Welcome To Our World

It's been so long...

2010-10-12T06:57:00.003-04:00

I can't believe it's been so long since I've blogged! We are almost approaching a year now and it's not like nothing has happened.

Life is still good and honestly, I'm just trying to soak in every moment in everyday day that I could. As of right now, I'm the coolest person in my son's eyes and I know that this will not be the case in the future when he becomes a teen. So I am taking it all in. I watch my son play and he still mesmerizes me with his beautiful imagination and the innocence that all a child is. I still want the world for him, i want to give him everything that I've always wanted with out spending a dime. I love the fact that he dances to music, sings loudly out of the blue and smiles just because he can.

I thank God everyday for my family and the goodness that it gives my heart. My family makes me want to be a better person. They have showed me that the grass isn't always greener on the other side, they have showed me that we live in a realistic but happy place. Our home is a happy one and we all look forward to coming home. Isn't that the goal in life (or at least one of the goals). Life is good and if I could press the Pause button on any part of my life, it would be now. I truly mean that....right now, I would hit that button.

Our son will be 3 next month. It's not as emotional as when he turned 2 but it does allow me to reflect on the year that has flown by since his last birthday. All I could say is....it's been a good year. I could only pray for more good years to come like this past one.

Now, my day will start. Everyone is still sleeping but soon i will hear the doors of the bedrooms open. My husband will come downstairs and gather his things for work. My son will stand at the top of the stairs and say "Mommy, You dare" in his little voice and my precious day starts. Another day to soak in, another day to remember and mostly, more memories.....for that is what it's about. Love your life!

It’s all coming back to me…

2009-11-11T10:07:00.004-05:00

Coloring is such a relaxing thing to do. Somehow as we got older and took on responsibly, someone must have said “you’re too old to color.” So we gather all the broken crayons, the old and well used coloring books and threw them away. Its official in our minds we are too old. So we forget and we pick up other habits of relaxation. Some of us read books, played video games, sat in front of the computer, some of us shopped, some rode cars to nowhere.

The coloring thing was in the past. Till you become a parent. Then all the memories of your childhood slowly come back. Things like, a bath. We are reminded of how much fun a bath is, especially when there are lots of toys floating around awaiting for you to pound them back in the water. Splashing around…that’s pretty cool. Blowing bubbles in the back yard on a summer day…so sweet; it was fun to watch the bubbles “disappear.” To run threw a sprinkler and make sure to not get hit by the tips of the water or drench your self with the water of the garden hose. How about not having to worry that you have red sauce all over your face at the dinner table?

All these fond memories are coming back with everyday that I spend with our son. Where and which path of my life did I forget how to be free spirited? When did I stop clapping when my favorite food was served or my favorite song played? When did I stop dancing as my favorite TV show’s theme song played?

I don’t know when, but one thing is for sure...It’s all coming back to me.

Keep coloring,
Lita

Halloween

2009-11-09T18:26:00.005-05:00

What a crazy but fun day!! First we started off the day with a Raggamuffin Parade in town, then stopped by a few of our friend's houses to trick or treat then we went to Grandma & Grandpa Hurrell's house for dinner and playtime with cousin Kimmie, then to his Godmother's house, went to Hoboken to see decorations, THEN back to Grandma & Grandpa's house!!! I told you it was a little crazy!!!!

All in all it was alot of fun and just as we expected...a crazy Halloween!!

xo
L

Poor Miss Piggy...

2009-11-09T18:20:00.002-05:00

Are you caught in the hype or tired of it?

Joey's Baptisim

2009-10-25T10:17:00.006-04:00

A day we've been waiting for a long time. Many thanks to our Pastor, Father Brian of St. Francis in Hackensack for a very memorable and beautiful day.

We've dreamt about this day for years and just like any other great event it came and went too fast.

Where does the time go?

2009-08-18T17:32:00.001-04:00

I can’t believe that it’s been so long since I’ve blogged. It does feel good to be able to sit in front of my laptop and type. What a luxury it is to have time to yourself!!!

The truth is (and to no mom’s surprise), I’m so busy!! It’s a constant day, always on the move and when he’s down for a nap (When he naps), I’m catching up on cleaning and all the other everyday things. I know this is not “breaking” news to moms out there.

Overall….it is so wonderful being a mom. I absolutely love it! My rewards come during the day and at night. During the day when Joey decides he needs a kiss and a hug or when he says “Maaaaaam” and gives me the most precious smile and at night when he curls up on me and puts his tired head on my chest. Those are the moments that I cherish every night and I’m so glad that they’ll be repeats tomorrow.

“Time flies” ….and indeed it does. I can’t believe Joey is going to be 21 months soon and he’s been home for 8 months now!!

Happy Valentine’s Day!!!

2009-02-15T10:10:00.007-05:00

We’ll we celebrated Valentine’s Day …Family Style and I have to say it was the absolute best Valentine’s Day EVER!!!

