Here Comes Katrina

IT'S ALMOST A YEAR

2010-03-23T11:31:00.000-07:00

It will be one year this weekend that I met my mommy, daddy & lola and they brought me on a long plane ride to the United States.
What a wonderful year of growing it has been. I am so happy that I am loved and cared for by mommy & daddy. Thank you for making my first year special. I love you.

A Quick Look Back

2010-03-01T05:16:00.000-08:00

Here is a picture of our darling little Katrina! We received this from her Ninang Fritzie from Hospicio de San Jose. What a remarkable little lady--don't you think. My has she grown. There is so much to share as we come to celebrate our one-year anniversary of our unison as a family. The best moment of our lives was our first look at the beautiful little angel we were chosen to help raise...It has been an amazing first year...more to come

KATRINA MEETS BETSY

2010-02-24T04:49:00.000-08:00

When my mommy was little her mommy would always have lots of pom pon girls at her house during the summer months. One of those girls has been friends with my gramma for over thirty years - since before my mommy was born. Her name is Betsy and I had a chance to meet her.

One of her favorite stories is when she was babysitting for my mommy and mommy was sick and happened to upchuck all over her, the bed clothes, everything. This was Betsy's first introduction to that and even though she felt like getting sick herself she cleaned mommy up, cleaned up the crib and the floor and got my mommy settled down and back to bed. The two of them have a special bond and Betsy calls my mom "Mootie".

ACTIVE IS GOOD

2010-02-07T08:06:00.000-08:00

Today I spent the day with Lola because mommy went to substitute teach at Maple. We had fun, she watched me play at Movin & Grovin at the Y, we had time on the slide and when we went home we had more time together with reading, playing and even making pizzas.

Gramma was amazed at how much pizza sauce and mozzarella cheese I could get on myself while we made lunch. I loved tasting each piece of pepperoni before I put it on the pizza - gramma didn't mind - she figured it was only us eating it anyhow. Hope mommy can get the red sauce out of my clothes.
Her favorite story of the day - other than pizza making - would be when I moved my trampoline from one side of the room to the other side. I politely asked her help with "gramma - I need help", when it got stuck on the ottoman. I wasn't moving it to the middle of the room so I could jump, I was moving it behind the couch so I could get on it and turn on the light switch. I impressed her with my industriousness. She said I was a clever little girl.
Hope we have more days together like today.

MY FAVORITE XMAS GIFTS

2010-01-08T12:31:00.000-08:00

Wow, I think you all went overboard with the gifts. What a wonderful holiday and I am so lucky to have family and friends that add to the excitement of my first Christmas in the US.
My favorite gifts are my horse and my kitchen. I am sure I will be riding that horse until I am a teenager - unless I start gaining some weight. My kitchen - see my apron, "I Love Cleaning" - my grampa Bob loves it.
Love you all and thank you for everything.

Seeing Santa

2009-12-23T03:48:00.000-08:00

We went to the mall to see Santa. I know who he is, I can say "Ho, Ho, Ho" and my favorite song is "Here Comes Santa Claus". I did great til they put me on his knee and I looked up and saw his face - then came the tears. Mommy grabbed me quick, gramma grabbed a photo by Santa and we took off.

When I received the photo that the mall took I wouldn't give it up.

MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE

2009-12-12T05:45:00.000-08:00

On stage...I was a natural!

Away in a manger...I decide the live Filipino heritage nativity scene needs some more "spice" so I get up and dance mid stage. After my solo was complete, I ran offstage to Grandma!

Here I am! Where is mommy? Stuck behind stage trying to call my name so I sit nice....nope--didn't happen!

Over a foot of snow! We played and mommy pulled me around on my snowmen sled. My nose got a chillin' all too soon and we were back inside before we knew it. I'm just not used to this weather yet! I love to look at the "snowplakes and snowmens" from inside our cozy house.

Trying To Get A Picture

2009-12-03T03:57:00.000-08:00

Gramma tried to get my picture so she could send it to all the friends and family that supported Mommy and her efforts to raise money for my Hospicio. I tried to cooperate, but for all of you who know me, I am a whirling dervish.
This is my first Christmas in the United States - I am so excited.

Catch me if you can.

OK - Time for a rest.

OCTOBER CAME AND WENT!

