Kazakhstan

I think for most families that have been blessed with a child through international adoption there comes with it the understanding that your child arrives with both a full history separate from us and a first culture that is completely and distinctly their own, or would have been had they been raised in their country of birth.

As April has marked 7 years since our journey to Lauren and Kazakhstan, I have been reflecting back on the choices we have made in sharing and honoring her birth culture and how those same decisions have helped to shape our family and ultimately her perception of her blended heritage.

Early on we realized with some dismay the great task that lay before us in blending aspects of a culture into our own that we knew very little about; certainly our 3 weeks in country gave us a sampling of Kazakhstan's rich past and of its traditions, but of course as visitors (and new parents at that!) our focus was primarily on bonding and caring for our beautiful baby girl. We were fortunate, as Lauren's Babyhouse was truly remote, to experience both the ammenities of Kazakhstan's largest city and former capital (Almaty) and the rugged, harsh beauty of its rural farm lands, mountain landscapes and one tiny and impoverished village. The contrast between the 2 was astonishing and stark ~ yet each held its own magic for us and each left us gaping out the window in awe as we sped through the streets during our daily visits to see Lauren. Certainly there was poverty and ugliness ~ much as there is in most major cities or disadvantaged areas. Certainly there were aspects that would be easier to "forget" or tuck away into the passages of a dusty journal, but that wouldn't do justice to the land, its battle for independence after Soviet control or its courageous people ~ Lauren's people. In so many ways, our people too.

And we stumbled quite a bit in the beginning. I know we did. We knew very little of the native tongue(s) spoken ( Kazakh/Russian), had no access to an immigrant population from Kazakhstan here in the States (none exist to our knowledge ), no restaurants that specialized in Kazakh foods, no recognized Kazakhstani celebrations here in the U.S., no Kazakh-town to visit, explore and learn from. No idea where to begin beyond her life book, our own perceptions, photos, journals, videos and keepsakes brought back from our travels. We doubted ourselves and took 2 steps back for every one forward. Somedays it just seemed too large a task. Complicating things( in our minds only ) was the fact that had Lauren remained in her birth country she may have been raised with a Ukrainian background ~ celebrating Ukrainian holidays and traditions. ( a very very small minority in Kazakhstan) We also understood that had she remained in her Babyhouse ( something I just can't even contemplate) she would have been within her culture of birth, but not truly part of it. That loss occurred long before we set eyes on our beloved daughter and in all the big ways the decision that led to that initial loss was also the decision that allowed the 3 of us to become a family. (now we are 4!) It was sometimes hard to reconcile the 2 once upon a time. Our tremendous gift of her and her initial losses.

Yet when we looked into the eyes of this precious little one, we knew without a doubt we had to do better ~ for her and for us.......but mostly for her. She could not grow up celebrating basic Kazakh or Ukrainian cultural tenants with pride & understanding without our purposeful intentions. We may not have been (or be today ) the best folks for the job, but it is our responsibility and one we discovered along the way was a true privilege & joy. We are her ambassadors, her allies and really her team to keeping that part of her birth legacy alive and meaningful for her. How amazing it has been to discover it together, to learn as we go both through the missteps and triumphs and to make it a part of our family today. Not so much even hers or his or mine anymore.........simply ours. And Lauren? She has been both a forgiving and patient partner in this journey. More than we could have hoped for or really deserved.

So we honor her birth culture in both little and big ways. The treasures tucked away for her are intended for milestone events, but we display pieces of lovely handmade Kazakh. pottery right alongside the Hummels in the China cabinet. A dombra (a Kaz. guitar, lovingly wrapped and transported with extreme care home from Kaz.) hangs in our living room and has been mastered by Scott so that someday Lauren can learn this indigenous instrument should she wish to. Ukrainian ornaments hang on the boughs of our Christmas tree, each one telling a different story and eliciting a sweet smile from our girl when we unwrap them each year. A Russian fairytale collection sits proudly along side her other books, its pages creased with use. A tattered recipe collection of Kazakh/Russian dishes, some marked with a triumphant smiley face (others with an "ack!") is tucked in with my other (admittedly few) cook books. We talk of returning one day to visit and know it will be difficult to do so.(few travel Visas are issued) A miniature Kazakhstan flag nestled into a glass keepsake box displaying her many treasures from both here and afar, are just but a few. And still these are just things..........(we know culture can't really be found in a recipe or restaurant or even a trip downtown(its a start though!!), but gosh there are days I wish it could be. For her & for him.)

