Reflections On My Life

As we approach the New Year I reflect this time of year on my life. I think about how lucky I am to have Christopher in my life. This was his second Christmas home and my life is complete now. I also think about what led us to the journey of adoption and the pain and sacrafice adopting caused at the time, and then I see the reward of being Christopher's mom. I would go through every single bit of that pain again to be his mother. As the New Year approaches I am reminded of the blessings that I have a wonderful husband and son, and parents that love me. Their love is the wind that pushes and guides me everyday of my life. I never knew how completely I could love and never knew just how BLESSED I would be to be CJ's mommy. CJ's is the beat in my heart. His love gives me the strength to accomplish anything in this world. There was a time that I thought I would never be a mom, and it made me a bitter person. Then I realized God had a special plan for Brian & I. With time my angel from above was sent to us. Christopher is the best gift I ever received.The feeling I get when he hugs and kisses no money could ever replace. I will always remember the longing I felt to hold him and the pain we felt during the adoption. This is a road that I would travel again in a heartbeat to get my greatest gift.
So as I think about the last year which was not an easy year for my family, Iam thankful that we made the journey together as a family. Without family I would not have been able to achieve my goals. I do not know what 2009 has in store for us, but I do know that with Brian and CJ we can accomplish anything.
Happy and Healthy New Year to all!!!!!

Christmas 2008

Riding in my new car with Daddy!

My special gift from Santa. I must have been a good boy!!

I'm all ready for Santa in my special Christmas pj's.

This was CJ's second Christmas home with us and Santa was very good to him. We started off a little grumpy because CJ didn't sleep well the night before. After laying in bed for another thirty minutes things turned out great. He wanted the Cadillac Escalade and Santa brought it. Once he got in the car he wouldn't get out. He stepped on the gas and almost knocked the tree down. I couldn't laugh harder.He was sooo happy and my Christmas was made. The Handy Manny tool set was another hit he loved it and won't put it down.

Santa was good to me too I got the Flip video camera because I like to video CJ. Brian got the Wii and I have been using that too. We both are doing the Wii fit and it gives you a good workout.

I wish everyone a Happy New Year!!

Christmas Time At The Christians

I can't believe he is wearing the hat. He use to cry when you put it on
him.

He was our attempt to see Santa.

CJ is telling Santa want he wants for Christmas.

My two special guys. I love them both so much!

My Little Yankee!

Our house is almost ready for Santa to appear. It is a very exciting time here in our home this year. Last weekend we decorated the lawn, put the lights around the house, and the Christmas village up inside. Christopher is really understanding more this year. Every night when we put the lights on he puts his hand over his mouth and and takes a deep breath. When you tell him that Santa is coming he claps his hands. We tried to take a picture with Santa last week but that didn't work out to well. Christopher was really afraid and I had to get into the picture, but we did tell Santa what we wanted this year. Christopher is really into dinosaurs and trains this year. We are going to put the tree up this weekend and we decided to try the train set that Uncle Lou bought him. We will see how that goes hopefully Brian has enough patience to do it.

I am really excited this year. I cannot wait to see CJ's expression on Christopher morning.

National Adoption Day!

Christopher John in 2008

A family completed.

Love a first sight. The day our journey began.

Today is National Adoption Day and as all you know my family was completed by adoption. My son Christopher was one of the lucky ones who found a family to love him, but there are so many children out there who are still waiting. I ask that you pray that they find a family to love them.

I found this poem to honor this special day.

Author: Terri Harrison

Longing for a child to love,

I'd wish upon a star above.

In my heart I always knew,

a part of me was meant for you.

I think how happy we will be

once I adopt you and you adopt me.

I dream of all the joy you'll bring,

imagining even the littlest things.

The way it will feel to hold you tight,

and tuck you in every night.

The drawings on the refrigerator door,

childhood toys across the floor.

The favorite stories read again and again,

house of games with make-believe friends.

The day you took my outstreched hand,

a journey ended but our lives began.

Still mesmerized by your sweet face,

still warmed inside by our first embarce.

I promised to give you a happy home,

a loving family all your own.

A house you've now made complete,

with laughter, smiles and tiny feet,

A parent is one who guides the way,

know I will be there everyday.

Rest easy as each night you sleep,

a lifetime of love is yours to keep.

