Breakfast in bed

Britanie woke me up this morning with breakfast. It was so wonderful. She had made an egg sandwich with fried ham....and a smoothie....and there was a mandarin orange, cherries and chocolate covered coconut treats. Oh....and orange juice. I guess I forgot to tell her that I'm not a big eater. But, I ate it all with joy in my heart. She stood right there and watched me. Good thing it wasn't chocolate pancakes with ketchup. I am definitely grateful for a teenager that knows food. :)

First Gift :)

We received our first gift from Britanie. She made it at school. Quilting and all. She made us a card and everything wishing us a happy anniversary.

I fear that I am going to be a mother pack rat. I loved the pillow. If she makes anything else my house is going to get cluttered. Funny thing....it doesn't bother me. The clutter of having a family isn't too bad. I thought I would go crazy with my OCD obsession. I've had friends comment already about how I'm handling the mess. But, I am quite relaxed in a home filled with Britanie stuff :D

15 Years!!!

Today is our fifteenth wedding anniversary. Sometimes it is hard to believe that it has been that long. (Dan doesn't seem old enough:))

Through these past years we have learned so much about each other that we don't even have to say anything out loud. Just a look or a movement can tell us what each other is feeling or thinking. I am so grateful for the time that we have had together. Adding Britanie to the equation at this point in time has been a blessing. I don't think we would have been able to do this even two years ago. We were truly ready for this next step. I would never trade our time for anything. As much as I would have loved to be part of Britanie's life when she was younger...I am grateful that Dan and I have had so much time just the two of us. He is my very best friend and I couldn't imagine spending the rest of my life with anyone else. Even eternity is not enough for me.

I love Daniel with all of my heart. And am so grateful to be a parent with him.

Red Robin

Dan and I went to Red Robin today for lunch. We are trying to keep busy while Britanie is at school. (Work is not really even an issue right now. Luckily, no one is calling with a bug problem.) Anyway, we went to lunch. The person who showed us to our table asked us if we have anything exciting planned for the weekend. Of course, we just shrugged our shoulders and said "we're adopting...does that count?" When we told her that Britanie was 14 years old she started crying. Then she told us that lunch was on them. (She happened to be the manager) She was so excited that we were adopting a teenager. She kept saying thank you. (And still crying). It was so sweet. Why is it that when you get a free lunch you are never really hungry? So when we were finished with our lunch....a procession of employees came out carrying this:








While Dan and I were eating the manager went to a florist and bought these for us. And then she had all of the employees sign the card. I have never had such wonderful service from complete strangers before. It was the most amazing experience to be pampered like that. And as we left everyone was wishing us congratulations through tears.

Grumpy mornings....

OH MY GOODNESS!!! Britanie is so freaking cute in the morning. She did not want to get up this morning. And she moans and groans and whines....and it is the cutest thing in the whole world. Especially when her hair is going everywhere. :) I would post a picture....but I'm trying to keep her liking me right now :D

Friday it is!

Wow. What a circus! Between talking to our caseworker, Britanie's caseworker, their supervisors, Britanie's school and the people at the group home....we have all come up with Friday as our day to officially bring Britanie home and leave everything else behind. It is about time :) We are all very excited.

Prayers answered

We pulled our new parental strings and got the ok to spend the week in Portland with Britanie. We are staying in a hotel and taking her to school everyday. (Thank goodness for mobile businesses)

What a blessing it is to spend time with her. We hated having to leave her at the group home. She is so happy...and so are we. Even if we have to live out of a suitcase for a little while :)

Details to follow...

Honeymoon

The transition period for adoptees is called the honeymoon. And what a honeymoon we had this weekend. When Britanie first got here she was very shy and not very outgoing. Kind of sad and kept to herself. Totally Normal!!!

Friday we took her shopping and bought her personal stuff and clothes. What fun it was to find sales. We would walk into a store....find her size (which by the way is almost non-existent) and grab all the colors and styles we liked. What fun to shop for someone else. We came home and worked around the house while she unpacked all of her stuff and set up her room the way she wanted it. We spent the evening together at home. She makes amazing guacamole....enough that Dan even tried (and liked) it. I've been trying to get him to eat that stuff for 15 years...she is only here a day and he does it for her......hmmmmm.

Saturday we slept in. Boy, did that feel good after shopping all day the day before. We went up to Wilsonville to Bullwinkle's fun center. We found out that she loves to drive....(as most 14 year olds will). We did the go carts quite a few times. I've never done those before. It was a blast.



