Adventures in Adoption

Decision and Lameness...

2010-10-19T15:23:00.003-06:00

I have been really lame lately...luckily there's not to many of you reading this blog; probably because I am really not meant to write :)

It's much easier as is everything else to blog in the US, as I have no wierd overseas issues with my computer. But after a few weeks of figuring things out and putting things away I am finally feeling a little bit free even if a little bored.

Hopefully Noah will start a new school soon; it will be a tough transition for a little kid who's moved way too much. But as much as he is used to his school in Golden, its way to much of a hike and I don't like driving hours in the snow so he's comfortable. He has stabilized much more so I think we can get through the change with a week or so of tantrums at a higher level.

We still don't know where we will be...we should know soon; here or a different west coast city...we shall see!

Which leads me to our other ponderings. We need to decide VERY soon whether we continue with China, or look to CSS for a foster/adopt program. Our homestudy needs to be updated in December or will cost quite a bit more. And we need to figure out how to save about $13K to do the trip to China and all our paperwork updates...if we opt out we lose almost as much as we have to save...choices choices... With CSS we have to find out what the risk is of losing a little one that would be placed with us - this is not an acceptable possibility for either of us. So the choices are tough right now. It does look as if the China adoption (LID 09/06) will potentially happen around this time next year - so what the heck do we do???

Noah's First Time on Stage!!

2010-06-11T11:47:00.002-06:00

Fun First Nursery had their end of the year ceremony on Thursday - Noah was AWESOME!! I think hiding was the best thing I could do for him...He never saw me and we know this because he WOULD NOT have stayed on stage at all...YAY...my BIG boy!

Drawn From Water

2010-06-10T02:36:00.002-06:00

"It Began with Bale" from Drawn From Water on Vimeo.

Be a part of saving the lives of these kids...If not you - then who? I'll start - I am buying a few things from their wish list on Amazon today...What are you going to do?

2010-05-12T02:00:00.000-06:00

I saw this post on another family's blog - and thought it was too good (and too true!) not to share:

You might be adopting from China if...

...you've been expecting a baby for over 3 years.
...you know that I-600 & I-171 aren't highways.
...you've "paid for" 3 citizenships, but never brought anyone into the U.S.
...you know that "waiting for China" has nothing to do with Dillard's or dishes.
...your homestudy is followed by a number (i.e. #2 or #3 or #4).
...you've been fingerprinted four times, but never committed a crime.
...you automatically assume everyone who is expecting is having a girl.
...you own new clothing in 3 little sizes for all 4 seasons (because you don't know when or how big).
...you look twice when you see a lady bug.
...you never know how many days will be in the next month.
...you know that babies come in batches.
...you know people who understand when you talk about 2-day months & 3-day months.
...your due date hasn't changed by days, but by years.
...you know who the Rumor Queen is ... AND ... you don't know who she is.
...you've waited so long, that they checked your fingerprints to see if they changed.
...if...while trying to understand why they're printing you again, you study your own fingerprints and wonder if fingerprints grow wrinkles.
...when you speak of "that time of month" you're talking about CC@A updates & referrals...
* You might be adopting from China if you love someone you've never met with all your heart*

The Neglect Goes On...and on...and on...

2010-05-10T05:34:00.003-06:00

OK, I am the worst blogger in the history of blogging. I really do have the time, not a ton, but I do. It's the whole blogger defaulting to Arabic that makes it so frustrating that I just don't take the time to do it. My internet connection is as bad as dial up and worse sometimes - and I am very used to a broadband connection so this KILLS me!! So hopefully I will start sometime soon.. Until then here are a few photos, if I the internet plays nice! Can't believe we are almost 2 years from the day he passed court and was really our little guy!!
I have been trying to get my hours in to at least be close to finishing IDP now that I have time. We've been dealing with the crazy post dated check thing which is pain - but quite a long story. Trying to get our summer vacation plans worked out - its challenging to try to go to Phoenix, Seattle and Denver. Would like to hit the east coast while there too! I've been having fun with facebook getting in touch with people I haven't seen in 15 to 20 years! I love my view of the gulf but I don't like living here - its just not for me for a multitude of reason to be discussed at a later date.

photos don't seem to be updating so I'll try once more to post one...otherwise visit on facebook...

Noah is the BIG 2!

2010-02-14T03:38:00.003-07:00

I can't believe he's already 2! He is affectionate, playful and so quick; in more ways than one! He gets the attention of almost everyone not matter where we are. People love him, they like to hold him and take photographs (all up to him of course). He likes to show off and be the center of attention, no surprises there! He loves to sing and listen to all music. Cars and his bike seem to be his favorite things right now. His favorite movies are Cars and Nemo. He loves to go down on the boardwalk and look at the fish, they are all Nemo! He is experimenting with counting and is making noise with me when singing the ABC song. He loves cows and EIEIO and sings it all of the time.

He can be so much fun, but he doesn't sit still, we are working on limits but its a challenge, he gets most of it but doesn't connect on others. And going out is really difficult since there is no place to put him when he is going too far. He is trying so hard to understand his world around him - the level of curiousity is fascinating!

He can say more words than I can count, some only I can understand, others are quite clear. Bath, bike, bite all sound the same, so you have to pay attention. He hates to misunderstood and although some tantrums are a result of NO or not getting something he wants, a good portion seem to relate to a lack of communication skills, which are improving constantly!

Noah and I had a great walk last night on the boardwalk. James was sick and sleeping, so we went down without the stroller and he behaved beautifully. He chased the older kids that were running around, made friends and got to listen to musicians performing. I love it when I can give him the freedom to run without putting so many limits on what he does, he learns so much and gets some sense of control over his world and it totally mellows him out!

He has made us so vulnerable - I can't imagine life without our little dancer, singer, entertainer....enough of my ramblings for now...at least I posted something..as I sit and wait for them to finish working in the kitchen so I can eat!!! All the while hoping they don't wake Noah from what I am hoping is a 3 hour nap!

First Post from Qatar - Avatar

2010-01-22T02:51:00.004-07:00

So, it's been a while. We've been busy and I would say fairly tired. But I thought I would start off by sharing my first experience with Qatar Malls and the first movie (only the 2nd I've seen in 2 years!).

First a giant thanks to Heather and Paul for watching Noah so James and I could go out. We went to the Villaggio Mall, which as from photos you can see is of an italian theme. It's nice, has a million stores, maybe 1/3 of which we know. It's great on a weeknight, but avoid weekend (Fri/Sat) afternoons; its a madhouse, literally!

We decided to eat dinner first (thankfully - I was starving!), so we went to Macaroni Grill (sound familiar). The shrimp/artichoke dip was excellent as was the shrimp diavolo....James' looked great too. The service was as always, beyond the best - sometimes they just go too far, can you believe I said that!! We've gone to Chili's and Applebees (which I have quickly learned to love because they are so kid friendly) and they literally take Noah out of my hands and walk him around; they are mostly Filipino and very helpful - although they say yes even if they don't understand you...not always so fun!

