Sunday Thoughts (in a new way)

Usually on Sunday I post a quote. Since I am participating in the Blogging A to Z Challenge and posting a quote everyday (one for each letter with Sundays off); I thought I would go a different direction for the Sundays in April.

 

I have so many things to be thankful for and in keeping with the A to Z idea; I thought that posting Being Thankful A to Z would work! Here's the last few things!

 

U is for understanding. I have a very understanding husband I ask a lot of questions. He is very patient and understanding.

V is for veterans. I am so thankful for the men and women who protect our country and their families who sacrifice so much to allow them to serve.

W is for worship. We are lucky to live in a country where we can worship according to the dictates of our conscience.

X is for eXcitement. I am glad for the excitement we have in our life. It isn't a lot (which is great) but just enough!

Y is for Yay! for the Minute Clinic! (It is connected with CVS stores if you haven't tried it yet!) We have had some sickness at our house this week. Of course sickness often gets worse after regular doctor hours. So the Minute Clinic was our next option. So glad it was available and able to help!

Z is for zest. We have many things that  add zest to our life- friends, family, jobs and much much more!

(Sorry this got published unfinished. We have decided that from now on only one person in our family can be sick at a time. Yes- you can laugh!!!)

Sunday Thoughts (in a new way)

Usually on Sunday I post a quote. Since I am participating in the Blogging A to Z Challenge and posting a quote everyday (one for each letter with Sundays off); I thought I would go a different direction for the Sundays in April.

 

I have so many things to be thankful for and in keeping with the A to Z idea thought that posting Being Thankful A to Z would work! Here's a few more. Stop by next week for a few more!

O is for Open Adoption. We are blessed to have an open adoption with Alex’s birthmother.  Open adoption is different for each family but for us we know each other, have visits when it works for us, text and email often (I’m not as good at texting. I tend to have a lot to say and I like to edit. Texting doesn’t work as well for me. But I am working on it!)

P is for prayer. I am thankful for all the prayers offered in our behalf.

Q is for quiet. I am thankful for those quite moments during the day (well mostly in the evening) that I can sit quietly and think.

R is for Reading Recovery. I am so grateful for the knowledge I have gained and the children I have worked with since being a Reading Recovery Teacher.  Reading Recovery is an individualized program for struggling first grade readers. I get to work individually with four students and teach them the things they need to be a better reader.

S is for sappy movies. I love sappy movies. A channel had Christmas movies on all the time in December. It was wonderful. I love a happy ending! They are a great escape and reminder that things do work out!

T is for telephones. Growing up my family was far from cousins, aunts, uncles and grandparents. The phone helped us stay connected. it still does. I live far from my brothers and sisters and parents and with phone calls we can stay close.

Sunday Thoughts (in a new way)

Usually on Sunday I post a quote. Since I am participating in the Blogging A to Z Challenge and posting a quote everyday (one for each letter with Sundays off); I thought I would go a different direction for the Sundays in April.

 I have so many things to be thankful for and in keeping with the A to Z  idea thought that posting Being Thankful A to Z would work! Here's a few more! Stop by next week for more!

G is for grass. Jake is from Arizona. He enjoys a yard with desert landscaping. I love grass and greenery.

H is for Husband. I have a wonderful husband. He is so supportive and helpful. Jake has so many wonderful qualities (maybe next year’s A to Z. . .) that it is hard to know where to start. I will say I am lucky to have him.

I is for the Internet. The Internet is so powerful. There are friends to be made; information to be learned; ideas to be shared.  I have learned so much from others sharing their stories and talents. I am thankful they shared.

J is for a Job. I am so thankful for the job I have. I love teaching and seeing the lights come on for children. I am especially grateful for the chance to be a Reading Recovery teacher. (More about that in R) Jobs now are not easy to come by so I know how blessed we are to have this one!

K is for Kids Shots. We have had them take Alex's picture and our family pictures and they turn out great. The prices are reasonable too!

L is for the library. I love to read and can’t afford to buy all the books I want to read (and where would I put them?) The library is like having so many more books than I do!

