Another One Year Old

Today, I am no longer a momma to any babies.  I now have two toddlers, both a year old.  Although, I still see Atticus as baby-like most of the time, but that will soon end.  Every day he is becoming more and more independent and seeming more and more like a little boy.  I can't let myself stop and think about how fast they are growing, I'll start crying if I do. 

Last night, Eric and I spent some time watching old videos of when the boys first came home, and even some from when we were with them in Congo.  It took everything in me not to sob as I watched.  Anyone who says that you can't love an adopted child as much as a biological child needs to come see me.

It's a weird feeling; being excited about the next stage, yet wanting to go back to when they were smaller, and also loving the stage they're in right now.  Maybe that's why I have been such an emotional mess lately.  Despite all of these feelings, I am going to do my best not to focus on the past or the future, but rather on the present, at whatever stage they are in.  I want to enjoy them now so I don't miss anything.

So, here's to Atticus' new stage, being 1 year old.  What fun we will have over the next year!  Happy Birthday buddy!

Oh man, my baby's growing up!

Weekend Wears

Well, it's more like "weekend wear" this time.  On Saturday, I spent most of the day making food for a party and the evening was spent at the beach.  Don't judge me, but I didn't shower and stayed primarily in a goodwill tee and ratty jeans.  Then on Sunday, we threw a surprise party for my mother-in-law, and with all the hustle and bustle, I failed to take any outfit photos.  But I guess that's the way life goes sometimes, eh?

I did, though, manage to take photos on Friday.  Eric and I were kiddo-less and met some friends for dinner and coffee/games.  We had some time to kill before meeting said friends, so we stopped by a wooded trail on the way.  It was really pretty, although I felt a little awkward standing in the middle of a grassy area as bikers and joggers went by.

Top: Eric's hand-me-down, altered to fit me  /  Jeans: Gap

Tomorrow is Atticus' birthday, which is super weird.  We have lunch with family and then dinner to celebrate on Wednesday.  This is going to be a pretty busy week, followed by another busy weekend.  I love everything that goes on in the summer, it just goes by so fast.

Beach Fun

Yesterday wasn't the first time the boys had gone to the beach, but it was the first time I remembered any sort of camera, including my phone.  So far, the boys have had a ton of fun every time we've taken them, and this time was no different.

We went toward the end of the afternoon, so it wasn't too hot, and it didn't conflict with nap time.  Our friends, the ones here from TN, came too.  The only unfortunate part was that the water was super cold, I'm talking 57 degrees cold. Despite the lack of swimming, it was still a fun time, and I still was able to finally get some beach pictures of the boys. 

The Search for a New Doctor

Up until now, the boys have been seeing Eric's doctor, a family doctor.  We were excited because not only was Eric already a patient at the office, but he had experience with adopted families.  This was something that was very important for us to find.  We didn't know what kind of issues the boys might have, and our hope was to find someone who could speak from experience.

Now that they have been home for more than half of their short little lives, I am discovering some things that I do not prefer about their doctor.  He's a nice guy, but I just don't think that he's right for us any longer.  I have spoken with some friends who also have little kids, and it seems like a lot of people who see family doctors aren't very happy.  I think it has to do with the fact that they are required to see such a range of patients instead of focusing on a specific kind of patient (children, women, seniors, etc).

But the million dollar question is, how do you find another doctor?  I know that a lot of people interview doctors, but when you already have children, it's a lot harder to tote them around to doctor meet and greets.  I have received several recommendations, which are very helpful, but oftentimes the office isn't accepting new patients, or they don't accept my insurance carrier, etc, etc.

Then what?  Should I open up the yellow pages?  Pay to become a part of some business review group, which may or may not help me find what I'm looking for?  Should I stay where I'm at?  It's such a hard thing to know.  There's so much more pressure than looking for a new hair stylist.  I don't mind seeing several different stylists, but I don't want to be changing my kids' doctor every few visits.  I think it is really important to find someone you really like and stick with them.  Then you can develop a history together and it can make treating your child a lot easier.  But again, how do you find a good pediatrician?  Please, pediatrician fairy, come and light my way!

My goal is to find a pediatrician by their next appointment, which is August 8th.  If I don't, I am not going to freak, but will just keep searching.  How did you find your pediatrician?  Any tips you want to send my way?  I'd love the help.  Parenting is definitely rewarding, but it can also be tough, so help a fellow momma out!

It's All Over

Yes, yes, I am that nerd.  I read all the books (only once though) and watched all the movies.  And I can't deny that I loved every second of it.  Who doesn't want to root Harry on?!

Eric and I originally talked about going next weekend, but I secretly wanted to convince him to go tonight.  But before I could, my friend Kate asked if I wanted to go to the midnight showing.  Despite having a busy day and needing to get up early, I couldn't resist.

We arrived at the theatre an hour and a half before showtime, and killed time on our phones and eating popcorn and sour patch kids/junior mints.  Although I have read the books, I was still on the edge of my seat in anticipation.  I thought about re-reading them recently but opted not to in order to make the movie better (reading a book and then watching the movie shortly after is a recipe for disappointment).  I'm sure glad I didn't, because the movie as AWE-some.

I'm so glad Kate asked me to go.  Neither of our husbands get into Harrry Potter, so it was fun to go with someone who was as excited as I was.  Like, I was really excited.  Excited enough to take this...

What a dork.