Decision and Lameness...

I have been really lame lately...luckily there's not to many of you reading this blog; probably because I am really not meant to write :)

It's much easier as is everything else to blog in the US, as I have no wierd overseas issues with my computer. But after a few weeks of figuring things out and putting things away I am finally feeling a little bit free even if a little bored.

Hopefully Noah will start a new school soon; it will be a tough transition for a little kid who's moved way too much. But as much as he is used to his school in Golden, its way to much of a hike and I don't like driving hours in the snow so he's comfortable. He has stabilized much more so I think we can get through the change with a week or so of tantrums at a higher level.

We still don't know where we will be...we should know soon; here or a different west coast city...we shall see!

Which leads me to our other ponderings. We need to decide VERY soon whether we continue with China, or look to CSS for a foster/adopt program. Our homestudy needs to be updated in December or will cost quite a bit more. And we need to figure out how to save about $13K to do the trip to China and all our paperwork updates...if we opt out we lose almost as much as we have to save...choices choices... With CSS we have to find out what the risk is of losing a little one that would be placed with us - this is not an acceptable possibility for either of us. So the choices are tough right now. It does look as if the China adoption (LID 09/06) will potentially happen around this time next year - so what the heck do we do???

Noah's First Time on Stage!!

Fun First Nursery had their end of the year ceremony on Thursday - Noah was AWESOME!! I think hiding was the best thing I could do for him...He never saw me and we know this because he WOULD NOT have stayed on stage at all...YAY...my BIG boy!

Drawn From Water

"It Began with Bale" from Drawn From Water on Vimeo.

Be a part of saving the lives of these kids...If not you - then who? I'll start - I am buying a few things from their wish list on Amazon today...What are you going to do?

I saw this post on another family's blog - and thought it was too good (and too true!) not to share:

You might be adopting from China if...

...you've been expecting a baby for over 3 years.
...you know that I-600 & I-171 aren't highways.
...you've "paid for" 3 citizenships, but never brought anyone into the U.S.
...you know that "waiting for China" has nothing to do with Dillard's or dishes.
...your homestudy is followed by a number (i.e. #2 or #3 or #4).
...you've been fingerprinted four times, but never committed a crime.
...you automatically assume everyone who is expecting is having a girl.
...you own new clothing in 3 little sizes for all 4 seasons (because you don't know when or how big).
...you look twice when you see a lady bug.
...you never know how many days will be in the next month.
...you know that babies come in batches.
...you know people who understand when you talk about 2-day months & 3-day months.
...your due date hasn't changed by days, but by years.
...you know who the Rumor Queen is ... AND ... you don't know who she is.
...you've waited so long, that they checked your fingerprints to see if they changed.
...if...while trying to understand why they're printing you again, you study your own fingerprints and wonder if fingerprints grow wrinkles.
...when you speak of "that time of month" you're talking about CC@A updates & referrals...
* You might be adopting from China if you love someone you've never met with all your heart*

The Neglect Goes On...and on...and on...

OK, I am the worst blogger in the history of blogging. I really do have the time, not a ton, but I do. It's the whole blogger defaulting to Arabic that makes it so frustrating that I just don't take the time to do it. My internet connection is as bad as dial up and worse sometimes - and I am very used to a broadband connection so this KILLS me!! So hopefully I will start sometime soon.. Until then here are a few photos, if I the internet plays nice! Can't believe we are almost 2 years from the day he passed court and was really our little guy!!
I have been trying to get my hours in to at least be close to finishing IDP now that I have time. We've been dealing with the crazy post dated check thing which is pain - but quite a long story. Trying to get our summer vacation plans worked out - its challenging to try to go to Phoenix, Seattle and Denver. Would like to hit the east coast while there too! I've been having fun with facebook getting in touch with people I haven't seen in 15 to 20 years! I love my view of the gulf but I don't like living here - its just not for me for a multitude of reason to be discussed at a later date.

photos don't seem to be updating so I'll try once more to post one...otherwise visit on facebook...

Noah is the BIG 2!

I can't believe he's already 2! He is affectionate, playful and so quick; in more ways than one! He gets the attention of almost everyone not matter where we are. People love him, they like to hold him and take photographs (all up to him of course). He likes to show off and be the center of attention, no surprises there! He loves to sing and listen to all music. Cars and his bike seem to be his favorite things right now. His favorite movies are Cars and Nemo. He loves to go down on the boardwalk and look at the fish, they are all Nemo! He is experimenting with counting and is making noise with me when singing the ABC song. He loves cows and EIEIO and sings it all of the time.

