Shoe shopping and a few wishes

 

It started out as a simple evening for the family to go shopping to get Mazlin new shoes and birthday gift for a friend. Pretty simple. We stop so Dennis can teach Mia what it means to make a wish and throw money in the fountain. I went to sit on the bench with Mazzie while the concept was sinking in for Mia. I'm reminded every day how much Mia ADORES her daddy. He makes her laugh like no one else and the affection is mutual. He is an amazing father and surprises me by his generosity every day. Two years ago this week we made the journey back to Minneapolis as a family for the first time. I've just started to realize over the last couple of months (as Mia continues to grow into this very inquisitive and expressive being)that Dennis and I will need to begin the process of determining how we will communicate this amazing journey we've taken with her and her sister. I literally can't even begin to think about it without getting choked up. In fact, if you were here at this very moment you would be handing me a Kleenex. A few of our friends that were in Guatemala with us are celebrating "Gotcha Day" which is a very common term in the adoption world. I've realized that I'm not ready to bring this into her life. I'm barely ready to accept the fact that she hasn't been with me since the egg and sperm met. Maybe I did give birth to her and we all just forgot about it. Not that it would mean anything different other than the fact that I could avoid that one brief moment of disconnect when I will be able to hear her brain trying to process everything. She is resilient and she will (I'm sure) move onto something else. I just don't want her to EVER question anything--is that so much to ask? What was so wrong with the kiddos that found out by looking through Mommy and Daddy's special drawer (which just happened to contain private pictures of Mommy and their original birth certificate) when they were 16. I want to see the long term effects on that study. I mean really. Although, I'm sure it is hard to get any data since they are all probably in rehab, therapy or a cult somewhere. A very wise person once told me that adoption is a process (albeit a beautiful one) but still a process. They come from an amazing culture with beautiful people and many selfless women that loved them enough to let them go...I will always want her to know every detail of her life..I'm just beginning to realize how amazingly emotional this will be for her little mind to process. My good friends that are adopted are a testament to the great parents that allowed them to say as adults they never remembered the day they found out-it was just something they always knew and didn't have a bearing on the love for their parents. Mazzie's shoes are adorable and Mia made many many wishes. If only I could take a simple trip to the mall. My mind just doesn't work like that.

A little summer fun

What is in a name?

Okay. I get it. Thanks to my dear loving friends and family, I've become keenly aware that Mazlin's name is confusing. Mazy-Mazzy-Maz-Mazzie-Mazi. I always thought it would be Mazy--but I guess it is too close to Lazy and than she would be a Maisy-which is a mouse and not an acceptable reference for a child. We had a family gathering last week that included too many Corona's discussing the way to stop this madness once and for all. The conclusion? Brace yourself. Mazzie or Mazlin only. How did we get here after a lengthy discussion you might ask? Elizabeth is not shortened to Lizzy. Therefore, Mazlin should not be either. Don't judge. It was a scientific study with valid intoxicated data.

I'm happy to introduce our daughter Mazlin. If you feel the need to shorten the name in writing, please defer to our data.

Much love,
Laurie-Dennis-Mia-Mazlin (a.k.a Mazzie)

Our little buddah

Mazlin is growing and changing so much. She is such a sweet pea. Very different than Mia in so many ways, but very much the same. If that even makes sense. Mia was always pretty much an independent child. In fact, my sister reminded me how upset I would get because I didn't think she really knew (or cared) if I was around. Mazlin is very different. She is a snuggler. She laughs so hard and gets so excited when she does things on her own. She lights up when big sis enters the picture and Mia has been an excellent big sister. We were worried but she is a little star as a big sis with the exception of the sharing concept. Mia is going to her Aunt's house this weekend and we are worried she may miss her little sister but we are also hoping the absense will make the sharing of toys much easier upon her return. One can only hope.

A playdate with Mattea

Aracey's bestfriend is a nanny for Mattea and it just so happens she is adopted from Guatemala as well. Mia and Mattea are becoming great little buddies. I have a feeling the cool train is helping their friendship along...

Mazlin loves the school bus

Mia and Mattea on the train

Meet the newest member of our family

Arecely is officially moving in on the 25th of August. She has been a wonderful addtion to our family so far. She speaks to the girls in spanish, cooks amazing food and teaches Mia a few salsa steps. The girls love her and I find her pretty amazing. She came here from Mexico to learn english and to get her masters degree in marketing. She will be attending Wash U (a few blocks away) in the evening after a few preliminary courses. Three of her best friends from Mexico are here and are nannies for families close by. Lately, Dennis has been traveling more than he has been home so it will be a nice addition for me.

A kiss

M+M

Thinking of you....

Dennis and I were glued to the televsion through the night. We love Minneapolis and feel like it is part of our home. This amazing city holds many of our dearest friends and greatest memories and we feel very sad today. The cell phone signal was down into the city and it makes you really realize when you can't reach someone during times like these, just how incredibley important people are to you in your life. Luckily, everyone is okay...and I'll be sure to tell them how much they mean to me more often.