Family Day Celebration

We've had a really busy couple of days around here, so our Family Day celebration was a very small and short event with just me, Brian and Andy.

Andy helped to decorate the cake, employing a strategy of carefully placing sprinkles by the handful.

In typical Andy fashion he was tasting the cake as he was decorating.
I sure love this picture. Andy loves his daddy.
Even though our celebration was short and sweet (like my boy!), it was absolutely perfect (just like my boy!).

Catching Up

This is just a little something to tide you over until I can actually bring myself to work on a real post. I guess I've just got the summer lazies over here where it's hot and we are busy living life and having fun with family.

In August of '08 Andrew first met cousin Courtney, and they were quite the adorable pair.


Since then, Courtney and her family have been in Korea since her daddy is a pilot in the Air Force. Well, they've been here in Arizona since their time in Korea is up and they are soon moving to the UAE for the next couple of years.

Courtney (and big brother, Chase) have been great playmates for Andy. Look at them now!
Aren't they just completely adorable?

Birth Family Visit

On Saturday we had a visit with Andrew's birthmom, A, her fiance, and her two daughters. It was only our third in-person visit since Andrew was born, and it was the first visit that we hosted at our home. Some of you may wonder if that was a little weird. Absolutely not! I think I can safely say that it was our best visit yet.

Our last visit was at the kids pizza joint with the giant, freaky rat. Andrew was simply not himself while we were there because it was just so chaotic and he didn't know what to make of it. I left that visit feeling sort of icky, well, rather sad, that A didn't get to see him being himself and his sweet personality. Afterward, Brian and I talked and we agreed that we felt comfortable having the next visit at our house.

I think our visits are also getting more comfortable because, well, we are actually having them. Plus, we keep in contact via texting and facebook as well. We all swam for a bit at first, then had a do-it-yourself taco bar, fresh fruit, and cupcakes for dinner. The kids played together really well and Andrew just couldn't stop loving on his 8 month old half sister. It was pretty cute.

At one point I asked A if she wanted to see Andrew's room. She told me that she really wanted to, but that she hadn't wanted to ask. We went right up and I gave her the tour. A loved his room, and bathroom too.

After about 3 hours our visit came to an end and we said good bye until next time. Andrew had hugs for all. I'm just continually amazed at how this relationship continues to grow. It is such a gift. First of all, I genuinely like A and care about how she is. I want her to see for herself how wonderful Andrew is and how much we completely adore him. I also want Andrew to know that she did, and does, love and care about him. I want him to know that she didn't just turn her back on him and forget about him.

Here it is 2 days later, and I've still got the warm fuzzies over how well everything went. This is exactly the feeling I want to carry with us through the years.

I do realize that our situation is very different from many other adoptions, and that works for us may not work for everyone. I also feel it's important to share how this does progress so that other families contemplating adoption can have a little snapshot about how it can work. I also would like our friends and family to understand, because I do realize that this is very different. Please, if you have any questions that I haven't touched on please ask away in the comments, or email me directly.

Surprise Visit

Sorry to be keeping anyone in suspense, but I couldn't ruin the surprise. My brother and niece, Ashley, drove out on Friday so they could surprise my dad on Friday for Father's Day. Ashley is five and just can't get enough of Andrew. Apparently the feeling is mutual since our last visit to California a few weeks ago. Since then Andrew talks about "Ashee" all the time. So, Thursday night was quite a treat for him when he realized that she was actually here, live and in person. He followed her around like a little puppy dog and refused to do anything unless Ashley was leading the way. Diaper change? Nope, not for me. But he was a willing participant for Ashley. Time to change into jammies? Nope, not for me. But a willing participant for Ashley.

That night Ashley waited patiently for Andrew to finally go to sleep. Once he was asleep she was able to creep in and sleep in the twin bed in his room. At 6:15 yesterday morning they were both front and center in my room, ready for the day to begin.

Andrew and Ashley were great friends yesterday and had lots of fun together. We went to the local splash pad in the late morning where they played and played. We went home and had lunch and then while Andrew napped Ashley and I enjoyed some quality pool time. Once Andrew woke up and Brian got home from work they joined us in the pool. Both kids played so hard yesterday that they both went to bed really early.

