Icicles and boys...

...are not a good combination if you are an icicle.

 

Friday Round-up--10.29.2010

© Cheese Curds and Kimchi

Well all, I don't know about you, but I am darned happy to see this week end. Hello Weekend! It was a long one and I'm pretty tuckered out. Don't really have much to say, so please enjoy my favorite photo from this week instead. To make it, I stood in the pouring rain, in a giant puddle in the middle of the road, for about 30 minutes. All good things are worth working and waiting for. :)

Have a great weekend!

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We've heard about sharing/not sharing your child's stories before, but this quote by Ilie Ruby writing at Motherlode caught my attention. "It has taken me some time to realize that explanations as to their origins, their histories, their relationship to each other, and how we “got” them, are not obligatory. When it comes down to it, stories belong to those who live them." Yes...realizing that I don't owe anyone an explanation--that's a good thing to remind myself about. Read the rest of the story HERE.

Along that same vein, I really, really loved THIS post at The International Mom's Blog. Her post helped me to reframe how I think about when people ask intrusive questions about how our family will be put together.

Think about THIS post when you head out to purchase all that Halloween candy. Sharon at Mama Manifesto writes a great post, chock full of information on---ready yourselves---child slaves who harvest cocoa. Yep...that dark delicious treat that nearly everyone loves is often harvested by children. It's organic chocolate, or certified "slave free" chocolate for me from here on out.

In the "those kids say the darndest things" category, I actually laughed out loud when I read THIS short post at our korean american family.

Kristen at I Spy A Family writes a simple and beautiful post HERE about finally having the life as a family that she imagined. For those of us waiting, we know to have the "ordinary" would be extraordinary. Someday soon....

Friday Round-up--10.1.2010

© Cheese Curds & Kimchi

Yep. This is the day I'm gonna do it, I tell myself. I'd been procrastinating, but with THIS post in my head about the Sweet Pea Project, I finally had the motivation I needed.

The mission? Go into uncharted territory at Tar.get--the baby section.

As I marched across the store, I thought about THIS post at The Maniacal Wanna-be Mommy who used to cruise the baby department yearning for the day she could shop for her child. I have never done that. Up to this point, I have avoided the baby section like a plague.

First off, this area of the store is usually punctuated by screams of tiny munchkins being chased by frazzled moms. In the past, I've had a few chuckles as I've heard the chaos there. But now I think about how it feels from the frazzled mom's perspective, so eloquently explained HERE at the blog, Me and Punky Lee. (Of course, OUR child will never act like that. HA!)

But the real reason I never went over "there" is that one part of me was afraid that I would catch some baby-cooties that would lead to me getting pregnant, and the other part was fearful that I would never end up pregnant. (I know--completely ambivalent feelings, but that's how I work.) Best to avoid confronting either possible outcome and steer clear of the department altogether.

I round the corner, and the row stretches out endlessly like in a movie, the walls lined with items that I have never seen and/or have no clue what they are used for. THIS post at Purple Slinky about ridiculous baby items, pops into my head. (I have to admit that I can picture myself trying to use the infant safety hat and helmet, but only when I let the baby out of the bubble. I'm also a fan of the baby high heels.)

I waiver between two sets of receiving blankets. Soft. Cute. And some day, I'll be buying them for us.

Can't wait.

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There is one more piece of news that we want to share with you.

This afternoon saw that I had missed a phone call AND a text from The Man. Hmmm.

Look at the text. It reads: We have liftoff!!!!!!!! (Yes, he actually used 8 exclamation marks. Guess The Man is excited!)

What does this mean you ask? Our paperwork is on it's way to Korea! Wahooo!

Next step--we wait for the Korean side of the agency to match us with a baby. OMG. Guess we will start visiting baby departments before we know it!

Boys will be boys & the Friday Round-up--9.24.2010

© Cheese Curds and Kimchi

Will he be shy? Sweet? Funny like his father? Perhaps the class clown? Or maybe teacher's pet?

My mind was flooded with possibilities as I knelt before the boys, watching their antics through the viewfinder of my camera. They were lined in the hallways, doing their best to mind the teacher, but giving in to the need to poke, tickle or jostle their neighbor. They are, after all, five year old boys.

It was a glimpse of our future and for a moment. My heart ached and my fingers trembled slightly. Some day our child would be one lined up in the hallway. Someday our child would be giggling and misbehaving.

Suddenly I wasn't a photographer doing work at the school,  I was a mother, watching her child.

And it was good.

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In keeping with the "boys will be boys" theme, check out this adorable cutie over at jon & kelly + max. Max has been home for three months now. Hooray!

For today's oh-my-God-those-people-are-idiots fix, head over to Heart, Mind and Seoul, read "It's a small world, but not THAT small". I can't believe people like this manage to procreate.

