tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-80678215910450169302024-03-13T12:55:25.522-07:00Daddies' JourneyDaddies' Journeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01072678899219307167noreply@blogger.comBlogger20125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8067821591045016930.post-47074309128114559802011-03-28T20:11:00.000-07:002011-03-28T20:11:57.606-07:00Anniversary Decisions<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">We celebrated our 5<sup>th</sup> anniversary over the weekend and it was such a nice one at that.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We discussed our recent decision to adopt and come up with a surprising outcome.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">After a lengthy and very deep chat we both decided that we are going to slow down and take our time with adoption.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We both think we are moving too fast.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jose pointed out that he wants to travel a little more before adopting and I can see where he is coming from.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Also through the adoption agency we are working with wants us to move into a two bedroom before we can even be interviewed and that still rattles me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I personally don’t want to move with a risk of being turned down, right now.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I like where we live and we only moved here a year ago.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We are going to continue going to other agencies to see if it may be a better fit or not.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There is much more to learn about adoption before diving in, for us.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Postponing adoption two to three years isn’t really anytime at all.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We just feel that something is off right now so we are just going to try and figure it out right now.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So right now adoption will still continue to be a dream for us and still be discussed on here but I am going to open my blog up to our travels, our day to day life as we have it now and let’s just see what happens.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I hope you all will still follow me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We just feel this is the best decision right now.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Lots of love, hugs and kisses</span></div>Daddies' Journeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01072678899219307167noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8067821591045016930.post-3753298419964509452011-03-17T11:42:00.000-07:002011-03-17T11:46:10.994-07:00Thoughts while making some yummy healthy frittatas<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I decided to make some cupcake size frittatas because:</span></div><ol style="margin-top: 0in;" type="1"><li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: inherit;">They are a healthy option</span></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: inherit;">They are seriously yummy</span></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I make them when I need to butter up to some amazing co-workers (hehe)</span></span></li>
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</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Link to the recipe: Totally give props to the Creator of this delish funness!</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><a href="http://www.sugarlaws.com/mini-spinach-frittatas"><span style="color: blue; font-family: inherit;">http://www.sugarlaws.com/mini-spinach-frittatas</span></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">While I was creating my masterpieces I immediately thought about how my darling Jose didn’t like them because they are veggie. At first I thought, “I should make some special just for him, but why does he always want something a little different when I make something? Either he wants his tapatio or his tortillas or his jalapeños. Then I thought “umm Jimmy, total reality check”. If you are going to have a child, nothing you make will just be enough. I got an immediate flashback to when my sister was a chiquitita (means little one in Spanish). She was very picky, my mom would either have to make what my sister would eat or my sister would hardly eat. She would only eat a few different things: spaghetti, hamburgers (the bun and the meat), venison (deer meat) and chicken (depending on what the chicken was cooked with).</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">So that means no veggies for her at ALL. Even now it’s hard to get her to eat veggies, can you imagine trying to get her to eat a veggie burger? I think not!</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I quickly came to the conclusion to get over it and adjust my cooking to how people in my family like it. So I made some veggie and some with bacon as requested. I might as well start training myself now instead of being shocked when my child doesn’t want to eat my cooking. I have to admit, I “can” be dramatic so I wouldn’t really be that shocked. I just need to prepare myself for a possible picky eater. And if that’s the case, I will still greet the situation with open arms, hugs, kisses, and more I love you’s than ever before.</span></div></div>Daddies' Journeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01072678899219307167noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8067821591045016930.post-22988802033556286212011-03-13T13:59:00.001-07:002011-03-13T13:59:10.415-07:00Thank you to my followers!I wanted to thank you all for following me. Your comments mean so much so tell your friends and keep them coming. Thank you for going on this journey with us and reaching out to us. We love it!<br /><br /><br /><br />Daddies' Journeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01072678899219307167noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8067821591045016930.post-34646861899557747002011-03-13T13:20:00.000-07:002011-03-13T13:20:29.266-07:00LGBT and Confidence Children Books<div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Recently I got curious and wondered about children books.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I grew up with Dr. Seuss and I loved “Green Eggs & Ham” and “One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish” and loved them.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">However now, I have found a whole new world of children’s books.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have found many books on LGBT families and confidence books.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The two LGBT books I have bought so far are”</span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 1in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">1.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span>A Tale of Two Daddies</span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 1in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">2.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span>Daddy, Papa, and Me</span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 1in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I feel as an LGBT family it’s important especially with adoption to provide information to children that having two daddies is ok even though it is different to the “norm”.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The books we have got so far are such fun books.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“A Tale of Two Daddies” is about a little girl’s friend asked her questions on having two daddies, such as:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Who cooks for you and who tucks you in at night. The answers are both daddies of course!</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The same kinda deal goes for “Daddy, Papa, and Me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Both daddies want to play with the child and dress up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It just shows in both books that two daddies are just as amazing as a mom and dad.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">There are long lists of books I want to get with all different age groups – mainly from 4 to 8.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There is even a child’s book about Harvey Milk which I find really important but I haven’t bought it yet.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">One of my top books that I want to get is:</span></div><div class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span>My Uncles Wedding by Eric Ross</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">It’s a cute story, Andy is a little boy and the story is through his eyes about his uncle marrying his partner.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The author is from San Francisco and it’s just a super cute book.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So to all my friends with kids, as soon as gay marriage is once again legal in California you’re SO getting a copy!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Since Jose and I quickly call ourselves uncles even though we are no way related.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">For the confidence books:</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I find myself with a long wish list on Amazon.com for books especially in this area of books, such as:</span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">1.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span>The Skin You Live In</span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">2.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span>The Peace Book</span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">3.