Thank God for Bubbles and Better Weather

So I think that moving back to California is going to cure me of the Washington weather madness? Not to be. Finally we are experiencing some decent weather (low 70's and sunny today-yahooo!!!). So we thought we would celebrate with some good old fashion bubble fun. I am a self-admitted weather wimp and I'm ok with that. The warmth shining down on my shoulders today was like manna from heaven.

I'm 2!

Kiera had a very special 2nd birthday. We love you Kiera and are so glad God gave you to us!

Dossier Goes to Washington

We got word from our adoption agency that our dossier was perfect and complete. It will be enroute to Washington DC for authentication next week and then on to Ethiopia. Little baby steps for sure!

So Fine, I'm a Big Time Fan!

MISSION COMPLETION-DOSSIER DONE!

And so it goes...another step towards baby boy. I just got back from mailing our dossier to our adoption agency. I keep expecting to feel this wave of relief and sense of completion and I guess I have it...a little. It was a huge benchmark to reach and I am acutely aware of the time and energy that went into this project. However, now it only brings more anxiety! Was everything done correctly? Will I have everything sent back to me with a big do-over stamp streaked across the pages? We were finally able to send in the dossier because our homestudy was actually complete and most importantly approved by our agency. It appears that it meets all Ethiopian guidelines for placement of a child with us. So that is definitely done and finished, that feels good. I then sent off the homestudy to immigration...a government agency...need I digress? Actually I will quickly say that all my communication with immigration so far has been really positive and timely. So I'm hoping it will continue. If we get our letter of approval from immigration we are immediately placed on the waiting list. All this time and energy and anxiety just to get on the waiting list! Geez!

Make a slideshow - it's easy!

Uhhh...thanks Emeril!

So Meris and I have taken to watching "cook shows"on Food Network. I figure it's a great opportunity to eat more (as those of you who know me I love to do) and it's perfect for Mother -Daughter bonding. So in my mind for Mother-Daughter bonding to occur, it only seems natural that your daughter would only love, respect, and adore you more throughout this process and visa-versa as well. So we're snuggled up watching Emeril last night, salivating at the endless possibilities to tempt our pallet. Emeril exclaims, "Bam! And that's how it's done people" and shows off his delicacy of perfectly made and plated food. Meris with eyes wide open in amazement and pure innocence (and honesty certainly) says "Oh Mama, that looks so much better than anything you ever cooked (cooked is pronounced cook-ted)". I pretended to be slightly offended and hurt at such comments (ok maybe I was a little miffed). I then said well he must be a pretty good cook since he has a show. Meris corrected me and said,"Mama he's a good cook because he has a band that plays music while he cooks!" Well my goodness, if only I had a band.

Adoption note: Our homestudy was turned into our agency. It is being reviewed to make sure it is acceptable to the Ethiopian government.