Just things yes, but tangible and approachable. Threads to her unique past and also as our journey as a family. Less tangible, but equally precious have been the family connections ~ the friendships found with other families that have been fortunate enough to bring home a Kaz. angel. Over the years watching these amazing children grow & thrive has been incredible and though some dear friends have moved away and it becomes more difficult each year to find a weekend ~ a day ~ to meet as a group, the effort continues and the rewards are immense ~ for the parents AND the children. How lucky & blessed we are to now count Taiwan adoptive families in our circle also.

And the holidays and traditions......... in lieu of a family day celebration we have, over the years, found great joy in celebrating the Nauryz, a Kazakh holiday celebrating the arrival of Spring. This holiday was all but wiped out during the occupation of Kaz. by the Soviet Union but is a cherished and ancient holiday of significance honoring their early nomadic origins. Imagine how delighted we were to discover it has strong parallels to the Chinese New Year ( though in no way is identical to it) and in fact this holiday is celebrated across much of Asia and along the Silk Road. On this day, usually held around March 21st or 22nd ( to mark the Spring Equinox) our family has taken the best parts of it or rather the parts that suit Lauren best :) and we celebrate the love of one special girl by taking a hike to a local nature preserve, or building a bird house from scratch or picking up litter at a local park ~ whatever our girl picks and loves most for that year! We understand that our connections to her birth culture are in large part dependant on Lauren too ~ its never static and has changed dramatically over the years as she has grown to embrace some aspects of her heritage(or how we celebrate them) more readily and eagerly than others. And too, as a child grows, so does their capacity for understanding and participating in these decisions, in shaping the direction of this exploration. That has been fun and interesting to watch unfold too! And sometimes means taking a big ole step back and remembering its really about her (or him).

With a sense that its always and forever evolving has come the inevitable feelings of loss when one door has closed ( such as a Kaz. adoptive family moving away ~though still in our lives and hearts ~ etc. ) but with that comes a reminder of embracing and being open to new gifts ~ to never stop looking for ways to embrace what I sometimes have thought of as a ghost culture for children growing up apart from their birth heritage. This year our family is eagerly anticipating a weekend long stay at a resort with almost 100 other families, all of them adoptive Kaz. families. We will meet to celebrate these children, share our respective journeys and to raise money for the ones left behind. No one is more excited or proud than our Lauren to have this weekend circled on the calendar and as its now an annual event, we hope to participate each year in the future!

Finally and oh my, this is becoming a rambling post (ack!) I wanted to touch briefly on something I have shared before ~ the contrasts between Tyler's seemingly more accessible and recognizable birth culture and of Lauren's. Of course I (we ) have worried and being a Mama (being a parent!) means the worry won't ever end. I have been concerned that she might feel left out or envious of the avenues we have available to us for exploring Tyler's birth culture or feel his is more accepted in the mainstream or better understood. I can share with you all, that at this time at least, that simply has not been the case. Just the opposite ~ no one and I mean no one has been more proud, enthusiastic and eager to share, cultivate and even advocate for his birth culture than Lauren. And I think, though I have not asked and though she has not articulated this to me.......I think that perhaps she just knows and understands something that maybe we cannot at a basic level. If so, then I think, hope & pray that we can aid Tyler in his exploration so that he too will grow to embrace, honor and cherish not just his own, or hers, or our family's, but cultures of the world ~ to find the beauty and commonality in them all . If we can do that, then maybe we will have done something right for them both, despite the false starts, stumbles and ignorance afterall. And maybe despite the dropped or missed threads of their birth cultures this too can be a place to start and grow from.

Edit to Add: I have to smile to myself cuz once again this is SO NOT the direction I intended this post to take. Initially I wanted to share snippets of Kazakhstan culture and my thoughts on exploring Lauren's birth culture with her in small, sporadic posts. Well......life got in the way again with lots of busy fun :) and the result is this mini novel featured above! LOL If you made it all the way to the end I thank you in a HUGE way!!

