The Apparent Project: The Un-orphanage

Please check out the post written by my neighbor and blogger, Laurie. She found this great site that is selling awesome jewelry made out of recycled materials all in an effort to employ Haitians and allow them to make a living to support their own families. Enough to allow them to raise their own children and not have to drop them off at an orphanage just because they don't have enough money to feed them. Many Haitian orphans are not from deceased, ill or missing parents, but from LIVING PARENTS who just can't provide for their own children. Please, take a peek at Laurie's blog and check out the APPARENT PROJECT: The Un-Orphanage!

So Proud of this Boy

This year we are committing to JDRF again, after taking a couple years off. Caden's school has traditionally raised (50K!!!) for the American Diabetes Association each year for the past five years or more. We let Caden walk with his school and raise money for ADA so he felt included in this huge school event. However, JDRF is the research foundation focuses primarily on finding a CURE for diabets, especially type I. Type I diabetes is not in the person's control, is not related to the person's diet or lifestyle, like Type II usually is. Type I affects kids usually, who can be affected before they can even speak. Caden was diagnosed as a 22 month old baby and although we do want a cure for all diabetes, we are especially passionate about Type I.

And even better, Caden's school is thinking of making the change from ADA to JDRF next year which means 50K directly to research a cure! YEAH!

What's really exciting is some of the new areas of research which would make Caden's life WAY easier and improve his likelihood of living a long and healthy life. One, is the bioartificial pancreas. This would be a device implanted into the body which would act just as a healthy pancreas does, therefore, no more blood sugar worries. Some other things on the horizon are: inhaled insulin, beta cell therapy and a closed loop pump (i.e. the pump would automatically know what to do and would make adjustments on its own!)

So it's very exciting to see that our dollars raised are working!!! Our dream is that one of the breakthroughs mentioned above will be available for Caden before he is off to college. Also, as many of you know the longer you have diabetes the greater the chances for complications (eye problems, kidney failure, etc.) and Caden has had it his entire life. So the sooner the better!

Thank you for considering our cause. If you would like to donate to his walk fund his personal page is listed here!

Happy Gotcha Day, Avery!

One year ago today, we were recovering from what may have been the most stressful 3 days of our lives. It started with chaos (the earthquake) and for the next 2 weeks we were on the worst rollercoaster ride ever. From one hour to the next, we didn't know what would be thrown at us. We went from thinking we would have to start the adoption process over, to almost getting on a plane heading to the wrong city, to turning back home, to heading to Orlando, and sitting for 3 straight days with NO sleep AT ALL. Waiting, waiting and waiting some more. I have NEVER experienced any thing like it and nor do I hope to again. I really can say I felt absolutely delirious by the end.

However, that was one year ago and we have come a long way. Avery has settled in well and continues to grow and progress each day. Life is not perfect (whose is?) but everything is finally starting to feel like normal again. It took such a long time to recover from her unexpected arrival and the rediculous experience at the Sanford International Airport. Adoption is not easy but adding all that to the experience made it that much more difficult. Plus, my university classes had already begun so the day after we returned home from the AWFUL place (Sanford) I was back at work FT. That equals stress.

I must say I am so glad it's all behind us now and we can continue to grow as a family. Oh yes, and NEVER return to that airport again. I am also so thankful that she is young enough to not remember any of it!

Happy Gotcha Day, Avery! We love you!

Even Pongo is a JETS fan!

Boys are taking care of Caden's class pet this weekend. Pongo, a hampster, is also a JETS fan! Who knew! Looking forward to the game later! GO JETS!!!


And, we are implementing a new reward system for the boys. They can accumulate marbles in a jar (got this idea from another adoption family) if they do good deeds, don't argue with each other, etc. They have to get 100 marbles for to earn a reward. Right now, they want to earn their own hampster (to share) and they plan to name him Mark Sanchez.


GOOOOO JETS!

One year

It's now been exactly one year since the earthquake struck Haiti. I remember exactly where I was when I got the news. I was sitting on the couch working on my computer when the phone rang. Mike had called to say his boss had told him an earthquake hit Haiti. To be honest, I didn't really think all that much of it at first. I figured it was probably small and the chances it hit right where Avery lived was slim. It probably hit way out in the mountains/countryside. But as I turned on the news channels, I quickly realized it was much bigger than I ever imagined. I immediately thought two things. One, wonder if she is stuck, hurt or didn't survive? Two, our adoption paperwork is in ruins. We will have to start over, which I really couldn't stomach the thought. We had been 2 years into what was turning into a 4 year process and the thought of starting over made me sick both for her and us.

As the days passed, everything was so confusing. We heard rumors the kids might get flown to US only for the next hour to bring a completely different rumor. This rollercoaster ride went on for almost 2 weeks. We had minimal sleep, numerous cancelled flights, and the feeling of complete chaos and uncertainty. There were moments of elation, scurrying to get her room ready mixed with moments of doubt and the feeling she would really never get home.

However, as you can see from the photo, it all worked out in the end for our family. I often wonder what Avery's birthparents are doing. Are they alive? Do they wonder where she is? I wish there was a way we could tell them how well she is doing. Her smile is the biggest smile I have ever seen. She is so loving and adores her family. She has her moments like any toddler does, but overall she is what I would describe as radiant. I would not want to relive last year again...but I so thankful for the outcome and giving our little girl an extra tight hug today!

Also,yesterday, HULU starting showing the Adopting Haiti documentary. Avery is right around the 2:40 mark yawning, wearing a striped dress sitting next to her nanny. I didn't really catch a glimpse of her much after that, but I'll have to watch it again. It was a good documentary, but it was so much more intense actually living the experience. I thought they should have captured the anguish parents lived through for 2 1/2 days at the Sanford International Airport. But, that could have been a movie all on it's own I guess. We ordered a copy of the video for Avery since she is so young so doesn't remember any of it. It will be amazing for her to learn someday what she lived through and overcame at such a young age.

SNOW DAY

The annual NC winter storm hit a couple weeks earlier than it did in 2010. Last year we got a pretty good snow fall the same week Avery arrived from Haiti and she was in climate shock. This year, she enjoyed it a little, but she is still not a huge fan of snow or cold. Can't really blame her, after being away from upstate NY for the past 12 years, I must say I am no longer a fan either. But, the great part is, when snow falls in NC we're assured at least a couple snow days. Today is our second one in a row and we may go for the hat-trick tomorrow. Worked out well for me since this week was my return back to work! I got to milk a few more days of vacation out of this wintery weather!

Last (but not least!)

M's 2011 Resolutions


1. Spend less time worrying about work and more time with family
(hence the reason why my list is last)

2. To get in shape both physically and mentally…for real!
(I’m almost friggin’ 40 years old)

3. Help more with bath duty, reading & tucking in

4. Spend more time outside with the kids

5. Run a half marathon

6. Read directions

7. Stretch

8. Don’t worry about the future

9. Travel

10. Last but not least, cherish every moment with T!