tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-70259178222928902102024-03-05T06:02:52.076-08:00Under Construction:Building Our FamilyUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger100125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7025917822292890210.post-86708405371673950102012-05-12T08:20:00.001-07:002012-05-12T08:20:16.576-07:00Happy BirthMother's DayDear A,
We love you more than words can express. You are a beautiful, strong, courageous woman. We wish you the best today and always. Happy Birthmother's day from meerkat and the rest of us.
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-_Kem3fx0ZCuWIBQSOlvuhGqqNfju0A4NIu4Ei2TtdCVqHNju9ofyiK2p76Iu2YgE2NMQ7X1pCg0OwIGuevBD-_QPkDKejbq2DaUPgemmfbL0UMLsR6tYZdoK1K-WldISesqx9l8-F0c/s1600/4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="320" width="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-_Kem3fx0ZCuWIBQSOlvuhGqqNfju0A4NIu4Ei2TtdCVqHNju9ofyiK2p76Iu2YgE2NMQ7X1pCg0OwIGuevBD-_QPkDKejbq2DaUPgemmfbL0UMLsR6tYZdoK1K-WldISesqx9l8-F0c/s320/4.JPG" /></a></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7025917822292890210.post-4773681698247025872012-03-05T19:19:00.004-08:002012-03-05T19:49:42.131-08:003-2-1 Contact.<iframe width="459" height="344" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/s2-LEBc2sO8?fs=1" frameborder="0" allowFullScreen=""></iframe><br /><br />Anyone else remember that show? I loved it! <br /><br />Anyway, this is about more than a TV show. This is about a more important contact... a moment when "everything happens!" <br /><br />As an adoptive parent, contact is a word that I have rolled around in my mind more than most people. Contact plays an important role in adoption and fostering. Specifically, I'm talking about contact with first-parents. <br /><br />I used to think that I would have trouble keeping in contact with a first-parent, because of my own jealousy and need to feel important. Wow, did those feelings change over time. In fact, I am convinced more than ever that contact is super important in adoption. <br /><br />I'm often encountered with extreme surprise or disbelief, when I tell people that we keep in touch with Meerkat's first mom. They seem to be afraid that talking to A will make Meerkat want to go live with her, or feel like she's missing out on that life. And, I used to feel the same way. Now, though, I feel the exact opposite. By maintaining contact, we are helping her to feel connected to her story. She will have the opportunity to have a relationship with two families who love her. It doesn't have to be us or them... It's just all of us! Meerkat is lucky, because she just has more people to love on her than most! A has become a very special person to all of us, and we're anxious to visit her this summer so she can hold Meerkat for the first time ever!<br /><br />When it comes to fostering, the contact is different. It's a requirement, not a choice. But it's still something important. Through this contact, we (all of the people involved in the care of the child) get to know what type of relationship little Mr. has with his parents. But, we also get to keep their relationship strong. Little Mr. loves his visitation days. He runs to put his shoes on when we say he's going to see Daddy and Mommy. Through our own contact with Little Mr's parents, we have built trust and goodwill. It makes it infinitely easier to imagine letting go when it's time. Knowing that they are working on themselves and seeing their love for him every time they say hello and goodbye to him both breaks my heart and strengthens it. I know that when he leaves, I will mourn him to some extent. But, I also know that it will be a joy filled day for him and his parents, and to think that I had a role in keeping their relationship strong, and in enabling them to care for themselves, gives me peace.<br /><br />I'm sure every scenario is different, and there are times when contact has to be minimal or non-existant. But, for the time being, I'm thankful that I have the opportunity to communicate with the people who gave life to two of the most beautiful, hilarious, imaginitive human beings I've ever known. :)<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdkBdT2Na3QdFRWf2S9ghD1sj3TEmKZbGRkp2fgnyrkHRmvY0lAzIK29Wzw9oylYUIji_-imMbfqh1IXJXf5vnK8dtPxdw6j6hIu5VWc0GFaCy-AYkzFB1JTbGlAjegZAD7Oksi-bm2Vc/s1600/SAM_0640.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdkBdT2Na3QdFRWf2S9ghD1sj3TEmKZbGRkp2fgnyrkHRmvY0lAzIK29Wzw9oylYUIji_-imMbfqh1IXJXf5vnK8dtPxdw6j6hIu5VWc0GFaCy-AYkzFB1JTbGlAjegZAD7Oksi-bm2Vc/s320/SAM_0640.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5716625807392755090" /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7025917822292890210.post-53987637411104413832012-02-10T19:43:00.001-08:002012-02-10T20:24:40.088-08:00Fostering AttachmentThis post is probably going to be all over the place. I just need to get some thoughts out, and this is the place. I will ramble, and it may become "pep-talky" but it must be said. And, if someone else fostering, or someone considering it, is having these feelings, maybe my thoughts will help them feel less alone. <br /><br />...<br /><br />Albeit cheesy/punny, I think the title of this post is quite appropriate when it comes to attachment in foster care. It is something that must be fostered/encouraged/cultivated in order to grow. <br /><br />...<br /><br />Don't get me wrong, I feel an attachment to little Mr. In fact, when he first joined our family, I felt such a strong love for him that I was surprised. He immediately felt like a member of the family, despite knowing that he wouldn't be staying long. But over time, I've come to question my level of attachment... and this is, in part, due to his age (I think).<br /><br />...<br /><br />He's two. As a result, he throws tantrums (and toys) when he doesn't get his way. He screams "Iowannit" (I don't want it) to EVERYTHING. And recently, he's started adding to this phrase "Iowanpotty" (I don't want potty) "Iowantookie" (I don't want cookie) "Iowandobet" (I don't want go bed). He hits Meerkat. He tattles. He pushes boundaries and smiles while he's doing it. <br /><br />It drives me absolutely insane. And I find myself lashing out (yelling) when I shouldn't. It's not like we're yelling all the time, but if you know us personally, you know it's very unlike us to yell at all. We're quite peaceful people. So, when I see my husband about to tear his own hair out because little Mr. has just forced himself to throw up so he wouldn't have to eat pasta, it makes me question things.<br /><br />...<br /><br />The first thought was, "maybe we're not attaching. Maybe because he's going home, we're not feeling the connection we need in order to be patient during a vomitfest." I guess to some extent that makes sense. But the more I thought about it, the more I realized that's just not it. Despite knowing that Mr. is going to go back to his parents someday, I would do anything for him. The connection is there. There's no doubt about it. When he cries, it breaks my heart. When he's sick, I want to snuggle him forever. When he goes to daycare, and I creep out the front door and watch him wander into the other room to play, I feel so proud and happy that he's beginning to like it there. When he says something new or does something smart (which is A LOT of the time), I am so proud I could burst. <br /><br />But maybe the attachment is different than the attachment I have with Meerkat, to some extent. And I don't know if that's a bad thing. <br /><br />...<br /><br />We are learning as we go. So is Mr. He has never been in foster care before. He goes back and forth between here, his parents, and daycare. How could we ever expect him to behave 100% of the time? It's insane! He loves us; it's obvious. We love him; there's no doubt about it. But we have to cultivate the attachment and keep it strong. It's very important to keep that doubt... those little clouds of "what if" and "what's wrong with me" from taking over. If those thoughts take over, it will drive a wedge into the attachment that's already there. I believe that wholeheartedly.<br /><br />...<br /><br />This isn't the attachment post I planned to write. I still have things to say about attachment in foster care, and the parents role in that. I will compose that post in a little while... for now, I need to mush around in my thoughts for awhile. :)Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7025917822292890210.post-30097949937142471382011-12-30T16:20:00.001-08:002011-12-30T16:26:17.525-08:00Christmas!Wow, did we have fun!