Our duo!
What a scary pirate!
What a cute flower!
Waiting by the door for other trick or treaters!
We only had 5 kids come to our house tonight! darn rain :(
Wednesday, October 31, 2007
Happy Halloween!
Our duo!
What a scary pirate!
What a cute flower!
Waiting by the door for other trick or treaters!
We only had 5 kids come to our house tonight! darn rain :(
Monday, October 29, 2007
Just awesome!
We received a package in the mail Saturday and this is what was inside!
It is a beautiful soft blanket from our agency!!
How cool is this! We treasure it!
Unfortunately they have closed their Guatemala program because of all the uncertainty :(
Friday, October 26, 2007
Thursday, October 25, 2007
The good and bad news
The good news - Victoria's US passport came in today!! It only took 2 1/2 months, 3 emails and 4 phone calls!
The bad news - the US passport agency managed to lose her ORIGINAL Certificate of Citizenship!! It will take months and several hundred dollars to replace! ARGH!
The agency told me I could put in a request for reimbursement :(
Danny tried on a new outfit last night - what do you think!?!?!?!?
I can't believe he is so skinny he fits into an 18 pack can case!
The bad news - the US passport agency managed to lose her ORIGINAL Certificate of Citizenship!! It will take months and several hundred dollars to replace! ARGH!
The agency told me I could put in a request for reimbursement :(
Danny tried on a new outfit last night - what do you think!?!?!?!?
I can't believe he is so skinny he fits into an 18 pack can case!
Sunday, October 21, 2007
Weekend away & Nana is back!!!
Our Jax NAS cottage home outside!
Our cottage home inside!
The Saint Johns River!
Nana playing solitaire - her favorite pasttime! (along with her Starbucks coffee)
Danny cleaning up! His favorite pasttime!
Dan feeding Victoria early in the am
The kids at the playground on base, Danny had a ball and Victoria found her first pine needles!
This past weekend we drove up to Jacksonville just to check out the area. We hope to move there once our house is sold. I was a little worried about the 5 hour ride each way more than anything else :) But the kids did great! The scary part was discovering the portable DVD didn't work on the way up :( and Victoria decided she really only needed a half hour nap! But snacks, toys and singing kept everyone at bay :)
We had a great time and the best part was Danny reuniting with Nana!! (who met us up there on her drive down to her winter home in Estero)
We did meet with a realtor to get an idea of what was in the area and we drove all around to see what some of the areas are like. Now we just need to sell!!
We were able to rent a cottage at Jacksonville Naval Air Station, which was great. It is a 2 bedroom cottage for only $60 per night and we were able to do a big shop at the Commissary before heading home. We just loved the sound of the jets flying overhead, the smell of jet fuel and the national anthem being played over the speakers at 8:00 am, right after reviellry :)
I tried to post on Friday but the Verizon signal was not great on base and it would take too long for pics to upload.
Wednesday, October 17, 2007
Say what?!?!?!
I had some errands to run today, so waited till little missy woke from her morning nap and we ran out. I had to return some books to the library and pick up 3 on hold.
Then we headed to the grocery store, the same one we go to at least once a week for the last several months we have been home. I am used to the comments about Victoria's hair, how cute she is, etc. But today took me by complete surprise. We were at the checkout line and the the cashier commented about what a pretty girl she is and how old is she,the usual.
While answering her, the cashier next to me walks by us and does a double take. She is an older woman whom we have had check us out several times.
She then asks if she is my baby, I answer yes and she responds with "well I hope you are teaching her English!" I was so shocked I didn't know what to say. My usual smart a * * remarks just didn't come to my head or mouth, probably a good thing :)
This same lady then goes on to tell Victoria she is beautiful in SPANISH! say what?!?
My cashier was as shocked as I was and quickly rang me out and wished me a good day.
Now usually I am pretty quick on the uptake and I know I should have used this as an opportunity to educate, but this is my BABY she was dissing!
I don't even know what I said to her after her comment, I know I said something :)
I know what I was thinking the whole way out of the store: stup*d bit**
I can't say stup*d because it is a bad word for my son :) :) :)but I can sure think it!
Then we headed to the grocery store, the same one we go to at least once a week for the last several months we have been home. I am used to the comments about Victoria's hair, how cute she is, etc. But today took me by complete surprise. We were at the checkout line and the the cashier commented about what a pretty girl she is and how old is she,the usual.
