Miles of Mama Memories

This summer Maeve and I shared a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity as we piled into the car with my mother — three generations of girls — and hit the open road. Our ultimate destination? A visit with my sister in Arizona. We’d decided to make the journey as memorable as the destination and vowed to drive only [...]

Finally, some adoption nitty-gritty (revised)

It’s been a while since I got down and dirty here with the nitty-gritty of adoption issues. A long while.
One reason — and seemingly the simplest believe it or not, is the major life changes going on round here for me. From starting my own craft biz geared toward children and also experiencing a serious [...]

Firsts: Hers, Mine and Ours

A child’s firsts are dear to a parent’s heart. Whether it’s that first taste of baby cereal, an unsure, wobbly first step or the fleeting sound of the first mama or dada, such moments are treasured.
Of course, firsts continue beyond babyhood. There’s the first pedaling of a tricycle or the morning they finally wrangle their [...]

Meeting Hollee McGinnis of Evan Donaldson Adoption Institute

Tonight my local adoption group hosted Hollee McGinnis of the Evan B. Donaldson Adoption Institute. A most-interesting presentation indeed — and I’m not just saying that because she drew my name as winner of the raffle for a signed copy of Adam Pertman’s Adoption Nation. Really.
I’ve got more to say on the evening, but I just [...]

On placecards and turkeys

 
 
Heading off this morning to make pies with Thomas’ mother. I’m not much of a fan of the kitchen, but I am all for helping out with the Thanksgiving preparations (despite never having actually made a pie before). Word is she and I have five to make so we need an early start.
Tom is thrilled [...]

Date Night

Giggle, giggle.
Went on a date tonight, movie and dinner. (For me, the second movie in as many years. It’s about time, right?)
We saw adoption-themed Martian Child. (Still mulling that one over.)
During dinner, we had conversation. Conversation that didn’t include entertaining anyone else other than each other, or reaching for books and snacks from a nearby tote [...]

All in a Day

It’s been four months since I went part-time at the newspaper. Since then, I’ve had two days each week at home with Maeve. My mindset is improved, my house a bit better organized and, most of all, my heart is so much happier. After all, it’s two days a week where Maeve and I take on [...]

Marketing childhood happiness? No, thanks.

As Jenna noted, seems the Christmas Advertising Snow Job has begun. Today, I, too, found myself trying to shut out have-a-holly-jolly-Christmas jingles while perusing store aisles for very non-Christmas things.
Now, let me be clear. I’m not against Christmas jingles. Or Christmas shopping. And I certainly don’t mean to sound bah-humbug. It’s just that it all seems [...]

Picturesque, indeed!

On our way to Arizona (and peacefully ‘enough’ — thanks for all those tips!)

First lollipop, happy airborne ears!

Arrival landscape

Finally! There he is! There he is! My dear nephew Dashiell!

 Playground in the abstract

From funky metal flowers …
to real and funky fauna:

   
  
Impressive turquoise hardscape …

Reunited cousin heartscape!

Caught in the act: Butterfly awe

A girl and her giraffe

 
Happy hummingbird, elated [...]

Open adoption … and hope!

Did ya hear that big sigh of relief yesterday? Yeah? Well it was me.
It seems things are moving in the right direction again as Maeve’s first mom has made contact, explained some absolutely valid and quite personal reasons for not being touch, and more communication seems to be in our near future.
Of course the details [...]