The Funny Farm

Since it's Christmas...

2010-12-22T07:15:00.000-08:00

I guess I'll give my quarterly update. Things are great at the time- the Vaughns are here from Florida to spend the holidays with us and we are wrapping up all our last minute shopping.

Rory is engrossed in first grade and playing basketball. He's also ALL ABOUT Avatar (the tv series, NOT the movie), star wars, and, of course, legos. He's reading like crazy which just constantly blows me away!

Otherwise, things are good. The snow is keeping us indoors - boo! I think we may try to get out and play in the snow today. If you can't beat em, join em, huh?

Is this what it's like to be a single mom?????

2010-09-17T16:24:00.000-07:00

Brandon has started working out of town Monday thru Thursday- until February, maybe March. So I'm feeling a little ... what's the word... anxious???? I'm lucky to have a husband who really does his share and more. So now that he's missing for a good part of the week, I'm feeling a little swamped on a daily basis. I don't understand how the single mom's out there do it. I think I'll have a drink and toast all of them....

Happy New (school) Year!

2010-08-13T17:29:00.000-07:00

Only 178 days until summer vacation!!!!

Just kidding- the school year is only 2 days old and I'm already swamped! So much to do- but thank goodness I only have 20 kids to do it for! I'm so happy - 20 kids! You hear me, world!!???!!! I want to scream it from the mountaintops - "I ONLY HAVE 20 STUDENTS!!!!" And so far, so good!

I love the start of a new year. Like a fresh, clean slate... While teaching does have its downfalls, there are so many great bonuses. There is nothing quite like setting up all the little desks with the uniform piles of books and supplies. Like a little schoolhouse army. Just setting in anticipation of all those little hands and minds. This is really the only time of year that my classroom is clean and de-cluttered. I love it. Totally zen. Well, close enough.

Rory's in first grade now. He's loving it- especially now that he's not in kindergarten. I think he's feeling a little bit like a big shot. Today he got off the bus and came inside for his snack. But first he wrapped his little sweet arms around me and said, "I miss you today because we don't get to spend all day together anymore." Like I said earlier- only 178 days left!!!! :)

It's that time again-

2010-07-28T06:49:00.000-07:00

Back to school sales have dominated my mailbox and everywhere I look there are gluesticks, rulers, and crayons. Gross.

It's a sad day...

2010-07-23T06:46:00.000-07:00

... I joined facebook. I said I'd never do it, but I couldn't help it. I'm not going to hope it doesn't come back to haunt me because I KNOW it will!

Summer pictures

2010-07-16T13:37:00.000-07:00

Summer has been so much fun, and so exhausting at the same time. I mean, is it great to stay home with your kid all the time? YES! At the same time, is it great to stay home with your kid all the time? NO! I have got a lot done and read A LOT! We've also spend exorbitant amount of time at the pool. Thank god for the pool. I have already told Brandon that next year, we are definitely looking into part-time Day Camp of some sort! I don't think I cut if for Rory- his standards for playmates are pretty high!

Do you ever just stand in the middle of a room and think, "Whoa. Get me 18 garbage bags and 10 large mono-colored rubbermaid containers!" That's me. Since I've been spending so much time at home the last two months, I can't get over the amount of crap I have. When it was just me and the hubby, not so bad. But I'm amazed at what a profound amount of stuff a 6 year old can bring to the equation. I secretly purge things when no one is home (or no one is looking- as I am rarelyhome alone). You know what I am talking about- the mcdonalds toys, the stray legos, the chewed on stuffed animals, the temporary tattoos that never got any skin time... so on and so forth. That's the kind of stuff that is leaving my house in much the fashion as the prison wall in the Shawshank Redemption that Andy Dufrane took out to the prison yard, pocketload bypocketload. Maybe in twenty years, I'll have a clean house and will retire with Morgan Freeman in Mexico. I cannot mentally stand the load of junk that is growing -almost like a living thing- around me.

Here's some pics from the summer - Check out www.youtube.com/indyvaughn !

Rory rides his razor at Mary and Don's!
At the skills competition, Rory won first for base running, and second for hitting! He loved baseball and can't wait until next year (neither can Papa!).
Checking on Don's garden! I think he's ready for some of Don's famous "tomat"s!
Picking strawberries at Watermans:)
Pumping the well at Connor Prairie.

I am one handsome dude!

Papa rolls a perfect game on the wii bowling!

Our trip to Kings Island

Summer is here!

2010-06-10T09:50:00.000-07:00

Already two weeks (nearly) into summer, and things are going great. Rory wrapped up his baseball season last week and the final picnic and skills competition is this Saturday. Baseball was really fun- Rory loved it and can't wait for next year already!

I'm full on into my summer reading. I typically don't read a lot during the school year with papers to grade and what-not. But I am in a book club and read the required montly book. I must say that the far majority of book are things I would have never picked up for myself, but ended up loving and recommending to others. I just finished The Help - a book my sister got me for my bday and loved it. So good. Kind of like The Color Purple meets Driving Mrs. Daisy meets Forest Gump - I know- weird combo, but so so good! I'm finished Invisible Monsters today.... I can't really tell if I like this book- but it's a book club book, so I'm invested. Next on the list is Boy in the Box... non-fiction about a unknown child's murder- but more about a community from what I can tell. Also, next is a book I've wanted to read since it came out a few years ago- FREAKONOMICS. By then, I'm hoping my next library request is in HOUSE OF EVIL.. about an Indianapolis murder in the 60's.

The oil spill in the Gulf is constantly on the news. I'm just so sick about this. But, aren't I partially to blame? Aren't we all? If not for our crazy dependence on oil, maybe these types of things could be avoided. My theory is that if you are going to drive your SUVs and continue to demand your current lifestyle- we are kind of getting what we ask for. I understand the people who are suffering directly from this- my heart really does go out to them... but at what cost do we keep this insane lifestyle up? I'd love to opt for green energy- but the OPTions are not there. At least not yet. It's just depressing. It feels like our country is going down the crapper- AND I know I'm not the only one who feels this way. Politics aside, no matter who you back- democrats, republicans, liberals- it doesn't matter. As long as everyone lives in their little hole and refuses to vote or care for that matter- the people with power will do what they want.

Baseball!!!

2010-05-09T15:13:00.000-07:00

Take me out to the ball game! We are fully into baseball season and this Friday is Rory's 6th birthday. He's too excited! We will post photos soon... in the meantime, please enjoy new youtube videos:) I know that every parent thinks their child is a natural at everything, but seriously, I think he's pretty good. Of course, what do I know about baseball???? The coach says he's his FAVORITE player!!!!!!!!!! I assume that's not fair when the coach is PAPA!

www.youtube.com/indyvaughn

Spring Break!

2010-03-31T08:02:00.000-07:00

The spring cleaning has commenced! You know your house is in sad shape when you are so excited to wake up every morning during your one week break to CLEAN. So far, I've accomplished all the bathrooms and bedrooms. De-cluttering is my passion, so anything that doesn't measure up to a certain standard is thown out or put into the ever-growing garage sale pile. Unfortunately, Rory discovered my 'toys to go out' garbage bag and unloaded it as though he was rediscovering all of his favorite long-'lost' toys. Ugh. Score: Rory- 1, Mama- 0.

Rory's school had an awards convocation last Friday and he got a math award. They had a rodeo theme, so you'll see he dressed the part! I skipped out of work, with some low-grade groveling and begging, and headed over to watch. It was too cute!

It's so surreal to know that he has been home over one year. When I think back to where we were last year, I'm amazed at the progress we've ALL made. The true scope of adopting a child - especially from another country- is really starting to reveal itself now that Rory has nearly mastered English. Now, he has the ability to ask some really difficult questions, some I wasn't expecting so early. And with a five year old, there's no easily understandable answers. Just yesterday, we were in the car going to playground, and Rory asked if George Washington was born before me (yes, GW- no laughing from the peanut gallery :)). We were talking about Presidents and of course he asks, "Can I be the President?" Most anyone else can say, "Well, of course, child-o-mine, you can be anything you want to be." But, I had to, in very plain terms, explain that "No, the rules say that you have to be born in the USA to be president, and you were born in Haiti. Maybe one day the rule will change, but for now, no, you can't be president." It broke my heart, because in the matter of about two seconds, I was reminded yet again, that his situation will forever have boundaries. About then was when he informed me that was fine, he would just go back to Haiti and be the president there. Total exasperation. I didn't have the heart to tell him that he couldn't do that either, since he was no longer a citizen. I guess we'll have to cross that bridge when we get to it- maybe in 2nd grade! Anyway, just about then, he let me know that "That's okay, Mama. I'm going to be a police officer."

Happy Easter everyone! Hope you get some good eggs:)

Our Florida Trip

2010-03-25T17:27:00.000-07:00

At Grandma and Grandpas

Playing my new favorite game... SORRY

HOW HANDSOME AM I????

The Fam at Malana's Wedding

I love my Aunt Malana

We recently returned from our trip to Florida... happy to announce that Malana and Josh got hitched and we got to spend time with the Vaughns. It was a really fun trip. The ceremony in Sarasota was beautiful, although a little chilly. We got to see a lot of the area and Rory had a great time. I love Florida. The palm trees and fresh air is just great and what we really needed after a long, snowy, cooped-up winter. When we returned home, guess what? 60 degrees in Indiana WOOHOO! Can't beat that!

Cabin Fever

2010-02-21T08:27:00.001-08:00

Cabin fever has set in at our house. We are trapped by mountains of snow and wondering if we will ever again see the green grass and trees. The newness of the Christmas presents has worn off and Rory is already asking how many days until his birthday/vacation/next Christmas. In the meantime, we are doing a lot of board games, videos, and legos. Watching the Olympics has been fun, and a nice change.

While the tragedy in Haiti continues, most of the world has moved on. What has made me so proud is the way that people we love have stepped up to help. We are so thankful for the effort made by so many to improve the situation. Another devastating round of tragedy is coming for Haiti as the rainy season is starting. The positive side of the situation is that Rory has been exposed to images of Haiti (good and bad), people are aware of where he is from and the challenges he most likely faced before coming to us. Just last week his school had Haiti week- raising money with themed days for the students. This week, the University of Indianapolis is having an Internation Dinner with a Haiti theme. The Daily Journal interviewed us for an article in the paper and even our neighbor went to Haiti for a brief time to help the Salvation Army there.

Despite the saddness of the situation, Rory has heard the name of his birth country roll from so many people's mouths, and I can't help but know that it is a good thing. Part of me is very sad because while he is surrounded by people concerned for Haiti, he is too young to know any different. When he is a teenager, there won't be Haiti week at school and most of his friends won't even know where it is. He'll be desperate for some sort of connection and the world won't consider Haiti a priority, unlike now. But, I'll take what we can get now and use it as best I can. I've saved tons of newspaper articles and taken pictures, etc.. Hopefully that will be a bright spot for him later.

I'm disappointed in myself for not blogging more. I miss it! I know other people who check the blog everyday to see if I've written (JESSICA:)). Thanks for checking in... I promise to do better!

For a change, some really good news

2010-01-23T08:02:00.000-08:00

For the last week and a half, we've watched the footage of Haiti - we can't wrap our minds around how devastating this is. Or how very lucky we are to have Rory home with us.

But the most amazing aspect is the reaction of everyone around us. I just can't get over how many people have dug into their wallets and gave to the cause. It is truly wonderful and touching.

Joyous news- The creche is secure for now with 4 months of food to sustain the orphans that are there and the many new orphans that are expected to join them. The Phoenix Suns - yes, the nba team- made it possible to secure a private plan AND helicopter the supplies to the creche. I never enjoyed NBA basketball, but I think I can say that I have a new favorite team.

Security is a major issue. I just read that they are leveling ground in Croix des Bouquets ( the nearest major town) and a giant tent city will be erected there. My truest hope is that the creche will remain safe, but it is clear that those who desperately need food will stop at nothing to get it for their families.

More joyous news- 22 kids from the creche made it home. The C4C people have been to Washington, on CNN, and finally to Haiti to relentlessly beg for visas from the US embassy for these kids... they arrived on Friday in Ft. Lauderdale. This video was mostly about another creche that didn't have same success. I hope they do soon. The end shows Rory's friends coming home. Get your kleenexes!

http://cnn.com/video/?/video/world/2010/01/22/obrien.orphan.journey.cnn

Earthquake

2010-01-13T08:06:00.000-08:00

I've had a lot of people asking me today about the orphanage after yesterday's earthquake. I just heard that the orphanage had some damage- all the kids are okay. Very lucky considering how close it was The transition house in Port-au-Prince has "major damage". This is the hub of the foundation's activity- lawyers, doctors, etc... all work on adoptions out of that building. I'm just devastated for those who are still waiting on their children. What an emotional dead end they must be facing.

Brandon and I are both just speechless... having seen Haiti and knowing what a poverty-stricken nightmare it is, we can't even imagine how things will get better there. How will they ever survive this?

Here is the link if you would like to help: http://www.redcross.org/

Happy 2010!

2010-01-09T11:26:00.000-08:00

Christmas at Grandmas:) Rory tries on his new duds:)

Christmas morning... notice that it is still pitch black outside!

Christmas eve... cookies, legos from Grandma and Grandpa Vaughn, and even a gingerbread house:)

I just can't believe that Christmas is over and here we are, well into the beginning of the new year. I'm amazed at how time flies when you have a kid. LIKE LIGHTNING!

Our trip to the Garfield Park Conservatory Train Exhibit:) BEAUTIFUL!

It's about 15 degrees today.... the norm since new year's day. The annual patches of dry skins are showing up and my car looks like poop. There is about 6 inches of snow on the ground... more falling today, and yet- it's too cold to go sledding. The newness of Rory's Xmas presents has worn off and today he is just focused on driving me BANANAS! Just a minute ago, he was right here demanding that he get to watch a Coldplay video on youtube. Whatever... not to mention I just spent the last three hours playing legos and racing cars with him. Seriously, another issue... is every 5 year old a pathological liar? What IS that!?!?!?!? I told him to quite literally take off and find something else to do. So, right now, I can hear him downstairs driving Brandon nuts :)

Christmas was great and we had a lot to do. He loved every stinking present and thought that Santa Claus was his own personal hero. We think he might have been doubting Santa's ability to know he was here, but he was convinced the next morning at 5:30!!! UGH!