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi11HDcDln_94DLEY-FEV00kBNwjeash4gzn1qoSkLuSxpMOWzHkZJBGOCwa22c4Z10xKX6aZoUeE7vnyJct_dNUA6YhVl_rAArm4ggOkYJLhvGTrVc9y-u7y53PhSshth15OYaru439dg/s1600/SAM_0580.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi11HDcDln_94DLEY-FEV00kBNwjeash4gzn1qoSkLuSxpMOWzHkZJBGOCwa22c4Z10xKX6aZoUeE7vnyJct_dNUA6YhVl_rAArm4ggOkYJLhvGTrVc9y-u7y53PhSshth15OYaru439dg/s320/SAM_0580.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5692081203382353090" /></a><br />Meerkat cleans up nice! :) Her hair is long enough to do fun hairstyles now.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp5UxMK7mJAagkq-LbDtk8VlC4dXJtMKFIxCbpeHubkB1F1M_esKmxT4mVLaGMyysYvupuBg7lsThxS2ecP3vdAzPw49L9h1lOSXM5ZA31WpIY-rHRCmX1dvQQek-zJoGtealLbKZS050/s1600/SAM_0594.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp5UxMK7mJAagkq-LbDtk8VlC4dXJtMKFIxCbpeHubkB1F1M_esKmxT4mVLaGMyysYvupuBg7lsThxS2ecP3vdAzPw49L9h1lOSXM5ZA31WpIY-rHRCmX1dvQQek-zJoGtealLbKZS050/s320/SAM_0594.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5692081423829959058" /></a><br />Can't show you his face, so you'll just have to imagine all the cuteness lurking behind those 3-D glasses. Believe me, it's a lot of cuteness. :)<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUsdS90xUee0Jm_7CqZL4CMUwT7tUHCostbvkiiRvKzGxioYhGL5oGlsGsMy8AijjdIa4Q0_bNDsKjfT-X6nKCHPI2_onS0i4LJz3BqASkFrsV1OaCUUXAnSNRg4-fcA-AD_OjnEXg10s/s1600/SAM_0572.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUsdS90xUee0Jm_7CqZL4CMUwT7tUHCostbvkiiRvKzGxioYhGL5oGlsGsMy8AijjdIa4Q0_bNDsKjfT-X6nKCHPI2_onS0i4LJz3BqASkFrsV1OaCUUXAnSNRg4-fcA-AD_OjnEXg10s/s320/SAM_0572.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5692081744672271234" /></a><br />Enjoying the BIG gift - a kitchen playset! We spent 4 hours putting that thing together. I'm happy they enjoy it. :) <br /><br />I can't wait until next Christmas!!!!!!!!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7025917822292890210.post-13390749217852167062011-12-21T06:18:00.000-08:002011-12-21T06:51:59.277-08:00AliveWow. I have so much to catch you up on. It's been a whirlwind around here for a while, and I've been busier than I've ever been in my life, but I finally found a moment to steal away and write. <br /><br />Our family has grown by one... but not in the way you are thinking. We recently became foster parents to a beautiful little boy. He's very bright, in fact, I think he's the smartest two year old I've ever met. He's only here for a short time, but we are cherishing every moment we get to spend with this special little man. I'll call him "Little Mr." here, as I can't/won't reveal his real name for his privacy's sake. But, I'm getting ahead of myself, and I'm sure you all want some background... so let me go back in time a little bit:<br /><br />I was never truly interested in foster care, when we started our adoption journey. I know how emotional I am, and I feared that I would develop too strong an attachment (my new thoughts on this are a post for another time) to these children, and that a little piece of me would die each time they left, until finally there would be nothing left of me to give to other children. After taking the foster/adopt classes during our homestudy, we felt even more conflicted about foster care, since the ultimate goal is always reunification, even in some of the most serious removal circumstances. It broke my heart to think of returning a child to a potentially abusive situation. (Please don't judge me too critically for these thoughts; they were my own, and I am making myself quite vulnerable by sharing them.) <br /><br />Our social worker asked us to be open to the possibility of fostering, and we said we'd think about it. Eventually, we decided that we would foster, if and only if the child was eligible for adoption. We thought this was a nice, happy medium. And then our phone rang...<br /><br />and it rang...<br /><br />and rang...<br /><br />Over and over again, we were getting called with potential situations: A _ week old child with broken bones and possible molestation. A _ year old child who was left in the car while mom shopped. A _ year old and a newborn with drug addiction. A _ year old who's mom just left town. The list goes on and on. The information was always minimal.<br /><br />[Tangent] I think this is one of the hardest parts of getting into fostering. When you get that referral call, your heart races, just like with an adoption match. But, the information is severely limited. We were constantly told: "It's an emergency placement." or "We don't even know his/her name yet." or "No clue if this will turn into an adoptable case or not." or "Can you pick him/her up right now?" It's hard to have to make a decision in literally 5 minutes. And that's truly all you get in some of these cases. For instance, in the first case mentioned above, we said we'd do it. We gave our confirmation about 10 minutes after receiving the call. Our social worker called us back to tell us she/he was already placed with someone else. Obviously, our main concern was that the child was in a safe place, so we were fine with that. But, it's silly to not be realistic... our hearts were chipped. [End Tangent]<br /><br />It seemed like there was never any clue as to whether these children were adoptable or not... we soon learned foster care doesn't work like that. Usually, it's not known until late in the game if the child will be adoptable, and at that point, the current foster parents will (sometimes) adopt the child. <br /><br />But suddenly, that whole "adoptable" thing didn't matter as much anymore. Don't get me wrong, we ultimately want to adopt again, and our preference would be to have a child in our home who is adoptable. But, the phone calls about these children were wrenching our hearts right out of our bodies, so we changed our minds and began considering fostering non-adoptable children. We said no to some; we just weren't ready (housewise and emotionally in some instances). We said yes to some, but we were always too late. <br /><br />Then, the day before my birthday, the phone rang again. A little boy was ready to be picked up at that moment. He would most likely be returned to his parents, as their offenses were somewhat minor compared to other cases. But still, we didn't have much knowledge and weren't sure what his name was or even what the particulars of the case were. So, we said yes immediately and went to get him. <br /><br />Wow. The moment that door swung open and that smudge-faced little boy hobbled in in his PJs was a moment I will remember all my life. He was so adorable. We played and got to know each other for a little while, and then we took him home. He's been with us now for a couple months, and in that time we've grown VERY attached to him. However, I've learned that I'm stronger than I thought I was, because all I want is for this darling little boy to find his way back to his parents. It's quite clear how much they love him, and that they've taken excellent care of him prior to all this. He talks like a 3 year old. He helps clean up. He puts himself to sleep. He is potty trained. He gets along with Meerkat and treats her nice 90% of the time. Etc. Etc. Etc. Visitations have been wonderful. We've met his parents. I think that's an important part of fostering (as I'll write in my attachment post later). He'll probably be with us for a few more weeks (though we still don't know particulars... it could be days or months). <br /><br />I'm cherishing every moment we have with him. He will forever be a part of our lives and family, even after he returns to his own family. We love him dearly.<br /><br />Stay tuned. I am still confused and conflicted about parts of the fostering process, and as I'm working through all my feelings and thoughts, I plan to write more posts about things like foster-loss, attachment, visitations, etc.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7025917822292890210.post-18009981671468250032011-10-12T16:47:00.000-07:002011-10-12T16:50:25.034-07:00Wordless Wednesday (Wig Edition)AKA Toddlers and Tiara's Reject Edition:<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3kJ9-s2LouesPVs0ibQ7XLEoUQnPABOVqNpm6svk-Be5vn81l40Drg6eGxXgNqBuH3ytYuDK_MaMG1f8m58TwPPw5qtupMm7F4bLFIwnzC4MN0mOHNVUFffIdD8pM5D_HJHobuf-6Oyo/s1600/1005111915-00.