Disney and Re-adopt

We got back from Disney several days ago and took a few days to unwind before I updated the blog and talked about the great vacation we had. I also have become slack about posting even more so because I figure I don't even know if people still read this stuff or not. Either way at least we know the girls could read this when they get older and remember some of the experiences they had.
Disney was a great trip. Lennah is at that age where she gets things and loved going on rides and meeting the characters. She became fixated on the Dumbo ride which of course is one of the longest waits in Disney but we sucked it up and did it.
The first part of our trip was spent with me catching up with family that I had not seen in many years since they had moved to Florida quite some time ago and we all lost touch so that was nice getting to see them. We also spent our first day at Disney at Blizzard Beach. This first day was interesting because I guess I should rebuke the claim that no one reads our blog because at the kiddie area a lady approaches me and tells me she reads our blog. It turns out that her little girl was from an orphanage called Kien Gang in Vietnam and she had read our blog because she read the Crow Family's blog who traveled with us. I thought that was pretty cool. You never know who you may run into or meet hundreds of miles from home.
Everyday we had some sort of character meal which Delylah was not fond of at first. She would shake her head and yell no when the characters approached her. She eventually got over her shyness and fear and by the end of the trip was hugging them good-bye like her big sister was doing.
We had a great trip the only problem with going with little ones is bed time. Try being cramped in one room at night and trying to get both kids to bed (not an enjoyable part of traveling).
We cannot wait to take a trip like this again when the kids are bigger and will actually remember the trip. We know when all was said and spent it was so worth it to see the big grin on Lennah's face when she experienced a ride or met a new character.

Today was a big day because we officially re-adopted Delylah. In Ethiopia the adoption of your child takes place before you actually meet them so you have to re-adopt in order for them to become a citizen and to change their name. So today we had our day in court and Delylah officially because Delylah Aviella Paulsen.

Wedding and Get Togethers

We have been super busy the past few days. On Thursday we were fortunate enough to get together with our adoption agency from Delylah's adoption and the other Illien families. It was a great night and I actually enjoyed an Ethiopian dinner (food wise) for the first time. The girls had a blast playing with the other kids and it was great getting to meet some people for the first time and seeing old friends. It is a blessing that so many families are so near that have also experienced an adoption from Ethiopia. I wish there were more local Vietnamese families and right now with the shut down it does not look like there will be many more families in our area any time soon.

Secondly we had a wedding yesterday and Lennah was the flower girl or at least supposed to be the flower girl. Friday night we went to the rehearsal dinner and Lennah did a great job of walking down the aisle so I assumed all would go off without a hitch last night. Well, Lennah skipped her nap and that made her cranky and super tired from all the excitement the past few days. She started crying when it was time to make her grand appearance and mommy had to come and at least try to save the day. Well needless to say she never walked the aisle and I missed the whole ceremony at one of my best friend's weddings. Ahhh the joys of the terrible twos. All was not a total loss because Lennah looked absolutely adorable and everyone loved seeing her all dressed up. Since she was so tired she didn't even make it through dinner and feel asleep through the whole reception.

Sisters

I usually just don't throw up random posts any more because our lives are hectic but I have just been so happy at the way Lennah and Delylah have been playing together lately I thought I would share. They now play together by chasing each other around the house. Lennah demands that she gives Delylah a hug and kiss before Delylah goes to bed. Occassionally Lennah will share that is something we still have to work on here and there but they have finally gotten the hang of being sisters. Yesterday I was in Kohl's with the kids and Lennah and Delylah were in the double stroller and Lennah kept pointing at Delylah and telling everyone in the store that she was her sister. It was too cute. It is just so much fun to watch them playing together.

Happy Mother's Day

My Mother's Day present

What a Princess

Driving in Style

Me and my ice cream

Happy Mother's Day to all our friends out there. Today was a grand day. I have so much to be thankful for this Mother's day; two beautiful girls. We had a great family breakfast and my dad and Keith cooked dinner. I also got a beautiful family necklace for mother's day. Yesterday we took my mom to have portraits taken with the girls since that is what she wanted for Mother's day. As soon as I get the pics back I will be sure to post since the girls look absolutely adorable. To back track a bit we raised $131 dollars for our fundraiser for AHOPE orphanage on Thursday. I plan on doing this every year so hopefully next year we will gain more support but every little bit helps. We also hit the taste of Marietta fair two weeks ago and had a great time. Things have been business as usualy around here and now we are just waiting for our big trip. Enjoy the photos.