Please watch videos on our youtube channel... just click the video bar on the side. In other news, Rory just got his report card and it was fantastic! We are in awe of how great the people at his school are. They are just awesome. We are going to Malana's wedding at the beginning of March and spending some extra time with the Vaughn family in Tampa. We are excited to go!

Countdown to Christmas

2009-12-01T14:40:00.001-08:00

What a crazy time of year this! We had a fantastic Halloween, including, but of course not limited to, visiting Grandma, Aunt Margaret, and Uncle Don and Aunt Mary's house. I laughingly joked that we should get shirts that say "Tour of Rory 2009"! Rory loved Trick or Treating and thought it was pretty cool that people just willingly gave out candy to total strangers. It is kind of a crazy holiday, if you really think about it. Rory really went crazy when we went home... check out the youtube video called SUGAR HIGH.

When we returned home he dumped all his candy on the table and just went to TOWN eating everything. But, we still had trick-or-treaters visiting, and the candy we had just wasn't good enough I guess. Rory wanted to give HIS candy to the 'big' kids- you know, the ones that SHOULDN'T be trick or treating, but do anyway. Actually, Brandon reported a trick or treater with a BEARD this year. Yikes. Anyway, Rory insisted on giving his candy to the kids (there were only a few). When we asked him what his favorite part of Halloween was, he said "giving out the candy". He's a giver... loves to give. When we laid in bed that night, we talked about how EVERYONE goes trick-or-treating.... his friends here, his cousins in florida, all his classmates, etc.... And he asked if anyone in Haiti goes trick-or-treating. I said no, it's just here. Then he asked if Witchy (one boy still in Haiti waiting to come home) would go trick-or-treating and I said, "No, Witchy isn't home yet so he can't go, but he'll go next Halloween." Rory was visably upset and asked why Witchy wasn't home yet, etc.... etc.... which turned into a long conversation. Then Rory asked if he could send some candy and his costume to Witchy so he could have Halloween in Haiti. How sweet is that... I just about melted.

Rory got his first report card in October and we had our first ever parent conference. It was really interesting being on the other side of the table. I actually teared up when the teacher was telling me how far he'd come and how he was writing (MY CHILD! WRITING!). I swore I'd never be that 'emotional' parent, but I do get it now and it just kind of brought it all home. He's come so far in just 8 short months. We are constantly amazed at the the things he says and does. The other day he just out of the clear blue sky started singing "Who let the dogs out!! WOOF! WOOF! WOOF!" If I had a dime for evertime I say "Where did you hear that?"

Also, Thanksgiving was great. We had a small gathering - same as last year, but with Rory here, it was a whole new ball game. He had a countdown until the "big turkey". We made a little pilgrim hat and collar for him to wear too. He was really excited about the turkey, and he had a leg of it at dinner- hey, that's what he wanted, so I simply obliged... it's a holiday for pete's sake! He also loved the rolls and Grandma's chocolate pie. He was bummed to go to bed while the rest of us played cards. He wanted to stay up and play with us saying "Hey, guys, let's play cards".

The day after Thanksgiving was awesome. We got out all the stuff, boxes and boxes of it. Rory loved the newspaper :) in the boxes... thought that was really cool for some reason. Rory loves the dancing snowman and all that stuff. Grandma and Grandpa sent him a reindeer and dog that both sing and dance. He played with them last night for an hour! We are gradually adding to our collections around the Christmas tree and Rory says there are 31 right now. He could be right, but I'm not going to count them! The cutest thing is that he asked Santa for four things (a train, a drum set, a transformer, and a teddy bear) so he BELIEVES truly that he is going to get those four things and nothing more. Boy, is he going to be surprised on Friday! We can't hardly STAND IT!!!

In the meantime, we are going to have fun during our school break. I'm drinking coffee and typing this in my pajamas. The break comes just in the nick of time. Don't get me wrong- my job is great, but let's just say, that this year... I'm working for every red cent they pay me!

Fall is in the Air

2009-10-18T16:20:00.000-07:00

If I had to describe our last month in one word it would have to be - BUSY! We have been going non stop just about all the time. Our reunion in September was awesome! Rory loved meeting up with some of his old friends. It was an amazing time and we are so glad we went. Of course, the airplane ride was special- he didn't even bother with any of the treats I brought for him to play with. He just parked himself right next to the window and stared out until he fell asleep. Same for the ride home. HE LOVES AIRPLANES! Here are some pictures from our trip. He was in HEAVEN!

We went to the zoo with Grandma. Rory loves the walrus... just can't get enough of him. He also go to feed the giraffe! See picture!

Gearing up for Halloween is very interesting. I mean, really, how do you explain Halloween to someone who has never known it? Rory is really excited about wearing his Halloween costume (spiderman). It has "big muscles"!

Rory had his last soccer game on Saturday and we were sad to see it end! He just loved it! Baseball is just around the corner and we think he is looking forward to it the most.

In the meantime, there are a lot of new videos on our you tube channel. Just click on the link below.

http://www.youtube.com/indyvaughn

Six Months HOME!

2009-09-12T16:10:00.000-07:00

Well, Labor Day was Rory's six month anniversary of being home. What a wild six months. In some ways, it seems like a flash... and in others, like an eternity.

Rory started school on August 10th and hasn't looked back. He loves school, especially riding the bus and packing his lunch. He's developed the reputation (around our house, anyway) as the town cryer. He comes home everyday and gives us a full report on what other kids have been up to and who is getting in trouble. His teacher gave him a glowing report just recently and says that he is always smiling a.k.a. 'he's so sweet'. Those of us who really know Rory know better! I'm sure he's just concocting his next scheme! Seriously, he is sneeky, but overall very well-behaved.

Brandon's parents visited in late August and we had a really good time together. Grandma taught Rory to play war and some other games, while Grandpa must have been pretty worn out by the end of the trip from playing ball so much. Rory rarely let him sit down. He misses them so much- we loved having them here.

Rory also started soccer. The first game was today. At first, Rory was very hesitant ... but right around half-time-BOOM- something just clicked and he totally just took off! No score is kept in his league, so I can't be sure... but I think he scored three goals. He's the ringer of the team according to the asst. coach (a.k.a. Pappa)!

In the last month, Rory has just blossomed. He's really come into his own. There is hardly anything we can say anymore that he doesn't understand and he just loves everyday. He sleeps solidly through the night (FINALLY) because the school day is just so long. He is actually reading- yes, reading- for school and just last night we were reading a book and he said, "Mama-look- 'little'"... he recognized the word he'd been working on all week in one of our books before I could read it. Brandon and I are really enjoying this time, because he is so happy! On Thursday, we told him about a big trip we are taking in two weeks. We are going to the Chances 4 Children reunion in Ft. Lauderdale and there will be around 25 other kids there. They are all home now and the look on his face when it dawned on him that he was going to see his old friends... oh, enough to melt your heart! However, he is also really excited to go on the airplane. Hasn't been on one since our trip home, so it will be interesting!

Summer Montage

2009-08-09T13:52:00.000-07:00

I'll just work around that stupid cat if it won't move.

Visiting Mary and Don:)

Swimming lessons

On the river boat tour in Cinci with Chris and Melissa

More swimming lessons:)

My first fourth of July

On the double-decker bus tour in Chicago with Malana

There'a another new post below:)

Last Day of Summer :(

2009-08-09T13:17:00.000-07:00

Well, Rory starts school tomorrow! This summer has just FLOWN by! We've done so much- here's a brief list:

1. Vaughn Family Vacation
2. Swimming lessons :)- Rory is a FISH!
3. Storytime and summer reading program at the library
4. Indians games
5. Overnight trips to Grandma's
6. Going to the festival(s) with Grandma
7. Trip to Chicago to visit Malana
8. Trip to Cincinatti to see Melissa, Chris, and Gus
9. Zoo!
10. Air show!
11. Endless Dr. and Dentist appts.
12. Signing up for soccer!
13. Getting ready for Kindergarten!

I'm really excited for him to start full-day kindergarten tomorrow- so is he! We've had a countdown going for about 3 months so he is more than ready! We went to kindergarten orientation the other night and he got to meet his teacher and the other students in his class. He was a little nervous, but fell right in with everyone. It was just surreal to see him sitting in a classroom with his name on his little desk. I just about cried, but quickly pulled myself together. It was funny to be in with all the other parents because I hadn't really given any thought to the fact that this was a group of people that up until five months ago, I hadn't 'belonged' to. Don't get me wrong... it was good, just strange and unfamiliar.

Rory starts soccer soon too... Brandon is the assistant coach for his team. We can't wait until the first real game. His language exploded this summer and he is not using very many creole words anymore. It is so amazing and exciting to watch his progress, but at the same time it is sad to see him gradually losing his native language. We still use creole words sometimes, but not because it is needed. He understands almost everything we say and he uses more complex words and sentences daily. The ELL (english language learner) teacher at his school was testing him and it was really cool to see how much he really did understand and objectively see how far he's come. She seems to think that he is doing very well and will master the language in a couple years. Not bad!

A couple days ago we were at my school getting the room ready, and Rory yelled "MAMA! My tooth felled out!" He'd finally lost a tooth that had been loose for some time. We had been working on the tooth fairy concept with books and a show on tv that talks about it. But sure enough, he asked A MILLION questions about the tooth fairy: Where does she live? What does she look like? What is her name? How big is she? Why does she want my tooth? What does she do with the teeth? How does she get in my house? Is she good or bad? Is she scary? But, the next morning he was downstairs (forgot all about it) and ran upstairs when he remembered the tooth fairy was supposed to come. She left him two dollars for his tooth and he was AMAZED! Now, he's constantly wiggling the other tooth that is loose:)

The Summer of Rory

2009-06-11T11:47:00.000-07:00

Rory and me at the air show... Rory like the airplanes- but he loved the parachutes more!

Well, you can be sure that this is definitely turning out to be the summer of Rory. He is having a grand time, mostly because everything revolves around him! Right now, Brandon and Rory are flying a kite, which he's been begging to do for a week. Rory is really doing well, and his English has really taken off. Right now he's really into saying things like "YESSSSS!" and "Are you kidding me?" and "I LOVE being me!" (the last one is from the movie CARS). Much to my frustration, he is also saying "Every time...." at the beginning of a sentence when he is not happy with us. For example he says, "EVERY TIME, I turn off the luminae (lights), Mama turns luminae on. Everytime." (his response to us telling him to turn the lights off- I'm innocent in all this.) Also, "Every time, Mama eats the orange snack (cheese puffs) passe Rory (more than Rory) and Rory gets small orange snack. Everytime." (Which, okay, is probably true most of the time, but it's like living with the food police!).

Rory had his 1st of two major dentist appointments yesterday. It went really well, and it was hard not to laugh at him about 5 minutes after they gave him the sedation. Does that make me twisted? Anyway, it wall went very smoothly and we are going back for round two next week. After that, we have our Vaughn family vacation in Tennessee which Rory is so excited about. Every time we get in the car, he asks to go to nina and grace's house. He thinks that is where we are going no matter how we try to explain it to him.

This morning we were cleaning, which he still loves to do- go figure. Anyway, he cleaned the TVs, and was helping me clean his bathroom. Then, he launched into this big plan, how he was going to dust everything in his room and then downstairs, too. Then, we went into the garage to help Papa with some stuff and he used the blower to clean off the porch and the driveway. Now, he's discovered the measuring tape and walks around measuring everything. He things it's hilarious.

Papa's little helper!

Rory had his first overnight with Grandma Sanders last weekend. They went crazy and did all kinds of stuff, which of course HE LOVED. They even went to the Greenwood festival and rode rides! I think Grandma might have had an even better time than him!

Here are some pics of our last fishing trip. Rory is a great fisherman- catches them all by himself.

Photo Update!

2009-05-31T12:01:00.000-07:00

Here are some of our latest photos! Also, check out our channel on youtube (23 new videos!!!)- just click on the link below!

http://www.youtube.com/indyvaughn

Rory bowling with Papa.

Rory and Owen at the Indians game... first one ever!

Happy birthday (May 14th) to Rory!

Rory and Grandma at the Bday party!

Mary and Don with Rory on his 5th Bday!

1st swimming EVER at the Reeves:)

No, we haven't fallen from the face of the earth....

2009-05-22T17:50:00.001-07:00

But our lack of posts might make you think so! May has been so super busy - I went back to school on April 27th and school gets out next Thursday! Whoopee!

We've had so much happen in the last month and it's been so much fun! Rory got really adjusted to me going back to school. I can completely understand the emotional hell that some people go though who leave their babies to return to work. Our situation was a bit different. It was nice to be able to explain to Rory what my job is, that the "boys and girls" need me to teach them, and that every day when they get on the yellow bus, I will get in the black car and come home to see Rory at 4:00. He can tell basic time (on the hour and half past) so that really helps, but requires me to be right on schedule!!!

We also had Rory's bday party. It was a nice, small cake and ice-cream party- nothing crazy. But he's had lots of new experiences with Papa. He went to his first baseball game with Stacey and Owen. He LOVES his bike (papa and him go riding EVERYDAY). He's been bowling and to more restaurants. He had his first sleepover (Hudson and Rory slept in Rory's bed :)).

Everyone, without exception, inevitably ask two questions:

1) How's he sleeping? Well, that's complicated. He usually sleeps 10 hours a night, which is about right and is on a pretty strict schedule - down at 8:30, up around 6:30. However, he WITHOUT FAIL wakes up around 11:30 (our best guess) and comes down to our room. The real problem is that he sneaks into our bed and neither of us know he's there or how long he's been there. He's only been home less than three months, and from what I read and hear from others, the sleep thing will come, but right now, he's just really scared. AND, we can see real progress when we look back at where he's been.