Lauren

In April of 2003 we embarked on a remarkable journey to bring home our precious baby girl. Our travels took us around the world ( and back again ) and while aspects of our travels were daunting ~ we would do it a million & one times over again for the gift of this beautiful baby ~ the baby we were blessed to find in Kazakhstan ~ our Lauren.

Last year I shared with you all a longer summary of our time in Kazakhstan, of its raw ~ almost harsh beauty and landscape ~ of its solemn, courteous and courageous people ~ of the many acts of kindness bestowed upon us from virtual strangers.......of one sweet tiny infant girl who opened her heart to us in all the important and big ways, making us the parents & family we are today. Looking at the photo above.....seeing those eyes peering over Scott's shoulder ~ I'm right back there; standing in a Babyhouse in a remote corner of Kazakhstan, watching the moments tumble by that would become the bedrock ~ the threads ~ of our family history. Seeing in those eyes both a keen curiosity and probably bits of trepidation, for we were still strangers to this child. I wrote last year ( Her Story: April 21st, 2009) that the moment ~ that very first time ~ I gazed into those eyes it was instant clarity.......... I was home ~ I was her Mama ~ and so very blessed. Still very far away from the place we called home....but "home" just the same.

7 years doesn't seem like such a great span of time and there are still moments I see bits of that baby in my 7 year old big girl today. Her spirit, infectious laugh, intellect, compassion, mischievous twinkle all still remain. The cheeks have thinned and the legs are much longer......more hair to style and once in a while an abundant stubborn streak too. An amazing big sister now too. 7 years ago an angel found her way into our arms ~ how thankful and fortunate we are for the miracle of this child. How amazing it still seems, despite this passage of time that we were chosen to shepherd this remarkable child of God and delight daily in all that she is.....all that she was.....and all she has yet to become. How lucky we are to watch her continued journey and story unfold each day.

Lauren,

Never forget for a moment how loved & cherished you are and by so many. On April 18th, 2003 a judge in Karakastek, Kazakhstan made official what we already knew in our hearts. On that day, our adoption decree was granted ~ we passed court ~ and became a joyous family of 3. We spent 3 weeks in your country of birth, with many highlights throughout our stay; but on this day we knew without hesitation that we were yours' ~ always & forever

Thank you for finding your way to us............the joy you have brought us over these past 7 years is beyond measure. It was the gift & staggering bliss of you that gave us the courage to find your incredible baby brother last year ~ he too is part of your legacy.

I love you, always & forever.

xoxo

Mama

Hopping Along......

We have been hopping along right through a fabulous Girls' Weekend(with our little man too of course!) of shopping (outlets!!) which launched our Spring Break, followed by a splendid Easter and extra long visit with my folks.(which I love!)

So many things to share about these past couple of weeks and oh my has the weather been gorgeous, even summer like for many of our Spring Break days. Our days seemingly zoomed right by but the moments I remember most are the sweet ones of flying kites, hunting eggs, watching a little one ( or 2!) discover the bliss of eggs laden with M&M's, bargain hunting with my "girls", long chats with my Mom, creating sidewalk chalk masterpieces with my best girl, trips to the park and watching my 2 munchkins delight in the company of family/cousin joy!

We returned home to find EVERYTHING, absolutely everything in bloom and while this week has brought those April showers ~ and a raging sinus infection for me (Mama), it seems that Spring has Sprung for real and I had almost forgotten how green and luscious things can grow around these parts. Or at least the hint of luscious growth around the corner.

Soccer season has began once again for our Little Miss and her days are filled with school, friends & music ( her tune de jour this week is the Black Eyed Peas, "I Got a Feeling"). We are all excited for the first game this weekend which coach just called to tell us about!

And what about her biggest fan? Yep, Tyler is anxious for the games to resume too as he spends a rapturous hour racing along the sidelines hollering out (with plenty O' gusto, I might add ) for his Big Sis. Course he also takes every opportunity to attempt to "lose us" and dash ONTO the field for some real play.......so its a win/win as Mama gets her exercise too! :)

AND he adored Easter this year( he was so very little last year!). Watching his pure delight with each egg & he was so pleased with just one or two. Of course his sister made certain that his basket was full and watching them together.......well, it just never gets old for me.

