Earthquake Relief

******Update The Ford Foundation is matching donations to the China earthquake relief when your donation is made via Global Giving. HTS still gets the money but it automatically doubles your genorosity and can help more families in need. I made my donation last night, did you? I still can't  fathom the damage from the earthquake in China.  It rattles me to know that my girl is there and I can't get to her immediately and bring her home.  I encourage you if you can to please give something to help the relief efforts no matter how small.  I am a huge fan of Half the Sky and am proud of all the work they do.  They have set up an earthquake relief fund and have already raised close to $35,000.  I don't think you can put a price on the loss of lives but all the families who have lost children, children who have lost parents and the ones sleeping outside due to the aftershocks without water, electricity or water.  Fortunately the weather has been getting warmer of there would be an entirely different crisis.  As of today Ford Motor Co is matching every donation made to HTS.

Retail Therapy

So yesterday and today I snagged some great deals.  Fortunately the stores have a 90 day return policy so if the size is off (I think I should be pretty accurate) I can return.  My stops included The Gap, Nordstrom Rack, Target and Old Navy.  All were sale items and the pic of the print jacket and jeans (haute couture) was $200 on sale for $30 which was a splurge and goes nicely with the $3 Target specials.  It looks a lot better in person.  For your viewing pleasure.

Thank You

To everyone who called or emailed to see if my girl was okay, thank you from the bottom of my heart.  Emme and her friends are all safe and sound in the Changchun area which is quite north of the epicenter of the earthquake.  My heart and prayers go out to all those affected by this tragedy. While I always felt I had a firm grasp on the one-child policy, it never hit me as much as when I read of parents hovering and sleeping over the bodies of their children who perished.  Not to say that one child has more value than another but I imagine losing your only child is the worst pain a human being can feel.

FedEx and Some Snazzy Threads

I forgot I had taken a pic the day my LOA was delivered.  I don't look all that glamorous but it was a happy day.  Since I was at work I didn't get to meet my stork (delivery person) but I ran home to get it, then back to work with it unopened and found my mom (we work at the same place).  She insisted we take a photo to commemorate the day.  I also have some of Emme's summer wardrobe though I took them on the bed which probably wasn't the best way but.....

Let's Roll!

In the midst of my dental agony this weekend, I went to register.  Oh what fun!  I hadn't planned on it but I bought a stroller and am totally in love with it.  It's not what I expected to buy but it is absolutely  perfect.  It's the Baby Jogger City Mini (it's all-terrain, not for jogging) and I chose the solid black.  It holds a child to 50 pounds and truly is a one handed 2-second fold.  With my back I need something easy and light, good for a few years in terms of weight capacity and easy to navigate.  I found all of the above in this gem.  Only when I came home and looked it up did I see the amazing safety ratings, parent reviews and accessories.  It's a little heavier than umbrella strollers but has great features like a huge canopy to protect from the elements, 5-point safety harness, padded handle, cushy washable seat covers and nice storage compartments.  You can also accessorize it if you like with a belly bar or child tray which I will add (tray).  It' so popular that it's sold out everywhere which is why I bought it now.  It's on back order so I didn't want to wait.  It should be here in about a month though it could be 8-12 weeks.  Since they were ordered a while ago they expect them sooner than later.  I can't seem to get a photo of it here but if you're in the market, definitely check it out.  

How Cool of a Mom Are You?

Maia, a fellow adoptive parent and asshat extraordinaire has illustrated a fabulous children's book, which is just about to be released.  She is amazingly talented and I can't wait to get my copy.  Check it out and order yours now.  

Yes Sir, That's My Baby

No sir, don't mean maybe!  My Letter of acceptance (LOA) just came in.  I'm going to China baby!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I am thrilled to introduce Emme Li Chao

Take Good Care of My Baby

Today was care package day.  I went to the store, picked up 2 cartons to wrap, pack and get ready for FedEx to bring a care package to my girl in China.  Among her goodies, are a tye dye tee with matching hair barrettes, a long sleeved pant outfit, an uber-soft pink toddler sized blanket, 2 pair of socks, a disposable camera with her name on it and Raffi the pink giraffe I have been sleeping with for the past few weeks.  Lastly the infamous photo album filled with pictures with corresponding Chinese characters.  The second box is being sent on behalf of "grandma" and contains hand lotion and sweets for the nannies and new baby hats, socks and a dozen infant rattles and other toys for all the other children.  After all, we couldn't have peanut's friends be upset that she was the only one to get a present.  I hope they like everything.

Lost and Found

**MP is man-person otherwise known as the special man in my life.

Today was one of those days which will stick with me for a while.  MP and I did a bit of a switch today as I drove up to him and we spent a day in the "country".  He took me to a restaurant he fancied as a child and visited as an adult.  This sparked conversations about family and childhood memories which I've always felt had major gaps.  Tonight as we shared tales I remembered so much more than I could recall previously and all of it good.  He took me through the Rockland Bakery to watch the bread come off the belts as he told me how his job was to catch the rolls for the paper bag that would accompany him home for dinner.  Thoughts of Uncle Wiggly will surely permeate my dreams tonight but one thing that as I grow I realize is that just because someone didn't (or doesn't) love with all you want, doesn't mean they don't love you with all they had (have).  When I think about how I was raised and the associated feelings and struggles, this is very poignant.  It is these exact memories; almost all positive that I hope to use as a basis for being a good parent.  While I believe both of my parents had flaws in them just as I have in me, they both loved me with 100% of their capabilities and for that I can't help but love them back, maybe just a little more tonight.  In the big picture, if I can be 1/2 of what they were individually my daughter will be pretty lucky.  Of course we're aiming for 100% here but I live in the real world and nothing is every 100% except your tax bill.  I am sure like them I will mistakes but I sure have had good role models in my life who I hope to emulate.  

"Good night, sweetheart, with sweet dreams on fairy wings and I'll be here to kiss you in the morning"  (my mom)

Gimme a P, Gimme an A

I just found out my PA came in on 4/17 but was put into the system today.  It feels like one hurdle has been crossed but now comes the big wait for LOA.  I keep hoping it will come fast but am trying to prepare myself that it could be post Olympics.  In the meantime I will be busy this weekend putting together a care package to send.  Here's hoping for a little "elfin magic".  Don't you just love those ears?