2) Is he speaking in English? YES! Actually, there are very few Creole words that he still uses. He is really starting to use a larger vocabulary. Some of the things he's been saying recently are:
"I know what to do."
"Mama come at 4:00?"
"Papa fix the bike."
"I'm hungry... I'm not full"
"I love Ballons/Basketball/Money"
"You wait Mama/Papa.. I'll be right back"
"Exactly" or "Excellent" or "Perfect"
"Rory wins really good"
"I need a fork/spoon/drink/water/blanket"

We went to some garage sales last week and he took some of the money from his piggy bank. He bought some little toys, but what was funny was the things he wanted to buy, but for obvious reasons couldn't: a motorcycle, a treadmill, a chandelier, a pair of men's boots (for the snow), and a rake "to pick up grass". Most of the people at the garage sales got a real hoot out of it. The thing that really amazed them was how much he loves clothes and gets excited about someone's old shirt. He will usually hold up something and say "YES MAMA YES... really good". We found a shirt with a fire truck on it and you'd think from his reaction we had unearthed the Holy Grail. He just held it up and danced with it in circles and sang gibberish with a few things I could understand here and there like "good" "shirt" "Rory" "Mama" "Papa" "fire truck" and "red". I'm pretty sure the homeowner thought we were nuts and probably thought I kept this kid locked in my basement or something.

Tomorrow we are attempting our FIRST EVER swimming experience... we'll see how it goes. My instinct tells me he'll love it... but so far my predictions have been off on what he'll like/not like.

I promise to post again soon... Thanks for checking in regularly, only to be disappointed when I had failed to post hardly at all in the last month! With being at work, AND the month of MAY (my busiest by FAR), and being a new mama, I've been pooped. But, summer is in reach, and I know I will be better about it:)

Mama, YOU CRAZY!

2009-04-25T18:07:00.001-07:00

That's one of Rory's favorite things to say right now. We've had a great week! Grandma and Grandpa Vaughn came on Tuesday and left this afternoon. Rory took to them immediately and actually snuck into their bed on Wednesday morning. We had so much fun with them! Rory caught his first fish (actually, three!) and we played candyland and chutes and ladders until we about fell over. It was so great to see Rory loving every minute with them. I'll attach some pics tomorrow and upload some new videos, too.

Unfortunately, Rory and I were both sick the last two days of Grandma and Grandpa's visit. He hung in there like a trooper though! He's getting over it now and should be back to his old self in no time. He's really amazing us everday with all his new things that he says and does:

Rory discovered Papa's mic and amp today upstairs... he loves the sound of his own voice!
When we were outside playing tonight after Grandma and Grandpa left, he saw an airplane and said Goodbye Grandma and Grandpa. He was a really big boy when they left... a little sad, but just briefly...
When Rory plays candyland, he's learned to 'stack the deck' when no one is looking... he was cheating a lot in the beginning and really a sore loser, but he's gotten better very quickly. He thinks it's hilarious when someone gets the big slide in chutes and ladders (except when it's him, of course)!
When we went fishing with Grandpa, he thought the fish were so cool, but wouldn't go anywhere near them or the worms. We tried to get him to touch them, but he wouldn't. You could kind of tell that he wanted to, though!
The other night, I was putting Rory to bed and he was almost asleep and he said "mama, listen...." So, I'm listening for some noise that I assumed he was hearing but in a real quiet, hushed, tired voice he whispered the lyrics of his new favorite song "Baby, you can drive my car, Baby, you can drive my car... and baby, I love you"!

Post Drought

2009-04-15T15:51:00.001-07:00

Sorry about the lack of posts lately.... we've been keeping busy and getting out a lot! We have had some people visiting and we've gone a few new places. So far, Rory is doing great with each venture! I actually took him to school to meet a few people after the kids were dismissed. He seemed to really like it and I think he somewhat understands that mama is a teacher now that he has seen my classroom. I go back to work on April 27th- less than 2 weeks- ugh! But, the good point is that Brandon and Rory will get to have some serious boy time and I'll be back home for the summer in just a few short weeks.

Easter was fantastic! We went to Marie and George's and had an Easter egg hunt. We were thinking it would be good to do a dry run the night before so we hid eggs around the house (it was raining). There were 18 eggs and the sum total of candy in the eggs was one roll of smarties, some mike and ikes, two twizzlers, and one lollypop. That way, he could eat it all when he found them. So, he hid in his room while we stashed eggs everywhere... he really took to it! Once we explained to him that the eggs were hidden, he tore though the place. Then, when we opened the eggs. We could tell from his eyes that he was like "THIS IS SO COOL!". At Marie and George's he practically bulldozed everyone looking for the eggs! But he got a major stash of serete (candy) and money- he puts the money in one coin at a time so he was in his room for at least 20 minutes when we got home... the money was a much bigger score for him than the candy. He loves change!

We are really looking forward to Brandon's parents coming next week- he's talked to them on the phone and knows their pics so we are hoping he warms to them really quickly.

On another note, I've accomplished a personal goal:

I completed the sunday crossword!!! WOO HOO!

Some new pics

2009-04-06T19:07:00.001-07:00

Two posts in one day! Enjoy!!!

Don't I look handsome in my new helmet?

After coloring this picture of a black cat, Rory decided to 'give' it to Giggy and thought this was the best place for it!!!

Going to get the mail with Aunt Mary.

Family photo at Mary and Don's:)

Playing in Uncle Don's garage- it's a fun place with lots of cool stuff!

Eating chocolate robin's eggs = BLUE TONGUE!

Our BIG outing!

2009-04-06T12:00:00.001-07:00

Today, we went to the mall. We were dying to get out somewhere besides the grocery store. We thought that Rory would love the indoor playground- especially on a cold day like today. We thought the stores would interest him, too. Not surprisingly, we were dead wrong on both counts.

We went to the Disney store... we thought he would like seeing things he would recognize like the 'machine' from CARS or Quincy from 'Little Einsteins'. He did love it and would find something he liked... like the Wall-e robot.... and wrap his arms around it, but we were steadfast in not buying one thing from the store. We just put it back on the shelf. He really liked all the clothes there, too. He always shared clothes with all the kids at the Creche, but now he knows that his clothes are HIS clothes, and that is a whole new idea to him. He loves clothes. How much do you wanna bet that it won't be the same at Christmas when he opens up a 'present' of socks??? We tried to coax Rory onto the playground, but he wasn't too interested, he just turned and ran back out. What did he love?? The floor at the mall. He loves anywhere where the tiles consist of alternating colors. At the mall, he hit the jackpot. At the Disney store, he loved the big Mickey on the ground right as you walk in. Also, big hits at the mall included: the 'penny rides' (that actually cost 75 cents). He loved the 'hot dog truck' and the jet ski. We had to coax him to get on the horse, but he ate it up once he was on. Brandon made a good point- maybe he thought the horse was going to take off. Totally possible! I didn't even think of that.

HOWEVER, by far, the biggest hits were #1)the penny donation container that you drop the pennies in and it spins until it drops in. I think we must have dropped $4.00 worth of pennies just on that. And #2, the pay telephone. He eyeballed that and made a b-line for it. He kept picking it up and listening to the dial tone. They have a 'phone' at the library. When you pick up the receiver, it's an INDIANA PACER reading a popular children's book. I think he was expecting that but was just as happy with it anyway. He was amazing at the mall. At the penny rides, we said "2 more rides" then "one more ride" then "okay we are finished". He went back to honk the horn on something and then said "I am finished". As long as we give him a 'countdown', he does so well.

Oh, AND, first ice-cream was today!!!! Maggie Moo's vanilla with sprinkles -- he loved it, but didn't really have a reaction. I think the sprinkles, for him, were the best part. I mean, isn't that true for everyone?????

Almost 4 weeks home!

2009-04-02T15:11:00.000-07:00

I can't believe that we are nearing the 1 month mark. I look back and wonder what on earth happened? Wasn't it just February? Rory is doing well... as I write this, he is playing his new favorite song (Viva la Veda by Coldplay) with Papa on his new Rory-sized GEEtar that Aunt Malana brought for him. He is so easy to please, but so quick to take a downturn sometimes. Everything is so overwhelming for him, and we have to really hold back not to just cram his day full of new stuff. I don't have the feeling at all that we have to make up for the last four years. He will catch up as time goes by, I have no doubt.

Rory will finally get to meet some more family this weekend. We are going to Aunt Marie and Aunt Margaret's on Saturday. We are so excited for new people to meet him! Then, in a couple weeks Grandma and Grandpa are coming from Florida! We can't hardly wait for them to meet him.

Rory's new favorite place is the library or the playground. We went to the library yesterday and saw a mini-concert for preschoolers put on by this guy that sings about choo choo trains. There were probably about 40 kids there and they all sat in the front and listened, danced, and sang. Rory, however, was a tad bit overwhelmed. I sat in the front row and he sat directly in front of me. He didn't clap, sing, or dance BUT... I got the distinct feeling that he wanted to. He mostly watched all the other boys and girls and was taking it all in. We know that as we introduce him to more people and kids, he'll come out of his shell. But, it made me really think about what this all looks like through his eyes. The other part of it is that most of the kids there were white and were curious about this new boy and his white mama (I overheard a couple kids asking their parents about us). But they so badly wanted to talk to him and play with him and he just kind of 'shutdown'. I sense this letting up though, and who knows how he'll be in another month? Meanwhile, he loves the library and when we took a huge stack of books home he thought that they were his! I had to explain in creole/english that the library lady is nice and lets us read her books. But she loves them and we have to take them back to her to make her happy and she'll let us have more. As soon as he crasped this concept, his eyes got huge and he started kissing and petting the books and say "it is okay, ou mama loves books".

The other thing that stands out to me.... have you ever seen the movie SPLASH with Tom Hanks and Darryl Hannah? Ya know, the one from the eighties where she's a mermaid and it's totally cheesy? Well, you know the scene where he buys her the present from tiffany's and he gives her the trademark blue tiffany box and she just looks at it and loves the box, not realizing the real gift is inside? That is everyday for Rory. The the other day I snuck a bag of twizzlers into my purse and in the car I gave him one, papa, and (of course). He thought it was a toy and started flicking it around and twirling it and wrapping it around his fingers. He thought it was great! Then I took a bite of mine, and he was shocked that I would eat my toy! I said "No toy, serete (candy) bon gou (tastes good)!" He took a bite and thought it was the best thing ever! Ever since, he's been asking about the red candy and when it will make its appearance again. I don't think that I can break it to him that it's mama's favorite and I'm hoarding it for a really bad day.

By the way, thanks for reading our blog... it's so nice to hear that so many people are keeping up with our posts and enjoying the videos. Feel free to leave comments or questions...

Rory's first snow!

2009-03-30T19:50:00.000-07:00

Things are still going so well with Rory. He is amazing! He got his first haircut.... he was so cute! We are still having some power struggles... but he's come so far that we are just amazed at how well he is adapting. Malana and Josh came over this weekend and brought a pizza. Rory approved- especially the sauce! Then, he went to bed pretty easily considering it was the first time that we had people in the house at bedtime and it was storming pretty bad.

His english is really coming along and in weird little ways. When I was putting him to bed that night, there was big thunderclap and I said "That was a big one." The next one came a few minutes later and I said "That was-" and before I could finish it, Rory said "- a big one, Mama." He is currently in LOVE with his legos and was excited to sing happy birthday to Grandma today on the telephone.

His first snow was this weekend.... just enough to wet his appetite. Click on our youtube link below to see it... my favorite video so far! Also, Rory has discovered 70's music and LOVES IT!

Medical Week:)

2009-03-26T18:24:00.001-07:00

This week, we finally got Rory in to see his new pediatrician. We were concerned that a doctor's office would be overwhelming for him, but he sailed through it with no problems. The only issue is that our dr. has to get his immunization card translated- it's all in Creole, but somewhat understandable. Otherwise, she was COMPLETELY amazed at his cognitive development, weight, and overall health. He was totally cooperative and liked all the colorful pictures on the wall. I think his favorite part was how much we doted on him for being such a good big boy for the doctor and when Brandon surprised him with a roll of smarties in the car afterwards.

Today, we went to see Rory's dentist. My mom's dentist actually has done several missions to Haiti and speaks pretty good Creole. Rory's teeth are in some serious need of dental work so we wanted to make this as easy for him as possible. I laid in the dentist chair and they had him lay on me. He didn't flinch ONE INCH, as they scraped, flossed, polished, xrayed, poked, prodded, etc.. Everytime the hygenist's hands left his mouth, he would turn to me with this big toothy smile as if to say "How do my choppers look NOW?" He will need to see a specialist for some work, but nothing to bad. When we got back to the car, I was almost in tears I was so proud of my big boy. How scary everything must be to him, but he always is stoic and brave to no end. Everyone seems to think I must be crying every two seconds because the wait is over, and I must be so happy to have him home. Other people always say how they cried when they watched this video, or read this post, but I haven't cried once. Is that weird? I just don't cry out of happiness. But today, I was so moved because of how much he's been through in his short life, more than what most of us go though in decades.

P.S. Rory pooted (farted) in the bathtub today for the first time... he cracked himself up so much I had to hold him up to keep from drowning.

Check out our videos!

2009-03-22T18:50:00.001-07:00

Things are going really well the last few days! New experiences are around every corner and Rory is settling in well. This week we have our first doctor's appt. and maybe a trip to the library to take in the local playgroup.

In the meantime, don't forget to check out our videos on YOUTUBE:

http://www.youtube.com/indyvaughn

Just click on the link.... It only shows nine videos... but click on the BLUE "See all" at the bottom of the page. ENJOY!

Rory is truly a VAUGHN

2009-03-20T19:37:00.000-07:00

Wow! Things around here change at lightning speed! We've had no major 'episodes' since the last post, so that is definitely progress, but we know that things can change in any direction at any time so we are still working on making this a smooth transition for Rory as possible. Sometimes I'll just look at Rory and wonder "WHAT ON EARTH COULD HE BE THINKING?" Everyday there is something that cracks us up or makes us realize just how little he understands. Then, he will amaze us with something that he's learned! Some high points:

Brandon burned a CD for the car that has some really upbeat songs that he thought Rory would like. When Rory heard the "Ob-la-di" song by the Beatles, he totally fell in love with it. We were in the car today and he kept saying 12... he had figured out that it was song twelve on the CD! Now he walks around yelling "Ob-la-di, Ob-la-da..." This is Rory's serious car face. He's also given up wearing his own glasses and opted for Papa's big boy sunglasses instead.

