Girlie Duckies

Ventured out to Target this morning! Big Mistake. No, not really cause look what I found...

Giorgi's Bathroom is Lemonade yellow with flower accents. I original thought about doing a duckie theme. But, I am not a big duckie fan. If only they made a girlie Duckie. Well, I found one! Thanks to Pat and Tamara, those Christmas gift certificates just bought all of Giorgi's Bathroom Accessories! I LOVE them!!!

Disney Find

Today was a fun day. I went to a couple of yardsale with the intent to find a headboard that I could refinish for Giorgi's room. Didn't find one but I did come across a whole bunch of Disney Movies for sale. Half of them had never been opened! $2 a piece. What a great find. My favorite is the Kind and I. Boy, Giorgi's Disney video collection is definately coming along!

Madeline – Lost in Paris
The Fox and the Hound
Belle’s Tales of Friendship
The Aristocats
The King and I
Swan Princess III
The Three Cabelleros
The Spirit of Mickey
Melody Times
The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh I
The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh II
The Book of Pooh
The Parent Trap
Summer of the MonkeyBeethoven’s 4th

70 Random Things about Me

(and we’re talkin’ random!)
Ok Donna, I did 70 of the 100.

maybe I'll come up with more.

1. I don't let people in very easily.
2. I love chick flicks.
3. I am a certified scuba diver.
4. I am an Aries, born on the day they buried Martin Luther King Jr.
5. I love the Ocean and Boats!!
6. I have no desire to go to any of my high school reunions.
7. I was a competitive ice skater when I was younger.
8. I love to shop by myself! Prefer it.
9. When I am alone in the house, I have to have the TV on in every room on the same channel. Kitchen, Living room, Bedroom, Nursery! Now, that’s what I call surround sound.
10. I am obsessed with dead animals on the road. I am a magnet for them and am upset for the rest of the day.
11. Have been known to pick up lost dogs and hunt down owners.
12. Refuse to pay to see scary movies. I don’t pay to be stressed. I can do that on my own for free.
13. I absolutely love sparkly flip flops – boss hates them. Don’t care!
14. While in the Bahamas, had a large frog suctioned to my face and wouldn’t come off. Do you know how hard it is to laugh hysterically with your mouth shut, frog stuck to your face and half looped?
15. I daily self diagnose my own illnesses. Kinda funny.
16. I put my makeup on in the downstairs powder room.
17. Brush my teeth in kitchen sink ever since I read a report that a toothbrush must be at least 6ft. from a toilet. When a toilet is flushed, bacteria is airborne 6 ft.
18. Not fazed by Blood or Gore in anyway in regards to humans. Pet’s I cannot handle. Weird, I know.
19. Very creative.
20. Favorite actor is a tie between Jack Nicholson and Kevin Spacey.
21. Favorite actress is Angelina Jolie.
22. I wear my hair up every single day. Even most special occasions. It’s beautiful when down for only about 20 minutes. Argh.
23. I want to be Martha Stewart, with Oprahs money, minus the Martha attitude.
24. I love sportfishing.
25. When I went to Alaska, the most important thing I wanted to do was go salmon fishing.
26. New Found Sport – Yard Sale-ing.
27. Love to wear Black.
28. In High School I was feature majorette and co-head cheerleader.
29. I drive a Mazda Tribute – Dark Grey (Mom car)
30. My previous car was a Miata, convertible bright red stick shift. (Non-Mom Car)
31. Will NOT go anywhere without makeup on.
32. I drive the 7 guys I work with crazy every day
33. I don’t feel bad about it.
34. Most times I do it intentionally.
35. I am extremely sarcastic.
36. Routine oriented. (but not upset by spur of the moment fun stuff)
37. Can be ready to go at a moments notice. (that’s gonna change. LOL)
38. Extremely resourceful. I consider this one of my best qualities.
39. PackRat - I am working on it.
40. I love my eyes.
41. Too bad I am going blind. (need +1.25 glasses to read books)
42. I love my townhouse
43. I absolutely HATE yard work. Wish I could cement it ALL.
44. Can do all of my own electrical work.
45. Spend way too much time searching for a meaningful gift.
46. I am a great photographer.
47. Can’t sing a tune but will still sing for my daughter.
48. Gave my mother’s yorkie (dog) two injections every day for a year.
49. Dislocate my should every now and again.
50. Work really hard to prove a point!!!
51. Hate to talk on the phone.
52. Don’t mind going to the movies by myself.
53. Love suprises but if I am blessed with a baby shower and someone doesn’t make sure that my hair, makeup, and outfit are appropriate – someone’s in BIG trouble.
54. I am NEVER late and annoyed when people make me wait.
55. Love 80’s Funk, R& B, and RAP
56. I am not upset with delays in this adoption process.
57. CANNOT STAND condescending people.
58. More excited about giving a gift then receiving.
59. I was attacked by wild dogs in the British West Indies and was transported to the Vet clinic to clean me up before transporting me to the doctors. Couldn’t sew me up due to infectious disease possibility.
60. Love to have my teeth pulled at the Dentist (I told you I was weird)
61. I would never want a woman president. (no flames, I just think other countries would not give us the respect, not that a woman wouldn’t do a great job.)
62. I am Republican and I LOVE George Bush. (no flames)
63. I don’t not agree with EVERYTHING he stands for.
64. I love to fly. It’s part of the vacation.
65. Head massages are the ultimate.
66. I am always considerate of others feelings (well mostly)
67. I hate imposing on others
68. I try really hard to write emails that reflect my intent.
69. I am a research, spread sheet, list maker freak. LOL.
70. & most important. Totally excited about becoming a MOM to a little girl!!

