The Coolest Gift

We just received three Christmas cards from one of Kirke's family members. Each card described a special gift given to a family in Asia in our names.

A pair of Chickens given in Tayton's name: "EGGcellent Protein. Each of these eggs are packed with nutrients. Imagine a little, malnourished child becoming smarter and stronger every day as he gobbles up his delicious eggs! And when his family’s chickens reproduce, they can sell the chicks for additional income. You can bless a South Asian family with chickens."

A pair of bunnies was given in Korbin's: "The Gift that Keeps on Giving…Quickly. A pair of Christmas bunnies will help provide a steady, nutritious diet of lean meat for a growing family. A mommy rabbit can produce several litters a year, each with up to 12 bunnies. So raising rabbits is a wonderful way for a poor family to provide food for their children and generate income as well."

And in mine and Kirke's name a family was given a took kit: "A Farmer’s Best Friends. Planting a garden may not be the first thing on your mind at Christmas—but in India, planting season is vital for a poor, rural family. You can provide a set of tools for a family to grow their own nutritious crops and maintain their home throughout the year. A tool kit includes an axe, shovel, saw, plow, sickle and crowbar."

This is an awesome gift and I'm thrilled to know that families will be benefit from these gifts!

~Till They All Come Home~

He said What?

Korbin loves Kirke's mom. He and Mimi are inseparable while she's here or we're visiting down there. Yesterday was the end of her visit and we kept warning him that she was going back home. We didn't want a big dramatic goodbye scene with him saying "why didn't you tell me she was leaving"!

We got to the airport and Korbin got out to hug Mimi and say goodbye and he says:

"Bye Mimi, I hope you make it alive!"

Wow, where does he get this stuff from!

~Till They All Come Home~

Ten Years Together

Ten years ago I was 20 years and 23 days old. He was a much older at 21 years and 29 days old. We had been out of high school for only 2 1/2 years. We were kids. I was working as a home health aide and still making pizza at the local Little Caesars where I had worked since I was 15. He had spent 2 1/2 years in the Army and was stationed at Ft Drum NY. I lived with my wonderful Aunt and he lived in the barracks 600 miles away.

The engagement lasted 6 months. We planned the wedding and ten years ago today was the day we pulled it off. We had about a 125 guests. Ten of those were his family from Texas and the rest were our friends and family in Michigan.

I hadn't met any of his family other than his mother. I was scared they would hate me. Afterall he was marrying a "northern girl". I was okay with that because we were in love.

Our friends knew us as Micky and Opie. We had lived 9 hours apart for the duration of our engagement and were anxious to begin our lives together. Two kids from different worlds but love was all we needed.

Our pastor was a man I had known since I was 8 years old. He lived next door to my grandparents (now parents) house. My Maid of Honor was one of my best friends I'd known since I was 7 years old. My bridesmaid was my exboyfriend's youngest sister. I had a 10 year old Jr Bridesmaid who I had babysat since I was 12 and her two sisters were my flower girls.

Kirke's Best Man was his best buddy at Ft Drum. His groomsman was a childhood friend from Texas who was living in Michigan only a half hour from my hometown. The Jr Groomsman was my 12 year old cousin. We had two ushers. Our buddy Mark who was like a brother to me and my 14 year old cousin.

Ten years ago we were married. We still kinda like each other now. Two and half kids later we're still in love. I love you Kirke and I'd do it all over again if I had the chance!

~Till They All Come Home~

Adoption Is On Track

We talked to our lawyer on Friday about some concerns we've been having that I can't mention here because I want to protect the privacy of Jane as well as our own. But the good news is that the lawyer certain that there is nothing that's going to stand in the way of this adoption taking place as easily as we had hoped aside from of course Jane changing her mind. But we're certain that she's not going to do that. She and I talk nearly every day and she's anxious to be the one who's able to make our family complete by adding a little girl to our world!

We are ready for the baby other than clothes. We have two boys who are super environmental and we're going to use either cloth diapers or gDiapers with our daughter. We like the idea of saving money and doing our share for the environment.

The pumping is still going the same. I've added the herb fenugreek twice a day. It could take weeks to start actually producing milk and not just small drops of whatever. I've ordered a book about adoptive breastfeeding and plan to attend the next local meeting of the La Leche League International.

So everything is going perfect and a huge weight was lifted from our shoulders as well as Jane's and the rest of our families. It's the greatest feeling ever to have the confirmation that our daughter will be ours in about 3 short months!!