Rory won't wear clothes twice in a row. No matter what. For example, the other day he wore a pair of pants for MAYBE three hours so I just folded them and put them on the hamper and thought he'll wear them another day-they aren't dirty or anything. Well the next day when I got them out, he looked at me like I was insane! Like, "Okay mom, who are you kidding, I know these weren't washed..." What am I? June Cleaver or something? Seriously! So my new trick is to throw things in the hamper, then, when he's not around, I'll get out his pajamas he wore one night and refold them and put them back in his drawer. The first time I did it, he looked at me like "Wait just a second..." Then hesitantly put on the pajamas, but he had his evil eye on my the whole time! I think he's on to me...
Rory is amazed by my hair dryer. When I walk out of the bathroom with wet hair he will touch it and say something in creole. Then, whenever I get around to drying it, he'll follow me in the bathroom. I sit on the floor and dry my hair and he'll brush it while I dry it. Then he'll touch my hair and say "Mama chevaux cho"- Mama's hair hot. Needless to say, I've had some pretty bad hair days.
Rory was in the bonus room upstairs the other day and looking at all the baseball stuff on the walls. He took one look at the Babe Ruth picture and pointed and said "Papa papa papa". Then, today, there was a commercial on the TV and he started pointing and saying "Mama! Mama! Mama!" when I turned and looked, it was Christie Brinkley! Of course I said "THANK YOU RORY!"
Rory loves anything to do with cleaning. He will help in every chore, no matter what. I'm enjoying it while it lasts because YOU KNOW it won't! Among his favorite things, the vacuum is a total treat for him. He loves it. We put some stuff on the floor so he could actually see that it picks stuff up and his eyes got huge and he immediately grabbed it and started going to town. His other favorite... the leaf blower. He thought that was the coolest thing EVER! See picture of Papa taking a break...

Rory has discovered Tom and Jerry. I know that today people say Tom and Jerry is so violent (which, let's face it, it is) but so is the news and every other show that is on. At least it's just a cartoon. I think the reason he likes it so much is that there is no talking at all, just action so he understands everything about it! He will sit and watch it- completely expressionless and motionless, then out of nowhere, he'll burst into uncontrollable laughter and run around imitating something that just happened. So far his favorite is when the human goes out for the night and all the cats come over and have a party and Jerry is all mad because he can't go to sleep. He retells the whole story in Creole which is really hilarious because it sounds like nonsense, but we can totally understand what he means!
Rory says banana like "BOO NANA" - so funny I don't ever want him to say it normally.
Rory loves school and counting. I got out the poker chips and I have him separate the colors and we count them and compare the stacks. We count by 10's and at the end we knock them all down for fun. Now, if I could just wrestle up the $10,000 entry fee for the World Series of Poker, we'd be in some serious business!

What is that they say? It takes lemons to make lemonade?

2009-03-17T18:34:00.000-07:00

So, when I last checked in we were still in honeymoon mode (a term actually used in the adoption world). However, a little over 5 days ago, it ended very abruptly. Rory launched into his first of major 'episodes' as we call them. The first one was by far the worst and lasted hours. How do you comfort a child who is living in a world of loss? Rory has lost everything- his country, his climate, his friends, his caregivers, his language, his normal food, his routine, his school, his EVERYTHING. Yes, we are his parents and love him more than anything in the world, but there is no way to explain that to a four year old, much less one that speaks Creole! He hasn't been a part of a family in a very long time, and he just learning how things are supposed to work. He's spent the last 2 years taking care and fending for himself and now, he is trying to adjust to the fact that we make most of the decisions, and a lot he doesn't like :(

Brandon and I are totally exhausted either trying to deter an episode, meet one head on, or recover from the last one. However, they do end and the other 20 hours of the day are just fine. We've been prepped very well (as we are now finding out) by our agencies and literature recommended to us. This is very normal and we've actually been told that it's good that he's testing us this early, with hope that he'll learn to trust us that much quicker. This is by far the hardest thing that we've EVER done, and we have a long, long, long way to go before Rory feels comfortable here and with his new life.

With all that said, the roller coaster is still so awesome and totally worth it! There are still so many funny, sweet, priceless moments that happen every day that are completely worth the worst outburst on earth. Like today, I woke up with a fantastically huge zit on my face. Rory got out of his bath and was getting dressed when he noticed it. He grabbed my face with both hands and looked at me with those huge brown eyes and kissed me right on the zit. Before I could say "EWWWW- gross!" he said "mama ouch". Gulp. Then, today we were out in the backyard looking for a big stick and he was crouching and looking into the brush/treeline. I walked up and he shushed me. And I said "Pourquoi? WHY?" He said "rabbit mama bird mama" He was looking for animals:) . To bad we live in a suburban desert. Poor guy. We did venture out to walgreens the other day and I thought HOLY OVERLOAD! And we turned a corner to find something (can't remember what) and found ourselves smack dab in the middle of the toy aisle. Uh oh. I was sure he would be grabbing at everything. Not being a parent until just days ago, I never really realized how much more colorful the TOY and CANDY aisles are at stores. Anyway, Rory didn't notice. In fact, he didn't even show interest (which I'm sure will change). What did he go crazy fo at the walgreens? The stinkin' flashlights and reading lights! Oh, and the reading glasses.

Go figure!

2009-03-11T11:00:00.000-07:00

Who knew that Rory would be such a sponge! He's been here just a little over three days and I can't believe the stuff he does!

For example:

Rory has an alphabet town toy that does a million little things and its the only real toy that we've given him to play with. He loves to sing "The wheels on the bus" (OVER AND OVER AND OVER AND OVER). Other songs he already knows: Frere Jaques, Twinkle Twinkle little star, The itsy bitsy spider, Mary had a little lamb, and several others.
We were watching the Amazing Race the other day (he loves it because of all the machines and avions). One of the people said "oh my gosh" and he repeated it several times. Then the "cat black" was hogging his seat at school yesterday and he turns around and says- you guessed it- "oh my gosh" with total exasparation.

He can't get enough of Malana. He LOVES her... see the you tube video on the right.

He loves to talk on the phone. Whenever someone calls he wants to talk. If they say "how are you Rory?" he says "I am fine, thank you. And you?" It's what they taught him at the orphanage and it never fails. Everyone loves it! Then he will say "ou vini" which means "You come". Although, people will ask questions and he will answer "OUI" to everything.

One of his most favorite things to do is 'play' with ice. I got some crushed ice for him in his little cup and he proceeded to eat it. Then, as always, he wants to feed me, too. He gives me the 'gro glasse' (biggest ice) and laughs when he sees my expression. Then he waits for it to melt and pries my mouth open to see how little it got. HE SQUEALS at this point and says "GLASSE PITI PITI" (ice very small). You have to remember, he has most likely never had ice before and it is so fun to see him eat it and laugh.

When he takes a nap we say "Time to go to sleep" and he lays on a blanket on the floor, just like at the orphanage. Then we let him lay for a few minutes and we say "Rory, close your eyes". And he DOES! AND, he goes to sleep usually pretty quickly. Now, if I could just bottle that....

A lot of people who know our cats know that we have been worried about the possible disaster it could be. Not one problem yet. In fact, I think Chilly Willy and Rory are inseparable at this point. He calls for her and she comes and she always wants to be next to him. He's petted her a lot and always does so lovingly and she just purrs like crazy! Who knew? They are all napping right this instant ... see picture below!

Home, Happy, Healthy!

2009-03-10T17:40:00.000-07:00

Sorry I have not posted, but we are just so super busy and a lot overwhelmed, but all in a very good way.

We had an amazing time in Haiti and at the orphanage. It was so bittersweet to say goodbye to al his 'amis' and aunties. We took tons of photos and really tried to convey our appreciation to all the staff at the orphanage. But how do you thank someone for loving, caring, and taking care of your son when you are not able to? Needless to say, we said "Me'ci" a LOT and gave out some really crushing hugs. As we left the orphanage, we waved goodbye and Rory was smiling from ear to ear. He yelled goodbye out the window to his schoolmates. It was so priceless to see him so happy, we worried that he would be overcome with sadness, but as the Madame at the orphanage said "They want this day, they look forward to it and want it very badly."

The three plane rides were honestly a breeze. We asked Madame to explain to Rory that it would take three airplanes (avion) to get home and he understood. The first flight was to Miami and we landed at night. When he saw the lights out the window he said "WHOA!". We clapped when we landed because that was the moment that he became an American. Immigration was a piece of cake to say the least. One of the customs officials brought me to total tears. He said something to the fact that he knows that soldiers are heroes because they go to war, but we were heroes to him because we were opening our home to a child who needed it. I mean, come on! How was I supposed to hear that and NOT cry!?!? ugh! Rory loved the moving walkways and escalators as much as we imagined he would and shivered in the hotel room due to the air conditioning he was not used to. He slept well in Miami and the next day we were off!

Two airplane rides later we were home. Actually, he slept through the last flight to Indy from take off to arrival gate. We met Grandma and Malana at the airport and took Malana's "machine black" all the way home. He was a bit overwhelmed, but we showed him around the house and he had been looking at the pictures we had took of EVERY ROOM, so it was not the first time he saw the house. He like his room, but no more than every other room. He really likes the kitchen because the food is all there! Over the last couple days, we've established a routine and actually made an outing to Aunt Mary and Uncle Don's house. He likes their big window and have his snack at their table. Then we went to the grocery store BRIEFLY to pick up some stuff. He loved the produce section and we took our time there so he could name all the veggies and fruits that he likes. Then he saw the canned corn and seemed to want some so we got it. However, he doesn't- at all!

There isn't much that he doesn't like. Mama's plain oatmeal wasn't a hit, nor were the green beans, corn, and peas. But holy moly, can this boy eat! They did eat a lot at the orphanage, but he likes almost everything and eats every single bite down to the last morsel. It is so cute because he likes to share his snacks with people. I told him I like the purple fruit loops. SO NOW, everytime he has fruit loops, he digs out every last purple CRUMB and feeds them to me. The red ones go to papa and he eats the rest. How cute is that!

We have 'school' everyday because we want him to keep up what he was taught by his awesome teachers in Haiti. So we sit at the little table that Grandma Vaughn got for him and we color and practice our letters. He gets a sticker when he finishes, which he just thinks is the cat's pajamas! Then, he runs to put his work on the fridge. When I color with him, he insists on putting my page up, too. We are officially out of room as of today! His first warm bath was an adventure. He had the BIGGEST smile on his face and said 'cho, cho, cho, cho' over and over again which means warm or hot. He's never in his life had access to hot water, so now, washing his hands, he turns the hot faucet and gets antsy because the hot water just cannot come fast enough!

We've watched some TV- not much.. see our YOUTUBE videos for his reaction to the futbol on the tv. And, to my dismay, just like papa, he loves sportscenter and gets upset when we change it! He has very few toys, only the ones we took to Haiti and he is happy as a clam with them. We will introduce more as we go, but will keep it to minimum right now.

He's sleeping pretty well, waking up to go the restroom and adjusting more and more. He sleeps in his bed and we sleep in the guest room for now, but he seems to understand that it isn't our bed, that our bed is downstairs. We'll see how that goes when the time comes!

I will post more videos on youtube... I'm finding it hard to find time and I'm doing something wrong so that it is taking FOREVER just to download one stinking video. But, I'll work on it till I get it right!

Tomorrow it's pancakes for breakfast! Woo hoo!

HOME!

2009-03-08T20:06:00.001-07:00

We are finally home and settling in well. The last few days have been such a whirlwind and I can't take the time to write what I want to right now. I will post again tomorrow with more details, but for right now the pics will have to do. I'm heading to bed!

GOING TO HAITI!

2009-02-27T17:47:00.001-08:00

YES- IT'S TRUE!!!!!
We are going to Haiti to pick up Rory FINALLY!

We are leaving this coming Wednesday and will return home with our fantastically handsome little boy on Saturday!

We are totally in shock (which, yes, I know, we shouldn't be). We can't believe that it's finally here! We are totally on cloud 9 and just counting the days until we get to see him again! Yahoo! We have our flights BOOKED (oh my god... feels so good to say that!!) and working on hotel accommodations tonight.

I can't wait to go back to the creche. I know that to an outsider, that may seem strange, but it is literally like an oasis with dozens of the sweetest children on the planet. It is better than any hotel or resort than I've ever been to (not that I put it in that category). The place just does something to your state of mind! Not a care in the world, and nothing but oodles of love to go around. I would continually go there if I could.

Note: While I am super excited, you probably don't want to call.... I've lost most of my voice and I'm sick so it will do you no good anyway. I promise to keep the blog updated as much as possible and maybe even while we are in Haiti if the computer is up and working.

The wait continues.... for now

2009-02-21T16:14:00.000-08:00

Here's the latest on our neverending-saga:

Rory had his visa appt on Thursday and we are just waiting for the VISA to be issued. We hoped it would be Friday, but alas, no visa. AND, Ash Wednesday is this Wednesday and Carnivale, as they call it, is on all week. All government offices are closed until Wednesday. So the earliest we can expect to get Rory's visa is Wed/Thurs. I guess it's like Mardi Gras? Can't really say. I guess it's for the best... apparently things get really crazy for this holiday, and it's best we not travel then according to our sources.

More interesting however is Rory's name. All along, we were spelling it Erleyorson, but we got the official word that it is really spelled Orleyorson with an O. Someone along the way read the birth certificate wrong... and there you go. It won't cause any problems (knock on wood) because our forms have been filled out for both E and O- which was super fun. So his name on his passport reads ORLEYORSON LAFRANCE VAUGHN. Holy mouthful! Vanna, can I buy a vowel?

