Halloween Video

Here's a little video from our Halloween trip to the zoo. You may just want to turn the volume down or off. Jay is talking on his cell phone, I'm mumbling about something, and there is a lot of background noise. Alex isn't talking yet, so he doesn't say anything interesting. :)

I Was Worth The Wait

I don't know what list I'm on, but I get all kinds of catalogs now. I actually don't mind it since some of the catalogs are kind of cool.

We just got one for a company called Uncommon Goods (www.uncommongoods.com). I love this company. They have really unique items - kind of those things to get someone who has everything.

They have this onsie/hat combo.

It's kind of hard to see, but it says "I was worth the wait"

How cool is that????? I guess this would work for people who have adopted, who have had infertility problems, or just someone who waited until later in life to have kids.

I'm debating on getting it for Alex. The largest size is 6-12 months. With winter coming up, I'm only putting short sleeve onsies on him underneath his outfits because he would get too cold. I may not be able to help myself.

Alex and the Zoo

Yesterday afternoon, my friend Michelle called me and said she was getting ready to walk out the door to take her kids to the zoo for the Halloween Party. She wanted to know if we wanted to go. I debated for about 10 seconds and then thought - why not?

So, Jay and I had about 5 minutes to pack the diaper bag, grab the stroller, grab his Halloween outfit (which I hadn't even tried on him yet) and grab Alex and go.

I think everyone else in Louisville (and the surrounding 5 counties) had the same idea we did. It was PACKED!!! We also met up with our friends Cindy, Gary, their two kids and Cindy's parents. (Cindy and Gary recently moved away from our community, and we miss them!!)

Once we got through the crazy crowds, it really was a nice night. The weather was perfect and the kids had a blast. (we had an 8 year old boy, 7 year old girl (I hope that's right!), almost 6 year old girl, 15 month boy, almost 12 month boy and Alex) Alex actually had a pretty good time. He just hung out in the stroller in his outfit eating the zebra that's attached to his stroller. He was excellent and didn't make a peep the entire time. He just watched everyone and everything.

Afterwards we stopped by our friend's house which is right by the zoo. Riggs and Alicia also adopted a little boy from Guatemala about 3 years ago. Their kids were in bed by the time we stopped, but they have been a great support during this crazy journey.

Here are some pictures.

Daylight Savings Time

I used to love "falling back" in October. I got an extra hour of sleep....or I could stay up until 11:00 and not feel the effects. (Yes - I go to bed at 10:00....yes, I'm a dork)

Now - I have a kid and I hate daylight savings time.

Alex got up at 2:30, 4:30, 5:00, and I just fed him and laid him back down. He's not asleep yet, but I know he's tired.

That's why I'm blogging at 6:00 in the morning!!!

On a side note, he's laying in his crib right now going mamamamamama. Maybe I can get him to call me mama before he says dada.

Alex's Political and Football Career

Alex has been in the country for almost 2 weeks, and he's almost 6 months old......and he's done his first political thing.

Jay and I "walked" our precinct for our current State Representative who is up for re-election. (I say "walked" as there is no walking our precinct - it's driving from house to house) Alex went with us and was a real trooper. We went during his mid-morning nap, so he slept through most of it. He got a little cranky at the end, but we were almost done.

Alex also saw his first Ohio State game - which we won - BIG TIME. Well, actually, he really didn't see it - he slept through the first half and then was Chief Rotten Pants for the second half.

(He also went to church this morning for the Pancake Breakfast - it was a big day!)

Alex Eating

Jay took some video of Alex eating tonight. He loves to eat!! Alex also got his first visit to Wal-Mart. I guess he is a real American now.

We Don't Have TB!!

Well, Alex doesn't have TB. I took him to Jay's doctor today to have his arm prick read and it was negative.

He's done well with his naps again today. I just put him down and he went to sleep. He's sleeping right now, but I think he's getting ready to get up.....and little earlier than I want.

Tomorrow is going to be a big day. We are going up to church to the Annual Pancake Breakfast, and then we are going to drive Jay around so he can go door to door for our State Representative. We'll see how that goes.