Also this week I am attempting to wean our littlest dumpling from his steady diet of candy (fed by loving family members) LOL of LAST week. Oh well! What a sweet tooth he has! All last week we heard, "beana(jelly beans ya know!), yeah? peesh." That's kinda hard to resist! *grin*

We are also having some techie problems with our photo downloads much to my great disappointment. Many of our pics are being written as "read only" and I have not been able to decipher the cause yet or a remedy. I know what to do but our "pesky puter" won't go along with me. :( But I was able to snag a few before the problem began, so I will share those with the hope the rest might follow. We actually had many great ones to share.......I mean how can you NOT have loads of decent shots when you mix in candy, eggs, fab. weather & cousins? I'll keep working on it!

In the meantime here is a sampling and as always thanks for stopping by!

All dressed for church.

I just have to share about this shot: Tyler was the first to spot and grab ahold of the Bunny Eggs my folks had filled with money for each grandchild ~ upon snagging one of each color he gleefully took a victory lap all through the living room/dining with this HUGE smile of glory on his face! And my Dad had been worried that T wouldn't be impressed with those eggs.....*giggle*

And the below shots are courtesy of Lauren & Tyler's wonderful cousin Allison and were taken the day of our shopping excursion to the outlets. So fun!

YES, that is a REAL snake the girls are holding.......and YES it was all Lauren's idea! *gulp" I love T's expression...... & yes, this mall has it all!!

Tyler loves his A. Beth and sipping through a straw!

Lauren and Alyssa's dream sport utility vehicle. ;)

My girl has a big heart for all critters......and I stock plenty of hand gel! lol

Tyler was a good sport for our shopping day........but eventually the strain got to him. Getting so big now & doing so many things........but always my baby boy.

Black & White Wednesday

It's been so "Dog-gone" busy around here of late that I have not been able to play along with Lisa's Black & White Wednesdays for some time. But I just had to share a pic ( or 2! ) of our furry girl, Lexi, as she really & truly is......both black AND white, photo treatment or no treatment!

Here are the vitals on our furry baby:

Age: 10 1/2 by Dog standards that makes her a genteel lady, one in her upper 60's. BUT absolutely NO ONE believes that's she's anything other than a puppy due to her boundless energy and sass!

Breed: Lexi is a Maltese and was considered a "teacup" at birth. By the time we first glimpsed her it was clear she was going to exceed the expected 4 pnds. most teacups average. We laughed, scooped her up and called her our "cappuccino mug"! Nowadays at 9 pnds. we've dubbed her "our platter". We love our furry girl so!

A bit about her: Hmmm....loves chicken & ham. Heart of a lion and I don't honestly believe she knows she's tiny. What she lacks in size she more than makes up for in tenacity. The big dogs on the block are both fascinated and a bit intimidated by her....LOL........she loathes water & shakes & shivers if she knows its her day at the groomers. :) She's fiercely loyal, playful, sweet as sugar and most definitely is a Mama's girl. (which I LOVE ) A bit neurotic about being left alone for too long.......and still a touch indignant about these 2 fur less kids that invaded her scene. ;) Nonetheless she adores and guards those very kids as if her life depended on it, day in & day out.

She made co-sleeping fashionable long before it was, tolerates Halloween costumes, doggy sweaters and dresses at Christmas ( at Lauren's insistence ya know!) :) and takes so little, while giving us all SO very much.

She's a bundle of contradiction and we couldn't adore her more!

I love this last one.....I call it, "Kissy Face"......Tyler is so intent on kissing her, all puckered up and ready.....and Lexi....well, she looks a bit like........help me??

And just in case I don't make it back on to post again before Easter ( company coming....travel, etc. ) Wishing you all a grand Easter and I'll be anxious to check back in with you all when I can!

Spring Has Sprung.......

Spring HAS sprung, or at least for now! Will it last? Naw...most likely not ~ I suspect that we will see a bit of chill return before Spring finally settles in for a modest stay, BUT given this gift of almost 70 degree temps and blue skies recently, its hard to begrudge Mother Nature her fickleness here in the Midwest!