2009-11-01T16:56:00.000-08:00

October came and went and the cold chilled my bones too quickly! The end of September and beginning of October marked many new things for me and my family--the birth of my new cousin--baby Ulises! I loved him the minute I saw him. I started Music and Rhythm Classes with the Rec Dept (lots of singing and playing with instruments which I LOVE). I even started Teddy Tumbling and Swimming at the YMCA. Swimming was great with Mommy and Daddy both there. I was ready to jump right in the minute I got to the edge of the pool. 15 minutes into class I started shivering--my teacher said I needed more"meat on my bones!" Tumbling was a different story--my classmates are very unique. The first day could've been used in a sitcom--no teacher, a custodian that clearly "loved" children, a fill-in teacher that got thrown-up all over by a little girl, and no control as we all ran around screaming. My mommy jumped in to help and had us running and jumping. Before I knew it, I saw two of my classmates hanging on her legs! My mommy also realizes that I am REALLY "active" compared to other kids my age:) She couldn't get me out from under the parachute! I also started going to the "daycare" at Sneakers Fitness while my mom teaches aerobics. There are some good stories there! ( I am still learning to stay on the ground to play and also learning again that sharing is tough!)

I am still battling my ear infections/fluid and sinus infection...Soooo, my BIG surgery is on Thursday, November 5th. I will have my adenoids removed and ear tubes put in. Dr. says that this will make me a new baby--and relieve the fluid and maybe even help me eat better. Momma hopes so...Despite not being 100 percent, I have started talking up a storm! I put 2 words together to make some phrases and copy every last word mommy or daddy say. I love acting out things with my baby doll and doggies. My favorite phrases are still, "Ohhh noooo!, and "Moyyy"(more). I try to sing the Barney songs on my favorite Barney video too.

My first Halloween was wonderful! Mom and I carved a bat in my pumpkin! And CANDY! a new word in my vocab--also Trick or Treat (I try--but it comes out "Teatrteat.") My cousins Elle and Ava showed me the ropes pretty quickly. We raced down the road in the dark with our parents chasing after us. I said "Thank you" to all of the neighbors and wanted to eat the candy right away! I chewed on a glow stick to tide my hunger--my mom looked in horror as my chin was glowing in the dark...Aren't I the cutest flower you've ever seen?

Thank you to all of my special family and friends who shared a loving donation of money to my dear family at Hospicio de San Jose. The flooding has devastated the facility--they are overwhelmed, yet continue to open their arms to many children in need of a family. We raised over 1250 dollars to send. Thank you for showing your support and love for me by taking care of those who are so important to me.

Enjoy the pics--sorry they were so late. Mom has just been enjoying her time with me and enjoying all the new activities we are in! I have my special 2 year photo shoot on Wednesday. We hope to get some good pics then--I am still learning how to smile and sit still for the camera. I hope this photographer has a quick click finger!!! Love you all--Kat-Kat

Happy Halloween

2009-11-01T13:02:00.000-08:00

Gramma wanted to share my first Halloween with you. I was a flower - catch the Converse shoes. It was a cold night to trick or treat and I got the "treat" part in and the "tank you" part too. Maybe next year I will really get the hang of it.

Maligayang Bati!

2009-09-22T11:54:00.000-07:00

My birthday was PERFECT! It all started on Thursday when my little friend, Madison came to visit. She is my mommy's friend Shannon's baby...we sat and giggled on the chair together, I gave her kisses and just stared a little. It was so nice of Madison to get me a new dress and a Mrs. Potato Head!

My birthday party was on Sunday--I napped and woke up smiling when mommy told me it was time to put on my fancy birthday dress! It was from my cousins Joey, Alyssa, Jeanine, and Phil. I felt so pretty in it and couldn't wait to party!

I had a Dora theme going on with lots of BIG balloons that I loved playing with. I had fun running around with my cousins, Ava, Kyle, Cal, and Elle. All of my Grandmas and Grandpas came!

I took my time opening each and every card and present. I was so excited to see what each gift held. I walked around to show everyone the neat clothes and toys and even modeled a few items: a sweater and hat from Gramma and Papa Prill, pajamas from Tita D and Tito U...Oh, every gift was so special. I took time to say "Tank youuuu" to each of my beloved family members...

The best part was when Elle brought in her special gift--my new mini-trampoline! Elle decided it was time to pass it on to me--Oh man, did I ever get excited over that! I just had to try it out! I hopped on and yelled, "JUMP, JUMP, JUMP! Yaaaaaayyyy!" Everyone started laughing to see such fun so I had to keep entertaining...Glad I could make your day everyone! That will be an image I think for years to come that will make my family smile!