Walter Started off in the morning making pink pancakes and after he was done he asked me the sweetest question any woman would love to hear…I swear I heard Angels in the background singing…he asked….”What would you like me to Grill for dinner tonight?”…SWEET!!!!

Needless to say I really wanted a Surf and Turf dinner. We had steak, clams, shrimp and for dessert cupcakes! It was delicious. Joey has his own menu; Spaghetti and sauce. He also had his own special way of eating it.

I made a Heart chandelier and every heart had a special message for “my boys”. It was all about family….we had a great time!!

These moments are the ones that we've been dreaming about for a long time and now they are here....finally!!

UUUUHHHH...the wind!!!

2009-02-12T18:06:00.001-05:00

The wind ruined my beautiful Picket Fence!!! So annoying!!!

Meet Us At The Park!!

2009-02-09T18:49:00.003-05:00

Well it was a little breezy today but if you bundle up properly it’s good enough to go out to the park.

This morning Joey decided to wake up AN HOUR EARLIER!!! In “mommy world” that’s painful. I need that hour to drink my coffee, take shower, drink another cup of coffee, blow dry my hair, do something in the kitchen that I was too lazy to do the night before, drink what’s left of the coffee pot, make breakfast and lunch for Walt, feed the cats and prepare Joey’s breakfast!

When SOMEONE wakes up an hour earlier and is cranky all the regular morning routine is impossible…I know I was lucky to get a shower and a quarter cup of coffee….at least I got that, but it all turned out well anyway. I fed him, got him changed …blow dried my hair, bundled us up, made a to-go cup of “life support” for myself and headed outside around the lake and then eventually at the park. It was a lot of fun. Our friends Erin with her two kids, Emma and Mikey joined us again and everyone had a great time. We were out today from 9:30 till 12.

Now it’s 1 pm and Joey is napping, I just had lunch and I need a nap….LOL.

The Outside World

2009-02-05T13:28:00.002-05:00

Anyone who has spoken to me for one minute gets the same song and dance about how I can’t wait to take Joey out for a stroll. Going for strolls in the mall was getting old. It’s been so cold here however we did get a little break for an entire 2 days!! Yep…we went outside. I took Joey for a stroll around the lake, passed the children’s play area (it was covered in snow, so we didn’t stop there), we went though a few streets and back to the lake in perfect time to see the geese and ducks bathing. Joey loved looking at the geese. He was pointing to them and blah, blah-ing to them; it was adorable!! I only wish I had my camera to capture that excitement in his eyes when he saw something new!!

After the hour and a half stroll, we ended our outing in the back yard where I just let him do his thing, get dirty, play with sticks…you know boy stuff. He didn’t move too much. I think he was amazed at the grass and branches that were left on the ground from the enormous tree we have in the back yard.

Here are a few pictures of Joey on the grass for the first time…..AAHHHHH…the outside world!!

Explain Why?!?!? Part Two

2009-02-05T12:16:00.001-05:00

Once again...with all the toys...A laundry basket?!?!

BLAH, BLAH, BOO, BLAH, BAAAA,...UHH, BLAH

2009-02-03T23:59:00.002-05:00

Joey is really tring to have a converstation with me. It's the cutest thing. He'll start blah-ing and when he notices that I'm not looking at him when he talks, he will turn to me and start talking in such a way that it just melts my heart. I can't understand what he's saying but it really is the cutest thing ever!!!

Explain Why?!?!??!

2009-01-28T20:20:00.002-05:00

With all the toys he has, why does he love playing with an empty Huggies box?!?!

It really is the cutest thing. I love watching him discover and imagine; it fascinates me.

Arge's Blog...

2009-01-25T08:26:00.001-05:00

I would like to introduce Arge's Blog. Check it out. She's an awesome cook, she does wonderful crafts and she's got a point of view that can Rule The World!! I absoulutly love her and am so happy she finally took the Blog plung.

http://argeslittlesliceofheaven.blogspot.com/

Good luck Arge!!!

20 things about me

2009-01-23T11:19:00.000-05:00

1. I like Raw Broccoli with Ranch dressing. I could eat that all the time.

2. I can't stand people who display their political points of views through racist jokes. (it shows their ignorance)

3. I wish I had more time to myself...and if i did, I wish that I wouldn't be so lazy to do nothing with that precious time.

4. My son is teaching me patience...it is a learning process.

5. I love and NEED my coffee in the morning.

6. I secretly get mad at my husband if he doesn't set the coffee up in the morning. (I feel bad that I'm mad then I get over it quick)

7. I've come to peace with the fact that at the end of the day I will probably have snot and spit up on me. (as i wrote that Joey literally just spit up apple juice on my pants)

8. So far it has taken me from 8:30 am till now (10am) to fill this out so far)

9. I absolutely love being a mom.

10. I'm so in love with my husband.

11. Adoption has always been a dream of mine since I was 12 years old, when I saw a couple with 3 Korean boys on the beach...funny where life takes you.