He can be so much fun, but he doesn't sit still, we are working on limits but its a challenge, he gets most of it but doesn't connect on others. And going out is really difficult since there is no place to put him when he is going too far. He is trying so hard to understand his world around him - the level of curiousity is fascinating!

He can say more words than I can count, some only I can understand, others are quite clear. Bath, bike, bite all sound the same, so you have to pay attention. He hates to misunderstood and although some tantrums are a result of NO or not getting something he wants, a good portion seem to relate to a lack of communication skills, which are improving constantly!

Noah and I had a great walk last night on the boardwalk. James was sick and sleeping, so we went down without the stroller and he behaved beautifully. He chased the older kids that were running around, made friends and got to listen to musicians performing. I love it when I can give him the freedom to run without putting so many limits on what he does, he learns so much and gets some sense of control over his world and it totally mellows him out!

He has made us so vulnerable - I can't imagine life without our little dancer, singer, entertainer....enough of my ramblings for now...at least I posted something..as I sit and wait for them to finish working in the kitchen so I can eat!!! All the while hoping they don't wake Noah from what I am hoping is a 3 hour nap!

First Post from Qatar - Avatar

So, it's been a while. We've been busy and I would say fairly tired. But I thought I would start off by sharing my first experience with Qatar Malls and the first movie (only the 2nd I've seen in 2 years!).

First a giant thanks to Heather and Paul for watching Noah so James and I could go out. We went to the Villaggio Mall, which as from photos you can see is of an italian theme. It's nice, has a million stores, maybe 1/3 of which we know. It's great on a weeknight, but avoid weekend (Fri/Sat) afternoons; its a madhouse, literally!

We decided to eat dinner first (thankfully - I was starving!), so we went to Macaroni Grill (sound familiar). The shrimp/artichoke dip was excellent as was the shrimp diavolo....James' looked great too. The service was as always, beyond the best - sometimes they just go too far, can you believe I said that!! We've gone to Chili's and Applebees (which I have quickly learned to love because they are so kid friendly) and they literally take Noah out of my hands and walk him around; they are mostly Filipino and very helpful - although they say yes even if they don't understand you...not always so fun!

Anyway - we went over to the theatre and picked our seats and bought tickets... Yes, picked our seats, you pay a different amount based on your location and have to pick while paying. I think our tickets totalled 90 qar (roughtly $24 for both of us). I thought I would really hate that level of control, but it was kind of nice to know exactly where we were sitting and we didn't have to 'compete' for a seat.

We got to walk around Virgin for a bit before and buy a few lightweight shirts for me, went over at 8pm and thoroughly enjoyed Avatar! The popcorn was great - but they don't do butter..oh well! The seats were extremely comfortable, the back went well above my head..so a good night out - hope we get to do more of it!

We move later next week so maybe I can get a post out again next week...

Outa Here...When

Looks like we'll be in AZ from about Dec 21-Jan11ish - then we are off..Qatar here we come!
Sue - if you're out there I've lost your email and I know you check in occasionally...EMAIL OR CALL ME - phone and email are good until the end of December I think...

Someday.....

I will be back - I promise.

Things are much to hectic lately to even consider doing the extra step of signing on and adding photos and news. Fortunately I feel like doing NOTHING today, so here I am. I have new kiddo photos, but haven't downloaded them - too lazy to go downstairs to get the camera! Or lets just use the 'I have a cough and don't feel like moving' excuse; either one would fit! I will post a few photos, they are probably up on FB, just out of pure ease - but he has gotten funnier and funnier all the time..He is my sweet, cuddly boy (and yes sometimes that means clingy). He is talking like crazy, full stories with drama come out of his mouth and I understand NONE of it! He is starting to say yes a little, but still no is yes or no, I can never tell - usually causing some sort of tantrum - "I love you too much to argue" is my new calming phrase (calm for me, not for Noah). He likes Sesame Street and using reverse psychology I got him to come down the slide on his butt today - "you are much to small to come down on your bottom, you should go down on your tummy, maybe when you are a big boy" - within 3 minutes he slid down on his butt and did it at least 30 times today! He tried to drive his train up his slide 2x's both times flipping on his back and both times I was empathetic but had to laugh - it was hysterical! I am losing things all over the place and as it turns out they are not lost, just moved by someone else to thetrash can, fridge, cabinet, printer or some other welcome object. He is being finicky with food still, but has good days, it's hard to remember a meal for him is the size of his fist - not much 5 grapes could fill him up! He misses his dada as do I; can't wait until late December! Yet too much to do! That's all I have right now - seems very long

!

