County Fair

We took the kids to the county fair today. I remember my grandpa & mom taking me when I was little. The pig barn was always my favorite. Sydney loves the horses. She has been trying to convince Matt & I that she could keep a horse in her room.

Andrew didn't seem to have a favorite. He rode peacefully in his stroller taking in all the sights.

All American Soap Box Derby

As usual our family volunteer project was the All American Soap Box Derby. This year Matt took the entire week off work to participate. They kept him busy working on a video slideshow to present to the major sponsor, Levi. Sydney helped organize champ gift bags and made a quick appearance on ESPN. Andrew gave all the officials their grandchild fix and made friends with the Japanese Team. I ran the 50/50 raffle but due to the rain we only brought in $1400.00. Boo!

Sydney & Andrew both loved Ducky Downs the derby mascot.

Sydney & Andrew Picture

First Words

How come kids never say mommy for their first word?? I know daddy is easier but still. :) Nevertheless, I am happy to say Andrew said his first English words. He now says daddy, bye and Bob. He also says moo for cows and cockadoodldoo but I'm not so sure those count.

I would say his transition has been a success. He definitely knows who his mom & dad are and has no problem letting us comfort him when he is upset. Which is a crucial step in the attachment process. Although, he is very clingy. I guess I would be too if everyone I knew was now gone. He holds onto us so we wont disappear too.

Along with TBall Sydney is taking art class this summer. She loves to paint & make crafts so this class was perfect for her. Last week they painted and this week they made faces with clay. I'm not sure where her artistic side came from, neither Matt or I are???

Home Opener

Sydney had her first real T-Ball game on last Wednesday. She got to bat two times and hit the ball on her first attempt each time, and she put all 30 pounds of herself into the swing. In the field we are pleased to say that she had the assist on the only out by either team. She fielded a slow groundball by the pitchers mound and threw a three hopper to the first baseman. Next stop the big leagues!!!

Family Reunion

My Grandma Lisic turned 90 years old this past week. Since it has been over 20 years since the entire family gathered in one place we decided this was the perfect time to have a family reunion. Family traveled to Ohio from Georgia, Florida, Missouri, and South Carolina. Grandma was overwhelmed but happy to have all her children with her to celebrate.

Spring Training

Yesterday, Sydney & Matt attended Jackson T-Ball Spring Training Day. She got to meet her fellow teammates and received her team shirt & hat. She looked adorable in her humongous jade green shirt with SYDNEY spelled across the back. After a team picture they completed 3 skill stations: batting, fielding, and baserunning. Apparently Sydney is a good hitter but loses interested in the field. Throughout the evening she asked Matt repeatedly to go play on the playground.

FAC Picnic

This weekend we attended the Family Adoption Consultants Summer Picnic. FAC places children from China, Guatemala, Philippines, and South Korea. It was neat to see all the children in one place. A crowd I could actually lose Andrew in. :) There was a fashion show of children wearing their native dress. Sydney kept busy at the art table & kickball game. While Andrew & I shopped at the international bazaar. I got a Korean Christmas ornament and when I payed for it they gave me Korean change.

Heather's New Job

As many of you know I have been volunteering for the American Red Cross Rape Crisis Center for the past few years. Through my supervisor I learned of a job opening in the emergency services department. I interviewed, completed the training and I am now working full time as the after hours emergency services caseworker. So what is that, you ask!

After the Red Cross office closes I am the on call caseworker who handles the emergency services calls. I direct advocates to local hospitals to handle sexual assault cases, send Red Cross teams to area fire & disasters, arrange transportation for dialysis patients, and process emergency casework for families of US Armed Forces personal.

So far, I am loving it and the best part is, I work from home. I can organize disaster teams in my pajamas!

And yes, I am still a travel agent. The travel business is my first love.

Geauga Lake

For Father's Day the whole family went to Geauga Lake along with Grandma Franny, Grandpa Greg & Grandma Liz. It was a beautiful day and not a lot of people.

