Birthday relaxation~

What a wonderful day my birthday was, I was surprised in the morning with coffee and donuts (maple bars are my favorite). I opened gifts & cards and then Adam & I had a date at The Botanical Gardens. Afterwards we returned home to have my parents over for dinner catered by Casa Molina.

Delicious box o' donuts

How beautiful is this!? This is a vintage Tiffany & Co. thanks to my BFF Chuck~

I received the best b-day gift EVER!!!

We received the profile summary on the potential Tucson birth mom today. She's 23 years old and has been with a long term boyfriend on and off for years. They briefly separated last year & she had a one night stand, hence the pregnancy. She doesn't know the one night stand guy, only his first name. She & her long term boyfriend have 3 prior children together. She feels that adoption is the right fit for her as she feels that with 3 other children, she's going to be financially strapped.She's also fearful that her boyfriend won't accept the new child as it won't be his. She's due July and it's a BOY!!! She has reviewed many potential adoptive parent profiles though she only wants to meet with us! :)  We meet on Tuesday @ 11, I'll post an update shortly thereafter!

Nik~

My itchy eyed 32nd b-day~

I had an appointment with an ophthalmologist yesterday and found out that I suffered chemical burns to both eyes, yet no long term damage (thank God). The dr said that I have multiple abrasions with exposed nerves, therefore causing the itching and sand feeling in both eyes. I will forever wear a mask with eye protection (at work) when placing formaldehyde into specimens.

On another note~ I want to thank my parents for consulting with the stork 32 years ago today (as no sex was involved in my creation). I'm looking forward to a fun day filled with shopping, great food & drink, and relaxing!

My birthday wish has come true~ I received a kick ass iron!

My Grandma Cindy answered my birthday wishes and bought me an amazingly awesome iron! The new iron kicks my old irons little booty! I actually had a dream last night about my new iron~ oy vey...

New kick ass iron~

Old iron on left, kick ass iron on right~

On another note~ I've decided to paint my craft room with the color on the left, along with a light tan as an accent wall.

Adam bought this painted tile of downtown Portland while at the Saturday Market (in Portland). Oh how I miss home!

I woke up the other morning to a tomato with a large bite out of it. Adam always wakes up @ some odd hour of the night to snack. Guess this must have appeared appealing to him!

2013 trip to the emergency department, Nikki:1, Adam:0

Typically Adam is the reason that we generally wind up making our annual visits to the emergency department, with the exception of this year.

While at work this evening I accidentally showered myself in formalin (formaldehyde), which we place in all of our specimens from surgery. To make a long story short; someone at work hadn't put the correct cap on the box of formalin and when I went to use it the pressure was high and it spewed like a shower. I was covered in it and my eyes also received a bathing. I had to take a shower @ work , poison control had to be notified, and I had to go to the ED. My eyes burn like crazy and my vision is extremely blurry. I phoned Adam which was perfect timing as his crew (he is on duty today) was in the area and dropped him off @ my hospital. It's always a treat seeing him in his turn outs! :)

This girl is going to go place her antibiotic eye drops in and hit the sac! I am EXHAUSTED.


P.S. We are still awaiting our potential birth mother summary.

The anticipation is killing me!

We're waiting to receive the profile summary on the potential birth mom that lives here in Tucson. I've been checking my e-mail like a mad woman! The anticipation is absolutely killing me!...!... 

Babies R Us~

While wondering the aisles of Babies R Us yesterday, I came across some adorable baby sleeper sacs that I couldn't resist. I fell in love with the little smiling bees~ here they are. A little side note~ do you see the large orb on my knees? Today is the anniversary of my grandmas passing~ hmmm... Makes you think! :)

I wore these shorts at my high school graduation 14 years ago! 

Beautiful Sunday, recipies, projects, ideas, oy vey!

I'm in heaven with our weather as of recent, it's been in the 70's-80's with a slight breeze. Today I've got all of the windows/doors (in the house) open and am enjoying the sweet nothings the birds are singing.

Thanks to Pintrest I've got a 101 projects going at once. If only I had more time on my hands! I'm in the middle of painting one of our bathrooms and my craft room. While I've loved the pastel pink & sage green in my craft room, it's time for a change! I haven't decided between a beachy blue or another shade of green. I've got five cans of paint samples but have yet to paint swatches on the walls.

