Birthday Girls!

This past Sunday we celebrated the Birthdays of my Niece Erin (9) and Annetta (my brothers girlfriend) the newest addition to our family. The cakes this year were store bought :(



We celebrated at Meemas. It was an extra special weekend because Cousins Sarah an Kevin were here for a visit. It had been ages since we had seen them and it was wonderful to have them here :)

We had steamed Crabs and Clams for dinner and they were yummy. I had no idea that Erin and Christopher were such good crab pickers.

Little Miss Porsha wearing her pearls that Meema got her.

She's a princess and she knows it :)

Mr Killy watching for shadows.

The day ended with a beautiful sunset on the York river.

Meet Mackenzie

Yesterday I had the pleasure of spending 13 hrs with Mackenzie. I work with her Mom and she had daycare issues so I babysat :) Mackenzie is 8 months old and probably at the developmental stage that Abby will be so it was great practice for me. We had so much fun and she broke in the nursery for me. This little one rarely stops or sleeps (sorry Courtney :o ) She also tried out some of Abby's toys.

Some of the things I learned yesterday were.... Abby's bedroom door is very squeaky. Makes it hard for a quiet sneaky get away. The lawn people are going to be an issue. After a 1.5 hr nap ( Her Mom says she usually sleeps 2 or 3 hrs) They decided to trim the hedges right out side her window. Woke my girl right up! (Must invest in sound machine). Baby Einstein videos rock! She loved it and watched almost the whole thing at 8 months! My glider rocker is super comfy. I am going to love it! Finally.... A baby's smile is the best thing in the world! (I already knew that :o)

It was so neat to have a baby in Abby's room. I loved yesterday and think I am ready to take my Abby girl on :o I can't wait! Below, the crib finally gets some action :) And also, don't reem me for the pillow in the crib. her Mom brought it and said it is the only way she sleeps.

This and that.

Well lookie here what I found in my mailbox. A second brown envelope. I guess from renewing my I 171 form way back when ??? Seems like it took longer this time around since I don't even remember when I renewed. So I guess I have a spare now. Not necessarily a bad thing :) Let's hope I don't have the need for a 3rd one.

Is it me or is this summer just flying by? Seems like it was just barely June and now were over halfway into July. The drum beat seems to be getting a little louder too. I'm starting to feel like my turn is finally coming. It's like a different phase of the wait. It still feels endless but at the same time it feels a little like it's gaining on me. I have quite a few things on my to do list as well. Time to get busy. I have to admit too that I am starting to get a little nervous. Mostly at night right before I fall asleep. My mind really wanders with a lot of what if's and worries. I can really get myself going sometimes. Guess I better get used to it though. It's all a part of motherhood.

And the current RUMORS???? They sound way to good to be true! I'm not counting on them at all. I will not let myself fall for them again. Just please god let me have my baby in my arms by December.

China Boots!

Every time I have gone somewhere that involved a lot of walking my feet have paid the price. Two times in particular will always remain fresh in my memory. The first time was on my first trip to New York City. It was summer and I wore aerasoles (sp?) slides/mules. I figured they would be soft and comfy (they always had been). Not so much. As I'm sure you know we walked a lot all weekend. By the second day I had terrible blisters. My blisters formed in a terrible place. The soles of my feet. It was awful, the pain I will never forget! I basically had to window in all my blisters with moleskin and wear tennis shoes the rest of the weekend. Not fun.

The second time it happened was in New Orleans. I think I was stupid enough to wear the same shoes. It was spring this time. I went for a nursing conference. I didn't think there would be a lot of walking involved. Boy was I wrong. First I had never been to New Orleans and had no idea it was going to be so much fun. The first day we got there we walked every where (including) Burbon street. You guessed it ! That night the same thing. Blisters on the soles of my feet. Agony the next day and another trip to the drug store for moleskin. You would think I would of learned. The conference was at the convention center (pre Katrina) and that place was huge. My feet were literally burning.

So, (on this so exciting post) the next time I went to New York City I was ready. We went during the Christmas holiday and I wore a pair of Ugg boots. They were so comfortable and I did not get one blister and we walked every where! I know my China trip will involve tons of walking. Plus I will be carrying Abby for a large part of the trip. I need some comfy footwear. Blisters would ruin things in a big way. So tonight I found my dream pair of Ugg boots in Chocolate and I ordered them. I got them at zappos.com. A great deal!

I still believe everything happens for a reason. I'm pretty sure I will be traveling in either the Fall or Winter Months so the boots will be perfect :) But I am still definitely adding moleskin to my packing list.

LID 19 Months Today!

