Hannapalooza and our one month Hannahversary

It's hard to believe Hannah has been home a month.  She just turned 10 months and is doing great, we are having so much fun together.  It's so hard to explain how it feels to be her Mom.  It's almost like everything was in black and white, and then she came into my world and now everything is in color. That being said, she did poop on my new outfit last week.  And in the tub.  And she peed on my bed. She is definitely a live wire!  Other than that though, she is fabulous.  She already knows all kinds of tricks, peekaboo, high five, how big is Hannah, etc.  I'm not calling MENSA just yet, but she is one smart cookie!! And speaking of cookies, she is a huge fan! We are starting to introduce table food, and so far her favorites are pudding, and fudge cookies!! Believe it or not, she does eat healthy, but she has a sweet tooth like her mama. 

This weekend was her special homecoming party, Hannahpalooza.  We had lots of friends, family, food and fun!  It was so nice that so many people traveled so far to come and meet her, she is so loved!  I have a few more weeks left of maternity leave, and then I will head back to work.  I am lucky that my mom will watch Hannah while I am gone.  I am sad to leave her but I know she is in good hands.  I will likely work 3 12 hour shifts Mon-Wed, and then have Thurs-Sun home with her.  I would love to stay home with her full time though.  Anyone know any sugar daddies? (joking...sort of!)
Our pool is open now, and I am looking forward to teaching my little fish to swim.  She LOVES the water and has no fear. I will be on my toes once she learns to walk!  On another bright note, my dog Roxi got home from Rehab last week and is doing GREAT. Her barrier aggression is practically gone and she is wonderful with baby Hannie.  Our next post will likely be from Kazapalooza, the annual gathering of Kazakhstan Adoptive Families. This year it is in Milwaukee and we are so excited to meet everyone. How lucky we all are to have these amazing little people in our lives.  Summer, here we come!!!

The Magic of An Ordinary Day

  Dear Hannah, You have now been with Mommy for 2 weeks!! They say time flies but it literally seems like time is going by in the blink of an eye.  You continue to be an absolute joy and have adjusted amazingly well to your new life.  You love to eat (anything and everything, your favorite treat is fudge cookies!).  You are a total flirt and still as happy as ever.  During your first week home, we did lots of activities. We had your first pediatrician's appointment.  The doctor (who has two little ones adopted from China herself) says you are in perfect health, both physically and developmentally. She was impressed with how well you imitate Mommy and how many sounds and words you have at only 9 months old!!   We also went to lunch with your Kaz Kutie friend, Dalton.  His mommy Shauna and I are good friends and we spent most of lunch talking about how the county of Kazakhstan gets in your blood.  We both can't get it out of our heads that we want to go back-- and soon.  We Kaz mama's are kindred spirits.  It's such a unique experience...the research, the paper chase, the WAIT (my goodness, the wait...definitely the hardest part of the process), the travel, the bonding period, and then finally having your baby in your arms.  I haven't quite found the words to explain it correctly to anyone who hasn't experienced it first hand.  But anyway, back to you, Hannah.  You love taking walks and sitting out by the pool.  You also LOVE your bath.  Your welcome home party is in 2 weeks and we are busy getting ready.  I still can't believe you are really here.  I still cry every morning when I see your beautiful smiling face.  Tomorrow is Mother's Day and it will be a very special day for both of us -- our first one together as a family. The ancient Chinese red thread proverb is a story known to almost all adoptive parents, especially those of us lucky enough to adopt from Central Asia.  As the legend goes, "An invisible red thread connects those who are destined to meet, regardless of time, place, or circumstance. The thread may stretch or tangle, but it will never break."   When I look at you, sweet girl, I know this legend is true.  Hannah, I am so blessed to have you in my life.    Love, Mommy