Crazy Long Hair

Monday night I took Maya in for a much needed hair cut.  Of course I schedule the appointment with my favorite student stylist, Bibianna.  She is graduating in the next few weeks which means I had to get Maya's hair cut.

Maya did great.  I was so proud of her.  She knew if she made good choices, she would get to have a yummy chocolate cupcake when she got home.  I believe that was enough to get her to sit and behave. 

Bibianna decided to straighten Maya's hair before she cut it.  I guess it made it easier on her.  She didn't straighten it like she would if that was the style she was going for but simply to see the layers and to ensure the cut is straight. 

Maya's hair is long.  She has had a few haircuts in her 3 1/2 years of life but only to have her ends snipped.  We just let Maya's hair grow and boy did it!



Bibianna also told me about hair grease and how it works.  She applied some to Maya's hair when she was finished with the cut and it made it shine.  I decided to pick up a can and give it a shot.  I want to ensure Maya's hair stays healthy and beautiful.  If that means buying different hair products to try them out, then so be it.  Soon I'll be figuring out Makenna's hair type so it is good I am learning all I can right now. 

Who Needs Toys?

When you have a stove!  Makenna loves to open the drawer of the stove and place things inside.  Tonight she decided to climb right in.  Makenna had a smile from ear to ear and loved her new play area.  What a stinker!

Bust

Sunday we had a great idea.  We had decided Sunday was the day for a boat ride.  We have not yet been to the lake as a family so we decided to head out.  After the morning of prepping and loading the car, we jumped in the car and headed out of town.  It was going to be a fun family day and Makenna's first boat ride. 

We got to the lake, dumped the boat into the water, got the girls in their life jackets, and took off.  Maya was in heaven and Makenna really seemed to enjoy it minus the infant life jacket she was wearing.  We didn't get too far from the dock when it happened.  Can you guess?  It was a very warm wet sensation on my lap and leg.  Yep, Makenna leaked thru her swimming diaper and onto my lap.  Yuck!!!  There wasn't a bathroom near us so what are we to do but change her on the boat.  We quickly changed her diaper, used multiple wet wipes to clean myself, and got settled again on the boat. 

After that mishap, the day just continued downward.

The wind picked up and the white caps came out.  It was so windy that our little jet boat struggled to get through them all.  Our hope was to take a nice boat ride and hang out at the sand bar but the water was too choppy.  At that point, we decided to head back to the dock and call it a day.  Bummer.

Once we were back in the car, we took a nice drive around the lake area.  We actually found a great campground that looked perfect for us!  (If you recall we are hoping to rent a site on a campground possibly next summer). The campground seems to be well kept and is on a very nice, big lake.  Score!  Then we looked at the price tag and realized it was more money than we would like to spend.  Another bummer.

After our nice drive, we had an early supper at a dumpy old place with excellent food.  We all ate like champions and we ready to drive home.  Makenna apparently was not ready for the drive home and screamed almost the entire ride home (about 30 minutes).  Right when we pulled off the interstate close to our house, she stopped.  You guessed it - she had fallen asleep from all her crying!  The trip home was very long and stressful.  It is making us question our upcoming 8 hour trip to visit family. 

Let just say our initial plans for our day was a total bust.  The bright side is we got to spend the day as a family out of the house.  I just hope our next boat ride is more pleasant with a lot less wind!

A New Style

I feel that I am getting better at braiding but I am horrible at parting hair.  I struggle greatly with it to be honest.  Parting Maya's hair is turning out to be one of the hardest things about styling her hair.  There must be a trick to it.  I have tried two different combs, I have had Dave help me hold and turn Maya's hair, and I have tried parting it wet as well as dry. 

What is the secret of a great part? 

Despite the not so perfect parting, I think the style turned out pretty cute.  It lasted a good 4 days and then I re-braided it which got me another 4 or 5 days.  Last night I took the braids out and washed her hair.  It is really amazing how long her hair is (past the middle of her back).  On Monday we go in for a hair cut which is very much needed.  It is time for a good trim.

Oh - and it doesn't help when someone gets a hold of the scissors and decides to cut her own hair!  Those little hairs will not cooperate no matter what!

Wordless Wednesday - Sisters w/Coordinating Outfits

Once Upon a Child

I usually never use my blog to complain about any particular business but today I am making an exception.  I promise I will not make this a habit as I'm sure most of you want to hear about the girls (smile).

Yesterday over my lunch hour, I decided to take a load of infant clothing to the retailer, Once Upon a Child.  I had a feeling I wouldn't make much money but at least the clothes I owned could be resold and be used by another family.  As many of you know, infants don't seem to wear out their clothes and I of course had a good amount to unload. 