I bought some elastic to make my own hair ties (thanks to Pintrest) and am looking forward to finishing that side project . I'm currently sewing a baby blanket and am working with ric rac for the first time (it's not as difficult as I thought it would be). While at Joanns this weekend I found elastic threaders and have decided that this is the next best thing since sliced bread! I have been missing out!



My elastic for hair ties



Elastic Threaders

I made my famous artichoke chicken with baked asparagus last night for dinner & decided that it's a must share recipe. Here it is~


1 (15 ounce) jar artichoke hearts (I prefer marinated), drained & chopped (I chopped mine into 2-3 pieces)
3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
3/4 cup mayo
1-2 cloves minced garlic (fresh is the best, & I always add more garlic)
2-3 skinless, boneless chicken breast


Preheat oven to 375 degrees

Mix above ingredients in a medium mixing bowl

Cut the chicken breast in half and pound it~ place chicken in a greased baking dish. Place artichoke mixture over chicken and spread evenly. Cook for 30 minutes or until chicken in no longer pink in the center. Serve and enjoy! 

Adoption update~ Adoption update~ Adoption update!!!

While we don't have specifics as of yet, our social worker sent us the following email. You're probably wondering where we go at this point. Once we receive the potential birth mothers summary, Adam & I will decide if we want her to view our profile. Once she views our profile, she'll let our agency know if she would like to meet us. If after that meeting we all decide to go forth, we will be officially "matched" with her. Will continue the updates!


I have a new gal.  Will send her summary soon.  She is actually from Tucson, Caucasian no drugs, alcohol etc.  The birth father was a one night stand (Hispanic guy).  She cannot remember his name, never saw him again after that night.  
 
More info to follow.
 
Have a great weekend.

Family & friends~

Adam & I truly can't thank our family & friends enough for all of the support & love that you've shown us during our adoption journey thus far. It's an amazing feeling knowing that everyone around us is supporting our decision.

With this said, I can't thank my Aunt Tricia & Uncle Joe enough for their "seedling" help. :) This means more to us that words can ever describe. :)


We love you all & will continue to post updates as we received them!

Nik~

Mouthwatering garlic butter~

I've finally mastered the most amazing garlic butter known to mankind.

Ingredients:
1/2 lb butter
1 tablespoon lemon juice
2 tablespoons white wine
1/2 teaspoon minced garlic (I mince my own as it adds that special kick)

combine ingredients in a mixing bowl and beat at a medium speed until a smooth consistency in the batter is formed. Once combined, keep refrigerated until needed~ enjoy!

Project baby blanket~ I'm going to tackle it!!!

I have decided to tackle sewing with minkie! I'm going to attempt to sew a baby blanket, fingers crossed! I've heard that minkie is no easy feat, but thanks to Pintrest I've found many great tips. I can't promise photos of my finished project as it may look like a hot mess of fabric~ time will tell! Wish me luck (God knows that I'm going to need it)!

Minkie~

Adoption post~

We received an e-mail from our agency director apologizing for the prospective birth parents going AWOL. I told her that I'm truly at peace with what happened and am so grateful that it happened now rather than later. We truly only had hope in our hearts & didn't have time involved with the couple. Adam & I feel that the couple wasn't meant for us, even if they change their minds. Our agency just received a call from a prospective birth mother living here in Tucson, and our social worker should meet with her this week. I'll continue to keep you updated~

Wonderful Sunday~

I had such a wonderful day yesterday! The morning was spent relaxing and cuddling with my adorable husband, and the afternoon I enjoyed time with mom in my craft room. Adam and I cooked dinner together, he made corned beef with cabbage for his dinner (yuck) and I made shredded chicken tacos (yummy). Now to the work week, I'm dreaming of the day that I can retire and relax ALL day!

Arizona sunsets are the best! Do you see the humming bird on the feeder?

Delicious glass of moscato~

Domestication~

I know that I'm domesticated as my birthday is around the corner (March 29th) and I truly want a heavy duty iron. My dinky plastic iron just will not suffice any longer. I feel as though I'm turning 62 not 32!

Totem pole~

Our home is now enriched with a totem pole that was once Adam's grandmas. While he was in Oregon he phoned to let me know that he was going to bring a totem pole home with him. The thoughts immediately started racing through my mind, one of the first being "Dear God, what is he bringing on the plane" !?!?  I was amazed when I saw it in person and instantly fell in love with it! Adams mom & Aunt Karen remember it from their childhood & said that it must be 40-50 years old. It originally came about in New Mexico and made it to Oregon years ago, yet here it is again in the South West. Now to find a spot for it in our home~ perhaps we'll move the fire hydrant...

