BLOGGER TEMPLATES - TWITTER BACKGROUNDS »

Friday, October 31, 2008

November update...1 day early!


We never get our photos early! What a great surprise. Avery is looking so different each month, and I can't wait to meet her in 2 days! I probably won't be able to post photos until I get back from the trip, but if I get a chance I'll try to post a few while I am there. I am all packed and ready to go! More updates to come...


Happy Halloween!!


Thursday, October 30, 2008

All Saints Day


Monday, October 27, 2008

Why?


Many people ask, Why would you want to adopt from Haiti??? What is wrong with our country? I find these questions a bit annoying but usually answer in a brief manner...we want to adopt from Haiti because there is a great need. Not that there isn't a need in our own country or other countries, but that is a whole other conversation. I don't feel the need to really go into detail, why does anyone want to add more children to their family? We have two biological sons who are the most precious two people in our lives and we realized we want to share our life and home with a child who has nothing. Stephanie posted this link on her blog which says it all. How can we not want to help children like these, who have no one to take care of them? No food or water? I only wish I had more money to help more...

Sunday, October 26, 2008

Batman and Robin spotted in Blowing Rock

Yesterday, the boys, grandma, papa and I went to our favorite mountain town, Blowing Rock. It was their Halloween Festival and even though it was chilly, we had a great time. Batman and Robin ran all over the town and got to trick-or-treat at all the little shops. Capel rugs gave out free rugs to all trick-or-treaters! That was a first...I am not sure the boys were all that thrilled with being handed rugs in leiu of candy!

Mike, was under the weather with a stomach bug, so we had to leave him home. I took lots of photos, so he didn't feel like he was missing out on the day! Here's just a couple of my favorites....





Next Sunday at this time....

I'll be on a plane to Miami and then on my way to Port-au-Prince, Haiti! I get to meet our little girl for the first time!!! I am so excited but at the same time, I know it will be the most difficult experience ever to leave her there when I leave. I get to bond and visit with her for 3 days but then I have to hand her back to the orphanage staff without knowing when I'll see her again...


I started my malaria pills yesterday (they taste like metal, yuck!) and this week, I'll be gather up more supplies to donate to the orphanage staff (nail polish, vaseline, lotions, anti-fungal creams, clothes, shoes, etc) I can bring two fifty pound suitcases with me without charge, so I am loading them up to the max.


It all seems so surreal! This is Avery's photo lisiting from www.rainbowkids.com from back in March when we first saw her on their adoption site. She has already changed so much and I am so thankful I get to meet her in person, take photos, and hug her for 3 days straight!


Sunday, October 19, 2008

You know your kids were born in the south..

When they ask for an electric blanket to sleep with and it's 60 degrees out. Caden said, "Mom I bet we won't go outside for recess tomorrow if it's this cold. Is it supposed to snow?"

The Rings Please...

Just in case you missed it on YAHOO!, this is one of the funniest (okay, it's really not funny!) wedding video I have seen in a long time....I can't even imagine this and I am a swimmer!

http://video.yahoo.com/network/100284668?v=3710199&l=4418225

Fall Festival

Just a few photos from our neighborhood fall festival yesterday. The boys had fun decorating pumpkins, face painting, going on pony rides and for a hay ride. The weather has FINALLY cooled down, and I love it! Then we headed to Ramsey Creek park for a short hike, as the boys were cold (65 degrees and they think it might snow!) After that we all camped out on the family room floor for a movie! Back to the grind today...laundry, cleaning, and grocery shopping!

Happy Fall!






Wednesday, October 15, 2008

Jib Jab and Boss's Day

This was sent to me by my sister, Meredith, this morning! She always knows how to make us laugh.... Preston didn't recognize Avery, without any hair!

http://sendables.jibjab.com/view/JZuQciPmc6whooiX

Tomorrow is Boss's day, in case anyone has forgotten! I have a great boss, so we are giving him a suprise party at work. I am going to make this delicious apple pie, thanks to Sarah. I may have to make two, so we have one for home...although that would be dangerous, especially if it turns out anywhere as yummy looking as hers did! Anything with warm caramel on top has to be good!

Monday, October 13, 2008

Urgent Needs

A few people have been asking if they can give me donations that I can in turn bring to Haiti. Because of baggage restrictions, I can only transport one extra suitcase full of goodies. So, instead if you would possibily consider either a monetary donation ($10 is huge help!!) or sending food items to the address listed in the link, that would be such a great help. Some of the specific food needs are: spaghetti, rice, peanut butter, beans, tuna, powdered milk, formula, and other shelf staple items. November rent is due for our Creche (orphanage) and they count on volunteers to help "Raise the Rent". You can order coffee (who doesn love great coffee?) and some of the proceeds will help with rent, or you can just hit the paypal button and make a donation that way! Because of the various hurricanes that hit Haiti this season, the needs are greater than usual. Thank you in advance for your consideration!

Sunday, October 12, 2008

Caden's First NASCAR race

Caden and Daddy ventured off to the Bank of America 500 last night and he loved it. He got to meet Mr. "The King" Richard Petty (thanks to SUSAN WILLIAMS!) and enjoy the sights and sounds of NASCAR. Not only did Caden meet a racing legend, he also learned that Mr. Petty was a movie star, and Daddy's former boss. We wondered if the King might be upset Caden was covered head to toe in #2 (Kurt Busch) but he didn't seem to mind! The picture quality isn't the best (cell phone camera)...



Thursday, October 9, 2008

October Update Photos

Are just precious. Avery is about 16.5 pounds and 13 months old. She is on the petite side and her eyes are so big and bright! We just love these photos and her smile! Can't wait to meet her in 3 weeks...

Sunday, October 5, 2008

Timeline

Since I am traveling to visit Avery in less than a month, everyone has been asking when she'll come home. I borrowed this timeline from another family adopting from Haiti. We are currently in IBESR ,and have only been there for 2 weeks...so you can see we have a long ways to go. The hardest part is each stage can vary greatly in the amount of time it takes to get through it. The biggest miracle for our family would be for Avery to get here around May/June when I am off for the summer! That would be just perfect!

Timeline:
1) First Legal - 1 to 4 weeks
2) IBESR - 3 to 12 months
3) Second Legal - 1 to 4 weeks
4) Parquet- 1 to 14 months
5) MOI- 1 to 3 months
6) US Visas issued - While this is a 24 hour step for Canadian citizens and less than a week for French citizens, it has taken up to several months for American citizens. (This is not a Haitian step but one carried out by representatives of the adoptive parents' home country.)

Friday, October 3, 2008

1 Month and Counting...


Found out yesterday, I am going to Haiti in one month!! I get to meet and spend a couple days with our little girl!!! No, I don't get to bring her home (I wish) but I am just so grateful to get to meet her and hug her for even a couple days! Part of the adoption process requires we visit Haiti to file a form, and this is just another step that will bring us closer to bringing Avery home.

Now, I need to get a few more shots than I would like, but it's all worth it. I HATE the tetanus shot, and last time I got it I couldn't move my arm for a week, so I am hoping that does not happen this time.

The boys are upset they don't get to go, but I promised them lots of pictures and video footage to watch when I get home. So, that's the update! I can't wait!!!!