1971

And one night, early on in this year, Dannie and Paul went to a Three Dog Night concert... nine months later....

Mind you, I didn't exactly look like the picture above right out of the womb, but I didn't feel like digging for more than five minutes for a picture of me as a baby!

Some Neat Facts:

• Year End Close Dow Jones Industrial Average 890
• Average Cost of new house $25,250.00
• Average Income per year $10,600.00
• Average Monthly Rent $150.00
• Cost of a gallon of Gas 40 cents
• Datsun 1200 Sports Coupe $1,866.00
• United States postage Stamp 8 cents
• Ladies 2 piece knit suites $9.98
• Movie Ticket $1.50

And... on 12-29 little miss Genovese was born! Thanks Mom and Dad!

BETHANY AND JEFF!!

There aren't words to express how it feels when when of your BBF's (best blog friends) gets her/their referral. I experienced it with Danni, and now Bethany!

I am still in utter shock and couldn't be happier!!! Perfect timing, perfect little boy! Yay to the Gurske's - We all love you and cannot wait to finish the journey to your son with you! Everyone is looking for details!!!! Especially name??!!

Sorry!

Nothing to post yet, still on the mend from a delightful (ha) stomach flu since Christmas day!
But, I HAD to get rid of the last post and music as everything Christmas related has been removed from our house, and now blog... Will update soon with the "non" events happening in good ole NH!

Merry Christmas!

Fought off "The Funk"!

First off, thanks so much to all of my adoring fans... Oh, wait, wake up Lor, your totally dreaming...........

But seriously, thanks to all of you for sending such positive thoughts and words my way! I don't know how I'd get through this without the support that I've received! Truly.

My mother and Nicholas and I went out for lunch yesterday before Nick and I headed to Wally World to get some important items to make peanut butter balls! YUM!

We were going to go for Mexican (my fav.) but they were closed for lunch - my jeans are somewhat smiling, but, not completely as I'm 10lbs. overweight right now. I chalk it up to pseudo pregnancy right?! So, if I ever do get an elliptical machine, look out world! (never happen - I loath any type of exercise unless I'm skinny and in a routine).... So, I'm off track here again! We went to a close by Chinese rest. because they have a wonderful buffet at lunch. Nice and clean, modern, with lot's to pick from. Michael hates Chinese food so I only get to have it a couple of times a year (probably a good thing).

As some of you super sleuths may have put the pieces together already, these are the two fortunes that Nicholas and I received at the end of our meal. As I wasn't 100% sure what to make of them at the time I just kind of looked at my mom with my eyebrows up and lip corners turned down, (expression of "hey, who knows, maybe something soon"). So, wouldn't you know, about three seconds later a little boy (around 5) goes running by our table towards the buffet. Big deal right? He caught my attention, I looked back down at my plate, thought for a second, and then looked back up at him. He was obviously ET (according to my educated eyes)! I couldn't stop staring at him to try and figure out if that was really the case or not. Let me back up by saying that I live in NH folks, we are not as diversified as I would like. In my graduating class in high school (year not important, but a biggie anniversary coming up) there was only one black student. Probably 3 or 4 in the entire school! So, it is unusual to see a black child with a white parent in our area (soon to be changed - Thank God). My mother looked up at me and we had an exchange of glances to say, "this is a sign"! We left it at that and I pondered approaching the woman and her two children but thought otherwise when it was apparent that she was a bit overwhelmed and perhaps a bit "grumpy grippits" as Nicholas would phrase it!

Fast forward to today.. Crazy snow again - we got almost a foot of snow just today and when I returned home from morning things, I realized that I'd better at least clear the end of the driveway as the plows were really closing us in (even though we're on a cul-de-sac)! So, me and Snoop Dog headed out for some shovelin' at the mailbox! While I was down there (huffing and puffing way too soon), I looked up at my dear Snoop Dog who was sitting squarely in the middle of the driveway as not to get too close to the electric fence sensors... He was looking, or staring I should say at the Boxford Pear trees in the yard. I didn't think much of it until I needed to take another breather and stop shoveling for a second. As I stopped shoveling and gasping for air, a loud noise came to my attention. But it was strange and not expected... for goodness sake, it's a darn blizzard over here (I thought). What I heard was birds singing! Not just like a chirp in the distance, but several. I looked up right in front of me where the eight trees sort of edge the front property and was astounded! The moment that I looked up, about 100 small little birdies came out of the trees and swooped down over me, then they glided over snoopy and back to the trees again. This may sound creepy to read, but it was magnificent to say the least. It happened several more times after that as I just stood there looking up at them chirping and singing. I smiled so big, and at this point the shovel was on the ground. I couldn't believe the sounds and the feeling in the middle of the storm. And they weren't at anyone else's house. After a few minutes they all flew away and I never saw them since all afternoon.

What does that tell me/us? Sweet Emily, she is so insightful and her timing hit me perfectly. She just posted about how God Is In the Details a couple of days ago. When I read her post I loved the "coincidences" that things in D.C. seemed to bring to her life... They aren't merely coincidence are they? They are signs and messages. Sometimes they are very clear, and sometimes very subtle. Sometimes they are just a mere reminder!

Something big is happening right now. I know this as fact. It is for either MP and I, or what I truly believe, it's for someone close to me. Em', or Bethany, I hope so badly it's for one of you. This is my Christmas wish. This is My Christmas Wish!

I am so thankful for my family and friends (new and old) that are here to welcome our new babe to our tiny little part of the earth! Everyone, please say a special prayer for Emily and Bethany that they receive their referral very soon! You guys are just too awesome (not to mention my other friends who've already rec'd their ref. and court date, ehhmm DANNI & TOMMY)!

I feel something is on the horizon, tomorrow perhaps? We can pray and hope!

Adoption FUNK!

I don't know where I'm at today.... I've been very emotional lately and I think it's for a whole host of reasons. Ever feel like you on the brink of crying at every turn of your day? Or, if you're me, you cry at every turn of your day over anything, I should rephrase the word cry to "well up"! Well, for me the main two reasons are;

1. Christmas. It always seems to make me the most "tender". I always tear up just shopping and looking at people and wondering about their life. Sound stupid? Probably is! I've always had an overactive imagination - I become overwhelmed with emotions, good emotions, not bad ones about being thankful and grateful and just plain happy to be alive... It makes me mushy! For anyone who reads this that knows me (and hardly any of those closest to me read this so it will fly) will think I'm lying about being sentimental because that's not the side I often am in the presence of others except for Michael. I'm typically the funny, sarcastic, and dry one in the room.

