While we wait....Another trip around the sun

Another year comes to a close and a new year begins.

So as 2010 ends several most memorable events/moments of this year

1. I completed a marathon and my first triathlon

2. All 3 of my children are finally out of diapers/pull-ups, even overnight, this is the first time I can claim this since Ryan's birth June 2003!!

3. I became an aunt for the first time

4. My 4 year son rode his 2 wheel bike 17 miles in 1 day

5. New friendships were formed

6. A sweet face of a little girl left in Bulgaria, that could have been part of our family will never be forgotten

7. We added the state of Virgina to our list of states visited

My children are each amazing and I am one lucky lady to say the least. I am grateful to my mom and dad for everything they do to make my life richer and easier. I am thankful for my job, even though I whine about working sometimes. My friends new and old continue to enrich my life in so many ways. 2010 was GREAT and I welcome 2011!!

Looking ahead to 2011

1. We hope to finally meet our daughter in Bulgaria

2. Continue to watch our children develop independence and confidence as they grow

3. We also plan to add Maryland to our state map this year with a camping trip to DC

While we wait... Merry Christmas

.....and a Happy New Year !!!!

BTW: 2 years have passed since we started this process!!!!

While we wait...Data released

The MOJ released the long awaited data on the numbers of active registered dossiers earlier this week. The data in the table is pretty easy to read, I was even able to locate our registration number using the find feature in Word (CAUTION, they do repeat numbers so do not freak out if you see two of the same registration numbers each registered in a different year). Our agency has yet to comment on how and if this information will help determine the wait time for referrals. Also the information may not be useful for these purposes because there is no official line in Bulgaria. The dossiers are matched based on the child's fit with a family not a family to a child. There is also no feature of the data to separate those open to SN. I have summarized the bottom of table 1 to the best of my ability. All this information and tons more is listed on the MOJ website!!!!

The following is a summary of the age requested and the number of registered dossiers submitted through the end of 2009. It is reasonable to think the numbers are much higher since 2010 dossiers are not counted in these numbers. Also remember these dossiers are from around the world, not just the USA.

age requested/# registered dossiers through 2009
1-2/ 7
2-3/ 99
3-4/ 92
4-5/ 79
5-6/ 66
6-7/ 28
8+ /19

For more information visit MOJ website and use google translate or work on learning Bulgarian

http://www.justice.government.bg/new/

While we wait...Did you know???

Less than 1% of the population has completed a marathon in their lifetime. Despite a huge dose of self doubt I am now a proud member of that small group!!!!!!!!! It was a COLD RAINY day and my feet were soaked and my joints were stiff. Along with my best friend, I happily crossed the finish line in 6 hours and 12 minutes. Granted I will not qualify for Boston but I am so proud nevertheless. The most important lesson is that I discovered that I can do anything and the only thing holding me back is my own self doubt!!!!! I encourage anybody to take the leap and try something!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! It is so good for the soul, inspire yourself.


Thanks for the shirt Mindy!!! We did it

26.2 miles and "Still Smiling"Details;

I picked Mindy up in Charlotte and we stopped for lunch on the way to Kiawah. Once we arrived we checked in, picked up our race pack, and gulped a beer before we headed out to see the course on bike. After the bike tour of the course we had a pre-race dinner and went back to the condo to get ready for the next day. I was rattled with worry with doubt. On race day we woke to a cold windy rain but we still geared up headed to the start line. Race day was a blur, I remember the first half vividly and felt great. Miles 13-20 seem like they never happened, but they did, I have proof. I must admit that it became tough at 20-24 as we walked through a deserted neighboorhood for mile after mile. Mile 24 was the homestretch and the potty stretch. All the gatorade caught up with me. We decided we were going to run across the finish line regards of pain. At mile 26 we ran through a row of American flags, turned the corner and crossed the finish in a sprint!!!!! I ran straight for the beer and browines. That night we went out to dinner and by the next day I was STIFF STIFF STIFF. Sunday at the spa was great. It was a wonderful weekend with a wonderful friend. Memories forever :)

While we wait... BIG weekend

After months of fear, sweat, pain, and anticiaption, I will finally make my attmept at a full Marathon on Kiawah Island this Saturday 12/11/10.

Secondly, Sunday markes the 18 month mark for our registration with the MOJ. A long time behind us and a long road ahead of us!!!

While we wait...Some days

Some days waiting is so hard!!!

Some days it seems like this wait will never end!!!

Some days it breaks my heart that another year will end without seeing her face!!!!

Today is one of those days!!!!

While we wait...Thanksgiving at the beach

We packed up the camper one last time this year and headed to coast of SC for Thanksgiving. It was so much fun and a perfect way to be with the people I am most thankful for!!!

A family bike ride

Out like a light

The lagoon bike trail

The only beach house I could afford :)

Wipeout!!! Sand and pine needles are not a good bike combination

Please pass the turkey!!!

"More butter"

Yoga on the beach

Check out the dolphin!!!

Check out the brotherly push!!

While we wait...10 more days!!!

Marathon day coming up December 11, 2010 Kiawah Island!!! If I survive you can find me at the spa the next day!!!

I am still nervous that I do not have the endurance to carry me 26.2 miles. By mile 13 my legs start to hurt and it feels like lead is in my shoes. Being the good pharmacist I will make sure I have Tylenol and Ibuprofen handy during the race. I think the most I went in one stretch is 16 miles and I felt pretty rough.

For the next ten days I am taking it easy, cross fitting a few times a week, resting, and drinking Jule twice a day.

We shall see in 10 days!!!!!