Pick a kid, any kid

Now that things are moving along and feeling much more definite, we've started talking to Riley about the adoption process and her new brother. (Yes, I said brother.) I ordered several childrens books on the subject to help explain in terms that I hoped an almost 4 year old could understand.

One book is about all the things that she, as the big kid, will need to teach her new little brother. She now loves telling me about all the things that she is going to teach him and share with him. I'm sure that will change once he's here and its not so new anymore, but for now it warms my heart. Another book explains how mommy & daddy will fly in an airplane, over the ocean to bring home her new sibling.

I'm not sure if Ri is just tired of waiting or if we need to spend a little more time explaining the process because yesterday she told Ms. Janice that she was going "to go to school and bring home a kid".

I wish it was that easy. =)

To Russia with Love

Our formal application for the Russian adoption program has been filed. Referral letters are being written and we are starting to make a dent in the pile of paperwork and education requirements.

It feels so good to be making forward progress once again. But more importantly, this decision feels good....really, really good. I can safely say that we don't have any regrets or anxiety over this change.

I'm sure when I start thinking about: all the things I need or want to do before baby comes home, making 3 trips across the globe to Russia, sleepless nights, diapers etc., I'll have my fair share of anxiety.

However, for now I just feel good...really, really good.

I Gotta Feelin'

I don't do resolutions, but I do set goals. This year I have two lofty, yet exciting goals:

Goal 1: Bring a baby home

With our home study set to expire this month, we have decided a new approach is needed in 2011. We are currently in the process of moving from our agency's domestic program to their Russian international program. This decision was made with lots of soul searching, plenty of research, and many heart felt discussions. We both feel, without of doubt, that we are doing the best thing not only for our family, but for our future child who needs a loving family.

We have tons of paperwork, evaluations, screenings & educations requirements to complete just to get started in the program so there is no doubt the year is starting off busy. I'll try my best to keep everyone updated on our progress.

Goal 2: Run a half marathon

While, it falls much lower on the priority list, I'm registered to run the USAF half marathon in September. Hopefully, this will be a nice distraction from #1.

I gotta feelin', its gonna be a good, good year!

Cue the crickets

It's been quiet here on the adoption front... VERY quiet. The beginning of September will mark 6 months from the completion of our home study. We were told to expect a long wait, but I was still hopeful that somehow we would be an exception.

Even Ri realizes that our family isn't complete. Countless times in the last month or so we have been at the grocery store, Costco, or in her wagon when she has looked at the empty seat next to her and commented: "Mommy, we need another kid."

Yeah baby, we do.

Don't Stand on the Dog

The only blip in our otherwise wonderful family vacation last week was that Ri became sick on the flight down and the threw-up all over herself and me. As I saw it happening, I instinctively put my hands out to catch it, pickle chunks and all. While not so funny at the time, we have since laughingly retold the story to family and friends. My aunt Ellen asked if I could have imagined myself sitting on a plane holding my kid’s puke 4 years ago. Umm, “NO!”

Of course, lots of things are different now.

Before I was the mommy...

I rolled my eyes when seated near a small child on an airplane or in a restaurant. Now I am so much more empathetic toward the parents. If I’m ever seated near child on a plane who becomes sick like mine did, I hereby vow not to be disgusted and look away, but to jump up and ask the flight attentendant to bring towels and garbage bags ASAP. I thank you kind lady who was seated across the aisle from us.

I did not know the words to Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star.

I had never said “Honey don’t stand on the dog, it’s ouchy for him”.

I had never held a conversation about the color and frequency of poop.

I had never been asked to explain why the sky was blue, the dog was yellow or any of the other thousand questions I’m asked on a daily basis.

I did not know who the Backyardigans or Wonder Pets were nor could I sing their theme songs.

I had never been used as a human Kleenex.

Most importantly, I didn’t truly know the depth of love and joy that being the mommy and having a family would bring into my life.

I just have one question: Why can’t they ever throw-up on the Daddy? =)

There's nothing like a makeover

In between business trips, birthday parties & vacations I've been working with a blog designer to give us a new look. You know, something that a was a little more me.

I'd love to hear what you think! Please leave a comment if you get a chance.

Where did the month go?

Things have been very quiet on the adoption front lately. We just continue to wait and pray for the right baby.

However, April has been a busy month on the home front. Ri celebrated her 3rd birthday with a puppy party. If you know her, then you know she eats, sleeps and breathes puppies. The party was a blast, but I can't believe my baby is 3! At her check-up, we found out that she is over the 97 th percentile on height, but right at the 50 th on weight. Her tall slim frame makes her look so much older than she is.

We also just returned from a fantastic family vacation to Siesta Key, Fl. If you haven't been there before, I highly recommend it. The sand is 99% pure quartz giving it the consistency of powdered sugar and best of all it never heats up. Ri definitely inherited our love of the water. She spent the entire week playing in the pool at our condo & at my aunt's house as well as stomping sand castles up and down the beach.

She however, did not inherit our love of boats (yet). My uncle took us on a boat tour of Sarasota Bay. Ri loved the idea and was very excited to "pick out a boat" when we arrived at the marina. Unfortunately her excitement didn't last. After a stop at the beach, Ri let us know she was done. "PARK THIS BOAT!" "I WANT OFF THIS BOAT!" Later that night, she told us the boat was too "splashy and loud".

It could be a long summer at the cottage if she doesn't warm up to boats. :)