And now it's 19. I said I would not speculate and I'm trying not to. I don't think My Abby will be in my arms until after the New Year is here. I'm not counting on it. Really I'm not. So how come I am still hoping that she might be or could be??? It's a nagging feeling that I can't shake. A feeling of it could be possible..... I'm letting myself think it could happen sooner then it probably will. I think it will be close and could go either way. There I go again speculating! I don't want to, I don't want any more disappointments. Even though I know it's likely I can't just let myself believe I will meet her next year. I know... I am going to be sorry... My hopes will end up being dashed.

Referrals!

They are coming! According to Rumor Queen the cut off is November 14th. That leaves 24 days (of LID'S) until it's finally my turn. Now bring on the pictures and a Big Congratulations to all you Mamas and Papas to be :'D

Happy Independence Day!

8 things Meme

I have been tagged (Thanks Laura and Sarah) to name 8 random things to come up with about myself.



1- I have broken many bones. My wrists between the 2 at least 7 times. I wasn't terribly clumsy, I just tend to stiffen up my arms when I fall. In case your wondering the hows, the first time I was playing circus and fell off my rocking horse while standing, the second time was exactly one year to the date of the first. I fell at school while doing the crossbars and trying to skip one. I don't remember the order of the rest but twice involved a ball that I stopped with my hand, once a dark collision with another person while playing manhunt, once roller skating, and finally again on the crossbars at school. It was in gym and I told the teacher I couldn't do it due to my history. She made me do it anyway. You guessed it, I fell not only breaking my wrist but also my ankle as well. I again broke the same ankle several years later in a car accident. (My sister was driving). Also (can you believe it?) I have broken my heel. I don't recommend jumping off the back of a jacked up pickup truck onto concrete.





2- I was born in Vecenza Italy. I also lived in Cadiz Spain for three years as a child. I loved Spain. I remember quite a bit and would love to go back one day.





3- I have been an ICU RN for 13 years and I love it. I most love that by the end of the day I know I was able to make a difference for someone else.


4- I am a shy person pretty much everywhere but at work. Not sure why I am not shy at work. I guess I just really feel good about what I do.




5- I decorate cakes. I have never had any formal training, just kind of learned on my own. I have made almost every single Birthday cake for my Niece and Nephew here in Virginia.


6- I am addicted to the Weather Channel and CNN. I must check them both periodically through out the day.


7- I have gained way too much weight during this wait for my Abby from China. I need to work seriously on this now before she gets home.



8- I never thought I would still be single at this point in my life. It's partly my fault though. After being burned a few too many times I have built up a significant wall of protection around myself. I need to put some windows in though cause I really hope that I'm not single my whole life.



So there you have it. 8 random things about me. If you haven't done this Meme already consider yourself tagged.

All Done!

Abby's dresser is all done :) I think it turned out pretty well. I can't wait to start putting her clothes away in it. I'm also thinking that I might be able to put a changing pad on part of it? What do you guys think???? The dresser is actually wider then it looks in the picture and it would fit one.

Once I get her dresser filled then I will tackle her closet. It's not to pretty right now. Thanks also for the suggestions to separate her clothes by size. I'm embarrassed to say that I have done that. The clothes in her closet are size 9 months to 12 - 18 months. I know, I am out of control :) A lot of the clothes are hand me downs though. I am never one to turn those down. I love baby clothes! Plus I have been buying cute baby stuff for others for years and it's now finally my turn :)

I will say though for you guys that are much earlier in the process, if you can control your self try and space buying your baby clothes out. The reason I say that now is because I am still seeing Lot's of cute stuff I want out there. Now I am having a hard time though cause I know she will never be able to wear everything so I can't justify buying anything else. (Unless of course it's really cute!)

The Red Couch: Chinese Adoption

I found this cute video on you tube. It shows a travel group shooting their red couch photo. Can you say ADORABLE? I love how the camera turns to record the paparazzi. I bumming because by the time I get to go over the White Swan will be closed for a facelift. Oh well.

Thank you also for all of your crossed fingers. My ac coil just needed to be unclogged and of course some freon. Thank goodness!

Oh what a Mess!

My babies room is a mess! A while back I painted one of the dressers from my room for Abby's room. You can see it in the picture. It used to be cherry but i painted it white and changed the drawer handles to these cute knobs that I found at Target. Well now all of those drawers are packed and I still have a lot more to place. Her closet is a wreck and I can't begin to organize it until I put away all of her non hanging stuff first.

If your still with me on this oh so exciting post, I decided to move my other dresser into her room. So I'm painting it tonight. Now my stuff is stacked in my closet but my girl needs the dresser more then me. She definitely has more clothes then me.

