Bruh? Whatcha doin?

March, March, March, March...

Never fails! We go to my parents' house and within 5 minutes Kieren finds the colander (in the kitchen cabinet), plops it on her head, and marches through the house! Too funny!

Giggles!

I'm testing a new video hosting site. They seem pretty easy to use and they are FREE! Here is a video from February 18th. Turn up your volume (after checking for the boss first!)!

Giggles!
Video sent by drewnsam

This is the sound of Cullen making his sister giggle! He was pretending to hiccup. Kieren thougt it was great! We had been home less than two months. The room was too dark to be visible on the video, but the sound says it all!

Don't Wipe My Face, Mom!!!

A Sleepless Reality

I know I haven't blogged much lately about this, but I will tonight. About a week after we brought Kieren home from China, she had her first night terror. It was 2 hours of pure hell. I had read up on night terrors before we left, but Andy never did. Boy did he freak out!!!! For those of you who don't know what one of these are like, just imagine the worst nightmare you've ever experienced and you can't wake up from it. Yep, now multiply that by 10. Okay. You now understand a little of what Kieren feels, but remember you are the parent watching your baby suffer through this night after night. Luckily, Kieren doesn't seem to remember anything once I wake her. She goes back to sleep and if we are lucky, she won't have another that night. We're not always lucky. Her record was four in one night!

For a while, things did improve and Kieren only had night terrors 3 or 4 times a week. Once, she only had 1 in a week. Now THAT was weird!!! NTs usually strike in the first half of the night/sleep cycle. Kieren would usually have one within the first hour of going to sleep. Heather and my Mom got to the point of knowing not to call between 9:30 and 11:00. When one would strike, I would get Kieren, take her into a cool bright room and wake her. Sounds easier than it really is. OMG!! We had to be really mean sometimes! But we dealt with it (and still do). So we are as used to the NTs as you can get. I finally, after much research, discovered a couple of triggers. Kieren CANNOT sleep in footie jammies or polar fleece because she overheats. If she misses a nap and has a very tiring day, we're in for it. Other than that, they happen because they happen.

Over time, the night terrors changed. The scream/cry even changed. They used to make chills run down your spine!!! It sounded like someone was torturing my baby! Now they are heartwrenching sobs. It just breaks your heart to hear her. She sounds like she remembers her old life or her birthmother and desperately grieves. I really prefer the screams!

Well, about a month ago, the nightmares started. Yeah, God's a comedian! The differences between a nightmare and a night terror: NT- hit in early part of sleep cycle; NM- hit in later part of sleep cycle (meaning you are dead asleep!); NT- child stays asleep and you have to wake them to interrupt the cyle; NM- child wakes because of nightmare; NT- child goes right back to sleep; NM- guess who's now wide awake; NT- child doesn't remember anything; NM- your child is now totally freaked and won't let go of your neck!!!! Given the choice between the two, I would go with the night terror, but life doesn't work that way.

For the last three nights, Kieren has been having awful nightmares. They hit about 2 or 3 in the morning and she is so upset that we are up for another 2 or 3 hours. This is when I wish she could talk. This is the only time I ever say that because I wished for Cullen to talk and he has never stopped!!! I want to know what is scaring her! I want to tell her I will fix it! I want to kiss it and make it all better. It is so frustrating!!!!! But this is reality. I'm a mom. I love my children no matter what. Life doesn't make promises. There is no such thing as perfect. We dealt with Cullen's eating issues (and still do) and we will deal with Kieren's sleep issues. It is my reality. If that means its a sleepless reality, so be it!

Note: Night terrors are not just for adopted children! They can hit any child and stick around for a quick visit or for years. I don't want anyone waiting for their child to read this and freak out! I believe its best to be prepared for anything God and life may throw at you. Now repeat after me: NOT EVERY CHILD HAS NIGHT TERRORS. NOT EVERY ADOPTED CHILD WILL HAVE NIGHT TERRORS.

Cute As A Bug!!!

