Nice Visit

Tonight one of Shelli's co-workers, Andrea was in town (on business). She came over for dinner. It was nice seeing her and getting caught up. It seems like we haven't seen any of our friends in so long.
Zoe loves all the attention!!!

On another note, here are Zoe's cucumbers and squash right out of her veggie patch. Zoe and Nana planted them back at the beginning of the Spring. We've all enjoyed watching them grow, picking them, and cooking them up for dinners!

Time....

I was going through some old pictures and came across these…..

Where does the time go? Our daughter is growing like a weed. It feels like just yesterday she was a ‘baby’. It’s amazing to watch her grow. I’ve grown so much being a parent and it’s been the most amazing growing experience ever!

Adoption

As an adoptive parent, a day doesn’t go by that I don’t think about Zoe’s birthmother. As the years go by and the more hectic day-to-day things get, I don’t find myself thinking about her as often but I can’t help but to always wonder what she’s like, what she looks like, what her cravings were during pregnancy, etc.

When Mother’s Day approaches, I wonder how she must feel. Don’t get me wrong, we didn’t know her situation but I just have to think it’s a hard thing to digest. Another hard one is Zoe’s Birthday. You know a Mother will never forget the day she gave birth. I know what Zoe’s birth mom did was the hardest thing she had ever done in her life and I think the world of her for being able to do it. She wanted her daughter to have more than she could give her and Shelli and I were more than happy to be the ones to do it. There are so many things I want to know and struggle with. I feel so blessed to have Zoe and I thank God for her each and everyday. I’ve made many sacrifices to raise my daughter. All which were more than worth it. I don’t take one day for granted with her. I know people think I’m over the top when it comes to certain things but these are things I will not change. I am very passionate about the way Shelli and I raise our daughter and I take being a parent very serious.

I don’t know; maybe unless one is in the shoes of a parent who has adopted can one understand the concerns that come along with adoption. Maybe not so much concerns, but I often wonder will Zoe want to meet her birth mom, and if so, what will the woman be like. Will she accept Zoe in her life, does Zoe have any siblings, etc. I have nothing but admiration for Zoe’s birth mom for doing what she did. It was the ultimate sacrifice, in my opinion. I know it sounds odd, but somehow I feel connected to her and have much love for her.

A couple years ago, I tried and tried to get pregnant. I think between all the stress, drug treatments, and Doctor’s appointments it made me absolutely crazy. Going through any kind of fertility treatment isn’t a walk in the park. I had to give my body a break! I long for more children and I hope that one-day when Zoe is a little older, we will add to our family. Shelli and I have so much love to give and we know we want to expand our family.

I guess the reason for this blog is because I think that any adoption is a very private and personal matter. I find that it’s difficult to try and explain the feelings that come along with it. Some folks may think I’m a little over protective I’m sure. But, I wouldn’t take back anything part of the journey I went through to get to this point. Zoe is my reason for waking up each and every morning. She is what keeps me going when I feel like I just can’t any more.

Without DIVERSITY, this world would be a boring place!

Poor Zoe

Zoe has been sick all weekend. I'm not sure if it's a 'bug' or if she's got allergies. I'm going to take her to the Doctor tomorrow just to get her checked out. We were hoping to get out and do some fun family stuff this weekend but Zoe spent most of the weekend in bed. (my poor baby!)

Today while Shelli was out running errands she picked Zoe up a box of PRINCESS Kleenex. Zoe thought that box was the coolest! She's been putting it to good use!

We're Back!

We just got back from a fabulous week in Arizona for my 30th Birthday. It was nothing short of AMAZING!!!!

Monday started off the week with a drive to the Grand Canyon. What a sight that was! Words cannot begin to describe how beautiful it was.

Tuesday we headed into Sedona where everything was beautiful and red canyons surrounded us. We browsed through several of the shops in Sedona before continuing on to Flagstaff. We had dinner and did a little shopping before we checked into the hotel for the night. The next morning we traveled a few miles down the ‘Mother of all Highways’, Route 66. We found a diner and enjoyed a delicious breakfast and then back on the road to Scottsdale to the Camelback Inn Resort. When we got to the hotel, we were blown away. It was incredible! If ever in the Phoenix area, the Camelback Inn is a MUST SEE.

Wednesday was my Birthday; I woke up to room service (pecan waffles), a birthday cake, and a special Happy Birthday song from sweet Zoe. After breakfast, we hung out at our friends, Amy & Mary’s house, swimming and enjoying a cold beverage in the 109-degree weather. Later that night, we had dinner and opted for some indoor (A/C) fun with a few games of bowling where I beat not only Shelli, but everyone else too! They all said they let me win because it was my Birthday but I’m not buying it!

Thursday we spent the day at the Spa and the hotel pool, not just a pool mind you, but a fabulous oasis with waiters at your service any time your iced lemon water got below half full. Shelli cut up some cheese and grapes and we relaxed poolside surrounded by Camel back mountain on one side, and Mummy mountain on the other.

