Why the change?

I've had a few comments that my blog, in certain browsers, is extremely difficult to read because a very dark block of pink obscures the text. So in response to the comments and emails, I have changed my template. So Kikalee, hope this is better and thanks to everyone else, who let me know, I needed to make a change.

4 Good, 1 Not so Good

Good 1: Eammon returns tonight from his week in Boston. The house has been too lonely and I don't sleep when he's away, so his return, a good thing.

Good 2: My new July Secret Pal sent this awesome Michael Miller fabric textured scrapbook paper and an adorable frame which I already envision displaying lots of beach pictures of Baby S. Now that the nursery is almost completed and I have this cool new paper, I can get started on Baby S's 100 good wishes book. Thank you my new pal, you have my taste pegged perfectly and both items are such a great match for the making memories theme!

Good 3: After 20 days of being sick with bronchial pneumonia and strep throat, I'm finally breathing close to normal, my energy level though still low, is getting better every day and I no longer sound like Barry White, Selma Bouvier or even Marge Simpson, my voice is almost completely female and back to normal. I can't believe that I have been knocked on my arse like this, but now spring is here and it's time to be healthy again.

Good 4: Now don't be getting all excited about this until you finish reading the Not so Good.

Our dossier (adoption application documents) was logged in (registered) at the CCAA office on August 10, 2005. The fact that it has passed though the review process without any questions or problems is fantastic! The next step for us, in the process, is the Matching Room where we will be matched with Baby S.

Not so Good: The real important date is the one in the second paragraph of the picture. See, dossiers can sit in the matching room for 1, 2 , 3...endless months before they are finally matched and the new parents get their referral. The May 25th date is from last month's update and according to what the agencies are saying, the all important placement date will only change by a mere 5 days!! So, referrals will only come out for people whose dossiers were logged in before May 30, 2005. An entire month for CCAA to match 5 days worth of dossiers! There are 73 days between May 30 and August 10, so if they only match 5 days of dossiers each month, let's see...We should see Baby S's picture sometime in June 2007!

Think I'll become an ostrich and go bury my head in the sand!

Who could it be?

It's Kikalee!! What a sweet way to end the August swap, an absolutely adorable height chart and scrumptious gourmet chocolates from my home state! I love the height chart, it's wonderful as it has stickers for each year up to age 10 and the chart is heavy, like the hard cover of a book, so it'll be a great keepsake for Baby S.

Then there's the chocolate. Now I'm not talking your run of the mill Godiva or any other mass produced chocolates, I'm talking rich, decadent, gourmet chocolate! I'm lucky that I got this picture while the box was still full because had the picture not come out, the box would be down two pieces already. I've already had a gorgeous orange creme and a delicious coffee truffle. Gee, it's really too bad that Eammon is in Boston for the week and I'm here with the chocolates...all alone!

I love that R joined in on all the shopping sprees and helped pick out the gifts, that is soooo sweet! We have loved every beautifully wrapped unique, informative, adorable, interesting, beautiful and practical gift. Thank you for being such a great pal, we're going to miss your packages each month!

Anyone want to place a bet on how many chocolates will remain when Eammon returns Friday night?

Working on the nursery

Now that I am starting to feel better and in hopes of getting our referral sometime this year, I have started working on the nursery again. I have added lots of pictures to the Nursery in Progress link located in the side bar and I have also made a video of pictures, (practicing for the future) starting at the doorway of the nursery and moving around the room.
When I look around the nursery, I can't help but think of all our wonderful friends and my secret pals, whose gifts seem to be in every corner. Most recently we received a Fabulous hand made Raggedy Ann and a beautiful, soft pink knit blanket with hearts, both from dear friends, Pat and Gary. We love them both, thank you so much for thinking of us! My Mom also made an adorable padded book for Baby S, which I know she'll love!

The canvas at the entrance to the room was painted by a wonderful artist in Florida, named Elaine. She was fabulous to work with and the results, Wow! If you are looking for something custom, contact her, she was the best! The canvas is 7 1/2 feet long by 5 feet high so to Baby S, it's just going to seem huge. Gosh, I sure hope she isn't afraid of animals otherwise I'll be in trouble!

