Bump, Bump in the road...Bump, Bump in the road

Yes, we have encountered a bump in the road (though just a tiny bump)! I think a lot of it has to do with the fact that we went on a vacation too soon. Lil' Cupcake hasn't been home for a month, and we pushed her progress by going on a trip (new and different surroundings). Lil' Cupcake has regressed a little - she is having horrible nightmares, has wet her pants twice (which going potty has never been a concern-she's very vocal when she needs to go), and is extremely clingy to me (carrying her up the stairs, always having me go with her to the bathroom at home, can't be in a different room than her (except miraculously Preschool), etc.). However, I know a lot of time with Mommy and Daddy will help her out.

Attention all Hope families and adoption families in general, what attachment/bonding guidelines have you used?

First PreSchool Field Trip

Today was Lil' Cupcake's first field trip with her preschool class. They went to the pumpkin patch, and picked out her very first pumpkin! She was so excited to show Mommy! She even called Daddy after showing Mommy and kept talking about her pumpkin to him. However upon arriving at home, we had a slight dilemma. Lil' Cupcake proceeded to get mad at Mommy because she did not cook the pumpkin. Praise the Lord for Google, how else would we teach our kids that pumpkins are for carving and painting and not for lunch? :)

Pierced Ears

Yes, today we had Lil' Cupcake's ears pierced! Aren't I a horrible mother - who pierces her little 4 year old girl's ears? Who pierces the ears of a girl that has only been in the United States for two weeks? Yes, it was me! It was something she has been asking for since we were in Ethiopia. We waited until today since it was her last day of antibiotics (plus, it was the last day I was going to put her in tears for wearing earrings). Enjoy the overjoyed little girl with newly pierced ears!

First "real" hairstyling!

Here are some pictures of my first time doing Raeghan's hair! For those of you that know girl hairstyles - I did the veil style in front with box braids in back! It was "spa night" - we did hair, and then we did toe nails (and even little nail decals).

Award for WORST Blogger - Thank you!

I am a horrible blogger - being first time parents, I definitely feel like I don't have enough hours in the day! I am also constantly on the move with Lil' Cupcake! She doesn't sit still for even a few seconds! I will blog about the trip (hopefully later this week, when we are on vacation!).

Apology!

Alright, I am apologizing on the behalf of my husband who forgot to post while I was gone. My deepest apologies! I promise I will relive the days just as if he was supposed to be posting. In the meantime, know we are home and Lil' Cupcake is adjusting beyond what we could have ever imagined! Here's to an update tomorrow!

Little Miss Cupcake, Here I Come!

It's finally here! I'm on my way to go pick Little Miss Cupcake up!

Here's a quick overview of my itinerary:

Wednesday, Sept 10th - Depart Minneapolis 1:15pm Arrive in DC 4:30pm
Depart DC 8pm Arrive Sept 11th at 8pm in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Hopefully Friday I will get to meet her and bring her back to the guesthouse with me.
Monday/Tuesday, I will be going to AHOPE, HIV+ orphanage.
Wednesday, Embassy Appointment
Go back to her orphanage sometime to drop a mass of donations off.
Friday, pick up her visa
Go shopping sometime for souvenirs and traditional Ethiopian dresses for her :)

Sunday, Sept 21 Leave Ethiopia at 8pm Arrive in DC Sept 22 7:30am
Monday, Sept 22 Depart DC at 5pm Arrive in Minneapolis 7:30pm



Alrighty, signing off - and yes, I will bribe Travis to keep you all posted!