Before we turn out the lights...

Before we turn out the lights...

I thought I'd post a video of our outdoor lights this year. It hard to believe the holidays have come and gone. The trees are packed and back in the attic. The animated critters that were scattered for Tamara's enjoyment are taking a very long nap until Santa comes again. Not an easy thing to explain to a pre-schooler but I think she gets it?

So it's been a busy year so far. Daddy's Birthday was last week. We had a quiet dinner at home. Tamara and I made him a Birthday Cake... which I must say was excellent. Really... no kidding.. it was THAT good.

The weather in NJ has been less then cooperative. Annoying actually. Just enough snow to keep us from doing / going where we want.. when we want. I complain quietly as I know many of you live in areas that have been crippled by mass amounts of snow, ice and rain. I hope you're all OK. I only mention our weather because it has put a crimp in our daily routine. Cancelled appointments and pre-school. Delayed errands, interfered with naps and play dates. Oh how I miss the warmer weather. Think Spring! Think Spring!

~~

I only have a few minutes now.. days after I last wrote on this particular post. A few minutes before I have to run back to preschool and pick Tamara up. Today is her First Show and Tell. She took her Elmo Alive with her. He sings, dances and tells jokes. I thought and she agreed that it was the right Christmas gift to bring.. so Elmo could do most of the talking for her. She's progressing speech wise. We got "I love you" out of her last week as well as "I'll help" but she's a very stubborn little thing. She'll only speak on her terms. Grrr. We're thinking we may have to do some speech therapy soon? Perhaps a professional boost?

~~

OK... much more to come. We're all doing great just very busy and chilly. Who was in charge of the heat in the North East? Hey... turn it up please. ;o)