M is for mom. I am so blessed to be able to be a mom. It is an opportunity I didn't know if I would ever get to have. I am so thankful Alex's birthmother chose us and gave me the honor of being a mom.

N is for November. I am thankful to have a whole month to think about being thankful and November is also National Adoption Month.

Sunday Thoughts (in a new way)

Usually on Sunday I post a quote. Since I am participating in the Blogging A to Z Challenge and posting a quote everyday (one for each letter with Sundays off); I thought I would go a different direction for the Sundays in April.

 

Several people left comments about enjoying the positive nature of the quotes I have posted so far. That got me thinking. I have so many things to be thankful for and in keeping with the A to Z  idea; I thought that posting Being Thankful A to Z would work! Here's the first few! Stop by next Sunday for a few more!

 

A is for adoption and Alex. We are so blessed and honored that Alex’s birthmother chose us to parent him. We hope that to have the opportunity to adopt again soon.  

B is for birthmothers. Adoption is not an easy choice. (but there are no easy choices in an unplanned or crisis pregnancy situation). I am thankful for the birthmothers who share their stories in with others. I am thankful for the strength.

C is for Christmas. I enjoy the decorations, looking for gifts for others and especially the feeling around that time of year. It is wonderful to have the Christmas Spirit all year but I am thankful to have it for the month of December at least.

D is for my Dad and Mom. My parents sacrificed a lot to raise my brothers and sisters and I. They were at everything (soccer games, piano recitals, art shows, back to school night etc). They try hard now to be at as many things as they can for the grandchildren.

E is for elections. We are lucky to be able to vote so easily. Going to vote is safe and usually the only problem is the wait in line.

F is for friends. I have so many friends both in real life and on the Internet that helped us on our adoption journey. Several helped me get the blog started. One helped with the first meeting. Many prayed for us as we went through the adoption process.

Valentine's Day

Valentine’s Day is very low key at our house. This year I did get a card for Jake from Alex. I put the pen in Alex’s hand and he made his mark on the card. When we got home there was a balloon for Alex. He wasn’t too sure what to do at first but he figured it out.

 

 

The grandparents sent cards for Alex and he loved them! Mostly he enjoyed licking them but he did get very excited about something new to lick!

 

Hope you had a great Valentine’s day!

5 Months

Oops! We forgot the sign!

Alex is 5 months! He is getting bigger and can do more!  He is taking a bath in the regular tub and eating rice cereal. He loves the bath. He kicks his legs to splash and laughs and giggles. He also loves to look at himself I the mirror. He even licked the mirror one night and was so shocked that it was cold.

 

Alex is rolling over! He can only go from his back to his tummy so far. This is great until he gets tired of being on his tummy and then he cries. We think he will roll tummy to back any day now but it hasn’t happened yet.

 

He likes:

His jumpy chair

Baths

 

Grabbing his toes

Going places

Chewing everything!

What a cutie!

 

Doesn’t like:

Naps

Socks

Rice cereal that is super runny

4 Months

 

Alex is 4 months! He is getting bigger and stronger everyday!  He is starting to help wash his hair in the bath.  We went to Bass Pro Shop to see the Christmas decorations and he was great. He seems to get a little overwhelmed in big places but he enjoyed waving at all the people (with Jake’s help!).

 

November 14 they gave me a shower at work. Jake was able to bring Alex. He was so charming! He hasn’t been passed around much but we gave it a shot and he was darling! Lots of ladies held him and he smiled and cooed at all of them.

 

He likes:

His jumpy chair

He's a little short so he jumps on this!

Baths

Going places

 

Doesn’t like:

Naps

Socks

 

Update:  I know this is super late (he was 4 months on November 14) but maybe it falls under the better late than never clause?

Happy Veteran's Day

Happy Veteran’s Day!

 

We are so grateful to those that serve our country in all branches of the military. My grandfather served as a marine in World War 2. Alex has members of his birth family who have served and others are now serving our country.  I have had children in my class at school whose parents were deployed. It is hard on the family. If you are a veteran- Thank You! If you are the family member of a veteran- Thank You!

from pinterest.com

Happy Election Day

Today is Election Day. We have had 5 phone calls just today about going to vote! Luckily we have early voting on our state and we are done. If you haven’t voted yet please-go soon! We are so lucky to live in a country where voting is easy and safe.