12. Dreams do come true...you just have to make them happen.

13. My motto since I was 16 years old was "Trust God, trust yourself and second guess everyone else" It's worked for me so far.

14. I have the greatest friends, even the ones i don't talk to everyday, I hold dear to me...I'm very lucky.

15. I get annoyed at people who "settle" instead of getting what they want or close to it.

16. I have an addictive attitude . When I like something i want a lot of it. That's why I never got into drugs just food.

17. I love girly things like makeup and jewelry but I have to remind myself everyday to put some on.

18. I hate my frizzy hair!!

19. I hate when I give a dizzy answer...It pisses me off.

20. It is now 11:00am...it took me a total of 2 1/2 hours to fill this out....and in between I have fed breakfast, gave 2 bottles of Water with juice, changed 3 diapers (one had MAJOR POOP), been spitted on, cleaned about 3 tissues worth of goooie snot, had a short conversation with my husband, put Joey down for a nap ....Yes it's all worth it.....AAAHHH the life of a mom.

It’s been toooooo long….

2009-01-15T00:12:00.004-05:00

I’m a Mom ….I just love saying that I have a son, my child, my precious little angel. How am I doing…well the answer is great..(this week)!!!

Let me explain…When we arrived on Christmas night from Russia, we figured we would have a bit of energy to at least eat. We made sure Joey ate but Walter and I just couldn’t find the energy to eat. I wasn’t feeling good from when we arrived in Moscow on the 20th and we were tired. The next day went well for the most part. Joey was extremely attached to my hip, which was adorable however NO ONE could even talk to him without him crying. It was pretty sad…not for Joey but for our families that have been praying for arrival and couldn’t wait to get their arms around him.

We had a wonderful dinner at my in-laws on the 26th. My family was invited as well and we were all together. We ate well, we had fun then we went home and that’s where the fun began.

I wasn’t feeling so good. I ignored it as much as I could. I put Joey in the high chair. He seemed hungry so I was feeding him mashed fruit. All of a sudden I couldn’t ignore the feeling in my stomach. I told Walter to take over, ran upstairs to the bathroom and threw up so much…It was horrible!!! I laid down for about 15 minutes got up and threw up again. It happened again and Walter called my doctor. Doctor said if it happens one more time bring me to the hospital. Well it happened a few more times…OFF to the hospital we went (my mom stayed with Joey). Long story short…I had an infection of my intestines from antibiotics prescribed by a doctor in Moscow, which were too strong for my body to take. After IVs with lots of different medicines so I would stop throwing up…finally it worked. I was sent home at 6:30am with prescriptions and a good luck and a feel better!

I was completely out of commission for 2 days after that. Walter became Mr. Mom/Nurse. We called for back up and our friend Kelly came to the rescue. She came over for most of the day and helped with Joey and me. When I was able to get back on my feet (sort of) we notice that Joey was still not feeling better. We went to the Pediatrician and found out that Joey had a double ear infection and a cold. Poor little man was put on medication. He is also dealing with teething as well.

Needless to say, Joey was NOT a “happy camper.” We did the best we could to comfort him. The following week we went for a follow up and he was doing a lot better.

WEEK TWO: Walter went back to work and I was with Joey. It was tough. He cried so much. I had a hard time because I just didn’t know what he wanted. He would put his arms up for me to pick him up so I did, then he would wiggle and cry that he wanted to be put down…so I did…and that’s how the entire week went. He barley napped and I was exhausted, I still wasn’t feeling well at all and I felt like I should have known what he was crying about. The truth is I had to constantly remind myself of how many days Joey has been home and that’s when it made sense to me and I would calm down and just deal with it.

Week Three: I know it’s only Wednesday but so far it’s been wonderful. Sure he cries but I do realize that he’s teething. I always have the Orajel handy, I know he likes a bottle as soon as his eyes open in the morning, I know when to play Peek a boo and make him smile, I know what foods he likes, I know what makes him sleeper for naps and at night, and I know that he’s more comfortable in his new home and he knows who his mom and dad are.

I know some things will change in time or next week or maybe tomorrow but I’m feeling great now and ready for that challenge.

I’m a mom…and he’s my son. I love saying that.

TA-DA...Joey's room!!!

2008-12-01T20:57:00.002-05:00

Happy Thanksgiving...

2008-11-25T08:15:00.000-05:00

This Thanksgiving will be a little different then the rest of them. For some reason my heart grows heavier when I think of all that I’m thankful for. I’ve always knew how lucky I am …I have the best marriage, I have the greatest friends & supporting families, I have so many people that care and love me.

Of course I must be grateful to a very special woman who made the biggest sacrifice and did the right thing. I’m talking about Joey’s birth mom. I have prayed for this woman and I hope that she finds her way in life. What ever it is…I hope she finds it. Even though Joey is not here yet...We can’t image this world with out him. I’m sure all the orphanage workers would agree because they all love him there.

