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Hi everyone!
I'd like to tell you about my trip to Kansas to visit Grandma & Grandpa.
It was just me and Mommy because Daddy had to stay home and work. We took an airplane and I behaved MUCH better than Mommy thought I would--even when we were delayed a couple hours. I fell asleep in Mommy's arms--something I haven't done since we were in China. In case you haven't met me, I don't like to miss much.While I was on my trip, I got to go to Grandma's work twice. She works at the National Weather Service and I might've been an F3 tornado on their scale. I got to meet lots of Grandma's nice friends. They were so kind to give me some sweet gifts. I also got to meet some of Grandma & Grandpa's nice friends--including Sheri. Sheri let me use her car seat, crib, stroller, and many toys and books. That was so nice of her. Mommy was VERY relieved to not have to bring that on the trip.Grandpa turned 60 years old while I was there. We got to sing to him and I helped him open some of his presents. Tearing paper is fun!!!
Right down the road from Grandma & Grandpa is a farm. There are cows, horses, donkeys, llamas, and ducks. We took all the hedge apples from Grandma & Grandpa's yard and fed them to the horses and donkeys. I petted the horses. One was named Jeff--like my uncle. I was on my best behavior at their house. I loved walking up and down the steps and liked looking at Grandma's pretties, but I didn't touch. Grandpa walked with me up and down the steps. Grandma would twirl and twirl with me until we'd both be giggling so hard. Now I see why my mom is so goofy!I missed Daddy but not too much. Here are some pictures from my fabulous trip.Love,Lindy Li-Xiao 
Almost each year we've lived in Texas, we've spent Labor Day at Dr. & Mrs. Branch's ranch in the Hill Country. 
There's a fish fry, lots of friends, and, for some, dove hunting. It's always a fun day visiting with special friends, eating way too much, and relaxing in rocking chairs on their large front porch.Lindy had her first Labor Day at the Branch Ranch and loved it. 
She ate like the best of them, got more attention than you can possibly imagine, and even joined the folks who were shooting skeet. Just shy of 16 months, we felt it was a little too early for her to try her hand at shooting skeet. (Not to mention her mother is not at all fond of hunting and won't be encouraging her daughter to do it!!!) Here are some pictures from the day. 
I know, I know, I'm supposed to keep both eyes on the road and both hands on the wheel. 
It's just that I'm soooo busy, I'm pretty sure that rule doesn't apply to me. In this heat, a girl has got to stay hydrated and, as popular as I am, I hate to miss a call.
My daddy works for a big insurance company, so I'm sure they'll understand my point of view. 
If they don't, I may have to go with the lizard that talks funny because I laugh out loud when I see him. (Just kiddin', Daddy!) :o)
Here are some pictures risk managers will go wild over!
Love,
Lindy
It all started when I was watching the evening news. The most captivating commercial came on and all I could do is bounce in my booster chair and clap with glee. There's just something about that Ford commercial with current American Idol, Taylor Hicks, that I LOVE. That day, I knew there was a part of me meant to entertain.
Then while I was exploring in an off-limits area I made the most wonderful discovery--a microphone. First Mommy scolded me for being somewhere I am not supposed to be (behind the entertainment center), but when she saw I knew what to do with a microphone (unassisted), she took a couple of pictures.
I like to sing, I like to dance, and I love to play the piano with Daddy. Lately, I twirl in circles until I fall down. I also kick up my feet and do a bit of a clogging number when I hear certain kinds of music. I have yet to perfect any of my moves and am no where ready for Riverdance, but it makes Mommy & Daddy laugh. Which makes me ask two questions:
1. What did you do for entertainment BEFORE me?
AND
2. If I'm not allowed to use the microphone, who in this family is???!!!
Love,
Lindy
The past few days Lindy has been hangin' with the "B boys" from Folsom, CA. Okay, you Johnny Cash fans, the "B boys" aren't a terrible gang with the blues from Folsom Prison. They are her cousins Bryce (age 3.5) & Brendan (age 2 next week). Bryce & Brendan were accompanied by Uncle Jeff & Aunt Dani.The seven of us 
had lots of fun 
together. 
We went to the San Antonio Zoo, Sea World, and the Riverwalk. Yesterday we were also all together for a special event--Lindy's readoption in the United States. It was really mo
re of a formality, because Lindy was already officially adopted on April 4th. This just makes it a bit easier for her to get a U.S. birth certificate and social security number. Anyway, it did give us more photo ops, as you see.