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3kJ9-s2LouesPVs0ibQ7XLEoUQnPABOVqNpm6svk-Be5vn81l40Drg6eGxXgNqBuH3ytYuDK_MaMG1f8m58TwPPw5qtupMm7F4bLFIwnzC4MN0mOHNVUFffIdD8pM5D_HJHobuf-6Oyo/s320/1005111915-00.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5662756902819968258" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVgMo3cO2BND_xJS9pA14OJEaBy0EHAoFcybM25VCLr7UhXwT92a11eKaqIWeXF_AHyhxwSag3fo7ydm9L5XCPneyCZRjrEmTeRY48H6lxGqhf2JiVuMKqV1ujqH4FlwnmYcT34_9hnFY/s1600/1005111915-01.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVgMo3cO2BND_xJS9pA14OJEaBy0EHAoFcybM25VCLr7UhXwT92a11eKaqIWeXF_AHyhxwSag3fo7ydm9L5XCPneyCZRjrEmTeRY48H6lxGqhf2JiVuMKqV1ujqH4FlwnmYcT34_9hnFY/s320/1005111915-01.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5662757114133770082" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjid3XMBVrYCVzPCVA5t29KE_RB9LLfHNEgel5pNinripD3GYG6mQ9kORbWMijGIDhMN2ssdyTOE-bnsoAGByM63fyYxfzFJUGMCs2E_LrCp3HJ54GHUy0f_iUZMG6H1RTT-_tKluyBzI/s1600/1005111915-02.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjid3XMBVrYCVzPCVA5t29KE_RB9LLfHNEgel5pNinripD3GYG6mQ9kORbWMijGIDhMN2ssdyTOE-bnsoAGByM63fyYxfzFJUGMCs2E_LrCp3HJ54GHUy0f_iUZMG6H1RTT-_tKluyBzI/s320/1005111915-02.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5662757239791962754" /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7025917822292890210.post-31610255538067330682011-10-08T21:30:00.000-07:002011-10-08T21:46:37.905-07:00Rambling...Here I sit, on a lonely Saturday night, missing my husband who is away working for the weekend. I pick him up bright and early in the morning, meaning I should be sleeping so I can wake up and get meerkat ready and head out the door. But, I can't sleep...<br /><br />I've had a headache all day, and when I get these headaches, it usually affects my mood and makes me feel a bit down in the dumps. Combine that with a sleeping baby, quiet house, tons of work to do, and a list of things that need doing that will never end, and you have one rattled woman. I'm not rattled in the sense that I'm depressed or unnerved... I just contemplate a lot in times like these. A lot a lot...<br /><br />I tend to think about the future when I'm in these moods. In the past, I would ponder whether or not I would ever be a mommy. I would question God and the Universe about why exactly I was "cursed" with this horrible condition that causes me to be infertile. I would wonder if we would ever have enough money to afford adoption. I wondered if we would ever be chosen. I wondered if we would be happy. Would we make it? Would our baby love us and think of us as her parents? Would we want an open adoption? Would we want a foster/adopt scenario? Would we want an infant? Would we do international adoption? Would we try to get a surrogate? What would we do? Would I be an "old" mother? Would I have a big family, like I've always dreamed of? Where would the money come from? If we found a way to afford one, how would we afford another? If we found a way to afford two, how would we afford three? etc. You can see, my brain gets carried away when left to itself. <br /><br />Now, so many of those questions have been answered - I have a daughter. We managed to afford it. We're still paying for the adoption, and will be for some time, but we're able to do it. My daughter loves me; I have no doubt. We're happy. We've made it this far. ... And yet, so many other questions have yet to be answered. <br /><br />Tonight, my mind wanders to our future children -- children who may very well be here soon... children who may be far away. Tonight, I wish I had a crystal ball.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7025917822292890210.post-682593965509504612011-09-28T11:09:00.000-07:002011-09-28T11:10:52.750-07:00A million things...I have a million things to say... I don't know where to start. <br /><br />I'm in the process of composing a post, but it will probably be enormous... Stay tuned.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7025917822292890210.post-91404089306611929882011-08-18T22:00:00.000-07:002011-08-18T22:01:47.037-07:00Wordless Thursday (since I missed Wednesday by an hour)<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHRqniTR_Y8dZIXI7SyM9X5by9nVcCX75fkNZWTGZ2oALTrtO9iLmXaGVj2WdMxXyhe-HRHEvXUWun9nMHkawnPYxIANWVmAOzAtSM8_pWn0lObHG0itmKQXQJsSNrB78HMakL8blOhgE/s1600/DSCF2541.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHRqniTR_Y8dZIXI7SyM9X5by9nVcCX75fkNZWTGZ2oALTrtO9iLmXaGVj2WdMxXyhe-HRHEvXUWun9nMHkawnPYxIANWVmAOzAtSM8_pWn0lObHG0itmKQXQJsSNrB78HMakL8blOhgE/s320/DSCF2541.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5642427622706644306" /></a>
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7025917822292890210.post-16730972571960860032011-08-04T19:52:00.000-07:002011-08-04T20:23:29.593-07:001 Year!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeDtmNyrzhRxrBrfLScPTeSoL7QiNpheAwFGWbTMGOKap2_SstY39g48nLvE3JTnKn5Bwp1nqawrQBlLupjmXaNmNk5pCvySKaPy3aJ2PTxgqb1SLL7kJUCGjCrnXS3EO9qbQa79xI0CE/s1600/DSCF2474.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeDtmNyrzhRxrBrfLScPTeSoL7QiNpheAwFGWbTMGOKap2_SstY39g48nLvE3JTnKn5Bwp1nqawrQBlLupjmXaNmNk5pCvySKaPy3aJ2PTxgqb1SLL7kJUCGjCrnXS3EO9qbQa79xI0CE/s320/DSCF2474.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5637207289180821282" /></a><br /><br />Dear Meerkat,<br />You've been one for nearly a month now, and you're more playful than ever. We can't keep you still... which is one reason that Mommy has taken so long to post this letter. <br /><br />I can't believe it's been a year now since you were born. A year ago, on your birthday, I was anxious, nervous, excited, happy, worried, sick, and in love. You were the most beautiful baby I've ever seen. Your scrunched up little face and swollen cheeks were just begging to be kissed. <br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicvJVGqv_1Bzgbw4MOSzcaCVcko42RoC0JOMk0-LlGwidC_yT2cgNo8gfbfkBuwC3WfAbM-MSDXLPbeya4djyaOnf4h4k2Ovr8-JxYkUVnUfGHbmVAUQ1vAXvD7NFvuA250UtojICdjzU/s1600/DSCF0502.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicvJVGqv_1Bzgbw4MOSzcaCVcko42RoC0JOMk0-LlGwidC_yT2cgNo8gfbfkBuwC3WfAbM-MSDXLPbeya4djyaOnf4h4k2Ovr8-JxYkUVnUfGHbmVAUQ1vAXvD7NFvuA250UtojICdjzU/s320/DSCF0502.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5637205890173158786" /></a><br />I could have held you forever. But, we felt like visitors for a lot of that day. We came and went, visited you, visited A, had meals, slept at our hotel, etc. We wanted so much to just take you home and snuggle you forever. Our hearts were so full of so many feelings. We loved you already. We couldn't have loved you more. And yet, our hearts were aching for A, who in the other room was facing one of the most difficult decisions of her life. We had no expectations, only hopes and dreams. And by the grace of God, A made those dreams come true. And we hope that you always think of A with love in your heart, especially on your birthday. She loves you so much, and I know she thinks of you often. Despite our heavy emotions that day, we were all very smiley, including A, whose story is for our families only. We love her so much, and we're so grateful that she blessed us with such a beautiful, smart, funny little girl.<br /><br />Once we got you home, we couldn't have been more smitten. We didn't really cry at the hospital, but once we got you home, we couldn't hold back the tears. Daddy and Mommy just sat on the bed holding you, staring into your beautiful face, and cried together. <br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyLdLvFRskRKjMYGJR_uYfS-4S7laDIprcVxvcKps1LOtiPCYWfb38d76GRXEHFqG2VeAly9Qsf95SwQZX2XD4zOUlIzOFsb5ApLGOk1_iRZMhAngBLbmiqUfkbJyFPW8pc9bHeGmMyuk/s1600/DSCF0518.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyLdLvFRskRKjMYGJR_uYfS-4S7laDIprcVxvcKps1LOtiPCYWfb38d76GRXEHFqG2VeAly9Qsf95SwQZX2XD4zOUlIzOFsb5ApLGOk1_iRZMhAngBLbmiqUfkbJyFPW8pc9bHeGmMyuk/s320/DSCF0518.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5637206196118424786" /></a><br />Oh, sweet girl, you had us wrapped around your finger. I didn't think it was possible to feel such strong attachment and responsibility for another human being. But those feelings were suddenly there, as if they had always been there. You were our daughter, and I would do anything for you. And as this year has passed, my heart has filled more and more and more. <br /><br />I have been amazed at your development. You went from a small little baby who could do nothing to a small child who is beginning to walk around the house with a little bit of attitude. :) <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxdXzL8y9zF72ZPMhymfrHMYwCuwjrc3oRH64s5lzc1Udre9-Je685WO0x0KWYLyy-RYculx0h1F6NFJleyNBasKn2bvUv3aIT68UckL2TxLFYF4M9OMQUQKZsZ2fZFSUeFrFMQt6iLsM/s1600/DSCF2383.