5 Bug-a-boos

Kelli and Joe...get married...August 27,2011

2011-09-11T12:20:00.000-04:00

Kelli and Joe who have been together since they were 16 and 17 finally nine years later made it legal.It was a beautiful ceremony outside in the bright sunshine on a glorious summer day. The entire family was in the wedding.Shari was matron of honor,Desmond and Tevin were groomsmen,and Zoe was a reluctant flower girl.The buffet was great and the toasts heartfelt and funny.It was a wonderful wedding and reception.Kelli has such a heart for detail.The setting a venue called Country Carousel Celebrations in Conesus,wow that's alot of C's.It had a huge tent that was lined with white and had Kelli's accent colors as details.There were twinkle lights all over the place,candles on the tables and instead of flowers the centerpieces were vases with live goldfish.It was an enchanted evening and a unique event.The venue had a fairy garden,a pond, a bridge,a boat dock and cozy sitting areas where guest could could enjoy some quiet.The dj played "She's playing Cinderella" and Kelli danced with her father.Folks were dancing all night.It was a great time certainly the best wedding I have ever been too.The wedding favor were candles with their names and wedding date.One of the best things is that everyone there really loves these two and are genuinely happy for them.Kelli and Joe went to VEGAS for their honeymoon and although I suggested they get married by Elvis I have yet to find out if they did.

we are walking to raise awareness for Crohns

2010-06-10T18:16:00.002-04:00

Crohn's disease has been a big part of our lives since Desi was diagnosed with it at age 7.For the past 10 years we have had some rough times.Desi spent 3 weeks at Strong in 2004 struggling to stabalize his systems,when eft he was taking 18 pills a day as well as a weekly trip to Strong for an methadextrate injection.These weekly trips continued until mid 2008 wh methadextrate injection.These weekly trips continued until mid 2008 wh we were able to go to 10 weeks between his remicade (8 hr IV treatment).Sadly Des has been relasping a bit so it is now every 7 wks treatment).Sadly Des has been relasping a bit so it is now every 7 wks. Your donation will help support local patient programs, as well as important research projects. This cause is very important to me and I appreciate your support of this event. There will be food, music and kid's activities. The more money we raise, the closer we will be to making life more manageable for patients ive with these diseases every day Please join me or donate to my efforts to support CCFA in finding a cureThis summer, we will be walking in the Take Steps for Crohn's & Colitis Walk. Take Steps is CCFA's national evening walk and celebration and the celebration and the nation's largest event dedicated to finding cures for digestive diseases. It is a casual 2-3 mile stroll to raise money for crucial research, bringing us closer to a future free from Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. Over 1.4 million American adults and children are affected by these digestive diseases. While many suffer in silence, Take Steps brings together this community in a fun and energetic atmosphere, encouraging them to make noise and be heard. Thanks http://online.ccfa.org/site/TR/Walk/Chapter-Rochester?team_id=81060&pg=team&fr_id=1789

catching up- St Patrick's day

2010-05-07T08:45:00.003-04:00

Zoe seemed to really enjoy St paddys day.She was decked out in green and orange and we make shamrock tiaras for all the girls in her class.She also came home looking quite a bit Irish . I of course did my best to celebrate with green beer

Zoe starts kindergarten

2010-02-20T11:39:00.003-05:00

Zoe and I rode the bus to school the day before to see her classroom and meet her teacher Mrs. Bennett. Zoe was happy to see that her friends Emily and Luke were also in the class.She also met Amanda the woman in charge of the before school daycare that Zoe will be going to on most days. Zoe has to get up at 5:30 with her brothers and then ride the bus with them as i am at work.The boys seem to be doing a great job finishing getting her ready. I do her hair the night before and have her clothes set out to make the morning as easy as possible. Zoe picked out her 1st day clothes and was super excited.I was able to be home that first morning to snap pictures as well as when they arrived back home in the afternoon. Zoe loved daycare,school and lunch.She really enjoys Mr Whalley the music teacher who actually was my music teacher and he does not even look a day older .The boys also seem to like school on the first day. Desmond is a JUNIOR (WOW)this year and Tevin a sophmore.Amazing how fast the years go by...

Zoe's Summer Vacation

2010-02-20T11:26:00.007-05:00

Zoe and I had a great weekend at FCC's China Culture Camp at Keuka College the first weekend in August. We stayed in a dorm finally I thought i will sleep well in my own bed but nope we immediately pushed the beds together so I had the thrasher with me once again. Zoe seemed to have fun and was all excited about the get to know dance, showing me in the room all of her moves but then just sat there like a grump. Turns out Zoe likes to dance but does not like to be told how to dance. This seems to be a recurring theme with her lately. She made friends with a few of the kids and I talked to several moms hopefully next year we will be more social. Zoe learned about chinese communications.We really enjoyed our weekend away and look forward to next year.

feet and the beach

2009-07-27T10:15:00.003-04:00

I missed the date for this one. My grandson Evan's baby feet

I LOve This photo. I know that it is old and not of great quality but it just captures the total summer day. I love the pop bottle in the foreground..

http://lh5.ggpht.com/_e8uQ573dyZk/Smv0yAR5w2I/AAAAAAAAEJs/7klnssSMjsY/s1600-h/button%20-%20at%20the%20beach%5B3%5D.jpg

Teddy Bear parade

2009-07-19T16:21:00.001-04:00

We rec'd a call at 10:15 am on sat from SURPRISE aunt Brenda. She apparently had arrived late the night before from Ann Arbor for her ahem...30 (30 years roc)th class reunion.She informed us that we should come down to the teddy bear parade which starts at 11 am. We get ready and Zoe grabs her newest bear , a pink teddy that Aunt Shell and Uncle Rick brought her while she was in sugery. NOTE: we have chosen her bear to take next year, it is 3" tall. We went to the parade start and could not find Aunt Brenda?? She was carrying the bus float. Not sure how that came about but we spent some time after the parade at the Park.

