Medical woes

Aliette and I have been in Norwalk Hospital for the past three days. She was admitted Wednesday afternoon for Pneumonia, RSV, and asthma flare. We were discharged late Friday and are recovering at home. I'll be taking the week off from work to follow up with specialists, with the hope of getting a handle on her breathing to avoid all of these crisis's. Despite her feeling so yucky, Aliette won the hearts of all those she came in contact with. Not only did I have a sick child to deal with the hospital questioned my ability to make medical decisions because I don't have custody. I was able to give the hospital lawyers and social worker all of the documentation and after hours of research and debate, they stated she will be welcomed at their hospital today and tomorrow. My social worker worked overtime and has gotten a meeting with the probate judge on Wednesday afternoon. Hoping he will be granting custody. I don't think the adoption will be finalized because she hasn't prepared all of the papers, but getting closer to some solutions.

Olivia has been with her grandparents and yesterday spent the day with all of her cousins. I am so blessed to have an easy going child who is flexible. Olivia has been a trooper going to all of the medical appointments and having plans cancelled. Latest sacrifices was a birthday party and dance class. I've cancelled our memorial vacation plans to Bloomsburg, I was so looking forward to visiting with my friends and going to Knoebles with the kids, but I don't think it is wise to venture that far from home. Pennsylvania will have to wait until August. I'll try to post pictures of the girls and our latest adventures sometime later.

Never a dull moment

I'm sorry I haven't been so attentive to my loyal readers. There has been lots going on. I've returned to work full time. The transition back to the workplace went smoother than I had anticipated. Aliette settled in nicely at daycare and Olivia loves having her sister at her "school." The morning is a little hectic, but I've manage to get 2 kids and all of their belongings in the car by 6:20am! not bad.



I've spent the past 3 months trying to figure out how to get custody of Aliette. Although she is in my physical custody, I have no legal claims to her. Just recently, my social worker found someone who might be able to help me. We are hoping to get both custody and finalize the adoption. Please pray that I will be awarded custody and the adoption finalized and the funds needed will appear. With God, all things are possible. He makes a way out of no way.



I finally decided where Olivia will go to kindergarten. She will be attending school across the street from where I work. It is a wonderful school with high academic standards. She had other options, but I'm only one person who needs to be on time for work. A former student will be watching her for 15-20 minutes in the morning and walking her across the street. A win, win situation.



Last week, on a beautiful sunny day, I took the kids to the beach to fly a kite. Olivia has wanted to fly a kite for months now. She didn't really understand about needing wind, but I think she understands now. She loved kite flying. She handled the kite like a pro.

Aliette has been diagnosed with asthma. Although I'm not a worrier by nature, having a child with breathing problems isn't fun. We spent most of Saturday in the ER with 105 fever and significant breathing distress. The doctors are following her closely and have readjusted her medications.

I haven't heard again from Oprah. I was hoping to visit the windy city, but guess it wasn't in the cards. I'll keep you posted.

I know you all want to see new pictures, so I'll post them later this week.

A call from Oprah

On Wednesday, I received a called from the producers of the Oprah show. They are planning a show on Haitian paroled orphans and they were looking for guests. I don't know if we will be heading to Chicago, but I sent photos and gave them access to the blog. Even if we don't go, such a cool conversation. I'll keep you all posted.

I go back to school on Monday. Pray that we will be able to get out of the house with few tears and that I won't forget anything important. So much to remember. Now, reality of working full time, managing a house, and kids and a crazy cat. Think she is really upset there are gates and she is annoyed she has to jump to get her food. Aliette is fascinated with the cat's water dispenser, so I needed to move it.

Daisies and Daffodils

My girls both love to pose for the camera.

Look Mom no hands!

Okay, mom you got a great shot can we now go and feed the ducks?

My girls stopping to smell the flowers!

Hanging out enjoying a beautiful afternoon at the park.

More photos to follow. My friend Renee took lots while I entertained Aliette. We had a great time feeding the ducks, blowing bubbles, walking on walls and acting silly. I just love spring weather. It is so nice to be outside again.

Glorious Day

Who needs an egg hunt when your cousins bring the eggs and candy to you!

All the cousins in their Easter finest waiting for the egg hunt to begin and putting up with the grown up taking so many pictures.

Auntie Dee with Aliette

Sisters forever!

My girls in their Easter attire with grandma and grandpa before the famous egg hunt!

Aliette hanging out at St. Paul's coffee hour playing with one of our favorite people Steve.

Sorry Nancy, maybe next time.

Happy Easter

We had a great Easter. Olivia is an old pro at the Egg hunt. She let the little ones in the number of eggs found. Every once in a while she would check on Aliette to see if she was having fun with her two eggs! Olivia was off last week and we had fun hanging out and doing all sorts of neat things, but dinosaurs weren't among them. We went to Sears for our 1st family portrait and I'm so happy with how they came out. I've been taking pictures, so I will post them soon, but until then enjoy a few by the professionals. Happy Easter.

Time to bounce

So you are probably wondering what is up, well, we are settling into life as a family of three. I'm busy from morning to night, but never been happier.



Aliette is currently finished with all of her medications. I believe we will need to see an ENT pretty soon, but doctor is pacing visits. Insurance is being a little difficult, but I believe those issues are working themselves out. We've been home a little more than a month, when I meet her she wasn't crawling or able to hold her own bottle. Now, she is cruising, pulling herself up, and will walk when holding your fingers. She is a happy baby, with a unique sparkle in her eye. She makes me laugh often. Her favorite past time is playing in the cat's water or playing peek a boo with her sister.



Olivia is very protective of her little sister and would rather play with her than me. I'm a little jealous, but know how important this time. She hates it when Aliette takes a nap or is eating in the Kitchen, she begs for her friend to stay up or join her for whatever adventure she is having. Today we are going to our favorite place: Andies Bounce and Barn with Noelle and Rafe. A good time should be had by all.



Next week, Olivia is taking the week off from school and we are going to hit the museums. I'm dying to see the dinosaurs, kept talking about them, but I never get there, so I'm hoping next week. We have tickets for both the Discovery and Stepping stones museums as well. On Tuesday, Olivia and I will be visiting a potential kindergarten. She has gotten into a great magnet school focusing on language: all students are taught both English and Spanish. I will need to hire a nanny to wait for the bus, but Olivia is getting harder and harder to get up early. It is difficult for me to get up and ready to leave the house by 6:15, now imagine you are almost 5. I am praying and asking for discernment, because this is a really big decision.



April 12th is D-day, the day I return to work and both girls go to day care. I've been driving down the parkway daily to take Olivia to school, but we have breakfast and she is at school by 8:30, only have to shave off two hours! No problem. Wish me luck. I learned that my to do list is very long and is growing longer each day. Thank goodness summer is just around the corner. Olivia is going to art camp and Aliette will stay at day care. We'll see how that goes. Since Olivia loves anything with scissors, glue, and paint, I think she will have an awesome time. I get a few weeks off in August then begin again. Can't wait to swim in grandma's and grandpa's pool. I don't have any photos, hoping I'll get some of the girls in their Sunday best.