Has It Really Been a Year?!?

One year ago, I heard words I will never forget from a woman I would never meet thousands of miles away... One year ago, I was told that Luciana was OUT of PGN! It is so hard to imagine how my every waking moment was consumed with "OUT" and PGN, to call, not to call, stalking Guatadopt and plotting timelines... sound familiar to anyone?

I can remember everything about the joy of that night... where I was and what I did right after, the shouts of cheer from families and friends, the "special delivery", the tears and the laughter. We took the first deep breath we had taken in a very long time. The days and weeks to follow would prove to be some of the most challenging in my life, but this night one year ago was simply joyful.

Take a look back: One Year Ago

Love.

Sneak Peak

While home yesterday (Sam is still sick), I attempted to snap some pics of the kids for their FIRST holiday card together... it was a time in my life that I was grateful for a sense of humor... and that Sam is such a very patient big brother. Luciana wanted NOTHING to do with the adorable ideas I had for a picture. She was in and out of the old LL Bean sled, she wouldn't look at the camera, she certainly would not smile.. she was having NOTHING to do with it. Truly, I started to snap pics of her during one of her tantrums thinking this year's card would show what life is really like in our house! (hee hee) Sam was exasperated and we were about to call it a day... but, don't you know, when naughty little girls know they are getting away with something, they SMILE! I snapped this moment as Lucy climbed (first time!) into her rocking chair and whipped around with that "look what I did" smile! Look at Sam's face... can't you read his mind?!?! Ha! I love it. So, here it is, our wild child with her adoring big brother. Happy Holidays!

(The tree is decorated now, I promise!)

Happy Thanksgiving

We are feeling more than our fare share of blessings today.

It's so strange to remember "this time last year". Our life is so full... and insane... that I could almost forget to remember! Ha! But, on days like today, I try to take at least a moment to soak it in... my house is trashed, my laundry is overflowing, sleep is a novelty, and we are loving every minute of it!

Happy Thanksgiving.
Love, love, love.

Happy Halloween!

Each time I have passed those little "Baby's First Halloween" onsies that have been all over the stores this month, I was reminded of this time last year when my heart was aching for a sweet baby girl who was so far away that I couldn't hold all of my longing for her in one heart. Halloween is such a corny and silly holiday, but holidays are each like little timelines of memories and moments, and I knew we were missing this one with her last year. I wondered if she was wearing the little onsie we had sent after our first visit with her... also in October of last year. I wondered if she could even remember those strangers who had loved her up for one very amazing week in her life only a few weeks before. It's funny what certain times of month can bring back in emotion... Well, these pics just scream, "Look how far we've come, baby!" We had a blast... the "little stinker", Darth Vader, and Raggedy Ann! Daddy went as a business executive... with and orange tie, to be clear that he really knows how to shake things up! We were visited by Didi and Papa, and the whole night was festive and fun. We hope yours was, too!

Happy Halloween!

PS- Check out the little stinker one year ago!

First Day Of School... A New Beginning

Keith snapped this pic as we were heading out on our first day of school in September...

A Month Late...

First day of school!

Both kids are doing great at school and in daycare and I am adjusting to being back to teaching. I have a great class, so that helps a lot. It is such a blast to see Sam at school every day, and Luciana is the princess of Munchkin Manor! It is an adjustment, and I miss our "lazy" days together, but everyone really is doing so well that I just can't complain. As October approaches, I feel that old sense of routine starting to kick in, and the frantic pace of September seems to be evening out... knock on wood!

In the interest of fairness...

Here's Sammy!

Happiness is...

Hey there blogger family-
We are still here. I am overwhelmingly guilty of neglecting our little site here... and I am sorry for those of you who are loyal visitors. I can only say that I am just too busy at the moment and have hopes to do a better job when some sense of routine returns to our lives. I am still checking in on my blogger families each morning with my coffee and love to see how well your families are doing. I am envious of your abilities to update, and so glad that you do!
Life in Maine is as peachy as ever. We are experiencing decent sized transitions which are coming with inconsistent bonding issues. Both kids are in daycare and fairing well... for the most part. I am back to school busily getting ready for the students to return after labor day. Sam will be transitioning to a new school for First Grade, and Lucy will stay at daycare. All that said, there is a lot of anticipation in our home for this new schedule to just begin already! We have spent so much time preparing for these changes, I think we are all feeling ready to just rip that Band Aid off!
I anticipate a few growing pains at the start of school, but once settled, I hope to be back to regular updates and oodles of pics! For now, thanks for checking in on us. All is well.. just look at that smile!
Cheers.

Happy 6th Birthday, Sam!

We love you, buddy!