~Till They All Come Home~

Did I Mention I Turned 30?

I have been spending entirely too much time being a dork and playing Farmville on Facebook and playing over there catching up with old friends I never thought I'd wonder about and ones I wonder about frequently.

So I apologize for forgetting to mention that I had a birthday last week! I turned 30 and had myself a great party with great friends and good food and lots to drink. It was great. Here are a few pictures.

This is my fake I'm sad to turn to 30 face. Actually it's sort of refreshing to join the rest of my friends in the over 30 club!!

This is a more real me.......

Notice the very big, very sharp knife in my hand and the closest bystander:

This is the cake my very good, very talented friend Breanna made for me.

And golly gee I only have pictures of the guys playing Rockband and none of our girl band....weird.

We missed you Suds family!!

~Till They All Come Home~

This video is from the 19th when we told the boys that we having a girl. Enjoy!

~Till They All Come Home~

Breastfeeding without Pregnancy: Adoptive Mom's Can Breastfeed

Everyone knows we're adopting a baby girl in March. When I had both boys I didn't hesitate with my decision to breastfeed them. Tayton nursed for 10 1/2 months and Korbin for only 6 weeks when a kickass case of mastitis along with him being hospitalized for 3 days on top of still having an 18 month old at home made it too much to handle and he went on formula.

If we were having this child ourselves we'd definitely chose breast milk as her source of nutrition. I wasn't aware that adoptive mom's do have the option to breastfeed also. I know that a lot of adoptions don't have a long period for planning like we happen to be blessed with so it might not work as well for some. For us having 7 months to plan for our new arrival we've have time and have done our research.

It wasn't an easy decision to make but we've decided to make the commitment and see if I can produce milk and nurse this baby. I visited my family doctor who made sure I was aware of the commitment it's going to take in order to trick my body into thinking it should be produce milk and he did a little research into the medicines I had read about and in the end decided to prescribe Reglan and I bought a pump.

I've started the pills and pumping. I want to give my body plenty of time and not feel rushed as we get too near the end of the pregnancy and not have results. I'm happy to report that it is going well so far. I'll be thrilled when the first real drops appear but for now I'm happy with a little moisture as a sign that this is meant to be and we'll be able to provide this great source of nutrition and bonding for our new baby girl!

~Till They All Come Home~

We're Going to have a Daughter

And here she is making her first blog appearance!

We're very very excited that we're going to be adding some pink to this very blue family! The ultrasound tech said everything appears fine and she's tracking the due date the same as first estimated March 23!

~Till They All Come Home~

Reunion of Korbin and His Dog

Korbin never listens!! I see many posts starting out that way in the future...

We went to the Rams vs. Saints game in St Louis on Sunday. Afterward we stopped in Sullivan, MO for dinner and we took a side trip into their local Wal-Mart for some much needed items. Korbin and Tayton were both told to leave their puppies in the car. Neither one listened. Tayton carries his puppy everywhere because it's weighted and helps him feel more secure (instead of weighted belts and vests). Tayton never puts puppy down so him losing him isn't much of a concern.

Korbin however goes in spurts of wanting to bring Little Memphis places with him. He disregarded our warning and brought little Memphis into the store. Brandy and I took off to the craft section to find some material for her to make a baby wrap like the one I made and tested out on my 8 year old. It's great, he simply loved it!

Anyhow, once we got home Korbin couldn't find Little Memphis. I called Wal-Mart in Sullivan (an hour away) and they had found him. I asked if they would ship him to us and that I'd pay for it and they said sure, took down my address and never asked for payment. I was a bit worried it wasn't going to arrive but today we got a package:

~Till They All Come Home~

Korbin Plans Ahead

We had this discussion in the car yesterday...

Korbin: I'm going to have four kids. Two girls and two boys.

Me: Which do you want to have first?

Korbin: The girls because they're cuter!

Me: Why do you want us to have a girl?

Korbin: Because girls are sooooooo cute!

Korbin: Or probably I'll just have two kids. One boy and one girl.

Tayton: Why not four? Then you can have a bigger house.

Korbin: Just two.

Tayton: Or are four too expensive? What are you a cheap freak?

~Till They All Come Home~

An Explanation

I posted from my phone to let anyone interested know that Janes ultrasound was cancelled. Her doctor was home sick the day of the appointment and while her appointment was at the hospital so she should have been able to have her ultrasound. She had told the nurse that her daughters were sick with the flu, possibly H1N1, and with the possibility that she could be infected they weren't able to let her have the ultrasound.

