The next Installment of Superhero Theater...

Taken Tuesday... found on the Kitchen Table. When asked what was happening....

"The Superheroes rescued the Green Lantern from the Evil Man, and put him in the trunk, so that Evil Man wouldn't find him. "

Also, Nathan has mastered the letter A. He prefers to draw it on his body more than paper.

Dating Mr. Man

We are trying to be better about dates. It has not been a priority before now, more of a reason to do things socially with other couples. Up until recently we could talk freely about anything in front of the kids, but now that we have Nathan who is "Mr. Why? What did you say?" and tends to repeat everything to everyone.

But you know the world conspires against you when you have the best laid plans. I wayyyyy overdid it on Saturday, so I was exhausted. Then getting everything ready for the sitter, and that is the exact moment the angel kids turn into demons trying and testing every nerve. Every time we get ready to go out I feel like saying "ugh, forget it, let's do take out after the kids are in bed." However, I'm determined that our marriage will be a priority.


So Saturday, we went out. Just for dinner, and it was fabulous. Normally, Mr. Man plans it. This time, I took charge. I got the sitter, and we went to one of my favorite resturants. Unbelievably, Mr. Man had never been there. I've taken most of my friends there, and most of my clients. We went to HoSumBistro in Newport Beach. They have about 8 tables, and the food is amazing. Described as Light & Healthy Califoriental. Mr. Man totally loved it, and the best part was sitting there having an adult conversation. We need to do this wayyy more often.


Anytime anyone is up for a double date, we are game. And if I haven't taken you to HoSumBistro, then call me, let's go!

Then also, I've gotten some questions about food... What do the kids eat? What if there is no Trader Joe's by me!

Here's some stuff I picked up at Target today!

My Food Beliefs.... a challenge!

Warning: Epic Novel of a Posts.... may appear as a rant or possibly cheap therapy. Rarely, do I lay things all out. It’s come up on several occasions, and Mr. Man keeps reminding me, I’m doing the same thing that my parents did to me, that I swore I’d never do. My kids are feeling the wrath of my food beliefs. One of the teachers at Nathan’s school said “Oh, I totally steered Nathan away from juice the room mom brought in today for the party…” *then she whispers* “it was Hawaiian Punch.” She gives me a look, waiting for me to hug her and tell her “THANK YOU for saving my child from the evil Hawaiian Punch!”.

Look, let’s just clear this all up, and tell it like it is. We all know that I come off a little “zealous” (aka high strung). It’s a label I hate, tried to fight, but most people realize that I am trying to be easygoing. I am not easygoing, but it’s obvious I’m trying my hardest to push myself to be.

That being said, I have strong beliefs related to food. It is the culmination of 30 years of experience that has brought me to a lifestyle I have come to embrace. It’s almost a security blanket, because you can control the food you prepare and provide for your family. You can’t control a tandem tantrum when you’re lunching with your friends hoping for an adult conversation. You can control what they are eating at home, on your watch.

I’ve been reading several foodie blogs of people that I admire. One of them blogged about “Why do I eat like this?” and it was fascinating. It caused me to stop and think, Why do I believe this? Why do I eat like this? So, I thought I’d journal this, so when Nathan and AK are in therapy and blaming the fruit leather and the freaky lunches that led them to a life of being social outcasts, they will know why I did this. And I challenge you to do the same? Why do you eat the way you do?

