tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-80800061697375082832024-03-05T11:40:11.947-08:00HUNAN SPICETHIS BLOG IS ABOUT LIFE WITH OUR ADOPTED DAUGHTER, A LITTLE SPICY GIRL FROM HUNAN, CHINAIvy Shafferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08103562422996143435noreply@blogger.comBlogger186125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8080006169737508283.post-23281382777662990392012-06-22T09:47:00.001-07:002012-06-22T09:58:59.441-07:00Welcome Summer 2012<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcXg-2kuLTOgjTfxj5dFeKlIg7EQQgNL4L8uAQmf9rqtcbQOs8qNXYpQr5Uvr3jxI9hT6vuQ-myYVWutEPrgC9TDlee2DsFxFOWw2ACG2GuoV3XQIMQ8fUOpX7-lY40EqBn6mW5nl3Opc/s1600/12x17+WM+Field+pic+for+blog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcXg-2kuLTOgjTfxj5dFeKlIg7EQQgNL4L8uAQmf9rqtcbQOs8qNXYpQr5Uvr3jxI9hT6vuQ-myYVWutEPrgC9TDlee2DsFxFOWw2ACG2GuoV3XQIMQ8fUOpX7-lY40EqBn6mW5nl3Opc/s1600/12x17+WM+Field+pic+for+blog.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">The heat is on! Summer started off here on the east with an incredibly oppressive heat wave. However, that also means hours in a plastic child pool, running under the sprinkler, making water filled balloons to throw at anyone who passes by your "fort" and drinking iced tea. That's what I think of when I recall my lazy days of childhood summers. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">But for some reason I just can't remember it being so stinkin hot out! Yes you can fry eggs on the pavement (so the news proved the other day)and if I'm not in air conditioning constantly, this Momma is not too happy:)) However, we do have a community pool to really cool things down.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">Though I have been very busy entertaining both girls the past few weeks, I was able to fit in a few days worth of blogging and posting photos which is sort of "phototherapy" to me. As I have learned "less is best" and I'm referring to the addiction of editing. Due to lack of time, I somehow had to force myself to stop editing to perfection and simply try to capture their innocence and beauty by forgetting I have a digital camera, pretending it's film and getting the "shot" on the first, okay second try. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">Before it got so ridiculously hot out, I couldn't resist the warm setting sun during the evenings and strolled through the fields to find a place (where both Mom and daughter weren't freaked out but bugs) and catch the dreamy light as it cascading perfectly over my daughter's wide brim hat. Seems to me these may be my most favorite photos ever as the last photo required no editing except a little de-fogging and the first two I added a bit of contrast to capture the shadows on her pretty dimples.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">Thanks for stopping by and enjoy the warm, lazy summer days!</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">Ivy</span><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://thelongroadtochina.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="the long road" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6065/6121833519_e37029da2c_o.jpg" /></a></div>Ivy Shafferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08103562422996143435noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8080006169737508283.post-22831452855079248602012-06-15T17:24:00.001-07:002012-06-22T09:45:30.563-07:00Favorite Photo Friday<div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I never getting tired of taking photos of my girls, especially Kira. She so dislikes the camera and my requests to try different locations, that her photos come out so cute, ya know, with <b>all the attitude</b> a little five year old can dish out! </span></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQYS_37EkkhrieUAttFNZFPr-SmMsN0t7Xe1Zp0Vlt6iXh41qxVFa1QqCZQIr1EWh_3JD08M3mkp0BOywa-2y62iSusr7U-IVuS9hsIYV_1yLwoflKLGqWtvdbr9e60LtcedbO4MY9VkQ/s1600/WM+DSC_5936-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQYS_37EkkhrieUAttFNZFPr-SmMsN0t7Xe1Zp0Vlt6iXh41qxVFa1QqCZQIr1EWh_3JD08M3mkp0BOywa-2y62iSusr7U-IVuS9hsIYV_1yLwoflKLGqWtvdbr9e60LtcedbO4MY9VkQ/s1600/WM+DSC_5936-3.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">How's this Mom?</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Can you feel the tension? Just look at those cute little hands with fingers pinched together and her dress hiked up as if to say "I'm serious here"lol, oh my goodness she makes me laugh.</span></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZdLSeYf_sc1Y_8g8gh1j-mIMhwruOZM3L1QQGgQZr8zo-ygQ14TAlXbgCmVoKYP0aLcgwLvBNBYVqIV8oUbpTFd2KjtmWMvFk5EFvOgUANo21h6SKL-K6vbtqhezwZ7zbGHuFpBtVgKo/s1600/WM+DSC_5937-4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZdLSeYf_sc1Y_8g8gh1j-mIMhwruOZM3L1QQGgQZr8zo-ygQ14TAlXbgCmVoKYP0aLcgwLvBNBYVqIV8oUbpTFd2KjtmWMvFk5EFvOgUANo21h6SKL-K6vbtqhezwZ7zbGHuFpBtVgKo/s1600/WM+DSC_5937-4.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">So after the begging and pleading, finally a smile, with those dimples I can't resist.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Processed with <a href="http://www.florabellacollection.com/photoshop-actions.html"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;">Florabella</span> </a>Classic Workflow</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Classic Rich and Modern Color and a bit of Drama all</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">tweaked just a bit.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">So for more serious cuteness head on over to The Long Road to China and check out the other entries.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://thelongroadtochina.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="the long road" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6065/6121833519_e37029da2c_o.jpg" /></a></div>Ivy Shafferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08103562422996143435noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8080006169737508283.post-24705549452819011062012-06-08T05:52:00.001-07:002012-06-08T10:50:40.386-07:00Berry Slim Pickings!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Finally, a post way over due! </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">I have wanted to post photos of the girls for weeks now and and well, let's say things have been a wee bit busy. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">But first a quick update on Shelby. Thankfully she continues to recover uneventfully from surgery and finally started walking, no wait, I mean running... about a month ago and it's all good, especially since Kira now has someone to chase around the house besides me. Also she navigates the stairs like a pro, puts her own shoes on and seems to also have an affinity for Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons! </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Kira is finishing up pre-school today and I can't believe that I had to already register her for kindergarten, sniff sniff! Yikes, where did the time go??? I am so proud of her. Despite all the changes this year, Kira has been such a trooper; working so hard in school and completely enjoying her 4 hour intense gymnastics classes. She too is a huge fan of the Jersey Boys (and if I have to listen to that CD one more time, it may accidently go flying out the window of our car) lol. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Well both girls are huge fresh fruit lovers and as a treat we decided to go "berry picking" here in the Garden State. It was interesting to say the least (the big cherries and strawberries were nicely packed in the farms local store) I basically needed a magnifying glass to find the strawberries and beans, but the cherries were fun for all of us. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">I totally enjoyed watching the girls and tried to capture their enthusiasm for "farm" life. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirRu3soV6zlx_tRQvSlnGRQlYDZVbgSzPs0McgmqirTNK11E1LzGjF7w-7AusYEt2hoo3ZgEjMQYAP9j8NMU4U17u37-gxSloUGQYSd3EbW6vJza8SJVCn06bQTVF-EfrJiA_mC_wDZ3s/s1600/11x14+Story+board+for+blog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirRu3soV6zlx_tRQvSlnGRQlYDZVbgSzPs0McgmqirTNK11E1LzGjF7w-7AusYEt2hoo3ZgEjMQYAP9j8NMU4U17u37-gxSloUGQYSd3EbW6vJza8SJVCn06bQTVF-EfrJiA_mC_wDZ3s/s1600/11x14+Story+board+for+blog.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">My Berry Sweet Girls!</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">(yes these eyes sparkle naturally) </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">A berry fav of mine</span><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Now where are those strawberries again?</span></div><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkqi-xaBaYIE6fl-wZlhm9LLdRSjx3Vz2AQKTNEqtslV2lUuxjyHOvhy5f6uXLNDvX1SEMzT5njMNKyZDr2v1tt1ikpW2ROKYKbPC76dczfPFrCiOyJkcijhHuNOmgqQ4CixnmflZuwqk/s1600/11x14+Story+board+for+blog-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkqi-xaBaYIE6fl-wZlhm9LLdRSjx3Vz2AQKTNEqtslV2lUuxjyHOvhy5f6uXLNDvX1SEMzT5njMNKyZDr2v1tt1ikpW2ROKYKbPC76dczfPFrCiOyJkcijhHuNOmgqQ4CixnmflZuwqk/s1600/11x14+Story+board+for+blog-3.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmxYA5CFjQLRSVxDBpdLoBTYkHnz8FBSAGH1hL7wJADVkuA5OV9mjdh8RoQqO9U8Ds9mjqjNKbcRu0yPYZHuQqW0QR7Hxf2tvju2VYCFb70qZbuUt43aEm2-HNLTdL5Td_QxkDg4Rq0X8/s1600/11x14+funny.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmxYA5CFjQLRSVxDBpdLoBTYkHnz8FBSAGH1hL7wJADVkuA5OV9mjdh8RoQqO9U8Ds9mjqjNKbcRu0yPYZHuQqW0QR7Hxf2tvju2VYCFb70qZbuUt43aEm2-HNLTdL5Td_QxkDg4Rq0X8/s1600/11x14+funny.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> Shelby makes some crazy faces upon tasting something new or in this case cold. </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Big sister Kira laughing hysterically at Shelby's ice creamed face.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF-JzuIlFAQ0Y6aMtepaLDyijakltHNiA9QG9lubapbUxTamSrM33TncU7MkjkXhH5sdKvlXIOOdfHIiyu0iK3rjG2kCywQJ_wG9Dm93DnokM9qvaVVLEePpfmx6zqnjJPrF-6BEgFFVs/s1600/11x14+Great+photo+of+Kira+for+blog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF-JzuIlFAQ0Y6aMtepaLDyijakltHNiA9QG9lubapbUxTamSrM33TncU7MkjkXhH5sdKvlXIOOdfHIiyu0iK3rjG2kCywQJ_wG9Dm93DnokM9qvaVVLEePpfmx6zqnjJPrF-6BEgFFVs/s1600/11x14+Great+photo+of+Kira+for+blog.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Thanks for stopping by friends. Here's to a Happy Summer 2012.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br />
