Thursday, August 30, 2007




Mia doesn't need toys for entertainment. Usually, she'll just find some random item laying on the carpet (and there seem to be plenty of those these days) and find herself happy. This has worked well for us and our budget, but who in the world can resist free money in the form of a gift card, eh?

So, we left Target with this little gadget just for Mia. She loves it! Now if we could just get little man to understand this too, we'd be set. Today, he insisted he place the toy high up on the fridge with a promise that he'd lift Mia up anytime she wanted to play. Right!

Sunday, August 26, 2007

A Day at the Park




Snuck in a few pictures today at the park when the kiddos would cooperate. And no, you won't be seeing one of the pair...unless you'd like to see a picture of a (mild) battle.

Precious.

Saturday, August 25, 2007

Farmer's Market finds


We're trying to get in the habit of buying our produce at a local farmer's market. We find the produce is far more fresh and ripened tha natural way.

Here's a picture of our goods. Arrangement courtesy of the hubby.

A first and a lesson learned (hopefully)





Spencer played his very first game of bowling and had a blast! After the fiasco at soccer this year, we were just overjoyed to see him enjoying an activity. He's had a few bouts of I-can't-do-itis recently and this certainly was encouraging for us to see.

At one point, I was a little nervous when I realized my not quite four-year-old son was four pins away from MY total. I know it is good to let 'em win and that was exactly what I was doing...right. He scored 76 his second round and reeked of grease. It was great!

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WARNING: Please stop here if you're about to eat...anything!

So, Mia's had this fastination with removing her diaper lately. Maybe it is the velcro sound of the cloth diaper that gets her; I'm just not too sure. Because of this, I've had her in a least a onsie at all times. I was certain to relay this information to my dear hubby, for fear of the consequences. He's forgetful (he'll deny this) and sent Mia back to bed after a late-night comfort session, bottomless.

Alright, so morning arrives and I hear little Mia awake and ready for pick-up. I go in her room to greet her, but almost immediately want to shut the door. I see the diaper, clean and not on baby. Oh, and little deposits all over the place.

In case your wondering, Alfonso was on a run the morning when said incident occurred. I did my part and cleaned up Mia. When he arrived back home I told him, with a smile of course, that a surprise was waiting for him upstairs. Spencer filled him in and exclaimed, "It's poop, Dad!!".

I don't think he'll EVER forget again.

Tuesday, August 21, 2007

It was my most powerful mind control, I tell you


Eleven years ago this hottie asked me to be his girlfriend. Now that we're married, it may seem silly to celebrate this anniversary, but heck, I've almost been with this guy half my life. And that is worth celebrating for sure.

Alfonso is an amazing friend, husband and dad. I couldn't possible dream up a better fit for me. Really.

How'd I come up on top on this deal?! Thank you Jesus!

Monday, August 20, 2007

If only this could be bottled...


Last night, Spence and I spent some time star-gazing in the wilderness that is (not) our backyard. Thankfully, even the street lights were unable to block out all those shining beauties.

Always one for cuddling, last night was no different (and here's to hoping Spencer always snuggles some). He looked at me and said, "Mommy, you're the goodest Mommy". And with those few words, undid the challenges of the day (and believe me, there were some, um, challenges).

Today, after our, 'Please, never grow up speech', Spencer seemed unconvinced; he wants to grow big. And in return, he exclaimed, "I want to grow big fast. Can I, pleeeease? I'm goin' be a mighy kid!"

I find it funny that he believes his growth (or the lack of ) is in our control. If it were, I think we'd like him to stay little a bit longer.

Friday, August 17, 2007

'paghetti face



Thankfully, not every meal is this messy!

Thursday, August 16, 2007

A mini Mia update



Mia's adjusting beautifully. The adjustment period isn't without it's bumps, but that is to be expected. Truthfully, I was having the most difficult time because Mia's bonding to me has been slow. That's a hard pill for a Mommy to swallow. I'm excited to report that there's been some positive progress: there's more eye contact, more reaching out, more babble, tears when I "disappear". As Alfonso leaves me solo as of tomorrow, this progress comes at a good time.

More Than Dessert

My MOPS group organized meals for our family this last week. It was such a blessing! Each and every meal received a thumbs up from Spencer. Oh, and us too!

One night we had an extra special treat. My friend, Shelly, brought one of MY desserts for us to enjoy; she got the recipe right out of our MOPS cookbook. It isn't just ANY recipe though. This recipe was a favorite of my mom and grandma. Matter-of-fact, I have fond memories of preparing (and eating) this dessert.

I'm so glad that God knows me so well. He knew that I needed this pick-me-up and used a friend to deliver His love.

It is still peach season, so maybe you should give the recipe a try!

Peacharoon Frozen Torte

2 cups mashed peaches
1 1/4 cup sugar
1 T lemon juice
1 cup heavy cream-whipped (don't think too hard about this one...just pour!)
1 cup coarse macaroon crumbs

To peaches, add sugar and lemon juice. Fold in whipped cream. Place 1/2 of crumbs in bottom of pan. Spoon in peach mixture. Top with remaining crumbs. Freeze until frozen, 4-6 hours. Enjoy...that's the easy part!