It has been rescheduled for the 19th. The doctor called her this morning and decided that even though she isn't feeling too bad now, he wanted her on Tamiflu anyway because of the risks for her with H1N1. She'll be taking it until the 19th as of now and possibly for another week after.

It worries me. I hate that I can't be at the ultrasound. I'm sad. The good news is that we got to see family and we got to see Jane a couple times and she seems to be doing well. She's showing now and we're hoping the rest of the pregnancy goes good and that this will pass.

The boys are happy to be home, Kirke's happy we're home. I'm happy to be home. Only I'm not feeling overly happy for some reason. I guess it's just leaving so much undone at home.

Keep thinking pink... Blue's nice too.

~Till They All Come Home~

The ultrasound was rescheduled so we're heading back to MO with no clue about the gender of the baby. I'm very very disappointed...

Adoption Update

The birth mom, birth dad and I met with a local attorney today. The first one we met with said it would cost their minimum fee of $4500 and would be a simple process. Today's attorney said it would be a simple process and therefore cost us only a fraction of the price.

Today's meeting was very reassuring. I need this boost of confidence. The birth parents are very secure in their decision to allow us to adopt the baby. The attorney and I had a chance to chat a little after the birth parents went out to the car because I was waiting on a text from Kirke with some information. She was very helpful and seemed to be looking forward to helping us with this process.

I'm very excited and Monday is our ultrasound!! Think pink!! And if it's blue then think healthy!!!

~Till They All Come Home~

Best Friends Shouldn't Be Separated

We love our Army life most of the time. We love that we get to move around and meet new people. We develop very fast friendships that become our families.

Over the past two years we've been lucky enough to meet some of the very best friends we could imagine. Tayton and Cadie had a slow go at their friendship because they are both pretty shy. And Tayton isn't one bit into girly stuff. Lucky for him Cadie doesn't care much for pink pretty girly things most of the time either. She's never asked him to play barbies and he respected her for that. In first grade they were seated together and he relied greatly on her being there to help him through his days. She took care of him and made him feel safe at times that he might have otherwise melted down. They spend afternoons and weekends together hanging out and learning about Pokemon and riding bikes. Their bond is amazing. We've promised to make sure they can make it to prom together! As they said goodbye today Tayton hugged Cadie a million times, requested that I take a picture of him and Cadie together a few times. He's an amazing kid and she was a fantastic part of his emotional development the past two years. As they left he stood on my van waving until they were out of sight. He then said "I'm pretty sure this is going to be a rough day for me." I held him for the next 20 or so minutes. It's too hard to say goodbye sometimes.

Cassidy has gone from being a creepy little slobbery, girly, smelly baby to just another part of the group. The boys were thrilled with this change. Korbin has taken to including Cassidy in his fun in the recent months. He was very "big brotherish" with her and that means lots of fighting, bossing and a little bit of fun! It was a sweet transition for the kids to see a child go from a one year old to a 3 1/2 year old.

Christian came on the scene quiet and reserved. Brandy I were certain he hated us. We still wonder. Then we realized he does think we're funny and is as much a smarty pants as us!He proved to be much more fun to be around since we weren't scared he secretly wished we'd choke on our drinks. We're really gonna miss his quiet snickering in the corner while we're being stupid. And his witty answers in the game of Things.

And then there's Vicki. Amber's mom who lives with them. She's fantastic. She thinks that I'm funny and that makes me happy. She's fun and crazy and she just kinda "gets us" which is hard to find in our "parental" types.

Last but not least we have Amber. Amber was brought into this madness by Brandy. She was thrown full force into our group, probably somewhat involuntarily, as the deployment planning started taking shape. We convinced her to move on post into our friend Summer's old house cause we're cool like that. And it was convenient for us and we're all about what's best for us, right? Since she was thrown in head first she didn't get time to ease into our group which would have given her an escape route. Instead she was trapped! Sucker!

Well here's my beef. We got here before her. We've been her longer and damn it she gets to leave first? Not fair! Leaving first is the easiest. It's the ones left back waiting (or stuck forever, sorry Brandy) that are suckin! It's harder to fill the voids left by friends who've come and gone than to start fresh in a new adventure.

We spent nearly everyday doing something together. We survived the deployment together as well as the post deployment struggles. It's been a rough road we've travelled but we laugh. We can always laugh even if half the group thinks Brandy and I shouldn't mix according to game night answers that is....liars, you love it!