Today we woke up at the crack of dawn to catch our flight home. Although it was bittersweet to leave, we couldn’t get home fast enough to hug and kiss Zoe. We are glad to be home and looking forward to some quality time with Zoe this weekend.

This has been the best and most memorable birthdays ever, I had a wonderful time, and the sights and accommodations were just beautiful. Thank you all for the sweet cards and birthday wishes. It meant the world to me that everyone remembered and helped me celebrate my big 3-Oh!

Also, a special thanks to Amy and Mary for another fantastic visit and a Birthday I will never forget!

*I posted pictures below*

Pictures from our trip

We are OFF!!!!!

We are off for a week of Birthday fun.

We hope everyone has a fantastic week.
I'll post pictures as soon as we get back!


This is what Daisy had to say about it....

Were going to SPAIN in July!

Shelli has to go to Spain for work and I’m tagging along
(even if I have to sit in cargo).
I’m so excited to be able to accompany her. Thank the Lord for frequent flyer miles! How could I pass up a FREE trip to Spain? This trip wasn’t planned so, it’s kind of last minute. Shelli never knows where she needs to be next, she gets the call, makes travel arrangements, and she’s off. Zoe and I have been so blessed to be able to travel with her all over the US. We are both looking forward to seeing the sights in Madrid, not to mention my aunt went to school in Madrid so I’m sure she will give us tons of
‘must sees'.

We really wanted to take Zoe with us but at this age, how much would she really remember? So needless to say my parents, were more than willing to keep her. Living so far from each other and not being able to be in her everyday life really takes a toll on them, so they jumped at the chance to spend some quality time with her.

So between Arizona and Spain, we’ve got our plates full of adventure. It will be so much fun when Zoe is a little bit older so she can come with us and experience everything this world has to offer.

Shelli’s favorite part of the trip is our layover in Paris, it’s on her birthday! What a way to spend your Birthday. We’ll be enjoying croissants and
café au lait for breakfast on her birthday!

Once we get back, I will be looking for a part time job. Not only keep me busy but to help build up for our 'new house'.

'Chitty'

Meet 'Chitty'

(Jessie's new kitten that Zoe loves)

Make a Movie

Zoe is absolutely crazy about her Pop Pop (my father). She loves everyone in the family but she is obsessed with my dad. She talks about him all the time and is always calling him on her Barbie ‘cell phone’ or sending him emails from her ‘laptop’. It’s something very special between the two of them and it’s so sweet. Here was our conversation this afternoon….

Lori: “Hey Zoe, tomorrow is Pop Pop’s Birthday. What should we do?”
Zoe: “Mommy, Mommy, lets take a movie or something!”
L: “What do you want to do in the movie?”
Z: “I want to dance!”
L: “I think Pop Pop would love that, Zoe!”
Z: “I love my Pop Pop!”
L: “I love Pop Pop too!”

Happy Birthday Dad!

Happy Birthday Pop Pop

Time for Bed

Well, It's been 3 nights that Zoe has slept in a 'big girl bed'. We are so proud of her! Today we took her to the book store and got her a new book entitled,
"Time for Bed".
She loves her new book!

Children’s Museum

Today Lori and I took Zoe to the local Children’s Museum. Lori is so good about finding fun educational things for Zoe. We want her to experience, as much culture as she possibly can, too much is never enough. We have been to several of these types of museums over the past few years but this one, by far was one of the best one’s we’ve visited yet. It was two floors of nothing but fun stuff for kids to do. They even had a cool beanstalk that ran from the top floor to the bottom that kids could climb up instead of having to use the ‘traditional’ staircase. That was just the beginning of the fun! Once we got up to the second floor it was nothing but pint sized play land, complete with miniature Lowe’s, Food Lion, A veterinarian’s office, Krispy Kreme, a farm that had a sow with piglets (one of which was Wilbur, aka, Some Pig, a cow to milk and a fairy tale land with tons of dress up costumes.

While Lori went to the bathroom, Zoe & I made her this early Birthday message!
(She LOVED it!)

Testing Testing 1...2...3...

Tonight Zoe wanted to sleep in “Jessie’s room”. When my niece was here visiting, she slept in the guest room so now Zoe calls it “Jessie’s room”. We’ve been wanting to transform Zoe’s crib into a toddler bed but have been hesitant that she wouldn’t stay in it so, tonight was a nice surprise that she wanted to sleep in a ‘big girl bed’. Shelli got her all ready for bed and we even put her CD player in there so she could listen to her new CD (Caribbean Steel Drums - we all LOVE it!)

Overall, the first night went well. I went in and laid with her for a little while. Shelli of course didn’t want me too. She thinks if I do it once, I will have to do it every night. As a Mother, I will do what I have to do! Sleeping by yourself at 2 can be scary and that’s why Mommy is there to lay with you until you fall asleep!

Abuela

This morning I was in the kitchen washing dishes and I had the radio set to this fantastic Spanish station. I happened to turn up the volume because Zoe had the TV on in the other room. Seconds later, Zoe was in there with me dancing away.