The last (but not least) person I am grateful for is Walter…my rock…the one I lean on…let’s me cry…the only one who can tell me to get it together (and not hurt my feelings)…The One!!! It doesn’t take Thanksgiving to remind me of how grateful I am…I remember every night before I go to bed. He is amazing and is going to be the best Dad ever. He is so excited to get Joey…when he talks about him, his eyes light up. It’s an amazing thing to see.

In conclusion…. I want to wish you all a very Happy Thanksgiving. I hope you enjoy your time with your families and friends.

PS…Let’s not all gain too much weight!!!!!

Lita

Make ROOM for baby….

2008-11-21T10:03:00.004-05:00

Well Joey’s room is almost done…Furniture is in, the walls, doors and molding are up and painted. The closet has it’s shelves and is ready for cloths and all his stuff!!!

After we clean the room up...the only thing we’re waiting for is the carpet, which should be in Monday AM!!!! Once the carpet comes in, that’s it….everything goes into place!!! We are so excited; it’s hard to find words to describe it.

Here’s a little sneak of what it looks like right now!!!

Our Weekend....

2008-11-16T21:05:00.002-05:00

Our weekend in a nutshell...CRAZY...CRAZY...CRAZY.

Days are flying by and next thing we know we'll be on a plane to go get him!!!
Aside the frustration of our home looking like a Home/Baby depot, everything is well. One thing that i can't wait to do is thoroughly clean my house and not making it look messy the next day. Everyday I try...for example when I dust, the next day it really looks like I have done nothing!!! So frustrating. Once Joey's room is done and all his things are in there and all the tools go back in the garage and our bedroom can go back to being a sanctuary, not a storage room; I will feel better…much better. Till then, stress isn’t even the word for it.

As a stress relief I helped Walter paint and to my surprise he said OK…It was fun and we absolutely love the color. We’re adding another color to it however so far this is what it looks like.

November 2, 2008

2008-11-08T00:56:00.007-05:00

So I thought it was an anniversary Halloween party for Mr. & Mrs. PeeWee…I was so wrong!!!

My brother & girlfriends threw me a baby shower!! 60 adults & 9 children!! I had a blast, I couldn’t believe that there were so many people there who love and support us. There was baby bing-go, raffles and lots of homemade food and desserts. Lots of fun!!!

There are no words to describe how much it meant to us to see everyone there. It was truly overwhelming and I still can’t stop thinking about it.

Joey isn’t going to believe how many people are waiting for his arrival. He isn’t even here yet and he is loved already.

Here are a few pics of the party....Just a few out of 350 shots!!!

What Are The Chances?!?!?!?!?

2008-11-02T09:02:00.002-05:00

OK….so just incase I haven’t told you this or have written it in a while. It is amazing when you decide to adopt you instantly become apart of this inner circle of adopters. Anyone who has adopted a child from where ever is always there for you with just the right advice. They advise you patience, give you the ok to cry it out and tell you what they did to “get through” it.

Two days ago I searched the web for “Krasnoyarsk, Russia” and I found a blog about a couple (Kris & Joe) that just got back from Russia. I went on their blog to find out that they just adopted their precious son from the same orphanage Joey’s from. I had left a message on her blog congratulating them and that is where our son is right now. Kris leaves a message on my blog saying that she has two pictures of Joey on the potty with the other babies after a few emails back ….she emailed them to me.

I was so overwhelmed to see these pictures. I was wondering if he looks the same. I wanted to see his beautiful face and those innocent eyes again. We miss him so much that some days are better then others.

On a lighter note….check out how he has his hands on his knees like a “little man” (Joey is second child on the left)

Joey's Tickets Are Here!!!!

2008-10-30T09:16:00.002-04:00

Well…yesterday a bright orange envelope was in my mailbox…It was Joey’s tickets home!!!!

I can’t believe it…It has his new name on it… Joseph Alexander Hurrell. Naturally I took a picture with my phone and sent it to Walter. He called me back so excited, this is all falling together now.

Joey....we're coming for you soon baby!!!

My Saturday

2008-10-27T23:14:00.004-04:00

I’m very lucky to have such a great array of great girlfriends. Even acquaintances that I meet and once in awhile I bump into or talk on the phone and exchange favors with; all happen to be wonderful people. I’m a very lucky person.

My Saturday started as such…

Woke up…
Had too many cups of coffee…
Checked email….
Fed cats…
Took shower….
Laundry…
Tried to read a few pages in my book…(too much distraction)
Hopped in the car….
Headed to Norton’s paint…
Found DAVID & picked out color for Joey’s room!!!....

(here’s where the “sneaky-ness” of my husband kicked in). Walter thought I was going to take for ever to pick something out, little did he know that I had a color scheme in my head already….I did get stuck a little but then… there he was… DAVID! He solved the “color” problem, we paid up the nose and all in about a ½ hour, we were out of there!!

