Anniversary

On September 18th, Olivia and I celebrated our 3rd year Anniversary as a family. Olivia is just beginning to question and understand what this day really means. So far, she knows she is from China and she is Chinese forever. She knows there are her Chinese sisters who she knows by name that lived with her in China and now we talk to on email. She knows she was adopted and that we are adopting again, but that is the extent of it so far. We went out to dinner with a few friends and then played on the play scape. A fun time was had by all! It was a special day, with balloons, spent so time looking at our pictures from China and retelling how we became the P. family.

vision

It has been a hectic Fall. I've been struggling with my vision. Problems with the cornea. It has been weeks of drops, and still little improvement. I'm going to see a specialist on Tuesday. Hoping for an easy fix, I can see, just everything is alittle blurry. Since the cornea controls 85% of your vision, doctors aren't surprise. I've seen three and they all believe this is a temporary problem, but it is no fun!

Apple picking

Fall has arrived in CT. Olivia and I went to Beardsley's apple orchard to pick apples. Only two kinds available Johnny Golds and another baking apple. It was a beautiful fall day and it was nice to see the princess run between the trees. She was facinated with all the bugs she found eating the apples. Now, if I can ever get the time to make the pies, I would be thrilled. Tonight is back to school night at school and tomorrow begins a three day family church retreat. I'm so looking forward to quiet reflection time, sharing with new and old friends, and hopefully some praise.

adoption update

Update on the adoption front: I'm completed all the appointments and I'm waiting on one last clearance to receive a notarized home study. All of my documents have been translated into french, once I receive my I-171H, I can submit my dossier. I'm still hoping for a Halloween referral, but I learned the hard way that I need to enjoy the wait and realize things will happen in God's time, not mine. I will keep you all posted on my progress. Olivia and I can't wait to share our hearts and home with another child. Unlike China, I will receive photos and information about the babies birth family. I plan to visit the orphanage and the baby over the holiday break, question is over Thanksgiving or Christmas, only time will tell. This hasn't been an easy journey, but one that will complete our family. Please keep us in your prayers.

splashing around

Although we did a few museums, some trips to amusement parks, and a play, we spent our afternoons and evenings, learning how to swim. Olivia spends more time under the water than on top. She no longer needs a bubble unless I'm not in the pool. She is able to retrieve a variety of toys from the bottom of the pool like a pro. We closed the pool yesterday, so no more daily plunges for another year, heavy sigh. There is nothing like hanging out at grandma's pool!

Necklaces anyone?

Childhood isn't complete without pop beads. If you have a child under the age of 9, I would suggest getting a large jar of pop beads. It is an activity that keeps Olivia and her cousins busy for hours without fighting! I found this treasure at a local warehouse store for 9.99, last Christmas. We keep this fun toy at grandma's so all the girls can enjoy making beautiful rings, bracelets, and necklaces. Look at these masterpieces!

Fun in the sun

This summer we spent a great deal of time in the water, both on the beach and in the pool. Unfortnately, both June and July were cold, wet, and rainy months with only a few days of sunshine. We packed a summer worth of swimming and sunbathing into August. Can't believe summer is over and another school year has begun. We have traded our swim suits and crocs for socks and long pants. Can't wait to go apple picking and pet the animals at the country fair!

Blueberries anyone?

Sorry everyone, it looks as if I really took the summer off from blogging. Lots of reasons why, but probably the best excuse is that Olivia dropped my camera and several key pieces came off. Oops, I sorry mommy. Although I have a new camera with higher pixel power, I really don't know how to work it, so I haven't wanted to take as many pictures and needed to get motivated to learn my new camera. The following photos are all taken by a friend of mine, who doesn't leave home without her camera. I can't take any credit, these photos capture Olivia spirit and essence. Hope you had a chance to go berry picking. We had a great time!

Lights, Camera, Action

Ms. Jenn is the best ballet/tap teacher in the entire world! Thank you Miss Jenn.

Olivia loved her flowers.

Dress rehersal: practicing for the big day!

I'm this big

Olivia and I have been very busy. It began with a trip to the zoo. It was one of the nicest days of the summer so far. She really enjoyed chasing the peacocks. Next was her gymnastic and dance recital. She had no fear and loved every moment of being in the spot light. She especially enjoyed getting Aunt Renee's flowers and wearing makeup! Olivia is a girly girl. We began swim lessons without a bubble. She is becoming a fish. Now if it would stop raining and if the temperature breaks 75, we might be able to go into grandma's pool. I can't believe it is almost July and we haven't been in once. Ugh!! Olivia and I have this week off and spent it keeping appointments and doing yearly check ups. Our days and nights have been very busy.

