Cincy Kaz Families Summer Get Together

We had a great time last weekend at the Cincy Kaz Families Meetup at Winton Woods Park.  There were 10 families and over 17 kids in attendance, for a fun afternoon of lunch and play at the Spray ground.  The kids were from all over Kaz, and all the Moms and Dads were able to share our Kaz stories.  I loved Kazapalooza, but this was nicer and more intimate in a way because you really got to spend time talking and getting to know the other families.  We are planning another meet-up around Naruyz, and of course all are welcome.  We were lucky enough to have the wonderful Pike family staying with us this weekend as well.  They adopted sweet beautiful Sophia from Shymkent (whoo-hoo another Shymey family!) in 08.  We spent 2 wonderful days looking at pics and talking about our experiences, which were very different.  We also have the pleasure of meeting Irina, their exchange student from Ust Kaz. She was such a sweet girl and we know she will have a blast spending a year on the Pike Farm. 

Talking with the other families this weekend really made me appreciate how smooth my adoption process was.  Some families waited as long as 3 years, some had issues in country with court, referrals, sick children, etc.  I feel so blessed to have had such an easy adoption, and I have to give a lot of credit to my agency.  Speaking of which....Hannah is now featured as the first Success Story on their website!!    Here is the link for those who want to check it out!

  http://www.littlemiracles.org/index.php?page=ourmiracles

Other random tidbits....   My dog Roxi turned 5 years old this week.  She went to rehab earlier this year and I am still not convinced she is the same dog.  I would recommend this Last Chance Ranch to anyone in Cincy who needs obedience training.  Hannah is having a great summer and is totally in love with the pool.  She is currently working on body part identification, 2 step directions, sorting colors, and animal sounds. The stranger anxiety is easing up a bit, and right after she turned a year old, she became very cuddly, constantly wanting and giving hugs and kisses.  I heard that Darius Rucker song on the Radio "It Won't Be Like This For Long" and I teared up because it hit home.   I just filled out my 6 mos post placement report this week!!  Hope you are all staying busy and having a great summer!!!  Fall, here we come!!

6 Months Ago on Monday...And the birthday party pics

6 months ago next Monday is the anniversary (or "Hannaversary") of the day I left for Kaz....I just re-read my blog posts from February... Through the exhaustion, the stress of a snowstorm, and a nervousness, I still remember each moment of what was truly the best time of my life.  My favorite entry is the one I wrote just hours after meeting her for the first time....
"Then they brought Hannah in and passed her to me, and she gave me a look like she definitely knew I was Mom, but it was a look that clearly says, WHERE have you been? WHAT TOOK YOU SO LONG?! I knew immediately this child was my child.  We stared at each other for a while, and then a tiny smile and what can I say, I fell for the kid. There are no accidents. I have saved a child, but I am the lucky one, not her.  She has saved me right back." 
  6 months has gone by so fast.  I just finalized her 6 month post placement visit with the social worker, and of course, we celebrated her birthday with a bash on Saturday for our family, friends, and neighbors.   She is progressing at warp speed, picking up new words each week and she is a daredevil in the pool.   She spends most of her days lounging in the water floating on her baby raft (I honestly can't believe I didn't give birth to this child!).  Her favorite toy is her kitchen set, it is so funny to watch her pretend to mix and stir and serve food.  She claps for herself every time she does something fabulous.  Firsts this month included her first trip to the fair, her first taste of cotton candy, and her first pony ride (she despised it).  I am getting together with some other moms I went to HS with on Fridays now, which is wonderful, many of my friends don't have kids yet, so its nice to get together with the ones that do.  We used to talk about what bar we were going to on Thursday nights.  Now we talk about Wiggles Concerts and potty training.  The times they are a-changin'....And I love every minute of it!!
 

Heaven Blew Every Trumpet....

Heaven Blew Every Trumpet and Sounded Every Horn On the Wonderful Magical Night You Were Born!!! Happy Birthday, Hannah Elizabeth, and Congratulations on Your First Trip Around the Sun!!