Video Test

I'm testing a site that will allow me to put video on my blog. I may be editing this post to make it work. This is a video we took of Alex on our visit trip.

We Like Green Beans!!

We tried green beans this afternoon. It wasn't what he was expecting, so he spit out the first spoonful, but after that just ate - ate - ate!! I think we are going to have a big eater on our hands!

I also tried putting him in his crib for naps without putting him to sleep in my arms. It's worked!! I have to catch him as he is starting to get tired, but not overtired. This morning he went right to sleep. This afternoon, he cried a little bit. When he did, I'd just go in, put his pacifier back in his mouth, comfort him and then leave. I think he understands that I'm not going anywhere and I'll be there for him, but he's also learning that he can go to sleep by himself.

He's down right now for his third nap. I'm going to try to start getting him on a schedule.

Mommy Brain

Ok - I officially had my first case of mommy brain yesterday.

So, yesterday was the first time (except for the embassy appointment) that I had to get myself, Alex (and sort of Jay) ready to go early in the morning. We wanted to leave by 8:00. Alex has no schedule, so I wasn't sure what he was going to do. I got everything I could prepared the night before. I packed the diaper bag - made sure I had plenty of diapers, wipes, a change of clothes, toys, blankets, and bottles. I made sure that I had all of the paperwork that we received from Guatemala that the doctor might be interested in. I had Alex's clothes picked out. I had his morning bottle made. I had my clothes picked out.

So, the morning comes, and we are getting ready. I had about 15 minutes to get ready. I grabbed my clothes, socks and shoes. Out the door we went.

We get to the parking garage, get Alex out of the car, and start walking into the building. Something wasn't right. I didn't know what it was, but it was bothering me. Then I looked down.

I had two different shoes on!!!! I have two pairs of brown leather slides that are pretty similar. I obviously picked up one of each kind of shoe. (amazingly different feet!) It wasn't totally obvious. Someone would have to really be staring at my fee to notice it. The problem for me is that they have slightly different soles, so I was walking slightly off all day.

I'm sure that was the first of many times I'll be doing something like that!!

Alex and the Doctor

Well, we took Alex to the International Adoption Pediatrician today. This is the doctor that has been going over Alex's medical updates since we got his referral.

It was a big day for Alex. We had a 1 1/2 hour drive to Lexington (and had to leave early). He then got weighed, measured, etc. Dr. Taylor then gave him a physical and asked us lots of questions about his developmental milestones.

As we already knew - he was declared perfect. :) He then had a TB test and they had to draw about 5 tubes of blood. That was an experience. They couldn't find a vein, and the first time they stuck him, it didn't work. He SCREAMED!!! It was horrible. He promptly went to sleep when we got back in the car.

On the way home we decided to stop at Jay's work so they could see him. It was a little earlier than I had originally planned, but he loved it. (He's a ham, and I think he likes the attention)

He's asleep already - but it was a big day!

Pictures

Here are some pictures we've taken over the past week.

We go to the International Adoption Pediatrician tomorrow morning. This will be Alex's first big outing.

Grey's Anatomy

I LOVE Grey's Anatomy. I mean LOVE. I think it's the greatest show I've watched in a long time. I love watching it, I love talking to people about it, I love the characters, I love the writing...I think you get the picture.

When we were waiting the 6 hours in the Dallas airport on our way to Guatemala, I went into one of the bookstores to get some snacks. I found a Grey's Anatomy book. The premise is that half of it is written by Joe - the bartender, and half is written by Debbie - one of the nurses. It's supposed to tell the stories from their perspectives.

I bought it and was so excited to start reading it.

IT IS HORRIBLE!!!! HORRIBLE!!!! I've never read anything this bad before. I'm not sure who actually wrote it as there is no "author," but I think this person didn't make it past 2nd grade in terms of their writing skills. I just can't believe I spent money on this thing.

