Innocence

I put together this slideshow to remind me that we are not the only ones waiting. The pictures tug at my heart, but hopefully all the children will have loving homes. I also commend our agency, and so many others for working so hard in many countries to provide food, shelter and other necessities for the worlds orphaned children.

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Ladybug Sighting in NJ

Thoughts on good friends and daughters

For the first time since I moved back to NJ I have met some wonderful people, some through our adoption agency and others through the network of adoption.
Also since our new neighbors moved in, we have been hanging out and having some real fun for a change, like relaxing out on the back porch, sharing stories, going to the pool and laughing till my belly aches. One of the most endearing remarks Rob said was that he loved raising his two daughters while we were discussing our adoption. It was so funny because his 20 something youngest daughter said "Dad, why would you want girls? We are so difficult". Daddy Rob just replied, "there's nothing better then loving my girls". I almost cry when I write this, because it reminds me of how my Dad loves my sister and I (although to this day my sister thinks I am the fav because I am the oldest, but I say, what are you talking about Maxine, you got the nose job you wanted LOL).
So it all brings me back to how my husband "pretends" this wait doesn't bother him, but every now and then I catch him bragging about adopting, and talking about things we will do once we have our little baby girl. It is truly exciting to hear him talk about her and what kind of sports he already thinks we should get her started in (sports, is that what men think little girls should be doing on their free time, he's still has a little reading to do). Though he has already raised a wonderful son, I know he misses him a great deal, especially since he is away at college working. So l can tell he truly is excited about being a new Daddy again to a sweet little girl, who will also be a sibling to Kenan. These thoughts all warm my heart, the fact that one day, a child will be chosen for us, and this child will bring so much love and happiness into all our lives. This thought, this lifelong dream is what makes this wait so very worth it.

Mei Mei for Isabella

I was so touched to hear my friend Natalies' voice on the phone after she returned home from China. I had so many questions and she was patient enough to answer them all. Isabella got on the phone to say hello and her sweet voice just made me smile. I followed every bit of this journey and I am so happy everyone is home. You guys just made my week! Thanks Natalie for letting me post these pics so everytime I look at my blog I see these two magnificent children, nurtured with love and so happy. I cracked up at the pic of Elliana not wanting to put her feet on the grass. Wow does she have some exploring to do. Oh and by the way, I think Isabella is starting to love the camera, such a natural beauty. Well, congratulations again.
Give these girls big smooches for me.
While we are on the subject here of children, I was sitting outside a store waiting for Dani and lots of people were hurrying by to get out of the heat. Along comes this Mom and her two small little girls, the youngest probably 2 yrs old. As they past by, the little girl just turned to me and gave me this sweet little smile and waved at me with her tiny hand. So I waved back and thought, wow interesting, all the adults were just passing on by I guess trying to also get out of the heat, but one child made the effort to say hello. So perhaps as adults we need to be more like that little girl, and just say hi to someone to make their day.

Okay I know it's 9 months, but please tell that to my heart

I am going to try and mark this month as a true milestone in our adoption process. As I said earlier, most women would have already delivered at nine months, while those of us in the adoption journey endure a longer pregnancy, probably even longer than that of an elephant. However with a bit of humor, faith and patience, we are all hoping this wait shortens up. It's very easy to fall instantly in love with a child you will eventually have placed in your arms. Dani and I both feel that way and despite the rollar coaster ride of this journey, we are totally in love with a little girl from China whom we have never met. The facts we are certain of is she will be our forever daughter, have beautiful black hair and big brown eyes and may be as young as 9mths or old as 18mths. We have so many long months ahead, and hope will all our hearts this wait does shorten.

So we wait, I blog, shop, eat, journal, read, work, email, swap fabrics, make quilts, and so on.

Also on this July 7, 2007 I read an interesting fact, there are 7 spots on ladybugs, How cool.

Let's dance

This is what my heart say's every day

Yes my little one, my heart waits for you, this second, minute and every hour till the day we bring you home!

From the perspective of being Paper Pregnant

I used to think that waiting nine months for a baby was a long time for women who could get pregnant. Wow has my perspective has changed on that. According to our timeline, I am just starting a second trimester, so tell me friends, how do I justify "eating for two" and a weight gain that doesn't exactly show in my tummy, more like thighs and a little junk in the trunk here.


Well, it's all worth it as far as I see it. The wait and weight gain.

These Celeb's just wannt look like me!

This is too funny! Now if I could only dance like Nelly Furtado and do some of that belly dancing I'll be in good shape.

New Quilts and Birthday Gifts

Well, my sweet friend from California, Laura K. sent me this adorable flannel baby blanket for my Birthday. I bawled my eyes out thinking about our little one running around with this. I can't wait to tell our baby girl the story of how I had one too.. for 21 years! I so want to thank you Laura for such an amazing gift. You are so thoughtful as always. As soon as I can I will upload it for everyone to see.

I also want to thank my very dear friend Michelle for her Birthday surprises. She sent me Chinese Lullubies by the Beijing Choir, the most beautiful melodies I ever heard. In addition Baby Einstein sign language for little ones, and I must say it's a genius idea! What a great way to communicate. I may actually try it out at work! Also a J. Johnson CD that I can de-stress by on my way home. You're the best!

Laura and Michelle have kept me going through some tough waiting. Two fabulous ladies and wonderful friends. Thanks to both of you for making this Birthday so very special.