Anyway - we went over to the theatre and picked our seats and bought tickets... Yes, picked our seats, you pay a different amount based on your location and have to pick while paying. I think our tickets totalled 90 qar (roughtly $24 for both of us). I thought I would really hate that level of control, but it was kind of nice to know exactly where we were sitting and we didn't have to 'compete' for a seat.

We got to walk around Virgin for a bit before and buy a few lightweight shirts for me, went over at 8pm and thoroughly enjoyed Avatar! The popcorn was great - but they don't do butter..oh well! The seats were extremely comfortable, the back went well above my head..so a good night out - hope we get to do more of it!

We move later next week so maybe I can get a post out again next week...

Outa Here...When

2009-11-01T10:29:00.002-07:00

Looks like we'll be in AZ from about Dec 21-Jan11ish - then we are off..Qatar here we come!
Sue - if you're out there I've lost your email and I know you check in occasionally...EMAIL OR CALL ME - phone and email are good until the end of December I think...

Someday.....

2009-10-28T20:25:00.003-06:00

I will be back - I promise.

Things are much to hectic lately to even consider doing the extra step of signing on and adding photos and news. Fortunately I feel like doing NOTHING today, so here I am. I have new kiddo photos, but haven't downloaded them - too lazy to go downstairs to get the camera! Or lets just use the 'I have a cough and don't feel like moving' excuse; either one would fit! I will post a few photos, they are probably up on FB, just out of pure ease - but he has gotten funnier and funnier all the time..He is my sweet, cuddly boy (and yes sometimes that means clingy). He is talking like crazy, full stories with drama come out of his mouth and I understand NONE of it! He is starting to say yes a little, but still no is yes or no, I can never tell - usually causing some sort of tantrum - "I love you too much to argue" is my new calming phrase (calm for me, not for Noah). He likes Sesame Street and using reverse psychology I got him to come down the slide on his butt today - "you are much to small to come down on your bottom, you should go down on your tummy, maybe when you are a big boy" - within 3 minutes he slid down on his butt and did it at least 30 times today! He tried to drive his train up his slide 2x's both times flipping on his back and both times I was empathetic but had to laugh - it was hysterical! I am losing things all over the place and as it turns out they are not lost, just moved by someone else to thetrash can, fridge, cabinet, printer or some other welcome object. He is being finicky with food still, but has good days, it's hard to remember a meal for him is the size of his fist - not much 5 grapes could fill him up! He misses his dada as do I; can't wait until late December! Yet too much to do! That's all I have right now - seems very long

RE-introducing Noah Habtamu Wheeler

2009-07-18T19:06:00.004-06:00

Colorado validation is FINALLY complete! It came with his name change, which in my opinion is a big deal! In daycare and at doctors offices I don't have to list Noah as a nickname anymore and I won't get calls with people trying without confidence to pronounce Habtamu; which I find very easy even though I don't say it as an Ethiopian might.

Noah and I spend as many weekend mornings walking to a bagel and going for a walk - he does like it outside more than inside and always has fun! He loves the slide and climbing, but doesn't really like the swing. He enjoyed the sandbox on this morning, actually playing more than eating! He seems to like playing in the fountain most of the time, loves the water!

This was the best! Cousin Alec reading with him and I have to say it was the cutest thing EVER! Here is his Great Uncle Bill, enjoying a late day Noah nap! Doesn't he look cozy?

ONE YEAR AGO

2009-07-06T17:14:00.005-06:00

A little reminscent this weekend - we met a little guy going by the name Habtamu; the most beautiful baby we had ever seen! He wasn't shy, but very engaging, with a special sparkle in his eyes; I have yet to see anything like it. I wish I could understand this experience more through his eyes, but I think he was a trooper and his little spirit was fairly unscathed by the big change of moving from Ethiopia to the US. His first few days at the hotel were full of rolling over and sleeping with a bit of screaming (he had good reason)... He was in so many ways a mellow baby who was open to anything. I guess since life has opened doors for adventure it's a pretty good thing.

Over the past year he has learned all of the typical baby things only to become an incredibly cuddly, focused, yet active toddler that is has so much desire to express himself that he can't hold back his frustration most of the time. He is running, opening and closing doors, chasing his dog and cats, loves playing with balls and in water, but he is most interested in learning how to put his shoes on; go figure. His biggest challenge has been biting. We work so hard at this one. Now he just has to endure 5 months without daddy so we can all go away on adventure together for a couple years. How many kids by 2 have lived in 3 different countriies?

Almost 16 months!!!

2009-06-06T19:35:00.002-06:00

Look at him move...

Noah loves to climb, run and chase the cats

Noah loves to be outside more than anything...the trees seem to be a favorite.

He loves to play with water, whether it be a toilet or a bucket or a puddle.

Noah likes to say 'dog' and 'duck' more than any other words and now everything he points to sounds like one or the other.

Noah now seems to hate any food that is not cheese or fruit....except pancakes.

Noah likes to play chase...see pictures, that is what we do some nights after work since it is still so light out.

Noah has 11 teeth and is pushing as we speak for 12, 13 and 14 - I hope they just get it over with an come out!

Noah doesn't at all looks small, but is 4% in weight and height, yet 50% in head circ - grow brain grow!

Noah mostly sleeps through the night, except when his mouth is bugging him, but I only occasionally intervene to help.

He is now running and marching - I find the marching much more fun partially because he does it in place!

He is ALMOST Noah Habtamu Wheeler...just have to finish CBI and FBI stuff and resubmit that part. YAY!

He is mostly happy, slightly aggressive and so much fun!

Just a couple shots from our flood caused by the burst pipe (always on a saturday and the fix for the pipe $455) Can I say OUCH!!! We have the first part of the insurance and are looking for someone inexpensive to redo the carpet (throughout the house as they don't make this carpet anymore), so we can upgrade to tile in the Kitchen/Dining and Entry - not a ton of space but it would look so much better in tile!

And I assume everyone saw the pictures on FB about Qatar. James has taken a position there and has been there all week. A trying week for Noah and I but I am so sure it was worse for him in some ways - such a huge change! I'd love to say I know what our plan is, but I don't know. James starts there on June 20, so even though he gets home late tonight; we only have this weekend and next to get alot of stuff in. And James has a ton to do this week! I do think we will all end up over there, I just don't know when. This means a few things that make me sad - temporary homes for all 3 pets....I don't care about much else, selling the house and one of the cars, putting the stuff we want to keep in storage and uprooting our lives don't seem all that important. It is a wonderful opportunity and quite an adventure and even though I am aprehensive and a little sad - I am really excited!

That's the news for now....I would probably keep this up better if I knew someone actually read it....hmmmm.

Hints....

2009-05-26T20:25:00.001-06:00

Finally...

2009-05-23T20:31:00.002-06:00

How do you like the new background? It's amazing what you can find for free!! It seemed like a great summer background. Pictures to come soon...maybe a video if I can get one that's good enough!

The Poor Neglected Blog!!

