What's in that little head of yours?

Sometimes I wonder how much Mia remembers about Thailand. Does she remember life in Thailand, her foster mom, etc. One thing is definite - she loves Asian food above the rest and in true Thai form, she likes it spicy. Although pizza and anything with ketchup are winners too - and I do mean anything, including just a spoon with ketchup. Ugh!

A few weeks ago I was preparing a package for her foster mom and had over 100 pictures out trying to decide what to send. She regularly sees pictures of her foster mom around our house, but the picture that caught her eye was the one of her birth mother holding her. Also in the picture was her grandmother. She stared at this picture for the longest time. It was one of those "Mom moments" where I should have all the right things to say. As a parent one thing I've learned is I am human and having all the answers to every possible scenario isn't realistic and I won't hold myself to that level. So I left her look at the picture for a very long time and then said, do you see your birthmother and grandmother. So pretty. That's Mia's birthmother; That's Mia's grandmother and repeated it with her Thai nickname. They are in Thailand. Tell them Sawadeekah and wai. She smiled, we both put our hands together and she said KeeKah. I'm sure that was WAY over her head, but she moved on to other pictures so I either answered a question or confused the heck out of her!

Last weekend a Korean mom and her Korean son walked into a gym. Mia stared at them for the longest time. I tried to distract her but nothing worked. She stared. So that left me wondering again about the day with the pictures. When we first arrived home, she stared at anyone with darker skin than us, but it's been a while since she did this. I wish we had more diversity in our area so that she would realize there are a lot of people in the world and we don't all look the same.

So I wonder what's going on in that little head... She definitely thinks we are great and loves us, but I'm not sure what else is going on in there. I don't think anyone is dwelling on it. Guess I better start on that life book! Google's next project...

Haiti - One Year Later

Last year when the earthquake hit Haiti, Matt asked me if we were going to adopt all the orphans in Haiti. It was a joke, but my heart was breaking for these people. I often wondered why this happened to such a poor country. I know I shouldn't seek answers, but I admit it is difficult sometimes. So I just replied no, it just makes me sad. One day he will understand the magnitude of a natural disaster. 230,000 is not just a number; they are real people who are no more or less than me. Perhaps, the reason is to awaken the rest of us.

No, I'm not announcing that we are adopting all the Haitian orphans, but it made me think. I should be doing something. Several people asked me about adoption and specifically, adoption from Haiti right after the earthquake. Adoptions were suspended temporarily at that time. They aren't now. So I should tell you a little about the kids who are waiting, just in case, someone out there is thinking they want to be a parent too, or a parent again, or the wait for referral in a different international program is just too long. Or perhaps, you want to sponsor a child from Haiti or make a Gift of Hope.

There are some really adorable, scared, but healthy kids available through Holt International. The process to adopt from Haiti could take 2 years or so. The way I look at that is you better get started quickly because your kid is only getting older by the day... So check them out - the happy baby girl with the soccer ball brother, the scared little boy, the adorable, concerned little fellow, the beautiful, sassy little girl and the protective big sister of the confused little sister and so cute baby brother!

Like I told Matt - we can't adopt them all. We have to figure out a different way to help.

And here's a link to some pictures - before and after - make sure you check out #31 - the little boy whose Uncle makes a plan of adoption for him after his mother has perished. Be warned - they will break your heart.

2010 - A year in review

January - our little girl adjusted to us as we adjusted to life without sleep

February - chilling, loving life

March - Mark turns 9 years old and is my soccer star!

April - Terri says "Good-bye" to the fun car... and "Hello" to the 7 seater SUV... sad day...sad sad, day!

April - First family trip since coming home with Mia

April - A much, much needed adult day!

May - Tom Sawyer

June - Baseball time, lots and lots of baseball! Matt is #3 in center and Chris is on the far right.

June - Father's Day!

July - Vacation in Siesta Key

July - Home of the Florida Gators! Mia was melting...

August - Pig Tails

August - Back to School

August - Mia starts pre-school - she's a little unsure but loves it

September - Loads and Loads of Football - Mark is #75

September - Apple Picking, Apple Eating

September - Mia loves her Thai dress

October - Matt caught this touchdown pass to win in OT and advance to city semi-finals

October - Adoption Finalized!

Halloween - Bum, Alice in Wonderland and MadHatter

November - First try at real family photos

Sit still!!!

We'll take it!

December - Matt turns 12

December - Mia turns 2

Merry Christmas Santa! Poor Mia is not impressed!

We are excited at what 2011 will bring - hopefully, all my friends and family will have a blessed, healthy and happy year! I hope all my friends, who are waiting, will receive their referrals, their travel approval and bring their child or children home!