Very Big Day

No pictures today but I feel like I need to make some kind of comment. 

B is sick, so we have been sitting on the couch watching the inauguration. I am not happy that he is sick, but if we'd kept to our normal schedule, I would have been in the car during the swearing in and speech. G sat on my lap clapping and B kept asking questions.

"When will he be President?"

"Is that Michelle?" 

"Why is it taking so long?" 

"Are THEY President yet?" 

I was laughing that Tom Brokaw pointed out the Princeton colors of Coach Robinson's scarf. Those of you not on the West Coast may not realize that the First Lady's brother is the head basketball coach for Oregon State and their colors are orange and black. My folks both went to OSU, along with both of my sisters, so I chuckled a bit at the mistake. (He did make an apology later, but not until much later.) 

The feeling that we can change our world,  that we have a responsibility to change our world, that we WILL change our world, is one I appreciate.  Like many, I am not sure how I will execute this duty, but I am open to it and look forward to the challenge. For now, I will try to raise two responsible, healthy, happy, respectful citizens. This minute, I will continue to play referee while the kids fight...I mean play....in the next room.  

End Table or Babysitter - You Decide

Last year, when we celebrated Christmas at J's Aunt's house, B had a great time playing in the end tables. They typically hold pillows, but he was entertained so we went with it.

Apparently, the idea caught on. 

New Years Day Christmas Celebration

We finally were able to celebrate Christmas with some of J's extended family, on New Year's Day. We enjoyed a delicious pasta dinner and exchanged gifts. The group was small due to work and travel conflicts. The kids enjoyed the extra quality time with their Godmother/Great Aunt, Grandparents and Great Grandmother. 

Here, G sits by the fire and listens to Auntie M read a story. Quite nice by the fire. 

As we prepared to leave, G was ready with her PJs and tried to borrow some loafers. 

Though he didn't quite play Mozart, B enjoyed pounding the keys (literally) on this antique doll piano.

The Reason

Before we decided to adopt, I thought long and hard about how our family would change if we added another child. The biggest draw for me was that I wanted B to have someone else in the world to love him and someone else for him to love, long after we were gone. T is an only child, so he doesn't understand the unique relationship of siblings. Doesn't understand the phrase "good argument" or "great fight" when it comes to dealing with others. He doesn't like conflict and for him, most sibling relationships seem full of just that. However, with two older sisters, I can look back on my childhood, as well as my adult life, and see that my relationship with my sisters is such an important part of me. I know I can call them, day or night, good news or bad and they will be there. We can joke about our family issues or tease about a silly haircut, bad choice in boyfriend or unique hobby. No one else in the world will be there from birth to death. I hope my plan is working. It looks like it might.

Oh, what a year!!

On January 9, 2008, we got "THE CALL". It was the call telling us about our adoption match, our referral for G. What an incredible year. At the time, she was tiny - just over 2 months old, weighing less than 5 lbs. Now, she is a HEALTHY 14 month old. She weighs 25+ lbs and keeps us all on our toes. Her vocabulary is incredible - not just words but phrases. Here are several photos of late for her adoring fans.

1. Happiest baby on the block

2. THE POUT. Thought I'd have to wait until she was at least a pre-teen for this kind of attitude. It has taken months for us to capture it on film. 

3. OK. So Mom looks a little freaky and the sippy cup is totally in the way, but both kids are smiling for real at the timer on the camera.

4. Again - happy girl
5. Silly girl
6. "Really. A sippy cup? For me?"

7. Just lounging in her chair. 

8. 14 months. Here is the monthly posed shot. Different from her brother in that I said, "G, go sit on the boppy so I can take your picture." She walks to it. Sits down. Smiles and says, "Eeeeeese." With B, once he could walk, it took major prompts for him to sit still long enough to get the photo.