While answering her, the cashier next to me walks by us and does a double take. She is an older woman whom we have had check us out several times.
She then asks if she is my baby, I answer yes and she responds with "well I hope you are teaching her English!" I was so shocked I didn't know what to say. My usual smart a * * remarks just didn't come to my head or mouth, probably a good thing :)
This same lady then goes on to tell Victoria she is beautiful in SPANISH! say what?!?
My cashier was as shocked as I was and quickly rang me out and wished me a good day.
Now usually I am pretty quick on the uptake and I know I should have used this as an opportunity to educate, but this is my BABY she was dissing!
I don't even know what I said to her after her comment, I know I said something :)
I know what I was thinking the whole way out of the store: stup*d bit**
I can't say stup*d because it is a bad word for my son :) :) :)but I can sure think it!
Tuesday, October 16, 2007
Danny funny
Some background - Danny is learning his numbers and abc's, he can count to 15. But he does not get the concept that 7 is more than 2.
So - yesterday we are in the pool after school and he is getting really rambunctious.
After splashing me for the 3rd time I tell him he needs to get out of the pool for 2 minutes to chill. He turns to me and says 5 minutes mama? I say ok. By the time he is sitting down he asks if he can only have 7 minutes! ha ha :)
(picture was taken at the pediatrician's office)
Sunday, October 14, 2007
Friday, October 12, 2007
My favorite photos from Guatoberfest!
These are pictures of Miss Victoria and her BFF Miss Ava!
It is so amazing to have them together, they have so many of the same mannerisms! They both have cheeks and hair to die for! :)
They are one month apart in age, but so similar it is scary!
Unfortunately miss Ava lives in NY, but we will find a way to meet up!
Danny the wise a * *
Yesterday we had to pick him up from school as Dan had a Dr's appt. Victoria missed her nap time and was a bear till she fell asleep. Most of the people at the eye dr's was over 60 and she was too busy entertaining to sleep. Once I got her to sleep she slept for an hour, even with all the commotion around her!
Danny was also entertaining all the grandparents, eating cookies and walnuts and happy as could be.
By 4:00 we were getting a little punch drunk, Victoria and Danny had the cushions off the couch and were playing, having a ball. Dan had finally seen the Dr and had to have 3 more tests done!
By 4:15 there was only one elderly lady left along with us. Danny decided she must be nice because I had talked to her a couple of times. Danny had a napkin and my pen and was drawing upon request. He was entertaining her for a while when he suddenly popped out with "you know, you have really bad breath!" Oh my gosh I just wanted to DIE!! I shushed him and told him he was not being very nice. The lady laughed and said he was just saying what he felt and it was probably true, but she had no sense of smell. I was so embarassed! We had him apologize and tried to explain to him that it was not polite to tell someone they had bad breath :(
We hit McD's on the way home so he could run around the play area after being so good for so long. He found another little girl that looked just a bit younger and they climbed and slid down the slide over and over. He was sweaty and stinky like only a boy can be. We finally had to leave to head home and he was exhausted.
We were all buckled in and heading home when the little wise a * * popped out with "I am so tired, I am OLD"
Dan & I both laughed the whole way home!
Danny was also entertaining all the grandparents, eating cookies and walnuts and happy as could be.
By 4:00 we were getting a little punch drunk, Victoria and Danny had the cushions off the couch and were playing, having a ball. Dan had finally seen the Dr and had to have 3 more tests done!
By 4:15 there was only one elderly lady left along with us. Danny decided she must be nice because I had talked to her a couple of times. Danny had a napkin and my pen and was drawing upon request. He was entertaining her for a while when he suddenly popped out with "you know, you have really bad breath!" Oh my gosh I just wanted to DIE!! I shushed him and told him he was not being very nice. The lady laughed and said he was just saying what he felt and it was probably true, but she had no sense of smell. I was so embarassed! We had him apologize and tried to explain to him that it was not polite to tell someone they had bad breath :(
We hit McD's on the way home so he could run around the play area after being so good for so long. He found another little girl that looked just a bit younger and they climbed and slid down the slide over and over. He was sweaty and stinky like only a boy can be. We finally had to leave to head home and he was exhausted.
