We wish you a Happy and Prosperous New Year for 2011!
As 2010 draws to a close, I find myself reflecting a bit (especially while riding all over today - did some lovely shopping!). This past year has brought both joy and heartache - and some good memories.
Kevin got home from school on our anniversary in March and in April Monkey turned two days after we moved here to southern New Mexico. We spent a lot of the summer settling in here, painting, buying some new furniture for the dining room. Monkey and I took a swimming class together. Monkey started his school and tumbling - Kevin continues his training. During those months, we decided that it was time for us to pursue the adoption we have been talking about forever. We started our home study and contracted with Lifetime Adoption. For Thanksgiving my Mom visited, and we had a lovely Christmas with our little family here. We also found out yesterday that the final two pieces came in - we are officially home study approved!
The road to adoption has had a few bumps so far - my unreadable fingerprints for starters. We had some odd delays with our home study that can only lead both Kevin and I to believe that our baby must not quite be ready to come home.
Today, we felt the confidence that we would soon be parents again and decided to buy some baby girl clothes - we have all of Monkey's beautiful barely worn baby clothes for a baby boy. And hey - who knows - maybe we'll be blessed with twins! We also started collecting diapers for when the time comes. Next we'll get a few bottles to have on hand, since we didn't use them for Monkey. After that, we'll be set!
So - goodbye 2010! Hello to the start of a beautiful new year and (hopefully) an expanded family in our household!
Wishing the best to you and yours!
Lilypie Waiting to Adopt tickers
Friday, December 31, 2010
Tuesday, December 28, 2010
We Got Some News
The mother of the baby girl that was thinking of adoption has decided to parent her daughter!
While I am sad for us, I wish her all the best and hope that she has a wonderful support system to help her raise her daughter. The situation sounds slightly tenuous, so we left word that if something were to change, that we would welcome a call. However, at this point we don't really expect that and hope that the pair of them have a most wonderful life.
While I am sad for us, I wish her all the best and hope that she has a wonderful support system to help her raise her daughter. The situation sounds slightly tenuous, so we left word that if something were to change, that we would welcome a call. However, at this point we don't really expect that and hope that the pair of them have a most wonderful life.
New Blog Design
While we're wishing, hoping and fervently praying that we hear something soon, I decided to update the background to reflect our hopeful Christmas Miracle.
Maybe it'll bring us some luck!
Maybe it'll bring us some luck!
Monday, December 27, 2010
A Prayers and Positive Thoughs Request
Tonight, we heard of a possibly available adoption situation - a baby girl born on CHRISTMAS DAY, no less - from a dear friend!
We have passed along all of our information and praying to hear that this could be our baby!
I don't want to post details until we know more, but please send out thoughts and prayers for us! This is very nerve-racking to say the least. The planner in me is ready to start getting things in order, but I don't want to do that and have things fall through. So maybe throw in a prayer or two for patience?
We have passed along all of our information and praying to hear that this could be our baby!
I don't want to post details until we know more, but please send out thoughts and prayers for us! This is very nerve-racking to say the least. The planner in me is ready to start getting things in order, but I don't want to do that and have things fall through. So maybe throw in a prayer or two for patience?
Tuesday, December 21, 2010
Adoption thus far...
There hasn't been a whole lot of action on the adoption front. Our home study is nearly complete - just waiting on the background checks from the last two states we have lived in, and then it will be absolutely, finally complete. This gives me some measure of hope, as then we will be able to be presented to potential first families that are making a last minute decision.
I have decided to donate all of my maternity clothes to our adoption facilitators birth mother closet. They give clothing, food and other assistance to mothers that they are working with that need help. I am clearly not going to be needing the maternity clothes, and someone else can get much more use out of them.
The waiting seems...interminable.
I know it hasn't been very long in the grand scheme of things, as we've only been active for about four months. In pregnancy time, we'd be past the first trimester and the most risk of miscarriage. We'd be hearing the heartbeat for the first time. We'd wonder about screening results, and bicker about whether or not to find out the gender. We'd start finalizing what type of birth we wanted and work toward that goal.
With adoption, we don't have milestones to look forward to. We don't have a way to mark the passage of the time, or a definitive - or even a hazy - outlook on when we can expect to be blessed with our second child.
I have not ever been a very religious person. I have felt the need to "try on" different faiths but nothing has ever felt quite right. Honestly, I was content with out it. I felt that there was SOMETHING out there, bigger than we can know, but not what or who. In general, I regard faith as a mountain, with many paths to the top. And my view of God has been like a beautifully cut diamond - one whole with many different facets, and each facet having had a name.
Now...I feel something different. I don't have a name for it. I find myself reading and reading to find where I fit. Most recently, I have read, in order: The Faith Club by Ranya Idliby, Suzanne Oliver and Priscilla Warner; The Reason for God: Belief in an Age of Skepticism by Timothy Keller; and finally, The Case for Christ by Lee Strobel.
I really liked the first and last book - the second didn't hold my attention as well. Lee Strobel's book convinced me to buy it because he was an atheist, whose wife became Christian. He thought she was out of her mind, so did a ton of research for himself, that led to his own conversion to Christianity. He also has some other books that I intend to read - The Case for a Creator, The Case for Faith, The Case for the Real Jesus.
I'm not sure where my journey will lead me, but I hope that it is a fulfilling one. It relates back to our Adoption Journey, because I have felt what I haven't really felt the need to do before, except sporadically. To pray. I am not sure to Who, and I hope that someone is Listening to my pleas. I think I want to believe, and have faith, but I'm not sure how.
For now, what I have will be enough.