Blogger Block

I am having Blogger Block!! It's been a while since I have posted, just don't know what to post. Do you ever feel like the weeks are just running together with no begining or end? I have mostly been playing catch-up. Anyway, help me get "un-blocked"! Is there anything that anyone wants to ask me or research for them. I like to research, but you all know that! LOL. Help me outta my funk! :)

Conversion Charts

I have been trying to research developmental stages in children and came across some speech and Language skills from Kris Everhart, a Speech Language Pathologist. These were from a Q & A list on the Delaware Early Intervention Newsletter. It also says to Remember that these are only guidelines and that every child develops at a different rate.

1. Turns toward voices. ( 3-6 mos )
2. Aware of and quiets to familiar voices. ( 0-3 mos )
3. Reaches and looks for toys. ( 6-9 mos )
4. Makes sounds in the back of the throat. ( 0-3 mos )
5. Uses different cries for different reasons. ( 3-6 mos )
6. Vocalizes 4 different consonant-vowel combos (ex: mama, gaga, dada). ( 6-9 mos )
7. Makes sounds with people and when alone. ( 3-6 mos )
8. Participates in simple games (i.e., peek-a-boo). ( 9-12 mos )
9. Waves “bye-bye”. ( 9-12 mos )
10. Makes brief eye contact. ( 0-3 mos )
11. Gestures w/vocalizations to protest or request “up”. ( 6-9 mos )
12. Gives objects on request. ( 9-12 mos )

February Secret Pal

What a great day! I got my first secret pal gift! This is so cool. THANK YOU! I got the neatest books, Dragon Dance and My Chinese New Year! I LOVE 'em. I will put them in Giorgia's room as soon as I get home. Now, the candy...that's ALL MINE! Yummy! Plus, I love the red envelopes. I have been looking for some unsuccessfully. They are all different designs. I was told to use these for tips in China or when I give money for gifts here. Thank you! Thank you!

CYBERSHOWER

My first Cybershower! It was awesome and I FINALLY got to open up those gifts. My gifts were from Adriana Hutchings! She is from the other side of the country in Washington State. Come to find out Adriana is also in my DTC group. How neat. Back to the loot-boy did I make out. I got great little fortune cookie card. "Live simply, laugh often, love deeply." And a personal note from Adriana. (A. - What a long journey that you've had, but it will be a reality very soon! Thank you for sharing and I will be thinking about you.) Nancy, the box we kept shaking and couldn't figure out was, was an awesome toy for Giorgia. Little People - Discovering Animals at the Farm. Sonja Lee is who I saw first in the toy. It also comes with a video. It's too cool. Then, a baby Einstein book of dogs. I can take this to China and try to get Giorgia used to the idea of dogs before she comes home and meets Pirate. Now, the best for last...A Disney Movie for my collection. Sleeping Beauty. I LOVE it. I don't already have it! Thanks so much. Adriana, you made my day! :) Thank you! Stephe

Packing List

Well, I am working on my Packing List. It's another one of my crazy lists. If you would like to check it out, just click Stephe's Packing List! Like I said, might need my own plane. LOL!

Car Seats on Planes

Hello. Here is another question that I have been wondering about myself. Lucy, I still have to get back to your email! Anyway, as I have contemplating this very question, a member of one of my yahoo groups posted some reasons why not to.

The airlines do not require a car seat for a baby.

They also do notprovide car seats, you must bring your own.

Your carseat must be certified for airtravel. Not all car seats are.

If you use a car seat you need a regular ticket for yourchild.

In China most tour buses and taxis don't have seatbelts.

Do you need to use PDF

Some of you have asked about the pdf. Do you need to use PDF? NO. I just am in the habit of saving documents in this form for work, so it just carries over. You can just print each post directly from the computer. I would suggest highlighting the post and when printing, under "page range" hit the "selection". This way you won't get the header in every post and sometimes the width format of our blogs exceeds the width of our paper that we are printing to. You can even copy your post into a word document and save it that way. Experiment and see what you like. You can achieve the same look without using the pdf format. Good luck!

Why use PDF?

Why use PDF?
If you want to transfer files by email or the Web to other computer users and to ensure that your files are readable, the safest option is to convert them to PDF. Other computer users will not always have the appropriate software to view your text and graphics files but the software to read.

PDF files is free and widely installed. PDF is frequently used as a 'print-friendly' format which can be made widely available from the Web.

