We're Home!

We're home! The pass wasn't the best, but that doesn't matter now. Melania's fever spiked again this evening. Good we have Motrin. Everything is hauled in, partially put away, and the washer is running. It's going on 10:00 and everyone is sleeping, including me... Here is a picture of Mishayla with Taylor Rae. Taylor's opinion - "Babies are taking over the world."

Hotels with high-speed internet are the best.

Mishayla - 5 weeks

She is getting much better at focusing and tries to transport her bottle via telekinesis.

Melania - prior to the "croup" setting in. She likes to tell me she feels "crummy." The cousins - Kadyn, Colton Jack, Trenton, Aiden (1 month older than Mishayla), Tyler, Melania, Taylor Rae, Mishayla and Caroline Grandma and Mishayla -- Thanks, Grandma (and Grandpa) for all your help this week! Great Grandma with Uncle Hugh in the background.

It's been a few days, so I guess I'd best update. Before Christmas is always more fun than after Christmas. We are headed home and spending the night in Coeur d' Alene, ID. The hotel is much nicer than the Days Inn in Ohio. However, I do not want to be snowed in for a week... I took Melania to the E.R. last night. She had a high fever, cough, cold symptoms, etc. They weren't too busy, gave her a breathing treatment, and sent us home. She's a pretty sick little girl, and very needy. This doesn't work so well with a little 5 week old who just got lots of spoiling from her grandparents and aunties. Oh well, we'll make it home tomorrow. We won't be able to go to meeting in the morning, so will plan to start out mid-morning or so. Here are a few pictures from the past week.

My best post so far!

So, I'm sitting at work charting on a patient early Friday afternoon when my Ohio attorney calls me to say, "Merry Christmas, Merry Christmas, Merry Christmas!" I answer, "I hope you have a wonderful holiday, too." Then she says, "Wait, I have more news for you. Eric's the father." I say, "What?" "Really?" and start to cry. How's that for a response? I was just so worried about there being any chance of losing Mishayla that it came as a HUGE relief. Eric did end up being tested on Dec. 18 after he found out that he would not have to know the results. The lab faxed Nancy (Ohio attorney) the results on Friday. I had nearly given up on him being tested and was afraid I would have to wait for Rodwrick to have a DNA test proving he was NOT the father. Anyway, I'm very, very happy, relieved, destressed, etc. My WA attorney sent me a copy of the DNA test results which I am considering having framed. (Just kidding!) His e-mail to me had one word - "Yahooo." He later left me a phone message saying he'd moved my file to the "Easy to Be Completed" pile. This is certainly good news for Mishayla's college fund (among other things!) I apologize for not posting this wonderful news earlier, but I left for MT yesterday immediately following work. We spent the night with some friends in Spokane (Thanks Kent and Julie!), and ventured the rest of the way to my parent's place today. It was a safe trip with good roads. Wish I could say the same for my sister, Wendy, but she and Blaine left this morning and ran into bad roads all the way. They were planning to stop and come the rest of the way tomorrow. We will be able to go to Twin Bridges special meeting in the morning and must get up pretty early. I can hardly remember the last time that I was home to MT in time for a special meeting. I'm really looking forward to it. My mom (Gma!) has it all worked out. She says that she will take Mishayla, Gpa will take Melania, and I will just have to sit and listen. We'll see... Caroline is here with us as well. She misses her mom, but I think she will get caught up in playing the kids pretty quickly. Thanks to everyone for your kind thoughts and prayers, and I will post more pictures soon. I promise... (I forgot my camera battery charger at home, so I'll have to borrow while I am here).

Not much of an update...