We were all buckled in and heading home when the little wise a * * popped out with "I am so tired, I am OLD"
Dan & I both laughed the whole way home!
Wednesday, October 10, 2007
Misc Photos from Guatoberfest!
Danny at the playground having a ball!
Hanging around with nothing to do!! :)
Danny and his boy Garrett! They had a great time wearing each other out!
Kerry and her son Cameron, what a cutie!
Victoria's new BFF Ava! Isn't she beautiful!
This little beauty is named Annalise, she is from Russia and an absolute doll!
I love her expression!
Eating my backpack!
The two munchkins ready to go into the Aquarium
Shy little princess at the welcome meeting
Victoria playing with her new BFF Ava
Dan and Victoria at the park
The Stroller Brigade!
Thanks to other families that posted pictures!!!
Sunday, October 7, 2007
Guatoberfest Day #3
Everyone had a great nights sleep! We were all up around 6:30 and played in our room for a bit. We had breakfast in the restaurant and there were a few families eating too. We then headed over to the playground in Centennial Olympic park because it was such a beautiful day. It was really neat to see all the people walking and playing in the park.
We met two other families over there and let the kids play while we sat and chatted. The boys all ran around and had a ball, Victoria played in the grass and tried to eat leaves.
We then walked over to the CNN food court again for lunch and had the BEST pizza!
We got back to the hotel in time to run to our room before heading downstairs to meet everyone for the Aquarium.
The Georgia Aquarium is pretty large and was very crowded. Danny was really interested in the jellyfish I think because we had seen them in our waters at home:
The fish were so colorful:
We all loved the Beluga whales - they are huge!
We walked around the aquarium about 2 hours and then decided to head back to the hotel so Victoria could nap. I had hoped she would sleep in stroller, but nope, she loved looking at the fish!
Most of the families met back in the ballroom at 5:00, kind of a wrap up party!
We talked about the weekend, gave thanks to everyone and then decided to have a pizza party!
It was also time for the manager's reception, which is when the hotel gives out free drinks! So, needless to say, there was lots of mommy and daddy juice being had!
The kids had so much fun running around and playing with each other!
Victoria kept stealing other kids cups and Danny just played and hugged everyone!
We are so very glad we came!!
Home tomorrow :(
We met two other families over there and let the kids play while we sat and chatted. The boys all ran around and had a ball, Victoria played in the grass and tried to eat leaves.
We then walked over to the CNN food court again for lunch and had the BEST pizza!
We got back to the hotel in time to run to our room before heading downstairs to meet everyone for the Aquarium.
The Georgia Aquarium is pretty large and was very crowded. Danny was really interested in the jellyfish I think because we had seen them in our waters at home:
The fish were so colorful:
We all loved the Beluga whales - they are huge!
We walked around the aquarium about 2 hours and then decided to head back to the hotel so Victoria could nap. I had hoped she would sleep in stroller, but nope, she loved looking at the fish!
Most of the families met back in the ballroom at 5:00, kind of a wrap up party!
We talked about the weekend, gave thanks to everyone and then decided to have a pizza party!
It was also time for the manager's reception, which is when the hotel gives out free drinks! So, needless to say, there was lots of mommy and daddy juice being had!
The kids had so much fun running around and playing with each other!
Victoria kept stealing other kids cups and Danny just played and hugged everyone!
We are so very glad we came!!
Home tomorrow :(
Saturday, October 6, 2007
Guatoberfest Day #2
I wish I had pictures - but my digital camera died today :( And it was full of pictures :( :(
The kids were up late last night playing with all the other kids and it took a while to calm them for sleep, but they both slept till 7:00.
This morning we are met with everyone at 10:00 to have small group discussions. I chose the group of blended families and had a great time. Dan was nice enough to stay in the room with miss Victoria while she slept.
We then had a halloween dress up photo op. It was so cool to see these beautiful kids all dressed up!
This is the first photo, with just the kids. Ever try to get them to all sit still at the same time??
This is the second group photo!
We all met in the lobby at lunch to walk over to the CNN building where they have a humongous food court. It is just so cool to see families all over the place. Everyone is just so nice and the kids all play together so well.
