Somewhere over the rainbow . . . .

I had to add the rainbow picture in here because it was so beautiful. We were are the Davie's for their Taiwan beauty's second birthday party and this was part of the party. :)

Anyway, we can't believe that it has been 2 weeks since we got our little cutie-pie. Nicolas is such a blessing to our family and one of these days he will understand everything we say to him and us to him. In 2 weeks he has learned alot of English, become accustomed to American food and understands alot of what we are saying. He fits in so well and Natalie and him play very well together. You know when they are getting tired because then they start bickering, sometimes it is cute.

Nicolas amazes us each day with something new in English. The other day he said "Mama, I'm hungry", I was blown away and about to give him anything he wanted to eat. His favorite thing to eat is peanut butter sandwiches that daddy makes into dinosaurs and bananas. Oh, don't forget the shrimp. Him and Natalie don't just eat the shrimp the inhale it. It is a fight between Nicolas, Natalie, Scooter and Oscar. Joe and I have to wait for left overs, if there are any. Also, Joe was teasing Nicolas the other day and he said "Stop it, Papa". It is so funny when he says things because we just stop and look at each other and laugh. He knows if he does something good we always say "good job". So, now he says it for himself. Nicolas loves to play in the yoyo and to play with other kids. I think alot of what has helped him get acclimated is that there are so many kids in the neighborhood for him to play with, and, of course, all the older girls adore him. We took Nicolas for his first ice cream cone the other day and he liked it alot, but wasn't sure how to handle it. Both him and Natalie had to get bowls before the licking was over.

These past 2 weeks have been trying, at times, but also such a blessing. It has been so much fun to share alot of these fun times with friends and family and we can't wait for more. :)

First full weekend home

This was our first full weekend at home and it was full of things to do. Friday we went to HGVC where everyone, where I work, got to meet our son. What an impression he made. He had allot of fun playing with Norma, or did Norma have allot of fun playing with Nicolas. :) Then Friday night Auntie Gail got to meet Nicolas for the first time as she introduced him to different types of wings from Flyers. Then the Souzas, from across the street came over and while the adults hung outside the kids played inside. Nicolas really enjoyed all that interaction with the kids.

Saturday we had the community BBQ which was nice. The kids had so much fun playing with all the other kids it was tough to pull them out of the pool 3 hrs later. By that time Joe and I were french fries even with lotion because the sun was that strong. Then the Souzas made dinner for us and it was all very yummy! Again, we got to have adult hangout while the kids got to play until they started dropping one by one.

Then today, Sunday, the weather was kinda good, kinda bad. It was mostly rainy so we weren't going to go in the yo-yo (pool) today and we had a birthday party at 4pm, so what's the next best thing to do . . . .. bake brownies. Not sure if this was Nicolas' first time, but as you can see from the pictures the two little chefs enjoyed this immensely. We even let them throw in some mini m&m's. Of course Nicolas wanted to be stingy with the m&m's because he just likes to "throw 'em down. :) Also, Uncle Ronnie stopped by to meet his new nephew. He played with him with the toys he brought before he had to go. Natalie and Nicolas both had a blast at Morgan's 2nd birthday party because there were so many kids and it was raining but it didn't stop them from playing outside. Good thing they had their swim suits because they were ready to go with the rest of the kids. Now, it is time to get the little ones to bed, it has been a long, but busy, but fun weekend for Natalie and Nicolas, and even mom & dad.

July 23rd - Nicolas' First Dr. Visit

Today, Nicolas went to see Dr. Yarckin for the first time to get his first American checkup. According to the Dr. he did very well. He weighs in at 35lbs (6 lbs heavier than Natalie) and is 40 3/4 in tall. I think they said Natalie is almost 40 in tall, so they are close for being 10 months apart in age. We have been asked, many times, since we have been home if they are twins. Obviously not, for those of you who know us, but they look pretty similar. Nicolas did awesome during his first visit with the Dr. all the way up to the time he had to have 3 shots. But you know the best medicine for 3 shots is 2 lollipops. As soon as the nurse gave him the shots she gave him a lollipop and the tears went away. It is so funny because he loves being with Papa (daddy), but as soon as he gets a boo-boo it is "mama, mama . . . ". You can't but love this kid. He is funny and silly and boy does he play his mama and papa. As you can see from some of the pictures, what do you do while waiting for the Dr . . . .. . blow up the rubber gloves and let them go . . . . . :)

July 20th

I know I am out of sync, but as I get time to blog I am just going to post to get some of these pictures out. On Monday, July 20th (Happy Birthday, Richard!) we went to the Club House to hang out and wait to purchase tickets to the community BBQ on Saturday. While hanging out, alot of our neighbors from our street came out to hang too. So, we pulled up some chairs by the pool and let the kids play until 830pm. We would have stayed longer but the bugs were coming out in full force. Nicolas had a blast hanging in the pool and playing with the kids. He played so well and tried pizza for the first time and loved it. Thanks Liz & Bam. Our friends, Liz and Bam were having a party for their son during the same time everyone was there, so they provided everyone with pizza.

July 22nd - A Visit with the DiMatteo's

Our friends Jen, Tyra and Judy came to visit us on Wednesday. Jen and Judy went with us to China and Jen picked up the beautiful Tyra. It was so much fun to see them and hang out with them because it has been awhile. The girls loved being together and Nicolas loved meeting Tyra. :)

Thanks Jen & Judy for all the goodies, the kids are loving them!!

We Made it!!

After 25 hrs of traveling we made it home safe and sound on Saturday at 945pm. The flight over is long too, but not as bad because you are on a mission. :) On the way back you just want to get home.

Nana & Papa, Uncle Kenny and Aunt Jen were there to greet us. Nana brought balloons and was a hit with Nicolas. He loves balloons. They also brought rice, yum! yum! and presents for Natalie and Nicolas, which they loved, Thank you very much!!

When Nicolas got to the house he was overwhelmed, just a little. He told a Chinese lady in Tokyo that he was going to live in a castle. We really don't live in a castle but I guess, to him, compared to his foster home he thinks it is a castle. The kids played until 130am and we all went to bed, trying to get back on this time clock. Natalie woke up at noon and we had to wake Nicolas up at 1230pm.

His first day home was fun, but not long. After lunch we played in the pool for most of the afternoon. Once they were ready to watch a movie, Nicolas passed out in the chair and he is now in bed.

I am going to share pictures in this post of some of our flying yesterday and playing in the pool today. After I organize the pictures I will go backwards and post more from Taiwan.

Poche Family Pictures

Hello family and friends !!

We are all adjusting well with our new addition. Natalie is so excited to have Nicolas as her brother and Robin and I are excited to have Nicolas as our son!

He is a ball of energy but when he sleeps he sleeps like a rock ! Today we had to wake Nicolas up after he slept for over twelve hours !! I cannot remember the last time I slept past eight hours never mind twelve, oh well we hope he sleeps this long on the way back home.

Hello to all of the Universal team that may be following this journey.

Enjoy the pics !