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span>The I Love You Book</span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">4.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span>The Feelings Book</span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">5.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span>It’s Okay To Be Different</span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">6.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span>We Belong Together</span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">7.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span>We’re Different, We’re the Same</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The list goes on and on, this is just to name a few.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The main point in all these books is that it’s always ok to be yourself, we will always love you no matter what, there are so many different types of people, and you can always tell us how you feel.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I find with a new generation of books children may grow up with better communication to their parents or at least feel more comfortable talking with their parents about anything.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Also, through these books knowing that they are loved and that YOU love them no matter what.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The earlier they feel in their heart that you love them the better it will be, especially if you adopt a child and if they are older.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Here is my dilemma:</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">How many LGBT and confidence books are too much?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When will it be just too much?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I feel the classics definitely have their place but I guess I look at these books and I wish I read whoever you are and how ever you are, <u>you are ok</u>. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s ok to be adopted, have a different color of skin than your parents, that you have two daddies (or mommies), or have curly hair.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>These situations are real but I feel we can help with the confidence through these books.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I can go crazy buying all these books so I decided to for now on to go through all the books with Jose before buying 50 different books.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I find that I can be a bit excessive. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"></div>Daddies' Journeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01072678899219307167noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8067821591045016930.post-31233522228861757132011-03-09T19:40:00.001-08:002011-03-09T19:42:18.349-08:00Orientation Last Night:<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Thoughts on Orientation:</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Last night went well but I have to be honest, orientation scared me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Five couples and one single hopeful parent were there last night and my tummy was in total knots.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Not to mention I rushed right after work and Jose was running a tad late because he had to go check in on Lola.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>First impressions are a must in this case but when I got to the Unitarian Church (where they held orientation) I felt tired and I must have looked it too because the lady running the show offered me some coffee.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I immediately thought “I picked the wrong day to start working out again”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I sat down and got super nervous.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Everybody was talking about the children they already had and other couples were talking about their day, then there was me with my huge gym bag addicted to looking at my phone wondering where Jose is.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He is my calming down stabilizer and he was nowhere to be found.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Well luckily he walked in right before they shut the door.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Deep breath and here we go!</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Now about the information:</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The Children:</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">So much to talk about and only two hours to do it in; </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">What kind of home they could possibly come from and why?</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Answer:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They can come from anywhere and anything could have happened to them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There was no specific child she spoke about it was all generally speaking.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The stories broke my heart and it was hard to hear (for some reason the older I get the more sensitive I get).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Children could be in foster care from birth all the way to 18 years old and then they are sent out to the world alone.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Scary?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I think so. I can’t imagine that, so hard to believe that is the actual reality for so many children. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The Process:</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">So this is when I got a bit discouraged.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They went through step by step but they quickly told us that we need to have the room ready before the process even starts.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Even before our interview.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So I quickly looked at Jose because we don’t have two bedrooms.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We only have one.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I wish we could at least be interviewed first.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So we don’t know when we will be able to move.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We are very picky about locations but it seems that we are going to really have to figure it out sooner than later.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jose wants to move around the summer time and of course I want to start looking like “yesterday”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So hearing about the apartment really set us back time wise.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The options:</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">There are so many kids out there waiting for homes I don’t think that process will be long at all for us, once we get there.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They told us the more open we are, the easier it will be to find a child for us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We are very open, we would like a child anywhere from 0 – 8 or 9.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It just really depends on the child and the connection.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">My final thoughts:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I was discouraged last night for sure but I woke up this morning with a new outlook and we will tackle this.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We will be able to get through this even though it won’t be when I was hoping too.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I do have the attitude when I want something done I do my best to get it done then.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jose told me I should slow down and it will happen when it’s supposed too.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I agree with Jose but every day that goes by is a day I get older.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I want to be able to be as active as possible with them every day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So I just need to take a couple deep breaths and we will take the next step.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Look for an apartment.</span></div>Daddies' Journeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01072678899219307167noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8067821591045016930.post-26653036485013448672011-03-09T16:46:00.000-08:002011-03-09T19:01:19.552-08:00Finally A Celebrity! (at least to me)Complete credit to "Born This Way" blog and CNN. I just wanted to share this with all of you! :)<br />
