SIX MONTHS HOME

Today – Zoey and I (and Grandma Linda) have been home 6 months! I can’t believe it. There are times I look at her sleeping and try to remember my life without her. She is such an amazing little girl. She always has a smile on her face – and truly loves life. 90% of the time she is in her own little world, singing away at the top of her lungs – which cracks me up.

We took a road trip to Houston this weekend to meet up with some fellow adopting families from Texas. It was so good to meet the people I have been emailing with for the last 2 years. I also got to see my college roommate, her husband and her 3 kids! They are all just beautiful. I have been trying to get to Houston for years to visit – but had too much work traveling going on. The trip down to Houston was not that bad --- but coming back, Zoey wanted no part of the car seat. She has learned to get out it and I had to pull over 3 times and put her back in. Which made her crankier and me more stressed. We couldn’t get home fast enough. All in all, it was a good weekend – but no more road trips for baby.

I really have to tell you all --- I still can’t believe I have this child. There are days I need a break of course, but she really is a good kid. But I think about what her life could have been, and then I think about her bio brother and what his life is like. My heart aches for him and I try not to think about it. It is beyond my comprehension why God chose her for me. And why I was chosen to be her mother. A half a world away and he brought us together through a miracle only he could make happen. It was not coincidence. It was not fate. It was a pure act of God.

I got accused of not updating enough. So I will try for once a month now. Especially with Halloween, Thanksgiving and Christmas coming up! I am excited about Halloween as her costume is so cute! Stay tuned……..

5.5 Months Home, Back to Work, Life Goes On

Well, I started back to work on August 7 at my old job. My resignation was somewhat painless. I am going to miss a lot of people there --- but not the long hours and inflexible environment. I had lunch with one of the partners who was not very supportive in the beginning – but he let his guard down today and really asked informative questions about Zoey and her previous life – which showed me he is still human – but worried about the bottom line nonetheless. I left my job on good terms and am glad I did that. My last day is on the 25th – which is ironically our 5 month anniversary home! I start my new job at 7-Eleven as an IT Compliance Manager on August 28th. I am looking forward to it.

Princess Zoey and I are rocking along. I am learning (the very required) art of negotiation with a 2-year old. Negotiating skills people --- not winning skills. I like to be the winner in these battles – but Zoey screams and cries louder. So, I have learned to negotiate and she actually understands and reminds me of my promises.

September 7, 2006
I am now two weeks into my new job and all is well. Hopefully it will be the right fit for my new lifestyle. I do leave every day at 4:30 and pick Zoey up by 5:15. That is nice. We come home, eat then play a while. Lately, the weather has been really nice in the afternoons that we can actually enjoy playing outside without sweating like pigs. I am just having a hard time adjusting back to work. I really enjoyed my time off. It was the greatest time in the last many years for me. I am glad I got to spend time with Zoey. I just wish I could afford to go part time or maybe win the lottery (which I don’t play – so that won’t happen) to be home more.

Zoey is getting better at the day care thing. Initially, she cried, but now she clutches my leg for a while – then sits in her chair for breakfast. Her vocabulary is expanding and last night she went on the potty by herself. The big girl potty – not that baby potty (as she calls it). She has also picked up the fine art of whining and “mine”. Guess it is a little give and take.

I can’t believe we have been home over 5 months. Zoey seems like she has been here forever. I spend a lot of time laughing at her – and some time being frustrated. She is a strong-willed little girl. And doesn’t take no for an answer. She is willing to dish out the “no-s” but does not want to hear them from me.

I think all eyes are on Ukraine these days, as are mine, seeing what happens over there with the new adoption authority. I would love for Zoey to have a sibling. But, it will be some time before I start the process again. I want to enjoy her right now.

I am all excited about Christmas for Zoey this year. I can’t wait. I have already started buying stuff for her. I plan to get one big gift and 3 to 5 smaller gifts. I think the big gift is going to be a car she can drive in. (and try to run me over as we all know she will). Then, I already got her an art desk and Mr. Potato head. I may get a wagon and that is it.

Zoey is growing and thriving. And, I am very fortunate and blessed to have such a healthy little girl.