Local Adopters gather again

Last night our local adopters gathered for dinner and it was a blast as usual. It was great meeting some new families and of course meeting little Miss Ansley was the highlight of the night.

Brought to you by the letter "B"

I have been house bound with bronchial pneumonia and strep for the past twelve days, so when the postman rang the bell with package in hand, it was time to celebrate.

This was the first month of my new August swap and it was an ABC swap. My wonderful new pal sent a box full of "B" items, all of which I love! The Bibsters, bunny, binky and the butterfly rattle are definitely going to China with us and probably the Ladybug book too. The book is so cool, it rattles, crinkles and has parts that can be moved and played with, along with a cute little story. I also love the love bug bib, the colors are so pretty and it's so cute, if you squeeze the bug's belly, it squeaks! I can't wait to have little Baby S wear the bib and play with toys and book.

Thank you, my new August Pal, all the gifts really helped to make me feel better today.

97.2

I have been very sick since last Sunday, running a fever of well over 100, so when I saw 97.2 (yes, that is my normal temperature) on the thermometer this morning, I was ready to dance for joy. I would have too, if I wasn't so darn exhausted and sore from five days of attempting to cough up a lung or two. I sound like Barry White impersonating Marge Simpson and all I can dream about is being able to lay flat in bed for more than 18 seconds without my lungs filling with fluid.

I feel so out of the loop, being 5 days behind on blogs, boards and emails, but I'm just too tired to sit at the computer for more than a few minutes. Plus, getting to the computer involves climbing Mount Everest, OK it's only one flight of stairs, but I'm sick!

Off to try and nap in the recliner. Catch up with everyone soon.

7

When we started the adoption process, the wait once your dossier was logged in at the CCAA was between six and eight months. BUT, things have sloooowwwweeeeddd dooooowwwwwnnnnnn. Here we are at seven months and we aren't even close! I do hope that things speed up somewhat so that we can get our referral maybe late summer???

Surprise!!

Tonight was a surprise 40th birthday/citizenship party for Eammon. He was both surprised and delighted that so many of our friends along with my parents, came to celebrate with him. Eammon was spoiled with a wonderful variety of beers, the few which still remain are pictured to the right.
Truth be told, the real belle of the ball was little Miss Emily, who had been home for less than 24 hours.
Turns out, Emily and Eammon became citizens on the same day!
Emily got a few prezzies too.
The other star of the evening was Charleigh who was adorable mugging for the camera.
Testing out my new glider, my Mom got lots of love and attention from Emily & Charleigh.
Sonia and Hugh, who will be next to receive their referral got in some practice hugs with Emily while everyone else ate, drank and celebrated.

205 New American Citizens

This morning in Atlanta, Eammon, along with 204 other people, from a total of 66 different countries, took their Oath of Allegiance and became U. S. Citizens.

The ceremony was very touching and as I listened, I felt happy and proud that so many people chose to become U.S. citizens. I realized as each name was called and Certificate of Naturalization presented, that for some, becoming a U.S. citizen won't change their lives dramatically, but for others the impact on their lives and the lives of their family is huge. I felt somewhat sad hearing the names of the countries and knowing that for some, the conditions and/or politics of their homeland forced them to leave everything and everyone they knew behind and that they may never see their county of birth again.

So of course all of this got me thinking of our daughter and what her future holds. We feel strongly that our daughter will first and foremost be an American. We'll expose her to the culture and traditions of her birth country and will help foster a sense of pride in her Chinese heritage, but we won't force her to be involved in Chinese language, dance or other classes unless she has the interest and desire. I hope that she grows up proud to be an American, proud to be of Chinese descent and I hope that someday she will chose to travel around China and learn of her birthplace. Overall, I hope that our daughter grows up proud of who she is and happy to live in the U.S., a country which truly is a melting pot of people from diverse backgrounds, cultures and origins.