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</span></div>Ivy Shafferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08103562422996143435noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8080006169737508283.post-4412509280745219882012-05-03T10:16:00.000-07:002012-05-03T10:16:20.061-07:00Everything I needed to know about photography posing...I learned from a pre-schooler!<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">Yes, it's so true, most of what I learned from posing children I actually learned from my daughter! She is very determined and stubborn and so I thought, why not take advantage of doing things her way? Actually knowing the developmental behaviors of kids is really the key. Although, Kira has always been set in her ways, most 5 yr olds love to run, dance, explore and of course dress up and use their imaginations. So ya just got to work with it.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">I used to believe that in order to capture those "perfect" shots I had to continuously keep my finger on the shutter button or by the end of a shoot walk away exhausted from trying to entertain a child who had their individual ideas of what "play" was (and sitting through an hour or two family session just wasn't one of them.) </span></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">So my sweet, creative and feisty little girl helped me to realize that pre-schoolers are quite capable of knowing the true definition of candid photography. </span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: medium;"><b>These images were taken with my D700 and 50/1.8mm lens. I changed the ISO depending on the light since I love to shoot nearly wide open (f/2.2 or lower) and adjusted the shutter speed as needed. Also I like to set my EV at 0.3; a nice combination that works for me when trying to obtain optimal exposure.</b></span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN3GrP53y5OvXzhtVqTZkThSgZG94nyJk9XuyiC1byS-2TjXktRK4rYnfN5Z47_fUb-p4bU7ls3yttlCIvL1Z7NiriDufcb3dWfKkn0fVsSBQD0K5fyl3EYYEI06kmB02s-M91XhA5oEo/s1600/WM+8x10+SCP+processing.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN3GrP53y5OvXzhtVqTZkThSgZG94nyJk9XuyiC1byS-2TjXktRK4rYnfN5Z47_fUb-p4bU7ls3yttlCIvL1Z7NiriDufcb3dWfKkn0fVsSBQD0K5fyl3EYYEI06kmB02s-M91XhA5oEo/s1600/WM+8x10+SCP+processing.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Yesterday I bought some flowers and as we walked around the house we found some bright pink azaleas that caught Kira's eye and so as you can see this is what she did and how she wanted to use her "props". Notice she wanted a "pony tail that was off to the side" so I had no control over this spontaneous shoot, which made it even more fun!</span></span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyJekFfpPkpzT1RM_vESNRQDodabCGK8eH09jBRUyM1WxgOEPDzXsg1mjXkNwXyXKSMCFfAjWv2_oEyvxpgvJrJAZ6o_z7VFs_vGVxf-O0_OxDdEQ1zWouKfhWLsS8HlShiQjrOn6ntKQ/s1600/WM+pretty+pic+for+blog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyJekFfpPkpzT1RM_vESNRQDodabCGK8eH09jBRUyM1WxgOEPDzXsg1mjXkNwXyXKSMCFfAjWv2_oEyvxpgvJrJAZ6o_z7VFs_vGVxf-O0_OxDdEQ1zWouKfhWLsS8HlShiQjrOn6ntKQ/s1600/WM+pretty+pic+for+blog.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Here is the typical, "okay Mom, you can take just one picture," with hands placed strategically on the hips and a face that says "you've got one shot</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjigVEUvmuM6L3pRRv7JKwcBRp4L2-MSJIWqjbR6msrV7Zdygjs2nlo_AwAEF8q80cqpuMQMQ3Hde7mEYu5Ke9pnMLSX0BiSPZgZDu5-SSy1LLtXENBSHCL4rQj0si_GJDL3IEWdRsuPU8/s1600/April+2012+LR+adjust+fun-52+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjigVEUvmuM6L3pRRv7JKwcBRp4L2-MSJIWqjbR6msrV7Zdygjs2nlo_AwAEF8q80cqpuMQMQ3Hde7mEYu5Ke9pnMLSX0BiSPZgZDu5-SSy1LLtXENBSHCL4rQj0si_GJDL3IEWdRsuPU8/s1600/April+2012+LR+adjust+fun-52+copy.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">Oh how this child makes me laugh and if I can say one thing, her attitude is adorably displayed in the image above. She wanted to blow bubbles and I wanted just one more photo and again, her face says it all. I love her laughter, pouting and most of all her sensitive personality. But this image I'm saving for her future husband:)) and in gallery of favorite images.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOrpbkdLky8or6MZQ2L7amAZomYXQRUbcSigYgpEO5srXmPpFYxZCsE620yBdXl6tniPWgfsfgLsNbJCbKs3KLZ78C6Lksa7RFt2HxPJ6O80nDftpEkqWmrIG1nYWoWfbrOmk_0K2Nc_w/s1600/4x6+April+2012-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOrpbkdLky8or6MZQ2L7amAZomYXQRUbcSigYgpEO5srXmPpFYxZCsE620yBdXl6tniPWgfsfgLsNbJCbKs3KLZ78C6Lksa7RFt2HxPJ6O80nDftpEkqWmrIG1nYWoWfbrOmk_0K2Nc_w/s1600/4x6+April+2012-3.jpg" /></a></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitvXoN4wuJ0eagnnI76PGOHP-KcBrRX_yeiSC7waEF3wngv6KGueB4-TxGKRQXlgxcmz0SDvNyKj3RQlET2e-8KtSXf-PQcsi7hliFcli1vLEzFzjBVyWPCy2QYhtFtW6jMHkJtE_nf90/s1600/running+in+the+park.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitvXoN4wuJ0eagnnI76PGOHP-KcBrRX_yeiSC7waEF3wngv6KGueB4-TxGKRQXlgxcmz0SDvNyKj3RQlET2e-8KtSXf-PQcsi7hliFcli1vLEzFzjBVyWPCy2QYhtFtW6jMHkJtE_nf90/s1600/running+in+the+park.jpg" /></a></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: Times; font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglG2jcWrvOoYvJ7_YvzUCCpvqT3AaD1z_TGjosei4J1Z8w6nHJ8nfg7lNSh7zRxW9K8R3IZH-lSk0hUPiKo7niLzmKUmHOOly-_mKjOvYk7QnRe0MCoGVvq9pZo1yn4hSG4irkA0ErONw/s1600/Pretty+portraits+in+the+park+April+2012+LR+adjust-81.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglG2jcWrvOoYvJ7_YvzUCCpvqT3AaD1z_TGjosei4J1Z8w6nHJ8nfg7lNSh7zRxW9K8R3IZH-lSk0hUPiKo7niLzmKUmHOOly-_mKjOvYk7QnRe0MCoGVvq9pZo1yn4hSG4irkA0ErONw/s1600/Pretty+portraits+in+the+park+April+2012+LR+adjust-81.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: Times; font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ff3333; font-family: 'Traveling _Typewriter'; font-size: large;">The pursuit of truth and beauty is a sphere of activity in which we are permitted to remain children all our lives.</span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
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<span style="color: #ff3333; font-family: 'Traveling _Typewriter';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Albert Einstein</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><br />
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<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: center; text-autospace: none;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">Thank you sweet Kira, for these very important child posing tips.</span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: medium;"> </span>Ivy Shafferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08103562422996143435noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8080006169737508283.post-11786217893586497622012-04-06T21:46:00.000-07:002012-04-06T21:46:15.685-07:00To crawl or walk...what will she do?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5PvZ8Gq8eaKbpYNnxXnq6MNgUInUZrNi3mQOSI8i5YeNmqD1knZlwtdw05efdtGT_Ao_TdzsEAL1qQ-l7vRBQNR0bvDbPHp_ZxZgEs6_AE_XjVda_O2tZhRkVbTU8TKkZZFvYlp1jrJY/s1600/Pretty+eyes+for+blog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5PvZ8Gq8eaKbpYNnxXnq6MNgUInUZrNi3mQOSI8i5YeNmqD1knZlwtdw05efdtGT_Ao_TdzsEAL1qQ-l7vRBQNR0bvDbPHp_ZxZgEs6_AE_XjVda_O2tZhRkVbTU8TKkZZFvYlp1jrJY/s1600/Pretty+eyes+for+blog.jpg" /></a></div>The weather has been beautiful this week, so once again I dusted off my camera and went out to take some much needed photos of Shelby. BTW pardon the funky hair piece I can't say I like it but that face, oh I can't resist:)) So I carried Shelby to the park and we found some shade and great light. I immediately started taking photos, but unlike Kira who so dislikes the camera this tot is always saying "cheese", it's pretty funny, only thing is I want some pout every now or then, then I say am I crazy? Who wants their child pouting, but it's all for the sake of a good photo, only! <br />
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Shelby quickly discovered she loved being outside and much to my surprise stood up!!! Yes I couldn't believe it, she stood and held onto the tree. So the looks she's giving seem to say "you want me to do what? Why? I love being carried everywhere!"<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhespLVwgv28lW7tZkpanwmAWkSeiJJN6XN3ADgF9xzvH1x-5ebAjM1Kerh-9Y4NLRvLr2jhi_pXxicfhHwPfQ18dxnzsm9F4RuIhmHbfvO8iblMG5D68wsfCcxghpgJBQKZ-iLzyTLQOg/s1600/Pretty+Shelby.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhespLVwgv28lW7tZkpanwmAWkSeiJJN6XN3ADgF9xzvH1x-5ebAjM1Kerh-9Y4NLRvLr2jhi_pXxicfhHwPfQ18dxnzsm9F4RuIhmHbfvO8iblMG5D68wsfCcxghpgJBQKZ-iLzyTLQOg/s1600/Pretty+Shelby.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhik96Me6oyy74JAM-Hc_9C0xoz5k7MI0FQPNglXuYS5avY9n_EqipGLZib4e3HcvXoRmPAN1oru2nF0_kwkIGnycPCGpdP5PN-szdXhdMcHuTQZeo3oCMg6wNXmdannFkS4zan41nGt4Q/s1600/9x6+go+girl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhik96Me6oyy74JAM-Hc_9C0xoz5k7MI0FQPNglXuYS5avY9n_EqipGLZib4e3HcvXoRmPAN1oru2nF0_kwkIGnycPCGpdP5PN-szdXhdMcHuTQZeo3oCMg6wNXmdannFkS4zan41nGt4Q/s1600/9x6+go+girl.jpg" /></a></div> Then I put her on the grass to see if she would crawl and yep indeed, the babe crawled. Momma was very happy indeed. Only 3 weeks home after being in traction and that mermaid wrap for 7 weeks, Shelby was finally crawling. Prior to this she was extremely timid about crawling and only wanted to sit or lie on her tummy. She also lost about 5 pounds so she's so tiny again and needs to get some strength back in those skinny legs. So I was doing my own PT with her in a fun way and I think she actually realized she could negotiate corners better if she crawled. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ80rMtLLPuXMPfNuUrpsq60_WpJWQIWz3QlNuaBOh1C8r6l2Bd4V8GHGJ4kIB2MBl86_obIDyIDQ0WPA-FByKwj-t8OTnjCTsBiwnxtM0lyHeLpW-BMCfBqCOasb37GQvnhpV8pukaVA/s1600/And+she's+off.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ80rMtLLPuXMPfNuUrpsq60_WpJWQIWz3QlNuaBOh1C8r6l2Bd4V8GHGJ4kIB2MBl86_obIDyIDQ0WPA-FByKwj-t8OTnjCTsBiwnxtM0lyHeLpW-BMCfBqCOasb37GQvnhpV8pukaVA/s1600/And+she's+off.jpg" /></a></div>We couldn't be happier for this small milestone in her recovery! I'm thrilled and she knows it. Well gotta run now. More posts to come.Ivy Shafferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08103562422996143435noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8080006169737508283.post-37297264887214927642012-04-03T10:35:00.000-07:002012-04-03T10:35:48.087-07:00Spring is here!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR_t3rydzpXQkIfsiEWnr1LpfxknokXGkB2TS-lmH6HzKJoe9DDn0E6j7ZlGDX3vZ5lKJ67GOCmCctABSaHvew5asw3A92ROGpFkGQltdCpMHaq4KR8XRo5l8sDfKJsFBmRFvthTFVrFg/s1600/WM+9x6+Story+board+for+blog+Spring+2012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR_t3rydzpXQkIfsiEWnr1LpfxknokXGkB2TS-lmH6HzKJoe9DDn0E6j7ZlGDX3vZ5lKJ67GOCmCctABSaHvew5asw3A92ROGpFkGQltdCpMHaq4KR8XRo5l8sDfKJsFBmRFvthTFVrFg/s1600/WM+9x6+Story+board+for+blog+Spring+2012.jpg" /></a></div>So the day started off packing drinks and snacks, setting up the car and heading off to CHOP for Kira's follow up on the ruptured ear drum scenario. I felt so organized, the girlies were fed, bathed and dressed an entire hour before we had to leave! Yay for me. We arrived early and I went to check in and the receptionist told me "uh hmmm, her appointment was yesterday". I asked her again and she repeated it. Okay it was my fault I gazed at the calender and for some reason thought it was a Thursday not Wednesday. I felt so bad dragging them all the way into the city and even worse knowing I had to come back next week. Mental notes don't cut it any more, now written ones don't either! I guess being somewhat sleep deprived and stressed doesn't help either, so now I have to find another way to keep my important dates in mind. Perhaps temporary tatooes!<br />
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Well on the way home, we passed by these gorgeous forsythias in full bloom and well I couldn't resist a few shots. It was late in the afternoon and brisk so Shelby was sitting nearby, staying warm. Both girls had colds too. But I wanted some photos of Kira "when she's in the mood", they usually come out best.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGJC5OPYzlsx3uEkyY9GNoCm7krS6xqKlZ-3knQNmgyEyzBiFeT6D9LorCFBUFR6EL8MeUcQeuXDJ2UkJwuQX7nkFw4ERp7dxs9iDMV0RnoK4agiYTj1lXyEaTDptgFRWFM9thc009YCs/s1600/9x6+Spring+2012-5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGJC5OPYzlsx3uEkyY9GNoCm7krS6xqKlZ-3knQNmgyEyzBiFeT6D9LorCFBUFR6EL8MeUcQeuXDJ2UkJwuQX7nkFw4ERp7dxs9iDMV0RnoK4agiYTj1lXyEaTDptgFRWFM9thc009YCs/s1600/9x6+Spring+2012-5.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Mommy, I picked these for you!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4ftKgkTIbq2QiaLmp7B4EkeoahcThF3v_eB3VflkXkTG16GQIcbVya2AvA3Xv_t0El1buIomBUFS9LiwLUo_aAXxhSONmrb_0qW4Y8J1sOIdFbXlreL6AeFoSPhCYpanGC-37h5F2ZbU/s1600/9x6+Story+board+Kira+pretty.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4ftKgkTIbq2QiaLmp7B4EkeoahcThF3v_eB3VflkXkTG16GQIcbVya2AvA3Xv_t0El1buIomBUFS9LiwLUo_aAXxhSONmrb_0qW4Y8J1sOIdFbXlreL6AeFoSPhCYpanGC-37h5F2ZbU/s1600/9x6+Story+board+Kira+pretty.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">I love Kira's sense of elegance as she held these branches back so gracefully. Then she</div><div style="text-align: center;">proceeded to act like the typical tomboy she is and ran around the park till she wanted to go home.</div><div style="text-align: center;">I love watching her play, she's always fascinated me and still does as it takes so little (when we're outdoors) to entertain her.