13 going on 32

I am not ashamed. I have read & gone to see all of the Twilight books/movies. Last night (in case you didn't see it plastered all over Facebook & Twitter) was the last installment of the saga ("Breaking Dawn" Part 2). I went with some girlfriends & had a blast being "13" (I'm 32). So, if you're on the fence about doing something that seems "below your age bracket", I say, Go for It! It's healthy to be a kid again sometimes ;-)

1. My pre-movie dessert 2. Last time for Twilight on the marquee 3. My poster I swiped from the concession stand 4. Morning after.

The End of an Era

11/13/12 marks the end of an era for me. Beginning 11/14/12 I will be a Full-time Stay-at-Home Mommy. This is a profession I have dreamt of having since I was a little girl. It's a profession that is a privilege, not owed but earned to parents who are blessed to have it. Parenthood is a blessing from Above whether your dream is to stay at home with your child or work in other ways simultaneously as well as parent.

I began my "career" (I use that word very loosely) as a barista at Starbucks
nearly 6 years ago. It was intended to be a temporary part-time job for me as I built my private cello lessons studio after being in the medical field as a secretary for 5 years. My job at at Starbucks became the longest length of job I've ever had (how ironic, right?!).

As with any profession, there are lessons to be learned & observations along the way. Here are 4 of mine:

1. Service Industry employees are some the hardest working people I've ever met: My feet & back have never been so sore from standing/walking so much each shift, my mind so mentally taxed, my self-worth so tested.
Lesson: Tip well if eating or ordering out, be kind to all waiters/teachers/nurses/service industry workers. Just be nice to everybody ;-)

2. The true nature of humanity will sometimes be shocking: I've seen people at their absolute best & worst (similar to a bartender I would imagine). I've witnessed heartache, divorce, marriage, celebration, anger, the whole gamut.
Lesson: Be polite to your fellow human beings, you never know what kind of day they're having, and little kindness goes a long way.

3. Co-workers who become like family are hard to come by: I made life-long friends at Starbucks, people who changed & shaped my character. Lesson: Be grateful when you encounter such people in your life.

4. Going back to work after having a baby is one of the most difficult things for a parent to do.: I cried for several weeks solid each time as I drove into work (Asher was 6 weeks old).
Lesson: Future hopeful parents, save up as much time-off & funds as possible so you can stay home as long as allowed by your employer & state with your newborn. As I mentioned before, being a stay-at-home parent is a privilege that is earned not owed.

As I bid farewell to the "Siren" (Starbucks) last evening, I was overwhelmed with a thankful heart: for the 5 & 1/2 years I had a dependable job (coffee is a drug, hence daily addicts provide job security), steady hours/paychecks, free lbs of coffee & tea, countless gratis beverages, a 30% discount at ANY Starbucks globally, $4,000 cash for Asher's adoption, and much more. Why did I leave?, you may ask. Well, to me, all of that pales on comparison with being a full-time mama to my Sunnyboy. I cry when I remember how long I wanted to become a mommy, and I cry because I have a faithful hubby who has given me the ability to have a dream come true. Being a mama is the most exhausting, rewarding, valuable job I've ever had & I wouldn't trade it for anything in the world.
Hanging up the green apron & signing off, farewell coffee slaves ;-)

Openness

Photo courtesy of Katelyn Schwenker Photography

It looks like I fell off the radar a bit, sorry for the gap in posting! My family and I have had a couple of mini vacations back-to-back because I am phasing out from my current job at Starbucks. I've been working there part time for nearly 6 years as we waited & tried to have children. We were blessed with Asher last year, and my time has finally arrived to be home full time! I am so grateful for a hubby who works so hard & has a job that enables me to do this; it's been a life-long dream of mine to be a full-time mommy!

I recently have had some contact with Asher's birth grandmother "J", and I was struck with how very thankful I am that our relationship has evolved to such a point during the adoption process that we can talk (via email) frequently & fairly openly. I wanted to share about the nature of that contact and how it came about.

