Brooke & Moorea
Mastectomy Bill in Congress
From a nurse:
I'll never forget the look in my patients' eyes when I had to tell them they had to go home with the drains, new exercises and no breast(s). I remember begging the Doctors to keep these women in the hospital longer, only to hear that they would, but their hands were tied by the insurance companies. So there I sat with my patient giving them the instructions they needed to take care of themselves, knowing full well they didn't grasp half of what I was saying, because the glazed, hopeless, frightened look spoke louder than the quiet 'Thank you' they muttered. A mastectomy is when a woman's breast is removed in order to remove cancerous breast cells/tissue. If you know anyone who has had a mastectomy, you may know that there is a lot of discomfort and pain afterwards. Insurance companies are trying to make mastectomies an outpatient procedure. Let's give women the chance to recover properly in the hospital for 2 days after surgery.
It takes 2 seconds to do this and is very important.. Please take the time and do it really quick! Breast Cancer Hospitalization Bill - Important legislation for all women.
Please send this to everyone in your address book. If there was ever a time when our voices and choices should be heard, this is one of those times. If you're receiving this, it's because I think you will take the 30 seconds to go to vote on this issue and send it on to others you know who will do the same. There's a bill called the Breast Cancer Patient Protection Act which will require insurance companies to cover a minimum 48-hour hospital stay for patients undergoing a mastectomy. It's about eliminating the 'drive-through mastectomy' where women are forced to go home just a few hours after surgery against the wishes of their doctor, still groggy from anesthesia and sometimes with drainage tubes still attached.
Lifetime Television has put this bill on their web page with a petition drive to show your support. Last year over half the House signed on. PLEASE!! Sign the petition by clicking on the web site.
You need not give more than your name and zip code number.
http://www.lifetimetv.com/breastcancer/petition/signpetition.php
This takes about 2 seconds. PLEASE PASS THIS ON to your friends and
family, and on behalf of all women, THANKS. :)
I'll never forget the look in my patients' eyes when I had to tell them they had to go home with the drains, new exercises and no breast(s). I remember begging the Doctors to keep these women in the hospital longer, only to hear that they would, but their hands were tied by the insurance companies. So there I sat with my patient giving them the instructions they needed to take care of themselves, knowing full well they didn't grasp half of what I was saying, because the glazed, hopeless, frightened look spoke louder than the quiet 'Thank you' they muttered. A mastectomy is when a woman's breast is removed in order to remove cancerous breast cells/tissue. If you know anyone who has had a mastectomy, you may know that there is a lot of discomfort and pain afterwards. Insurance companies are trying to make mastectomies an outpatient procedure. Let's give women the chance to recover properly in the hospital for 2 days after surgery.
It takes 2 seconds to do this and is very important.. Please take the time and do it really quick! Breast Cancer Hospitalization Bill - Important legislation for all women.
Please send this to everyone in your address book. If there was ever a time when our voices and choices should be heard, this is one of those times. If you're receiving this, it's because I think you will take the 30 seconds to go to vote on this issue and send it on to others you know who will do the same. There's a bill called the Breast Cancer Patient Protection Act which will require insurance companies to cover a minimum 48-hour hospital stay for patients undergoing a mastectomy. It's about eliminating the 'drive-through mastectomy' where women are forced to go home just a few hours after surgery against the wishes of their doctor, still groggy from anesthesia and sometimes with drainage tubes still attached.
Lifetime Television has put this bill on their web page with a petition drive to show your support. Last year over half the House signed on. PLEASE!! Sign the petition by clicking on the web site.
You need not give more than your name and zip code number.
http://www.lifetimetv.com/breastcancer/petition/signpetition.php
This takes about 2 seconds. PLEASE PASS THIS ON to your friends and
family, and on behalf of all women, THANKS. :)
Scabies(SKAY-bees)
What is scabies?
Scabies is an infestation of the skin with the microscopic mite Sarcoptes scabei. Infestation is common, found worldwide, and affects people of all races and social classes. Scabies spreads rapidly under crowded conditions where there is frequent skin-to-skin contact between people, such as in hospitals, institutions, child-care facilities, and nursing homes.
What are the signs and symptoms of scabies infestation?