2. I feel that our family isn't complete. Even though my sweet little babe Nick is my everything, just knowing that the final piece to our family is accross the world somewhere is starting to really take some of my enthusiasm for Christmas away.

It feels like I'm just trying to "get through the holidays" and have them be done with. I don't want to be like that because it's my favorite time of year, but I can't help it. It's kind of like going through the motions but really secretly wanting January to get here so we're closer to our referral.

It also doesn't help that I really don't think it's going to be anytime soon. That would be fine except when we started this process we were expecting to be home by Christmas with our little one. We had since resigned ourselves to thinking Jan/Feb. referral, but, to be honest, I really don't see that happening. Our agency seems to be just so dragging behind everyone else. It just doesn't make sense, but it is what it is. Why aren't all the other agencies having the backlog issues from the court closing and the red tape issues that ours seems to be having?? I'm just venting here, not really looking for answers because there are none.

And here's the real raw gut truth about my feelings at this point...I'm not looking for sympathy or advice because I already know it all... I know that it will come, I know that he/she is going to be here before we know it, but for right now, this minute, this day, this week, it's hard being normal when you know that your babe might be hungry right now. It's tough wrapping presents when you know the heartbreak that your babe's family may be going through having just given up or planning on giving up their child. And it's hard walking by an empty room that we can't prepare or decorate because we don't even have a gender (this is the selfish one). It's just plain hard to think of any more time going by without them here as part of our family, bonding with us and making our first memories together. Next year will be lightyears away from this Christmas. I have not forgotten that the true meaning of Christmas is the birth of Christ and what a gift that was for me and mankind.

I'm just sharing with you my randowm thoughts and I know that it will pass, but for now, I am sad for our little babe... and us.

Next post will be different - I promise! :)

The Parkers take on Chicago!

John Hancock Tower, it was so overcast that day when we reached the top 96th floor, we were literally "in the clouds"! So, the views weren't great, but every now and then the clouds would blow by and we'd get a quick peek at the city below!

Michael is absent from the few pictures I took because the two that were taken at the party on my phone weren't saved for lack of memory - the company had some taken of the two of us, so hopefully I'll get my hands on them at some point!

No description needed here. This is pretty much the only store we could afford to shop at! The handbags in Neiman Marcus were on clearance for $2-3k each! And they were thrown on a table marked clearance as if they were junk and priced at $20.00 or less!

This is Dean, a co-worker and friend of Michael's - We were treated like kings and had a very nice time away together. I wish I could make my devil eye's go away!

I will stop stalking blogs! All is well when I leave!

Since being away in Chicago (great trip) and having my computer crash, erasing everything (I mean everything) off it, and having to back up all my data and re-install every single program I have on it, you will notice that I haven't stalked or posted. It's been killing me because a couple of times when it was working, I'd get glimpses of what was going on! And let me tell ya, alot has been going on in the adoption bloggie world to celebrate over!

Congratulations to Jocelyn for getting her referral to baby Pacey! She is gorgeous!

Congratulations to Erica and David for getting their referral to their son - I can't wait to hear more.

Congratulations to Mr. & Mrs. Baker for taking their leap of faith and finding their baby bear. A sweet little boy who I can't wait to learn more about.

Congratulations to Timm & Jennifer for getting through the court and officially being parents.

What wonderful news for you all - it truly warms my heart!!!!!

And I'm off!

Off to the Windy City for a couply of days - details to follow!
In the meantime, I will not be able to stalk blogs ;( , but please do the test and post your scores!

Second chances are sometimes a necessity!

I did this as a post wayyyy back in July and it was a flop!! Well, my sister and her boyfriend obliged! Jim, we all remember that you scored highest, blah, blah, blah, but I wasn't tooooo far behind ya!

Click on this link to get right to the test! To be serious for a second, there's a ton of wonderful information about each country etc. to learn about too.

It's a nice little distraction for all of us out here "waiting" (which I think should really be called OTV-OAB, On The Verge Of A Breakdown). Perhaps I could simplify the acronym if I spent more time thinking about it, but I'm too busy "waiting" and "blogging" to bother!

Take the test and post your scores - the winner will get a prize. If you actually believe that, then I also want you to make a wish, send me lots of cash, and your wish will come true. I'm sorry, no prize is involved other than being able to be a big bragger in the blog world and a smart-y-pants! I will also pay a big tribute to you on my blog about you and your "smartness". Oh, boy, I'm getting punchy - not good. Better stop writing now!

Snowing again!

I just took these! Isn't Snoopy adorable? Love Him!

You can leave me/us a gift if you wish!

This is not "real", don't worry, no actual gifts are being given! It's just a cute fun thing I found on Erica and David's blog! Thanks for letting me steal it!! My goal is to get more than one gift! And the first one I gave to myself. I know I have a couple regular readers on here, so please ladies, it's Christmas, don't be cheap. ;)

Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow!

This is not today, but a picture from an ice storm we had earlier this year! Makes you cold just looking at it huh?!? Brrrrr.... Those trees are bent over from being completely covered in ice.

It's snowing like crazy and it's sooo beautiful (and cold)! How I wish my camera was fixed!

Since I've had so many car issues in the past year-ish, I went and got a brand a new one! Yippee! I love it, love it, what a wonderful distraction for me. Hey, if you can't get a call with a referral to get packing, you gotta do something to kill time - why not get a new car? To all family members; forget any gifts this year! ;) Just kidding!

And last but not anywhere near least, my blog friend and her family are traveling home from Ethiopia with their beautiful children and new family member Zufan, RIGHT NOW! She is stunning. Wish them a safe trip home and lot's of love. Click here to see their blog! And thanks to my very, very dear friend Emily, I can finally add url's without having to cut and paste the actual address - I'm totally going to over use this new found tool - Thanks Em! :)

Congratulations!

This wonderful family just received their referral for a stunningly beautiful baby boy yesterday!

Fantastic article about Ethiopia's deep religeous roots.

Check out this really interesting article posted by Budget Travel. Thanks Mom for sending it to me!

Check out my Slide Show!

My big boy!

