Thursday, September 11, 2008

The Siblings Meet!

We made it home! Lucy was fantastic on the plane—she slept a lot of it. The car seat, however? She's not a big fan.



We came home to two excited boys (and an exhausted Nana). They planned a party, complete with princess decorations and a cake! We're all pretty jet lagged... in fact, she and Daddy are still sleeping...

Tuesday, September 9, 2008

Yu-Ting's Law

We spent the morning at AIT getting Lucy (the artist formerly known as Yu-Ting) her visa (to go to the US, not shopping, of course). We arrived promptly at 7:45, handed over our cameras and phones to the very serious man at the counter, skipped through the metal detectors and zipped on up to the third floor. After a surprisingly non-stressful passing of the paperwork, we sat and waited an hour and a half for our turn to be interviewed.

During our wait, Lucy walked holding Daddy and Mommy's hand (big step from constantly being carried), smiled, laughed (I did it this time!), blew kisses, and actually kissed me! Jeff and I realized that if we kiss each other and then go in for one from her, she'll oblige.

Of course, the one place during our trip that no cameras were allowed--she decides to show her stuff. And, another funny thing happened at the American Institute in Taiwan... another adopting family--the gorgeous Emma and her parents--were waiting as well. I hadn't seen them sitting on the other side of Jeff until I heard, "is that Lucy?" -- yes, my little Internet star was spotted and recognized from the blog! I have to give Emma's mom, Eva, a shout out here. Nice to meet you today!

After that, we headed on over to meet Uncle Joe. Yes, an actual uncle! My brother-in-law (of 30+ years together with my sister) happens to be on business in Taipei. We were able to see him for a few minutes before his meeting. Guess who saw him and immediately wanted to be held? Yup, it's true.



After we met for a while, Lucy decided it was time to go and literally walked Jeff out to the car. Problem: it wasn't a taxi so Mommy and Daddy had to put the kibbosh on that.


We stopped off for a little lunch on the way back to our room. Man, that little one loves food! (hmmm... a temper, loves food--starting to sound familiar...)

Back at the room, things got a little hard for her... I think she really likes to be outside, experiencing all the things she's never seen. When we're locked in a room, she's reminded of how scary this all is for her. We try to comfort her but it just breaks my heart. I know I can't make it all go away but we're doing everything we can to let her know we love her and we're here for good. The silver lining... all that fussing leads to very restful naps.


Monday, September 8, 2008

Gaining a Daughter, Losing a Husband

OK, he's toast. Done. Wrapped around her tiny little finger.

I am SHOCKED at how well the first day has gone. As long as Lucy is with Jeff, she's OK. He held her while I fed her some dinner. (Hey, J/B - she eats VEGETABLES and FRUIT. You're next.) She will play little peek-a-boo games, although a little timid. She slept for an hour in the crib and then when she woke up, she wanted Daddy and slept with us all night -- half of it lying on his chest.

I woke up at one point (OK, 500 times to check on her) and she was rubbing my arm with her hand and when I looked at her, she waved to me. It was the cutest thing in the middle of the night!

I know we have a long road ahead and a lot of work to do before she's really OK, but I expected this day to be so much harder. I'm so proud of her. I know she's sad and confused by it all but she's such a strong little girl.

Maybe today she'll actually let me hold her.

More pics to come... I promise.

THE Post One Year in the Making...

She's ours! This has been the most breathtaking, life-changing (and exhausting) day EVER!

Where do I begin? We got to SLC at 10 a.m., along with Tami and Bobby. Around 10:15, there she was... WOW, she's even cuter than she was in May. I immediately offered her the bracelet of mine she liked to play with three months ago. She was happy about that. She was definitely overwhelmed and a little upset with the situation. In fact, there was only one thing that caught her attention and would soothe her instantly. Her Dad. It was UNBELIEVABLE. She lunged out of my arms and into his, and hasn't left them since.



We left SLC and took a cab back to the hotel for our things and onto the High Speed Rail. She did well as long as Daddy was holding her. And then, it happened. 5 hours after we were united, she gave her dad a big old smile and giggle. I think he may have melted.

We got to Taipei and checked in and she had a little nap.

She's the most beautiful little girl I've ever seen. I can't wait to get her home to her brothers.

And, for those of you still waiting--the reality is WAY better than the dream.

Sunday, September 7, 2008

The Last Breakfast



Haha... nothing gets by you guys! Yes, Jeff shaved the goatee. We figure Lucy sees very few men that a 6'5" hairy one could be pretty scary!