Walter had to pace a bit so then we stopped be the Home Depot Expo and looked at a lot of stuff that we can absolutely NOT afford now. Finally we left there and stopped at Dunkin. After eating we finally drove into town and then he stopped in front of one of our friend’s house. He parked and said….”I gotta help Tina move something.” So I was like OK and at first I was going to wait in the car but then I thought she might need my help too. So I went in the house first and then a bunch of LF girls screamed “SURPRISE!!!!!!” I couldn’t believe it ….I was soooooo shocked and surprised…they got me…Walt did good…..It was a baby shower for me. It was so much fun…..I had a blast, I really did….

Ladies...thank you so much!!!

Billy & Arge....

2008-10-20T09:15:00.002-04:00

OK so you've heard of Arge and Billy...here they are...cute!!!

Siberian Snow Bunny…

2008-10-16T15:54:00.001-04:00

I was lucky to get in touch with a woman named Peggy from Florida. She and her husband adopted 2 beautiful children from the same orphanage that Joey’s from. Their last trip was in February.

When I came upon her blog I was very excited to see that she was there in the winter time!!! I sent her an email and she sent me back an email talking about the weather and many other things…..Anyway long story SHORT….I’m freaking out about the weather.

I had gone to Burlington Coat Factory (in Paramus), Campmor and Ski Barn. Today Annemarie and I went to Burlington in Secaucus and this is what I found….Don’t I look like a Siberian Snow Bunny?

L

Made By Walter...

2008-10-13T23:12:00.001-04:00

http://www.metacafe.com/watch/1865350/russian_adoption/

Here's a little video that Walter made for me...if you think you cried with the first video...wait till you see this one....don't say I didn't warn you.
L

When we got home...

2008-10-12T16:01:00.005-04:00

I forgot to post what we found when we got home. It was a nice surprise and one that will stay up till we bring Joey home....
Thanks, Arge & Billy

Kisses In The Wind

2008-10-02T22:17:00.004-04:00

I was searching for a nice poem about adoption and I found this really nice one I wanted to share. When I found it; immediately I thought of Joey and the last month and few days he will be at the orphanage.

It feels like we saw him a year ago but the fact is we were with him only last week. It's amazing how the Heart works...enjoy the poem.

KISSES IN THE WIND
(The Waiting Child's Lullaby)

I hold you in my heart and touch you in my dreams.
You are here each day with me, at least that's how it seems.

I know you wonder where we are... what's taking us so long.
But remember child, I love you so and God will keep you strong.

Now go outside and feel the breeze and let it touch your skin...
Because tonight, just as always, I blow you kisses in the wind.

May God hold you in His hand until I can be with you.
I promise you, my darling, I'm doing all that I can do.

Very soon, you'll have a family for real, not just pretend.
But for tonight, just as always, I blow you kisses in the wind.

May God wrap you in His arms and hold you very tight.
And let the angels bring the kisses that I send to you each night.

Red Square....

2008-09-30T18:27:00.004-04:00

We weren't here to see this, we were tired and exhausted, but we are so glad our coordinator convinced us and took us there...never in our wildest imagination did we think we would ever see this in person. It took my breath away. We will never forget the short time we spent at the Red Square...it was AMAZING!!!

3rd Day!!

2008-09-30T15:03:00.002-04:00

We're back!!!!

2008-09-30T14:41:00.003-04:00

Well, it would have been very nice to post some blogs when we were in Russia, but when I went to my blog's website....everything was in Russian!!!!!! I couldn't figure out what was what and there was no option for english...so that's why we just sent everything through email. I do want to post them...so here's Joey for you....

It's COLD over there!!!!!!

2008-09-16T22:42:00.001-04:00

OK….so I’ve been looking at the weather to see what exactly I should bring. When I checked 3 days ago the weather was going to be mildly chilly (about 40). Yesterday about the same just a few degrees cooler….TODAY…..24, 10 degrees, Snow and rain!!!! Basically…Miserable!!!

It’s too bad we won’t be able to take nice outside shots…but whatever….at least we get to see Joey…..he’s really the only sunshine that we need to see.

Holy Cow…Russia!!!!

Back to the adoption....

2008-09-14T15:04:00.004-04:00

We went to Toys R Us for some last minute things for Joey. We stopped by the carriages and I found the one I want...Just one thing...Didn't know exactly how to use it. When we figured out how to open it...I got a little ahead of myself and tried to do what all moms do...Baby in one arm while opening up the carriage in a one second move. I guess in time I will "Master" the multi tasking role!!!

The Visitor

2008-09-13T17:59:00.003-04:00

He didn't stay long..he ate and ran!!!

Shadow Got A Haircut!!!!

2008-09-13T17:58:00.003-04:00

He looks like a LION....GRRRRRR

Our Crazy World!!!

2008-09-13T10:58:00.003-04:00

Things are crazy (but in a great way)...What should I bring and What can I live without for one week...that's what's going on in my mind right now!!!

All for our "Little Man." It's worth it!!!

Here are a few things I've packed so far!!!

L

Make Room For BABY!!!!

2008-09-08T10:06:00.002-04:00

Well the time has come….We knew it would happen…we just didn’t know when or how much time we had.

