Craniofacial clinic day

Ok, these pictures are a day old, but unfortunately I was not able to get a picture of Jasmine in a diaper and pink cowboy boots, surrounded by 4 extremely tall and intelligent male surgeons. Yes, she was stripped down to her skivvies, but the pink boots would not stay off the feet and she proceeded to march down the hall of the genetics clinic getting attention from every single person there. So instead, we have Jasmine joyfully sitting in a box of Boulder beer, and the beer hasn't gone to waste either.



This is Jasmine consuming creamed chicken and spinach. This is the highest compliment an 18 month old can give to a meal--to rub it all over her hair and face as a sacrifice to the food gods. I am most satisfied when she praises my food this way.


We had a very inspiring meeting today at the craniofacial clinic. We were so impressed with the professionalism and consideration that all the patients were given. It was, quite frankly, thrilling to finally be talking about Jasmine's treatment plan, having her examined by all the specialties that will be involved in her life for several years to come, and feeling informed about her future. This is a day that we've been waiting for. Shane and I talk a lot about how our lives have changed since Jasmine's arrival. We are so content in devoting our lives to her care and well-being. While the adjustment was initially challenging, we feel so grateful that we can actually do something to change the course of Jasmine's life. We can't help but reflect about what her life would have been like if we weren't her parents. Who would have cared for her if she was born 50 years ago?

Bath, bubbles and and a cardiologist

A sweet time of the night--bath time. Today we finally had our consult with Jasmine's cardiologist to discuss her pulmonary sling and surgery. We saw the images of her cat scan and there's no denying, Jasmine has an anomaly that will need to be corrected. We are being referred to UCSF for her surgery and need to wait for their call. I have to admit, the longer she's with us, the harder this gets. I've been tearful tonight and not just after Jasmine went to bed. Just holding her and giving her her evening bottle, I am overwhelmed with a fierce, protective love that I must contain.

Shane and I finally had some time to process this next step tonight after a much-appreciated reprieve from doctor's appointments over the last month. We are sad and scared, but mostly determined to get our sweet girl through all of this so she can resume being her happy, energetic self. We'll know more in the next few days. Friday we have our first craniofacial clinic, another big day for our family.

The Arts

Having a neighbor who is an artist AND loves Jasmine is a blessing. Alex, brave woman, introduced Jasmine to acrylic and canvas when she had to do her emergency baby-sitting for us as Zami was rushed to the vet. Would I take out tubes of paints and place them in front of Jasmine?



Inspecting her work.

Perhaps a little more azure.

Washcloth, please.

Music class is back in session. This kid loves to sing and dance, which is definitely more up my alley. I don't have the best singing voice but music was a big part of my childhood with years of piano, violin and ballet lessons.

Time on the bike

Shane and I met at our old stomping ground, the Canyon Overlook, to go play outdoors. I just got my haircut in the morning so I thought, why not take a picture of it the one time it actually looks decent?

Shane accepting his fate that he is, in fact, going for a run. He's not a big fan of cold, foggy days after spending his first 28 years in Ireland, racing his bike in cold, wet weather.



Crackers and crumbs!

Gearing up!

Post-ride check in. Baba went his for his run and we met back at the car. This weekend I wasn't a half an hour late with the car keys...

Playful, and happy.

I've been getting back into riding my bike the last couple of weeks. It's a whole different style of riding than pre-parenthood when I rode 3-4 mornings a week for as long as I had time. Jasmine really is a trooper and loves to be in the stroller on a bike ride. She falls asleep within minutes and sleeps like a, well, like a baby. I get lots of looks and well-wishers, mostly people on the trails too, vocalizing a desire to be in the stroller themselves. Apparently, the outside world thinks Jasmine is very lucky to be catching a free ride.

I forgot to take pictures of our friends Stephanie and Reinhard, who watched Jasmine today for 3 hours so I could get some much-needed grooming. Jasmine had a great time with them and next time, I'll have the proof. Thank you!

More precious each day

I can't even describe how wonderful it is to spend a day with this child. She is full of joy. Look at how happy she is, just to be outdoors, just to be alive. I am so blessed to be exposed to her energy and enthusiasm every single day.

FUNNY baby.

OK, this picture is too funny. We have 2 baby consignment stores in Auburn--how lucky am I?--and I picked up this little polartec jumper. Shane and I laughed and laughed when we looked at this picture tonight.

Here she is, happy with her new boots (hand-me-downs from Aunt Kiki!). Whenever she puts them on, she goes straight to the front door and starts demanding release to the outdoors.

I can hardly wait until Thursday night. Since I work M-Th, I am desperately ready to hang out with J by Friday. Thankfully I have a wonderful schedule and have lots of flexibility in the mornings. But certainly by Thursday I look forward to not having to do the work routine and since we've been out riding the bike lately, it's been a real joyful time when I'm not at work. Finally the rains have arrived, albeit light rain, and there is a different atmosphere outdoors. I love riding and running in the cooler weather and Jasmine loves her stroller (as long as it's under 2 hours). It's exciting to look forward to the weekend.