After that post, we deserve a good rant. This one, Open Letter(s) to People Who Hate Kids at Rants from Mommyland works a lot of great topics in, including oversized strollers, rude shoppers, the vajazzler (yes, it's what you think it is) and "I'm with stupid" t-shirts. This post has it all, and it kept me laughing all the way. And yes, I'll admit here in public that screaming kids in restaurants really piss me off. I know, I know. Someday soon that will be us. But until then...keep 'em quiet.

Have you seen this video?  It's called Reflections of Motherhood and the premise is that they asked moms to go back to the days right before they had their children, and to share the advice they would give to themselves. The advice that touches me is at 2:04 in the video. Just watch. Which one would you choose?



Have a great weekend!

Pix

Friday Round-up--9.17.2010

© Cheese Curds and Kimchi

A little eye candy for you! Since I started on the happy project I've been trying to make photos that are solely for my personal happiness. As a professional photographer, I'm paid to shoot images for other people---photos that sell products, capture memories or tell stories. I've moved away from making images that do something just for me, and definitely away from making images for the pure joy of making them.

Sooo....it's sure nice to find little ways to relax and let my brain rest. I found this last week and really love it. Just love the simple lines, simple colors. It reminds me that we are always on our way to somewhere but sometimes there is beauty when that forward momentum gets put on hold. But to be quite honest, I wasn't thinking about any of that when I made this photo. I just saw it and had to make that moment mine. I try not to read too deeply into the meanings behind photos...I think too much already. But this makes me smile, and it makes me happy.

What makes you smile and happy?

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An interesting and contemplative post HERE at Hello Korea!  Although this adoptee doesn't believe that Korea should continue their international adoption program, she also acknowledges the fact that every adoptee has had a different experience and all their experiences are valid, both good and bad. She relays a conversation with a fellow adoptee: "She with her ideal (in the adoption scenario) outcome where loss was replaced with something good, and mine where my loss was replaced with not much good to speak of.  We both of us came away from adoption happening to us with the thought, “I want to LIVE.”  We’re all of us stronger for the suffering."

This post is an interesting contrast to the previous one. I have it bookmarked and I can't wait to make a list like this one day! For now I'll have to settle for being inspired and keeping my spirits up by reading this  list of awesome things about being an adoptive mama at Production, Not Reproduction.

And a little bit of hope--at Our Korean American Family, read this post about the baby reception home at SWS (complete with photos). SWS is our agency as well, so it is pretty amazing to see the exact place where our Little Man is going to be living! I kinda agree with the blogger that it's hard to see all those newborns who, while they are getting careful care, are not getting one-on-one care.

And lastly, starting to think about the baby's room. Wondering if we can work in something like THIS?  On a much smaller scale of course...

I

 

Friday Roundup--9.10.2010

© Cheese Curds and Kimchi

Well, it's official. Fall seems to be upon us here in Wisconsin. The air is cooler, it's getting darker earlier, and the leaves are turning. Fall is my favorite time of year, despite the fact that it ushers in my least favorite season--winter. But I can forgive it for that because I'm so enthralled with all the beautiful things that fall has to offer.

The light in the fall is amazing. If you aren't a photography lover, you probably have no idea what I'm talking about. Just take my word for it, the lovely gold tones and the long shadows make for some good photo-makin'.

This photo doesn't exactly fall into the dreamy-light-of-fall category, but it made me smile this week. I was on my way to a soccer game and noticed the shadows of the fans in the stands. And as a special gifts from the Photo Gods, there was a curious kid on the left poking his face through the screen just as I made the photo. Love it when things like that happen!

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OK. My fave post of the week is THIS ONE by Kristen at I Spy A Family. First off, it's such a wonderful idea to write a letter to your son (and I hope Buddy reads this letter from his proud mama one day) and the thought of doing that is enough to make me cry. But then to hear the pride, joy and happiness that Kristen has for her son...that will just send you right over the top.


In the food for thought category THIS POST by Malinda at Adoption Talk is a good read. It discusses adoption and religion. The comments section of this post are really great!

This scrumptious vegetable cobbler is on our menu for the week. Should be a great way to kiss the last of summer goodbye.

Oh yeah, and be sure to read THIS POST by Amy at The Purple of Life. My favorite part is the boy in the sleeper. Just go there and you'll see what I mean.

On that sweet note, I'm outta here. Have a great weekend!

Friday Roundup - Happy edition!--9.3.2010

© Cheese Curds and Kimchi

A lovely fall (is it that time already??!!) evening and I'm driving along the country roads. The sun is out, beautiful clouds on the horizon, but the beauty is wasted on me. My mind is busy. I have blinders on.

There's the ever growing to-do list: send the photos to the printer for the adoption application; call social worker about home study; finish online parenting course; etc. And my heart is tied up too--weighed down with fears about becoming a parent that seem to have cropped up in the past few days.

I continue barreling down the road, hands at ten and two.

But then, I glance to my right. A beautiful slice of a rainbow with the loveliest light beam. It doesn't look real. A patch of glorious color against a dark and stormy sky.