Of course I'm behind once again in staying current and since Tyler tackled my blogging duties for me last week, it didn't seem right to expect someone else to do so this week ~ besides my bribe for Lauren didn't work out! LOL But I have to say that he was so tickled with every one's kind comments and each day pointed eagerly to our "putish" to see if there were any new ones for Mama to read aloud. ;)

I'm a wee bit behind on all things green too........but don't worry, because just like previous years our home was once again selected to be visited by those merriest and mischievous of leprechauns. AND whoa boy, did they leave a whopping mess behind this year! O' yikes & O'lley cow! Toilet paper chains adorning the chandelier.......puzzles dumped.....books disheveled.....toys found in the refrigerator......and lipstick on a pig! naw...not really...not the last one anyways! ;)

In return for their mayhem and mischief they were gracious enough to leave behind a sprinkling of chocolate coins and a trinket or two for each kiddo. Every year Lauren fears they might not choose our home, so she always makes certain to leave a welcoming note and this year several chalk drawings on the sidewalk. Extra insurance I guess! Sadly as it was a hectic school a.m. I didn't get photos like in previous years, but I probably won't ever forget the look of joy on her face when she discovered several small toys stuffed into the sleeve of her jacket or his face, gazing about in wonderment and awe, all the while whispering, "uh oh". Uh oh indeed.....a fresh mess for Mama! :)

And with Spring....even pseudo early Spring comes the return of our neighbors and the sounds of children screaming with delight while dashing through the neighborhood. While I can't claim this is my favorite season of the year, I do relish hearing what is new with the many neighbors who hibernated for the bulk of the winter and I never tire of hearing our doorbell ringing and seeing anxious little faces peering in to see if Lauren can out to play.

Its a bit exhausting too......knowing you need to squeeze in as much as possible while it lasts......3 trips to 3 different parks, with 3 different friends in 3 days! Hmmm....try saying that 3 times fast! *grin* Almost like getting your "baby arms" back, you need to work that sun kissed, wind chapped stamina right back up ~ and honestly its a pleasure to do so again after a snowy winter.

Today I watched Tyler chase an old leaf ~ a remnant of Autumn ~ while it tumbled and danced in the breeze. He was captivated.......as was I, witnessing such pure child delight. Each day he has studied the bugs with such intensity and spotting a spider today prompted raptures of glee and a requests for "ishy bishy" ......spider! He has no fear and bends right down for a better look......I'm looking too, sighing with contentment as another season begins to turn.

Here are a few photos all taken yesterday on St. Patty's Day! Happy weekend to you all!

Poor quality picture BUT he actually smiled and looked my way! He's been turning his head when the camera peeks out.....ack! I need a better toddler bribe!

Just before going down the big slide and into Daddy's waiting arms.

O' Lauren and O' Tyler......my 2 wee O' Cheeseballs. LOL This was the best I could get of the two of 'em together. I'll take it! :)

Soaring to new heights all the time!

He was mystified as to why these bells hardly made a sound. Then he plucked up a stick and began playing his own tune. I love that about this baby!

My O' Girl seems to be growing in leaps and bounds ~ soon I'll need to wear high heels to stay an inch or two ahead of her! When did that happen? And I can't walk in heels......(sob)

And my favorite of the day..............Irish eyes a' smiling for certain.

From the Mouths of Babes......

Shhhh.....hey, can you all keep a secret? Yup, thought so! Kay, its like this see......my Mama's been real real busy ( I consider it a point of pride that I'm able to keep her so distracted) and since she completely missed out on sharing the finer points of me turning 19 mos. AND she's already 2 days late on announcing my status as a 20 month old ( is it just me, or that does that sound pretty old? Hey, does this qualify me for borrowing the car?) I decided to take matters into my own hands and bring you all up to speed on......well, on....little ole me!