2009-05-14T21:33:00.002-06:00

I will be fixing the website soon, I played around to much the other night and forgot to save a backup and it seems a 15 month old can keep you pretty busy; better to neglect the website and keep track of kiddo!!! Maybe I will even finish readoption this weekend!! Hoepfully!

April 23, 2009

2009-04-25T13:08:00.002-06:00

It's been a year since we saw this beautiful, very tiny face! I can't believe how much he has grown since these pictures were emailed to us. He could barely move his legs when we first held him and now he's been walking for a couple months, eating food from a plate, picking toys out to share with mom and talking like crazy. Hopefully I will get a few new pictures up, but he moves so fast most of them are a blur!

then....

now.....

Sicky Boy.....

2009-04-11T19:00:00.002-06:00

puke, puke and more puke - it's been such a great day!!!

Catching Up..

2009-04-05T20:28:00.007-06:00

Little man on a typical morning...not always still asleep, but this was a good morning. He likes to talk to his red dragon and on this particular morning was in a most wonderful mood.

He likes to climb the headboard; planning his first escape? Diaper changes are not his favorite thing these days, it means sitting still.

It was a good car morning - snacks and singing from the back seat. The usual view I get when I drop him off at school....and my view everyday while he is at school. Yes, school is daycare, it just sounds better...Either way he likes it - except on my way out the door!

Very sleepy after a day spent with the other toddlers... Who needs a spoon! A little playtime and the cue that it's time to sleep now, right now!

Belated Birthday Post....I'm so behind!

2009-02-27T21:20:00.002-07:00

We finally had his party last weekend. And it's almost the weekend and I am just posting pictures - not a good sign. I did get them on Facebook right away; it's just easier sometimes.

He loved the cake.... acted a little wierd for a few hours after his nap, but then snapped out of it; well worth the fun. He is growing up so fast it seems, but I don't see him as much during the week now, so it may be my skewed perspective. He is walking here and there - not everywhere or all of the time yet. Regardless it was wonderful when he walked to me when I picked him up at 'school' - he is still so small, not even 19 pounds yet and hasn't gained anything in a month - he's moving so much and although he eats pretty well, he can't keep up with the amount he is burning up...He has gotten a little taller I believe. He is talking alot, taking a sippy cup more (except mornings), drinks milk and usually eats the stuff we eat. he has 7 teeth, just got another upper tooth this week - I think... He loves the animals, is very social and smiles more often than not. He is taking more time with strangers - I like that most of the time. The only thing he seems to hate is diaper and clothing changes - can't stop moving long enough. He can be really focused for a kid that is busy. He got the chance to tour the toddler room the other day - he had a great time I guess! Sprayed the teacher that isn't used to him and got a little overwhelmed when things were a little crazy, but wasn't shy about the change at all. He is ready to go whenever they have room (in my humble opinion) - he likes to be with the bigger kids and he isn't very gentle with the little ones so it might benefit everyone if he moves up. He is adventurous like crazy and managed to take another header off the bed - this time he was intent on a toy and just forgot to turn around - funny, yet not so much...Tantrums are the new normal, we are pretty good at ignoring them - we'll see how that continues. Not too much more.... Just a little Noah in a nutshell!!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY LITTLE MAN!!!

2009-02-12T20:42:00.000-07:00

I still can't believe how excited I am that he's a WHOLE year old! I'll post some cute videos this weekend - too tired tonight... None of the videos are done very well - but he's always pretty darn handsome in them!

A few new things about Noah:

He loves 'real' food! Except at dinner lately, maybe he eats too much in daycare.

He loves cows milk.

He is a fan of eggs and yogurt!

He is so very trying to walk and so close.

He climbs anything and everything.

He is all personality and charms all the strangers.

He is a people-watcher; usually loves to go out to eat and watch people more than eat.

Mama's shoulder is his favorite spot for comfort - gotta love that!

He is up to 6 teeth - 2 top and 4 bottom.

Those darn bumps continue to return to his little feet.

He is fitting into 6-12 month clothes, but some onesies are still 3-6 months. He's getting taller faster

He is playing with Ranger more - Ranger is less scared, although has good reason.

He sleeps through the night like a champ (has been since 9 months) - this excludes travel and packnplays , which change his angelic character into a very whiny all night long, this really sucks!

11 MONTHS!

2009-01-11T19:34:00.004-07:00

THEN (btw - he is actually wearing size 1 diapers and did for a while)

NOW

A few new Noah tricks:

1. He eats almost anything... Didn't like the ravioli with spinach though...we'll try again. He loves breads of all sorts, pancakes, most fruit and thoroughly enjoyed the whole blueberries tonight.

2. He is about 18 pounds (I'm guessing based on doctors visit a couple weeks ago) and maybe 28 or 29 inches tall.

3. He has moved out of 3-6 month clothes (mostly due to length - boys don't look good in capris) into 6 or 6-9 or 6-12 month stuff. The jeans in the photo are 6-12 month from Old Navy and are about an inch too wide and more than that in length - but so cute and hopefully will last into spring.

4. He has fully mastered crawling.

5. He cruises everything. Taking steps if you hold his hands (or even just one finger).

6. He not only can go up the stairs (been doing that for a few months) but has figured out how to go down; all with me a few steps below, of course.

7. He has developed a little temper when he doesn't get what he wants - we walk away or just try to ignore it right now - but wow can he make his feelings known.

8. He is happy 98% of the time - which is so wonderful to be around. He can cheer up my darkest days. The other 2% he is either overtired or teething.

9. He has 4 teeth. Middle top and middle bottom.

10. He loves the animals - although they could do without him.

11. He says some form of mama, dada, cat and dog...He's constantly babbling or singing something.. He loves itsy bitsy spider and patty cake.

12. Not only is he adored by his entire family, he draws in strangers who also adore him. He loves attention..

13. He is having much more pronounced separation anxiety (from me) - a good sign, but very hard to leave him at daycare crying - thankfully I am reminded that it only lasts for a couple minutes - he loves playing with the other kids (or pulling their hair).

I still can't believe we've been home for almost 6 months. It was just 6 months ago yesterday that we went to the embassy in Addis with him in the pouring rain and answered those precious few questions that got him a passport that brought him home with us. He was so tiny but so strong, with such bright eyes that could engage anyone who looked his way - and he still does, everywhere we go - HE IS AMAZING!

Merry Day after Christmas!

2008-12-26T20:10:00.005-07:00

Christmas holiday is almost over, so I thought I would add something before we go. Christmas videos haven't been downloaded yet; hopefully soon. Noah has had a blast with family but has reverted back to his sleeping habits from 3 months ago, causing sleepless nights for everyone. Unfortunately we share a room with him. I am so ready for a vacation! We hit the road on Sunday very early for our 14 hour drive and back to work Monday - we may be trying to do too much - nothing unusual there. Not much to add today...Merry Day after Christmas!! Happy Birthday Afton!