Pimple-like irritations, burrows or rash of the skin, especially the webbing between the fingers; the skin folds on the wrist, elbow, or knee; the penis, the breast, or shoulder blades.
Intense itching, especially at night and over most of the body.
Sores on the body caused by scratching. These sores can sometimes become infected with bacteria.
How did I get scabies?
By direct, prolonged, skin-to-skin contact with a person already infested with scabies. Contact must be prolonged (a quick handshake or hug will usually not spread infestation). Infestation is easily spread to sexual partners and household members. Infestation may also occur by sharing clothing, towels, and bedding.
Who is at risk for severe infestation?
People with weakened immune systems and the elderly are at risk for a more severe form of scabies, called Norwegian or crusted scabies.
How long will mites live?
Once away from the human body, mites do not survive more than 48-72 hours. When living on a person, an adult female mite can live up to a month.
Did my pet spread scabies to me?
No. Pets become infested with a different kind of scabies mite. If your pet is infested with scabies, (also called mange) and they have close contact with you, the mite can get under your skin and cause itching and skin irritation. However, the mite dies in a couple of days and does not reproduce. The mites may cause you to itch for several days, but you do not need to be treated with special medication to kill the mites. Until your pet is successfully treated, mites can continue to burrow into your skin and cause you to have symptoms.
How soon after infestation will symptoms begin?
For a person who has never been infested with scabies, symptoms may take 4-6 weeks to begin. For a person who has had scabies, symptoms appear within several days. You do not become immune to an infestation.
How is scabies infestation diagnosed?
Diagnosis is most commonly made by looking at the burrows or rash. A skin scraping may be taken to look for mites, eggs, or mite fecal matter to confirm the diagnosis. If a skin scraping or biopsy is taken and returns negative, it is possible that you may still be infested. Typically, there are fewer than 10 mites on the entire body of an infested person; this makes it easy for an infestation to be missed.
Can scabies be treated?
Yes. Several lotions are available to treat scabies. Always follow the directions provided by your physician or the directions on the package insert. Apply lotion to a clean body from the neck down to the toes and left overnight (8 hours). After 8 hours, take a bath or shower to wash off the lotion. Put on clean clothes. All clothes, bedding, and towels used by the infested person 2 days before treatment should be washed in hot water; dry in a hot dryer. A second treatment of the body with the same lotion may be necessary 7-10 days later. Pregnant women and children are often treated with milder scabies medications.
Who should be treated for scabies?
Anyone who is diagnosed with scabies, as well as his or her sexual partners and persons who have close, prolonged contact to the infested person should also be treated. If your health care provider has instructed family members to be treated, everyone should receive treatment at the same time to prevent reinfestation.
How soon after treatment will I feel better?
Itching may continue for 2-3 weeks, and does not mean that you are still infested. Your health care provider may prescribe additional medication to relieve itching if it is severe. No new burrows or rashes should appear 24-48 hours after effective treatment.
This fact sheet is for information only and is not meant to be used for self-diagnosis or as a substitute for consultation with a health care provider. If you have any questions about the disease described above or think that you may have a parasitic infection, consult a health care provider. This info came from here.
Secret Crush
It's a TIE! There is NO WAY TO CHOOSE! (Thanks Susan!)
Leo and Jack
Let me know if you just LOVE them too! (or who your favorite is)
Ironically I just got a scoop... Leo To Play Hef?... Word is Leonardo DiCaprio has been approached to play Hugh Hefner in the upcoming biopic of the Playboy founder's life. Leo is a friend of Hefner and a regular visitor to the Playboy mansion in Los Angeles. (no suprise there) Media outlets have quoted an unnamed source as saying: "Leo and Hugh have been friends for a long time and Leo has always been interested in Hugh's life story. "Leo thinks it would make a great movie and Hugh would love Leo to do it - on condition Hugh is alive to see it." (I'd go see it!)
Which do YOU like?
#1
(actually Karen had a great question...one of my best friends just bought this exact couch but in different color. The back cushions ARE attached and it's like a microsuede finish called Durapella. It's is supposed to be stain resistant. She has a warranty that if anything happens to it they will replace. So far, in one weekend, her new couch survived many freeze pop spills, soda, fried chicken and blue icing from a birthday cake. I keep checking with her on the status of her sofa. I am very impressed with this durapella stuff. Not sure if the second couch is made of the same stuff. Will definately have to find out! (Thanks for the question Karen)
or #2 (minus the ugly pillows)
Crap
I am SOOO BUMMED! I just found out that if I don't long into my 4shared account at least once every thirty days.....it will COMPLETELY DELETE! I've lost ALL my STUFF and my links on my blog and my links on other blogs!!! AAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH! Gotta love Mondays!!!
