tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-207066012011-11-03T13:16:32.097-07:00Welcome to the ramblings of a suburban stay at home mom to two kids, one of whom just happens to be living in Taiwan at the moment. This all started out as a simple adoption blog, which I quickly hijacked from my family and made all about what I thought! Shocking, I know. I still discuss the ongoing adoption of our son Zack from Taiwan...but I have so much more to say....Amandanoreply@blogger.comBlogger721100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20706601.post-28237039283152639132007-06-06T19:48:00.000-07:002008-12-11T18:32:23.258-08:00

So, after much consideration I have decided not to maintain two blogs..and this one has sort of reached the end of it's originally intended purpose. Our adoption journey has been well documented and I am so grateful for all of the connections and support I found through this experience. I will be keeping this blog up for folks to access until I can figure out how to combine it with my other blog

Amandanoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20706601.post-82721428399603713542007-01-08T09:23:00.000-08:002007-01-08T09:32:29.192-08:00

I am going to take an official break (as opposed to the unofficial one I have already taken) from this blog. I am not sure how, or if, things will progress from there. I have been dedicating more and more of any 'spare' time I find to work on my other project--- Plumm --- and can't seem to manage all three of my web obligations. I will also be taking some business and design courses at the

Amandanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20706601.post-1166420093859399062006-12-17T21:01:00.000-08:002006-12-17T21:34:53.923-08:00

Amandanoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20706601.post-1165212144572092432006-12-03T20:46:00.000-08:002006-12-03T22:02:26.036-08:00

Amandanoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20706601.post-1164492549539415002006-11-25T13:56:00.000-08:002006-11-25T14:09:55.686-08:00

We had 22 friends and family for dinner, it was just wonderful. Luke decided he would only eat out of my small skillet....absolutely not off his plate. No way. Kai decided to only eat stuffing, but it could be off of anyones plate. Chris and I after dinner....

Amandanoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20706601.post-1164254676058407302006-11-22T19:51:00.000-08:002006-11-22T20:04:36.086-08:00

for so much.... kidshubsfamfriendshomehealthcreativitysupportencouragementpassionpossibilitysippy cupsThanks Universe.

Amandanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20706601.post-1163612710585324562006-11-15T09:33:00.000-08:002006-11-15T09:46:20.680-08:00

for all the kind words about the new craft endeavor. As a show of my gratitude I will share some photo's of my sweet, crazy boys. And, below, a bonus Halloween family photo. (Yes. The boys had multiple Halloween costumes. Yes.)

Amandanoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20706601.post-1163529990773205062006-11-14T10:39:00.000-08:002006-11-14T10:47:24.446-08:00

So, I have started a new blog to showcase my other passions.....sewing, knitting and the whole handmade resurgence. I am hoping for it to be a way to connect with other crafters, creators, artists and moms who are trying to find a way to parent mindfully while pursuing their own interests (something I am REALLY struggling with). Please head over and check it out...It's called plumm.

Amandanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20706601.post-1162400648346940952006-11-01T07:44:00.000-08:002006-11-01T09:04:08.496-08:00

We had a blast! Candy+ Neighbors+ Costumes=Good Times.

Amandanoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20706601.post-1161963097253564822006-10-27T07:18:00.001-07:002006-10-27T08:31:37.276-07:00

I just finished another one of my little hats for the boys. I started making these when Luke was a baby and still really love the look. I call them "Rock Star" hats because so many folks point and whisper and even approach us when the kids wear them. Now I just need to keep a few with me so I can see them to our Fans!

Amandanoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20706601.post-1161833504382072812006-10-25T20:20:00.000-07:002006-10-25T20:32:13.533-07:00

Amandanoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20706601.post-1161832794668181492006-10-25T20:05:00.000-07:002006-10-25T20:19:54.693-07:00

So, I finished another cute little purse. I am officially an addict. This time I used a fun little dot stitch on my machine to do most of the finish work...The purse was a birthday gift for Little miss Lily, who is 1, so it seemed perfect. I already have two more in the works. Can't wait to share!

Amandanoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20706601.post-1160025022778116522006-10-04T21:53:00.000-07:002006-10-07T13:40:09.660-07:00

So...I have been wanting to try making a purse for a while now. But for obvious reasons I haven't had much time or space to sit and create. I finally set up a sewing area and got busy.Although I have been sewing for quite a while, I have never tried a project like this before and am quite pleased with the results.I just sketched it out on paper and then made my own pattern. Honestly, I didn't

Amandanoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20706601.post-1159406874696762982006-09-27T17:29:00.000-07:002006-09-27T18:27:54.780-07:00

So...The time has come for me to begin working on Kai's (yes, we are already calling him Kai and he is already used to it. No, he doesn't respond to any random name, just 3 carefully chosen ones) quilt. It is currently a 25 wishes quilt. NOT quite what I was hoping for. Ummm, I don't want to sound all braggy here, but, we know signifigantly more than 25 folks. That means some of you who have

Amandanoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20706601.post-1158527846393677442006-09-17T13:14:00.000-07:002006-09-17T14:20:49.590-07:00

Well, a few things to report.First, we have decided to make a slight change to Zack's name. I know, like he hasn't already dealt with enough change lately. We are going to lengthen it ever so slightly to Zackai or Zakai. We haven't nailed down the spelling yet. Leaning toward the latter though. I suspect we will end up calling him Kai eventually. Right now when I have called him Kai he has

Amandanoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20706601.post-1156889677896841522006-08-29T14:53:00.000-07:002006-08-29T15:14:37.976-07:00

1. Zack Takes A Step!(We have seen no more action since these were taken)(I hate that I am making that face in and simultaniously displaying my armpit)2. Zack spoon "feeds" himself for the first time.(he is SO proud)3. Luke goes on his first Ride at the State Fair!(He LOVED it)4. The boys get their first Sandbox and Love it.(most of them don't try to eat the sand)5. I finished my first painting

Amandanoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20706601.post-1156025133736140162006-08-19T14:40:00.000-07:002006-08-19T15:12:33.133-07:00

So we put on a some Beatles & staged a little photo shoot at our house this weekend and these are the results! Please keep in mind that we took about 5 times as many photo's as you see here. Apparently the kiddo's no likey the photo opp. Below are a couple "out takes"....

Amandanoreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20706601.post-1155358033565704592006-08-11T21:07:00.000-07:002006-08-11T21:47:13.696-07:00

First, let me reitterate how much we love the sling! Although I am the main "slinger" in the fam..Chris definately uses it also. I have had a sling before when Luke was smaller and we didn't really like it. It was a different brand and it did not have the padded edges or the shoulder pad. I think these really make the whole experience so much better for both the big and small people. This

Amandanoreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20706601.post-1154752951849329812006-08-04T20:59:00.000-07:002006-08-04T21:42:32.040-07:00

We are settling into our family and our life. It really has been an amazing week here. I had the kids home without Chris for the first time since Zack joined us and it was awsome! I had quite a bit of stuff planned to help ease our transition and had to cancel almost all of it because both kids got sick with colds (snot). I know, you are thinking " how was that awsome?". Well. The answer is

Amandanoreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20706601.post-1153886910854634582006-07-25T20:36:00.000-07:002006-07-25T21:08:30.946-07:00

(Oh gracious that is a great smile) (um, yeah...That felt great!) (A hardcore Tinker Toy session)Yes, it is getting better! Much, much better! We had a bit of a breakthrough on the sleep front and everybody is much happier! Zack was just getting so overtired from not napping that we were all in a bit of a state....well, things have drastically improved over the last couple days. He was

Amandanoreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20706601.post-1153541672645682112006-07-21T20:34:00.000-07:002006-07-21T21:20:40.346-07:00

We got the boys these robes in Taiwan from some Amazing women, Miki and Lauren, who we met at their little shop. We went back 3 or 4 times to visit, both before and after we had picked up Zack. The day we flew out we went to say good-bye and they made us oolong tea right on the display counter. We sat and talked and drank tea. It was one of the more special parts of our journey..... (Help...

Amandanoreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20706601.post-1153098952215686782006-07-16T18:07:00.000-07:002006-07-16T18:15:53.723-07:00

Alrighty then! We are sleeping! We kept poor little Zack (and his poor parents) awake as long as he could be kept awake yesterday and we have success. He slept from 9:45pm until 8:00am. Yeah. Zack rocks. So, everybody slept last night at the same time and the boys both napped at the same time this afternoon.Looks like we are all set for another night of going to bed all at once. Chris and I may

Amandanoreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20706601.post-1152983414497646732006-07-15T10:00:00.000-07:002006-07-15T10:10:14.530-07:00

So. Last night Zack went to bed at 3am and Luke got up at his usual 6:30am. 3 hours of sleep. Now we are sleeping in shifts. Might be a couple days before I post again. Thank you so much for all your amazing comments. Having that connection to home while we were away helped us so much. I can't wait until I am leaving comments for all you waiting to travel. Oh, yeah and I can't wait until I am

Amandanoreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20706601.post-1152939405995059692006-07-14T20:14:00.000-07:002006-07-14T21:56:46.126-07:00

Zack's feet touching US ground just after customs at San Fran!!!!! Ok, sorry for not posting for a couple days...We had a long but wonderful trip home. Zack slept for 7 HOURS on the plane ride home!!!! We had the bassinet on EVA Airlines with the bulkhead seats in their delux class. Hear me now...You must do this if you are traveling with an infant!!! Or first class, but we can't freakin afford

Amandanoreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20706601.post-1152670364285977482006-07-11T18:26:00.000-07:002006-07-11T19:25:44.476-07:00

Dad's Observations about Zack:Right now he wants to do nothing but go for walks in the carrier or be held.Right now we want to do nothing but hold him.He is already a completely different little boy than the one we picked up. He is opening up faster than I thought he would.Zack is a thinker just like his big brother.He is also just about as heavy as his big brother! He is a wide and stalky little

Amandanoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20706601.post-1152610611945300932006-07-11T02:18:00.000-07:002006-07-11T02:36:51.966-07:00

Progress, progress, progress!!We are all getting used to each other around here and it feels fabulous!!! As a matter of fact Zack is definately attaching. He will turn to us if anyone tries to touch him or talk to him while we are out. And alot of folks want to talk to him!!! He is so cute!!! We are getting quite a bit of attention but it is all very good natured. Zack likes to be out and about..

Amandanoreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20706601.post-1152530261010123942006-07-10T04:03:00.000-07:002006-07-10T04:17:41.036-07:00

We have Zack...he is amazing and scared and heavy and perfect!!! He wants to be held and never put down. Could be alot worse huh? He weighs as much as Luke but doesn't know to hold on or wrap his legs around while being carried...makes it seem like he weighs twice as much. I have alot to share but we are completely wiped out. Here are some of the zillions of photo's...

Amandanoreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20706601.post-1152424367908260472006-07-08T21:59:00.000-07:002006-07-08T22:52:50.843-07:00

Hey there everybody!!!! Still having a great time! Other than missing Luke and being anxious to have Zack, this is an awesome trip!! So, it is lunch time here on Sunday and 10pm on Saturday at home. This morning we got pretty adventurous and walked about a mile through the city to an open air street market. We found a few great treasures for us and Zack and got to practice bartering with the

Amandanoreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20706601.post-1152403678712508962006-07-08T16:35:00.000-07:002006-07-08T17:07:58.736-07:00

No Shortage of signage here! Can you say densly populated?Scooters are definitely the preffered method of transportation here. Almost no huge SUV's.Even fearless travellers desreve a treat right!?!?Well it is Sunday morning and last night we both hit a wall and fell asleep at about 6:30. The top three pictures were taken walking around after we went to the Handicraft Market, which was

Amandanoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20706601.post-1152335422253667392006-07-07T21:50:00.000-07:002006-07-07T22:10:22.270-07:00

View from Observation Floor (89th) of Taipei 101 Taipei 101 Center Atrium of our hotel....very swanky.Us in (front of) Love.So here are a few photo's of our hotel (The Howard Plaza) and the Taipei 101 (worlds tallest building for now). We are having a great time and the food is amazing!!!It is Lunch time here right now and we are headed to the Handicraft Market.Getting around in cabs has been a

Amandanoreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20706601.post-1152288837389437862006-07-07T09:02:00.000-07:002006-07-07T09:13:57.413-07:00

We have just arrrived in our room in Taipei.... and this is the fanciest hotel room I've ever been in! We had a limo ride from the Airport, had our bags delivered to our room and are about to go to bed. We have been awake for 30 hours and are ready to pass out. The plane ride was a plane ride....We couldn't sleep much..maybe an hour or so. The food was very good and the seats were more

Amandanoreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20706601.post-1151811758722525722006-07-01T20:01:00.000-07:002006-07-01T20:42:38.816-07:00

Luke turned 2 this week!!!!What a big boy he has become.Luke can:Say 4 word sentencesAsk 4 word QuestionsTell me when he needs his daper changed (yes, we just bought a little potty)Sleep in a big boy bedBoogie DownLine up all of his Hot wheels in a perfect rowClimb in and out of any chairGet in and out of the car by himselfTalk on the phoneUse a forkGive nice Hugs and KissesUnscrew just about any

Amandanoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20706601.post-1151536172746275582006-06-28T15:51:00.000-07:002006-06-28T16:09:32.786-07:00

Zack is officially our son. We received our Final Decree from the Taiwan Courts on Tuesday, June 27. I am so overwhelmed by this news. It is Pure joy. O.K., maybe mixed with a little bit of freaking out!!! I now have "kids", plural, 2 of 'em. We are a family of four. I feel so filled up with gratitude and releif. We will be leaving next Thursday, the 6th, and Meeting our Zack on the following

Amandanoreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20706601.post-1150689954315861412006-06-18T20:46:00.000-07:002006-06-18T21:05:54.336-07:00

Sooo, today Zack turned 1. Aparently your kids can have their birthdays even if you're not there. I thought time would just stand still until we were united......uh..nope. So, luckily, we also had someone else to celebrate today and he happens to be here. It was, obviously, also Father's Day so we got to dote on our daddy all day, which was fun. We had a family breakfast in bed which was

Amandanoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20706601.post-1150149161785256862006-06-12T14:43:00.000-07:002006-06-12T14:56:07.766-07:00

Oh Holy Cannoli People!!!!We got THE call......THE CALL!!!!!! It has finally happened!!!! We get to HOLD our baby!!!Our agency called This Morning at about 9:30. We have received our First Decree, We are waiting on our Final Decree. They are saying "Tentative Travel Plans" for .........................................Leaving Friday, July 7th !!!!!!!!!!Yes, that is in like 3 & 1/2 Weeks.....We are

Amandanoreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20706601.post-1149117231308112912006-05-31T15:59:00.000-07:002006-05-31T16:13:51.326-07:00

So, I decided that rather than post individual photos of the shower gifts...I will just show you the finished nursery! We received so many gifts and warm wishes for Zack...we are so greatfull to everyone who is offering us support and love in so many ways. We had a great time at our shower and it was a very special day. And, who doesn't love a baby shower where the mom to be can indulge in a

Amandanoreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20706601.post-1148655730191606672006-05-26T07:51:00.000-07:002006-05-26T08:02:10.206-07:00