The Day Leading Up to Our Daughter...

Many people have asked me how we're able to be in Taiwan without running over to SLC and scooping up Lucy. Well, as difficult as it is... and it REALLY is... we've learned over the past four years that we don't often get time as a couple. So we enjoyed today exploring the birth country and city where our daughter spent the first 19 months of her life. The people have been just wonderful--I think with Jeff's height and my freckles and blue eyes, people don't know what to do with us!

In our 48 hours pre-Lucy, we've napped, eaten, shopped a bit, did some sightseeing, found a night market, got massages at the hotel spa, and video chatted with the boys as much as we could. We even got to have a long breakfast with Tami and Bobby--Noah's parents! We'll grab a car with them in the morning and pick up our babes at the same time. I can't wait!

10 hours, little girl!

Saturday, September 6, 2008

24 Hours!

Forget counting the days... we're down to hours, people!

The moment we've been holding our breathe waiting for is really going to happen... stay tuned.

Friday, September 5, 2008

Foreign What?

For those of you who are nervous to fly half-way around the world to pick up your little one, let me set your mind at ease.

We got off the plane... spent approx 3 minutes going through the customs process... grabbed a cab quite easily... grabbed Starbucks (yup, they've taken over here, too)...got two tickets for a train leaving in 15 minutes... took a 90 minute clean, quiet ride... grabbed another cab (hint, bring the name of the hotel written in Chinese--BIG help)... and ended up in the hotel lobby by 8:30 a.m.

The people here are so helpful -- from those in the airport pointing to where the cabs are before we even asked, to the lady at the train station who, not only told us where to wait, but stood up before our stop to point it out so we didn't miss it.

The hotel checked us in at 10 a.m. -- five hours before their check-in time. We ordered big, fat burgers and watched some of the LA Dodger game on TV. (the Yankees were on too but anyone who knows me knows I'd never be THAT homesick for baseball.)

We showered, got ready... and then realized... man, we're tired!

So we'll spend the rest of the afternoon doing a little lounging, a bit of shopping at the huge department store right next door... and call it an early night.

Somewhere, not too far from here, is our daughter spending the last moments with the most incredible caregivers and sweet little friends. I hope she has some idea that, while her life will be a huge adjustment, we're so in love with her and can't wait to be her forever Mommy and Daddy.

45 hours to go...

The parents have landed!

We're here! Flight was perfect. I am posting this from a taxi heading to the train. You've got to love technology. Nana, if you are reading this, call the number I left on the fridge.

The parents have landed!

We're here! Flight was perfect. I am posting this from a taxi heading to the train. You've got to love technology. Nana, if you are reading this, call the number I left on the fridge.

Thursday, September 4, 2008

Family of Four

This is the very last time you can call us that. We're off to the
airport!

Family of Four

This is the very last time you can call us that. We're off to the
airport!

Tuesday, September 2, 2008

What a Day!

So there I was, minding my own business at work, when an impromptu meeting was called. Imagine my surprise when I walked into the conference room just busting with pink, pink, pink! There were my co-workers with a surprise baby shower...complete with pastries and champagne! It was fantastic--adorable pink fortune cookie boxes and pink paper lanterns. I just LOVED it!

Check out some of the beautiful gifts. Lucy is already a fixture at momlogic.com!
Lucy is going to be the best-dressed girl in Southern California. And, check out the books in one pic... they're children's stories in both English and Mandarin. How cool is that? And, not to be left out--even the boys, Jeff and I got cool surprises out of the deal!


Thanks to my fabulous co-workers and friends at momlogic!

What a Day!

So there I was, minding my own business at work, when an impromptu meeting was called. Imagine my surprise when I walked into the conference room just busting with pink, pink, pink! There were my co-workers with a surprise baby shower...complete with pastries and champagne! It was fantastic--adorable pink fortune cookie boxes and pink paper lanterns. I just LOVED it!

Check out some of the beautiful gifts. Lucy is already a fixture at momlogic.com!
Lucy is going to be the best-dressed girl in Southern California. And, check out the books in one pic... they're children's stories in both English and Mandarin. How cool is that? And, not to be left out--even the boys, Jeff and I got cool surprises out of the deal!


Thanks to my fabulous co-workers and friends at momlogic!

Monday, September 1, 2008

What Do You Mean I'm Not Pregnant?

