May Days

Happy Spring! I think we can finally say this without having to recant due to a cold snap or snow storm! May so far has been filled with a number of fun events. First of all, a very belated Happy Mother's Day regardless of what stage of motherhood you are in - still waiting, new mothers, or well-seasoned. I hope if was a day of fun and loving reminder of the awesomeness of being a mother!

I had the distinct honor of meeting Michelle and two-year-old Malia for lunch in downtown Minneapolis earlier this month. They returned home from China in April and it sounds like everything is going very well for them. Malia certainly won over the patrons (not to mention her "Auntie" Deb) in The Sky Room with her squeeky shoes and her just plain cuteness! I felt very blessed that they took the time out of their time together before Michelle returned to work to spend it with me. Malia even presented me with a beautiful framed picture of a sculpture of children in Guangzho to commemorate my two-year LID anniversary. It is a very nice reminder of our lunch and yet another example of how awesome my China mom friends are.

Last Saturday, I walked around Lake Nokomis in South Minneapolis as part of the Target Adoption Network's team supporting NACAC (North American Council for Adopted Children??). It was a beautiful morning for the one-hour walk and was spent in good company. My waiting friend, Kirsten, and friends Jennie and Chris who will be traveling to China this summer to pick up Austin had a nice chat as we strolled. We were also joined by Dan and Jori and their 2+ year old daughter, Emmy, who they adopted from China almost two years ago.

Last night, I watched Taylan who turned 18 months yesterday so Elizabeth could attend her book club meeting. They returned from China in November. Taylan and I played a little and read stories until it was time for bedtime. She did not fall asleep right away but was not crying. After an hour, I decided to rock her and after about 15 minutes she was sound asleep. I waited another ten minutes just in case and made the transfer to the crib. It has been a number of years since I've watched a child that age - my youngest niece, Haley, is 6 1/2. I couldn't help but think about when I would be rocking my own child to sleep. It was a great night and I'm so glad I could help Elizabeth get out.

Tomorrow morning many of the China moms and their children will be gathering at Joan's house for playtime and lunch. I've been looking forward to this since the invite came out because I haven't seen a number of the moms and girls since January. I'm sure I'll be shocked at how much they have changed especially since many are now talking. The weather should be nice so I can't think of a better way to spend the day!

I'll post an entry about the latest estimated timing of my referral and information about the devastating earthquake in China in the next couple of days.

Have a safe and Happy Memorial Day and try to honor the reason for the holiday!