Nick got his picture taken while at the mall with his grandparents! Cutie pie!!! He looks like he's praying!

Update-

I had to take this with my blackberry since my camera is no longer a working electronic! It's fuzzy, but you get the idea! To anyone who read the previous post about the location of the tree, I spent two hours myself re-arranging the living room furniture, dis-assembling the tree from the opposite side of the room, and re-assembling the tree in it's "proper" location! Michael walked in while I was connecting the last string of lights and rolled his eyes and walked away. I said "what"? He replied, "you just had to do it didn't you?" If it isn't obvious, I'm delighted to be able to see the tree every time I'm in the kitchen or walking to my desk!!

Here are a few of the cupcakes from Nick's party! They were fun to make (all 24) and more fun to eat!! We tried to do the hair appropriate to fact, that is why Papa only has two little pieces sticking up!! :)

On the adoption front, today was a very good day. We get weekly updates from our agency and there has been alot of activity with referrals etc. now that everything seems to be back on track in Ethiopia as far as the courts go. There will probably be another delay around Christmas, but not like the two month court closing they had this fall!



My best guess based on activity is that we'll be getting our call within the next two to three months!! That puts us at around a six month wait which is what they told us. Let's hope so!





And lastly, this is a picture of the old prison turned luxury hotel in Boston. Unfortunately, the phone doesn't do it justice! Very cool place.

IT'S SNOWING!!!

This is the same weather we had four years ago today when I gave birth to precious Nicholas!

The tree is up!

I'll try to be brief in explaining the last post... Let's just say that my eye testing (all day) went great and my eyes have not worsened as had been expected. You see, I'm blessed with a genetic eye disease called Retinitis Pigmentosa... It's a hereditary disease that my father has. So every few years I have to go be a "lab rat" and give them my day for testing, measuring, blood etc. for researching a cure and monitoring my eyesight. They had told me that I was going to lose at least 10% of my vision when I got pregnant and it was a loss we were willing to take given the blessing of pregnancy and motherhood.

To keep it short, not only have I NOT lost the 10% they predicted since my last visit, but I didn't lose anything else from just aging a few more years!!! Woo hoo! My greatest hope and prayer is that Nicholas has not received the gene(s) responsible for the blindness that it entails. He will be able to be tested with me the next time I go in two years. Pray for him!

Michael and I went to an Ethiopian restaurant in Boston the day after being in Boston for my eye stuff! It was a wonderful treat to be out in the city with him two days in a row - alone...
We checked out the coolest hotel that used to be a prison! Very swanky - $500 a night for their basic room - eek! So, we just hung out at the lobby bar called "Clink" and had a nice glass of wine. I could go on, but who cares, it's only a hotel!

The Ethiopian restaurant was very good, but I don't know if I'm going to have cravings for it, perhaps if we go there again the tastes won't be something new and will be less of an "experience" and more of a fun night out! The people that were working there were unmistakably Ethiopian. It's funny how you can spot that in a second when you go through this process. Their features and characteristic's were just striking and to say that we can't wait to go to Ethiopia is a tremendous understatement. Our waitress was gracious, and gorgeous. We told her toward the end of our little adventure that we're adopting and she thanked us! What the heck! Don't thank us - please - we thank these wonderful people for allowing us the honor and gift of a child from their country. It was embarrassing to say the least and I almost had an ugly cry moment (not unusual for me to cry during a meal as I get overwhelmed with gratitude when eating - does that tell you how much I love and cherish food or what).

We left the restaurant arm and arm and approached my car. Let me back up here and tell you that I did a map quest before leaving our house to the nearest parking garage to the restaurant. I like parking garages, they're safe, and it gives you the opportunity to walk a bit and take in the sights... Well, my darling husband insisted that I park "on the street". I didn't want to start any conflict and just went along after expressing my opinion. So, we parked on the street. Wouldn't you know that when we got to my car, the front bumper and side molding were laying on the ground!!!! GRRR. There was a wonderful lady standing on her "stoop" on the phone with the police and shouted to us because she had seen the whole incident happen - thank goodness. He hit my car, took a swig of booze, and then drove off!!!! She took his plate number -(bless her soul, I'm sending her a card and a gift card too.) As we were driving home I heard another part of my car fall off on the highway.

For those of you who don't know the ordeal of my poor car/truck, in the last 15 months:

$11,000 damage from a crazy hail storm with hail the size of BASEBALLS
$6,000 damage from a man in a big truck who T-boned me (on my way to a wake - still receiving physical therapy/testing from the injury)
$????? damage from a hit and run in Boston

Needless to say, I may be one of those stupid people we all see at Christmastime with a new car and a huge bow on it (from dear old me)!!! My car is obviously "marked" and it's time to say goodbye!

I'm excited to get a new vehicle, but the timing is very, very, very bad to cough up the cash!

On one final note, the tree is up!!!!! Not decorated yet, and Michael insisted on a new location which I don't agree with (my tongue is actually bleeding it's so bad in the new spot) but in the grand scheme of life, I can deal with it! :)

Boston - Boston - Ethiopian Rest. - ANOTHER WHAT?

We went to Boston yesterday (Thursday) for an all day exam at Mass Eye and Ear - not fun but great, miraculous news!

We went to Boston today (Friday) for drinks and dinner at an Ethiopian restaurant.

We left Boston (almost) with a damaged vehicle (again)! UGH... My SUV is marked I swear!!!!!!! Three incidendents in a year and a half (none my fault), luckily, we're fine, not a scratch - darn drunk driver!!!!! GRRRRRR. More info and pictures to come!

Life is good, right? ;)

Fantastic news from a local waiting family!!

"We are SO EXCITED to tell you that we are leaving in two weeks to bring home our new son, Bogale! He is now legally our son, and we will be leaving Thursday, December 6 or Friday, December 7 for Ethiopia! We'll be gone for about a week, returning the following weekend. What a wonderful Christmas surprise!!!!!!!!"

This is the email that I just received from a local WHFC friend! I'm excited beyond words for their family and I ask that you all pray for their safe travel and wonderful trip home to the most wonderful country, U.S.A.! Yay!!!!!!!

Tired after a long day of decorating! I wish I could post my personalized cupcakes that Michael and I spent four hours making the evening before - my sister has to send the pic. to me!

One of Nick's favorite gifts - the Cars mountain challenge! It's very cool, Snoopy likes it too!

