From our family to yours with warm wishes of hope and peace for the year to come.
What we call the beginning is often the end
And to make an end is to make a beginning.
- T.S. Eliot
Monday, December 31, 2018
Sunday, December 23, 2018
Friday, December 21, 2018
Advent Calendar Day 21
As I was thinking of ideas for Ella's Advent calendar, I learned that December 21 is Short Girl Appreciation Day. Who knew? I asked family and friends to send encouraging notes to Ella for today and this morning, she was able to feel the love from her village through thoughtful letters and text messages.
Thank you to everyone who took the time to show appreciation for our short girl.
Thank you to everyone who took the time to show appreciation for our short girl.
Thursday, December 20, 2018
Tuesday, December 11, 2018
Advent Calendar Day 11
Ice-skating with daddy was a big hit and something Ella did not expect in her Advent calendar.
Wednesday, December 5, 2018
IAC 441-443
The following referrals were issued in IAC Session 441 which was held on October 11, 2018:
1) German dossier from May 2012 referred a male child aged 7 years and 2 months with features in health status
2) US dossier from July 2012 referred a female child aged 1 year and 6 months with features in health status
3) Italian dossier from January 2014 referred a female child aged 8 years
4) French dossier from February 2014 referred a male child aged 1 year and 5 months with features in health status and a family history
5) US dossier from May 2014 referred a female child aged 4 years and 2 months with features in health status and a family history
6) French dossier from July 2018 referred a male child aged 10 years and 6 months with features in health status
7) US dossier from July 2018 referred a brother and sister aged 10 years and 4 months & 9 years and 4 months with features in health status
8) US dossier from October 2018 referred two waiting children (#3407 & #3408) with profiles on the MOJ site
----------------------------
The following referrals were issued in IAC Session 442 which was held on October 18, 2018:
1) Norwegian dossier from April 2012 referred a female child aged 1 year and 5 months
2) Luxembourg dossier from April 2012 referred a male child aged 1 year and 1 month
3) Italian dossier from June 2012 referred sisters aged 6 years and 5 months & 4 years and 9 months
4) Italian dossier from November 2012 referred a male child aged 3 years and 7 months with features in health status
5) Spanish dossier from May 2013 referred a male child ages 8 years and 7 months
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The following referrals were issued in IAC Session 443 which was held on October 25, 2018:
1) Dutch dossier from May 2012 referred a male child aged 3 years and 2 months
2) Spanish dossier from June 2012 referred a male child aged 1 year
3) Italian dossier from July 2012 referred a male child aged 7 years and 8 months with features in health status
4) Spanish dossier from July 2012 referred a male child aged 5 years and 1 month with features with health status
5) US dossier from August 2014 referred a female child aged 9 years and 10 months
6) Canadian dossier from August 2014 referred a female child aged 1 year and 6 months with features in health status
7) Canadian dossier from June 2015 referred sisters aged 6 years and 9 months with features in health status
8) US dossier from June 2016 referred a male child aged 2 years and 3 months with features in health status
9) US dossier from February 2017 referred a male child aged 1 year and 9 months with features in health status and a family history
10) Italian dossier from May 2017 referred a female child aged 10 years and 7 months
1) German dossier from May 2012 referred a male child aged 7 years and 2 months with features in health status
2) US dossier from July 2012 referred a female child aged 1 year and 6 months with features in health status
3) Italian dossier from January 2014 referred a female child aged 8 years
4) French dossier from February 2014 referred a male child aged 1 year and 5 months with features in health status and a family history
5) US dossier from May 2014 referred a female child aged 4 years and 2 months with features in health status and a family history
6) French dossier from July 2018 referred a male child aged 10 years and 6 months with features in health status
7) US dossier from July 2018 referred a brother and sister aged 10 years and 4 months & 9 years and 4 months with features in health status
8) US dossier from October 2018 referred two waiting children (#3407 & #3408) with profiles on the MOJ site
