What I Learned From “Helping Your Child with Extreme Picky Eating”

For my 40th birthday last year, my Aunt Carol got me a kick-ass Eeyore coffee mug and the book Helping Your Child with Extreme Picky Eating: A Step-by-Step Guide for Overcoming Selective Eating, Food Aversion, and Feeding Disorders. I finished it a couple of months back, and have been meaning to write about what I … Continue reading →

Dear Kids, I Love You, Even When You Think I’m Mean

Dear Jackson and Cassandra, It’s been a rough week. Heck! It’s been a rough couple of years. There have been a lot of changes, a lot of ups and downs. We left Antioch for a new town, and now we’re leaving the new town for a whole new state. Mommy has a new job, and … Continue reading →

It’s May?!?! Seriously?

I’ve been neglecting this blog, that’s for sure. Working full time and being mom to two does not leave too much free time. I’m going to do a quick recap for my readers who read for that, then promise to go back to posting at least weekly moving forward. I’ve missed this writing! First, I’ve … Continue reading →

These Are the Times That Try Parents’ Souls

Before anyone decides to leave a nasty comment, please know that I love my children. Cassie is an adorable, bright, charismatic, energetic bundle of love. She really is brilliant, and very articulate. I love her from top to toe, and I’m very grateful that she is my daughter. But this weekend? This weekend, Cassie was the “terrible … Continue reading →

How Smart Is My Daughter? E. So Smart!

I used to post “Jackson is great” stories here all the time in the beginning. I only had one kid then. Cassie has gotten the short shrift. Just as I was shutting down the computer, I remembered this story from dinner on Thursday. Cassie loves rice. We probably eat rice 2-3 times per week. She … Continue reading →

I Finished House of Hades, Plus Some Cute Pictures

I realized it’s been awhile since I posted a “how’s life” kind of update for those who care a bit more about my family life than about my opinions on adoption (and everything else). Aside from looking for a job, I’ve been busy with Memory Book and 4-H. I’m the Co-Chair of the ACA II … Continue reading →

Getting a Social Security Number for Your Adopted Child

Biological parents who deliver their babies in hospitals or birthing centers can apply for Social Security Numbers from the (relative) comfort of their beds there. Adoptive parents must go to their local Social Security office. When I went to get Jackson’s SSN back in 2007, I went, took a number, waited for 3 hours, came … Continue reading →

Cassie’s First Adoption Day

January 15, 2014 was the anniversary of finalizing Cassie’s adoption. We celebrated by giving her 3 presents: a book, The Day We Met You. (I’ll write a review of the book, but I can say that I recommend it.) a special stuffed animal, a Bee pillow pet. (We chose a Bee pillow pet because the honeybee … Continue reading →

Break

Jackson had all of Thanksgiving week off as break. Some moms and I were talking on the Thursday before the break. They were all looking forward to it. I believe the word “Woo hoo!” was used by all. Except me. I said, “Am I the only one dreading this break?” Apparently, I was. One mom … Continue reading →

Halloween 2013

Cassie was supposed to be Lambie from Doc McStuffins. A few snags: I wanted to sleep in this morning, so I didn’t dress her. I didn’t even wake up before she went to school. Max dressed her. Incorrectly. (Sorry, honey!) I forgot to get out the tutu she was supposed to wear. Max picked the … Continue reading →