~~

Oh yeah... 99% of the Christmas Cards are now out. Yeah I know... I'm bad. :o(

~~~

Happy New Year 2009

Happy New Year 2009

Well.. 2008 is now behind us. A year we will always cherish for bringing us together.

Making our family complete.

As I look back on 2008 I can hardly believe how it all happen.

January 19th 2008 we learned about our daughter. Just a few days before her 3rd Birthday.

The next 4 months were spent completing our home study which needed to be country specific.

Attaining security clearances which of course meant several finger printings and background checks. Attaining medical clearances, financial disclosures and doing some very sincere sucking up in two countries. Yes it was an adventure. Dealing with the FBI, INS and Homeland Security. And that's just in this country. All in all I wouldn't change a thing. Not a panic attack... not a stress fest. Of which there were many meeting deadlines... running to FedEx daily. Dealing with Trenton, Washington and Tbilisi. In the end THEY all came through for us. Every piece of our puzzle fell into place in time to bring our Tamara home.

Bringing her home just weeks before the war broke out in Georgia. Bringing her home before the reorganization of their government departments.

The 18 days we spent in The Republic of Georgia will always be cherished in our hearts and minds. Given the opportunity to see what life is really like. To be able to visit in natives homes gave us a much better understanding of life in Georgia. Visiting the Baby House in Tbilisi was an amazing day. Bringing much needed supplies to the children left behind was something we had to do to sleep at night... for at least a little while as the supplies quickly ran out again.

We did a lot of things right in 2008.

Bringing Tamara home was by far the best.

What I wish we could have done a little better?

Well... I wish we had done more for the children left behind.

I wish I were a little more organized after returning home. Yes... of course Tamara's needs have ALL been met and then some but there was the Christening / Coming Out party that was supposed to take place in late summer early Fall that we couldn't co-ordinate with our church and a catering hall. So that is still to come. Something the old pre Mommy Lee would never have tolerated.

I regret not having as much time for family and friends as I used to. Phone calls are rare these days and I can't remember the last time I had a leisurely lunch with a friend. Birthdays have come and gone without my usual Hoop La. For that I am sorry.

There are old friends that I kept meaning to call and somehow the days turned into weeks and months and now for some a whole year has gone by.

For all those who may feel unappreciated or forgotten ... you are not.

I think of all of you often and sincerely hope you understand what a life altering experience this has been for me.

Aside from the usual hope that we're ALL healthy, wealthy and wise in 2009.

I'm hoping and fully expect to be able to regain some of the old Lee in 2009.

As Tamara matures, continues to feel secure in her new home she will become more independent. Hopefully that will give me a little more time and energy to find myself again.

~

What you many not know?

I have been appointed and have excepted the position of

Associate Program Director with Packages of Hope Inc. A not for profit which has set up a program for The Republic of Georgia.

The need for aid to the Baby Houses in Georgia is greater then ever. Since they were invaded by the Russians food and supplies have become extremely expensive. A loaf of bread can cost $8. + US. And in September 2008 the government had their re-organization. Putting the children's fate in the hands of the Ministry of Health rather then The Ministry of Education. As a result many ... actually most of the children have fallen through the cracks. In country funding has all but disappeared, institutional staff hasn't been paid since September. Foster families have not been paid. Utility bills are not getting paid and food and medical supplies are desperately needed.

Filomena .. who adopted her son in 07 was able to do much of the leg work with Packages of Hope Inc. thus far. But being the Director of the program I know she'll expect me to step up a little more often in 2009. The following is the website for Package of Hope Inc.

http://www.packagesofhope.org/

Packages of Hope Inc.

5895 S. Hudson Place

Tulsa, OK 74135-7645

*

ALL contributions are tax deductible and maybe made either through http://www.packagesofhope.org/ using Paypal or by mailing a check marked Republic of Georgia to the Tulsa office.

Please do not send them directly to me as it will delay the process.

100% of the donations are being spent on the children. Minus wire transfer fees which are minimal. We are using the same in country staff that helped us during our stay in Tbilisi.

Do I trust them? Yes... I do!!!

*

Please visit the site. You may recognize the pictures for the Georgia program. They were taken from this blog .. "We are the world" post.

I will keep you updated on our progress... occasionally sharing pictures of our successes and children's needs. Our primary focus right now is the Baby House in Tbilisi which we were able to cover through January 2009 so far. But the need goes far beyond babies in Tbilisi. There are many baby houses in Georgia and many older children's orphanages ages 6+ that go un-noticed by most. It is our hope to be able to keep everyone alive... yes alive... that's how serious the situation has become and well until the government can fully handle the situation.

~

I know that many Americans feel a tad bit burnt out. Always giving, saving... trying to make a difference in this world. I also realize that with our current economy many are feeling a serious pinch in their finances or may be frozen with fear anticipating a possible pinch.

I would like to remind those that this is not a time to judge or lay blame.

While politicians worry about public opinion and being re-elected children are suffering the world over. We may not be able to save them all but if you are given the opportunity to save one or two... won't you? PLEASE!

As you can tell this project is very near and dear to my heart. There but for the Grace of God goes our Tamara. Yes... it was that close.

~

I would also like to remind everyone that yes you can leave comments and they are always appreciated. I know many have hesitated to post a comment because I said we were turning it into a book. Well a few months ago I found out the company I was releasing our Blog to went out of business. The replacement company is making me do 90% of the editing so.... post away. Instead of the first 6 months her book will now be her first year home. If I'm lucky I'll have the bulk of it done by then. ;o) My point being have fun with the Blog... and don't worry about the book. I am very familiar with editing and the delete button. ;o)

Besides you all motivate me when I actually know you're out there.

~

OK... back to posting fun stuff.

Below New Years Eve Day... Tamara practices her piano.

New Years Eve Night

Party time.. The BALL dropped at 9:00 pm for Tamara

Daddy pulled the New Years Eve Party kit from the attic. Yes of course we have a kit.

Tamara puts on her tiara and beaded necklaces.

I didn't realize I wasn't wearing any makeup until I saw this picture?

Eeek... yeah... the weather was horrible here and I never left the house.

Good thing huh?

Tamara partying with Daddy

What she must think?

She wakes up from her nap and Mommy announces we're having a party.

Sparkling peach cider (non alcoholic) of course

and fun party foods for dinner followed by a party cake /strawberry ice cream sundae complete with chocolate syrup and real whipped cream. Yum.

Yeah she had fun. Woke up this morning ringing a pretend noise maker.

Too Cute!

Bruce, Tamara and I would like to wish you ALL a Wonderful New Year

Filled with Only the Best the World has to offer.

LOVE YOU ALL

BLT

REA

UEM

C_A

E_R

__A

PS: Oh yeah... A through H.. Christmas Cards are still here.... I'm working on it. :o)

I know I previously said up to L is finished but then we got to Z and flipped the stack. So I through Z are out. The rest need a finishing touch. Sorry... they're coming.

~~~

Another Cousin...

Another Cousin...

The day after Christmas we headed back to my parents house for lunch.

An unexpected surprise. My cousin Gabrielle was in town for the Holidays visiting from Germany. She is one of two cousin from Germany that I had never actually met before.

Gabby is wonderful... I wish she didn't have to return to Germany so quickly.

You there yet Gabby? ;o)

Anyway... we had a nice visit.

~

Below Mommy , Tamara & Gabby check out pictures on my Aunts Laptop.

Welcome home... Nado and Radmila... my "young" Aunt and Uncle.

Share photos of their new vacation residence in Croatia.

Mommy, Tamara and Cousin Gabby

Smile ;o)

~~
Back home Tamara hugs her life size calf pillow.
Auntie Olga... think smaller... please.

~
The Pitter Patter of little feet is heard up in the hallway.
Daddy and Tamara are racing?

Tamara decides to take a tooth brushing break.

