Liam's Haircut

Liam went in for his third haircut.  It was long overdue.  I love Liam's hair, especially on hot, humid days when it curls.  However, long hair is not practical for a boy, especially in hot weather, and Liam was starting to get a mullet.  Dave suggested buzzing it, since that is how he wore his hair during summers growing up.  I wasn't willing to part with that much hair, but did agree it would be easier to take care of.  We left the final decision up to Liam's hairdresser.  She decided to cut it short with clippers.  Afterward, Dave and I both felt Liam looked more like a five year old than a two year old.  It made us a little sad.  We wish he would just slow down!

Before...

It looks a little like a combover.

After...

Projects

This spring I wanted to make a blanket for my niece Verona, so I learned how to crochet.  My sister-in-law, Julie, taught me a pattern during one of her visits home.  I have become somewhat addicted to it since then.  It is so relaxing to crochet at the end of the day.  I am still very much an amateur, but enjoy trying new things.  Here are some of my projects...

Verona's blanket

A scarf (which will be for Liam's sitter for Christmas)

A scarf and hat (for my Goddaughter for Christmas) with a matching set for her doll.

The doll was her birthday present from me, so I made the hat and scarf specifically for her.

My next project is a blanket for our daughter.  I also plan to make a smaller version to put in her first care package.  It will be similar to Liam's (which Julie made for him when he was born).  However, hers will be pink, purple, and white to match her room.  Not only is it a fun project, but is helping me "nest" as a wait for her arrival.

Liam's blanket (made by Aunt Julie)

Adoption Update

Here is an update on where we are in the process to adopt our daughter.  The list still looks really long, but we are making progress.  I added the red item, because it was important for me to get the grants written before school starts.  This order may not be exact.  We are mailing in our I-800A later this week, once we get the final letter to put in our packet.  We are putting together our Dossier in stages.  Our Letter of Intent is written and will be mailed into our agency once we get the okay to move forward.  Small things like passports and online classes (which we have done) are not on the list, but are also important steps.  Now that we have our adoption study approved we are free to receive a referral.  This however, could take up to 9 months.  We are able to work on paperwork as we wait for our referral.  We are actually hoping for a later referral, so there is less time between learning who our daughter is and traveling to get her.  We are making progress!

Status	Date	My Adoption Event
X	4/10/12	APPLICATION RECEIVED
X	7/17/12	APPLICATION COMPLETED
X X	7/19/12 8/6/12	ADOPTION STUDY APPROVED GRANTS WRITTEN & MAILED
		I-600A CIS APPROVAL
		I-600A CIS EXPIRATION DATE
		I-600A CIS FINGERPRINT EXPIRATION DATE
		I-800A NOTICE REC’D BY NBC
		I-800A APPROVAL
		I-800A + F-PRINT EXPIRATION
		I-800 PROVISIONAL APPROVAL REC’D
		COUNTRY PRE-APPROVAL RECEIVED
		DOSSIER I TO COUNTRY
		CHILD REFERRAL RECEIVED
		CHILD REFERRAL ACCEPTANCE COMPLETED
		ADOPTIVE PLACEMENT

Summer 2012

Digital scrapbooking design customized with Smilebox

Waiting...

We hope to have an update soon on our adoption process for our little girl.  We are in one of the many waiting phases, which we hope will soon end and allow us to move on to the next stage in the process.  We'll keep you updated when we hear any news!

Looking Back

I sound like a broken record around our house when I say, "Liam you are becoming such a big boy."  I feel like I blinked and Liam was no longer a baby.  My little man is getting so big!  Here are some pictures as reference.  The first picture is a newborn picture of Liam's cute feet.  The second picture was taken when Liam turned two - you can't even see my hand!

Craft Time

Liam and I were in the mood to try something different.  We have visited many parks this summer, played in the pool countless times, and have visited the zoo.  Today we decided to stay home.  After coming in from playing in the pool, I decided to look online for ideas and I came across a recipe for homemade paint.  I decided to give it a try.  Liam and I both had a blast!

step one - measure 1 cup cold water and put in bowl

step two - measure 1 cup flour and pour into bowl (little bits at a time)

 

step three - whisk together until smooth

 

step four - mix in food coloring

 

step five - put paint in egg carton (Liam's favorite colors right now are blue, green, and red)

The finished result!