Kieren loved the toadstools at Boonshoft! She was so cute in her bug outfit!!! My little ladybug!

Let's Play!

This past Monday, Kieren and I met Jan and Helen at Boonshoft Museum of Discovery again. We love this place!! It appeals to kids of all ages. This is a picture of the four of us in the bodies in motion area.

At first the girls didn't really like this area, but then Kieren started dancing! I think she liked it more than Helen. My little dance queen!

We thought this one was so cool!!! The girls in their strollers!

We really like the Mead Treehouse area. It's usually quiet and it's a great place to just sit, have a snack and talk. Here Helen was mugging up to the camera while Kieren was studying the bird books. Jan was lost in deep thoughts!

I love this photo of Helen!!! We were playing Peek-a-boo around the stroller.

Yes, the girls LOVE this staircase in the Treehouse. Kieren makes a beeline for it everytime!

Aren't they cute?! Kieren is on the left and Helen is on the right.

This is That Kids Place area. It is for the younger crowd.

My little perfectionist! Kieren will repeat a task until it is perfected. Here she is working on climbing the stairs. She practices this one at my parents' house too.

Going down is getting easier! Kieren-the-fearless loves to do this! Helen is usually game if Kieren does it.

Helen liked walking over the rolling ground in the garden of That Kids Place.

Kieren had fun looking in the windows of the log cabin. The girls weren't in the mood to play house, but they did look inside a couple of times.

Scaling the wall! Help!!! They're escaping!!!

We had a great time playing with Jan and Helen! I can't wait to go again!!! For those of you wondering where Cullen was, he went to King's Island (big amusement park here in Southern Ohio) with his friend from school Addison and Andy. They spent 12 hours at the park and had a great time too. Kieren and I enjoyed our "no boys" day completely!!!!!

Messy Kids Allowed!

No, I have not totally lost it! When Cullen was little, he loved to help me cook. So today, I decided to let Kieren cook. Cullen got so excited!!! He remembered doing this too! How does a 16 month-old cook? With containers of whole wheat flour, pans, spoons, and her hands!

Kieren wasn't quite sure what to do at first so Cullen helped her.

Then Cullen had to have his own bowl too!!! LOL!!!

Boy did Kieren have fun!!!! She really got into it!

Things got a bit wild at times.

Is this too funny or what?! I can hear my mother shudder from here!!!

Some things never change. Cullen was also making a huge mess!

Would you believe Kieren is wearing a denim skirt under all that flour? And actually there wasn't very much flour on the floor. Kieren had more on her than on the floor. I know you think I'm insane, but I loved watching the pure joy of discovery on Kieren's face. I remember the same look on Cullen's at that age. By the way, this was not a one-time-only game. We will play this any time Mommy needs to do some baking. Cullen is a great cook and loves to help in the kitchen in part to playing with flour and being allowed to make a mess. Kieren will be too!

Come on! They're kids! They're supposed to be messy!!!

World's Sweetest Boy!

This past Sunday morning, Cullen decided he wanted to do everything for Kieren. He got her out of her crib when she woke up. He brought her into the family room and turned on her favorite show. He then went into the kitchen and made her a bottle! Then he insisted on giving her the bottle himself!!! Cullen even wanted to change Kieren's diaper, but I took care of it this time. Yes, Cullen does change diapers!!!! He asks to do it! Cullen will dress Kieren and even do her bath if I ask. He plays with her and watches her while I shower. I told him he didn't need to do all of these things. And in true Cullen fashion, he answered that he loves his sister and wants to do it! He likes it! What an amazing and sweet 9 year-old!!!

**SLURP**

Hey, Aunt Heather!!!! Look what I can do!!!! Sorry, Nanny. You may want to skip this post!

Family Photos From England

My parents just returned from England a week ago. For those who don't know, my Mother is English. I wish we could've gone too, but there is no way in H*** that I am getting back on a plane anytime soon!!! Our trip to China and back was enough for a while, thank-you very much! Something about 5-hour delays, missing connecting flights, and 14 hours of no air conditioning while trying to soothe an ill and very active 9-month-old AND keeping a 9-year-old from driving everyone crazy just makes me drop to the floor in a fetal position and wimper pathetically. Go figure!!! Sorry, I digress. Anyway here are some photos to either entertain you or cure your insomnia.