China moves to lower ‘risk of young love’
Kids’ waltz rules revised after parents’ worries about passions, low grades
The Associated Press
SHANGHAI, China - Chinese educators are toning down plans to teach students to waltz after parents said they worried about puppy love and falling grades, local media reported Monday.
The revised dance steps allow students to dance by themselves or in large groups, the Xinhua News Agency said, without explaining exactly how that would work.
SHANGHAI, China - Chinese educators are toning down plans to teach students to waltz after parents said they worried about puppy love and falling grades, local media reported Monday.
The revised dance steps allow students to dance by themselves or in large groups, the Xinhua News Agency said, without explaining exactly how that would work.
“They don’t have to dance with specific partners, which will be more easily accepted by both students and their parents,” Yin Guochen, an official with the State General Administration of Sports, was quoted as saying.
Xinhua also quoted an Education Ministry official as saying another version would see students organized into groups of four and changing partners with each song.
“This way, the risk of young love would be lowered,” a ministry official, Yang Guiren, was quoted as saying.
Read the rest of the article here.
Mei Magazine
Mei, a magazine just for adopted Chinese girls. Mei is "a magazine created for Chinese adoptees age 7 to 14. A bimonthly magazine featuring wholesome articles with an emphasis on issues specific to girls adopted from China."
Personally I think it's a FANTASTIC idea! I would almost consider subscribing to it now and save them for when my daughter gets older.
Foot Binding
Wow. I am so glad that this is something that our children will not have to grow up doing!
I-797C!!!!!!
Guess what came…AGAIN! Yup, I guess the title is a give away!!! My I-797C! Let hope that I don’t have to do THIS AGAIN! Fingers crossed. (Speaking of fingers, I might actually have to be fingerprinted a THIRD time before I get a referral) Yippee…I love spending money to redo things OVER and OVER and OVER! (grrr) : )
Asian Festival (Local)
Well, I did make it to the Asian Festival just in time to see the cooking demo! I made my way inside only to find out that there was a sign up for it and it was full. So sad. L That’s the only thing I really wanted to see/do. Outside, all the food looked SO GOOD but I was on my way to a BBQ at a friends. Atleast I got the chance to finally see the Chinese Community Center and walk around and see what they had to sell, all the art work and a fun room where they had lots of crafts and stuff for the kids. I tried to spot other adoptive parents but with no luck. Sorry I missed you Kim, I know you were all there much earlier. No worries, when I have my little one home…we’ll be there again!
Best Shower Gifts
Okay, my best friend just had her baby shower this weekend. It's for her second little bundle of joy. (Hi DEB) I'll have to sneak in a photo when I finally get to my pictures!!! Anyway, I'm so glad that she registered because sometimes it's hard to figure out what someone might need for their second child. Heck, I'm still trying to figure out what mom's need for their first child. So, while surfing the internet I found some mom's favorite shower gifts. For research and fun, help me out and tell me what your favorite baby shower gift was so that I can add it to my list!! Come on...I want lots and lots of ideas!!! :)
Best shower gifts
Photo gift certificates
Target gift certificates
Photo gift certificates
Target gift certificates
Portable booster seat to take when you visit friends or family.
Oops! Not that kind...see below. :)
disposable bibs are fantastic.
Highchair/Shopping Cart covers for when you eat out. 
Potty seat that fits on the toilet 
Thermometers both kind 
Toddler plastic Picnic table
Pack n Play
What you WON’T NEED:
stuffed animals!
When...
When will I get a referral? I have rolled with ALL of the setbacks & been cool with changing guestimates but when will they stop changing? I put in my head that for sure, by Christmas 07 or Jan 08 I would get a referral. I've thought this for a while. I mean, that would make it 22 or 23 months from LID. I thought I was leaning to the side of caution! But they just processed what...7 days this month!! Each time they refer a very small amount of days, the wait grows out of control! My friend Donna (whom I share an LID date with) did some basic math on her blog that hit me like a ton of bricks. Given the current rate of 7 days, we could be looking at a referral in Dec 08. Basic math again...that would mean we would be waiting almost 3 years from LID. Like I said, I've been rolling with it but when will it end?