Eric and Ashley left bright and early this morning for California and Andrew was a whiny mess. He just wants "Ashee". Not to worry though, we'll be in California next weekend and will be seeing both Ashley and Ryan for Ryan's third birthday party.

Spring Fever

Each year here in the Valley of the Sun we can expect a major outbreak of Spring Fever just as March begins. It's the weird place where ice hockey and baseball collide, along with sun and spring rains. It's the best time of year here. It's the time of year when the longest quarter of the school year is winding down and there's the rush of completing report cards and conducting parent conferences. It's the time of year when Spring Break is in the air! It's also the time of year when our house is flooded with houseguests, and this year is no exception.

And let's throw in another illness for Andy. He started getting sick again last week as Brian was getting over his upper respiratory infection. The poor kid (and us, by default) didn't get much sleep Wednesday or Thursday night. I stayed home from school on Friday to take him to the doctor. My sweet boy had yet another ear infection and a bad cough, bordering on a real problem, and causing us to have to give him albuterol on the nebulizer a few times a day again.

Brian's sister, brother-in-law, and nephews arrived on Friday afternoon. Since they live in Alaska we don't see them often and they've only seen Andy one other time. Later that evening Brian's parents arrived from California as well. Andy and I had an easy Saturday while everyone enjoyed a special tour at the ballpark and a spring training game. After a little downtime in the afternoon we left to try to get some dinner and take in a hockey game. The whole dinner thing didn't work out because the entire area is inundated with tourists and spring training fans right now. Andy did well for the first period of the hockey game, but he and I left during the second because he was just done.

Sunday brought rain, and plenty of it. Everyone was tired from all the activity on Saturday, so it was a hang around the house sort of day with everyone. Later in the afternoon my parents joined us and by early evening everyone was on their way home. I'm so thankful that our home can easily accommodate so many houseguests at one time! It just filled my heart to see Andy fussed over so much and to see everyone delight in our boy, even when he wasn't in the best of moods.

Andy was still coughing like crazy last night, and pretty wheezy sounding too. I was pretty sure I was going to be taking him back to the doctor again today, so I stayed home from school with him. However, he slept for 13 hours straight last night and took a long nap this morning and seems well on the road to recovery. We didn't even have to break out the nebulizer today!

In other news, I have just 4 more days of school this week until our 2 week Spring Break starts. I am so excited about it that I can barely contain myself! This school year has flown by, but I'm still ready for a break. Next week Eric, Kari and the kids come out for a visit. However, we will only see them for a day before we head back to California for a couple of days. We have Andy's first trip to Disneyland on the agenda!

So what are you doing now that spring is in the air?

Journey to the Frozen Tundra

Andrew and I have returned from the Frozen Tundra, otherwise known as Nebraska, and have finally thawed out! I knew you'd be relieved.

Our flight out couldn't have been better. I really lucked out and Andy and I had an entire row to ourselves at the back of the plane. I had one of these handy, dandy items so that Andy could safely sit in his own seat without me having to lug the carseat on board. (This little item happened to be a wonderful tip from Brian's cousin, Danicka. Even better, we can continue to use it until Andy reaches 44 pounds.) Anyhow, even while restrained in such a manner Andy managed to doze off during takeoff and he slept until just before we landed.

My mom was already in Omaha so she met us at the airport and took us back to our hotel. After settling in we went to pay a visit to my Grandma who was just giddy with excitement over seeing Andy again. Eric, Kari and the kids arrived in town shortly after we did and met us at Grandma's. We left early so as not to tire her out, stopped for dinner, then retreated back to the hotel for a quiet evening. My mom's room and mine adjoined, with Eric and Kari and kids across the hall. The kids had lots of fun going back and forth.