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*Note to my "Celebrity" Signature. You like? I LOVE!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-6Ro8c-N4BZE/TXgeLPSopCI/AAAAAAAAAFM/kFohZaSUtqw/s1600/jimmy_Page_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" q6="true" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-6Ro8c-N4BZE/TXgeLPSopCI/AAAAAAAAAFM/kFohZaSUtqw/s640/jimmy_Page_1.jpg" width="490" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-H4X0XPPBa7M/TXgeMmkJekI/AAAAAAAAAFQ/JwihaHdQksM/s1600/jimmy_Page_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" q6="true" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-H4X0XPPBa7M/TXgeMmkJekI/AAAAAAAAAFQ/JwihaHdQksM/s640/jimmy_Page_2.jpg" width="494" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-kJ6bCrv40Mw/TXgeO9sCiiI/AAAAAAAAAFU/KrgY_5q1PNs/s1600/jimmy_Page_3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" q6="true" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-kJ6bCrv40Mw/TXgeO9sCiiI/AAAAAAAAAFU/KrgY_5q1PNs/s640/jimmy_Page_3.jpg" width="494" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-j9oZbFvYd-I/TXgeQ5U-osI/AAAAAAAAAFY/euEWcRaFJ7s/s1600/jimmy_Page_4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" q6="true" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-j9oZbFvYd-I/TXgeQ5U-osI/AAAAAAAAAFY/euEWcRaFJ7s/s640/jimmy_Page_4.jpg" width="494" /></a></div>Daddies' Journeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01072678899219307167noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8067821591045016930.post-12844768260837365222011-03-09T10:25:00.000-08:002011-03-09T19:02:36.328-08:00Featured on CNN.com for "Born This Way" article!Got an email from a lovely friend letting me know that part of my Born This Way submission made it in the CNN.com article! So exciting! Care to read here is the link!<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><a href="http://www.cnn.com/2011/LIVING/03/09/born.this.way/index.html?hpt=C2"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Calibri;">http://www.cnn.com/2011/LIVING/03/09/born.this.way/index.html?hpt=C2</span></a></div>Daddies' Journeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01072678899219307167noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8067821591045016930.post-60910027023943005722011-03-07T16:56:00.001-08:002011-03-07T17:05:18.529-08:00Orientation is TOMORROW!!<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: x-small;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Georgia;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 12pt;">Tomorrow is the day</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 12pt;">Tomorrow we finally get to go to orientation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am so excited about it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So many concerns and questions are running through my brain, I can hardly wait to have them all answered. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 12pt;">Like:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="disc"><li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 12pt;">What classes do we need to take in order to adopt</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 12pt;">What are the age ranges? (In the specific organization they are older but what ages?)</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 12pt;">How do we narrow down our search for a child?</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 12pt;">How do decide between an open or closed adoption?</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 12pt;">With an older child how do you make the transition to make them feel at home?</span></li>
</ul><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 12pt;">These are just a few that I have thought about for a while.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 12pt;">In the organization we are meeting with there are 13 steps.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Just looking at them makes me anxious.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 12pt;">Here are all the steps:</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><ol style="margin-top: 0in;" type="1"><li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 12pt;">Call Adoption SF <span style="color: red;">(DONE)</span></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 12pt;">Attend orientation <span style="color: red;">(As of tomorrow DONE)</span></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 12pt;">Fill out the Family Fact Sheet</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 12pt;">Personal interview</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 12pt;">Training program</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 12pt;">Home study interviews (4-6 months)</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 12pt;">Match with a waiting child</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 12pt;">Visitation with child</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 12pt;">Child placed in home as foster child</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 12pt;">Adoption process begins</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 12pt;">Negotiation of adoption</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 12pt;">Assistance Program financial aid</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 12pt;">Finalization of adoption </span></li>
</ol><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 12pt;">These steps seem intense but most important. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 12pt;">Here are my thoughts on the steps that I have been thinking about the most:</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 12pt;">(besides the actual adoption of a child of course </span><span style="font-family: Wingdings; font-size: 12pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Georgia; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Georgia; mso-no-proof: yes; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span></span><span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 12pt;"> )</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 12pt;">Personal interview – I think will be the most interesting.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What will they ask?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m sure they will ask everything around the sun.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I wonder if it will feel like I’m back in the principal’s office.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 12pt;">Home study interviews – Our home is always in place and looking nice.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I wonder what else?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Do we need to child proof stuff just in case?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What will the 4 – 6 month study interviews go over?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 12pt;">Renegotiation of adoption – I believe this is when you speak with or about the birth parents about an open or closed adoption.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The reading I have done over this seems to me there are so many different options it’s kind of doing what you feel is best on both terms.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jose I think would prefer a closed adoption but I don’t know if I’m full on either side.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My heart tells me closed adoption but my mind sometimes opens up about the open adoption because I also feel for the birth parents and if the child has seen them through out their lives, why take that away from them? I know it will be hard on any outcome but what is best for our child we will figure that out when the time comes.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 12pt;">Enough about the steps,</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 12pt;">Reading books on gay adoption is wonderful and the problems are scary but making it a reality will be much harder than just reading about them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No matter how hard it will be, I’m ready to be a father.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s funny really; Jose and I the other day were talking about the time span of adoption.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I told Jose that it could be until the end of the year depending on how fast we want to get through the classes and such.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He quickly told me he wanted to way until next summer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 12pt;">I feel if we are ready now, let’s do this now.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However I feel we both might re-discuss the time frame after we go to orientation and the process begins.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I feel we can’t really plan everything out like we hope.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We are true planners and I feel like this is going to be a rude awakening in a good way.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I think this experience will help “chill” us out a little more.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 12pt;">Tomorrow will be a hard day to get through because the orientation is 6 – 8pm so hopefully the clock will tick by faster than normal.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 12pt;">I know orientation is just the very VERY tip of the iceberg but to me it’s the important step to take (and we are wanting to take) that will change your life and start building a family the best you know how.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That my friends is what I’m excited for.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 12pt;">Wish us luck and can’t wait to fill you in.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Hopefully I can get a good nights rest but I’m probably too amped up to really sleep.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However showing up tomorrow with dark circles around your eyes isn’t the best first impression either.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div></span></span></span></div></div></div>Daddies' Journeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01072678899219307167noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8067821591045016930.post-25374695438653082902011-03-05T17:58:00.000-08:002011-03-09T19:44:01.373-08:00Featured on "Born This Way" blog!<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I’m super excited about this blog!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s a great blog about people telling their stories with pictures of themselves from super young to about 12 years old.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Some stories are funny, powerful and some are sad.