I feel like my life has been on hold, sort of. I need to make some big decisions regarding a new couch and new hardwood floors in my downstairs. I thought that I would wait until I got my adoption tax refund to put it towards these things. But, with the longer wait, should I just go ahead and do it now? What if I do it now and referrals really speed up? I plan on paying for all adoption related fees in cash. I will not be financing anything and want to have my credit cards paid off before I bring Giorgi home. I'm actually obsessed with the whole money thing. You know, making sure I have enough for travel, being out of work for two months, medicals stuff, daycare down payments, portraits, diapers, formula...
I'll be fine, I just feel like maybe I shouldn't redo the floors and get the couch. Fear of spending that money and then really needing it.
If you haven't guessed, I am trying out a new life without credit cards! I think that might change. lol. I never had these thoughts when plastic was in my hand!!! I must be nuts. So, with this extended wait, should I spring for the MUCH needed couch and flooring or leave it in the bank for what if, whenever that might be??
I feel like my life has been on hold, sort of. I need to make some big decisions regarding a new couch and new hardwood floors in my downstairs. I thought that I would wait until I got my adoption tax refund to put it towards these things. But, with the longer wait, should I just go ahead and do it now? What if I do it now and referrals really speed up? I plan on paying for all adoption related fees in cash. I will not be financing anything and want to have my credit cards paid off before I bring Giorgi home. I'm actually obsessed with the whole money thing. You know, making sure I have enough for travel, being out of work for two months, medicals stuff, daycare down payments, portraits, diapers, formula...
I'll be fine, I just feel like maybe I shouldn't redo the floors and get the couch. Fear of spending that money and then really needing it.
If you haven't guessed, I am trying out a new life without credit cards! I think that might change. lol. I never had these thoughts when plastic was in my hand!!! I must be nuts. So, with this extended wait, should I spring for the MUCH needed couch and flooring or leave it in the bank for what if, whenever that might be??
Nicole & Steve's Wedding
A friend of mine got married over the Memorial Day Weekend. It was gorgeous day and the wedding was absolutely beautiful. I took a bunch of photos but this one was my favorite. It's not the typical wedding shot, more of a candid. It was when her brother was doing a reading for them and her veil started flowing in the wind. It was just glowing! Anyway, I love this photo and I enlarged it to a 11x14 and framed it for them. I hope they love it! :)
Nicole and Steve
May 27, 2007
Post Adoption Depression (PAD)
I think this is a topic that is very important for all of us to explore. I feel our agencies are so busy with paperchasing, referrals and in China services that they don't focus on some of the aftermath of adoption. I am not judging them, I just think it's important that we take this into our own hands. It will only benefit us.
I did lots of research on the topic and wanted to post a sort of outline to illustrate the Symptoms, Reasons, and things to help anyone that has PAD. Obviously, I am not a doctor so never substitute something I've posted over your doctor's recommendation. This is just a guideline to help educate us on PAD.
I have also saved this in pdf form. Download HERE!
SYMPTOMS
Anxious
Concentration (Difficulty—unable to make decisions)
Confused
Depressed
Energy (loss of)
Fatigue
Frustrated
Guilt (Excessive or inappropriate)
Hopelessness
Inadequacy (feeling)
Indecisiveness (nearly every day)
Irritability
Loss of enjoyment in things
Overwhelmed
Panic
Powerlessness
Recurring thoughts about death or suicide
Sleep (Difficulty)
Sleep (increased need for)
Social (Loss of interest in being around other people)
Tears (Always on the verge)
Weight gain (Significant)
Weight loss (Significant)
Worthlessness
WHY AM I FEELING THIS WAY
Adapting to a drastic change in lifestyle and finances
Adjusting priorities in the marriage
Completion of one of life's biggest goals
Coping with the demands of sleepless nights and hectic schedules
Financial worries
General stress of the adoption process and parenting
Giving up or putting a career on hold
Hard work meeting an adopted baby's special needs
Juggling family needs
Physical and emotional strain of not being prepared for a new child
Physical exhaustion
Some adoptive parents share the birth mothers grief
Unresolved feelings of infertility
WHAT I NEED TO DO TO SURVIVE PAD
ACKNOWLEDGE that this condition does exist.