Here is Zack's May update...He is getting so big! height: 29.53" / 75 cmweight: 20.72 lb / 9.4 kghead: 18.31" / 46.5 cmHe has 2 upper and 2 lower teeth.Zack will be 1 year old on Sunday, June 18th. Chris and I KNOW that it is going to be a hard day for us and are trying to think of somthing to do that day to keep our spirits up. Any Ideas?P.S. Our Family is throwing Zack a baby shower this

Amandanoreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20706601.post-1147444859995630052006-05-12T07:30:00.000-07:002006-05-12T07:41:00.020-07:00

This post is dedicated to real moms.Every mom who has dedicated her life to raising a child, whether she gave birth to that child or not, is a real mom.Every mom who has ever given birth to a child, whether they are parenting that child or not, is a real mom.Every mom who has gone through the strain and pain of a homestudy, dossier, wait for a referral, etc. is a real mom.Every mom who has gone

Amandanoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20706601.post-1146104883457791142006-04-26T19:13:00.000-07:002006-04-26T19:28:03.476-07:00

2 upper teeth, 2 lower teethheight: 28.94" / 73.5 cmweight: 19.84 lb / 9 kghead: 17.99" / 45.7 cm Here are the latest photo's....Zack is 10 months old now! I'm not clear why they didn't just retake the eyes closed shot, but.....

Amandanoreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20706601.post-1146004503047705332006-04-25T14:40:00.000-07:002006-04-25T17:04:08.326-07:00

As you may have noticed, the posts have slowed down quite a bit lately....It is mainly due to the fact that I have been working on this post for a while and just can't seem to get it perfect...so screw it, I must end my blogstipation now before things get out of hand.I have this strange quirk (or psychotic tendancy) which causes me to silmultaniously crave and be absolutely horrified by social

Amandanoreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20706601.post-1145486823196336162006-04-19T15:42:00.000-07:002006-04-19T15:52:54.650-07:00

Here is a short video of our little Zack....My heart just swells and breaks a little every time I watch it.....(The file is a bit big, so pause the video until it loads and then hit play. I'll make it smaller if I can)

Amandanoreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20706601.post-1145066519019142822006-04-14T18:44:00.000-07:002006-04-14T19:01:59.250-07:00

It will once again be pouring rain on "Actual Easter", so being the fabulous parent that I am, I staged "Early Easter" purely for photographic purposes.....here's a peak... Mine, All Mine!!!~*~*~*~*~*~Happy Easter~*~*~*~*~*~*~ From Hot Pink Suburbia.....

Amandanoreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20706601.post-1144691392560070962006-04-10T10:34:00.000-07:002006-04-10T10:51:30.200-07:00

A wonderful new family is being formed as you read this. . .Nicole and Greg arrived in Taiwan on Saturday to meet their son Landon. Once they arrived, the learned that their son had been admitted to the hospital by St. Lucy's because he was quite sick. Their first meeting was not what they had imagined, as it took place in the hospital with their son hooked to an IV. This has been a very

Amandanoreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20706601.post-1144343956600799702006-04-06T10:10:00.000-07:002006-04-06T10:19:17.906-07:00

OK, now that we all did the hard stuff and went and read those hard to read things, go read this.Scroll down and check the different topics she covers....there is one post on how she feels about being a Korean Adoptee, 2/26/06 I beleive.Feel a little better? Me too.I wasn't saying that it was all bad. That my son was guaranteed to hate me. I was saying we need to consider all of the

Amandanoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20706601.post-1143846138830926252006-03-31T13:48:00.000-08:002006-03-31T16:47:05.946-08:00

I have been spending alot of time lately reading pretty amazing blogs. Specificaly, the blogs of some incredible women who are also Korean adoptees. These women are the same age as me, but have faced things in their lives which are similar to what my son Zack is bound to encounter. Racism, the search for identity in a culture, ethnicity, and a definition of family that fits their circumstances,

Amandanoreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20706601.post-1143758381365192862006-03-30T14:29:00.000-08:002006-03-31T16:48:47.383-08:00

