Firsts

The last few weeks have been filled with "firsts" for Laura. We will start with December 1st -- the 1st anniversary of the day that Laura joined our family. It has been an amazing year watching Laura grow and learn. We have treasured every minute and to celebrate this special day for our family, we had our 1st Adoption Day Celebration. I cooked some traditional Colombian food and we had some friends and family over to celebrate with us. Laura received her first Colombian gift (a maraca type instrument) that we bought for her while we were in Bogota to mark this special occasion.

Laura was thrilled to be having her picture taken!!

Again -- Laura wasn't exactly cooperating during the photo session:)

The next "first" was just a few days later when Laura started her 1st day of preschool! We were in need of a Friday morning sitter and it turns out a church very close to Shawn's office offers preschool for 18-24 month olds on Friday mornings. She has been twice and cries a little when we drop her off but (according to the teachers) has a great time playing the rest of the morning.

Getting ready to go -- she loves to wear her backpack around the house!

Mommy and Laura sitting on the curb outside her new "school".

Attending Grand Illumination was Laura's next "first". This is a Richmond tradition where all the Christmas lights are lit on the same night. We didn't actually make it in time to see the big event happen, but we did try to get some pictures with the Christmas-light deer. Laura had a nice time watching all the people, but got a little cranky and cold by the time we got back to the car.

Christmas Tea at the Jefferson wrapped up our two weeks of "firsts". My mom, Laura, and I all dressed up to have high tea at a beautiful old hotel here in town. Laura was the Belle of the Ball in her Christmas dress, red coat with black fur lining, and red hat -- and she knew it, too!! She "oohhed" and "aahhed" at all the Christmas decorations and was very well behaved during tea. She tried all the scones, pastries, and sandwiches, but decided she liked the blueberries they brought out for her the best! When I told her it was time to go home she ran away from me and then cried. She knows a good place to stay when she sees one!

The three of us at tea

Laura and Nana sitting on the alligator. The hotel used to have alligators living in their fountain, but fortunately this is the only one left on the premises!!