ACCEPT the fact that risks are a real part of most adoptions.
EXPECT surprises, frustrations and setbacks.
EXPECT the unexpected.
GIVE yourself and your family adequate private nesting time.
TAKE as much time off from work as you possibly can.
KEEP a positive attitude.
KNOW that attachment and bonding are a slow process.
EXERCISE will help even if it’s just a short walk, get out.
REST as much as possible.
JOIN an adoption support group.
LEARN to be patient.
PLAY as much as you can with child, it helps lower frustration levels.
PROVIDE some private time just for yourself.
RECOGNIZE that PAD is common.
RECOGNIZE that your feelings are valid.
TAKE as many parenting classes as you can.
UNDERSTAND where your child is emotionally.
DON’T be afraid to ask for help.
DON’T be afraid to call your doctor or social worker.
DON’T remove yourself from your friends and family, have them help you.
DON’T expect to be super mom
Diagnosing and Treating PAD
Medications are not usually the main form of treatment for PAD. Most parents find that working threw their feelings with a social worker or therapist is the best treatment.
Recommended Readings
Post Adoption Depressions Syndrome by Judy Bond; Roots and Wings, Spring 1995, www.adopting.org/pads.html
Baby Shock by Jean MacLeod; Adoptive Families, Sept/October 2001
Post Adoption Depression: The Unacknowledged Hazard, http://www.eeadopt.org/home/services/research/pad_survey/index. html
REFERENCES
http://www.adopting.org/pads.html
http://www.babycenter.com/refcap/baby/adoption/1374199.html
http://www.bellaonline.com/articles/art385.asp
http://www.adoptionarticlesdirectory.com/Article/Post-Adoption-Depression---The-Unacknowledged-Hazard/53http://www.iparentingadoption.com/articles/2322.php
Vaccinations
Recommended but NOT REQUIRED Vaccinations
Hepatitis A - Transmission of hepatitis A virus can occur through direct person-to-person contact; through exposure to contaminated water, ice, or shellfish harvested in contaminated water; or from fruits, vegetables, or other foods that are eaten uncooked and that were contaminated during harvesting or subsequent handling. Hepatitis A is the most common vaccine-preventable infection acquired during travel.
Shots - The hepatitis A series consists of two doses given 6-18 months apart. If you started either series but didn't get all the doses, you should continue where you left off.
Hepatitis B - Especially if you might be exposed to blood or body fluids (for example, health-care workers), have sexual contact with the local population, or be exposed through medical treatment. In addition, open skin lesions, such as those due to impetigo, scabies, or scratched insect bites, can play a role in HBV transmission if direct exposure to wound exudates from HBV-infected persons occurs. There are many children adopted that have scabies.
Shots - The hepatitis B vaccine series consists of three doses spaced out over approximately 6 months.
Are these shots safe? Do they have any side effects?
Both hepatitis A and hepatitis B vaccines have been proven to be safe. Globally, more than one billion hepatitis B vaccine doses have been given. Since 1995, more than seven million doses of hepatitis A vaccine have been given in the U.S. with no reports of serious health problems linked to the vaccine. Side effects might include soreness at the injection site, headache, and fatigue.
Are these shots effective?
Yes. After three doses of hepatitis B vaccine, at least 90% of healthy young adults develop immunity to HBV infection. Immune compromised people might not respond as well to hepatitis B vaccine. They should be tested 1-2 months after the third dose of vaccine to see if they responded.
*Almost 100% of people are protected from HAV infection after getting two doses of hepatitis A vaccine.
Loving Photo Software
I LOVE this photo of Me and Pirate at the beach. I know you can't really see our faces but I just love the pier, sand and ocean in the background! Anyway, I pulled this photo out of one frame to put in another and tore parts of the photo. I was so mad but loving photo software & my scanner. The photo looks better than before!!
(This is the dark, torn photo below)
All-American, with one foot in China
Adoptive parents grapple with race, culture and growing up
"Like a lot of 8-year-olds, when Meg Garrison is mad at her parents, she occasionally threatens to run away. She even has a destination, says her father, Bill, a realtor in Seattle: “She says: ‘I’m running away — to China!' ” In some ways, it is a typical childhood antic, but it is also a sign that she has started reckoning with her beginnings as an orphan in China."