Nick with all the neighborhood girls, which he fondly refers to as "my girls"! Do I see the word "pimp" in the future for this kid??

Michaels Mom, Nick, Lori's Mom

Hallmark (RED) competition!

I know that there are alot of you that are VERY creative based on your beautiful blogs etc.
Here's our chance to do something fun this time of year!!

http://www.hallmark.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/article%7C10001%7C10051%7C/HallmarkSite/MMM/CONTEST_ONE_DETAILS

Crazy before bedtime!

Well, I've not been sleeping at ALL in the past few weeks which makes "mommy very cranky"! :) This is my attempt to be like the "Shining" and all, but a poor attempt!

Anywho, I've been falling asleep at 2:00 ish every night and it's for a whole host of reasons:
1. Adoption? (who knew)
2. Adoption? (I know)
3. Empathizing with the pain of others, badly, this is a condition that I suffer with and also feel blessed with.
4. Nick - not enjoying his new "big boy room".... I didn't bother posting about this whole literal "nightmare" that we've been trying to cope with every night. Finally, keeping things short, he's back in his "big boy room" ( I realize that you didn't know that he left it) and is the proud big brother of the new "lit" Christmas tree IN his room (it's a smallish, like 36" high one on his bureau). It illuminates his room while pushing the Halloween monsters back where they belong! I won't say exactly where they belong, but you parents out there know for sure! He is excited and calmed by having the "lit" tree in his room because it gives off such a warm and wonderful light throughout the room and it also emphasizes that Jesus (and Santa) are watching over him and his room at night. We also told him that monsters HATE anything to do with Christmas and Christmas trees. The tree will scare away any monsters or spiders left over from Halloween.

Can I just say that as a parent I feel like a total B.S. artist.... I don't know if I'm the only one just "going with the flow" here, but I just don't know if I'm doing more harm than good. My only reference point is my upbringing (eek) and those parents around me etc.... I "think" we're doing O.K., but I guess I won't know until my son is older??? All we can do is try, try, try, try, try, and when that fails, try again!~

Nick's party is tomorrow and we just finished doing a bunch of shopping and work on the special individual cupcakes for his guests!!! I'm hoping to fall asleep very soon - bringing my new "mild" Sudoku to bed - I actually finished one today and Michael said, " isn't that the very mild version?" What a pip!

I can always do the easy versions and seem to do good on the hard versions until I get half way through and realize that something has gone drastically wrong! At that point I just turn the page and start a new one or close the book and give up! Perhaps that's why I haven't tried again until this week when a new "mild" Sudoku book seemed to have entered our home mysteriously...

Seriously, Michael brought it home for me a few days ago! Hey, who wants diamonds and flowers anyway? Not me! I'd much rather feel like an ignoramus with a word game considered "mild"! For those of you who barely know me, my sarcasm is pretty high right now and this is a typical jokeing and silly moment!

I will post a bunch in the next day or so. Wish my $800+ Sony digital camera wasn't "busted"...... again..... GRR!

It's official, I'm a total nut job!

While the tree isn't up quite yet (although it crossed my mind) I have officailly kicked off the holidays! I love Christmas and Thanksgiving so much and it seems to just fly by. That's one of the reasons I'm so happy to have bought a fake (but beautiful) tree a few years ago. I can keep it up until New Years Day!!

And yes, I started playing my collection of Christmas music last week and this morning especially since my heart is so full of joy for a sweet angel boy that will be joined with his forever parents and family very soon.

The fact that the temps. are dropping like crazy up here in New Hampshire helps get you into the spirit too! Let the holiday's begin!

I cannot beleive it!

That precious little boy was matched TODAY! Our social worker called me to give me the news and you could have blown me over with a feather! He had been "waiting" in the orphanage for 10 months....

It must have been all the thoughts and prayers flying around for him! I feel sooo good! This was and is right for him and for us! Amazing how things unfold -

Thank You

Thanks so much to all of you that have sent prayers our way and given such nice comments. I know it's a bit "cryptic" as to what the heck is/was going on and I still (and probably never) cannot get into full details of the circumstances and events that have unfolded since Monday.

I do owe you some information as we're all in this together, as dear Emily (http://www.teamalexander.blogspot.com/) reminded me of a week or so ago when I was having a other emotional issues! Thanks Em', you're certainly becoming quite the rock these days...

Anyhow, as I am most certainly long winded, I'll keep this brief. In fact, so brief, that nobody will have a clue at what I'm talking about! :)

Our agency has "waiting children". There is a beautiful boy who I've seen many times on our agencies weekly update. His picture is continuously coming up. He is stunning to look at to say the least with eyes as deep as the ocean... I had told myself, "self, if he is in the next update, you have to at least call and get more information on him and why he is considered "waiting".

So.... Monday, there he was again in the weekly update. I phoned, left a message, and chatted with someone on Tuesday about him and his condition. She then forwarded me all his information (which I cannot and would not share) with many pictures and much information. He was and is just an absolute LOVE. I reviewed it and cried for awhile. Then our wonderful social worker called very shortly thereafter (what a coincidence!) to see how I was feeling about things etc. We talked for a bit and he really grounded me and reminded me that I am not a "superhero" (he didn't use that term) and it isn't our job to go around the world rescuing people once we get to know their story. This is a hard, hard, hard and true fact. He said that we must think about this with heads, and hearts, but with heads being most important and what we are willing and able to "take on" as a lifetime commitment.

Anyway, Michael was privileged enough to go see Van Halen with a good friend and had VIP status! So, last night was a night for me to really think, pray, and think long and hard. I cried for hours, sometimes like a child not able to catch his breath - the "ugly" cry. Looking for clarity and peace with what I know is the right decision for our family and for this precious little cherub. I knew and know that the right decision is that we won't be requesting to be matched with him. I cry just writing it because you almost feel like you've been tapped on the shoulder and that you're saying "NO" to someone that honestly, we aren't worthy of raising. He is too special for us. I feel so selfish and arrogant, no matter what anyone says, you cannot help but feel that way.

Now, I desperately beg you to send your prayers to this little boy who is in need for his forever family - That they are ready, willing and able for the challenges coming, and that his time is short before he is united with his forever family. And lastly, that God be gracious with his little life and health and give him every chance at a long, loving life. I know that he will be in my thoughts and prayers for a very long time - And I know that he will be fine, God have mercy.