Hannah turned one year old last weekend, and we haven't had a party for her yet because we have not had a single day free in several weeks.  We are hoping to get a pool party in the backyard together at the end of the month.  Meanwhile, Hannie is doing great, for those who don't know, her foot was turned out a bit when she was born, so she has a had a cast on in order to increase her range of motion.  It comes off next Friday and we are so excited to take her boating and for a swim in the backyard pool.  We have had an endless array of company this summer, including my cousin Jaime and her 3 boys, who stayed for 6 weeks (yes, that was not a misprint), my cousin Stacie from California, and my cousins Jill and Leslie from New York, just to name a few.  Hannah may be starting to think it was less crowded in the baby house!! 
We are sad that Aunt Elizabeth, my best friend and Hannie's godmother, has taken a job in India (yes you read that correctly also) and will be leaving in a few short weeks.  Thank goodness for Skype.   The summer has been incredibly busy already, and fall is filling up as well.  We are very excited for the Walk for Kaz (a 2 Hearts for Hope benefit) weekend in September, as well as the fair, the Midwest Kaz family weekend, and our neighbor's big birthday bash. We are considering several trips in the fall as well.  Disney is on the table, as is possible trips to NYC, Gatlinburg, and Chicago.  We shall see.  If anyone is coming through Cincinnati, we always love meeting Kaz families.  Enjoy the pics, the next post will be of the birthday bash...here's a hint...it should be a "FAIRY" good party!! Love, Erin and Hannah

The Kazapaloosers take Milwaukee

Last weekend Jaime (Aunt Jaimima), Hannie, and I flew to Milwaukee to hang out with 80ish other families with children adopted from Kazakhstan.  It was sooooo amazing and wonderful to get to meet great friends in person whom I had only known online up until now.  The weekend was amazing well coordinated and the organizers deserve a GREAT BIG THANK YOU!!!!  My new friend Lisa said it perfectly when she said the weekend not only brought friendship but also "brought a renewed sense of Kaz community and spirit."  Friday evening was a fun night at the Betty Brinn Children's Museum. This was fabulous.  We got Kazapalooza gift bags, had a yummy dinner, and got to get to know everyone while the kids ran wild.  Hannah, even at 11 months, LOVED it.  She played on the slides, in the sand box, and with the other kids.  She was the youngest Kaz kid there, but it didn't stop her.  She is 11 months going on 4.  That night, Jaime was nice enough to offer to watch Hannah (okay, she didn't offer.  I waited until she was distracted and then left for 4 hours) while I hung out with some awesome Kaz mamas.  It was so cool to get to know Kim (my fellow Gleek), Alaina, Stacy, Muriel, and everyone else.  It was also really nice to get to spend some time with other Shymkent families, including the beautiful Nurai, handsome Jacob, and the sweet Harmon girls.  Saturday was a special day as well.  We had a wonderful luncheon and slide show, with the pictures of the kids "then and now."  Since Hannah has only been home a few months, her pictures weren't that different.  Still cool to see her on the big ole' screen!  They also had a silent raffle and Hannie won a ton of stuff!! She got a tutu, potty training books (it can't come soon enough), a Kaz flag onesie, photo albums, a bath set, etc.  She is my lucky charm.  We took naps and then headed out to dinner with the Single Kaz Mamas group. This was a great time (a very LOUD time) as well.  Got to hang with the wonderful Christy and Z, and they were aweeeesome.  So were Lori, Quaintance, Melissa, and everyone else.  We are kindred spirits.  I crashed that night, and the next day we had the buffet, went to the SPOON foundation meeting (it was all about nutrition in KZ.  My little piglet sat there eating fruit loops and a chocolate doughnut) and then had to leave to the airport to come home.  All in all, an exhausting but amazing weekend. The Kaz adoption community has been such a blessing in my life, with all the support, encouragement and love I have been given.  We Kaz families bond over the shared experiences and histories of our children.  We are excited to see everyone again at the Midwest Meetup in August and the Walk for a Kaz in Sept.  I am having so much fun being Hannie's mom, and I know in my heart, the best it yet to come!

Dixie Chicks 

They didn't have you where I come from
Never knew the best was yet to come
Life began when I saw your face
And I hear your laugh like a serenade

How long do you want to be loved
Is forever enough, is forever enough
How long do you want to be loved
Is forever enough
Cause I'm never, never giving you up.