Starting from the beginning, my parents were constantly trying every health fad since I can remember. They would hear of a new diet, health food product, and everything was going to change for the better for my family. They were going to be healed from whatever was ailing them, and life would improve. Being underage, I often was forced to go along with it. I had PB&J that was two rice cakes, all natural peanut butter, and some freaky jam full of seeds in my lunch at school. NO ONE wanted to trade with me. I eyed everyone’s Twinkies and fruit roll ups with ENVY. I would gnaw on my tough and chewy fruit leather that would pull out any loose teeth if you weren’t careful chewing, and just drool for the sugary high of a ding dong. The health food diet would come to end, and my parents would decide it wasn’t working. (Mom, Dad, I know you were trying to make things better, but to be fair do I need to remind you of the K-12 aka PURE CAFFIENE and the Kombucha Mushroom Tea, oh and the Candidas diet that robbed me of birthday cakes? I forgive you, let’s move on, tell it like it is, it’s all good.) Anyway, all these health fads made me very leery of health food “products”. They brought hope and disappointment to my family repeatedly.

Then, working at the Big 4, I had several vitamin clients. Looking through their files, their practices, and seeing just who was profiting from the vitamin sales made me realize there is a LOT of corruption in vitamins. I also had a few food clients, and having to do an inventory and seeing the amount of chemicals put into the food made me even more leery. However, being deprived of HoHo’s and Twinkies throughout my whole childhood makes me totally binge on Junk!

So fast forward to Nathan’s arrival, he starts eating solids, and I’m sitting next to his high chair and suddenly in my head I hear a good family friend’s voice. When responding to some mockery of her homemade wheat bread, she said “I feed them good healthy food, because I love them, and I want them to be around forever.” *dude, did you hear the light bulb just click over my head as I look at this sweet small baby anxious to gobble up smushed peas?*

I set off determined to feed my kids better than I feed myself. Then two major events happen. We switched to Organic Milk, because I was wary of the hormones and antibiotics given to the cows. Physically, a few weeks later I started to feel different. Blood tests confirmed that my body was in fact different. The doctors concluded it must be because I wasn’t receiving hormones from milk anymore that was causing changes. My body readjusted after several months, but I don’t want to be dependent on some synthetic cow hormone, that just seems weird. Very Unnatural.

Fast forward to a year later, I open my eyes to find myself on the floor of the kitchen with AK crawling around my legs. I only remember that I bent over to pull something out of a cabinet, next thing you know I’m lying on the floor. I’d blacked out. Terrified, I went to the doctor, more tests, my blood sugar levels are funny. Lots of tests later, my body appears to have a sensitivity to High Fructose Corn Syrup. I start reading labels, it is in EVERYTHING. It was in a box of pasta, it’s in bread, it’s in EVERYTHING sold at the Chain Grocery Stores. Why is there some super over processed sugar type chemical in EVERYTHING? (Oh, I have theories, believe me… ) However, it is in NOTHING sold by Trader Joes…. Hooray!

Also, I believe and well hope, that if my children are growing up eating healthy foods, the healthy habits will continue their lifetime. I’m trying not to be so over the top about it. Personally, I love to indulge in sugary snacks, chocolate, and ice cream. Afterall, I have an entire deprived childhood of sugary snacks to catch up on. And to keep things fair for the kids, all rules are off when we are out to eat, at parties, or friend’s houses. It seems to be working; Nathan will eat half a cupcake and be done. A few spoonfuls of ice cream and he’ll push it away. AK, well… she’s still young on her food journey. I’m just stoked when she eats.

And finally, I believe our bodies are sacred and a gift. They were not made to be a vessel to digest chemicals.

My other belief, is that something is wrong with our society’s approach to our bodies. Why do we have so many funky health issues? It can’t be just me, but several people I know have weird health issues, or with their kids. One instance is Nathan’s Pulmonary Doc showed me a graph showing a steep increase in asthma over the years.

Do I feel better? Absolutely. Will I shun your non Trader Joes or non Whole Foods yummy entrée… no way! Will I still be sneaking my kids Halloween Candy? Absolutely. Will I hug you for saving my kid from *whispers* Hawaiian Punch? Sure.. but probably more because no one should get turned down from a hug. Let the kids have sugary juice, after all… life is short for a little indulgence.

Alright… so challenge people.. What are your food beliefs? If you don’t have strong convictions about food, what is your “hot button” issue?