Sunday we decided that the weather was so good that we needed to go to the coast. We found a dog sitter and took off. We ended up staying at agate beach in a hotel. We walked the beach...took lots of pictures....one being the one at the top of the blog. We went swimming in the pool. And we dyed her hair platinum blond. She wants purple tips....but I don't think that will fly with Dan. We will see how much she can manipulate his decision :) Dan and her had pillow fights until around 11pm. I was pretty sure they were going to kick us out of the hotel for noise.....but....they didn't :)



Monday we ordered room service for breakfast and hung around in the room until noon. And started our trek home. None of us wanted to come back here because we knew that we would have to take her home by 9pm. She was playing with our phones on the way home and changed all of the settings with pictures of her. But the one text that I got from her I will remember forever. She sent a note that said "D+L+B=Family". When we did get home we decided to do a little pool time. We found that she does NOT like spiders (definitely my daughter). She clung to Dan in the pool every time she saw anything that resembled a spider. Boy can she move fast when she wants to. The most difficult part of the night was dropping her back off in Portland. It was very emotional for all of us. We didn't want to do it. She even got us lost on purpose because she was trying to stall. When we finally did get to our destination.....she introduced us as her mom and dad. I thought I was going to cry right there in front of everyone. Dan and I both saved it for when we got in the car later.

It amazes us how much you can fall in love so quickly. I know I felt that way for Dan when I first met him....but I didn't think I would get that twice in my life. Britanie completes us. She is a pure joy. And this has been the best weekend of mine and Dan's entire life. Even our own honeymoon doesn't compare. And we are both ok with that. We cannot wait to have her in our home permanently....and we are hoping that will be this next weekend.



We don't know how long the honeymoon will last. But we are sure enjoying it while it does. At some point we will become a normal family....with normal problems. But for now.....it is pure bliss.

THIS WEEKEND!!!

I just talked to my daughter on the phone. She really wants to meet us TODAY....NOW. She is coming tonight and she is spending the entire weekend with us. I cannot stop shaking. I have never felt this wonderful in my entire life!!!

IT IS OFFICIAL!!!

As of 11:13 and 57 seconds AM we are now the proud parents of a lovely daughter. She is 59" long and 90lbs. Her name is Britanie Leilani Nichol Pippert. Her birthday is February 3, 1995. She has brown hair and hazel eyes.

We have been waiting a very long time to have her in our lives...and are very excited to be new parents. We will not be able to meet her for another seven days. She will most likely be placed with us on our 15th wedding anniversary (May 28). Here is the funny thing...if we had birthed this beautiful child....she would have been a honeymoon baby. Almost to the day.

We are so excited for all of you to meet her. Be patient...this will be a huge transition for her and we do not want to overwhelm her. We will contact everyone individually for a personal meeting. Thank you all very much for your love and support. We will fill you in with all the wonderful details.

OK......NOW I'M SAD :(

Got a call from the caseworker. Turns out Britanie's caseworker has been really sick and they almost had to postpone the committee.....which would have made it in June or July. Luckily.....she feels good enough to go through with it. Oooooooh I would have been so upset. Poor Britanie.

The other news....is not as lucky. Our caseworker, Britanie's caseworker and all of their supervisors wanted to waive the 5 day grace period after committee. They proposed that to the main office......DENIED!!! So, we all have to wait 5 business days to meet each other after tomorrow. Turns out last weekend wasn't our last weekend with just the two of us. The upside is that she will probably be placed with us ON our 15th anniversary date. Which means we have so much more to celebrate on that day :D

NO SLEEP

This is the last day of unknowing. And I am having problems sleeping. Dan can sleep through a tornado if he had to. But me.....even drugged...Not so much. Too many things racing through my mind. I keep thinking of tons of stuff to do....but then I have to put it off because it would be a perfect family together project. So of course I'm just adding to my problem. I wonder if I will be able to sleep after we spend time with her.....or if it will take a while to get used to. I hope I'm not going to be a creepy mom staring at her while she sleeps. :D

Feeling so much better!!!

FINALLY....the doctors decided to give me antibiotics for a bacterial infection that they have always known I've had. They just didn't know WHY I had it. Strange how some doctors will give you antibiotics at the mere mention at being sick and some stay so far away from them that they make you suffer for four months before they decide to do anything. It has been a week now and I feel great. I am up and about again and doing tons of stuff around the home. The only problem I seem to have now is my legs are aching. But, I'm pretty sure it is because I am actually using them now. :D

BUSTED!!

Dan and I took the weekend off from ALMOST EVERYTHING. We really enjoyed turning the phones off for two days and just doing whatever came to mind. We did a lot of work in the back and side yards.....but it was worth it!

