Greetings and Happy Spring (almost Summer in SC),
It's been far too long since my last entry so let me make this a quick attempt to catch up. Well, after several double ear infections and visits to the pediatrician, in Late January Chandler had the procedure to have tubes placed in her ears. What a blessing! Since then she's been ear infection free as well as free of the pain and suffering that go with them. Who knew it was that simple? Anyhow, now it is Spring and nearly Summer here in South Carolina. In the last several weeks we've enjoyed back to back visits from friends and family. We couldn't be more blessed with such loving people in our lives. Chandler of course has just loved the extra audience and attention. She's growing up so quickly and I continue to be in complete awe of this little person. She is a little sponge and just amazes me with how fast she learns new words. Every day she comes home from school with something new that just floors me. Just as I was leaving for China, a co-worker who is also a parent, promised me that I would fall in love with this child more and more each day. Boy, was he ever right. I just can't imagine my life any other way than with her in it. She's 19 months now and while no where close to being the infamous Terrible Two, she sure is CURIOUS! If there is a baby proofing product out there, we have it and probably two of them. She's loves to explore and most recently she did so with the makeup drawer while I was in the shower. Every day is a new adventure for us both. I was just telling someone the other day how much she inspires me to stay positive and embrace everything that comes my way. Chandler wakes up in the morning with a smile and goes to bed the same way. She's approaches each day like its Christmas Eve. I could go on and on but for now I'll just say, I'm smitten and truly just love being her mommy. Enjoy the pics and thank you for being a special part of our journey.
Gramma Punker and Grampa Chuck have come to visit each Wednesday from VA for the past several weeks while Gramma is taking classes here in Charlotte. We've so much enjoyed their company.
How big is Channie? Soooo big! Auntie Kelly and Cousin Tanner came to visit from Cleveland. While I was at work, they took Chandler on all sorts of fun adventures. We miss them already and can't wait to make a visit to Cleveland soon.
Kelly and I took the kids to Monkey Joe's one day where they have lots of blow ups to jump in. (Tanner's is the background planning his next jump) Chandler so desparately wanted to be like the big kids that day.
Auntie Kelly and I found a toddler area where Chandler was able to do some of her drawing on the chalk board. She was blue from head to toe when we left but how cute is this picture?
We journeyed to the Riverbanks Zoo in Columbia, SC one day. The weather was beautiful and it was such a fun day for us.
Tanner was such a good sport with Chandler. I don't know many of 8 year old boys that would tend to her the way he did. She's still calling for "Tanler" to come back to visit.
Grampi came to visit for Easter Weekend. Not only did he fix Chan's 4 wheeler, he also baby proofed our home from top to bottom. Thanks for keeping us safe, Grampi!
A Happy Easter Kiss from Chandler!
Grampi took us to Cracker Barrel after a fun day at the Lazy Five Ranch 
Chandler just loves to swing! Weeeeeeeee!
Feeding the animals with Grampi at the Lazy 5 Ranch in Mooresville, NC
Testing out the new chair made just for Chandler
Chandler was a big help to Grampi when putting the chair together (an Adirondack chair, of course!)
In Early April our friends Joni and Tori from Minnesota came to visit. Here the gals enjoyed a building this masterpiece that Chandler later helped destroy!
Tori, Joni and Chandler at the Science Center posing for the weather station simulation
Nana came to visit in Late March and gave me a nice break to get some much needed things done around the house. Here Chandler and Nana enjoy some laughs over dinner. Chandler can even make fast food fun!
Chandler's first Easter Egg Hunt sponsored by our neighborhood HOA.
Tori was such a good coach for Chandler's first egg hunt. I'm pretty sure we'll do it again next year. We've already started planning for Tori's return the same weekend in 2010!
My girl on the hunt for eggs!
Chandler and Nana enjoying one of our first Spring days together.
Another exciting evening at Chuck E. Cheese
Chandler learned so many new word when Nana was here. They read for hours together. Chandler is just a sponge and is speaking so clearly now and can even say OCTOPUS thanks to Nana.
Nida came to visit from Cleveland in late February. Unfortunately, Chandler was not feeling so well that weekend AND it was our big snow fall of the year with 6+ inches. Charlotte was completely shut down. We're anxious for Nida to return to our beautiful Summer like weather now.
BFFs Riley and Chandler on a pretty intense roller coaster 'ride' at Chuck E. Cheese
Our first long road trip. In February we drove to Richmond to visit Auntie Jen. Chandler did great on the long drive with her new portable DVD player. Barney to the rescue again.
One of my very favorite pictures taken at the FCC Charlotte Chapter's annual Chinese New Year party.
Chandler being Chandler
Visiting with dear Cousins Natalie and Ethan in Raleigh
Natalie and Chan hamming it up!
In Early April our friends Joni and Tori from Minnesota came to visit. Here the gals enjoyed a building this masterpiece that Chandler later helped destroy!
Tori, Joni and Chandler at the Science Center posing for the weather station simulation 
Nana came to visit in Late March and gave me a nice break to get some much needed things done around the house. Here Chandler and Nana enjoy some laughs over dinner. Chandler can even make fast food fun!
Chandler's first Easter Egg Hunt sponsored by our neighborhood HOA.
Tori was such a good coach for Chandler's first egg hunt. I'm pretty sure we'll do it again next year. We've already started planning for Tori's return the same weekend in 2010!
My girl on the hunt for eggs!
Chandler and Nana enjoying one of our first Spring days together.
Another exciting evening at Chuck E. Cheese
Chandler learned so many new word when Nana was here. They read for hours together. Chandler is just a sponge and is speaking so clearly now and can even say OCTOPUS thanks to Nana.
Nida came to visit from Cleveland in late February. Unfortunately, Chandler was not feeling so well that weekend AND it was our big snow fall of the year with 6+ inches. Charlotte was completely shut down. We're anxious for Nida to return to our beautiful Summer like weather now.
BFFs Riley and Chandler on a pretty intense roller coaster 'ride' at Chuck E. Cheese
Our first long road trip. In February we drove to Richmond to visit Auntie Jen. Chandler did great on the long drive with her new portable DVD player. Barney to the rescue again.
One of my very favorite pictures taken at the FCC Charlotte Chapter's annual Chinese New Year party.
Chandler being Chandler
Visiting with dear Cousins Natalie and Ethan in Raleigh
Natalie and Chan hamming it up!