This is my grandmother, Olive May Plant or just call her Nanny (that's Grand-Nanny to Cullen & Kieren!). She is in her 90s. Kieren is named for her (the "Olivia" part of her name). I love my Nanny and really miss her.

This is the garden at my mom's house. NOT!!!! England has some of the most beautiful public gardens!! That's my dad (standing) with Mother, my Aunt Carol & Uncle Malcolm. I wonder who is taking the picture? Probably my Aunt Jean or Uncle David.

Nanny with her children. Starting on the left (ours, not theirs) is Mother (Margaret), Carol, David (only boy! No wonder he never married!!!), Jean, and Diana.

And here are the tourists!!! Meet my parents: Margaret and Cedric Beegle. I'm glad you (finally) made it home!!!! Can Cullen spend the night??

HIVES!!!!!

These pictures are from last night. Kieren is fine today. She only had one HUGE hive come up at first. We were scared it was a spider bite!!!! Then they started popping up all over and disappearing. So little Miss Kieren had a hefty dose of Benedryl before bedtime! Who knows why she had hives! There was NOTHING new or changed that she was exposed to yesterday!!! Let's hope they NEVER come back!

16 Months Old Today!!!!

Wow! Kieren is 16 months old today. I can't believe how fast my baby has grown. (Andy, you can say "our" baby when you type your own update!) And how do we celebrate being 16 months? With hives!!!! All over her little body!!! Poor Kieren. She started breaking out in hives last night. I hope she feels better in the morning!

Let's talk about Kieren:

1. She doesn't walk, she runs!

2. She has quite a vocabulary, but prefers calling everyone and everything "mom" this week (except for Bruh).

3. Her favorite food is ice.

4. She can climb almost anything!!!

5. She loves to swim!!!

6. She will meow at the cat.

7. She loves to play piano.

8. She enjoys standing on her head.

9. She hates it when I wipe her face!!

10. Squeaky shoes are the only shoes!!!

11. Bath time is her favorite time of day.

12. She is amazingly good at using a fork and spoon.

13. She is also great with an open cup.

14. Her night terrors are tapering off.

15. She now has night mares!

16. She hates it when Cullen shuts off the movie in the car!!!!

17. She is tall and thin.

18. She is beautiful!!!

19. She is sweet and funny!!!

20. She is addicted to Jack's Big Music Show on Noggin.

21. She HAS to watch her music videos every day (or she will share her displeasure with the neighborhood!!).

22. She is Mommy's girl!!!

23. She loves males of all ages.

24. She is scary-smart!!!

25. She is the sunshine in our family's world!!!!

I would love to write a letter to Kieren's China Mommy.

"Dear China Mommy,

I just want to thank you for allowing me the honor of loving your daughter and making her my own. She is so well loved. She is my own. She is my heart. Thank you for leaving her to be found so quickly and safely. Sixteen months ago you had to make what was probably the hardest decision of your life. Please know that I will always honor your memory and your heritage. Our daughter is beautiful in body and soul. Thank you will never be enough.

Kieren's Mommy"

Happy 16-months, Kieren Olivia ChengLi Campbell!!!!!

Water War...

Cullen squirting Kieren.

Cullen teaching Kieren how to fill the squirter.

"I will get even with you for this!!"

Cullen and Kieren had a water war in the bathroom today. Cullen thought it was great until Kieren figured out how to spray him back!!! It was so sweet watching them play together.

I'm Too Cool To Care...

I'm so glad Harry likes Kieren's new shades! She won't wear them!!!

Conversation With A 9.5 Year Old Boy...