----------------------------
The following referrals were issued in IAC Session 442 which was held on October 18, 2018:
1) Norwegian dossier from April 2012 referred a female child aged 1 year and 5 months
2) Luxembourg dossier from April 2012 referred a male child aged 1 year and 1 month
3) Italian dossier from June 2012 referred sisters aged 6 years and 5 months & 4 years and 9 months
4) Italian dossier from November 2012 referred a male child aged 3 years and 7 months with features in health status
5) Spanish dossier from May 2013 referred a male child ages 8 years and 7 months
-----------------------
The following referrals were issued in IAC Session 443 which was held on October 25, 2018:
1) Dutch dossier from May 2012 referred a male child aged 3 years and 2 months
2) Spanish dossier from June 2012 referred a male child aged 1 year
3) Italian dossier from July 2012 referred a male child aged 7 years and 8 months with features in health status
4) Spanish dossier from July 2012 referred a male child aged 5 years and 1 month with features with health status
5) US dossier from August 2014 referred a female child aged 9 years and 10 months
6) Canadian dossier from August 2014 referred a female child aged 1 year and 6 months with features in health status
7) Canadian dossier from June 2015 referred sisters aged 6 years and 9 months with features in health status
8) US dossier from June 2016 referred a male child aged 2 years and 3 months with features in health status
9) US dossier from February 2017 referred a male child aged 1 year and 9 months with features in health status and a family history
10) Italian dossier from May 2017 referred a female child aged 10 years and 7 months
Sunday, December 2, 2018
Kicking Off The Christmas Season
I am a grinch and if it were up to me, we could skip December altogether. But as a mom of three still young kiddos and one whose favorite season of the year is Christmastime, I feel obligated to celebrate. So, yesterday, we kicked off December in a big way.
In the morning, Ella and I joined volunteers at a local church to pack meals for orphans in Swaziland as well as children in need in Cincinnati. Our team of 12 completed just under 2000 meals in one hour for a total of nearly 45,000 meals packed by all teams who worked the same shift as ours. Ella had the perfect job at the end of the line, counting and putting the finished meals into boxes.
In the afternoon, we went to the Christmas party at Cincinnati Children's Hospital. This is an annual highlight especially for Emilia.
And finally, Ella and I attended a class on nature and recycled holiday crafts at the Cincinnati Nature Center. We made ornaments, reindeer food, toilet paper roll stars, and more.
I also put together an Advent Calendar just for Ella. There's nothing material in any of the envelopes, but rather things to do together or special privileges, such as skipping one of her daily workbooks, ice-skating with her dad, a holiday breakfast with her tutor, Short Girl Appreciation Day, going to a Christmas play, pajama day, and baking cookies with me.
Today, we're at home, putting up a few holiday decorations (the tree won't make its appearance until next Sunday), playing board games, riding bikes in the neighborhood (it's a sunny 60 degrees), reading, and watching movies.
Happy December, everyone!
In the morning, Ella and I joined volunteers at a local church to pack meals for orphans in Swaziland as well as children in need in Cincinnati. Our team of 12 completed just under 2000 meals in one hour for a total of nearly 45,000 meals packed by all teams who worked the same shift as ours. Ella had the perfect job at the end of the line, counting and putting the finished meals into boxes.
In the afternoon, we went to the Christmas party at Cincinnati Children's Hospital. This is an annual highlight especially for Emilia.
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| Shaking a leg with the legend himself |
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| Enjoying some live Christmas music |
And finally, Ella and I attended a class on nature and recycled holiday crafts at the Cincinnati Nature Center. We made ornaments, reindeer food, toilet paper roll stars, and more.
I also put together an Advent Calendar just for Ella. There's nothing material in any of the envelopes, but rather things to do together or special privileges, such as skipping one of her daily workbooks, ice-skating with her dad, a holiday breakfast with her tutor, Short Girl Appreciation Day, going to a Christmas play, pajama day, and baking cookies with me.