Mini Baked Wonton Cups
Published on Rachael Ray Show
So, I'm at work right now listening to Channel 6 on the radio. It's the Rachel Ray Show. She is doing her cooking segment and it's on Mini Baked Wonton Cups fill with Asian good stuff. I can't hear it because there is much chatter at the office so I had to go online and get the recipe. I created a dowloadable version with photos here.
Ingredients
24 wonton wraps (12-ounce package), suggested brand Nasoya
2 tablespoons vegetable oil, plus some for brushing
1/2 pound medium shrimp, peeled, deveined (no tail) and roughly chopped
1/4 head of napa cabbage, shredded
3 inch piece of fresh ginger, peeled and grated
1 large clove garlic, finely chopped
5 scallions, dark and white parts thinly sliced
1/4 cup cilantro,chopped
2 hard-boiled egg, chopped
1/4 cup tamari, dark soy sauce
1 lime, juiced
3 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds
Preparation
Preheat oven to 375°F. Brush each wonton wrapper with a little vegetable oil then nestle it down into one of the cups of a 24-cup nonstick mini muffin tin.
Transfer to the oven and bake until golden brown and crisp, about 6 minutes.
While the wontons are baking put together the filling: Place a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat with 2 turns of the pan of vegetable oil. Add the chopped shrimp and cook for 1 minute, then add the cabbage, ginger, garlic and scallions.Cook for another minute while stirring constantly, then add the cilantro and egg, and cook for another minute. Add the tamari, lime juice and sesame seeds to the mixture and stir to combine.
Heat through, about a minute, and remove mixture from the heat.
Remove the wonton cups from the oven and transfer to a serving platter. Fill each cup with about 1-2 tablespoons of the shrimp and cabbage mixture, and serve.
Yields 6-8 servings
24 wonton wraps (12-ounce package), suggested brand Nasoya
2 tablespoons vegetable oil, plus some for brushing
1/2 pound medium shrimp, peeled, deveined (no tail) and roughly chopped
1/4 head of napa cabbage, shredded
3 inch piece of fresh ginger, peeled and grated
1 large clove garlic, finely chopped
5 scallions, dark and white parts thinly sliced
1/4 cup cilantro,chopped
2 hard-boiled egg, chopped
1/4 cup tamari, dark soy sauce
1 lime, juiced
3 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds
Preparation
Preheat oven to 375°F. Brush each wonton wrapper with a little vegetable oil then nestle it down into one of the cups of a 24-cup nonstick mini muffin tin.
Transfer to the oven and bake until golden brown and crisp, about 6 minutes.
While the wontons are baking put together the filling: Place a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat with 2 turns of the pan of vegetable oil. Add the chopped shrimp and cook for 1 minute, then add the cabbage, ginger, garlic and scallions.Cook for another minute while stirring constantly, then add the cilantro and egg, and cook for another minute. Add the tamari, lime juice and sesame seeds to the mixture and stir to combine.
Heat through, about a minute, and remove mixture from the heat.
Remove the wonton cups from the oven and transfer to a serving platter. Fill each cup with about 1-2 tablespoons of the shrimp and cabbage mixture, and serve.
Yields 6-8 servings
Fancy Nancy x2
Look, Fancy Nancy Books! This is a Birthday Gift that I wanted to post. They are from Deb & Aiden. I've been dying to the 1st one but was suprised with a second one...the one with the Posh Puppy!!! They are just too cute! Thanks for my Birthday Gifts! 
Suckered into the Rumor Mill
Okay, I'm falling for it. If at the end of this month we see that referrals have been made up to November 15, 2005, that will have meant that they processed 15 days this month. If they could actually stay at this pace...someone with a 2/17/07 LID (me) Might actually get a referral in November 2007!!!!!
Are we rounding the bend? Are we seeing the light? Should I start to get excited or start to panic over minor details? Hmmm. See why I don't read the RQ!!!
(I prefer FACT and "based on past numbers" !!! I hate guestimating!)
LWOB CHARITY
Assembled, One of a Kind, Customized Lifebook!
