We love our Marlee!

Our 6 month old angel!

Playdate with cousin Kate and her gang!

Last week Della, Marlee and I went over for a playdate at my cousin Kate's house. She lives within walking distance and has 4 kids under 5 so she is always home! We had a great time. 3 of her 4 little ones were home. Let me give you some background. Kate is 6-4 and her hubby 6-7. Kate is a year younger than I and we have literally grown up together in the same crazy family. When I say crazy, I am not exaggerating, ask our spouses! We love it though, if nothing else it makes for a great excuse on why we are the way we are:)

Kate has a 9 month old little boy named Eli and he looks like he is a year. We took a picture of Marlee(6 months) and Eli(9 months) together. Now we are at two ends of the spectrum. Marlee is at the 20th percentile(very pleased about this) for height and weight and Eli is off the charts! Boy those kids are going to be tall! Anyway I wanted to post a few pics from the playdate!

Last weekend....girls weekend!

Last weekend Della and I had a ladies night and spent some one on one time. We headed to Purdue to see a Purduette show. We drove with my cousin Kate who was visiting her sister. Della and I got all dressed up and did our nails. She was so excited to see the girls that wear sparkles! She knew mommy used to wear sparkles too in the good old days!

When we hit the Purdue campus I thought there was an unusual amount of drunk people dressed in breakfast club attire. For those who don't know about "breakfast club," it is a ritual at Purdue. Before every home football game,usually but also Grand Prix, you get dressed up in strange outfits and hit the bars at 5am. Yes I did many in my day but it was different looking at it now! Anyway, turns out it was Grand Prix weekend! Yep, my 4.5 year old daughter witnessed Grand Prix weekend, mother of the year, I know! We did not stay on campus for long though because I looked like I had aged quite a bit when driving. I used to zip through those streets and now I was really concerned I would hit someone. Yes, with age comes wisdom, you were right Mom!

We went out to dinner with my cousin Kate and her sister(also my cousin) Jen and her boyfriend Ben. Red Lobster! We had a great time but Della could not wait to see the girls that wear sparkles. We got to the show and she loved it. She was trying to sing along with the girls and was glued to them. She said to me, "Mom they have such nice faces, I will give them all a kiss." How cute is that! She also wanted to touch their sparkles! It turned out being so long that we had to leave early. Instead I let her have my old Purduette costume so she could put on her own show! I will have to get her on video in that.

We had a great time and she keeps asking me to teach her the songs which I knew many of them and I actually remembered my harmony part. Yes, I am pretty proud of my memory, Steve, on the other hand, could live without it:) She pretends she is wearing sparkles and puts on a show for us! I love this age!

I have attached some pics of our night out! I thought I would post this first and soon will be a Marlee update! She turns 6 months old tomorrow! Wow, what a month! Stay tuned......

I have been a bad blogger.....

but it has been sooooo nice here! We have been playing outside and playing outside, did I mention we play outside a lot! Then the bee's came, yes, lots of them. Big, buzzy bumble bees. We realized they are here because of the flowering trees in our backyard. My big dog won't even go out without me carrying her(and that is a sight) because I think the poor thing got stung. The kids said, can't you kill them mom? I don't like them either even though I have heard those big ones have a buzz bigger than a bite. Can't wait till the flowers fall off the darn trees, we have tons of them in the backyard. But anyway we are still happy about the weather!

I have to tell you I woke up this morning and was driving somewhere(honestly can't remember that was too long ago) thinking, I really love my life, I actually do. Not that it is rare to love your life but hey, I got it good! My kids are lovely, all three! My husband spoils me and my mom is doing my landscaping, yep you heard it. She asked what I needed and I said I will do anything if you help me with my landscaping, not big on the green thumb. I used to like it then I had a child, and another oh and another. She said a case of beer and she will be there. My mom loves yard work, I mean loves it. Hey whatever works! I am soooo grateful and my yard looks awesome! THANKS MOM!

OK, did you know I have three kids? I might have forgotten that when Marlee first came home, I know it now? Alicia called me today and said, "what's going on, where have you been?" I haven't been anywhere. In fact I could not tell you what I do all day I just don't sit down, I can tell you that. The day goes by and I think, now what did I accomplish, not much, then why the heck am I exhausted. Although some evenings I will get energy and be ecstatic to have big people time and get out! Not complaining because I love my life, but there is a bit of realization happening. I HAVE THREE KIDS! I really don't know how all of you with 4 or more do it. I suppose you get used to it. Just know I admire all of you!