But, we are super excited to be this much closer. Our social worker says that she expects us to travel the first week of March (so basically a week from now). Yay! I'm just keeping my fingers crossed that the visa comes though with no real issues. Anyway, I'm planning for our travel in one week and getting everything together. Today, the suitcases came downstairs (which have been upstairs for the last 6 months). I began weighing them and packing and repacking them because we are taking down about 150 lbs in donations. I washed some of Rory's clothes and packed them a couple toys. Exciting stuff for me, anyway!

No News

2009-02-15T09:33:00.000-08:00

Still waiting... hopefully this week.

Cell phones... friend or foe?

2009-02-03T15:31:00.000-08:00

The last two days I've been attending a conference on high-ability (gifted) education at the convention center downtown. It's been really insightful... lots of info and suggestions. But here's my thing. I can't BEGIN to count the times someone's cell phone went off in the middle of a presentation by a very highly-regarded speaker. Why is this? Don't people understand the completely rude message that sends?

I used to give people the benefit of the doubt, thinking "oh, they've left their phone on by accident- how embarrassing". I could probably be accused of this MAYBE once. But, it's beginning to happen on such a frequent basis that I can't ignore the odds anymore. People are purposely leaving their phones on! WHY?

Here's my theory: I believe that people honestly believe that no one cares. They see other people doing it so it must be okay. Then they begin to convince themselves that what they whatever they are dealing with is a certifiable 'emergency', and therefore, they believe they are entitled to leave their phone on. HOGWASH, I SAY! What happend to basic manners???!!!??? So, I think that today, my response was appropriate. YOU'D BE SO PROUD!

Around 10:15 AM, at my table during a presentation, a woman's cell phone began BLARING 'when the saints come marching in' (puhleeeeze). After about 20 seconds of digging in her purse - it's ringing the whole time- she finally finds it. Does she shut it off? Oh, no. She answers the phone and begins to carry on a converstion. Now, the roads were really bad this morning, she could have been a principal with an urgent matter, an organ donor, or a whole host of legit emergencies... which would justify her behavior. No, it was from what I could tell, her husband and they were discussing their car being in the shop and trying to work out how they were going to get it that evening. So, I, in all my confidence that everyone at the table was on my side, leaned across the table slightly and said "Excuse me, ma'am? Do you mind? I'm having a difficult time hearing the speaker." I could feel everyone at the table bathe me in silent, approving applause. I had done what no one else had the guts to do and felt triumph! Glorious triumph. Put her right in her spot!

Do I hate cell phones? No - love mine, even thought no one calls me:) but, I think that if more people put these rude, abnoxious, self-elevating, cell phone ADDICTS in their place, we'd all be happier. Don't let another one of these 'users' ruin your meeting/dinner/movie....

This is a call to arms, people! A revolution! A grass-roots movement to bring back POLITENESS! YES WE CAN!

Why I hate winter....

2009-01-31T13:37:00.000-08:00

snow
12 INCHES of snow
slush
sleet
freezing rain
freezing fog
black ice
icicles
shoveling
scraping
dirty cars
winter clothes
inevitable weight gain
coats
gloves
scarves
clunky boots
the amount of time it takes for the heat to work in the car
salt trucks
no green
no leaves
no grass
no freshly-cut-grass smell
no flowers
no birds
no butterflies
no iced tea
no nights on the back porch
no grilling out
no eating outside
no neighbors (or it least it seems that way)
no golf
no walks
no open windows
no fresh air
dry air
dry skin
dry hair
dry hands
feeling trapped
dark at 5:30
dark when I get to work
pumping gas when it's 5 degrees
brittle nails
pale skin
monotonous weather reports
socks (my feet need to breathe!)

But, there are some things I do like about winter....

snow
12 inches of snow
snow days
icicles
snowfakes
feeling like I'm inside of snow globe
the very first, legitimate snowfall of the season
a white christmas
watching the wind whip the snow
cardinals
rabbits
watching the cats watch the cardinals and rabbits
ice on the trees
the quiet that you only get after a big snowfall
snowmen
cocoa
cookies
reading a good book
snuggled on the couch
a fire in the fireplace
stick-to -your ribs food
less salads
extra blankets on the bed
grateful that I have no reason to go out
American Idol
someone else who is willing to drive
a car wash - and, with it, knowing I have the cleanest car in town, for a while
clothes straight from the dryer
my fuzzy socks
my new pjs
sweatshirts
knowing that, even thought it may be impossible to imagine in late January, spring is coming.... eventually

Some links that make me smile

2009-01-25T12:50:00.000-08:00

First.. this is a satellite photo of the creche where Rory is. It is the building at the bottom of the picture with the large yard in front. Also, we believe he is going to the village school now and it is the large cluster of buildings at the top.

http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&ll=18.526665,-72.131821&spn=0.003784,0.004849&t=h&z=18&om=1

Also, this is the Chances for Children introduction video. It is very, very good and gives others a great idea of what the orphanage is really like.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rz9F-n3wuNM&feature=channel_page

Passport issued!

2009-01-23T17:21:00.000-08:00

We are so excited... Rory's passport was issued today! We just got the email earlier and called the parentals to share the news. We are now looking at a mere 3-4 weeks for Rory's Visa appt. to be scheduled, which is when we can travel to get him. So hopefully mid-February. We are so excited, thrilled, and over the moon! We are ready to go whenever... we've been packed since AUGUST basically, but still have a lot of little things to get for the trip.

Apparently the powers-that-be are going to try to arrange for a group of us to go together to pick up our kids so that will be an amazing experience in itself. I've been lucky because I've been in constant contact with so many of these mothers that are adopting from the same orphanage. We are actually pretty close... we are supporting each other as we agonize over what each other's files are doing. We share opinions, stories, suggestions, and worries. I think the most amazing part is that the moms who've brought home their kids have stayed on the forum and write often about what they are experiencing with their little ones once they are home. It sounds like most are adjusting pretty well.

We are celebrating this weekend (yet again). Another milestone reached, and we are granted permission to get excited all over again. I don't talk often about not being able to be pregnant because it is a private matter. But, the closer it gets to Rory coming home, the more I can relate to the anxious feelings that my pregnant friends have gone through -each one in their own time. It is amazing, really - the only thing this could possibly feel like this would be if I were in my final month of pregnancy and my belly dropped. How awesome is that?

Mom and I did a "dry run" last Sunday to the airport so that OPERATION PICK UP (whenever it is) goes smoothly. I just keep thinking that the next time I'm there, we'll be leaving to get him. I'll be the one in the bar having a drink and crying my eyes out!

My take on sports....

2009-01-12T18:19:00.000-08:00

Anyone that knows me knows my husband is a SPORTS FANATIC (and I mean that in the nicest way). At first, this was hard for me to understand. You have to realize, I grew up in a house when the only time sports was on TV was a.) when there was a NASCAR race or b.) the golf tournament was providing the ultimate sound backdrop for a Sunday afternoon nap.

So, you can imagine my adjustment when I married Brandon. I learned very quickly that 'if you can't beat 'em, join 'em!' I began by asking all of the dumb questions like "What's a first down?" and "Who is George Brett?" and "Why is baseball played in a dome?" Here I am, a decade later... exponentially wiser, but still asking questions. They are a bit wiser like "How does that weasel Mike Lupica have a job?" and "Is this tournament an 18 hole playoff or sudden death? I can't remember...." and "Why on EARTH is baseball played in a dome?"

I've learned to really like sports. Especially the NFL. I can't get into college football. I don't understand the whole BOWLs/rankings/BCS thing (and for that matter, I don't think anyone does). Also, I can't stand the NBA. I mean, seriously. How can you get into a sport where no one gives their best effort until the last two minutes of every game? I really like golf, and play it, but as a spectator, you can watch any ol' tournament all year long with little to now emotion. But the four majors make up for it.

We love COLTS football at our house. So, today we watched in sadness as our beloved Coach Dungy retired from coaching. I even cried a little. Just a couple weeks ago, Brandon and I went downtown and we went to see the dome's remnants after the implosion: the pics are below. It's amazing how fast things can change, isn't it???

SEE THE TOP OF THE OLD STAIRS???

2009- YAY!!!!

2009-01-08T12:40:00.001-08:00

I'm sure you are all shocked that I haven't posted in FOREVER. Christmas was amazing. Lots of food and good company. I was surprised that it was actually so good. With this being the first Xmas without Dad and we didn't have Rory, I thought it would be a major downer.

But... it wasn't!

We had a really good time. We played catch phrase, which I officially ROCK at. Also, Brandon and I decided that EVERY HOLIDAY from here on out, we are bringing a large container of vodka and just setting it on the counter. It's interesting to see what happens!

Winter Break seemed like it actually lasted forever. I think that is because the Haitian GOVT didn't go back to work until Jan. 7th. It was nice actually to stop thinking about it for a couple weeks because I KNEW nothing new would happen. Right now, we are just waiting for Rory's passport to be issued and a visa appt to be made. We contacted Senators Bayh and Lugar. Evan (I like to call him Evan... I think if we met, we would be on a first name basis) actually sent us a letter - we got it yesterday saying they contacted the embassy in Port-au-Prince asking for them to make our visa appt. already. Lugar's people (who I actually talked to on the phone) said that she would call them and get back with me. How's that for service? Will anything actually be speeded up? I doubt it, but even if there is a chance, it's worth it.

I bought Rory some lotion the other day. That was exciting! It really is the little things that get me all worked up. This morning I went upstairs to iron something and saw his little toothbrush in the bathroom. It is so exciting to think that little yellow toothbrush is going to be in his mouth pretty soon! Can't wait!

Another exciting milestone... got my papers to ammend all our insurance AND offically asked for my eight week leave from work. I wish I could take off the rest of the year... but I'm just lucky to have that much.

In other news.... I'm on the lookout for a wii fit. Can't find one anywhere and from what I hear they are awesome. It'll be my bday present. I'm pretty happy that I didn't gain to much weight over the holidays.... considering how I ate! Holy cheese and bread and candy! I actually threw out most of it just so I wouldn't eat it.

My goal is to post pics from the new year's trip up to Hoster's Cottage... way fun, and some other pics too. This weekend probably. In the meantime, I'll probably be finishing DUMA KEY--- my new steven king book. Is it me or have they made books thicker and the pages skinnier?

BREAKING NEWS

2008-12-23T12:12:00.000-08:00

CHILLY WILLY STORMS THE CHRISTMAS VILLAGE!!!!!

11th annual DAY-O-CRAP

2008-12-20T10:41:00.000-08:00

So, as a teacher, I naturally get lots of stuff for Christmas from the kids. And it is really sweet to see how excited they are to give me something. However, I have affectionally referred to the day before Christmas Break as the Day-O-Crap because of all the useless and corny stuff I get that I will never use.

For example, this year I got:

An inspriational-type teacher book (you can guess how many times I've gotten one of those)
A glass apple
A wooden apple
Apple earrings
A glass paper holder with a big cross on it
3 mugs (of course all teacher-themed)
About 14 candy canes
A fiber-optic snowman that dosn't work
Another inspriatioinal teacher book
A baggie of mints
A third inpirational book
A wooden ruler

BUT, I did get some reall goodies this year too:

Some bath and body works shower gel
A candle (always popular)
A 24-oz diet coke :)
A gift card to smokey bones
A gift card to cold stone creamery:)

I've always thought that I would rather students and families just not get me anything. But, if they feel they need to, there are so many small things that I would be happy with and could use! A package of pencils, scissors, or some hand sanitizer. Maybe a funky red pen or some white board markers. I guess the other stuff is more fun to give.

Yet, this year, I did receive a gift that almost made me cry. I have to give you a little background so you understand how special the gift is.

I have a little girl in my class... we'll call her 'Susie'. Susie has not had an easy life - her mom left when she was 8 or9 and she lives with her dad who I'm quite positive has some addiction issues. She also lives with her 4 brothers who are all over 14 years old. To top it all off, Susie's best friend just moved out of our school with no notice. They didn't even get to say good-bye to each other. And she doesn't really have any other friends. I have to imagine that Susie's life is a lonely one as she is entering a crucial growing stage with no women or girls really in her life. She constantly seeks out attention, no matter if it is negative or positive. I've tried to be a 'mom-like' figure for her and try to give her special attention and hugs whenever possible.

So, yesterday, she was GLOWING as she came up to me with a present wrapped in paper that was clearly used for a previous present. She drew hearts and christmas trees all over it and it said (gulp) "To my best teacher in the world" (yes- I typed it correctly) from Susie. I fawned and did the whole song and dance about "oh, you shouldn't have, you don't have to buy me anything......" blah, blah, blah. When I opened it, it took me about half a second to realize with sadness what it was. Susie had given me a copy of the book "Rogue Warrior". I'd never heard of this book and immediately could tell it was an old one. It was the condition of the book brought it all home. The book had no cover, was edged with waterspots and stains, and had clearly been sitting on a shelf for years, maybe decades. When I opened it, it reeked of stale cigarette smoke and a clothing tag fell out of it. It was cleary something that she swiped from a closet at her house (or someone else's) before coming to school.

What could I say? I just looked at her a gushed about it. "Oh, Susie, you know how much I just love books and I've never read this one. But I bet it's a good one. Look it has gold writing on it and pictures, too!"

Susie said, "I knew you'd like it because it's about World War II, I think. And you like history so much so I knew it would be a good present for you."

I just gushed over it more and showed it off to all the students and displayed on my desk in front of all the other gifts. She just ate it up.

By far, the best Day-O-Crap...ever.

AT LAST!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2008-12-18T16:20:00.000-08:00

Finally, we are OUT OF MOI!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Our case worker just emailed us today to let us know that the powers-that-be in Haiti approved our file just TODAY and we are officially in the hands of the American embassy in Port-au-Prince. We are just waiting for Rory's passport and visa appt and then we will be on our way!
Granted, again, this doesn't sound like something that will take long, but we fully expect that it might take a couple months. Especially with the fact that the gov't doesn't work 12/19-1/7. But,THAT'S OKAY WITH US. We are just glad to be UNSTUCK and back on track to get him home. I'm contacting our Senators Bayh and Lugar (again) to request their ability to nudge things along.