This poem sum up exactly the emotions you feel when you are going through an adoption. I remember that first embarce with CJ and the joy my heart felt. Christopher is my world and my reason for existing. I thank the special angel that send him to my heart.

I love you Christopher John with every beat of my heart!!!!!

Happy Halloween

This was CJ's First Halloween where he was able to go trick or Tricking. He was in the Hallowen parade at his daycare. He had a great time. This year he was a dinosaur. I hope you enjoy the photos.

Fall Fun

This was an excellent weekend with my family. On Saturday we went and got CJ's costume for his Halloween parade. This year he is going to be a dinosaur. CJ has a thing for dinosaurs. On Sunday we went pumpkin picking. It is definitely not like pumpkin picking in NY. He had a blast he was running and touching all the pumpkins. Over the last two weeks CJ had blossom. He has changed in so many ways. His vocabulary has expanded and he repeats everything you say. He blows kisses before going to bed.

CJ now goes to daycare 3 days a week. He is really adjusting well. Today when I picked him up he was so happy. His teacher told me that he is really adjusting well and playing with the other children. I also got my first mommy project. He made a pumpkin and bat picture that I will cherish until I die. As a child my mom kept every picture of mine and I always told just throw it away what do you need it for. Her reply was never that these drawing mean the world to me. Today I completely understand. I am now going to start my own bag and and cherish it forever.

Christopher John has changed my life in ways I can't even describe. I saw this quote by Shelley Howington and thought it was perfect to describe my love for CJ. "I look into your eyes and see the greatest miracle given to me. You are the joy of everyday. Your smile guides my way." Christopher, I love you with every beat of my heart and Iam so proud of you!

When It Rains It Pours!

It has been very eventful in the Christian household since I last posted. To start off my dad was in a car accident this weekend. He is hurt pretty bad. A lady ran a red light and hit him. I am truly blessed that I still have my dad. My truck is damaged,but it doesn't even matter. Life is so precious and we should always treasure our love ones. I went to the doctor and I have to go for another MRI of my brain. The doctor believes it could be a tumor on my piturary gland that is causing the problems. So now there's more to worry about. I just wish everything could be alright. I feel like there is always a problem. I have tried for many months to be brave and put on a happy face, but I can't anymore. I feel so sad if I started to cry I would fill a bucket. I thank God everyday for a family that supports me. I ask everyone to please keep my family in their prayers. It has truly been a difficult year for all of us. I know our luck has got to change soon!

Happy Labor Day!!

Mama's big boy! I love you monkey!!
Just relaxing. Aren't I cute???
After a tough day of playing!

Well another summer is coming to an end and soon it will be fall. I hope everyone had a Happy and Safe Labor Day. We didn't do much today Brian had to go to work, but we did take CJ to the park and he had a BLAST!! I love watching him play and run. I could watch him all day long. I know I always say this but this child is great. He is so full of love and laughter. When things are tough and you feel like you can't take anymore, I look at him and get my strength. I know that he needs me and depends on me. What I have learn is that there is no greater gift then your family. I am so blessed to have such a wonderful family.

This week is Brian's birthday. We wish him a Happy Birthday and hope all his dreams come true. He made my dreams come true. Brian you know how much I love you and always will. You are my best friend and soulmate. Happy a super birthday baby!!!

Where has Time Gone!

It's been awhile since I have posted sorry for that. Things have been very busy since I have started work again. Iam back at work. CJ is adjusting well to that just as long as he doesn't see me before I go. I do miss our time together in the morning watching cartoons together. The weekend can never come fast enough. CJ is doing really well and is getting so big. This week we made it through the tropical storm together. Another adventure for CJ and Mommy. CJ did great in his speech therapy session. He identified 4 out of 5 animals. He also said "BYE BYE" to Ms. Cindy and gave her a hug. The hug is a big thing for CJ since it was someone besides family. Brian and I looked at putting him in daycare for three days a week. We found a great place but there is a waiting list.

On another note I still have no more test results yet, and I am getting very discouraged. It has been three months now and they are still running test on me. I will see what the doctor says when I go back to him in September. On another note I absoultey love my class this year. I really hope that enrollment goes up and that I can stay in that grade. I will try to blog weekly even though I am back at work.

Mommy Is Happy!!!!

Happy Birthday Bosco! I love you!!