Unfortunately, not much to update. Seems like I have been pretty busy of late, which keeps me quite distracted. I did hear from my attorney in OH this morning. It seems Cortney had car problems last week and was unable to drive Eric to the lab for testing. She indicated that her car is fixed now, but she does not know Eric's whereabouts. So, she was going to call his mom to see about locating him. He apparently has some concerns about not wanting to know if he is the father, which is fine. He does not have to know, just me! My attorney here in WA is moving toward termination of both Cortney and Eric's parental rights at this time. This will give me legal custody of Mishayla, enabling me to add her to my health insurance. We need to be thinking about a Dr. appt, as she will be 1 month old tomorrow. She is growing quickly - already in 3 month clothing. Still not so happy about sleeping at night, but seems to fit it all in during the day. She certainly eats a lot more formula than Melania did at this age. She is pretty cute when she checks you out with her big, brown eyes. Melania is still a very helpful big sister. She had a number of braids today pulled back into a pony tail. I might have a picture to post soon. Very cute! Caroline brought home her report card today. She also received an award for being the Most Improved Student. Her reading continues to improve, but it looks like we will be spending more of our homework time working on math. I was proud of her marks for attitude and effort. She is really trying hard this year. All for now, as I'm off to put in the pacifier and console one baby who is supposed to be gearing down for the night...

Adoption Link to MSN article - click on this title

Baby "Shaya" is 3 weeks old.

This will be a rushed post, as it is a weeknight in December and I have a lot to do. No kidding! Still nothing positive to report with respect to the DNA testing. I'm working closely with the attorney in OH, who will be trying to locate Cortney and Eric to take them to the testing center. Cortney's cell phone is "pay as you go" and has been temporarily disconnected. I believe she is starting back to work this week so maybe we will find her there. They were scheduled for Wednesday, but the lab had not received the samples when I called today. This waiting around is a bummer. Melania is happiest when she is helping with her little sister. Holding the bottle, dispensing the pacifier, and patting her back are all favorite jobs. She likes to tell people that "Shaya" is sleeping, whether she is or not. Melania is heartbroken if you tell her she can't help, so we all try to find things for her to do. She is also sad to be "too big" for the bouncey chair, swing, play yard, etc.

Mishayla - 3 weeks old and still worried about falling over.

Hmmmmm, contemplating something... Here is a description of baby photography by June.

"First, hold a black and white book very close to the baby's face so she can focus on it. Slowly move the book in an upward direction. It must be slow to allow for maximal focusing. Snap picture as fast as possible, before baby closes her eyes and returns to sleeping. Some babies will just lose interest. This one becomes comatose."

This is what can happen to the unsuspecting photographer.

A picture of the chins... "I'm still not sure if I like what is going on around here." Mishayla is penalized for excessive sleeping by removal of her clothing. This, plus cold hands, seems to be the only way to awaken her - at least during the day!

Still no word on the DNA tests. Last word, the lab was still waiting for samples from Cortney and Eric. So, I'm glad I rushed right in with Mishayla! It's frustrating to have so little control over something so important. Maybe by the end of the week... It is quite wonderful to be home. The girls are not without their individual challenges as they all crave a lot of attention. Everyone tells me this is perfectly normal and that it'll get better. I sure hope so. Mishayla is working hard to straighten out her days and nights. I've never known a baby that can sleep so soundly. It is nearly impossible to keep her awake. I've returned to work, but we are not really busy right now. This is good because it means I can be home a little more, and some days, I am just tired! I know it will improve, though, and I am just trying to stay healthy. Now, time to fit in some exercise. Seriously, I'm not kidding. If I can just stay motivated for 5 more minutes...

Pictures of Melania

Routine happenings

It's official. I took all 3 girls to Costco late on a Saturday afternoon to get diapers and live to write about it. Here's a random shot of Melania waiting for dinner last night and Mishayla in her bouncy chair. She likes the vibration, now if it were just heated. Love the outfit, Kristie R., for the 2nd time. There was a moment last night in which both little girls were crying and Caroline wanted to show me something she had written in her journal that I experienced a sense of panic. I just wanted to finish folding another load of laundry and think about getting ready for bed! It blew over though, and we are all having a much better afternoon/evening today!