Tonight, that is a fervent prayer, hope and wish for all of the women struggling with the decision to place their precious children for adoption. I pray for a faceless woman that I have yet to meet that she finds peace with herself, her God, and her decision. I hope she finds Joy in finding the perfect family for her Child. I hope that one day, some how, one of you beautiful souls chooses our family.
I have decided to donate all of my maternity clothes to our adoption facilitators birth mother closet. They give clothing, food and other assistance to mothers that they are working with that need help. I am clearly not going to be needing the maternity clothes, and someone else can get much more use out of them.
The waiting seems...interminable.
I know it hasn't been very long in the grand scheme of things, as we've only been active for about four months. In pregnancy time, we'd be past the first trimester and the most risk of miscarriage. We'd be hearing the heartbeat for the first time. We'd wonder about screening results, and bicker about whether or not to find out the gender. We'd start finalizing what type of birth we wanted and work toward that goal.
With adoption, we don't have milestones to look forward to. We don't have a way to mark the passage of the time, or a definitive - or even a hazy - outlook on when we can expect to be blessed with our second child.
I have not ever been a very religious person. I have felt the need to "try on" different faiths but nothing has ever felt quite right. Honestly, I was content with out it. I felt that there was SOMETHING out there, bigger than we can know, but not what or who. In general, I regard faith as a mountain, with many paths to the top. And my view of God has been like a beautifully cut diamond - one whole with many different facets, and each facet having had a name.
Now...I feel something different. I don't have a name for it. I find myself reading and reading to find where I fit. Most recently, I have read, in order: The Faith Club by Ranya Idliby, Suzanne Oliver and Priscilla Warner; The Reason for God: Belief in an Age of Skepticism by Timothy Keller; and finally, The Case for Christ by Lee Strobel.
I really liked the first and last book - the second didn't hold my attention as well. Lee Strobel's book convinced me to buy it because he was an atheist, whose wife became Christian. He thought she was out of her mind, so did a ton of research for himself, that led to his own conversion to Christianity. He also has some other books that I intend to read - The Case for a Creator, The Case for Faith, The Case for the Real Jesus.
I'm not sure where my journey will lead me, but I hope that it is a fulfilling one. It relates back to our Adoption Journey, because I have felt what I haven't really felt the need to do before, except sporadically. To pray. I am not sure to Who, and I hope that someone is Listening to my pleas. I think I want to believe, and have faith, but I'm not sure how.
For now, what I have will be enough.
Tonight, that is a fervent prayer, hope and wish for all of the women struggling with the decision to place their precious children for adoption. I pray for a faceless woman that I have yet to meet that she finds peace with herself, her God, and her decision. I hope she finds Joy in finding the perfect family for her Child. I hope that one day, some how, one of you beautiful souls chooses our family.
Another Catch Up
Apparently, I am a lot worse at blogging than I thought I would be. I think it will be my New Years Resolution to update the blog once a week. Not much consolation, but it's what I can do now.
November was National Adoption Awareness Month! It was a pretty good month here in the R house. Early in the month, Kevin bought tickets for us to see Dane Cook for my birthday! I was very excited, and wish I hadn't forgotten to take my camera. We've settled into a routine though, a new cleaning routine and one with regards to Monkey and his twice a week/half day school and once a week gymnastics class.
I turned 27 on November 19th. My mom got here to visit for Thanksgiving the day after. And the next day she watched Monkey so Kevin and I could go see Dane! SQUEE! He was funny as I don't know what and it felt good to be out and about without Monkey. It was a bit strange though. While Mom was here, we went to visit a nearby town a couple of times and White Sands National Monument. It's beautiful there. Monkey had tons of fun visiting his Nana.
On Thanksgiving, we had a couple from down the street and their son over. He's a few months younger than Monkey, and they have lots of fun playing. Mom stayed until the next Wednesday.
The next week was not as great - we found out that our beloved Great Dane, Kira, has some back, hip and knee issues. She is now on anti-inflammatory medication and such and seems to be moving around so much better.
Now it is December, which has mostly been un-eventful. Christmas is in just a few days! I am so very excited for Monkey to wake up Christmas morning. It was so magical as a child, and I can't wait to see his face. His big gifts this year are a train table and new bedroom furniture. The furniture is kind of a necessity, seeing as he is very tall like Mr Monkey and the toddler bed just isn't working anymore!
All in all, it has been very good. Next up: Adoption feelings and update.
November was National Adoption Awareness Month! It was a pretty good month here in the R house. Early in the month, Kevin bought tickets for us to see Dane Cook for my birthday! I was very excited, and wish I hadn't forgotten to take my camera. We've settled into a routine though, a new cleaning routine and one with regards to Monkey and his twice a week/half day school and once a week gymnastics class.
I turned 27 on November 19th. My mom got here to visit for Thanksgiving the day after. And the next day she watched Monkey so Kevin and I could go see Dane! SQUEE! He was funny as I don't know what and it felt good to be out and about without Monkey. It was a bit strange though. While Mom was here, we went to visit a nearby town a couple of times and White Sands National Monument. It's beautiful there. Monkey had tons of fun visiting his Nana.
On Thanksgiving, we had a couple from down the street and their son over. He's a few months younger than Monkey, and they have lots of fun playing. Mom stayed until the next Wednesday.
The next week was not as great - we found out that our beloved Great Dane, Kira, has some back, hip and knee issues. She is now on anti-inflammatory medication and such and seems to be moving around so much better.
Now it is December, which has mostly been un-eventful. Christmas is in just a few days! I am so very excited for Monkey to wake up Christmas morning. It was so magical as a child, and I can't wait to see his face. His big gifts this year are a train table and new bedroom furniture. The furniture is kind of a necessity, seeing as he is very tall like Mr Monkey and the toddler bed just isn't working anymore!
All in all, it has been very good. Next up: Adoption feelings and update.
