Adoption Update

Just a quick adoption update: today our home study left our case worker's hands in order to make its way to the officials in Texas. Time for the USCIS filing!

Also, we were given an update on Andrew:

he is 15 months old, 15.7 pounds, 28.7 inches tall.

We can hardly wait to hold and kiss our little son!

This Week in Review

Well, I hope you don’t mind a catch-up post.

Derek has a new hobby—trimming windows. Derek’s hobby includes measuring, cutting, and nailing up the trim. “Derek’s hobby” involves Julie measuring alongside Derek, holding the wood while Derek cuts, holding up the trim and keeping it level while Derek hammers, filling in the nail holes and corners, sanding said nail holes and corners, priming the trim, painting the trim, and painting on a second coat. Derek’s hobby. Um, I guess it's mine too, by default.

Also, I finally put together and displayed the pictures my nephew Kevin took of a beach near our house. Thanks, Kevin!

I get some of my work done by keeping Cherish busy. Of course, that will mean that mommy has more work to do to clean up…but hey, that’s not what it’s about. ;-)

This is what creativity in process looks like:

Hey, Cherish let me get a close-up:

Notice the paint in the hair =)

Then, of course, there’s always adoption paperwork, paperwork, paperwork. Thankfully, we finished all we could currently do, and it all got out in the mail yesterday—the day before vacation. Whew!

In addition, we were able to send out our first care package to our little son.

Here we are planning:

And here it is ready to be assembled:

Now it is China-bound. Woo-hoo!

Also, we are headed on vacation—and in good practice to head to China—we are completely packed for about two weeks on carry-ons only! Personally, I am shocked. 3-ounce bottles or less. 1 quart zip-lock bag per person only. One carry-on per person + purse/snack bag + camera case + lap top. We did it!

Did I say I am impressed? Well then, “I’m impressed.” Now, let’s see how it goes….

Thinking of Andrew

Today I am at the computer working through the next set of paperwork needing to be completed for our adoption of Andrew. I am sick, and my body just wants to be horizontal in bed. However, my heart says, "No stinkin' way! Ain't happenin'!" Thus, I am refusing to listen to my body and am determined not to be the cause of delaying Andrew being in our arms for even one day.

Counting down the days until he is in our arms!

Adoption: it's truly amazing!

It's beyond words.

Nighttime Ritual:

"reading" to her dolls and animals.

I didn't know he could nap that deeply:

(It's a dog's bed turned upside down thoroughly covering Derek's head.)
I guess you can tell this was done by Cherish.

Derek slept that way until I thought he'd suffocate,
and I finally removed it.

He never noticed.

"100 Activities to Do With Your Preschool Child"

This is an e-book loaded with fun ideas for parents to do with their child/children--whether you plan to home school your child or simply give him/her a great start for school. The e-book, by Heidi Johnson, can be found by clicking HERE.

I have printed off the book and plan on doing at least one activity each weekday (Monday - Friday) from now until we leave to bring Andrew home from China--minus vacation days, of course. This should take us through December 7th. I am looking forward to this special time of bonding with Cherish and helping the time pass until we are holding Andrew in our arms.

Until then: Onward Ho! Today begins Activity #1.

"Little Boys"

"LITTLE BOYS"*

Little boys come in all shapes and sizes,

Shy and adventurous, full of surprises,

With misshapen halos and mischievous grins,

Small dirty faces, and sweet, sticky chins.

They'll keep you so busy, and yet all the while

Nothing can brighten the world like their smile.

And no greater treasure has brought homes more joy

Than a curious, active, and lovable boy!

Personally, I would have to say: our home could use some frogs, snails, and puppy-dogs' tails. ☺

* Author: Unknown; Source: www.scrapbook.com

First Dental Visit

Today was Cherish's first visit to the dentist. We found a pediatric dental office that has four dentists in the practice. The place is alive with videos games, movies, toys, games, live fish, etc. It is quite a place! Cherish wanted to stay and play after her visit was over! ☺

Notice the sunglasses and headphones.

Cherish is watching "Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs"

on the TV mounted into the ceiling.

 Oh, and there's Lovie, her faithful companion.

Cherish had no cavities! I am so thankful!

Only her molars are touching at this time, so I was told the molars are the only teeth needing flossing right now. Seems weird not to do all of them.

Tonight, Cherish has been flossing her teeth over and over again. She must have enjoyed her visit!

Family Fun

Monday was a time of getting together with my family and simply relaxing. Aaaahhh!

We spent some time swimming in Uncle Acie and Aunt Maureen's pool and having a marvelous time of "togetherness".

Cherish in her arm wings:

Ryan:

Part of the group:

Da "boyz"

Brandon:

Ryan:

Brandon:

Cherish's dive (off a step):

Acie throwing Ryan:

Then, Maureen suggested letting

Cherish try swimming with her arm wings off:

Goggles please...

Here she goes: 

 Na. I don't need goggles: 

 The new swimmer!

Thanks, Jen, for taking these underwater pictures!

I cannot believe she can swim and open her eyes!

Craziness!

Momma? Nope. Notta. Can.NOT.open.eyes.under.water!

Unique and Customized Baby and Children's Items

Need a baby shower gift or special items for your little one? Check out my friend's site for a variety of unique and customized baby and children's accessories. My friend, Becky, is pursuing international adoption, so a purchase from her site would be a win-win situation! Check out her link and spread the word!

http://www.sewingmustardseeds.com/