I am thankful that we requested the information on him, and I am regretting that I requested information on him. This whole adoption thing really turns you inside out.

So, in closing, we are patiently waiting for our referral - and that's that...

I am at peace, and I don't take for granted for one minute that it isn't because of you friends out there and God (of course) that have put me in this place. There are much tougher times ahead I'm sure, but this was quite a stretch for my emotions as you can imagine at this time.

Anyone with questions or clarification, please note your question and email address and I'll be happy to respond.

Again, Thank You for your heartfelt prayers and thoughts! Now, it's time to move forward and look for the gifts of things to come for all of us! I praise God for giving me this gift of learning about this dear babe - I may not know why things are the way they are, but I do know that I will have full clarity on this situation down the road - hey, isn't that what faith is all about?

xoxo Lor

ps. On a side note; (I'm such a freak), my face is almost 100% healed and will post a photo soon! :)

Please help...

I have nothing to say except to ask for you to send a prayer our way. Today has been a very, very roller coaster day (well, this afternoon and on I should say). I cannot fill you in on the details right now, but it is very much adoption related. Michael is out tonight, which leaves me home alone to be very unsettled and upset. I feel very empty and sad...

Monster B-Gone

First, a quick update on the "nothing" that's happening adoption wise at this point!

One more week down and many more to go! It seems (although not told by our agency) that our time frame may be looking a little longer. Since the times for the folks waiting for infants has increased quite a bit, it looks more and more like those folks are upping their age request and are going to be in the age group of Michael and I. Since they have been waiting longer, they get in front of us in line basically. Again, this is only my own "assessment" based on recent weekly updates from the agency and referral activity. Hopefully things will begin picking up alot in the next month or so. And thank goodness all the children currently in the orphanages are finally getting their court dates and coming home!!! We are just thrilled for these families getting to travel very soon, and for the children to get the heck with their parents already!! :)

In the meantime, we are getting ready for Nick's birthday party next Sunday - 4 years old!!
And the holiday season is kicking off from there! We started purchasing some Christmas presents for him this week as we're still hoping that around Christmas we could get a referral and be crazy busy getting his/her room done, shots, travel preparedness stuff. It doesn't hurt to hold out a bit of hope, and it doesn't hurt to get some shopping done before things get nuts with the rest of the world trying to do their shopping. Realistically, we will receive our referral sometime in February -ish and travel in April.... Who knows, it's all speculation at this point.

The Monster B-Gone story:

We moved Nicholas in his Big Boy Room a few weeks ago in case you missed that post, and things were great. He's always been a wonderful and brave sleeper. When he turned eight weeks old he started sleeping through the night and never even needed a night light! It seems that a week or so after moving into his new room, everything changed. Now every night he wakes up scared that there are spiders under his bed and invisible monsters in his room. We think that Halloween, and gearing up for Halloween has made an impact on him that it hasn't in the past. Just think about it, even at your local Wal-Mart, you can't help but seeing all these tall ghoulish dead guys around the end of every end cap as display! Poor kid. It has made our nights very difficult lately as we've been so spoiled with his nigh time patterns his whole little life! I joked with Michael and told him that God is preparing us for a child that will require more attention when it comes to bed time. Of course I know that at the beginning with the new babe, things will be very different around here, they'll be sleeping in our bed, on the floor in our room, in Nick's room, who knows, we'll have to play that one by ear depending on our childs needs, but you can't blame me for hoping we get a sound sleeper!! :) We've been sleeping on the floor in Nick's room most nights since this began and then my dear husband came up (from internet research) with this wonderful idea yesterday. Mind you, I've been telling Nick that, "there are NO monsters etc." all this time, but we tried a different approach last night. We spent a few hours on the floor in his room playing games during the day hoping to make fun and safe memories in his new room. When bedtime came upon us the proverbial S*IT hit the fan all over again. A little background of events earlier yesterday; in anticipation of this happening (even though we were going to play with him alot in there), Michael made a special monster concoction. Water with a hint of orange food coloring put into a spray bottle. This is widely known as "Monster B-Gone" spray. We removed the old "Windex" label and we made a new one hand decorated by Daddy himself! If my camera wasn't broken (another Halloween story) I'd post a picture.... I can do it with my Blackberry though! Ok, will do in a bit!

Anyway, so, between the "Monster B-Gone" spray and a special "Monster B-Gone" flashlight we thought it would "save the day". Michael armed and presented these special items when Nick was really getting geared up (scared). He said, "ok Nick, I didn't want to have to give you these because they're very important, but I will because I think you can handle them"! It was so funny because all the while I'm in the background saying " no, Michael, he's not ready, he's too little"! It really made Nicholas very interested in his new stuff and confident that he was in control of his room. It didn't last very long because after about a half hour, he was calling us from his room and crying again. We finally got him to sleep but he woke up sometime in the middle of the night and tried to get into our bed.. Now, to some of you folks; you may not agree, but this is how we try to parent our son, we don't want him to sleep with us, but rather we will sleep with him in these instances. So, Michael got out of bed and tucked Nick in. He then told Nicholas that he was going to "stand guard" at Nick's door until Nick was asleep again. Michael stood there for the better part of an hour (or so I was told this morning because he let me sleep) and then came back to bed. Nicholas came in our room this morning (as per every morning) and hoped in bed with us for our morning "snuggle time" (best part of my day). He was very proud of himself and said "thanks, or "sanks" to Dad for standing guard. Then he announced that "he's not afraid of his room anymore"!

We'll see how tonight goes..... to be continued!

Lastly, The Patriots are going to kick The Colts' butts today!!!! Wooo- Hoooo! Go Brady!

African Children's Choir!

First off, I cannot figure out why "Blogger won't allow me to separate paragraphs, but you'll get by! We were lucky enough to experience the Children's Choir on Friday night. I found out about it sort of last minute and we literally ran to the building (after parking of course) because the streets were so full of parked cars! It's very difficult for me to put into words how I felt when we were there. It's more like a flood of words - that's probably the most accurate because that's how the emotions and feelings came at me. Of course my eyes welled up for the first five minutes and I felt sort of numb and tingly. It was magical (although 100 degrees in the auditorium) through and through and the children's spirit could be felt throughout the space. Their energy (spiritual, not physical) was exceptional. They were infectious to say the least and it was sad for me when it ended.