Yesterday was pretty warm. Not scorching....but warm. We thought....hmmmm....ice cream. Sounds great.....OH WAIT.....it's Sunday.

Don't go....

Don't go....

Don't go....said the little voice in our heads:)

But we obviously took the time of from the little voice in our heads too. We went to Baskin Robbins. Yummy. As we were sitting at the traffic light ready to go home...I kept thinking....we are pretty close to Natalie's house. We better be careful not to get caught. So, I was watching the cars across the way to see if I recognized any from her blog. Nope.....we were safe. Then a look to the left....NATALIE....in a jeep. She didn't say anything about a jeep!!! If I was going to run into anyone....I guess I'm glad it is Natalie....she smiled and said "it's your last weekend!" I'm so glad she understands.....but why is it that we always get caught?

We are usually pretty good about Sundays. Keeping the Sabbath day holy is very important to us. But, it is funny that we know when we are doing something out of character....that is usually when we go sneaking around. Only doing things in the side or back yards to be hidden by the fence. Or in the garage with the door mostly closed so people cannot see inside. What we always forget is the one we are trying to hide from is able to see what we are doing no matter how much we try to hide. We just have an allusion that it is the people we are hiding from.

The only regret I have about yesterday is that Natalie had her oldest daughter with her. She saw that we were NOT keeping the Sabbath day. Adults who are supposed to be role models. I am very sorry for that :( But grateful too...it has made the little voice louder in my head. And next time I hope I listen :)

Hanging Garden

We are trying a new idea this year. I've been wanting to do this garden for quite some time...but our yard is not necessarily garden worthy. Also, this way you don't have slugs or weeds...the dogs cannot reach them.....AND you don't have to bend over to get your harvest.



Although this garden is not as spectacular as some (Amy & Peter)...It fits our yard and my ability. Plus it adds new dimension to the back. There used to be fifteen foot arborvitae where the pergola now stands. (I'm still mad at the neighbors for that!!)



I hope it works. I'm excited for harvesting time :) I don't think corn would work this way though.....must think of something to do for them.....

This is it !!!

Our final weekend as just Dan & Leslie Pippert. Our case worker came by today and told us to be ready to spend next weekend in Portland meeting Britanie. We will get a hotel up there for a few days and spend all day with her doing anything we want to....if she decides she wants to come back with us at night to stay in the hotel....it is her choice. At the end of the three or so days.....we pack her up and bring her home.

This has been one of the longest few weeks of our lives. I've actually had times that I looked at the clock thinking that the battery died. I'm really not complaining...we have had some amazing days that have lasted forever. Ones that would have just flown by if we weren't paying attention. It has been wonderful. But we were told it would fly by......it so hasn't.

This has been a truly amazing experience. We are so grateful for all of our friends and family that have been supportive through this. Thank you all!!! :D

I thought it over....

So, last night when I posted about Britanie.....I was really mad at the State. I thought....What could they be thinking? Leaving a child in the dark? Knowing it is causing her more grief than she already has to deal with. I thought they were supposed to be the good guys. The ones that really cared about the kids feelings (Well, that is another blog in itself really).

But after I thought it through, I realized it is the right thing to do. Imagine being in the adoption process. Being a 14 year old girl and all alone in the world. Would you rather not have a clue? Or would you want to know that out of thousands of families looking for children....ONLY ONE chose you? Looking at it with all the information in my hands.....I would rather be in the dark. She doesn't know that.....and I hope she never finds out....but, I guess she is getting the least amount of stress that the State can give. All we can do now is pray that her burden will be lifted.

In other news.....

Did you know that they have physical therapy for bladders? I went to the Urologist today and had a horrible, horrible test done. I don't recommend it to anyone.....But, we found out that I raised my bladder wrong. The doctor says that my muscles are too strong. They do not allow for normal flow. (I guess this was one of the reasons that I was so good at Uno wrath ((a drinking game)). I can hold my bladder too well. He says that when I get older that can be a bad thing. So I have to go to a physical therapist to retrain my body to relax my bladder. I know....not something that you really like to read in a blog.....but I thought it kind of interesting. Just another thing that went wrong in my childhood I guess.