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFOeDF81-5-4sPB03a74MPmvlDUpSUpjJ3ZXBcvkZGL-QoovtzpRdXuTaMNLYgv6o_Ib5Lh-PE2uxx1EbbtBmgGFbeiqQZuJtst1G6gKi-f6fX_bzZ86kEsA8WDSAR8mOsDzKXH6MkObw/s1600/9x6+Spring+fun-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFOeDF81-5-4sPB03a74MPmvlDUpSUpjJ3ZXBcvkZGL-QoovtzpRdXuTaMNLYgv6o_Ib5Lh-PE2uxx1EbbtBmgGFbeiqQZuJtst1G6gKi-f6fX_bzZ86kEsA8WDSAR8mOsDzKXH6MkObw/s1600/9x6+Spring+fun-2.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Awh, my baby love still holding her flowers for me. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;">I couldn't resist taking this photo from my car. I do love how the skyline of Philadelphia has changed so. I used to drive this route hundreds of times when I was working or studying at Penn. So of course I took a short drive down memory lane and drove right by the doors of the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania. I worked in the operating room as a new graduate and I can still see the window in this photo where I would sit while circulating and gaze out onto 38th and Spruce. They were good times and I worked side by side with some of the greatest surgeons in medical history. I didn't know it then, but HUP taught me so much and I am still grateful for those years of experience.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjel_7fqcWZGpUWTwUMjYehWd9bO20UfwMQtE2jNqFzPWVQgBMjxlabr10aJYY5OE81lqHENQWZzOxdvBVD6c7dLn1n66Cw-C8eDZhTWDPOGnw2EKunxnWsZ9S-TdbeO7QqePHDXH6RKTk/s1600/11x14+Classic+rich-3+March+2012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjel_7fqcWZGpUWTwUMjYehWd9bO20UfwMQtE2jNqFzPWVQgBMjxlabr10aJYY5OE81lqHENQWZzOxdvBVD6c7dLn1n66Cw-C8eDZhTWDPOGnw2EKunxnWsZ9S-TdbeO7QqePHDXH6RKTk/s1600/11x14+Classic+rich-3+March+2012.jpg" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">She is extremely motivated though and in the past two weeks has made great strides in standing with assistance and taking small baby steps. Her tiny little legs are straight for the first time in her life and I think she feels a bit unbalanced. It's cute to see her laugh and giggle and say "whoa" at her new found stance. I can say without a doubt she is one amazing little girl who continues to laugh throughout the day and constantly request her sister by her side. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I simply can not say how grateful we are to Dr. Gearhart, the nursing staff, pain management, nutritional services and the wonderful Child Life Specialists who kept her entertained when we couldn't be there. Shelby is a healthy little girl who continues to show her strength and resilience. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We thank you all for the wonderful comments and prayers during her recovery. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Shelby, you go girl, the world is your canvas!</span><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Life is like riding a bicycle</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">In order to keep your balance,</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">You must keep moving!</span></div>Ivy Shafferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08103562422996143435noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8080006169737508283.post-4549671346437505992012-03-07T10:09:00.000-08:002012-03-07T10:09:48.723-08:00I Heart Faces Photo Challenge "Beautiful Black and White"<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFqMIIEqifMrasprZBGBtdSoLxUoK3Fp_-rN5v77Et4D1mM426DCJ59BPLqHP_wDdquiBhpoJpbehzZuY9XYECr6F1cP_5-_7Kch98QRt4IgzTeAhvBU0Dlzunn5wOZ-o4HqfR_Xqj-fM/s1600/WM+IHF+March+entry.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFqMIIEqifMrasprZBGBtdSoLxUoK3Fp_-rN5v77Et4D1mM426DCJ59BPLqHP_wDdquiBhpoJpbehzZuY9XYECr6F1cP_5-_7Kch98QRt4IgzTeAhvBU0Dlzunn5wOZ-o4HqfR_Xqj-fM/s1600/WM+IHF+March+entry.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I adore any opportunity to photograph my Kira and when we were playing in the weeds last week, I took this and loved how I captured a little dimple and smirk in this photo.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I decided to convert it to a Black and White and enter it in this weeks photo challenge at <a href="http://www.iheartfaces.com/2012/03/photo-challenge-march/">"I Heart Faces"</a>, since this is the face that defined my role as a mother and the reason I love photographing my children.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So head on over to I Heart Faces and see some of the amazing entries of this weeks photo contest.</span><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;">This photo was submitted to the i heart faces photo challenge.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</div>Ivy Shafferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08103562422996143435noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8080006169737508283.post-10661370022592656522012-03-01T06:37:00.000-08:002012-03-01T06:37:04.232-08:00Beauty in Light<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheoCQ8TzZ2GgTCmEmOkb3MagkcmNZZ9fLHwf7JHZO7R-Gp8vHNCNzmsS448MPOlAm5V-yTrvl1sErwbxszM4FQpQ0eNJmds_mPdl_osWYSEhpdwEGTamrY_oXy7reVX13JNkj7oXUpMDw/s1600/9x6+Sweet+Face+for+blog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheoCQ8TzZ2GgTCmEmOkb3MagkcmNZZ9fLHwf7JHZO7R-Gp8vHNCNzmsS448MPOlAm5V-yTrvl1sErwbxszM4FQpQ0eNJmds_mPdl_osWYSEhpdwEGTamrY_oXy7reVX13JNkj7oXUpMDw/s1600/9x6+Sweet+Face+for+blog.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">My pretty daughter. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Her back was directly facing the light source, the beautiful setting sun, yet I was able to capture even tones without over-exposing her cute little face. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Most of you experienced photogs already know how I did this, so it's probably not that exciting if this is already part of your bag of tricks. For me I'm like a kid in a candy store after exploring the beauty in back lighting.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Remember way back in the days of 35mm film and how shooting towards bright light would over-expose your image? Also there were no instant replays on a digital display to show you if your lighting was properly exposed, so what did I do? Easy, I avoided it! I shot landscapes, flowers, still life anything that would tolerate natural light without a hand held light meter or gray card. I know I was lazy, but somehow I managed to capture pretty decent photos with only the use of my polarizing filter. Now fast forward uh hmm, many years and However, when I found I loved to photograph people, I chose low ISO film and shade. I still did that up to last week! I knew my Nikon was capable of pretty amazing things but I kept to what continued to work for me and really never explored it's capability, mostly because of habit and what "worked". For example in the "old days" I would not like the grain on 1600 ISO film and therefore never used it; however I could bump the ISO up to 3200 on my camera and barely notice any grain or noise as it's often referred to. Got to love technology and the advances of digital technology. Additionally you can even reduce or add noise with photoshop. But truthfully I have always loved photographs that appear natural looking and so I wanted to share my new found love of ambient light, especially back lighting in these photos of my daughter.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-k7rm3DwAqElfx5-upm-JtdthCN1zVtq8rxOKdabDvOepf05frg4FQammAkmXtmTQx7xTBYfpTKqLR9hiIaSD1vds3Gd45LgvFhkEOVigeGHpasnulG2OBR0AgWdesYC6IRghyWf-t90/s1600/WM+Watch+tot.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-k7rm3DwAqElfx5-upm-JtdthCN1zVtq8rxOKdabDvOepf05frg4FQammAkmXtmTQx7xTBYfpTKqLR9hiIaSD1vds3Gd45LgvFhkEOVigeGHpasnulG2OBR0AgWdesYC6IRghyWf-t90/s1600/WM+Watch+tot.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8j1_JYglXYfBZoi8F0mrjBzEWESPm6HbaJBCKTHxti_sIh2djIhYoybTYw2foHoN1s7neTHejuwvsy6X6swCsNQEiTAN6KH_jJlwIHtF6J43d7YXT3KAmsEO0cUz9jZjSP9VwTm5aCTw/s1600/WM+fun+in+the+woods+blog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8j1_JYglXYfBZoi8F0mrjBzEWESPm6HbaJBCKTHxti_sIh2djIhYoybTYw2foHoN1s7neTHejuwvsy6X6swCsNQEiTAN6KH_jJlwIHtF6J43d7YXT3KAmsEO0cUz9jZjSP9VwTm5aCTw/s1600/WM+fun+in+the+woods+blog.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7ZLqLNPr96SDVKg2ukN7QXOfmKWortkD-_fkPVdJlYEW5L0RoobqLXiMjpSqm5enzSAlf9najTrNmpiE7Rc4cJ-ERvKsrq7C6zNBej6BLxIyM8-dR51E3OCFI_PbCH4d84Sdb6gBwZMY/s1600/9x6+February+Story+board+for+blog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7ZLqLNPr96SDVKg2ukN7QXOfmKWortkD-_fkPVdJlYEW5L0RoobqLXiMjpSqm5enzSAlf9najTrNmpiE7Rc4cJ-ERvKsrq7C6zNBej6BLxIyM8-dR51E3OCFI_PbCH4d84Sdb6gBwZMY/s1600/9x6+February+Story+board+for+blog.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I am definitely ready for Spring, but more importantly we can't wait to bring our Shelby home in just a few more weeks. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Shelby has been such a good patient and Monday she will have her epidural pulled and then if she tolerates lying still in traction, they'll take her back to the operating room in 1-2 wks to have her pins and tubes pulled. We are praying for her continued recovery, despite a bit of a setback last week. Kira misses her little sister so much, I can't wait to see them together laughing and playing again. Two months is a very long time for Kira to wait for her best friend and sister to come home. Again the outstanding medical care at Johns Hopkins was worth every worry as our Shelby is well loved by everyone there!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Thanks for stopping by.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div>Ivy Shafferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08103562422996143435noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8080006169737508283.post-1510359039811379932012-02-14T01:30:00.000-08:002012-02-14T03:38:22.801-08:00Love is Sweet<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">What could be sweeter than than hearing your daughter telling you her "secrets" or who she has a "crush on" now, or even "Mommy, I love you." To me these expressions of love are more precious than any physical gifts (except their art work on the floor and walls) and so I took these photos of my girls to remind me how much I love them and the gift of love they bring to me. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia3m2doDVGCQOnmby0LT1vC7_HJ7M8rT39woD3tDhBwFPaAcom7zfSHZxoThb8-IIZ_2GwrMZucKIvdJ1pkI0pZCsbNO9qsBt8boRD9EzVyVsGiFwBTxp9zFZFINCgOOdIwJ4WKaUagtc/s1600/9x6+Sweet+Storyboard+for+blog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia3m2doDVGCQOnmby0LT1vC7_HJ7M8rT39woD3tDhBwFPaAcom7zfSHZxoThb8-IIZ_2GwrMZucKIvdJ1pkI0pZCsbNO9qsBt8boRD9EzVyVsGiFwBTxp9zFZFINCgOOdIwJ4WKaUagtc/s1600/9x6+Sweet+Storyboard+for+blog.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizL1Rcs0HlvqGK8Jb8ueCoCR1sPcikrwohWfPQAs53HGMSc8qyOmVrnyb5KKDZwQoSEkqGEe1KBxwk7wAE0APJVpGGpeG7rBl2_OlFaziXWmdXwwT77DaeNp_GKqWdsP27gkkGwwKFUng/s1600/9x6+sweetness+defined+storyboard.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizL1Rcs0HlvqGK8Jb8ueCoCR1sPcikrwohWfPQAs53HGMSc8qyOmVrnyb5KKDZwQoSEkqGEe1KBxwk7wAE0APJVpGGpeG7rBl2_OlFaziXWmdXwwT77DaeNp_GKqWdsP27gkkGwwKFUng/s1600/9x6+sweetness+defined+storyboard.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #e06666; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><b style="background-color: white;">Little girls are precious gifts, wrapped in love serene. Their dresses are tied with sashes and wrapped up in dreams.<o:p></o:p></b></span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #e06666; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b style="background-color: white;"><br />