I have my big 2 year doctor visit on Wednesday...we will see how my ears are doing and all that other stuff...Love you all--thank you for always thinking of me and making me feel so special--Kat-kat

Lakefront in Kenosha with Tita and Tito!

2009-09-16T12:30:00.000-07:00

September highlights...

2009-09-15T19:30:00.000-07:00

I am such a silly girl--always HAPPY! I have fun wherever I go and whatever I do...Here are some pictures--me sitting still just long enough for mommy to get a picture of me and my craaazy hair, Papa T and I playing with my baby, and looking at my scrapbook Sue made me (I say, "Kat-kat" and point to my pictures). I stopped with some of the important men in my life to take a picture--we are on the riverwalk downtown Milwaukee. Mama, Dada and I had fun at the zoo in the train. I waved to everyone and said, "Hiiiiii!"

My birthday is on Thursday, September 17th--I can't wait! I asked for Handy Manny stuff, rhythm sticks, bathtub toys, and BOOKS. I also love to jump, maybe mommy and daddy will find a mini trampoline for me???? I hope so...Love you, Kat-kat

P.S. My mom says maybe she will continue to add to the blog until March 28th (1 year to the date they came home with me)

On the mend...

2009-09-04T12:00:00.000-07:00

The end of July and August were rough as I battled constant sickness--you must know that I remained happy, playful, active, and smiling throughout the whole thing--that is throughout ear infections, a sinus infection, high fevers, fluid in my ears, and enlarged tonsils and adenoids! It took me three different antibiotics. I am still on number three--20 days! It seems that I am finally on the mend--let's keep our fingers crossed! You people here have some meeeannn viruses! Yikes.

I am growing more beautiful by each day--now a whopping 19.5 pounds! My favorite foods are noodles, rice and vegetables, hot dogs, peas, and purple grapes. I still love my "bah-bah" bottle and find comfort in it after every meal. I love to read the Napping House--over and over and over again. I love Barney and anything on the Disney Channel--the Imagination Movers are my favorite to dance to. Speaking of dancing--anything that has a beat gets me going--the other day, the sound of the washing machine had me bobbing my head:)

I am talking up a storm--some of my words: apple, banana, avocado, grapes, cheese, up, down, sleep, hello, bye-bye, hi!, Noooo, more, jump, baby, doggy, weeeeeeee!, happy, sad,...the list goes on. I am very dramatic and giggle with my hands covering my mouth. I like to fall and say, "Whoooa!" I have gotten yelled at many times for jumping on the bed, and running away and hiding when my parents needed me. But, I am so cute, I get away with alot. I call my blankie "bring back" because that's what my mommy sings to me when I rock her.."Bring Back, Bring Back, oh bring back my bonny to me..."

My second birthday is just around the corner--September 17th! That will be the last of the blog! The adoption will be complete in a month and I will get my own social security card. My permanent residency card came in the mail for USCIS! I can't believe it will soon be 6 months home with my family. It is like we have always been! Love you--Kat-Kat!

The Photo Shoot

2009-08-07T05:35:00.000-07:00

Gramma came over to the house to take pictures of me. She is going back to the Philippines at the end of the month and is going to visit my friends and godmothers at the Hospicio. My mommy told her that I had been practicing my "SMILE" for her.

I greeted Gramma riding down my new slide that mommy and daddy bought me. They think I need to be more daring - on a cement driveway no less. Then I proceeded to make them chase me all over trying to get a shot that would work.

Piggy and Kelso decided this was a good time to get some action shots of them.

So, what do you think? Did I smile for her?

Katrina Goes To The Fair

2009-07-26T16:17:00.000-07:00

Mommy and I both had our hair cut .

Here I am meeting Elle's calf, McQueen.

This is Elle's and McQueen before she went into the ring for the presentation.

Grampa helped me ride a little tractor.

Today, even though I wasn't feeling too good, I went to see my first county fair. My cousin, Elle, was showing her calf at the Washington County Fair today so we all went to see her walk her calf around the ring. I also got to pet her calf and I wasn't even afraid - gramma believes there isn't anything that scares me.
Weather was beautiful, though people tell me that it is unseasonably cool. I like it.

Lovin' July!

