Little House on the Prairie

Can't wait!!!

Not sure if I will get used to this

I know that most people don't understand adoption. 

They don't understand why others adopt, especially internationally.

They don't understand the dynamics.

They really can't be blamed, it is just because they are not informed.

I expected this when we began this journey. 

But it still leaves me in awe every singe time someone makes a rude comment.

For example:

Last week as I was pulling out of the Y, a man literally chased me down, and asked me if we were adopting from China.  I told him yes.  He then proceeded to give me a lecture on reasons why we should NOT adopt and had to tell me a horror story of someone he knew who adopted from China 10 years ago.

Like when you're pregnant and people feel that they need to tell you their horrific birth experience, or worse.  Like telling you about their miscarriage or some other terrible event.

Not necessary.

And today at the Y, a woman asked me if we were adopting.  She then told me a story that went JUST like this:

"Oh that's great!  My sister adopted a girl from China (because that's all you can get of course) in 1996.  She is very short, but they have been very happy with her.  In fact, they still have her and everything! "

Like she was a sofa they got a great deal on.

Oh boy.  This is gonna take some patience!

Full Disclosure

When two people are contemplating marriage, there are certain discussions that MUST take place.

These conversations require complete honesty.

You should know your potential life-long mate intimately.

You need to know and accept all of these things, regardless of your own opinions.

It's part of the foundation of a good marriage.

This unconditional love.

You not only have to answer questions, you have to ask the right ones.

You cannot go into it blind.

You have been prepared.

But......

When you are sitting in a movie theater watching the preview for the new "Footloose" movie,

and the man you have been with for 8 years looks at you and says.....

(wait for it....you are going to DIE)......

"I've never seen the original Footloose"

All bets are off!!!!!!!

On Our Way!

We had our first official appointment with our homestudy social worker this week.

I was super nervous--as in stomach butterflies, scrub the house from top to bottom, new fragrance in the Scentsy burner, be crabby to (and hang up on) your husband for no reason--kind of nervous.

I didn't really know what to expect.

It's weird.  Awkward.

And I wasn't sure what to expect.

She had told me she would be here for about 1 1/2 to 2 hours. 

It ended up taking 30 minutes.

She explained her role in the adoption process, answered our questions, gave us some reading materials and some homework. 

And some paper.

This is some of the stuff we have to read through.  This stack is approximately 2 inches thick!

The homestudy application.  Each of these is several pages long.

Foster Care Licensing paperwork

This was the (26 page) application for our placing agency in California!

I don't really consider myself any kind of tree hugger, but geesh.  This is crazy! 

So today Tyson and I spent about 7 straight hours filling out paperwork, digging out financial papers, insurance papers, and medical information.  And we barely put a dent in it all! 

But we will get it all done, as soon as the holiday weekend is over and someone can answer a few questions!

I know this is just the beginning of MONTHS of paperwork, and I am by no means going to complain about any of it!  It all just puts us closer to our daughter!

To the best of my understanding, our next step is to finish all this paperwork, then we will be fingerprinted (probably late next week).  Tyson and I have to get our first set of medical exams and toward the end of the month we will have our training class. 

It feels so good to be DOING something, because I know it will be hard while we are in the "waiting" phases of adoption. 

We are super excited!!!

HERE WE GO!!!!!

Adjusting

Both kiddos had a full week of school this week

(except the hour early heat dismissal every day).

They both did great! 

Evan is getting used to his new bedtime and certainly eats much better at dinnertime

since he isn't home grazing all day long!

I think the biggest adjustments are in MY day!

I am now home ALONE all day long!

I drop the kids off and go work out for an hour and a half.

Then come home.

To the QUIET.

It's peaceful.

It's tranquil.

It's bizarre and unnerving!

A few things that I did this week that were soooo different than anything I have known for the past 12 years:

~I sat on the patio and read my book for 1 1/2 hours--STRAIGHT.  No interruptions.

~I was able to check my email (and stalk blogs) very quickly since I didn't have to get up and get anyone snacks.

~I went to the bathroom and NO ONE came in!!!  This happened multiple times and I was hyper-aware of it every.single.time.

~I grocery shopped for 2 weeks in less than 1 hour!  And I didn't have to re-sort all of my items at the checkout to filter out the "extras" that fell into the cart!

~I went to Target alone.  When I got there I got to actually use the ladies room.  Normally we have to use the family bathroom or go in the big handicap stall. 

~I went to the library and didn't visit the children's level.  Very odd.

~I left the bank without a sticker on my shirt OR a sucker.

~I made important phone calls--without having to do 20 things between each call or hiding on the staircase for quiet.

This is just crazy.  Not sure if I like it, but I think I will get used to it! 

Sure beats the alternative---getting a j.o.b.  {shivers}

But by the end of the day, I am so excited to pick the kiddos up from school and begin the craziness of the evening schedule!

First Day of School

It is so hard to believe that summer is over and it's time for school to start.

None of us are ready for it!

 Miss Rylee started 7th grade.....

WHEN did she start looking so grown up???

And this little munchkin bird started Kindergarten! 

He was so excited to go this morning!  He kept saying "Let's get this show on the road!"

I would have been fine to keep him home and snuggle with him.

It's so hard to let go.

He was totally fine with me leaving him.  Does he NOT know he's killing me???  Geesh. 

Have a great first day! 

(I will spare you the pic Tyson took of me sportin' the ugly cry after dropping Evan off!)

HAPPY BIRTHDAY EVAN!!!

Dear Evan,

I cannot believe you are 5 years old today.  How has this time gone by so fast? 

It seems like yesterday you were my little baby bird.

You came into this world 10 days early and showed us right away what a little fighter you were.  The first 4 months of your life were very scary for Daddy and I.  But you came through it all just fine.

You are such a special boy, Evan Michael. 

From the time you were itty bitty, people have always commented on what a communicator you would be. 

That is so true!  You have always been a talker.  Now you are 5 and you love learning about words.  You love to spell them, read them, use them and learn what they mean.

 

From the time you were 8 months old, you have had a love for trains.  That love has really become your passion.  You know so much about trains...engines, cars, the track, the signals.  You love GeoTrax and build your layouts all over the house--taking up several rooms at a time!

You are such a smart boy!  You watch National Geographic alot and can recite entire episodes (with the British accent the narrator uses!)  You also love to research things on Wikipedia, and I'm pretty sure you just tuck the knowledge away for the day you may need it.

You love music and can sing a song after only hearing it once or twice!  I have never seen a child with rhythm like you have!

You eat like a linebacker most of the time.  And when you are going through a growth spurt--forget the grocery budget!  You love ramen noodles and want them almost every day for lunch.

You are a great little brother!  Rylee loves you so much!  And I know that you are going to be a terrific BIG brother!

You have a wonderful heart.  You always have a smile for everyone and genuine compassion for others. You are funny, silly and you like to tell knock-knock jokes.

You are also stubborn, obstinate, loud and you MUST have the last word--always.  As frustrating as that can be at times, I know that those traits are going to benefit you!  I cannot wait to see what you do with your life, you truly are special!

Every day of your life has been an absolute joy.  I feel so blessed to be your Mommy. 

Tomorrow Daddy and I will take you to Kindergarten.  I am still not sure how I am going to handle it.  It feels like I am just not ready for you to leave the safety of being tucked under my wing and flying into the world.  But you are super excited and I know you will do great!

So today, my sweet son....I wish you the very happiest of birthdays.....and many more to come!

You are my heart, my soul, my sunshine. 

I love you baby boy!

Happy, happy birthday!

Love, Mommy