If you ask my brother (a pilot) about my bladder.....he would say it was the weakest one around. I always have to go to the bathroom when I fly with him. And my best friend in middle school would love to tell you of countless times that we went to the mall and I laughed so hard it ended in us in the bathroom getting my pants all the way wet so no one would know what happened. (Those days are in the past thank you) And another reason it is good we are adopting an older child is that I won't have to play hide and seek with her. It never fails that I have to go to the bathroom as soon as I hide. I don't know what this doctor is talking about. I can't imagine that I would train myself to hold my bladder. :D

Update on Britanie

We talked with our adoption worker today. I guess Britanie is starting to act out. She is getting restless. Nothing big....just not wanting to eat certain foods and not talking to certain staff members. She is in a group home with six other girls in similar situations. She has now been there the longest and the new girls are picking on her. They think she is a goodie two shoes....kind of a delinquent nerd. (Of course I think that is great, because she is such a good girl)

I feel terrible....I've been blogging about how nervous I have been. We just found out today that she has no idea who we are. She doesn't know where she will be going. She has no idea about the dynamic of the family she will forever live with. How sad is that? I couldn't imagine not having any sort of clue where my future lies. No wonder she is acting out. Poor thing.

I guess there is supposed to be a five day period after committee that is supposed to be no contact. Our caseworker is trying to over ride that since our case is a little different. What we might be looking at is staying in Portland for a three day period and spending time with her. At the end of the three days we would bring her home with us. Nothing is set in stone. But I'm grateful for the information. I'm sad that there is nothing we can do to comfort her. :(

Posting off ideas of other posts.....

I have a friend that is growing butterflies. And it is so exciting to wait for the finished product.

I myself have been growing butterflies. Just not the same kind. I cannot seem to kick the butterflies in my stomach. Is this what mothers feel during the last month of pregnancy? I'm having a hard time eating. I cannot concentrate. And I cannot get my house in the right order. I'm sure it is driving Dan mad!!!

We watched the movie 'The Secret Life of Bees' the other night. And although I had read the book in my book club it was a completely different experience to me. The young girl in it was 14. She was struggling with feelings of her mother and who she is due to her loss. I was crying so hard. (So was Dan) All we could see was Britanie in that movie. What she must be going through. What it must be like to have been abandoned by your mother. (or entire family) How difficult it must be to move on with life and grow up and be a whole person.

I know that I cannot complain about how uncomfortable I feel with the butterflies in my stomach. I just hope they will go away eventually so I can love this little girl with all of my heart. And let her know that she is not alone and never will be again. I am so grateful for this opportunity to be able to help this little broken girl. Imagine what it is like for all of the older children in the foster program that do not get a second chance with parents. The ones that have to live the rest of their lives alone. With all of the horrible feelings of not being good enough or not being lovable. I wish I could bring them all into my home. But, since that is not possible....I will have to do it one at a time.

Mother's Day Medicine

To escape the Mother's day blues you must spend time around babies. These are the babies I was blessed to spend time with










Dan has successfully named all of the puppies "Not Ours".

And the baby...

Elphaba is all puppy. She is in her terrible twos now. The only time we see her in angle mode is when she is sleeping. She will attack almost everything that moves. Her favorite thing to do is sit on the back porch peering through the gate to the side yard....where the birds are. She has only brought me one....but she is still hunting.

Not so trusting

Gauper on the other hand has a mind of his own. He'll look around to see if Mama is close by and then gets as comfortable as he can. We need to work on his relaxation therapy. :D

My most trusted guardian

Kestra. It never fails....where ever I am....she is less than two feet from me. She is my most loyal companion. She only wants the mama. And that is ok with me :D

Biting the Bullet

I've come to a realization lately. It is time to become human again. I am now in my fifth month of being a slave to my body. It is time for my mind to take over. I've known for years that the mind is more powerful and when you put you mind to it you can do anything. I don't know why I have succumbed this long. I will be a mother in two weeks. There is no way I can do that in the state that I am in. I must for the sake of my family be stronger. And today is the start of that. I am stronger. I will endure to the end. I will go the distance.

Another poem I liked

Tears of a child crying alone,
As it waits for new parents,
A new family,
A new home.

That tentative smile;
That shy little grin,
A glimmer of hope
Emerging within.

You were waiting for us,
We were looking for you.
We both needed a family
Our search is now through.

Buddies

Dan and I started calling each other Buddy during the first year of our marriage. And to tell the truth, I think we only started doing it because we were picking on our friends. We used to always giggle when our friends called each other Buddy. I don't recall when it actually stuck. But it is one of those terms of endearment that always makes me smile. Dan has always been my best friend, my buddy. So I guess it fits just right. :D

Cinco de Mayo

For some reason this is a widely known holiday here in America. Isn't that like celebrating the 4th of July in England? I never understood that completely. But I ALWAYS crave Mexican food on May 5th. Hmmm. Interesting.