Today, we're at home, putting up a few holiday decorations (the tree won't make its appearance until next Sunday), playing board games, riding bikes in the neighborhood (it's a sunny 60 degrees), reading, and watching movies.
Happy December, everyone!
Tuesday, November 27, 2018
Being Of Service
No matter what an individual's personal challenges, I believe everyone can be of service. Rex participated in an after-school event today brown-bagging meals for the homeless. He was able to decorate the bags and add chips and napkins.
How thankful we are that our son is growing up in a place where he not only benefits from the service of others, but is able to pay it forward, too.
How thankful we are that our son is growing up in a place where he not only benefits from the service of others, but is able to pay it forward, too.
Tuesday, November 20, 2018
Home School Community Service Project
During this season of gratitude, I encouraged Ella to complete a community service project. We brainstormed ideas and eventually decided that she would email St. Joseph Orphanage here in town to see if they had any needs. We heard back quickly that socks were in very short supply, so Ella held a sock and soap drive in our neighborhood. In the course of a week, she collected 226 pairs of socks and 75 hygiene items.
We boxed everything up and personally delivered it to St. Joseph where Ella got to speak with the volunteer coordinator and learn about the differences and similarities between this "orphanage" and the one where she lived in Gyumri. It's difficult for Ella to share about her years in Armenia, but she did well having this conversation.
We're so proud of Ella for seeing this project through beginning to end and grateful to live in a neighborhood that so generously supported her.
We boxed everything up and personally delivered it to St. Joseph where Ella got to speak with the volunteer coordinator and learn about the differences and similarities between this "orphanage" and the one where she lived in Gyumri. It's difficult for Ella to share about her years in Armenia, but she did well having this conversation.
We're so proud of Ella for seeing this project through beginning to end and grateful to live in a neighborhood that so generously supported her.
Wednesday, November 14, 2018
Emilia's Together Forever Day 2018
Seven years ago today, we took this beautiful Bulgarian girl into our family. She's the face of love and joy, the face of deep trauma and continuing struggles, the face of perseverance and courage, the face of all that matters.
We treasure you, sweet girl, and will sum it up this year with the loose adaptation of the Culture Club classic that you like to sing with us every time we ride in the car:
Karma, karma, karma, karma, karma Emilia
You come and go, you come and go
Loving you is easy 'cuz your colors are like our dreams
Red, white, and green, red, white, and green.
Thursday, November 8, 2018
IAC 438-440
The following referrals were issued in IAC Session 438 on September 13, 2018:
1) Spanish dossier from May 2012 referred a female child aged 3 years and 10 months
2) Spanish dossier from June 2012 referred a male child aged 2 years with features in health status
3) Italian dossier from May 2014 referred a male child aged 8 years and 1 month with features in health status
4) French dossier from August 2014 referred a female child aged 2 years and 4 months with features in health status and a family history
5) Canadian dossier from November 2014 referred a male child aged 2 years and 3 months with features in health status and a family history
6) US dossier from October 2016 referred a female child aged 4 years and 2 months with features in health status and a family history
7) US dossier from January 2017 referred three siblings aged 6 years and 9 months & 2 years and 5 months & 3 years and 6 months with features in health status
8) US dossier from September 2018 referred a waiting child (#3456) with a profile on the MOJ site
9) US dossier from September 2018 referred a male child aged 1 year and 2 months with features in health status
10) US dossier from September 2018 referred four waiting siblings (#3525 & #3526 & #3527 & #3528 ) with profiles on the MOJ site
11) US dossier from September 2018 referred a waiting child (#3554) with a profile on the MOJ site
12) US dossier from September 2018 referred a waiting child (#3504) with a profile on the MOJ site
----------------------------------------------------
The following referrals were issued in IAC Session 439 on September 20, 2018:
1) Spanish dossier from September 2012 referred a female child aged 3 years and 6 months with features in health status
2) French dossier from December 2013 referred a female child aged 2 years and 5 months with features in health status and a family history
