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.

Emilia Is Nine

We recently celebrated Emilia's ninth birthday - she had a larger gathering a few days before her birthday proper and a special dinner on her actual birthday.  Since her heart is with anything ballet these days, we themed her party accordingly and hired two teen ballerinas to surprise her.  They were a smash hit and Emilia had a blast.

Dance of the Little Swans - A favorite of Emilia's

We decorate our dining area for at least a week.

Dairy and nut free cake balls

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

Ella spotted an unofficial lizard exhibit

Rex's favorite exhibit of the day:
mechanical and refreshing

And when your mom asks you for a photo after a three hour walk,
you give her these faces:
#fakesmile #resignation #contempt

Happy Hallzooween!

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

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.

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.