Catch-up post #2 - blog award

Thank you, Gen and Jamie for this blog award. I am truly honored. I'm not so sure I feel worthy since I've been somewhat of a slack blogger lately. I am trying hard to catch up, though, and I think I can finally say I've come out of hiding ;)

Now I'm supposed to answer a series of questions (from A to Z) about myself. Let's see how this goes...

A. Attached or single? single, but hopeful ;)

B. Best friend? forever friend, Robin
C. Cake or pie? pound cake

D. Day of choice? Saturday
E. Essential item? cell phone & chap stick

F. Favorite color? aquamarine

G. Gummy bears or worms? gummy bears

H. Hometown? born in Montreal, Canada; raised in CT & South FL

I. Indulgence? chocolate
J. January or July? January in Florida
K. Kids? 1 Little Squirt
L. Life isn’t complete without? family & friends

M. Marriage date? TBD ;)

N. Number of brothers & sisters? 1 brother
O. Oranges or apples? Oranges, but I prefer strawberries
P. Phobias? right now, fear of failure

Q. Quotes? Sieze the Day

R. Reasons to smile? seeing Noli first thing in the morning & hearing her laugh
S. Season of choice? Fall
T. Tag seven peeps! I would like to honor two single moms-to-be: Suzanne at Straight Down the Mountain and Pamela at Pamela's Adoption Journey. Suzanne has met her daughter-to-be and is currently awaiting news as to when she can bring Matilda home forever. Pamela is next in queue for a referral of her daughter-to-be. I am so thrilled to have met (virtually) both of these wonderful single moms-to-be, and look forward to the day when we will visit with each other live, sharing stories while watching our girls play together. I am so excited for both of these wonderful women. Stay strong, friends :)
U. Unknown fact about me? if I told you, then you'd know (I'll come back to this one another time)
V. Vegetable? brussels sprouts

W. Worst habits? procrastination
X. X-ray or ultrasound? ultrasound

Y. Your favorite food? mom's crepes and Thai & Indian
Z. Zodiac sign? Taurus - that explains any moments of stubborness ;)

Catch-up post #1 - meeting Mackenzie

A while back I mentioned that I had some catch-up blogging to do. Well, here is the first catch-up post.

On July 20th, Nola and I headed to Ft. Lauderdale beach to meet up with one of her roommates from Tokmok. Jamie and her kiddos were in town for the weekend and invited us out for the afternoon. I first met Mackenzie (Azima) when I traveled to bring Nola home. Here are Nola and Mackenzie on Dec. 6th, 2007.

And here they are today. (Jamie, I used your shot since mine didn't come out.)

We spent some time hanging out and talking and then took the kids down to the beach for a couple of hours. Here are a few more shots from that day. It was hard to get the girls to look at the camera, let alone smile and pose ;)

Jamie, I'm so glad we were able to share this time together. I really enjoyed all three of your little ones and I hope we do it again soon!!!

22 August 2007 at 3:08pm Eastern Time

A day and moment I'll never forget. On this day, 1 year ago, I learned about my daughter. This was the day I received the referral of a then 11 week old baby named Diana (DeeAHHnah).

Three phone numbers were ringing trying to get a hold of me while I was in the middle of a kitchen renovation consultation. First it was the office number; next my home number; and then my cell phone rang. I couldn't wait for that man (kitchen consultant) to get out of my house so I could ring Joyce at AO. I still have the scrap paper where I jotted down some notes. After learning a bit about my daughter-to-be, in popped the email with 3 photos of a sleeping angel.

referral picture - 10.5 weeks old

shot taken just a few days ago (Aug. 16th)

Little Love-

I could not be more thrilled to have you in my life and I feel so honored that we were brought together as a family. Your smiles and laughter are infectious and bring joy to all whose life you touch. Thank you for coming into my life.

All my love,

Your Mama

can you see them?

Guess who's cutting teeth?? (only one guess per person ;) I have been feeling Noli's gums every few days, and sometimes every day. Finally, 11 days ago, I felt it. Could it be? Could my 14.5 month old little love truly be getting teeth? Then I felt a second one popping through two days later. Here's where we're at as of the 17th of August. They sure are taking their sweet time. I was almost ready to have Noli fitted for dentures :)

what are those sharp thingies I feel?