Michael was starving as it was 9:00 when it ended and he had raced home from work and we went straight there. I wanted so badly to hang around at the end, but we had to go get something to eat, and fast!

Their story was one of hope and life. It was simply beautiful. I don't know what else to say because if I try to put down all of my feelings and the meaning behind them, it would basically be a book.

I feel so utterly honored to soon be a parent of a child from Africa. Their souls were wide open and full of life. It made me a little anxious for the process to be faster, but I understand that our time will come - it will.

If anyone has the opportunity to see the concert, please go, you won't be sorry. I was very emotional to see the amazing outpouring of support by our community. I never expected so many people to attend and they just loved it. People were clapping and dancing and there were a few standing ovations! The awareness is happening, bit by bit, I can feel the changing winds for mother Africa.

Here is their itinerary for "The Journey of Hope Tour":

http://www.africanchildrenschoir.com/seechoir/seechoir.php?pageID=51&choir=17&sort=stateProv

Must, must, must!

We just returned home from seeing the African Children's Choir at Phillips Exeter Academy! What a wonderful experience - I will give a full post tomorrow, but I wanted to post something other than the last post I left earlier today. Just fabulous- I'm so excited for everything to come. Thanks to Emily at http://www.teamalexander.blogspot.com/ for reminding me of perspective tonight. If anyone has the opportunity to see the choir, it is a "must see". The itinerary calendar on their website is obviously wrong, I found out that they were going to be here through our local adoption network.

Today we got the call!

So I wish! Just kidding! I know it's not funny, but I wanted to know what it felt like to write that! I'm a sick-o, right! :)

Nothing to post, but wanted to throw something new on the blog today before we leave. We're going to take Nicholas to Polar Express IMAX today with Ya-Ya (my mom). Will post an update later tonight or tomorrow - something worth reading for the first time in a while, I promise!!

No more, taking one for the team...

First of all, I just love Sting and this song! No special meaning here or connection to the post. No faith has been lost! I just wanted to change songs without spending an hour trying to find a good one! :)

For any of you friends out there who've seen the last post, I removed it. I had hesitated about posting it to begin with and thought it might be fun to share my misery for the day. Well, I look worse today, but you'll never see. For those of you who hadn't read the last post, let's just say "it wasn't pretty". I had a laser treatment on my face which causes big red circles (bruising) that look quite unattractive. Kind of like someone used a bingo blotter on my face!
Anywho, the bruises will be gone in a week or two and I'll be very pleased to show the results.

The reason I took it down was because I had received a "not so nice" comment. It kind of hurt my feelings a little that someone I don't know and have never conversed with was willing to say something nasty to me. If I wasn't self concious about it enough, right!

I must admit that I will be a tad more guarded about my posts from now on. Please everyone, be polite and do as you were (hopefully) taught, "if you don't have anything nice to say, keep it to yourself". These adoption blogs were created to share our life, our journeys, our love and support for one another, not insults. Perhaps the person didn't intend to be so harsh, but coming from a complete stranger it is difficult to take it any other way.

Now, I will get off my soapbox, and put some soothing lotion of my facial burns. :)

Just waiting!

Well, here it is Monday again. I've been wanting to post, but honestly don't have anything to say. So, I'll at least write something as not to disappoint you friends out there that faithfully check our blog looking for updates. Gee, I wonder, perhaps it is "I" that is disappointed when I do my rounds and see no new posts! Umm, yeah, that more like it. So, anyway, I'll just write down my thoughts and feelings for today.

Okay, I'm sitting here ready to type and "I got nothin'!" This past weekend was great. We've been having such wonderful time on the weekends lately and I just love it. We went to breakfast with Grandpa on Saturday and then just the three of us went to the apple orchard for fun. Then we took a nice ride up the coast and sat on the beach for a bit, we picked up our new wine chiller for our soon to be new kitchen! And last but not least, we went to our favorite local "dive" for a Mexican feast, delicious! No wonder why I'm up and down with weight! Five weeks good, two weeks bad!

On a funny note... I'm debating posting a picture of me. Why debating you ask? If you could see me right now you'd know!! My face basically looks like hamburger (one side anyway). I was supposed to grocery shop today after several appointments and just couldn't. I look awful!

Darn it, I'm having trouble posting the picture! ;)

Details to come, let's just say that I'm thrilled that after today that I have no work appointments for the rest of this week! Phew!

Lot's of wonderful people are finally getting their travel dates and alot of people are getting referrals now that the Ethiopian Millennium and closed courts are done with!!! Woo Hoo! With these delays etc, we've had to kind of re-think our timeline. It's really looking more like we will not be getting a call before the end of this year. So, best guess, we'll be traveling spring/early summer. :( We'll see how quickly things move now that things are back on track, but I'm trying to be a realist here!!

Sorry nothing good or interesting to report! Let's see how things unfold in the next few weeks before throwing "the baby out with the bath water" time wise!

THE BIG BOY ROOM!

Here is the new "big boy room" and the old "guest room"! Now that Grandma and Grandpa are not in Syracuse anymore (5.5 hours away), we don't really need the guest room as much as before. This represents a huge step in my process. It is yet "one more step" to realizing that we're actually adding to our family. It isn't just paperwork, or blogging. It's real. I must admit though, it's going to be a few more steps before it becomes even more real.

Michael and I were talking the other day and I said to him that the actual moment of realization for me will probably be when the airline pilot comes over the system to announce to the attendants to prepare for landing and "welcome to Boston"! When we're on that plane getting ready to land is going to be the most exhausting and exhilarting moment I can imagine. Childbirth was just shear pain and fear! This will be an entire new set of emotions. Landing and seeing our family, pulling into our driveway, making breakfast the first morning, and tucking in the first night (either in our "den" or in their new room).... This is what I'm looking forward to the most at this moment.

And then, I'll be looking forward towards the familiarity of our new family. How things won't be "so special" needing to be photographed every second. I will then look forward to living our lives as a complete family. Nothing more, nothing less. Just living the American dream and being blessed by God every step of the way!

This is our future - hurry up and get here already!! :)

I'm "IT"...