PDF files will appear exactly the same whatever computer you use, so a PDF file made from a document which was originally formatted in Word will look exactly the same on someone else's machine as it did on yours. This is true even if graphics were embedded in the original file.

PDF is:
Viewable on any computer - formatted as it left the author
Able to include any text, tables or graphics as a single file
Printable

How do I create a PDF file?
First you will need the full Acrobat software (not simply the Acrobat Reader).

Giorgia's Chair

I got my HighChair! Yippee! I LOVE it! See my tips on picking out the perfect highchair.

Chicco Mamma. See Amazon.com

Editorial Review
Although one of the more expensive highchairs on the market, this Chicco Mamma highchair is equipped with a number of design features that make it a pleasure to use--and worth the extra money. Mounted on four plastic casters (including two that lock down), the Chicco Mamma starts with a sturdy metal-and-plastic frame that can be smoothly collapsed and folded by pushing the two child-safe buttons located on either side of the seat. As a result, you can store the chair in a space-saving upright position or roll it into the closet when not in use. All of the chair's size and positioning adjustments, including six different height settings and three angles of recline, are easy to make and work smoothly. The chair's vinyl seat cover, in handsome Skyline Gray, can be quickly wiped down after meals, and the wide food tray is equipped with a one-hand tray release on the outside so Mom and Dad can attach the tray or make size adjustments while holding a child with the other arm. To keep baby safely seated before, during, and after meals, the Chicco Mamma comes with a thick five-point harness. --Chris Burns

From the Manufacturer
The safe and easily portable high chair features a five point harness, new passive restraint system and rear locking casters for additional stability. The self locking tray is designed for one handed release and the convenient secondary tray is dishwasher safe. The Chicco Mamma comes with an optional infant support pad and padded seat, which offers 6 different height adjustments and reclines in 3 positions. Folds easily and compactly for storage.

Blog Journal

After some debate on doing a journal, blog, or scrapbook, I came up with this. I most definately have to do a blog. That is a given. These are just too much fun. I love the idea of scrapbooking, but let's face, it's *very* time consuming. I have redone pages two or three times. So, this is what I came up with. I am journaling my blog. So, make sure you all post lots of comments so I can save them in the journal. I basically just took a clear view binder and created a cover just like the one I used for my blog. Inside, I just took my individual posts and put them into a .pdf and printed them out, threw in those sheet protectors and viola - Blog Journal. It's perfect for me. See the cover below and one of the inserts.

So, here's a question. Should the journal be organized like :

A. Most recent post and work my way back?

B. Start with the very first post in front and add new ones behind it?

Anythoughts?

The Grouchy LadyBug

So, for those of you that are on some of the larger Yahoo groups, you might have heard references about the Grouchy Ladybug Blog. This anonymous blog is very NON-PC. There are many parents that are offended by it's content. Personally, I think it's hysterical! I think it's based on observations of how some adoptive parents posts on these groups. I hadn't checked it out in a while, and today I came across this post... Ultimate Arguing Champions - Round One! Yes, some of it's contents is WRONG but I don't think it is meant as PERSONAL ATTACKS. Hysterical observations is how I categorize it!

In Loving Memory (2 years)

My sweetest little Alex passed away just two years ago today. It's a very sad day. She was with me for 15 years! The last couple of years she was totally blind and didn't have many teeth. She was unaware of this. LOL. Nothing stopped her from eating her crunchy dog food and she knew the layout of our house...there was no stoppin' her! She was my very first baby and she was a girly girl doggie! It's sad that Giorgia will never be able to know her, have her curl up in bed with her, and share all of her **many** hairbows! I am thankful for all of the photos and video footage that I will be able to share with Giorgia. On another note...I am happy that Giorgia will grow up with Pirate! He's a love machine and can be easily bribed with table food! My next dedication will be to my furry baby boy Pirate, but for today, it's all about Alex! I miss you and I love you.

Cybershower

Yup, I am having my first Cybershower (Paperchase2000 Group)!! How cool. Except that it is killing me. My secret pal has sent me a bunch of presents and they have been sitting in my dining room for over a week...UNOPENED! Are you kidding me!! LOL. I have done a lot of shaking!!! I think one is a video...can't I just rip it open now...PLEASE? Okay...I won't. I still have to wait til Saturday, Feburary 25! I GUESS?? I can do that!

Refinishing Free Furniture

This is one of the three pieces of furniture that I got for free. My boss gave it to me in hopes that I could do something with it. The pieces are around 27 years old and needed some sprucing up. I wanted pottery barn furniture but cannot afford it. So, after some demo of two drawers, plywood, trim, aspirin and a couple coats of paint...FAUX POTTERY BARN. Cost for refurninshing including crystal hardware...$31.

My Dossier

Another Header

Yes, that's right...Another Header. You all have inspired me!! I am sure it won't be the last change. LOL. Let me know what you all think! Just an FYI, all but two of those dolls have been put back in their original packaging for future gifts. I figure I have a couple of years worth of doll gifts at the top of my closet. I am stocking up now while I have the funds!