Tuesday, May 29, 2007

"I WAS WORTH THE WAIT"

TODAY I PEELED AN OUTFIT OFF OF MAYA'S WALL THAT HAD BEEN USED PURELY AS DECORATION FOR MANY MONTHS...
HER ROMPER SAYS, "I WAS WORTH THE WAIT"...APPROPRIATE FOR TODAY



PS-- MY FRIEND CAROLYN JUST CALLED AND HAD A HEALTHY BABY BOY TODAY. SHE AND DAVE NAMED HIM TYLER JEAN. HE WAS 7.7 POUNDS!!
CONGRATS CAROLYN AND DAVE!!!!

Monday, May 28, 2007

ONE YEAR AGO




One year ago, on Memorial Day 2006 (May 29th),we got to meet the precious girl that was born into our hearts months before she was placed into our arms.

Nobody could have ever prepared us for this trip. We flew thousands of miles with a large suitcase that was not for us. It was for our daughter we were about to meet. It was filled with little dresses, onesies, socks, shoes, hair supplies, a swim suit, bibs and toys. Some of these were Bryan's. Some were new. Some were from her grandparents, some from friends and other family members. We did not know what we would use or what would even fit her.


I thought about this time last year for along time last night while I was trying to fall asleep. My racing mind kept bring me back to last year and the passion George and I had for the adoption. In a sick twisted way,I miss it. There were so many highs and lows, but the highs were highs that not many people can identify with. They were really high moments. I feel like we were so lucky to have experienced all the emotions that we did. Adopting Maya was not only the right decision, but I feel like we were truly meant to do it. Without her, our family would not be complete. Bryan has already formed the perfect bond with his little sister. As busy I am multitasking everything I do lately, I do love my home life. These kids were meant to be ours!!!!!





We got to Guatemala the Sunday of Memorial Day weekend last year. We had a little time to get diapers, wipes, etc. We also had a wonderful dinner that night. We were ready to meet our daughter. The agency had told us 9am...






We were so incredibly lucky to had been connected with Holly prior. She asked if she could take pictures as we met our daughter. What she did will never be forgotten. Because of her, friends and family thousands of miles away saw pictures of us meeting Maya Grace only hours later!




This pic still brings tears to my eyes





George was so happy







Do these pictures need captions?






This is framed in our house. We just love it.












An amazing woman, Debbie, was Maya's foster mom









Meet the ladies: Holly and Gia, Kerry and Maya







This was when our facilitator, Claudia, was interpreting for Debbie. She was letting us know about Maya's daily routine...what she likes, does not like, etc. I had to post this just to say Thank God that I had taken care of a child before! I was so amazed by my little girl that she took most of my attention away from what we were talking about!






When we received Maya she was in heavy clothing which is common in Guatemala. She had sweated through her outfit awful. We headed up to the room for her first bath by Mommy and Daddy. This was her while we undressed her.






Okay, the bath did not go so hot...











Maybe because she wanted Mommy to give her a bottle!









Tickle, tickle!!! Maya now says "Tickle, tickle" herself and usually goes for my very ticklish feet! And she is actually good at it!





Please take the time to read Maya Grace's blog from Texas if you can. This is her with her Mommy Stephanie. We still talk over the computer. We both met our daughters the same weekend!





We met Candy and sweet Kya Blue






I had to post this so you can scroll down and compare her tummy then with now











She still looks at Daddy like this




The day we had to give her back, she slept a lot









We changed her into warm, Guatemalan gear for Debbie and she remained asleep.




Our last picture together that weekend. We left her with Debbie which was reassuring. Maya remained asleep. Even so, it was very difficult. George actually broke down pretty bad, so I was actually the strong one on the ride home. We left her not knowing when we would see her again. We had a lot of blind faith that she would be taken care of and come home to us soon.




*********************************************************************************************

***********************************************************************************************






















FAST FORWARD ONE YEAR TO THIS MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND.......