2009-07-09T12:46:00.001-07:00

July is BEAUTIFUL! I am having so much fun! There I am running through my crazy sprinkler and with Piggy in the pool--she lounged and I played! Gramma got me a new dress--I felt pretty--I sat and sang in the driveway. Grandpa Ide and I splashed in his pool on Fourth of July weekend. Mama and I said goodbye to Zion United Methodist Church--we took a picture on the steps of the church we both were baptized/dedicated at. I gave Piggy some love--we have a special bond-- and not to mention Mama and I, and Piggy of course, relaxing in the chair! Much more to come! I started speech yesterday and really like my teacher. The best idea was for my mom to get an electric toothbrush. My teacher said it would wake up my mouth! Can you believe it? I used it all morning and cried when mommy took it away--but sure enough--I chattered all day!!! It worked!

The Kat in the Hat

2009-06-28T20:44:00.000-07:00

Kat in a Hat...Loved this picture and knew I just had to share it with those of you keeping up with the latest on our little one. I think she is ready for her cover shot for VOGUE! She is loving the summer weather, playing in her pool, running through her sprinkler, and climbing up and down her slide! Tonight after our 7pm stroll with the doggies, she noticed the moon and tried to reach for it. She couldn't keep her eyes off of it. We waved "bye-bye" to it and blew it a kiss. I told her that it's the same moon that all her friends from Hospicio look at each night--just at a different time than her...

Bear Lake

2009-06-23T11:31:00.000-07:00

Bear Lake was so much fun! Every year the Ide family spends time up at Bear Lake in Manawa, WI. Grandma and Grandpa Ide were so excited to have me there to play with! We enjoyed the beautiful weather, the beach, the water, and eating of course! I played in the sand with my sand toys. At first, I wasn't quite sure about how the sand felt on my toes, but after awhile, I was ready to get down and dirty and throw the sand and scoop it up. Don't I look so cute in my polka-dot bikini? I loved the water--especially in my new floaties! I have a hippo and turtle. I would splash water and yell, "Ahhhh!" and giggle. I even was brave enough to walk in and out of the water all by myself! My Tito Ulises took me for a ride in the boat. We went fast and put our hands up and swayed to the relaxing mood music. My Tita Diana,Daddy and Mommy fished and I just played in the boat with my life jacket and other little things I found. I was so good! I got to try a roasted marshmallow too--My mommy's favorite. It stayed on my lips...yummy! I danced a bit to the music the day we left. I was in the car for about 5 minutes and I fell asleep! Before I knew it, I was home with a nice tan and ready to play again! I can't wait until next year!
Message from Mom: Katrina is doing very well! Happy and healthy--and did I mention she is happy? Dustin and I are amazed at her growth and all of the things she is beginning to do. She continues to have her ears "on watch" and also her nutrition as doctors would like to plump her up a bit. This week she has bloodwork done to test for allergies (food/environmental) and CGD. We meet with the adoption counselor for our 3 month eval and also with the case worker from the Birth to 3 program to begin special needs work. She is in Tiny Tots at the Y and loved the day's class--climbing, singing, and running around. Her favorite was ring around the rosie--she kept grabbing the ladie's hand by us wanting her to keep going!

A DAY AT THE ZOO

2009-06-17T06:03:00.000-07:00

This is my view of the elephants

Here I am on my first pony ride. I loved it and every time I would come around to the kids that were watching I would smile. Mommy held me on so I wouldn't fall off. Elle is a seasoned pony rider and she showed me the ropes.

Where do we go next? I loved looking out the train.

Yesterday I went to the Milwaukee County Zoo with mommy, gramma and cousin Elle. It was fun. I am showing you my birds eye view of the elephants. I saw giraffes, bears, a lion, tiger, rhinos, birds, peacocks, flamingos, monkeys, cows just to name a few. I played in the kids park, rode on a pony (which I loved and wished my legs were a little longer), rode the train and had lunch at the zoo. I am going to go again. Once I was in the car I passed out. Exhaustion is good.

MORE PHOTOS FROM THE DEDICATION

2009-06-17T05:55:00.001-07:00

(1) Zion United Methodist (2) Ninang Aunt Rebekah & Ninong Uncle Brad (3) Daddy & Me (4) The Cousins, Ava, Elle, Me, Cal & Kyle (5) The group

MY DEDICATION

2009-06-15T19:13:00.001-07:00

(1) Mommy, Daddy, Ninang & Ninong (2) Mommy & Me (3) Aunt Rebekah, Uncle Peter, Daddy & Me, Grampa Ide and Gramma Ide (4) My cousins, Elle, Ava, Kyle & Cal (5) Ninang Rebekah & Me

On Sunday my immediate family attended a dedication in my honor at Zion United Methodist Church in Colgate. The event was very simple since I was already baptized in my homeland. My mommy and daddy wanted me to have a special ninang and ninong here in Wisconsin. My Aunt Rebekah is my ninang and my Uncle Brad is my ninong. I liked the ceremony as it was an affirmation for my family to see - just right for little me. It was also in the same church and right about the same spot where my mommy was baptized.