Important Happenings

Tomorrow is a very important day in the world. It is World AIDS Orphans Day. This is so important because millions of children are living with this disease throughout the world who do not have access to vital meds that can help them live long and full lives. I am proud that I have encouraged my school to have a fundraiser tomorrow and donate to AHOPE. AHOPE is a orphanage in Ethiopia for children with HIV.
Another important adoption happening is the fact that the adoption tax credit it set to expire in 2010. This allows families to receive a tax credit for almost 12,000 after completing their adoptions. So many people want to adopt and this tax credit enables many to afford adoption. Without support the credit will be reduced and so many children many not find forever families. We are fortunate that this has helped us with the adoption of our girls. We also would like to adopt again (it will be several years) and without this credit we may find it difficult to proceed with bringing home another child. Please show your support for this tax credit by visiting and finding out more information how you can get legislative support for this bill.

Easter and Catching Up

A Very tired Lennah

The past few weeks have been fun and very busy. Easter came and went and the girls has a spectacular Easter. Between my parents and us the girls have way more candy than they could possibly eat so it is stashed away for mommy and daddy but they got lots of stuffed bunnies and goodies in their baskets that they are actually allowed to have. We also bought the girls a playhouse and slide for the outside that they are thoroughly enjoying it. Mommy has been super busy since I had to go to Atlanta four days in a row for my doctorate residency. In between my Atlanta trips we had several birthday parties this past weekend. Overall it has been a very busy time. We also have a lot planned with the nice weather coming like heading to the taste of marietta fair next week and getting together with friends. Nothing is looking as exciting as heading to Disney in less than two months. Enjoy the pictures all.

One Year Ago

One Year Ago
Today


One year ago we were blessed with wonderful news for the second time around. While on vacation in Disney we received the news that we were going to be parents again to a beautiful 2 month old baby girl. Time has gone so fast and Delylah has brought so much joy to our lives within the past year. We had a rocky road to travel to get her with many ups and downs and at points we were unsure if her adoption would come to be with the freeze on adoptions from her orphanage for a brief period of time but when all was said and done God had a plan. His plan was for us to be her parents and for her to be our daughter. This time last year I was so shocked beyond belief when we received that phone call. It was one of the biggest surprises of our lives. Surprise because we did not expect a referral so quick. We are truly thankful that God has blessed us with two beautiful and smart daughters and today we celebrate what he has given us. Delylah is growing into a smart and vivacious little girl who has a whole world ahead of her with us there to guide her.

Easter Pictures

Life has been the usual around here. Recently we had the girls Spring/ Easter pictures done. I try to take advantage of every holiday and have photos of the girls (I can't complain that target does such a good job at an affordable price). Lennah is just getting over the flu and she was the most miserable sick child I have ever been around. She took full advantage of getting to sleep in mommy and daddy's bed since she was sick. We also have a lot to look forward to in the next few weeks Spring Break is coming. YEAH!!! I feel like I need a vacation and extra time with the girls. Over the summer I am also looking forward to my friend Jamie coming for a visit with her kiddos. Her daughter Lilly was in the same orphanage as Lennah and her son Abel was in the same orphanage with Delylah so it is going to be a grand reunion. We also have some close friends getting married in the next several weeks and Lennah is the flower girl. She looks too precious in her outfit. I guess that is all to report for now enjoy the pics.

Lennah's Dance Pics

14 Months

Lennah in her recital costume

Delylah in her dance attire

We told Delylah to put her coat on and here's what she did LOL

Sharing my snacks with Jesse

What a face!

Delylah diapering her baby

This is what happens when Daddy picks out the outfits

It is hard to believe but Delylah is 14 months old today. She is progressing so fast. Delylah just started dance class several weeks ago and she loves it. She is the youngest in her class but she started learning all the dances from going and watching Lennah so they said even though she is young we might as well enroll her since she knows a lot of the dances. She is also talking a lot. I guess a lot of it comes from having a big sister to keep up with. She follows Lennah around and tries to do whatever Lennah does. This does also cause major problems because they are constantly fighting over toys but Delylah can hold her own. Actually Delylah now can really instigate some fights. Several weeks ago we were in target and they have there carts where the kids can face each other and it became a hair pulling fest in the store that Delylah started. I can laugh about it now but boy was that incident embarassing. Other than the occasional hair pulling and fighting the girls are doing really good. Lennah now hugs and kisses Delylah good night which is so cute.
We are also getting ready for our Disney trip which is really exciting. We leave in less than 3 months and Lennah is really excited. We talk about how she is going to Disney to see the Princesses and she gets all happy and yells YEAHHH! Hopefully Delylah will have a good time like Lennah did last year even though she is so young.