Paxton Happy Couch Dancing

Pax is soooo much fun! He has enriched our lives with so much happiness. He is such a happy baby and loves to dance to music! Please enjoy this video. It's one of our favorites!

Lots to Report

Wow! Sorry it has taken us so long to post. We have been having too much fun lately! We had our marriage group over for a Christmas meal, gift exchange and fun night of playing games. They have been so gracious to us that it was the least we could do to thank them. We also went to visiting. Our friends Sarah, Dave, and Maddie Mealy had us over for pizza and a trip down memory lane. We were hoping to see Alissa and Maya, but they all had pink eye (boo). We also paid a visit to Teressa, Caden and Cole Whittaker.

Monday, Pax and I went to see some of the students that I used to teach at LEAP and then went to get Indian food with Sanjay and some friends who are visiting from Mexico. Tuesday, Pax and I went to Sanjay's mom's daycare to see Kris Kringle, Wednesday, we went to J & Kraig's house to revisit the meaning of advent and have a cookie exchange, Thursday, Pax was baby Jesus in a Christmas play, tonight, my mom is watching Pax and Sanjay and I are going to our Gretchan's Christmas party, and tomorrow morning we are having breakfast with Santa.

This week has been extra exciting as the family whom I've been working with had their baby boy come home from Korea. He is adjusting well and it is so refreshing to see that the family understands the concept of attachment and are 100% devoted to his development. I love my job.

Also, I love OOVOO. Sanjay introduced me to this wonderful FREE online chat/video conference site. Last night, I was able to have a conversation with Jess who is serving two years in the Peace Corps. I haven't seen her since July, so it was so exciting for me. It's amazing how she is so far away (Honduras) but seemed so close.

Is This Funny or Scary?

Pax isn't too sure about his first zerbert. Sounds are very interesting to Pax these days, but this was a new one for his little ears. He wasn't sure if he should laugh or cry. We felt bad because he looked scared, but was laughing.

Employee of the Millenium

The future of our workforce is here . . . and it's looking very promising.

First, Paxton is a great communicator. He doesn't need to send an email, follow-up with a voicemail, and then an irritating instant message. When he needs something . . . he let's us know immediately and directly. He doesn't over-dramatize or underestimate problems, either. Simple, and on-point requests. Food. Diaper. Sleep. Hold me.

Second, Paxton offers 360-degree feedback at a level unparalled. How many times do bosses get real compliments on decision well made? Usually, it's easy to cut through the cheese when it's poured on thick. Paxton's praise is immediate and quick -- making us always feel appreciated. On the other hand, when a problem occurs . . . he is fast to complain. As soon as the problem is resolved --- we get immediate positive reinforcement with his captivating smile or happy cooing.

Third, Paxton reminds us to always have fun . . . even when doing the dirty jobs. Diaper changes are not high on the list of glory jobs, and falls under 'other duties (or doodies, heh heh) as assigned.' But during this time, as Pax smiles at us while we clean him (blissfully unaware, or perhaps intentionally diverting our focus) . . . it makes the task seem to proceed more quickly. Lesson: the dirty jobs still need to be done, but we don't have to do them in misery.

Let's pray that he and his age cohorts retain this effective and honest simplicity as they mature and enter the workplace. Given where we and our immediate predecessors have gotten us today with our current confluence of global financial maladies . . . this may be their only hope.

** very few, if any, child labor laws were broken during the creation of this post. Paxton and Nicole were visiting me at work . . . and we only made him answer a few calls and type a memo (spell-check works wonders).

Happy Thanksgiving

Happy Thanksgiving everyone! Our friends Sandy and Mark bought an adorable Thanksgiving outfit for Pax, but it was too big for him. (Sorry Sandy we will have to wait a couple of months for that one, but don't worry he will still wear it!).

I'm realy trying to find time every day to run on the treadmill (or in this case walk). Pax seems to enjoy being in his carrier while I walk on the treadmill, but I get so nervous walking with him while on it. I'm always scared I'm going to fall face first on him, so Sanjay has been so kind to take him and let me run lately.

We are so thankful for our little guy. He is the light of my life. I am also so thankful for my husband, family and friends. Every night as I rock Pax to sleep I say a special prayer to keep Pax safe, healthy, and happy and I also say thanks for all of the special people in our lives. I was looking around Pax's room the other day and looking at all of the wonderful items, clothing, books, toys, furniture etc. that was purchased for Pax and I still can't believe how generous people are. I hope everyone knows how appreciative we are. We truly are blessed to have such wonderful people placed in our lives.

Happy three month birthday to Pax!!!!

I Couldn't Do It

After careful consideration and many teeter-totter thoughts during the decision process of whether or not I should travel to Korea to bring home babies to their American families, I decided not to go. I thank you all so much for your wisdom and advice regarding this decision. As much as I believe in this trip and would love to jump at this opportunity, the thought of leaving my baby and Sanjay tears my heart into pieces. Now is just not the time; my family needs me right now and I know I wouldn't fully embrace the experience at this stage of my life. Sanjay was very supportive and encouraged me to do what makes me happy. My family brings me the most joy and being away from them, even if it is only for four days, would disrupt my joy. What was a thinking? Pax can't even take a nap without me missing him. Plus, he is changing and growing so much each day. This opportunity is not a once in a lifetime opportunity. Babies will come year after year and I still will be able to fulfill this dream in the future. Thanks to everyone for your support!

I'm Torn Between a Career Dream and Pax

As many of you know, I am very passionate about underprivileged children and believe all children deserve a loving home regardless where they were born. This rock solid belief along with seeing first hand the poverty and absolute filthy living conditions some children live in in developing countries ( I hate the word "Third World") is why I chose my career as an international adoption social worker. I am an advocate for children all over the world and believe that while respecting and cultivating an appreciation for the child's culture, providing a lifelong commitment to the child and the challenges associated with adopting abroad, and having the capability of loving a child that was born to another person as if you gave birth to that child, and as long as all other placement opportunities are exhausted in the birth country, children should and need to be adopted abroad.

Anyway, I love, love, love traveling abroad and have been waiting for an opportunity to travel with FAC (Family Adoption Consultants) to Korea to bring home the children to their families. I would actually be bringing home a child to a family that I have been working with since March (I wrote their homestudy). I would be gone four days total.

The dilemma is that I have a two and a half month old baby boy whom I absolutely adore and he needs me. I know I would miss him terribly and don't want to miss a second of his life. On the other hand, this has been a dream of mine for many years and mothers go back to work all of the time right? Plus, my mom would be off of work for the holidays and so would Sanjay. All expenses are paid for and it would only be four days. But four days is a long time to be away from my baby. HELLLLLLPPPPPP!!!!! Any suggestions???