God Bless The USA

God Bless The USA

OK we're back. 11/13/08

It's been an interesting few weeks. And trying to figure out how to catch up isn't easy. So I'll start with what seems to be what's on every one's mind these days. Our presidential election, the US and world economy. I feel it's important to document this little piece of history for Tamara.

First I have to tell you a few weeks ago we were eating dinner in the breakfast room. Tamara asked Daddy to move so she could watch the news. Yes... she watches CNN. They had a split screen of McCain and Obama pictures. Daddy asked Tamara "Who should we vote for Tamara? McCain or Obama?" She thought for a moment... her little pointer finger tapping on the side of her face. "Hum...hum..." she thought hard. "Ama" she said. "Obama?" Daddy asked. "NO ..ma Mama" she said pointing to me. I laughed "well I've got one vote"

It brought back memories of our last election 4 years ago. Frustrated with both candidates I told my friend Debbie "That's it... I want my own country" She laughed and said "When you get one .. can I live there?" Surprised she'd want to I said "sure but why would you want to?" She replied "Are you kidding.. most queens would say let them eat cake... you.. you'd actually feed it to us."

Yeah she's probably right.. I would.

So who did I vote for? McCain. Although I was totally frustrated with his campaign. I thought he was better suited for the position. I had reservations about Obama experience. But as we all know Obama won and I'm ok with that. I actually do like him.. but I'm just not sure I can trust him. That being said I feel it's important for ALL Americans to give him a chance. And I also think it's important for us to inspect what we expect from Washington. With the recent turn of events regarding our economy and world affairs it's become very clear that we can not allow the politicians to carry on as they have. At least now most of them admit there's a problem.

Dah... don't they watch the news?

The most touching part of this years election was seeing all the people that gathered for Obama's acceptance speech. People of all walks, races, colors saying enough is enough. Americans taking their country back. Although my candidate didn't win that night. Seeing that rally with thousands of like minded Americans made me proud.

Proud to be an American.

It amazes me how many Americans take what we have for granted. As you all know I have lived in several countries in my life time. Started out in Croatia then it was part of the former Yugoslavia. Then in Italy where I attended Kindergarten, Then the USA. That's 3 countries. 4 if you were to count the Republic of Georgia.. my whopping 18 day residence there. ;o) Ok.. stop rolling your eyes... I didn't count all those Caribbean islands I tried to live on. :o) It's so hard to leave them isn't it?

Anyway... through my travels even as a young child I learned that every country is unique in it's own way. Everyone of them offers it's own beauty and charm. Most of the people are wonderful but there is NO place like home. No place like the U.S. of A.

I hope we all remember that as our country will face many challenges in the days ahead.

I hope everyone realizes what's at stake and the commitment and unity we saw in Chicago last week continues. It will take ALL of us doing our part to preserve and improve our great nation.

God's Speed Obama.... don't screw this up... we'll be watching you. ;o)

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OK... now for the fun stuff... where have I been?

Well .. I'm still a bit under the weather. Can't seem to shake whatever this is. I'm thinking it might be some sort of allergy? It actually occurred to be tonight that I might be allergic to Lilly? Our youngest kitty... yeah the one that sleeps on a pillow on my desk. Yup... she's here now. Her fur is very fine, long hair and she's a shedder. It occurred to me that I've had some sort of allergy on and off for about a year. We've had Lilly for about a year? Hum... and I realized tonight that during our 18 days in Georgia I was in perfect health. Not so much as a sneeze.

Is it possible to be allergic to a specific breed? The other 2 kitty cats don't seem to be an issue.

OK... before you all say ..."Oh.. I'll take her" she's staying put. Lily is now Tamara's kitty and they have bonded. Mommy will take Lilly to the Cat day spa at Petco. Once they do their thing I should get a pretty good indication if it's Lilly. If it is we'll have to have her groomed more often and perhaps relocate her sleeping pillow. Hopefully that will nip it in the bud. So glad Tamara doesn't have any allergies that we know of so far.

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Tamara is doing very well. She has grown almost 4 inches and gained 7lbs since June. She now wears a 3T. She is also able to walk up and down a full flight of steps on her own. We of course walk in front and behind her just in case. But she's very proud of her accomplishments as are Mommy and Daddy.