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The stories come from all over the world, it’s such a great idea that Paul came up with.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">If you want to follow him on Twitter here is his twitter:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>@BornThisWayBlog</span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Just be warned it’s pretty addictive but very interesting.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There are so many people besides me that have submitted their story’s so start READING already!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you want to see my story click on the link below!</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><a href="http://borngaybornthisway.blogspot.com/2011/03/jimmy.html"><span style="color: blue; font-family: inherit;">http://borngaybornthisway.blogspot.com/2011/03/jimmy.html</span></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Hope you enjoy!!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Feel free to comment and don't forget to click </span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span>Fabulous</span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span>Funny</span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span>Cutie!</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.25in;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Or</span></div><div class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span>Great Story</span></div>Daddies' Journeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01072678899219307167noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8067821591045016930.post-72286376130170287502011-03-02T20:33:00.000-08:002011-03-02T20:33:45.857-08:00Baby Blanket Adventure!!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span> <span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The reason of wanting to make a baby blanket is that some of our very best friends just adopted a baby girl.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As soon as I heard about it I felt I had to do this.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s such a special occasion and I couldn’t think of anything else I could do but make something by hand.</span> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">So……..</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Finally I was able to meet up with one of my best girlfriends (Ms. Melissa) and put this baby blanket together!</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">After arriving at 6pm this is what was waiting for me:</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-tQycNqvdJJI/TW8To0ivPKI/AAAAAAAAADk/0GzHCt7w91E/s1600/Babby+Blanket+3.2.2011+002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" l6="true" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-tQycNqvdJJI/TW8To0ivPKI/AAAAAAAAADk/0GzHCt7w91E/s400/Babby+Blanket+3.2.2011+002.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sea bass, fruit, potatoes, asparagus (so yummy)</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><span style="font-family: inherit;">After literally stuffing my face with some great food and wonderful company, we looked at each other and we said:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>the day has come! <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Let’s tackle it!</span></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-HMi0EUxWdPs/TW8VBj6WwAI/AAAAAAAAADo/__DsRhBCSyI/s1600/Babby+Blanket+3.2.2011+003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="400" l6="true" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-HMi0EUxWdPs/TW8VBj6WwAI/AAAAAAAAADo/__DsRhBCSyI/s400/Babby+Blanket+3.2.2011+003.JPG" width="300" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">So here are the most important items:</span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span>Fabric (obviously)</span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span>Cotton stuffing</span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span>Thread</span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span>Satin binding (for the border)</span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span>Sewing machine </span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span>Sewing machine manual</span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span>A very special friend! (this is a MUST have if you are a beginner) </span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><br />
</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-Ug73fD48apU/TW8VGwMz5gI/AAAAAAAAADw/Rr4NnaDFOOU/s1600/Babby+Blanket+3.2.2011+007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="400" l6="true" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-Ug73fD48apU/TW8VGwMz5gI/AAAAAAAAADw/Rr4NnaDFOOU/s400/Babby+Blanket+3.2.2011+007.JPG" width="300" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Here is Melissa when we first started</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-VvIfa9xhyTw/TW8VJbugCEI/AAAAAAAAAD0/xwhwd8UG354/s1600/Babby+Blanket+3.2.2011+008.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="400" l6="true" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-VvIfa9xhyTw/TW8VJbugCEI/AAAAAAAAAD0/xwhwd8UG354/s400/Babby+Blanket+3.2.2011+008.JPG" width="300" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Here is when we couldn't figure out the bobbin. Or so we thought!!</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Guess what?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We were pulling the knob the wrong way!!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>THE WHOLE TIME!!!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> It wasn't the bobbin</span>. Once we finally figured out that out the sewing flew by.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am so proud of us!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I really am.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-xF_hy-Mcn_c/TW8VKh6Ez3I/AAAAAAAAAD4/gaVdHijql5Y/s1600/Babby+Blanket+3.2.2011+009.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="307" l6="true" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-xF_hy-Mcn_c/TW8VKh6Ez3I/AAAAAAAAAD4/gaVdHijql5Y/s400/Babby+Blanket+3.2.2011+009.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Here I am with the back of the blanket</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-7gv1TIIelGE/TW8VL2DGLjI/AAAAAAAAAD8/taBs-4jT4vQ/s1600/Babby+Blanket+3.2.2011+010.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="297" l6="true" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-7gv1TIIelGE/TW8VL2DGLjI/AAAAAAAAAD8/taBs-4jT4vQ/s320/Babby+Blanket+3.2.2011+010.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I'm trying not to laugh and poke my finger with a needle. </span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Here are the pictures of the final product:</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-bPX6SvftNHo/TW8VNJbzk_I/AAAAAAAAAEA/r_mWGRLMovk/s1600/Babby+Blanket+3.2.2011+013.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="300" l6="true" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-bPX6SvftNHo/TW8VNJbzk_I/AAAAAAAAAEA/r_mWGRLMovk/s400/Babby+Blanket+3.2.2011+013.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></div><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-fAyLNIUKQn4/TW8VOvgJLrI/AAAAAAAAAEE/HT8xPYnO6h0/s1600/Babby+Blanket+3.2.2011+016.JPG" imageanchor="1"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="300" l6="true" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-fAyLNIUKQn4/TW8VOvgJLrI/AAAAAAAAAEE/HT8xPYnO6h0/s400/Babby+Blanket+3.2.2011+016.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span> <div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Final thought about the baby blanket. Besided\s the heart to heart with a good friend and really getting to know each other, I really enjoyed making the blanket. I found it was easier if you have somebody help at first so you can really grasp the project at hand. Will I make one again? Sure I will. Maybe my next one will be for mine? Or maybe I can up the notch and make a full blanket if we have an older child. We'll have to see. This blanket was only a yard, I can't imagine making a large one. </span></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"></div></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span>Daddies' Journeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01072678899219307167noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8067821591045016930.post-11614671230328258632011-02-26T11:04:00.000-08:002011-02-26T11:04:32.409-08:00Weekend In Sequim<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/--dc4z-t-8OU/TWlOMbHcMnI/AAAAAAAAADc/W6yNNiWkJwQ/s1600/045.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" l6="true" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/--dc4z-t-8OU/TWlOMbHcMnI/AAAAAAAAADc/W6yNNiWkJwQ/s400/045.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jose and I in the horse barn</td></tr>
