Changes

The SB277 referendum did not make the November 2016 ballot. That means that SB277 will be implemented by July 2016. Cassie cannot go to Transitional Kindergarten. We thought about keeping her in preschool for another year, but there are two problems with that: We don’t want her to stay in preschool for another year. We … Continue reading →

Happy New Year from The Chittister Family

  WARM HOLIDAY HUGS Hello Friends and Family! We hope this letter finds you healthy, happy for this holiday season, and hopeful for the year ahead. In these newsletters, I try to focus on the positive. The past couple of years have been somewhat difficult. But, in the immortal words of Howard Jones, “things can … 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 →

Happy Holidays 2013

5×7 Folded Card View the entire collection of cards. Happy Holidays from the Chittister Family!   Hello Friends and Family! We hope this letter finds you healthy, happy for this holiday season, and hopeful for the year ahead.  2013 was a really busy year for us, and we’re looking forward to 2014.  The Top Seventeen … Continue reading →

Cassie Is Two!

It really doesn’t seem possible, but this tiny baby: Is now this adorable toddler: When I asked her to pose for the photo, she actually complied. Then, I pointed the camera at her and said, “Say Birthday!” and she did! This was the first take. She’s reached all of her 2-year old milestones. Apparently, she’s … Continue reading →

How I Do Updates

I’ve been writing this post in my head ever since Ariel wrote about her son’s adoptive parents being late with their one year update. I didn’t write it sooner because: a) I don’t want to sound all adoptive-parent-expert-y, b) I’m actually working on my children’s birth parents’ updates, and c) I always feel guilty about … Continue reading →

Cassie is 10 Months Old!

Due to Soccer Drama last weekend, I’m very late on two important events that occurred Saturday, August 25th. The first was Jackson’s Adoption Day. The second was Cassie’s 10 month “birthday.” We had her wear her Pittsburgh Pirates outfit because it was just about to be too small, and the Pirates are actually doing well … Continue reading →

Cassie is 9 Months Old!

We interrupt this trip down memory lane to bring you breaking news… Cassie is NINE months old today! She is 29 3/4 inches tall and 21 lbs., 10 oz. She has two teeth. Unfortunately, she almost knocked one out in a cruising accident. She was cruising the coffee table and started chewing on it. She … Continue reading →

Cassie Is 8 Months Old!

On June 25, Cassie turned 8 months old! Can you believe how time has flown? She popped her first tooth on June 22 during a play date. Seriously. At the beginning of the play date, she didn’t have a tooth. She was crying and screaming and unhappy (no, not much of a play date for … Continue reading →

Cassie Is 7 Months Old!

It seems like she was 6 months old just a few days ago, but now, Cassie is 7 months old! There’s a story behind this outfit too. I think it came from my friend Kelly, because I’ve had it forever. It was one of the ones that I kept hung up in the closet. It … Continue reading →