3) US dossier from July 2015 referred a male child aged 2 years and 3 months with features in health status
4) US dossier from July 2015 referred sisters aged 5 years and 10 months & 3 years and 7 months with features in health status
----------------------------------------------------------
The following referrals were issued in IAC Session 440 on September 25, 2018:
1) German dossier from October 2012 referred two sisters aged 4 years and 6 months & 5 years and 9 months
2) French dossier from November 2013 referred a male child aged 3 years and 9 months with features in health status and a family history
3) US dossier from June 2015 referred a male child aged 3 years and 2 months with features in health status and a family history
4) Italian dossier from June 2016 referred two sisters aged 10 years and 2 months & 9 years and 3 months
5) Belgian dossier from August 2017 referred a waiting child (#3630) with a profile on the MOJ site
1) Spanish dossier from May 2012 referred a female child aged 3 years and 10 months
2) Spanish dossier from June 2012 referred a male child aged 2 years with features in health status
3) Italian dossier from May 2014 referred a male child aged 8 years and 1 month with features in health status
4) French dossier from August 2014 referred a female child aged 2 years and 4 months with features in health status and a family history
5) Canadian dossier from November 2014 referred a male child aged 2 years and 3 months with features in health status and a family history
6) US dossier from October 2016 referred a female child aged 4 years and 2 months with features in health status and a family history
7) US dossier from January 2017 referred three siblings aged 6 years and 9 months & 2 years and 5 months & 3 years and 6 months with features in health status
8) US dossier from September 2018 referred a waiting child (#3456) with a profile on the MOJ site
9) US dossier from September 2018 referred a male child aged 1 year and 2 months with features in health status
10) US dossier from September 2018 referred four waiting siblings (#3525 & #3526 & #3527 & #3528 ) with profiles on the MOJ site
11) US dossier from September 2018 referred a waiting child (#3554) with a profile on the MOJ site
12) US dossier from September 2018 referred a waiting child (#3504) with a profile on the MOJ site
----------------------------------------------------
The following referrals were issued in IAC Session 439 on September 20, 2018:
1) Spanish dossier from September 2012 referred a female child aged 3 years and 6 months with features in health status
2) French dossier from December 2013 referred a female child aged 2 years and 5 months with features in health status and a family history
3) US dossier from July 2015 referred a male child aged 2 years and 3 months with features in health status
4) US dossier from July 2015 referred sisters aged 5 years and 10 months & 3 years and 7 months with features in health status
----------------------------------------------------------
The following referrals were issued in IAC Session 440 on September 25, 2018:
1) German dossier from October 2012 referred two sisters aged 4 years and 6 months & 5 years and 9 months
2) French dossier from November 2013 referred a male child aged 3 years and 9 months with features in health status and a family history
3) US dossier from June 2015 referred a male child aged 3 years and 2 months with features in health status and a family history
4) Italian dossier from June 2016 referred two sisters aged 10 years and 2 months & 9 years and 3 months
5) Belgian dossier from August 2017 referred a waiting child (#3630) with a profile on the MOJ site
Monday, November 5, 2018
Drop By Drop
From the ashes of the toddler whose bucket was almost empty, our Rex has risen into a boy with the fullest heart and most sparkling spirit. We are so thankful for the privilege of being loved by him.
Sunday, November 4, 2018
Sunday, October 28, 2018
Peter Pan
This weekend, Emilia and I had the pleasure of attending the Peter Pan ballet at Music Hall in Cincinnati. The tickets had been generously provided to Emilia by a local charity that became aware of Emilia's love for ballet. I was worried how Emilia would handle the full length, not sensory friendly performance, but she did beautifully. She was alert and enchanted as the story evolved on stage and asked numerous times that the curtain not close.
Our seats had been assigned with Emilia's needs in mind and she had the option to sit or stand. We would have also been able to exit easily should it have been necessary to do so.
After the performance, Emilia wanted to take a closer look at the orchestra pit and the stage and I was happy to oblige.