Wednesday, November 3, 2010
A Post of Pictures
Pumpkins from our Hay Ride out to the Pumpkin Patch
Me & Monkey
Racing the Duckies!
The end of the line for Ducky...
Monday, October 25, 2010
An Adoption Journey Update!
Things are moving, slowly but surely towards our dream coming true and adding another child to our family.
Before the laptop felt the need to stop working, we completed our first draft of the profile that is sent to mothers considering an adoption plan. It was mailed out to our facilitator, and reviewed. They suggested a few changes; all pictures to be changed. Once the computer was back to us, I edited the pages that required it. (Gotta love Photoshop! I digitally scrapbooked our whole profile with it!) Those are now on the way in to the facilitator. I anticipate that they will arrive tomorrow.
On the homestudy front, it's kind of a slow process (for us). Apparently I have the most smudgy fingerprints on the planet! Kevin and I both had them done, and mailed in to the CPS division in our state. Mine came back unreadable, so I had them done again using a product called Ridge Builder at the Sheriff's office. They came back. I went and had them done using alcohol wipes beforehand, but they came out odd as well. With the third set, I had to get two affidavits notarized stating all the names I have used (just my maiden), that I swear I am who I say I am, where and when I was born and our addresses for the last five years.
That finally worked.
Now I am waiting on my arrest records to come back to them, and we will be done with that part of the home study. I think that will be the final part for our social worker to add to our completed study, along with her written report. That will get sent to the facilitator, us and eventually our attorney. (Still looking for an in-state attorney to represent us).
Our website has also gone live on the adoption facilitator website! We are *thisclose* to being to the just WAITING part. This part is the most difficult. Unlike a pregnancy, we don't have a definite end. Kevin and I just have to hope and pray that a mother making an adoption plan chooses us to parent her child.
I think the blog will start venturing onto other day to day topics, with adoption updates as they come from this point on. There just isn't much we can actively "DO" at this point to report back on!
Before the laptop felt the need to stop working, we completed our first draft of the profile that is sent to mothers considering an adoption plan. It was mailed out to our facilitator, and reviewed. They suggested a few changes; all pictures to be changed. Once the computer was back to us, I edited the pages that required it. (Gotta love Photoshop! I digitally scrapbooked our whole profile with it!) Those are now on the way in to the facilitator. I anticipate that they will arrive tomorrow.
On the homestudy front, it's kind of a slow process (for us). Apparently I have the most smudgy fingerprints on the planet! Kevin and I both had them done, and mailed in to the CPS division in our state. Mine came back unreadable, so I had them done again using a product called Ridge Builder at the Sheriff's office. They came back. I went and had them done using alcohol wipes beforehand, but they came out odd as well. With the third set, I had to get two affidavits notarized stating all the names I have used (just my maiden), that I swear I am who I say I am, where and when I was born and our addresses for the last five years.
That finally worked.
Now I am waiting on my arrest records to come back to them, and we will be done with that part of the home study. I think that will be the final part for our social worker to add to our completed study, along with her written report. That will get sent to the facilitator, us and eventually our attorney. (Still looking for an in-state attorney to represent us).
Our website has also gone live on the adoption facilitator website! We are *thisclose* to being to the just WAITING part. This part is the most difficult. Unlike a pregnancy, we don't have a definite end. Kevin and I just have to hope and pray that a mother making an adoption plan chooses us to parent her child.
I think the blog will start venturing onto other day to day topics, with adoption updates as they come from this point on. There just isn't much we can actively "DO" at this point to report back on!
Saturday, October 9, 2010
The "My Laptop Died & Had To Be Sent Out For Repair" Post
So, bloggity bloggers, I am BACK! My laptop committed some type of laptopicide and wouldn't work. Fortunately, when sent back to Gateway, the repair was covered by warranty! WooHoo! Unfortunately,that meant I couldn't blog away.
I am a terrible project finisher. There, I have admitted it. I love my projects! And my crafts! I just do not find the time to finish what I start, or start the others I want to. I am working on this - this week I am GOING to finish that quilt for Monkey. And I plan to start cutting fabric for some gifts for Christmas. These things include - canvas shopping bags, plastic grocery bag holders, laptop covers and a few things that shouldn't - in theory - take too long. Pics to come to mark my progress and prove to you that I CAN do this!
Monkey is still loving school. There are no more tears in the mornings, just a bit of extra reassurance in the car on the way there. He even shoos me out of the room sometimes - and he cried once when he had to leave. That broke my Mommy heart. Monkey has been bringing things home left and right (a painted Moon, a Sun, a life sized tracing of himself, a mailman hat/bag, a rainbow, an umbrella...and on & on). So, I wonder...
What do I do with all of these things?!
I love them all, but surely I can't keep every scrap of paper and project from now until forever! He's TWO! I have at least 16 more years of projects to look forward to! But I feel terrible not keeping something.
I think that I have devised a plan. I am going to get a bin. Everything shall go into it. At the end of the year, I will choose a couple of things to keep and the rest can disappear. That way, he can help choose at the end of the year as he gets older and everything gets pared down regardless.
Moving on!
Our little family has been a bit busy the past weekends. Last weekend, we took Monkey to the Southern New Mexico State Fair. It was fun! He is too small for the rides, so we skipped that part until a later year. But we saw police cars, ambulances - Monkey pretended to drive a fire truck! We watched a horse trainer working with a horse. Monkey went on a pony ride and visited a petting zoo.
There was a camel. In a petting zoo. In NEW MEXICO. It was strange, but kind of cool. I've never seen a camel up close before. They also had a ZONKEY! I forgot my camera (grrrr), so no pictures.