It could only mean one thing

What does it mean when there's a giant box at my door? It could only mean that my August/September CCAI Secret Pal sent another gift. She must already have children as she sends the things that I really need along with stuff just for fun. This package included Six adorable bibs each with a funny saying, disposable bowls, cups and spoons which will be perfect to take with us to China, and lots of toys for Baby S. In addition, she sent this absolutely adorable metal ladybug which I keep moving from place to place, trying to find the perfect spot to put it on display.

Even though I don't yet have a name to attach to you, my pal, know that I am sending good vibes for your upcoming surgery. Thank you for all the wonderful gifts!

Mary Clare Anne

Fellow local adopters Tracy & Lee have a beautiful new daughter Mary Clare Anne. Checkout their blog for all the details and updated information.

Congratulations to all the new parents who received their referral this month. Check out all the beautiful new babies, listed in the side bar under "We have our Referral."

August Secret Pal strikes again

A big thanks to my August Secret Pal who hooked me up with some wonderful travel items, one of which I had never even heard of before.

First, she sent some cute I.D. tags, a travel package of disposable bibs and wipes, a medicine dropper and she topped it off with a cute card which will be added to Baby S's scrap book. The coolest item, or really the warmest item was the Grab 'n Go Bottle Warmer. I've never seen these and it's really nice. Yes, of course I had to try it out and it works well. Now all I need is my baby who'll need a bottle and I'll be all set.

Thank you August pal, I'll be sorry to see the swap end next month as you've been a wonderful pal and your packages each month have helped with the wait to referral.

July cyber pal revealed

Tonight was the July Dragonflies cyber shower and the reveal of my Secret Pal, Regina. For the cyber shower she sent some wonderful items. Eammon especially likes the fun bib and I can't wait for Baby S to be here so that I can put her picture in the frame and she can play with the Baby Bugs. I love the card that you included, it looks handmade, it is so beautiful and I'll be adding it to Baby S's scrapbook. It's sad to see this swap end as I really looked forward to receiving your package each month and I enjoyed seeing all the fun items that you included. You know I'll be checking your blog and following your journey. Thanks for being such a great pal!

Rain doesn't put a damper on our fun!!

Tonight was scheduled to be our local Adopters group bonfire night. But, mother nature had other ideas with a full weekend of rain on the schedule. So, after watching the weather closely day after day, it was decided late last week to make a change of venue, thereby not allowing the weather to stop us. Seth and Jill Zimmerman stepped in to save the day, being so gracious and volunteering their lovely home to save the party. So, the bonfire became an indoor party with the only fire being the grill. Hugh was the grill master while our favorite pyros Seth and Eammon stood by and provided moral support! We had a large turnout with 38 people in attendance, many familiar faces with a couple of new ones too. The children were so well behaved, they all played, ate and had fun together.

Hard to believe that I, yes me, forgot to pull out my camera until most of the people had already left!! Must have been those two sips of champagne, made me silly and tipsy!

We had a beautiful table laden with food. Perfectly gilled burgers and dogs, potato, pasta and Greek salads, chips, chips and more chips all waiting to be dunked into one or more of the fabulous dips, queso, 7-layer Mexican, veggie and spinach-artichoke-cheese...All fabulous! Desserts, OMG! Eclairs, chocolate mousse-filled chocolate puffs, raspberry and custard napolians, chocolate creme-filled roll-ups, a chocolate cream cheese cake, fresh fruit tart, fresh fruit with a luscious raspberry cream, a wonderful chocolate capuccino trifle and cupcakes. The spread was unbelievable as we have some excellent cooks in our group.

Rain, didn't bother us at all. The evening proved to be lots of fun and a wonderful time for everyone.

Julie, Elizabeth & Jill
Charleigh and Bubba Jr. practice their camera skills.
Eammon and Mia singing together on the swing.
Nan & Tully
The big boys.
Slayden being tired and shy.
Such good children.
Eammon practicing, reading a final bedtime story to Mia.

Thank you Jill and Seth for stepping in and hosting, it was a blast!!