 

We started a new tradition in our house and Jake took Alex with him to vote. The ladies helping to keep things running smoothly thought Alex was wonderful. They even gave him his own sticker!

2 Months Old!

Alex is 2 months old already. I am amazed at how fast the time has gone and how much he has grown!

September 14, 2012

 

He weighs 12 lbs 12 oz and is 23 inches long (up 5 lbs 9 oz and 3 inches from when we brought him home!)

 

He likes:

His swinging chair

Playing on the floor

Baths (especially splashing in the sink!)

Going for a walk

Pretending to stand up

Giggling, laughing and cooing at us

Loves music (all kinds)

He dislikes:

Sleeping on the couch

 

Wet or dirty diapers (if he is fussy that is the first thing we check

When his bath is over



Taking a nap in his bed during the day (he sleeps great at night)

Showing his wounds

 

              Shots

 

 

 

 

 

Alex is a great baby! He is usually happy and if not we can change his diaper or easily help him be happy. We see more and more of his personality everyday. I am excited to see what the next month will bring!

The Story part 2

A few weeks ago there was a documentary about birthmothers on TV. I wasn’t going to watch, but somehow did watch a few minutes just to see how it was. The show followed three expectant mothers who had chosen to place their babies for adoption. It was interesting to see how these expectant mothers bonded together, how they made their decision and their hospital experience.  In the documentary, the hopeful adoptive parents and the expectant mother were separate. They didn’t seem to spend any time together.

 

Our experience was very different. We got the call to come to the hospital at 5:00 am July 14 and were there by about 6ish. We went into K’s room where she was resting (the medication had just kicked in). We were in and out as different doctors came in and privacy was needed. Things were progressing nicely (according to a nurse) and by 9:30 Jake was out in the waiting room and the baby was on his way. Alex was born at 10:30 am. I am so grateful and honored that K and her mom allowed me to be there. Jake and I spent the next 2 and a half days hanging out in K’s room with her family and the baby. We all took turns holding him, feeding him and changing his diaper. The hospital found a room for Jake and me so we were able to stay Saturday and Sunday night.

Jake holding Alex for the first time!

It was wonderful to meet K’s brothers and sisters and spend time with them. We were able to look at the baby and see who he looked like. Did he have K’s eyes or one of her siblings? Was his temperament like her or one of her siblings? It was a wonderful time.

I was really nervous about Monday and signing the papers. I wasn’t sure how it would go- or how K would feel and react to it all. Her whole family was there with her when she signed the paperwork. There was such a feeling of support in the room.  It was wonderful.

In the documentary, the girls placing their babies were in a room alone with a caseworker to sign the papers. All three were very emotional and I felt so bad that these young mothers were alone at such a time. For us, our lawyer talked to K first and then came to get us for our part at the end. He left and we thanked K, gave her our gift and since K was being checked out told her and her family to take all the time with the baby they needed and wanted. 

Our experience was so much better – not easier but K had so much support. It was an emotional day but a day filled with happiness and some sadness. When K left she looked gorgeous. She was absolutely glowing and we made plans to see them again.

Getting ready to go home!

 

The Story part 1

Six weeks ago we brought Alex home. About six weeks before that we found out about him. 

We have been hoping to adopt for along time. (as you already know) We did do lots of things to get our names out there.

We made up pass along cards and gave them to my parents, Mrs. R (of the R House), and anyone else who would pass some along. I left them on tables in restaurants, in public bathrooms (yes, I really did, don't know if it helped but I thought it was worth a try), at rest stops, on bulletin boards, in hotel rooms and anywhere else I could think of.

We had two profiles- on with LDS Family Services and also with Par.ent Pro.files. (If you want more details about Par.ent Pro.files please email me. I am happy to share our experiences.)

I sent out email blasts (it went to everyone we know). I updated them on our experiences, told about our first profile, new profile and our blog (each in separate email blasts- so they heard from us about every 6 months). I let them know how they could help (pray and tell anyone they know about our hope to adopt).