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</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Jose and I went to Washington State to see my family to surprise my sister on her 25<sup>th</sup> birthday.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The surprise was great and she was happy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We had to go because she got into WSU so I don’t know when the next time I will be able to see her.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-jxpjlhH11mQ/TWlOOmukBII/AAAAAAAAADg/ZakAO65AfVQ/s1600/048.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" l6="true" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-jxpjlhH11mQ/TWlOOmukBII/AAAAAAAAADg/ZakAO65AfVQ/s400/048.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Happy Birthday Melissa!!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">While we were there my mom, my Aunt Wanda and Jose had a chat about adoption.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My mom is very excited about the possibility and a wonderful surprise my aunt is as well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I just never know what to expect from anybody so when I get a positive response I definitely count my blessings.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We chatted about ages, what issues we can deal with or what we can’t deal with.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was a very moving conversation (maybe because at that moment I was also going through pictures of my sister and I while we were growing up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For me, having my family stand with us in the decision emotional and powerful.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My mom made sure to tell us that no matter if the child is biological or adopted, that child will always be loved by them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My heart sank.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s only a little over a week away before orientation and the time has actually flied by.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-QBHks3KCdF8/TWlOHykPHbI/AAAAAAAAADY/SSKS1bPYIQg/s1600/029.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" l6="true" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-QBHks3KCdF8/TWlOHykPHbI/AAAAAAAAADY/SSKS1bPYIQg/s400/029.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">While we were visiting Jose and I were walking around looking at the Olympic Mtns, watching the horses run around <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>and of course trying to stay clear from my family’s evil chickens (I have never liked them, I have a very dark past with chickens).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I realized how lucky I am with the family I have.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I and my sister are both gay and my family is there whole heartedly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It makes me excited to make my parents, grandparents.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My mom can’t wait to have a child in the family again; there hasn’t been one since my sister grew up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I sure hope this week and 3 days go by fast.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I just can’t wait!</span></div>Daddies' Journeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01072678899219307167noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8067821591045016930.post-42156531476975572272011-02-16T19:33:00.000-08:002011-02-17T07:16:10.934-08:00Family is so important<span style="font-family: inherit;">While cooking dinner last night (it totally turned out delish!!):</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> <a href="http://holajalapeno.blogspot.com/2010/10/easiest-fried-chicken-recipe.html"><span style="color: blue;">http://holajalapeno.blogspot.com/2010/10/easiest-fried-chicken-recipe.html</span></a></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I started to think about the importance of family and what role they play in your life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As much as I would like to think that I personally could make it out there all on my own I honestly don’t know what I would do without my family.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Good or bad they all play a part in my development.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Luckily Jose and I both have such good families, Jose’s mom is so gentle and loving it’s unbelievable.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Even though I have yet learned enough Spanish to keep up a conversation you can feel the love through her actions, her smile, and her laugh.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She has a great laugh.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As far as his sisters, can you say amazing?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They all are nothing short of that.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His nephews and nieces are obviously the cutest; they call me uncle which it’s the funniest.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I love every bit of it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Becoming a part of Jose’s family was the easiest; right off the back his mom would constantly fill my plate even though I was so old I couldn’t eat another bite.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His sisters talk to me and still quiz me about stuff, and his nieces and nephews tell me about their day to day life which I can’t get enough of.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I believe Jose is such a wonderful man because of his mom and sisters.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He is strong, and knows what he wants and nothing you do will make him feel different.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have them to thank for such a wonderful husband.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-U2Gk-9X4LM0/TVyWb2FfgDI/AAAAAAAAADU/oS_iooGyFoQ/s1600/IMG_0091.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" j6="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-U2Gk-9X4LM0/TVyWb2FfgDI/AAAAAAAAADU/oS_iooGyFoQ/s400/IMG_0091.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">As for me both my parents they taught me if you work hard, things will work out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I find that to be true for the most part.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My grandparents are a second set of parents to me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They taught me to always be a good person, never judge and just show who you are.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Just the other day I spoke to my grandma on the phone and she called me her “special guy”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m almost 29 and I still don’t get tired of hearing that.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My sister has always taught me that determination can get you to where you want to go and to never give up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She is still going after her dream to become a vet even though it may take her a little longer (she is 4 years younger than I am but I have always looked up to her).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To my aunts and uncles except one aunt, they have always loved me no matter what and have always tried to understand me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They taught me that even if you don’t understand, try.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To that except one aunt, she has taught be that her ignorance will not drag me down anymore.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Even though she told me she couldn’t congratulate me on my marriage to my husband because she thinks what I am is wrong.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have spent 2 years strongly disliking her and never wanting anybody to mention her name because a fire would burn in my soul.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Now, she no longer controls my feelings.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Do I forgive her?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No, I have just decided to move on and be happy and not to think about how she could do this to me?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Why would she say these things to me?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I stopped caring, it has been the most freeing thing I have ever done.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So what she has taught me is that sometimes ignorance gets the best of people, if they decide not to educate themselves, what can you do?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Just move on and be happy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I feel since we want a child I need to learn these lessons so everything will be a pro in our child’s life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I want no anger in our lives, no resentment.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Only love and happiness.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div>Daddies' Journeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01072678899219307167noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8067821591045016930.post-33103168383972855102011-02-13T11:13:00.000-08:002011-02-13T11:13:58.558-08:00My first pie!!! That’s right, you heard me!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JLZjaoCjq8k/TVgspeQUEqI/AAAAAAAAADQ/yYTY_DdtuKk/s1600/IMG_0151.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" h5="true" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JLZjaoCjq8k/TVgspeQUEqI/AAAAAAAAADQ/yYTY_DdtuKk/s400/IMG_0151.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Since I’m trying to learn how to like cooking I decided to dive right in.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Why not bake a pie from total scratch, including the crust.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Crazy right?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A little yes.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">On my journey I have found if you make it yourself it means more, or at least you feel better about it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have obviously had pies in the past but they were store bought and the taste was never as sweet as my first.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Again this recipe is from my good friend Kate (I like to call her my personal Julia Child).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s an easy recipe but for beginners, have fun!!