By the way, this lasagna was yummy. Made this with a salad, 15 minutes and it was done. Way faster than takeout!

My house is being redecorated....against my will!!

I'm going about my business around the house, and all of a sudden I'll bump into a scene like this. Apparently the Justice League has staged a rescue effort on my orchid.
Then outside, I noticed this... It makes me smile to think that Nathan picked a flower and decided to beautify the world. Then, these jammies are the best! They are my favorite style on kids.... well besides the footie ones. I got them matchy ones, and they are adorable!

Total brag ahead. Went to the doc for a checkup with the kids, and AK, who has been in the 7th percentile and below for the majority of her life... Is in the 60th percentile for height! WHAT? I know!! Since May she has had a giant growth spurt, gained a ton of weight, and gone from her 9-12 months clothes to 2T in an instant. She has grown inches since MAY! I must credit the Ya Ya's for her growth spurt, as they beat me over the head at girls weekend to fatten up her diet. At Nathan's preschool, several of the staff have commented on how TALL AK has gotten over the summer. They really do grow up fast, or maybe just in spurts!

Human Tetris

This is my favorite of all the Japanese Game Shows I watched on YouTube. They need subtitles though!!

What I did on my "summer vacation" aka things I accomplished from bed!

Accomplished:
-You can spend a ton of money shopping on the internet! It's not as satisfying as the stores, but it's pretty close. I have birthday gifts bought for the next few months and found an awesome awesome awesome gift for Mr. Man. I'm not sure I can wait two months to give it to him.

-Did not change a diaper for 15 days for the first time in 4 years.

-Planned our upcoming trip to Paris. Two vacation plans... one with kids, one without. Departure date... unknown, but hopefully in the next year. Either way, I'm going to this place.

-Ordered and recieved the last piece for my bedroom. A gorgeous dresser from some friends who have a small furniture company. The prices are amazing, and the piece I recieved is beautiful. I will post a pic later. Email if you want the company website.

-Had a moment of silence for TK's sexy SUV, gave her suggestions to pimp her new ride.

-Worked on my 100 things to do in a lifetime list. I can't figure out if I need to put some things that I already did which were very cool...

-Have 100 lists of things to do, 1000 ideas for house decorating ideas, a 5 year plan, and a wealth of well intended ideas from the 164 magazines I perused. Yes.. I am keeping count!

-Watched almost every Japanese Game show on YouTube . I'll have to post my favorite in a minute.


Learned:
- Driving 5 miles a day is impossible. It's not enough to get to Nordstroms or Target... *gasp*

-I have an incredible support group of friends and an amazing husband. Things have not "piled up" while I've been out. Things have been handled, addressed, and resolved. It's weird to not have a huge pile in my inbox. Today, I had nothing to do, except play with Nathan.

-Pain is good, it reminds you that healing is taking place. I don't have pain all the time, and quickly forget to be careful, to slow down, and keep going too far!

-There is always help available... whether it's the neighbor who comes over each Thursday to take the garbage out, or the neighbor who comes over to empty the dishwasher and do the laundry. My client prior to surgery, told me, insisted "Wendy, take all the help offered, don't hesistate to ask for it, don't be shy" She told me some personal experiences and made me pinky swear. She is hilarious, and more than a client, a fabulous friend. She was right.

-When AK grows out of her current shoe collection, I can not restrain myself and just buy an everyday pair of shoes, and a sunday shoe.

-Listen to your body... Went out for my first little outing, to a lovely party for some dear friends. 20 minutes in, I'm exhausted ready to go home.

My Superman's Kryptonite

All is so calm and peaceful in this pic, that you wouldn't know 20 minutes later Nathan awoke with his first asthma attack of the season. It was quite possibly the scariest asthma attack we've ever been through. We did round after round of treatment, and it just wasn't helping. I felt even more helpless when I knew if I did take him to the ER, there was not much more they could do there for him. I hate feeling powerless.