The flower and butterfly quilt was made by Melinda (again I don't sew, yet) and because I just loved the fabrics and flowers, I asked her to make me a crib quilt. It came out beautiful of course. Now the most interesting quilt she is making is from the 100 Good Wishes Quilt Swap. I participated in a Chinese Province and Culture Swap and each square represents something very specific pertaining to those themes. It's set on a pretty red flowered border. Thanks again Melinda for your talent.

Finally pics and more

WHEN I'M SLEEPIN IN, THERE'S DANI ON THE 18TH, OR 19TH, I ONLY PLAY MINI-GOLF

I'LL HAVE YOUR LEFTOVERS, NO PROBLEM

KISSES, KISSES AND MORE KISSES ABSOLUTELY ADORABLE KISS

OUR WEDDING 2005

BEWARE WATCH DOG (watching out for squirrels, bunnies, birdies and other furry friends ISN'T THAT NICE, MY STEPSON IS PICKING OUT MY RED FERRARI FOR ME HANDSOME STEPSON IN ITALY FOR SCHOOL BROADWAY, OOPS THE DANCERS ARE ONLY 3FT TALTHE YEARLY DANCE RECITALS AND PRETTY BALLERINAS ON POINTE' MY BROTHERS' TWO, AND THEY LOOK JUST LIKE ME! Little sister Maxine, I know what she's thinking "hey Ivy do I have to cook again, isn't this your house?" Oh come on sis, you know you love to cook, that's why I have you over so often!

Yes my sister is the most fabulous cook and baker. She could host a party for 100 and make everything. But I got wise and found this really cool store that sells everything pre-cooked. I mean if I am going to have to be in the kitchen, how can you enjoy the party.

CAN YOU HEAR ME NOW! (THE VERIZON MAN)

OUR BODYGUARD, BUT HE DOESN'T KNOW IT YET!

My sixteen year old nephew, how did you get so tall. It seemed just like yesterday when you were learning to talk and crawl. Now you're getting your permit to drive! I remember those days. Grown up Jake with his favorite AuntThat's my nephew Jake. Yep we share our Birthday's and love for family.


My Boy Recchi, to serve, protect and lick the bottom of all my yogurt containers.


Zella the cat getting scooby snacks. Wow looks like she's more interested in getting her picture taken too. Isn't she the cutest!



So for my friends, here's a peek into my life with family. My kids currently have fur and four legs and like to lick a lot and eat off the floor. Gee I hope I can change their eating habits soon LOL. The great thing about these animals, is the unconditional love they give in return. Some days I just want to stay home, not work just to give them more attention and love. It's actually very nice to know that they are good with children, especially the dog licker, he sees a little baby and pulls me towards the stroller, of course I move to the other side of the street until the Mom invites me over so her child can pet the big doggie. It's too funny, he gives one big lick, wags his tail and says, okay let's go home now and play some ball. I sit and daydream sometimes about the dog being chased around the house by this little toddler, our daughter! I can almost hear her laughing and running on the wooden floors as she tries to catch up with him. Oh, how I can't wait for that day and more. Guess for now I will continue to daydream about ladybugs and my little girl.

Advice from Holt

HAPPINESS

Every month a wonderful newsletter comes out from our agency. A few weeks ago I was asked if they could publish some witty comments I made about how to deal with the long waiting times. Actually all I did was follow the advice of Jania, who told me to have "fun" during the wait, so I followed her advice and did the following:
-Went on a great vacation
-Started back to college, again, now 2 course to go (will graduate with my stepson)!
-Re-decorated the house$
-Learning Mandatory Yoga!
-Accepted that you can eat ice cream and not feel guilty.
-Realized that calling Oregon and chatting with the China Team is very good Therapy!
-Day dreaming officially allowed, when not at work.
-Buying girly clothes is so much fun.
-Staying close with my adoption Mama's to be keeps me sane.
-Met our new neighbors, we finally have friends LOL
-Keeping a monthly journal for our little girl
-Have 3 quilts made alreaady!
-Learning to not dwell on this long wait, (just please pray it gets a wee shorter)

What is very exciting to me is that the front page features a little girl named Kira, another "Red Thread Connection" I say. Wow, it made happy.

Thanks Holt China Team for allowing me to help others get through this wait as well.

Ivy

It's My Birthday and I'll cry if I wanna

Yep another year older! Wiser I am not sure, (though I am back in college, again). Guess I will have to wait another year for our little one, but as they say, great things come to those who wait. How I hope, because I am waiting and waiting here!

Guess I have to reflect back on what a great year this really has been.

We started this journey, which is more than I could have ever dreamed of and I really am so very grateful to my supportive husband and adoring family. Yep, they too want this little one here soon as well, so it's good to know that my biggest fans are those I so very much love. So I give a big hug and smooch to my parents, sister Maxine and Company and brother Mark and Company. Remember nice nieces, you are now official babysisters! So I do feel happy today, to be surrounded by the love of family.
Oh and it's just not my birthday, it's nephew's Jake's too. Yep, what a great gift I got 15yrs ago when Jake was born, I even got to hold him before the doc handed him over to my sister! (She was too busy worrying about fainting). I paraded around with this tiny infant in the halls. It was a beautiful day, just like today.
Guess I can't complain, I could cry if I want to because I feel so old! But I won't, I do know I am content to know that what I have accomplished I am proud of, and will hopefully be the best Mama in the world (is that why they make those Baby Einstein CD's?).

So I look forward to this day and everyday. Thank you all for making this a very special day for me to always remember.