Yes folks, it’s time to tackle the baby room. Yesterday, Walter and I decided that the best thing to do is just replace the molding around the windows and floor. Walt got pumped after seeing the cloths I bought, went down stairs, grabbed his tools and went upstairs to take down that molding. Of course it went not as planned…some of the walls came down as well!!!! So now Walter is going to replace the sheetrock walls and moldings. What a project!!!

Hopefully it will get done before we leave to Russia!!

Preparing For Our Trip!

2008-09-08T09:42:00.003-04:00

Well, it’s official…we are going to Russia to see our “little man”, our little Joey!!!

Yesterday, I started my day out the door by 10:30am and didn’t get home till about 5pm. I had gone to Harmon’s to get trial sizes stuff for us, then I headed to the Samsonite store to buy some travel pillows and tags for our luggage, I then spotted the Children’s place clothing store. We wanted to bring a few outfits for Joey for when we see him, so proceeded to enter thinking “how hard could this be?” Joey just turned 10 months old. So I’m looking through the racks for 10 month old size….of course I didn’t see any. I looked around to hopefully ask a sales woman and no one was around to help. I was too embarrassed to ask a mom there plus all the moms shopping there looked like they just wanted to grab, pay and get out! All I saw was 3 months, 6 months, 9 months, 12 months, etc. NO 10 MONTHS!!! I’m thinking to myself….”should I buy the 9 months or 12 months (they say he’s tall)” Needless to say I left there overwhelmed and upset. I couldn’t even buy an outfit for MY future son!!

I got in my car put the key in the ignition; I was just about to leave till I called Walter. After explaining what had happened and how I was feeling at that point in time, he told me to get a grip and call for back up. So I did…I called Kelly!!! She’s a mom and she knows what’s up.

She told me to pick her up and we’ll go to the store together. After a 101 crash course on how to find cloths for your kid, we walked right back in that mall (actually ended up at Carter’s) and shopped with a mission of finding the cutest outfits that we can possibly find. With much success, we found them.

Hooray for ME!!!!!

Is This Really Happening?

2008-08-30T08:30:00.004-04:00

I’m just going to say it…..he’s HEALTHY…..he’s healthy little boy!!!!!! WE ARE GOING FOR IT!!!!! We are leaving real soon to go see him!!!!!!!!!! OMG!!!!! Is this really happening?!

After Walter and I read what the doctor had to say about him we made a decision that will change our lives for ever. We are going for it….slowly our dreams are coming true…finally our turn!!!!

Yesterday morning, at 9:01 I left a message for my caseworker to call me back. It took her 20 minutes to get back to me but when she did, I could barely talk, I was screaming as if I were mad “I…I mean we….want to go…I mean what to proceed….we want to adopt him.” It was actually kinda comical!! Walter had left for work already but if he was home he would have been on the floor!!!!!

So here we are….on cloud nine…..It’s going to get harder and a little extra stressful, but now there’s a face…..and a name.

Is this really happening?

We got a referral !!!!

2008-08-25T10:29:00.000-04:00

Just a few days ago we got a referral of a 9 month old baby boy from Krasnoyarsk, Russia. Walter and I have been on pins and needles waiting from the doctor to let us know if he is as healthy as he is cute.

I’m typing this out with a huge knot in my stomach. I can not describe how we feel right now. We are not scared but nervous. We just want him to be a healthy child.

We are going to ask one thing of all my friends and families ….. Please pray that the baby is healthy and our journey will be a smooth and safe one.

L

Sunday Morning....

2008-08-03T10:41:00.006-04:00

Every Sunday morning we go to our garden and pick the veggies that are ready!!! Here are some photos....it was a great morning!!!!

He's Awesome!!

2008-07-19T11:53:00.002-04:00

So as many of my friends, family and those poor people I work with know…I WAS very, very stressed out. I couldn’t think, I felt lost and most concerning I felt sick.

Walter has been telling me to start sewing again or take on a hobby. My response was every area that is available in our small beautiful home is taken over by YOUR hobbies! So instead of getting defensive he knew I was right. He went downstairs in the basement and cleared all his stuff around and on my sewing machine. He even went as far as getting a peg board so I can comfortably have my tools that I used all the time handy to me. He’s Awesome!!

He was sent home early one day from work and did it all before I got home from my job. Pretty clever Huh!?!

Thanks Sweetie…I love it!!!

He makes me so happy!!!

2008-07-13T15:07:00.005-04:00

What a Life!!!

2008-07-01T22:28:00.002-04:00

That's our Shadow!!!!

Happy Father's Day

2008-06-14T23:55:00.001-04:00

To all the Pappas out there....Happy Father's Day!!! Enjoy your speacial day.

My Boys...