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxdXzL8y9zF72ZPMhymfrHMYwCuwjrc3oRH64s5lzc1Udre9-Je685WO0x0KWYLyy-RYculx0h1F6NFJleyNBasKn2bvUv3aIT68UckL2TxLFYF4M9OMQUQKZsZ2fZFSUeFrFMQt6iLsM/s320/DSCF2383.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5637206520607114290" /></a><br /><br />I know this letter is different from the others, because it isn't filled with accomplishments, developments, etc. But I wanted to just spend some time letting you know how special you are, and how thankful we are for you. We love you so much. You've melted Mommy's heart, and you've made me feel so proud. I love to show you off to people and hear them compliment your beauty. I love to play games with you and make you laugh. I love everything about you, including your smelly little vinegar toes. Sometimes, I just sit and sniff them over and over again. One day you'll read this and think I'm crazy, but then later you'll have a child of your own, and you'll realize how intensely I love you and how much I cherish everything about you. I love your boogers. Can you believe that? Me, the woman who washes her hands a million times a day and worries about walking by garbage cans... the woman who panics over the thought of smelling bad, and who thinks looking at other people's feet is a little gross... Me... I would live between your toes, if I could. <br /><br />Dear Meerkat, please always know in your heart just how much I love you. I know someday you'll be a teenager, and you'll think Mommy's mean or not cool. You'll get mad at me from time to time. I just hope that you will always carry in your heart the love I feel for you. You are the reason I live, work, breathe... the reason I wake in the morning. I'm so grateful for you. You and Daddy are my whole world, and I am so proud of my little family.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrIYTiF8yX5hDr-DOWAcRjWu7mHtsA8jn2bVw0IdczxAryZEaGljKb8_vicdkf4DPca1c-OeyP6C1xUtEf6WI7YWnzLP7qZeDgGr3HGv-snfLQ0PvzdpCMGvPCP79iN708MDQwCJllK10/s1600/DSCF2463.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 276px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrIYTiF8yX5hDr-DOWAcRjWu7mHtsA8jn2bVw0IdczxAryZEaGljKb8_vicdkf4DPca1c-OeyP6C1xUtEf6WI7YWnzLP7qZeDgGr3HGv-snfLQ0PvzdpCMGvPCP79iN708MDQwCJllK10/s320/DSCF2463.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5637206774724240370" /></a><br /><br />I love you!<br /><br /><3,<br />MommyUnknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7025917822292890210.post-85745205014145338462011-07-17T11:14:00.001-07:002011-07-17T11:16:23.309-07:00Happy to be 1<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXhcCv_zDAZZaTGjiMCyt3aDlRnZ0Dd1KfpmNgVM1hRhbrwuPjpUDAnobK5M8VmGjo-fR0AcVUa6tnlpwP2auSh_Zhc_Yv3oCmyAxhfNF0iW0XLkf13bRiN-GHqJ9GRVptObVBZjxfGrY/s1600/DSCF2499.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXhcCv_zDAZZaTGjiMCyt3aDlRnZ0Dd1KfpmNgVM1hRhbrwuPjpUDAnobK5M8VmGjo-fR0AcVUa6tnlpwP2auSh_Zhc_Yv3oCmyAxhfNF0iW0XLkf13bRiN-GHqJ9GRVptObVBZjxfGrY/s320/DSCF2499.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5630386774208450786" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1dGxbXFgQcYyZoF0d1Qqv3hGc9B9iXh7obId2hnFSH2zzze6FNvO45KlldC_YliIlU8WooSV2YLflJbZO6hcacTbjyzskiy8gMqUEV8dNLvql-OLMtq3Nbx7dwVsVsj0Ehz7I2MPyf14/s1600/DSCF2497.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1dGxbXFgQcYyZoF0d1Qqv3hGc9B9iXh7obId2hnFSH2zzze6FNvO45KlldC_YliIlU8WooSV2YLflJbZO6hcacTbjyzskiy8gMqUEV8dNLvql-OLMtq3Nbx7dwVsVsj0Ehz7I2MPyf14/s320/DSCF2497.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5630386659710800994" /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7025917822292890210.post-40814812605777119832011-07-14T22:22:00.000-07:002011-07-14T22:32:49.529-07:001st BirthdayYes, Meerkat had her first birthday party, and it was a huge success! <br /><br />I will be posting her monthly letter soon. Things have been hectic around here lately, due to having family in town for her birthday, and then the clean up and working that followed. So, anticipate that letter during this weekend. <br /><br />In the meantime, enjoy some pictures from Meerkat's party:<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb-LSTAgp-ss-KIV6kKNUeUEK_3s-FAkeMoWTsEN5GNAljKcuvIDfYJRxsjOaO90EEiVUdxLy4sTxqZrVS_-jkiNoO2RZ2P40mayPflpaYb-2DLOqlh5kZGRYq9xmsu09eOTseoMp35s8/s1600/DSCF2387.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb-LSTAgp-ss-KIV6kKNUeUEK_3s-FAkeMoWTsEN5GNAljKcuvIDfYJRxsjOaO90EEiVUdxLy4sTxqZrVS_-jkiNoO2RZ2P40mayPflpaYb-2DLOqlh5kZGRYq9xmsu09eOTseoMp35s8/s320/DSCF2387.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5629445745373679218" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_Lgc_6PnEjNUDq-jhqRFQk6Zya0iC6yoMITJ9K7c33Y0dsAwuj5kWjsDWispt3Zfpag2I-YD_m8dit_AuGmir7UNISgyG50-OPTGVmnMXnzibx_ApgxAM4StH0FUVPWkR2_F5Vvy5TXc/s1600/DSCF2388.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_Lgc_6PnEjNUDq-jhqRFQk6Zya0iC6yoMITJ9K7c33Y0dsAwuj5kWjsDWispt3Zfpag2I-YD_m8dit_AuGmir7UNISgyG50-OPTGVmnMXnzibx_ApgxAM4StH0FUVPWkR2_F5Vvy5TXc/s320/DSCF2388.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5629445886760679154" /></a><br />I made Moo.se and Z.ee cupcakes and cake. The cupcakes turned out great, but the cake's feet fell off, and the antlers melted in the heat during transport and couldn't be attached. So, it was a sort of moose. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0Yc6CJjPXBf0My-ZmQ8peL-YU-VXtdOK-GoknQlWJE0R6pgaZqpAgPiUQQa_pfKtR98E_qDz2-FCaC63eFgRfHBUQT8ENUYC5rXcGNLWSHic7umaQI6MyDcPVBo6RfoLSq0BK4er4AkI/s1600/DSCF2410.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0Yc6CJjPXBf0My-ZmQ8peL-YU-VXtdOK-GoknQlWJE0R6pgaZqpAgPiUQQa_pfKtR98E_qDz2-FCaC63eFgRfHBUQT8ENUYC5rXcGNLWSHic7umaQI6MyDcPVBo6RfoLSq0BK4er4AkI/s320/DSCF2410.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5629446339299739490" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxCMEOf0oyCVsxtFYQR8W9dy_xjv1cS8vJi-BOk8f651n9nGBXQcQh-6Wwt6GnH6Nx6hu8MjUdNdrXdBIAyS9farVe5zkkR6S3nEMddzFly_EICUF8qfi7D1iF4skkiqh-gsxQ1Jxfn6A/s1600/DSCF2415.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxCMEOf0oyCVsxtFYQR8W9dy_xjv1cS8vJi-BOk8f651n9nGBXQcQh-6Wwt6GnH6Nx6hu8MjUdNdrXdBIAyS9farVe5zkkR6S3nEMddzFly_EICUF8qfi7D1iF4skkiqh-gsxQ1Jxfn6A/s320/DSCF2415.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5629446620355111970" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDM0tkrw4rYxDPn3vspE7y6zQDKXmzWmWjN-DNJAU9cpbmc6FJLzKW7rYuCLfm7wTXGR7F8qkXFSvJG6qcphUJ5o_IgMEdbDSvyzhrLiLhPop78IN2Adterukakmio3MEXz7_NQs2NA7g/s1600/DSCF2431.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDM0tkrw4rYxDPn3vspE7y6zQDKXmzWmWjN-DNJAU9cpbmc6FJLzKW7rYuCLfm7wTXGR7F8qkXFSvJG6qcphUJ5o_IgMEdbDSvyzhrLiLhPop78IN2Adterukakmio3MEXz7_NQs2NA7g/s320/DSCF2431.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5629446778005065090" /></a><br /><br />She didn't know what to do with the cake. She just poked at it awhile, and then put her hands in her hair. That was pretty much the extent of her cake eating. :) <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglmN2402bZnz1yGc5mpoeFJ5NWOV5m6fslbbTEYov4QcJ0asEWynvLlVJ8cCvQuzekm_HjxtODKMprYO_4soBMUW6iGPPeY0qwoqWNuBjgWF2FVZNetmumvEQJLgCDQoKPmpBpombvYdA/s1600/DSCF2444.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglmN2402bZnz1yGc5mpoeFJ5NWOV5m6fslbbTEYov4QcJ0asEWynvLlVJ8cCvQuzekm_HjxtODKMprYO_4soBMUW6iGPPeY0qwoqWNuBjgWF2FVZNetmumvEQJLgCDQoKPmpBpombvYdA/s320/DSCF2444.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5629447163643804258" /></a><br />She got lots of great presents, but she had more fun playing with the bows and making funny faces. :)<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJnPUfOtQmQvZardNYThnEaiU-d7VNagoZPSCr87oI03-5D1KdPiGob21XmP0fE4Jw5IiEzqFBn4pwAcBIfeDpzIO_XPpOpXb2WKSBeqhXKEdUByBIxnmuQHTzjdp4CZFOJxs5Pz8MvWk/s1600/DSCF2458.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJnPUfOtQmQvZardNYThnEaiU-d7VNagoZPSCr87oI03-5D1KdPiGob21XmP0fE4Jw5IiEzqFBn4pwAcBIfeDpzIO_XPpOpXb2WKSBeqhXKEdUByBIxnmuQHTzjdp4CZFOJxs5Pz8MvWk/s320/DSCF2458.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5629447507793644482" /></a><br />Three one year olds! My cousin's son, Meerkat, and my sister's son. :) So cute!!!