This weekend was also fun. Today we went to a fall festival. We went on hayrides and visited a pumpkin patch! A real one, where you pick pumpkins off of their vines. Not like that place we went to in DC - they lined the pumpkins up on the ground and had them in giant boxes. That place was also expensive. Today we got EIGHT - yes folks, 8 - pumpkins of varying sizes and colors for $13. Thirteen dollars!
This means that I will be attempting to cook these pumpkins into pumpkin puree so that I can make pie. And bread. Muffins. Whatever other pumpkiny - things I can find. Maybe there is a copy cat recipe somewhere online for Starbucks Pumpkin Spice Frappucino?
We also rode giant slides, watched Monkey run through the kiddie maze and generally had a lot of fun. So much, that we forgot the main reason we went. That had been to go through the maze that was cut into a corn field! Oh well - next year we will tackle this.
I do have pictures from today, but I will have to post them at a later date. Next post will be adoption updates! :)
I am a terrible project finisher. There, I have admitted it. I love my projects! And my crafts! I just do not find the time to finish what I start, or start the others I want to. I am working on this - this week I am GOING to finish that quilt for Monkey. And I plan to start cutting fabric for some gifts for Christmas. These things include - canvas shopping bags, plastic grocery bag holders, laptop covers and a few things that shouldn't - in theory - take too long. Pics to come to mark my progress and prove to you that I CAN do this!
Monkey is still loving school. There are no more tears in the mornings, just a bit of extra reassurance in the car on the way there. He even shoos me out of the room sometimes - and he cried once when he had to leave. That broke my Mommy heart. Monkey has been bringing things home left and right (a painted Moon, a Sun, a life sized tracing of himself, a mailman hat/bag, a rainbow, an umbrella...and on & on). So, I wonder...
What do I do with all of these things?!
I love them all, but surely I can't keep every scrap of paper and project from now until forever! He's TWO! I have at least 16 more years of projects to look forward to! But I feel terrible not keeping something.
I think that I have devised a plan. I am going to get a bin. Everything shall go into it. At the end of the year, I will choose a couple of things to keep and the rest can disappear. That way, he can help choose at the end of the year as he gets older and everything gets pared down regardless.
Moving on!
Our little family has been a bit busy the past weekends. Last weekend, we took Monkey to the Southern New Mexico State Fair. It was fun! He is too small for the rides, so we skipped that part until a later year. But we saw police cars, ambulances - Monkey pretended to drive a fire truck! We watched a horse trainer working with a horse. Monkey went on a pony ride and visited a petting zoo.
There was a camel. In a petting zoo. In NEW MEXICO. It was strange, but kind of cool. I've never seen a camel up close before. They also had a ZONKEY! I forgot my camera (grrrr), so no pictures.
This weekend was also fun. Today we went to a fall festival. We went on hayrides and visited a pumpkin patch! A real one, where you pick pumpkins off of their vines. Not like that place we went to in DC - they lined the pumpkins up on the ground and had them in giant boxes. That place was also expensive. Today we got EIGHT - yes folks, 8 - pumpkins of varying sizes and colors for $13. Thirteen dollars!
This means that I will be attempting to cook these pumpkins into pumpkin puree so that I can make pie. And bread. Muffins. Whatever other pumpkiny - things I can find. Maybe there is a copy cat recipe somewhere online for Starbucks Pumpkin Spice Frappucino?
We also rode giant slides, watched Monkey run through the kiddie maze and generally had a lot of fun. So much, that we forgot the main reason we went. That had been to go through the maze that was cut into a corn field! Oh well - next year we will tackle this.
I do have pictures from today, but I will have to post them at a later date. Next post will be adoption updates! :)
Friday, September 17, 2010
Busy Bees!
Things have just been moving right along for us!
Monkey is really enjoying school - drop offs are less tearful now, and when we pick him up, he says "You camed back!" We can see such a change in him socially, and that's what we were going for with this part time school experiment. He plays more cooperatively with kids rather than near them and absolutely loves his teachers, Ms. Angie and Ms. Sara.
Kevin had the opportunity to come with us to TumbleBugs this week. Monkey was quite the show off for his Daddy. The next time Mr Monkey can come, I will make sure he has the camera. Monkey has so much fun - they are learning gymnastics positions (tucks, pikes, straddles, TaDa's - straightening up at the end of a skill, and C-Body's - the rounded bent knee position before the TaDa!). They also do climbing exercises, forward rolls, hold them selves up on the bar, hang from the bar and lots of other things.
Kevin is also doing very well with his training. Air Traffic Control is certainly a lot more than either of us thought, but he is really enjoying it. Minus the flip-flopping schedule every other week.
I am trying to catch up on my sewing and such. I have several projects I want to start for Christmas. I started decorating for Fall as well...I think it might be my favorite season.
Update on the adoption front soon!
Monkey is really enjoying school - drop offs are less tearful now, and when we pick him up, he says "You camed back!" We can see such a change in him socially, and that's what we were going for with this part time school experiment. He plays more cooperatively with kids rather than near them and absolutely loves his teachers, Ms. Angie and Ms. Sara.
Kevin had the opportunity to come with us to TumbleBugs this week. Monkey was quite the show off for his Daddy. The next time Mr Monkey can come, I will make sure he has the camera. Monkey has so much fun - they are learning gymnastics positions (tucks, pikes, straddles, TaDa's - straightening up at the end of a skill, and C-Body's - the rounded bent knee position before the TaDa!). They also do climbing exercises, forward rolls, hold them selves up on the bar, hang from the bar and lots of other things.
Kevin is also doing very well with his training. Air Traffic Control is certainly a lot more than either of us thought, but he is really enjoying it. Minus the flip-flopping schedule every other week.
I am trying to catch up on my sewing and such. I have several projects I want to start for Christmas. I started decorating for Fall as well...I think it might be my favorite season.