Sunday, August 12, 2007


I confess, it is just too nice to stay home all day. Today we went to the pool down the street for a little dip. And this isn't just ANY pool-this pool is equipped with it's very own sandy beach. While at the Marriott in G.C. we went swimming a few times and Mia seemed very comfortable in the water, so we figured it was a safe bet. It was! I apologze as I have NO pictures to share. Believe it or not, my risk-taking hubby thinks sand and a nice camera don't mix. Phooey!

Spencer was sure to bring his turtle googles with. We picked up the googles while in Guatemala after he was adamant that we bring him back something turtle. That is something I MUST take a picture of. Speaking of Spencer, I was intentional in spending a bit of one-on-one time with him today. When I asked him what he wanted to do, he exclaimed, "I want to make the biggest sandcastle I never seen!" Thankfully, he has seen few sandcastles so I believe we succeeded!

Friday, August 10, 2007




We're home and finally feeling a bit settled. It was an absolute dream to sleep in OUR bed! Mia has slept better since she arrived home which surprised us since she was sleeping in a bed not a crib. Spencer just adores Mia. He is having a tough time adjusting to the reality of sharing Ma and Pa. I don't blame him a bit...we are pretty neat ;P.

We're flying low on the radar for the next week for sure. We do get out a bit, but the only vistors we've had bring with them food. Yum! The bonding process is most definitely a two way street and while Mia needs this special family time, we do too.
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These pics are from our journey home. The one in the middle is of Mia and her tootsies touching US soil (in this case, airport carpet) for the very first time. Kinda cool, huh?!

Tuesday, August 7, 2007

The countdown begins...



Our paperwork arrived this afternoon as scheduled and we couldn't have been more pleased. Our plane leaves early tomorrow morning. After a four hour tour of the LA airport, we'll be headed home.

Mia is becoming very comfortable with us. She still finds more comfort in Alfonso's arms, but I don't blame her. He is far more familiar and I am, well, muy gringa. We are seeing bits of her mischevious side including the unrolling of the toilet paper this evening. We'll take it all!

Lots of love from Guatemala!

Monday, August 6, 2007


Early this morning we went to the US Embassy here in Guatemala for probably one ofthe most important appointments of our lives. Once a bit fearful of this particular appointment, we had been promised it really is nothing to lose sleep over and you know, everyone was right (as long as you triple check your alarm that is). Now we wait for Mia's visa which should arrive tomorrow afternoon. Once we receive this packet, our paperwork will be as ready to head home as we are! When we land in Los Angeles on Wednesday afternoon, Mia will become a US citizen. Neat, huh?!

We had a chill day today. While we would have loved to be out and about, getting up early, early can kill a traveler's mood. Instead, we spent some time poolside and witnessed REAL rain. Mia is doing very well. We have one very happy baby on our hands. What are we ever to do?

Sunday, August 5, 2007

Dia Tres



Last night was better by a tenfold. Where the night before was a try anything and everything sort of night, we had a better system in place last night. This morning we were all well-rested. That is a good thing!

We went to the National Museum of Archaeology and Ethnology this morning. We had hoped to catch a glimpse of the jade Funerary Mask, but unfortunately it is not on display right now. Big time bummer! I had a little laugh as I looked over the brochure we were given as we entered the museum. On the back the entrance fees are listed. While "Nationals" pay three quetzals to enter (approximately 50 cents), us "Foragers" pay thirty (approximately four dollars). Hopefully we aren't all viewed the same!

Our bonding process continues to improve with each passing day. In the beginning, Mia preferred Alfonso, but just today she reached out for me. Repeat after me: "Awwwww!"

Saturday, August 4, 2007

Dia Dos



Mia's progress continues to amaze us. Last night was rough, but we anticipated it would be. Our understanding of the grieving process has certainly helped us all. Although it is difficult to feel helpless at times, we know what she's experiencing is normal. Her grief is evidence of a healthy attachment to her foster family.

We ventured out some today and took Mia to the zoologico in Guatemala City. We had no expectations and found we were pleasantly surprised. And who wouldn't be entertained by los animales? Mia sure loved it!

Can I brag for a moment?! Mia is SO precious and such a happy little girl. You have just gotta hear her little raspy voice. I just love it! Of course she's quickly become a Daddy's girl and just melts Alfonso's heart each time she says, "A-Da-Da".

Friday, August 3, 2007

She's Here!



Mia arrived this morning! We met the foster family in the lobby and headed to our room for a bit more privacy. Spending time with her foster family was certainly a blessing, but our hearts sure broke as we witnessed their tears. We're forever endebted to the family as they provided for Mia in a way we could not.

So far her transition has been smooth, but we expect her grief will become more obvious soon. In the meantime we are enjoying the giggles, smiles, and shoulder shaking (she loves to dance and clap!). We have never seen a cuter toddling beauty...yes, the girl is walking!

Until tomorrow...

Hugs,
Heather

Thursday, August 2, 2007

We arrived in Guatemala on Tuesday morning safe and sound. We had an absolute blast in Antigua and the hotel we stayed at was just amazing! We took lots of photos that we'll be sure to share...like it or not!

A quick shout out to our prayer warriors...we sure appreciated all the prayers as we found ourselves speeding along the highway at 80 m.p.h. with only three good tires. Alfonso summed up our ride and driver perfectly when he exclaimed, "That guy could qualify for Nascar!"

Mia will arrive some time tomorrow. I'll be sure to make a quick post tomorrow.

Love to you all!