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</span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7owQ8O7ZJk3_8_XsLxmDoaLHnR0dubizEtL7ggHCkyIvsMBk0M9W3YFSF-KeoxLNcg4VZdKqoNUr-aA1zrYzt_w9FeidlmMVl8V2hcSx1W_E-MBnJ9SR13aVjvviI8C6Ujr-t3HTyUFo/s1600/8x10+Shelby+Horizontal+Rounded+edged+blog+storyboard.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7owQ8O7ZJk3_8_XsLxmDoaLHnR0dubizEtL7ggHCkyIvsMBk0M9W3YFSF-KeoxLNcg4VZdKqoNUr-aA1zrYzt_w9FeidlmMVl8V2hcSx1W_E-MBnJ9SR13aVjvviI8C6Ujr-t3HTyUFo/s1600/8x10+Shelby+Horizontal+Rounded+edged+blog+storyboard.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #e06666; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b> </b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #e06666; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>"Sugar and Spice and Everything Nice. Oh My Gosh!! It Happened Twice!"<o:p></o:p></b></span></div></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #e06666; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b> </b></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #e06666; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>Author: Unsure<o:p></o:p></b></span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #e06666; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I would be remiss if I didn't say that Valentine's Day would be so much sweeter if our darling Shelby was here to help sweeten the day even more. But I am thrilled to know that she is doing okay on her long road to recovery. Last evening the nurses commented to me on the phone that "your daughter has captured our hearts"! It was obvious to me the way they played with her, but to hear that personally, just made me think how special and courageous this little girl truly is. I look at photos and snipets of video of her several times a day, but they make me sad to see her in that drug induced stupor to keep her from moving. Plus I miss her so much, I just want to grab my keys and head on down at any moment. But, logic kicks in and I have to remember that big sister Kira needs her Mommy too, more so now because everything is a bit confusing and the past few months have been centered around preparing Shelby for surgery. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8g7liZ2YkvYtSdS0hyphenhyphenZJoyWq1JBFYcOS8kjQrNCsbbXGkN2gCCU2QSqATxtWA7JStnD27z7jpknzYo9PKwf0MN0-CbJm1Y3uqF7CNI5ERqtlzzWkKstfZcZ2c-lDUiL5tE0coRgOhayM/s1600/9x6+Giggles+and+bows+storyboard.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8g7liZ2YkvYtSdS0hyphenhyphenZJoyWq1JBFYcOS8kjQrNCsbbXGkN2gCCU2QSqATxtWA7JStnD27z7jpknzYo9PKwf0MN0-CbJm1Y3uqF7CNI5ERqtlzzWkKstfZcZ2c-lDUiL5tE0coRgOhayM/s1600/9x6+Giggles+and+bows+storyboard.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><br />
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</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #45818e; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>"In your face I see all the beauty of a flower in your voice I hear all the splendour of the sweetest song."<o:p></o:p></b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #45818e; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>Author: jully</b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 13pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #e06666; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>"Daughters are like flowers, they fill the world with beauty."<o:p></o:p></b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #e06666;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Author: Author unknown</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 13pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #e06666;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br />
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</span></div></div>Ivy Shafferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08103562422996143435noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8080006169737508283.post-78580799133935294172012-02-10T10:30:00.000-08:002012-02-10T10:30:25.657-08:00My Girl in the Hood (aka Hook)I have to say that I am loving the afternoon warm sun especially in the winter to capture some great photos, especially of Kira. After school on this day, we took a long walk and decided to blow some bubbles, but that was a bribe, first Kira had to pose for me and oh the looks I got!<br />
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While both of us were freezing as it got cooler, Kira put her hood on and agreed to only a few quick pics. But the reason I love these photos is because it reminds me of what she still calls her hood, it's not a hood to Kira it's her "Hook"! Yes we forget the cute things children say at this age and while I should be correcting her, I love to hear original versions.<br />
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So here's my Girl in the Hood or "Hook" as Kira would call it!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilr8AynTCc4HJcGHi6WriEr-0B7pHVuDwJ5_rUjnHDcsX3JL-n0pJYS1wFi-IoS4mCvWmfSdOZiTTjW6pi6ERcm8nHwhaSvzWHddbsN2_uBfUBcRnurLv5-OeasBFKH2uKEVnFSFSYuGc/s1600/Girl+in+the+hood+for+blog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilr8AynTCc4HJcGHi6WriEr-0B7pHVuDwJ5_rUjnHDcsX3JL-n0pJYS1wFi-IoS4mCvWmfSdOZiTTjW6pi6ERcm8nHwhaSvzWHddbsN2_uBfUBcRnurLv5-OeasBFKH2uKEVnFSFSYuGc/s1600/Girl+in+the+hood+for+blog.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> Perfecting the Pout!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSLeSIMmZpjnjBc0zIO6iGaDPAKn9kvNYx24I1tuT1850iaQh1t4OuhxfIgMEuwAr4B6DCITRosx4saLP4luHVw4GzgrwSo3IEHdnVS_y_Na0Tcj437ut6XcNFMxzegiiWvJR3VSjpaM0/s1600/Kira+and+gray+coat+WM+for+blog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSLeSIMmZpjnjBc0zIO6iGaDPAKn9kvNYx24I1tuT1850iaQh1t4OuhxfIgMEuwAr4B6DCITRosx4saLP4luHVw4GzgrwSo3IEHdnVS_y_Na0Tcj437ut6XcNFMxzegiiWvJR3VSjpaM0/s1600/Kira+and+gray+coat+WM+for+blog.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkqLNg2q6rAOVGv7PPIxjPvYZuf0nMzWb3KMvo-vUnCJKtEs1-8yh4p_DhSu_uA7iSXGe6-pkJES6sWROaYNfH9Dx8L_RIi6TZbaRMwY2Ga3TFAc031JeSge1lGLZoMZmBEcW4nTBDImc/s1600/WM+Girl+in+the+hood.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkqLNg2q6rAOVGv7PPIxjPvYZuf0nMzWb3KMvo-vUnCJKtEs1-8yh4p_DhSu_uA7iSXGe6-pkJES6sWROaYNfH9Dx8L_RIi6TZbaRMwY2Ga3TFAc031JeSge1lGLZoMZmBEcW4nTBDImc/s1600/WM+Girl+in+the+hood.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://thelongroadtochina.blogspot.com/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="the long road" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6065/6121833519_e37029da2c_o.jpg" /></a></div>Ivy Shafferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08103562422996143435noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8080006169737508283.post-87689417446500297932012-02-08T12:58:00.000-08:002012-02-08T12:58:12.925-08:00One Tough CookieToday, marks 2 weeks since our sweet babe underwent a grueling 10 hour procedure at Johns Hopkins Medical Center to replace her bladder inside her pelvis, re-connect her widened pelvic structures and re-construct her tiny female parts. The Operating Room nurses were incredible, calling us every hour with updates, even Dr. Gearhart called from the operating room. I was very impressed how we were treated, but most importantly how Shelby was and continues to be taken care of; physically and emotionally.<br />
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<div style="text-align: left;">I was going to blog about the last two weeks, but they have been exhausting and I have even discovered that the photos I took on the first post operative day, now bother me more. Guess the reality of her long recovery and all that this tiny child has gone through has set in. But it's all so good. She is being cared for by all the experts in Bladder Exstrophy, which includes the specialized ICU with exemplery staff that anticipate both needs of the children and families.<br />
One afternoon, the resident told me that <a href="http://urology.jhu.edu/johngearhart/index.php"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;">Dr. Gearhart</span></a> wanted to meet with all the families and hae an informal round table discussion of what the surgery entailed, what to expect, etc and well, let's say he made us all feel like a part of "the team". I am so grateful for the expertise and recognition of this gentle surgeon. Please click on the above link and see the video of his description of the surgery. Dr. G. as he likes to be called, has given over thousands of children with this defect a chance for a normal and happy life. We love him!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgmHdLeDUvcBOFoiAeze6VJZBx4C2Os3Ak1zCG99SYfDQP0fAzvJ_dM9nAAcuCARbxnXL_ADHnpchgdM8iidRjILN7uUoxNr_RqrvRPRnCGQV4zTGWFh9F7BZrCxPN18KwJr1l6-tABl0/s1600/Dr.+G.+Family+conference.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgmHdLeDUvcBOFoiAeze6VJZBx4C2Os3Ak1zCG99SYfDQP0fAzvJ_dM9nAAcuCARbxnXL_ADHnpchgdM8iidRjILN7uUoxNr_RqrvRPRnCGQV4zTGWFh9F7BZrCxPN18KwJr1l6-tABl0/s1600/Dr.+G.+Family+conference.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;">Around 530pm our tiny Shelby rolled out of the O.R. on an adult bed, with every tube imaginable coming from surgical wounds, intravenous lines and even an epidural for pain. She also had some interesting hardware and pins now holding her pelvis together with her little legs now straight for the first time...attached to 10 pound weights. It was so very hard seeing her so still and swollen from the fluids and transfusions, but she made it through and we couldn't have been more elated. My heart leaped for joy and tears of gratitude poured down my face when Dr. Gearhart came out to tell us everything went as planned.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPDnl8qctNc-Fz_RZeUCwTW2F_ydz3giwy3WptV9p_fG-qMTU4F_mWfdHnUcimQKWrLJac5bMrDOXpuGVcrk3YINHWz4cG6nVL8Jt1JxtXXqcU1XuJhD9UcIjVjr0UKkTeMncQJfu1wUk/s1600/9x6+WM+post+op+Story+board+for+blog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPDnl8qctNc-Fz_RZeUCwTW2F_ydz3giwy3WptV9p_fG-qMTU4F_mWfdHnUcimQKWrLJac5bMrDOXpuGVcrk3YINHWz4cG6nVL8Jt1JxtXXqcU1XuJhD9UcIjVjr0UKkTeMncQJfu1wUk/s1600/9x6+WM+post+op+Story+board+for+blog.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkOhpIU3H7n4icjKWqBIH9pX746l01yPEVR5rRfLXion_gkDU8Vvn8tuHsvD6IbTdA8NtF7DG2oUMnuV_-HusMgm3DXzVe0lVKmzQ_2mMYjeEqSs9bEcCsBQL_CqSejPYZhEZjSYZl5ds/s1600/WM+medical+stuff.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkOhpIU3H7n4icjKWqBIH9pX746l01yPEVR5rRfLXion_gkDU8Vvn8tuHsvD6IbTdA8NtF7DG2oUMnuV_-HusMgm3DXzVe0lVKmzQ_2mMYjeEqSs9bEcCsBQL_CqSejPYZhEZjSYZl5ds/s1600/WM+medical+stuff.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">I have to admit I still tear up when he told me "you won't recognize her, she's a little girl again"! and he was evidently correct. Her legs were straight and when the nurses showed me her incision sites I just cried, she is a normal little girl, who just needed to have some "major plumbing done", in laymans terms.</div></div><br />
