Life Right Now

Do you remember when going to the grocery store was actually FUN?? I remember my Mom asking me, "do you want to come?" and thinking, "Why yes I do!" Well last night Anellah and I went shopping, not the "fun" kind, just the grocery kind. We left sleeping Capper and football-watching Daddy at home to make a grocery run in the evening (something I rarely do) and we had so much fun! The first cart I picked had locked wheels so although I tested it for about 2 feet, evidently the wheels don't lock for 3 feet so I loaded Anellah up and pushed with full force only to JOLT to a stop. Anellah thought it was great and said, "Again!?!?" So we played with the lock-wheeled grocery cart for a minute and both cracked up awhile before switching over to another. The rest of the trip was just the usual, but we enjoyed it by being silly. Anellah loved putting things that I handed her into the basket part of the cart and talking to all the other customers. So strange but I came home feeling happy and refreshed after something as silly as running an errand!

That's how life has been the last couple weeks. A month ago it seemed like everything was more difficult than it should have been. Every phone call I made resulted in lots of time on hold and/or more phone calls. Work was extra busy and my coworker was out sick. Every line I chose anywhere I went seemed to be the slow one. Every medication I ordered for Anellah seemed to need a refill or had another issue. Everything relating to school starting seemed to be ridiculously complicated. Both kids had colds. The list went on and on. But then we went on vacation (somewhat begrudgingly I must say since I really didn't want to put forth the work of packing and traveling) and had a great time. We came home and I had a couple days off work before returning. I ran errands and they went SMOOTHLY. I made food and it tasted GOOD. I went to bed at night and didn't have to wake up with the kids more than once or twice. Right now I'm just relishing in that. I'm enjoying life, I'm enjoying our family. I'm enjoying the fact that I work part time. Honestly, if I weren't me I think I'd be a bit jealous of myself right now.

Maryland and DC

Hello world, since we've been busy and collecting a lot of great pictures you get another post!

September 7th we flew from Oakland (11:30PM) to Washington, DC (arrived at 7:30AM) for a very fulfilling family vacation.  We stayed with my aunt and uncle in Silver Springs for the ten days we were there.  The best part was spending time with them and their two daughters (Sophie-3 years and Lilly- 7 months).  The children had a great time playing with each other, I think my favorite part of the trip was seeing the kids play together so well. It is also very convenient to stay in a house that's already set up for your children! There was everything we could possibly need.

During our stay we attended the pinning ceremony for CCAI Angels in Adoption, the CCAI Gala, toured the Capital Building and visited a lot of local parks with the kids.

Capper's first plane ride

College Park Aviation Museum

The gala was very fancy and well done at the Ronald Reagan Building.  We brought Anellah with us even though it was scheduled to get over well past her bedtime but she did great and had a blast. It was fun to see her interact with so many other people and say, "nice to meet-choo."  There were many inspirational speeches done by politicians, celebrities and first hand stories from adopted children.

Angels in Adoption Gala

National Zoo

"Special Donut for Breakfast" Song

Sandy Point State Park (Annapolis, MD)

Baby fights (Lilly and Capper)

Eating crabs in Annapolis, MD

Resting after a long day at the beach

Two incredibly good looking babies (Capper and Lilly)

Cupcake time with Sophie and Anellah

We had scheduled a White House tour, but the day prior it was rescheduled and didn't end up coordinating with other plans.  We did get a chance to meet up with Anthony Clark, one of Daniel's Mom's cousins.  He was an integral part in getting us in contact with Congresswoman Lee and expediting Anellah's skull surgery along with helping with a few other frustrating issues.  He took us on a top-notch tour of the Capital (including access to restricted areas), transportation to and from and a delicious dinner!  It was a great time!

Capital Tour with Cousin Tony

Capital Tour

Monday came all too soon and it was time for us to fly back home.  Luckily the flight's timing was a little more forgiving.  The kids did great on the plane again.  

We were even all able to take naps on the plane.

It was an entirely great trip.

Capper's Baby Dedication

And while we wait to go to the airport I will share some photos from Capper's baby dedication!

Do all babies love eating paper?

Time for a Trip

Our bags are packed. Most are in the car and one is sitting by the door. In half an hour we'll leave to take our red-eye flight to Washington, DC. Taking a red-eye with kids is either going to be a great idea (they'll sleep) or a terrible idea (they'll keep everyone else from sleeping). Hoping it'll be the former!

First Week of School

I'm pretty sure most parents of kids in preschool/school were wondering where their babies went. I was, but also I was wondering what my baby girl was like. No I'm not complaining that we don't know much about her first 15 months of life, I'm lamenting that I have very few memories of the little one who came to live with us over two years ago. I remember snap shots but so much is hazy. I listen to Capper grumbling away and think, "Wow, for the first year Anellah lived with us she pretty much didn't talk." It's hard to imagine her not talking at this point. I see photos like these and remember how much of a BABY she really was.

Now she's my big girl, or, as she refers to herself, my "little lady." This week she started a new school year. The beginning of the year had bumps and hiccups along the way as everything always seems to with her but I think they're worked out now.

"Doing work" after her first day of preschool.
Yes, her shirt is on backwards, she dressed herself.

And as far as the real baby of the house, he's growing like crazy too! Again, it's hard to imagine him just 7 1/2 months ago as a tiny little infant who just ate, slept, and made dirty diapers 24 hours/day. Now he has a STRONG personality (he knows what he wants and he better get it or your ears will be sorry). He nurses less and when eating solids feeds himself independently (not without a mess of course). And he can sit up like a strong little man. He still hasn't worked on crawling, and fortunately we don't have any teeth showing yet (though every once in awhile I think they try to make an appearance and then go back into hiding). His night time sleeping is getting longer and longer which is very encouraging and relieving!

 And as far as today is concerned, I've called for a "cozy day." I am pretty happy that the weather is even overcast! We're all in pajamas or cozy clothes and I think we may not even leave the house.

Anellah in her PJ's with her beloved clown nose!

On Friday we are leaving to go to Washington, DC. We'll be staying with my Aunt and Uncle who have two girls Anellah and Capper's ages. We've been honored to be chosen by Congresswoman Barbara Lee's office as this year's Angel in Adoption so we will be attending parts of that conference. Who knows, maybe we'll meet someone famous!