Nathan was diagnosed in November of 2005. Right around the time that AK was falling apart. I was at the doctor's office almost every day during the holidays with both the kids. The whole six months following were a blur of doctors, and seemed so surreal. We tried new treatment after new treatment, thinking in a week or two things would improve. All those memories, the quiet desperation, came flooding back, as Mr. Man and I sat up holding a sick child and desperately praying "please... please .... please work" to God, the medicine, and the machine.

The timing of this whole experience is uncanny. Yesterday, medical bills started arriving for my surgery. Our insurance is not the worst, nor the greatest. Money set aside for a fabulous wishlist item, will go towards medical bills instead. I yelled and screamed and cursed the Insurance Company yesterday. (And I'm not exaggerating, sorry for yelling at you "Tracy" at Cigna) However, I am so ridiculously grateful today for modern medicine. I think about the money spent on Nathan's neubulizer and his medication, which I also have screamed and cursed the insurance company for, and realize how many times it has given him the chance to breathe and saved his life... it was a really small price to pay. I'm learning a lesson here... slowly but surely.

My View...

Going through the small number of pics from the last two weeks, there is a common theme. Oh Look... My feet propped up... And there are my toes! Here is Nathan, who is completely obsessed with Mary Poppins... oh and Superman. So he's combined both in this pic. This whole Mary Poppins thing is new to me. I had never seen it until ten days ago. Both the kids LOVE IT. Anyone have suggestions for other movies like this to watch?

Saw the doc, I can drive a measly 5 miles a day for the next week, and his advice... "you need to Walk, Walk, Walk!" He always says "Walk Walk Walk", not just Walk... but three walks in a row. So, I am. I'm slow, but it's good, and I do feeel better.

The doc appointment was really different. I know my doctor personally, and he was really honest and open about his feelings and how he relied more on intuition. It was really refreshing to be that open and forthcoming. In today's litigous society, it's just not that common. I'm grateful to be in such great hands.

*sigh*

I have read 120 magazines... 3 books.... watched 18 movies... and several seasons of tv shows.

I'm ready to re-enter the world.... mentally... but my body just isn't willing to cooperate just yet.

Word from the doc is "Be Patient, you're doing great, healing takes time." If I had a drink, I'd thrown it in his face, just like in the movies!

Update from Le French Hospital

This pretty much sums up how my life has been although, there hasn't been a discreet sheet covering me most of the time. I had lots of gawker medical people stopping by at the hospital taking a peek at my chart.

Surgery was surprisingly good according to the doc. It is NOT Cancer!! Wahoo!! But not what they thought was going on. Problem part removed, and a 14.5 inch incision to finish the job. It's all good news from the surgical team.

Ouchie Ouchie Ouchie is all I can mutter most of the time. I feel like a turtle on it's back, incredibly inflexible, and hunched over in a ball. Mr. Man should have been a nurse, the guy is dang cute tending to me. He pops his head in every 10 minutes or so to see what I need. There is always a cup of ice water with a slice of lemon next to the bed, and his hand is right there holding a pillow whenever I attempt to shift. There is a giant stack of movies hand picked that I've never seen to watch. Mostly 80's movies, I missed the 80's in his opinion, and Mr. Man is showing me what I missed.

Thanks to all who have called, stopped by, and tended to us. It means the world to me, and I'll be able to properly thank those special people once I'm out of this lovely drug induced haze I'm in.

The countdown begins..

This is pretty much how I feel about my upcoming surgery. Tuesday, 11:15 good thoughts and prayers sent my way would be lovely. Tonight is my last meal, and tommorrow.. only clear liquids. Oh man... this blows!!

Things that make me happy....