Now Shelby is on the long road to recovery. Every day I pray there are no complications or issues that arise that can set her back or cause further insults to her little healing body. I try not to think about the pain and all the what if questions my mind keeps wondering too. I think I am more than a nervous Momma, I know too much for my own good. However, the warm greetings from other families, the physicians, nurses and other staff members seem to be so re-assuring I can almost stop clenching my teeth:))Ivy Shafferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08103562422996143435noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8080006169737508283.post-74211326579945060432012-01-26T14:20:00.000-08:002012-02-03T14:58:35.901-08:00Happy Chinese New Year 2012<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh49GYwcUhlsa-Ttx6QNe2epn7-7OScodUY4b2JEadLN3viDZoaiqkqZDYGtSJ2rditPgsrnO4B1XIew58dX6LUDpGtuZDHMIXHxh09KQ9CkEOCrvA3Efzfldah-Se8HvKtEVDOBGxBj8I/s1600/9x6+Story+board+for+blog-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh49GYwcUhlsa-Ttx6QNe2epn7-7OScodUY4b2JEadLN3viDZoaiqkqZDYGtSJ2rditPgsrnO4B1XIew58dX6LUDpGtuZDHMIXHxh09KQ9CkEOCrvA3Efzfldah-Se8HvKtEVDOBGxBj8I/s1600/9x6+Story+board+for+blog-2.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I know it's a late post, but I took these shortly before Shelby went to the hospital for her surgery. I am so glad she was home with us to celebrate her first Chinese New Year with her family.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhvLs_UTkOaLMGST_Na5s3ncprbw-CQ1vK7X3TGk4TPGWo4fRmUPfDB7qRk42EMN4dFKHiOfEF6lE7l3HwmVkCtXOFzE3-U4akQenlqXkWvt3kFv98L1wRwC8WCH66WMkKc9ay4TJXrH8/s1600/4x5+CNY+2012+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhvLs_UTkOaLMGST_Na5s3ncprbw-CQ1vK7X3TGk4TPGWo4fRmUPfDB7qRk42EMN4dFKHiOfEF6lE7l3HwmVkCtXOFzE3-U4akQenlqXkWvt3kFv98L1wRwC8WCH66WMkKc9ay4TJXrH8/s1600/4x5+CNY+2012+copy.jpg" /></a></div><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIz37h8QFL8ZIEb6QvR0K5XyNIB2NPw_KGvAQ44TLVh6-PvhOfPi-2gBbBMLcbvgbdJVycS6TMynH4Gov_lJMQ6gUSdyzpuSD8ClwonUlGs9QtE24EBm-bXgHxtXYcTXTFQZdcx66L2i8/s1600/Kira+and+Shelby+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIz37h8QFL8ZIEb6QvR0K5XyNIB2NPw_KGvAQ44TLVh6-PvhOfPi-2gBbBMLcbvgbdJVycS6TMynH4Gov_lJMQ6gUSdyzpuSD8ClwonUlGs9QtE24EBm-bXgHxtXYcTXTFQZdcx66L2i8/s1600/Kira+and+Shelby+copy.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm-WVM8e_8fj70E0xMPNjv5a0sBRkd07oKP8Y4eOrJuDaGzdSCJ0CH5pSj_NJc79m73CR9UNrNAl4p-c3i0F1tY-P3DepjwFxSSBn1bt2OWVK_VOEqIB0xZkBiaMiXHK0zYGfWtFT1W5U/s1600/9x6+WM+Story+board+for+blog-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm-WVM8e_8fj70E0xMPNjv5a0sBRkd07oKP8Y4eOrJuDaGzdSCJ0CH5pSj_NJc79m73CR9UNrNAl4p-c3i0F1tY-P3DepjwFxSSBn1bt2OWVK_VOEqIB0xZkBiaMiXHK0zYGfWtFT1W5U/s1600/9x6+WM+Story+board+for+blog-3.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Shelby is obviously not shy in front of a camera! She is definitely hamming it up here, especially for the New Year. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Happy and Healthy New Year 2012</div>Ivy Shafferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08103562422996143435noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8080006169737508283.post-72297499175027779622012-01-21T07:33:00.000-08:002012-01-21T07:33:38.647-08:00Look who's turning Five!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <o:DocumentProperties> <o:Template>Normal.dotm</o:Template> <o:Revision>0</o:Revision> <o:TotalTime>0</o:TotalTime> <o:Pages>1</o:Pages> <o:Words>227</o:Words> <o:Characters>1299</o:Characters> <o:Company>Dept of Veterans Affairs</o:Company> <o:Lines>10</o:Lines> <o:Paragraphs>2</o:Paragraphs> <o:CharactersWithSpaces>1595</o:CharactersWithSpaces> <o:Version>12.0</o:Version> </o:DocumentProperties> <o:OfficeDocumentSettings> <o:AllowPNG/> </o:OfficeDocumentSettings> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:WordDocument> <w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:TrackMoves>false</w:TrackMoves> <w:TrackFormatting/> <w:PunctuationKerning/> <w:DrawingGridHorizontalSpacing>18 pt</w:DrawingGridHorizontalSpacing> <w:DrawingGridVerticalSpacing>18 pt</w:DrawingGridVerticalSpacing> <w:DisplayHorizontalDrawingGridEvery>0</w:DisplayHorizontalDrawingGridEvery> <w:DisplayVerticalDrawingGridEvery>0</w:DisplayVerticalDrawingGridEvery> <w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/> <w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:Compatibility> <w:BreakWrappedTables/> <w:DontGrowAutofit/> <w:DontAutofitConstrainedTables/> <w:DontVertAlignInTxbx/> </w:Compatibility> </w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" LatentStyleCount="276"> </w:LatentStyles> </xml><![endif]--> <!--[if gte mso 10]> <style>
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</style> <![endif]--> <!--StartFragment--> </div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS'; font-size: 21px;">"All our dreams can come true, if we have the courage to pursue them."</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Author: Walt Disney<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS';"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS';">To my Dear Kira,<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 16pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS';"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS';">I still remember clearly, the day I first set eyes on you. A crying tiny, babe, bundled up in yellow and blue. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS';">Your cries were soft as you looked at me; frightened and confused just like any baby.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS';"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS';">But you weren’t just any other baby, you were my daughter, the child I had dreamed about, longed every night for.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS';"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS';">I held you close to comfort you, but your sobs lingered a day or two.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I knew the love that was here awaiting you, but it would take time for you to trust and know me, just like I too.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We were a pair, the two of us, a mother and daughter who found one another at last.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS';"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS';">Words can’t explain just how much I adore and love you, I can only show you my heart is in my hand, always there to reach out to you.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS';"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS';">Now four years later, my love for you is stronger and we understand each other as mother and daughter.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I love your hugs and kisses and combing your soft brown hair.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I love when you snuggle up and ask to be held so tightly, even if you do this every single nightly!<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS';"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS';">Oh dear Kira, you’ve become quite the young lady, so sweet, kind and gentle, your personality entertains me daily.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS';"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS';">Now that you’re going to be five, I look back at the past few years and just sigh.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS';">They have gone so quickly while I was trying to discover this role of Motherhood; but it’s okay, I got it down now for there's now two in our brood!<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS';"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS';">My little yummy (aka for Kira), <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I just want to say, <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I wish you a very healthy and happy Birthday.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS';">Love forever, <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS';">Your Mommy<o:p></o:p></span></div><!--EndFragment--><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana;">The pursuit of truth and beauty is a sphere of activity in which we are permitted to remain children all our lives.</span><span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Times;"> <o:p></o:p></span></div><span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Times; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">Albert Einstein</span><!--EndFragment--> </div>Ivy Shafferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08103562422996143435noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8080006169737508283.post-81451850579581885122011-12-28T09:38:00.000-08:002012-01-14T10:24:34.820-08:00Photo time with MommyI always loved photographing children, but now having my own daughters, a lifetime dream, seems to bring new meaning to my passion. In fact I have forced myself to not edit, but instead capture their innocent and pure beauty!<br />
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<div style="text-align: left;">Of course Shelby seems to like the camera and has developed her own little poses for the camera. There's the head tilt, the "i have no idea what you are saying look" and "i'll do what my sister is doing" pose! </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: left;">And for those that know Kira, she's sooooooo dislikes having her pic taken, I have to plead with her, which doesn't help the situation any:)) Then she too has recently developed her own photographic style which is very unique to her personality.</div><br />
<div style="text-align: left;">Kira has perfected "the princess pout and pose", the "cheeky smile so Mommy will let me chew gum"pose and the "I'm actually having fun" candid pose. The later is my personal favorite of course. These days I'll take anything from the girls since they are growing like weeds and I want to capture every precious moment.<br />
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Everyday I look at these beautiful faces and say to myself "I can't believe they are my daughters"! When I see the joy in their eyes, I feel the excitement and joy of being their Momma. I am so happy and thrilled that they are slowly beginning to acknowledge one another as sisters. Kira calls her "sweetie" when she hurts and has offered up her favorite dolls. And Shelby just continues to look up to Kira and follow her moves, even Kira's spicy "foot stomping" lol. It's all good and all fun to observe!<br />
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</div><div style="text-align: left;">My daughters sure know how to raise parents!!!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">You girls are so loved.</div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div></div>Ivy Shafferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08103562422996143435noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8080006169737508283.post-37662743831969182482011-12-25T09:41:00.000-08:002011-12-25T09:41:17.279-08:00Happy Holidays<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs6z-jdeWT00XPE64CIE7tJHHPxTIHnMyPvgbBq9kUN7qfwnDCQN9d19wPuxfyyGunSHtE86j9huLUGUJ8hhfEeo2TR_A1HzzgkHL3KfXY5P8ubPudiz3-V3LDTSKYyMFWUOu4vLsZVps/s1600/2x3+Holiday+Card.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs6z-jdeWT00XPE64CIE7tJHHPxTIHnMyPvgbBq9kUN7qfwnDCQN9d19wPuxfyyGunSHtE86j9huLUGUJ8hhfEeo2TR_A1HzzgkHL3KfXY5P8ubPudiz3-V3LDTSKYyMFWUOu4vLsZVps/s1600/2x3+Holiday+Card.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Ivy Shafferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08103562422996143435noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8080006169737508283.post-52459465578219755472011-11-25T16:47:00.000-08:002011-12-17T07:44:25.437-08:00Fall Follies and more!It's hard to believe that it has been a month since the first time we held little Shelby! She continues to blossom as she explores her new world here, EVEN gaining 2 pounds, which has me tickled. Shelby can eat like there's no end to her food pipeline. I was laughing tonight as we finally ordered in some Chinese food since we got back from China and it's too bad I didn't take before and after photos, because the babe ate almost a pint of pork lomein, along with 2 yogurts! Did I mention, the girl can eat??? I am normally not so food conscious since I finally realized after 4 yrs that kids will eat when they're hungry, but it's so important that we get some weight on her before her surgery. In addition to her 3 meals/day I supplement with vanilla PediaSure shakes, cheese, whole grain bread and vanilla almond milk (yummy). Even Kira seems to enjoy eating more these days. <br />
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Along with her fondness for food, she is also making great strides in communicating and her very first clear word, was the name of her Jie Jie, Kira! I thought Kira would be amused but she seemed indifferent. It wasn't until a few days ago when she started to look at pictures of Ariel and say "Ariel" when Kira sort of looked at her as if to say "hey that's my favorite Princess". I explained before the yelling competition ensued that because Kira is constantly talking and drawing pics of Ariel, naturally little sis is following in her footsteps. Guess I'm going to have to find her a fav. Princess of her own really quick:))<br />
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The girls delight and amuse me most of the day, but the transistion for Kira has been very difficult, even to the point where I just loose it and start to cry, holding her tightly and re-assuring her that I love with all my heart. I am not sure what sets her off but she gets so defiant and acts out in ways I never thought she was capable of. People tell me it's normal and this will eventually fade (not really, or perhaps when their 21, married with kids of their own), but it's so hard to see my baby girl get so upset. For now we're giving her some extra TLC with little surprises here and there. Honestly, the surprises don't effect her, but the extra hugs and kisses = magic! And that's so easy to do.<br />