It's so weird because today I'd walked around all day thinking about how much we wanted this news before XMAS and knowing that with offices closing tomorrow, we didn't think it would happen. But here we are. It so funny because with every step behind us, it's like being granted permission to get excited again. I just went in Rory's room for some paperwork and realized that I hadn't really been in there for a month or so. His clothes all look so small, I hope SOME of them fit! Well, I guess it's getting to be that time to shop for a winter coat!

Tomorrow is the last day before XMAS break and I don't have to go back until 1/6 or 1/7 (can't remember right off hand) so I'm really happy today! We are having a small party and I'm giving three tests tomorrow. Brandon said I'm mean, but seriously, with all the stuff they make us cram into kids heads these days, there is seriously NO time to waste. I would just LOVE to let the kids color, make crafts, sing, watch videos all day tomorrow, but literally, the curriculum just doesn't allow it anymore. I'm already behind two weeks in math and I'm FREAKING out about it! Plus, you have to be careful to not 'influence' the kids with holiday propaganda. Oh well.... you can't fight city hall.

I have a feeling I'll be posting more often over the holiday with all my free time. Stay tuned...

Operation Donkey a Success!

2008-12-11T06:06:00.001-08:00

Appartently, the trip to get Rory's paperwork happened on Dec. 1st. We just received the email and invoice for the expenses so we were so excited that THIS drama is over. Now we'll just have to wait and see what happens next.

Again, Rory will not be home for Christmas. It would make sense that they could just add this paperwork to his file, send it to the USCIS, get his passport and visa and get him home in a week. But that will not happen. After MOI releases Rory's paperwork it is in the hand of US officials at the embassy in Haiti- hopefully that will be soon... but no one knows what to expect anymore. Apparently there is a new director at the MOI office who is basically a Nazi and demanding all this extra paperwork. Hopefully we jumped through our last hoop and can get out of his jurisdiction soon! From what we hear the US embassy can be just as demanding, so hopefully karma will be on our side after what we've been through! All I know is that the minute I know that he is out of MOI, I will be on the phone with our senators begging for their help to contact the people in Haiti. It's the only thing that we can do, so we will do it to the nth degree!

In other news, we had a really great adoption class via phone conference Sunday night. A woman that has adopted like 11 kids or something and is highly involved in adoption issues led the class. I learned so much. It was interesting some of the things that she brought up and suggested. Things I hadn't thought of yet. She mentioned the sleeping issues and bedroom arrangements and how the bedroom should be somewhat plain (like the orphanage) so that Rory is comfortable when he comes home. Sooooo, this weekend, I am going to take everything down a notch. It's no fun for me, but I have to do what is best for him. But eventually everything will make it's way back into his room. There were so many other things... It was so helpful to hear someone that has gone through this an knows what works and what doesn't.

Looking forward to a low key weekend. Maybe I'll even do my Christmas cards!

SNOW DAY!

2008-12-06T15:02:00.000-08:00

Today was a gorgeous day! It snowed, but didn't really accumulate. Although the roads were really slippery this morning. Mom and I went shopping and had some serious success!

No news from Haiti.... the wait continues....

We've gotten lots of responses about Rory's latest picture. He is pretty dashing, if I do say so myself! Brandon and I decorated for Xmas last night, sans tree. It still looks pretty festive and got us into the Christmas spirit. Last night, as I unpacked my fourth rubbermaid container jammed full of Christmas decor, I thought, I've accumulated all of this after only 10 years or so! How much am I going to have in another 10 years? I'm not too concerned though, because those who know me will tell you I am a purger. I love to rid of stuff. It's theraputic or something. I love trash day and trying to find stuff to throw out. I also love to condense stuff. Just 30 minutes ago, I was downstairs taking an excedrin... it was the 2nd to the last in the bottle and I got unnatural satisfaction when I put the last one in with the new bottle and threw the other one away. What is that? I think I get that from my mom. She keeps what she has to, but not much more than that.

Brandon's aunt Mary and friend Judy were here last year sometime and were shocked that I had only two oven mitts. That's it. They thought that was hysterical! But, seriously, how many do you need? I've only got two hands, so there ya go. I actually just got two new ones and I'm throwing the old ones out. Woo hoo! I can't wait for the day after Christmas so we can take down the Xmas decor and get rid of the superfulous stuff.

I'm rambling, so here are some pics from Thanksgiving....

Me and my lovely turkey:)

POKER ----------------------------

Malana's poker face ;)

Tell me this isn't the most adorable thing you've ever seen!!!!

2008-12-04T13:55:00.000-08:00

We just got this updated photo a couple days ago and it literally took my breath away! I was just so thrilled with this picture I had to share it. Still no news from Haiti, but maybe soon....

Thanksgiving was awesome. We had a great time with Mary, Don, Mom, Malana, and Josh. My turkey was stunning ( I couldn't believe it turned out so good) and everything was delicious. However, our fridge went out the night before and we are still SANS refrigerator but not for much longer. Thank goodness it's been cold here. We can actually just leave stuff in the garage and it's okay... for now, anyway.

Brandon and I have decided against putting up a tree this year. We are still putting up everything else, just no tree. But we do have a 'Charlie Brown' Tree that will come in handy. I was talking to Tom- my cohort in 5th grade here at school- and we were talking about what a pain a tree is and I guess the just have a really small tree that's predecorated. That got me to thinking... How long will it be until they have hologram Xmas trees? I mean, really, how cool would it be to have the Rockafeller (sp?) tree from NY hologrammed into your living room? Or to have the tree from the Indy circle transformed onto your front lawn? If they can hologram that reporter on CNN on election night, do you really think hologram decorations are far off in the future?? I don't think so... And literally ZERO maintenence AND it take up ZERO space! I want to get in on that business on the ground level. SERIOUSLY!

Lessons Learned

2008-11-23T16:16:00.000-08:00

Well, first, I know better than to 'rage and blog'.

I'm over my initial shock and infuriation over the delay in our adoption. Brandon and I were super upset the first couple days, but what can we do? I know that the best people in the world are working this out for us AS WE SPEAK right now in Haiti. I definitely take back my remark that I should just 'go down there and do it myself'. That's just stupid and ridiculous on my part.

Our director just got back from Haiti and she said that they were working really hard to get things sorted out for us and the other families involved. Also, she posted on our website that the Haitian and US gov'ts are shut down 12/19-1/6 for the holidays, so that is also better than we imagined. At least we still have the better part of the next month to hope that things start to happen!

In the meantime, we are getting ready to host THANKSGIVING this year, poker playing included. Woo hoo! Hopefully this time I won't mess up the turkey. Last time it was just a teensy-weensy bit underdone. Lesson- give that bird some more heat and time!

Another lesson learned today.... buying shoes is not my strongest talent. I wear (gulp) size 11 shoes and I must have spent an hour looking for sneakers at Kohl's today. I always do the same stupid thing... I look for sneakers I like, then my size, which they rarely have. I need to just look for the size 11 boxes first, then figure out if I can stand to wear the shoes in public. I would save myself so much time and grief this way.

Perhaps the most important lesson learned this weekend.... I should not allow the store music affect my shopping experience. I found myself in the underwear section cursing the droning "Let it Snow" version by Mariah Carey (ugh) that I'm convinced was playing since I left the shoe department. I left the store with only my semi-ugly sneakers just as a result of the most annoying holiday music of all time.

A three day week.... joy! A four day weekend to look forward to... more joy!

2008-11-20T12:31:00.000-08:00

We got an email from Vivian this morning regarding Rory's file. The news/update was not what we had hoped. Apparently, there is a piece of paperwork missing from Rory's file. In order to get the paper, our adoption agency has to send someone to the town where Rory was born to get the paper from the town hall. Now, keep in mind that Rory's town is at the very tip end of the southern peninsula in Haiti. Because of all the hurricanes, I guess the roads are downright washed out so getting their by car is out of the question. So someone is going to have to go by plane or - get this - by DONKEY to get the paper. That's not all! THEN, they have to bring back the paper and an official with them to put it into the national archives in the capital at Port-au-Prince. Only then can we hope to get his paperwork finished and get him home!

I don't even know what to write. I'm so frustrated and upset I could throw something. I guess there are three other families in the same position, so our director is in Haiti trying to get stuff done for us. I do feel good about that, but this, to me, sounds like it could take some time.

In short, it is safe to say that Rory won't be here for Christmas. I know that this is what we signed up for, but we are dependent on donkeys now.... are you kidding me? I'm half tempted to just go and do it myself. I mean, really.

This sucks. On top of all this, I have the worst cold ever and have a headache.
I thought I was getting a sore throat, but I think it was just the constant lump that's been building up for two years.

It's a 2 for 1 day!

2008-11-13T13:39:00.001-08:00

Two posts in one day... how crazy is that!

A few nights ago I was thinking about my favorite movies... so here are a few... in no particular order.

1. Contact - starring Jodie Foster, great concept, and I love everything science so why not have a time machine that sends her into space? Sure. Even more that the science theme is the theme of validation. I love that her hard work pays off for her one billion-fold.

2. The Red Violin- starring Samuel Jackson, great movie concept, unlike anything I've ever seen, but I can't NOT watch it when it is on. In reminds us that inanimate objects are animate and that things aren't just things, but they are the story they carry. I have to give credit to my sister-in-law Krissy, who recommended it to me.

3. Life is Beautiful- starring some italian guy- another movie recommended by Krissy. By far the happiest holocaust movie- is that even possible, you ask... yes, it is.

4. Schindler's List- starring Liam Neeson- another holocaust movie, but this one is epic, and non-forgiving in it's bigness. It is the only movie that I've been to when the entire audience sat through all the credits until the lights came back up in the theatre. It is so cliche that 'One person can change the world' but this movie is the quintessential definition of that idea. Brandon has never seen it, and it breaks my heart that he hasn't.

5. Signs - starring Mel Gibson- so scarry good. The first time I saw it, I literally left the theatre with sore shoulders from being so tense.

6. The Wizard of Oz- seriously? Munchkins AND a green horse? I am so in.

7. The Bridges of Madison County- starring Meryl Streep and Clint Eastwood- the only movie that is just as good IF NOT better than the book. I boo hoo everytime at the end. That whole seen at the end where she is in the truck with her husband... I don't think I breathed the entire time. So good and so mortal.

8. The Usual Suspects- starring Kevin Spacey. Awesome. Rent it when you can watch it UNINTERUPTED.

I'll add more as necessary....

2008-11-13T13:11:00.000-08:00

First and foremost, there is no news. As we approach the holidays, and we continue to hear NOTHING, we are more and more concerned that Rory won't be here for Christmas. I've never doubted that he would be, but I am beginning to think we might be in some trouble here. Actually, it's the holidays THEMSELVES that cause the big dilemma. We know that the US Embassy will be shut down for Thanksgiving (I don't know how long) and the Embassy will be closed again for what we are hearing is (brace yourselves) most of December. So even if we DO get out of MOI tomorrow... I can see that this embassy thing is going to be AT BEST, bumpy. More ugh.

You know that saying that goes something like "Life is what happens while you're busy making plans"? Well, I'd like to take that person and punch them right in their PIEHOLE! We've been waiting to start the rest of our lives and at this point, it's just getting stupid. With the cold weather, I'm afraid that depression has set in at the Vaughn household.

Anyway, gotta be more postitive! So, I have so much to talk about besides stupid adoption stuff.

OBAMA WINS! That's awesome. I actually COULD NOT keep my eyes open for the initial projections on Voting night. So I had to wake up to the news that OBAMA won- I kind of knew that from what I could tell, but what made me SO, INCREDIBELY, UNBELIEVABLY proud was that Indiana went BLUE. Indiana, from this point forward, will not ever again be considered a shoe in red state... our votes will and did actually count! What an amazing thing to see a black man take the highest office in the land. I am so excited that when Rory comes home, that he will have the most powerful person in the world to look up to.

Also, we had our annual Bradford Woods overnight field trip with the fifth graders on the 6th and 7th. It was an awesome time. We hiked, fished, sang, played games, etc... and -the best part- all supervised by the awesome staff at Bradford Woods. Which means I just sat back and enjoyed the reactions of the kids and the beautiful scenery. It was great weather... the very last two warmish days of the year, because after that it got cold in a hurry!

Then, I came home, repacked and set back out for Girls' Weekend on Friday night. I love girls weekend with my girlfriends because you don't have to dress up, wear make up, or care about anything you don't want to. There was tons of fun... it always it. But, at the same time, we are all getting older, and you can kind of tell. Especially on Saturday night. Not so much on Friday. We can get a little roudy!

I'm off to Mom's for dinner and Survivor. BTW, if you watch the BIGGEST LOSER... how great that Brady was voted off... If I ran into his sneaky, lying, meddling wife on the street, I think it would be borderline theraputic to kick her butt! Next week should be great!

More pictures... but no news:(

2008-10-26T13:40:00.000-07:00

I'm so grateful that I'm in the company of other mom's throught the Chances 4 Children forum. Not only do we get to offer each other support and advice, but we also share pictures from our trips! According to the parents returning from the creche, things are going really well. The finally got to deliver the supplies from the summer box drive which were stranded in Miami during the hurricanes! Anyway, here are pictures from other parents and some great pictures of Rory. Hopefully more to come this week!

Our Evil Cats

2008-10-18T15:45:00.000-07:00

We have two cats.. Chilly Willy (Gigi or Gigs) and Kiki. They are horrible. Awful. Downright irritating to NO END.

Kiki, shown here, is actually the better behaved of the two. She is socially defunct and hates all people, including us a lot of the time. She hates the vaccuum, sheds like there is no tomorrow, and is getting on in her years... she'll be 10 in February. She reminds us of the old grumpy man that can be found at any American Legion on any given day. Set in her ways and pretty much crappy all of the time. She loves wet food and actually KNOWS what the words "wet food" mean. She hisses and barks when she's really ticked off. She's been plotting her escape for some time now, trying to get out the garage, front door, or back door whenever possible. She's actually tried it more than a lot... especially since the arrival of Gigs about 5 years ago.