On Sunday morning we woke up to snow falling. And just an FYI, there was already plenty of snow. The kids were really eager to get outside and couldn't stop looking out the window.
After breakfast we bundled up the kids and headed outside for a romp in the snow.
Ashley and Ryan had a wonderful time, but my little sunshine boy didn't think too highly of the white, cold stuff. However, he was darn cute!
After our playtime in the snow we had to get presentable and head back to Grandma's for her party and some last minute setting up. My mom ordered 6 sheet cakes, and not a single bit of cake went to waste.
Here are some of the guests waiting to greet my Grandma in a reception line sort of way. She had a steady stream for well over an hour into the party and was quite overwhelmed by all of the people who came to celebrate with her and wish her well.
Here she is by the time the crowds dwindled down so I could get close to her with a camera. Doesn't she look great for 100? I'd say not a day over 80!
Ryan made himself right at home, and seemed to think that pants are optional in Nebraska when it is barely 30 degrees.
After the party we were able to get Andy to pose with Grandma. Poor boy didn't feel too well and you can see it on his face. But, he was quite a delightful little trooper and I received nothing but compliments on how pleasant he is.
We went back for another visit on Monday morning before leaving the Frozen Tundra. By the time we got to Grandma's it was a whopping 12 degrees! Brrrr! We are definitely not used to that here in the Valley of the Sun!

And here we have the kids (and Kari) all together with their Great-Grandma. What a special picture this is.
Getting checked in at the airport and through security took only about 1o minutes, so Andy had some time to color while we waited.
Andy was really good for the return flight too. Again, we had an entire row to ourselves at the back of the plane. He fell asleep before takeoff, and slept until about 30 minutes before we landed. And again, he charmed everyone within range. However, he just wasn't himself and his face and eyes looked a mess with all the snot and goop.

By the time we landed I decided a visit to Andy's doctor was in order, so we both stayed home on Tuesday. The verdict? My poor boy has a double ear infection complete with bulging eardrums and icky pus. Even the doctor thought he should have been much more irritable than he was.

After a couple of days of regular napping he is as good as new, and I'm back to school, busy as ever. And now I'm sick too.

5th Anniversary

5 years ago today my sweetie and I were married in a beautiful ceremony and then we celebrated like crazy with our family and friends. The next morning we left for our wonderful honeymoon in Maui, and upon our return we packed up and moved to Arizona. Never a dull moment for us!

I can't believe how much we've been through over the last 5 years. We've made a very comfortable home for ourselves here away from all we knew. We've enjoyed many trips and lots of sporting events and concerts. We've made new friends, and we have local family now. We've also dealt with my dad's devastating injury, our infertility, fertility treatments and medical expenses we never imagined, two miscarriages, our journey through domestic adoption, and finally life with our beloved boy. I truly hope that the coming years aren't nearly this eventful, but every bit as joyful!

And how are we celebrating? Well, our big celebration will come next month when we go back to California to stay at the Grand Californian, like we did on our wedding night. We'll also spend the day at Disneyland.

As for tonight, I'm sure to still be packing. Andy and I leave bright at early tomorrow morning for frigid and snowy Omaha. Maui sounds much better. Too bad my 100 year old grandma doesn't live there!

Birthday Wishes

I have a couple of very special Birthday Wish shout-outs to give today. My sweet sister-in-law Kari's birthday was on Sunday. I wish we could have celebrated with her, but a trip to California just wasn't in the cards last weekend. We'll have to celebrate right when we meet up on Omaha.
Next, my niece and goddaughter, Ashley (Kari is her mommy) celebrates her 5th birthday on Thursday. Holy cow! 5 already? It was just yesterday that we visited her when she was born.
And here she is, in all her glory, every bit as mischievous as she looks!
So, Kari and Ashley, I hope you enjoy all the birthday cake!

Good Times

On Thursday Andrew and I drove out to Orange County for a long weekend of visiting friends and family. Today was our nephew Ryan's 2nd birthday party and we had a wonderful time soaking up the sunshine. Check out the link below to see a scrapbook of the day.

Make a Smilebox scrapbook

Father's Day

First of all, a huge shout out to my wonderful hubby, B, for not only being a great daddy, but an extremely tolerant guy as well. This first Father's Day was very important and meaningful to him and he willingly shared it with a house full of people the entire time.

Eric, Kari and the kids came out on Friday and stayed the weekend with us. Both Ashley and Ryan had loads of fun fussing and fighting over Andrew, who was really good and just rolled with the punches.

On Sunday my parents and then all the Phoenix cousins came over to join in the fun. We did the entire BBQ thing, complete with swimming.

Click below to see a slideshow of our festivities yesterday . . .