After the ceremony we went to have brunch at the Copper Dock. I love brunch - I think I burped it up on my cousin Elle though.
Here are some pictures from the event. More to come and share but this is a start. I think now I can get down to enjoying summer - we are taking a trip to the zoo so I can see animals. I can't wait.

DAY AT THE PARK

2009-06-11T06:44:00.000-07:00

Fun shots from my day at the little park by gramma's. Can't do the swing too much though as I get dizzy. What is that?

SCENES FROM MY OPEN HOUSE

2009-06-05T11:21:00.001-07:00

Here are just a few pictures from the recent Open House that mommy & daddy had for all their friends. It turned out to be a beautiful day and I met so many wonderful people. I even found out who would be my godmother, Aunt Rebekah, and my godfather, Uncle Brad are the upcoming rededication at Zion.

MORE NEW COUSINS

2009-05-25T06:37:00.000-07:00

Hi All......

What a nice relaxing day we had - Joey and Alyssa finally met their new baby cousin Katrina and they just adored her. These days we never really know what to expect with our four year old and almost three year old as it seems that they are always testing the waters with some new behavior - sometimes we laugh and other times we just walk away and try to act like they aren't ours (too bad that they look like a little Phil and Jeanine- so there we are stuck). Our Alyssa has been carrying around a tiny picture of Katrina for days and we have taught her "This is Katrina, I don't hit her" so she remembered and was on her best behavior with her new, very sweet, very tiny cousin. Joe loved her and sat immediately and played as if he had known her all along - but, then again Joe is a lover - and our little peace maker. We had a nice lunch, learned about our new little family member and the children ran together. All good things must come to an end - our little girl was fading fast from her prior day of excitement so we made our exit. Alyssa kissed all three dogs. Katrina kissed Joe. Jeanine kissed Alicia. And Phil wanted to kiss Dustin ......just kidding. Alyssa told Dustin "That was a great DINNER" and we made our way home. On the way home we talked about our cousin and how much we "LOVE" her and Alyssa whacked sleeping Joe with her new Filipino made fan she got from Alicia and got in trouble - that was how we knew we were home. We had such a nice day and wish we lived closer so we could do this more often. Enjoy these pictures - they weren't easy to get with 2, 3, and 4 year olds - notice how nice the dogs posed. :)

Jeanine

Big Party Coming Up

2009-05-18T07:51:00.000-07:00

I am hoping that I am going to be able to meet some of you this weekend. My mommy & daddy are having an open house. I thought that I had met all the people that I needed to meet, but I guess there are more of you out there that need to get to meet me. How in the world am I going to remember all of you? I sure hope you stay in my life for a long time so that I can start putting faces with names.

I also heard that there was going to be some Filipino food at the open house. I have missed my pancit and can't wait to have it again.

I got to see my gramma and gramps yesterday. My daddy has been mowing their lawn because grampa is sick and gramma says she can't pull the chord to get the mower started (do you think that is true?). I get to do my "happy all over" move for gramma and she laughs and laughs.

Have you ever been to a rummage sale? I have already been to several with mommy, Auntie Kate, Elle and Auntie Kate's sister Karen. I can't believe all of you have so much stuff - that is now my stuff!!!!

Well, I just wanted to let you know I continue to grow, continue to eat good meals, I get lots of sleep and can't wait to see you this weekend. I hope the weather is good so we can be outside.

Love, Katrina

Just in time for my mommy's birthday!

2009-05-05T20:38:00.000-07:00

I am growing so fast! Learning new things each day, perfecting them, and moving on to the next thing that catches my eye. I have 2 new words/phrases! I surprised my mommy just in time for her birthday..."Mumma!" and "Aaahh duhh" for "All done!" I am so proud of myself that I smile and giggle after I say them! My favorite books remain "I Love You Through and Through" from Tita Diana and Tito Ulises, and "Binky" from my cousins Jeanine, Alyssa, and Joe! I love how both books have babies crying in them. For some reason I think it is silly, but I always make sure to kiss the sad faces on the page. I am eating good. I love peas, and I love Fruity Cheerios, Cheerios, and Lucky Charms. I have even started to try and feed myself using my spoon! I can't believe it! I am so proud I am becoming a BIG girl. I have woken up every morning this week with a smile on my face and ready to watch Dora and Handy Manny. My mommy is amazed that I am now able to fit shapes into my shape bucket. I understand so much when she talks to me now. I will meet with the Adoption Specialists and my team of doctors on May 11th for another evaluation. They will check to see that everything is going well for me--I think they will be amazed at how far I've come...I can't wait to see all of you at my Welcome Home party!

