Adopting Again...

Today the social worker from our adoption agency came out to visit. They needed to do our one year follow up visit. And we needed to talk about adoption #2! This is something I've been struggling with so much. When to move forward with the next adoption. But I feel much better after our meeting today.

I was clear with her about where I'm at financially (that's a big piece). I could afford raising two kids now but I'm not prepared yet for the huge adoption fees. I need some time to get my savings built back up. She totally understood that. I did let her know though that if the agency wanted to waive the fees I would be willing to move forward today. She didn't think they would be able to do that. Shocking right!

I was also really clear about where I'm at with the idea of adding a second baby to the mix. The Hulk and I are a good team and it seems a little to early for me to mix it up with another little one. And while The Hulk doesn't have major medical problems I really want to get the whole asthma thing stabilized before I add another in too. We are still fighting with finding the right med combo and I'm still doing treatments every 4 hours. I would just like to make sure he is completely on track before I push forward. The medical stuff is a huge financial piece too. His hospital stay was some bucks!

So after we talked all that out we agreed that we would meet again in December to start on paperwork and creating my profile and working on the home study. By the time all that was ready it would be January/February. She does think that I will match quickly this time around. When I told her I was counting on about a year again she laughed at me and said she would guess 6 months. I guess families are matching quickly right now.

I did at one point have her laughing so hard at me that I thought she was going to pee her pants. The pathetic part was I didn't even mean to make her laugh. We were filling out the profile paperwork and she asked me what races I was open to. I told her that I was open to anything but a white baby. She just looked at me and started laughing! I guess that is an odd answer. I just can't imagine having a white baby now. Nothing against any white babies out there. I love my nieces and they are white. It's just when I think of my family I think of me and my non white children. So that's just us. She can laugh all she wants but it makes sense to me....

So that's the deal... adoption wise!

Clickin Mama

Not Me Monday.... Not Today

My heart is to heavy for MckMama and her sweet boy Stellan today to do a Not Me Monday Post. Instead I'm going to use the time I usually spend doing the post and visiting the other participants in prayer for baby Stellan. He is not doing well and needs all the prayers he can get. So please if your heart guides you join me as a pray for this sweet baby....




Clickin Mama

Random Picture Challenge

It's time for some random picture challenge fun! This week we are taking the 27th picture from our 27th folder of pictures.

This is my random picture. It is from Christmas of this year. It's my brother-in-law Brian showing off the new pants he got as a gift.



What is really funny about this to me is that I did not take this picture. What happened was that during our present opening my dad's CF card got full. So I gave him my extra one to use. When he returned it to me it still had pictures on it so I loaded them on my computer. So thanks Dad for contributing to the random picture challenge! Who knew!

Clickin Mama

The Weather Outside Is Frightful

The weather outside has been a bit frightful here! We have had one heck of an ice and snow storm. My poor tree limbs are sagging under the weight of all that ice! But it is beautiful to watch. We have spent the whole weekend inside! We are avoiding the crazy drivers and freezing wind. But I did venture out (to the garage) to take these pictures from the door. The snow was still coming down and it was freezing. When I came back in I opened the blinds and stood The Hulk up on the back of the couch so he could watch it. I even got him to say Brr when he touched the cold window. I can't wait till next year when he is walking and we can go out and play in the snow! That will be a blast!!!!

What's A Girl To Do....

What is a girl to do when she wakes up at 3:00 a.m feeling rested. What is she to do when she doesn't feel like throwing up for the first time in days. What is she to do when she can't go back to sleep no matter how hard she tries?

She should do some spring cleaning of course!!!

The pantry was a mess inside and on top. It seems to be the catch all for things I don't want The Hulk to touch. So I got that taken care of...






And the freezer was so full I couldn't cram anything else in there. It was a bit frightening... Not anymore though!




Every time I opened one of my cabinets bottles would fall out and attack me so I got that taken care of.




And lets not forget my terrifying office space! Seriously it was out of control! And I always put off cleaning it because it's so bad. But this morning there were no other options! It had to be done!!!




And of course there is always laundry to be folded!



So since I got all of that done before The Hulk woke up at 7:30 this morning we have had a wonderful day! We have played and played and done lots of laughing and snuggling. Yesterday's horrible day is a distant memory! And since I did so much this morning while he has been napping today I've been reading this really good book!




So what have you been doing today?

Clickin Mama

The Terrible Horrible Awful No Good Very Bad Day!

It has been a rotten day here. In fact it's just been a down right very bad day here. One of the worst days The Hulk and I have ever had together. We are usually right in sync and everything is pretty much smooth sailing. But we hit some rough waters today and it was very very bad! Neither one of us is feeling very good so I'm sure that has something to do with it.