2008-06-01T12:08:00.002-04:00

Walter, Shadow and Midnight...My Boys

The Good News and The Bad News

2008-06-01T12:03:00.000-04:00

Well, so I thought it was going smoothly…Everyone has their children if not they are leaving really soon for their second trip to get them. Us…well not so. I got an email on Thursday night from our caseworker that our Rep. in the Perm region of Russia can not find us a baby under 2 years old. They want to send our paperwork to another region. She said it will probably be the region of Krasnoyarsk, about a 5 hours flight form Moscow.

The good news is they are looking for us RIGHT NOW...the bad is we have to wait a little longer. I bet it will probably prolong it another month or so. However we want to go to Russia Yesterday!

I keep telling myself…God is making it very special for us….Let’s hope so.

L

I’m going to be an Aunt!!!!

2008-05-12T23:16:00.000-04:00

Well this is has been a wonderful weekend. Mother’s day has been so special. We learned that Walter’s brother Chris and my sister in law Miriam are having a baby!!!! We have been so excited since they told us earlier today. They even gave us copies of the first ultra sound. The feeling is amazing…I’m going to be an Aunt!!!!

Chris and Miriam….We love you & Congratulations!

And to our Niece or Nephew….we love you, “little Peanut”!!!

Love, Aunt Lita & Uncle Walter

...He needs a little more time.

2008-05-10T00:02:00.000-04:00

Our caseworker did say that this is the worse part of adoption…the waiting. She wasn’t kidding. As most of you know we are the 5th couple to go to Russia this year through our agency. The first couple just got back yesterday with there new son. The second couple are waiting for their 2nd trip date. The 3rd and 4th couple went to Russia on their first trip and already came back home this week. That leaves the 5th couple…..us!!!!

We really haven’t heard anything yet. We know that phone call is coming soon hopefully. I thought we would have heard something by now but that’s OK. One of my customers said God is making it extra special for us so He needs a little more time. I like to think that’s the case.

In the meantime we have been doing the same as we’ve been since our paperwork first went to Moscow. We are keeping ourselves busy. Although we have done all the paper work we can possible do at this point. Everything else is packed and ready to go. Literally …..All we need to do is pack our own cloths and go to Russia.

We haven’t done anything to the baby room yet. I just feel like I would prefer to have a referral before redoing a room. In my opinion it’s like setting a baby room up before your pregnant, the same scenario but a little different.

At this point in the “process,” we are most certain our baby is born. It’s crazy when you think about it. Our baby is most likely born. That thought gets me choked up just thinking about it.

Anyway, I want to wish all you Mommas a Happy Mother’s Day. Have a wonderful weekend and enjoy every second of it.

L

I can't stop!!!!

2008-04-14T22:12:00.001-04:00

49 words

Speed test

It's so addicting!!!

Here's a new Garage Door

2008-04-11T22:17:00.001-04:00

Here it is....it makes our home look so beautiful!!!

We just love it!!!

2008-04-10T22:19:00.001-04:00

43 words

Speedtest

The Wind's Fault!!!

2008-04-05T20:18:00.002-04:00

My hubby is the sweetest. Tonight he placed a few logs in the out door fire chimney, put the little table out and chairs, I brought out the blankets and the red wine with glasses. Hoping we can start on a wonderful anniversary weekend. We sat there and then…the wind came. No more then 1 minute of sitting there Walter started to put the fire out. I grabbed the blankets, my glass and the bottle and brought every thing back in the house. I could see his disappointment. I felt so bad because he totally meant well.

He is still the sweetest person I’ve ever met

It's about time!!!

2008-04-03T19:55:00.002-04:00

Well I did it...I bought the box. The $189.00 plus tax box!! It's only been 6 years since the wedding. I guess I have putting it off, but now we are going to need the baby room closet so there. To no one's surprise Walter is the most excited one of all. He has been nicely asking me to send it to get preserved.

Bring on the Summer!!!

2008-04-02T20:58:00.003-04:00

I took this picture with my phone last summer. I MISS SUMMER !!!!
I'm so tired of the cold!

Camping at the Hurrells

2008-03-30T18:13:00.001-04:00

Here's our new addition to our home.

FINALLY!!!!

2008-03-27T20:09:00.002-04:00

I have been waiting for this book to go back in print for a very long time!!!! I've been looking for about 5 years now. I almost gave up, but HERE IT IS.....The Language of Fear by Del James. You know what I'll be doing this weekend!!!!

I hope it was worth the wait.....Lita

Adoption Update

2008-03-16T12:40:00.002-04:00

well here's your update ........ready.......Still waiting....haven't heard a thing!!! Hate waiting, so Annoying!!!

Our caseworker said that this is the hardest part, Boy, she wasn't kidding!!!

Happy Birthday Kathy!!!

2008-03-07T23:10:00.001-05:00

Happy Birthday Kelly!!!

2008-03-07T23:04:00.001-05:00

Happy Birthday Walter!!!!!

2008-03-06T07:57:00.000-05:00

Happy Birthday Big Boy!!!!!

The Waiting Game.....really stinks!!