I'm so lucky that I got to spend such a wonderful afternoon with my little girl and see her face full of the joys of music and dance. It's such a privilege to be with Emilia when she's carried away by magic and free, for a little while, of any care in the world.
Our seats had been assigned with Emilia's needs in mind and she had the option to sit or stand. We would have also been able to exit easily should it have been necessary to do so.
After the performance, Emilia wanted to take a closer look at the orchestra pit and the stage and I was happy to oblige.
I'm so lucky that I got to spend such a wonderful afternoon with my little girl and see her face full of the joys of music and dance. It's such a privilege to be with Emilia when she's carried away by magic and free, for a little while, of any care in the world.
Tuesday, October 16, 2018
Friendship
We're so lucky to be able to provide Ella with a lasting link to one of her former orphanage mates. The girls are so incredibly alike and remember a lot of the same things from their years in Armenia.
To make it even more special, there's also a deep connection between Ella's friend's mom and me. I am very protective of this friendship and greatly value the (not enough) time we get to spend face to face... not to mention the countless hours of keeping each other going via Facebook.
So, these last few days of friendship under the same roof were much needed, restorative, relaxing, fun, fattening, affirming and awesome.
To make it even more special, there's also a deep connection between Ella's friend's mom and me. I am very protective of this friendship and greatly value the (not enough) time we get to spend face to face... not to mention the countless hours of keeping each other going via Facebook.
So, these last few days of friendship under the same roof were much needed, restorative, relaxing, fun, fattening, affirming and awesome.
Wednesday, October 10, 2018
Emilia Is Nine
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| Dance of the Little Swans - A favorite of Emilia's |
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| We decorate our dining area for at least a week. |
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| Dairy and nut free cake balls |
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| Our friend Emilia made a special present for our Emilia |
Our school does not allow sweet treats for birthday celebrations, so Emilia, our funniest child with a wonderful sense of humor, took in a joke for each of her classmates on her actual birthday.
Sweet daughter, we want you to know
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Emilia enjoyed her birthday dinner with our cousins. I don't know anyone who sings Happy Birthday as enthusiastically as Emilia does and she certainly did not hold back on her own special day.
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| Blowing out the candle |
Sweet daughter, we want you to know
that even if your past will always complicate your present,
you are enough.
You were an original blessing to your Bulgarian mother
who welcomed you into her life against all reason.
Your are always and forever a treasure to our family.
Your are a miracle in progress
and we can't wait to see what comes next.
Happy birthday, ballerina!
We love you.
Tuesday, October 9, 2018
Ella's Together Forever Day 2018
Yesterday was the fourth anniversary of Ella leaving the orphanage in Armenia and joining our family. Historically, she struggles more in October surrounding some significant dates, but this month the day was blissfully off her radar because she is very excited about an event we have coming up soon. I mentioned the anniversary to her just before dinner yesterday and Ella took note, but not overly so. We surprised her with a stop for icecream after Emilia's ballet class and jammed to some JT on the way home. I am glad we found a middle ground to acknowledge the day without turning it into a big production.
When talking about adoption and family, my usually verbose child often gets verklempt.
Happy Together Forever Day, Ella.
You make us rise to the challenge every single day.
You are full of questions and strong emotions.
You're always ready for an adventure.
You're working hard to overcome.
And most of all, you're worthy, appreciated and loved.
#yourethebestandyouknowit
Sunday, October 7, 2018
Hallzooween 2018
On a nearly 90 degree day in October, we ventured out to Hallzooween today. The kids all wanted to go and were excited. Emilia requested to see elephants and gorillas, Rex asked for a train ride, and Ella was ready for candy from the trick or treat stations.
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| Ella spotted an unofficial lizard exhibit |
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| Rex's favorite exhibit of the day: mechanical and refreshing |
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| And when your mom asks you for a photo after a three hour walk, you give her these faces: #fakesmile #resignation #contempt |
Happy Hallzooween!