In mama's lap

More pictures of Jasmine, this time hanging out in her mama's lap.

Playing in the sunshine

Shane is washing off the chariot after a very muddy mountain bike ride the previous day.

If you play in the water,
.
you'll need a toweling off.
We can hardly wait for tomorrow, January 20, 2009. President Barack Obama, we are ready for you to lead.

Morning time and Jasmine is enjoying on of her favorite spots in the house.


Morning is such a great time to spend with her. She's so happy and playful.

As I've mentioned already, the weather here is sinfully gorgeous. It's not actually a good thing, and we all know in the back of our minds that if we don't get serious amounts of rain soon, the summer will not only be very long, hot and dry, but dangerous.

Jasmine loves to play in the dirt (of course!) and I do my best to keep a close eye on her...

but I think she keeps a closer eye on me and when I'm not looking she sneaks in a handful.
I have so many wonderful pictures from this weekend that I've decided this week will be a photo montage of Jasmine's various activities. I don't often get time during the week to take too many pictures so I guess I stocked up this weekend. I literally went picture-crazy, snapping shots of every pose and expression that I could capture. Is that why Jasmine had 3 different outfits on yesterday? If so, it was completely unconscious. We only moved into the digital age upon planning our trip to China. In fact, I think it was just a couple of days before we left and I impulsively bought a little point and shoot. It was one of my better impulses because it is so much fun to take pictures and peruse them immediately. I do not miss the old method at all. I know that in this day and age people take hundreds of pictures, instead of the previous way of thoughtfully taking a couple of rolls while on vacation. Shane and I were so thoughtful, in fact, that we would sometimes forget to take any pictures at all and then frantically try and capture an image or two when it was just about too late. Even Shane has jumped on board and makes sure that we have our camera with us wherever we go.

New behaviors for Jasmine? Defiance! She doesn't think much of the word NO anymore. One of these days I'll capture it in a photo but she is so bold as to shake her head no while doing something wrong and staring straight at us. We're saying no, she's telling herself no but the urge to continue is so compelling that she's drawn uncontrollably into transgression. Throwing food off the high chair is one of her personal favorites, and she will do this while locked in eye contact with me. She also does not want Mama and Baba to hold hands or display any affection towards each other. On our walk, she held my hand and would not hold Baba's hand or let me hold his hand. She turns around, pulls our hands apart and then looks back to inspect. Over and over. And since we are known for our defiance as well, this became a game and we were all laughing, including J. She is coy and devilish with her Baba, a total flirt. And when I'm around, she finds it amusing to reject him in all kinds of different ways and see what he'll do.

Dogs will be dogs

This is an example of what the weather has been like here the past 2 weekends. Jasmine wants to be outside at all times so in the interest of full family enjoyment we have been eating our weekend brunch on the back deck. Since we never got around to child-proofing it last summer (still on the to do list), we just set up her high chair and she's a happy camper.






Grape, anyone?


Baba, grape?

Baba always gets the last word.


I haven't had much time to post this week and here's why. Shane, Jasmine and Zami were on a midday walk early in the week (we've cut back on daycare to 2 days a week so Jasmine can stay home with Shane) when a neighbor dog escaped from it's car and attacked Zami in our driveway! Shane had Jasmine on his back and Zami on the leash and within 30 seconds he was dealing with a full-on dog fight. Although Zami is an alpha female she's never been in a fight and she was no match for this 3 year old Malamute, who tore into her hind quarters with an intent to kill. After several swift kicks to the head from Shane (to no avail, apparently), the owner was able to come over and remove the dog and our dear friend and neighbor, Alex also arrived to assist. Within moments, Zami and Shane were loaded up in the car heading to the hospital and Jasmine was happily learning how to apply acrylic to canvas at Alex's house. I also rushed to the clinic where poor Zami needed surgery and stitches for the 2nd time in her life and the 2nd time in 10 days! We've been nursing her all week and little Jasmine so wants to help that we have to keep an eye on the 2 of them at all times. Funny thing, Jasmine has taken a real interest in dogs recently and has really learned how to be gentle when she pets Zami. She is our little helper and now is the official treat-giver to Zami. Thankfully, Zami is on the mend and Shane and I are learning what it's like to be nurses, which I believe is all good preparation for WHENEVER Jasmine will be getting her surgeries.

Our fairy Godmother

We finally got an opportunity this past weekend to meet our friend, Lynn, and her 4 beautiful kids (her other 4 being raised and grown). We met with Lynn over 3 years ago to talk to her about adoption and after that auspicious meeting which included photo albums of her girls (Malone wasn't home yet), we selected Heritage Adoption Agency in Oregon and China as our country of choice. We see her as our fairy Godmother, because without her and her unwavering enthusiasm and optimism, we may not have found our Jasmine. The gathering included other adopted kids from China and it was quite a poignant moment to walk into Round Table Pizza and see a group of black-haired kids milling about with their parents. Ironically, we haven't had that experience since being in China. Jasmine had a great time, as usual, and couldn't get enough of Lynn's kids. We echoed that sentiment completely and wish she didn't live an hour away.