The worst part is that I have a hard time not finishing a book - even if I don't like it. (I also have to finish watching a tv show, movie, etc. even if I don't really like it - Jay thinks I like closure) I keep picking the book up and reading a few more pages. I'm not sure what I'm expecting. Do I expect that the book is magically going to get better?

Fair warning to all of you GA fans - don't buy this book!!

Success!!

I've been trying to feed Alex some rice cereal all week. He hasn't gagged, but he hasn't like it.

Yesterday I tried again, and he actually let me feed it to him. He even opened his mouth every now and then. Jay and I just tried again today, and he ate the whole bowl!! He was laughing through the whole thing, but I think he actually got some in his stomach.

Now - if he could just find some sort of a schedule it would make me happy. He's only taken two naps today - one for an hour and one for 30 minutes!! He's very tired, but he won't go to bed.

My Church Shower

The day before we left for Guatemala, the ladies at church had a shower for us. This was actually planned in advance, and we just got lucky that it wasn't for while we were gone.

My friend Michelle was one of the coordinators. We had wonderful food, great fellowship, and we did play one game. (I can't stand shower games, but this one wasn't bad. We had a list of famous men that we had to match up with what they did. Of course the history teacher got them all right!)

Michelle then got a group of candy bars out. I had seen this done at other showers. There is a little story you tell and names of candy bars are used and help up when you get to that part of the story. I thought, "Oh, isn't that nice - but how will she make this work with the adoption." Little did I know that she wrote the story herself. Needless to say, I was crying by the end of it. Here it is for your enjoyment. (the names of the candy bars are highlighted)

One fine day Kim and Jay came over with some M*AZING news. "WE are going to adopt a baby," said Kim. WE were all so excited, knowing that Kim and Jay would make great parents. The next thing we knew, Kim was off on a FAST BREAK filling out paperwork and cleaning closets. After the home study, which they didn't even inspect those spotless closets, the waiting began. Then one day, the agency called and said, "we have a boy." Although I wasn't there, I'm sure Kim let out an EXTRA loud yell. However, she played it cool and didn't accept the referral in the same phone call. They did accept and soon were sharing pictures of their little guy. Well of course the next question was WHATCHAMACALLIT? That's slang in Kentucky for "what will his name be?" Alex Diego H* was chosen and off shopping Kim went. More time then passed, during which a blog was created, a visit trip to Guatemala was taken and even more shopping was done. Then the call came - come get this kid. Ok - maybe not in that way, but close enough.

Now we gather here today to celebrate with Kim and shower her with gifts for little Alex. Thank you all for coming and being a LIFESAVER in helping to get everything ready.

So Kim, as you prepare to bring home this wonderful little boy, remember we are here for you and so excited for you. Although I have to say, Kelly sometimes still SNICKERS at the thought of Jay changing diapers and that you probably won't be getting those Saturday and Sunday naps anymore, but that's just because he's jealous. Just remember it is you who will get the last laugh with the PAYDAY of a tax deduction, priceless memories and being a part of a this special child's life. We wish you the best! Enjoy! Here's to the new THREE MUSKETEERS!

Alex and Laughing

Alex has a great little giggle. We were able to make him laugh on our visit trip, and he's laughing even more now. Some things just crack him up, but he's also very ticklish. My mom, Jay and I have all been able to make him giggle.

Monday night, my friend, Michelle, her parents, and all three of her kids (Tyler - 8, Sarah - almost 6, and Zack - almost 1 year) came over to meet Alex. Tyler and Sarah started playing with him, and he just cracked up. We aren't sure if it's what Tyler was doing (playing with a stuffed animal) or if it was just Tyler, but we've never seen Alex laugh like that. He was practically hyperventalating. It was hilarious!!

Here are a couple pictures Jay took of him laughing.

Another Day

Well, we've made it through another day. Alex did well again today. He took three naps: 2 hours, 1 1/2 hours and 40 minutes. He went to bed early tonight (7:00) so I'm sure he won't sleep in as long as I would hope.