Merry Christmas from Albuquerque

2008-12-19T18:56:00.003-07:00

Here we are... We made it from Denver to Albuquerque in about 7 hours even with Noah and feedings etc. He was a trooper, but we'll see how he sleeps in a packnplay in the same room as we are. He did great in Ethiopia, but this is not the same kid as we picked up 5 months ago. It's not that he is different, he has totally blossomed into an amazingly cool kid. Now we just have to get up in the morning, repack the car, feed and dress all of us and get in the car, hopefully hitting the Prescott area by 2pm or so - YAY! I will get some pictures and/or videos downloaded at some time this week.... He is getting big, 17lb 8oz or so last week- his top 2 teeth are coming in with a great intesity doing not so great things to his little system, but one of the two came in this week and the other is about halfway out... Signing off from Albuquerqu, next email from Arizona!

First Snow...finally

2008-12-01T13:15:00.004-07:00

We finally got more than a dusting this weekend; in fact it flurried most of Saturday and Sunday. Noah seemed intrigued by it, we were still sleepy as you can see. As a bonus, a little Noah/Gracie turkey day smackdown

9 months old - already...

2008-11-12T14:45:00.004-07:00

No new pictures today, just a couple of him in the vertical position he now favors. I'd like to say he's getting big, but he's getting EVEN more active and starting to lose a little weight - only a little so far. He can eat too - about 28 to 30 oz of formula a day (including the nighttime feedings we can't seem to get rid of) and 3 meals; breakfast is 4oz of fruit and cheerios or some other dry cereal. Lunch is either a 4oz veggie or meat with 2 oz of fruit or 4oz veggie with mashed bananas. Dinner is essentially the same as lunch and all include dry cereal or dry fruit since he wants to feed himself. Plus I know daycare gives him snacks the 3 days a week he is there. Is this normal???? We go for his 9 month appointment in a couple weeks - it seems the likelihood that his vaccines received in ET didn't do the job is pretty high. So we have to think about a new vaccine strategy...BUMMER, but we'll get it taken care of.
Otherwise this little guy is amazing - he is so strong and so alert....and now is awake, no surprise it's bottle time.

AT LEAST IT'S NOT A MINIVAN.....

2008-11-08T20:51:00.003-07:00

I can't believe we bought a station wagon... Here is the plan, actually keep this car for 10 years - ANY BETS OUT THERE...really truly that's the goal! Wish us luck.....

HOPE...need I say more...

2008-11-06T20:32:00.000-07:00

Little Dragon

2008-11-04T11:55:00.002-07:00

My little red dragon

The cutest baby ever

Just a quick update. I am at lunch right now, seems like the only chance I get right now. Kiddo is busy, busy...He loves his daycare (he's only there 3 days a week right now) and he's crawling, climbing the stairs, pulling up on anything and everything. He still loves walks in his stroller and enjoys being outside as much as possible. He definitley has an affinity for trees. His little feet have improved greatly after 8 weeks of his misery. The scabies treatment actually worked! Didn't even remotely look like scabies and was mostly on his feet, but we are thankful he is feeling better. He is even sleeping better; only waking up for bottles and sometimes only one a night (I wish we could do that every night). He is gaining weight, they weigh him every time we go to any doctor and he was 17 lb 4oz last week. We'll see when he does his 9 month appointment in a couple weeks if things change much. He eats 3 solid meals a day and is experimenting with anything I can think of. He seems to like everything, but some textures take practice, ie: watermelon. That's it for right now....

3 Months, 8 Months and 1st Haircut

2008-10-11T15:04:00.007-06:00

I can't believe we have had custody of Noah for 3 months today - time is flying. Unfortunately my biggest memory from that day was James getting so sick, refusing the hospital or any meds that didn't american names. I remember seeing Habtamu that morning, in a pretty light pink hooded jacket (he was Habtamu in our eyes until we signed off on custody). He was so happy; so tiny... We didn't take custoday that morning, they wanted us to wait until the afternoon...By afternoon James couldn't even go with us to pick him up...I should have held off for a couple days, but had no idea the next day his fever would be 104 and his abdomen would be swollen to twice it's normal size....We thankfully had a hotel doctor that came to the room (although so much later than he was supposed to be I almost called our driver to take us to the hospital after all). I was still sick and pacing the room trying to figure out what to do...thankfully Noah did something he rarely does anymore, he slept for literally 4 hours straight while I was nervous and pacing....I'm sure his anxiety caused him to shut down a bit. After a couple days we all felt better and we flew home at least feeling semi-healthy.

More shocking is that he will be 8 months old tomorrow! Such a big boy (well he's a peanut - finally not floating in 3-6 month clothes). He is such a funny, yet very seriousl kid. Not to mention I have never seen such physical strength or determination in someone this age. Here's a few things about Noah at 8 months:

1. He is eating 3 solid meals a day - loving everything (meat doesn't love him), soon to work off baby food and on more finger foods. Cheerios are still on of his favs!

2. He tried and loved my pancake this morning as well as a blueberry and pineapple.

3. He is taking a few steps - no not walking, CRAWLING.

4. He loves to stand, but can't yet pull himself up.

5. He loves his grandma, grandpa, auntie, cousin and a visiting uncle even though he's only met them once - it's amazing how they can 'just tell."

6. He is already eyeing the outlets - time to childproof a bit.

7. He is really clingy right now - and has challenging as that is - YA GOTTA LOVE IT!

8. He does everything with passion....laughing and CRYING. So much so that it hurts.

9. His feet have improved...but he still wakes alot in the night unable to put himself down. Still takes a bottle at 10pm and 2am - HELP!!

10. He is 16 pounds....26.5 inches tall....He grows like a weed!!!

Here are a few pictures from this weekend - his first haircut with Alexis - who needs Lollilocks!!

Bye, Bye Arizona!!!

2008-09-27T17:57:00.003-06:00

Well, after a week meeting grandparents and an aunt and cousin, Noah and I are heading home tomorrow. It has been a great trip for the little guy. He flew for the first time since July when we returned from Ethiopia - otherwise known as the flight from hell....well maybe not that bad! This time it was just Noah and I, a diaper bag and a very heavy 17" laptop (what was I thinking - could I actually get work done??). He took a bottle right before boarding, had some tylenol and fell asleep as we took off; not waking until I woke him while we were on the runway in Phoenix - YAY!!! He had a little bottle meltdown as I was trying to figure out the rental carseat - oh well, what can ya do?? Otherwise he cried himself to sleep on the 2 hour drive up to Dewey and he had a great week, other than clinginess and some sleepless nights (I am sooooo tired!!!). He even got to watch his cousin play soccer today - he scored 3 or 4 times - YAY Brock!!!

Hopefully tomorrow goes smoothly...please please please! Then on Monday Noah gets his photos done, thanks to Celebrating Adoptions, dermatologist on Wednesday and our first post-placement visit on Friday. Unfortunately we didn't hear from the daycare that had 2 infant openings in October, which means I can't go back to work - yet! Crap!!! Here's a few pictures from the trip that I have downloaded.

HI, why can I only go backwards

Auntie Kim and cousin Brock...

