Thursday, November 29, 2007

I Still Do


Five years ago, I walked down a tremendously long aisle (well more like raced) and said "I do" to my best friend. Since then we've moved, had our first son, moved again, had our second son, took a little detour to slap cancer silly, and now are adopting our little girl. Phew, we're exhausted!

The guy I married was sweet and loving (and had to be nudged a little to take the trash out or put Christmas lights up, etc) The guy I ended up with is the most patient, strong, and incredible husband and father who still makes me feel like I'm the most important person alive. The father he is amazes and inspires me every day. He's a true partner, still gives me goosebumps, and is the type of guy who not only takes the trash out, but shows up at the kids' school with supplies for the Halloween party.

Happy 5th Anniversary to the love of my life. I am truly blessed you chose me.

I Still Do


Five years ago, I walked down a tremendously long aisle (well more like raced) and said "I do" to my best friend. Since then we've moved, had our first son, moved again, had our second son, took a little detour to slap cancer silly, and now are adopting our little girl. Phew, we're exhausted!

The guy I married was sweet and loving (and had to be nudged a little to take the trash out or put Christmas lights up, etc) The guy I ended up with is the most patient, strong, and incredible husband and father who still makes me feel like I'm the most important person alive. The father he is amazes and inspires me every day. He's a true partner, still gives me goosebumps, and is the type of guy who not only takes the trash out, but shows up at the kids' school with supplies for the Halloween party.

Happy 5th Anniversary to the love of my life. I am truly blessed you chose me.

I Still Do


Five years ago, I walked down a tremendously long aisle (well more like raced) and said "I do" to my best friend. Since then we've moved, had our first son, moved again, had our second son, took a little detour to slap cancer silly, and now are adopting our little girl. Phew, we're exhausted!

The guy I married was sweet and loving (and had to be nudged a little to take the trash out or put Christmas lights up, etc) The guy I ended up with is the most patient, strong, and incredible husband and father who still makes me feel like I'm the most important person alive. The father he is amazes and inspires me every day. He's a true partner, still gives me goosebumps, and is the type of guy who not only takes the trash out, but shows up at the kids' school with supplies for the Halloween party.

Happy 5th Anniversary to the love of my life. I am truly blessed you chose me.

Our Budding Artist...

One would think that when your child draws with marker on a cabinet for the first time, you'd feel pretty angry. Not this time! Our 3 1/2 year old created this little gem and we can't help but love it!


How could we be mad at him? Not only did he draw a family portrait, he drew Lucy's head in a computer screen (since that's how he sees her) and he made his mommy super skinny. The kid gets an extra cookie for that!

Our Budding Artist...

One would think that when your child draws with marker on a cabinet for the first time, you'd feel pretty angry. Not this time! Our 3 1/2 year old created this little gem and we can't help but love it!


How could we be mad at him? Not only did he draw a family portrait, he drew Lucy's head in a computer screen (since that's how he sees her) and he made his mommy super skinny. The kid gets an extra cookie for that!

Our Budding Artist...

One would think that when your child draws with marker on a cabinet for the first time, you'd feel pretty angry. Not this time! Our 3 1/2 year old created this little gem and we can't help but love it!


How could we be mad at him? Not only did he draw a family portrait, he drew Lucy's head in a computer screen (since that's how he sees her) and he made his mommy super skinny. The kid gets an extra cookie for that!

Tuesday, November 27, 2007

Bitter and Sweet

This is an incredible time in the lives of some adoptive Moms I know. Island Boy and Jet were welcomed home just a couple of weeks ago, Tiffany returned from Taiwan on Thanksgiving Day with her beautiful Sophia and Judy FINALLY was able to take home her little man, Eric. Congratulations to all of the families!

There are other families in the SLC group we've been fortunate to get to know a little bit. Although we feel lucky that most of our kids are together, it's time to get them home. Some of the families have gotten NO news since May and that is JUST PLAIN WRONG. Come home Samantha, Jeremiah, Joshua, Odin, Zane, Kimi, and Lucy.

Here are some photos Judy took Monday when she went to pick up her son. Thanks once again, Judy!


