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

 

 

Mazlin is moving into the crazy hair stage that Mia went through. When we wake her up it is sticking up all over. She is getting to be so funny. She claps and says "thank you"

Baby Shower in Cleveland

 
I just returned from Helen's baby shower. She is such a special person and I had a great time hanging out with her friends and family. I couldn't be happier for her and Brian. Now we will just patiently wait for baby Luciano!

Guatamalan Adoptions to Stop on 1/1/2008

Released today: Guatemala has stated that it will become a Hague Convention country on January 1, 2008. Guatemalan officials have informed us that Guatemala plans to require cases pending or filed after December 31, 2007 to meet Hague standards, even if the adoption procedures commenced before that date. They have also informed us they will not process adoptions for non-Hague member countries after December 31. We understand this to mean that Guatemala will stop processing adoptions to the United States beginning January 1, 2008, until U.S. accession to the Hague Convention takes effect. Given the average time frame for completing an adoption in Guatemala, cases started now cannot be completed before January 1, 2008.

Today is a such a sad day for everyone involved with Guatamalan adoptions. Mostly, for the wonderful children and amazing men and women (adopting and allowing their children to be adopted) I think I can speak for most of the people we know that are in process or have completed an adoption-from the moment you receive the picture they are YOUR children. The thought of all these children and waiting families going through potentially months/years of waiting is heartbreaking. I'm sure like everything else in life you have the good with the bad and there probably is corruption among the thousands of adoptions that take place. It is my firm belief that if this does in fact occur, it is the exception as opposed to the rule. Not only did I live in Guatemala for a period of time, but I know quite a few people that have adopted and I do not know of one case that involves corruption. I'm all for making the process better and more efficient, but to shut this down is cruel. If only the individuals making these decisions were in the shoes of the people and children that will be waiting for them. Mia and Mazlin have changed our lives forever. I couldn't help but think of this the whole time we were bathing them and putting them to bed. Everyone in process deserves to experience this love.

Mazlin:

Happy 1st birthday-we love you and feel so grateful to have a chance to be part of your life.

Love

Mommy-Daddy-Mia

Happy 1st Birthday Mazlin!

We celebrated Mazlin's 1st birthday today with family and friends. She was a trooper. Lots of faces and noises. She is really shy (much different than Mia) and hides her little face everytime someone says hello to her. We had a great day and loved celebrating with her.