Doing the "Do"

She is such a ham, she always scrunches up her face when she smiles at the camera.

I am having fun at trying new "do's" on GiGi. This one turned out really good. As long as I can get her to sit long enough, we are good to go. I also learned this time that doing it after a bath when her hair was a little wet made it easier.

Look who's upright!!

This is a HUGE step for GiGi. She has not wanted to put any weight on her legs, so for her to be standing by herself is MAJOR!! The physical therapy seems to be working and she is so proud of herself.

Lights, Camera, Action!

I realize now that I could never be an actress or newsperson........Pete; however, could! We were so blessed to be called a couple weeks ago for an interview. I may be getting this a little wrong, but here is what I remember: The group within the government who regulates and oversees international adoptions put out new regulations (things that we did not have to do for our adoption). One is that the family needs so many hours of education before proceeding with their adoptions....again, we did not have to do this, but apparently we will next time. Anyway, they were putting together a movie on international adoption which everyone will be required to watch who is adopting internationally. Since Ethiopia adoptions have been so popular and numbers are rising, they really wanted a family to interview and to talk about the process and experience. So.......we packed up GiGi and Pete and I and we headed to DC for our talk. When I sat on the couch in front of the huge, hot lights and the cameras, I felt a tad nervous!! I really wanted to do good, but there were times I really felt like I was on a roll, hitting some good lessens learned, etc. and then the camera guy would stop me and say "ooohhh, your baby hit your mic. during that, can you move her to your husband and start over, that was great." AHHHHHHHHHHHH, what was I saying again? I would totally clam up and could not repeat the same thing. When you are passionlately talking about something and have to "TAKE TWO", it is really hard. Anyway, overall, I think we did good. Pete seemed so comfortable......maybe too comfortable. Come to think of it, I believe he LOVED the spotlight! We laughed that if all the sound bites are from him, we will know how I really did. But seriously, it was a true blessing to be able to talk and share about our experience. So, if you see us one day, stop back here and say hi- and you are free to make fun of me! :)

Gabrielle is ONE!!!!

I made a duck cake and she loved it....her first taste of cake. We had a candle in an Ethiopian candle holder that we lit in honor of her birth mommy. It was VERY emotional for Pete and I. We want to make sure we thank her, remember her, and pray for her every birthday GiGi has, as that day is more about her and GiGi than us. I now realize why adoptive families celebrate "gotcha days" like birthdays.

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GiGi does SO BIG with her arms when you say it.......the cutest thing!!