Tessa's Blog

When I started doing serious adoption research back in the fall, I discovered that many families blog about their journey and experience. At first I thought it would be a big pain to maintain two separate blogs. But as I've thought about it recently, I want Tessa to have her own blog, so I can later print it out. I hope it's something she can look back on over the years, and learn more about how she came to be a cherished part of our family. So, with all that said, HERE is the link to Tessa's blog.

Please hop on over, and become a follower. Then feel free to share it with others, because I want as many people possible praying for our little angel on the other side of the world.

Drake's 2 year checkup

In cleaning out the office today, I found Drake's record from his two year visit. Granted, it was back in January. Better late than never. I love to record everything here, rather than keeping a million pieces of paper:-)

Anyhow, he was healthy as a horse, and small as ever.

His weight was 22 pounds and 6 ounces, putting him in the less than 5th percentile

He was 33 inches tall, 10-25th%

And a head circumference of 18.5 inches, the 10th%

He is small but mighty! And our little monkey- the kid can climb anything, and is so physically agile and fast.

We love you Drakey!

First day in Disney

We were at our resort by 10am on arrival day, and it was chilly! Luckily I'd packed the boys baby legs and a blanket. I ended up buying Drake a jacket, that was ridiculously overpriced. Here we are before heading out!

The whole crew headed in.

Eli loved the boat rides.
The best family photo we got. Quite pitiful. Who knows what Eli was looking at, and Drake was struggling to get down.
Happy Eli, happy Grandma. It sure was obvious we'd gone straight into the park without unpacking. Drool-monster needed a bib!
The Epcot world of China. It made me miss Tessa even more. I can't wait to hold her in my arms.

I was really happy we took our stroller, rather than renting one from Disney. It was much more comfy for the boys, and provided a lot of shade. This was in the afternoon, and as you can see the boys changed clothes! Outfit number one made by Grandma. They were matching, and SO cute!

Eli loves him some Sophie.
This kid is gonna be a heartbreaker.
We were there during the Epcot flower and garden festival.
This is what our little monkey did while we waited in line. He was not happy about the fact that we kept making him get down.

Eli loved the Gemini carrier. He took many naps in it, including this one. There is nothing hotter than a baby-wearing-daddy. I LOVE it.

Eli crying, Drake distracted, Grandpa with closed eyes, but Grandma was excited about the picture.
Drake loving a ride, just mesmerized. And Grandpa yawning, before day 1 was even over. Wimp.
Eli on the ride Living with the Land. I don't think he could've cared less about anything there. But he was quite happy to have Mommy and Daddy all week long.
Eli loves to ride on Eric's shoulders.

What's going on with us...

Busy times at the Kirsch home! I really hope to blog about the actual Disney part of our Disney trip, but I've been going to bed at 8pm the last couple of nights. We worked outside a good bit this weekend, and now I'm working Sunday, Monday, Tuesday. The good news is I'm off Wednesday- Saturday! The better news? Eric's parents will be here! Which means A LOT will be accomplished around our house! We had the sliding glass door replaced downstairs, and gorgeous french doors put in. They are so pretty, but still need to be painted. There is a lot of yard work to do, and I'm capable of doing most of it myself, but need someone to entertain the kiddos. Can you say Oma? (Oma is what the kids call Eric's Mom- it's German for Grandma.)

The biggest and most important thing that we are doing is having a playset built! Eric and his dad are quite handy; his dad especially. I'm so excited to finally have an outdoor playset for the boys, so we don't always have to walk to the park to swing and slide. The biggest part of their visit is that Eli's birthday party is Saturday:-) I can't wait to celebrate the first year of my sweet boys life. I love that lil' stinker with all of my heart. To be so skinny, he sure is squishable.

We have our last homestudy visit this week, with our social worker. I will give her the last of our papers required for that, and I'm hoping to get the homestudy back on next Monday. It will go straight to BAAS (our adoption agency that is FABULOUS) via overnight UPS. BAAS stands for Bay Area Adoption Services. So, how did we end up with an agency in California? Well, two of my friends at work are adopting right now, and are using this agency. I've heard great things, so we decided to use them as well.

Anyways, it takes about two weeks for our agency to review the homestudy, then we can send in something called an I800A. This goes to US Immigration (USCIS), and they approve us to bring a foreign child into the country. That part is about a two month wait right now, so I'm really hoping it speeds up. I want my girl home before Christmas, so even DAYS matter!!! So, I'm praying for a quick homestudy approval by our agency, and a quick USCIS approval! Their average is 45-60 days, and I'm hoping for 40. Nothing wrong with hoping and praying! Once our I800A is approved, we can send our dossier to China. Once that is in, it's about 4.5 months to travel.

So, this week's prayer requests related to our sweet Tessa:

1. She is safe, loved, fed, and warm.

2. The USCIS wait is closer to 30 days, than the 45-60.

3. St. Thomas quickly sends our marriage certificate.

In other news, the American Academy of Pediatrics made an announcement today that they are changing child restraint recommendations. Most importantly, they are recommending kids stay rear facing until AT LEAST two years old. I've been on that soap box a while now, but I'm hoping more people start to listen now that the AAP recommends it. Cramped legs are better than broken necks. I'm just sayin'.

Embassy Suites

We drove to North Orlando on Sunday, and stayed at an Embassy Suites that night. I love this hotel for many reasons. (This chain rather). Number one, they have a manager's reception every night from 5-7pm. This means free adult beverages:-) Sad thing is, I was too tired this trip to even partake. Boo. Number 2, they have an AMAZING breakfast each morning. Love that too. Number 3, all rooms are suites. Meaning I can put kids in another room. Yippee, let them wake each other up so Mommy can sleep. (Haha, isn't that hilarious? Drake had me up at 5:30am the next morning.)

Anyways, we ordered pizza and had a chill night letting the kids swim. Eli wasn't interested, but Drake had a blast.

Drake loved to jump off the edge.

Oh. heavens. be. Grandma found two beer. Weeeeeeeeeee.
Grandpa pulling Drake around behind the motorboat. Funny thing is, you can see his mouth making the noise.
Jumping!
We let Grandma hold Eli while she was still drinking water:-)

Me and my sweet big boy.
Maybe this weekend I'll actually get to the Disney part of our Disney trip.

Traveling to Disney World

We drove to north Orlando on Sunday, and had a picnic lunch along the way. The rest stop was the perfect place for Drake to run around and burn off some energy. Here is Eli hitching a ride on Daddy's shoulders.

Daddy and the littlest little.
Mommy being silly
Yes, a bird pooped straight down my cleavage. I mean, seriously, what are the chances of that? My dad thought it was the funniest thing EVER.
Drake watching a movie. Yes, he is over two and still rear facing. It's the safest and smartest way to ride, and I'll be happy to share research with anyone interested in more info. (The little weasel does manage to get his car seat flipped in his grandparents van).

Sweet Eli caught up on some sleep.
This is my "We are almost there" look.
Fran and lil' stinker

Blog Redesign

Well, the redesign of the blog is pretty much complete! I've added a few widgets I like, in addition to the things designed by TPDP designs. I even managed to add on a playlist of some of my favorite songs! If you want to know the name of a song, or the artist, the entire playlist is at the very bottom of my blog. I still have a few things to finish, or have finished. I hope to get that done in the next week! Now, onto some Disney blogging!