Fourth of July 2011

We had a pretty low-key Fourth of July this year because Michaela is just too little to enjoy a parade or a fireworks display. I did want her to wear something festive, and so I purchased this cute little outfit for her on Zulily. The day ended up being very warm and so she didn't wear this for very long, but she sure looked darling in it.

We spent the afternoon and evening at my parents' house. I had discovered Ina Garten's recipe for a Kitchen Clambake a couple of weeks beforehand, and we prepared that for dinner. Let me just tell you that it was super easy and incredibly delicious. I think it will become a Fourth of July tradition for us!

Not Meant to Be

Two posts in one day. What's up with that?

I just had to mention that it seems that today would have been the day I finally received my referral from China had I not forfeited to marry Michael. My LID (log-in date) was July 5, 2006 and I expected to receive my referral within 12-18 months from then. I was going to name her Jillian Rose.

No one really knows exactly why the China adoption process has lengthened like it has, but I'm glad that I changed course when I did. Marrying Michael was one of the best things I've ever done, and the Lord has blessed me with a beautiful daughter. I wouldn't give up our short marriage or Michaela for anything.

Even so, I wish things could have worked out so that I could have completed my adoption, and married Michael, and had Michaela. He was supportive of my decision to adopt, and he would have adopted her himself once we married. It was something we talked about. But as the wait grew, I didn't feel that an indefinite wait was something I wanted to endure.

It just wasn't meant to be for me, but I will always have a heart for the orphans of China and the families who make them their own.

Poor Little Neglected Blog

Michaela has a beautiful smile, but I haven't caught it on camera yet.

Not much time for blogging these days because Michaela keeps me very busy! She is thriving and a pure joy. I am so blessed to be her mommy.

What's new? Well, we are getting out of the house more frequently now. Earlier this week we had a successful afternoon with Teresa and Wren at Fashion Island. Both babies slept most of the afternoon, and we mommies were able to have lunch, walk around, and have a nice visit. It's so nice to be sharing this new season of life with such a good friend.

We've also gone to church, the farmers market, to Auntie Julie's, and to both sets of grandparents' homes. It takes forever to get ready, and I feel like I'm taking enough gear with us for a weekend camping trip. But it's so good once we are on our way!

Whenever we can, we are walking through the neighborhood and the local park. Buffy walks with us and she's really good even with the stroller. I lost the first thirty pounds of my pregnancy weight without trying to, but the next 15-20 are going to require some effort on my part. I'm trying to eat smart and work up to the three-mile walk I used to do. Hopefully that will be enough. I am concerned that if I do not drop at least ten more pounds before I go back to work, that I will still be wearing maternity clothes then. I can't bear to do that! I need my Ann Taylor Loft wardrobe. I look in my closet and see so many cute things that I just can't fit into and it makes me feel all Boo Boo Kitty.

I'm learning which baby gear products work for us and which don't. Conceptually, everything seems so great, but in my real life everything does not live up to my expectations. Maybe I should devote a post to what I've learned, but not right now.


Anyway, we are doing well. Every day brings something new and sweet to enjoy because of Michaela.