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.