Six Months and Friends from Nam

Six months ago today was the most amazing experience of our lives. It is hard to believe that six months ago today was our gothca day. I look back and think of how little Lennah was and how much she has changed. It is true they grow so fast. She says more and more words and has such a great understanding. She now says mama, dada, ba (Vietnamese for dad), cat, dog, cow, duck, dora (she just learned this one from Lilly), and occassionally we get some ones out of her that we only hear once. She also understands when we tell her to do something again, or when we tell her to do peek a boo and a bunch of other cute things. It is just awesome having her as our daugther, we truly are blessed and have to thank god every day for allowing us to be her parents.

Now, for the second part of my post. We had an awesome weekend. After months of communicating we finally got together with our CHI friends the Sereika's who adopted Lilly. If you go back and read older posts you will know that Lennah and Lilly were posted on the waiting child list the same day. Shortly after we started talking (Jamie and I) and became adoptive mom friends. We had hoped to travel to Vietnam with them but we were in the next group. So we planned a trip to go up to Gatlinburg, TN so we and the girls could meet. It was awesome and now we plan on making this an annual gig. The girls were so cute together. I had bought Lilly the same PJ's I bought Lennah for Christmas so they even matched. But it truly was a blast we took the girls to the aquarium and let them run around and Lilly taught Lennah about Dora this weekend. We have made some great friends through this adoption. Here are some pics of our weekend enjoy.

Oh I almost forgot two weeks ago we had lunch with several CHI families it was great. I am so glad to meet other families in the area. I am hoping that when their children come home we can also get together. It is wonderful to have that support post and pre adoption. It is also great for our children to be around other children who have been through their experiences.

Please Read

I just wanted to let everyone know that I just posted on Delylah's blog. I really would like all to read it. Although it is geared to outside the adoption community I would like all to keep the family that I mention in your thoughts and prayers tonight.

I Have to Explain to Others

Last night I had a lot on my mind. We had some friends lose their baby. Yes! their son who was a mere 2.5 months old and thousands of miles away. I guess the reason why I am posting this because as I have been involved in the adoption community for almost two years, I think we must educate those who aren't aware of the way our pregnancies work or how we become parents. First, one must realize from the time we put in an application we are expecting a child. Not in the sense that we carry a baby in our womb but in our hearts. Our pregnancies may last longer than nine months; in some rare occurrences they go a little faster. We do not get to hear a babies heart beat on a sonogram we instead chase paper to help bring our child home faster. I guess why I am saying all this is because in the short amount of time I have joined the adoption community I have seen friends from this community near and far experience the ultimate sadness; the loss of their child through death. Over this time ,I have heard people say, who are outside of our realm well, it wasn't their baby yet or will they get another referral?
To address the first response it was their baby because it was born in their hearts. We give birth to those children the day we receive their first picture and receive their information. Although, I do not know the experience of being in labor for hours; I do know the joy of seeing my child for the first time. Just like mothers and fathers cry ,when that baby lets out its first cry, adoptive parents cry when they see their child's photo. We carry those photos with us everyone and treat them as if they are a newborn just entering the world. We may not have heard tears or giggles yet, be we know that our child exists and that we love them. Adoptive parents must rely on orphanage workers or foster parents to care and comfort our children until we bring them home. It is painful to know that your child may be hurting, sick, or sad thousands of miles away and you cannot comfort them; so while those workers are up watching over your little one you are up as well wondering if they are getting the love and attention you would be bestowing upon them at that moment. So just as new parents experience lack of sleep; we too experience lack of sleep.
To address the second response in most cases yes you do get another referral. However, you still just lost a child and although I have not experienced this I know nothing could ever replace that baby you lost because they are your child in every sense of the word.
I just needed to share this because I was truly sadden by my friends loss. I know there is peace in knowing that they are with God in heaven and that these children who pass through families lives touch so many here on earth. Although, I never had the privilege of meeting BabyE here on earth I look forward to the day I will see him united with his family in heaven. As a matter of fact I look forward to the day when I see all these children united with the parents who loved them from afar here on earth.

Yesterday, we met with our social worker to begin our new homestudy for baby Delylah. Our original one from Lennah's adoption is expiring in March so they want us to complete a new one. It really isn't that bad since we just have to go through the formalities and now we have BTDT. So overall, that should continue to go well. She was happy to hear that we are not in a rush since our agency moves so quickly with referrals. We figure it is no big deal to complete our new home study in March since we are under no real time constraints.