I suppose you may want an update on our Ethiopian princess. Last Friday we took her to the International Adoption Clinic and they said she is doing amazing. They said she is a strong little girl! God definitely planned this one out well! We have a history of strong women in our family, just ask our husbands:) She is such and amazing baby. She is getting more comfortable every day and can I just say, she is beautiful, I mean really beautiful!!! We are bonding as a family and things are becoming more normal. We are all in love with her, what an amazing blessing. It really makes me want to adopt again! OK I said it now I will shut my mouth because Steve reads the blog:)

I will have a post about Della and I having our girls night out Saturday. I want to wait until I get the pics back from my cousin. We had a great time! Well off to bed! Marlee has to go get blood drawn in the morning and Steve offered to take her I said, "it's all you." I am usually the one who takes them for all their shots etc. I think he is due for this experience! Have fun honey! Then I get a haircut tomorrow, yeah adult conversation and getting pampered! It is going to be another great day.

I will take more pics soon!

Lack in posts=amazing weather!

My posting has been lacking lately, sorry! It has been so beautiful here that we have been outside and on the go! I have been wondering the past couple of days if people are generally more happy in, lets say Florida, California or Hawaii? It is amazing how my overall mood has changed the past few days. The sunshine definitely makes me happy. I don't think I am an unhappy person but I am more motivated the nicer it is outside. Anyway, just some thoughts!

Tuesday we went to Noah's school for his VIP day. It was great. We brought the whole family and a world map. The kids loved the world map and Marlee. We told them about Ethiopia(very general description) and what people do to work there etc. They asked many questions including favorite color, food, movie, things to do with Noah, you name it we were asked the question. Those Kindergartners are so darn cute!

Wednesday was mom's "Spring Fling" at Della's school. All of the pre-school moms went in four an hour. They sang to us and we ate cheese and crackers. They also wrote us a story with the help of their teacher. They described us! It was cute. Della really appreciated the one on one time. I think this weekend I am going to take her to a show from my old singing group. She loves sparkles and I haven't been back in quite some time.

Marlee is still hanging in there. She smiles much more and is such an amazing baby. She is the kind I used to get jealous about when my other two were little. I keep pinching myself just to make sure this is real. Bonding is going much, much better! She likes us and knows who we are!

I still can't believe that we just spent the last year in the process of adopting this beautiful child. Often times people ask me if it was hard being in Ethiopia. I look back and think that there were difficult parts but for the most part it was amazing and eye-opening. Now I came back wanting to give to the country because it is obvious there is extreme poverty there but I also came back thinking those people have something that some will never come close to, an extreme faith in God and a positive outlook when I would be crying. This world is so large and we could learn so much from our brothers and sisters in different countries(feels like different worlds.) I came away from this experience thinking, I am so glad I stepped out of my comfort zone and traveled to this beautiful country. My goal in the future is to help Marlee know this beautiful culture and land! There are some pretty grim portraits of Ethiopia and yes that is part of the country, she will know that but she will also see the other parts that I was so amazed by. Her heritage is rich and full of love and I hope I can live up to those standards to continue that here in the US!

With that I will leave you with a video by Della that I am quite proud of. She was practicing for her songs at school. I had to record it because I will listen to it daily, who doesn't want to hear "Mom, Mom, Mom you're great." I think she has a future with this music thing:)

Friendship!

Sometimes I just need to take a step back and look at all of the blessings that God has given me. I have amazing family and friends. I have talked about my BFF Alicia before but I will go a bit more in depth now. I must be a new mom because I am going all nostalgic on you. Alicia and I met in 8Th grade science class. We were put together as lab partners. At first you would look at us and think, what an unlikely pair. I wore "MC Hammer pants" and had my hair hair sprayed just about to the ceiling(that's what you get with a musician father and artist mother) and she was a clean cut gal, looked rather intelligent. I was loving being paired with a "smart one," little did I know we were about on the same level, in every way!

That was it, that is how it started and I am so thankful. She gives the old term "LYLAS(love you like a sister)" meaning. We both have brothers so it has been nice to have someone like a sister to me. We have been through junior high, white water rafting, drivers ed, dating, collage, spouses, parenthood and my first camping experience together. There are way to many stories to share but they are all quite amusing.