I stopped in and was greeted by a very friendly employee who said she will go through my tub of clothes and it will take approximately 20 minutes.  No big deal there as I enjoy browsing through the store and even found something that I wanted to purchase.

After 20 minutes or so, I stopped back up to the counter to speak to the gal.  When I got to the counter I couldn't help but noticed my container was basically the same size as it was when I brought it into the store.  The lady tells me they no longer are taking summer clothes (excuse me?   It was the 18th of June!) but that she made an exception on a few pieces.  She showed me what she accepted which was 4 or 5 pieces and 2 pairs of flip flops.  If that wasn't bad enough, she was only going to give me $9.50 for all of it. 

Are you kidding me? 

The best part of it all is I got an extra $1.30 if I take the trade in which meant I had to use the money in the store or I would have received $8 and some change in cash.  At that point I decided to buy a few hair accessories and a pair of shorts to call it good.  I then dragged my very full container back to my car.

So I wonder, what should I do with all these gently used infant clothing? 

Yes, I could donate them.  But where?  Every time I unload my donations to the local Boys Ranch, I can't help but notice their very packed back room.  Would my clothes even make it to the store to be purchased?  I could give them to a friend but let's face it.  My friends don't want my used clothes or the season isn't right or they have a boy not a girl.

I asked the question again, what should I do with these gently used clothes?

Honestly, I am thinking of sending them along with Dave to Ethiopia later this year.  I believe they will appreciate them.

Beautiful Adoption Artwork

I have blogged about Jodi's amazing work in previous blog posts, but I must write about it one more time.  Jodi is an AMAZING artist who makes the most beautiful and meaningful pieces of adoption artwork.  Her art and gifts are for adoption families and multicultural families with the intention of inspiring hope and courage through our imagination.

I have one of her pieces of art displayed in my family room.  It is one of my favorites pieces of artwork in my entire house!

One of her newest projects is modern life books.  If you recall, I blogged two post ago about life books for my two adoptive daughters.  Jodi now sells a few options of modern life books that are totally cool.  Check them out here. 

If the modern life books are not what you are looking for or you also want some awesome art, then check out all of her artwork and jewelry on her Etsy site.  I promise you will fall in love with them as did I. 

Now I just need to decide which one I am going to buy for Makenna's room.  It is a hard decision!

So Long Friend

For those that haven't heard, we have sold our beloved camper. 

We have had this camper for the past 4 summers at a campground 45 minutes from town.  Before kids, we decided it would be fun to buy a boat and get a camper on a lake.  We didn't want a camper that we had to haul from place to place but instead a place where we could retreat too on the weekends to enjoy the sunny weather, hang out on the boat, and get some well needed R&R.  We've have so many great memories of our time there but it was time.  The camper was old, the owners of the campground didn't seem to put as much love into the place, and we wanted more amenities.  Call us crazy but we thought having sewer and being able to run the AC would be nice.  

Our hopes is to take this summer to explore other lakes and campgrounds and buy a new camper the following summer.  Both girls will be old enough to really enjoy it and we hope to find a place that better fits us.  Until then, we plan to enjoy our summer at home where we can enjoy the fun things around town, spend more time with friends and neighbors, and keep up with the house.  

While I write this it seems incredibly doable but I'm sad and it will be tougher than I think especially when the warm weather finally hits.  Maya has been asking to go to the lake, my nephew Andrew thinks we should have consultant with him first, and it is unrealistic to think we will be able to jet off on a Saturday or Sunday with two kids and the boat.  I am going to try to remain positive that our summer will be fantastic and we will be able to spend time at the lake on the boat even with two small kids.  I am going to remain positive that we will enjoy our time at home and in town by hitting up the local swimming pool, going biking, and BBQ in our own back yard. 

We will have a great summer.

I was looking back on some old photos and came across this funny picture of Maya from last September at the camper.  She wanted to wear her hair loose and didn't want me to comb it.  So funny to look at it almost a year later.

 
another picture of Maya - you have to love this smile.  She loved the lake.


So long dear friend...take care of yourself and be good to your new owners.  Thank you for all the fond memories.

Lifebooks

I recently read a post over at eastiesandcompany blog where Theresa talked about a lifebook for her adoptive child.  I highly recommend reading it as she did a fabulous job of detailing the importance of the lifebook and how to get started.  Read her post here.

It made me do some serious thinking about my two girls and a lifebook for them.  I have to admit, I haven't done one.  Dave bought me this book years ago but I only paged through it.  I never took the time to really read it.  I did however make a digital photo book for each trip to Ethiopia with all the details of our trip.  That is great but it isn't a lifebook.  I did make another digital photo book of Maya's first year home as well as the preparation of bringing her home.  It included getting her nursery ready,  baby shower, Maya with her nannies at the care center, and of course the first full year she was home.  Again great, but not a lifebook. 

