Thursday, May 25, 2006

Sunday, May 14, 2006

Remembering

Today is an important day to remember a woman who Cami once knew but will never really know. A woman whom I have never met, but to whom I will be forever linked and eternally grateful. Today we remember a woman in Hunan, China who carried a child she met only once and will never get to see grow, thrive and change. As sad as sounds, it is Cami's reality. And we hope, one day, she will understand what a gift her birth mother gave to her and to us. Today, and every Mother's Day, we light a candle and remember Cami's birth mother.

In the stillness of the morning -
In the hush before the dawn -
A cry screams through the silence -
And a new life has been born.
And she wonders what will happen -
To her newborn baby girl -
How she wishes she could keep her -
And protect her from the worl.
But she knows that there are "others" -
Who would gladly give the world -
To have the chance to hold and love -
Her precious little girl.
And she prays to God for guidance -
As she holds that tiny hand -
With the desperate hope that someday -
Her child will understand.
So she bravely signs the papers -
And the tears fall from her eyes -
As she signs away her baby -
The light inside her dies.
One last kiss she gives her darling -
For the "others" have now come -
To claim the life she gave them -
Now a family has begun.
And with heavy heart she watches -
As they hold "their" little girl -
How she wishes she could somehow share -
A small part of their world.
But she knows this will not happen -
That for her it cannot be -
And always she will wonder -
About the child she'll never see.
NOW the times, they are a'changing -
And a new dawn has begun -
Soon ALL will be together -
With new hope for everyone.
~ ER Tomlin

Thursday, May 11, 2006

Hokey Pokey

Today is an important day. Daddy has an interview for a job at a big university. Mommy is praying very hard that Daddy will be the candidate selected for the position. It would be wonderful for him.

Cami loves Elmo. This week at day-care, the "Hokey-pokey Elmo" was on the table when we arrived. "ELMO!" Cami squealed... she knew just what to do to operate him. She squeezed his had and he proceeded to do his dance and "shake it all about". After 3 consecutive dances Elmo said "Whew! That's a lot of Hokey-pokey... Elmo's pooped!" Cami looked at Elmo, then a me, then at her teacher. She lifted Elmo off the table and took him to the diaper changing station in the classroom. Ms. E and I laughed... Elmo pooped... Cami figured he needed a change!

Friday, May 05, 2006

Cinco de Mayo

Happy May! The week was gorgeous! Cami had a wonderful time playing outside. I had no idea that a kid could get SO dirty! I think this is a just a small sampling of what the summer will hold.

We are preparing for the summer. I have purchased some summery clothing for Cami, although I am never really sure what size to buy since her growth seems to come in spurts. I bought a few things in 18 months and few in 24 months sizes. Only 2 weeks ago her 12 month size clothing still fit her fine. This week, those items are clearly too small. We still have lots of 12 month size summer clothing left over from last year. Because of her petite size and small waist, I think a lot of the shorts will be fine. My concern is that the tops will be obviously too small.

It's hard for me to believe that things have already come almost full circle. We received our referral (Cami's photo and information) on May 25, 2005... Has it really been a year already?

Cami is showing signs of interest in potty training. I am the one who is rejecting that. Take a baby out of diapers and you have a kid. I guess I'm not ready to give up my baby yet. Besides, where do you find undies for a kid who wears size 3 diapers?