Let's see... I've got a head cold, yet I'm bouncing off the walls here organizing toys and closets, straightening up everything from the kids' stuff, to my own clothes (some I haven't seen in years), to our kitchen pantry——doing the whole out-with-the-old, in-with-the-new.

Isn't that what they call 'nesting'? And don't women do it right before going into labor?

Just sayin'.

Oh, and if you want some goosebumps or big, fat tears on your face... go to Tiff's blog and see the moment it all began with Gracyn. Congrats to the family of FOUR!

P.S. Hey Lucy, if you happen to be reading by now and you're computer savvy, maybe you can see this. You're 19 months today, little girl. Remember this day, it's the very last time you'll get a month older without having your family there to celebrate. We're six days (and two hours, but who's counting?) away from the rest of our lives. Get some rest... you're gonna need it.

XOXO
Mommy

What Do You Mean I'm Not Pregnant?

Let's see... I've got a head cold, yet I'm bouncing off the walls here organizing toys and closets, straightening up everything from the kids' stuff, to my own clothes (some I haven't seen in years), to our kitchen pantry——doing the whole out-with-the-old, in-with-the-new.

Isn't that what they call 'nesting'? And don't women do it right before going into labor?

Just sayin'.

Oh, and if you want some goosebumps or big, fat tears on your face... go to Tiff's blog and see the moment it all began with Gracyn. Congrats to the family of FOUR!

P.S. Hey Lucy, if you happen to be reading by now and you're computer savvy, maybe you can see this. You're 19 months today, little girl. Remember this day, it's the very last time you'll get a month older without having your family there to celebrate. We're six days (and two hours, but who's counting?) away from the rest of our lives. Get some rest... you're gonna need it.

XOXO
Mommy

Sunday, August 31, 2008

7 Days and Counting...

It is 11 a.m. in Tainan right now... one week from this second, I will be the happiest mom in the world. Can you believe we've actually gotten to this point?

Tiffanie is with Gracyn as I type... AMAZING! And Lucy and Noah are the next to come home. The three of us moms have certainly spent enough time waiting.

The first glimpse of our daughter almost a year ago.

Speaking of waiting... for those of you who only know your kids via photos and monthly updates and feel like it will never happen——it will! And you know what? If you're anything like me, you'll wonder why you wasted so much time worrying and obsessing about moving forward when you could be doing all the things you said you'd do. Have I learned enough Mandarin? Uh, no. Did I freshen up on my sign language to make it easier? Hmmm, nope. Is my house completely organized from top to bottom before she gets here? Now that's just funny.

Someone said to me many months ago that I should not focus on when it's going to happen, but that it is going to happen. And that is the one thing that kept me going. It will happen for you, too. In fact, the wait—for me—has been like being pregnant... you wish it away at times but it's drawn me closer to Lucy, helped me look within myself for something I didn't even know I had, and has grown a love for the little girl who was meant to be with us.

That being said—kick, scream and cry when you need to. You deserve that too.

7 Days and Counting...

It is 11 a.m. in Tainan right now... one week from this second, I will be the happiest mom in the world. Can you believe we've actually gotten to this point?

Tiffanie is with Gracyn as I type... AMAZING! And Lucy and Noah are the next to come home. The three of us moms have certainly spent enough time waiting.

The first glimpse of our daughter almost a year ago.

Speaking of waiting... for those of you who only know your kids via photos and monthly updates and feel like it will never happen——it will! And you know what? If you're anything like me, you'll wonder why you wasted so much time worrying and obsessing about moving forward when you could be doing all the things you said you'd do. Have I learned enough Mandarin? Uh, no. Did I freshen up on my sign language to make it easier? Hmmm, nope. Is my house completely organized from top to bottom before she gets here? Now that's just funny.

Someone said to me many months ago that I should not focus on when it's going to happen, but that it is going to happen. And that is the one thing that kept me going. It will happen for you, too. In fact, the wait—for me—has been like being pregnant... you wish it away at times but it's drawn me closer to Lucy, helped me look within myself for something I didn't even know I had, and has grown a love for the little girl who was meant to be with us.

That being said—kick, scream and cry when you need to. You deserve that too.

Thursday, August 28, 2008

The Next Best Thing...

While we wait one more week before getting on the plane (yes, ONE more week!)... we get to celebrate the homecoming of another little one. This post is dedicated to Tiffanie and her sweet Gracyn. Tiff is just hours from jumping on a plane and FINALLY getting her little girl.