Wow, lots has changed since her last update ~ it is after all my job to keep this family on their toes! What self respecting toddler doesn't mix things up now & again? I guess the biggest change would be my explosion of words. I've always been of the chatty sort, but lately I've gotten a charge outta sprinkling in new words (sometimes 2 or 3 ) every day. I know, I know.....there I go spoiling the "fam" again, but honestly you should see how goofy they get when I spring one of my zingers on 'em. AND whoa.....if its 2 or 3 words put together......hold onto your hat cuz its a riot of joy around here. I mean what fella doesn't like a bit of clapping and attention from time to time? I mean, its not like I've split the atom or anything, but they sure do get a charge out of me hollering out, "no, get own(down)" to the small kid with fur or, "yesh(yes) more, peash(please)". Oh, I know what you're thinking, that I only pepper in those pleasantries like "peash" and "ank you" to curry favor. Puh-lease! Would I stoop to that? Well, yeah, probably....but seriously it makes my Mama so darn tickled when I say "ank you" that I just can't NOT say it. I mean, have you seen her goofy grin? Then there is the added perk of usually getting what I'm requesting when I add in "peash" & "ank you"......I mean its a no brainer, really.

Hmm...what else, what else. OH YEAH.....I busted outta that high chair last month! Whoooo hoooo! No more trays and sticky cushions for this fella. That's right folks........(wait for it....wait for it....) I'm in a booster! I mean, O.K. yeah, it does have straps and straps to the chair also, BUT surely this means I've graduated up to some kind of special big boy status....am I right? Am I right? :) It has HUGE advantages too......cuz now, if I'm quick ( and OH YEAH, I am!) I can sometimes snag a dish right from the table and help myself, just lickety split! AND I sit between Mama and Lauren now........clearly a rose between thorns! LOL Ummm...hey, don't like tell them I said that, k? Other perks include being able to toss things down discreetly to that furry kid (she'll eat ANYTHING!) and ham it up for the whole table to enjoy! In fact just the other day I threw my napkin right down on the floor.....oh yes, I did......and then pointed to it and said, "garbage" in my best big boy accent. I tell ya, I had the whole table in stitches. And the best part? Hmmm mmmmm.....Daddy had to pick it up and snag me a fresh one! Booo-yah!

What else, what else? Oh, I run pretty fast now and Lauren taught me how to attempt somersaults....I almost got it! You might call it a work in progress. And once in a while ( oh, alright, everyday) I can be found dancing up a storm to my fave songs ( I like an eclectic mix of Barney's Greatest Hits, Nursery Rhymes, Elmo's Song, The Beatles and anything on Mama's Ipod) ohhhhhhhhhhh.....that Ipod, the emphasis being on the "I" people...as in, I wanna have that thing all to myself! Oh sorry.....where was I? Ah yes.....I dance, I sing (yes, I do) I walk up and down the stairs all by myself ( well, in the interest of full disclosure, someone always follows behind or beside me, but still.....) I can jump and actually get both feet off the ground at the same time and I love to walk backwards if and whenever possible! I don't need to know where I'm going, just where I've been......or that what my Sis taught me to say if questioned! Course when I say it, it comes out sounding more like, "I don et tu going, est whet I bin"......but you get the drift! *wink*

Course lots has stayed the same too. Still "lika" the grub and now I will eat meat. Not crazy about it, but it has its place. Luv juice, but rarely get it and then its watered down when I do.....blech! I use a spoon and fork like a pro and prefer to feed myself. But sometimes I still let Mama help me out....it seems to make her happy & all.

I'm still a voracious reader and just the other day Mama clocked us at 30 whole minutes of reading before I got restless. Course it helps that I had a snack handy and she let me select a few gems from Lauren's reading basket to compliment my normal faves of :The Big Red Barn, Elmo's Animal Adventures, The Hungry Caterpillar, Mr. Brown Can Moo, Anything Thomas The Tank Engine & The Foot Book. And don't think for one minute that people can skip pages in a book with me around. No sir ~ not with me, thank you very much! Busted!