Jay was at work all day today, and then came home with food poisioning! It's been a fun night. :)

I'm feeling better. I'm still stuffed up, and the cold has settled in my chest a litte. My ears are also still stopped up from the plane ride. I hate being in airplanes with a cold. It takes so long for everything to clear up.

Here is a picture of one of Alex's not happy faces!!

Was I Really Good in a Past Life??

I must have been, because Alex is being really good!!

He went to bed last night at 8:00 and slept straight through until 6:30. I fed him, changed him, played a little bit, and then he went back down at 7:45. He's still sleeping. I would guess that he'll be up soon as he's been taking about an hour nap first thing in the morning, another short nap in the late morning and then about a 2 hour nap in the afternoon.

I'd really like to take a shower, but the way our bedroom/bathroom is, I'm afraid I'll wake him up. Jay had to go into work today, so I'm on my own.

We are going to take a car ride today. I need to run some food up to church this afternoon for a funeral dinner, so I think I'm going to put Alex in his car seat, drive up to church, drop the food off and then come home. He might as well start getting used to it.

IT HAPPENED!!!

Just a quick post.

Jay let me escape for a couple of hours this afternoon to go run some errands. Alex was asleep when I left. I called when I was about 20 minutes from home, and Alex was still sleeping.

When I got home, Alex was up and playing in his exersaucer. I asked him (Alex) if Daddy had checked to see if he needed a diaper change.

Not only did Jay check - but he CHANGED HIS DIAPER!!!!!!! His first one ever!!! And I wasn't there to see it. :)

Day One At Home

Well, we made it through our first 24 hours at home. I wasn't sure if I was going to make it last night. I was so tired...and so sick.....and a little overwhelmed by it all. I was definitely ready for bed!!

Alex went to bed around 9:00 last night and slept until 6:00. He took two little naps this morning, and then an over 2 hour nap this afternoon. He's been an absolute dream!!

Jay's parents left for home this afternoon and my parents are leaving tomorrow.

Here are some pictures from today.

We're Almost On Our Way Home

We leave early tomorrow morning to come home. Alex has been asleep since 5:45 tonight....in his clothes (not his jammies) so I know he'll have me up in the middle of the night.

We have to be up by 4:30 to get everything ready and be at the airport by 6:00!!

We only have about an hour and a half to get through customs and get to our connecting flight in Dallas. Please be thinking good thoughts for us around 2:00 Eastern tomorrow.

I don't know when I'll post next, but I promise it will be as soon as possible.

Today's Trip

We left at 9:00 today to go to Antigua. I was a little worried about how Alex would do as I've never had him outside of the hotel for this long.

He took a bottle just before we left, slept the hour long trip to Antigua, was as happy as could be all day, took a bottle during lunch, fell asleep in his carrier, woke up and was happy, and then fell asleep for a little bit on the way home. He was a dream!!

We went to two Jade Factories, a store that sold 100% cotton goods, the market, a wonderful restaurant and couple other touristy type stuff. We had a WONDERFUL guide who I would highly recommend.

We bought stuff for Alex, stuff for ourselves, and stuff for gifts. I'm trying to buy 18 little things to give to Alex every year on his Gottcha Day (October 11th). I have to get about 4 more things. We did get him a pair of beautiful black Jade cuff links. I'm thinking for this 18th birthday, or 21st or maybe a wedding present.

Mom has Alex right now, so I'm going to lay down for a little bit. He had me up at 4:30 this morning!!

Off to Antigua

Well - Alex was up again today at 4:30. He took a bottle and then played and laughed. I think he's a morning person. I'm SO not a morning person, so this should be interesting.

He's sleeping right now, and I'm off to get ready as we leave in about an hour and a half to head to Antigua. It's really cloudy today, but I hope the rain holds off so we can do some shopping.

Alex is still a very good baby - we are very lucky!

We're Official

We got Alex's Visa today! It was delivered to us at the hotel just like our agency told us it would be. We also got two packets of materials that we aren't allowed to open. We have to hand it over to immigration when we get to the states.