There is almost always some families hanging in the lobby at the hotel and it is just so neat! We are so glad we have come :)
We ended up walking to Ted's Montana Grill for dinner with two other families.
Here is Annalisa, Victoria, Danny and Ava ready for our adventure!
The restaurant is owned by Ted Turner and serves bison. The food and company was excellent!
Here Victoria is sharing her puffs with everyone at the table.
On the way back to the hotel we walked through the park and there were all the other families.
The kids were all crawling, running and playing. It was the most amazing site I have ever seen. I took some really good pictures too :(
We headed out around 7:45 to get to the tub and bed!
As soon as I get pictures emailed to me from one of the other families I will post them I promise..
The kids were up late last night playing with all the other kids and it took a while to calm them for sleep, but they both slept till 7:00.
This morning we are met with everyone at 10:00 to have small group discussions. I chose the group of blended families and had a great time. Dan was nice enough to stay in the room with miss Victoria while she slept.
We then had a halloween dress up photo op. It was so cool to see these beautiful kids all dressed up!
This is the first photo, with just the kids. Ever try to get them to all sit still at the same time??
This is the second group photo!
We all met in the lobby at lunch to walk over to the CNN building where they have a humongous food court. It is just so cool to see families all over the place. Everyone is just so nice and the kids all play together so well.
There is almost always some families hanging in the lobby at the hotel and it is just so neat! We are so glad we have come :)
We ended up walking to Ted's Montana Grill for dinner with two other families.
Here is Annalisa, Victoria, Danny and Ava ready for our adventure!
The restaurant is owned by Ted Turner and serves bison. The food and company was excellent!
Here Victoria is sharing her puffs with everyone at the table.
On the way back to the hotel we walked through the park and there were all the other families.
The kids were all crawling, running and playing. It was the most amazing site I have ever seen. I took some really good pictures too :(
We headed out around 7:45 to get to the tub and bed!
As soon as I get pictures emailed to me from one of the other families I will post them I promise..
Friday, October 5, 2007
Guatoberfest Baby!!
We are in Atlanta for the weekend for a gathering called "Guatoberfest".
It is a celebration of adoption for families that have opened their hearts and hands to adoption around the world. I am so looking forward to getting together with other families and swapping stories. Many of the families adopted from Guatemala and I have been emailing with many for the last year! There are also families here that adopted from Russia, Kazakhstan, Belarus and Thailand! It will be a busy weekend! We are staying right next to Olympic Park.
My first ice cream!
Victoria and her new BFF Ava!
Stop taking pictures! I am playing here!
Danny helping to pick names for prizes!
It is a celebration of adoption for families that have opened their hearts and hands to adoption around the world. I am so looking forward to getting together with other families and swapping stories. Many of the families adopted from Guatemala and I have been emailing with many for the last year! There are also families here that adopted from Russia, Kazakhstan, Belarus and Thailand! It will be a busy weekend! We are staying right next to Olympic Park.
My first ice cream!
Victoria and her new BFF Ava!
Stop taking pictures! I am playing here!
Danny helping to pick names for prizes!
Thursday, October 4, 2007
One of the many reasons I love my hubby!
Hubby volunteered to help little missy get to sleep while I did stuff around the house, including packing for our trip to Atlanta this weekend. He has not had much luck so when it got really quiet and I realized I had not seen him in half an hour I went in to check on him and found this:
Unfortunately I woke hubby by opening the door! too precious!
Today Victoria had her 1 yr appt with the dr, 4 shots and a tb test!! She weighs 21 pounds :)
Unfortunately I woke hubby by opening the door! too precious!
Today Victoria had her 1 yr appt with the dr, 4 shots and a tb test!! She weighs 21 pounds :)
Wednesday, October 3, 2007
Happy Birthday Little Missy!!
The masterpiece!
Why am I all dressed up?? and what are these things on my legs??
Ready to PARTEE!!!
Why are you singing???
She did really well till we started singing and then she cried!
I think it was the singing....
My brother "sharing" his halloween light up toy!
My bootee!!
Little missy had a great day!! Dinner was so much fun! Friends that we have not seens in months and years all came to wish her a happy day!
Thought a lot about her birth mom, I hope she knows how so very happy she is!
I hope she knows how loved Victoria is by all of us!
She is absolutely the light of all our lives!
We love you honey!!!
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