2008-03-06T07:49:00.002-05:00

I really think that I completely wore myself out by being so excited of the fact that Russia is getting closer for us. I almost feel that I have been jumping up and down for the past week and it is now starting to get to me. I even woke up tired this morning and that doesn't happen often.

Maybe I should start sewing again...keep myself busy!!! It's probobly a good idea.

Anybody need me to sew anything!?!?!?!?

There you have it...a ceiling!!!!!!

2008-03-02T18:44:00.000-05:00

We're going to Perm...OH MY!!

2008-03-02T18:09:00.001-05:00

Well, since last I have blogged, we have found out that we are defiantly going to Perm, Russia for our baby!!!!

So naturally like any expecting father would do Walter is in the "Holy @H?! I'm going to be a Father" mode and he is fixing the house as I type now!!! Right now he is replacing the drop ceiling in our kitchen!! Earlier he was painting the molding in the upstairs hallway and when that fully dries and the ceiling is up he will carpet the hallway floor.

I have always told my husband "with your hard work and my supervision, we can accomplish anything!" But seriously my work comes later....DUST, DUST and DUST....EVERYWHERE!!! Drop cloth or not this place is a dust Heaven right now. So don't worry when he is relaxing I'll be vacuuming and dusting.

So far the house is looking great and we are so excited to have a little one. I’m really proud of Walter for trying new thing in the house (like carpeting) he has patience and he really could do anything.

“Good Job Babe….Keep it up”

Thanks your Management!

Adoption Update

2008-02-27T09:52:00.002-05:00

Well we have some good news...our paperwork (called Dossier) got sent to Moscow 2 weeks ago and the embassy translated them pretty quickly. Our caseworker informed us this morning that our Dossier went to an orphanage yesterday and will be looked at by a director. She believes that's where our baby is!!!!

So far, it's a good day for Walter and I.

Not Good Eats!!

2008-02-21T08:41:00.001-05:00

What a Crock....POT!

2008-02-21T08:38:00.003-05:00

As some of you know Walter and I were on vacation all of last week. We didn't go anywhere: we stayed home. We did however finish the little odds and ends in the house that we started years ago and just never go around to finishing them. REMEMBER: We are going to be parents...EVERYTHING must be PERFECT!

While Walter was working on the hallway moldings I decided to dust off the old (but never used) Crock Pot and try a few recipes...easy enough...NOT.

Because I'm in retail and I guess I'm a nice person with patience to listen, I hear it all the time from the Moms, that time is something you can never have enough of...and you don't get enough of it. As my attempt to train myself to be Super MOM I figured I would use the crock pot.

1st I went Simple...Rice Pudding...FLOP!
2nd I tried again...Rice Pudding...FLOP!
3rd Breakfast Dish.........FLOP!
4th Same Breakfast Dish.....FLOP!

There was no 5th dish....Yet...I am determined to have a good "something" out of there. I hear great things about it...I followed the recipes in fact I had Walter read it back to me just in case i was missing something.

I know how to read and I'm not stranger in the kitchen BUT that crock pot is my challenge....and it's going down!!!

OMG We're Adopting!!!

2008-02-19T08:58:00.009-05:00

By March of last year we pretty much knew that adopting a baby was really the only way for us to have a family. So when we were ready we had a throw all the needles and medicine party (for 2). Sounds corney but it was great to let go. Walter had an empty water bottle and we dumped the medicine in it...we broke every needle and labeled the container...and that was the end of that!!

Shorty after we had recieved our application from our adoption agency and BOOM... instantly, we were part of the "adoption circle." Though we had mourned a bit about not being able to have our own children, we had found another dream. This is wonderful dream that will come true.

Instantly, we saw things differently even in our home. Things like doorknobs, radiators with no covers. It was a sense of responisblilty that I guess one that is expecting would feel.

There was a point of our process that there was nothing we could do...we were waiting for our 1st set of paper work to come back from the state and of course everything is done 4-6 weeks (or more) in the "adoption world."

So we wait and wait and wait....I have a "freak-out" moment (this is where the tittle comes into the story)......I say OMG We're Adopting and I don't think we traveled enough. Now naturally we have had a list of places that we've wanted to go and thankfully alot of those places were no more then a 5 hour drive away from our home. Some of the places we've been to last year were Gettysburg, PA......Finger Lakes, NY...Niagara Falls, NY & Canada...more shore time and ofcourse not to mention every long weekend we went somewhere!!! We had a great time. We knew we weren't going to Russia so we had decided to use up every week and go somewhere. It was a great idea and we have no regrets about it.

2007...It was a good year.

I Did It!!!

2008-02-18T09:53:00.000-05:00

New To This!!!

2008-02-18T09:35:00.000-05:00

Well here I am writing my first blog, not knowing what in the world I am doing...Walter is at work and he would probobly figure this out with out looking because he really is the "updated" one and I'm not.

I'm trying to get a picture in here. This what I'm saying in my mind....what-the ...huh .....what?!.....maybe I'll just wait for him to get home in about 10 hours!!! (Before I crash our Computer)