That being said everyone will probably think I am crazy but to top off my last day of vacation from work I took Lennah to go search for furniture for her baby sister. I was just planning on looking in the same store I purchased Lennah's only a little over a year ago. Anyway, it is sad because they are closing because the owner is sick. Next month they are shutting their doors. Because of this they are cutting some really awesome deals and low and behold we are going back Saturday morning to pick up Delylah's furniture and bedding set. I love Lennah's furniture but this time around we opted for something a bit more girly (then again last time we were sure we were getting a boy). Keith is ok with whatever I pick out (thank goodness). But I am so happy with this purchase and now I cannot wait to start tackling her room. I am thinking over February break I will be painting Delylah's room and probably tackle one of our guest bedrooms to turn into a playroom for the girls. Here are the pictures of the furniture I picked out and the bedding. I hope everyone can envision the two together.

Christmas and More

Lennah and Uncle Adam

Dylan, Victoria, and Lennah

Aunt Jaime, Victoria, and Lennah

Lennah and Victoria playing kitchen

I love my Presents

Where in the gift wrap is Lennah?

Can you open this daddy?

Mommy and Lennah before Church

Sorry I have not posted sooner but the day after Christmas Lennah and I went to NY for a quick visit and I did not have time to update her blog to post her Christmas pictures. This year was extra special because it was Lennah's first Christmas home. Christmas Eve we had a few hitches but nothing we couldn't handle. Keith got a flat tire on the way home from work which caused him to come home late and not get to see Lennah on Christmas Eve or attend church with us. This was a little disappointing because in our family Christmas Eve is our big dinner. However, Christmas morning was a hit. Lennah had a blast opening her presents and trying out all her new toys. Honestly, she was probably overwhelmed since she had a mound of presents under the tree. I am happy because there were some gifts she really loved like her little mommy shopping cart. It is adorable to watch her push her cart around the house with her baby doll in it. She also loved her laugh and learn home. Definate recommendations for those of you outh there shopping for little girls.

The next day Lennah and I took off for our trip. I was really worried that I would struggle with her on the plane; especially since I was alone. Lennah turned out to be a gem on the plane. Our trip was a typical trip for me. Stay with our friends in NJ and visit NYC. I was really looking forward to taking Lennah to see the tree but the streets were insane and it was really difficult to push a stroller through the crowds. We were fortunate enough to get a behind the scenes tour of NBC studios thanks to Adam's Aunt. I also wanted to take Lennah to the American Girl Store but the line was around the block. Other than that we have a good time and she was great on the plane ride home.

Overall, I hope everyone out there has a great new year. I know this year will also be special because we should have Delylah home next Christmas and Lennah will have a little sister to share her holidays with.

Good News

Today, I spoke with our agency and good news we are approved. They are getting our contracts out soon. I do not know why I was worried we have already adopted internationally but I always think in the back of my mind that maybe they will say no. Now it seems a little more real that we will have another baby in such a short period of time. I never would have thought that within a 2 year time span I would become a momma twice over.

Application Sent

Merry Christmas to all. Today we finally sent in our application to our adoption agency and applied for a baby girl under 12 months old. It is hard to believe that this time next year we will be chasing around two children. Unless of course something slows down our process because we all know that with an international adoption anything can happen. We are truly a blessed family knowing that this is our first Christmas with Delylah's big sister Lennah and next year a family of four. Now the fun of the paper chase begins, the 171 H chase, a new updated homestudy and all the trimmings that come with an adoption. Again, we want to wish everyone a joyful holiday season may you all be blessed.

5 months Ago today

Ms. Kelli and Lennah

Sometimes you often forget what a special day it is and today I almost did. I realized a little while after getting up that it was 5 months ago today since Lennah's gotcha day. It is so hard to believe that our little miracle has been with us for 5 months. She has grown so much in these past few months. We actually went for our 1 year visit yesterday and she is now 20.6 pounds and 30 inches tall. That is a long way from 14 pounds. It is also amazing to see her development and how rapidly she is advancing. I could keep bragging about her forever.

Yesterday was also a fun day because we met up with Kim, Michael, and Sheridan for lunch. It is always wonderful to meet with them. Sheridan is also doing wonderful for being home only a few months and his speech is amazing. I think we expect these kids to take awhile to adjust but sometimes they truly surprise you. Today, we also met up with Ms. Kelli who is also in the process of adopting from Vietnam. I look forward to meeting her little darling when she gets home. I know I have said this before but adoption really is amazing because it brings so many people into your life. I know for some of us out there we have lost friends and loved ones because they cannot understand why you choose to adopt, or why you are adopting outside your race, or even why take a baby with a special need. You may lose some but you gain so much more. I know that the people I cross paths with along the way will be there for a long time because we can turn to each other with problems, concerns, and support that we may not get from outside the adoptive community. So here is to long time new friends.