Make a Smilebox slideshow

Spring Time Fun

Today was an absolutely beautiful day here in the Valley of the Sun. And, since Eric and Kari and the kids are visiting, we decided a visit to the zoo was in order. Kari and I packed up the three kids, picked up her mom (who is also visiting) and mine, and headed to the little local zoo. Have a look at our fun!

Make a Smilebox scrapbook

World Class Traveler

Our trip last weekend was a complete success, and our week back here has been totally hectic so this is my first opportunity to report back.

So, without further ado . . . let's go!

Andrew was a complete champ on both the flight to and from Omaha. We were fortunate enough that he drifted off to sleep right before takeoff and then slept for nearly the entire flight, waking 30 minutes before landing for a bottle and socializing with other passengers.

When we got to the hotel Andrew also settled in, deciding that king size beds are the best.
Our first stop after the hotel was to my grandma's place. She was so happy to finally meet Andrew, and I do believe that the feeling was mutual!

We were prepared for some pretty cold weather in Omaha, but instead were pleasantly surprised by the warm weather. In fact, the weekend was warmer in Omaha than it was in Phoenix. How funny! Since the weather was so spectacular we spent Saturday at the zoo, along with half of the city.

Later we went back to the hotel for some rest. Andrew really enjoys reading his book in bed.

Later we took my grandma for dinner at her favorite steakhouse in celebration of her 99th birthday, then returned to her apartment for more visiting. Andrew really likes to get comfortable and strip down for his play sessions. He had such a great time with this little singing and dancing dog.

Towards the end of our visit Andrew was even able to meet my grandma's 97 year old baby sister . . . and Andrew's great, great aunt. She was thrilled to meet Andrew, but commented that he was "built like a brick chicken coop". Yeah, I was confused too, but apparently she didn't want to be rude and say he was built like a brick shithouse.

Though our visit was short, it was very special for all of us. Even though we were busy running here to there, we did manage to get some rest, and it was wonderful for our little family to have so much time together without juggling work and chores.

Future Blogger

Yup, I'm already prepping my sweet boy to be a blogger. B's Aunt Jacquie gave Andrew a little "laptop" computer for Christmas and he is now able to play with it. As you can see, he plays quite intently. He loves to press the buttons and watch the lights and listen to the music.

In other news, we are getting ready to go to Omaha on Friday to visit my grandma, Andrew's great-grandma, for her 99th birthday. This is the same grandma that everyone was so kind to shower with cards last February. I swear, she got such a kick out of that! She is so over-the-moon excited that we are coming out. Every time I've talked to her since Andrew came to us she has been saying how much she wishes she could see him. Well, we were finally able to make that happen. I have to admit that I am pretty excited too, and I'm sure that Andrew will also be offering up plenty of smiles.

So, this will be Andrew's first airplane ride. It will be quite the experience, I'm sure. Luckily, we have a 3 hour direct flight. We are also lucky that the weather looks like it will be better than it has been recently. We are even hoping for nice enough weather that we can go to the zoo on Saturday. The last time we were there was when my dad had his accident, 2 1/2 years ago, so I'm a little nervous about how I will do. Luckily, I'll have such a happy purpose to our visit.

So, all of you seasoned travelers . . . what are some do's and don't's that I should keep in mind as I am getting us all packed tomorrow night?

What a Week!

Have no fears . . . I haven't abandoned my blog! I haven't been away due to any disaster, natural or otherwise. Simply, life has been incredibly busy. Good, fantastic even, but really, really, super busy. So, grab yourself a beverage and a snack, because this might be a long one.

First of all, last Monday marked my return to school, again. I know, I know, I just wrote about returning to school after my family leave. And I did. However, only for one week. My district gets a 2 week fall break each year so last Monday was my return after a 2 week vacation. It was just like starting all over again. It wasn't as bad as my first week back, but it was still really busy and I put in many extra hours trying to get caught up.

Midweek marked Andrew's 3 month birthday. See what a big boy he is getting to be?

The week was also busy because we were getting ready for an event filled weekend. We were preparing the house for 7 house guests. Shopping needed to be done for a lunch we were hosting at our home and last minute things needed to be handled for a luncheon we were hosting at a local restaurant. One night we had a meeting at the church about Andrew's upcoming baptism and one night we had a hockey game to attend. Go Coyotes!