These are a few of her favorite things...

Nola's top 10 (for now ;)

1. favorite game: 'I'm gonna get you'
2. 2nd favorite game: peek-a-boo
3. strawberries
4. 'Teddy' stuffed animal
5. 'Lambie Boo' at bedtime
6. Earth's Best Organic Letter of the Day cookies in very vanilla - YUM! (I like them, too)
7. 'Better Together' by Jack Johnson
8. laughing hysterically while being tickled
9. AUTHENTIC remote controls, cell phones, laptops & mouse
10. Omi & Tante Moni

Today, August 10th (14.5 mos)

Finally, San Diego! (with pics)

(this post is from our trip to San Diego in mid June when we attended the Adoption Options picnic and met some very special folks, and made new friends)

Over 6 weeks have passed and I have yet to post about our trip to San Diego. Well, first of all, obviously I survived traveling from South Florida, across the country, with a 1 year old. Yayyy for me, and for Nola. She did so well and made me proud. I will not say it was easy, but all in all she behaved wonderfully considering she is a little monkey. I mean, what 1 year old wants to, or is able to sit still for 5-7 hours? None that I know of!

We jet-setted to San Diego to attend an Adoption Options picnic. I believe they host a picnic every quarter. I didn't expect to attend one of their picnics quite this soon, but this one was too special to miss. Special guests from Kyrgyzstan were in attendance and I couldn't wait to see them again and I especially couldn't wait for them to see Nola Diana. In attendance were Tatiana, the orphanage Director/Dr. from Tokmok; Lyudmila and Sergei, the in-country coordinators; the judge from Tokmok; and a representative who works with the Minister of Education (MOE). It was wonderful to see these folks and meet the judge and MOE representative.

The purpose of their visit was to review the Kyrgyzstan adoption program and see first hand how the children, who are home, are doing. Various local families hosted the guests for dinner and other outings. Several folks came from afar, with their children, to join the festivities.

One of the best things about this trip was the opportunity to meet so many other adoptive families and their beautiful Kyrgyz kids. I was able to spend a good amount of time with Hilary, Tim and Anara. It was so cute to see Noli and Anara together. Anara was so sweet with Nola. Tim and Hilary are too wonderful for words and I can't thank them enough for sticking close to Noli and I.

Other families that I had the privilege to meet were Mala and Beck. Talk about a handsome little boy...he is all boy and cute as can be. He listens so well to his mama and I was so happy to finally connect with them in person.

Tina and Isabel were in the house!! Tina flew down from Northern CA with both of her daughters...such beautiful little girls. I didn't get to spend nearly enough time with Tina...we will catch up more next time, friend!

Other families I met, but who don't have blogs are: Riannon and her parents, Jen & Ted; Nadine and her son, Sam; Amina and her parents, Laura and Marc; Shiloh and her mom, Kim.

I also met PAP, Cindy. Cindy is a single mom-to-be and in queue to adopt a baby girl. Cindy opened her heart to Nola and I while we were in San Diego. I cannot thank her enough for her time and hospitality during our stay. She was wonderful with my little monkey and she is going to be a loving mother very soon :) Cindy, if you are reading this, Nola and I are sending you a BIG Thank You and Hug.

And now for pictures...

Nola playing hide and seek in the hotel room

Tatiana, Noli, Me

Noli, Me, Amina, & Laura

Kim, Shiloh, Anara, Hilary, Noli, Me

One tired Little Squirt taking a siesta

Nadine & Sam

Anara, Beck, Tina & Isabel

Nola & Anara - is this the beginning of pole dancing?

new friends - Nola & Anara

Noli & Cindy

Noli & Mom (very windy day)

Nola, Anara, Hilary, & Tim

BIG thanks, I'm OK, and Noli's driving

Seriously...I've got some updated posts brewing as we speak. For now though, I want to send a HUGE THANK YOU to all of you for your supportive comments and emails. Life has been a bit rough this past month, but I want you to know that I'm OK. We're OK.

You'll hear other stuff when I complete the posts I'm working. Right now I will leave you with this picture of Noli in her first convertible. She love love loves her new wheels. I am in trouble!!!

Hugs to all :)

July 9th - 13 1/2 months