When we were in the midst of the adoption process through Bethany Christian Services, we received a call one day that there was a birthmom interested in meeting us. In actuality, it was J who chose our profile with 1 other for her daughter, Asher's birthmother "K." We met with both J & K in the agency's office with K's social worker from the agency. I remember how emotional J seemed in that meeting- it was extremely awkward for all of us (THE most awkward meeting I've ever been in), but for J so painful. She sat with her hands clenched in her lap trying not to cry as we talk with K, trying to get to know her and for K to get to know us. J asked us a couple of questions towards the end of the meeting (it was only about an hour total) regarding what we would do if the child (Asher) had special needs. We answered from our hearts with a trust in One higher than ourselves that we could & would accept any child placed into our care and love them no matter what.

We left that meeting not knowing with J & K would decide about choosing us, but we left with a calm peace in knowing that it was no longer in our hands. The adoption agency called the very next day to tell us that K had decided she wanted us to be her son's parents. I will never forgot that phone call or the phone call I made to the hubby telling him the news.

The next time we saw J & K was in another abbreviated meeting at the agency. This meeting was also with K's social worker from the agency. The purpose was for K to be able to make her hospital plan with us. K decided that she wanted us there as soon as she went into labor and also for the delivery of our son as well. She asked Josh (my hubby) if he'd like to be the one to cut Asher's umbilical cord. The agency social worker told us that the next time we heard from them would be at the time of K's hospital admission to give birth. About a month went by until we received that phone call. I was in the middle of cutting Josh's hair- needless to say, he got the worst haircut of his life as I hurried to finish so we could jump in the car!

We spent 3 days in the hospital with J & K waiting for Asher to make his appearance. K was a real trooper, managing through her pain and discomfort while laboring to give birth. On Wednesday, August 17th 2011 at 10:36 pm Asher Byron entered this world via C-section. We were ushered into the nursery by J (his birthgrandmother) within moments of his birth. She stepped aside after seeing her grandson for only moments to let us, his parents, meet him for the first time. J took pictures of those first moments (I was vaguely aware she was doing this, but didn't fully realize it til later when she sent the pictures to us). K was still recovering from her surgery of giving birth, and J quietly exited the room to give us privacy with Asher as the nurse continued to conduct newborn tests, etc. I still weep as I recall holding my tiny son's hand for the first time; he gripped onto me with a mighty strong little grasp and my heart was forever sealed with his. 

K wanted us to have Asher from the first moments of his birth. She wanted us to be able to do the first feedings and everything with him. J & K had a room down the hall from ours in the hospital and we took Asher over to meet K when J came and told us she was ready. It was a surreal moment to join our 2 families together in those special minutes. Throughout the next couple of days before we could be discharged to go home with Asher, J and I began to deepen our relationship. She told me more about K and their family, about Asher's conception, his half-siblings. I witnessed J caring for her daughter, Asher's birthmother, in some of the most sacrificial ways I've ever seen. Her love for K and for Asher and us was truly a miracle and gift to behold. 

 On Friday, when we were released to take Asher home (by the hospital and the adoption agency), I had a few private moments to speak with J and to give her a letter I had written to her and to B, Asher's birthgrandfather. Mere words could never say "thank you" enough to J, K, and B. We agreed to keep in touch via a private blog where Josh and I would update regularly with pictures and stories about Asher. From the blog, J and I began to email each other directly and she sends updates as well about Asher's birth family. I have a file of pictures of birthday parties, holidays, and other special occasions that J has sent to us. I save every email from her, every gift, every card. We don't have direct contact except when we meet twice a year at a mutually agreed upon neutral place such as a restaurant or park. This is simply for Asher's safety and our privacy.  J, B, and 1 of Asher's half siblings were at his first birthday and baby dedication at our church. J and I write via email frequently throughout the months and we are looking forward to a visit with her, his birthgrandfather, and 1 of his half siblings at Christmastime. I am thankful for this dear woman and her precious family- most of all for the grandson she allowed to become our son. 