Tiff and I have emailed and chatted via phone for months now... she first saw Gracyn's photo last November and we both thought we were going to speed through the process. Remember the dream of traveling in February, Tiff? Well, here we are... our lives changing forever just a week apart from one another.

Go get her, Mom of TWO! We are so close to that dream of watching our princess costume-clad girls hitting Disneyland with our boys... it's within our reach.

The Next Best Thing...

While we wait one more week before getting on the plane (yes, ONE more week!)... we get to celebrate the homecoming of another little one. This post is dedicated to Tiffanie and her sweet Gracyn. Tiff is just hours from jumping on a plane and FINALLY getting her little girl.

Tiff and I have emailed and chatted via phone for months now... she first saw Gracyn's photo last November and we both thought we were going to speed through the process. Remember the dream of traveling in February, Tiff? Well, here we are... our lives changing forever just a week apart from one another.

Go get her, Mom of TWO! We are so close to that dream of watching our princess costume-clad girls hitting Disneyland with our boys... it's within our reach.

Tuesday, August 26, 2008

Kind of Like Hold Music...for Blogs

I know I've been kind of quiet lately. Getting everything together, spending as much time with boys as I can and trying to get a little sleep in before the fabulous chaos ensues has kept me busy.

So I thought I would just do a post to tide you over until I've gotten my act together.

Here are some stories from momlogic that I thought you might find interesting...

One written by me:
Dear Christina Applegate...

And another by a very brave friend:
Mommy for 4 Months

Speaking of writing... I've gotten some funny emails from those wanting to take over the blog for me while we're busy with Lucy. Keep 'em coming! I would love to post all the entries over the weekend!

And, for a little reminiscing before we take off in 9 DAYS, here is a last peek at my video diary from my trip to Taiwan in May.

I've got a lot more to share but tough to get my head wrapped around it all...I'll have something new to say later in the week!

PS: You've got less than 48 hours to listen to Jeff's song and VOTE. Thanks for all the wonderful support!

Kind of Like Hold Music...for Blogs

I know I've been kind of quiet lately. Getting everything together, spending as much time with boys as I can and trying to get a little sleep in before the fabulous chaos ensues has kept me busy.

So I thought I would just do a post to tide you over until I've gotten my act together.

Here are some stories from momlogic that I thought you might find interesting...

One written by me:
Dear Christina Applegate...

And another by a very brave friend:
Mommy for 4 Months

Speaking of writing... I've gotten some funny emails from those wanting to take over the blog for me while we're busy with Lucy. Keep 'em coming! I would love to post all the entries over the weekend!

And, for a little reminiscing before we take off in 9 DAYS, here is a last peek at my video diary from my trip to Taiwan in May.

I've got a lot more to share but tough to get my head wrapped around it all...I'll have something new to say later in the week!

PS: You've got less than 48 hours to listen to Jeff's song and VOTE. Thanks for all the wonderful support!

Sunday, August 24, 2008

Two Weeks From This Very Moment...

Need I say more?

Two Weeks From This Very Moment...

Need I say more?

Saturday, August 23, 2008

Writer for Hire


Have you noticed how many, if not most, blogs tend to get pushed aside when the little ones come home? Of course they do--suddenly, mom is being pulled in so many directions, the first thing to go is the updates and photos.

Well, I have the perfect solution for that...

Taiwan Lucy is hiring! OK, so not really "hiring" since the position is unpaid... but think of the fun you'd have entertaining readers while I'm doing things like flying on an airplane, bonding with my daughter, and (the very important) trying to get some sleep. I admit, I have plans to keep the blog up. In fact, I plan to talk more about the realities of parenting, the challenges and struggles, and (what I assume will be) the always-interesting life with three kids 4-and-under.

What you need to do to enter: Write up a sample post (a paragraph or two would suffice) and send it to me at jmomac@mac.com -- the post would become my property and would possibly be posted on the blog along with others for voting. The ideal candidate has the ability to write posts that are funny, heartfelt, informational --and always entertaining.

Come on, people! Are you up for the TL challenge?

Writer for Hire


Have you noticed how many, if not most, blogs tend to get pushed aside when the little ones come home? Of course they do--suddenly, mom is being pulled in so many directions, the first thing to go is the updates and photos.

Well, I have the perfect solution for that...

