Anita has a rocking chair

Anita and I went to the thrift shop after work and found this great little rocking chair.  She had fun all evening and worked at getting in and out of it on her own.  Tomorrow is court so we did a little retail therapy to alleviate anxiety this evening.

New shoes

Our friend Lesliegh gave Anita several pairs of shoes but it has been these ones that are too big that have been the source of entertainment for a couple days.  She loves to put them on, take them off and even stand up and look at her feet in them.  Jim has also had a fun time helping her with them.

Fall decorations

Put out a few decorations since the fall is getting here so quick.  Anita pretending to ignore the scarecrow and then pulling his hair.  We put stickers on the front door and she is watching dad mow the yard.

bath time

Anita was in the tub tonight and had her feet crossed under the water.  I said, "can I have those toes to wash?"  and the brilliant girl that she is lifted her foot right out of the water.  At this rate she might just skip elementary school.  :)  We're heading to Hull tomorrow to visit and still trying to not get very excited for Wednesday but atleast I did not hear from the attorney on Friday to reschedule.

still sick

Great Grandma trying to hold onto a wiggle worm

My poor baby is still sick since the 15th.  Over the weekend she did go visit great grandma Cline to get out of the house and then on Sunday we went to urgent care.  They said what they always do when the don't know for sure, "it's viral."  Gave her Amoxicillin and said if she's not cleared up in 10 days to return.  Not thrilled with that answer but she is making some improvements.  Holly brought her a push toy to walk with and she has been using that a little this week and then took her first step with no hands tonight at grandma and grandpa's.  She stands up for a few seconds before getting afraid and dropping but tonight she went from one chair to another and let go with both hands and went.  I'm sure she'll be running around by her birthday so everyone had better watch out.  Especially Kristina and her cat, Gorgeous.  Two of Anita's favorite people to chase after.  Court is less than a week away but I'm trying not to think about it or get excited because this is where we were one month ago before it was cancelled.  Saying lots of prayers.

only one hand and I'm walking

dinner time

Who loves crackers with a little peanut butter on them??

Kristina's 1st day at kindergarten

Today was a great day for Kristina going to kindergarten for the first day and she had a blast.  This also meant that Anita lost her playmate and was very sad about it.  Grandma said that Anita went to every room several times looking for Kristina and yelling out for her.  Grandma felt so sad for her.  The only joy Anita felt was when she was allowed to enter Kristina's room and play with her stuff for the first time.  Anita shook her head no when she knew she wasn't supposed to be touching some stuff but she finally did it anyway and giggled.  Grandma was keeping a close eye and enjoyed watching Anita having fun.  She still sounds a little like darth vader but is definitely clearing up the cold.  This picture is of her playing in her room and letting the air conditioner blow her hair in the air.  She loves sitting in front of the vents and catching a breeze.

ice cream

Took a time out from being sick to enjoy ice cream last night and then straight to the bath tub

home sick

Anita is home sick today and these are the two faces I have seen all day long.  Still running a fever and has a terrible runny nose.  Our one trip out was to get a humidifier and vaporub at shopko.

balloon

Brenda and Kristina brought over a balloon to help Anita feel better.  She's had fun all afternoon with it.

breakfast

This is Anita enjoying her breakfast.  She wants to feed herself as much as possible so today it was oatmeal and bananas.  Yesterday was a long day as we drove to Hull to visit birth mom and siblings.  Anita was proud to show off her crawling skills and ability to show them where her eyes and tongue are.  They miss her a lot so it's  a delicate situation where we want to feel happy but also recognize their sadness.  Anita enjoys visiting but was ready to go and slept all the way home.  This morning she continues to have trouble with her teeth, has a fever and runny nose.  On a positive note, there are now seven teeth in so we are making good progress.

new clothes

Anita had a big day going to the gym, burger king for lunch and home to enjoy the clothes mommy picked up for her.  Daddy found a new consignment shop the other day and also brought home some cute pink clothes.

Anita's hair tells the story this morning.  It was a tough night as a storm came through a little after 7pm and knocked out the power.  Came back on a little before 5am but it was a restless night for all.

Missing Grandma and playtime at the mall

Today is three months since grandma passed and I've been thinking of her a lot.  She never was able to meet Anita but I think they would have been good friends.  This morning we went to the mall early to play before the heat got any worse.  She caught a fish, wrestled a buffalo and conquered the tunnel.  Grandma would be very proud.

Saturday Fun

working on standing on my own

Went to the farmers market with grandma, brenda, kristina and anita today for some fun.  Then, just Anita and I have been home playing for the morning.  I'm going to take everything about Anita off of fb at this time due to some of jim's extended family.  They weren't told about the adoption, saw something on fb and have been circling ever since trying to get information.  We've told them we are not willing to disclose anything until after this is all final and they are not respecting that.  Instead, they are wanting to befriend us on fb for the first time and make guesses about the baby.  Nothing I really want to deal with when we have enough to worry about and want to celebrate her and not have to hide her from anyone.  Oh well, this is how it will be for now.  On Saturday mornings, Anita, me and Shadow generally sit on the front porch watching birds and smelling flowers.  We were missing our 3rd this morning and a little sad about it.  So, we dressed up in Anita's new halloween outfit and had some fun.

August 5th

We're all a little down in the face today as it's August 5th and supposed to be the big day.  Instead, I'm off to work and Dad and Anita are staying home to play.  Tonight we will visit birth mom and siblings as they are staying in town for a few days.  Not exactly how I wanted to celebrate but we have faith that everything will work out.

October birthdays

Sounds like we are set to celebrate Tanner, Kristina and Anita's birthdays together on October 17th at the Cline household for lunch.  Will be fun to celebrate them all together like we did when we were little.  Just wish grandma was here to make them great cakes like she did for us.  My favorite one had stepping stones to the wishing well.

Anita's activities

This morning Jim was talking to Anita and let her know he would be the activity coordinator this morning.  Yesterday she was laughing as grandpa was swinging her in the basement and Kristina was playing with her.  With grandma she loves copying noises and has learned coughing while grandma has been ill.  She loves playing peekaboo and hiding while getting chased.  She is keeping us all busy.  Favorite activity with Brenda is getting her hair fixed and nails clipped.  Brenda is her favorite stylist.

Hello Everyone

Wanted to update everyone without posting this all to fb.  Good way to get the blog started that I've wanted to do.  Some disappointment the last week as we were set for the termination hearing this Thursday, Aug. 5th.  Due to papers not being signed the court date has been changed to Sept. 1st.  It is another month of holding our breath and praying little Anita stays here.  She is full of life and energy these days while working on getting all of her teeth in.  Anita enjoys spending her days playing with grandma, grandpa and Kristina.  Then she's home in the evening with her boring parents and investigating her house.  Who knew life could change so quickly and Jim and I would know all the words to silly songs and be dancing around crazy to make a little angel smile.