I like free things!

I'm all about free stuff! (who isn't?) I just snagged a free baby sling from Seven Everyday Slings.  Use promo code FAMILY2011 for a free baby sling (while supplies last).  I did pay $11.95 Shipping and Handling (and there is the option of  size exchange insurance for $3.50 ).  Not bad at all for a Baby Carrier valued at $48! After you purchase your sling you will then get a promo code for a FREE nursing cover as well. I didn't even think to write it down (and I certainly don't recall it) because I'm still on the fence about trying to nurse our adopted baby. Anyhow, I've heard that the slings is all a hoax and they "steal" your money, but I did pay with paypal (my preferred way of paying) and I received the sling within a couple of days. Technically it's not FREE if you think about the shipping, but I think $12 is a decent price for a super cute sling. Now I have a guide for making my own later :)

Where's my baby brother or sister?

So, I've realized that maybe, just maybe we jumped the gun on being so open with K about adopting. I know she doesn't truly understand, and all she knows is that "one day" she will get a brother or sister. In the beginning we really struggled on whether or not to tell her, or exactly WHAT to tell her. We've always tried to be honest with her about everything. At her 3rd year well child check I mentioned to her doctor about adopting. Immediately he said we needed to start talking with her about it. Explain it to her (as best we can), read her books pertaining to adoption, answer her questions and don't leave her out. I asked, "but what if it takes two or three years? Isn't that a long time to "just be talking about it?"" He said, "Yes, it is, but it could also be tomorrow and then you have wasted a day." So, we started talking to her about a baby brother or sister she would "one day" have. Oh and btw she is finally saying baby brother OR sister, but she still insists on having both!

We went to the IAC's annual picnic in Raleigh this past weekend. I can't say I had the best time ever, but certainly not the worst time either. I kinda felt in limbo. We can't really relate to those that have adopted, we can to those who are waiting, but at the same time we do have a child already and that sets us apart from other waiting couples. Anyway, Miss K enjoyed her time there! She had so much fun playing with the other kiddos. After we left we had been driving maybe 10 minutes and K said, "Mom, you forgot to get my baby brother or sister!"

And it's because of that statement that I think maybe, just maybe we talk a little too much about her baby brother or sister she will "one day" have.

Getting her face painted!

She picked a butterfly... because "they are so pretty mom!"

Watching the magic show.

Lovin' the magic show!

A Change of Plans

So I recently found out that a "waiting" family with children on average has a longer waiting period than a couple without children. Needless to say I was a little disappointed about not being told upfront. Granted, it would not have changed our decision, but I would've liked to have known from the get-go. So from this recent information, we have decided to wait on painting and decorating the nursery. Since we are military there is no guarantee that we will be here in the next two years. We really, really want to stay here, but it's not up to us and I would hate to put all the work into getting the nursery perfect, have no baby, and then find out we have to move. So... as soon as we are matched you can bet I'm gonna be painting away!

Fishing pole, Fishing rod, Fish

A year and half ago we let K get a betta. It lasted all of four months, when we went on vacation he passed. She had named the fish "Blue." Our friends were watching the house at the time and bought another "Blue" so when we came home K didn't know any different. Very deceiving huh? About a week or so after we came home, the 2nd Blue passed as well. I told K that Blue was sick and he wasn't here anymore, he went to be in fishie heaven. To this day she still talks about Blue and how he got sick. When our cat gets sick (he does quite often). She'll say "Mom, is Rin sick like Blue?" Meaning is the cat going to fishie heaven also? I always say, "He's sick, but I don't know if he is sick like Blue." Because really I don't know if the cat is going to die or not. Anyhow, with her talking about Blue and her asking over the last year and half if she can have another fish, I finally caved (spoiled much?). So she picked out another fish. He's actually quite handsome! He's blue and caudal fin is blue, but his dorsal and anal fin is almost clear with a red stripe on his anal fin. He's a crown-tail Betta, and I really don't know the difference between the Betta, other than he is male, his fins look different, and he was the most expensive one there! As we were driving home, I asked, "What are you going to name your fish?"
She replied, "Fishing pole!"
I say, "Oh, fishing pole is a wonderful name, we could call him 'pole' for short."
"Nah, she says, fishing rod."
"Even better, we can call him rod." I say.
She then says, "No, I think I'm gonna name him "Fish", that's my favorite name."
So...... "Fish" it is! 

Gina, Gina, How does you garden grow?

Bell pepper (5/16/2011)

Beans and tomato plants (5/16/2011)

  Fast, I say, fast! 

I can't believe how fast it is growing this year. Maybe it did last year as well, but it seemed that it took forever for me to see anything popping up! My cherry tomato plants already have little "maters" on them! I was a little late starting the garden this year so I missed out on all the cooler weather vegetables, but by gollie, come this fall I'm going to be planting them!

Cucumber, Beans, and Tomato plants (5/23/2011)

Bell Pepper, Carrots(still tiny) and Jalepenos (5/23/2011)

I let K have one little corner of the garden to plant whatever she wanted... she picked watermelons and marigolds. She planted everything herself. The marigolds are finally popping up (u can see in the lower right corner). It's been such a blessing to see her little eyes light up when she sees "her" watermelon plants.

30 Day Picture Challenge - Day TWENTY-THREE

DAY TWENTY-THREE - A picture of your favorite book.

Anyone that remotely knows me, knows that I could never pick ONE favorite book. I love to read, and I'm not too picky about what I read. (well, as long as it's not boring!) This book is definitely on my top 5 list. James Patterson is probably my #1 favorite author. I've read almost all of his books. One year, as a surprise, my husband bought me all of the Alex Cross books. I was a super happy girl!

30 Day Picture Challenge - Day TWENTY TWO

DAY TWENTY TWO - A picture of something you wish you were better at.


Two things automatically popped into my head when I read this day's picture. I decided to go with the more important thing....

"Have patience with all things, but chiefly have patience with yourself. Do not lose courage in considering your own imperfections but instantly set about remedying them -- every day begin the task anew."

- Saint Francis de Sales 

I really wish I could be more patient with all aspects/people in my life...