Swimming at Aunt Debbie's

Ciaran's Party Slide

Mia preparing for Ciaran's Marching Band Party

The More Things Change The More They Stay The Same

Tuesday, July 10th, 2007: 7:30 p.m. in the McGrath house: Both girls sleeping quietly (a bubbly bath and 2 books each), clean house, Zeke snoring on the bed and not a piece of laundry to do.

Dennis and I looked at each other--he goes to his laptop to do some architectural stuff and I go straight to Tivo. Nothing better than Flavor Flav's Charm School Finale with Monique. To think I thought things would never get back to normal. Tomorrow I'm just hoping for an hour or two of Kathy Griffin on the D-List.

Welcome home Miles.

Blogging is a funny thing...

I've realized that blogging is similar to cleaning your house before your guests come over or smiling and waving to your neighbor immediatley after arguing with your husband in that healthy passive-aggressive way we know and love. You can take the pictures exactly as you want them and you can talk about only the things that are fun and happy and rainbowish and leave out all of the bad stuff. Blogs are a small glimpse (completely controlled by you) of your life for everyone to see. I've taken a bit of a break and I could tell you it is because I'm so in love with the new little addition that I find any other activity pales in comparison. In reality, two children change EVERYTHING. I've heard a million people tell me this and I've found it to be true. Mazlin came home on Tuesday and by Friday I was calling Dennis off the golf course and telling him he needed to come home right away because I was feeling so overwhelmed I just wanted to cry. Yes, it is true, as much as I would love to say it has been an easy ride, it hasn't. We get a good laugh out of it but I actually told him we should put the dog (that I've had for 14 years and dearly love) down because I couldn't handle all the responsibility.

I remember when I arrived in Guatemala and met a number of other adopting moms, a few of them were breastfeeding and I thought it was so amazing that the body rises to the occasion. I didn't know it was physically possible to do this but it is. I'm realizing postpartum isn't only for bio moms out there. I'm happy to say each day gets better and Mazlin is a love. She is the sweetest. We went to our first family outing on the 4th and I remember looking at both of them swimming knowing that everything was going to be fine. I'm just having bleach and Pine-Sol withdrawal and a little reality TV withdrawal. My house is a mess, they sleep at different times, eat different foods, one walks-one doesn't....in the end I'm happy--just a little more cluttered than usual. I wouldn't change a thing. More pictures to come-----

Mia & Lily

Lily came to visit Mia and help her through this transition. Lily is ready to have a brother next week. David and Julie are leaving for Guatemala to pick up Miles. We can't wait to see him when they return.

Dinner for two

Our First Family Photo

She arrived today as sweet and amazing as I remember her to be. They are sisters. Each is sleeping in their own bed safe and warm. The future holds great things for them and we feel fortunate to be part of that experience. I don't know what I would do without my sisters. I have to imagine we had a moment very much like the one shown here. Part of me feels a little empty like the journey is over and part of me feels like the journey has just begun. Thanks to everyone that followed along and gave well wishes. We really appreciate your thoughtfulness.

Good Night---The McGraths

Daddy's Girls

Maz Loves Her Sign

Josh and Kaitlyn Meet Mazy

Mia and Maz Meet for the 1st Time

She Spots Him