Update on the adoption front soon!
Sunday, September 12, 2010
Lots of Pics
Things have been a bit busy around here, but lots of fun. We are continuing with Monkey's twice a week preschool and TumbleBugs on Thursdays. It's definitely making the week more busy. I also get more things done in town during the week though, so the weekends aren't as much running around.
Last week was the second interview to our home study. It went really well- our social worker is super nice. She's really helps to put us at ease and answer questions. This interview was done seperately, and still took about two hours. Now all we are doing is waiting for our background checks to come back from the FBI and she will send our home study report - approved - to the Facilitator and us.
Right now, we are working on building our profiles to present to birth mothers. I am learning to digitally scrapbook with PhotoShop, and it seems to be going well!
Kevin and I decided it was time that we go visit the White Sands National Monument and check out the white sand. It really is neat stuff! I've been playing with my camera, so I took lots of pictures.
Sunset was really beautiful as well.
Monkey and I have also been going to watch Kevin play football for PT (physical training for all you non-military people out there). I've gotten a few shots out there as well - our profiles are supposed to have action shots of the things we like to do, so that potential birth families can have a better idea of who we are.
I believe that the other controller in this picture with Kevin accused him of having a a "bear claw that came out and attacked him."
Well now that this post is of epic proportions, I shall hop back into real life. We're off to get two more dining room chairs (and a rug that I haven't convinced Kevin that we need).
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
Getting Done
Cabinet locks installed - CHECK!
Fire Extinguisher hung on the kitchen wall - CHECK!
First Aid Kit in the bathroom - CHECK!
We've now done all that we can do to prepare for our last home study interview. It's next Tuesday, and after that we just wait for the background checks to come back to be done with it.
The facilitator we are using for our adoption is processing our payment as of Monday. I plan to call later today and get an update there.
I downloaded my camera to the computer with recent pictures - mostly they are of Monkey. We need to work on getting pictures of all of us, not just the kid! :)
I looked through my older photos on FaceBook and MySpace. I copied some pre-Monkey pics to my computer. I can't locate my thumb drive of all my other pictures to save my life, and I am SO bummed.
Fortunately, when I back up my pictures to a thumb drive, I also send my memory card of the originals to my mother's house. This way we do not lose our pictures in case of a disaster (fire, flood, whatever). She is sending the card back to me this week, and then I can work on going through those.
I am trying to get pictures together to work on our profiles, because the quicker they get in, the better!
Here are some of the pictures we are considering for your viewing pleasure! This is by no means anywhere near all of them, but rather some I located last night.
Fire Extinguisher hung on the kitchen wall - CHECK!
First Aid Kit in the bathroom - CHECK!
We've now done all that we can do to prepare for our last home study interview. It's next Tuesday, and after that we just wait for the background checks to come back to be done with it.
The facilitator we are using for our adoption is processing our payment as of Monday. I plan to call later today and get an update there.
I downloaded my camera to the computer with recent pictures - mostly they are of Monkey. We need to work on getting pictures of all of us, not just the kid! :)
I looked through my older photos on FaceBook and MySpace. I copied some pre-Monkey pics to my computer. I can't locate my thumb drive of all my other pictures to save my life, and I am SO bummed.
Fortunately, when I back up my pictures to a thumb drive, I also send my memory card of the originals to my mother's house. This way we do not lose our pictures in case of a disaster (fire, flood, whatever). She is sending the card back to me this week, and then I can work on going through those.
I am trying to get pictures together to work on our profiles, because the quicker they get in, the better!
Here are some of the pictures we are considering for your viewing pleasure! This is by no means anywhere near all of them, but rather some I located last night.
Sunday, August 29, 2010
Officially Paper Pregnant!
A sort of interesting week!
Sunday we attended a birthday party. A little one nearby was turned 2! I stayed for a bit, but was feeling not so hot, so came home to work on painting. Kevin and Monkey stayed and had tons of fun though!
Tuesday Monkey went to school, though he had a bit of a runny nose. Wednesday, I felt like garbage (thanks, Monkey for sharing your germies!). Somehow when either of my boys share their germs, I end up sicker than they did! It's cruel and unusual. Thursday, I felt even worse even though Monkey felt better. I ended up calling Kevin and he came home and took me to the doctor. I feel much better now. :) I still sound funny though. So Thursday, we skipped tumbling class and school on Friday just to make sure we don't give anyone else this cold!
Yesterday though, we had our first home study interview! It focused on our motivations for adoption and our childhoods. We also gave the social worker a tour of our house, and our millions of pieces of paperwork. Ok, not millions, but lots. We only have three minor things to accomplish before our second interview. We need to put together all of our first aid items into a 'kit.' Then we need to put on the cabinet locks that are sitting in a drawer in the playroom. And lastly, we need a fire extinguisher. Our last bases already had them in the house, so this didn't even cross our minds. I guess the Army does things differently than the Air Force though, cause there is most definitely not one here.
Where on earth do I buy a fire extinguisher? Maybe Target has them.
So our next interview is in a week and a half. This one will focus on our marriage, careers and adulthood. Kevin and I will be interviewed separately for this one. After that, we will be mostly done with our home study. The social worker will write up her report and and we will wait for all of the background checks to come back. Once those are in, we will be officially home study approved! So, please send some efficiency dust to the various government agencies that are conducting our background checks!
Friday, we also had FedEx pick up our contract for Lifetime Adoption, LLC. We are officially contracted now! We filled out a short temporary profile so that we can start being presented to prospective birth families. We are also starting to work on our official full length profiles. Here's to hoping for a quick match!
Well, I must be off. I am going with my boys to the Aquatic Center so we can practice all of our WaterBabies skills.
