What do you get when Dora meets I Dream of Jeanie?

 

My sister continues to amaze me with her ability to send Mia home with such memorable purchases. I'm certain these pajamas will become Mia's new favorites just because I can barely look at them without laughing. In case you can't tell, the pants are a bit sheer as well.

Congrats Kristin and Tom!

We attended the wedding of Dennis' good friend this weekend (child-free) and I realized why I love weddings. You get to share in such a wonderful event and remind yourself of why you married the person you are with in the first place. They were married in the Tower Club of the Opera House. Simply beautiful right down to the letterpress invitations. We are so happy for Kristin and Tom. We had a great time. What else do you do but drink too much and find yourself walking to your hotel with hiccups at 2:00am without the kiddies!

The Altmans!

 
It was so good to meet Margie, Lulu and Daisy on our way to Chicago this weekend. It truly was as if no time had passed. Margie has created such an amazing family. Lulu is hilarious and Daisy is too cute for words. She is such a natural as this mommy thing. So patient and understanding.

Ms. Daisy

 

Ms. Lulu

 

Chicago Anti-War Protest

 

Dennis and I traveled to Chicago for a wedding (that was wonderful by the way) and we arrived a little early and thought we would hit the streets, grab a coffee and do a little shopping. Instead, we grabbed a coffee and on our way back we were right in the middle of the most amazing (5,000 strong) and peaceful anti-war protest. The streets were filled with a sea of people expressing themselves and it was really overwhelming for both of us. My political preference is no secret to those that know me and I couldn't of had a better surprise event at that moment. The icing on the cake was this photo of our four fearless leaders. When Mia asked who they were it filled me with great joy to tell her they are scary scary people that unfortunately stick around even after Halloween.

Why don't people understand you can be against the war and still love this country. I'm over it.

I remember not too long ago...

 
driving around the block to avoid our neighbors kiddos, driving up the alley to avoid the annual block party and disconnecting our doorbells because the little people kept bugging us while we were relaxing after a hard day of eating out and shopping. To think we own a house with a halloween decoration that I was so excited about I made Dennis put it up as soon as he got home is both disturbing and wonderful in an odd kind of way. Not to mention the fact I stopped on the way home from buying the witch at a video store to buy The Sound of Music. If my next post is about the benefits of a minivan---please come save us.

 
This one is Dennis' buddy. Mia and I agree his eyes are too weird to stay around for very long.

Meet our newest addition

 
This is nemo (or emo as Mia calls him) and he joined our family this weekend. He smells awful and drops lots of fuzzy things from the rear part of his body. Dennis and I are convinced he is not long for this world.

Thank You Natasha!

 

I finally got the photo framed and we love it. The flowers represent Mia and Mazlin and it turned out beautiful. Natasha is an amazing photographer and an even more amazing friend (and new mommy)

 

Mommy's Little Girl

 

 

 

Kate is such a trooper!

 

 

 

 

Kate comes to visit

 

It was so good to spend time with Kate. I love seeing her with the girls. We had such a good visit and she was quite the trooper with a few of the activities. This was the first time she met Mazlin and they hit it off perfectly!

A very special pedicure for Mia!

Aracely is creating a little diva---

A hug for Mazlin

Mia and the "Fufferfly"

Mazlin loves sticking out her tongue

The Greatest Nanny in the World!

Aracely has been working hard on the girls' playroom. She asked if she could paint something on the walls for them and they love it. Mia especially loves Swiper hiding in the tree!

One year check-up

 
Mazlin is the picture of good health. We are going to see an attachment specialist at Cardinal Glennon. I wasn't aware they have a program that deals specifically with international adoption and attachment. I'm very excited. I get confused as to how much to attribute to the 2nd child syndrome and how much is about attachment. It can't hurt and it will make me feel better.

Favorite Food

 
Some kids love chocolate and ice cream...Mia is in LOVE with pumpkin seeds lately.

Mia tells me all about pumpkin seeds