Adoption update: I'm in full paper chasing mode: I have most of my documents notarized, on Friday I'm taking them to Hartford to get certified. I have no idea what I'm doing, but maybe someone there will answer my questions. We had our first homestudy visit and I had my physical and psy. evaluation. I'm waiting on reports, then I can take them to Hartford. I want to send off the forms for translation. No sense waiting until I have everything. I've requested fingerprinting and waiting for a date.

Exciting News: Long Journey Ahead

It is official. I have begun the process to bring home another child from Haiti! I signed a contract with Building Arizona Families, last week and scheduled the home study for mid June. I just can't add more paperwork, when I'm trying to finish up the school year. Olivia and I can't wait to share our hearts and home. The adoption process is similar to China, yet different. After my entire life is examined and scrutinized, I will receive a photo and information on a little one within 4-8 weeks of my paperwork reaching Haiti. I am asking for a healthy child under that age of two. Then, the real waiting begins, but we can travel to Haiti for visits whenever we want or rather when I can afford to travel. The agency estimates the wait to be 12-15 months until I would be able to bring the baby home. But, I've learned the first time around, that you can't count on time frames. During this waiting time, we will preparing ourselves to be a family of three. We'll stay busy with dance and gymnastic, Sunday school, and playing with our cousins. I will keep you all posted with our progress. For those of you who guess our "secret" thanks for the prayers and kind comments. This was a huge decision and one that needed a great deal of prayer. Anyone have any suggestions for names? Boy or girl?

Spring flowers

This weekend Olivia and I got dressed up and went on a search for spring and finally found it at the beautiful park in Meriden, CT. It is the only place I know off that people can take photos in the flowers. We've gone every year and it becomes more fun each time. This year bubbles and feeding the fish was much more exciting than a photo op, but the princess tolerated it and had a blast on the very challenging jungle gym. I am so confident that spring is here to stay, I put away all of my winter sweaters, but a kept out a handful of long sleeve knits. Unfortunately, I haven't been able to break out the t-shirts yet, but warmer weather will have to make an appearance

Good things come to those who wait

I was hoping to make a big announcement this spring, but it looks like everyone (all 5 of you) will need to wait until the summer for the "official" announcement. A few of you have guess correctly and a few I have shared my heart's desire. I can't wait to share this special news with all of those I care about. Thought I would give everyone a HINT.

Spring Fling

Olivia and I had a great time reconnecting with old and new friends in both PA and VA. We stayed in a great hotel in Herndon, with an indoor swimming pool. I took Olivia to my favorite places to eat and we spent an entire afternoon on the Lake. It was fun reading stories in RUB and trying on dresses in Small Change. I was hoping to take her to see the Cherry Blossom's on Monday, but the weather didn't cooperate, so we were able to spend a few extra days in Bloom. We spent the morning at the children's museum, visited with friends, and just hung out with Bill and Jones. A perfect way to spend a week off. Enjoy a few of my favorite photos.

Big Announcement Coming Soon

Very soon, I'm hoping to share a very big "SECRET" with all of you. I would appreciate if you would lift me up in prayer, praying for wisdom and peace as I make some very huge decisions. All good, very good!

Spring is in the air

Today Olivia and I played hokey from work and school. Last night, I was out late at a church function and just wanted a day to catch up. We had a beautiful and productive day. It began with a trip to the library, followed by pictures with the Easter Bunny and professional portraits at Sears. We needed to play at the playground in the mall, then onto the car dealership for an oil change. Olivia collapsed after a day of so much fun and running around. Her Easter pictures with the bunny and at Sears are precious. I will be in PA and VA over Palm Sunday weekend. Hope to see some of you then. It's been too long.

Dance, Dance, Dance

Olivia no longer walks, but rather leaps and twirls! Watch out, a leaping beauty will knock you over and politely say "I'm sorry, but my feet made me do it!" She enjoys ballet and tap, but loves gymnastics. She is a master at the trampoline. Any soft surface is game, NO MORE MONKEYS JUMPING ON THE BED has taken on new meaning. I don't have any photos because they don't allow parents to watch rehersal (a safety issue), but her recital is in June, and I'm hoping to get a few good shots. Her gymnastic teacher is a SAINT and very, very good. Enjoy the photos of my Swan Lake.

Hanging around, Fun Times Olivia Style

Pop beads have become our favorite toy at grandma's. The girls just love making colorful necklaces, bracelets, and rings. All four cousins look styling! Butterfly wings make the perfect accessory to any outfit! Enjoy the photos.

3 Little Pigs

This weekend Olivia, Renee and I went to see the 3 Little Pigs at the Downtown Cabaret. We had a great time! She loved getting her picture taken with the pigs. Stay tuned, Little Mermaid is the next show.