<br /><br />It was a busy time, but it was great. We all enjoyed the day, and Meerkat had a lovely birthday. <br /><br />Stay tuned for the monthly update.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7025917822292890210.post-16725057385514484872011-06-25T10:26:00.001-07:002011-06-25T10:33:16.418-07:00First Birthday PlansWe're doing a Moo.se and Z.ee theme for the birthday party, since those are the Nic.k jr. characters that Meerkat loves the most. I'm going to make a Moos.e cake and Z.ee cupcakes. I'm pretty excited about them, and I hope they turn out nicely. <br /><br />I handmade all the invitations by drawing, cutting, and pasting characters and writing the party information in white crayon on a black construction paper chalkboard. However... a week and a half after reserving the pavilion, I find out that all the pavilions at that particular park have already been reserved. I'm livid that I didn't get this notification sooner, as I've already written the pavilion number on all the invites. I don't know what to do about this. I'm still trying to figure it out, but her party is only a couple weeks away, and I need to get these things in the mail.<br /><br />We haven't gift shopped yet, but I think we'll be getting her a little ride-on toy, some clothes, and maybe some books or wooden puzzles. She loves to play, so I'm excited to see what toys she gets. <br /><br />I can't believe it's been a year already. Where did the time go??? This time last year we were a ball of nerves and excitement. Wow. I can't believe how quickly time goes.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7025917822292890210.post-11888822220040640412011-06-19T10:57:00.000-07:002011-06-19T11:01:37.142-07:00Happy Father's Dayto the best, most considerate, thoughtful, helpful, caring, and nurturing man. I love you! And your daughter is so lucky to have you for a daddy.<br /><br />XOXOXO<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMNloUmNfBcai9qiAFwt5c_B3Q49jE166M8udjgiTa1j2WkKoK_xq_iBXpcbxJyRgR2IPcZ0OREijGpJdZfDm2aL2TJSsW_GkTucaaDjo2IJAKfOMWSavhzXBL-si8zMBhhB_y9mxMAxk/s1600/DSCF0544.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMNloUmNfBcai9qiAFwt5c_B3Q49jE166M8udjgiTa1j2WkKoK_xq_iBXpcbxJyRgR2IPcZ0OREijGpJdZfDm2aL2TJSsW_GkTucaaDjo2IJAKfOMWSavhzXBL-si8zMBhhB_y9mxMAxk/s320/DSCF0544.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5619992560598543522" /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7025917822292890210.post-26040797657825497542011-06-14T20:27:00.000-07:002011-06-14T21:09:23.738-07:0011 Months!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS7CyX9e2wdw9prOheCzlTob1KIE6u2kcK5-oUrDyyOfhfOxWOL9S2rcwyi2Xo5duhZaSKPZxDnH0QfVCRIS7mCefzLKoIuQHCOjG88HVRtJd8ZpSvqoFqywxnh9i_qpZcHOeB_67weu4/s1600/DSCF2295.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS7CyX9e2wdw9prOheCzlTob1KIE6u2kcK5-oUrDyyOfhfOxWOL9S2rcwyi2Xo5duhZaSKPZxDnH0QfVCRIS7mCefzLKoIuQHCOjG88HVRtJd8ZpSvqoFqywxnh9i_qpZcHOeB_67weu4/s320/DSCF2295.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5618290819425787410" /></a><br />Dear Meerkat:<br /><br />Eleven months old already??? One more month until you're ONE! One more month of babyhood. Then, you start to become a "big girl." Although, in so many ways, you're already showing your big girl independence. <br /><br />You play independently for long stretches. It's so much fun to watch you examine your toys. You'll spin things in your hands, over and over, figuring them out. You push buttons, fill and empty things, climb, walk, and what I can only assume is make believe. You'll put your toys in your mouth and wave your arms around like crazy, and hum or squeal. You jibber jabber in your playpen at nothing. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ7mkxVxtNC3XR4ukL4JMkmDNwLqwsqLn3ag07u5DaUG9xP9AjFJGRK6Kt3WIRYGo45UqRvYSz1XRfaqFjGKLeq9Y_2-f3aytEHe-Z-monhhKwlN89SOzIRBMF2T7kAzqJ2ZuhTMFDNiY/s1600/DSCF2265.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ7mkxVxtNC3XR4ukL4JMkmDNwLqwsqLn3ag07u5DaUG9xP9AjFJGRK6Kt3WIRYGo45UqRvYSz1XRfaqFjGKLeq9Y_2-f3aytEHe-Z-monhhKwlN89SOzIRBMF2T7kAzqJ2ZuhTMFDNiY/s320/DSCF2265.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5618292132968253538" /></a><br /><br />You've pretty much outgrown your jumperoo. I'm sad because you loved it so much for so long. It seems like we just bought it, and already it's time to take it down... or pass it on to a cousin.<br /><br />Since we're talking about toys, let's talk about your favorite toy this month. We bought you a small toy kitchen, about 14 inches tall. And you LOVE it. It sings and makes sound effects. When it plays a song, you will wriggle and wiggle and dance. You love the faucet the most, it seems. You will continuously make it say "on/off on/off on/off." It came with a toy pot, a large toy spoon, and some toy food. If we pretend to feed you from the toy spoon, you'll smack your lips and make a "mmm" sound. It's really adorable, and amazing to me that you already have such a vivid imagination. It's hard to believe that so few months ago, you couldn't even reach out for a toy. <br /><br />Oh yeah... another thing about your kitchen. You like to climb on top of it. Today, you opened the oven door and balanced precariously on the little lip between the nothingness of the open oven and the nothingness on the other side. We decided to just get you the crap down and not worry about snapping a picture of that little incident. We have to watch you very closely, because you will stand on anything that's available. Your balance is good though. Maybe you'll be a gymnast, or a dancer. <br /><br />This month, you have sprouted more teeth! You now have 4 (two on top and two on bottom) and one more coming in as I write this. You have a good bite now, and so we are giving you more table food. You like macaroni and cheese a lot. You also really love snack time. The crunchies and puffs are your favorite, though you won't turn down a yogurt bite either. You didn't care for black beans the last time we gave them to you, but you love great northern beans. Daddy hates them. He thinks they stink. Mommy thinks they look, taste, and smell delicious! But mommy has always liked beans of all sorts.<br /><br />Your hair is longer and thicker, but it's hard to tell because it's so curly. I can tell because I wash it, and it gets really long when I detangle it. But then it springs right back against your head. You don't like it when I put bows in your hair anymore, but you'll tolerate them once they're in. <br /><br />This month, you still babble unintelligibly. And, you say mama and dada, but still with no recognition of the meaning. But, something that you've started doing this month is immitating. We went to OH for your cousin's graduation, and while there, you had a little chair in the yard with fish and bubbles on it. Mommy would say "bubble... bubble... bubble... fish!" and point to the pictures to show you which was which. After a couple times, I would say "bubble" and you would follow it with "Buh" or "Buhpp" and when I would say "fish" you would follow it with "Gih" It was very clear that you were trying to say what I was saying, even though no one would ever guess those were the words you were saying if they didn't hear me say them first. <br /><br />Oh, and on this visit to OH, you FINALLY got to meet your great Grandma R and Aunt K this month. They've been waiting so patiently to meet you, and thankfully we were able to stop by on our way home this time around. They were so happy to see you, and you entertained them big time! You ripped up a magazine and rode around on it through the living room. You played piano. You crawled around and babbled. Then you ate and passed out. It was a blast.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh29JLAytlXkK_2Y9gobuXIwNSzRl9qrQEQHkM5a6dTBT26NNTjcsQjumPt-P1g4bHtLnydp2VPr3kL6gol0KkIuJXbg6GOzzwgBfnxFj8j4J9oJbERs-YJzliEXSwED-3nmtZZxxFxoY8/s1600/DSCF2286.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh29JLAytlXkK_2Y9gobuXIwNSzRl9qrQEQHkM5a6dTBT26NNTjcsQjumPt-P1g4bHtLnydp2VPr3kL6gol0KkIuJXbg6GOzzwgBfnxFj8j4J9oJbERs-YJzliEXSwED-3nmtZZxxFxoY8/s320/DSCF2286.