Grammy, Auntie Kim and Noah

Friends....anniversary

2008-09-18T20:59:00.008-06:00

Here's some pics....since I seem to be unable to write much these days... We passed our 2 year LID mark for China on Sept 12. Noah hit 7 months old on the same day...Today is our 4th anniversary - can it really be that long?? Noah and I are planning to visit Arizona from Sunday to Sunday - wish me luck on the fligh - well mostly security....it's a short flight. He will have the opportunity to meet his only living grandparents and and aunt and cousin...how exciting, family beyond mom and dad. Otherwise we've all been under the weather, daycare tours I'm sure... I've been preparing to do some work from home until I can go back part-time - I'm almost there!

Here's some recent photos...friend from the same orphanage (how great is that), wearing our loyalty, Boston Red Sox onsie, it's still really big on him (thank you Sonya and Bob), sitting in the courtyard and the first teething cookie.

I'm LAME... But here's some new pics!

2008-09-09T17:23:00.003-06:00

I've been really lame about posting anything...even pictures. So here goes. I've been caught up in finding child care, treating his itchy and painful dermatitis on his feet and feeling a little sleep deprived as they have been waking him up almost hourly. Hopefully the new ointment works, but the poor little guy has been on benadryl for 3 weeks and it only minimally helps. Otherwise he is doing wonderful!!! He is just cruising around (rolling) and doing some basic sitting up. Oh, and he has already found the crawl position, belly off the ground and everything!! We were touring a child care center when he hopped in the crawl position, which was amazing! He has moved up to 3-6 month clothes and even 6 month if we roll things up - he looks really good; a peanut, but really good! We are starting readoption and getting his SS number and I am going to try to do some work from home until we get him into some sort of child care situation. So, I guess between doctors appointments and all of that on very little sleep, we've been busy, or at least very wrapped up. But here are a few recent pictures and if he doesn't wake up too soon, a video....

Has anyone seen one of these???

2008-09-09T17:20:00.002-06:00

We have 0-3 months, but it's finally too small for him - YAY. Anyone have a 3-6 or 6-9 months that they would sell???

Friends.....with a side of thumb wrestling

2008-08-26T19:34:00.004-06:00

Saturday shots

2008-08-23T08:19:00.006-06:00

Here's some photos from this week... He has figured out how to roll from his back to his belly, as of Thursday waiting for his bath to fill and has done it repeatedly since - YAY, we are in so much trouble!!! We finally saw the pediatrician, again YAY... NOAH HAS HIT THE GROWTH CHARTS (not that I care much, but a positive milestone). He is 14 pounds and 25 inches tall (both 5% - not bad!). The doctor made us a last minute appointment with a dermatologist across town so he would suffer the itchy feet all weekend - so benadryl and very low dose hydrocortisone hopefully will do the trick! His feet have tons of little pimples and some are a little blistery. It looks miserable!

Could I be teething???

How do I look in green and brown??

IT WON'T FIT!!

GO RED SOX!!!!

Rewind 07.07.08

2008-08-16T21:44:00.003-06:00

Scaffolding as Architecture

2008-08-13T14:11:00.003-06:00

First Month

2008-08-11T12:23:00.005-06:00

Today marks the first month with Noah in our custody. It's been a so wonderful having him home and he is changing so fast. He seemed so tiny, now with just a few extra pounds he seems huge; even though he's not. He is now able to eat 8oz of formula every 4 hours without spewing most of it, he moves around so much and he loves to hold your hands and stand. He seems really close to rolling from back to belly, but I think he hasn't had the interest yet. He is a kissable, cuddly boy - just watch out for hair and glasses!
Here's a picture from a few weeks ago when we returned and one from last night after Noah and I did a little steam bath to loosen congestion - He doesn't sit still enough anymore to take a similar picture - but does anyone else see the changes??? He's also gone from size 1 diapers to size 2 finally last week.

First Tooth!

2008-08-11T12:17:00.002-06:00

I wish I could post a picture of his first tooth, must have cut through last night. It's the bottom center left, and the bottom center right is about to come through, looks like as early as today....Ask how I discovered it.....HE BIT DOWN ON MY CHIN.....the kid has great aim!
Here's a picture from today

Noah Update

2008-08-06T08:05:00.003-06:00

Here's some of the latest pictures. We just found out he has salmonella and clostridium difficile - neither of which we are treating, seems he's had them for a while and only has trace amounts left. He is a trooper! Hopefully that explains tummy irritation and what seems to be a cry of extreme pain when he needs to eat. Hopefully it will pass within a couple weeks! Hopefully the 3 hour feedings in the middle of the night will also slow down as he gets better. He's been to the doctor, but will have his first pediatrician appointment next Wednesday - doesn't that sound exciting!
Last Friday we did a quick weight - he is up to 13 pounds! So here's some pictures from this week and last. I still need to download the videos - I am slow.....

Noah goes to the Zoo

2008-08-06T07:51:00.004-06:00

We are lucky enough to be only 5 minutes from the Denver Zoo, but we also have great friends who have a membership. Thanks Crystal, Joey and Caleb for inviting us! It was Noah's first trip to the zoo and I as I expected - a bit young to care. But I had fun!!!

Very excited to ride the train...

Are we done yet????

The Story of Ranger's Love for Kitty Roca

2008-08-06T07:35:00.004-06:00

Ranger has a new habit, KITTY ROCA, it seemed to develop in June sometime when we started using wheat cat litter. We've always had baby gates at the rooms that have litter, but while we were out of town it seems there were major incidences and some vomitting. So, obviously he is getting over the gates (he must have finally realized he could). Last weekend James installed small cat doors (Hobbes can barely get through them!) - NOW WE WAIT UNTIL RANGER COMES UP WITH A NEW METHOD OF DESTRUCTION....watch out for the smart dogs!

Quick Post!

2008-07-26T16:06:00.003-06:00

Here is a little tease.
The first one is taken the day we met at Toukoul. He was very bundled, making him warm and sweaty. He stared and smiled at us the entire first 3 visits. Then he started making sounds with great effort, as if he had never used his voice. It was amazing to watch. His eyes are so engaging and his skin is so soft, much more than I expected.
This is not to say he hasn't felt some level of shock, but he is handling it like a trooper as we try so hard not to overstimulate him too quickly. He is really healthy, just the old congestion breaking up and some special diaper cream we are now done with.
In the second picture I just missed his big grin, but it's still cute. Ranger is confused, but love to lick his feet and seems to handle the kicks to the nose and pulling on his ears just fine. I think he will be ok as long as he gets some attention.
I have pictures on snapfish - all of them from our camera at least (no weeding out of the bad ones). Just post your email address or email me and I will send them too you. As my new usual I am having outlook issues (solved finally) and have lost my autofill addresses - oops!

Delayed Again!!

