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!