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5618293117192528018" /></a><br /><br />You are still happy this month - happy about everything. We laugh; you laugh. We move; you laugh. We turn on the TV; you laugh. We play with a toy; you laugh. We put your paci in our mouths; you laugh. We wake you up; you laugh. We put you to bed... okay, you don't always laugh for this. In fact, you mostly hate going to bed. But the other night, when I was putting you to bed, you giggled like a crazy woman for no reason for several minutes. <br /><br />The newest and most exciting thing you're doing lately is letting go of what you're holding onto and remaining standing. You haven't taken any steps yet, and you're still a little afraid of standing alone. But you do it. And you did it a lot at your Grandma S' house. You stood for well over a minute and a half. <br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgus1B_lfRo4XctsQrriwjWEFGT3Vwu_YLEeQWfEjCQJcP4_IUELl3EtLyp3lxPQMXjSiQqUUgRvYcHXTKSQhGpV7RkKjsyt42YuV82GOrxbrfKaBzle832MIVlkcIVu_JETSq2OSivdJ8/s1600/DSCF2280.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgus1B_lfRo4XctsQrriwjWEFGT3Vwu_YLEeQWfEjCQJcP4_IUELl3EtLyp3lxPQMXjSiQqUUgRvYcHXTKSQhGpV7RkKjsyt42YuV82GOrxbrfKaBzle832MIVlkcIVu_JETSq2OSivdJ8/s320/DSCF2280.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5618292574361443890" /></a><br />I doubt you'll be walking by your birthday. But I think you'll be walking before 13 months. We'll see if I'm right. <br /><br />I can't believe this time has gone so fast. Keep growing and developing! Mommy can't wait to see what comes next. You continue to amaze and surprise me every day, and you fill my heart with more love than I can explain in words. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1TjgDNy_XGaG-kaQHdNizBMIOMU-ssNdCESdse38FUGPQtF4S0-Sf2KnVARfjKeWPgyBb50jlpI6SsJaWElhx6EEr2TaCBpDb0YOwWehqrkAqdpIdVKaEBbqptWsMx-DYJu5FkZvZo2w/s1600/DSCF2196.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1TjgDNy_XGaG-kaQHdNizBMIOMU-ssNdCESdse38FUGPQtF4S0-Sf2KnVARfjKeWPgyBb50jlpI6SsJaWElhx6EEr2TaCBpDb0YOwWehqrkAqdpIdVKaEBbqptWsMx-DYJu5FkZvZo2w/s320/DSCF2196.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5618293414444766034" /></a><br /><br />I adore you, Meerkat. <br /><br />Love, <br />MommyUnknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7025917822292890210.post-30122827560099977342011-05-31T20:25:00.001-07:002011-05-31T20:28:35.098-07:00Summer = Awesome!Today, we went to the pool with Meerkat for the first time. It was spectacular. It was so much fun to watch her uncertainty and chilliness turn into pure excitement and pleasure. She kicked like a little swimmer, and splashed, and floated in her raft. It was just so much fun! <br /><br />I can't wait to go back. Summer has always been fun, but Meerkat makes it 100x more fun! :) I love this child:<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaS4r9sp1-4ozCsI-vm7_iueuLwEFwSiRRXi3SKUlZ2sMl4NMiqUhCanScFp82gzoilO2va9UsspNLaOriUMM3AKD6mTM8CsL8d6-d4xelWgnyusjg0leftN9xeKrWuJ4Aa1ppvhEzC1Y/s1600/DSCF2258.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 310px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaS4r9sp1-4ozCsI-vm7_iueuLwEFwSiRRXi3SKUlZ2sMl4NMiqUhCanScFp82gzoilO2va9UsspNLaOriUMM3AKD6mTM8CsL8d6-d4xelWgnyusjg0leftN9xeKrWuJ4Aa1ppvhEzC1Y/s320/DSCF2258.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5613088053223660706" /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7025917822292890210.post-53254219313010124222011-05-18T23:51:00.000-07:002011-05-18T23:58:40.965-07:00Want, Want, Want... Work, Work, Work...Now that school is out, and I'm done teaching for the summer, I've had a lot of time to think about the things I want. In fact, I'm turning three of these things into goals:<br /><br />1. Pay off some debt <br /><br />2. Help my mom get into a new home<br /><br />3. "Officially" begin our second adoption by the end of the year<br /><br />So, obviously, these things involve a lot of money. But, I'm going to work extra hard these next three months. EXTRA hard. And hopefully, it will pay off. :) I am so in love with my other job (real estate) that I can't wait to dig my heels in and start getting some more listings and sales. It's so rewarding to help people find houses or sell their homes. So, now that I'm not teaching for the summer, I'm going to focus focus focus. Think of me and wish me well! I'm hoping to get a significant start on #1 by the end of the summer. But it will take a lot of work to get there.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7025917822292890210.post-80981089841991207682011-05-15T20:44:00.000-07:002011-05-15T21:28:52.135-07:0010 months!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaJmQY-J-Ps6RE6icrmmPimGwpFWgrrNgCqZBGPKQC_rke5pslwXUOimJMEbXOAh_A47WnZUYcqZFsoeqEpDK-5Zo6Oeav_OXbgm4PrqgI1UWYTyGvAe7d_CbNYrKBzOS9yZ1ayzkFvz4/s1600/DSCF2149.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 290px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaJmQY-J-Ps6RE6icrmmPimGwpFWgrrNgCqZBGPKQC_rke5pslwXUOimJMEbXOAh_A47WnZUYcqZFsoeqEpDK-5Zo6Oeav_OXbgm4PrqgI1UWYTyGvAe7d_CbNYrKBzOS9yZ1ayzkFvz4/s320/DSCF2149.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5607165113623594482" /></a><br />Dear Meerkat,<br /><br />You are SO CUTE!!! This past month has been such a pleasure, because you've started to do adorable little things that I never even imagined when I used to daydream about being your mommy over a year ago. <br /><br />For instance, you've started waving your little hand to say "hi." to mommy and daddy. You don't wave it back and forth, you open and close your tiny fingers. It's become automatic. If you hear mommy say "Hi baby!" you will immediately start to wave. Sometimes you will stare down at your fingers like you don't know what they're doing. And other times you will wave toward yourself. But regardless, it's so stinkin cute! I need to capture it on video (note to self: do that tomorrow morning!) The other day, I walked into your bedroom in the morning and said "Good morning, baby!" and you raised your little hand off the bar of your crib and waved at me with a big smile on your face. My heart proceeded to melt all over the floor. :)<br /><br />Even more recently, you've started clapping those precious hands when we say "Yay!" and clap with you. <br /><br />You've also begun pulling yourself up regularly. Right after my last monthly update, you started doing it a lot. And, now, you'll even do it with one hand. You've also learned how to lower yourself down to the ground without hurting yourself. You're so smart! <br /><br />One really adorable thing you've started to do lately is get SUPER excited for no reason. You just start to freak out (in a good way) and kick your legs like crazy, and wave your arms around, all while smiling your huge, one-toothed grin and squealing like a tiny maniac. :) I LOVE IT! And, if we pick you up while you're excited, you will kick in the air like you're trying to swim. <br /><br />This month your hair has gotten longer and fuller. It's insane! It's absolutely beautiful - but it definitely is going to take some maintenance. When I take bows out of your hair, you look like Cosm.o Kra.mer from Seinfe.ld. <br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbrlQhTKqY7nMRaRB_Mx5MpEGNoGOzVYQEwgyQ1FTPLPHFrC-UubHXvVDvoHBCL8wOrl3IeKO4FwPnpbR2GyfzVL9LLdXw8bxNbAKbFryqCklyoNLQ2TI1L0TkCFGJFnaEnNax2VzxkQM/s1600/DSCF2142.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbrlQhTKqY7nMRaRB_Mx5MpEGNoGOzVYQEwgyQ1FTPLPHFrC-UubHXvVDvoHBCL8wOrl3IeKO4FwPnpbR2GyfzVL9LLdXw8bxNbAKbFryqCklyoNLQ2TI1L0TkCFGJFnaEnNax2VzxkQM/s320/DSCF2142.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5607164055713628194" /></a><br /><br />You say "mama" and "dada" and "baba" but you have no idea what those things mean yet (or if you do, you aren't letting on). But it's pure magic to hear those words come out of your mouth. Usually it's a string of sounds: "mamamamama" "bababab" "dadada" "mamabadaba" but it doesn't change how much I love hearing you make those sounds. It's just a sign of what's to come! And, I can't wait to hear your little voice saying all sorts of cute things.<br /><br />This month, your stranger anxiety has gotten stronger. For the last couple months, you've not liked men who you don't know. But I've noticed this intensifying a bit in the last week or two. Sometimes, just looking at a man you don't know can send you into tears, unless mommy or daddy is holding you. I don't want to encourage it, but I have to tell you secretly: I absolutely love it when you cling to me and want me to protect you. :)<br /><br />You solo play nicely, but you love to play with mommy and daddy the most. Very recently, you've really begun to enjoy reading books with us, and you get upset when we put the book away. <br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg28QoZyB6gT6UjUa6AdmCLFnLC5VLwHydTFSEsDx-nWBjX8qJ__rwwPp9lRV73Q82U9TrOoIFycTri5e9WRaRspwraMfmMzXb19omonM7Cm5mQfu-T4hL1cCKBtQ8bhjdL2KxxehaX518/s1600/DSCF2130.