Lily is 2 today.

Ahhh yes, once again we have a 2 year old in our house. Lily has mastered the "NO" and the crying when she doesn't get her way. The pout when she is insulted and the throwing when she is frustrated. On the other hand, she bounces when she runs, gives the tightest of hugs and will model her dresses for you. She has the face of an angel, the power to light up a room and the ability to put a smile on anyone's face.

I am sure I am not alone in my feelings on our adopted child's birthday. Yes, it's a happy day, the one that brought our little girl into the world, but also such a sad day. The day that her birth mother said both hello and goodbye to her baby. Was she alone or was she with friends or family? Was she frightened or was she happy to get it over with? Did she have heartburn or back pain during the pregnancy? How long was the labor? Did she know she was having a girl? Did she hold her baby? I can't help but wonder.

We thank this courageous woman, somewhere in Yeosu, Korea. I hope she has peace today and someday I wish to be able to let her know of the happiness she has brought to us and how she has changed our lives forever.

Almost Wordless Wednesday

I have never been a big fan of clothing with logos, sayings or licensed characters, but I just couldn't resist this shirt. Lily really is my ray of sunshine. She will never fully know the light she has brought into our hearts. Just a little warm and fuzzy on a rainy Wednesday morning.

Sharing a meal

Our agency put together a Korean dinner event this weekend. We were able to meet families who are recently home, families who are waiting for their travel call and kids who have been home for 14 years! It was so great to connect and the kids really hit it off. Lily ate like a champ, shoveling in the japchae which kept her satisfied and occupied. Nancy, an adoptive mom who is actually from Korea was able to answer questions about food and other customs. Of course there was a great deal of adoption story swapping. A good time was had by all!

Last Night's Birthday Debacle

On numerous occasions, my husband was very clear about NOT wanting a party to celebrate his 40th. In fact, he said that if I threw him a party, he wouldn't even show up or if it was a surprise, he would leave!!! Instead, he wanted to take a trip together, which is cool with me. I'll go anywhere especially if it means time alone no kids. He did, however, agree to a small get together with drinks and a few close friends, that is whenever we could actually fit it into out schedules. See these days every weekend seems to be packed and Rick is even fitting in some long distance cycling.
So the big day arrives starting with Luca and his heartbreaking allergy eyes.
Then it was the morning latte that we have become completely addicted to
After this, it's the usual make breakfast, clean the kitchen, sweep, make all the beds throw a load of laundry in, give the kids a bath, get ready for pre school. But this time it was all while planning to surprise Rick at his office with a small party with the kids after school. Just a little something he he. So as most moms know, it's a project to get anywhere with kids in tow and then to manage to get yourself presentable without the frumpy mommy costume is a pretty miraculous accomplishment. I'm getting the car packed, talking to my mom at the same time, you know the drill... sippy, shoes, coats, backpack etc... and all of a sudden it hits me. This strange "episode" where I am overcome by stress and my thoughts aren't making it to my mouth. I sit down for a few deep breaths, calmed myself down and waited for it to go away. Needless to say, It really freaked me out. I immediately start diagnosing myself and making my anxiety worse. I drive Luca to school, truck Lily to the store for cupcakes and party goods and set out on my way. The plan at this point was to give Lily a nap, work out and shower in the 1 1/2 hour time span before picking up the boys. Yea, that was before the sneaky cop pulled me over for speeding and began the downward spiral of my day.

With enough time to shower only, I jump back in the car, line up mom to baby sit, make dinner reservations, pick up the boys, and we all head to get the balloons. They were so excited!! Me, not so much since having 3 kids at the store is a total nightmare these days. I believe it has taken years off of my life. So now we have everything. Exausted yet?? I then text Rick to make sure he would still be working for a while. We're good to go. That is until I can't find the office! This is a new location that Rick is at 2 days a week and I have never been there. Yes I have navigation but for some reason it directed me to drive away from the building. I tried twice, then 3 times and then the traffic started to build, and the U turns and then the kids fighting in the back. They are hungry and tired and dying for the cupcakes! AHHHH. Finally, we find the office, get Lily in the stroller, the boys are bursting with their party hats on, cupcakes, huge balloons, cards, the whole bit ready for the big moment only to find that their dad had already LEFT!!! How bad does that suck??

Back into the car to brave the traffic home, sad and disapponted. All I can think of was my husband of 12 years arriving home to an empty house on the evening of his 40th birthday. No decorations, no cake, no family. Frustrated and starving, we walk in the house I'm ready to cry and Rick is wondering why I chose to push the limit and was too tired to go out to dinner. We proceed to bicker, eat a quick dinner home and get to the candles and cupcakes. To top it all off, I only got this one crappy photo:

So basically I am so sorry that it didn't turn out as we had hoped, but I promise to plan that fabulous trip for him along with a small get together as soon as his training is over.

Russian Adoption

This link was forwarded from our agency regarding adoption status and volunteer opportunities: http://www.jcics.org/Russia.htm

More Highlights

I think collecting shells should be a mandatory start to each day!! How beautiful are these?



After mom and dad left, Rick's high school friend and his family joined us for 2 days. It was great catching up and the kids got along great. We packed it in with great food, mini golf, go carts and my all time favorite Kill Devil Custard.




Last night's dinner was at Outer Banks Brewing Co where we tasted some great beer and what do the boys order?


Filet minon for Lance followed by creme brulee!! FYI, he's 8.



Although, we couldn't get Luca to stray from the chicken fingers, he had creme brulee just like his big brother. Poor little guy has been on benedril for his allergies and was prety much like a zombie.

As for little miss Lily, she decided to stuff her mouth with pasta, so much that she forced herself to puke it up at the table! Ahhhh never a dull moment.


Up until today, it's been sunshine, blue skies and a ridiculous amount of ice cream and fries. Today, however the rain came. Rick made pancakes and it was off to the outlet mall for some shopping, a movie for the boys and maintenence on the house to get it ready for the high season renters. The only drawback to having a house at the beach. That, and not being able to come down here more than 3 times a year.
Oh, one more thing. Lily actually kept a bow in her hair for more than 3 seconds!

Blue Skies

The start of our spring break here in the Outer Banks has been just glorious! (love that word glorious). It was Easter brunch on Sunday with Grandma and Grandpa at our favorite restaurant down here and some relaxing beach time yesterday. I wish I could begin every day with some shell collecting. Even though the ocean was ice cold, the kids still got soaked and as always my camera was part of the experience.

Flashback Photos

Easter last year in the outer banks, NC.
Can't time slow down just a little bit?