 

I gave a talk in church and let everyone know we were hoping to adopt (as I was introducing myself-it was my first talk in that ward).

 

I  let two groups of ladies know at work. I let anyone else know as it came up or felt appropriate. I told them to feel free to share our information with anyone they know.

 

The response we got to all these things was positive.

 

We had lots of situations that almost worked out. There were a few attempted scams (no one got any money, luckily).

On May 29 (which is my Grandmother's birthday), I got a call from a colleague. We chatted for a moment and I thought she was calling about a job opening I knew about.  When she asked if we were still hoping to adopt, I was shocked. She said she knew someone named K, who wanted to meet us. I gave her our phone number so we could set up a time.  I was shocked and excited to have a message on our machine when I got home (that very day!). I was super nervous but didn’t want K to wait to hear back so I called and we talked quickly. We decided to meet on June 3. I had a hard time thinking of where to meet so I just suggested our home. She seemed ok with that.

We met June 3 and I was super nervous. We spent all weekend cleaning and thinking about how to make a good first impression. I thought through different questions that we might be asked and how to ask questions without being too nosey or pushy. I thought about how to seem warm and friendly (this is very hard for me when I am nervous- I am shy normally and when I get nervous I become even more quiet).

 

When K came she brought her mom with her. I was really glad she had that extra support with her decision.  We had a very good time talking and laughing and telling stories. I was really sad when they left. I had made banana bread but because we were having such a good time I forgot to get it out!

We spent the rest of June texting back and forth and calling. I wanted K to know we care about her but didn’t want to be too intrusive. She had a life before she met us and I didn’t want to cause any problems or discomfort.

 

I am so grateful for all the help we received. All the people who prayed for us, who kept us in mind- even if it didn't work out, passed cards on for us, sent emails for us and who hoped we would eventually somehow have a child join our family.

 

Sorry there are no pictures with this post. I want to maintain K and her family's privacy. Thanks for understanding.

 

Coming soon- part 2!

 

Changes

Things have really changed at our house.  Alex is a delight but does take lots of time. Not all the things are must do’s though. I spend lots of time looking at him, holding him and all the regular things like feeding, changing (this boy hates to be even a little wet!) and getting him to sleep.

Being a baby is tiring work!

We have a little bit of a routine and so far we are doing pretty well. The house isn’t always clean and tidy but there are bottles for the baby and clothes for him to wear. Every day we notice some changes- Alex is awake more, he is looking at us when we talk to him, he is making happy noises, etc.

Are you STILL looking at me?

I wasn’t really sure what to expect when we came home from the hospital.  Jake kept saying he didn’t really know what to do with babies- but he is great! He has changed diapers, fed Alex and rocked him to sleep. We have stumbled through things like- is it too quiet? How warm does Alex like to be? Does he like the bottle warmer? So far we have learned a lot and know there are lots more things to learn!

Relaxing with Dad

the pajamas say Little Cowboy

Happy Memorial Day

Food TV

I love watching Diners, Drive-ins and Dives. Jake humors me but only for about one episode.

I don't know why he doesn't like the show. We enjoy eating in those Mom and Pop, non-chain, one of a kind, hole in the wall type restaurants. We had several favorites in Utah. There was a favorite Asian place (it went out of business before we moved), a couple favorite burger places and a really great Korean place. I almost forgot our favorite Mexican place- the flan was divine!

We haven’t found as many favorite places here yet. We do have a favorite pizza place (they also have calzones to die for!), a favorite diner, a favorite Asian take out place (there are tables to sit in but not many and it really works better to bring it home) and a favorite “nice” place. We are still looking and having fun trying places out.

The reason I like DDD is I love seeing that every town has great little places to eat. I figure if we go places I will know where to eat.

There are some things I don't think I would try. One time they went to a place that had pig ear sandwiches. I'm sure that to some pig ears are great- so I will let anyone who likes them have them.

On another episode, they showed a pizza with eggs cracked on it. I am not a big fan of eggs. I can eat eggs with enough cheese, green chilies and hash browns but NOT eggs with runny yolks!!! The sad thing is the pizza looked great until they cracked the eggs on it. I would try this restaurant because the pizzas look great. NO RUNNY EGGS though.  