1.) Photo's that are worth keeping for blackmail purposes! Also for times to act ridiculously silly. These are the ladies that I love, that I worked with at church working with/for the Youth. I truly have learned something amazing from each and everyone of them.
2. Happy kids, the beach, and floppy hats... love them all. These were taken at our beach day with Laura and Carrie . Both of them are fabulously hip intellectual mommas! And we went to the beach at the The Montage, quite possibly the best kept secret in the OC. It's gorgeous!

3. These little Playmobil people. I played with these as a kid. I saw this vintage set on ebay, and loved the Playmobil buggy, aren't they adorable? I'm not sure why, but these little "guys" make me really happy. I love to play with them with the kids. Check out the gal in the white pants & blue vest, I think she looks like me.
4. Gorgeous fresh flowers, sent by my client on a day when I really needed a pick me up!
5. Mr. Man.... who is positively nuts, I tell ya, to put up with me. I have been less than lovely to him this past weekend as I continue to live in my crumpled box. No wonder he looks pained in all our pictures (or maybe it's just this one, and the fact the sun is glaring right on him, you decide)

Randoms

We went to the Policeman's Rodeo (aka my annual donation, that I casually mention if I'm pulled over) on Saturday night with some friends. Very cool friends indeed. I totally want Nathan to grow up with this girl. She is so much fun to play with. Nathan looks like he is going to punch my lights out. And it looks like our sweet little friend is bracing for Nathan's wrath. Indeed, it's just that Nathan is trying to smile intently while showing off his "Lasso" (aka the drawstring from a pair of pants, that Nathan said.. "what's this?" and yanked it.... pulling it out) An older pic, (notice the Michael Jackson glove). A fun afternoon on the slip'n'slide turned into let's see how many buckets of water Skoopi can drink before she barfs. Make your guess in the comments section and I'll totally give you a prize if your right. Nathan all decked out for a day at the beach. Beach chair on his back, sunglasses and a character lunchbox that I swore I'd never buy because I hate all that character junk.... but my children, they are wearing me down. My latest Amy Tangerine inspired creation. This one is being shipped off to a friend who could use a bit of love!And my friend TK who is awesome, arranged for about 300 of her closest friends (and I'm not kidding, she is that popular and that awesome) to go to the Circus when it was in town. Here is Mr. Man and AK watching some high wire type act. It was my first trip to the circus!

The Party...

We had the kids birthday party last Saturday. So fun! I had this idea to do these invitations a long time ago...I thought it was funny. Anyway, Mr. Man brought me back that beautiful print from Paris on a recent trip. I loved it, and one day thought, why not put party hats on the people. So I did... printed off teeny tiny party hats, cut them out and pasted them on. I showed Mr. Man just smiled and rolled his eyes and said.. "No eiffell tower bouncehouse, I draw the line" Of course that made me wonder... do they make eiffell tower bouncehouses? (FYI, no not yet!)

So, I decided, the kids are 2 & 4, it's time they start pitching in. I gave them each a marker and some crazy Birthday Party catalog and told them to circle the party they want. Nathan went through the book and circled the cups from EVERY SINGLE party. Only cups.

I asked the kids what they wanted for the menu. AK said "Nan & Eeezz" (roughly translated to banana and cheese) Nathan wanted Chips, Fruit Roll ups and "colorful drinks" (ie red, orange, & grape sodas) . We decided to turn "chips" into nachos thus accomplishing Nathan & AK's request.

(a pic of the different plates and napkins)

I showed the kids the list of bouncehouses and they picked the dog. Nathan also asked for a Pinata filled with Lollipops. So we did. The Party went great. I ran out of time on some of the decor and goodie bags, because I was too busy planning for my surgery and then having meltdowns. I don't think anyone noticed.

At the end of the day, I caught this pic. That's Mr. Man & our neighbor having a blast in the bouncehouse.

A bit of blog housekeeping...

As I get a little more computer savvy... I just learned how to add a button that will actually send my posts to your email!! So, you can subscribe to my blog, rather than having to check here every so often.

If you want to join, just scroll allllllll the way to the bottom. See where it says "Subscribe to: Posts (Atom) " Click on that!!