Looks like someone wants to walk. Stay tuned for the video...coming soon.


She looks pretty proud of herself. Don't grow up too fast, little girl! At least wait til you're home with us before you take off running.





Does this girl know how to pose or what?





Eric says "bye bye"... for now.

Bitter and Sweet

This is an incredible time in the lives of some adoptive Moms I know. Island Boy and Jet were welcomed home just a couple of weeks ago, Tiffany returned from Taiwan on Thanksgiving Day with her beautiful Sophia and Judy FINALLY was able to take home her little man, Eric. Congratulations to all of the families!

There are other families in the SLC group we've been fortunate to get to know a little bit. Although we feel lucky that most of our kids are together, it's time to get them home. Some of the families have gotten NO news since May and that is JUST PLAIN WRONG. Come home Samantha, Jeremiah, Joshua, Odin, Zane, Kimi, and Lucy.

Here are some photos Judy took Monday when she went to pick up her son. Thanks once again, Judy!


Looks like someone wants to walk. Stay tuned for the video...coming soon.


She looks pretty proud of herself. Don't grow up too fast, little girl! At least wait til you're home with us before you take off running.





Does this girl know how to pose or what?





Eric says "bye bye"... for now.

Bitter and Sweet

This is an incredible time in the lives of some adoptive Moms I know. Island Boy and Jet were welcomed home just a couple of weeks ago, Tiffany returned from Taiwan on Thanksgiving Day with her beautiful Sophia and Judy FINALLY was able to take home her little man, Eric. Congratulations to all of the families!

There are other families in the SLC group we've been fortunate to get to know a little bit. Although we feel lucky that most of our kids are together, it's time to get them home. Some of the families have gotten NO news since May and that is JUST PLAIN WRONG. Come home Samantha, Jeremiah, Joshua, Odin, Zane, Kimi, and Lucy.

Here are some photos Judy took Monday when she went to pick up her son. Thanks once again, Judy!


Looks like someone wants to walk. Stay tuned for the video...coming soon.


She looks pretty proud of herself. Don't grow up too fast, little girl! At least wait til you're home with us before you take off running.





Does this girl know how to pose or what?





Eric says "bye bye"... for now.

Sunday, November 25, 2007

Shopping Wins!

You voted... and I am listening.

In the first ever Taiwan Lucy poll, I asked readers to choose my new hobby while waiting. 70% of you suggested shopping! While sleeping came in at 20%, exercising came in third with one vote. (Thank my father in law for that one!) Not one person recommended reading -- good thing too since I'm doing a ton of it researching adoption and raising an adopted child.

Next up... where to take a three day vacation before she gets here!

Shopping Wins!

You voted... and I am listening.

In the first ever Taiwan Lucy poll, I asked readers to choose my new hobby while waiting. 70% of you suggested shopping! While sleeping came in at 20%, exercising came in third with one vote. (Thank my father in law for that one!) Not one person recommended reading -- good thing too since I'm doing a ton of it researching adoption and raising an adopted child.

Next up... where to take a three day vacation before she gets here!

Shopping Wins!

You voted... and I am listening.

In the first ever Taiwan Lucy poll, I asked readers to choose my new hobby while waiting. 70% of you suggested shopping! While sleeping came in at 20%, exercising came in third with one vote. (Thank my father in law for that one!) Not one person recommended reading -- good thing too since I'm doing a ton of it researching adoption and raising an adopted child.

Next up... where to take a three day vacation before she gets here!

Thursday, November 22, 2007

Today's Top 5

On this Thanksgiving, some reflections on all I have to be thankful for.

1. Three incredible children.
From the creativity and huge thirst for knowlege of my older son to the sense of humor and amazing energy around my little boy to the awe inspiring strength of our little girl in Taiwan; I feel like I've won the kid jackpot. I could not be more proud of the three little human beings I'm so fortunate to love.

2. For the cool guy I married five years ago next week.
When I said "I do", I had no idea that he would become even more loving, caring and stronger than anyone I've ever known. He's still my favorite person in the world.

