April 7, 2010

Legally Janissa


Today, April 7, was Janissa's readoption day.  My Mom and older sister accompanied us to the courthouse and we waited 2 hours until we were finally called in.  Janissa was great the entire time and made friends with everyone else who was waiting.  She is now legally Janissa Miriam and an official U.S. Citizen!

April 3, 2010

Home 9 Months

What a busy 3 months it's been.  Janissa has been in and out of the doctors office.  She's been to Urgent Care once and the Emergency Room twice.  She's had two x-rays, a steroid shot, and been on so many medications that I've lost track.  The latest diagnosis is Chronic Asthma; however, I'm not convinced.  I plan on taking her to an International Adoption Specialist who I've heard does a very thorough examination.  She came home with this congestion and has only been free of it a few weeks last Summer.  She has an inhaler and a nebulizer and neither seems to give her any relief.  Fortunately, she doesn't let any of this get her down.  Her spirits are always high.  She is very happy and very active.

She started daycare the first of the year.  The first week was really hard on me.  I cried every time I left her.  The second week was hard on her.  She cried every time I left her.  The third week she got really sick (see above) running a temperature of 103.5.  My parents watched her for me for 4 days.  When I brought her back to daycare on Friday she realized she had missed all her little friends and was so happy to be back there with them.  She's loved it ever since.  They recently separated the toddlers from the infants (too many infants), so now Janissa and 5 little boys are in a class all to themselves.  She loves it because she gets to play in the big yard with the 2 and 3 year olds.  When she turns 2 in May she will be moved to yet another classroom, but I think she will like it. 

By the time we get home in the evenings there is only enough time to feed her and clean her up before she falls asleep.  I now find myself really looking forward to our weekends when I get to spend some quality time with her.  We usually visit family and friends.  We have a couple of Easter Egg Hunts coming up with the Adoptive Mom's Group and Church.  She will love that.  Her re-adoption hearing is coming up as well.

She is really into her "babies" lately.  We have one in the car, a few downstairs and several upstairs.  She can't do anything without her baby.  She loves to take their clothes off, wrap them in blankets, and give them their medicine and breathing treatments.  I got her a little stroller to push them in and it is now her favorite thing to do.

Her favorite song is "The Wheels on the Bus".  I'm a little tired of it - I might have to accidentally lose the CD for awhile.  That won't be the first time something has gotten "lost".  :-)  She has an unlimited vocabulary and she's not even 2 yet.  I am constantly amazed at what she says and does.  I can actually have a conversation with her!  I could go on and on about the cute things she says, but I know you are all just dying to see pictures, so . . .  

Here is a video of my 33" tall, 27 lb. bundle of joy!

January 30, 2010

January 31

One year ago today I opened my email and saw this photo 


and my life was forever changed

January 4, 2010

Janissa Update


Janissa with some of her cousins

 
She gets into everything


She got so many gifts!!


 She's climbing now





She loves her red wagon, a special gift from Uncle Joe, Uncle Tom, Aunt Kathy and her cousins Christopher and Stephen


Not only is she eating with a spoon, she's eating vegetables with spoon!


She's still getting into everything


Aunt Kathy took her to Build-a-Bear


She made a little dog that we named "Bonga"



Taking Bonga for a run


Building a dog is tough work


Did I mention she climbs on things?


The wagon has become permanent living room decor

It's not easy being a toddler

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