She's still stubborn about talking but progressing slowly. And she actually tries to argue with us when we say no. Too cute.

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Below are some pictures at my parents house. Tamara adores her grandparents. And they have fallen for her as well.

Tamara, Grandma and her Dolly.
She loves matching her doll's clothing to hers... cute no?
A kiss from Dido
High Five Dido
Giving Dolly a hug

Playing at home
Playing catch with Daddy
Oh this picture gets me... every time I see it I want to reach out and catch her.

Moving her high chair.
Tamara always puts her chair back when she's finished with it.

Road trip.. Tamara takes another doll with her.

A chilly day.. Can't go out to play :o( Playing dress up with her dolls. Daddy holds Dolly while she puts the shoes on.

They're so cute together. ;o)
Lilly comes to play
Tamara and her doll enjoying the view.

Mommy and Tamara share a rice cake

Tamara playing in her play house
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A trip to Space Farms
A little bit bigger then the zoo in Tbilisi.

Buffalo .. they actually serve buffalo burgers there.

remember "The Birds" ?

Kangaroo Mom actually has a baby in her pouch.
Tamara loved it. Too cute.


Tamara checking out the deer


Look Daddy


Bambi

I thought this was a pretty cool picture.

Big Teddy Bear
Stopped by my parents house.
You've all heard that my Mom has a green thumb.. well these are her pumpkins. Mind you the lady never planted pumpkins.. they just popped out this year?

Tamara helps Grandma in the garden.

OK.. time to play ball.

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Tamara wants to go out to play.

Finally got her to stop trying to pick up all the Fall leaves. One at a time.

Going for a walk with Daddy.

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At Last...

At Last...

At Last... I have a chance to update.

At Last... I didn't pass out at some ridiculously early hour.

It's been a rather busy 3+ weeks around here. Several social events, 2 colds, 1.. 24 hour flu, a case of food poisoning. NO not my cooking. And that's just me :o(.

Tamara had a cold one week and a 24 hr flu like bug. She's doing fine.

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Let me back track a bit and see if we can get this blog up to speed.

First of all..

Happy Birthday Big Brother... yes Zoran is has hit the big "50"

Below are a few pictures from his surprise party.

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Tamara & Cousin Katie listen to Cousins Nicky & Alan jam on their guitars.

Zoran's Birthday cake. Pool themed to go with his new billiard room.

OK.. check it out he's wearing the same outfit as the little guy on his cake. Olga did you lay his clothes out the night before? lol

What did you say? Oh.. they say the hearing is the first to go.

Bruce and Cousin Nicky take Tamara out to play.

Yup... she's excited.

" Catch me Daddy"

Tamara & Mommy

Tamara loves Babies. Cousin Anna shows off her new Grandson Kolton to her.

A fun party... very nicely done. It was great seeing all the family and some of my brothers friends whom we haven't seen in years.

Congratulations Christina on your engagement. He's a keeper ;o)

It was also very nice to see Cousins Anthony and his new bride Lyia. Lyia is actually from Tbilisi. She and Tamara seemed to have connected?

Thanks for the gifts guys & gals... Tamara loved them.

Below she opens one the next morning. She's a little frustrated at the packaging but she loves her new doll. Thank You!

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Time for a Tea Party with her babies. Tamara plays in her room.

Putting Panda in his high chair...

"Sit Mommy"

Panda looks like he's had one too many. He's her favorite sleeping buddy. Or what we refer to as a "lovey" in the adoption world.

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The last few weeks have been hectic and somewhat stressful. Not only were we under the weather. It started with Tamara being sick the day after Zoran's party and so we had to cancel going to her playmate/ classmate / neighbor's 3rd Birthday Party the next day.

Happy 3rd Birthday Zach!

Then there was my first run in with Tamara's pre-school teachers. They were "concerned" that she had a "hop" when she ran. That she didn't know the Hookie Pokie, didn't know how to cut with scissors yet and that she refused to repeat words after them? OK ... those of you who know me well know how much self control this conversation took.

1st off Tamara just learned how to run within the last few months at home. When we got her.. her muscle tone was so weak she would rest after several laps around the living room in Tbilisi. They said she ran like a 2 year old. Well... Hello she wears a 2T. Grrrr...