I stop as fast as I can, scrambling to catch the light before it fades away. I need to remember this moment. It has touched me in a way that nothing has lately.

With the click of my camera, a realization comes to light.

I've been so focused on the heavy sides of adoption that I was missing the big picture....we are going to be parents! I was caught up int he logistics of adoption, and the fears about the process. Those dark skies were all that I was seeing, and I missed the beauty that is the reason for this whole endeavor. That beam of light and rainbow is the little person we will share our lives with!

My heart pounds.

I breathe.

Everything is going to be OK.

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Of course, it wouldn't be a happy edition Friday without a story of a new family. Sue at Three and Counting shares the story of her family's first meeting with their son Leo. Yep...makes me cry every time! Pop on over there and send them all good wishes.

A sweet and short little post at The Adventures of Noah Bear (complete with photos) celebrating Noah's anniversary of being with his family longer than he was in Korea. Someday...

You know 'em, you love 'em---and they are back! I love this comic at Hyberbole and a Half because it's a bit like being in my brain. I think, rethink, and overthink the most mundane things. This comic is about overthinking when you see a shooting star. Something I'm now admitting to you all, that I've done. Pathetic.

OK folks. A short list it is. Happy weekend!

Friday round up--8.27.2010

I know it's been a bit quiet here this week. Some weeks seem to get away from me, and this one did for sure. I've been sick this week so I didn't fit in much more than the necessary which meant no time for blogging.

This week I've battled a general blah feeling, with a little "hmm" and a smidge of "grrr". Several of our family members are facing serious medical challenges, I'm anxious about finishing our formal application (finishing this weekend!), work has been stressful, yadda, yadda, yadda. Add all of it up, and I think it's contributed to my mood. I fell as droopy as these flowers.


So my weekend agenda is pretty simple:

1. Spend at least one hour  this weekend doing something that isn't a "have to do" or "need to do".

2. Run another 5K race on Sunday. Hopefully my cold will dissipate by then.

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This post really made me think. We've all heard people make inappropriate racial comments, and we've all let those moments slip by without saying something even though we were seething inside. Kelly at Are Those Your Kids? shares one of those moments and the mom-guilt she feels afterwards.

At Heart, Mind and Seoul, another food-for thought-post on racism. Acts of racism are, unfortunately, a regular occurance. But usually the ones we non-people-of color notice are those that are really obvious, like using racist racist slurs, degrading someone because of race, etc. But there are countless expressions of racism on a daily basis that are much more subtle and we may not recognize. This post helped me to understand just a little more and as the future parent of an Asian child, I think that's vital information.

A post at 안녕습니다 titled "Choice" kept floating back into my mind all week. It's authored by a Korean-born Australian adoptee and I really hear what she's saying. But as a future adoptive parent, it's really tough to hear. The author argues adoptive parents are the only participants in the adoption triad that have a choice, the choice whether to adopt or not. She also explores whether adopting internationally is good for the children. It's a controversial topic to be sure, and certainly important to consider.

At Three and Counting Sue describes the frustration/panic/stress of trying to make arrangements to bring their son Leo home after receiving a travel call. I can only imagine the mix of emotions she must be feeling!

These links are entirely too serious. Go HERE for a little levity.

Have a great weekend!

Friday Roundup--7.30.2010

Oh, happy day! So glad to see this week come to a close. Ever have one of those weeks where you feel like you are running on a treadmill at a full sprint? You are running your butt off and going absolutely no where! Well, that's the short version of my week.

On the positive side, we got most of the last bits of paperwork signed and turned in for our home study. Just my bio left to go. It's written, just needs an edit.

One other plus--I made a lovely photo of a flower (passion vine?) that has kept me smiling. Sometimes, happiness is in the details.

Here were my fave posts this week.

In the post Sarcastically Answered Questions, blogger Matt shares his answers to the stupid adoption questions that most of us have encountered. Like Matt says, if the person is sincere in wanting to know something, I'd be happy to educate them. But so often these intrusive questions seem accusatory and blameful.

For the touching and heartfelt, go read Goodbye Korea at Our Adoption Journey. As the foster mother held her foster child for a final time, a prayer was said over the children who were bound for their new adoptive homes. It's an insight into how painful this is for the people of South Korea, and the strength it must take to send their children away from their country. I also found the post So many mixed feelings so compelling. It's a letter to her new son, and shares her joy about being a mother, and a promise to bring him back to his beautiful birth country.

Found this post on adoption memory books by The Sassy Infertile Lady. I never even knew these type of books existed! She gives her reviews on a few. Can you say...time to shop!

Here's one more super sensitive and sweet post by an adoptive mom at Seon-Mi Kyung. I know I'm all caught up in these mush fests this week, but that's how it goes. This is a letter to the birth mother on Zoey's second birthday.

Now for something sweet! Our replacement rhubarb plant (The Man accidently "weeded" ours out of the planting area) is about ready for it's first harvest! Methinks this recipe for rhubarb cakes looks delicious!

Happy weekend to all.