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Well, with little time to blog, email, talk, relax and so on, I still love to capture the beauty of my daughters (love saying that) through photography. Shelby is a real little actress as you will see, and Kira, well she'd rather not be photographed, unless she's hanging in a tree. <br />
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<div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuWlrjj6QgF4WOS6ifJLYBBqsblkzyo_tABGV635bMT99gymEjjSsNnF1vz0lF1ZVG-weWg0l-zdMOMfS3qp7NvKCgp5GyLiAszD7kQsLGhxFCJriZcUyqEAKJ-mEbKdYb_TWvsw0dDfA/s1600/DSC8811.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuWlrjj6QgF4WOS6ifJLYBBqsblkzyo_tABGV635bMT99gymEjjSsNnF1vz0lF1ZVG-weWg0l-zdMOMfS3qp7NvKCgp5GyLiAszD7kQsLGhxFCJriZcUyqEAKJ-mEbKdYb_TWvsw0dDfA/s640/DSC8811.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="560" /></a></div></div><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Oh these big brown eyes!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">My Hunan Princess! How I adore you Kira.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div>Ivy Shafferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08103562422996143435noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8080006169737508283.post-38093270059918507372011-11-08T07:23:00.000-08:002011-11-24T05:36:47.676-08:00Guangzhou and the US ConsulateFinally we are on our way to Guangzhou, China. This is the last leg of the adoption process and where we met up with many other adoptive families from all over the country and even the world.<br />
It's very tropical and pretty here, but oh I am thrilled that we are in a Hotel with air conditioning and a nearby Starbucks so Momma here can get her java fix. <br />
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We were reunited with our friends, The Gibsons and Kira's new family of friends. It was wonderful to see so many smiles from many other adoptive families, holding their new child or children. <br />
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Since some recent changes regarding China's adoption policies, qualifying families were now allowed to adopt two children at the same time. So it was indeed exciting to see just how many adoptive parents were taking advantage of this opportunity. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Thus far Shelby has done nicely and appeared to bond the closest with Kira and myself. There were no more sobs at night, however, occasionally she would just push me away and try to turn on her side and go to sleep. I didn't know if that was her routine or some serious grieving, but realized it was the grieving for her foster family and so I would gently rock her to sleep. I also realized this babe couldn't really turn on her side without some help because of her wide pelvic deformity, so once I realized this, she seemed to appreciate that Momma was there to make her comfortable too:)) Overall Shelby seemed to accept us but again I was preparing myself for another big transition when we got home. <br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Sweet Sisters!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;">Oh so happy to see Kira smiling again with her pals. A wonderful family of seven who Kira connected to immediately. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;"> Spencer and Jesse</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA4-KNtTGhK9O82IMdh7whUUA9b1bm0HUcZDTOxcKCo9LaMSpeDVAXK9mLz9AoU3lzUhKyWo-275DGfQuGYmxgCw6k0xOBN9UXcmQBizSqF_J1nS6C0Tb7TNv7QexWEMfWFB4yY2WduRs/s1600/20111104-20111104-_DSC7777+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="502" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA4-KNtTGhK9O82IMdh7whUUA9b1bm0HUcZDTOxcKCo9LaMSpeDVAXK9mLz9AoU3lzUhKyWo-275DGfQuGYmxgCw6k0xOBN9UXcmQBizSqF_J1nS6C0Tb7TNv7QexWEMfWFB4yY2WduRs/s640/20111104-20111104-_DSC7777+copy.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;">Kaaren's newest Mei Mei Ellie, isnt' she cute!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;">My Pouting Princess before playing with the Theobald children.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;">Happy Girl with The Theobald kiddies!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;">"Oh do I have to take another photo???"</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;">The Gibson Girls!</div><div style="text-align: center;">Precious Belle and Scarlett (little Scarlett was adopted from Hunan with Kira)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Belle and her new brother Chan. What a handsome boy!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;">Of course she's happy because we found out that breakfast is her favorite meal of the day. Kira even gave her an Ariel doll for the trip! </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: left;">So thankfully Shelby passed her medical exam and took the oath at the US Consulate in Guangzhou (November 8, 2011) making her a brand new US Citizen! I was going to photograph the events but just wanted to get out of there and onto the streets of the pretty Island. Our time was so limited this journey that I was shooting pics from inside the taxi to and from our hotel. All went well and we finally got Shelby's passport and US Visa into the states! </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">We are so ready to come home!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">But first some pics from Guangzhou.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgky_8bNSCG4wjLLqsUh29S7dZ4nf3lFdnCu_J3_NRwyKpP1l4K3TWbWH7yFOqnSGQuRZ6utvIcTOCSGnlmrxfmEopoPFsFdEuUHXcKoxgfqOUqPSQ4WxWchCL7K5KQ2vdav5YlKkfEejs/s1600/Guangzhou+storyboard+for+blog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="416" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgky_8bNSCG4wjLLqsUh29S7dZ4nf3lFdnCu_J3_NRwyKpP1l4K3TWbWH7yFOqnSGQuRZ6utvIcTOCSGnlmrxfmEopoPFsFdEuUHXcKoxgfqOUqPSQ4WxWchCL7K5KQ2vdav5YlKkfEejs/s640/Guangzhou+storyboard+for+blog.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGEq8xRGX7KWnbusAv0e2RfVgW6eo5sVfXjr0CxQ2MwrHMxbsabwTj4ZI2YkeTc5aiVMiz6rBrlnVj40IGfqKonrMBojO4K7b0OFpdxB8WPUZaxhXDVOd6LSfArg3zEK3Ou5nXlgXclHA/s1600/20111105-_DSC7852.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGEq8xRGX7KWnbusAv0e2RfVgW6eo5sVfXjr0CxQ2MwrHMxbsabwTj4ZI2YkeTc5aiVMiz6rBrlnVj40IGfqKonrMBojO4K7b0OFpdxB8WPUZaxhXDVOd6LSfArg3zEK3Ou5nXlgXclHA/s640/20111105-_DSC7852.jpg" width="502" /></a></div><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: left;">Words can really not express the emotions we have as we now begin our journey home. We have nurtured some incredible friendships during the adoption process and hope that we can stay in contact with the new families we met as well. China will always hold a special place in our hearts for allowing us to become the parents of two beautiful girls. Our Journey to Shelby was filled with surprises and many ups and downs but no matter how frustrated we became or alone we felt, we were really part of one large family, the "Holt Family" and their exemplary staff who worked so hard to get their job done and also make us feel comfortable and right at home here in China. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">We are so grateful and blessed to have our children, but as we said our farewells I couldn't help but think of all the children that still needed the love of families. I hope that some how this blog can be of some inspiration to any parent considering international adoption. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Thanks for following our journey. More photos and updates coming soon!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
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</div>Ivy Shafferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08103562422996143435noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8080006169737508283.post-77390515352749527022011-11-02T06:01:00.000-07:002011-11-22T07:21:39.668-08:00Taking Baby Steps, Langzhou continued<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>By the third day, Shelby was smiling, playing with Kira and in Mandarin, asking to be picked up by me! Oh how good that felt. Most importantly she seemed happy, started to cackle at our antics to make her laugh, and then it just clicked for all of us! She played peek a boo, would imitate Kira's every move (which I think started to annoy little Kira) and started talking (again in Mandarin) very consistently and appropriately, according to Kaige. We were told that she speaks excellent Mandarin and can say, pick me up, down, hungry, thirsty, no, yes. We also found out that she is a big flirt and winks at adults (both men and female). Where ever we went with both girls, especially to restaurants, we were surrounded by waitresses wanting to engage both girls in play or conversation. It was so enjoyable to watch, but I must admit it got tiring when all we wanted to do was have a decent meal at the end of a busy day!<br />
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The time we spent in Langzhou was very busy, with Kaige doing the best she could trying to get the baby's passport ready in time for our trip to the US Consulate in Guangzhou. One day we spent shopping to gather some necessities we didn't bring with us. We were concerned about Shelby's low weight so since we were told she is still on formula, well, we bought formula, bottles and even more pacifiers. What we were surprised to find is that this child drinks straight out of a water bottle, totally dislikes formula and will only eat normal food! Yay for that. Instead, baby bottles were used to irrigate her bladder and cups for bathing. We donated the formula to the orphanage, along with any other supplies we didn't need. <br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg16MgqGc1hdOLHt6PQGFU8jLhObYXnHiGgAAkjteWv-VawxuN79NaIqBdAnp8-5f6JfQtc7y8J7mMZrJ7ocEOFFWrG1cCMPonmvCWwDaC5RL8LVxj8FfyimYhhVdqWFcRY9Bhxy4CPc4Q/s1600/20111102-_DSC7677.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="502" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg16MgqGc1hdOLHt6PQGFU8jLhObYXnHiGgAAkjteWv-VawxuN79NaIqBdAnp8-5f6JfQtc7y8J7mMZrJ7ocEOFFWrG1cCMPonmvCWwDaC5RL8LVxj8FfyimYhhVdqWFcRY9Bhxy4CPc4Q/s640/20111102-_DSC7677.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;">There's about 3 eggs, pancakes and waffles on her plate and she two fisted it all in:))<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEislmFv49fdY6V3MnrmvRLJOhpojDUNeOPIvNOk9hzRzyeYNr_yLujNcWPLyjK_JJ0Zdv8pt1iZzkWGcvIt62MOik9GhY33wUxkPC5kVl69ZCumQxMiFiJdWK1VGcedP0KYmX89YWrRqvE/s1600/Great+photo+20111102-_DSC7627.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEislmFv49fdY6V3MnrmvRLJOhpojDUNeOPIvNOk9hzRzyeYNr_yLujNcWPLyjK_JJ0Zdv8pt1iZzkWGcvIt62MOik9GhY33wUxkPC5kVl69ZCumQxMiFiJdWK1VGcedP0KYmX89YWrRqvE/s640/Great+photo+20111102-_DSC7627.jpg" width="502" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: left;"> That day we headed out with Kaige to another part of the Lanzhou. I found the architecture so beautiful and in stark contrast to the old buildings that seem to dwarf these modern high rises. </div><br />
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Oh how I loved all the bronze sculptures in this garden!<br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;">Pretty Shelby, still a bit hesitant about what was happening and missing her foster family.</div><div style="text-align: left;">That night for the first time in three days, she sobbed herself quietly to sleep. I would try to stroke her face or rub her back and she would push me away and turn her head away. It was so awful to see this child of ours grieving so for the only family she knew. We were confident with some time, she would come around and there would be more smiles on that pretty face!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