April Showers...

2009-04-25T08:24:00.000-07:00

The thunder and rain this morning reminded me of the Philippines! The loud bangs and rumbling thunder didn't even make me flinch! I woke up this morning with a smile on my face and curls everywhere! The humidity does wonders for my hairstyle you know. I am sad that we won't get to go out for our normal stroller ride. My doggies and I need those walks for our sanity...I had to yell at Piggy and Kelso for wrestling in the house. I stand really close to them and just yell and point. That's what my mom does and it seems to work!

I had a great week! Tita Bekah came to visit and play--she made me giggle and screech with the puppet her and Tito Peto bought for me. I met my Great Aunt Patty and Uncle Bob. I went to the doctor to have my TB test read and get my antibiotics for MRSA(yuck), and I loved playing with the other babies and kids in the waiting area. I jumped right in and starting talking and pointing to my friends--I really miss all of my friends from Holy Angels. Mom says we need to get into a play group or something...My Grampa Sid came to visit before he leaves for Las Vegas to win me some money. He gave me my fruit snacks and my bottle. I loved handing him my toys and then taking them back. I also danced for him to Yo Gabba Gabba! Mommy and I went to our first rummage to pick out some new toys. I loved the ball tower--I can go really fast and push the balls down the tube. After breakfast this morning I just wanted to play with it right away...I also managed to carry both Baby Stella and Baby 2 around with me just like a mommy! I talk to them and make them play patt-a-cake with me. I also love my jar of bugs from my mom's friend Jeanna and Matt. Jeanna will have a baby very soon too! Her baby is alreay a Brewer's fan as you can see on her t-shirt!

I am finally enjoying bath time with all of my bath toys. I thought you all would love a picture of me in the bath, right? I just had a snack with Mama--applesauce. She would take a bite, I would laugh. I would take a bite and she would laugh. It made snack time fun! Things I am still working on? Eating, staying out of the dog's water dish, saying Mama, and not hitting my doggies and mom and dad...Love you all and hope to see you at my Welcome Home Party on May 23rd! Kat

WHERE'S MY SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER?

2009-04-24T19:32:00.000-07:00

Did you know that you need to have a social security number before you can be covered by insurance under your daddy's plan? We learn something new everyday. I am definitely going to need insurance as I have already gone to the ER, to the Dr office twice and have enough meds right now to show up papa Prill.

I've had fun meeting more people. My Uncle Bob came from Portland to see Papa who is in the hospital. I got a chance to meet him and my Great Aunt Patty. Uncle Bob brought me some presents from my Aunt Sabrina and my cousins, Morgan, Malerie and Melissa, who they have dubbed MP3. Now I have a dolly to join baby Stella. Aunt Patty brought me a cow hand puppet. She collects cows - I've never even seen a real cow. Now that would be a picture - me and a cow. Maybe I should go to Aunt Kate's dad's farm to see the cows. My cousin, Elle, even shows cows. I am sure I will have that to look forward to this summer.

Mommy is still not organized yet to take over this blog and let you know the real things that are happening in our household. I can tell you that I do like to take walks in the stroller with the dogs in tow. I also love to run around and investigate. Freedom - what a wonderful feeling, but mommy & daddy need to keep a close watch on me.

I am learning so much and having fun in the Ide household. I am so lucky and so loved.

Katrina

THERE IS SUN IN WISCONSIN

2009-04-17T17:35:00.000-07:00

1-Great toy, I can lounge & play 2 - Is this a Cubs jacket? 3 - Love my Piggy

1 - Gramma & Me 2 - Reading the card from Uncle Smitty & Aunt Sharon

My main man - Daddy The red hat - gramma will take my picture each year in this.

My Great Uncle Smitty & Great Aunt Sharon looking at my Life Book.

Mommy has been getting me out for walks with the dogs. At first I thought that this new place would never have any warmth, but now I can see that it may have possibilities.

