Is that breakfast?

Oh, Oh, Oh
Ice cold milk and an Oreo cookie
They forever go together
What a classic combination
When the dark delicious cookie
Meets an icy cold sensation
Like the one and only creamy,
crunchy, chocolate OREO.

We don't allow Oreos for breakfast (even in the summer) but Mark is good for picking something once a week that isn't a typical breakfast food.

Stroller Derby

Today we had the wonderful occasion of discovering a new sport.
STROLLER DERBY!!! From their faces, you can sense our confusion and possibly, dislike for the sport.


I love most sports but I'm not looking forward to playing this one. I don't think it's a new sport - from the looks of this, these women (sorry men, seemed to be a sport for only women) really knew their stuff - cutting off one another to edge the other one out for the open lane, bump and scream to get the better view and for heaven's sakes if you are on 2 legs without wheels, get out of the way, yield or wear shin guards!!! The stage is the Zoo and the players prefer to play on a cool summer morning before noon. At noon the game is just about over and the winner isn't necessarily leaving with a happy child but their child did get to see more animals (at any cost) faster than the rest of the players.

Now I took one look at this sport and decided I had to ignore it so I wouldn't go 100% crazy. I mean, they were everywhere! 1000s of them. This is my first visit to the zoo on a nice summer morning. Up until this summer, I worked full-time and my brave sitter took them to the zoo. Now I know why she never went back! Apparently, other moms (and sitters) with 7 and 9 year old boys had already discovered this sport and decided once was enough because I was the only one there not playing and I really wasn't cheering either.

I did manage to ignore the sport by stroller shopping. Let me tell you - I've seen them all. I saw strollers which looked like strollers and some which I think just got off a space ship. I almost threw Mark in an unoccupied one and took off running and bumping I liked the stroller so much.

Oh yeah - and there were some animals.


Matt and Mark with Scotty the elephant who just turned one and is about 5' tall. Matt is trying to act like he's not having fun.

Mark enjoyed the petting zoo. This is a no stroller allowed area! I think we all liked it!

Matt had to pet every animal and compare their hair texture. I'm thinking scientist or barber.

Happy Fathers Day!

Me and my Dad - he's on lifeguard duty

Dad coming home from duty (I think this was the Iraq trip) - he's hugging Mark
Mom, Dad, Matt, Mark, Mickey and Me (what a great trip!)
Mom and Dad

10 Things I learned from my Dad

10. How to use a drill, hammer, saw, screwdriver and a number of other tools I can't even name. Don't be afraid to try anything using a tool or otherwise. Someone else can always fix your mess. Although, he never called anyone to fix his messes; he just "extended his projects".

9. How to love someone with all your being even if they drive you crazy sometimes.

8. Children are great but grandchildren are phenomenal.

7. Work hard and never call in sick if you aren't very contagious.

6. DisneyWorld is something for all ages.

5. People in their late 50s should not be fighting wars. But we (US) have no problem giving you gun and sending you anyway. The latter is my take not his. It might be his take but he'd never say.

4. I can't control other people's actions or thoughts so get over it and keep my mouth shut.

Ok - I'm still working on mastering this skill. I'm 75% there! LOL

3. Never miss a game.

2. The smartest person in the room might be the one who isn't saying much.

1. If he is talking, it's worth listening.

Thanks Dad! I love you!

Happy Birthday Lucy!

It took 9 grandchildren to produce a Bell girl. Let's just say Lucy was worth the wait! She is a princess who leaves her mark. The Uncles taught her the Gene Simmons face - of course, we love it and love the fact that she'll do about anything we put her up to.

She turns 5 today which is just wrong since she was born last week - Time does fly!

My Salute (to the tune This Little Light of Mine) - it's extremely corny but I had fun writing it!

Happy Birthday to our girl
She'll light up your day
Happy Birthday to our girl
She'll light up your day
with her smile
with her smile
with her smile

She'll make funny faces
You'll laugh all day long
She'll make funny faces
You'll laugh all day long
She'll make funny faces
You'll laugh all day long
all day long
all day long
all day long

She'll dance 'round in circles
making you so proud
She'll dance 'round in circles
making you so proud
She'll dance 'round in circles
making you so proud
make you proud
make you proud
make you proud

She turned 5 today
time's just flying by
She turned 5 today
time's just flying by
She turned 5 today
time's just flying by
flying by
flying by
flying by

Happy Birthday Sweet Lucy
We love you so much
Happy Birthday Dear Lucy
Love you a whole bunch
Loved a bunch
Loved a bunch
Loved a bunch

Happy Birthday Lucy! I hope it was better than my song writing!