Alicia, Jason(her wonderful spouse) and their 3 girls came for a visit yesterday. We both have 3 kids now. OK one funny story. When my water broke with Noah I called her and told her he was coming. At that time she had no children so she came down for the birth. I told her she could stay in the delivery room. Well probably not a good idea because I had a painful and long 2 hours of pushing because my epidural did not take on one side and I ended up having to have a c-section. Well she went back to my house to sleep, not feeling great. She left to go home the next day and I spoke with her a few days later. She said she was waiting to call me because she took a pregnancy test when she got home and she was pregnant. I scared the living daylights out of her with my labor, good thing she has easy ones! 9 months after that, Mya was born. Then came Della(mine), Maggie(hers), Morgan(hers) and Marlee(ours of coarse.)

Ok back to the point of the post, what was that again. No I am not a writer, more of a speaker, definitely not a writer. They came for a visit yesterday and the kids had fun, Alicia and I went shopping, couldn't have been a better day. I snapped some pics when I could but with 6 of them, things were crazy! All I can say is poor Noah, with 5 girls. BTW, I actually got a pic of Marlee smiling, she must like the chaos!

Life has changed......but a good change!

We are all really starting to adjust to having Marlee here. The kids know that during nap time we can't stray too far away from the house and as you can see from the picture, family dinners are a bit different. Marlee did not like being in the highchair when we ate so we started putting the bumbo on the table and she loves it. Don't worry we are always with her when she is in there but she watches intently as we eat. I feel bad but what are you going to do?

Marlee had her Dr. appt. on Monday and we found out she has an ear infection. She must have just gotten it because I took her in the week before and she had nothing. She certainly is a happy baby even when she is in pain. Now that she is on the antibiotic she is even happier. I have seen quite a few smiles the past few days and even close to a giggle.

The bonding is 10 times better than last week. She is opening up to us and us to her. We still have a long way to go but things are definitely progressing.

The thing that has been the hardest for me is giving up some "me" time. As Noah and Della got older, I got more and more of it. I still get some but not as much. It has been difficult for me because I haven't had a baby in 4.5 years. I had forgotten some things I guess. I am not complaining because it works now but it would be a lie if I didn't say it was a shock to my system at first. Now I am getting used to it and am enjoying spending time outside with the kids. One great thing is I don't spend nearly as much money because I don't make useless trips out, just the needed ones!

We want to thank everyone for the dinners, visits and phone calls! It has been good to connect with people. We had such an amazing experience in Ethiopia and love sharing our time there with others. When I say life-changing, that is an understatement! Have a great Thursday!

Happy Anniversay Steve!

So I thought I had these posts in order but I guess not, they are backwards. I wanted to do a picture timeline thing but it did not work out like I had planned. Steve and I have our anniversary April 8th. If you start at the bottom of the page and work your way up it will all make sense. All I know is I took Nyquil an hour ago and I am in no shape to fix the order! Anyway Love you Steve and here is my gift that does not cost anything(our agreement this year.)

Love Rach

Journey to Marlee!

Our trip to Ethiopia to pick up our beautiful daughter! Where will we go from here?

Adding Della!

Pumpkin patch!

Introducing Noah!

Noah was 9 months old at my cousin Kate's wedding!

Adding to the family!

This was our first Christmas photo as a married couple! I know pretty sad, I guess I have to take credit for it, my idea!

Honeymoon!

South Pacific Tour!

Who would have thought that we might actually need all those wine bottles behind us:) Back when we were the adventurers, shot boating in New Zealand!

Graduation!

Steve's Barndance senior year!

Barndances were my favorite! Brings back memories!

Just Dating!

Skipp(Steve's brother), Steve and I after a PMO performance! This was when we were just friends.

Only 8 years.....Happy Anniversary Steve!

April 8th 2000 Steve and I said our vows and embarked on a fast-paced adventure with each other called life! It is hard to believe that we have come this far. In the past eight years we have added 3 kids(one by way of Ethiopia,) two cats and two dogs to our family. We are currently living in our 3rd home. When we said our vows we had no idea what we were in for. Here is a quick re-cap of the relationship that sparked this family. Sometimes I get so engrossed in posting about the kids that I forget how they all got here.