</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Things I need to remind myself when I start to cook or bake something new:</span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span>Don’t be hard on yourself if it doesn’t turn out as you planned. </span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span>It’s your first time so don’t have an anxiety attack, its ok – just breathe!!!!!</span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span>When reading directions on how to make it look pretty but you can’t make it look like it, it’s ok – the most important thing is the taste!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RC7vI-DmqG4/TVgsmxLRljI/AAAAAAAAADM/2EEjxZl5RNs/s1600/IMG_0148.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" h5="true" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RC7vI-DmqG4/TVgsmxLRljI/AAAAAAAAADM/2EEjxZl5RNs/s400/IMG_0148.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">This pie is not a pie, it’s a masterpiece.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The only thing I did different was use blueberries instead of raspberries.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><a href="http://holajalapeno.blogspot.com/2010/09/peach-raspberry-pie-recipie.html"><span style="color: blue;">http://holajalapeno.blogspot.com/2010/09/peach-raspberry-pie-recipie.html</span></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Funny note about my first time baking this pie!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After crating the crust I decided to put it in my “pie pan” then I noticed uuuummm I bought a cake pan.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Haha so my pie turned out to look more like a cake.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Ooohh this is one for the memory book for sure!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was wondering why the crust wouldn’t flap over like in Kate’s blog picture.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Of course after the pie was ready to serve I gave Jose the first piece and said “good luck, hope you survive”, and he did!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He said it was really good, I thought he was lying at first until I saw him get another piece.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I am starting to find cooking and baking empowering in its own way (especially since the whole time I was baking I blast Lady Gaga’s “Born This Way”).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Like I said before, it tastes so much sweeter if you make it yourself.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>On to the next project, wish me luck.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div>Daddies' Journeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01072678899219307167noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8067821591045016930.post-36451692455457059512011-02-09T19:42:00.000-08:002011-02-09T19:44:28.966-08:00To stay in the city or not to stay in the city, that my friends is the question.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" h5="true" height="131" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hcKDRVhjsNQ/TVNe4sBhmEI/AAAAAAAAADI/VpnDpCoFSdE/s200/istockphoto_9753214-golden-gate-bridge-and-san-francisco-skyline.jpg" width="200" /> <a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Wa2heoW5DZk/TVNdHZc3ejI/AAAAAAAAADE/79i04y3OU7E/s1600/istockphoto_2749321-row-of-houses.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" h5="true" height="124" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Wa2heoW5DZk/TVNdHZc3ejI/AAAAAAAAADE/79i04y3OU7E/s200/istockphoto_2749321-row-of-houses.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Deciding to stay in the city or not was actually not a hard decision.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We both love the city, but we both equally agree leaving is the best.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Of course we would never go far because we both work in the city but we can get more space and maybe even our own yard.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">When we discussed leaving the city my point of view is that I grew up in a small town and never lived in an apartment until I moved to Seattle (of course that was before I came to San Francisco).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I just don’t want to raise a child in the city.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I find it overwhelming as it is and I’ve been here for 7 years already. I do believe raising a child in the city does have benefits to it, I would just rather be able to come back when we want.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The city with our child can be more of an exciting event rather than being an everyday thing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I actually look forward to leaving. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It just seems the older I get, the louder the city gets.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I find myself going to bed at 9 or 10 and our neighbors are having a party and I can hear every laugh or stomp and I try sleeping with ear plugs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I guess I’m just changing and ready for the next move in our life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Now trying to figure out where to go will be the harder decision.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Where are the best schools, safer locations, and more things to do with your dog?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I think these decisions will be a bit more difficult and a lot more compromising. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></div><div align="left"><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></div>Daddies' Journeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01072678899219307167noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8067821591045016930.post-44304676024018508652011-02-05T13:19:00.000-08:002011-02-05T13:26:15.119-08:00Learning how to like to cook!<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Wanting to be a parent also means doing things you don’t necessarily want to do.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For me that would be cooking.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I find it boring and to be honest, why would you spend an hour cooking if it only takes you an average of 10 minutes to eat.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Now deciding to adopt obviously my view on this has changed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I want my child to have a very healthy diet and the only way to do that is to cook and make sure the good stuff is being eaten.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I fear of obesity in our child because it’s so common now in the U.S.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">So how did I finally figure out to like or at least tolerate cooking?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My good friend Kate, her blog is amazing.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Here is our breakfast this morning:</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Wa2heoW5DZk/TU294xeCGUI/AAAAAAAAAC0/lkm1JIL-5pc/s1600/IMG_0071.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" h5="true" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Wa2heoW5DZk/TU294xeCGUI/AAAAAAAAAC0/lkm1JIL-5pc/s320/IMG_0071.JPG" width="240" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Wa2heoW5DZk/TU296SvYZZI/AAAAAAAAAC4/w0f9YhjoGpI/s1600/IMG_0077.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" h5="true" height="254" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Wa2heoW5DZk/TU296SvYZZI/AAAAAAAAAC4/w0f9YhjoGpI/s320/IMG_0077.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: left;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Looks crazy right?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Crazy delicious!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I find on her blog to be basically beginner friendly and so many great ideas.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She has an easy section and kid friendly section.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So while Jose does 99.9% of the cooking we both have decided to be committed to pick something new every weekend each and start cooking.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I will probably cook the breakfasts (because I am up at 7am, Lola is always waiting for some play time), and Jose will do the lunches or dinner.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I think it’s a good deal.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Not only has Kate’s blog inspire me to actually cook but maybe even possibly bake.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Who knows?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One step at a time, of course.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Now about our breakfast above, beautifully yummy looking huh?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Well it is.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">What you will need is:</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">8 whole canned tomatoes</span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><br />
</span><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">1 pound mushrooms, trimmed and halved</span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><br />
</span><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">6 tablespoons olive oil</span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><br />
</span><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">8 (1/2-inch thick) slices rustic country bread</span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><br />
</span><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">1 garlic clove, halved crosswise</span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><br />