Enjoy!

One Word, no explaining

Shamelessly stolen from my pal Carly.

1. Where is your cell phone? desk
2. Your hair? Straight
3. Work? yes
4. Your father? Daddy
5. Your favorite thing? Laughing
6. Your dream last night? Creepy
7. Your favorite drink? Caffeinated
8. Your dream car? Benz
9. The room you're in? Den
10. Your fears? Wrecks
11. What do you want to be in 10 years? Fabulous
12. Who did you hang out with last night? HBO
13. What you're not good at? Reality
14. Muffin? Blueberry
15. One of your wish list items? Furniture
16. Where you grew up? Beach
17. Last thing you did? Chatted
18. What are you wearing? Nordstroms
19. What aren't you wearing? Make up
20. Your pet? Several
21. Your computer? Dying
22. Your life? Promising
23. Your mood? Anxious
24. Missing? Friends
25. What are you thinking about right now? Redecorating
26. Your car/truck? Pilot
27. Your summer? Short:(
28. Your relationship status? W.I.P. (not RIP, WIP.. Work In Process)
29. Your favorite color? blue
30. When is the last time you really laughed with meaning? Yesterday
31. Last time you cried? Yesterday
32. School? Done
33. Least favorite weather? Hot
34. Soup? Yum
35. Movie? Absolutely

Life inside my little square box.

I'm having surgery. It's a fact and it was scheduled for this morning, but was postponed at the last minute. It's a good move, healthwise. The doc wants a fancy schmancy specialists there to assist. I'm a complex medical wonder, so it's a good move on the docs part.

However... have you met me? Ahem.. I like things to be just "so". I like to be in control, I need it... Must have it. I like my life to be in the parameters of my comfort zone. So, you do not tell me that the event that I have been planning & preparing for is moved by two weeks.... without some major flip out.

And people... it was a MAJOR flipout. Mr. Man actually got the call and details from the doc , and I swear there was terror in his eyes as he relayed the news. I know he was fearing the inevitable. He kept giving me a few details and then paused.... "um... Wendy.. say something". I calmly responded with "Go ahead" and then when he was all done.... all hell broke loose inside my head. It was as if my very neat and tidy box just crumpled.

I believe I kept screaming "What do I do with 120lbs of dog food?" "I bought 7 gallons of milk" "We have every frozen meal option Trader Joes & Whole Foods offers... what happens now"

It took about an hour of hyperventilating, screaming, and some pacing to calm down. Then I had the aftershock flip out, which was quickly remedied by my pal reminding me she would tell blatant lies of my wit and charm at my funeral to get me to calm down.

Anyway.. good news. I have NOTHING, I mean NOTHING going on the next two weeks. How is that possible? I am not even sure what to do with myself. I think I'll have to spend the next week repairing my nice and tidy little box.

Our Anniversary....

Friday was our wedding anniversary and Mr. Man planned a fabulous night out. While out, we bumped into Nathans beloved PreSchool teacher who was at a dinner celebrating her upcoming nuptials. I mentioned it was our anniversary, and when she asked how long had we been married, I felt the words tumble out of my mouth... 12 years. And then I stood there dumbfounded, had it really been twelve years? It made me feel terribly old, and sent me into a small panic. Have I really been married 12 years?

We had a lovely night out, and it was fun to be out as just Mr. Man & Wendy, we left our Mommy & Daddy persona's at home. Our anniversary always reminds me that for our 10th anniversary we got the best present of all, and that was to bring AK home from the hospital. That would be pretty hard to top.... (*although *wink wink* nudge nudge* a sparkly ring might come close)

And because I was challenged to post this here on my blog, I have included a very G rated letter to Mr. Man (aka Russell) just like my birthday letters to the kids.

Dear Mr. Man,

The occasion for this letter is our twelve year anniversary. Writing out the year twelve makes me feel very old, and is very surreal. I reflected the entire day about the past twelve years of our lives together.

