Happy Mother's Day and a Happy Birthday to my Wonderful husband!

I have to start off by wishing my husband Scott a wonderful birthday. This is his first birthday as a dad and I know its special. He is an amazing husband and father and my best friend. He was born on Mother's Day so its neat when the time comes around for his birthday to be on Mother's day again. his mother always said he was the best Mother's Day present any mom could ask for!!!

Happy Mother's Day to all our travel families. These are special Moms!!

I also can't help but think of my friend Christine who I called last Mother's Day. She had gone out to breakfast, mowed the lawn and had gone out to dinner. It was the last time I talked to her. Sadly 5 days later she lost a courageous battle against breast cancer. Sierras' name is Sierra Christine, in her honor. She was an awesome Mom and I miss her!!!

And then there is a women who I know almost nothing about. I do know that a little over 3 years ago she made a decision that I can only assume was very difficult. She took her new born baby, dressed her in a pink outfit and wrapped her in a red blanket. She put her in a box and left her in front of a very busy hospital. This Mom made sure her baby would be found. If I could I would tell her that her baby is fine. Her baby is happy, smart and loved. Her baby is healthy and will have many opportunities in her life. I would tell her that some day I will tell her daughter of a Mom who loved her but could not take care of her. I would tell this woman who lives 1/2 way around the world that now, that little baby, has a Mom who both loves her more than anyone could imagine and a family who is hers forever. I would thank this women for giving her daughter a chance at life!!!

And a very happy Mothers Day to all of you out there!!!!

Bronx Zoo Adventure!!!

Today Scott, Sierra and I took a trip to the Bronx Zoo. We had a blast. Sierra loved it and we loved watching her love it!!! The pictures speak for themselves! Her language has come along so nicely that she new many of the animals by name. At least, bear , penguin, goat, seal,monkey, butterfly,fish,etc!

She even got to help Pete drive the bus!!! ( Not!!!!)

I have been so waiting for Sierra's first rainbow. When we got back it was puring and we were waiting on the porch of the Community Center. Scott ran to the car and then started yelling for me to bring Sierra out quickly. And there is was, right above us a full arc of a beautiful rainbow. sierra said Look Mommy , a rainbow!!!! and then she started naming all the colors she saw. It was a perfect ending for a perfect day!!!

Surprise!

On Tuesday Sierra and I had a wonderful surprise. A family that I met online through Sierra's orphanage yahoo group, was coming shopping near to my home. They called to see if we could meet them for lunch. Of course we said yes!!! It was such a pleasure meeting this family. All three children were adopted, one from India and 2 from China. The daughter Melody was adopted from the same orphanage as Sierra. And lttle Steven is exactly one week older than Sierra. Emily , the oldest is a delight! The kids had a blast. We met at the mall food court which is quite empty on a week day , so the kids could have some fun. Here are some pictures from that fun day!

Sierra and Melody



Sierra and Steven. They were too cute together!!


The four of them walking through the mall, right before Sierra broke free and started running down the corridor. ( And of course Steven quickly followed!!!)

Thanks Wendy for setting this up. We will do it again real soon!!!

Catching up!!!

Time seems to fly by between posts. I really want to write everyday or at least every other day but its hard to fit it in. We are very busy attending baseball games and... more baseball games. On Thursday we watched David's game(they won hooray!!) and t hen rushed over to the Little League Field. We got out of the car just in time to see my nephew Ben hit his first Little League home run, and he is only a 9 year old!!! Ben and Jake both played an excellent game. On Saturday we attended Dylan's first communion. We had a great time at the luncheon that followed. Then Saturday night David had another baseball game. It was fun going to a night game under the lights. Sierra did well even though the game didn't get over until 9:00. She sure doesn't like sitting still and we all took turns walking around with her. On Sunday Daddy left early to make pancakes for our church pancake breakfast. We joined him a little later to eat. Sierra got to spend time with Daddy after church as I had to work. I came home to the smell of fresh baked brownies that Sierra helped Daddy bake!!! She told me she got to put the eggs in!!!

This picture was one of Sierra and big brother Tim running the bases after one of David's games.

We like to take Sierra to a place where she can feed the ducks. She loves ducks.

Some sure signs that Spring is here to stay!!!

Thinking and praying for those of you who are so close!

I remember thinking while we were waiting so long for Sierras LOA that I certainly hope nothing will happen to cause us to wait even longer. I was thinking of the SARS problem which caused so many families a delay in getting their children. Although we waited a long time for our paperwork, nothing else, well except the holidays, stood in our way. My heart is so heavy today for those families who are so close to getting their children only to be told that due to the Swine Flu, travel to China will be delayed. It is still unknown to what extent, but there will probably be some delay. I can only imagine the heartache this is causing these families. It is hard enough falling in love with a child half way around the world, coming real close to getting to go and then this!!! I hope and pray their wait is short and they soon will be united with their children!

My friend's niece Sara and Sierra visiting a petting farm. (A place that is beautiful and I am lucky enough to work at part time)

There is nothing cuter than a baby lamb!

Yesterday Sierra and I visited Grace and her Mom, Jill again. They had a great time trying to spoon out the tadpole eggs that were in this pail.

Mmmmmmmmmmm.....Yummy!!!!

Sierra was watching Grace the whole time today, trying to do everything she was doing. She was looking sideways to see if Grace was smiling!!!!

After Dave's baseball game today Sierra was carrying... what else... sunflower seeds!!!

Building a Bear

Today we went to Albany Med for Sierra's Drs. appointment. She was such a trooper and did not even cry when she had blood drawn. Everything is good. Since we are basically keeping Sierra's special need private I won't elaborate but if anyone is considering SN adoption from China, I will gladly share with you more information.

Afterwards we went to the Build a Bear Workshop. I have been wanting to do this ever since we decided to adopt!! They didn't have it when my other kids were this little and I think its soooo much fun. And it was. So now Sierra has a Panda that she helped stuff her self!!!


She's kissing the heart before putting it in!!



She's giving her panda an air bath!!!

Please pray!

Many of you will remember my post while we were in China of my friend Linny (bloggy and agency friend) who had a house fire. And then her son had emergency surgery 2 nights later. Well they just received word that their 19 year old daughter has a tumor in her brain on the pituitary gland. Please keep them in your prayers. They are still recovering from the fire as it has been extremely painful for them and now this..... Thank you all.