</span><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">4 ounces thinly sliced smoked ham </span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><br />
</span><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">8 large eggs</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; tab-stops: 282.75pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">* Note:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This amount makes 4 to 8 servings.<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Here is the link to her blog and the directions to the cooking.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You won’t be disappointed!</span><br />
<a href="http://holajalapeno.blogspot.com/2011/01/roasted-tomato-and-mushroom-bruschetta.html"><span style="color: blue;">http://holajalapeno.blogspot.com/2011/01/roasted-tomato-and-mushroom-bruschetta.html</span></a></div>Daddies' Journeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01072678899219307167noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8067821591045016930.post-38771681045507994452011-02-01T19:21:00.000-08:002011-02-01T19:31:21.999-08:00Happy 2nd Birthday Lola!<div align="center"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><strong>(Lola's first picture, on our way home from picking her up)</strong></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Wa2heoW5DZk/TUjLF_CNBjI/AAAAAAAAACU/G9MGiYcc6hQ/s1600/Lola1.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" s5="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Wa2heoW5DZk/TUjLF_CNBjI/AAAAAAAAACU/G9MGiYcc6hQ/s400/Lola1.bmp" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div>Today you turn 2 years old and I can hardly believe it. I still remember the day we brought you home. You were a “heavy” 1 ½ lbs. Little did we know you would not only change our lives, but also teach us so many life lessons in the short time we have had you. I can’t imagine what the next 20 years are going to be like.</div><div><br />
<div align="center"><strong>(The first time she fell asleep on me)</strong></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Wa2heoW5DZk/TUjL2T1ADnI/AAAAAAAAACY/zoipZFoNJ1k/s1600/lola2.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" s5="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Wa2heoW5DZk/TUjL2T1ADnI/AAAAAAAAACY/zoipZFoNJ1k/s400/lola2.bmp" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div></div><div>In the first 2 weeks and 2 emergency room visits our bond was nothing we have ever felt before. Right off the bat we became dedicated to you and loving you more everyday and that has been very easy to do.<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong>(Hiking)</strong></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Wa2heoW5DZk/TUjMbYSEKHI/AAAAAAAAACc/0CeozOhvprw/s1600/Lola4.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" s5="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Wa2heoW5DZk/TUjMbYSEKHI/AAAAAAAAACc/0CeozOhvprw/s640/Lola4.bmp" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div></div><div>You have always been such a good dog. Here are my top reasons why you are so amazing to us:</div><ul><li>You know all the tricks: sit, wait, down, roll over, and the newly taught trick – shake</li>
<li>You come when we call you (even if you don't want to, I can tell by the way you look at us)</li>
<li>When we go for our walks you now stop at every corner and wait for me to say OK before you cross the street</li>
<li>You are such a cuddle-bug and that tugs on our heart strings (but you already know that)</li>
<li>The way you get so excited when we have your favorite treat and before we can tell you what trick to do you perform every single one in about 2 seconds</li>
<li>You are always so happy and smiling</li>
<li>I personally love how you know I am running a bath for you and you get excited. It’s about time you like your baths </li>
<li>This is our favorite: When we are about to go out and about for the day and you see either one of us bring out your bag (because you are always with us), we put your bag down just for a second to grab something and when we come back you are already in your bag, looking up at us – smiling</li>
</ul><div>Of course there is so many other reasons why you are perfect for our family but these are just a few.</div><br />
<div align="center"><strong>(Cuddling with her cousin Rupie)</strong></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Wa2heoW5DZk/TUjM017oysI/AAAAAAAAACg/gevvi152uD0/s1600/12149_173607793191_626828191_2845560_4516592_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" s5="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Wa2heoW5DZk/TUjM017oysI/AAAAAAAAACg/gevvi152uD0/s400/12149_173607793191_626828191_2845560_4516592_n.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div align="center"></div>Ms. Lola, because of you our family has grown closer and stronger in ways that are inspiring to us. You have taught us that together we want our family to grow even more than just the three of us. Jose has never had a dog before you. In fact I had to beg him for 2 years to get a puppy and the deal was he could pick our new addition. He found you. He saw you once and that was it. He made the best choice possible. I see the way he looks at you; he looks at you with so much love and care. When I catch that look it makes me realize how good of a Papi he will be alongside me for our own child. <br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><strong>(Halloween 2010)</strong></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Wa2heoW5DZk/TUjNFVOi4bI/AAAAAAAAACk/Ux1tzZORygg/s1600/155020_465262038191_626828191_5549999_5620807_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" s5="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Wa2heoW5DZk/TUjNFVOi4bI/AAAAAAAAACk/Ux1tzZORygg/s320/155020_465262038191_626828191_5549999_5620807_n.jpg" width="273" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><strong>(Christmas 2010)</strong></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Wa2heoW5DZk/TUjNTLFkk5I/AAAAAAAAACo/Gen0SupGWyY/s1600/156683_470411088191_626828191_5624863_7376076_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" s5="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Wa2heoW5DZk/TUjNTLFkk5I/AAAAAAAAACo/Gen0SupGWyY/s640/156683_470411088191_626828191_5624863_7376076_n.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Thank you so much for everything you have done for us. Like I said before, we love you more every day. We honestly could not imagine our lives without you.</div>Daddies' Journeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01072678899219307167noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8067821591045016930.post-92073962579461537822011-01-31T19:34:00.000-08:002011-01-31T19:34:29.935-08:00Must watch documentary: My Flesh and Blood<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Wa2heoW5DZk/TUd_IQttuiI/AAAAAAAAACM/CcJrXH2KH2g/s1600/istockphoto_4545184-cute-female-superhero-character-icon-set.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" s5="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Wa2heoW5DZk/TUd_IQttuiI/AAAAAAAAACM/CcJrXH2KH2g/s320/istockphoto_4545184-cute-female-superhero-character-icon-set.jpg" width="253" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Over the weekend we watch a very inspiring and moving documentary. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was about a woman named Susan who adopted 11 special-needs kids all on her own.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There are some kids who were missing legs, <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>has <span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;">Epidermolysis bullosa and one little girls body is burned from head to toe.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Watching Susan day in and day out with these kids just astonished me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Susan has the ability to help these kids live life and not only that, they all were doing amazing in school.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I say were because the documentary was in 2003.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She adopted the kids and a earlyt age from basic childbirth.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Susan not only is a great mother but she stays in contact with the birth families of ther adoptive children, a few occations the families came together for a wedding and even a birthday.</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">To me she is a hero.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I inspire to be as wonderful of a father as she is mother.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Thank you for your story. </span></span></div>Daddies' Journeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01072678899219307167noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8067821591045016930.post-18507793595777257012011-01-29T11:18:00.000-08:002011-01-29T11:18:04.409-08:00Gay Dads"My final thoughts"<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Wa2heoW5DZk/TURj4iJiUkI/AAAAAAAAABk/5FaOPKfn4D0/s1600/DADS.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" s5="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Wa2heoW5DZk/TURj4iJiUkI/AAAAAAAAABk/5FaOPKfn4D0/s320/DADS.jpg" width="299" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">After dedicating myself to reading this book for the past few days, I realize how determined the adoptive parents are in the book.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If one adoption fell through, they tried again, if a social worker wouldn’t help them they tried again.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In one story a couples lawyer didn’t show up in court for the adoption and one father ran to find another lawyer on the spot (they waited 2 ½ years just for that final and special day).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>These fathers inspire me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s a realization if you want to be a father you can be, it just can take a lot of time (or even years).