Catching up

I've neglected my blog and I apologize in advance. I've been spending more time reflecting and listening to God. I've made a commitment to attend Friday night bible study and I've joined a gym to give my earthy body some much needed attention. Olivia enjoys going to the workout center, although she doesn't like some of the boys, she gleefully tells me to go and have fun. Little does she know, how much I loathe physical exercise. I'm proud to report, I'm being faithful to both endevours. I long ago gave up on giving something up, because I just didn't love anything that much, for me taking things on to improve myself or my faith has been very fulfilling. I was hoping to share that Olivia would be attending a wonderful magnet school in the fall, but she is on the wait list. So, I will continue to pray for guidance and she will continue at Tutor Time where she will dazzle them with her enthusiasm. I've finally gotten some new pictures. Enjoy. I will be in Reston from April 4th to 7th. I would love to catch up with all of my friends. I will be in Bloomsburg to attend a wedding on June, but the dates escape me, I'll post them next time.

Longing for Spring

The winter blahs have set in. Another snow storm, made driving very challenging tonight. Olivia and had a wonderful time in Bloomsburg this past weekend. She tolerated Eric and enjoyed playing with Bill and Joan Jones. She had her first Berrigan's (Stef's hoagie)! They are my all time favorite food. Olivia and I had a wonderful time singing in the car. Mama Mia is our new all time favorite tune. I still owe you some pictures of our trip into New York and at the water park. Yes, we went to an indoor water park on Friday. It was fun, but the water wasn't the promised 84 degrees. I'm hoping to visit friends in VA in April. Time to put the princess to bed.

Obsessed with clips

Olivia has a new past time, playing hair dresser. Every day From 7-7:30 pm, Olivia does my hair. She often tells me to sit still, turn this way so I can get a straight part, or better yet, don't take out your clips! At least I know she understands my requests! In the morning, we are all business. There is no time for melt downs, tantrums, or discussion, because we need to leave the house by 6 am or get suck in awful traffic. One of these days, I will post a picture of this very special time.

Happy Birthday Dr. King

On this historic day, an extraordinary person, gave a speech that built a bridge that united the white and black world. On the eve of inaugration of President Elect Obama, the entire world is watching, hoping, and praying that President Obama will give the world renewed HOPE that he will fix what is broken and move forward together. Today, Olivia and I took a drive to Greenwich to listen and participate in a gospel sing. I really needed to Praise his name and get lost in the music! It was a wonderful day to see my daughter clap her hands and dance because the spirit moved her. I so miss the gospel music of the Baptist church, but finally found a church home where God's spirit is alive and God's servants do His work.

Relaxing Saturday

It is very blustery cold day here in CT. After dancing school at 9 am, Olivia and I put back on our jammies and begun our movie marathon. Barbie Prince and Pauper, Mama Mia, and currently Charlotte's Web. We did break for a little lunch and now it is time for a nap. Wish we were able to just chill out every day. Tomorrow is my brother's birthday, Happy Birthday Scott. Tomorrow, we are going to Downtown Cabaret to see the Dish and the Spoon. Hoping the weatherman is wrong about pending snow. I'm tired of winter and it hasn't even started. Maybe I during our nap, I will dream of sandy beaches and picture perfect weather.

Terrible no good very bad day

Today I had one of those days, I wish I had the opportunity to do over. Let me begin by saying it is beyond cold and I'm longing for Spring and some color. I think this morning it was hovering around 10 degrees, snow falling, and the roads were beyond lousy. It took us almost 2.5 hours to get to work and school! Olivia has had a yucky cold since Sunday and last night I seriously considered about calling in, but with mid terms next week, I really wanted to go in and get everything ready, so I can really use that time to plan for next semester. Lots of things went wrong in school. No need to recap, but need to let it go. Due to the slow go in the AM Olivia missed dance class. She was sobbing when I left her at day care, because she couldn't wear her tappy shoes. So, tonight the princess practiced her shuffles while watching Mama Mia. What a great mama I am! For dinner, I made eggs and waffles. It is always good to mix it up. I just couldn't face a mess in the kitchen. TGIF and a long weekend to boot! I'm hoping to find a gospel sing over the weekend, where I can be refuel and recharged by heavenly PRAISE. Dr. King may we always remember to keep your DREAM alive.

Finally took the plunge

Hello friends,
After months of reading other blogs, I decided to take the leap. I concluded my adoption website on myadoptionwebsite dot com, Joe and Jenn did a marvelous job and Olivia and I will cherish this beautiful keepsake. Olivia is enjoying both ballet class and gymnastics, even with a cough and runny nose. Those of you who haven't seen her in awhile will be amazed at how much she has turned into a little girl. My baby is no longer a baby. I'm staying busy with work and church. I'm dreaming about summer vacation and longing to see leaves on the trees. The weather in CT is hovering around the zero mark with the wind chill making getting the mail a chore! All of you prayer warriors out there, Abby Riggs need our prayers. Once I figure out how to set up links you will be able to read all about her valiant fight against a vigilant lymphoma.