Go to the Auction on Ebay!
A lifebook is a wonderful resource designed for you and your child to explore her history and to work through questions in a safe and loving environment. A group of China adoptive mom's through www.ChinaDigitalScrapbooks.com have worked together to create this beautiful custom, one of a kind, 24 page life book for your child. Each page was lovingly designed by a different mom! (I’m one of them!!! You can see my layout at the bottom right of the photo)
Pages include:
Introduction, Birth, Chinese Name, General China, Province Page, One Child Policy, Birth Parents, Abandonment, Finding Ad, Orphanage, The Wait, Referral, Leaving for China, Adoption or Gotcha Day, Our First Days, New Citizen, Meaning of Adoption, Coming Home, Adoption Announcement, Family Picture, 100 Wishes Quilt and Made with Love page Optional pages for Siblings and Foster Care available as well.
All auction proceeds go to provide heart surgeries for orphaned children in China. Love Without Boundaries is a registered 501(c)(3) organization in the U.S.
Please visit their website for more information about Love Without Boundaries or their blog.
A Suprise!!!
OMG!!! Donna, these are just toooooo cute!!! I saw you had an awesome time in Disney! I really wished that I was able to go! Thanks so much for thinking of me in the mist of all your fun!! I just LOVE these pins. Of course, you know this one matches my Pirate Princess Ears!!!
And the CHINA one! It brought tears to my eyes! I didn't know they even made ones like this!!!! You know how popular they must be since Disney is like the official Adoption Reunion Spot! I LOVE, LOVE them!
And the CHINA one! It brought tears to my eyes! I didn't know they even made ones like this!!!! You know how popular they must be since Disney is like the official Adoption Reunion Spot! I LOVE, LOVE them!You are just too sweet Donna, THANK YOU!!!! :) Stephe
Mom's 60th Birthday Dinner
How do you throw a suprise dinner for your mom at your house when she's in from out of town and staying with you? Answer: VERY QUICKLY.
My mom was home from Key West for her Birthday so I decided to gather her best friends and give her a dinner. So the day of her birthday, we did some shopping and I was trying to get her to take a nap since she was exhausted. It was a hour and twenty minutes before her friends would be their and NOTHING was done. Finally, I told her that I was making her present and she had to stay upstairs. So she took a shower and climed into bed for a nap. So, by this time I had 40 minutes to completely decorate and get ready. I then put her Birthday Dinner invitation in a frame and wrapped it up. Once I was done decorating, I called her down and gave her the gift. She thought I was just making the two of us dinner. I said nope...go get ready cause your best friends will be here in 20 minutes. Anyway it was successful except for the broccoli. (nightmare) I did tell them though... I was only responsible for presentation not quality! lol.
(Invitation Designed by Me)
The Girls.
Decorations by Me (ECGirls, recognize?)
Chocolate Cake, Salmon, Broccoli, Mash Potatos and a Citrus Reduction. (also some apps)
Closet Update Challenge
I've been Challenged! Check out my Closet Update Challenge. Well, I have to say that the photo of Giorgi's closets that are on my blog still look the same. Only clothing 12months or smaller is currently in the closet. I will not buy anymore that small unless my referral inicates that I might need more of that size. 18months to 5t is what I am occassionally picking up. I am limiting myself to 2 rubbermaid totes of each size. Yeah, let's see how that'll work. I put all my cute closet finds at Giorgia's Enchanted Garden. I tell you, I might as well make the most of this wait and get EVERYTHING I need now! : ) Go check out my cute stuff!
Diaper Backpack
This is to you Bernadette. This was the Backpack that I was talking about. I bought it at Walmart for $14.96. The brand is called EASTSPORT.
It seems like ok quality. I just want it to last for my China trip. If it dies after...it'll still be worth the $14.96 that I paid for it.
The top center compartment fits a hard travel wipes case and the bottom left compartment fits 8 diapers. It you take out the water bottle that comes with the backpack, you can fit a baby bottle in it. What I love the most is that there are lots of places to clip things on. I agree that it's a bit obnoxious. But, I'm strictly going for ease and function on this trip! There are also big compartments on each side. And large seperate zippered areas in the actual backpack area. Well, in theory, this is the perfect China Diaper Backpack for the money. Only time will tell. :)
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