Korbin Again

Lately Korbin has been calling his bike helmet a "gelmet". I thought he was just being his normal silly self.

Well a few minutes ago he asked for his gelmet. I said "you mean helmet?" He said "well I call it a gelmet so that I don't have to say that bad word!"

Apparently the "hel" in helmet is a bit more than he can handle!

~Till They All Come Home~

Poor Scrappy

I have had Scrappy longer than I've had Kirke. The poor dog is soon to be 12 and I were him I'd run away because he puts up with an awful lot!






The kids love him a little too much sometimes. They take "mans best friend" to a whole new level when they stick him in the wagon, put a blanket on him and he just sits there and takes it!

~Till They All Come Home~

Korbin's Full Of It!

I'm making taco's for dinner and Korbin is just starving to death! I asked him to take the lettuce out of the fridge for me.

I heard him muttering "why do I always have to do the disgusting things"! The kid hates lettuce!

I reply, "it's just leaves there's nothing gross about it".

He then says to me, "I'll just hold it by the very corner, this is very disturbing to me!"

I then say "I'll give you $5 bucks if you'll taste the lettuce."

Korbins looks at me seriously interested and replies, "make it ten!"

Deals off!

~Till They All Come Home~

Korbin's Intuition

We're in the car and just passed a group of basic training soldiers carrying their weapons.

Korbin asked Kirke if they were M16's. Then he asked "when you were in practice for the Army did you have an M16 that shot nerf darts?"

Its an interesting theory really. Can't the troops just play laser tag instead of killing one another? There's enough natural disasters killing people that we really should start thinking like a 6 year old!

Show Us Your Privates

I'm pretty sure I don't have any lurkers but just in case I thought I'd join the fun and call you out to say hello! But I think that to have lurkers you'd have to have readers and I'm not sure I have more than the three of you who comment regularly. But hey let's have a go at this and see if anyone new comes out. I do have 54 followers so maybe a few of you could say hello. Perhaps I might get more than 5 comments on post? Check out my older posts cause this one is lame.

Our quote of the day here today was:

Today Korbin said "Tayton acts as if the whole world Avolves around him". Yep that's a new word and I love it!

~Till They All Come Home~

In Case Anyone Was Wondering

I haven't talked much about the adoption lately because frankly there's not much going on. We're just in that waiting phase. The birthmom is doing fine and keeps in contact with me. We talk at least by text most days. The legal stuff is also in the waiting phase so there's not much going on.

The birthmom is 30 weeks today and we have 10 weeks left! We move to NY in just a few short weeks and we've stayed busy with purging lots of things we don't need or don't use. We're stopping to visit my family in MI for a couple days on our drive to Fort Drum and then I'll be back to MI closer to the baby's due date.

Everything should go smoothly. Pray that it goes quickly so that we can get back to NY and get the baby home.

~Till They All Come Home~

Meet The Neighbors! Let's Fight!

We've had a few of our neighbors move away recently which means new ones moving in. In the two and a half years we've lived in this house we haven't had any neighbors with kids my boys age.

Until now! Today I met the neighbors that moved in across the street. I was outside playing in the snow with the naughty little blond boys when it happened. The neighbors across the street were playing outside too. They were shoveling snow into a giant heap just like we were. There was a man, a boy and little girl.

The man says "are you making a snow fort too?" I say "yep and then we're gonna attack yours!" Cause I'm brave like that and assume everyone appreciates my bold sense of humor. Luckily he laughed.

Eventually we went over and introduce ourselves. They have a 10 year old son, an 8 year old girl and a 3 year old girl. PERFECT! Except we move in a few weeks!

The icing on the cake was when I asked what school they go to and they said they home school! Go figure!

The boys decided we needed a flag for our fort. Tayton took a towel and wrote "Best" and we planted it on top of our fort facing across the street toward their fort.

Then we decided that a great science lesson would be to build a catapult to launch snow balls at our targets. We built it and then decided to go out and test the thing. It was pathetic. But while we were out there the neighbors came out and planted a flag on top of their fort.

It read: "Bigger and Better Fort"

I guess not everyone knows our last name is Best and we're not just conceited!

~Till They All Come Home~

The Girls are Screaming Out for Help!

With all this new technology, inventions and the accomplishments that have been made over the past hundred or so years, we still have a MAJOR problem.

How is it that they can make underwear that makes you look two sizes smaller, shoes that tone your butt when you walk, pants that have built in butt lifters but my bra's are still attacking me by the middle of the day?

Is it so hard to spend a little time figuring out a way to make that darn piece of shrapnel stay inside the material made to hold it in place? I'm tried of standing in a crowded room and trying to conceal the fact that I'm being stabbed by my undergarments. There are probably permanent scars on the sides of "the girls" from these darn torture devices.

For the love of God and the sake and my "girls" please someone poke some darn holes in the metal wire and sew it in or figure out another way to save me from an accidental breast reduction!!

~Till They All Come Home~

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...