I did feel a sense of relief when they handed it back over to me. It's done....done....done!!!!

I think my mom is going crazy. She's not the "hang out in the hotel and relax" kind of person. She likes to be out doing things, and there isn't much to go out and do. We did hit the shops behind the Marriott this afternoon for a little bit. We mostly wanted to check out what they had and what the prices were like before we head to Antigua.

We leave at 9:00 tomorrow morning for Antigua. I'm looking forward to it. We have a personal driver who is coming to pick us up. We've heard wonderful things about him from more than one person, so we're looking forward to the day. I just hope it doesn't rain.

Alex did better today. He ate better and he slept better. We are having problems with some mini-melt downs - mostly when he is tired. I still haven't figured out his cues yet, as he will be playing and happy one second and the next be MAD!!!! He's starting to take the pacifier a little bit. I'm hoping that can help him through this transition. I don't know if we just have him off of his schedule, if he's a little older and more opinionated, or if he's grieving.

I'll try to post pictures tomorrow from our trip. Alex is asleep (without an evening bottle) and I think he's out for the night. We'll see what time he wakes me up!

Embassy Day

Today was Embassy Day. We had our appointment at 7:45. We were to meet Ana Maria at 7:15 outside of the embassy. We arranged for a taxi to take us there from the Marriott. As usual, we were a little early. We had to wait outside of the Embassy for about 10 minutes waiting for Ana Maria. It wasn't too bad, and it was a beautiful day. We went through security, and then we had a seat in this little room. Ana Maria went up and presented our pink slip and got us in line.

Then, our name was called, and I had to go up and pay. The Embassy takes credit cards or cash. I had cash, as we were told that sometimes the credit card machine doesn't work. It was working today!

We then went back to wait to be called up for the first time. When we were called, Jay, Alex and I went into this little room with a guy on the other side of the glass that had all of our paperwork. He asked us when was the first time we both saw Alex. We told him August 26th. He looked at our passports (for our entry stamps) and looked at Alex's passport. He then said that he was approving our I600-A, stamped it and that was it for that meeting. It probably took 2 minutes.

We then went back to sit and wait again. When we were called, Jay, Alex and I went to another window. We were sworn in, we were asked again when the first time was that we saw Alex. She also checked our passports and Alex's passport. She then said that she was approving us for his Visa. I had to sign a couple of documents, and that was it. We were probably at that window for about 4 minutes.

Total time at the Embassy was about an hour and half. Much quicker - and much easier than I expected.

Oh - in case some of you were wondering - they never asked for our tax returns or W2s. :)

Flowers

My dad sent my mom and I these flowers in Guatemala! Can you believe it? They are so beautiful.

Dad - I have no idea how much that cost you, or how you did it, but thank you!! What a great surprise.

Pictures

Well - Alex is completely off of his schedule. He's barely taken a bottle and has only taken a few cat naps. Tonight should be fun!!

Here are some pictures from today. The lady in the black outfit is my mom.

We're Here!!

We made it!! We didn't have any delays. It was a long day, though.

I also got my W2s. Thanks to my company, and my friend Melissa, I now have a faxed copy. You know that means that they won't ask for it tomorrow morning, but at least I now have it.

We are just waiting a few more minutes before we go down to get Alex.

We do have the computer working in our room, so I should be able to post more (and probably some pictures) than the last time.

I'll post more later!

Deep Breaths.....Deep Breaths.....

Well, we leave tomorrow morning at 10:30. I'm pretty much all packed - just a few things in the morning. I think we have more luggage than we really need - or can carry - but oh well.

I'm VERY nervous - and I'm not sure why. I think it's because we had so many problems getting down to Guatemala for our visit trip, and I'm nervous that something will happen again. It would really be ok, since we don't have our embassy appointment until Wednesday.