We also have more great news to report. My closest adoptive family friends (the Sereika's) are jumping into an Ethiopian adoption with me. They were really weighing heavily on going back to Vietnam but while looking at programs they decided to take that leap of faith and head to Africa. It is wonderful to now be going through another adoptive experience with them. I have to thank the Hoffmans for this because I think neither one of our families would be taking this route if it weren't for them.

I guess I would like to wrap up by giving thanks this holiday season to everyone who has become a part of our lives and our family. This year we truly have so much to be thankful for. Most important for God who has made this Christmas the most special because Keith and I have the most beautiful daughter to be thankful for. We want to wish everyone a Merry Christmas (Yes! Not a Happy Holiday) because we are celebrating Christs birth and a Happy New Year. I should have lots to post soon with the massive unwrapping of gifts Lennah will be doing in a few days and our impending trip to NY.

Our Decision

I guess I am a few days behind I am making the first official post on Delylah's website. On Monday (my birthday) Keith and I officially contacted our agency and made the decision to go ahead with an Ethiopian adoption. This had weighed on our hearts before Lennah even came home that we would most likely adopt from Ethiopia next. However, our agency for Lennah's adoption had different requirements; as did others, that made us think that we would be making another trip to Vietnam to expand our family. Well, a few months ago we met a wonderful couple who are now waiting to travel to pick up their son from Ethiopia and told us about their agency. Well, it looks like we will meet all the requirements and will be applying to them. So the paper chase for number 2 is about to begin. I don't forsee any issues just going through hoops that we thought we would avoid because our other adoption was so recent but of course nothing is easy with an international adoption. So I guess you can say we are proud to announce our decision to adopt a baby girl whom we plan on naming Delylah Aviella. Some may question our decision to not request a boy, but I had always wanted a sister so I am hoping that our girls have a bond that I never had the experience of. We do, at some point, plan on adopting an older boy; whether it is here meaning domestically or abroad at some point in the future. Since we would like to have three of four children. Thus begins our journey to bring another daughter into our hearts and lives. Please follow us and keep us in your prayers.

Fundraiser

Since we made our grand official announcement last night we have also decided to do some fundraising for Delylah. As most of you know because you have BTDT international adoption is not inexpensive. Ethiopia is one of the more affordable countries but it will still be difficult for us since Lennah's adoption was so recent. So if you live in the Atlanta area we are having a cheesecake fundraiser. All of our proceeds with help with Delylah's adoption. Here is our flyer that we are putting out. We would love for everyone to order if you are local to the area and delivery is available. Cheesecakes are my speciality so you will not be dissappointed. Obviously our flyer was much prettier since this is just a cut and paste version.

Cheesecake Fundraiser

All proceeds will go towards the adoption of a Ethiopian orphan

Don’t have time to bake for the holidays, maybe you need that perfect desert to end that holiday meal, or maybe you need a gift for that special someone you know with a sweet tooth; give the gift of a cheesecake.

Each cake is 10 inches wide by 3 inches high and serves 12-20 people. All cakes are made to order. Plain cheesecake is $25.00
All other cakes Fruit Topped or Specialty Cheesecakes (including reduced fat) are $30.00

Cakes can be delivered up until 3 pm on Christmas Eve within the Paulding/Cobb County area. If you are outside this area please call for alternate arrangements.

Flavors
Plain NY Style Cheesecake (Fruit Toppings- Cherry, Blueberry, Strawberry, Pineapple, Raspberry, Peach), Reduced Fat Plain NY Style.
Specialty Cakes
Caramel Apple, White Chocolate Cranberry (a holiday treat), White Chocolate Cherry, Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup, Mocha, Pumpkin with Cinnamon Whipped Cream, Eggnog Cheesecake, Gingerbread cheesecake, Snickers, Cookies n’ Cream, Turtle Cheesecake, Key Lime
If there is a particular kind not mentioned here please call because most likely it can still be made.

To place your order, simply call 678-372-1348. All orders must be placed by December 22 for Christmas Eve delivery.
Remember this benefits a good cause because you are giving someone the gift of a forever family
Cash or Check is accepted. Credit Card orders can be accepted through paypal. Please contact me by phone is you need to pay by credit card for instructions on how.