Gigs actually came to us as a stray that Brandon found abandoned in one of the homes he was building. I refused to keep her, but by the time he returned from work a few hours later, I was totally attached to her.

We are thoroughly conviced that Gigs has the feline version of ADD, mixed in with some Obsessive Compulsive Disorder and maybe some bipolar thing going on. Our assessment is that she is either a genius or the stupidest, most draining cat of all time. She drives us nuts on a regular basis. Some of her most annoying habits are (in no particular order):

Chewing paper
Chewing through electrical cords
Knocking over anything that is liguid
Chasing kiki
Trying to perform WWF moves on Kiki
Depositing socks from the hamper in her water bowl
Stands on us in the middle of the night
Knocks stuff off the mantle/dresser/nightstand/counter
Steals straws from my drinks
Hogs the bed
Only drinks water out of the kitchen sink (right, Paul?)
Hisses at every person, but won't run away from them... just keeps hissing
Bites- usually just us
Tries to lick chicken that is thawing
Occasionaly sneaks into the dryer
Chews through screen on doors/window SUCCESSFULLY

Brandon is convinced that she is a form of the devil.

But, they are our cats and they do have their good points. Kiki likes to snuggle and rolls on the floor and purrs a lot. Gigs is just entertaining and she can fetch! Like a dog! We love our cats, even though they are psycho.

Yea! It's fall!

2008-10-17T10:33:00.000-07:00

So, I now completely realized that my last post was over the top. Please ignore....
Hope you enjoy our newest picture of Rory. He looks a lot older, but healthy and happy :)

Anyway, still no news. We are sending our VISA packet next week so that it is ready to go when the US Consolate needs it. What does that mean? Nothing really.. just trying to stay one step ahead of everyone down there. We are just hoping that we get some news soon. We talked to Vivian yesterday, and she said that the last time she checked in she asked if they need anything else for us (documentation-wise) and they said 'no', so I guess that's a good thing.

Maybe we'll have something to report later. I've been sick for the last two days and have missed work. Brandon is awesome. He takes such good care of me. He drove me to work this morning at 5:00 so I could set up my sub plans. Anyway, feeling a little better right now. Hopefully that's the worst of it.

I have parent conferences and fall break next week. Fall break should be fun. We are going to Eagle Point and hopefully golfing if it's not too cold. It should be nice - and pretty!

Happy October!

2008-10-02T11:05:00.000-07:00

Is it even possible that today is the second day of October! When I walked my kids out to the bus yesterday, the air had that hard-to-describe fall quality to it. I love days like that! Makes me want to buy a pumpkin and eat caramel apples!

We have no news (as usual) to report. A couple went last week to get their kids and there is word that some people will be going in the next few weeks. However, I don't think it will be us. There are two families who actually have been in MOI longer than us. I had thought, up until a few days ago, that we had been in MOI the longest, but, I was wrong. It's hard to keep track of where people are and whose moved and who hasn't. Besides, I try to explain to people that it's not like waiting in a line.... Just because your NEXT doesn't mean you are next. We are just over the two month point in MOI and worried that it might take the entire three months.

If you don't want blatent honesty, then you shouldn't read the rest of this.

Here's what totally urks me as of late. I don't mind people asking about updates, or what we've heard, if anything. However, it is the people who act so pained that it is taking so long are about to drive me nuts! I know that they mean well and their pain is for ME, but it is so difficult to wait and keep myself composed. It takes a whole other level of stamina and patience to comfort the people around me. It isn't all the time, and it really isn't one or three particular people, it just the reaction that drives me crazy. Brandon and I have sworn that if we were to EVER adopt again, we won't tell a soul. It's just too much pressure. Again, I'm not mad at anyone, just at the situation. I know that's at the root of why I am not posting as much as I should.. I mean how many different ways can you say "We are still waiting" with a smile? Ugh.

But... JOY OF ALL JOYS! I got my Smartboard installed in my classroom this week and it is AWESOME! It's like a interactive whiteboard/computer. The kids totally dig it and I am in heaven! If you've never seen one, Try this link:

http://education.smarttech.com/ste/en-US/Community/World+Teachers+Day+Videos.htm

I am totally pumped. The single most exciting development in my teaching career. I LOVE it. As I told one of the other teachers, I would totally make out with it if I could!!! She laughed until she saw it and now understands!

Happy Fall:)

2008-09-19T12:50:00.000-07:00

We had such a good time with Chris and Melissa last weekend. We went to the Taste of Springdale and just hung out. It was a good time. However, I guess we left Sunday morning just in time, because Hurricane Ike (or what was left of it) slammed Cinci. The Morris household had no power STILL as of yesterday. Yikes.

In other hurricane news, we got pictures of the village where the Creche is and it's really flooded. I guess the road washed out and the only way to get there is by donkey? Anyway, not to worry, I'm sure they'll have things up as usual soon. The pictures seem severe, so I'm trying to be unreasonably positive, cause its the only way to save my SANITY!

Check it out-

This is the gate of the creche, and....

And this is the road in front of the creche. Joy.

New topic-

ISTEP just wrapped up a few hours ago. Here's the thing I would like the average American citizen to know about standardized testing and the so-called 'no child left behind' act.

- Do your realize for a test item to be considered valid on a standardized test, 30% of the answers have to be incorrect. SO, if students do really well on an, addition problem, let's say, and 90% of them get it correct, they throw it out. It's not valid, so in this way, the tests stay valid, and keep getting more and more difficult. Yes, 'NO CHILD LEFT BEHIND' is a really nice, fuzzy idea, but COME ON! Seriously? I KNOW THAT NEVER, EVER WILL ALL OF MY STUDENTS PASS THE TEST, because it is DESIGNED that way. I know this because I have worked for the testing company, and worked with the state to design the science ISTEP exams. I'm not assuming or making it up- it is fact.

So what am I, as a teacher, supposed to do when, in 2011, the state of Indiana (in all their wisdom- insert trumpet music here) says that ALL students are supposed to pass? It's impossible! And now they want to institute merit pay for teachers? What a joke. Yeah, here, you teach in Carmel, so all your students pass=you get $XXXX. You teach in IPS, so you get crap and and extended school year on top of it. Sorry about cha.

Ugh... well, that worked... now I'm all fired up!

Books R Us

2008-09-11T12:06:00.000-07:00

I hosted my book club last night at my house we read Adrift: 76 days lost at sea... I think I already mentioned that though. It seemed that everyone really enjoyed the book and we are hungry for a new book. I think my next book will be one of my adoptive mommy books that I've been stacking up with the intention of reading. Although, if I'm going to do it, I'm guessing I better do it now!

As promised, I said I'd post my favorite books... so here they are, in no particular order.

On Writing by Steven King--- fascinating even if you are not a Steven King fan. It is a loose autobiography/memoir about how he started writing, and how he gets those ultra weird ideas. I found it extremely interesting that he doesn't even REMEMBER writing Carrie- he was too drugged out. I've read this about 5 times - I really like to reread the good ones.

The Old Man and the Sea by Ernest Hemingway--- a one-sitting read that is everything a book needs to be. Outstanding writing and empathy for character. I've read this one four times I think. I even have encouraged a few of my fifth graders to read it over the years.
Angels and Demons by Dan Brown --- I read the DaVinci Code and LOVED it, but Angels and Demons was more tightly woven and more along the lines of science, which is my weakness.

The Kite Runner- by Khaled Hosseini. I read this for book club and found myself feeling so overwhelmed by how little I understand people of other cultures and probably some of my best friends. A sad book that will change the way you look at most things.

She's Come Undone by Wally Lamb--- great read, disturbing... I still cannot believe that a man wrote this book. Unbelievable!

A Long Way from Chicago by Richard Peck--- this is one of my student books... It's written for young adult readers, but I feel like I know these people, like I've met them before. It's a great funny book and anyone with a weird Grandma would love it! I cry at the end EVERY TIME.... even thought I read it aloud to my fifth graders. They make fun of me frequently behind my back, I'm sure.

The Joy Luck Club by Amy Tan---If you haven't read it, you should get it on your way home today. Required reading for every woman.
Left Behind by Tim LaHaye and Jerry Jenkins-- Okay. I'm not religious in any way, but I liked the idea behind this book and the story that unfolded. Great storytelling for entertainment purposes... I couldn't put it down... kind of like The DaVinci Code, ironically.

I'm sure I'll think of four more in the next three minutes right after I click on publish post. I'll add to them as time goes on I'm sure.

However, again, I feel very strongly that people should use their libraries, rather than go to the fancy-shmancy coffee shops with books. I like going to those places as much as the next guy, but the library is SO conveinient now with the online catalog and holds system. Anytime I want a book, I just type it in, they deliver it to my library thats 1/2 mile away, and I can check it out when I want at no charge--- well, kind of... it is my tax money, but yea! I'm using it. How many other government programs can you say that about?? (stepping off soapbox)

Can't wait to post about our visit to the 'natti! Brandon and Chris are entered in a cornhole tournament and plan to eat my weight in fried dough at this festival! Woo Hoo!

No news... kind of

2008-09-09T12:15:00.000-07:00

We got the invoice today for Rory's DNA testing that was done on August 6th... that's great because it means there will be less chance of a delay due to that (I'm thinking).

We are SO HAPPY that IKE generally missed Haiti. The flooding is really bad, but it could have been a lot worse. We have received no updates recently because of the lack of travelers to the creche. We think that will change soon.

Tonight is the ICE CREAM SOCIAL at school and I am hosting book club tomorrow. I thought the book was okay- Adrift: 76 days lost at sea.... classic survival story. But I did like it. I also read another survival book last weekend call Jungle by Yossi Ghinsberg. I liked it better, actually.

Brandon and I are heading to Cinci this weekend for the TASTE OF SPRINGDALE with the Morris'!! (Shout out to Melissa and Chris!). We are excited! It was a lot of fun last year and should be again.

My next post I might have to list my all-time favorite books. I'm thinking about them now....

Crappy Weather = Crappy Mood

2008-09-06T10:43:00.000-07:00

It is absolutely beautiful today... at least in Indiana. Brandon and I have been watching the news day and night about the hurricanes brushing Haiti one after another. It is gut-wrenching and we feel completely helpless. However, everyone at the creche is okay. Here is the message we received from the director yesterday:

Hello Everyone Just wanted to update everyone that Hurricane Hanna did not hit the norther part of Haiti as significantly as it did on the southern and western parts of Haiti. I spoke with Gina yesterday and while there was rain and flooding - everyone and everything at the creche is ok. The kids are all fine and so is the building, staff and grounds. Just not much outdoor playtime the past few weeks. We are most worried about the number of storms/hurricanes that are hitting Haiti. So far it has been Gustav and Hannah and there are 2 more on their way. It has been a complete disaster trying to get our tubs of donated supplies into Haiti, but I will save that story for another post. Kathi

We were so relieved to get this message from Kathi. Or biggest concern is, ironically, NOT the orphanage. We are concerned that the government offices that are still processing our file are not open and may remain closed for sometime.

Here's a link to a CNN article about the situation: http://www.cnn.com/2008/WORLD/americas/09/05/haiti.aid/

I'm guessing that many people don't know where the creche is located. Here is a map of Haiti- the creche is just outside Croix-de-Bouquets, not far from Port-Au-Prince.

This weekend we are busy. Brandon is cleaning out the garage. We are going to have a garage sale in the next month to make room for all of Rory's stuff! We are trying to be optimistic... Brandon put Rory's bike together yesterday and I went garage-sale'ing' today. I got a TON of stuff. It's really hard to know what to buy when I don't know what size he is, but I think I'm doing a decent job of getting a range of clothes.

Karen and Paul left on Thursday to go back home. We had a great time together; we played tons of euchre and went golfing. It was really nice to have them here and get to do some fun stuff. I went with Karen to Sam's Club and we stocked up on supplies for the orphanage from all the Vaughns. You should see this container of animal crackers we got. It's totally, ridiculously HUGE!

I'm signing off for now... Please keep your fingers crossed that Ike is nice to Haiti and doesn't hit Florida hard.

LABOR DAY WEEKEND

2008-08-31T07:27:00.000-07:00

We are busy this weekend... Brandon's parents are still here and we are doing a lot of fun things. Last night, we went to Mary and Don's and played 2 table euchre. It was great, even though I didn't do very well!

Mary and Don are the nicest people in the world. Don is great- everytime we go over to their house, he always gives us something to leave with! Last night, we got a huge amount of his tomatoes. He grow the best tomatoes in the world. And Mary is just the sweetest person I know! She has a great sense of humor and the best laugh EVER!

Karen and I put Rory's room together with all the gifts from the open house- it was so overwhelming how much stuff that he got! Heres some pictures of his room as it looks right now.

There are no updates to report.... just waiting!

Wednesday, August 27, 2008

2008-08-27T12:21:00.000-07:00

I've been so crazy buzy that I've not posted in like two weeks.That is just ridiculous. There is no excuse! Well, there is no news to report... still just waiting for the Haitian Government to finish printing the passport so we can be on our way!

In other news... School started off great. I have a really great class. They are just awesome. There are 28 of them but they are literally all good kids.

The 5K Old Town Walk/Run went off without a hitch! It was fantastic- we had almost 200 participants and made a lot of money for our Bradford Woods trip in November. Organizing an event like that is overwhelming, but fun to pull off. Finally! A fundraiser that I actually enjoy!

We had our fantasy football draft on the 22nd. I am really excited about my team. There are some real gambles that we had to take, but I am excited for it to get underway. A lot of people don't really get it and think it is extremely weird or "unladylike" to have this as a hobby. But, it is so strategic and competitive! There are 12 teams in my league and its all husbands and wives (for the most part) and all the girls love it (some of us are more into it than the guys!). It really is a blast and I've learned so much about the sport that Brandon loves. It's really fun to have that in common!