Our guests arrived on Friday. We had Eric, Kari, Ashley and Ryan, as well as B's parents and grandma. Luckily B was off of work so that he could do all sorts of last minute things around the house. As you can imagine, things were quite wild around our house that night. Somehow we all managed to get a little sleep.

Saturday morning we had to get up bright and early to head into Phoenix for Andrew's adoption finalization hearing. We had many of our family and friends meet us there. In fact, our group managed to completely fill up the spectator area of the small court room we were in. Even though we knew that this hearing was really just a formality, it was still really emotional for me. I wasn't sure if I was going to cry or throw up at any given moment! When I was asked during the hearing if Andrew was the child I wanted to adopt I almost lost it, but I held on. Afterwards our little family posed for a picture with the judge.

Once outside all of our family and friends gathered with us for a picture. This was just such a special moment for our family and I will treasure it always.

From the courthouse we went to a local Mexican restaurant for a luncheon. The food was great and I think everyone really enjoyed it. I celebrated with a margarita but didn't even make it through half of it before I was having a really good time, if you catch my drift. How sad! Here we are with Andrew's adoption day cake. Yummy!

I'm a bad, bad mom. I let Andrew have a little taste of frosting from his cake. As you can see, he really wasn't too impressed. However, my cake loving friends were, so all is good.

After our party we went back to the house. Pretty much everyone went down for a nap, except me, who cleaned the house. That evening we left Andy with B's parents and went with our friends to the hockey game.

Sunday morning came along with even more family festivities. It was Andrew's baptism day! Doesn't he look handsome?

We built many memories during the service. Our nephew Ryan kept patting Andy on the head as Pastor blessed him. Also, Ryan threw his binky right into the holy water while Pastor was reading. I'm sure everyone in the pews thought we were completely low class morons because we were trying so hard not to laugh. Even our families hadn't seen what happened and they didn't know why we were trying to contain our laughter so much. I should also mention that after Ryan's binky was fished out of the holy water he tried two more times to throw it in! Eventually though Andrew was finally baptised and it was a very special moment.

Afterwards all of our family gathered for a picture. Doesn't my dad look great? It's the first time we've seen him this dressed up since his accident.

From the church everyone came back to our house where we had lunch before all of our California guests hit the road for home.

My words just can't even do justice, and are entirely insufficient, to describe how wonderful this weekend was. It has literally erased all of the pain of the past 2 1/2 years. I feel totally renewed and like a new person.

I'm just so excited about the life we have now. Thanks for hanging in there with me . . .

Moving On

My surgery on Friday was completely uneventful, and thus far I'm recovering just fine. I'm still pretty uncomfortable, but it helps to just take it easy and rest. Well, as much as one can with a newborn in the house. Another time I will probably share this weird range of emotions, but for now, I'm doing my best to put this all behind me.

B's cousin, Danicka, has been in town for the past couple of weeks. Her hubby is doing some additional training at the air force base here before they are being moved to Korea. They have a 2 year old, and a 2 month old. So, here we are with the babies.

And here are the babies, which is, after all, what everyone wants to see. Andrew and Courtney. It's hard to believe that she is only 5 weeks older than our little munchkin.
Night time sleep has been a much treasured rarity around here. My friend Melanie sent Andrew this outfit, which, unfortunately, speaks the truth.
Now don't get me wrong, we are so not complaining, but rather, adjusting. Today is B's first day back at work after 2 weeks off playing "Mr. Mom". Today is also my first day home alone all day with Andrew. In addition to feeding and diapering the baby and folding laundry today I'm hoping to make it to the post office, the pet store, and the school district office (once I actually complete the paperwork). Let's hope I'm not overly ambitious.

Help my hubby pick a topic to write about! Be sure to vote in the latest poll!