2008-07-24T19:18:00.002-06:00

Ok, I was making great progress by yesterday with Noah's schedule and finding time to get things done - then I got sick last night - no just a little sick, I have been really sick. I was given IV fluids finally this afternoon and we should have the results of the sample in 24 hours, if I make it that long! It may actually be caused by the Cipro I took when I was sick on the trip; that sucks! There are a few other possibilities, but that seems the most likely.
So, that means, although the camera is hooked up to the computer to download pictures, it will be a few more days before I can get this going.
The good news is Noah is great, very healthy excluding his congestion he's always had is finally breaking up so he's oozing a bit :) and the beginnings of sore gums at the beginning of teething. He is still really tiny, at 5 months he fits best in 0-3 month clothes. But he is up to 12 pounds now!

A Few Bumps But Have NOAH!!

2008-07-14T07:15:00.002-06:00

Shari and James have little Noah and he is doing great. They are having a good trip minus some yucky illness for Shari and James. Noah is very alert and responding well to Mommy and Daddy.

Posted on Shari & James behalf by Crystal

Picking up Habtamu, Bringing home Noah!!

2008-07-03T20:41:00.007-06:00

HERE WE GO!!!
Bags 98% full and we're exhausted, that means we're ready! At this point if it's missing we'll have to live without it (that doesn't apply to the camera batteries we need to buy tomorrow). I feel like I could open my own pharmacy for both Rx and OTC. We tend to be minimalist travelers - but how do you prepare for something you know nothing about??? We have LOTS of baby clothes, some of the real tiny stuff we may leave there, the diapers we brought (although not many as we'll buy there) won't be there on the way home and baby wipes in every bag. Some lactose free formula in case of emergency is pretty heavy and the darn converter (thank you Cindy) weights like 5 very precious pounds. Music still needs to be downloaded and decisions on the laptop - we don't want to take it! I still need to set up bills for while we're gone and clean the house a bit and we're done and can enjoy tomorrow. Optimism is building and we really just can't wait to get there! btw - date on the picture is wrong, I think today is 7/3/08.....
HAPPY 4TH TO EVERYBODY - we'll see you soon!

LAST UPDATE!!

2008-06-20T14:03:00.002-06:00

What can I say...

Blog Changes....Embassy Paperwork

2008-06-09T21:48:00.003-06:00

I am playing with the background; any opinions. No need to tell me there are no giraffes in Ethiopia, I already know that. I lost all the crap in the side bar, so I am trying to decide what to put in there...any thoughts??? please...please...
Big question, we want to change the URL - don't want it to be roadtodelaney anymore - do I need to start a whole new blog?
We are so much closer already. We will be in Ethiopia in one month, in fact almost half way through the trip and about to have our embassy appointment!!! We just got all our embassy paperwork, that is a good sign that we are almost there. I am working on July 2, but that should be it - not much time off to pull it all together with the holiday being that Friday and leaving on July 5 in the morning.
We can't wait to hear our wonderful little boy laugh, cry, scream (how many people say that) and just to see a smile would make my day!!! We are going to see him so soon....so close we can almost hold him....

DO YA THINK THEY HAVE A CLUE???

2008-06-08T20:56:00.001-06:00

Fly Away Home!

2008-06-07T23:01:00.003-06:00

Ok, it's more real now... Plane tickets have been purchased, hotel reservations made and almost all of our vaccinations have been injected - next week is yellow fever and typhoid for both of us.
Deanna flies into town on July 4th to join us on our adventure and Saturday July 5 we fly out of DIA, with a stop in DC to switch from United to Ethiopian Air we will be in Addis around 8pm on July 6. WOW - nothing I've done has happened this fast! We head out July 15 at some horribly late time like 10:15pm and should arrive at DIA around 3pm on July 16. Then, sadly Deanna has to fly back home on the 18th.
So, we leave in less than a month and it's already flying by - but not fast enough; is that actually possible???
Some days I can't believe we're doing this and other days it's the most natural progression in life. It's strange to feel such anticipation for so long. But we really can't wait to settle into a new life with the boy with the most beautiful eyes we have ever seen...Thanks to the Odell's for using our bottle of champagne to toast him without us :)

Noah Habtamu Everist Wheeler

2008-05-30T21:03:00.008-06:00

We made it through court today!!! He is ours in the eyes of Ethiopia now and we couldn't be more excited...I think I will hold off on my ramblings for right now and see if I can get the (3) photos we have in here in some order. I can tell you it is absolutely amazing to be in love with a photo!

The first is the most recent on May 21, 2008, weighing 9.25 pounds and 20.1 inches tall.

May 15, 2008 - a surprise, not expecting a picture, seemed to just show up in a package.

April 23, 2008 - referral picture - isn't that a great pink!!!

More details later - when I am less scatterbrained...i hope that's a word.

COURT DATE!!!!

2008-05-21T21:18:00.004-06:00

I was totally stunned by a phone call from Dove this afternoon...We have a court date, and although I guessed we would have one set for mid-June; IT'S MAY 30!!! Yes, the May 30 of next week. Which in my tiny little mind, assuming we pass the first time (and it's possible we won't), we will travel in early July, about a month earlier than I was predicting. It's so exciting, yet I am thinking we need to fill our typhoid Rx, get our yellow fever vaccinations, I need at least my 2nd Hep B.. The baby shower is set for either June 21 or 22 and it may be the last weekend before we leave, WOW!
We should be getting an update with new photos and info tomorrow, the program director said he looks good in the photo(s) - so now I am really geared up to look at them..Wish I could post them.
Hopefully after next Friday I will put them on the site.

REFERRAL!!!

2008-04-23T22:28:00.002-06:00

I can't believe that this morning I was just so excited about our dossier being delivered to Addis today - when the real news came at 4pm today that we have been matched with a beautiful 10 week old baby boy!!!

R.I.P.

2008-04-20T07:09:00.007-06:00

We lost Umbrella (alias Brella, Brell,Bella and B) yesterday. I came home and she was panting and breathing hard; saving us was our wonderful vet - who was closing in 15 minutes, but took us anyway (we are definitely regulars). As I suspected when we left it was bad. Her lungs were filled with fluid and most likely had cancer. It wasn't a tough decision, albeit a very sad decision, she was my companion for almost 11 years - she flew from Boston to Arizona and then up to Denver. Then a year later drove with us back to Arizona and then a few month later drove back with James and I (and Cordell) back to Denver - from the Sherman Street apartment to the loft downtown and 3 years ago to this house - where she seemed the happiest!
I MISS HER SO MUCH!!!

Ethiopia Here We Come - UPDATE!

2008-04-17T19:45:00.002-06:00

I am so happy to say that our dossier for Ethiopia is leaving the US tomorrow!!! The official wait time is 4-6 months - but it can happen at any time since they match the best family for each child. The current match time for infants under 12 months is about 2-3 months. So the excitement in the house is growing!!

Ok I guess I need to go to the gym - need to be in decent shape for travel!!!

ETHIOPIA HERE WE COME!