This morning when I woke up I still wasn't feeling that great. I threw up a couple of times in the middle of the night but I really needed to get some stuff done at work. So I took The Hulk to daycare and I headed to the office. I was there about an hour when I started throwing up again. And it came on so fast that I didn't have time to make it to the bathroom or even the trash can. Yes indeed I threw up all over my desk. NICE! So I finished up my projects and called it a day. My head was pounded, my stomach hurt and I just wanted a shower and my bed.

But you see that couldn't happen quickly. Oh no it could not! I try to turn down my street and there is a road closed sign and they are working on the railroad tracks. Great! So I think I'll take the back way in and go about 6 blocks down and you guessed it! ROAD CLOSED!!! So I take a lovely 10 mile detour that only took about 15 minutes because I had to stop to throw up on the side of the road three times and finally arrived at my house. Once here though I quickly showered and crashed. I did sleep for about five hours and then went and got The Hulk.



When I got to daycare to get him in was in the middle of throwing a fit. This are becoming more common. I think it is due to frustration. There is so much he wants to do but he just can't yet. He hasn't quite figured out his limitations. So fit throwing occurs and we all just try to ignore it in hopes it will stop....

But we get home and I feed him and I think all is well until breathing treatment time. He was having none of that! You would have thought I was trying to cut off his fingers the way he carried on. But he is barking like a seal so he has to have it. So he cried and screamed and kicked the whole time. I'm thinking that is a good sign his lungs are functioning though.

To make up for the breathing treatment torture I got out a few of his new favorite toys and tried to play with him in my "I'm so excited to play with The Hulk" way. For that I got a little people toy slammed into my tooth! I wanted him to have the little people toys. What was I thinking? Those damn little people hurt! So I tried to regroup and get out his new drum and tambourine and maracas. He loves music so this will be good. Nope, this brings about a lay down on the floor sobbing turn into a pile of mush fit! Music man he was not!



So that was my cue that bedtime was near. I gave him a bottle which he chucked across the room, I tried to rock him at which point he arched his back and screamed. So The Hulk got laid in his bed to cry it out. Except get this. There was no crying. I laid him down in the bed, he looked up at me, smiled, laughed, rolled over and went to sleep! I guess he was worn out.

Here's to hoping tomorrow is a much better day!!!!

Clickin Mama

Just A Swinging

I'm still sick. I have a stomach bug or something. So Jello and chicken broth are my best friends today. Yum Yum! So since I'm still not feeling so hot all ya get are pictures. My Dad and Cricket got The Hulk a swing for his birthday and he LOVES it! Here is the proof....

Sharing Smiles

I'm so tired tonight. This has felt like such a long week! I am just worn out already and have two more days to go before the weekend. That feels like an eternity. So since I'm tired I'm not up to posting much. But I do have some smiles to share....

How To Help Stellan

I have had many emails today about Stellan. My brother even called me tonight on his way to work to see if I had heard anything new about Stellan and how he is doing. All I know at this time about his condition is what I have been reading on MckMama's blog. This is the most recent update!

Stellan is still fighting a hard battle and still needs our prayers. His parents also need our prayers. I really believe that praying is the best way we can help Stellan and the MckFamily at this time. But I know that many of you want to do more. So here are some other options to help if you would like. There is a care calender that has been started to help with meals and meeting the MckFamily's daily needs while Stellan is sick. This can be found here. There is also a name gallery that you can participate in. For more information about that you can visit here.

I hope this answers some of your questions. I would encourage each of you to continue in prayer for Stellan and family. I believe that a miracle is occurring before us. I don't know if Stellan will be healed here on earth or if he will be healed in his heavenly home. But I do know that thousands of people are praying for him, thousands of people are communicating with God about this little boy. And many of those people have never prayed before. That is a miracle! This little baby has brought so many people together in prayer and that blows my mind. So as you pray today for Stellan also ask God for guidance in your daily life. As you pray and contemplate how you can help Stellan also consider how you can help share the love of God with others. What a wonderful way to help Stellan and yourself at the same time!

Clickin Mama

One Year

Today marks one year that The Hulk has officially been my son. It was one year ago today that the paperwork was signed and I brought my baby boy home! What an amazing journey. I remember that drive home from Kansas City alone with that little boy. I was terrified, ecstatic, emotional, and overwhelmed. I remember how amazing it felt to pull into my drive way and carry my son in the door for the first time! What an amazing feeling. In fact here is the picture that Darby captured of that moment....



Here is a picture of The Hulk and I at his birthday party this weekend. Oh my how he has grown! How we have bonded and changed together. I can't imagine my life without him! He really is the best gift I've ever been given!



So little prince thank you for a wonderful first year as your mommy! I can't wait to see what our next year together brings!

Stellan

Usually on Monday I post Not Me Mondays! hosted by MckMama. But today I will not be posting the Not Me's. You see sweet Stellan, son of MckMama is very sick. In place of the Not Me Monday post I'm posting this prayer request. When Stellan was in the womb the doctors said he would not live. You see his heart was beating to fast and he was not well. But MckMama told her blogging buddies and praying readers about Stellan and we all went to our knees to pray for this little boy. Thousands of people prayed and when Stellan was born that heart of his beat perfectly.