Saturday we went to Seaside Heights. Our neighbor has a place down there and it was really NICE!









Yes, this would be THE BELLY that I was referring to above











Too bad she would not keep the hat on!









Sunday we went to little Cailin's Baptism











Sunday night Maya decided to be a ham







One year has passed and look at her today...








Bryan is glad to have you home, little girl










...and it appears that you are happy to be home!!!







Maya Grace, we love you so much. We never thought any feeling could compare to the birth of our son until the day you were put into our arms. We are the luckiest parents in the whole world to have been blessed with you and your train loving brother!



We love you,


Mommy and Daddy

Thursday, May 24, 2007

I DID IT!

I FEEL LIKE DORA THE EXPLORER....BUT I DID IT, I DID IT, I DID IT, YEA!


I HAD ENOUGH OF WORK AND I DECIDED TO QUIT...AND....I DID IT, I DID IT, I DID IT....



YEA!


That's right...I did it.


My boss received word from me Monday afternoon, and got my official letter yesterday.


The current plan is for me to go back to Same Day Surgery. That is the unit where I met Holly's hubby ,Zo, the day that he received Holly's kidney. And...yes...Holly has okay'd me to break the HIPPA law on that.
I will be per diem again which means no hours are guaranteed, but they are going to try and give me the days I need.
I like Same Day. It is not hard work , just very busy work, which is great for me.
My current boss would like to keep me for two more weeks, which will be hell, but hey, at least there is an end in sight.

Logan, Corey and Bryan


They had a race



Corey has the longest legs...sorry boys




Tonight with Daddy after Ice Cream


Maya thinks she is hot stuff..


...hanging with the boys


I mean...HOT STUFF!


Yes, she should model I think...




This was Sunday morning before we went to my parents

I went to a bridal shower for my friend Lara near my hometown


Everyone got an Alaskan themed cookie from this really cool basket



Jen, Lara, Melissa and me

This picture is an eye opener for me. I eat when I am stressed and I can see it shows here. I appreciate all of you who say I look great, but trust me I can look better. I have and I believe I will again.

Quitting my job is the first step to happiness. Exercising is my next goal.

One last thing, I ask that you all keep my friend Melissa(above with glasses)and her family in your prayers. Her sister had a baby boy yesterday that lived about one hour and then passed.

They knew at 20 weeks that the baby had ancephaly. Infants with this disorder are born without part of their brain. They are usually born stillborn, but can live up to a few days(rare). Melissa's sister who had the baby is named Kelly. She is a beautiful strong girl . Her family all got to hold the baby while alive. The baby was named Aidan Melvin. He was baptized yesterday and the funeral is Saturday.

I cry telling someone about it. It is a horrible thing to go through. All I can do is imagine, and pray for her.

Friday, May 18, 2007

Who else was disappointed with Grey's Anatomy??

Okay, first Melinda gets kicked off American Idol...WHAT???

But, then...Grey's Anatomy had to disappoint me too???

Who else was disappointed?? I love the actors but the writers have me ticked, that is my FAVORITE show...or maybe was my favorite show!

Thursday, May 17, 2007

An amazing THIRD posting this week!


Tuesday we met Gia at the park with her Mommy, Holly...



PEEK-A-BOO...Gia is not very camera shy, this is pretend for sure!



Gia and Maya at the snacks again...as if they remembered what they do best together...EAT!



Our neighbors came and Logan definitely has a thing for Maya...too bad arranging marrages is not in!




Bryan was hands off Gia



My cutie before he decided to sit in mud and make me a chocolate cake. As I walked him to the potty, I had a hard time telling him what he was doing was wrong because he kept saying, "But the chocolate cake was for you Mommy"




Maya is following her no fear brother





Daddy showed up at the very end...he was working 5 minutes away and was on his way home





This picture is from about two weeks ago when Bryan and Derek rough-housed it all night. They fight like brothers.