Taiwan Lucy is hiring! OK, so not really "hiring" since the position is unpaid... but think of the fun you'd have entertaining readers while I'm doing things like flying on an airplane, bonding with my daughter, and (the very important) trying to get some sleep. I admit, I have plans to keep the blog up. In fact, I plan to talk more about the realities of parenting, the challenges and struggles, and (what I assume will be) the always-interesting life with three kids 4-and-under.

What you need to do to enter: Write up a sample post (a paragraph or two would suffice) and send it to me at jmomac@mac.com -- the post would become my property and would possibly be posted on the blog along with others for voting. The ideal candidate has the ability to write posts that are funny, heartfelt, informational --and always entertaining.

Come on, people! Are you up for the TL challenge?

Thursday, August 21, 2008

11 Months Waiting


It was (one month shy of) a year ago when we nervously walked into our agency office to see the photo of the baby girl who would become our daughter. While every month after that was met with sadness, this is the last time we will commemorate the month-i-versary with longing.

As you may recall, 11 is, in fact, my lucky number. So it's fitting that we would finally be united as a family after 11 months waiting.

It's also fitting that we become a family of five during September. All my life, September has been symbolic of sadness and loss——not only is it the month my mother was born——it's the month we lost her.

But the month of sadness changed that September in 2003, when I discovered I was pregnant with J. In 2005, it was the month B was born. And in 2007, we received the referral of our little Lucy. Now, we'll all be united in September. I know there's someone up there looking down and saying, "see, stop all the whining——September should be your favorite month."

Speaking of September, something compelled me to open up Lucy's referral file the other day to see when her own biological mother's birthday was. And there it was in black and white——September 5th...the day we leave for Taiwan.

I've learned throughout this journey that there really are no coincidences——just signs that we're moving in the right direction. After all, don't forget this one.

Oh, and get this one... my bro-in-law, Lucy's Godfather, has never been to Taiwan. In fact, I don't know that he ever goes out of the country on business. BUT he's going to be in Taipei on business the exact same time we're there. How crazy is that?
Two weeks from tonight, we're on our way!

11 Months Waiting


It was (one month shy of) a year ago when we nervously walked into our agency office to see the photo of the baby girl who would become our daughter. While every month after that was met with sadness, this is the last time we will commemorate the month-i-versary with longing.

As you may recall, 11 is, in fact, my lucky number. So it's fitting that we would finally be united as a family after 11 months waiting.

It's also fitting that we become a family of five during September. All my life, September has been symbolic of sadness and loss——not only is it the month my mother was born——it's the month we lost her.

But the month of sadness changed that September in 2003, when I discovered I was pregnant with J. In 2005, it was the month B was born. And in 2007, we received the referral of our little Lucy. Now, we'll all be united in September. I know there's someone up there looking down and saying, "see, stop all the whining——September should be your favorite month."

Speaking of September, something compelled me to open up Lucy's referral file the other day to see when her own biological mother's birthday was. And there it was in black and white——September 5th...the day we leave for Taiwan.

I've learned throughout this journey that there really are no coincidences——just signs that we're moving in the right direction. After all, don't forget this one.

Oh, and get this one... my bro-in-law, Lucy's Godfather, has never been to Taiwan. In fact, I don't know that he ever goes out of the country on business. BUT he's going to be in Taipei on business the exact same time we're there. How crazy is that?
Two weeks from tonight, we're on our way!

He's At It Again...

Jeff's in the next installment of the Song Fu competition. Go HERE to listen to his song and vote, vote, vote! (por favor)

He's At It Again...

Jeff's in the next installment of the Song Fu competition. Go HERE to listen to his song and vote, vote, vote! (por favor)

Monday, August 18, 2008

Chat with Friends, Feed My Kids

As most of you know, I work over at momogic.com as Supervising Producer. The site has really taken off in the past ten months and last week, we launched a new community--kind of like a Facebook for moms.

I head up the adoption group... and also belong to others like local groups, blogging mamas, etc. There is something for every mom (and even dads)...and if there isn't, you can create it!

If you join right now, you'll be entered to win a Wii Fit. So come on over and let's chat!

Chat with Friends, Feed My Kids

As most of you know, I work over at momogic.com as Supervising Producer. The site has really taken off in the past ten months and last week, we launched a new community--kind of like a Facebook for moms.

I head up the adoption group... and also belong to others like local groups, blogging mamas, etc. There is something for every mom (and even dads)...and if there isn't, you can create it!

If you join right now, you'll be entered to win a Wii Fit. So come on over and let's chat!