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">There are also stories of adopting older children which I was happy to read.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It seems the process isn’t as long but of course it’s no easy task either.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Older children often come with emotional problems so it takes more time for the bonding trust to settle in.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>With lots of love and understanding it will always happen in the end, at least that’s what the stories prove.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">This gives me even more hope than I had before.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The book is a great starter to my reading on to the next one.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Not sure which book is next for me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ll have to think about it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Maybe a book on the process instead of experiences?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Have a happy weekend.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s almost February already, I can’t believe it.</span></div>Daddies' Journeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01072678899219307167noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8067821591045016930.post-2753369973262735192011-01-27T21:23:00.000-08:002011-01-28T06:24:18.662-08:00What to read first?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Wa2heoW5DZk/TUI7xFKYwHI/AAAAAAAAAA0/KDkaD_orgjw/s1600/100_4800.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" s5="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Wa2heoW5DZk/TUI7xFKYwHI/AAAAAAAAAA0/KDkaD_orgjw/s320/100_4800.JPG" width="301" /></a></div><br />
<u>First up: Gay Dads (A Celebration of Fatherhood)</u><br />
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</span>If you know of any books I should be reading (especially for older adoptions) let me know!</div><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="MsoNormalTable" style="mso-cellspacing: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in; mso-yfti-tbllook: 1184;"><tbody>
<tr style="mso-yfti-firstrow: yes; mso-yfti-irow: 0; mso-yfti-lastrow: yes;"><td style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: #f0f0f0; border-left: #f0f0f0; border-right: #f0f0f0; border-top: #f0f0f0; padding-bottom: 0in; padding-left: 0in; padding-right: 0in; padding-top: 0in;" valign="top"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">I am only a couple chapters in, but I’m already more nervous than I was before. The book was published in 2004 which isn’t very long ago (but it seems so far long ago) and gay couples seem to have such a hard time adopting. In the stories, the state where the couple is located is not mentioned (or at least in the stories I have read so far), but what the couples have went through are super rough times. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">My worries so far are: </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">· Some agencies basically told a couple “good luck, nobody will allow a gay couple to adopt their child unless there is something severely wrong”. That scares me to death. It breaks my heart on both sides of that statement. Why is the only option for gay couples severely disabled children? Also that there are children out there with disabilities and no families want to adopt them or can commit the time. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">· One couple told the agency they wanted an infant but the agency offered them a 13 yr old and a 6 yr old. Last time I checked that wasn’t an infant. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">· Even some families seemed homophobic about the adoptions. Some of the family members were questioning the couples pursuing adoption because the child is going to have hard enough life and to have gay parents as well is just so much. The family situation is different for everybody. I feel if my family questioned my desire to adopt, that it would be more out of concern but it just proves the point that gay parents are seen differently. Will we ever be seen as the same?</div></td></tr>
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</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"></div><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="MsoNormalTable" style="mso-cellspacing: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in; mso-yfti-tbllook: 1184;"><tbody>
<tr style="mso-yfti-firstrow: yes; mso-yfti-irow: 0; mso-yfti-lastrow: yes;"><td style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: #f0f0f0; border-left: #f0f0f0; border-right: #f0f0f0; border-top: #f0f0f0; padding-bottom: 0in; padding-left: 0in; padding-right: 0in; padding-top: 0in;" valign="top"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">So far I've only read about couples that want to adopt infants, so I hope to find somewhere in my four books read – a – thon more families that want to adopt older adopt older children. That is my story. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">I hope the fact that I live in such a great city that is so tolerant and loving, that this process will be easier for us. Don’t get me wrong, there will be hurdle after hurdle to get through to the end. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">The orientation is only a month and 12 days away and I am counting basically every hour. Until then I’m going to keep reading and try to stay busy so I don’t go too crazy. </div></td></tr>
</tbody></table>Daddies' Journeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01072678899219307167noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8067821591045016930.post-51702673717263638762011-01-25T19:20:00.000-08:002011-01-26T18:35:28.055-08:00Why Adopt? Let me tell you why it’s so right for us<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Wa2heoW5DZk/TT-SUp9FHcI/AAAAAAAAAAY/Pc0xXryvhqI/s1600/istockphoto_6437878-child-walking-with-two-fathers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" s5="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Wa2heoW5DZk/TT-SUp9FHcI/AAAAAAAAAAY/Pc0xXryvhqI/s200/istockphoto_6437878-child-walking-with-two-fathers.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">A couple years ago after some dear friends of ours had a baby girl we had “the talk”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I believe it was more because we all of a sudden got super paternal.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We talked about the pros and cons of surrogacy and adoption and here are the reasons we went with adoption.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Adoption will be emotional and tough at first; however helping a child out that is in foster care or an orphanage is an amazing gift for him/her and also us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I believe you can feel like the biological father even though you’re not.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Blood isn’t always as thick as most people think.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As my mother taught me:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>love has no boundaries.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Since deciding to adopt our next conversation turned into age.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What age will we adopt?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To us that was an easy decision, 2 to 9 years old.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Why?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Everybody wants a new born.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Plus I like the idea of the child knowing what is going on (or at least comprehending it).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I know it will be a lot of work for our future child and for us but it will be so rewarding.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Deciding if we want a boy or girl we are open with that decision.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We are just walking into this whole situation with our hearts open and ready for our family to grow.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">After being together for 5 years now we are on the same page and wanting to go forward and start trying to become adoptive parents.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>First step:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Orientation and that is about a month away.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I on the one hand am overly excited and I always get ahead of myself and my partner is the total opposite.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He is calm and collected about getting started.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am already daydreaming, what about?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Here is my list:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Are we going to move out of the city?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What color are we going to paint their room?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What is going to be his/her favorite food?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What about his/her favorite color?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Basically I think about everything possible surrounding kids.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">This journey is going to be the most exciting and bonding experience for my partner and I and I can’t wait to begin.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ll keep you posted.</span></div>Daddies' Journeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01072678899219307167noreply@blogger.com0