Also, my adoption open house was last Saturday. I can't even believe the amount of presents we got. INSANE! Anyway, Karen and I put away all the clothes and toys and got the room looking pretty good. I will take a picture (with our NEW DIGITAL CAMERA!) and post it tomorrow. It was just the coolest thing to have all those people there for Rory and open presents that he is really going to touch and wear! The day was just perfect and I couldn't have asked for anything else. If anything, the open house made me feel like I'm really ready. Totally priceless!

Hurricane Gustav is making us somewhat nervous, but probably not for the reasons you think. We know the creche is supplied with water and food and that they are safe, but I really worry about the infrastructure of the COUNTRY (ie the government). I mean, if the consolate gets wiped out, then where are we??? I mean, really???? Also, we worry about our family that lives in Florida on the Gulf Coast. A while back, we realized how differently you look at hurricanes when the people you love live in hurricane zones. Anyway, we think that all is well, at least that's the word we are getting, and we just have to grin and bear it:)

Sad news... My grandmother (my dad's mom) died yesterday. I would have mentioned it earlier in the post, but I wasn't sure until just this moment if I even wanted to put it in. She was a really great woman. She was 95 and had been ill for some time. It is a very sad thing, but she had a great, long life.

I'm at school right now, getting ready to head to the library. I don't understand why ANYONE buys books. With the library websites that let you search and request any book you could imagine, it's just ignorant to BUY books and but more waste into the world. Plus you save money! Lots of money! (at least I do). Okay, I'm getting off my soapbox and leaving school.

Monday, August 11, 2008

2008-08-11T17:01:00.000-07:00

Things have been so CRAZY lately. In the midst of getting my classroom ready for school to start (on Thursday-ugh!), we are making ourselves very busy for other upcoming events.

Brandon's parents are coming next week, which we are really excited about. They live in Trinity, Florida outside of Tampa. It is difficult to live so far away from family, and we both have missed them. I'm so excited for them to come because I know there will be lots of golf and euchre! Woo hoo!They are staying until after Labor Day, so we will have lots of time to spend together.

Also, the Old Town 5K Walk/Run is the 23rd (same day as my shower) and that is a bear to organize. We are desperately trying to pull together sponsors and participants for the event. All the proceeds go to our annual 5th grade field trip to Bradford Woods and to the Isom Scholarship.

Add in to all that Fantasy Football, Indians Games, Brandon's new business, Book Club, etc... wow- it's going to be a busy, busy month.

In more exciting (yet, less momentous) news, Brandon went and bought Rory's mattress today. So, you know what happened next, right! We dragged it upstairs and we made his bed. The room looks awesome. At least, to me anyway! I'm so excited! It's the little things that make it more real the closer we get. I went out to buy some stuff for school today and found a toy, 5 books, 2 shirts, and a pair of camoflauge pants for him, too. But what really did it was when I spoke with my principal today and we are started to put things in order for my adoption leave.

I've put a new picture on the blog.... Rory with all of his buds at the creche:) It's our latest picture and he seems so much older!

Tuesday, August 5, 2008

2008-08-05T08:43:00.000-07:00

GREAT NEWS! We are officially in MOI (as of 7/28)!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
What does this mean, you ask???

Well....
Adopting from Haiti includes a million or so steps and this is the last major hurdle. We expect to be in MOI for 1-3 months and then our visa appt will take a little longer (weeks?) - GIVEN THERE ARE NO MAJOR DELAYS! We know better than to get our hopes up!!! If you are interested in seeing a more detailed timeline follow this link:

http://www.2girlsandawebsite.com/blog_stuff/faqs.html

it seems to be fairly accurate as far as I can tell. Let's hope things really get moving!!!

Sunday, August 3, 2008

2008-08-03T18:22:00.000-07:00

So we have no new information to pass along. A bunch of parents just got back from the creche and I guess there is a chicken pox break out. I wonder if Rory will get it... or if he already has had it?

The first Colts preseason game is tonight which is weird. Seems like the Superbowl was just yesterday! Brandon and I are in the thick of getting ready for our fantasy football draft. I'm on Team JohnnyCakes (long story) with our friend Steve and Brandon is on a team with another friend, Seung. Steve and I won the superbowl last year. Fantasy Football is great fun, and a super way to make time fly... which is exactly what we need!

Brandon and I are going to buy a mattress for Rory this week. His room is pretty much completely ready. My sister and mom are having a 'shower' for me August 23. I think it will be so much fun... It's really neat to see it all coming together.

Friday, August 1, 2008

2008-08-01T13:08:00.000-07:00

What happened to July? It seems like the 4th was just yesterday!

I received my much-dreaded, annual letter from the superintendent of Greenwood Schools. It looks like they are going to insist on having school again this year and it starts August 13th. While summer can't last forever, I hate to see it end. But, there is something about the start of a new school year. It got me thinking...

Here is my list of why I love the first day of school, still.

1. There is a buzz in the hallways 5 minutes before the bell rings that first day that is palpable. We (the teachers) all have this nervous excitement that doesn't exist on any other day.

2. The kids are bathed, smell good, tan, combed, well-dressed, and have school supplies. I can't say that for any other day of the year for a lot of them.

3. The classroom has that crayon smell. You know?

4. The kids are afraid of me. I don't want them to be, but it's entertaining to watch their faces for the entire day, because they just have no idea what is coming next.

5. I have no pre-conceived notions for any child. I purposely do not look at permanent records until the third or fourth day of school.

6. On the first day, every child knows that they have a clean slate and they can earn good grades and go far. I wish I could figure out how do get that effect every day.

7. Everyone has at least one pencil.

8. I go over my list of rules. There are 53 of them. Excessive... yes. But the kids love it. Some of the rules are serious (#1 - use sir or ma'am when speaking to an adult), some are silly (#36- Do not EVER bring black licorice to school), and some are inspirational (#53- Decide today what kind of school year that YOU want to have). I love my list.

9. I get to read Tiki Tiki Tembo and Road Trip by Ann Jonas. Two all-time, great out-loud reads.

10. Every last one of them, for 10 years running, has been on their best behavior for the entire first day. Now, if I could just bottle that.....

Our journey...

2008-07-28T20:27:00.000-07:00

So, the questions we receive regarding our adoption are endless. Our journey to our adoption of Rory has been long, and sometimes seems like it will never end.

When we married in 2001, we wanted to start our family. However, it soon became clear that we would not be able to conceive so easily. We sought the assistance of a local fertility specialist, but to no avail. After years of testing, shots, drugs, and roller coaster after roller coaster of unsuccessful invasive procedures, we decided to concentrate on something else for a while.

In 2004, I decided I needed a new project. Something to dive into and lose myself in. So I approached Brandon with the idea of getting my master's degree. Adoption was on both our minds at this time, but we felt as though we had just went through a war. To bring a child into our home at this time would not have been right. We needed to nurse our wounds and 'get right'. Only I would think that getting a second degree would be theraputic!

For 18 months between 2004 and 2006, I attend classes at Indiana Wesleyan from 8-5 nearly every Saturday (in addition to my full-time teaching job). It was exhausting, but fulfilling- unlike my bacherlor's degree. I enjoyed my college years, and learned a lot... but gaining my master's degree has made me a specialist, an advocate, and a better thinker. There were times when it was too much and I begged Brandon to let me give up, but I continued and finished in May, 2006.

When I had finished my masters, Brandon and I began talking about what we really wanted to do. We spent the better part of the summer pondering some really serious questions: Did we really want to be parents? Should we just leave it to chance or should we go further with medical treatments? Where would we get the money to do this? Is adoption an option that we are willing to consider??

When it became clear that we couldn't fathom a life without a child, we knew that adoption was the way to go. There are so many children who need parents to take care of them, and, to us, it seemed wasteful to continue to squander money away on expensive fertility procedures when we could spend the same money on adoption and be guaranteed a child in the end. So the search for agencies began....

We thought we would find an agency quickly, but for reasons that are to detailed to go into here, finding an agency was not so easy. We knew international was the way to go... for us, domestic adoption was a scary prospect for many reasons. But narrowing the search proved difficult and deciding on a country was even harder. At first, we thought Russia or China. But they were so expensive and required long visits. Then we considered Guatamala and Colombia. Somewhere along here we heard about Haiti, in detail, for the first time.

We met with a local agency here in Indianapolis that works with an organization that facilitates adoptions in Haiti. The flyer was simple and we asked several questions about Haiti. After some research at home, I called Brandon over to the computer and showed him a statistic I found: The average adult life expectancy in Haiti is 49 years old. I think that was what sealed the deal for us. After some work, we found Heritage Adoption Services in Portland, Oregon that works with Chances 4 Children, a charitable organization that runs Creche de l'enfant Jesus (Orphange) in TiMache, near Port-au-Prince in Haiti. After talking to our social worker, Vivian, we knew that we were in the right hands and started the paperwork. By this time it is December 2006.

We spent the next three months getting our homestudy done and our paperwork for Haiti. I knew the paperwork would be thorough but I had NO IDEA. Some of the items required- copies of tax forms for three years, medical tests, psychological tests, FBI background checks, State Background checks, HOMELAND SECURITY checks (yes), letters of reference, employment verification, letters from banks, vet records, passports, etc... and this goes on to include about thirty additional items. All of these were complete around March of 2007 and this was when we began our homework. Workbooks, classes on Saturdays or worknights, and CD-ROMs... and proof that we had done all this. However, even though it was thorough and repetitive (we were doing all of this for 2 agencies), I'm sure it will be VERY worth it when Rory arrives. There are so many things that our instructors and resources have opened our eyes to. We did this while we waited for our referral.

On Monday, June 4, 2007, Vivian emailed us our referral. Erleyorson LaFrance was born May 14, 2004 in a little town on the end of the southern peninsula in Haiti. He was healthy and had only been at the orphanage one month. We were thrilled ... we had a picture of our child! However, we also had been told to expect a longer waiting period (12-18 months from the time of our referral). We were so disappointed, but this is what we signed up for. Uncertainty was part of it and something that we had to accept as a part of this crazy adoption ride.

We prepared for things to get underway in Haiti. We got word in August that our file was in Haiti and ready to go into IBESR. It is a black hole. It's like the social services dept. of Haiti.. somewhat. But, some people's files are in for over a year... some three months. It just was completely unpredictable. So when we heard that our file entered IBESR on Sept. 28, 2007, we were excited that we were now 'in' but waiting ... for who knew how long....

As we hoped for a speedy exit from IBESR, things took a turn for the worse here at home. My dad became ill and was diagnosed with small cell lung cancer on Nov. 7th. Things were bad. Real bad. Dad was really sick within days and once he was more stable, he began chemotherapy. The holidays were pretty crappy (on top of it all... Brandon was laid off just before Christmas), but we made the best of them. My dad really wanted to meet Rory. I know that was his one, dying wish. When we told Vivian of this news, she was so supportive and got us hooked up on the January trip to the creche to meet Rory.

Being in Haiti is shocking. It is beautiful, but so sad and unbelievable. We immediately felt at ease with our travel companions and with the orphanage staff. Rory was happy and healthy, we warmed to us during the week and every morning there was like Christmas. I remember waking up - it was just around seven- and I bolted out of bed and started prodding Brandon "get up so we can go get him and bring him in here and play!". We had so much fun at the orphanage, it is an amazing place and I can't wait to go back.

We left Rory behind, but brought back video and photos of our little guy. The next morning, we went immediately to my mom and dad's to watch the video. Dad did get to meet Rory that day... maybe not in the most ideal way. But he got to see the three of us together and us holding Rory, and I think that made him feel good.

In February, we found out the chemo wasn't working and that Dad would have to have hospice care. He died on March 29, 2008. In retrospect, we think it was meant to be that Dad didn't get to meet Rory. Bringing him home into this situation would have proven to be bittersweet. I wouldn't have been able to help take care of my Dad as I did, and Rory would have seen us all so sad after the raw experience that the month of March was. Plus, NOW... we have something to look forward to, a light at the end of a long, dark tunnel. It is so interesting how the 12-18 months that we were dreading now seems to be what saved us.

We left IBESR in the middle of all of this on February 20, 2008. We went into Parquet (the Haitian courts) about a month later. We are out of Parquet right now, but going though Second Legalization. This process was supposed to only take a couple weeks, but it is taking a few months for most. But Vivian says we are nearing the end, so hopefully we will know that we are in MOI soon. MOI is the ministry of the interior, where we received final verification and Rory's passport. Our file is released to USCIS (US CUSTOMS AND IMMIGRATION) and they set up Rory's visa appt and we are on our way!

So here we are. Rory's room is ready, clothes are folded, our suitcases are slowly filling with more supplies for the orphanage for our return trip. I've started his lifebook, but have no news to fill it with. We just wait every single day, waiting for an email that we are on to the next step. Some days, I'm a pessimist, some days, I'm an optimist. Some days, it feels like it's never going to happen, other days, I'm getting on Brandon saying "He's coming, we have so much to do! Let's do this, that, and the other!" in a weird nesting frenzy. It really is a roller coaster. But when we look at his picture, we know that he is waiting for us, and I know that I can withstand the roller coaster another day.

Monday, July 28, 2008

2008-07-28T13:19:00.000-07:00

With the beginning of the school year breathing down my neck, I've been really busy doing little things to wrap up my summer.

Good news from C4C... another family is traveling next week to get their kids from the creche. I couldn't be more excited for them and it is evidence that things are really moving in the right direction. We will be so relieved to hear that we are in the final step of the process. However, the 'final' step can take anywhere from 1-3 months. Next month is really busy for us so, hopefully August will go quickly.

Anyway, on a lighter note, I am going to the Jimmy Buffet concert with my aunt tomorrow! I'm excited and anxious to see what all the hubub is about. My main goal is to come away from the experience unscathed!

This bloggin stuff is pretty cool....

2008-07-24T13:51:00.000-07:00

Okay, SO, I created this blog in the hopes that all our friends and family will feel more informed about our adoption process. It's so confusing, even for us! But, everyone has been great and always wants to know "the latest"- so I think this will be fun for people to check in on us now and again! I thought I would do this tonight... Brandon is at the RUSH concert. I'm going to start adding pictures and links asap. ENJOY!