Oh and the Hookie Pokie that's my fault... until I watched her class tying to do the Hookie Pokie the 1st day of class it never occurred to me to teach it to her. After all the Hookie Pokie is something I have been doing for the last 20+ years at my cousins weddings after 2-3 drinks and the Chicken Dance. And as far as I saw no one in her class knew how to do the Hookie Pokie.

Scissors... could you cut with scissors at age 3? I don't think I was allowed. Bad Mommy... sending her to pre-school unprepared. Never occurred to these women that in Tbilisi most households probably only own one good pair of scissors and I'm sure they don't allow 3 year olds to practice.

Oh yes they also said that the children start forming clicks by Thanks Giving? 3 year old clicks? They said they were concerned that Tamara may not have friends if she doesn't start speaking and running without a hop? I could go on.... with details of what happen next. I'll make it short and sweet. That afternoon when I picked Tamara up she with Mommy present spoke. The following week during a parent coffee clutch one of the mom's informed me her daughter "loves" Tamara and named her doll Tamara. My little girl has since become somewhat of a social butterfly forming her own "click". As for the teachers.. well according to the School Director who I'm friends with the teachers didn't sleep very well that night and have since been very sweet and attentive to my daughter's needs. ;o)

The next day.. when I told my Mom about what happen she told me not to leave a trail of teachers bodies behind my daughter. She said I had many years to go dealing with such nonsense. Yes Mother is right.. there will be many years ahead and many teachers to deal with. But I have no intention of letting someone judge my daughter at age 3 after only 4 months in country and 6 - 2-1/2 hour classes. They are not qualified to even have an opinion at this point. I think I made my point clear to them. If they forget for some reason I will be more then happy to remind them of their qualifications.

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We've also been busy running to different medical appointments. She had her cat scan and her brain is 75% developed which the specialist tells us is perfect for her age. We also had her hearing tested and it's fine. yay. Next is an eye exam. Pretty sure she's ok. Lord knows she can see more then I can. We were also told that her soft spot isn't as fragile as we had thought which is great. Now Mommy can breath a little better ;o).

We will continue to monitor her skull over the years to come .. just to make sure she'll doing well.

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OK.. Time for Mommy to get some sleep... Pre-school tomorrow. Tamara absolutely loves school. Thank God. She always gets so excited when I tell her "Tomorrow Pre-school" no hesitation going to bed or getting ready for pre-school.

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Tamara's freshly manicured hands. We've started working on bedtime prayers. Cute no?

At Last ... I can get some sleep. ;o)

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Our House...

Our House...

is a very.. very fine house.

With two cats in the yard.

Life used to be so hard.. now everything is easier because of you.

Love that song... just makes you want to La.. La.. La la la la la la la la..la la la.

OK.. so I'm getting punchy here.

It's been a pretty busy week around here and next week looks even crazier.

I'll try and bring every one up to speed before dawn breaks.

Eeek.. yeah.. sleep would be nice. ;o)

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Lets start with some photos.. I know that's really why you all tune in.. to take a peek and check our progress.

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Sunday AM

A chilly morning.. Tamara models one of her lighter coats.

As you can tell... I use the world model loosely. She's hard to catch.

A custom made fleece embroidered coat and hat set. She really does look adorable in it.

Sunday after noon.

Darren (Appleton) & Kelly's son Brydon turns 6

So off we go to Tamara's first kid Birthday Party.

She seems to get the concept. Singing, gifts, cake. ;o)

Below Tamara is annoyed as she wants to ride little brother Brody's train but she's not heavy enough. No traction :o( wheels just spin when she sits on it.

Ah... finally something she can play. Elfun. She has it at home.

Playing with Brody & friend (name escapes me)

It's a DOG.. it's a dog... IT"S A DOG.... DOG.

Tamara runs for cover. She has decided she doesn't like dogs? Too bad Joy the resident yellow lab is a sweetie.

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Tamara talking to Auntie Jay

"OK... Mama How are you doing this?

Your lips aren't even moving."

How to freak out your 3 year old.

My sister and I sound very much a like on the phone. Over the years we have fooled children, husbands and even parents. ;o)

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Tuesday... Class picture Day at pre-school.

Tamara and one of her new friends on the play ground.