Sydney couldn't get enough of the waterslides. But, she needs to grow another couple inches to take on the bigger, better slides. So when that time comes she will be the first in line.

Andrew was happy splashing in the shallows.

Pool Fun

Hong Kong Buffet

A new Chinese restaurant opened in the Belden area called Hong Kong Buffet, so we decided to check it out. My expectations were not real high since most Chinese buffets I have been to were not good. But this time we were pleasantly surprised. It was clean, food was good and the service was excellent. I am not sure if that is their typical service or if Andrew had something to do with it. The waitresses buzzed around our table, tickling, waving and giggling at Andrew. Of course, he just soaks it up. What a flirt!!! I am not sure who was more fascinated; the waitresses with Andrew or Andrew with the waitresses. The chef even came out to greet the kids.

Andrew had a great time sampling all the different foods. We found out he likes zucchini, potsickers, General Tsao chicken, fried rice, cantaloupe, lo mein, pepper steak, and fortune cookies.

Pictures

Summer Begins

Thankfully, summer is near and the weather is warming up. We have been biking the tow path, working in the yard and visited the Akron Zoo with the Henne Family.

Andrews walking is getting better daily. Which is helping his confidence too, he is not demanding us to hold him every moment.

His English comprehension is also growing. He now waves when we say bye bye, he claps when we say yeah. My favorite is no no, his bottom lip sticks out and he pouts.

Sydney has been busy learning the computer. She now logs onto NickJr.com and Disney.com and plays all her favorite games. It's amazing how much she can do at 4 years old.

First Steps

Today while visiting our friends, The Wirick's, Andrew took his first steps. Six to be exact. Hooray!

Our Ballerina

Last night was Sydney's first dance recital. For months we wondered if she would even take the stage but, to our amazement she actually walked on stage and danced. Hallelujah! She was the tiniest ballerina in the entire company but to us she looked like such a big girl up there.

One month

Andrew has been home for one month. Wow, how time flies by! We have all adjusted well and seem to have established a daily routine. Thankgoodness! We are still working on name recognition but we have taught him to clap and wave. Just today Sydney taught him how to blow a kiss. He giggles and smiles with delight when he masters a new trick, and so do we.

Sydney's last day of school is Thursday so if anyone wants to get together for a playdate just let us know!

Social Worker Visit

Kim, our social worker stopped by for a post placement visit yesterday. She is checking on Andrew and making sure he is adjusting well. Thankfully, he is feeling better so we are all getting sleep and getting back into a routine.

Our court date has also been scheduled. On December 11th Andrew's adoption will be finalized and he will officially become a US Citizen. How exciting!

Sick Days

It was a long Mother’s Day weekend. From Thursday to Saturday Andrew battled a fever. I figured his teething caused it but Saturday night his tempeture reached 102 degrees so I paged our doctor. He had me double up his medication and give both Tylenol and ibuprofin. On Sunday the fever broke but a mass of red elevated bumps appeared over his back & chest. I was able to get him an appointment this morning and he was diagnosed with Roseola.

Roseola is a viral illness in young children. It is typically marked by several days of high fever, followed by a distinctive rash that appears just as the fever breaks. Roseola is contagious but there is no known way to prevent it’s spread. Because the infection usually affects young children but rarely adults, it is thought that a bout of roseola in childhood may provide some lasting immunity to the illness. The average incubation period is about 9 to 10 days after exposure to the virus.

He said to continue treating him with the Tylenol and ibuprofin until the rash subsides.

Field of Dreams

Today was a big day for Matthew; Sydney registered for T-Ball!!!! Beginning in June she will be playing on the Jackson 4 and 5 year old t-ball team. I'm sure it will be hilarious. When I asked her what she is looking forward to doing she said hitting the ball real far and drinking water when I sweaty. My guess is she wont get sweaty sitting in the outfield picking grass.