Melania's Birthday Party & Mishayla's Homecoming!

Aunt Wendy planned a little 2nd birthday party for Melania after Wed. night bible study. As you can see, Melania has eyes only for Uncle Bean.

Thank you, Aunt Wendy, for making such a cute

'Sylvester' cake for Melania. Mommy was definitely too tired to do much in the way of party planning!

Candles are "hot." Melania hopes to get more for her birthday than a new sister!

Melania's favorite gift was from June. A keyboard with a microphone. As a special bonus, it also has a volume control!

Melania received a collection of bath letters and numbers, bubble bath, and sour jelly beans from Aunt Wendy and Uncle Blaine. They are her jelly beans, and she doesn't have to share! Mommy found a collection of Little Miss Spider books, another favorite!

What's a party without balloons? This one could just be reached on tip toe.

I will have to continue to experiment with the video function. I turn the camera the right way about half-way through this one! Mishayla meets Aunt Wendy, who says, "You are even cuter than in your pictures!" Cousin Shaun says, "I don't think I've held a baby since Melania." Thanks, Shaun for sharing in the birthday celebration. Are you sure you don't want to travel to MT with us for Christmas? I'll let you sit in the front seat...

Melania is 2 years old. Amazing!

We made it home! Yea! Both of the girls did really well, especially since it was such a long trip. It was quite a way for Melania to spend her 2nd birthday. Our flight to Phoenix was delayed, so we had to run from one to plane to the next. We arrived in Seattle on time with all of our luggage, so no complaints! I cannot begin to describe Melania's level of absolute joy to be home. She was so excited to see June, Caroline, Sylvester, her house and toys. We went to Wed. night meeting, and afterward my sister, Wendy, had us over for cake and presents. I'll include more details as I soon as I get the pictures from the evening ready to go. Mishayla was definitely aware of being in a new place and did not sleep so well last night. It was nice to have today to catch up stuff (mail, bills, laundry, etc.) before I return to work tomorrow. I think I might require the weekend to recover!

Quick Note

Just a quick note to let everyone know the interstate compact paperwork is complete, and we are now free to return home. We fly through Phoenix, so hopefully Mishayla is a happy camper on the plane. It will be a couple of long flights. I'm sad to say our wake-up call happens tomorrow morning at 4 am, but it will be great to be home. It'll be a few days before we have any DNA results, and I may have to eventually return to OH, but I hope not (at least not for those reasons)! Will update soon- hopefully with more pictures.

Adoptions are not without complications.

Well, with any luck, the paperwork for us to return to WA should be completed tomorrow. Just a phone call away from buying plane tickets. Mishayla's paternity, with respect to her biological father, is in question. One father has signed the necessary paperwork to move forward (Eric), and the other (Rodwrick) is choosing not to consent to the adoption. So, what does this mean? Eric has agreed to a DNA test, so I will be taking Mishayla in to have her cheek "swabbed." Rodwrick is currently in prison until 9/2009 on drug charges, so he is not really in a position to parent. However, his mother would like custody if Mishayla is his daughter. At this time, I am praying that Eric will prove to have fathered Mishayla. Cortney (birthmom) is doing well and remains adament that she wants me to parent Mishayla because she would be "afraid" for Rodwrick's family to raise this little one. I certainly appreciate everyone's thoughts and prayers for what is best for Baby Mishayla.

Melania shares her hugs and kisses.

Melania loves to give Mishayla kisses.

Sometimes Mishayla likes them, sometimes it's too much of a good thing.

I see a light!

Learning early to stick out my tongue for pictures.

Sleeping. The huge pacifier is getting smaller as Mishayla gets bigger!

Home is where your cat and coffee are (among other things).