Oh, and I can count now. This is just how it goes.........Mama, Daddy or Lauren says one and then I say "two", then they say 3, 4, 5, and I chime in with "ix", then they say 7, 8 and I holler out "ninish" and so on. This seems to please them a great deal.....honestly I've had quite the learning curve with these folks.......they get tickled at the littlest of things I tell you! I'm still working on colors, but I can usually find things that are purple and yellow. And I know that Mama's favorite color is "pinksh" and I think its my big sister's too! She's pretty cool by the way(my big sis)......she plays with me and teaches me all kinds of nifty things like making my bottom lip pouty to get extra attention and how to build neat forts. Course she's not so keen on the destroying of the forts thingie I have a penchant for....but, well, at the end the day a guys gotta do, what a guys gotta do! I always give her extra hugs just to let her know there's no hard feelings & all. AND hey, she likes to pick out my outfits so I'm not gonna get on her bad side! Plus.......yeah, wrecking forts and toppling over block towers amuses me. It really does.

Course I still love my cuddle time and enjoy a daily belly laugh.....or 12! People amuse me and I love meeting new people...most of the time. On Mondays me and Mama hang out with some of my peeps at story time and I like that a lot. AND don't even get me started about my passion for the arts and playing outside. Actually I do have more to say on that, but later......

At my last check up I remained super healthy and I'm still a tall drink of water! Hate those shots though........almost done with 'em! (chest thumping here people!) Oh and I could spend all day in the bathroom brushing my teeth . Love that stuff!

Phew.....is this what bloggers do all the time? This is exhausting. All this banging on the keyboard is wearing me out, so I'm gonna share a few recent pics and bid y'all goodnight. Thanks for stopping by and remember.....this is our little secret!


All tuckered out........momentarily that is.......

That's right people.....I can undress myself! ...taking on the world one tiny "onesie" at a time!

So we woke up one day it was almost 60 degrees! The "no"(snow) was melting and that bummed me out at first....but I found a few big drifts left over AND discovered something magical happens when snow melts.....that's right ~ puddles...and lots of 'em!

Hmm....here I sit.....at a picnic table....patiently waiting....wha? No food? Oh yeah, I've also started giving Mama the stink eye when I've had enough of the camera thing. I'm still working on my disapproving head nod.

Kinda messy....but that's no problem for me. There is NO job to big to tackle.

Did I mention there were puddles??? Giant, wet, glorious puddles.....a bit frosty, yes....but puddles here people.....puddles!

Remember my love of the sidewalk chalk? I'm back baby, I'm back(!) and my canvas is larger than ever! Plus, check out my sweet ride......yep, I'm a leftie too!

Places to go, people to see. I consider it a job well done if my family is pooped by the end of the day. I mean, someone has to keep them on their toes, right? Plus, did you notice I used the word "poop"? (devlish grin and giggle) Yeah, that tickles me.....

Oh, props to S-man over at 12,450 Miles for giving me this clever idea. Sometimes his Mama is tuckered out at the end of the day (week?) too, so its extra nice when we pitch in and help. But don't worry, our Mamas love it ~ every last minute of it......and my Mama will be back soon with some other installment or something or whatever it is she does on this blog! :)


xoxox Tyler

Beautiful Blogger

Thanks SO much to Kelli at Life With My Little Prince for nominating me for this award! In the past, I admit that I have sometimes neglected any award duties that have come my way(not that I receive tons or anything...LOL) and usually its been due to lack of time to play along or fear of leaving someone out who I wish to honor. But this award is too juicy to pass up and though I would very much like to award ALL the bloggers who I know, frequent & love with this honor, its my hope that by sharing it with a handful, it will trickle onward and find its way to all the amazing blogs and bloggers gracing the blogosphere!

I've made no secret of my admiration for the many talented, compassionate, thoughtful and incredible bloggers I have had the pleasure of "meeting" and not surprisingly I always take something.....something pretty gosh darn wonderful, from each & every blog that I visit. I have been privileged to follow along with your families and your adventures and feel richer for it!

I also wish I could give this award to all the many folks who take a moment in their busy days to peek at our daily happenstance and leave a friendly or supportive comment ~ they mean so much and truly help to keep my blogging perspective fresh and fun! AND thanks to absolutely everyone who emailed me or left a comment sharing tidbits and tips about our Disney trip! They were all SO helpful! Yup, I loved the well wishes too! :)

Soooooo....without further delay, here are my nominations: ( cue Oscar music please....)