Time Flies!

Jeez - Time does fly. 4 months ago we applied to adopt a little girl 0-36 months from Thailand. I remember being so nervous "pushing the button" even though I knew we met all the requirements. But how many countries had we researched? How many programs are closed, instable or corrupt? We had plenty of reasons to be nervous.

What we did in 4 months - filed a large amount of paperwork with social workers, government agencies, background checks from any and every agency, been asked if I'm sure I wasn't arrested (more than once - seriously, I would remember a mug shot and fingerprinting...right?)

We filled out a lot of forms (don't forget to get that one notarized, this one needs to be signed in blue ink, oh yeah - fill this one out in Bahts and that one out in US Dollars - by the way - make sure you include the conversion date and documentation...they always ask for that later - did I mention your notary's commission needs to expire in 2009 or later - oh sorry - can you redo all those documents and get them notarized again? Hope it wasn't too many).

You'll be waiting approximately 10-16 months for your referral, you'll be waiting 20"+" months for your referral, your referral can be expected in 18 months but check with me each quarter because that could change by 6 months or so...Are you kidding me? Didn't get the memo that stated in
LARGE BOLD FONT -

I'M A PLANNER!

4 Months ago - we weren't sure if we'd be approved. Now we aren't sure when we're going. These things are for certain -

We are approved
We are going
We will bring home a little girl
She will be 100% rotten

Quiet Strength

As many of you know, we are Colts fans. Chris received an autographed Tony Dungy book and the audio-book at work a couple weeks ago. We both immediately read it (ok, we listened to it). Tony starts out by saying, "This isn't a football book." I think that was true but there sure was a lot of football in the book. Of course, I enjoyed that part of the book as much as what the book is really about. The book is really about God and His timing and His plan. I would call it a good book especially if you have ever struggled with Why? in anything in life. Some of my prayers have not been answered and I did struggle a bit at times. More so last year than this year. Maybe He's playing "catch-up" with me. ;)

I always wonder about this thing we call God's plan. Do you remember those books where you would decide the next step and based on that decision, the book could end differently? That's what I wonder. Is it all truly drawn out and all our decision are already known to Him and the outcomes already known to Him? or Do we get opportunities to make decisions which affect the outcome? The latter makes more sense to me - otherwise, it's like we're all in a puppet show without strings. And why would He make us struggle with decisions if He already knows what we're going to decide. I mean, we pray for Him to help us make the right decision, send us a sign...a clear sign, you know what I mean.

I think the thing I took away most from Quiet Strength was God's timing. There are things we want to do in life. Sometimes opportunities don't come through and sometimes they do. And we don't always understand why at the time - maybe we never understand why. I've always wanted to live by the beach - I hate KY winters. (Southern Florida is perfect to me - it never snows, it's hot, humid, you walk out every morning and say AH, what a beautiful morning - I love it) but if we had ever moved, maybe we wouldn't have been in Louisville this year. I won't say I'll never move to the beach because honestly, I think we will... someday...as soon as God "lets" me. But now that I see how our "book" has played out so far this year, I think this chapter was supposed to be set in Louisville this year so we could proceed with an adoption and be supportive to our friends and children.

So, maybe I get His timing after all.

Bugs and Baseball

When do these bugs go away? That was the coffee conversation this morning. The cicadas are everywhere! You might know them as the 17 year bug. They are huge, noisy and crazy. And everyone is talking about them. If you look out the window, they are all over the backyard flying in and around the trees - dead all over the yard and driveway. One of them flew down Chris' shirt today while he was cutting grass. He laughed and said, "It's a good thing it wasn't you". I agreed and joked that I would have prayed I had on my pretty bra because I might have thrown off my shirt! Sorry for that visual. The answer is they'll leave in about 6 weeks so I guess we better just get used to them. I just know that when I drive my convertible home I hear them and pray they won't all fly down and attack me!