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg28QoZyB6gT6UjUa6AdmCLFnLC5VLwHydTFSEsDx-nWBjX8qJ__rwwPp9lRV73Q82U9TrOoIFycTri5e9WRaRspwraMfmMzXb19omonM7Cm5mQfu-T4hL1cCKBtQ8bhjdL2KxxehaX518/s320/DSCF2130.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5607163529003398738" /></a><br />You would play with us all day long, if we'd let you. You love it so much that you try to avoid napping in order to play, even when you're so tired you cry for no reason at all. Sometimes, you'll be playing, and then you'll just lay down for a second like you're exhausted. As soon as mommy or daddy says something, you pop back up like you just took a 2 hour power nap. It's becoming very difficult to get you to nap, but we push through the tears and squeals and twisting and turning, and eventually you fall asleep. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggnRizTKxAZLQS6oj4HOQ89wXu0i9fVEb2VfU75nam9H9zqYlsPNbczntBD2pDFrUJpfUB70dvu2_086NL8s_v_QR_UsXWhfKogktdjUyAsyLIRYPpAx2Keg-WllY9lrMxVRZcfjXRGLU/s1600/DSCF2128.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggnRizTKxAZLQS6oj4HOQ89wXu0i9fVEb2VfU75nam9H9zqYlsPNbczntBD2pDFrUJpfUB70dvu2_086NL8s_v_QR_UsXWhfKogktdjUyAsyLIRYPpAx2Keg-WllY9lrMxVRZcfjXRGLU/s320/DSCF2128.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5607163007599964818" /></a><br />You sleep best at night (and function more happily during the day) if you have two naps: One around 10:30am and another around 2:30 or 3pm. <br /><br />As for your diet this month, the doctor told us to start transitioning you to table food, so we're trying to do that slowly and carefully. We give you a little bite here and there of our food, as long as it's not too seasoned, and as long as it's cut up really small. You love it. But you still love to have your bottle the best. <br /><br />You're growing so big and strong! Your little legs are so powerful! I'm amazed at how fast you grow and change in a month's time. We've only got two more months before you're a year old... and I know you'll go through many more changes before that. <br /><br />I love you so much baby! This month we celebrated mother's day, and it was one of the happiest days I've ever had. I'm so proud to be your mother. And I'm so excited that summer's here and mommy and daddy get to stay home with you all summer!!!! YAY!!!!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAIDRrP3DllwR0FOprniJPgLLD9VrTYLCD29ndkk0xBmCZAStHzPmrZmhkQ6iLoyxka067-RHpK_z7EjQ4Z2yaEE18RvJMrVfycrL33Fe5ubtYgQk6-nTx_GQZjY7dEYliNzg_OLqTaZQ/s1600/DSCF2119.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAIDRrP3DllwR0FOprniJPgLLD9VrTYLCD29ndkk0xBmCZAStHzPmrZmhkQ6iLoyxka067-RHpK_z7EjQ4Z2yaEE18RvJMrVfycrL33Fe5ubtYgQk6-nTx_GQZjY7dEYliNzg_OLqTaZQ/s320/DSCF2119.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5607164310956976322" /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7025917822292890210.post-45007479507815122402011-05-08T21:48:00.000-07:002011-05-08T22:11:35.312-07:00Happy Mother's Day!I had a wonderful first official Mother's Day thanks to my loving, wonderful husband. When I woke up this morning, he presented me with my gifts. First, he gave me a beautiful card from him and Meerkat. Then, he gave me a big bag of all my favorite childhood candies: Circ.us Pe.anuts, Swe.et T.arts, Pe.z, and Ni.k-l-ni.ps. Then...<br /><br />Then...<br /><br />THEN!!! He presented me with the best gift ever! <br /><br />My husband spent the last several days writing a story about me... from childhood dreams of being a mother, to finding out about my infertility, to my struggle with it, to our adoption. Oh, but that's not all. Not only did he write the story, but he illustrated it in beautiful white silhouettes that went along with the story. Then, he put it all on black paper and created a book! It's beautiful! And of course I cried. It truly was the best thing he could have given me today. It showed me how well he knows me, how much he cares about me, and it showed his creativity, talent, thoughtfulness, and romanticism. <br /><br />I love that man.<br /><br />After all this, we went to church, and then to dinner with my mom and grandma. It was a lovely day! <br /><br />Of course, I spent a majority of the day thinking of A and all the other birthmothers who have made many other mothers able to celebrate this day for the first time this year. And while I was filled with joy and love today, I was also filled with a hint of sadness. I know that despite her certainty in her decision, despite our open relationship, despite the fact that she has two other children to hug her on mother's day, that a large piece of her heart was here with Meerkat today. And I pray that she was able to have some joy today, despite that sadness. <br /><br />A, I know you probably will never read this, and that I've told you how we feel about you a number of times. But I have to put it out into the atmosphere as often as possible. You are a wonderful woman who I will love forever. Thank you for your selflessness, for your strength, for your love, and for your trust in us. We love you dearly. Meerkat will always know how much we cherish you, and I'm sure she will grow up loving you as much as we do, and as much as you love her. Happy mother's day today, A. And Happy birthmother's day yesterday. You deserve two special days, and I hope that you were able to relax and have some type of peace this weekend. <br /><br />And to all you other mothers: first time, expecting, waiting to be expecting, or old hat --- Happy Happy Mother's Day!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7025917822292890210.post-16105137456864222242011-04-29T10:34:00.000-07:002011-04-29T10:40:05.565-07:00Calling all those with curls (or kids with curls)So, I have curly hair. But it's really just super wavy curls. Usually I just straigthen my hair, and I'm okay with that. But now, I'm faced with the difficult task of caring for a child with curls... and I mean lots of curls. I don't really know how to handle it. Meerkat has the tightest little curls all over her head. I'm trying to figure out how they will look when they grow out (up?) more. Will she just keep getting a larger and larger afro? Or will her curls begin to stretch out a bit? Will they be excessively frizzy? If you have curly hair, or have a child with curly hair, I'd love some tips. Please share your best "curly hair" secrets. I want my daughter to love her hair - and that's going to start with me learning how to manage it.<br /><br />Also, if you have pictures of your kids (or self) when they were little and then a little older, to help me see how Meerkat's hair might end up looking, I'd love to see them. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbBi0jfjt7Ufn_MdLh7YIrS6CSSMvwDiC0957TIUuKBAPGtegsXpd2xp_LWzAMjpI_dmshJcFjhph8E0CZN_8-2qJ3nPu29Pe04aYRxykWZe6PJlXtFiVxCHkciPKcvwo9_dJt9P5uzoQ/s1600/1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbBi0jfjt7Ufn_MdLh7YIrS6CSSMvwDiC0957TIUuKBAPGtegsXpd2xp_LWzAMjpI_dmshJcFjhph8E0CZN_8-2qJ3nPu29Pe04aYRxykWZe6PJlXtFiVxCHkciPKcvwo9_dJt9P5uzoQ/s320/1.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5601061577015641842" /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7025917822292890210.post-58142854469771053832011-04-24T22:37:00.000-07:002011-04-24T22:38:35.101-07:00Did you have a happy Easter?Because we sure did!<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilGmIeFAdyVeWc086NdFI0ivsRoNfL44oMnB-FIXTr3APN_PnmYj7r7YvVELUMq71kmjudj22WWF-Zq_Fe4GHTtTsrJ76IG3MN3yHFqaGA6Z6-n8P5-MRmdOUBM6R7a45rWuH1FN6xZNU/s1600/DSCF2052.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 206px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilGmIeFAdyVeWc086NdFI0ivsRoNfL44oMnB-FIXTr3APN_PnmYj7r7YvVELUMq71kmjudj22WWF-Zq_Fe4GHTtTsrJ76IG3MN3yHFqaGA6Z6-n8P5-MRmdOUBM6R7a45rWuH1FN6xZNU/s320/DSCF2052.