Thanks to Emily (soli deo gloria) for tagging me! Here goes:

Job's I've had:
1. Salad girl at a restaurant
2. Fitting room attendant
3. Bank Teller
4. Kitchen Designer (16 years and counting)

Places I've lived (some):
1. Dorchester, MA
2. Exeter, NH
3. Hampstead, NH
4. Sandown, NH

Food I love (I love food and hate to leave out so many):
1. Mexican (too bad you're so far Em')
2. Meatballs (only my own - to die for)
3. Spaghetti and Zucchini (zucc. fried- sounds strange but it's awesome)
4. All around favorite (my jeans hate me for it).... FRENCH FRIES!

Places I'd rather be:
1. Disney with my family!
2. Vacation anywhere with my family
3. California (Napa/Sonoma)
4. Last but NOT least, Ehtiopia (airport headed home with our bundle)

Movies I love:
1. Terms of Endearment (Aurora Greenway - the ultimate performance)
2. The Bicycle Thief (Italian w/subtitles)
3. Heartburn (or anything Meryl Streep)
4. American Beauty (or anything Kevin Spacey) (I seem to have a dark side looking back at this list)

T.V. show I love: (doesn't exactly match the serious list above)
1. Reality, I know, I'm a reality whore; Bachelor,Survivor,So... Can Dance, Dance w/Stars..etc.
2. Damages
3. Rescue Me (this past season was not so great)
4. Boston Legal

Books I love:
1. Anything conservative politics (several)
2. What to expect "the first year" (critical to Nick's first year)
3. There is no me without you
4. Anything cooking or decorating related (several)

People I'm tagging:
1. Tara
2. Danni
3. Karen
4. Betthany & Jeff

Well, that about it! I've been waiting for the final touches on Nick's room to take pictures and do my next post, but I'm anxious to post so I might do one after dinner!

Calling all "serial bloggers" (like me)...

I'm checking your blogs every day and am not seeing updates as often as we'd all like! Don't pretend you don't know what I mean ya'll! When I do "rounds" (daily these days), I expect to see something new on the blogs, and get no satisfaction! So, everyone get typing! :) Just kidding, well, sort of...

THE COURTS HAVE RE-OPENED!!

We're waiting for you little babe!

One month + one month = our child!

Well, not so simple!! Here's a quickie breakdown of how our timeline has unfolded thus far
There's a ton more information involved between each date, but I'll spare the paperchase gore. This is the most relevant timeline, our paperchase stuff was just preparation:

4-8-07 Decided to formally announce our decision to adopt at Michelle's on Easter!!!

4-23-07 First application packet arrives from Wide Horizons (WHFC)

5-14-07 First appointment with Roy, our social worker, in the Bedford NH office (love him)!
This is the day we knew that we were adopting from Africa/Ethiopia!!!!!!!!

5-29-07 Lori's one on one appt. w/Roy (he thinks I'm a total nut job)

5-29-07 Michael's on on one appt. w/Roy (he thinks Michael is cool)

6-2-07 All day Adoption Prep. course in Concord NH!

6-11-07 Final appointment w/Roy at our home!

6-20-07 Ethiopian Dossier instructions emailed from Roy (major work begins)

7-16-07 Home Study first draft emailed to us!

7-24-07 Rec'd letter from WHFC confirming Home Study complete!

8-16-07 Dossier in mail to WHFC to begin the authentication process!

8-23-07 Fingerprinted at CIS in Manchester NH!

8-27-07 OUR OFFICIAL APPLICATION DATE - WAITING BEGINS!!

8-29-07 I797C Approved from CIS - faxed to Katie at WHFC

My sister Michelle trying to "reign me in"!

This post is dedicated to uhmmm, my dear sister Michelle. I called her bright and early this morning to chat etc., etc, and the first words out of her mouth were, "is there something wrong with you"?? :) Then in no particular order were these other comments;

1. I don't know who you are!

2. You seem very unstable!

3. Is there a hormonal imbalance?

4. What's going on?

5. You never talk to me like that!

She then told me that she had read my blog last night (the last post) and was dumbfounded!

So, yes, having a blog makes you dig deep sometimes, and other times if you're in "the moment" of whatever it is that's going on in your head, you take the time to sit down, then the result is a crazy sounding post (I liked it) like my last one. Like I explained to her, moods (especially mine) can change on a dime.

My friends and family would NOT describe me to be "emotional"or "touchy feely" so my last post, and probably all of them come to think of it probably seem strange to them. And I've been tying to think about "why" since I hung up with her. I know it's "me" and it how I'm feeling at the moment, but I'm not very open about things to people. This feels more like a diary, it a great place to vent your current feelings. It's like a snapshot of that very moment. Nobody is always "the same", in the same frame of mind etc. I get a tad emotional when I get my (not as small as I'd like) butt firmly ensconced on my little chair!! I'm sure all you bloggers out there know what I mean.

The other thing is, I'm not going to sit down and do nothing but complain! Who wants to read that? Besides, my family and friends can just call me if they want to hear me talk about how I'm annoyed that my sweetie pup Snoopy won't stop eating his own poop! Or, like I have no idea what I'm making for dinner, but I sure don't feel like making anything healthy. That's not what my blog is about!

My blog is for the emotional outlet of me! To write about things and experiences that are happening that bring reflection and joy.... something I've never been able to grasp and hold on to and appreciate. So, while it may not sound like "me" and how I normally talk about daily events, it is how I want to remember the good things about today in anticipation of the third most life changing event of my life - our second child.

You are a dear sister and I love you (not really, I just thought it would sound nice here)!

xoxo Lor

Ps. Michelle, if you read this, it'd be nice to get a "comment" from you at least once!! ;)

A day from Heaven (in disguise)

Well, I'm not really sure where to begin other than to use my tissue to wipe the tears yet again that have been streaming from my eyes for over an hour now.... They are tears of rejoicing and awareness and fulfillment. I feel so utterly grateful and content with our life and everything (well, maybe not everything, let's not get too crazy here) about it. Sorry, had to wipe, and blow, and wipe again. I should be okay for a bit.

Michael is on a jumbo jet as I type this on his way home from a week long stay in London on business (surprise). I am anxious to see him, he hasn't traveled in a few weeks and I started to get used to him being home for dinner and tuck in's with Nicholas. Nobody can read a bedtime story like Daddy-

It all started out quite a bit ago but I won't get into the tidbits of that. Today began with some frightful news of a job (of mine) going way over expected cost.... Not to mention that the job had already been ordered and it happened to be a friend of ours and my most important client!!! I got hold of the information and relayed it to my friend via email...