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .These updates don't really require me to say much...I know your all just here to see the photo's!! (It a damn good thing, cuz they always leave me a bit speechless)Two bottom teethweight: 19.4 lb / 8.8 kgheight: 28.94" / 73.5 cmhead: 18" / 45.7 cmThe Legacy of An Adopted ChildOnce there were two women, who never knew each

Amandanoreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20706601.post-1143502414914070582006-03-27T15:15:00.000-08:002006-03-30T15:20:15.210-08:00

I never knew I would......be rollin' in the minivanbe turned on by my husband keeping his shirt "right side out" when removing itknow the consistancy of a dirty diapers contents based only on it's smellsmash spiders with my bare hands if they try to get within 5 ft. of my babyremind someone EVERY DAY, for going on 6 months now, that you can only have ONE vitamin a day. I see no end in sight....

Amandanoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20706601.post-1143174399393172512006-03-23T20:08:00.000-08:002006-03-30T15:20:41.150-08:00

(Are you serious?!?!)A couple quick updates......We had a doc appt. today and learned that that wretched stinky cast/weapon will bless us with it's presence for yet another week! Drat!But it will be off for sure next week. No Matter What! How hard can it be to saw off a fiberglass tube? It WILL come off.~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~AND~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~We have just heard that Our dossier

Amandanoreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20706601.post-1142988048537684442006-03-21T15:26:00.000-08:002006-03-30T15:21:47.340-08:00

We had quite a fun weekend around here. It was all outdoors all the time for us. The weather finaly decided to cooperate with us and we capitalized on it. We have been stuck in this stupid weather pattern where it MUST rain on the weekend. ALL of the weekends. Forever. It has been like this for about 700 years and our little family couldn't stand it any longer. So when our Little Gym class ended

Amandanoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20706601.post-1142376952631581342006-03-14T14:06:00.000-08:002006-03-30T15:22:17.553-08:00

It has recently come to my attention that my amazing hubby is not aware of just HOW AMAZING he is. It seems I may have neglected to tell him that I notice all the wonderful things he does. Instead, I complain about silly nonsense....I feel like such a poopy head. It's like I assume the fact that he is such a great hubby and father is just a given. It's understood, It's common knowledge. Sooo...

Amandanoreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20706601.post-1142305383552357792006-03-13T18:31:00.000-08:002006-03-30T15:22:41.293-08:00

Here are some fun quizes I found....The Movie Of Your Life Is A Cult ClassicQuirky, offbeat, and even a little campy - your life appeals to a select few.But if someone's obsessed with you, look out! Your fans are downright freaky.Your best movie matches: Office Space, Showgirls, The Big LebowskiIf Your Life Was a Movie, What Genre Would It Be?You Are Buffy the Vampire Slayer"We saved the world. I

Amandanoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20706601.post-1141965565046487372006-03-09T20:04:00.000-08:002006-03-30T15:23:16.056-08:00

We've had quite a bit of adventure around here!! Luke has, at the ripe old age of 20 months, broken his wrist! We spent pretty much all day at the hospital yesterday with our broken baby...The crazy thing is, he was so nonchalant about the whole thing (there was the whole head injury). But I don't think it was the blow to the head that kept him so subdued..I think he has just revealed a little

Amandanoreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20706601.post-1141872394104103492006-03-08T18:33:00.000-08:002006-03-30T15:23:38.510-08:00

Some of the staff from our favorite(and only) adoption agency ever are visiting St. Lucy's right now. They were kind enough to take some photo's of the little guy for us!! What an awsome surprise!We learned a couple things we didn't know...He has two teeth and he has a big smile. It is so comforting to see him interacting with other people and even another baby. We actually, amazingly enough,

Amandanoreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20706601.post-1141700227729339582006-03-06T18:23:00.000-08:002006-03-30T15:19:25.860-08:00

One of my big hopes and dreams in life has finally come to fruition. This is a day I have been dreaming of for years...many years. My mecca, ,has finally opened a store in my area. And, by "my area" I mean like 8 minutes from my house. So, the fam and I ventured into the madness that is an Ikea grand opening, and parused the merch (like we dont have the entire product line committed to memory).I

Amandanoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20706601.post-1141331542188826382006-03-02T12:31:00.000-08:002006-03-02T12:32:22.206-08:00

I have been awash in feelings of love, family and friendship lately. Every day realizing one more person or moment or place or item that I am truely thankfull for. I stumble into this fuzzy yummy state from time to time, and always hope it will stick around for a bit. In case it does move on I have decided to make a list of everything I am loving right now. It will be a snapshot of sorts which I

Amandanoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20706601.post-1141082574365739562006-02-27T15:11:00.000-08:002006-02-27T15:22:54.380-08:00

We got the February update today, just in time. I definately needed my fix!! I can barely stand to look at these photos, but I can't stop looking at them either. It does help that he is one of the cutest kids on the entire stinkin' planet....I'm just sayin'. Here are the stats: weight: 18.3 lb height: 28.35"

Amandanoreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20706601.post-1140576773611953172006-02-21T18:17:00.000-08:002006-02-21T18:52:54.460-08:00

There was much hugging, and sharing and sloppy affection in our home today. The difference today was that people other than me were partaking in the love!!! Short Boy People. I was merely a spectator. A giddy voyeur. My eyeballs nearly popped out of my head with all the pride I felt. Luke Spontaniously showed affection toward the ever scrumptious Cole in the form of hugs and the general allowing

Amandanoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20706601.post-1140207003110919142006-02-17T11:48:00.000-08:002006-02-17T12:55:39.180-08:00

Spoke to our coorinator this morning (hi Rachel!) and learned that our dossier has begun it's journey across the Pacific. I have never been so attached to a pile of papers. It was reassuring to hear that everything is moving along as it should, but now we begin the "long silence" of the court process. There isn't alot of info exchanged during this phase. We won't really know what or how things

Amandanoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20706601.post-1140042442149850482006-02-15T13:51:00.000-08:002006-02-15T16:09:31.900-08:00

I have been hesitant to post again until I had something really worthy of being at the top of the page. This is because I am so incredibly fond of our little cartoon family that I wasn't ready for them to get bumped. But this seems worthy..Quite few of you (ok, not as many as I'd expected. I mean he probably coulda died...eventualy) were a bit concerned for Luke's life after my post that

Amandanoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20706601.post-1139809277361530492006-02-12T21:33:00.000-08:002006-02-12T21:41:17.376-08:00

(Clockwise from top Left: Amanda, Chris, Zack, Luke)I have created our new Family Photo. I love it! I stole the idea from this blog, which had a link to this site. You should definately try it out, it is hours of pointless fun!!!

Amandanoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20706601.post-1139791912982210202006-02-12T16:51:00.000-08:002006-02-12T21:44:54.420-08:00

CNYOriginally uploaded by thesavarinos. We went to the Chinese New Year Parade in San Francisco this weekend. It was pretty fun, but a bit more commercial than I expected. I wasn't expecting to see floats representing Grocery store chains, cell phone companies and large banks. I was actually hoping for a more "chinese" experience. The parade wasn't realy even in China Town. We were sitting

Amandanoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20706601.post-1139352746848599472006-02-07T14:41:00.000-08:002006-02-07T14:52:26.883-08:00

I started watching the son of some friends, Cole 10 mo's, about 3 weeks ago.It was a great idea I had to help Luke and I adjust to the soon to be new member of our family. You know get the routine going, introduce Luke to the idea that the cosmos was not formed for his amusement, figure out how many damn graham crackers it will take to get through a week. That kinda stuff. Well... at times it is

Amandanoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20706601.post-1139202484100256872006-02-05T20:53:00.000-08:002006-02-05T21:08:04.116-08:00

We received a pretty important form in the mail today...The I171-H. This form essentially says that the goverment feels we are parenting material, and it would be O.K. with them if we went ahead and adopted Zack. Thanks Department of Homeland Security!!! Now we wait for the Taiwanese courts to decide the same, and then we go get ZACK!

Amandanoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20706601.post-1138923316658666402006-02-02T15:11:00.000-08:002006-02-02T19:48:12.196-08:00

Here are a few things I may have said recently that I now know were WRONG:1. Oh, the time will go by pretty quickly, I have Luke to distract me...2. I know it will be hard knowing I can't travel with Chris, but if I keep the right attitude I"ll be OK...3. The process has gone faster than expected up to this point, so we will need this time to prepare...and finally...4. I don't know if I will be

Amandanoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20706601.post-1138660320081783092006-01-30T14:28:00.000-08:002006-02-01T13:18:58.756-08:00

KISSES IN THE WIND...I hold you in my heart and touch you in my dreamsYou are here each day with me, at least that is how it seems.I know you wonder where we are.....What's taking us so long,But remember child, I love you so and God will keep you strong.Now go outside and feel the breeze and let it touch your skin.....Because tonight, just as always, I blow you kisses in the wind.May God Hold you

Amandanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20706601.post-1138226090918335152006-01-25T13:41:00.000-08:002006-01-25T13:54:55.346-08:00

The January Update has arrived! We are so relieved It came before the Chinese New Year. We have his first Christmas Photo! That's so neat.Zack's new measurements are:Length: 27.76" / 70.5 cmWeight: 18.3 lb / 8.3 kgHead: 17.52" / 44.5 cm

Amandanoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20706601.post-1137969868584562232006-01-22T14:15:00.000-08:002006-01-22T14:50:51.826-08:00

We have now turned in the very last piece of paper required by our agency for the dossier. The dossier will now go through a few processes in the states, (translation, certification, athentication) making stops at the Secreatary if State's office and TECO (basicaly Taiwan's consolate) and then be on its way to the Taiwan courts. It seems we may have entered the adoption process in Taiwan at a

Amandanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20706601.post-1137614879944312212006-01-18T12:00:00.000-08:002006-01-22T14:46:55.536-08:00

Zack's room is now painted! It's not finished yet but the biggest hurdles were getting Luke into a big boy bed and painting. Yeah!! We can check both off the list. Now for the fun part, decorating!! Stay tuned for the final product...

Amandanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20706601.post-1137437836552951442006-01-16T10:50:00.000-08:002006-01-22T14:47:26.496-08:00

Luke has moved into a toddler bed. The transition has gone amazingly smoothly. We had one night of confusion and a few tears, but even then he was asleep by 9:00! Now we just need to convince him to hang out in his room a bit longer in the AM. We also need to get used to him being able to just walk out into the living room when his nap is over. So far he has scared me to death every time! He just

Amandanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20706601.post-1136767564858685282006-01-08T16:46:00.000-08:002006-01-22T14:48:05.283-08:00

Chris, Luke, & Amanda....just waiting for Zack!!

Amandanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20706601.post-1136766712770725742006-01-08T16:20:00.000-08:002006-01-08T16:31:52.783-08:00

Amanda's sister Missy and Her boyfriend Daniel welcomed a BEAUTIFUL baby girl, Chasity Hope, on Saturday, January 7th 2005 at 8:00am. She weighed in at a whopping 9 lbs., 9oz's! Mommy and baby are doing very well, and will be leaving the hospital today.

Amandanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20706601.post-1136765896075062722006-01-08T15:30:00.000-08:002006-01-08T20:18:36.683-08:00

Here are our first photo's of Zack From St' Lucy's in Taiwan (and one of Luke, 18mo's). In these photo's Zack's 5mo's old, but he's actually 7 mo's old this month. His birthday is 06-18-05, only 11days from Luke's birthday, 06-29-04!! We are currently getting our third bedroom ready for Luke to move into so that Zack will have the room closest to us. Cross your fingers that all goes smoothly. We

Amandanoreply@blogger.com1