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Kelsey, one day your Mommy will teach you how to make "gravy" and meatballs and really amazing eggplant parmesean. We will have to take cooking classes together to learn how to make great Chinese food, but you will be a really good Italian cook! :) It will help make you friends as you embark on your neurosurgeon/concert pianist careers! :) I will give you a piece of good advice for the neuro stuff...blood is red, not green! ;)

Posted by JoAnn in NJ at 9:56 PM 4 comments: 
Two Years Ago....

Our world turned upside down because this little face waited for us in China. I will never do anything as important or lifechanging as choosing to adopt our girl.

You can read the account on what went down here:

We celebrated by taking Kelsey to the Live Go Diego Go! show in New Brunswick and then to the mall for some playtime (there are train rides, carousel, and a play town for kids) She had a wonderful time and was a perfect angel.

Daddy and Daughter are off spending quality time together while I do some blogging.
Life is good :)
Posted by JoAnn in NJ at 2:28 PM 2 comments: 
Hugging My Girl a Little Closer Tonight....

Two bloggers I've followed for a while recently got referrals for sons from Ethiopia.
These boys were young, beautiful babies, less than 6 months old each.

Heartbreakingly, both of them passed away within days of each other, and within a few weeks of their adoptions being final.

I have cried for the families that waited for these children, sad for their families that had been excited for the new family member. I am heartbroken for the babies of course.

I was really shocked at the 2nd child's passing. I don't think the parents knew he was ill. I think a sick child is every parent's worst nightmare and to have your child far from you while he/she is fighting for his/her life would be the very worst scenario.

Any adoptive parent who is currently waiting or has adopted understands that this very very rarely this does happen. I have heard of children passing away post referral and that process and what happens afterward was discussed with me by my social worker. However, once you have that referral in hand and hold the photos of that little face, emotionally (but not legally yet) that is YOUR CHILD, as real to you as if you had carried him or her inside you for nine months.

Please keep baby Samuel and baby Brighton in your thoughts this week. When I read this today, I called Kelsey close to me and hugged and kissed her tightly. I could not bear it if she had not come home to us.

We went out for a few Kelsey "treats" today. Let's just say I was thinking of those families who can't spoil their sons now and Kelsey reaped the benefits.

We are beginning to investigate pre-schools. Our daycare sitter recommended that we start because they fill up fast for Sept (it's Jan and I can't believe it!) We're also seriously beginning potty training now, got a special kit and everything. Wish Miss Kelsey luck please!
Posted by JoAnn in NJ at 7:23 PM 3 comments: 
A Civ.ic Reflection

It will break my heart and make me proud at the same time.
Posted by JoAnn in NJ at 10:47 PM No comments: 
Happy Birthday Daddy!

Happy Birthday Daddy,
I wish I could call you and sing you the silly happy birthday song...it would be so much fun this year.

I know you can hear it in heaven.
Love and miss you!
Curly Jo
Posted by JoAnn in NJ at 9:56 AM 1 comment: 
So much to catch up on! Hey Internets!
Today is a big day in our family....
One week ago today I began my job, I am having a great time! It's a wonderful group of people and the mission is admirable! But I am tired and the house could be cleaner and more organized...it's amazing how everything goes to heck when you're not at home.

The 2nd (and really bigger deal) is that Kelsey turns 2.5 today. She is an amazing, wonderful miracle in every single way that's important (who needs sleep?)
Her vocabulary is impressive and her diction is very clear
She is a very funny girl
She is considerate and she shares
She loves her family and friends
She loves music, her books, her beloved Dora and Diego (and now the Princesses)
She's a mimic (could get me in trouble!)
She loves Christmas lights

We are very blessed to have her in our lives, as is everyone who loves her!
Posted by JoAnn in NJ at 9:05 PM 3 comments: 
Christmas Morning... Pictures Worth Thousands of Words She started off slowly, but picked up steam... Stopping to gaze on a doll Eh, it's just clothes...let's toss them aside 

Next post Christmas evening with Daddy's family!

Posted by JoAnn in NJ at 10:31 PM 1 comment: 
Better Late than Never....Christmas Eve Kelsey and her Uncle Michael The cousins gathered at the tree before the presents were decimated! Kelsey and Mommy all smiles in red Love my nephew's face~ Kelsey and her new phone Looking a little intense unwrapping gifts!
Next post Christmas Day!
Posted by JoAnn in NJ at 10:00 PM 2 comments: 
Little K