Let's talk food

Since there's no new news on the adoption front, other than Daphne and Greg should only be a few hours away from touch down in Hong Kong, (it's almost Fubo time!!) I've decided that I'm going to share some of my adventures in food. Of course I have been doing that all along, but now it gives me something to focus on other than referral rumors.

So today I met Trixie for a "quick" three and a half hour lunch at one of my favorite lunch places, where I enjoyed a delicious fried green tomato sandwich and Trixie made a shrimp po'boy "healthy" by ordering it on whole grain bread! We were two of the first customers when they opened and by the time we left, the kitchen staff was eating lunch. Our lunch ran so late, that I barely had time to stop at the grocery for final dinner ingredients.

Eammon and I both have been feeling somewhat under the weather, fighting off the plague or whatever it is infecting everyone. So in an attempt to avoid my annual bronchitis and Barry White sound-a-like voice, I decided the best thing for us was to sweat out whatever evil lurks within us, with hot peppers and of course chicken soup. For the best of both, I made one of our favorite soups, Tom Kha Gai. We both enjoyed the soup but it's funny how we each experienced the heat of the peppers. I thought the soup had a little kick and it made my lips tingle. Eammon on the other hand realized the full sweat factor, making a lovely dinner partner stripped down to his boxers, wiping his brow with a towel. Hey, if the soup doesn't cure me, having dinner with a handsome half naked man sure works wonders!

Tom Kha Gai
Spicy Thai Chicken Soup with Coconut Milk

4 c. chicken broth
1 T. lemon grass, fresh minced
3 T. Thai fish sauce
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 T. fresh grated ginger
3 Serrano peppers, thinly sliced into rounds
2 tsp. chili-garlic sauce
juice of 4 limes
2 (14 oz.) cans coconut milk
2 chicken breasts, boned, skinned and sliced thinly
1 (10 oz.) can straw mushrooms, drained
1/2 c. cilantro, chopped

In a stockpot, bring the chicken broth, lemon grass, fish sauce, garlic, ginger, Serrano peppers, chili-garlic sauce and juice of 4 limes to a boil. Stirring, add the coconut milk and bring to a simmer for 5 minutes. Remove from the heat and add chicken allowing it to cook through in the hot liquid. Add the drained mushrooms and the cilantro.

Check it out

I just listed some new items on eBay, including this Kecci Diaper bag. Check it out, Baby S still needs new shoes!

I love you!! (updated with recipe)

I am all set for Valentine's day tomorrow with plenty of sweets. Last year Eammon's office mates got heart shaped brownies but this year, I hope they're in the mood for lemon.

I made cupcakes, filled with my luscious (in my humble opinion) home made lemon curd and then topped with a pink lemon glaze and a Sweetheart. I could O.D. on these as I love lemon curd...almost as much as chocolate!! Hmmm...may need to make some chocolate cupcakes with lemon curd filling and they might remind me of these.

Remember, there are many ways to say I love you and next year I'll be saying them all to Baby S!

Happy Valentine's Day!

I've had numerous requests for this recipe, so here it is:

Love Cakes filled with Lemon Curd

Make your favorite white cake recipe (box or scratch) as cupcakes. Fill the cup papers only half way as you need room in the cups to add the glaze later. Bake and cool completely.

Lemon curd recipe is here, make and cool completely. Or you can use store bought.

Put cooled lemon curd in a piping bag fitted with a large open star tip. From the top center of each cupcake, insert the tip and squeeze in a small amount of lemon curd.

I don't have a recipe or amounts, but the glaze is just icing sugar, lemon extract, some food coloring and water. Just mix to a thick glaze and spoon quickly on to top of cakes so that it settles nice and smooth. If the icing starts to get too thick, thin with a little more water. Allow icing to dry at room temp. for a few hours. Refrigerate.

If you make these delicious cakes, be sure to post pics and let me know how they turn out.

Enjoy!!

