Hey, it's not hurting anyone!

Snow gloves at the nursery today? Sure!

Book we're reading now:

Babies on the brain!

Not only can I think of little other than pregnancy, childbirth, and babies because of my own TTC journey, but I have many friends and family members who are expecting and delivering.  As I mentioned in my last post, I recently returned from a long trip to So Cal.  During that time, I was lucky enough to celebrate these amazing pregnant women through throwing both my best bud and cousin showers!

Here are some pics from the parties:

Favors for Emily's shower:  Salt water taffy in 4oz jars tied with ribbon

Coconut Lime cupcakes yum!!! 

tea sandwiches with a quinoa salad

Casey's mom brought some amazing cupcakes!!

Casey's favors-  I love the colors, they're so Casey!

baking buns  :)

I have to finish with the latest news!  Emily (above on left) gave birth yesterday to twins: Keegan and Emma!  Both healthy but early  :)  They were just too excited to meet their family!  

Home Sweet Home

We are finally home after a wonderful trip down to Southern California.  It was so great to see so many of my family and friends.  Although I'll be missing them, I am so happy to be back home and in my more northern climate.  I just can't handle that heat anymore!

Here are some snapshots from the trip:

Playing with the hose in Mema's back yard!

My Girls  :)

At the Ports O' Call in Long Beach


It was a great end to summer.  We're officially ready for fall!

Our favorite book lately:  A Cat and a Dog (bilingual)

ME time :)

I would say, when it comes to children, I am a pretty patient person.  For the most part, I keep my cool.  However, even the greatest of parents need a break from time to time.  Small trips, date nights, a lone shopping trip... it all gives us mothers and fathers a time to clear our minds, focus on a task, and re-energize.

In our situation, we decided it was best to take the first few months of having Johnny and not enlist a sitter, not drop him off with a friend, and really, not leave his side until he knew where his home was, who Mommy and Daddy were, and that yes, we will be here when he wakes up. We will make sure he is fed, and that he is cared for.  Luckily, my husband is great with kids, luckily he fell just as much in love with Johnny as I did, and luckily he knows when I need a break.  To this day we have not called for a sitter unless it's a close friend or family member that Johnny knows well.  It has been imperative that Terry and I read each other's signals and that we communicate clearly. So we can act when the other is ready for some alone time.

Taking a breather on the beach cleanses the soul

In my alone time, I like to take time to sit here at the computer and catch up with friends, check on all my pages (including this one... thank's for reading!!)  and of course shop  :).  I also love to get out of the house on my own (it's so weird to drive with no one in that car seat back there!!).  Thrift shops, the gym, grocery stores, and local attractions are all places that give me refuge when I am in need of some "Brandi time."

Anyway, the point is, don't feel bad if you need a break.  The best parents know when to step out and take a deep breath.  In the long run, it's extremely beneficial for the kiddos if we just take this time and can return to them brand new and re-energized.  In my case, ready to "fly" through the house, build a tall, tall tower with the blocks, draw a picture of the family, create art out of snack food, and sit and calmly cuddle for a fun movie with popcorn.

Taking breaks makes "the little things" more fun  :)
(Watermelon cut-outs)

Party Time!

It's so true what they say about Birthdays and Holidays being so much more fun with children involved.  Not to say they were not fun in our family pre-child, but there is a new excitement, there are many memories of our own childhoods that come up, and just to see that smile on Johnny's face is priceless.  

Yesterday, Terry and I had the honor of throwing Johnny's 3rd Birthday Party!!!  I know he did have a party at 2, but he was not in our home and so here, the Big Bash was thrown with the excitement of a first Birthday  :).  Tons of his best buddies were there.

The day was crazy and busy, but that means it was FUN!  The children had fun in the yard and in Johnny's room, they responded excitedly to my planned craft, they loved the cupcakes, and the buzz of present time was so funny.  I loved the excitement I saw in the children GIVING the gifts.       

Anywhoo, it was a perfect day, full of friends and food, cake and candles.  What matters most is that Johnny had fun and is now 3!!!! (officially on the 31st).

Here are some pics I snapped quickly:

favors  :)

Rock On!

What child doesn't LOVE Mac-n-Cheese?  I served an organic version with lots of  fixins  :)

The Rock Star with his shakers... the craft of the day :)

   

We asked for this!!!

Being a parent is not easy.  Add to that monthly social worker visits, monthly case worker visits, important rules and guidelines one must follow while foster children are in your care, possible birth-parent visits, past foster parent visits, and most importantly, the need for sensitivity toward a foster child's past, to their biological family, to their emotions, to their behaviors.

It is a whole different ball game.

So why, you ask, did my husband and I open our home to such a lifestyle?

Easy...  

• There are over 400,000 children in foster care as I am typing this.
• About 60,000 children are in foster care in CA (as of March, 2010)
• Around 209 children are in foster care in our own Humboldt County (2010)
• Because we have the space!
• Children need positive role models and Terry and I WANT to be that for these children
• We love children and the energy and chaos they create in a home  ;)
• Because we feel responsible for our country's children- the future of our world
• We can afford it 
• We have the extra time and love to give
• Life is short... spend it wisely!
• Because every child is innocent and deserves a fair chance.
• We have a lot to teach a child (children)
• Children keep us on our toes  (a little more selfish, but true!)
• We are active, healthy, and able.
• The more we can take, the less children go without a forever family.
• They are all waiting, hoping, wishing...  no matter how troubled and mad they seem.

I could go on and on...

This is why we stood strongly through the process to adopt Johnny.

This is also why we have decided to open our home to possible future foster placements.  Both temporary and headed for adoption.  These children need homes, families, and role models.

If you are interested in foster care or adoption... make that first call!  Go to an orientation and research the options in your area.  

Here is a link for foster parenting info in Humboldt County

Here is a link for info on foster parenting in California

Dump On!

I am an organized person.  I like to put "like with like."  My silverware must be separated and organized.  My plates are organized by both size and pattern.  My clothing is organized, my garage is even organized (most of the time).  I like to know where things are at all times.

This is all fine and dandy... until a toddler comes into your life.  I spent days working on his room before he arrived.  It was perfect  :)  Even for the first few months he was here, I organized his toys and clothes weekly and sometimes daily.  Now that I am 9 months in to toddler parenthood, I say... a mess in there is good!  Those toys need to be played with!!!  Johnny's race cars in the back of a basket aren't going to be seen and so then not played with!!  blocks perfectly organized up at the top of his closet will not be asked for!   We definitely talk about "clean up time" and how straightening up is important, but that room asks for some action!

Johnny dumped a basket of toys this morning and sat for a while playing with dozens of small toys he hasn't seen for several days.  I love listening to him change his voice to get in character, and most of all, I know it is stimulating his mind and his imagination.

Play on J!