RE-introducing Noah Habtamu Wheeler

Colorado validation is FINALLY complete! It came with his name change, which in my opinion is a big deal! In daycare and at doctors offices I don't have to list Noah as a nickname anymore and I won't get calls with people trying without confidence to pronounce Habtamu; which I find very easy even though I don't say it as an Ethiopian might.

Noah and I spend as many weekend mornings walking to a bagel and going for a walk - he does like it outside more than inside and always has fun! He loves the slide and climbing, but doesn't really like the swing. He enjoyed the sandbox on this morning, actually playing more than eating! He seems to like playing in the fountain most of the time, loves the water!

This was the best! Cousin Alec reading with him and I have to say it was the cutest thing EVER! Here is his Great Uncle Bill, enjoying a late day Noah nap! Doesn't he look cozy?

ONE YEAR AGO

A little reminscent this weekend - we met a little guy going by the name Habtamu; the most beautiful baby we had ever seen! He wasn't shy, but very engaging, with a special sparkle in his eyes; I have yet to see anything like it. I wish I could understand this experience more through his eyes, but I think he was a trooper and his little spirit was fairly unscathed by the big change of moving from Ethiopia to the US. His first few days at the hotel were full of rolling over and sleeping with a bit of screaming (he had good reason)... He was in so many ways a mellow baby who was open to anything. I guess since life has opened doors for adventure it's a pretty good thing.

Over the past year he has learned all of the typical baby things only to become an incredibly cuddly, focused, yet active toddler that is has so much desire to express himself that he can't hold back his frustration most of the time. He is running, opening and closing doors, chasing his dog and cats, loves playing with balls and in water, but he is most interested in learning how to put his shoes on; go figure. His biggest challenge has been biting. We work so hard at this one. Now he just has to endure 5 months without daddy so we can all go away on adventure together for a couple years. How many kids by 2 have lived in 3 different countriies?

Almost 16 months!!!

Look at him move...

Noah loves to climb, run and chase the cats

Noah loves to be outside more than anything...the trees seem to be a favorite.

He loves to play with water, whether it be a toilet or a bucket or a puddle.

Noah likes to say 'dog' and 'duck' more than any other words and now everything he points to sounds like one or the other.

Noah now seems to hate any food that is not cheese or fruit....except pancakes.

Noah likes to play chase...see pictures, that is what we do some nights after work since it is still so light out.

Noah has 11 teeth and is pushing as we speak for 12, 13 and 14 - I hope they just get it over with an come out!

Noah doesn't at all looks small, but is 4% in weight and height, yet 50% in head circ - grow brain grow!

Noah mostly sleeps through the night, except when his mouth is bugging him, but I only occasionally intervene to help.

He is now running and marching - I find the marching much more fun partially because he does it in place!

He is ALMOST Noah Habtamu Wheeler...just have to finish CBI and FBI stuff and resubmit that part. YAY!

He is mostly happy, slightly aggressive and so much fun!

Just a couple shots from our flood caused by the burst pipe (always on a saturday and the fix for the pipe $455) Can I say OUCH!!! We have the first part of the insurance and are looking for someone inexpensive to redo the carpet (throughout the house as they don't make this carpet anymore), so we can upgrade to tile in the Kitchen/Dining and Entry - not a ton of space but it would look so much better in tile!

And I assume everyone saw the pictures on FB about Qatar. James has taken a position there and has been there all week. A trying week for Noah and I but I am so sure it was worse for him in some ways - such a huge change! I'd love to say I know what our plan is, but I don't know. James starts there on June 20, so even though he gets home late tonight; we only have this weekend and next to get alot of stuff in. And James has a ton to do this week! I do think we will all end up over there, I just don't know when. This means a few things that make me sad - temporary homes for all 3 pets....I don't care about much else, selling the house and one of the cars, putting the stuff we want to keep in storage and uprooting our lives don't seem all that important. It is a wonderful opportunity and quite an adventure and even though I am aprehensive and a little sad - I am really excited!

That's the news for now....I would probably keep this up better if I knew someone actually read it....hmmmm.

Hints....

Finally...

How do you like the new background? It's amazing what you can find for free!! It seemed like a great summer background. Pictures to come soon...maybe a video if I can get one that's good enough!

The Poor Neglected Blog!!

I will be fixing the website soon, I played around to much the other night and forgot to save a backup and it seems a 15 month old can keep you pretty busy; better to neglect the website and keep track of kiddo!!! Maybe I will even finish readoption this weekend!! Hoepfully!