 

Midwest Family Kazakhstan Adoption Picnic Weekend (and new pics of Hannah Banana)

Hannah has been home 2 months!!!  She continues to be the heart of my heart, and I love her to pieces!!  Having said that, this kid is balls to the wall crazy as a bat.  You cannot take your eyes off her for even one second.  She spends most of her day destroying anything and everything we own, and tormenting the dogs.  Since Jaime and the kids moved in with us, she constantly wants to do whatever the Big Kids are doing.  She crawls like crazy, never stops jabbering, and is totally a performer.  She knows all kinds of tricks, I will have to post video soon, but she blows kisses, does How Big Is Hannah, Peek A Boo, Waves Bye Bye, and she is a dancing fool!!!  We are so excited for Palooza this weekend, and can't wait to meet all our Kaz friends!!!  We also have a special event coming up right here in Cincinnati August 13-15....
A Midwest Kaz Adoptive Families Picnic and Meetup!!

Join us for a picnic on Saturday and super fun weekend!!! More info on the midwest Kazakhstan families yahoo group, let me know if you need an RSVP form. Hope to see many of you there!! (sorry to all of you who don't live in the midwest who are getting this!!)

Please contact Karen Ballinger at kballinger1@yahoo.com or Erin at cincyswimgirl@yahoo.com with any questions, we hope to see you all there!!

Hotel-- Residence Inn by Marriott, Cincinnati
11689 Chester Road Cincinnati, OH 45246
See “2010HotelResidenceInnMarriott” document in yahoogroups Files area. You MUST book by July 16 to get the group rate. Each family should ask for a room in the Kazakhstan Adoptive Families Block. You can call 513.771.2525 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting              513.771.2525      end_of_the_skype_highlighting or (800) 331-3131 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting              (800) 331-3131      end_of_the_skype_highlighting to make reservations

Some weekend details:
8/13 - 6:00 get together in hotel lobby; swimming @ pool – please bring snack/beverage to share.

8/14 - 11:30 - 3:30 Winton Woods
Park’s entrance fee by car: $2
10245 Winton Rd. Cincinnati, OH 45231
Park entrances on left and right.
· We will stake out a shelter in the WEST entrance, NOT where the playground, water playground, main concession stand, lake, etc., are. Look for signs.
· Catered lunch ($7.50/person): Smoked Ham or Turkey Sandwiches on a Fresh Deli Bun or Croissant, Garnished with Lettuce, Tomato and a slice of Cheese. (Vegan Options and wraps available). Also includes: pasta or potato salad, fruit, bag of chips, home-made cookie, soft drink or bottled water
Please submit RSVP form and lunch pre-payment to Karen Ballinger by August 7
Karen Ballinger 4490 Spikerush Lane West Chester, OH 45069

Optional activities with prices— you pay on the day of the event:
Winton Woods:
· 10245 Winton Rd. Cincinnati, OH 45231 Get Directions
· Outdoor playground: free with car admission fee/sticker
· Water playground - $2.00 per person or 3 kids for $5 so we can group them together
· Concession stand
· Pedal Bay pedal boat is $11.27 per hour
· 2.6 mile paved multi-use trail
· Golf - 1515 West Sharon Road, 45240
http://www.greatparks.org/rec_golf/tmc.htm
Parky’s farm (approx. 3/4 mile south of Winton Woods):
· 10073 Daly Road, Cincinnati, OH Get Directions
· Outdoor playground: free with car admission fee/sticker
· Indoor farm-theme, accessible playground - $2.50 per child ages 2 to 12
· Pony rides for children shorter than 48" - $2.50
· Wagon rides - $2.50 (children under 2 ride free)
**HORSEBACK RIDING must be reserved ahead of time and is available from 4:30. Details. Please indicate on the RSVP form by August 7th if you’re interested. You will pay them on the day of the event.

8/14 evening – Champs restaurant (changed June 11, 2010)

8/15 – possible activities
Cincinnati Museum Center, The Beach water park, Cincinnati Zoo, Newport Aquarium, King’s Island
 
Hope to see everyone there!

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