I wonder is it too late?  Maybe I should actually read the book. 

Thanks Theresa for inspiring me and for making me think.

Soccer

Move over Dave, there is another soccer player in the house and this one is sporting orange with an adorable smile.

 

Maya started soccer last week for the first time.  She has had 2 official practices and one picture day.  Yes, picture day.  Of course we bought a team picture as well as an individual photo.  The package came with photo buttons that I most certainly will not wear proudly.  Sorry Maya - no buttons for this mommy!

Maya seems to think soccer is okay right now.  At the very first practice, she wanted to sit by Makenna and rest.  I think she was exhausted from her day at school.  From what I hear, she did better tonight.  I'm glad she is trying as we think she will really like this sport.  It seems to suit her fairly well. 

Games start in July.  Feel free to come and watch.  I'm looking forward to watching a team of 3 year olds play.  Should be some good entertainment!

Wordless Wednesday - Fashion Diva

Curly or Straight?

I usually blog about Maya's hair but this time it is about me.  I need opinions.  What looks better - curly or straight?  I've been wearing my hair straight for years but lately I've been wearing it curly.  It is a breath of fresh air as it is so easy. 

Tonight I finally took the time to get my hair cut and colored.  I am blonde again :)  So be honest - curly, straight or both?

Burnt Out

I'm tired and exhausted.  I am looking around my house and am thinking I need to stop blogging and get to work.  I have so much to do.  What I really want to do is take a nap on the couch and forget about my giant to-do list.  I'm burnt out.  I'd love to know what the secret is to accomplishing everything.  I'd love to know how one works full-time out of the house, spends quality time with their children, gets all the laundry and cleaning done, find time to relax, and of course time to blog.

There just isn't enough time in a day and the weekends are way too short.  Does anyone have any tips on how to balance everything?  I did go out with a few friends last night and saw the movie "Sex and the City".  We even had a couple of cosmos before the movie.  I am lucky to have been able to go out with friends but today I am suffering for it.  I have no energy. 

At least I have my two girls to make me forget about things even if it is only for a few minutes. 

 

Zazzle

A shout out to Shelly for posting this very cool website on her blog where you can buy all sorts of awesome adoption related items.  I already marked a few items that I may have to purchase.  Check out the site here.  If you only want Ethiopian items, chick here.  Happy Shopping!

Kids and TV

I got away from posting a specific topic on my blog where we can have a discussion on it.  I personally value each and every comment and I've learned a lot from them.  I must apologize already as I wish I had the capability to respond to the comments and keep the dialogue going but unfortunately it isn't feasible during the day.  Being a working mother without a smart phone leaves me with no option but to wait until I have time at night.  Even though I am not able to comment back during the day, I want to encourage you all to leave a comment.  I'd love to hear what you have to say and I know I can't be the only one looking for some good  parenting advice and suggestions.

This week's Topic:

Question: Is TV okay for kids and if so, how much TV is okay?

I've been thinking about this topic for awhile now as we struggle with it in our house.  Maya LOVES to watch television and I can't blame her as I too love it.  I find myself in front of the TV almost nightly to wind down from the busy day.  I always try to sneak in at least 30-60 minutes of TV each night for myself.  So why shouldn't Maya love it too?  She has such a busy day every day by attending a daycare center.  Maya is expected to be "on" the entire day meaning she never gets any down time.  Her day is full with learning activities, playing indoors and outdoors (which can wipe you out) as well as fighting for attention from her teachers.  Maya also has to adhere to the schedule such as nap time even if it means she is still tired and would like to continue to sleep (like yesterday.)  I can't imagine how exhausting it must be for a 3 year old.  

Maya comes home full of tired energy.  She is wound up from the day and immediately starts to be naughty.  Most days she is beside herself and is all out of sorts.  It is hard on everyone.  I know part of this is just being 3 but the other part is pure exhaustion from her day at daycare.  I feel bad for her.  

Saying that, I am not sure putting her in front of the TV to allow her some down time is the right answer.  I try to use TV as a reward for being good and making good choices.  However, there are times we let her watch one of her shows even if she didn't have a good day.  Sometimes we allow her to watch more than one.  And most times...we let her watch American Idol with us.   Is that bad?  

Watching TV all started when I began braiding and styling her hair.  I needed Maya to be still and to allow me to style her hair.  We started off watching episodes of "Winnie the Pooh" and "Mickey Mouse".  She loved it.  I remember asking her on a nice Sunday afternoon if she would like to go outside and play or sit inside and let me braid her hair.  Maya picked her show. 

What do you think?

Do you think it is okay for kids to watch TV?  How much is okay?  What kind of shows do you allow your child(ren) to watch? 

Wordless Wednesday - Precious