Then, as fate would have it, I had an appointment with a neighbor who is in the same field as I am.... We discussed doing business together for a short time until I can get my "stuff" together to open my own showroom space in a nearby town. The most amazing thing is, that in all of my quests to find like minded people like me around the country, there was one right around the corner. This man (I didn't really realize it until the waterworks started tonight) actually was a gift. His philosophy on business is exactly the same as mine was when I started (and he's been doing it for twenty years), FAMILY FIRST. As we were chatting, he kept mentioning why he moved his business to his home, and, it started to remind me, "this was the reason I started my own business". He kept referring to his family so warmly and lovingly. We even spoke about adoption and he mentioned that he and his wife have considered it for some time now even though they have older children.

So, turns out, we will have a short business relationship, but I am sooo looking forward to spending time around he and his daughter (who is helping with the business) as it will keep me focused on the important things. I don't need to get crazy ideas of a retail showroom that will surely draw in a good amount of business, but who am I kidding? We're adopting a child soon (ish) that is going to need alot of attention. I don't want to be out of the house every day. I don't want Nicholas to be raised by others (we love you Yaya,Papa,Grandma,Grandpa) and the same for the new babe. It was just a nice, nice, meeting. Period. Until.....

I got home, checked email and answering machine half expecting a very "not happy" message from my friend/client.... nothing. Made dinner, watered stuff outside, bathed Nick, etc. etc...

So Nicholas was unwinding watching his daily evening show and I heard an email come through... I was washing dishes and couldn't get right to it, but was expecting an email from my friend whom I had delivered bad news to. When I was done washing, I came over to my computer and opened the email, took a deep breath, and read... Can I just tell you that the email that I read was so calm, understanding, and sweet. She understood that there was a price change and asked about how we could maybe cut the cost. She was so amazing and even wrote: there is alot of news out there that is worse. I don't exactly know what I was expecting in a response from them, but I was so amazed at the one I got that I just sat there/here and re-read it....

All of a sudden, all of today started to hit me! My gorgeous, precious little boy laying just a few feet away (sleeping) on the couch, our dear one year old puppy on his throne behind me (the wing back chair), my husband on a jet plan racing home to us, and what really hit me... were the kind acts of others that made me sit up and take notice that God is here and He is trying to talk to me.... Well, I HAVE LISTENED! That's when the tears started!!!!!!

It has been spelled out loud and clear, no retail showroom, not yet!! I can move forward with the baby steps that I'm going to take to help me and my clients for now - that is enough! Friendship and kindness of others can far exceed your expectations! Don't take your children for granted, they grow and move on before you know it. Rejoice in Today - Rejoice in Today!

May God Bless anyone who took the time to read this rant! xoxo

What a great organization-

http://www.data.org/

In my constant quest for something interesting to post on our blog, I began doing internet searches and found this one. I must say that I'm delighted beyond words to finally find something that I'm not copying from someone else's blog (maybe I am and have never seen theirs). This is the organization founded by Bono....

One of the reasons that I loved this website which I've added to my links section under "DATA" is that it shows maps and issues around different parts of Africa. More than that, it shows facts and gives success stories. It's refreshing to see that the world is helping them and it's making a difference. It's going to take a heck of a long time, but there is alot of hope when you realize the individuals, countries, and monies that are being made available to Africa and that so many people are stepping up to the plate big time - especially the U.S.A.

Please take a few minutes of your time and if you visit the site. The interactive maps and the success stories were wonderfully easy to use and very informative. This organization is helping to change the face of a continent - one country at a time. Awareness is only the first step, the second step is either doing something, anything to help (even giving during the American Idol "Idol Gives Back") or teaching someone else around you the facts. It's a small world and you never know what impact you could have....... until you try.

Thanks for reading -

Glimpses of Hope-

This video needs no words - found it on another family's blog...

Glimpses of Hope

Dad's Surprise 70th Birthday Party!!

No new updates...it's only been two weeks, though.

Above are some photos from Paul's 70th surprise birthday party yesterday. Paul's immediately above on the left, with his older brother Peter on the right.

Lori, Nick and I hosted the soire with the family and some of Paul's oldest friends dating back to grade school.

Celebrations-

Nicholas singing Frank Sinatra last weekend!

This kid never stops amazing me... I know, I know, I'm a bit biased, but how often do you see a three year old go up to someone and ask for the microphone so he can sing?? Nobody prompted him either. He got quite the laughs and really turned it on after that. We couldn't get the guy to stop asking Nick to sing.

But back to the title of this blog, Celebrations - We, my fathers side of the family all got together to witness the re-exchanging of vows by my cousin Anthony and his wife Lynn. I was their flower girl! After the church, we all met for a small reception at a nearby restaurant. It always amazes me to see how different things are, but are at the same time, exactly the same. Faces we haven't seen in years, look the same but more "distinguished".

It made me think of this snapshot of our lives and how soon every picture will feature a new family member. This new family member may not know all of the same relatives that I know, but Nick and his new sibling will have tons of these wonderful memories to share together. People, traditions, celebrations, milestones, and of course, tribulations. This child is not going to remain a child, but rather, grow and mature alongside their brother all the while and hopefully one day be celebrating their own 25th wedding anniversary.

There is so much to celebrate about this gift we are about to receive. We will celebrate life, culture, family, country, faith, giving, the kindness of others, their mom and dad, the ability to receive this gift, commitment, strength, community, support of others, love, and most of all God.

I read on someone's blog a while back that adoption was always their second choice. They couldn't achieve a viable pregnancy, and always thought adoption would be "plan B". They too, adopted from Ethiopia. Her post was about how now they truly feel like this was "plan A" all along, but they just didn't know it yet. Well, at first it didn't mean much because we were early in the process about learning Africa/Ethiopia. Now, I know exactly what she was talking about!! I would be so disappointed if I learned I was pregnant! The feeling of absolute certainty that this is what should be is overwhelming at times and I praise Him for guiding us to this path. This won't change the world, or eliminate the currently 5 million orphans in Ethiopia, but it will make a miracle in my family and it will be a miracle for this little child to be given the opportunities and unwavering love that we will all share as family.

I can't wait to celebrate!