Some friendships are meant to be temporary and eventually fade into memories. The ones we've made here aren't that type. We're not saying goodbye, we're saying "see you later" even though later may be really far away. We love you guys and you're going to be missed more than you or I could have imagined!

Enjoy your new adventure Sud's Family. It's gonna be hard to find people like Brandy and I and our crazy families again you know? You're welcome!

~Till They All Come Home~

Lamberts Throwed Rolls and Hog Jowls

We've been going ninety to nothing the past couple weeks! I've been dying to eat at Lamberts Cafe for a while now. Dana told me they throw rolls and that's all I needed to know. Any resturant that throws food is great in my opinion!

We finally went two weeks ago. We went with Ambers family and our good friend James. We got there and put our name on the waiting list at 4:45. Only an hour and forty minute wait! Wow! We waited because dang it I want someone to throw food!

We got our table and Amber's in-laws were with us. Well they're about as country as you can get coming from Indiana. We ordered our food, caught some food from the air and got more brought around in giant pots and slopped onto our plates. Oh wait, I didn't eat on a plate! It was a giant fryin pan!

Ambers Father in Law ordered Jowls. I had no idea what jowls were. Then next thing I know Korbin and Cadie were each eating themselves some hog jowls. Korbin told me it was good! Amber's hubby told Cadie to ask her grandpa what they were. He replied "the jaw of the hog (cheek)", as if that's perfectly normal.

Korbin's response to that bit of knowlege: "I'm full of eating this now." And he put it on the table.

~Till They All Come Home~

Half Naked Foreigner OR Trick-or-Treat OR Men Dressed as Women

First off let me just mention that we encountered this guy along our trick-or-treat route. He and a trusty companion were passing out candy. He talked with a crazy accent. His friend that was with him was in a military uniform but it wasn't United States so we're not sure where they came from since we do have a lot of foreign military here on the Fort. But I was cool with him stopping to hand out candy to our kids.

Right up until I realized he wasn't wearing any pants. At which point I couldn't stop staring and laughing. And my real camera had been put away since it was dark so I was left with this terrible image from my phone. But you can clearly see that his legs are painted but there are no pants.

Creepy.


Oh and one more thing. No Pants Guy should have been told by his trusty companion not to be squatting down because his little speedo's weren't enough...

So, On to the good pictures. Here's our group of kids. Somehow Megan and Abby are missing from this picture. This was right before we started trick-or-treating. Tayton is chewbacca and Korbin's a dinosaur after he decided that he wasn't going to wear his werewolf costume so he loaned it to Nicholas because he's so stinking sweet!

Everyone really loved my milk jug skeleton's that I slaved over for the past couple weeks!

I wasn't kidding. They LOVED them. Those guys got an awful lot of attention!

This is what Kirke would look like if he had hair like Dorothy from Wizard of OZ. I"m glad he doesn't. But it also kinda makes me wonder what a baby girl would have looked like .....scary!

And as if it wasn't bad enough that Kirke put on the wig but Christian dressed up as a Spartan Cheerleader from SNL.

Kirke and I ditched our Roman God and Goddess costumes we originally planned on for a more simple Thing 1 and Thing 2. We got way more attention than I'd have liked. Too many people talked to us and pointed us out and that's not really my thing. Really it's not....

All in all we had a fantastic day. Sadly our Halloween was also a going away party for some of our very closest friends. Tayton's best friend and one of mine.

~Till They All Come Home~

Get the Leg Out

I think th eboy needs new pants. He just thinks he's funny!

Oh yeah and he's standing on the table and I'm okay with that....that's how we roll!

~Till They All Come Home~

Look What I caught!

This little guy was hanging out on the sidewalk this afternoon. Probably soaking up some much needed sunshine after all of these cold rainy days! He's hanging out in a pop bottle right now so Kirke can see him before we let him go.

~Till They All Come Home~

Poor Poor Scrappy

I've had Scrappy longer than I've had Kirke! True story. One in which I tend to remind Kirke of more often than necessary I'm sure! He's 11 years old now. He's still laid back and tolerant of all the kids antics and I have no idea how he manages! Especially on days like this:

Maybe he was just cold?

~Till They All Come Home~

HEY!!!

Who stopped following me? I was so excited to have 50 followers and now back down to 49. I must suck. I'll work on that and lure you back!!

~Till They All Come Home~