Woohoo Spring Break is HERE!!!!

Wow, 10 days all to myself. I am honestly looking forward to just spending time in my home. Spring cleaning (although with all the snow it really doesn't feel like Spring), cooking, and visiting with friends. Now all I have to do is get over this miserable cold!

Negativeville Population: 1

Lately I spend a lot of time in Negativeville. You know you're in this town when you can't see the good in anything. Everyone pi$$e$ you off. You know that nothing will ever turn out right in your life again. I must fight my way outta this town! I have gotta create some positivity that can lead me back to Normal. I am really struggling to stay positive about everything. Having faith that the adoption will work out if I am patient enough. Trying not to worry over negative television and radio coverage regarding adoptions. Trying not to let work keep me awake at night. Laboring to remember that I have to take care of myself through proper diet and excercise (not going so well BTW). Dealing with being a military wife and all the stuff that goes with that. Missing home, family and friends. Honestly, the "poor me" list could go on forever. So, here is a conscious effort to remember some good things. Perhaps I can sleep better tonight if I try to fall asleep counting these wonderful things instead of making a mental list of all that I have to do in the morning. Here goes:

Numbers 1 and 2 in no particular order-My Niece and Nephew!Could those cheeks be any pudgier?




3. My awesome husband-I love watching him "practice" with other people's kids!


4. My HUGE puppy, ok she's 9 I guess she's not a puppy anymore!



5. Ducklings, seriously, who doesn't love ducklings?



and there's bellydancing, good friends, red wine, dark chocolate, Gee, maybe I CAN make it through another couple of days. Anyone else looking for "Normalville"? I'm trying to find my way....

Is 8 Months Worth Anything?

I'm not even sure anymore if the 8th month counts as being "in the window"? Not that it really matters, I know this whole shabang is gonna take a minimum of 12 months before I need to start getting anxious. Better yet, perhaps I should not get anxious at all. Why stress over something that I have no control over? Because I am practising to be a MOM, duh. And what do MOM's do best but get anxious and worried.

Baby Names...opinions?

Ok, after much debate my husband and I have definitely decided that we will keep our baby's Ethiopian name (whatever it might be) and give them a middle name of our choice. We find this very important as our child will likely be 2+ years old and already pretty comfortable with their name.

Dilema: I know many people who have "non-standard" North American names and while some revel in their uniqueness, others as adults change it to something similar but more familiar, or simply go by a middle name as they become frustrated with mispronunciation etc. For example a friends husband's name is Sjerup, he goes by Shep, a similar pronunciation.

I hope that our child will cherish the connection to their homeland that their first name provides. At the same time, the act of naming is, I think, a deeply rooted part of becoming a parent and so I am already obsessing over middle names. I want to have a list ready so that once I know the first name I can choose the appropriate middle accompaniment that flows well.

Boy names are easy. We are choosing James after DH's father whom we all miss dearly. I didn't get a whole lot of say in this one (DH is adamant)but I loved Jim and am happy and proud to pass that on to a son.

Girl names get to be my choice (see how fair DH is?). So far my list of favs include:

Abigail- fathers joy
Bella-form of Isabella, consecrated of God
Bethany-house of figs
Daphne-laurel tree
Dawn-sunrise :)
Ella-beautiful fairy woman
Kylie-boomerang
Kirby-?
Lily-flower
Lola (my paternal Grandmother)
Maya-God's creative power
Natalie-born on Christmas Day
Phoebe-shining
Rebecca-tied, bound
Rosemary
Samantha
Simona (not Simone)
Susanne/Suzette/Susannah -some form of Susan for my mom who is awesome!
Vanessa-butterfly

I am interested in hearing people's thoughts. Perhaps you can help me narrow down the list! Be honest- I don't want my kid getting beat up for having a dorky name just because i think it would be cute!

Belly Dance Birthday Extravaganza!

My husband gave me the best birthday gift ever! I got to attend a bellydance workshop with the amazing Paola Blanton!!! Her enrgy, spirit, and ability to teach are incredible. I was exhausted as we danced for 10 hours between Sat. and Sun. but had a blast.

Some Paola for you viewing pleasure!

The Mom Song

I love this! Dedicated to all the mom's to be out there in adoption land.....

7 Months and Still Smiling

Hard to believe but this weekend marks the beginning of our 7th month of waiting. Laughable really when you consider that this journey began almost from the day that we were married 4 1/2 years ago. Still, I am convinced that God truly does have a plan for us and is one heckuva lot smarter than we are.

I think that I am going to be ok right up until month 12 which is July for us...and my summer break. As long as I am busy I am good... but I think the long summer months might drive me batty. I am already making MANY plans to keep myself distracted during that time frame. Maybe a summer get together with other adoptive moms?