I'm also nervous because I can't find my W-2 forms for 2005. I can find my 2004 (which I'm taking), I can find my 1998 (can you believe that), I can find my last pay stub from 2005 (really - who can find a pay stub, but not their W2...and I'm taking it also), but I can't find my 2005 W2s. Jay was able to get his work to issue him a copy (I have it), my work is too big to be able to make anything like that happen quickly. I've asked them to expedite it and fax it to me at my work, and my friend will then fax it to the hotel. I'm thinking they should be able to get it done Monday or Tuesday. It will just make me feel better.

I've had some people say that the embassy asks for the W2s and some say that they didn't ask for any of that information. It seems if you visited you are more likely to not need them. But I have a feeling it has more to do with the reviewer you get then anything else. Please pray that either a) I get the fax sent in time, or b) I don't need it. I don't think I'll relax until we are through the appointment.

We are taking our NEW computer with us on the trip, so it should hopefully work, and I'm hoping that we can get the internet access to work in the room. If so, I'll update the blog as often as possible.

I still can't believe we are actually bringing Alex home!!

We're Leaving...On a Jet Plane

We leave on Monday, get Alex on Tuesday, have our Embassy appointment on Wednesday, get our Visa on Thursday, going to tour Antigua probably Friday, hang out on Saturday, and then home on Sunday.

Jay thinks I'm going to have a heart attack before then. I think I'm stressing a little bit!!! Between getting everything ready here for Alex, and trying to wrap up the last almost 6 years at work, I'm a little on edge. :)

I still can't believe that tomorrow is my last day at work for the REST OF THE YEAR. It just seems unreal.

I should write more, but I'm really tired. :) Maybe more tomorrow.

But, it's all worth it!!!

ALEX IS COMING HOME

We just found out we got our PINK SLIP!!!

Our Embassy appointment is the 11th. Jay, Mom and I leave on Monday morning and will come back on the 15th.

I can't believe it!!!!!!!! I have SO much to do, I'm freaking out.

:)

My Fantasy Football Team

I've been on a fantasy football league for the past 8 years. I've done ok in some years, and really good in others.

This year - I STINK!!!!! I'm 0-4....worst ever. I was one of the unfortunate ones who drafted both Trent Green and Ben R. (his name is too long and difficult to spell). For those of you who don't follow football - Trent Green smacked his head really hard the 2nd game of the season, and I'm still not sure he knows who he is, and Ben R. had to have his appendix removed in an emergency surgery. I've been playing a really bad quarterback who has just done terrible.

Then, my number 1 running back is Brian Westbrook - you never know with him...he's always hurt, and he didn't even play Monday night. But, I didn't know about it soon enough to change my lineup.

I think I'm going to try to lose all of my games this year!!

On the OSU front - we are still undefeated, and number one in the polls. We are going to the game on Saturday. (they play Bowling Green State University which is where my mom went, and where I think she wanted me to go - but it was too close to home) My parents are going and taking their RV so we will get to tailgate. My brother and sis-in-law are also going, and my aunt and uncle (and cousin!) have season tickets. It should be a good time, and our last game without a bambino.

What do you think the chances are that we won't stop at the outlet stores?? I would say there is no chance, but we would have to stop on the way up as it's a 3:30 game. I doubt we will stop...that's probably a good thing since Alex's closet is getting full!

What a Weekend!

Well - we had quite a weekend. I went to Target and Babies R Us on Saturday to finish purchasing items that we needed. When I got home and unloaded the car, it looked like Babies R Us threw up in our family room.

Jay steamed cleaned the carpets in the house, we moved the furniture in our bedroom, set up the crib, finished washing Alex's clothes, put them in his closet, put together his toy holder, unpacked all of the presents and things I bought. It was quite a day!

I actually bought two diaper bags, because I can't make up my mind! Part of me wants to keep both of them, but we'll see.

But - guess what - the border still isn't up in the room!!! :) You'd think I could get that done.

On the "getting Alex home front," we were submitted for his new birth certificate on the 20th. We should get it sometime this week, and then get submitted to the embassy. I hope we get submitted by the end of this week. We would then get our "pink" slip next week and have our appointment the week after. That's still my thought....hopefully I'm right....I just want to get there and bring him home!