Matt is on a 9-10 year old kid pitch team. He has played nearly every position this year. He got the nod to start at shortstop Saturday. Needless to say he was very pumped about it. He always starts and plays most the game but the shortstop nod doesn't happen very often. He played a great game - no errors - snagged two balls and threw them out like a seasoned shortstop. He then hit to the right field fence landing him a triple. Might have had a homer but he looked like he was running in sand as he watched the ball while running to first. He kicked it in when I finally had to yell RUN! at him while he was on his way to first base. The Padres eventually landed yet another loss but I will say the kids had fun and finally showed some enthusiasm.

Dossier to Thailand - #30 on "The List"!

Our Dossier is on its way to Thailand today. It is officially approved by Holt. We are number 30 on "the list" and hoping for an early Christmas present (picture...not baby) in 2009. Our latest estimate is to get a referral in Dec 2009 and travel sometime between 3/2010 and 8/2010. This will change from quarter to quarter as Holt gets referrals so I'll keep you updated!

10 years ago Chris and I got an early Christmas present when Matt arrived 3 1/2 weeks early in December. Matt would be thrilled with a picture of his little sister for his 11th birthday!

Now it doesn't take a genius to do the math and ask the question -
We are #30 on the list
8-10 referrals per quarter
Why will it take 7 quarters to get a referral rather than 3-4?

The unknown factors are:
1. How many families in front of us requested a girl
2. How many girls versus boys will be referred each quarter
June 08, Sept 08, Dec 08, Mar 09, June 09, Sept 09, Dec 09

We can hope it will be sooner...Right?

FAQ

So how does Holt International Agency's Thailand program work?
Keep in mind this is our program (we have requested a healthy girl between the ages of 6 mo and 36 mo) and there are other Thailand programs and other children available. Here are my responses to FAQ.

How long does it take?
From initial application to picking up the child was estimated at 21-24 months when we applied. Due to China backlogs and other countries closing their program, we are looking at possibly 24-28 months process. This estimate changes based on the number of referrals Holt gets each quarter and how many people have requested a girl so the big thing here is be flexible. We're number 30 on the list as of today. We hope for a referral in Dec 2009.

How old will the child be when I bring her home?
Thailand has infants to older children available. An infant usually comes home at about 12-14 months old. We could receive a child between 6 mo and 36 mo.

Can I request a boy or girl?
Unlike neighboring China, boys are more prevalent for adoption in Thailand. Families who do not have children must be open to either gender. Families may state they strongly prefer one or the other gender but it doesn't guarantee anything. Families who have only boys may request a girl and choose to wait longer for her. This is what we did. Families who have only girls may request a boy or specify they are open to either gender. Families open to gender are matched to their child faster.

What is the child's profile?
Children are considered to be healthy and developmentally on track for their age. They are living in foster care rather than orphanages. From what I've seen the foster families truly love these little kids and many have been fostering for years. I've seen their faces on videos from families who adopted - they can't fake that love.

What medical care do the children receive?
Children receive regular medical checkups and immunizations. They are also tested for HIV, HEP B.

Why are the children available for adoption?
Normally, the birth mother is relinquishing the child for adoption because she and/or her family are not able to care for the infant when she is born. Unlike China, there are no rules which limit the number of children parents may have. It's basically similar to healthy infant adoption in the US.

Do you go to Thailand to pickup the child? Is Thailand safe?
Yes - both parents must travel for 8-12 days. It is safe. Things can happen anywhere so obviously, we'll be careful.

What's the in-country trip like?
Most people seem to get to Thailand a day or two early to get acclimated to the time change and plan for any travel delays. Day 3 - Parents meet and spend time with the child, Day 4 - parents spend time with the child and travel to the foster home, Day 5 - Parents pickup the child forever. After reading about transfer of attachment, I realize this process is a blessing. While emotionally and sometimes physically draining on everyone involved, it allows the child to see the foster mom giving her permission to go with and love these new foreign people who we call Mom and Dad. Day 6-7 - The new family goes before a Thailand Board of 3 people to answer questions regarding why they want to adopt. The rest of the trip is spent getting the child's VISA to travel home.