But something has happened. Stellan got sick over the weekend and is now in the hospital. His heart has been beating in the 260-300 range for hours now and the doctors have tried numerous medications and techniques but it won't slow down. This is the same problem he had in the womb. So I ask you to please please pray for this little boy that so many have grown to love. Pray that God again heals him in a way that only God can do. And please if your heart so desires please visit My Charming Kids and let MckMama and family know you are praying.

Clickin Mama

Happy Birthday The Hulk

My sweet The Hulk turned 1 today! I can't believe it! How can he already be 1! It has just flown by. What a blessing to be a part of his life. It overwhelms me to think that God has blessed me with this precious boy. What an honor to be able to be The Hulk' mommy!

Last week we took these pictures. He was so hesitant to get into the cake. I think he thought he would get in trouble.



But with a little encouragement and a lot of sugar he eventually dug right in!



Today my Dad, Heather, and I hung out with the The Hulk man. He got a few presents today. A really cool swing from Pop and Granny that he loved! And a fun play table from me. His actual birthday party with the rest of our family will be tomorrow afternoon.



We took him to the zoo and spent lots of time playing and enjoying our day together. He really is such a happy little boy. I wish I could freeze him in time as he is now. I know next year I will be writing the same type of post in disbelief that he is 2! What does the time go.....



So I hope my sweet boy enjoyed his birthday and gets a lot of rest tonight. Then he can party like crazy tomorrow!

Whatcha Reading

Right now I'm reading the book Last Words by Mariah Stewart. I really enjoy her books. I've read quite a few. This one is a really quick read. I just started it last night and I'm guessing I'll finish it tonight or tomorrow. It's one of those books that once you start you have a hard time putting it down. I like mystery and suspense books. What can I say I like to read a book that creeps me out a bit. I don't like scary movies but I dig scary books.

I still haven't finished the Twilight series. I need to read book 4 but I needed to take a little break from it. Maybe I'll read book four after I finish Last Words.

So what are you reading?

Drive Faster Dad

My Dad is on his way home for The Hulk' birthday! He will be here tomorrow sometime. When I talked to him earlier he was somewhere in Arkansas. So drive a little faster Dad! I wish you were here already! Heather is coming home tomorrow too! I wish she was here already! So Heather if your reading this maybe you could call in sick to work tomorrow and come home a little sooner.... Pretty please!

Anyways it should be a wonderful weekend! I'm so excited. So many of my aunts and uncles are coming this weekend to celebrate The Hulk turning 1. We should have a fun time. We are having his birthday party on Sunday rather than on his actual birthday on Saturday. So I think we will just hang out and relax on Saturday and then party like rock stars on Sunday.

I work all day tomorrow but in my head I'm gonna start the festivities about noon! Maybe I could play some rock music in the afternoon and pretend I'm already partying....

Clickin Mama

Ten At Ten

It's 10:00 so here are 10 pictures.... It's a 10 at 10 Thursday!



Something green!!!!



Yummy Breakfast....



A nice warm shower!



Lena watching us as we leave for our walk... messing up my blinds while she is at it! Dang dogs!!!



Flower Power!



Some little boy has a cute little cake....



Got Squash? I do!



My tired feet and worn shoes after our walk!



Turtle Time!



Which book do I want.... Hmmmmmm

Our New Ride

A year ago I was driving a kick ass Mercury Mountaineer. That vehicle was a little bit of heaven. It had heated seats, a sun roof, an amazing stereo system, leather, a beautiful gold paint job and a DVD player! I loved my Mountie! Now I drive an HHR. It's a boring predictable mom mobile. The payment is cheap and it gets great gas mileage. Sometimes the stereo works, it's easy to load a baby in and out and there is nothing flashy about it at all.

But this week I started driving something new. Something amazing! I finally have the high end flash back in my life. I am now the proud owner of the InStep Safari Jogging Stroller!!!! Check this baby out!



Not only does this stroller hold a 28 pound one year old comfortably with lots of room to grow but it came in this hip modern pattern. I love the turquoise and orange and brown! Rocking! And it has a sunroof! How cool is that! It also has cup holders for me and plenty of storage compartments! I can fit the diaper bag, my camera bag, and some other stuff in the bottom of it. Another feature is the adjustable handle bar! Every stroller should have an adustable handle bar. That makes it so much easier and comfortable to push. This stroller makes The Hulk and I very happy on our walks/jogs.



I also love the strollometer! It tells me the time, temperature, how long we have been walking, our average speed, and the distance we have traveled. AWESOME! Who needs a mountaineer when you can be cool like me with the InStep Stroller.

So things have changed and I'm not the coolest girl anymore. But I would like to think I'm a pretty cool mom. And even if I'm not this guy thinks I'm pretty cool all the time!



Clickin Mama