Mom: Cullen, what is that on your arm?
Cullen: I don't know.
Mom: It looks like ink or paint.
Cullen: (sheepish grin)
Mom: What is it, Cullen?
Cullen: It must be paint.
Mom: Paint? From what? Did you paint something today? (looks at Dad for help)
Cullen: No. (picks up a toy to play with)
Dad: Did you paint something at Nanny's yesterday? Is that what it's from?
Cullen: Uh, no. (not really paying attention)
Dad: Then where did it come from?
Cullen: It must've happened when the paint bottle exploded. (shrugs & walks away)
Mom & Dad: WHEN WHAT PAINT BOTTLE EXPLODED???? WHERE???????
Cullen: Oh. When the paint in the cabinet over there (pointing to the cabinet unit on the NEW family room carpet) exploded when I closed the drawer. I thought I cleaned it all up. Hmmm...
Mom & Dad: WHAT?! When did that happen?!
Cullen: Huh? Oh. A little while ago today. I checked and it didn't get on the carpet. What's the big deal? (eye roll)
Mom: **thwap** **thwap** **thwap** (sound of Mom's head beating against wall)
Dad: (taking over while Mom gets control) We need to know when these things happen, Cullen.
Cullen: I know.
Mom: (eyes roll back into head & blood pressure climbs)
Dad: Did you clean up the mess in the drawer? (thinking Mom is going to have a stroke soon)
Cullen: Yeah. It didn't make one. (Mom looks across the room at cabinet)
Mom: Cullen, what is that blue smear on the front on the cabinet?
Cullen: Oh! It's paint. I thought I had cleaned it. (shrugs as Mom walks over to cabinet & opens drawer)
Mom: Cullen!!! This is glass stain!!! The cabinet will have to be sanded and repainted!!! If you had told us about this sooner, we could have fixed it!!!! (trying not to scream & scare baby)
Cullen: I didn't know.
Mom: (deep breathing) There is still wet paint on everything in the drawer!!!!!
Cullen: Oh. I thought I had cleaned that up. (shrugs & walks away to find something to do)
Mom: **thwap** **thwap** **thwap** (goes back to banging head against wall)
Dad: Sam, why don't you go take a shower? (scared of what wife may do to anyone who looks at her wrong)
Mom: (growl!!!!) (leaves the room)

*UPDATE:
OH...MY...GOD...
I just found where Cullen wiped the paint all over the edge of my kitchen counter!!!! The one I had to special order from a client. It is even on my ivory-colored-fiberglass-extra-deep-cannot-be-replaced-because-they-do-not-make-anymore sink!!!! (Breath deeply, Sam...) He is so lucky it is 2:24am and he is asleep! OH...MY...GOD... **thwap** **thwap** **thwap**

Our Week With Eddie

This is Eddie. He stayed with us all last week while he was coaching the Brittish Challenger Soccer Camp. Cullen loved having him here! He was really sad to see Eddie leave this morning (we all were!). Eddie became part of our family.

My three kids. Cullen (9.5), Kieren (15 months), & Eddie (19). Eddie will be returning to London, England by the end of August. He has been in the US for about 5 weeks and loves it. Kieren loved having 2 big brothers this week!!!! And Cullen loved being the middle child.

This is a photo of Eddie being hosed down by the kids at the last day of soccer camp. It was in the 90s before noon and high humidity that day!!! UGGGGHHHHH!!!

The Challenger soccer coaches: Sarah, Eddie, and Toni.

Kieren adored Eddie!!! The two of them flirted constantly!

Eddie did have a few new items that he accomplished this week. Here he is riding in my brother Sean's Corvette.

Here's Eddie riding Cullen's dirt bike! It was too funny!!!!

This one is Eddie's favorite!!! He went for a ride on my dad's Harley. Now he wants one too!!!!

We took Eddie out to a family dinner last night, as it was his final night with us. And it was a family event! My parents, Heather and Ian joined us for a great meal. Then we all went back to my parent's house for trifle and more fun. Sean and Nikki were waiting for us. It was lots of fun!

We'll really miss Eddie. Hopefully we will keep in touch through emails. We plan to look him up the next time we get to England! Thanks for a great week, Ed!!!!