I had planned on getting new bedroom furniture anyways. the dressers belonged to My Nanny. I think she would like the idea of her dressers being in Abby's room.

By the way my shelf is still hanging!

Six more drawers for Abby's stuff! I'm so excited :) Once all of her clothes and accessories are put away then I will finish her closet. Then with the exception of a few little things her room will be done. Now I have to convince Quackers that this is really not her room....

Signs that my Niece made for Abby's door. Did I mention that it is currently 80 degrees in my house right now? My thermostat is set on 65. The air con people are coming tomorrow. Fingers crossed that I only need Freon.

Yikes!

I guess first timers like me need to be ready for anything :O

Just a funny

Since I have nothing to post, I give you this :) And yes I have 2 cats.

Diary Excerpts From A Dog And A Cat

The Dog's Diary

8:00 AM - Dog food! My favorite thing!

9:30 AM - A car ride! My favorite thing!

9:40 AM - A walk in the park! My favorite thing!

10:30 AM - Got rubbed and petted! My favorite thing!

12:00 PM - Milk bones! My favorite thing!

1:00 PM - Played in the yard! My favorite thing!

3:00 PM - Wagged my tail! My favorite thing!

5:00 PM - Dinner! My favorite thing!

7:00 PM - Got to play ball! My favorite thing!

8:00 PM - Wow! Watched TV with the people! My favorite thing!

11:00 PM - Sleeping on the bed! My favorite thing!


The Cat's Diary

Day 983 of my captivity.

My captors continue to taunt me with bizarre little dangling objects. They dine lavishly on fresh meat, while the inmates and I are fed hash or some sort of dry nuggets. Although I make my contempt for the rations perfectly clear, I nevertheless must eat something in order to keep my strength.

The only thing that keeps me going is my dream of escape. In an attempt to disgust them, I once again vomit on the carpet. Today I decapitated a mouse and dropped its headless body at their feet. I had hoped this would strike fear into their hearts, since it clearly demonstrates my capabilities. However, they merely made condescending comments about what a "good little hunter" I am. Bastards!

There was some sort of assembly of their accomplices tonight. I was placed in solitary confinement for the duration of the event. However, I could hear the noises and smell the food. I overheard that my confinement was due to the power of "allergies." I must learn what this means, and how to use it to my advantage.

Today I was almost successful in an attempt to assassinate one of my tormentors by weaving around his feet as he was walking. I must try this again tomorrow, but at the top of the stairs.

I am convinced that the other prisoners here are flunkies and snitches. The dog gets special privileges. He is regularly released, and seems more than willing to return. He is obviously retarded.

The bird must be an informant. I observe him communicate with the guards regularly. I am certain that he reports my every move. My captors have arranged protective custody for him in an elevated cell, so he is safe. For now!

Cool Stuff

My friend Randi sent me the link to this

This cute little pan can be found at Williams-Sonoma.

Diana

I have always admired Princess Diana so I made sure to watch Matt Lauers interview with William and Harry tonight. I think she would be pretty proud of how her boys have turned out.

Dads day!

Happy Fathers Day to all the Dads and Dads in waiting out there and a special BIG HAPPY FATHERS DAY to all of the Dads in my life! I hope you have a GREAT day :)

Summer time

I saw my first lightning bug tonight. I know summer doesn't start officially until June 21st but to me lightning bugs always mean summer. Tonight as I watched a lone lightning bug flash on my deck I started wondering............ What makes them flash. I googled them to see.

Turns out they make their own light due to some sort of special cells in their belly. These cells produce a chemical and a enzyme that combine to make the light. What I found even more interesting was that when the lightning bug is flashing they are doing so to attract a mate. When the perfect mate is found she flashes back to signal that she's into the mate. They then due some heavy flashing between the two of them (I guess their flirting with each other?) before they actually mate. It's true I'm not making this up. I read it here.

Anyhow...... I really didn't have anything to post until I saw the lightning bug. It got me thinking. Spring sure did fly by fast. Now if only summer will do the same. No offense to all of you summer loving folks out there, I just really want time to fly so I can get my referral :)

Britain's Got Talent- Conny

Check out this 6 year old cutie! Even Simon is a softy.

Thanks!