Sunday we attended a birthday party. A little one nearby was turned 2! I stayed for a bit, but was feeling not so hot, so came home to work on painting. Kevin and Monkey stayed and had tons of fun though!
Tuesday Monkey went to school, though he had a bit of a runny nose. Wednesday, I felt like garbage (thanks, Monkey for sharing your germies!). Somehow when either of my boys share their germs, I end up sicker than they did! It's cruel and unusual. Thursday, I felt even worse even though Monkey felt better. I ended up calling Kevin and he came home and took me to the doctor. I feel much better now. :) I still sound funny though. So Thursday, we skipped tumbling class and school on Friday just to make sure we don't give anyone else this cold!
Yesterday though, we had our first home study interview! It focused on our motivations for adoption and our childhoods. We also gave the social worker a tour of our house, and our millions of pieces of paperwork. Ok, not millions, but lots. We only have three minor things to accomplish before our second interview. We need to put together all of our first aid items into a 'kit.' Then we need to put on the cabinet locks that are sitting in a drawer in the playroom. And lastly, we need a fire extinguisher. Our last bases already had them in the house, so this didn't even cross our minds. I guess the Army does things differently than the Air Force though, cause there is most definitely not one here.
Where on earth do I buy a fire extinguisher? Maybe Target has them.
So our next interview is in a week and a half. This one will focus on our marriage, careers and adulthood. Kevin and I will be interviewed separately for this one. After that, we will be mostly done with our home study. The social worker will write up her report and and we will wait for all of the background checks to come back. Once those are in, we will be officially home study approved! So, please send some efficiency dust to the various government agencies that are conducting our background checks!
Friday, we also had FedEx pick up our contract for Lifetime Adoption, LLC. We are officially contracted now! We filled out a short temporary profile so that we can start being presented to prospective birth families. We are also starting to work on our official full length profiles. Here's to hoping for a quick match!
Well, I must be off. I am going with my boys to the Aquatic Center so we can practice all of our WaterBabies skills.
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
This Week
This week has been very busy! Kevin & I have been running around like crazy people locating and obtaining the long list of paperwork we need for our home study! It includes a laundry list of things - background checks from the city & county, proof of car insurance, proof of health insurance, fingerprints and copies of our marriage license & all three of our birth certificates.
We still need to draw a floor plan of our house and label the rooms, as well as another floor plan with details of fire escapes. It is a lot of details, but worth it in the end. Tonight was supposed to be the first interview of our home study, but our social worker had an emergency with one of her therapy clients. It's been rescheduled for Saturday afternoon!
Monkey has been doing great in preschool! He really likes going, and has lots of fun playing. I have taken to sneaking in a few minutes early and watching him play for a couple. Unfortunately, he picked up a cold and decided to share it with me. Yuck!
Kevin & I have also been working on various things around the house - stuff we started but not quite finished. Mostly this is painting. We did the bulk of all the painting when we moved in, but we never got around to the edging. A trip to Home Depot has ended the stall! I found a great thing that helps you do the edging, and it's much quicker! So far we finished the kitchen (it's yellow!) and the Monkey's bathroom (green!).
That's all I've got for now, feeling super stuffy and ready to stop looking at the computer.
We still need to draw a floor plan of our house and label the rooms, as well as another floor plan with details of fire escapes. It is a lot of details, but worth it in the end. Tonight was supposed to be the first interview of our home study, but our social worker had an emergency with one of her therapy clients. It's been rescheduled for Saturday afternoon!
Monkey has been doing great in preschool! He really likes going, and has lots of fun playing. I have taken to sneaking in a few minutes early and watching him play for a couple. Unfortunately, he picked up a cold and decided to share it with me. Yuck!
Kevin & I have also been working on various things around the house - stuff we started but not quite finished. Mostly this is painting. We did the bulk of all the painting when we moved in, but we never got around to the edging. A trip to Home Depot has ended the stall! I found a great thing that helps you do the edging, and it's much quicker! So far we finished the kitchen (it's yellow!) and the Monkey's bathroom (green!).
That's all I've got for now, feeling super stuffy and ready to stop looking at the computer.
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
A Quick Update
Monkey has started preschool! He is going two days a week (Tuesday & Friday). Today was his first day! The drop off went fairly well, but he was a bit upset at pick up time. Mostly because other parents were picking up their kids and he was wondering where we were!
He calmed right down though, and showed me where they were putting their footprints in paint, told me that they played outside with sand and buckets, and inside with bubbles. On the car ride home, he told me about snack time and how one of the kids went to time out (but not him, he says)and that he does like school. He wants to go back, so that is a good sign!
Thursday we are also starting a gymnastics/tumbling class! It's a Mommy & Me class, so we are both very excited. This one is once a week for an hour - it's called TumbleBugs!
In other news, our new niece was born today! She is premature, but appears to be doing well and we are very excited to meet her next time we go home.
On the adoption front: we secured a loan, and overnighted that paper work in today! The funds should be released tomorrow or Thursday, and we will send in our contract with our Adoption Facilitator by the end of the week! I also contacted our home study provider and we are having our home interview next Wednesday evening! Things are moving right along!
Overall, I'd say it's been a productive day so far!
He calmed right down though, and showed me where they were putting their footprints in paint, told me that they played outside with sand and buckets, and inside with bubbles. On the car ride home, he told me about snack time and how one of the kids went to time out (but not him, he says)and that he does like school. He wants to go back, so that is a good sign!
Thursday we are also starting a gymnastics/tumbling class! It's a Mommy & Me class, so we are both very excited. This one is once a week for an hour - it's called TumbleBugs!
In other news, our new niece was born today! She is premature, but appears to be doing well and we are very excited to meet her next time we go home.
