December 21, 2009

Time Flies When You're Having Fun

Christmas Eve marks the 6th month since Janissa was placed in my arms.  I can't believe it - the time has just flown by.  She brings me such joy; and she makes me laugh everyday - whether she is sticking Velcro hair rollers on her head or dancing to Handel's Messiah.  She loves to sing and dance, especially in church and while we're shopping.  If she hears music she joins in!  She can now run - fast.  She has also started climbing - in the television cabinet, in the refrigerator, on the furniture, etc.  She keeps me busy.  I am so blessed to have her and I thank God every day for giving her to me.    I can't imagine living my life without my Janissa.






December 3, 2009

Thanksgiving

I have so much to be thankful for this year:

I have a God who loves me.
I became a Mom to my wonderful daughter, Janissa. 
I have the greatest family anyone could ever wish for (that includes my extended family, too).
My friends are incredibly awesome.
I have a beautiful home in a beautiful neighborhood.
My church community is so supportive.
I have been able to spend 5 wonderful months with my new daughter (due to unemployment).
Today I was offered a job with a great company.

 God is Good!


November 25, 2009

Friends

This week we drove down to San Diego to meet the Zeltin's family from Bend, Oregon.  Weredesh and Janissa were so cute together.  Janissa gave her a hug and kiss and they warmed up to each other right away.  It was great to get to know Lisa and Cory a little and to spend a few hours with them.  I can't wait until they visit San Diego again.  Here are a few photo's from our time together.


November 21, 2009

SHE DID IT

She slept through the night!!!!  7:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m.  ALLELUIA!!!!!!


November 20, 2009

My Baby is a Toddler

Janissa is 18 months old.  At her check-up she weighed 24 pounds and was 30 inches tall.  She has 12 teeth and talks up a storm.  She is already putting 2 and 3 words together.  She loves to sing and dance and play outside.  Now, if only I could get her to eat fruits and vegetables . . . and sleep through the night . . .

First OREO Cookie







First Trip to Disneyland with Mama and Cousin Lisa





 
 
 
 

November 2, 2009

Janissa Cuteness



I've been informed that I don't blog enough, so I thought I would post some cute pictures of my doll. Janissa got to meet some of her cousins for the first time and she especially loved Makana who was just her size. She also visited a pumpkin patch and got to trick or treat at Cresa Partners along with many other costumed kids.













Dear Jesus, Please help my Mommy find a job



October 20, 2009

Trip to Phoenix

Janissa and I had a great time visiting my brother in Phoenix. We also had the opportunity to meet Tracy and Sean Lowery and their new twins, Owen and Poppy in Tucson. On Sunday, Joe drove us to Oak Creek Canyon, Sedona and Jerome. We had visited Jerome when we were kids, so it was fun to go back and take pictures in the same places. We also got to spend time with the Diaz family. They adopted Josiah and Jeremiah from the same orphanage as Janissa. There was a connection between them and Janissa, so I think they must remember something. I also got to introduce Janissa to some people I used to work with. Overall it was a great and relaxing week. Janissa and her Uncle Joe love each other so much and thoroughly enjoyed their week together.

October 5, 2009

Three Months!!!

Janissa has been home for three months. I feel like she has been with me forever. I just love her so much. She is doing so well - growing up so fast. She is a full-fledged toddler. She doesn't know it yet, but she can walk. She thinks she still needs to hold on to my fingers, but really there is no need to. She is going to take off by herself any moment now! She cries whenever I put her in the stroller because she wants to be walking around (holding on to me, of course).

I am driving to Phoenix this weekend to spend time with "Uncle Joe". On Saturday I'm driving to Tucson to meet The Lowery's and their twins, Owen & Poppy. I'm looking forward to it. I'll post about it when I return. In the meantime, here is a short video of Janissa's past month.

September 22, 2009

Trip To Seattle

Last month my sister-in-law called and told me she missed Janissa - so would I please visit. Since I wasn't working and won't be able to take a vacation for awhile once I find a job (yes, I'm still unemployed), I found a good airfare and flew up with Janissa and my niece, Sarah. Because Sarah had never been there, we did a lot of touristy things which was a lot of fun. We hung out together, saw some friends, rested and just had a great time. Our last night there, Kathy had Janissa sleep in her room and for the first time in over two months - I got to sleep through the night uninterrupted. Thanks Kathy!

Here are some pictures to show you what fun we had.

September 11, 2009

FOR SALE


Not Janissa - my house. I had no choice. After searching for a job along the entire West Coast for 5 months with no prospects, I decided I better sell before my savings account dwindles away to nothing. So after 7 years in this home, I will be moving on. It's sad because this was Janissa's first home. She has been through so much in her short little life and now I have to move her again. We'll be going inland where homes are less expensive.

Janissa has been home for two months and is doing great. She is now 29" and about 21 pounds. She still amazes me every day and makes me laugh constantly. Here are a few pictures of the gorgeous little girl.


She's adorable, isn't she? Janissa, my niece Sarah and I took a trip up to Seattle to visit Tom and Kathy and the boys. I will post a montage of those photos next time. In the meantime, please pray that I find the job and home that are meant for Janissa and me.

August 16, 2009

Special Gifts

Janissa has received so many gifts - all of them special. I am overwhelmed with the outpouring of love and support she and I have received from so many wonderful family members and friends. There are, however, a couple of gifts that I wanted to share with you; and those are the hand-made items. I am not the least bit talented when it comes to sewing, knitting, crocheting, etc., so I am always in awe of those who can make such beautiful things with their hands.

The first item is a little yellow sweater made by my good friend Marcia. I can't wait until it fits Janissa!


My cousin Frances wove this darling blanket and also made the mama and baby hedge hogs. So cute!


My sister-in-law Kathy, who lives in the Seattle area and traveled with me to Ethiopia, told a woman at her church my story. The woman's name is Elaine and she crocheted this beautiful blanket that Kathy surprised Janissa and I with the first day we were together.


Finally, a friend told a friend about my adoption journey and this wonderful lady has been following along via my blog. At Janissa's welcome home party, my friend gave me this incredible scrapbook as a gift from her friend - the most amazing scrapbook I have ever seen! She (Marja - www.ppftreasures.com) even downloaded comments and photos off my blog and put them in the book. Janissa and I will add special photos and treasure this book forever.




Thank you to everyone who has welcomed my little Janissa home with open arms and loving hearts!