Mirror Personality

Nine years ago I became a stay at home wife. And believe it or not it was the best thing that could ever have happened to me. After a few months, I realized how much I truly loved taking care of our home. But to some I became obsessive. Everything had to be just right at all times. And it was very hard for me to stop until it was done just perfectly. (Not so good for why I became a stay at home wife) I get picked on a lot by family members and some close friends. And everyone just laughs it away........while inside my head I am just waiting for them to leave because I have this long list in my head of things to do around the house. But, I think the re-arranging furniture was the thing that I got picked on the most. I needed change. Because I was home all the time it started getting boring to me to keep it the same way all the time.

A funny thing has happened in the last few months. Dan has taken over everything since I have been down. (And truly doing an amazing job) It cracks me up when he starts acting like me. For instance, he doesn't like going to bed when the dishes are not done. (Totally me) He would rather work on projects around the home instead of taking a day off to go to the beach. (Totally me) But, I think today was the kicker.....the moment I realized that he was turning into me.....He walked in the house and told me he re-arranged his office!!! He has only been out there for a month. And he is re-arranging. We were totally meant for each other.

No Bake Cookies

Dan has found his groove. He has altered our old no-bake recipe and created the ultimate treat. One I cannot get enough of. I love how he creates in the kitchen. It is almost past hobby and straight to Chef-O-Mama!!! :D

Teenage Memories

I've been trying to remember what kinds of things I loved to do as a teen. I don't have a very long list......I may need some help from my old friends.

13 - Lived in Eugene. I was very much into Wham! (They broke up in '86 though) I believe this was the age of my first crush (Gary Sealander). Never once talked to him. I loved to sing and dance. I was in a jazz show choir and did a lot of performances. I was also in a few of the High school musicals. I was always a specialty dancer. I remember that this was the time in my life that I knew I was going to be a Choreographer. Even at my age.....I would still love that job.

14 - First year of High School. New town Philomath. No friends (I made them quickly though) The year of my first kiss (a guy that I had met that night through a friend) I accidentally bit him.....I never saw him again. Hmmmm.

15 - This is the year that I decided I wanted to travel out of the country. My destinations were London & Austrailia. I've never been to either. So much for my childhood dreams. I was still very much into music and dance. And boys. I dated two guys (they were friends) Mike & Josh. Funny....I thought I was so in love back then. I really had no idea what love was. It is really sad that some teens don't realize that until it is too late.

16 - I got my license immediately. And drove everywhere. I lived in the middle of nothing special.....I couldn't walk to get things done. I used to pick up all of my friends in my moms van and we would go play sardines at WildCat Park......or flashlight tag and Ice blocking at Avery Park. We would go to the drive-in theater often. Amazing how many people you could fit in that van. We loved to go bowling.

17 - Senior year in High School. Still very much into music and dance. I did many solos. I even took second in state for a Solo/Ensamble competition. Funny....I could sing and dance in front of anyone.....but if I had to give a talk in school.....I was always sick. I never had to come up with excuses not to go....my body did it for me. Fevers, Vomiting, Chills......you name it. I could pass any doctors test. Unfortunately....I went to the doctor and he said I had 'walking pneumonia'. I have had a very difficult time singing since. I miss that ability. I can still sing ok......just not as spectacularly as I used to. Once I graduated I imediately moved out of the house and in with some friends. I've been on my own ever since.

I would really love to hear from all of my friends what their dreams were when they were teens. What did you do in your spare time to keep you out of trouble and have fun? It is nice to write about this. To think back. It makes me feel young again. I want to do all of these things now. I'll have a new teen to entertain and I want to be having fun with her too. My mom was always playing with my friends and I. We loved it. She was so much fun. Got us into more trouble than we ever did by ourselves.

Ah.....the good old days :)

Flower baskets

Don't tell my mom this......but.....I just bought already planted flower baskets. Usually we buy all the flowers individually and plant them ourselves. But, then we went to go pick out flowers and saw these beautiful ones already made and so full. We calculated how much it would cost for all of the flowers, soil and all the other little tid bits (Not to mention the time it takes to plant them) and realized it was almost (and I emphasize almost) cheaper to just buy them already made. It is just not like me to cheat like this. Usually I love to plant the flowers. It sucks when you have all the time in the world but you don't have enough energy to use that time. They are so beautiful. I will have to make an effort to be outside more often. Time to bring out the patio furniture :)

May Day

I remember when I was a kid we used to ding dong ditch people leaving flowers on their front porch. Do kids still do that?

Bummer-Lost picture