Photo Courtesy of Katelyn Schwenker Photography

Happy Hallowed Eve!

So, I didn't grow up getting to always participate in Halloween or Trick-or-Treating due to my parents (safety, religious views, etc), but now that I've got a kiddo of my own, I'm having some fun with it ;-) Hope you have a blast too, however you may celebrate Fall :-)

He has 2 costumes for this evening; we're headed down to Catskill so he can go door to door with his buddies. Here's a pic of Costume A:

Windham Week

Whew! I've missed you guys! Hope you've all been well. We were away for the whole of last week on a family retreat. Some kind friends of ours own 2 cabins on Windham Mountain, and they were more than sweet to let us have our pick at no charge.

We headed up on Monday and stayed until Friday. We slept as much as we wanted enjoyed every meal together as a family gathered around the table, took full opportunity to use the jacuzzi, hot tub, & sauna, and enjoyed a hike. We even saw a Bald Eagle in the wild l! (Did NOT have the camera handy, but that memory will stay with me forever, I was so inspired & grateful).

I can't say it's been an easy adjustment getting back into the routine (lack of jacuzzi) back home but we are all very thankful for the time we had away from everything together. It's good to leave the hustle & bustle of life behind & go into "the wilderness". What do you do to get away?

A Week Here & Away

A week in collage form:

1. The Hubby was in the Adirondacks camping while Mama stayed home with the crazy kiddo.

2. Sunnyboy went to one of his first buddy's 1st Birthday parties & we discovered that GAP has an outlet store in Schenectady, NY.

3. I officially have the tools to begin newest business venture! My sewing studio will launch hopefully in November. I'm looking forward to creating handbags & much more!

*(We'll be away this weekend on a little family vacation to Windham Mountian, so I'm not sure how good cell service will be for posting; have a great week!)*

Apple Dumpling "Blossoms"

We pick a lot of apples here the "Empire State" of New York. It's one of my most favorite things we do, and as I moved here from KY it became especially meaningful to me to have a new tradition 9 years ago that we still uphold now.

So, today I made my mom's homemade pie crust & turned some Empire apples into Apple Dumplings (or "Blossoms") as some people call them.

1. Start by rolling out your favorite pie crust. (I use my mom's recipe: 2c flour, 1/2tsp salt, 2/3c Crisco, 1/3c cold water).

2. Cut flattened dough into desired shape. (I like mine to be free-hand so the edges are all different when I shape them into dumplings, but you could cut with a large cookie cutter or make circles, etc).

3. Peel 2-3 large apples, dice. Mix in a bowl with 1/8c flour, pinch of salt, 1/8c sugar, desired amounts of cinnamon.

4. Scoop apple mixture onto the center of cut dough. Gather edges of dough up around the mounds of apples.

5. Bake at 425 degrees for approx 15 min or until apples are tender & crust is lightly browned on edges.

6. Enjoy with ice cream or whatever you like, I love mine with chai tea ;-)

Busy Life

Wow. Busy or what lately?! I'm not complaining, it's just the way life is sometimes ;-) have you felt that way lately? Our house has been a flurry of activity lately (partially due to the newfound energy of a certain 13-mo.-old named "Sunny"). The hubby has been camping & this week heads off another outdoor adventure, this time in the Adirondacks, Mama (me) has been excitedly prepping her new business dream (purse making! Among other crafty things), and Sunny- well, like I said before- is exploring all he can each day including his own boundaries & limitations.

2 posts out on the blogosphere have really touched me lately, so I also wanted to share them with you. One is from a fellow-"Troyalty"-resident, thought I haven't had the pleasure of personally meeting her, I enjoy her posts about our lovely City of Troy: American Troyalty. The other is a post from today from my good friend Ben Hoak from back home in KY (I'm a Bluegrass girl by birth). He's a foster parent & I love how he shares from his heart: Merchants of Hope. I hope you'll take the time to check them out. It's worth the time.