3. For our extended family and friends.
We're so fortunate for good health in our families (knocking on wood now), and for being able to host the people we love at our home during the holidays. We just wish we could be in Boston at the same time. But we will be there in the spring with our little girl.

4. For our careers.
Ever since we became parents, we've chosen projects that fit with our family. We're so grateful we've been able to work on things that we love and challenge us while still taking care of the kids ourselves. For each day that continues, we're thankful.

5. Last but not least, health.
I'm so appreciative for what feels like a second chance at living a strong, healthy life. I plan to never take it for granted and to live every day like it means something. Because it does.

What are you thankful for?

Happy Thanksgiving to our family, friends, and the new adopting parents we've met along this journey.

XO
-J

Today's Top 5

On this Thanksgiving, some reflections on all I have to be thankful for.

1. Three incredible children.
From the creativity and huge thirst for knowlege of my older son to the sense of humor and amazing energy around my little boy to the awe inspiring strength of our little girl in Taiwan; I feel like I've won the kid jackpot. I could not be more proud of the three little human beings I'm so fortunate to love.

2. For the cool guy I married five years ago next week.
When I said "I do", I had no idea that he would become even more loving, caring and stronger than anyone I've ever known. He's still my favorite person in the world.

3. For our extended family and friends.
We're so fortunate for good health in our families (knocking on wood now), and for being able to host the people we love at our home during the holidays. We just wish we could be in Boston at the same time. But we will be there in the spring with our little girl.

4. For our careers.
Ever since we became parents, we've chosen projects that fit with our family. We're so grateful we've been able to work on things that we love and challenge us while still taking care of the kids ourselves. For each day that continues, we're thankful.

5. Last but not least, health.
I'm so appreciative for what feels like a second chance at living a strong, healthy life. I plan to never take it for granted and to live every day like it means something. Because it does.

What are you thankful for?

Happy Thanksgiving to our family, friends, and the new adopting parents we've met along this journey.

XO
-J

Today's Top 5

On this Thanksgiving, some reflections on all I have to be thankful for.

1. Three incredible children.
From the creativity and huge thirst for knowlege of my older son to the sense of humor and amazing energy around my little boy to the awe inspiring strength of our little girl in Taiwan; I feel like I've won the kid jackpot. I could not be more proud of the three little human beings I'm so fortunate to love.

2. For the cool guy I married five years ago next week.
When I said "I do", I had no idea that he would become even more loving, caring and stronger than anyone I've ever known. He's still my favorite person in the world.

3. For our extended family and friends.
We're so fortunate for good health in our families (knocking on wood now), and for being able to host the people we love at our home during the holidays. We just wish we could be in Boston at the same time. But we will be there in the spring with our little girl.

4. For our careers.
Ever since we became parents, we've chosen projects that fit with our family. We're so grateful we've been able to work on things that we love and challenge us while still taking care of the kids ourselves. For each day that continues, we're thankful.

5. Last but not least, health.
I'm so appreciative for what feels like a second chance at living a strong, healthy life. I plan to never take it for granted and to live every day like it means something. Because it does.

What are you thankful for?

Happy Thanksgiving to our family, friends, and the new adopting parents we've met along this journey.

XO
-J

Sunday, November 18, 2007

A Day 33 Years in the Making...

On September 29, 1974 I was three days shy of 3 1/2 when my mother passed away from breast cancer. Yesterday, my first born was three days shy of 3 1/2. It's a strange thing, looking at your own child -- seeing where you were at that stage of life. It's sad to think if I went away, he wouldn't remember me.

Well those of you who know me know that I just can't allow that to happen. ;) So not only did we comemmorate that day as a family, we gave the boys an adventure we hope they'll never forget!

Where are we going?


To Disneyland!


It's a Small World, here we come!


This is VERY interesting.


Whoah! We love spinning teacups!


Daddy, are you getting dizzy?


We are!


Off to the races...


Hold on, Mommy!



Try to keep up!


B takes Daddy for a ride...


I LOVE THIS PLACE!


Check out our Mickey ears!


Of course we got some for our little sister!




Last time here as a family of four...


These little piggies went zzzzzzzzzzzzz...all the way home.