Feb 14, 2012
Feb 8, 2012
Amen!
Last night at my parents house, we held hands around the table and my mom prayed. A split second before mom could get to it, Lucy surprised us by debuting a new word, "Amen!" She seemed so pleased with herself. We thought it was pretty dang cute. And BIG progress, since she just started allowing us to hold her hand (at first it was a horrible imposition on those busy hands!).
And this morning I was feeling under the weather, and she patted my back several times, and then carried my house shoes, one at a time, to my closet and put them away. What a sweet baby!
And, in case in my elation over this sweet girl I lead you to believe that things are always perfect, I'll share a few tidbits from the last week or so. First, Lucy accidently poked me inside the nose so hard that I had my first ever nose bleed. Then I looked over the other morning to see her genltly swirling my hairbrush in the toilet water. Fun times! Finally, tonight she was sitting in my lap facing me and sneezed, sending little bits of soggy graham cracker all over my shirt... and she then picked out a few of the most delectable already-chewed bits and ate them. And I let her.
This picture sums up what I'm talking about pretty well... kind of smeary, bits of food everywhere, strawberry juice stained, but her smile (like her shirt says) is JOY for this mama.
And this morning I was feeling under the weather, and she patted my back several times, and then carried my house shoes, one at a time, to my closet and put them away. What a sweet baby!
And, in case in my elation over this sweet girl I lead you to believe that things are always perfect, I'll share a few tidbits from the last week or so. First, Lucy accidently poked me inside the nose so hard that I had my first ever nose bleed. Then I looked over the other morning to see her genltly swirling my hairbrush in the toilet water. Fun times! Finally, tonight she was sitting in my lap facing me and sneezed, sending little bits of soggy graham cracker all over my shirt... and she then picked out a few of the most delectable already-chewed bits and ate them. And I let her.
This picture sums up what I'm talking about pretty well... kind of smeary, bits of food everywhere, strawberry juice stained, but her smile (like her shirt says) is JOY for this mama.
Feb 4, 2012
new things
More new things... Lucy seems to do something funny and new every day. She is such a joy!
This may be too much detail for everyone else, but I want to put it here because I am enjoying every bit and I wish I could freeze time and trap every sweet detail.
Lucy is BIG into little songs, especially Itsy Bitsy Spider and Patty Cake. She also LOVES a song on an awesome CD (by slugs and bugs) called I'm Adopted. It's a Christian kids CD and it has this song that talks about how we're ALL adopted. It says... I'm adopted, I'm adopted, love came and found me, wrapped arms around me... It's really very sweet, and reminds me again how our stories of adoption are beautiful but the most beautiful story is how God adopted us as sons and daughters. Anyway, she just started chiming in from the backseat whenever this song came on. I think it's precious!
She plays little games (you can see it on the video) where she crosses her arms and then looks to make sure everyone does it too. She also touches her head, and then we all have to copy that, too.
And I think my favorite thing in this video is that she looks at the camera several times, and once near the end, it cracks her up. She's SO funny.
PS. Sorry for the smeary screen... lots of messy fingers on my camera!
This may be too much detail for everyone else, but I want to put it here because I am enjoying every bit and I wish I could freeze time and trap every sweet detail.
Lucy is BIG into little songs, especially Itsy Bitsy Spider and Patty Cake. She also LOVES a song on an awesome CD (by slugs and bugs) called I'm Adopted. It's a Christian kids CD and it has this song that talks about how we're ALL adopted. It says... I'm adopted, I'm adopted, love came and found me, wrapped arms around me... It's really very sweet, and reminds me again how our stories of adoption are beautiful but the most beautiful story is how God adopted us as sons and daughters. Anyway, she just started chiming in from the backseat whenever this song came on. I think it's precious!
She plays little games (you can see it on the video) where she crosses her arms and then looks to make sure everyone does it too. She also touches her head, and then we all have to copy that, too.
And I think my favorite thing in this video is that she looks at the camera several times, and once near the end, it cracks her up. She's SO funny.
PS. Sorry for the smeary screen... lots of messy fingers on my camera!
Jan 26, 2012
a sad tale from Ethiopia
Our agency director posted this, and I remember having read several years ago, but I'd totally forgotten that it happened in Ethiopia. You see, Ethiopia was just a nice country in Africa before and now it's all tangled up in my heart.
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/8305836/ns/world_news-africa/t/ethiopian-girl-reportedly-guarded-lions/
The story is astonishing, because these ferocious animals acted as a young girl's protectors--the lions behaved with more compassion than the men, who kidnapped and beat her.
And even more astonishing is the fact that the last line reports, non-chalantly even, that "kidnapping young girls has long been part of the marriage custom in Ethiopia. The United Nations estimates that more than 70 percent of marriages in Ethiopia are by abduction, practiced in rural areas where most of the country’s 71 million people live."
