Adoption Papers signed

Last month we sat down with our social worker and got the first of the adoption papers signed.  The lawyer has now been hired, and we are only 3 months from it being completely official.  

Eva is getting ready to celebrate her first birthday in style. A backyard BBQ with family and a few close friends.  Here's the picture I sent on the invite.

The first "Big Day"

Well, Thursday we are in court for little miss Eva.  By the way, that's not her given name, that is the name we will give her when the adoption is final.  It's crazy how I feel a little nervous and uneasy, however, all that is before us has been ordained by God.  When the sweet little boy Jesse, that we were fostering, was taken from our home after 2 months, I never thought my heart would heal.  It was like a death.  We've now had Eva for 7 months, and I can't imagine life without her.  In my heart and soul she is my daughter.  

San Francisco

A few weeks back, Eva and I flew up to S.F. to see Jeff.  By the way, he only has 6 more weeks of the CYA Academy, and he will be home.  Yeah...I can't wait. Our visit with Jeff in the city was so fun.  We stayed at a beautiful hotel near Union Square.  Seeing little Eva on the trolley was such a joy.  She was interested in everything and everyone.  She made friends with all of the passengers, and I swear she said "Hi" to this cute Cambodian man.  

You can check out the pics on Picasa. 

The last day we went to Haight Ashbury, total hippie vibe.  Very cool!  We took a walk along this beautiful park nearby with incredible vistas of the city.  You can see it in Jeff's eyes what a proud daddy he is with his little girl

Milestones...

Wow!  Time flies.  I can't believe our little peanut is almost 8 months old.  People have always told me how fast kids grow up.  I'm truly enjoying her at every stage.  She's almost crawling.  She lifts herself up onto her knees, and pushes herself up with her hands.  It's just the movement she can't quite conquer yet.  Oh, and the girl can talk.  She gabs all day long, making noises and sounds.  Today she started doing "High 5" with me. It's hilarious.  She giggles every time.  

In two weeks we will be in court.  The parental rights will be terminated at this time.  There has been no contact from the birth parents or family members.  After the hearing on May 8th, we will begin the adoption paperwork. It takes 6 to 8 months for everything to become final.  Please keep us in your prayers.  

My grandfather

My dear, sweet Pop-pop passed away on March 15th, 2008. Here is a poem I wrote about him. The memorial will be held this weekend at my home in Long Beach.

A poem by Mia-

Pavarotti always blasting through the apartment corridor

Excitedly arriving feeling it in my core

Smells of garlic and chilies frying in the pan

Walks to the park, skipping and playing always hand in hand

Breakfasts at Denny’s, pancakes galore

Neapolitan Ice Cream one of many treats and more

Laying on his belly, squeezing me so tight

Friday night sleepovers, watching Lawrence Welk delight

Nuna busy in the kitchen cooking pasta, sauce and bread

Pop-pop watching baseball, or smoking a cigarette

Politics, Family and Work, passionate topics of his life

Conversations of the old days, a man with a complex side

235th Street, apartment number C

I’ll never forget you Pop-pop, your love will always be with me

5 months old!

Wow, time does fly! I can't believe that our sweet little girl is already 5 months. She's rolling over, blowing raspberries, making kissing sounds, and laughing outloud. We are having the best time with her. She's such a joy and we feel truly blessed.

Legally, the process is going smooth. May 8th the parental rights (birth parents' rights) will be terminated. At this point we will begin the adoption process which will take anywhere between 3-6 months.

My "Sweet Pea"

Eva celebrated her first Halloween. We spent the evening with our friends Matt and Christina Saenz (Jen and Andy's brother and sister-in-law). Tina made some great Enchiladas, and their family came over to enjoy the festivities. Eva is doing amazing. I'm so spoiled, she is such a great baby. She sleeps 7-8 hrs straight a night, and has such a sweet temperment. She is 2 months today!