A few of my favorite things~

China Glaze, matte magic~ it turns nail polish into a matte finish 

Cooling spray for your feet, this is a MUST! Especially if you're on your feet a lot!

The worlds best hair rubber bands!

216 diapers (from Costco) for $28.97~ This mom to be is trying to find some must haves for cheap!

Phoenix update~

Our trip to Phoenix to meet the birth parents is cancelled, at least for today. The birth parents knew that we were going to meet today, however they failed to give our social worker (Tracy) an address/place to meet. Tracy is going to talk to them (face to face) to see what's going on. Will keep you updated~

My husband is such a child...

Prior to Adam leaving to Oregon he bought a mask on-line (which was delivered while he was away). Otto wasn't a fan, yet he was such a sport about it! I couldn't help but get the photo op! :)

Perfect ending to my day~

After work I decided to treat myself to a wonderful massage and now to a glass of pinot grigio (my fave). Adam comes home today from Oregon & I can't wait to see him, it's been a long week without him! I seem to get myself into trouble when he's away! 

Tucson~

Eight years ago today Adam, Boobers & I were in Northern Arizona sleeping peacefully in a motel. We were on the best journey I've ever taken in my short lifetime, my move to Tucson to be with my best friend. Thank you Adam for taking a chance on "us" and asking me to move in with you. It's a decision that didn't come easily as I was fearful of leaving everything I've ever known. I love you more than you'll ever know! 

Sleeping Beauty... AKA Meaty

I promise that I'm not one of those girls who only takes photos of her pets, although it may seem like it on my blog... Here's Meaty last night. Such a cutie!

Spring projects continue to be added to my list...

Since we've finally hit spring in Arizona, my list of "to do's" continues to build. I was finally able to bring my plants/flowers out of the garage (damn freeze took many of my plants hostage) and arranged around the front & back yard. Two of the projects are to re-stain our front door and our bench! My poor husband has no idea what he's going to be helping me with!

Where did I sleep last night?

Upon getting ready for bed I found Otto on my side of the bed... How on earth could I move him, look at how adorable he was! Needless to say I slept on Adam's side of the bed...

Another adoption update~

We're heading to Phoenix this weekend to meet the prospective birth parents! The birth mother is ready to make the adoption plan official, however the birth father is concerned that the baby will be made fun of (when he/she is older) due to not looking like Adam & I (with our blonde hair). Little does he know that I'm currently a burgundy/brunette (but will soon find out)! Our social worker has explained to him that it's "culturally acceptable" to not look like your parents! Adam & I decided early on that we're going to be 100% open and honest with our adopted child and let them know that we're not his/her biological parents. With this being an open adoption the child will always know who their biological parents are. Our social worker and adoption agency think that the birth father may feel comfortable with us once they meet us. 

Phoenix or bust!!!

Nik~

No bake energy bites~

Here I go again with pintrest,  I found this delicious recipe and have made them over and over again! They aren't pleasing to the eye, yet it's a must try!

Ingredients

o    1 cup (dry) oatmeal (I used old-fashioned oats)

o    2/3 cup toasted coconut flakes

o    1/2 cup peanut butter

o    1/2 cup ground flaxseed or wheat germ

o    1/2 cup chocolate chips (optional)

o    1/3 cup honey

o    1 tsp. vanilla extract

o    Method

Stir all ingredients together in a medium bowl until thoroughly mixed. Let chill in the refrigerator for half an hour. Once chilled, roll into balls of whatever size you would like. (Mine were about 1" in diameter.) Store in an airtight container and keep refrigerated for up to 1 week.

Makes about 20-25 balls.

The way to an Italian girls heart...

Two of my favorite must haves~ extra virgin olive oil & balsamic vinegar.

What a wonderful day~

Our yard has taken a beating with the brutal freezes (yes, we've had more than one this winter- that's not typical Tucson weather). It's needed a major "face lift" though I've not wanted to do it too early. I have had such a lovely day planting in our front planter~ here's what I've been up to. 

After~ it's prettier in person.

Before, yuck!

Lavender has always been one of my favorites!

One of the many reasons I love my career choice

A friend posted this on Facebook earlier today & it truly touched my heart. This is one of the many reasons I chose nursing as my career.