On the adoption front: we secured a loan, and overnighted that paper work in today! The funds should be released tomorrow or Thursday, and we will send in our contract with our Adoption Facilitator by the end of the week! I also contacted our home study provider and we are having our home interview next Wednesday evening! Things are moving right along!
Overall, I'd say it's been a productive day so far!
Monday, August 16, 2010
A Poem
I read this on another blog about adoption
Two Women
Two women cry into the night,
their eyes are filled with tears.
Oh God why is this happening?
I need to feel you near.
One woman sits alone in the darkness,
Decisions she must make.
She wants to do what's best for the child,
It's life she cannot take.
The other woman clings to her mate
And she doesn't understand
why they can't have a child of their own
as so many others can.
These women come from different worlds.
Their lives are miles apart.
But God would deliver the pain they felt
and heal their broken hearts.
And then one precious morning
their lives became intertwined.
Both women's prayers were answered
as they felt God's plan unwind.
One woman touched her newborn's cheek
and whispered to the babe,
"Because I love you little one,
sacrifices I've made."
With the strength she felt from heaven,
to the other woman she gave
the miracle of a baby
for her to love and raise.
The other woman looked down
at her precious baby's eyes
and thanked God for the woman
who had helped fulfill her life.
Two women pray into the night
and thank the Lord above
for the opportunity he's given them both
to feel a Mother's love.
by Lori Coleman
It touched my heart and made me cry! :) I hope you enjoy it as well.
Two Women
Two women cry into the night,
their eyes are filled with tears.
Oh God why is this happening?
I need to feel you near.
One woman sits alone in the darkness,
Decisions she must make.
She wants to do what's best for the child,
It's life she cannot take.
The other woman clings to her mate
And she doesn't understand
why they can't have a child of their own
as so many others can.
These women come from different worlds.
Their lives are miles apart.
But God would deliver the pain they felt
and heal their broken hearts.
And then one precious morning
their lives became intertwined.
Both women's prayers were answered
as they felt God's plan unwind.
One woman touched her newborn's cheek
and whispered to the babe,
"Because I love you little one,
sacrifices I've made."
With the strength she felt from heaven,
to the other woman she gave
the miracle of a baby
for her to love and raise.
The other woman looked down
at her precious baby's eyes
and thanked God for the woman
who had helped fulfill her life.
Two women pray into the night
and thank the Lord above
for the opportunity he's given them both
to feel a Mother's love.
by Lori Coleman
It touched my heart and made me cry! :) I hope you enjoy it as well.
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
Playgroup, Moms Morning Out, Tumblebugs
Well, things got busy here for a minute! Monkey graduated swimming lessons, and he learned lots. We plan on going to the pool this week to play and practice again.
I found a Playgroup on Meetup.com! We've only attended one meetup so far. It went fairly well! It was at GymMagic, where Monkey went to swimming and will soon be starting Tumblebugs! It's a parent involved preschool gymnastics class. I am trying to meet other Mom's and kids for him to play with and help him burn off some of his wild energy!
We also found a preschool/morning out thing at a church in town. He will be going one day a week for sure, possibly two (because I also want him to do Tumblebugs). Its from 9-12, so that will give me some time for myself (OMG!) and on weeks when Kevin is working afternoon/evenings, we can have some time in together uninterrupted. I think that's happened maybe five times since Monkey came along.
In other news - we're planning to adopt! We will keep you posted!
I found a Playgroup on Meetup.com! We've only attended one meetup so far. It went fairly well! It was at GymMagic, where Monkey went to swimming and will soon be starting Tumblebugs! It's a parent involved preschool gymnastics class. I am trying to meet other Mom's and kids for him to play with and help him burn off some of his wild energy!
We also found a preschool/morning out thing at a church in town. He will be going one day a week for sure, possibly two (because I also want him to do Tumblebugs). Its from 9-12, so that will give me some time for myself (OMG!) and on weeks when Kevin is working afternoon/evenings, we can have some time in together uninterrupted. I think that's happened maybe five times since Monkey came along.
In other news - we're planning to adopt! We will keep you posted!
Thursday, July 22, 2010
Last Day of Swimming
Today was the last day of Monkey's two week swimming class. He had a blast for the most part. We learned to blow bubbles, be monkeys (holding on to the wall and moving down it), float on our backs, go under water, kick our legs and pull our arms.
He, however, hates the "fwoaties." We tried two floaties, but neither passed Monkey's test. I am unsure as to what this test was, but it was a definite no go. As he learned to say from the Air Traffic Controlling Daddy, it was a NEGATIVE.
Speaking of, Daddy was on hand to be the designated picture taker. This is one of my favorite shots from today.
I think he was annoyed. Why are two year old allowed to BE annoyed?
He, however, hates the "fwoaties." We tried two floaties, but neither passed Monkey's test. I am unsure as to what this test was, but it was a definite no go. As he learned to say from the Air Traffic Controlling Daddy, it was a NEGATIVE.
Speaking of, Daddy was on hand to be the designated picture taker. This is one of my favorite shots from today.
I think he was annoyed. Why are two year old allowed to BE annoyed?
Sunday, July 18, 2010
He Turned it Off.
This morning we were all lying in the bed. (Did I tell you the new king sized bed is freaking AWESOME? No? It is.) Monkey is hugging Daddy's head.
"Mommy, I have my Daddy's head."
Daddy, trying to be informative says to him, "I can hear your heart beat!"
"I don't have a heart beep. I turned it off today."
Yeah. He turned it off.
"Mommy, I have my Daddy's head."
Daddy, trying to be informative says to him, "I can hear your heart beat!"
"I don't have a heart beep. I turned it off today."
Yeah. He turned it off.