Tamara playing with the kids. After my hair dressing assignment was completed I went to take a peak at what Tamara was up to. I found her playing a form of "Peek a Boo" through the play house window. The Play house was filled with classmates that were laughing hysterically. Yup.. yup... she may become a stand up comic?

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Wednesday... Tamara finds her US embassy flags and starts waving them around.

Wednesday eve. Mommy has a pre-school committee meeting. Daddy puts her to bed. She cried when I left. When it was time to go to sleep twice? And waited up for me anyway.

One of the ladies on the committee gave her a play house. To be delivered the next day.

Thursday... After pre-school Tamara stalls taking a nap.

She and Daddy dead head Mommy's flowers as an excuse to stay up.

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Tamara's New House

She loves it. I call it a starter home. What I'd like to do is build a miniature of our house for her in a few years. Complete with a front porch and two car garage for her pink convertible and jeep. Which she still needs..lol. Something that looks like a 2 story but actually would be one. An open floor plan with an eat in play kitchen, living room. It needs to have a full size door at one end. My thinking is when she out grows it I can turn it into an awesome potting shed. When she's all grown up and has a real house of her own complete with children. We can then convert it back into a play house and have it moved. Or we can leave it here for the grand kids. ;o) Cute and practical idea.. no? OK.. I will have to check about permits. Our town requires one every time you sneeze so I imagine a 9 X 18 ft. mini house will create some interest down town? Especially with the tax man. Daddy thinks I'm a little crazy but I'm sure if Tamara says "Daddy please" which I'm sure she will he'll cave.

Tamara checking out the windows.

Climbing the back half wall.

Her first house guest. "Come in Daddy"

"OH NO.. Mama Daddy's stuck"

"Stand Up Daddy"

Time to go. Tamara gives Daddy a hand.

"Daddy's stuck again... Push Tamara... Push" Too funny. lol

You have to admit. Daddy is a good sport.

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OK... Here are a few more pictures of the lingering flowers in our garden. We had a breach in our deer fencing this week so Bambi pretty much wiped out most of the fall color. Grrrr.

Question.. does anyone know what this plant is? We have a few on the property. They grew in wild. They're pretty cool looking but I can't figure out if they're poisonous? Before I rip them out I thought I'd ask.

Rose of Sharon.. still blooming. Later then usual this year.

Hydrangea tree. So heavy this year ..it's dripping with blooms.

Roses... what's left is going strong.

Geraniums hanging in there... barely.

More Morning glory. Late start this year.

Oh yes... Today.

Today I'm sitting at my desk trying to sort through / delete / catch up on email and out of the corner of my eye I see a black object moving across our front yard.

A BIG FAT BLACK BEAR ... following the outside of our deer fencing. Crosses our driveway, walks through our abhor into the neighbors yard. Eeek! Luckily Tamara was napping at the time. But it does concern us. If I had to guess he's about 400 lbs. That's a pretty big bear. Not that size really matters. Lets face it a 200 lb bear is a problem. That was the 2nd sighting this week. The first was Tuesday night when he went after our neighbors trash can. Jersey black bears are pretty savvy. They actually do learn the trash collection schedule and once they get a taste of take out.. they come back for more. Usually follow the same exact path. I remember about 5 years ago there was a bear that would walk up our road at 4 pm every day. You could set your watch by him. Anyone have some Black Bear repellent?

Below is a picture that Bruce managed to snap of his butt. lol. Gotta love that zoom. ;o)

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So Our house never seems to have a dull moment these days. With the pitter patter of tiny feet it's an adventure.

Tamara is becoming more independent every day. I'm told by the pre-school staff that's very normal for her age. She wants control. She wants her opinion to count. Sometimes not always. She tests boundaries constantly. Which I know is normal.

We've experienced our first "real Tantrum" Eeek! Wow... lol. Today she also decided not to wear her shoes while we were at Target. So I picked them up and put them in the cart behind her. She didn't like that response much so she whips off her socks and tosses them. Grrrr.. ok. socks go in her shoes in the cart. That lasted about 10 minutes until we got to the shoe department and she wanted to try on a pair of sparkly pink sneakers. She's a cutie ... she's got Daddy wrapped around her pinkie and knows exactly which buttons to push with Mommy. Yup... I'd say we've bonded. We're just like any other family with a 3 year old.

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