Jen of Bringing Home Baby #2 ~ Beautiful Mama (and blogger) extraordinaire to the gorgeous Simone & Sam and absolutely my bloggy BFF and sounding board! Sometimes you just meet someone that you feel like you have known forever & could share anything free of judgement. That's Jen! I *heart* ya my friend & value your amazing perspectives!

Wanda of At Last....Milana's Comin' Home ~ because she enchants me with her breathtaking photos(lovely lovely girls and sweet Milana IS home!!), artistic soul and beautiful Mama's heart. She makes blogging look easy even when its not!

Tiff at Blessed with Sweatpeas ~ oh gosh, I just adore everything about her blog. I guess you could say, "she had me at hello". And those sweatpeas? So beautiful! Truly a beautiful Mama with BOTH hope & faith......

Amy at She Writes ~ if you have not stopped by her blog please run, don't walk and take a peek. Hers is a rare gift ~ a magic weaver of words with a champion's heart of gold. A courageous Mama in all the important ways! (Yes, you really are!!)

Rachel of Wherever You Go, Go With Your Heart ~ I smiled to myself just typing this. Rachel has a way of sharing that makes you feel like you are seated across from her sharing a cup a tea. Talented, beautiful, patient and just home with the breathtaking Baby Evie from Ethiopia!!(plus 2 more cuties at home!!) AND she can sew!!

Lisa of Red Thread to our Daughter ~ Lisa and I go way back, at least in the bloggy sense. Lisa always keeps it real and I value her insight into all things family. She's got 2 fab. boys and a diminutive beauty home from Taiwan. Lisa faced a twist in the adoptive road(once upon a time) that would have left even heartiest shattered ~ she handled it with both grace and faith ~ a beautiful blogger indeed.

Staci of Two in Taiwan ~ Beautiful inside and out and a Mama I greatly admire. Gorgeous kids and an infectious love of life! And her photos? Stunning! (private blog)

Tracy of Anna Banana and Baby Pancake ~ Beautiful girls, beautiful family, beautiful spirit ~ always graces a blog she visits with THE sweetest comments and spreads a bit of sunshine with each post or comment she shares. (private blog)

Jules of Pink Velvet Baby ~ our babes share a special connection and in Jules I see a loving Mama and lovely spirit. Her journey to Mama hood was long and winding but she never lost faith. Beautiful Miss H. has brought such a flourish and delight to her days and I know this because she never fails to share her incredible blessing and feelings of incredible joy in her creative and oh so pretty blog! And she's got incredible fashion sense!

AND please note that I would have liked to have given this to a few other gals too(Christine, Sarah), but alas they were already nominated by other bloggers. Drat! :) I have a few new bloggy friends too I would love to honor, but don't wish to scare 'em away! LOL AND a few who are taking a small hiatus ~ maybe I can catch them next time!

AND I know I should be embedding the appropriate blog links for sharing, but by golly I must be the last blogger on earth who just does not know how to do that! :( Anyone care to give a gal a quick tutorial sometime? :) But all of these spectacular ladies can be found on my blog roll with the exception of the private gals! Please stop by and leave them all some sugar! :)

Finally and yes, this is turning out to be quite long (sorry) the final part of this award is to share 7 things about.......well, ME. (gulp) Its always so much easier writing about the kids! Here goes....

1. I love to workout and get crabby if too many days go by without exercising.
2. I rarely drink milk ~ ugh ~ hated it as a child, but LOVE yogurt. Go figure! :)
3. I have a small scar on the left cheek of my face from having a birthmark removed as a child.
4. The birthmark was pink and roundish and was called, "an angel's kiss". Doctors feared it could become cancerous, so it was removed in grade school. I don't think of it often, but I also rarely touch that part of my face.
5. If I like a song, I REALLY like a song. I would rather listen to one or two favorites on my Ipod than a huge mix of songs.
6. In 6Th grade I played one of the "Buzzards" in the Jungle Book play. LOL I was beyond proud and I think my Mom earned an extra set of wings by feigning enthusiasm for her daughter, the buzzard. :)
7. I can barely choke down coffee. LOVE the Diet Coke (but am trying to quit!)

Wishing you all a great day!