Man plans, God laughs

Today is the six month anniversary of our log in date with CCAA. Officially, we started the adoption process for Baby S a full year and 3 days ago! After months of research, we finally chose and submitted our application to CCAI on February 7, 2005. At that time, we anticipated that we would have our little girl by February '06 and be a family of three. But here it is, February 2006 and no little girl in sight.

During the paper chase we had a few delays with getting some of the paperwork from England thus, getting our dossier submitted and logged in at CCAA took a little longer than anticipated. But, based on what was happening with referrals we were at least, still on track to get our referral by February '06. In my mind, everything was set. Travel to China in the spring of '06 where we wouldn't have to worry about winter clothes, wouldn't sweat our butts off...Perfect! Have little Baby S for 7 or 8 months, working to get her adjusted and into a routine before it was time to whisk her off to Aruba in December for a few weeks of beach, sun and fun. Then we would follow that with a trip to England in the Spring of '07 to meet and see Eammon's Mum and family.

Well who knows what the timeline is now and I have given up tying to plan. Why? Because someone is having a giant belly laugh... I planned and look what happened!

Julie is the bomb!!

Today I had a long morning at my rheumatologist's office, why it always takes so long there is beyond me. I then did a little shopping and found an awesome little gift for one of my secret pals. There was a huge sale happening so I bought Eammon, I don't even know how many, new shirts for work. Then I popped into Eatzi's to pick up something quick for lunch. Even well beyond lunch time, Eatzi's was still quite crowded. I couldn't decide if I wanted a salad, sandwich, something hot, cold, sweet or savory. So I wandered around looking at everything and mindlessly tasted all the samples they had out. By the time I trekked around and checked everything out making sure to taste all the samples...at least once, I realized that I wasn't hungry anymore and left without buying anything! Bad girl, bad girl!!

Traffic coming home was awful and I was happy when I finally pulled onto my street. Then when I pulled into the driveway, I saw a package at our front door. I thought it must be from one of my secret pals, but then I saw the return address, it was a package from Julie. Oh how cool, what a treat! Why I wondered, was the Goddess of all things crafty sending something to me? Well she sent a thank you gift because I organized and ran the August Yahoo dtc Secret Pal Swap. It really wasn't necessary, but Oh my gosh, I was dancing around the kitchen with the stuff because I LOVE it. Check out the giraffe, the giraffe dress and the wonderful card that she made. Does she have me and my love of giraffes pegged. Julie you are the bomb. Thank you!!

The sky is falling, the sky is falling!

Looking out my back door I saw this funny white stuff falling from the sky. I'm sure that panic grocery shopping has begun as we had almost five full minutes of this freak storm before it all turned to rain. Oh my gosh, do I have milk, ice cream, chocolate...it may snow again and we may never be able to get the essentials!!!

Worse than trying on bathing suits!

That's how I feel about buying a new purse. I need a purse that's fun, not too big, not too small. Something that can go with any outfit (not that I change purses or outfits if they don't match) just something that reflects my personality. I've been carrying my favorite monkey purse on and off for about three years and it's just time for something new. I have a whole list of criteria, but two of the biggest are, it can't be too expensive and it definitely can't be advertising the designer's name or initials. If designers or companies want me to advertise for them, let them pay me to carry their purse!

So today after much searching and debating, I did end up purchasing two bags. I'm not sure if I'm going to keep either of these or maybe I'll keep both...still to be decided. Pictured are my purchases for your viewing pleasure and your critique. What do these bags say to you and what personality do they reflect?


One purchase that I will be keeping is the Mamas and Papas Giant Activity Toy, Lotty Ladybird. I got it for a steal at T. J. Maxx, mark down on top of mark down on top of mark down!



This baby is huge, it is pictured on a queen size bed! It has so many different textures, patterns and colors, I'm enjoying playing with it. Each leg makes crinkle sounds, one of the spots flips open to reveal a baby safe mirror and the hat flips forward to reveal a large mirror and a cute ladybug and leaf applique. The flowers on the antennae squeak and rattle. I also love the mini ladybug rattle, with a mirror on the tummy, it hides in one of the big ladybug's legs.