When I hear these kind of things, I can't help but think, "That could have been my precious child." And then, an even worse thought (that is true): "That IS someone's precious child." I thank God for the safety and protection we are privileged to here, even as I wonder why things are as they are there.
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/8305836/ns/world_news-africa/t/ethiopian-girl-reportedly-guarded-lions/
The story is astonishing, because these ferocious animals acted as a young girl's protectors--the lions behaved with more compassion than the men, who kidnapped and beat her.
And even more astonishing is the fact that the last line reports, non-chalantly even, that "kidnapping young girls has long been part of the marriage custom in Ethiopia. The United Nations estimates that more than 70 percent of marriages in Ethiopia are by abduction, practiced in rural areas where most of the country’s 71 million people live."
When I hear these kind of things, I can't help but think, "That could have been my precious child." And then, an even worse thought (that is true): "That IS someone's precious child." I thank God for the safety and protection we are privileged to here, even as I wonder why things are as they are there.
Jan 23, 2012
Jan 15, 2012
thoughts about hair
Hola amigos! I think it's high time for a hair update. I got so much good, kind advice in response to my desperate plea for help (here). We still have some struggles, but things have VASTLY improved. There are occaisionally tears, but much less often!
One thing that was kind of freeing was to realize that there is no "right way" to work with Lucy's hair. I got good advice, some of which coincided with "Happy Girl Hair" advice, some of which was totally contradictory. (Happy Girl Hair is on the blog list to the right. It's kind of a sacred cannon of hair advice for curly African hair. It's wonderful and a little overwhelming!)
I have a whole new perspective on hair after watching the (slightly rough, but interesting) "It's all Good Hair" documentary by Chris Rock and talking with some African American friends. First of all, black women's hair is a BIG deal :) I learned that a little girl's hair is a reflection of how taken-care-of she is. It's time consuming and can be expensive to really care for her hair, so if it looks neat and healthy, it shows the world that this little girl is loved and cared for. So, Lucy's georgous hair is a billboard for my parenting prowess. Ay ay ay! The pressure!
Also, the documentary drew to my attention the fact that MOST African American women I see (on TV and in real life) do not wear natural (curly) hair styles. The look I most often see is relaxed hair. Those beautiful curls are smashed out! I also learned that MANY African American women I see on TV and in movies are wearing weaves/extensions. And that the "best" ones are made from the hair of Indian women. Whew, a global beauty economy!
Now, while I get to decide about Lucy's hair, I want to showcase those beautiful curls! I LOVE them! So lets get to the nitty gritty:
--A bath about 3 times a week with conditioner (Aubrey's Honeysuckle Rose conditioner) worked through her wet hair. (We shampoo maybe once a week first). I detangle a little with my fingers, and use the tangle teaser some, too. (To tell the truth, I'm not singing it's praises YET, but I've heard so many good things I want to keep trying). Usually, I don't rinse the conditioner out, but leave it in overnight, or just kinda half rinse it.
I also am using Aquaphor lotion. It's almost a Vaseline consistancy, so we slather up at night and then zip her into her snuggly footed pjs and her skin feels great in the morning.
One thing that was kind of freeing was to realize that there is no "right way" to work with Lucy's hair. I got good advice, some of which coincided with "Happy Girl Hair" advice, some of which was totally contradictory. (Happy Girl Hair is on the blog list to the right. It's kind of a sacred cannon of hair advice for curly African hair. It's wonderful and a little overwhelming!)
I have a whole new perspective on hair after watching the (slightly rough, but interesting) "It's all Good Hair" documentary by Chris Rock and talking with some African American friends. First of all, black women's hair is a BIG deal :) I learned that a little girl's hair is a reflection of how taken-care-of she is. It's time consuming and can be expensive to really care for her hair, so if it looks neat and healthy, it shows the world that this little girl is loved and cared for. So, Lucy's georgous hair is a billboard for my parenting prowess. Ay ay ay! The pressure!
Also, the documentary drew to my attention the fact that MOST African American women I see (on TV and in real life) do not wear natural (curly) hair styles. The look I most often see is relaxed hair. Those beautiful curls are smashed out! I also learned that MANY African American women I see on TV and in movies are wearing weaves/extensions. And that the "best" ones are made from the hair of Indian women. Whew, a global beauty economy!
Now, while I get to decide about Lucy's hair, I want to showcase those beautiful curls! I LOVE them! So lets get to the nitty gritty:
Look how long it is when it's stretched out!
Products we use
So, our main problem was LACK OF MOISTURE! I needed to be moisturizing more often and with better products. Changing those two things solved most of our problems. Our routine now is:
--A bath about 3 times a week with conditioner (Aubrey's Honeysuckle Rose conditioner) worked through her wet hair. (We shampoo maybe once a week first). I detangle a little with my fingers, and use the tangle teaser some, too. (To tell the truth, I'm not singing it's praises YET, but I've heard so many good things I want to keep trying). Usually, I don't rinse the conditioner out, but leave it in overnight, or just kinda half rinse it.