This week, in addition to the walks, I met my Great Uncle Smitty and Great Aunt Sharon, then Mommy, Auntie Kate & my cousin Elle and I went to the Big Back Yard. It was great. I had fun running around and doing lots of things.

I can hardly believe that I have been a US citizen for 3 weeks. When do I get my stimulus check??? I also need to thank my cousin Jeanine for being the best sharer on this blog. I love reading all you have to say and I can't wait to meet Joey (Bag of Donuts) and Alyssa (I love her clothes and if you notice I am donning some of them).

I am hoping that Mommy or Daddy will write something for you to read soon. I guess I take some getting use to - their schedule is thrown off with just making sure that I am happy - I AM!!!! Love to all of you who are my new family and friends. You are the best!!! Katrina

OBSERVATION

2009-04-15T18:12:00.001-07:00

I just discovered that I can make people laugh. Here are a couple of easy tricks I am using to entertain all the people that are coming to visit with me. I clench my fists, I shrug up my shoulders, purse my lips and I close my eyes - it is the ultimate show of excitement and I have them all laughing. Move #2 is the "I should have had a V8" move - I am sure they stole my move - I hit my forehead. No, I haven't forgotten anything - I just love to see all of you smile at me.

Daddy was away on business and is coming home late tonight. I will get to see him in the morning.

Love to all of you, Katrina

SOME BUNNY LOVES YOU

2009-04-12T17:15:00.000-07:00

HAPPY EASTER EVERYONE ! ! ! ! !

Grampa and Gramma Ide

Uncle Peter and Aunt Rebekah - I love all my puppets.

Great Uncle Dave brought me a beautiful lamb.

Aunt Diana and Uncle Ulysses - yes, my Aunt Diana is going to have a baby too and I will have another cousin.

Wow, what a wonderful holiday. I went to visit my daddy's family in Kenosha. Everyone was there - and we even had time for bubbles on the deck. Then we were off to mommy's family - again, lots of people. I met one of the nurses from the Filipino Medical Clinic too - Zarina joined our family for Easter dinner and stayed so I could see her again.

Zarina and me

That bunny sure was busy - I had baskets all over - even Aunt Kate & Uncle Brad brought me a basket filled with bananas - I loved it because there were kids there - my cousins, Kyle, Cal, Ava and Elle all were fun to play with and to watch.

Kyle, Cal, Ava, Elle and I

Next year I am sure I am going to get in on the egg hunt and follow the string. I'm not big enough yet. There was also this stupid lamb cake - I got the feeling that it was a big thing - but it sure didn't look like much.

My daddy knows his numbers. He guessed the number of jelly beans in the jar.

I am loving all the books that I am receiving, I am loving the dogs, I have a new pair of tennis shoes courtesy of daddy, I went to the park, I've walked with mommy and the hounds in my stroller and I am getting accustom to tights, socks and shoes. We are still working on getting the food down pat, love the baths and I am doing so much better with sleeping. Mommy tells people that I love to hide things - in the cushions, in my mouth, in the cupboards. It is just so much fun to explore and see all that is new. I am chattering more and mommy and daddy are working on getting some words in my vocabulary.

Right now I am waiting for it to get warmer here - why do people live in this cold??? I need to get some warm clothes if they plan on keeping me in this climate - maybe we can vacation in the warm in the winter. Well, I can hope can't I?

Love, Katrina

WHERE ARE ALL OF YOU???

2009-04-09T06:16:00.000-07:00

Easter is only a few days away and the only person who has told me what they like best about Easter and what it's all about are my cousins, Alyssa and Jeanine. Am I to greet the Easter Bunny clueless?

New In Town, Katrina

AUNT BEVERLY & UNCLE ROBIN

2009-04-06T15:22:00.000-07:00

Today I met my gramma's brother, Robin. He is my great

uncle. He came to my house with Aunt Beverly and she brought me a beautiful handmade rag quilt. It is lilac with beautiful quilted hearts on it. I know it took her a lot of time because I heard her tell my gramma that her back was hurting.

Thank you Aunt Beverly for the beautiful quilt and the wonderful books that I will have my mommy and daddy read to me everyday.

It makes me feel so special to meet all these people that are so important in my family. Thank you for coming such a long way to see me and let me get to know you.

My cousin, Jeanine, also sent me boxes of clothes - ohhhh, am I lucky.

Mommy also took me to Maple Elementary School to meet some of her friends. That was fun too.