All in all, not such a good night for the UW Husky Volleyball team. They lost in 5 games to BYU. This picture is from a few years ago. If you look closely at the fans, you might see people you know. They are going to lose some great players, but next year should still be a good one! Meanwhile, I'll sit back and enjoy the rest of the tournament stress-free, and cheer for the Pac-10. Yes, even Stanford...

I am missing my sewing machine and my cat, Sylvester. I think he misses me, too. I can't promise he's going to be happy about a new baby, though. Caroline assures me she has been taking good care of him. Thank you, Caroline!

Finally, I have to tell a funny story on myself. Let me just say there are virtually no drive-thru coffee stands in this part of OH. I've found a few Starbucks, but you have walk in, which is no small thing with a new baby and Melania. Plus, I'm not really a Starbucks fan. So, imagine my delight when Carmen points out a drive-thru coffee place having their grand opening. A young man (14 or so) takes my order. I'm worried, but desperate for a skinny mocha with a splash of sugar-free Irish creme, my favorite drink. So, I politely explain/request the drink I want with a few extra directions on how to get it exactly right. From the backseat, without prompting, Melania says, "Picky, picky, picky." Carmen thought this was very funny, and I have to admit to laughing as well. A couple of days ago at Target, after several attempts by Carmen to find something, I had said to her, "Picky, picky, picky!" It is safe to say Melania doesn't miss a thing. Fortunately, my drink was perfect!

Still growing...

Thank you Uncle Hugh, Trenton and Kadyn for letting Carmen go on her "great adventure" to help out with Baby Mishayla. She misses you and hopes to come home soon. Mishayla has discovered her fist and her ability to suck on it.

9 days - Mishayla

Favorite pastime: Eating (or in this case, drinking). We went to the pediatrician yesterday. Mishayla has passed her birth weight and currently weighs 8 lb. 5 oz. My camera battery needed to be recharged for a better flash. Melania was sharing her cute, pink kitty with Mishayla. Carmen keeps undressing Mishayla in an attempt to keep her awake during the evening rather than at night!

I just get Mishayla all set up for her picture, and she does the lean. She is a little big for newborn clothes and a little small for 0-3 months. Poor baby has decided against shopping since nothing fits "just right" currently. Melania signed a new cell phone contract at the dollar store today. Here she is kicking back waiting for a phone call from the interstate compact office, our attorney, or anyone else who might decide to call. She has taken over Mishayla's "bed." It's OK because Mishayla has discovered that she prefers to be held - all the time.

Just a little R&R

Sometimes it's just difficult to relax. Mishayla is resting on Carmen's tummy - baby due February 10, 2008. Aren't cousins great?

Go, Huskies!

A little bonding time with Melania. The UW volleyball home games are shown on the internet, so Melania and I get to watch on the "bigscreen!" The Huskies will be starting the NCAA tournament this evening. When I adopted Melania, they won the national title. Coincidence? Maybe. Anyway, we will look forward to watching the game(s) this weekend to pass the time. It is Carmen's opinion that Melania has been completely brainwashed. She goes around saying, "Go, Huckies!" anytime a sporting event grabs her attention. Update: Huskies win in 5 games. It was closer than I like to see in the first round, but will take the "W". Melania fell asleep at the start of this one, and I didn't have the heart to wake her even though it was a very exciting game. She has not been on the most regular of schedules of late!

It's true, Mishayla's already 1 week old.

It is amazing to me how sleepy Mishayla has been today. I called the nurse at the hospital just to make sure everything is OK. She said, "As long as she is eating, don't worry." So I guess that's that. I'll probably still keep trying to wake her up so she can smile at me... Playing with Aunt Carmen a couple of days ago. Happy kicking. "Hey, watch this, I can make my hands and fingers disappear!"

Back to eating - Melania is just the one to make sure Mishayla gets all the nutrition she needs to grow up healthy and strong. Melania is very serious about helping with the baby... She loves to hold the bottle and pat Mishayla's back to help her burp. Melania also carries diapers to the trash, saying, "Icky" and "Yuck" on her way.