--In the mornings, I spritz her hair with water and conditioner, and use the Curly Q Curling Custard. I LOVE this stuff!!! I hear all the time how great her hair smells. Jeremiah Rice (big bro to Lucy's future pal, Dalaney) said that they have to use this stuff because it makes Lucy smell ike a cupcake all the time! I usually put the pantene creme oil after her afternoon nap and before she goes to bed on nights that we don't condition.
I also am using Aquaphor lotion. It's almost a Vaseline consistancy, so we slather up at night and then zip her into her snuggly footed pjs and her skin feels great in the morning.
This works very well when it's consistant. I've learned the hard way that missing just one moisturizing session or detangling can make for an unpleasant situation next time. It's really a joy to have these little routines, though, and to feel like I'm learning how to take care of Lucy well. I hope to help her appreciate what a lovely girl she is and how awesome that head of hair God gave her is!
Jan 10, 2012
how can you help?
I'm SO glad you asked! You see, this adoption business is a little overwhelming at times, and pricey. But OH SO worth it!
A#1) My friend Angel is adopting a sweet baby girl, Dalaney, from Ethiopia as well. She's going to have a LOVELY shin-dig on Saturday to raise money. Just come on by and get a delish dish for $5, which will go toward her adoption. There will also be lovely things to buy, if you want. I'll be dishing up goodies, and you can meet Angel and her amazing son, Jeremiah (who is wonderfully excited to be a big brother) and maybe even get a sneak peak at Dalaney's pictures. (Oh my word. Adorable!) Click on the flier below to make it bigger and see details
B#2) This one is EASY folks! Please take 30 seconds to sign this petition. It is requesting that the refundable adoption tax credit be extended two years. This is a BIG deal and can cover almost half of the total cost of adoption. Extending this credit gives so many more families the opportunity to adopt. Gracias!
Petitions by Change.org|Start a Petition »
C#3) Weeeell, I'm slipping this one in. There is a precious little boy on my agency's waiting child list. An 8 year old boy who now has no one. His sweet little smile caught my eye weeks ago, and when I looked yesterday, a note beside him mentioned that he was one of the sweetest, caring chilldren they had met, always had a smile, and looked after the little ones. Oooh, it just got me. This child is dealing with more pain and fear and uncertainty than I'll probably ever have to, and he's caring for others in the midst of it. (Would I be that strong?) I knew he was special! What a blessing he'd be.
I started scheming. I'd have to have another bedroom (legally boys and girls can't share one, and neither can parents and children, so I've got mine and Lucy's and I'd need another one). So I started scanning local real estate for sale... before I had to talk firmly to myself. This precious boy needs a family, but it's utterly impractical that Lucy and I are his family.
So I'm just casually throwing this out there, this news of a sweet caring little boy who needs a mama to love him and a daddy to teach him and a bed to be tucked into. I think he may need little siblings, too, to take care of and love on. I'm just sharing information, guys, with (almost) no ulterior motive or schemes. (www.celebratechildren.org)
A#1) My friend Angel is adopting a sweet baby girl, Dalaney, from Ethiopia as well. She's going to have a LOVELY shin-dig on Saturday to raise money. Just come on by and get a delish dish for $5, which will go toward her adoption. There will also be lovely things to buy, if you want. I'll be dishing up goodies, and you can meet Angel and her amazing son, Jeremiah (who is wonderfully excited to be a big brother) and maybe even get a sneak peak at Dalaney's pictures. (Oh my word. Adorable!) Click on the flier below to make it bigger and see details
B#2) This one is EASY folks! Please take 30 seconds to sign this petition. It is requesting that the refundable adoption tax credit be extended two years. This is a BIG deal and can cover almost half of the total cost of adoption. Extending this credit gives so many more families the opportunity to adopt. Gracias!
Petitions by Change.org|Start a Petition »
C#3) Weeeell, I'm slipping this one in. There is a precious little boy on my agency's waiting child list. An 8 year old boy who now has no one. His sweet little smile caught my eye weeks ago, and when I looked yesterday, a note beside him mentioned that he was one of the sweetest, caring chilldren they had met, always had a smile, and looked after the little ones. Oooh, it just got me. This child is dealing with more pain and fear and uncertainty than I'll probably ever have to, and he's caring for others in the midst of it. (Would I be that strong?) I knew he was special! What a blessing he'd be.
I started scheming. I'd have to have another bedroom (legally boys and girls can't share one, and neither can parents and children, so I've got mine and Lucy's and I'd need another one). So I started scanning local real estate for sale... before I had to talk firmly to myself. This precious boy needs a family, but it's utterly impractical that Lucy and I are his family.
So I'm just casually throwing this out there, this news of a sweet caring little boy who needs a mama to love him and a daddy to teach him and a bed to be tucked into. I think he may need little siblings, too, to take care of and love on. I'm just sharing information, guys, with (almost) no ulterior motive or schemes. (www.celebratechildren.org)
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