This and That

September 3rd has come and gone, and so has our court date. The day had some good things about it, but "Amelia" still is not ours officially. The good thing is that all biological parental rights have been terminated, so the tough part is over. Now we have to wait 13 days to go back and finalize the adoption. OK, I guess we really should be counting our blessings--it could be a 6 month wait or some crazy long time like that.

So September 16th is our new BIG day. Incidentally, that is also El Grito de Delores in Mexico, the "cry of independence", or their Independance Day from the Spanish. I find that symbolic for us as well: both for Ray and I, as well as for Amelia. Freedom to just be her mom and dad for real and for good, and freedom for her to be our daughter. Oh, the thought of that. If you only knew how joyful that makes us feel. Only seven days to go...

This past weekend we went with our friends to stay in their cabin near Sun Valley. We had a great time, especially Amelia, who had not one, not two, but six adoring adults to focus their attention on her. Admittedly, it was a nice break for me!

Here she is warming her hands by the fire. We taught her to rub them together, put them out and say "ahhh":

A beautiful lake nearby where Amelia got to see and touch her first fish:

Here's the fun group below. We really did have fun. When the other two women and I went to town for a little shopping, I found I kept calling them "Ladies". Not that they're not ladies, but it was just funny. I really enjoy hanging out with the older folks. There is a lot to learn from them, and they are just fun.Napping with "Grandpa" Ed, who probably is Amelia's most ardent admirer, besides her daddy:

Check out that balanced meal! Does she eat much of it, you ask? No, no doubt because I am still learning to give her just a little bit at a time so as not to overwhem her. But thankfully I can count on her to down the avocados, tomatoes and cheese: