Crazy Weekend - and Another Blogger Friend

What a weekend we have had. Saturday I ran around doing all kinds of errands and then that night we went to a party (with Alex). Of course he was a hit. Here are some pictures from the party.

Then, this morning, we left at around 8:00 to head to Columbus. We were going to my aunt and uncle's house for a Fourth of July party/family get together. But - we took a little detour before getting to their house.

We got to meet Crystal and Sophie!!! This is blogger friend #2 that I've met so far. Let me just tell you - Sophie is SOOO beautiful!! I just could hardly stand it. And Crystal - she is just as she is on her blog - she is sweet, gracious, and just lovely. Jay, Alex and I had a really nice time hanging out and getting to talk to Crystal. (her hubby and son were out at church so I didn't get to meet sweet Caleb!!) It's amazing how we get to know each other through these blogs and become almost instant friends.

Crystal - thank you so much for opening your home to us. It was so nice to meet you and your sweet daughter. We had a great time, and we hope to see you again.

Here are some pictures from today.

This is the best (and one of the only) pictures I got of Alex and Sophie. Look at the smile on that precious one!!

Here's Sophie trying to escape from Alex. I don't blame her - Alex got a little rough with his "throwing" of toys.

Hey, Sophie - I know that lady with the camera is crazy but at least you don't have to live with her!

Alex and Grandpa

Alex and Grandma.

This is Alex having his first popsicle. It's hard to tell from these pictures, but he loved it and ended up eating almost the whole thing.

This Mommy's Heart has Melted!

Yesterday - late afternoon - Alex and I were playing on the floor. He thought he heard Jay's car so he looked at me and did the sign for dad.

I said, "No, that's not daddy, but he'll be home soon. Where is mommy? "

He then looked at me, did the sign for mom, and then leaned in and planted three puckered kisses on my lips. Can I just tell you that my heart melted right there on that spot. He could have thrown all of his food, hit me in the face, thrown a temper tantrum, climbed on the stair banister and banged on the tv and I wouldn't have cared. I probably wouldn't have noticed.

When I told my mom the story she asked me what I did next - I sat there and cried. :)

I'm trying to teach Alex how to show his muscles (a la Cameron!). Here was our try from yesterday. (and yes - my family room is still a mess - it's actually better right now because I did sort of pick up last night!!) Alex was totally getting a kick out of himself.

Favorite Movies

Ok - so this isn't and adoption or Alex post.

Are there any movies that you love that weren't big blockbusters? You know - a movie you stumbled on, and it has turned into one of your favorites?

I watched one of mine tonight. It's "Return to Me" with Minnie Driver and David Duchovny. (and Bonnie Hunt to wrote and directed it) I LOVE this movie!!! http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0122459/

Minnie Driver plays Grace, a young girl with a bad heart. She is waiting for a heart transplant. David Duchovny plays Bob, a young husband whose wife dies in a car accident. Her heart ends up being transplanted into Grace. Time passes, and then Grace and Bob meet, fall in love, and then Grace discovers that she has his dead wife's heart.

It's a great movie. It's also a great one to watch with your significant other. Jay actually really likes the movie also. It makes me laugh and cry!

Sorry - just feeling sappy tonight.

My Anniversary Present

I told Jay that I wanted a new camera for my birthday. We've had our current digital camera for about 5 years. It's big and old and slow and I was really getting frustrated.

So, Jay researched and bought me this
It just came today. (and this ended up being our anniversary present since my birthday isn't until August!) I started playing around with it a little bit tonight, and I already love it!!!!

Here are the flowers Jay brought to me on Sunday. You can't really see them, but there are cala lilies in the bouquet. Our wedding flowers were cala lilies!! Can you believe that he remembered??

Here's Alex walking around.

Do you see what is in his hand? I am now officially a bad mommy. That is an Infant's Motrin bottle. He has been obsessed with it for the past couple of days. He HAS to have it in his hand and walk around with it. He threw a fit last night when I took it away from him when it was time to go to bed.

Happy Anniversary Honey!!

Today Jay and I are celebrating our 12th wedding anniversary. I still can't believe its been 12 years!! Where has the time gone.

I'd write something to Jay, but he has never read the blog (nor will he ever).

All I can say is that I'm so blessed to be married to my best friend. And not only is he a great husband, but I've watched him turn into an even better dad. He is so amazing with Alex, and Alex adores him about as much as I do.

Happy Anniversary, Honey!! I can't wait to spend at least another 12 years with you!!

Meeting a Blog Buddy

This weekend is the A Helping Hand reunion picnic. We decided not to go. Then, Krystal (who also used AHH for Brayden Boy) asked me if we were going to the brunch. We didn't know anything about it, but she sent us the information.

I was really excited to go - for two reasons! This would give me a chance to meet Krystal, her husband, Brayden Boy and Parker G! Plus, our attorney, Cinthya, was going to be there.

So, we packed up the car (including the camera) and headed to the brunch this morning. (which we basically crashed!!)

I was reminded again of how much I love our attorney. We've been home for almost 9 months. The minute we walked in she knew immediately who we were. She was so excited to see him. I wondered if maybe she really didn't know Alex, but just knew it was one of her babies. I had brought some pictures along for her to take back. When I gave them to her she commented on how much Clara will enjoy the pictures!! She did know us - and remembered who Alex's FM was!! I was so impressed.

I also got to meet Autumn and Sophia Autumn had emailed me a while ago, and I'm not sure I ever emailed her back!!! Sorry Autumn - it was really nice to meet you and Sophia. (even if she is a bully!! ;)

Then the next best part!! I got to meet Krystal and her family. Let me just tell you - Brayden Boy and Parker G are even more gorgeous in person!! Parker is such a good little girl. There were many families back in a small room, and she just chilled in her car seat. She has those adorable pudgy legs that you just want to squeeze.


And then there's Brayden. Oh my gosh is he beautiful. Once he warmed up, he was flirting with me and it was so cute.


Remember that camera I packed? Well, after brunch we went out in the main part of the restaurant to take pictures and my batteries died!!! YIKES I did try to take a couple of pictures using my new camera phone. But it was also really hard to get any pictures with two moving boys!!!

Here's the only picture I was sort of able to get with both boys. So what if Alex's head is kind of cut off!!

And Miss Julia - this one is for you!!! I GOT TO HOLD PARKER!! Na Na Na Boo Boo!! ;)

(Jay and I were supposed to go out on a date tonight, but Alex is sick, so we just canceled the babysitter. He's not horrible - just a summer cold and his pre-molars coming in so he's pretty much miserable!)

Adoption Stories

Before we even considered adopting, I was addicted to Adoption Stories on Discovery Health Channel. I have watched every episode. (and most more than once)

I haven't watched it in months. This morning was a Guatemala adoption - and I decided to watch it.

Big mistake. I am now:

1. Sitting here bawling like a baby. (they were at the Marriott - it brought back LOTS of memories)

2. Wanting to adopt again.

Yikes - I need to stop watching that show!!!!

We Got Our First Comment

Many people who adopt get comments (mostly rude, sometimes just ignorant) from people (either people they know or strangers on the street).

We've been lucky so far, and really haven't had any stupid/rude comments. (we mostly hear from people just how beautiful Alex is - and of course I agree!)

We got our first comment on Father's Day. (or I should say that Jay did)

We went to the local country club after church on Sunday for lunch. (we don't belong, but the restaurant is open to the public) Alex did well, but was ready to get down and walk around. Jay took him so I could finish eating. (yes - I know it was Father's Day - but he was done eating, and I wasn't)

A grandma commented to Jay about how beautiful Alex is. (in fact her actual quote was "Isn't he just about the most perfect gift from God!" as she was watching her OWN GRANDKIDS!) And it's important to note that Jay has blond hair and green eyes.....

She then said, "You must take him to the pool a lot. He sure is tan."

Jay just smiled and said, "Yes, we do take him to the pool a lot." He then walked away.

I know it wasn't rude or ignorant, but it's the first time we've had someone comment on the fact that Alex doesn't look like us. I thought it was pretty funny, and really, Jay didn't lie - we do take him to the pool a lot!!

The Curls are Gone!!

A couple of you commented in my last post that you liked Alex's curls. Well - you will have to just look at the old pictures now. :(




Alex doesn't have much hair - but he had out of control hair - and was starting to look like Bozo the clown. So, on Friday, I took him for his first hair cut.



He did great. He didn't cry at all but didn't necessarily love it! I did ok also - I think because I was distracted. It's hard work keeping a 13 month old's fingers out of the scissors.



Because I took him to my salon by myself and I had to hold him, I didn't get any pictures of the actual haircut. I do have some before and after shots. Alex and I celebrated after his hair cut by going to BRU to do some shopping and then to Cheesecake Factory for lunch.

This was before. You can't really see his curls in this picture, but you can see my messy Family Room!

I LOVE this picture. I usually don't take very good pictures of him, but I thought this one was great.

Here we are at Cheesecake Factory. Of course, Alex was flirting with ALL of the waitresses and giving high fives to the waiters.

Sort of a side view - It's still kind of hard to see that the curls are gone.

Here he is just being silly.

Yes - Another Post

Ok - so I don't post anything in a week and then I do three in one day. I know - I'm pathetic.

Here is some video of Alex from today. He was having fun running around his room. He's just getting to be so much fun!!

YEAH!!!!!!

Ok - as most of you know, I've been struggling with Alex not listening to me, and actually laughing in my face when I tell him no.

I think we just had a breakthrough!!!

He was sitting on the floor playing with the computer cord. I looked right at him and said, "Alex, No!" He dropped the cord and looked right back at me.

He listened!!!!! YEAH!!!! Needless to say we had a tickel fest on the floor right after that. ;)

Finally....Pictures

Ok - I finally got off my rear end and downloaded some pictures of Alex.

Here I am in my chair that I got from Grandma Joyce. I love reading in my chair

See, here I am reading my Piglet book.

I am such a good reader.

Ok mom, leave me alone - can't you see I'm reading here?!?


I told you to leave me alone!! ATTACKCKCKCKK!!!!


Ok - now that I've attacked mommy, I can get back up in my chair.

Really, Mom - didn't you get it before? Leave me alone!!

How about if I look cute and pose for a couple pictures, then will you leave me alone?

Ok - if the answer is no, I'll come get you again!

See how cute I am in my chair?

This is a picture my mom took of my picture. Isn't she weird? (this is mom here - This is a 16X20 and the Bible Verse is "I prayed for this child and the Lord has granted me what I asked of Him, I Samuel 1:27" Now - I have a question. I just realized last night that they airbrushed his birthmark out of the pictures. When I went in for the preview I asked them to not airbrush the birthmark, but I didn't specifically mention it when I ordered the pictures. Part of me wants to call them and complain - or at least bring it to their attention. Should I let it go? They airbrushed it out of ALL of the pictures I purchased)

Daddy bought me this cool play gym thing. It's not big, but it's perfect for me right now. I like to swing. (and yes, I'm getting some more teeth in!)

Here's the whole thing - and yes, they put it on the porch. I still don't really like grass.

Here I am at the pool. I wouldn't look at mommy, so she couldn't get a good picture of me.

I hung out in this thing for about an hour and loved it!

My Amazing Boy!!

As much as Alex can push my buttons, I have to say that I have the best kid ever!!

We went swimming last night and he had a great time, was content to just float around in a blow up boat-type thing, and ate like a champ!

This morning he was sitting on my lap. Jay came in from the barn and was talking to the cat. Alex looked at me, did the sign for Dad, and said "daddy - daddy - daddy." How smart is he!! (and no, he still isn't signing or saying mommy!!)

We put Alex to bed tonight without giving him his medicine. (and I wouldn't have remembered if I wasn't reading a blog tonight where they were talking about having to give their cat medicine!) We "woke" Alex up, he took his medicine (sucked it down!) and then went back to sleep!! How wonderful is he!!!!!

When I got home tonight (late - I had to run some errands) he smiled SOOOOO big when he saw me and came "running" to me with his arms outstreched!!

So, I guess I can get over the food throwing and the fact that he broke my cell phone. :)

I also know that I need to put new pictures up. I have some good ones that I need to download. I'll try to do that tomorrow night.

I Need to Let it Go

Alex can play me - like a fiddle!! He knows how to push my buttons, and he does it every day.

I think I need to let it go.

Example: He asked for some goldfish. (well, he asked for food, and goldfish was the only thing he didn't shake his head at) I put some goldfish in a little plastic bowl and put it over by his chair. He walked over to the chair, sat down, and then proceeded to take each goldfish out of the bowl and throw them across the room. The whole time he was looking at me with this grin that said, "and what 'ya gonna do about it, mom?"

I, of course, went over - picked up all of the goldfish and brought the bowl over to me. (and he giggled the whole time)

I really don't care if there are goldfish on the floor, and I really don't care if he eats the goldfish off of the floor. But - for some reason - it bugs the crap out of me that he is throwing his food. Jay thinks I need to let it go since it's obvious he's playing me. I agree - and I don't think it's hurting anything - I just keep worrying that he's not learning that it's not ok to throw your food on the floor.

I have to keep reminding myself that he's 13 months old, and I have lots of time to teach him things. :)

Tagged - I'm It!

I've been tagged to tell 8 things about me. Here we go!!

1. I didn't have any alcohol until my 21st birthday - really!! :)

2. I play the piano, trombone, flute and I sing. I love to make music!! (I was almost a music therapy major)

3. My life long dream is to perform on Broadway. This is one of those - if I had my life to live over type things. I LOVE musicals. (drives Jay nuts!!!!) I've only been to one show actually in New York. (Into the Woods) My favorites right now are Aida (the Walt Disney - Elton John one), Avenue Q (saw it in Vegas at the Winn - LOVE IT!! So hilarious!!), and Once on This Island. I want to see Wicked SO BAD!!!

4. Me, my husband, my brother and my sis-in-law all have advanced degrees. I have my Master's in Library Science, Jay has his Masters in American History, my brother has his MBA, and my sis-in-law is a vet. Between the four of us - that's a lot of school!!!

5. In my first life I was a special education teacher (jr. high and high school), in my second life I was a librarian (at the American Printing House for the Blind and at my current employer), and I now work for a Consulting firm. (and no - I don't believe in reincarnation - that's just how many different careers I've had)

6. We have three horses. Two girls and a pony. They are a lot of fun - but they are mostly Jay's - he does the most with them. (I married into the sickness)

7. I collect Longaberger Baskets. My mother-in-law got me started. (she used to have a business where she made custom liners for the baskets) I'm inventorying my collection (as well as Linda's) Linda has 120. I have close to 50 right now, and I still have the upstairs to go through!!

8. I LOVE football - I mean LOVE LOVE LOVE football. High school, college, pro, arena league - I don't care!! I really like Ohio State Football (and any Ohio State sports). For the pros, I'm a Browns fan at heart - but they have just been terrible lately. I also follow the Colts - because they are close to where I live, and my brother is friends with a couple of the players. (and we get ESPN the Magazine at our house, and it comes in my name!!)

Ok - that's probably more than any of you ever wanted to know about me!!

(and on the Alex front - he has a double ear infection!! I don't know what I'm going to do with this kid - he's been so sick lately!! Hopefully the antibiotics will kick in quickly!)

Need Some Mission Ideas

Our church's Vacation Bible School is at the end of June. We would like to have the mission project that the kids work on that week be a focus on Guatemala.

Does anyone have any suggestions on any organizations that we could support? I know that most want money, but it's so much easier for the kids to bring "things." (for example, we did school supplies for the kids in New Orleans last summer)

I didn't know if any of you were familiar with any organizations that we can check out.

Alex at the Zoo

About a month ago (yikes - has it been that long!!) I took Alex to the zoo for the first time. He had a great time, and we are looking forward to going back.

Here's Alex outside of the zoo. I tried to get his pacifier out of his mouth for the picture, but he kept putting it back in!

This is Alex looking at........

.....this. :) The Louisville zoo had a baby elephant born this year. He is really cute!!

This is an attempt at a self portrait while we were on the train. I didn't get myself very well, but I did a pretty good job with Alex.

And this was Alex by the time we got home. He was so worn out!!

More Sadness

I'm sorry that my blog has been so down lately (and that I don't have new pictures of Alex).

Jay and I have made the decision that it's time to put our dog to sleep. The appointment is for 12:30 tomorrow. I can't stop crying!!

We got Buddy at Christmas of 1995 - he was 4 weeks old. He's now 11 1/2 and his Doggy Alzheimer's is just getting worse and worse. He's been such a great dog and I knew that this day would be coming, I just still can't believe it.

Jay and I had a really hard time when we had to put our other dog down last summer, and we had only had her for a couple of years. This is going to be unbearable. We've decided to have him cremated. We are now going to be on the look out for a good vessel for him.

I promise that the blog will get better soon.......I need to get the camera back out and get some new pictures of Alex. He has really grown up in the past couple of weeks. He's walking everywhere and starting to say a few words.

"The Reluctant Dad"

Do any of you get Parents magazine? If so, did you read the article in the June issue called The Reluctant Dad?

This article made me SOOOOOO mad. The teaser says, "I thought of a million reasons why adopting a baby was a bad idea. But as soon as I met my daughter I forgot them all."

I thought - oh yeah - an article about how some people need time to get used to the whole adoption thing. This is a good thing.

Then I read the article

Here are some excerpts:

"It's true I had my doubts (oh, did I have my doubts!!). I was convinced adoption would ruin everything - my career, my lifestyle, my marriage. But the fact is I didn't run off. I didn't get a divorce...."

"A lot of women just don't get why men hesitate before plunging into adoption. Men are realists. We know what's at stake: time, money, career, sleep, and control of the remote. Where are you going to find time for a kid? You don't have any time as it is. and if you had a kid, you wouldn't get to go to the gym anymore. No more spur-of -the-moment movies. No more dinners at your favorite restaurant. You'll be exhausted getting up every two hours to feed a crying baby or change a dirty diaper. Let's face it: You've got other things to do. But with a kid, you'll never be allowed to do them. You think you'll get to watch Meet the Press Sunday mornings when Dora the Explorer is on? Not a chance."

Then he goes on to talk about money, jobs, etc.

Is it just me - or is everything this guy is saying has to do with being a Parent - it has nothing to do with adoption!!! The only thing he said in the ENTIRE article that was true in adoption was this sentence:

"And then there's this to consider: If you're adopting a child, we're talking about someone else's kid, not your own flesh and blood."

This just made me so mad.

He did sort of redeem himself with this end to the article. "The really big lesson I've learned is that adoption doesn't matter. Once you've become a parent, you stop thinking about how the kid came into your life. You're her father. She's your child. Adoption becomes a footnote, an asterisk that can easily be ignored. And ignore it I do."

I'm sure he's a great dad - I just didn't understand the article.

(and maybe I'm just being sensitive!!)

(Thanks to everyone for your thoughts and prayers. I'll write more about the lunch we had yesterday. Jay and his dad are doing ok. It's just hard to tell with them sometimes!! I'm just SO thankful that we have Alex. He has been a really nice distraction for all of us)

Prayers Please

Jay's mom, Linda, passed away Tuesday night. She had been battling ALS (Lou Gehrig's disease) for the past 5 years or so. We know she is in a better place, but we didn't think she would go this quickly.

Jay's parents were just at our house for Alex's birthday party. Linda had gone downhill since the last time we had seen her (Christmas). We're so happy they were able to make the trip for his birthday.

Jay and I packed up Alex and our stuff and headed to Chagrin Falls yesterday. We have some arrangements to take care of today.

I may not be blogging much for the next week. Please keep Jay and his dad in your prayers. Jay was very close to his mom.

Where Has the Time Gone?

I can't believe it's been so long since I've blogged!!! We've been really busy.

I still haven't put up any pictures from Alex's birthday party.

We had a great day. It was a small party, and I'm glad it was. It was much less stressful. We had it up at our church which also made my life easier.

Jay did all of the cooking. We had pulled pork barbeque, mashed potatoes, corn, salad, and fruit salad. We also did personal pizzas for the kids. We let them make their own and then baked them. It was a big hit.

I got some of the Color Wonder stuff so the kids could color, and my friend, Michelle, brought their portable, indoor bouncy thing. The kids LOVED it. Alex was the youngest, we had 2 18 months olds, a 3 year old, an almost 4 year old, a 6 year old and an 8 year old.

We had a pinata and I think the parents all hate me because I bought WAY too much candy. We then did cake, ice cream and presents.

I asked people to bring craft/school supplies instead of presents for Alex. Our adoption agency is doing a mission trip to Guatemala this summer and they are going to be doing Vacation Bible School with some of the kids. They need craft/school supplies, and my friends didn't let me down. I have about 4 large bags full of stuff. I can't wait to deliver it to our agency. Believe me, Alex doesn't need any more stuff!!!!

Here are some pictures from the day.

My Artist

I was going to do a post about Alex's birthday party that was on Saturday. (we had a great time - more later)

Instead, I had to show you what I found on the refrigerator when I got home.

Alex spent the afternoon in the big boy class today (the one year old class) and he made this. Of course I think it's wonderful, and he's obviously a genius. That elephant and gorilla that paints have nothing on my little guy!! :)

So Many Dates

There are so many significant dates in a Guatemalan adoption. You have the day you decide to adopt, the day of your homestudy, the day you are completely paper ready and on the list for a referral, the day you get your referral, the very first time you hold your child, the time you hold your child when he/she is legally yours, your Embassy day, and the day you arrive back in the United States. These are all major milestones.

Today is one of those days.

A year ago today I came back into my office after being in some meetings. I had a missed call and a voice mail from Marie at Mary Kendall. She asked me to call her. My initial thought was, "Great, there must be something wrong with my paperwork." I had just been told the day before that everything was great and that we were on the list for a referral.

I called back and was told the wonderful news that they had a little boy for us. I'll never forget that feeling when I looked at his picture for the first time. I can't say that it was love at first sight. It was more awe and amazement that this was actually working.

I was a mom - I had a son - and four days before Mother's Day.

So, Happy Referral Day!!

Purses Anyone?

I LOVE purses. It is my weakness.

Through this adoption process I've met some really neat people. One person that I met on the a.com forum has a daughter that is one (or two days) younger than Alex. She and her husband are also Ohio State fans, so we've had fun getting to know each other.

Stephanie is a wonderfully creative person, and she has a business where she sells custom designed/made purses. I just ordered one this week and it came today. I LOVE it. (I just may have to order one of each!)

If you like purses, check out SammiBag . Stephanie and her husband have just found out that her daughter's birthmom is having another baby. They are trying to raise money for the second adoption in case they decide to move forward. All proceeds from the sale of the bags are going into the potential adoption fund.

Things Alex is Doing

Here's an update on the things Alex is up to now.

1. He can stand by himself much better. He can actually keep his balance for a good minute before holding on/falling down.

2. He's starting to take steps - no more than 4 at a time - but he's starting to do it. And he's really proud of himself. :)

3. He is really starting to sign. He can wave hi, bye, and blow kisses. He also signs eat, milk, more, and, according to Jay, he signed Dad. (I didn't see it, but he insists he did) He's really starting to be deliberate with his signs. It's so cute.

4. He's really into putting things inside other things. I know that this is a developmental step, but I love it. He really concentrates.

5. He still LOVES his books. He mostly got books for his birthday from my parents, and my brother and sis-in-law. (and also some from friends who came to the open house) He likes his new books, but "Hippos Go Berserk" is still his favorite.

6. He likes to walk up and down our front sidewalk. (with help, of course)

7. We did bubbles for the first time this weekend. He wasn't too sure what to think.

8. He loves to drink water out of his sippy cup. And - I can now use any sippy cup I have in the house, not just the disposable ones. He gets this look on his face like he's a big boy.

9. My friend Michelle bought Alex a Leo doll (from Little Einsteins) and he LOVES this doll - almost as much as his Oso.

I know many of you watched the video of his morphing into a Smurf - but here are some pictures.

Can You Put a One Year Old in Time Out?

I know that I've joked in the past that Alex is bully. I don't think it's funny anymore.

We went to Kelly and Michelle's last night to watch the Derby. Alex slapped Zach twice and pushed him a couple of times. He doesn't want to share anything. If Zach came close to him he pushed/hit. Does anyone have any suggestions?

I've told him no, but I don't think he understands what I mean. I'm not sure what I can do with him at this age, but I also want to nip this in the bud.

Can anyone help me???? I don't want a bully for a child. :(