I remember the distinct moment we met and started talking. We talked until 6am the following morning. Oh man, I was so young when we met. A bit mature for my age, but still so young. I often remark that you must have seen a diamond in the rough, because I look back at my 18 year old self and cringe. You have always given me the space I needed to allow me to grow, stumble, and figure out my own path in life. Sometimes it was frustrating when you would encourage me to "make my own decision", but it was always worth it and the right thing to do.

You have been always been there with me, as a companion and teammate in every endeavor. You have encouraged 99% of my hare-brained ideas. You even donated the garage (your haven!) to my beloved Eurostroller.

When it came time to start family, you showed incredible patience. You watched all your friends become parents, and patiently waited until I was ready. I am incredibly grateful for that. Then as parents, you are more involved than I ever could have imagined. You are a natural father and I love watching you interact with the family.

There have been some challenges along the past twelve years, and you have always been there cheering for us as a couple and as a family. You do not cheer for the more popular view, nor for the easiest way out... you cheer for us. That is possibly one of your best qualities.

I love you. It's as simple as that. I hope to spend another twelve hundred or so years with you.

Wendy

And then also, because one of my favorite parts of August is the three festive days AK's birthday (9th), Our Anniversary (10th), and then my dear friend Steph's birthday (11th) Here is a birthday wish for my friend Steph, who has stood by me for the past 8 years and who I wish I could hang out with daily.... here's a pic of us starting our girls weekend adventure. Don't you think she looks like Keri Russell from Felicity around the eyes?

Two...

Taken this morning.... wearing a tutu that was a gift and an Amy Tangerine inspired Onesie with the number 2 on it.

Happy Birthday Baby Girl!

Dear Amanda,

Our dear sweet baby girl, now you are two! It is unbelievable that you my darling girl are two. You scream like a toddler, and say NO with the enthusiasm of a toddler, but as I watched you tonight walk around in the same outfit you wore last summer, I had to remind myself... did this past year really happen? Oh yes.. yes it did. You started walking, and talking this year... not just little words, you were too smart for that, you bypassed single words, and went straight to phrases.

Early this year we sat in the doctors office discussing developmental milestones... you weren't walking or talking, and the doctor looked at the concern on our faces and smiled and said... "She's not behind, she's just got a bad case of princess syndrome. Every one does it all for her, she has the world on a string." And Amanda, you totally know what you want and how to get it. It is a talent that will serve you well in the future.

I think back to pregnancy and am overwhelmed with the love we have for your birthparents. We spent a lot of time with them, getting to know them, and getting to know you. Then we got a phone call you were trying to come early. The next two weeks were spent on pins and needles anxiously waiting your arrival, but wishing you would stay inside for just a bit longer.

You arrived, and we sat on the freeway in traffic knowing you were born and waiting for us. It was TORTUROUS! We saw your birthfamily first, and a nurse wheeled you in, and your birthmom handed you over to me. You were asleep and I promised right then and there you'd always have more shoes than your father and brother combined.

Then I handed you to your dad, who had to unwrap your blankets and count your fingers and toes! Once they were all accounted for, he rubbed noses with you and you wrapped your fingers around his declaring once and for all you were his daughter.

The next day was a whirlwind, and soon we were home with you. And the next year was a bigger whirlwind mostly involving lots of doctors and getting you to eat. You have overcome A LOT in two years. You and I spent a lot of late nights chatting over a warm bottle the first two years.

You are an amazing girl with an infectious laugh and zest for life. You think Skoopi is your horse and Nathan is your servant. You are tiny, but oh so mighty. In your two short years you have taught me so much about faith, and you have taught me to trust my insincts. I hope I can return the favor and teach you the same lessons.

Today we pause and give thanks for you, the lessons you've taught us, and your courageous birthparents.

We love you!

Mommy & Daddy