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5599391401154992722" /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7025917822292890210.post-249667626842334532011-04-15T20:24:00.001-07:002011-04-15T20:24:58.102-07:00Dear Followers and Lurkers:If you have a private website and feel comfortable with the idea, I'd love to follow along. I noticed one of my followers and a couple people who've been lurking, but never officially followed, have private blogs. I would love to be able to share in your journey too! My email address is slking20500 at gmail dot com. <br /><br />Let's be buddies! :)Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7025917822292890210.post-1904452740704875732011-04-13T20:55:00.000-07:002011-04-13T21:28:09.865-07:009 Months!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPxTEqUY0wzyhyphenhypheniW3TJ9jdA3F6zNKVYYEIIPExy3RMLAb0BoydAfGhwC-DHeK9EMW2552qKRLZjE5fmqQxPW_wI1vWInUHXJ-0kAawLoklCTcPbRYDb1-VMHc40SPwFVKAVVe6ORHof80/s1600/DSCF1987.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPxTEqUY0wzyhyphenhypheniW3TJ9jdA3F6zNKVYYEIIPExy3RMLAb0BoydAfGhwC-DHeK9EMW2552qKRLZjE5fmqQxPW_wI1vWInUHXJ-0kAawLoklCTcPbRYDb1-VMHc40SPwFVKAVVe6ORHof80/s320/DSCF1987.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5595289052217321522" /></a><br /><br />Dear Meerkat, <br /><br />What a month!!! This past month has been a milestone month baby! <br /><br />First, you got your first tooth! You put Daddy's finger in your mouth, and he felt something sharp. We couldn't really see it very well at first, but we knew it was there. It wasn't long before it made its way through your gums entirely. Now you have a beautiful white little tooth on the bottom righthand side of your mouth. It hurts when you chomp down on our fingers! It's strange how powerful that one little tooth can be. It won't be long before you're eating big girl food. We've already started giving you little biscuits, and you love them!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjplm7Yf8RW7fxb9K1agAiUt1Nhyjux7gGx6wdYTtw3f03Jfvxc_VKqKHM26GyJaS_qGSHdSkDqZUH3i1wq2nkPpJAG5qTpWn2I9iba6TW6_0Rc4C4FfYdpO7YIPDoTSYYtsi1LOqUad4U/s1600/DSCF1885.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 281px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjplm7Yf8RW7fxb9K1agAiUt1Nhyjux7gGx6wdYTtw3f03Jfvxc_VKqKHM26GyJaS_qGSHdSkDqZUH3i1wq2nkPpJAG5qTpWn2I9iba6TW6_0Rc4C4FfYdpO7YIPDoTSYYtsi1LOqUad4U/s320/DSCF1885.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5595289335999909010" /></a><br /><br />The very next day (after the tooth discovery) you began to crawl for the first time! You teetered on the brink of crawling for so long, we knew you would be moving forward this month, and sure enough...! We got a video of you crawling the day you started.<br /><OBJECT id=BLOG_video-c788442684981f0b class=BLOG_video_class width=320 height=266 contentId="c788442684981f0b"></OBJECT>Now, you crawl everywhere. We have to constantly wrangle you away from cords, the laundry basket, the cable box, the catfood bowls, and the dining room. We put you in your jumpe.roo and play.pen every so often, until we can successfully babyproof everything to allow you the run of the downstairs. <br /><br />The day before your nine month birthday, you pulled yourself up for the first time. Daddy laid you down for a nap, but you had other plans. When he went downstairs, you started to cry. He heard you stop for a minute and then start back up, so he went up to get you. And there you were, standing up, holding onto the side of your crib. You haven't done it again, but I'm hoping you will soon, so I can catch it on camera! :)<br /><br />You're outgrowing all of your clothes. You wear 12 month old clothing now. You zipped right through the 6-9 month clothes so fast that we barely got you to wear all of them once. We bought several things that you wore once and never wore again. <br /><br />Now that you're mobile, it's hard to get you to pose for pictures. When we put you next to your mouse, you were constantly flipping over, <br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNqJwb0i275k9ca5AMIUbfF2WiIWO56hlO1I9VQM-1vh1qVVuTw_DzNVB2ju3q-0-dJOMq7uZ4Nvx3_lnbL2rleX8rQPry5ECMcmRs_m_DPb1bSTBqVis6RErHsceDxIuH2mwWIF9m-Aw/s1600/DSCF1991.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNqJwb0i275k9ca5AMIUbfF2WiIWO56hlO1I9VQM-1vh1qVVuTw_DzNVB2ju3q-0-dJOMq7uZ4Nvx3_lnbL2rleX8rQPry5ECMcmRs_m_DPb1bSTBqVis6RErHsceDxIuH2mwWIF9m-Aw/s320/DSCF1991.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5595290404820702946" /></a><br />crawling toward the camera,<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr9a98GIzIfinkRJueB4PuPWfmIA5jrzD0jqZZACULDsDc0Oe-vLZwXmuUOtZvXc1-_U6taTaxmTx7tctvG53Ifq3Xl3qDjnx344JDkE_4sTRyxKPohG2U2sLHx9UUNPn9MlHHhzlfaPQ/s1600/DSCF1994.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr9a98GIzIfinkRJueB4PuPWfmIA5jrzD0jqZZACULDsDc0Oe-vLZwXmuUOtZvXc1-_U6taTaxmTx7tctvG53Ifq3Xl3qDjnx344JDkE_4sTRyxKPohG2U2sLHx9UUNPn9MlHHhzlfaPQ/s320/DSCF1994.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5595290795587445874" /></a><br />pulling her on top of you, etc. We only got a couple good photos. The rest are you flipping around. At one point in the photo shoot, you were trying to get away from the mouse and you hit your head on the wall. :( Both you and Mommy were a bucket of tears. I held you and rocked you while we cried. You ended up with a little red mark for a little while that night. You can see it in some of the pictures. <br /> <br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKjQcXTNqQX6LuByRxhvpeiet1X99sXzlJsPJFNyd9m4jl-xAmS8GnXE32jqXdThDDXFAAoKanOLF11tYy8D2yUPj1t8igYBYMm_RbF7hlPtwajTZ35-bGQB1ytLwe_LSgnzAIIC8qIeI/s1600/DSCF2001.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKjQcXTNqQX6LuByRxhvpeiet1X99sXzlJsPJFNyd9m4jl-xAmS8GnXE32jqXdThDDXFAAoKanOLF11tYy8D2yUPj1t8igYBYMm_RbF7hlPtwajTZ35-bGQB1ytLwe_LSgnzAIIC8qIeI/s320/DSCF2001.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5595291186816522882" /></a><br /><br />Sweet baby, keep growing strong and big! I miss your little baby toes and face, but that beautiful little baby is being replaced by a smiling, happy, GORGEOUS little girl. Everyone who sees you (and I mean everyone) compliments you. They are always commenting on your big eyes and long eyelashes. I know I'm biased because I'm your mommy, but I really think you're the most beautiful little girl I've ever laid eyes on. I'm so thankful I get to look at you every day. You're going to grow into such a pretty, intelligent woman. Don't ever let that go to your head! Don't be vain or conceited! Just know in your heart that you are pretty. Be confident! <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBr5ZPJTMo1SKmbXVgwakt2CB3RJCAf4wF8nlOaqsh2cy8gY_We5jVCcYA995AmK81FZqD2u07HK7qD4kXCNRDXmJM95TptgnnVPW0wKdMATSlFloRyuoEB98ipjlTFUrpeiGhfekQkMY/s1600/DSCF1936.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBr5ZPJTMo1SKmbXVgwakt2CB3RJCAf4wF8nlOaqsh2cy8gY_We5jVCcYA995AmK81FZqD2u07HK7qD4kXCNRDXmJM95TptgnnVPW0wKdMATSlFloRyuoEB98ipjlTFUrpeiGhfekQkMY/s320/DSCF1936.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5595290073099817362" /></a><br /><br />I love you so so much! Get ready baby, the countdown is on! Only 3 more months until your 1 year birthday. Let the planning begin!!!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7025917822292890210.post-39983601467730379722011-04-05T12:10:00.000-07:002011-04-05T12:12:50.510-07:00Children's Book Alert:<a href="http://askanewyorker.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/love-you-forever.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 476px; height: 475px;" src="http://askanewyorker.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/love-you-forever.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />This is a MUST READ:<br /><br /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Love-You-Forever-Robert-Munsch/dp/0920668372/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1302030408&sr=8-1">Love You Forever</a> by Robert Munsch. I stood in Ta.r.get reading this book, and by the end, I was crying my eyes out. Don't let the cover fool you, it is not a book about going potty. :)Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7025917822292890210.post-67382091266147140792011-04-04T15:23:00.000-07:002011-04-04T15:26:18.927-07:00Back on topic...Every adoptive parent who worries about the future, or being "not enough," needs to read <a href="http://www.growninmyheart.com/i-didnt-search-because-i-was-looking-for-a-new-family">this post</a> It warmed my heart. And while we have an open adoption, and I hope that Meerkat will always know where she came from, etc. it's helpful to read. Enjoy!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0