Listening to Spanish music always reminds me of my grandmother who passed away last year and it always brings back such great memories. She used to love to watch Zoe dance. It would bring such a smile to her face. I think of her often and wonder if she’s looking down at Zoe watching her grow into her own person. She was a very special person and I miss her terribly!

This dance is for you, Abuela…… (scroll down)

For Abuela

Girl Talk

This afternoon, Zoe and I were lying in bed and she was giving her baby a ‘plane ride’. (my parents used to do it to me, Shelli does it to Zoe, and I’m sure Zoe will do it to her kids.) As she’s playing with her baby, she says: “I want to ask you a question?” (that’s her new phrase of the week) and here is the conversation that followed…..

L: Sure, what is your question baby?
Z: Where is Mamaw? Pop Pop? Nana? Jessie? Lala? (as she names everyone in the family)
L: I don’t know why?
Z: Mmmm...I don’t see them!
L: I’m sure you will see them all very soon. Do you miss them?
Z: Yeah, I miss them so much!
L: You will be staying with Nana & Jessie while Mom & Mimi go out of town
Z: Why?
L: It’s Mommy’s b-day (she starts singing Happy Birthday) and Mimi and I are going to Arizona.
Z: I want to go too!
L: Maybe next time baby, you will have lots of fun with Nana and Jessie. Sounds good?
Z: Sure Mom.
L: I'm going to miss you SO much.
Z: I'm going to miss you so much Mommy

I’ve been talking about us going out of town now for the past week. I always have such a hard time leaving her. I know she’s in excellent hands but as a mother, I hate being apart from her. This year being with her full time has been so much fun. I can’t believe I’ve been home a year with her already! On the other hand, I’m very excited about my Birthday around the corner and going to AZ to see our friends, Amy & Mary.

Zoe giving her baby a 'plane ride'

Water aerobics 101

Last week our water aerobics class was cancelled due to weather so, this week we were anxious to get in the water and work out. Doing cardio in the gym isn't fun so we look forward to the classes to mix it up a little. (it doesn't make going everyday so bad). What a riot! All Shelli has to do is look at me and we would start laughing. In the beginning of class, Shelli was right behind me unsure of what she was supposed to do so, (all the athletic coordination in the world, but can’t keep up in aerobics to save her life!) I told her to move away, and I quickly went to the other side of the pool. Half way through the class, I told her she could come back over but, not to make eye contact with me. Don’t you know, as soon as the instructor told us to raise our arms, we looked at our armpits, and then glanced at each other to see what the other was doing (of course both of us were checking to see if we had shaved under our arms-- HA!). As soon as we made eye contact it was all over, we both busted out laughing. If it wasn’t one thing, it was another. We had so much fun and the exercise was good too!

Zoe on the other hand, LOVES LOVES LOVES going to ‘daycare’. As soon as I get her bag pack down in the afternoon to put a snack and some juice in it, she knows it’s almost time to go. As soon as we pull into the gym parking lot, she says, “Yes! Daycare!” She gets so excited to go in and see all the other kids and new toys, and when it’s time to pick her up (after working out), Zoe always has this look on her face like; ‘it’s already been an hour?’ I’m so happy that she enjoys going and is having some interaction with other kids.

Zoe running to car... ready for 'DAYCARE'.

Weekend over

As the weekend comes to an end, Zoe enjoys a yummy fruit plate as she catches up on some Blue's Clues before bed.

What A Day!

What a day we had! We got up this morning and headed into town to run errands. We were out ALL day.

First stop: Starbucks…. Gotta have my starbucks! Then we headed over to Target for a few odds and ends (diapers, wipes, etc.) After Target, we were all low on blood sugar, short fused and ready to eat, next stop, Lone Star for lunch. As soon as the drinks are brought to the table Zoe spots the lemons in our drinks and of course wants to eat them.
Check her out....
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CvmgBCPE6y4

After lunch, the long anticipated stop Zoe had been waiting for all week. CHUCK E. CHEESE. As we were walking into Chuck E. Cheese, I noticed a ‘baby store’ a few doors down. I sent Shelli and Zoe into CEC, and told them I’d meet them in a few minuets, and then made a beeline for the baby store to check it out. Low and behold, it was the most incredible consignment shop I’d ever been to. It was dedicated to just kid stuff, clothes, toys, shoes, strollers, etc. I must have been in their 30 min. picking up things Zoe didn’t need but were too cute (and cheap!) to pass up. I checked out without too much damage, a bill under $8 for a bag full of clothes, not too bad, eh?

I made my way back over to Chuck E. Cheese to meet up with my girls and saw Zoe ready to cash in her tickets for her big ‘prize’. $5 of tokens, 59 tickets, and a stamp ring that was worth about a dime…but, the smile on Zoe’s face, priceless!

Waiting for her ring......

Our last stop was Toys R Us. We were looking for a lawnmower I saw online that blows bubbles. (Which we found and Zoe loves). As we are turning the corner heading over to the bike section, Zoe spots a HUGE stuffed horse and well, the video tells it all. (scroll down to next blog entry)


All in all we had a fun day together, Zoe is exhausted and so are we. We are looking forward to putting her to bed and watching a movie.

The Pony

Get Well Lala!