2008-04-08T17:44:00.006-06:00

I've been so lame with this site in 2008 - but nobody really reads it much so I have gotten lazy. Not to mention very busy. Paperwork, work, sleep, paperwork - too tired to care about anything, becoming to depressed waiting for the I-171H that took 10 weeks to get here...then more work and sleep...WHINE WHINE WHINE

On the brighter side:

Our dossier has been received by our agency today - if nothing has to be redone it should be off to be authenticated at the Ethiopian Embassy very soon and then translated. I think I have the order right??? Either way with any luck in the world it will be off to Ethiopia before the end of the month...hope...hope...I'm still not entirely ready to say we will travel before the end of the year - but it would be great if we could. Referral times are still 3-6 months for infants and we have requested a boy or girl since we can see either fitting well into our family. I need to get a poll up to find out what people think - James thinks girl and I think it will be a boy - so we are a house divided...

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!

2007-12-20T21:23:00.000-07:00

Isn't he handsome!! He is off to the kennel for the week. We already miss the guy! But he gets to play all day for 10 days, how can he complain?
We are off to Arizona tomorrow am - VERY EARLY I MIGHT ADD. We might actually be there long enough to go do something fun.

We are also starting the Ethiopia paperwork this week, although I think this week will be limited to ordering birth and marriage certificates and prepping some of the letters that need to be retyped. The update process of the homestudy and renewal/country change of the I-171H have begun since there is a looming deadline and hopefully everything can be finished (except the I171H) by the end of January. It will definitely be a challenging month!

Happy New Year to everybody!!

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!!

2007-11-22T10:19:00.001-07:00

What are you thankful for this year???

We have more space!!!

2007-11-18T20:52:00.001-07:00

The giant table is now in storage (well, the garage at least). It worked so well in the loft - but it took over the entire dining room here... Someday the wood floor will be in, but not this year - we say it again...and again...an yes, again. Oh yeah and we finally got rid of the coffee table I constantly bumped my foot on - something soft with storage is much better... Although wish us luck with the cats and scratching (the reason we bought faux leather this time) - maybe they will do well and we can buy leather next time!!!

14 MONTH LID ANNIVESARY

2007-11-14T16:26:00.000-07:00

Not too much to say - we were at 14 months officially waiting 2 days ago. It is what it is, right?

October Secret Pal

2007-10-18T18:23:00.000-06:00

THANKS AGAIN TO MY WONDERFUL SECRET PAL - IT'S ALWAYS SO MUCH FUN TO GET A PACKAGE FROM HER... i think she is in Florida....hmmm who could she be??? The cats went a little crazy for the big mouse, must have tons of catnip...and since I just got my teeth cleaned for the first time in WAY too long and it went well - i deserve the candy...all the candy....all to myself!!! THANK YOU!!

Rethink Recycling!!!

2007-09-21T16:44:00.000-06:00

I have really missed this thing - for a month!!! Who would steal one?? So happy to have a new one and in 2 hours it is 1/4 full. You never know what you've got - UNTIL IT'S GONE!!!

Time to celebrate

2007-09-21T16:38:00.001-06:00

Sept 18, 2004
Time to celebrate tonight!!!

12 MONTH LID ANNIVERSARY

2007-09-12T19:13:00.000-06:00

Come celebrate with me!!!
yeah right....

November 25, 2005

2007-09-03T10:13:00.000-06:00

What can be said!! There is nothing good about the statement below from the CCAA website. 4 days were referred this month and it has taken 1 year to refer 4 months worth of LIDs. We are STILL in a 10 month line at this point. The rumor is they will go back to referring 2 weeks every month - but that still puts us at 20 more months. Maybe we will get a referral by January 2010!

The CCAA has finished the placement of children for the families whose adoption application documents were registered with our office before November 25, 2005

August Secret Pal

2007-08-23T22:18:00.000-06:00

A HUGE THANK YOU TO MY SECRET PAL!!! You are absolutely my new best friend, not just for the cute summer clothes (which we don't have any of) but maybe even more so because gift cards for books and starbucks are highly valued in our house (i don't drink coffee - but i have an ice tea or iced chai at least once a day at work)! The journal was absolutely wonderful, with a great quote; Happiness comes from within. If you choose to be happy, no one and no thing can ever take that happiness from you. What a great thought!!!

11 month LID anniversary

2007-08-12T14:29:00.001-06:00

ONLY 20 MORE MONTHS TO GO!!!!
so much progress - ugh - can you read the sarcasm???

DO SOMETHING!!!!

2007-08-10T21:53:00.001-06:00

Ranger's almost 2!!!!

2007-08-09T21:11:00.001-06:00

Feast for the senses

2007-08-04T07:40:00.001-06:00

Ugh - only 7 days AGAIN!!

2007-08-02T21:29:00.000-06:00

ok, at this rate we won't ever get to China. Referrals came out for LID dates between 11.15.05 - 11.21.05. This is the 3rd month in November. I know this is a big month, but this is crazy!! We are almost to our 11 month LID anniversary and there are still 10 months of people in front of us; this line might be more than I can take!!!

More catching up!

2007-07-31T20:21:00.000-06:00

Ok, so I finally started back to work. I am so thankful that I did - for so many reasons. To name a few, not thinking about China as much has been wonderful. Starting to think about Ethiopia, since it is now possible has been interesting. Paying off debt is always nice. But more than anything, to use my brain again - or at least what's left of it, has been the best part! The hardest part, on the other hand is my inability to balance everything. Stuff at home, exercise and work - it seems like time would be there, but my energy level isn't quite there yet. Which brings me to my need to get back to my trainer. My goal in December was to lose 20 pounds. Well I am almost there!!! I am for the most part within a pound. The biggest part of my goal was to make food and exercise a part of my life; since I don't believe in diets of any sort!!! And I mean that with passion!!! So, I do better on food - although I need to make my lunches - I am spoiled. Trying to eat balanced food 5 times a day isn't easy anymore. I am still working on fruit and yogurt as snacks during the week - but I forget them. And although I get cardio (walks or elliptical) almost everyday - my strength training is taking a beating! So, tomorrow I am vowing to get up at 6am and go for a half hour walk without the dog and try to do that 2 days a week....WISH ME LUCK!! Oh yeah, I had to add this picture from Ranger when he was roughly 4 months old - he spent most of his early months here with me on the couch while my 2 ankle surgeries healed - lots of painkillers with that one!

Still catching up!!!

2007-07-31T20:14:00.001-06:00

So, this is what I came back to after such a wonderful vacation; sort of. Hobbes was so sick when I got back - he was under the crib, determined not to com out. When I finally got him out he was moving funny, so I looked under him and found what looked like dried blood. It was much too late to do anything at that point, so the next afternoon I took him to our local vet (who we love btw) and when trying to take his temp they found a HUGE abscess. And I do mean huge. He must have been bitten by one of the neighbor dogs a few days earlier before I got home. James said he was acting funny. The did surgery, and you can't see it but it turned out so well. He didn't look like he was going to make it for about 7 days and finally he was acting himself and 7 days later his stitches were removed. He was so sad and had to be closed away from everyone and wear that HUMILIATING cone... He's fine now - we do have the best vet!! Oh yeah, he is now back to being an 'inside cat'

Pictures from Kauai in May

2007-07-31T20:03:00.001-06:00

wow, it's hard to believe we've been back for two months!!! BTW, we had so much fun!! I thought I might throw in some pics of the trip. One of our best vacations yet - ok, one of our only vacations, but still really great! We stayed in Kapaa for most of the trip, a busy yet quiet little town. Seemed like mostly locals. We got to spend a half day zooming on the Ziplines and spent a few days actually playing on the beach and it seemed like quite a bit of time driving around. I did get one day on the boogie board in Hanalai - which I loved the most! James and I got to spend 2 nights at the Marriott, which was really wonderful. My only regret, I DIDN'T GET TO EAT ENOUGH SUSHI!!!!

