Gotcha Day

Sept. 27, 2005 we bacame a family of 3.

I really find it hard to believe that it's been 5 years. We went to a fall festival to celebrate. Tomorrow I am taking Avery to the local Russian restaurant for lunch and we'll stop at the deli next door for some yummy treats to being home.

This year more than in the past I have noticed a significant shift in behavior. Avery always has her fall meltdown, but today... I just can't begin to describe the pain I saw coming from my girl. It broke my heart, but I think she really let go of some of the pain and anger she's been carrying. I know we have a long way to go, but she is beginning to open up and let me take on some of the burden.

I am so blessed! Today at church Pastor Doug was talking about how God gives. Well, He sure gave to me in a beautiful way. It wasn't what I first asked for, but it was exactly what I needed. Avery is a treasure!

I Love Fall

The smell of leaves, the crunch under your feet, the yummy food and fun things to do. It just doesn't get much better. I wasn't always so gung ho for fall, but being a mom and getting to really enjoy it from a child's perspective just brings out all the best it has to offer. Not just the hayfever and colder temps.

I am looking forward to making some new discoveries here in Indiana. We need to find an orchard and pumpkin patch. And some other fun places to visit this fall. I am really excited, but also hoping that our foster parent training doesn't throw a wrench in our plans. We are going to Saturday training, so we can; 1) finish in 4 weeks 2) Ryan won't miss work and 3)easier access to sitters. We'll find out tomorrow when our classes will start.

In less than 2 weeks we will celebrate our Family Day. Avery joined us permanantly on September 27th, 2005. I still have no clue how we will celebrate, but I am working on a few options. I'll let you know what we decide.

Big Girl Changes

Ready or not, (ok, ok I am NOT) this is happening!

Today was our first day of 1st grade. Avery did really well. She knew all of her sight words that we were reviewing. She happily did 90% of her work and only needed some mild encouragement for the rest - she hates writing neatly and that is part of the lesson she was working on. Oh well.

So to celebrate her first day I took her to get a much needed haircut. We kinda let it run wild over the summer. She started out nervous and only wanting a trim, but I asked again and she said "nah, just make it short", so now she has a cute little bob. I have always like her hair like this, but it makes her look so grown up. I am really noticing that she's finding her style - Ryan saw this yesterday at the mall when he tried to talk her into some hideous baby-ish looking outfit. I had to agree she was way too stylish for that hot mess.
After nails she got her first manicure. She picked a sparkly pink polish that was very sweet.

I was thinking the day was going great. It really was. We went and got groceries and she was so attentive and polite. A real fun time. And I was handling the "grown up" girl idea pretty well.

We came home and I noticed her permanent tooth was peeking in behind the baby tooth that's been hanging for a few weeks now. Well, that was it. Time to suck it up and say goodbye to the baby tooth. I pulled it! She did great! No tears, no panic, just a big girl that was ready to loose that tooth.
I haven't cried, but it is really hard to look at my baby and see baby anymore. She is such an amazing kid. I just love her to pieces, snaggly gap and all.

I'll post pictures soon.

The New and The Old

Well first, I'll start by saying... AMEN! We are finally seeing some improvements with sleep. In no way are we at our destination, but the ride is not quite as bumpy. Avery is going to her room and falling asleep there every night. We bumped her bedtime back to the school year time and I think this helps, in addition to her knowing we will not back down for anything. She still wakes p a few times a night and she still ends up in our room, but it is progress. I am still hopeful that I won't be along for the honeymoon.
We went back to Ohio for a few days last week and for the first time it didn't feel like home. In fact I was itching to get back to Indiana. Now don't get me wrong I love Cincinnati and so many things there, but Indianapolis has somuch to offer that I find myself getting bored when I am doing what someone else defines as "fun".
We came home this week and took advantage of some lazy days. On Tuesday we'll start our school year and it's going to be a busy one. Our first field trip is Thursday. And co-op starts the following week --- pray for that, I never know how Avery will do seperating from me.
Soon we'll be starting our foster care classes here in Indy. I am excited about seeing how we can be used to reach the kids that will be placed with us. In the same token it makes me think of how our family could potentially grow and I am nervous. It's hard to have no control or insigt into your future and just have to wait on God to bring it on. Guess there really isn't a choice in the matter, so I'll wait and pray.
We got to see H, H, and J over the weekend and they are just doing so great! I adore their new family and just know they are in the right place. Can't tell you how much of a relief that is.

The newest thing we have going is that we are car shopping. Our van is just too much. It was a necessity when we had 4 carseats, but now we don't need all that and it's pricey, so I am downsizing. Hopefully I'll find something soon. And knowing me downsizing won't be all that much smaller. ;)
Avery's loose tooth is still hanging on, but it is SUPER close andshe has another loose one on top.

And PS, before you move into a new home, do your homework. We had no idea there was a race track a couple miles away and boy is it loud. Can't wait until our lease is up!!!