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</div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;">Kaige was a huge help with Kira. She often would just take her hand and make her feel comfortable when it seemed all attention was on Shelby. Oh and Ariel had a big part too:))</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
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</div></div>Ivy Shafferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08103562422996143435noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8080006169737508283.post-4054918471561494502011-10-31T03:39:00.000-07:002011-11-21T06:01:18.974-08:00Going To GansuToday is the day! We meet Shelby upon arrival to our hotel in Lanzhou, Gansu. We packed (again) the evening before, went to breakfast, and hit the road early to make sure we arrived at the airport in time.<br />
That morning there was dense fog all over the city and it appeared once we got to the airport that our flight was still on time. So we made ourselves a bit too comfortable when they announced that our flight would indeed be delayed due to fog. Okay so what's an hour or two! I kept telling myself that just because the fog seemed to hug the ground and wasn't dissipating. So we waited and waited until about 4 1/2 hours later they boarded the plane. I must say the airline was very accommodating and gave out food to all the passengers with bottled water. Actually I didn't mind the wait, since I was now running on empty myself and felt like I needed a nap, but who could sleep! I kept thinking about my little girl, will she run away, push me, smile. Did she eat? Was she changed? Who was with her and did they know how to take care of her defect? I knew we were not allowed to meet the foster family so the baby was coming to meet us at our hotel with some orphanage directors. I was sure they would take good care, but again after traveling half way around the world, this minor delay started me on a roller coaster of emotions. We also had no way of contacting anyone in Lanzhou, however I believe the travel agency did let them know about our delay. <br />
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</div>Well finally we boarded and flew the 3 hour flight to Lanzhou. We were met by a wonderful escort Kaige, in fact she had been with Holt a long time and ran the foster care program in Wu Wei County. I could tell we would be in good hands with her kind, soft voice and reassuring answers to my many questions. <br />
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So here we go! Off to the hotel to meet our baby girl. This is the part where I have no photos of our first meeting because we took video this time around. We entered the doors to the hotel and were met by a 32 inch smiling little girl, all dressed in pink! She took one look at us and ran back to the officials sitting on the couches. I smiled and we all sort of relieved to see her move so fast!<br />
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Everyone was exhausted, mainly the baby. The ride from her Provincial city to Lanzhou was almost 6 hours so I could tell everyone wanted to sign the paperwork and get to bed.<br />
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This was the most difficult part of our journey. The "hand off" literally took place in our hotel room, where the baby was handed to me, screaming for her "momma" or foster mother the entire time. It was very hot in the room and Shelby was soaking wet from perspiration. I proceeded to change her, thinking I was prepared to do it alone, but needed a second hand. Dani was busy with officials and paperwork and then I started to sob myself. I looked down at this tiny, thin toddler, with her bladder exposed outside her tummy and every time I touched her she yelled "ouch" and grabbed her ears. She kept on screaming and yelling for her foster mother and all I kept thinking was, just get the medicated dressings on her and wrap her up. The officials left the room and Kaige stayed to help calm her, but Shelby continued to sob, all the while, pushing me away and refusing to make eye contact. This was absolutely heart wrenching to see a small child so upset, in pain and confused. I knew the transition would be hard, but until you actually experience it, you have no idea how hard it was going to be. Even Dani looked down, trying to console our new daughter, but she also pushed him away. Both of us were almost in tears after three hours of sobbing. Then eventually she cried herself to sleep. <br />
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Then I looked around the room and found Kira in the corner also sobbing to herself. So I lost it again, bent down to pick her up and just held ever so tight. Kira had no idea what was happening and when I asked her why she was crying, she wanted to know why she was crying for her "momma". I guess she may have thought we were taking her away from her real biological parents and from a toddlers point of view that's so real. I reassured her that she was crying for the lady who cared for her till we came. I also told her that all older women are called "Momma" in China. She seemed to understand and then we all climbed into bed and fell asleep, completely exhausted!<br />
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The next morning we met Kaige and went to the Civil Affairs Office where the official notarization of the many copies of adoption paperwork were completed. Both Kira and Shelby seemed indifferent about the entire thing, but at least Shelby managed to calm down. That second day was a flurry of activity so Shelby really didn't seem to mind being with us. We hoped she was turning the corner here but again, realized she would continue to grieve for her foster family as long as it took. It's hard to watch, but even harder knowing you simply have to give her time and even some space. <br />
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On October 31, 2011, Miss Shelby Emmalin officially became our daughter!<br />
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And so we headed back to our Hotel, very happy that another orphan of China had found her way to her Forever Family!<br />
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We so love you Shelby and know that time will heal your little heart! <br />
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Even in this photo you can see the big difference a day makes:))Ivy Shafferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08103562422996143435noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8080006169737508283.post-80120239684036576572011-10-29T14:55:00.000-07:002011-11-21T03:37:24.097-08:00Bejing Day 2Today was a particularly moving day as we had made arrangements to meet up in Bejing with the young woman who was our escort for Kira's adoption in 2008. Her name is Leah and she will always hold a special place in my heart for all the things she did for us during our journey to Kira. I sort of tell people that during the adoption, your escort is analogous to a "midwife" helping you through the ups and downs of the transitional phase after the hand off. Leah and I managed to email occasionally and when we told her we were coming back to China, well, we knew we would have to meet up again!<br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;">We went to lunch at a favorite local restaurant and then took the subway to the Bejing Zoo.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYDssCJFsK-gL17Y3iHcfKOD_ZVITMOrmNwC3YQdYdy7GKx-WZPhnxxoS4hblTbg01eeRAA0AAs6ate8bKBbP8b0buWfjEEaL3ZMHcETRI84r6-CNj9Muh7MkdNImbwXlXWTgB183113Y/s1600/11x14+great+portrait+Leah-1+for+print.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYDssCJFsK-gL17Y3iHcfKOD_ZVITMOrmNwC3YQdYdy7GKx-WZPhnxxoS4hblTbg01eeRAA0AAs6ate8bKBbP8b0buWfjEEaL3ZMHcETRI84r6-CNj9Muh7MkdNImbwXlXWTgB183113Y/s640/11x14+great+portrait+Leah-1+for+print.jpg" width="502" /></a></div><br />
While at the Zoo, I told Leah I'd love to get some photos of her (guess I knew a photo op when I saw it). She agreed and well as you can see she's beautiful and I was able to process this within minutes upon arriving to our hotel. <br />
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We had a wonderful time meeting again. Just as I did 4 years ago when we parted at the airport, I got all teary eyed and then spent the rest of the trip looking for eligible bachlers for her lol. Guess that's the Mom in me! <br />
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We love you Leah!!!Ivy Shafferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08103562422996143435noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8080006169737508283.post-49736921366547347812011-10-28T20:10:00.000-07:002011-11-20T14:39:11.300-08:00Destination BejingI had full intentions of blogging from China only to find out I had no access to google blogger. It was some what of a blessing in a way to not be on the computer as this journey was mentally and physically exhausting for us all. Since I decided to carry my camera, I thought I would let the photographs speak for themselves. <br />
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After a 13 hour flight from JFK and 6380 miles away from NJ, we arrived safely in Bejing. It was so exciting to be back there and I felt the anticipation starting to gain momentum. Although exhausted, we all couldn't really sleep and just took a quick nap and then went down to the breakfast buffet (the best meal of the day). Our Hotel was downtown this time so you could feel the hustle and bustle of this huge city. The only thing that really annoyed me was the constant beeping of car horns and for those of you who have been to any big city in China, you know what I mean. I find it funny in some ways that that sound was also once a way of how Americans drove here in the states, especially on the highways and byways along the east coast. I also found it somewhat interesting that when you were in a car, taxi or bus going anywhere in Bejing, if you opened the window, you could literally touch the vehicle next to you. As Dani kept saying "these drivers go from 8 lanes to 2 and don't even seem to look". That's probably why we stayed close to the sidewalks and avoided crossing the streets!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQmQuuUz6KhrhzyCAdBjbrM89Pw8mp6kcW6CJofylMt025a23vdX7M4nnMQXMmEY9aOMv-MyxGitVFoCq61gRVVrmM_SoU1U1kJHwkoyggP6a1WRi3-n6sj_pX5z8H7_7J5_dw1ktj0fo/s1600/My+Yummy+girl+port.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="502" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQmQuuUz6KhrhzyCAdBjbrM89Pw8mp6kcW6CJofylMt025a23vdX7M4nnMQXMmEY9aOMv-MyxGitVFoCq61gRVVrmM_SoU1U1kJHwkoyggP6a1WRi3-n6sj_pX5z8H7_7J5_dw1ktj0fo/s640/My+Yummy+girl+port.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
First object of the day, food!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDcB70k3Q7fgicF2peLTRcafkNM-4UAy8lhzgV2s14XBOt8WdQz2CU0QyEWLMdDxIkwiTxECuTDEkvmSyHw4KV7g1QFkxoOCJEWTukrBvGuuU74G0_ULIXavsexyjbwn8iatDM4R8yNjI/s1600/Breakfast+storyboard.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="416" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDcB70k3Q7fgicF2peLTRcafkNM-4UAy8lhzgV2s14XBOt8WdQz2CU0QyEWLMdDxIkwiTxECuTDEkvmSyHw4KV7g1QFkxoOCJEWTukrBvGuuU74G0_ULIXavsexyjbwn8iatDM4R8yNjI/s640/Breakfast+storyboard.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
</div>We were elated to go back to China, especially since we found out we would be traveling with a family whom we met nearly four years ago when we adopted Kira. I thought this would be a great time to share some of Kira's heritage with her as well as introduce her to other adopted children from her birth country. I am not sure how much she will remember of this trip, but I am sure that bringing her along played a huge role in the bonding process between Shelby and her new family.<br />
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<u>Bejing Day 1</u><br />