You all are the best! For those of you who have been there and back, for those of you who just got your referrals and still took the time, for those of you that are waiting just like me, and for those of you that are here to support me. Thank you so much for all of your encouraging words and for letting me vent. It means so much! I know we will all get through this one day at a time........ And I also know that good things come to those that wait. Just needed a little reminder. Thank you :)

LID 18 Months Today

So as of today my dossier has now been logged in with the CCAA for 18 months. I think we all know why I am not feeling happier.... First off I want to say that I in NO WAY mean to rain on any ones parade. I am so happy for all of you LUCKY families that have finally had your dreams come true! I can't wait to see all of the beautiful pictures and hear how you are coming along as you get ready for your trips and share in just a little bit of your excitement. Seeing your dreams come true is a big part of what keeps me going.

I can no longer live on the theory of waiting to see what happens next time to guesstimate what my chances may be. 6 days this time and 6 days last time probably indicates a trend. I'm not going to try and guess when Abby's referral might come anymore either. I have now had my hopes dashed one time too many. This snails pace is killing me! With every month that referrals are issued I have to add one more month to my wait. I am in a freaking standstill. I feel like I am not making any progress and I don't know who to feel sorrier for me or the people that are in line behind me. The thought of spending yet another Christmas without her really makes me ill.

I feel like I have lost my happy place. I have tried for the most part for so long now to remain positive. Now I'm just tired . Tired of hoping and daring to believe only to be shot down yet again later. I am sorry for this negative downer post. I truly am happy for all of the new families out there. I just wish things would speed up for the rest of us.

Referrals Are Here!

Referrals began to arrive today. It appears that the cutoff date this time was for lucky families that were logged in from November 2 through November 7th only. (So much for the double digit rumor) These families have been waiting around 19 months for their referrals. I am so happy and excited for those that have finally received their long awaited good news. This has been a strange wait this time around. Again it's like the CCAA skipped a month since the last group of referrals arrived in April. I know that's not actually the case since evidently there can and often are more then 30 or so days in between referral groups issued. That said it still seems like a missed month to me. Anyhoo I'm looking foreword to seeing some adorable pictures sprout up soon :O

Baby Laughs

I found this sweetie on you tube. Is it not just the cutest thing you have ever seen :O

NOPE

Nope! I'm not listening. I refuse to hear any bad rumors. How can something that seemed so promising for a while now no longer be the case???? Enough already :(

Remember Me

To Honor and Remember! Don't forget to go to my last entry and send some of these every day heros a digital card.

In support of our troops

LET'S SAY THANKS!

I posted this site last year too. In honor of Memorial Day why not take a minute to also pay tribute to those many brave Men and Women serving overseas? They are making such a sacrifice for us. Many may not agree about the current conflicts but regardless our people are over there. It's easy to forget what they are enduring as we sit in the comforts of our own lives but why not send them a note and let them know that we have not forgotten them. Let's let them know how proud of them we are and how much we appreciate the chances they are taking for us? If everyone sent at least one card just think how many days we could brighten.

Xerox is sponsoring this site. It only takes a minute. You can digitally send a card with a message that you select to our troops. These cards are then printed and sent to our troops serving overseas by Xerox. Go ahead and check out there site. It's really EASY and its FREE! It's cool and you will feel better after you do it. Let's say THANKS :o

Jon and Kate plus 8

I just recently found this show on the Discovery Health channel. It's pretty cool. This amazing family are the parents of multiples times two. They have a set of twins and a set of sextuplets! Wow is all I can say. It's fun to watch this show and see how they do things although sometimes I think she is a little hard on her husband. All of their children are beautiful and part Asian. It comes on Tuesday nights at 10:00 and 10:30 pm. (eastern time)

Whoa Nellie

The Rumors are just so promising right now and I am trying SO hard to not let myself get sucked in. I know that it is way to early to count on anything right now. I know the rumors can and probably will change several more times before we finally get to see what happens. I also know that I have been disappointed multiple times in the past when the good rumors didn't end up panning out. I still can't help wondering and hoping! Double digits??? If they (CCAA) are able to issue referrals for LID's up to the 15th or 16th? That's 15 days! If they can do that this time then maybe another 15 days next time. That would bring them up to November 30th. December is predicted to be a small month so maybe I would be next?? Is it possible that I MIGHT have my referral in August???? Then with referrals currently coming out at the beginning of the month and if I were to get my referral in early August... Could I possibly travel by the end of September???? Before the start of the dreaded trade fair????

Time will tell. Bring on the referrals the suspense is killing me :)

And now a little Shoppy

Just thought I would post pictures of my Referral Day celebration shopping last time :) Now bring on the next batch! I'm ready :)

Bathing suit and Hat from Babies R Us

Dress from E bay Shoes from Babies R Us

It's your day!

Happy Mothers Day to all of you Mothers and Moms in waiting out there! I hope your day is as special a you are!