Saturday, July 17, 2010
Update, Catch Up, Catch All
Late again, that's me! I have great plans though, what with my new laptop to begin posting more consistently. With that said, let the post begin!
We had Monkey's second birthday party at a farm in Maryland. It was great! He had tons of fun with his friends and the animals. He is still talking about it three months later, which seems to be a long time for a 2 year old.
At the end of April, we moved to New Mexico....It's very different here, but seems alright so far. I have some reservations about the house we were assigned, but we are doing our best to make it feel more like home. We have a great yard though, and that is wonderful for Monkey. In between it all, Monkey is 85% potty trained! Night time is the only questionable time. He also had his first and second hair cut. I miss the curls, and he looks like such a big boy now.
I have not caught up on my crafting, but I have plans to start doing that as well. I did knit a tiny gown for a twin lost to Twin to Twin Transfusion Syndrome. A sad thing to knit for, but I wanted her parents to have something she can where when she is finally born. I plan to finish the shorties I started (about ten rows left), and then probably post them and some longies for sale. There are no little ones in sight yet, and these are toddler sized, so I dont want to hang on to them for years. I also plan to start Christmas gifts soon, so that I can get them done and not feel rushed.
We had Monkey's second birthday party at a farm in Maryland. It was great! He had tons of fun with his friends and the animals. He is still talking about it three months later, which seems to be a long time for a 2 year old.
At the end of April, we moved to New Mexico....It's very different here, but seems alright so far. I have some reservations about the house we were assigned, but we are doing our best to make it feel more like home. We have a great yard though, and that is wonderful for Monkey. In between it all, Monkey is 85% potty trained! Night time is the only questionable time. He also had his first and second hair cut. I miss the curls, and he looks like such a big boy now.
I have not caught up on my crafting, but I have plans to start doing that as well. I did knit a tiny gown for a twin lost to Twin to Twin Transfusion Syndrome. A sad thing to knit for, but I wanted her parents to have something she can where when she is finally born. I plan to finish the shorties I started (about ten rows left), and then probably post them and some longies for sale. There are no little ones in sight yet, and these are toddler sized, so I dont want to hang on to them for years. I also plan to start Christmas gifts soon, so that I can get them done and not feel rushed.
Sunday, March 14, 2010
See? Already slacking...
Didn't mean to leave you hanging, cyberspace, but I have been busy.
Husband came home for a surprise visit and made the Monkey go crazy when he left. The good news is that he will be home to stay next weekend. On our anniversary, no less!
In my blogging hiatus, I also was working on a quilt for Monkey. The top is now done...I need to get some pics. I decided to make woolly pants into shorties instead, which means they are almost done. And I've got fabric for felt food, chalk cloth for mats, fabric for an apron....I should get sewing, huh?
On the good wife and Mommy front, I made fresh butter. Totally awesome. I've also baked almond poppy seed muffins from scratch twice, taken Monkey to play group every Wednesday and started planning a most awesome birthday party for him.
I cannot believe he will be two next month. We've almost made it to the two year mark nursing!
The party is going to be a couple of weeks early because we are moving. Did I tell y'all that? Yup, the Air Force is sending us to....drum roll please....New Mexico! We are leaving in about a month.
Horse dog came home two days ago. Her behavior was questionable, so after four months, the Great Dane is back. She misses the other family, but seems to be settling back in. The cat yells at her. It's quite funny.
Well, Monkey is begging for a banana, ironically. Must be off!
Husband came home for a surprise visit and made the Monkey go crazy when he left. The good news is that he will be home to stay next weekend. On our anniversary, no less!
In my blogging hiatus, I also was working on a quilt for Monkey. The top is now done...I need to get some pics. I decided to make woolly pants into shorties instead, which means they are almost done. And I've got fabric for felt food, chalk cloth for mats, fabric for an apron....I should get sewing, huh?
On the good wife and Mommy front, I made fresh butter. Totally awesome. I've also baked almond poppy seed muffins from scratch twice, taken Monkey to play group every Wednesday and started planning a most awesome birthday party for him.
I cannot believe he will be two next month. We've almost made it to the two year mark nursing!
The party is going to be a couple of weeks early because we are moving. Did I tell y'all that? Yup, the Air Force is sending us to....drum roll please....New Mexico! We are leaving in about a month.
Horse dog came home two days ago. Her behavior was questionable, so after four months, the Great Dane is back. She misses the other family, but seems to be settling back in. The cat yells at her. It's quite funny.
Well, Monkey is begging for a banana, ironically. Must be off!
Thursday, January 28, 2010
A Place for Me to Call Home
Thats what I hope this blog becomes....
So a little about me - names Heidi.
Married to Kevin. We made a beautiful son; my little Monkey.
Want lots more kids.
Recently learned to knit/sew and have a newfound craftiness. Have lots of projects I want to complete, but never seems to be enough time.
I stay at home with the Monkey and plan to keep it that way.
Trying to become more home-makerly-like with the cooking and cleaning and decorating and sewing and whatnot.
My plans for this blog:
Sharing said craftiness, recipes, and family life. A place to talk (like an adult) and think out loud (on screen? Sounded weird). Hope you enjoy and stick around...
Stay tuned...
So a little about me - names Heidi.
Married to Kevin. We made a beautiful son; my little Monkey.
Want lots more kids.
Recently learned to knit/sew and have a newfound craftiness. Have lots of projects I want to complete, but never seems to be enough time.
I stay at home with the Monkey and plan to keep it that way.
Trying to become more home-makerly-like with the cooking and cleaning and decorating and sewing and whatnot.
My plans for this blog:
Sharing said craftiness, recipes, and family life. A place to talk (like an adult) and think out loud (on screen? Sounded weird). Hope you enjoy and stick around...
Stay tuned...
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