Catching up . . .

OK, I haven't been a good blogger lately. For some reason, blogging doesn't fit into my work, mommy, wife, etc. schedule. We are doing wonderfully, a few sniffles right now, but that's about it. We are surviving the cold and snow of NE Ohio, not thrilled about it, but hanging in there. The other day Keith asked Ana if she wanted to go out and play in the snow and she said, "No, it's cold outside!"

Here are some photos (all the way back from Christmas, yes). Enjoy!

Christmas Party

Saturday afternoon (after breakfast with Santa) we went to a Chrismas party with other local families who have adopted from Guatemala. Santa (also known as Sanka Claus) was there too. Again, Ana was not thrilled, but tolerated him with the knowlege she would receive a cookie if she sat on his lap. He was also handing out presents (books) which helped. Many of the kiddos were not happy which I think influenced the whole group at times.

Breakfast with Santa

This morning we went and had breakfast with Santa (thus the title of this post). Actually, we had breakfast and then had a photo taken with Santa. Breakfast was lovely - scrambled eggs, sausage and pancakes. Ana loves pancakes! Santa arrived on a bright red fire truck and she waved through the window. That was good. Then when Santa entered the room she wasn't so sure. No tears, but a pretty stern scowel. We weren't sure how the photo would go, but we told her Santa would give her candy if she sat on his lap which made it tolerable. She also received a "tatoo" of a pinguine oh her hand.

This afternoon we are going to another Christmas party with families who have adopted kiddos from Guatemala. Hopefully we will remember the camera again and have more photos for you later!

Funny Girl

Here are a couple pictures from today. In one of them you'll see Ana in a pair of my shoes. We told her we were getting ready to go bye bye and asked her to go get her shoes on. She went to my closet and found one of the most dressy pair of shoes I own. In the other pictures she told us Elmo was gonig to the potty and after a few minutes of silence we found her in the bathroom with Elmo. Enjoy!

Thanksgiving 2008

Many people are thankful for many things. We have an exhaustive list which I'm sure most you are well aware of. One specific that I never thought would be something to share, is that Ana has decided it's fun to pee pee on the potty! Thanksgiving Day this year is the day she decided we would give it a go for it. She will even (occasionally) tell us when she has to go. Here is a picture of our Thanksgiving Day! Hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving . . .

4 months and 10 years

Today marks a couple anniversaries in the Coleman. 4 moths ago we were in Guatemala picking up Ana. My what has changed in our home in the last 4 months. We now have two significant times each day 1:30 pm and 9:30 pm . . . nap and bedtime! Before, if it was 9:30 and we wanted to go out for ice cream and coffee - we did, no more, and we wouldn't have it any other way.

10 years ago Keith and I were married. We've been together for almost 13 years and these last 3 years have been a true test. Our entire adoption journey has been a roller coaster, to say the least, but through each step, set back, heart break, joy and finally a daughter home with us we have grown closer at each point.

No photos for today, just some celebrating to do!

Grandparent's Day

Recently it was Grandparent's Day and my parents came to visit my niece's preschool. They had a special day for them. Since they were close by Ana and I decided to have lunch with everyone. While we were there we visits my sister and brother-in-law's new home they will be moving into in December. Anyway, while we were there the girls were outside playing and my Mom got a couple good shots of them.