Lindy loved being with the boys. Now that she can walk, she did her best to keep up with them and didn't let her size intimidate her from getting right in there to play with them. In 
keeping with her love for words that begin with the letter B, she loved saying Bryce's name. 
Several times she went to Bryce to just give him a hug.It is fun to watch young children at play with each other. They don't care about size, shape, or color. Sometimes they hurt each other's feelings when they don't share or are a little mean, 
but they are forgiving and soon get over it and before you know, they are rolling around giggling like nothing ever happened. Oh so long ago, I remember playing like that with Jeff, so it was music to my ears to hear our children doing the same. Thank you Uncle Jeff, Aunt Dani, and "B boys" for coming to see us. It was a very special visit! We love you!!!
As I post, Lindy is napping and the house is pretty quiet aside from a load of towels in the dryer and the hum of the computer. All I can think is, "This is it. This is my new life." I am officially a stay-at-home Mom. July 7th was my last day at American Funds and after 10 years there, it was pretty bittersweet to leave. However, I feel very blessed to have the opportunity to stay at home with Lindy. I hope I can be the Mother to her she desperately has needed, as well as create a calm, comfortable home for Don, too. I think he is looking forward to the possibility of more meals that don't come from a box. :o) I will gladly accept easy recipes to help in this endeavor. :o)To those of you whom I saw daily and now won't see as often, thank you for everything--I will never forget you! To those of you whom I didn't get to see very often because I worked so much, I am hoping we can see each other more frequently.Thanks to everyone for all your support as I make this transition!!!Love,Lisa
Our first Fourth of July with Lindy was very low key,
but we were oh so happy to have our little firecracker home with us, and did find the time to take some pictures.
During the day Mommy sang many patriotic songs to Lindy. She especially liked "Yankee Doodle Went to Town," and "You're a Grand Old Flag." When asked what it means to be an American, Lindy replied, "Bird, Bible, and pineapple." We believe she is referring to the bald eagle, freedom of religion, and hospitality (which the pineapple symbolizes). 
Lindy took her first dip in her new Wal-Mart wading pool and sported a very stylin' bathing suit. We'll let her wear the two-piece now, but not for long!
Due to some much needed rain and the holiday being in the middle of the week, we did not take Lindy to see any fireworks. Maybe next year...
For two people who love America as much as we do, we hope someday Lindy will cherish being an American. We never want her to be ashamed of her Chinese heritage, but hope the events of July 4, 1776 will have special significance to her. 
Tonight we had dinner with Lisa and Aubrey (21 months) Weinstein whom we had met in China at the White Swan Hotel. 
Lisa and Aubrey were in the San Antonio area visiting family and were kind enough to fit us in their busy agenda.Besides Lindy, one of the greatest gifts of adoption were some special people God placed in our path during our long wait. In addition to our family and existing friends, we "met" (often via the internet and phone) new friends who helped provide support and encouragement. Lisa was one of these people. 
So, to meet her in China was wonderful and to catch up almost three months later, even better!Here are a couple pictures of our China dolls.
Hi there,
This past week the Osborn household was girl central. Lindy got to meet her Aunt Michelle, Aunt Anne, Cousin Brooke (age 4), and Cousin Livi (13.5 months). Don ignored the invisible "No Boys Allowed" sign and was our token male. 
He seemed to survive all the extra female hormones just fine.
Everyone seemed to have a fun time!
It was so cute to watch Livi and Lindy play together or around each other. It is amazing how some of their behaviors are so similar (e.g., squirming during diaper changes, comprehending-- yet ignoring the word "No," and the constant movement). 
Brooke, the baby in her family, was the big girl this go around. She helped keep the dynamic duo entertained and happy. 
It was a big switch for Anne and me. In previous visits it seemed like Michelle was constantly changing diapers and running after kids. This time it was Anne and I who were somewhat in her shoes, and Michelle was a little footloose and fancy free. I think Aunt Michelle might miss changing diapers a teensy bit, because multiple times she changed Lindy's. Now that's love. :o) Thanks Aunt Michelle!!!! 
It was a nice treat for all of us to be together and for the younger girls to meet.
Here are some pictures of our time together.
Hi everyone!
