"

So many firsts!

We have had a big week around here.

Against all families objection Annie had her first hair cut with Aunt Debbie. All now equally agree Aunt Debbie continues to be a magician beautician.

We arrived 10 minutes late due to a hot chocolate wipe out all over the Aunt Nancy brand new green panda bear dress and tights...costume change!

Annie was not so sure about the big chair, the black cape or spray bottle of water to wet her hair. She definitely objected to the buzzing trimmer that Nick was using on the man one chair over. She repeatedly turned waved her head and hand indicating "no way"

The hair cut took all of maybe 10 minutes and she looked( if possible) even more adorable.

Another attempt at Sam's club, avoiding the tomato paste isle, went well. As Annie handed the cashier my Sam's club card as the women said hello.

Annie of course replied precociously, "Hello, how are you?" little did the women know the same reply follows, "Goodbye"... "How are you?"

Upon arriving home Annie loves to help carry the items into the house. She was quickly traveling through the kitchen carrying a  64oz bottle of pantene color safe shampoo. Tim asked her what do you have there? She intentionally dropped the bottle, raised her hands to her head, tossing her hair back and forth.

Tim said: " oh shampoo! Got it." she picked it up and headed to the bathroom...where she dropped it in the middle of the floor. Thank goodness for plastic.

Each night we all do the "It's Annie's tubby time" song and march to her bath. Tim then baths her. Tonight I was doing tubby time. I told Annie let me just change my clothes. Two minutes later when I returns she was stripped, in the tub and the water was running. She clearly could have done it all independent. She would not let me shampoo her hair. She had to do it herself. When I went to rinse it she wanted the sprayer used but laughed out loud as she squirmed, ducked and twisted away from it as if she was losing in a came of dodge ball. before getting out of the tub she folds the wash cloth and stacks all the tub toys in the corner. Is it really possible that number 6 is a neat child?

We have figured out a better bedtime routine. I have needed to lay with Annie until she fell asleep...each nap and night. ( no wonder i am able to  tell people I am not tired... two naps a day will do that for you.) Over the past month she has built up quite a restistancy to falling asleep. The process was approaching two hours. I knew this wasn't working when she ( after 1 hour of laying in the dark with her) turned to me and softly said: "Mama, Mama, how are you?"

when I tried to explain ... again that she needed to go to sleep she said over and over; " OK!" "ooookay!" "yep, OK"

New plan: Mama will sit in the chair. "OOOKAY!" It worked, she fell asleep a lot sooner and I caught up on my e-mails.

Trip to Barnes & Nobel... We walked in and she was like a kid in a candy spot. Hand puppets looking a bit real had her hiding under a table. The duplo display area free to touch, build and play with was a dream come true!

Every day is a new experience. This never gets boring.

Annie-The Review-5 Stars!

Vestal, NY January 5th 2012

Annie Kate made her US debut just less than a month ago and the results are staggering!  Not since John, Paul, George, Ringo and Molly has there been an arrival of this magnitude! "Annie Mania" has infected the nation!

Initial reports of Annie's cuteness flew across the ocean and created quiet a stir in the states.  Yet Facebook, Skype, Verizon, AOL and G-Mail could not accurately describe the adorable phenomenon that is Annie Kate!

Since Her arrival in the US Annie has released three hit singles that instantly rose to the top of the charts!

1. "SHE SHE"- This Dance Number has everyone dancing around like they have to go the bathroom! Which is funny because "SHE SHE" Literally means Potty!

2. "HOW ARE YOU" This power ballad asks a deep and meaning full question of its listener, it asks, no really, how are you?

3. "JINGLE MA" An instant Holiday classic is backed by her full band of brothers and sisters and has become an Internet video sensation. "jingle MA" in English means, "Jingle My Mother"

The future for this rising star is bright and full of joy!  Annie's Management Firm Myers-Myers-Myers-Myers-Myers-Myers and Myers have got her back and and look forward to many many more hit singles and adorable performances.  So it is my honor to officially Give Annie Kate 5 stars!