I also want to take the time to wish my Mom a Happy Mothers Day. I love you and my life is better because of you! Thanks for all you do and have done for me and for all of your Love and Support during my journey to Abby. This wait has been much easier to handle with you standing beside me!!!! You are an awesome Grandmother and I can't wait for Abby to get to know and love you :)

Today I also find myself wondering if I am a mother yet? I think there is a good chance that Abby has been born by now. I have thought that before but now that I am starting to get so close to the end of our red thread I really believe it. I had a dream about a month ago that I had finally received my referral. It was my most realistic dream to date. I actually saw her face in this one. I can vaguely still picture it. (It is probably a mixture of all of the cute babies I have already seen on all of your blogs) In my dream I was holding her referral photos and I remember saying the province that she was from. Who knows what that was though because I surely would not be able to name one province in China now if you asked me too :)

Memory Keeper Box

I just had to share. I found this at Hallmark tonight. It's pretty cool. I am going to use it for Abby's Gotcha Day memories. It was only $14.99.

It has 2 storage sections. It also comes with 20 photo sleeves for journaling. I'm thinking I will keep the clothing that she has on that day in here and any other special memento's from that special day. I also thought it was pretty special that the box matches the back of a ladybug and even more of a coincidence that the little girl pictured on the lid is Asian. Do you think Hallmark knows about the ladybug China adoption connection?

I also found these cute book labels at Hallmark to place in all of Abby's books :)

LID 17 MONTHS TODAY!

First off THANK YOU to everybody who offered me their opinions and feelings on my move or not move dilemma. The general consensus seems to be for me to try out my current living situation first and then go from there. I think that is what I will do unless a better or unable to pass up wonderful opportunity presents itself. I really appreciated all of your thoughts though.

Now on to today's milestone. It is just crazy to me that it has now been 17 months since my paperwork was logged in with the CCAA. Whats even crazier is that the lucky folks that just received their referrals had been logged in for 18 months. That makes it sound like I am so close but we all know that is not the case. I am figuring on at least a 4 more month wait for Abby's referral :(

Another thing that is crazy to me is how the time is passing. It is so hard to explain what I mean. To me it seems like it was just yesterday that I was posting for my 16 month LID anniversary and now I'm up to 17 months. This past month went by lickity split but it seems like the waiting for this month to end and see what happens next is taking forever already. By the same token though each day seems to be passing quickly? Just a crazy and unexplainable feeling of time moving both fast while dragging slowly at the same time. I wish I could explain it :)

My picture I posted is how I have been counting up my LID months accrued. Each month I add a ladybug. (I get them from Hallmark) (Ignore the dust on my table) Presiding over my ladybugs is a lucky Buddha that my Mom gave me last year. And of course you can't miss my lucky bamboo plant :)

Opinions Needed

I have been living in my condo for 6 and a half years. It needed a new paint job so I finally got motivated to start last night. Those vertical blinds just got away from me when I tried to take them down, taking out my lamp and just narrowly missing my TV when they fell. Luckily no serious damage occurred but I did end up ditching the blinds. I think it was time for new ones anyway.

I have been trying to decide if I should move or not before Abby arrives. My condo is on the small side. Just a little over 1100 square feet It has 2 bedrooms and 2 full baths. I'm on the 2nd floor. It's not real big on storeage so I am considering renting a small storeage place for over flow.

Why do I want to move? I am really worried that my condo just won't be big enough for Abby and I once she gets here. I know babies stuff has a way of multiplying. I already don't have enough room for all of her clothes :) I also really want a yard to take Abby out to play in. My condo fees combined with my current mortgage payment would easily allow for me to ajust to a higher mortgage payment. My condo has doubled in value since I purchase it a little over 6 years ago so there would be some good extra cash if I sold it. Plus it seems to be a good time to buy right now. If I move I would prefer to find a small home in my same neighborhood. There are several available right now.

Why not to move? I will have to get a homestudy update if I move before Abby comes. Cost around 300 dollars. With a yard comes yardwork do I really want all that and a new baby too? At least at first? I know a house will require a little more upkeep then my condo though I'm sure I would be able to handle it. Currently all my outside maintanace is taken care of and that is nice. There is also a park right across the street from me and I know we will be at my Mom's a lot too (big yard there). I am 15 minutes from work and her future daycare. I am used to it here, I like it here. It's a good safe security patroled established neighborhood.

So I guess I am just really hung up on the space thing. Do ye'all think 1100 square feet is enough space for me and Abby? Should I try it for a while and see how it goes? I wouldn't want to stress her out further by moving once she gets ajusted. Plus her room is pretty. We could try it for a year or not. Opinions???

The peanut gallary while I painted :)