OK?

~~~

Over The River and Through The Woods .. Round #2

Over The River and Through The Woods ..

To Grandmothers House We Go.

Christmas dinner was at my parents home.

Tamara surrounded by Aunts, Uncles and Cousins. There was no doubt they were out to spoil her a bit this year.

From a Baby Grand to a custom My Twinn Doll to a quad for joy rides.

But the most meaningful and touching gift by far came from Cousin Katie.

If you remember Katie recently won the cute kid contest with your help. Well when Katie was interviewed by the local radio station that sponsored the contest. When asked what she was going to do with all the prizes... she said. "I wanted it for my newly adopted little cousin."

Yes she gave Tamara her Grand prize.

Need a tissue?

Is that sweet or what?

Thanks Katie. Tamara is still a little young to fully understand why this gift is so special but she will someday soon. ;o)

~

Below Tamara watches the family in amazement. I can relate... I still do this sometimes..lol. Just kidding... I'm used to them by now. NOT! Ha

Katie helping Tamara with a package

Katie who takes Piano from a Georgian woman named Tamara shows Tamara a few notes on her Baby Baby Grand.

Thanks Auntie Jay and Uncle Carlos... she plays every day.

Tamara trying out her new piano.

Is this cute or what?

Tamara playing... love the moves. She's a natural.

So as you can see Tamara had a great day. And since she managed to get everything but a playroom for Christmas. That's what I'll put on top of my wish list. Hint... Hint... Daddy.

~~~

Santa was here... Santa was here ... Round #1

Santa was here...

Being the good Elf that I am... I personally saw him. ;o)

Christmas morning Tamara woke up pretty easily although it was almost 9:00 am.

Yes... I know... such an easy child. ;o)

Anyway... Mommy got her up, washed and brushed and brought her down in her PJ's.

First gift she opened was her new red robe with matching slippers.

OK... now she was warm and cozy and picture perfect.

The look of disbelief on her face she proceeded to open her gifts.

Tamara trying to open her Mega block princess castle.

A Tea set from Santa

As you can see she's perfected her gift opening skills.

Elmo Live

For the past few months Tamara would reach for this Elmo at the stores.

Mommy kept saying... "Be a good girl and maybe Santa will bring you one"

A 3 tier cake stand for her kitchen


By far my favorite gift ever.
Tamara made this in Preschool for us.
An angel made out of her hand prints. Meant to be an ornament for the tree.
Mommy had it framed by lunch. ;o)
She was very excited to be able to give us a gift... concerned if we would like it and then very happy when she saw how much we loved it.
Yes... it brought tears to our eyes.
Another first for us... our first gift from our daughter and I'm sure the most precious.



The first time since Gotcha Day 08 that Tamara seemed overwhelmed.
Here she takes a break from opening gifts. Curls up in Mommy's lap so we can read a new book together.

OK... back to the gifts.

She and Daddy check out her 911 book

Hold it Daddy

The Grand Finally.... Drum roll please...

Tamara opens her play kitchen.



As you can see she loves it... Yay!

Opening gifts took about 3 hours in total.

Stopping for book break and breakfast.

Then it was time to get dressed and get ready for Dido and Grandma's

That... we will call Round #2.

Stay tuned... it's coming

~~~

Cookies and Milk

Cookies and Milk... Yum

Christmas Eve getting cookies and milk ready for Santa.

He didn't seem to mind that Tamara helped herself to his midnight snack.

But I want to...

OK... ok.. I'll leave Santa some.

Gingerbread cookies... my favorite.

Mommy.. I think I need a refill for Santa

Yummy snack

After our little princess fell a sleep... Santa and his elf got to work.
It took her over an hour of tossing and turning before she actually fell a sleep.
I guess I over stressed the "YOU have to go to sleep so Santa comes."
She was too excited to sleep. lol. Too cute.
~
This is what it looked like Christmas Eve before we let her loose Christmas Morning.

~~

More coming.... stay tuned.

~~~

Gingerbread spin

Gingerbread spin.

Well we're back... breath... breath.

Bruce informed me yesterday that today is in fact New Years Eve?

Eeek... where did that come from? Seriously time is just sneaking up on me these days.... very strange!

So... there will be no New Years Eve Party this year. Not that I didn't think about it... I did. It wouldn't have been that bazaar for me to whip up such an event with 24 hrs notice... usually. But this year we have Tamara. Get me to bed by 8 or else.... Tamara. And well I didn't think she would be willing to go to bed with a New Years party in full swing down stairs. I also thought about inviting people over after she's sleeping but then again she'd probably wake up hearing a party horn / noise maker. Gotta have those for New Years. ;o)

So here we are December 31st 2008

For the first time in my adult life... party-less on New Years Eve?

WoW... lol.

OK... so to all you parents out there... I need creative suggestions.

How did or do you celebrate New Years with a young child?

~
Below Tamara decorates her Gingerbread house.

Yummy... candy

Lets take it for a spin.

OK... we're going to try and update this today with a spurt of shorter posts... in between running errands, playing Mommy and celebrating 2008. Yeah... 2008. I can't imagine another year that can compare. ;o)

~

Mommy needs Coffee... Later!

~~~