Hurry Up and Wait

I spoke with our social worker again today and she had quite a bit of encouraging news for us. She was with our birth family for some time today. Basically, she told me that she hasn't ever seen such a good situation as this one and a birth family that is so together. Our birth mom came out and told her today that she doesn't view the baby as her baby, but rather as our baby. She sees herself as a surrogate. She also wants us present at the hospital for the birth, as close as the doctors will allow. And most wonderfully, she wants our name that we pick for the baby, as well as our last name, to go on the birth certificate. This is a huge, wonderful, generous gift that truly speaks to the strength and character of her heart. I was touched, almost to the point of tears, when I heard this today. Unfortunately, our birth mom is still contracting and the meds aren't helping her much. If it gets much worse she will be hospitalized. Her doctor is really wanting her to make it to 34 weeks, which is a little less than a week and a half away. Jeez, this is happening so fast!

So, I bet you imagine that that I am busily cleaning out the eventually-this-will-be-a-baby-room room. And doing tons of shopping, researching and comparing baby products. And you probably figure I am busy googling and reading about how to actually care for a real live baby. Well, you are 100% completely wrong.

Instead, I am going nose to nose with moose; searching for the ever elusive bear sighting; traipsing across trails, hills and streams of nearly freezing water just to touch a real, live glacier; cruising around icebergs; and browsing through traditional native dwellings. What? All of this is in Arizona? No sillies, 'fraid not. We are here in Alaska, the last frontier, on a big family vacation. What timing, huh? We planned this trip to visit B's sister and her family months ago. We left dinner the other night with our birth parents and went directly to the airport, arriving here at 1:00 am. And here we will be for another week yet, hoping and praying and wishing that we don't get a call to rush back to the "lower 48". See? We are even starting to sound like the locals now. And get this, there seriously is not a big, giant famous baby store in the whole state. Just so you know, this is torture for a planner like me.

But still, B and I are enjoying ourselves and this really happy time. I'll be sure to share pictures after we return. Until then, I ask that you please share some of your "must have" baby items with me, because I seriously have no idea where to start.

Free, Free, Free at Last!

School is now officially out for the summer! Yesterday was the last day, and what a crazy day it was. The kids had early release Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, so the "teaching" part of the day was really quick, but the remainder of the days were really crazy with cleaning up the classroom and moving my teaching stuff from home into another classroom, and completing report cards and other paperwork. It's so weird to be doing stuff to end this school year, and doing stuff to begin next year all at the same time. I have to admit that despite all of my previous worrying I'm actually a little excited about starting the next school year. Our third grade team gets along really well and it should make for a super fun and pleasant year.

So, how did I spend my first day of vacation? Did I sleep in? Did I lounge around in my jammies all day watching TV? Did I spend the day lounging out back at the pool? Sigh, unfortunately, none of these things happened. I went over to my parent's house at 7Am to meet my Dad's current nurse and CNA and to help my Mom get ready for her trip to Omaha. She is taking a much needed break to go visit my Grandma. Brian and I will be staying with my Dad until next week when my Mom gets home. Oh, and Molly too. I did get to have some fun today though . . . well, not to say that hanging out with my parents isn't fun, but I met the other three third grade teachers for lunch and we had a really nice time.

Tomorrow should bring a thrilling trip to Costco, and maybe even an exciting stop at Walmart. However, this weekend we are planning to take my Dad to the movies. He hasn't been to one since before his accident. He said he was willing to go, so long as we didn't go to a chick flick.

Party Time

The stomach flu finally passed, the house eventually got cleaned, the shopping done, the houseguests arrived and finally it was time for celebration.

We celebrated my dad's 70th birthday this weekend with almost all of our family and a few friends. Eric, Kari and the kids, as well as Kari's parents and Brian's parents, and a couple of friends drove out from California to celebrate with us. My dad's sister, my aunt Sharon, played hookey from school and flew out from Wisconsin. We also had local family in attendance, though we did miss Brian's grandparents because his grandma wasn't feeling well.

So here's the birthday boy, accompanied by our cute little nephew, Griffin. Jim and Eric, swimming with the older cousins
Bud and Molly

Enjoying the bratwurst bbq

All in all it was a wonderfully fun day, though thoroughly exhausting! I love living where we can get together with 25 members of our family and just enjoy each other's company. We always have such a great time when everyone gets together. We did miss having my grandma here, but at 98 it is just too difficult for her to travel here from Nebraska. I really like it whenever we have a house full of people, though it was so nice to get a little quiet time today to rest a little before the craziness of the week begins. I hope everyone had a lovely weekend and was able to spend time with family.