Steve and I met at Purdue at the end of our sophomore year. I just remember he had a thing for my close friend and we met at a party, he ended up driving my car home for me:) He was in the Purdue Varsity Glee Club and I was a Purduette(not dancer, singer.) His fraternity house was also down the street from my sorority house. We had been this close for two years but never really met. I was in a 4 year relationship and Steve, well lets just say, not so big on the relationship thing:) We really didn't see each other much until the beginning of our junior year. I was at the tail end of my relationship and he was still playing the field. We actually were friends for quite some time. He was with some blond freshman thing and I was loving being relationship free. Things slowly got more serious and he asked me if we could date exclusively, I said no way, I haven't been free for 4 years, this ain't gonna happen. He hung in there like a trooper and we dated for a while until a day in April. I got a call from my BFF Alicia that her father had passed suddenly. She was devastated and I was as well. Her father was a father to everyone and I adored him. We grew up together and it killed me to see her go through this. I went back home for the funeral. Steve had a show but surprised me and drove after the show to come be with me. That is when I knew, I told him that I would forgo the other suitors and we could be "exclusive." Life changed from then on. We were inseparable.

We got engaged and spent our senior year planning a wedding. After we graduated we went with PMO to Australia, New Zealand and Fiji for 3 weeks to sing and have fun!!! What an amazing experience to have together. Steve started working his pharma job right after we got back and won a trip to Puerto Rico, we then went there. Then the honeymoon to the Bahamas. Little did I know that we were just getting all the trips out of the way because there would be few in years to come.

Steve and I had a wonderful wedding day, full of music and love! The day not as important as the commitment we made to each other. We had no idea how fast life would take us! We got pregnant with Noah, 9 months after we got married. I know this sounds silly, but I guess we didn't think it could happen that easy. So no, he was not planned, but definitely wanted! We no longer had animals we had children! Noah was followed by Della two years later. We then thought we were done! God had other plans for us though. We followed my heart at first, then Steve's, and attended an adoption seminar at our church. We knew that this was part of our journey through life. We traveled to Ethiopia to pick up our daughter Marlee a couple of weeks ago. This is not the end of our journey, maybe the end of our "reproductive phase" but the journey is ahead of us.

As I reflect on our marriage and the last 8 years I can't believe we made it. So many obstacles have been placed in front of us and we just keep going. We don't always like each other and yes we argue but there is an underlying friendship that gets us through deep valleys, so we can sit on the mountains again. When I took those vows, I was naive. I did not know that marriage and parenthood would be the most difficult things I would ever do in my entire life. Yes the most difficult but the most amazing thing I have ever done. Because of the vows we took 8 years ago, I have so much love that surrounds me daily and I look in the eyes of my three little angels and think, "What did I do to deserve this." I am so lucky and grateful. Thank you Steve for giving me you and a life that I am in awe of!

I always post pics of the kids but I thought I would find some picks of the good old days(not that they aren't now) when we were a bit more carefree. Happy Anniversary!

IT"S WALKING TIME AGAIN!

I have been waiting all winter to start walking with my cousin Kate and we did yesterday! I feel so much better when we get out and walk off stress, kids, get fresh air. She has 4 little ones under 4 so she really needs the escape, but I have to say, I do too! I swear it keeps me going! We are going out again today! Gotta love spring! We got Della new bike and she loves it! Steve has the two of them at the park right now while I stay at home listening to Marlee sleep. We are getting the hang of this "not very mobile" thing. We take turns going outside with the kids only I am a little more protective so he takes the kids for the more daring adventures. All in all I would say we are adjusting well. Still haven't gotten a big belly laugh out of Marlee but I am determined. I did "SO BIG" with her yesterday and she started to scream. That felt good. I am sure she will learn our humor in the upcoming months! She is starting to bring things to her mouth, which she did not do 2 weeks ago. She is also getting some hair in! I have a funny feeling she will be doing a lot in the next month!

You may notice I have changed my tunes! I got a lovely comment from my dear musician friend Richard that he had enough with my blasts from the past. I thought of putting "Thats What Friends are For," on but the effort it takes me to change it and change it back would not be worth it! So RR, are you satisfied? You should like atleast one of the songs! Love you!

Have a lovely Sunday! We will be outside most of the day and then to church tonight!

First day of spring break!

Spring Break with 3 little ones and no trip planned. Noah is asking quite a bit, why we can't go to at least Florida or Texas! I tried calmly to explain to him that it costs money. He said "well we can just drive there." ME "Gas for the car costs money dear" N "Well how much, you and Dad have lots of money." I believe he was referring to the large amount of cash we got before we went to Ethiopia, not there anymore! Anyway, I wish it was a bit nicer outside so we could at least ride bikes. Right now I don't want to shock Marlee too much, she does hail from Africa. I know there is better weather coming!!! We thought about a trip to target but whenever I go to target, I end of buying things I don't need. In the meantime, Noah and I have been working on his VIP book for school. He is VIP the week he goes back. He gets to bring someone to school with him and he chose Marlee. As you can imagine, Della had some hurt feelings. I think we are all going now.