Thursday, October 4, 2018
IAC 436 & 437
The following referrals were issued in IAC session 436 which was held on August 2, 2018:
1) Greek dossier from August 2011 referred a male child aged 10 years and 6 months
2) Spanish dossier from August 2011 referred a male child aged 7 years with features in health status
3) Italian dossier from May 2014 referred a female child aged 9 years and 1 month with features in health status
4) Italian dossier from August 2014 referred a female child aged 6 years and 2 months with features in health status and a family history
5) US dossier from October 2016 referred a male child aged 1 year and 1 month with features in health status and a family history
6) US dossier from May 2018 referred a waiting child (#3641) with a profile on the MOJ site
7) US dossier from July 2018 referred two waiting children (#3503 & #3510) with profiles on the MOJ site
8) Italian dossier from August 2018 referred a brother and sister ages 10 years and 2 months and 9 years and 1 month with features in health status
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The following referrals were issued in IAC session 437 which was held on August 30, 2018:
1) Greek dossier from June 2012 referred a male child aged 1 year and 2 months with features in health status
2) Italian dossier from October 2015 referred a female child aged 10 years and 3 months with features in health status
3) French dossier from May 2018 referred a male child aged 10 years and 5 months with features in health status
4) US dossier from August 2018 referred a waiting child (#3579) with a profile on the MOJ site
5) US dossier from August 2018 referred a waiting child (#3298) with a profile on the MOJ site
1) Greek dossier from August 2011 referred a male child aged 10 years and 6 months
2) Spanish dossier from August 2011 referred a male child aged 7 years with features in health status
3) Italian dossier from May 2014 referred a female child aged 9 years and 1 month with features in health status
4) Italian dossier from August 2014 referred a female child aged 6 years and 2 months with features in health status and a family history
5) US dossier from October 2016 referred a male child aged 1 year and 1 month with features in health status and a family history
6) US dossier from May 2018 referred a waiting child (#3641) with a profile on the MOJ site
7) US dossier from July 2018 referred two waiting children (#3503 & #3510) with profiles on the MOJ site
8) Italian dossier from August 2018 referred a brother and sister ages 10 years and 2 months and 9 years and 1 month with features in health status
--------------------------------------
The following referrals were issued in IAC session 437 which was held on August 30, 2018:
1) Greek dossier from June 2012 referred a male child aged 1 year and 2 months with features in health status
2) Italian dossier from October 2015 referred a female child aged 10 years and 3 months with features in health status
3) French dossier from May 2018 referred a male child aged 10 years and 5 months with features in health status
4) US dossier from August 2018 referred a waiting child (#3579) with a profile on the MOJ site
5) US dossier from August 2018 referred a waiting child (#3298) with a profile on the MOJ site
Wednesday, October 3, 2018
All Spiced Up
I invested into some fresh herbs and spices this year. Now we're ready for soup, stew, casserole, curry and baking season.
Monday, October 1, 2018
Full On Fall
The kids had a day off school on Friday, so we decided to have a long all autumnal weekend.
Apple picking on a lovely afternoon started things off:
The next day we enjoyed an apple cake for brunch and made a big batch of apple butter.
We also had a campfire and smores in the evening.
Today, I made the first pot of soup of the season: roasted curried squash.
We also planted mums by the front walkway, apple cinnamon scone dough is chilling in the fridge to be baked in the morning and iced with a maple glaze for breakfast tomorrow, and I enjoyed some solo walks in the refreshing morning air.
Apple picking on a lovely afternoon started things off:
The next day we enjoyed an apple cake for brunch and made a big batch of apple butter.
We also had a campfire and smores in the evening.
Today, I made the first pot of soup of the season: roasted curried squash.
We also planted mums by the front walkway, apple cinnamon scone dough is chilling in the fridge to be baked in the morning and iced with a maple glaze for breakfast tomorrow, and I enjoyed some solo walks in the refreshing morning air.
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