Mostly the food looks really good and I keep a mental list of places to try.

If you are taking a trip, check out the Diners, Drive-ins and Dives website to find a great place to eat when you get there! Do you have a great Diner, Drive-in or Dive in your area?

Busy! Busy! Busy!

Life has gotten CRAZY here!

The end of the school year is coming fast (way too fast I think. I have more things to do than I have days to get it done!) All the teachers are working hard to get the end of the year checklists done!

We voted at the beginning of May. Here was an amendment regarding marriage that really brought the voters out. In the weeks since, I have noticed that very few people don’t care. Everyone feels strongly about their position. It has lead to some interesting conversations at work.

We also had Mother’s Day. This has been a tough day for me for a long time. I am always glad when it is over.

Summer is coming and we are looking forward to it. We have about 10 blueberries that are getting bigger everyday! Maybe we can make one blueberry waffle or one blueberry muffin.

Plants

The plants are growing here!

We are growing cilantro and blueberries. So far we have little tiny cilantro sprouts. I am trying to start the seeds in shifts so we will have cilantro for a while. Ideally- some will be ready and then two or three weeks later some more will be ready. 

This year we have a few blueberries on the smaller bush. I don't know if the bigger bush will EVER have fruit on it. There aren't many berries yet but I hope we will get to eat some! I think the birds may get to the berries first.

We also have a columbine plant that I put in the grove of trees. It is doing pretty well so far. I am a bit worried since it has been so hot the past couple days.  Hopefully it will add some color to that part of the yard.

What is growing at your house?

X is for. . .

X is for exciting!

Friday was an exciting day (that is why this is late!)

I had a presentation at work. I am NOT a public speaker (even though it was only about 10 people it still had that public speaking feel) and I get worried and nervous about it. It is also a tough time of year for teachers. There is so much to do! The last thing they need is one more thing. Luckily it seemed to go well and best of all . . .       IT IS DONE!

After work I went out with a group of friends. We went out to dinner then went to a 24 hour dessert/pastry shop.  We had a great time laughing and talking. I got home MUCH later than I expected. The first thing Jake said when I got home was “Did you have fun?”

Hope your Friday was as good as mine!

Come back to find out what y is for. . .

W is for. . .

W is for Waiting.

For many hopeful adoptive families, there is a lot of waiting. After all the paperwork is filled out they are put on a list and they wait. Their agency takes it from there.

We are not in a Waiting stage; we are in a Finding stage. Our agency encourages us to actively try to find someone who will consider us as adoptive parents for their child.

I think the difference is subtle but important. Waiting sounds passive (even though those who are waiting to be chosen are thinking about adoption every minute of every day). Finding sounds active and helps us feel we are active participants in the adoption process.  

Some of the things we are doing are:

Pass along cards with our names and information that I leave all kinds of places- restaurants, hair salons, doctor’s offices, libraries, bulletin boards etc. Any where that someone who knows someone might find the card and either use it or pass it along.

This blog. We hope this blog will give more information about us than our profile can. If you know someone who is considering an adoption plan; feel free to send a link to our blog!

Emails to our friends and family every 6 months or so to remind them we are hoping to adopt.

Basically the more people who know we are hoping to adopt the better our chance of finding someone who will consider us.  

Thank you for joining us on our journey!

Come back tomorrow to find out X is for. . .

V is for . . .

V is for Vote.

Voting is so easy here in America.  We can vote on all kinds of things. Which singer we like best on a TV show, what news story we want the pundits to discuss and much, much more.

We vote at school- the children choose what book they like the best, or which reward they want. We vote (in a way) by choosing a store for shopping, restaurants for eating and all the other ways we spend our money.  

Election season is upon us here in North Carolina. We have the Primary elections in a couple weeks. There are signs and commercials everywhere!  Soon after that it will be time for the General Election craziness.  According to some experts, North Carolina is supposed to be a hotly contested state. It will make for an interesting fall!

Come back tomorrow to find out what W is for. . .