I am bummed because I think I caught the cold that Marlee has. I haven't been sick for a long time, knock on wood. Maybe it is just the day, cold and cloudy! I am sure it will be better when the sun comes out tomorrow! Its only a day away you know! That is all the humor I have right now!

I took some pics this morning! You can see how everyone wants to be with Marlee, even the pups! And yes, Noah is sporting the yellow sleep masks we got from Ethiopian Air. Not that pleased with the airline but their sleep masks have been fun for the kids. Have a great day!

One week tomorrow......

we have been home! Jet lag is gone and reality of shaping our family again is setting in. We aren't quite as mobile as we were a couple of weeks ago. Marlee had her first trip to Wal-Mart and the grocery store. She was in awe! It was fun to watch her face. She actually babbled her way through Wal-Mart. She is learning to sleep in her car seat, that is also very helpful. We do a lot of running during the week. We have heard a few more screams the past few days, atleast we know she can. Other than that, I feel like this should be more work! No, I am not complaining but I was expecting things to be a bit more difficult as far as transition. The kids really wanted Marlee to come watch them at swimming lessons tonight, so we all went! She was tired but just hung in there like a trooper. I feel like God brought Marlee into our lives because she has brought a peace and calmness. We are not known for calm around here! Anyway everything is going well on that front!

We are still working on bonding and attachment. This is big in adoption. I have read all the information I can on it and I knew it would be more difficult but I guess I was hoping for a free pass! When I had the kids in my belly for 9 months, they heard me talk and knew who I was. When I had them, I naturally was a comfort to them and we had an instant bond. It is different with Marlee. She just met me two weeks ago, she likes me alright but is not attached, that comes in time. This part can be frustrating. I know it will all come in time but it is hard to be patient. Marlee is such a self-soother and really just likes to be with anyone, it doesn't matter who. That is why Steve and I need to play such a big role right now.

All in all, I can't believe how wonderful this transition and process has been. I don't want to make the adoption process sound any easier than pregnancy because they are both difficult in their own way, but I like not having to take care of a baby after major surgery(c-sections.) I also like her sleeping through the night right away. Like I said in a previous post, I do not believe that this transition is typical so if you are reading this and bringing your child home soon, prepare for the worst and then be pleasently surprised.

I find it surreal to think that in the past two weeks I have been to Ethiopia and back while adding a new member to our family. That is a lot no matter how you look at it. Sometimes I miss being in Ethiopia, the people, taking it easy, my new friends! I miss it but you could not get me on another international flight for atleast a year!

Well all for now!

The past few days.........

Thanks everyone for your thoughts and prayers we are doing great! Kara thanks for dinner last night. I have to say Steve ate almost half the pan, I think I will need to get the recipe from you! The past few days we have spent getting rid of jet lag and spending time with the kids! Della is getting better, not as many tantrums and Noah is doing great! He always wants to hold Marlee. As for Marlee, she is a sleeper. She has slept through the night since we got home, atleast 11-12 hours a night and takes two sometimes three naps a day. She is definately a schedule lover though! I know this because I took her to the Doctor yesterday and it interupted her morning nap. She was fine until late afternoon when I tried to put her down and she started screaming. First time I heard that:) I think she was overtired. Otherwise the only thing I can say is we are going to have to put plastic panties on over her diaper at night because she sleeps so long, not such a big deal. I am getting the idea that this is not normal transition, I will take it though. Steve is back to work today. Originally we planned to have him stay home a few more days but honestly, I don't need him anymore. Things are not drastically changing at the moment, although I know my time will come.

My goal in the next few days is to try and find time to process this journey, especially our time in Ethiopia. It was a very emotional week and I haven't been ready to relive every moment yet. I need to though because I need to process it in that way! It was nice to have our travel group there because it was almost like group therapy! We all knew what everyone was going through and understood each others emotions. That was nice to have. This experience has changed our lives in so many ways! We have learned so much and have more respect for the "Simple Things," in our lives that we often take for granted. We as Americans are born into a society of a democracy, a great water system, jobs, everything is there, if you want it there is a way to get it, that is not the case everywhere. Do I think we are at fault for this, no. It is all we know! The people in Ethiopia are happy, some of the happiest people I have ever met. That is the part that amazes me. Marlees culture is amazing and I hope I can relay that to her when the time comes. As you can tell I am still processing our experience. Here is a quick video of Marlee getting overstimulated, leave it to us! Till next time......