Lions & Tigers & Bears, Oh My!

Today Michael & I had a play date with his tummy mommy & 3 brothers at the zoo. We had a wonderful time together, the boys simply couldn't get enough of Michael. They continued to pet the top of his head while JoJo couldn't stop hugging & kissing Mikey. It was so sweet to see the love that they have for him.

Three little monkeys swinging on the rail... (JoJo, Jorday & Adryan)

The jaguar~

The peacocks were wandering the zoo grounds without supervision! 

The pink flamingos were my favorite! 

Adryan & JoJo playing in the water

Michael & JoJo loving each other~

The Countdown Continues!

Our countdown continues for our court date to finalize our adoption! T-minus 10 days!

Our (other) countdown for Christmas is only 25 days! Oy vey, it amazes me to think of where Adam & I were this time last year. We had just begun our adoption journey, look at us now!

Tomorrow (Saturday) Michael & I are going to meet up with his tummy mommy and brothers at the zoo! I swear that Mikey is the luckiest boy as this will be his third trip in less than 2 months!

I decided to stop breastfeeding Michael as it's been 8 months now (I started 3 months prior to his arrival). It's gotten quite expensive as I pay $125 (per month) for my lactation pills, $55 (per month) to rent a hospital grade breast pump, and an extra $20 ish for my herbs to help produce breast milk. It has gotten to the point where it's excruciating to breastfeed as Michael will turn his head every which way (while attached to my boob). I had been exclusively pumping and feeding it in a bottle, but I've simply reached the point where I'm ready to be finished with it. I give moms who go longer respect, but to each their own!

I'd better get some beauty rest as I've got a long day ahead of me tomorrow. I'll post an amazing dessert recipe for my mini pie bites as well as our zoo photos.

Our turkey day~

We had an absolutely wonderful thanksgiving spent with family. My parents and Adam's aunt and uncle joined us at our home for our scrumptious dinner. My mom made the deviled eggs, turkey and home made stuffing. Aunt Karen made her (fantastic) home made cranberry sauce. I made stuffed olives, rolls, green bean casserole, and mini pie bites for dessert. Here are a few pics from our day~

Happy grandma!

Aunt Karen brought us flowers~

This mommy enjoyed mimosas!

Our little family

Mikey enjoyed some mashed potatoes~

And a side of Elmo's feet~

Yummy, yummy!

Deviled eggs, mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce, stuffed olives, turkey, dressing & green been casserole~

And this is the ending to our wonderful day~

Happy Thanksgiving!

I want to wish all of my family & friends a very happy Thanksgiving! This year I am most grateful to be a mommy as it's been something that I've dreamed of since being a little girl (that sounds cheesy I know). We wouldn't have our little man had we not had such outstanding support from our family & friends.

While working at St. Mary's hospital, we would receive weekly reflections via e-mail. For some reason I absolutely fell in love with this one & wanted to share it with you.

Autumn Lessons

Turning wheel, what new lessons will you bring me as one season turns into another?

In the hills trees are changing. In the forest bears are dreaming. Beside the roads wild flowers cast out seeds before their lives can wither.

As I watch this autumnal dance I slowly comprehend that change is beautiful, that dreams make life possible and to plant my seeds now before my lift turns into a dark and frozen winter. 

My work made the news.

I am in shock that our "shitty" problem made the news! It must have been a very slow day in the news room!

Plumbing problem shuts down UAMC operating rooms | KVOA.com | Tucson, Arizona

Shitty day at work~

Today was a shitty day at work, literally... The sewer pipes burst in the operating room, therefore declaring an internal disaster at work. The entire operating room was shut down, except for the cases that were currently running. They kept a couple of rooms available in case any traumas came in. The good news was that a lot of us (including me) were sent home from work.

Something similar happened to me while I was working at The Heart Hospital. Some water pipes burst, therefore water was gushing inside one of the operating rooms (there wasn't a case in progress).

Oh the memories we will have. Needless to say, I have a strong feeling that tomorrow will be a very busy day making up for the cancelled surgeries.

The weather is changing~

It's been freezing in southern AZ as of late, it's dipping into the 50's at night. To my Oregonian friends & family (& Colorado too) that's not freezing. However for us sun lovers that's cold! Michael has a new beanie with matching mittens.

Time with our BFF's~

My friend Ashley came over with her two boys~ she & I are determined that Tyler (her youngest son) & Michael are going to be best friends. Here are some photos of our evening together.

Tyler & Mikey, playing~ 

Thanks to Auntie Ashley, the boys have matching pj's!

Giving besos (kisses)

It's sleepy time for Michael!

More besos...

Fruition~

A year ago this week Adam & I started our adoption journey. We were told that once we became a certified couple to adopt that we may be given a newborn overnight or it could take years. It's amazing to see how quickly our adoption journey came into fruition. A year ago today I purchased these receiving blankets & snugly blankies in hopes of keeping my tears aside and hope of one day becoming a mommy. We are so blessed that our journey happened so quickly. Although we hit some emotionally draining lows with our tummy mommy (at times), I can't imagine having another child in my arms.

Decorating...

We have spent the better part of our lazy (and very rainy) Saturday decorating for Christmas. I'll post finished photos sometime this week. I just snapped these cute photos of Michael and had to share them. Apparently it's been a very long day for him as well!

David Michael's first hand printed project~

Michael completed his first hand print project for Thanksgiving at daycare.

Adam's crew was on the news (yet again)

Sleepy time~

I couldn't resist taking a few photos of Michael last night while he was sleeping. I love gazing at him while he's resting, he so peaceful!

Yesterday mornings nap~

I love how he places his little booty in the air!