Sunday, August 17, 2008

I Went Right!

For 4+ years, I've walked into kids' clothing stores and gone directly to the boys section. I always glanced over at the girls clothes and felt a pang... not to say I don't LOVE how fun it is to shop for boys... all that khaki and navy blue... but I always dreamed of stopping by the little ladies area too.

Today, in our local over-priced-yet-adorable kids' clothing store--where the boys are to the left and girls to the right--I walked in, bee-lined for the boys section...stoppped and exclaimed, "oh my God, I can go right!

And boy did I ever.

I Went Right!

For 4+ years, I've walked into kids' clothing stores and gone directly to the boys section. I always glanced over at the girls clothes and felt a pang... not to say I don't LOVE how fun it is to shop for boys... all that khaki and navy blue... but I always dreamed of stopping by the little ladies area too.

Today, in our local over-priced-yet-adorable kids' clothing store--where the boys are to the left and girls to the right--I walked in, bee-lined for the boys section...stoppped and exclaimed, "oh my God, I can go right!

And boy did I ever.

What Do Happy Parents Look Like?

This.

Here we are moments after I told Jeff we got a travel date. Excuse the appearance, life-changing news doesn't always happen during hair and makeup hours.

What Do Happy Parents Look Like?

This.

Here we are moments after I told Jeff we got a travel date. Excuse the appearance, life-changing news doesn't always happen during hair and makeup hours.

Saturday, August 16, 2008

Sweet Dreams

Lucy's big girl bed arrived today. We'll see if she stays in her crib (fingers crossed), but at least we're prepared! Her room has really come together... J walked in and said "how pretty!"

We leave in 19 days!

Sweet Dreams

Lucy's big girl bed arrived today. We'll see if she stays in her crib (fingers crossed), but at least we're prepared! Her room has really come together... J walked in and said "how pretty!"

We leave in 19 days!

Blogging Is the New Girls Night Out

BK (before kids), I would often head out for a night with the ladies. We'd talk about anything and everything, offer support and laughs, and celebrate big events. It occurred to me yesterday that, although I do try to reconnect with my gals as much as possible, bloggy friends offer some of those same perks.

After I announced our travel date, I saw posts all over the place celebrating our good news. Ramona cheered, Tiff hooted, Marina partied, Andrea put up balloons, Tamara did a jig, Tisra screamed, and Courtney cried happy tears... Thank you, ladies!

Throughout this journey, I've met some of the most incredible women... some face-to-face and some via the Web. We've laughed, cried and offered a eye. (Hey, it's the Internet...we can't as well offer an ear, silly.)

So this post is dedicated to all of those I've met along the way. I look forward to the CA kids growing up together and eventually seeing those across the country we've yet to meet.


Speaking of friends across the country. Sarah, the first adopting mom to make me second guess Lucy's room decor (check this out), sent our little monkey some VERY appropriate goodies seen here. Thanks Sarah!

And Judy K! She's known for zipping through the court process faster than anyone. (wait, did WE just beat your record?) She sent Lucy these adorable shoes, very functional bib, and leg warmers! I was wondering what Lucy would wear on Mac Family '80s night. Thanks Judy!

Blogging Is the New Girls Night Out

BK (before kids), I would often head out for a night with the ladies. We'd talk about anything and everything, offer support and laughs, and celebrate big events. It occurred to me yesterday that, although I do try to reconnect with my gals as much as possible, bloggy friends offer some of those same perks.

After I announced our travel date, I saw posts all over the place celebrating our good news. Ramona cheered, Tiff hooted, Marina partied, Andrea put up balloons, Tamara did a jig, Tisra screamed, and Courtney cried happy tears... Thank you, ladies!

Throughout this journey, I've met some of the most incredible women... some face-to-face and some via the Web. We've laughed, cried and offered a eye. (Hey, it's the Internet...we can't as well offer an ear, silly.)

So this post is dedicated to all of those I've met along the way. I look forward to the CA kids growing up together and eventually seeing those across the country we've yet to meet.


Speaking of friends across the country. Sarah, the first adopting mom to make me second guess Lucy's room decor (check this out), sent our little monkey some VERY appropriate goodies seen here. Thanks Sarah!

And Judy K! She's known for zipping through the court process faster than anyone. (wait, did WE just beat your record?) She sent Lucy these adorable shoes, very functional bib, and leg warmers! I was wondering what Lucy would wear on Mac Family '80s night. Thanks Judy!