Carseat Cute!

2007-05-20T18:59:00.001-06:00

The Name Game

2007-05-20T13:15:00.000-06:00

So it's up in the air again.... We love the name we picked a year ago and it may mean changing the blog title (if i can figure out how). But I think with all this waiting going on and a potential for quite a bit longer and possibly and who knows a country switch - THINGS ARE VERY UP IN THE AIR!!
We have picked a new name, another that we both really like - and trust me that is beyond RARE. We will have to re-evaluate the China part at the end of the year or so, at the same time we have to redo our immigration paperwork and do a homestudy update. There are a few options, we stay with China and hope we bring her home by the end of 2008, we stay with China but change our petition to be open to twins as I believe we should qualify or we move to another country, possibly Ethiopia and request a sibling group AYAP and take the loss as a learning experience. I can't say where this goes, but I think at least I am content to wait a bit longer before making a decision and we know baby Wheeler is at the end of the journey. I think we both are pretty set on China, but I think we are both struggling with the time frame that they are projecting at this time. So let's pray for a speed up in China....

Secret Pal Gift

2007-05-03T19:55:00.000-06:00

It is always so wonderful when I find a key in my mailbox for the 'package box' - since I never order anything anymore I know exactly what it is; something from my secret pal for Delaney. I can almost imagine her bathing with her new squirties, stacking cups, watering can and wind up toy. Then putting everything in the new toy bag and getting cozy in her bath towel.
Thanks to my secret pal - you are THE BEST!!!

7 MONTH LID ANNIVERSARY

2007-04-12T19:57:00.000-06:00

The long road just keeps getting longer and longer. Today we have been LID for 7 months; honestly it hasn't been that bad - yet. This is a time when we should be full of happiness and excitement and all I feel right now is a sense of numbness. It seems that our sense that the time was right - was wrong, or at least I wish we had started 6 months sooner. Do I regret our decision - not in any way. Do I kind of wish we had picked a multi-country agency so we wouldn't lose a fortune if we switch - YES. Now, that's not to say we don't love our agency, they are the reason we chose China. They are as wonderful as any agency could be and much better than most; in my humble opinion. But nobody could have predicted this wait - nobody. It seems we might be a part of a record wait for China adoption. I don't want to be part of this record!!! It's taking so long, I don't like the crib we bought anymore (stuck with it - no big deal) and I am rethinking her name, that we picked so carefully together. This sucks, I can't even imagine anymore. It seems right now I am going to stay at least a little sad, some days very sad. I know in the end she will be here; but knowing that doesn't relieve the pain of today, of yesterday or last week. I think I need to make a list of positives and redirect the pain.

CATS HAVE DENTURES???

2007-04-05T16:02:00.000-06:00

Little Miss Blue, the princess had 7 teeth removed today. This is her mood yesterday before the surgery but after she had gone to the vet and had her temperature taken, people messing with her and a dose of antibiotics. The poor girl might have an immunity disease that rejects her teeth...Can you even believe it.....
I can't wait to pick her up and see how she's doing. We can only hope that her biopsy comes back normal and this was just bad teeth - but highly unlikely; she's only 4 years old.

Today's Bloodbath!!

2007-02-26T07:38:00.000-07:00

Can you imagine anyone wanting to hurt this beautiful, sweet and wonderful little cat?? Hobbes decided he wanted to be on the high window sill in my bathroom - Blue was on that window sill.... I was downstairs - all i heard was horrible screams; and I really mean horrible and heart-wrenching screams. I got up there, sprayed him using the water bottle. Then i saw spots of blood, on the mirror, on the counter, in the sink, on the toilet, on the wall and then i saw blood pouring out of Blue's paw and all over the white window sill in puddles. So here we are 15 minutes later, Hobbes has been put in the bathroom with food and a litter box until i can decide if he remains in this house or will be taken to an animal shelter. This seems to be only 2% of his personality and i have a couple puncture wounds with bruises this week to prove he has already been at it this week (i was protecting Blue and tried to pick him up and put him in the bathroom for a few minutes, he hates to be scruffed even though I do hold his back end while i do it). I can't take him to DDFL since he was already labeled aggressive when we got him at 5 months and they will euthanize him. Such a tough decision since I will take him out of the bathroom and he will be fine. Blue on the other hand is not a cat that likes to go into a crate and i avoid taking her to the vet, and thankfully she is quite healthy. What a WONDERFUL morning so far. Baby is on his way over and doggy will go to daycare for the day. Things will improve!!

A hard to WAIT day

2007-02-16T15:34:00.000-07:00

Ok, I knew it would happen at some point and I am amazed that it has taken this long, but the wait is killing me this week!!!! I keep telling people that referral is a year away - but i know it is MORE THAN LIKELY going to be longer than that. I don't think my mind can comprehend a 2 year wait, so it looks like I may be saying 'it'll be about a year' for the next few months. At least we have gotten through the first 5 months unscathed and it seemed to go pretty fast. But it's still making me a little nuts...
On a happier not, we are one step closer to our vacation in Hawaii... I have plane tickets. As soon as James makes his reservations it will be complete. I can't wait to be away from the snow. I'M NOT SURE IT WILL EVER MELT!!! We are almost at a record, I think as of today we are in third for the most days with snow on the ground in Denver. It only snowed twice this week and that's all gone - nothing makes me happier! well, that might be going too far. But I do see ground again, and that is something. HERE COME THE FLURRIES again....

2007-02-12T09:58:00.000-07:00

I can't believe it's been 2 years since our last vacation.
Man, has life changed! Hawaii can't come soon enough! Just to sit and read a book and hear the waves come in. Feel the clean air brush across my face, go snorkeling and see the beauty of the ocean up close and to just sit back and watch the world go by.
I'm ready!

I am beautiful!!!

2007-01-23T17:51:00.000-07:00

If only I were as beautiful as Blue!!
And Hobbes, so fluffy and soft - if only he wasn't such a terror. But both managed to slide down the banister when we moved into the house - brilliance not a stong point!

I am so confused

2007-01-23T17:44:00.000-07:00

"What is it you want???"
Ranger is only 16 months old and he gets confused so often. I think it's me - we just don't speak the same language. Regardless, he is so handsome!

Our 4-legged family

2007-01-23T15:53:00.000-07:00

Doesn't Brella look cozy. She is the oldest; roughly around 12 years old. She has definately become her own cat in the last year - it must be similar to when a woman hits 40 or something. Only 3 more of the 4-legged family members to introduce.