Are you taking Matt and Mark with you to Thailand?
Yes - Matt will be 11 and Mark will be 9 when we travel. This will be a trip of a lifetime for all of us. I would not want them to miss it. Also, I think that it will help Mia to be more comfortable around us seeing other children. Children have a way of relating to children which parents can't pull off. Not to mention, I think it will be important the boys see firsthand where she's from and how she has lived her life. And they get to miss 2 weeks of school if the timing is right so they're completely pumped!

How long is the flight?
It's about 24 hours plus 11 hour time change. Bangkok is 11 hours ahead of KY. So net 35 hours to get there and 13 to get home!

This is about the time people ask - Are you crazy?
Absolutely! 100%!! But we are also 100% in love with this country which we have never seen and this baby who may not even be born. All of us 100%!

So, seriously why are you adopting?
Chris and I have talked about adoption since 1993. God willing, we wanted to have 2 children and adopt a third later in life. Even before we had Matt - I pictured 2 little toe head boys and an asian girl. God has a way of making it on His time not ours. He's "moved our cheese" more than once over the last two years while we researched programs and He handed us other "distractions" while we tried to figure out what we were supposed to be doing in life.
http://www.whomovedmycheese.com/

Why is the Thailand program closed to applications? Is this program stable?
Holt has closed to applications temporarily to get through the backlog of applicants. I've been told it will reopen in Sept-Dec this year. If you are considering this process for adoption, I think it would be best to ask the agency to be notified when it opens up. It is stable. I know someone who adopted through this program 28 years ago. Granted it's changed a bit but the same people who worked for Holt's Thailand Agency are still working there. This mom asked us to deliver pictures of her daughter to the Agency when we go.

Can singles apply?
No - Parents must be married, one divorce is acceptable.

How much does it cost?
Well, good things don't come cheap - but it is one of the less expensive programs even compared to domestic. It's a lot of legal paperwork and paying for the 24 hour care of a child for 1-2 years. In that regard, it's what you would have spent if you paid for the care of the baby from Day 1. If you want to know specifically, because you are considering adoption, provide me an email address and I'll send you the breakdown of costs.

Amazing Kid

I came across this video and had to share it. Kids never fail to amaze me. Here's a boy who has one leg and plays in a typical baseball league.

I have to hand it to the kid and his parents. It seems it would be so easy to play the Woe is me card his whole life. This family said, You CAN do anything you put your mind to and don't ever let anyone tell you differently. Good for them!

http://videos.kentucky.com/vmix_hosted_apps/p/media?id=1907390&genre_id=00001159

Laughed Outloud

I just scrolled down to the bottom of my blog and spotted my new tracker which started the clock for referral. It says "1 Day waiting for our referral of Little M". I actually laughed outloud at how pitiful that sounds given our 20 + month wait! Although, on the flipside, yesterday, we weren't really on the clock!

I've consciously decided I'm not going to wait (someone will throw this in my face later). I'm just going to go about my business of enjoying every day and be thankful that I have 2 more years to learn Thai, save money for the trip of a lifetime, con a friend or family member into going with us, go to Vegas and do whatever else.

So maybe I should change my tracker to say "1 Day since we sent our Dossier" since I'm not waiting - I'm living.

This is me not waiting - The boys have been so great lately. I don't know why... But I just want to put it in a bottle and keep it forever.

Bittersweet Day in Adoption World

Edited to add - Today is 4 months from the day I discovered a Thailand adoption might work for us. We are thankful we moved quickly on it as our agency is not accepting applications until they get through their backlog. When we started, we thought we'd be waiting another 17-20 months to pick up M...

Also , today our Dossier was logged in at our Agency. Our SW said it looks great and she'll let us know once she finishes her review and it's on its way to Thailand. WOOHOO!!! Then she dropped the bombshell - 20+ month wait until we get a referral. CRAP!!! For those in the non-adoption world, that means we should expect to wait 20 or more months before we get a child's picture and medical information to review. Then we have to wait 3-9 months before we travel. Doesn't take a genius to quickly figure we could be looking at 2 1/2 - 3 year process. GEEZ! Sure, we knew that was a possibility but... So tonight I'm not sure if we were celebrating or crying in our beer.

A little of both I think.