My skin is getting better, I am sleeping through the night and I am feeling so much better. I am now looking forward to my first Easter. What is your favorite part of Easter? You need to tell me so I know what to expect.

Love to all of you, Katrina

MY FIRST BABY SHOWER

2009-04-05T06:10:00.000-07:00

I went to my first baby shower!!!! Mommy's old college roommate, Shannon Schlink, baby is due in May and her mom and sister gave a wonderful party for her and the baby.
I went to meet Shannon, her mom and her dad. It was fun.

I saw a lot of things I have never seen before. The first thing was a fire in a fireplace. That held my attention for a long time. The next thing was a Baby Tree that Shannon's mom created for the event. There were lots of presents, lots of food and lots of people.

Mr. Schlink even took me on a special walk to see the restaurant and held me and talked to me while my mommy visited with some of her friends. Shannon looks familiar - I liked that. After I met all the people that were special to mommy my daddy came and picked me up. I don't know if I liked being separated at that time, I didn't even have cake, but I know mommy would be able to eat lunch and have some time alone and she would be home soon.

I also wore my first pair of tights. What in the heck are those things and why do you guys wear them???? I am so accustom to bare feet and bare legs this will take some getting use to.
On Monday my Great Aunt Beverly and Great Uncle Robin are coming to see me. I am excited for that event.
Love, Katrina

JUST FOR YOU

2009-04-03T06:08:00.000-07:00

This ones for you!!!!
You have followed the journey from half way round the world to Sussex, Wisconsin with us so now we are hoping you will continue the journey as Katrina grows and adds adventure and wonder to our lives. Your comments, your pictures, your family - everything can be added to this blog and it will be a fun way to see how Katrina relates to her new surroundings and life.
First, I need to tell you that the parents have been going non stop since they arrived back in the US. It all started with a trip to the ER at 2:30am on her arrival day (the plane ride did havoc to her skin condition), a trip to the Filipino Medical Clinic by 8am, more doctor appts, visits from family and friends and non ending telephone calls - so that is why there hasn't been an update on the Journey blog. It has been a struggle to get her on a schedule that would help her and her parents get over their jet lag. We can't figure out why the trip there didn't cause as much discomfort as the trip home but we have all vowed that any return trips will be in First Class, Business Class or we will buy a whole row in coach. Well, at least that is what gramma is saying. Now on to what Katrina is saying -

Mommy and daddy have changed me over to soy based formula. They are also introducing different foods slowly to see how I react to them. I still have my staples of rice and rice cereal but I am loving bananas, raisins and juice too. Gramma told my mommy that even if I don't like something the first time I need to keep having it because I may like it - this comes from a woman who won't try anything new, so go figure.
I love my bedroom, the mattress is thick and kushy. Since I am getting the cream on my skin I am waking up happy and raring to go. Kelso, Mya and Piggy love me - that is because I am now a source of food for them. They won't snatch anything away from me, but they now know that anything that hits the floor will now be theirs. I am hoping that I don't hit the floor!!!!
Here are some things that I can do so far - I can make my fingers move in the itsy bitsy spider song, I love looking in mirrors and kissing myself, I clap my hands when I am excited, I love the Baby Einstein DVD (OK Mom and Dad you need a new DVD player as the darn thing is skipping), I can point to my eyes, nose and mouth (pointing is considered rude in the Philippines so this is a new one for me) and I love to explore the cupboards where those darn locks haven't been installed. I even put back all the stuff that I took out and my mommy thinks that means that I will keep my bedroom and play area clean, right......
When family visits I get presents - they say they are my presents from Christmas but I am thinking they just want to shower me with things. Hold off fans - I have lots of growing to do and will have lots of needs that you can all fulfill - like make up, jewelry, a car - only kidding. I love all my toys so far - baby Stella, my kitchen, the horsey from cousin Alyssa and all my books. I may not know how to say thank you but you can tell when I am playing that I am thinking it. Remember, you don't need excuses to come visit - just say I called and asked you to come.
My no no's are the dog's water dish, the stairs and the metal wall hanging (which has already fallen down on my recent pull). In Tagalog no is " O O" maybe that is why I don't know what the heck they are saying.
Mommy and daddy are doing a good job as parents so far, I will keep you posted when they start to slip up. I don't know what to think of the cold, the heat in the house, and the car seat. All are new to me.
OK, it is time for me to go. If there is anything you'd like to know about the IDE household I'll be your mole. Love to all of you and here are some pictures of me.
Katrina