He is so strong!!
This is his Woody hat from Halloween last year.
Future Yankee!!!
Having a blast!!

Today CJ went to Ms. Cindy for speech, and he did AWESOME!! I am so thrilled and proud of him. You could see that he understood what Ms. Cindy was telling Brian & I. He had this look in his eyes like I did. I practice with him all the time and it is starting to pay off. He has the m sound down pat and he is learning to use his signs. My friend had recommended this great video that she used with her children, and CJ loves it. I believe that it is definetly helping him. Thanks Julie for your great advice. On other notes I am beginning to prepare CJ for my return to work. We have bonded so much this summer and I am going to miss him soooo much!! It will be a period of transition for both of us. He is doing great with brushing his teeth and washing his hands on his own.

On another note I wanted to wish my other baby Bosco a Happy Birthday. He will be 3 on Friday. He is such a great dog to me. He is loyal and never leaves my side when I am home. He also is extremely good with CJ. He never goes to bite him when he is pounding. I love you Bosco!!

I hope you enjoyed the photos from the week!!

Happy Anniversary!

Seven years ago today I married my best friend. It was and still is one of the happiest days in my life ,the other being the day I held CJ for the first time. I am so blessed to have someone who thinks I am their moon and sun. Brian is truly my soulmate and came into my life during a time I truly need him. He is such a wonderful man and father, and I couldn't have asked for a better person to spend my life with. We have been through some trying times together, and he has always been my strength. So Brian today and everyday I thank God for having you in my life. After all these years I truly understand what your saying to me means" the eyes never lie" because each day that I look into your eyes I can see how much you love me. Happy Anniversary Baby!!

Vacation in New York

CJ and Daddy at the Zoo.
CJ with his grandparents. This truly a blessing!
My two handsome guys. I love them so much!
CJ and Aunt Melissa. This is the smile he had when he was with her.
Here he is just having a blast running around.

Our journey started last Monday and 22 hours later we were in New York. It was so great to see our family, and we had an amazing time. CJ developed such a bond with his Aunt Melissa. He wanted to be with her all the time. This is something that I always want for CJ. It made my heart feel so happy. He was able to spend time with his Nanny, Poppi, Uncle Lou, & Uncle Age. This was a great time for him to strentgh his bond with his family. We went to the Bronx Zoo , the Aquarium, and CJ even went on a fire truck. It was extremely hard to leave on Saturday my heart felt like it was in a million pieces. All I could see as we drove away was everyone crying. I cried myself to sleep that night. I wish that we all could be together and someday we will, but until then we will have to visit more. Here are some photos from our trip. Enjoy!

Great Weekend!!!

Happy 4th of July!


Here he is climbing his side.


This is CJ's pool he goes in when no one is in the big pool.
He loves the slide part. No fear of water!!!


This is one more 4th of July photo.


We had a really good weekend. Brian was home from work and we were able to spend time together playing with CJ. He really enjoying being outside playing on his swing set. He enjoyed watching the fireworks on the 4th. This was his second July 4th home with us. He now goes up to the bird's cage and says bird. He is just to cute for words. When he know that I am getting upset with him he will come real close to my face say "hi" and then give me a kiss. Does he know how to melt his mother's heart?

CJ's First 6 Months Home Video

Even though it's over 6 months. I thought I share this video with you all!

What a Weekend!

Let's start with the good news. CJ went to a new Dr. on Monday. We like her alot she is very though. He now weighs 31 pounds and is 3 feet tall. He is just sprouting up. She told us not to worry so much about his speech this was good news. I was very concerned when Miss Cindy Cj's speech Therapist told me that he was severely delayed. I don't know how to help him. She said that he needs intensives therapy. I worry about this all the time. His new words this week were ball and good. He is full of energy and is healthy. I look at him each day and thank God for sending us this beautiful boy. Our life was empty without him he fills our day.

Photo Contest

I entered CJ into a photo contest. I ususally don't get involved with these things.A friend of mine did it, so I thought let's give it a shot. It would be great to win the photo it is a $400 value. Anyway even if he doesn't win he will always be the cutest to his parents. For all of you that voted already thank you so much. We love and cherish you all.

We are back!

I am going to try this blog again. Christopher is getting so big and brings joy to my life each and every day. I will try to blog at least 2 times a week to stay in touch with everyone.