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The big climb up the Great Wall of China! I was so excited to go on this trek, only thing, no one mentioned "don't wear clogs". Who knew it wasn't the steep climb up but the hike down that would have me sliding forward in my shoes and hanging on to the railing (if I could get to one) for dear life. I had to laugh at myself because I sat down and watched hundreds of people climbing, even running up and down the steep grade. It was exhilarating to be at one of the Wonders of the World. Our guide was a hoot and gave us a brief history lesson and then we were on our own. We toured with another family, whom we came to adore and Kira just wouldn't leave them alone. She was so happy to play with other children and I was so relieved to see her in her element of play.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">There were thousands of people climbing the wall, including many locals and school children.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQXsRCrilsK4C-0xxzB6KwWd_SxqdGW43F0u4C1AZPBqLInW_HW4TdUUCBWgmpAa1b5wT2gT28Ucz5P8wi2e6EFjqBgZiW-EGdFF-CmkUTFFwqHJCKOpvB802OQVnorxEBFNWFpVJFck8/s1600/LR+adjusted+fun+at+the+Great+Wall+October+28%252C+2011-51.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="502" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQXsRCrilsK4C-0xxzB6KwWd_SxqdGW43F0u4C1AZPBqLInW_HW4TdUUCBWgmpAa1b5wT2gT28Ucz5P8wi2e6EFjqBgZiW-EGdFF-CmkUTFFwqHJCKOpvB802OQVnorxEBFNWFpVJFck8/s640/LR+adjusted+fun+at+the+Great+Wall+October+28%252C+2011-51.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
Kira and her new family of friends talking to some Military Students. The students all wanted photos taken with this blonde haired family! They were very friendly and seemed to enjoy engaging in easy conversation.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuhtBjxOe8c-1UWISvXYWlXuwzrjMxkDAduWAWtBG-PaJxBRBQPKG7mhb-qWZDyd2vSLX0a_aWvMPtiouR2usj5i9VgXEACEGBMNM4pR4m2JYg-MfOrC-KRBs8X16UKFfmM7SYnhbxaeg/s1600/LR+adjusted+fun+at+the+Great+Wall+October+28%252C+2011-72.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuhtBjxOe8c-1UWISvXYWlXuwzrjMxkDAduWAWtBG-PaJxBRBQPKG7mhb-qWZDyd2vSLX0a_aWvMPtiouR2usj5i9VgXEACEGBMNM4pR4m2JYg-MfOrC-KRBs8X16UKFfmM7SYnhbxaeg/s640/LR+adjusted+fun+at+the+Great+Wall+October+28%252C+2011-72.jpg" width="502" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">Our Fabulous Tour Guide Arthur </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrcGZETSl5lDxGX6DJ12t5E6VHFNt1bHHLvKaK_STUHZdFsdDsCPYtS4iYNmafOXHJiy46bfiFtV8V5tvyW-P9fXV0slzA-XAY2pgPuhR3d7sQBCjMxobKl914NzGpXb_C4Acmx1mD_E4/s1600/The+Great+Wall-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="502" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrcGZETSl5lDxGX6DJ12t5E6VHFNt1bHHLvKaK_STUHZdFsdDsCPYtS4iYNmafOXHJiy46bfiFtV8V5tvyW-P9fXV0slzA-XAY2pgPuhR3d7sQBCjMxobKl914NzGpXb_C4Acmx1mD_E4/s640/The+Great+Wall-3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">Kira's new pal. The real way to climb the Great Wall.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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We were all hanging on here on this incline up the other side of the wall.<br />
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This sweet lady kept me company while I proceeded to sit down for an hour's break. Then I thought wow, she has walked at least 2 miles straight up this wall and probably does it as a daily routine. She didn't speak any english, nor did I speak any Chinese dialect, but we managed to share some laughs and a lot of head nodding!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">After a very long hike and meeting some amazing people, our fine Chariot awaited to take us back to our hotel. What fun this day had been.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div>Ivy Shafferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08103562422996143435noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8080006169737508283.post-21632568356401163022011-10-25T04:51:00.001-07:002011-11-14T11:13:11.453-08:00Packing!Okay so I admit I "bring everything but the kitchen sink" when I have to travel, even if it's for two nights, so imagine a compulsive ADHD mother going overseas for two weeks! Where do I even begin and what should I bring, not so much for me but for Kira and her new sister. Also the new weight limits for luggage since we last traveled really had me narrow things down. But after two days of packing and un-packing I just can not control my excitement and emotions thinking that we are less than 23 hours from departure to China! So how can I concentrate on what I need to bring:)) Guess I should have started this two weeks ago. Anyway it's sort of fun to realize how organized I can be when I try to put my mind to it.<br />
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I am taking the necessities: toys for babes, disinfectant wipes, cold remedies, antibiotics (both Kira and I have sinus infections), gifts for orphanage and directors and the list of lists of documents we must bring. Then there are the tot snacks, Mom snacks and Franki Valli (Jersey Boys) CD's and Kira's favorite TV shows, her blankie and favorite sweatshirt.<br />
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We also packed a boat load of chocolate candy and twizzlers, so I can't complain that I didn't bring the right clothes, enough shirts or my instant Via Starbucks. I took my good friend Natalie's advice and brought Easy Mac for Kira since she thinks it is a food staple around here. <br />
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I have so wanted to re-do the blog and catch up but just didn't have the time. I am hoping we'll be able to blog or post photos from China. Those of you who want to email, please do as I know we can easily email and Skype. <br />
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Next post will hopefully be from Bejing!Ivy Shafferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08103562422996143435noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8080006169737508283.post-15292864122985319532011-10-23T08:05:00.000-07:002011-11-16T13:46:34.284-08:00Our Spicy GirlIt has been way to long since I've updated this blog but I have been so busy with Kira and preparing the house for our newest addition, I couldn't sit down, nor think about what I wanted to intelligently write about. But before we leave for China I wanted to post some photos from this summer. My girl has grown and changed into the most precious little girl with a spunky, humorous and affectionate personality. I am still in total awe of Kira's love and adoration for her Daddy and I. She currently loves school, has a big crush on her male gymnastics coach and can not wait to start reading. She beats me at angry birds and well, she also knows how to shop online. I know, not the brightest move on my part, but one day I sat her down where she spent and hour or so adding mini-boden to her shopping cart! It's very funny to see her coordinate outfits!<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">How I love this child!</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUWf5HKuqntUm97AUHd4ppvc3lNyPCxV6PyRpNqeea9peF0LUVAy2_w11Tzcp9a9dXnnrt3BfbijTuGdit-nJv_xl80JKk4TcONuIiHBGwFGYhRbtwpJgVjVwaAdV0x6r1WaRfSRH4dsM/s1600/WM+pink+for+blog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="416" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUWf5HKuqntUm97AUHd4ppvc3lNyPCxV6PyRpNqeea9peF0LUVAy2_w11Tzcp9a9dXnnrt3BfbijTuGdit-nJv_xl80JKk4TcONuIiHBGwFGYhRbtwpJgVjVwaAdV0x6r1WaRfSRH4dsM/s640/WM+pink+for+blog.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMnaR04ykPEoM5jV9symd5un__o_T8mOQvSMtw64nEi_6wDhXO-aHFwztCw47jwzgPMMG9WkonIG6i3-pl0ukFxMn9rdetsPjMENsd1VWvEVRDto-3RlCqNRbuVvtIjJZJ8-H5Y-xnJRc/s1600/WM+Swim+Storyboard+for+blog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMnaR04ykPEoM5jV9symd5un__o_T8mOQvSMtw64nEi_6wDhXO-aHFwztCw47jwzgPMMG9WkonIG6i3-pl0ukFxMn9rdetsPjMENsd1VWvEVRDto-3RlCqNRbuVvtIjJZJ8-H5Y-xnJRc/s640/WM+Swim+Storyboard+for+blog.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>This summer she learned how to swim (thankfully) and her best stroke was "The Butterfly". She also started to learn to write and expressed an interest in art (it's all over the house, the walls, herself, the table and the occasional coloring book) yep, my girl wants to be an artist, a Princess and a Mommy (in no particular order).<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">Kira's expressions are so funny!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: left;">So while there is much to still do before the morning I thought I would post some of our memorable photos from mid-summer up to recently. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">We're coming Shelby Emmalin, hang in there baby girl. We love you!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Ivy Shafferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08103562422996143435noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8080006169737508283.post-16706392901006205022011-09-25T08:03:00.000-07:002011-10-20T21:39:31.417-07:00We have Visas!Oh this is truly fun, seeing the Chinese Visa in your passport! I know sounds silly but it's one step closer to our Shelby. After months of filing and waiting for more paperwork to be submitted , now it's down to purchasing our tickets and hotel reservations. <br />
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Also on my long shopping list of items to bring are various activities to entertain our Kira girl. She has been very interested in writing and drawing lately and absolutely loves mazes and tracing. Her art is so stinkin cute I'm going to have to frame some of it! Meanwhile Kira herself proudly displays her artwork via tape all over the house.<br />
For the trip, I bought her activity books, crayons, and updated my phone with all sorts of fun inter-active games. In addition I told her she needs to pack her favorite toys to take with in her backpack. I guess size doesn't matter to a pre-schooler, because she has her blankie, sweatshirt and favorite stuffed animal(s) and princess tee shirts all ready to go.<br />
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So now it's onto the checklist of items we <b>must</b> bring, sort of must bring and would like to bring if we don't go over the weight limit of the luggage. It's hard because of the amount of clothing we need for two different climates (the colder weather in the North and her Provincial City and then the warmer climate of Guangzhou). I am trying to keep the clothing list down to one weeks worth of items that we can launder. We've certainly learned a lot from the first time and brought so much we didn't use or couldn't use. So now it's about <b>necessity</b> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">(for Momma: earplugs, ipod, valium, granola bars, dried mangoes, sweatpants and chapstick in no particular order).</span><br />
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I so want to bring my camera but the lens and camera body are pretty heavy and there is no such thing as an inexpensive Nikkor lens. I haven't checked out other compatable lenses but if there's time to do so, it may be worth it. We may just bring a small point and shoot, hey my iphone has more photos on it than my D700 these days, so perhaps that's all that's needed. <br />
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We also have our full Travel Itinerery and I'm so glad we are working with Lotus Travel again. They are fabulous having answered most of our questions already. <br />
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So for those who want to follow our blog here's the itinerary.<br />
- Depart JFK International to Bejing on October 26th<br />
- Arrive Beijing October 27th<br />
- Check into big Hotel (forgot the name)<br />
- Tour the Great Wall October 28th<br />
- Holt Orientation October 29th and more fun tours of Bejing<br />
- Depart Bejing for Gansu October 30th and receive our precious Shelby on arrival to Lanzhou<br />
- Depart Gansu for Guangzhou (five days later also forgot those dates)<br />
- Arrive Guangzhou for US Consulate Appointment<br />
- Depart November 10th for USA!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Ivy Shafferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08103562422996143435noreply@blogger.com0