I have a draft saved entitled "The Waiting" which was intended to be all about the laborious, intensely painful time & process of waiting for our son to enter our life; but now that I actually have a moment to pause & finish hammering that post out, I'm struck with the realization that the closed door of pain & suffering we entered into and endured is not something I want to re-open & rehash. It's not because I don't wish to share the wonderful story of Asher's adoption journey with you, but rather, I don't think revisiting the pain is healthy. I know without a doubt that there are those of you who are currently in that room of pain, and I don't take that lightly. Suffice it for now for me to say: I've been there. It sucks. I truly feel your pain with you in a very tangible way. My heart wells up right now even as I write this & feels tight in my chest because I know how unbearable "The Waiting" is. Don't lose heart. Hang on & hang in there. I'm more than willing to open my pain up for you, just not here on this blog. I sincerely want you to email me if that's something you need, and I'll readily write back (cello.hannah@gmail.com). Otherwise, I'm just completely grateful for each day I spend with this Sunny son & I'm soaking the moments up not looking backwards but forward at what's yet to come.

That being said, what have we been so busy doing? (If you follow me on Facebook or Instagram, you many have seen some of these already) You know the saying about a picture's worth, so here goes:

Technical Delays

Sorry for the delay in posting, our computer is in the shop... I've got lots to share about our weekend, going to the annual International Garlic Festival, a new adoption topic! Hope you're having a good week! I'd love to hear what you've been up to!

Treasures & Trinkets

3 Vintage "Fiddle Vases" ranging in size from 10"-14", all 3 as a set for $65 or separately $25 each. Quantities as shown.
Leave a comment to purchase, I will email you with payment info.

Adventures of Sunnyboy: Fall in NY

We're a day late getting the usual Saturday post "Adventures of Sunnyboy" up, but here it is! Thanks for your patience, we had a busy fun-filled weekend. I'll tell the tale in pictures if you don't mind ;-) Our soundtrack into Southern Rural New York State was Nora Jones "Come Away with Me", & after we dropped the Hubby off at his campsite at Thompson's Lake in Voorheesville, NY, Sunnyboy & I headed to our pj party at a friend's house. We followed the open roads through the beginnings of Fall in NY.  Can't wait to see more Fall colors!

We spent the night at my friend D's house in South Cairo, NY. She's a quilter extraordinaire & we got to preview an heirloom quilt she'd made for future grandchildren. It says "Over the river & through the woods to Grandmother's house we go", isn't it awesome?? She hand-stitched all of the detailed embroidery. 

From there we headed to Sunnyboy's buddy's house in Greenville, NY. He had a blast playing with his 3 best buds and even experienced a KidZone (indoor playground) for the first time. It was a little terrifying for him at first but he soon adjusted to the chaos & joined in the fun. His buddy's daddy is a talented contractor & their house was totally restored by his expert work. Here's a peak at the KidZone & in Sunnyboy's buddy's house (I love the exposed beams in their house). 

We spent Sunday afternoon enjoying the beautiful weather and went out to lunch at a historic cafe in Catskill, NY called the Ambrosia Diner. 

On the way back home, Sunnyboy & I stopped to pick up some Empire Apples from our favorite farm in Earlton, NY. His daddy & I have gone apple-picking every year since we've lived in NY & Earlton is where we had our very first apartment (I had a little nostalgic moment as we stopped). 

We had a blast being away for a weekend, but we were also very thankful to be back in our bustling city and see Daddy (aka the Hubby) at home. Hope you all have had a super weekend too & that you have a wonderful new week! I'm looking forward to writing about Sunny's adoption in deeper detail this week (specifically the subject of "while we waited for him"). See you again soon!