ZOE AND EMILY

2009-07-19T14:03:00.002-04:00

Mini Golf at Mininahan's

2009-07-19T13:04:00.001-04:00

Zoe finds the self timer

2009-07-16T17:34:00.002-04:00

This is what happened when Zoe discovers the self timer on my camera. I love how her head keeps popping up.I might be napping in the background!!explains why I get so little sleep!

the zoo visit may 2009

2009-07-16T13:28:00.004-04:00

Zoe and I visited the Seneca Park Zoo. we had a very good day together.

hospital stay days 1-5

2009-06-30T19:36:00.004-04:00

Waking up-not in vegas
Posted Jun 26, 2009 4:35pm
Zoe has been very slowly waking up and coming out of her sleep. She would wake up look around try to fight the breathing tube and then fall back asleep They removed the breathing tube about 2 hrs ago. Zoe is running a slight fever(101 ish) so she has been given Tylenol. She also was given a block similar to an epidural that should help control pain for several more hours.Zoe looked much better than I thought she would . She had a breathing tube and still has 3 differentIV, a chest tube -this will stay in a couple of days,and a catheter.Zoe also participated n a new study testing a machine that can detect the amount of blood flow in a child. Currently the procedure used is very invasive involving a balloon and stopping the blood flow. The testing was all done using the iv already in place so there was no additional stress for Zoe.I did find out that she did receive the "clean" blood. All in all the day so far has gone better than I expected. thank you to all of those that have said a prayer or had a good thought.Saturday she will be more alert and will be able to see aunt shell and uncle Rick and grandma and enjoy the huge, snugly pink bear the purple horse

how many disney movies can we watch in 12 hours?
Posted Jun 27, 2009 10:37am
Zoe has been a champ.She has not been complaining or fighting any of the tubes or procedures that have occurred.It might have been nice to have been warned about the 4am chest xray(to check chest tube-normal) instead of being woken up by the lead apron being dropped on me... but thats ok it gave us a reason to watch Enchanted. I am so thrilled that she is doing so well... what a weight lifted. It has been a great strength to read the kind words from our extended friends and adoption family. I know that it has been everyones thoughts and prayers that help her and me come thru this surgery. I also feel anew the gratefulness and awe I feel towards Zoe's birth parents,that they were able to after spending a year with this beautiful child know that she would need to leave them in order to be healed. They were so unselfish in giving her up.I am truly thankful that I have never been in that position.
Zoe is currently playing with her sticker book. Little miss independent..She has stated that she is hungry hopefully it won't be too much longer before she can have some food. They will be removed one of her ivs today. oh she is saying she is hungry again and "mama get me some food" it might be a long day... We are looking forward to a visit from her bros and sisters as well as being able to see gramma and aunt shell and uncle Rick .
Thank you all so much for your continued support and love for my girl.Just as I have a special place in my heart for all of your children I know my Zoe has a place in yours.Thanks of course to our Gracious God for this beautiful girl and for allowing us to be her family.

Moving right along....
Posted Jun 28, 2009 3:16am
Zoe has continued to amaze me with her strength and ability to roll with the changes. I do not think many adults would be doing so well. Zoe has been getting up and using the bathroom, quite a mission with all the things still attached to her. She still has he central line in(neck),chest tube,iv,heart leads as well as all the 3 diff little lines going to the iv. Zoe said " i love you" I said " I love you too honey" she said " no, I want food"... i was close!! She was teary eyed, sad faced asking for food. This girl likes to eat maybe in the am. Thanks again for all your thoughts and prayers.... peace and happiness Bonnie

food glorious food
Posted June 29,2009 2pm
Zoe has been moving around like a monkey... no concern at all that she has a chest tube in.They removed her central line (neck),just a little crying when Nurse Shannon was scrubbing the stitches.She still has alot of fluid draining from the chest tube to remove it. I believe it has to be out for 24 hrs before she can be discharge.So maybe tuesday or weds?? home??
Zoe played some games and did some neat crafts with the child life volunteer.She was able to start with some ginger ale and then some pudding. We had a visit from Big sisters Shari and Kelli and her bro Desmond,nephew Evan had to stay in the waiting room but mama enjoyed some time with her newest grandson. Shari did not even get us kicked out of the hospital but it was a close call!!!
Zoe's dinner came and her sibs left .I think they did out of fear.Zoe attacked her tofu raviolis, I was afraid she was going to eat the plate. After dinner we went for a couple of walks and watched The incredibles.
We had a bit of a rough night as Zoe woke at midnight on the wet side and was not a happy camper. She cried for an hour,longer than I have seen her cry .She finally went back to sleep after having a story read. I offered to sing to her but she mumbles something about nightmares and went to sleep.. She has woken up this morning needing a blood draw that of course could not be thru her IV. She was a trooper and has had her big bright smile on ever since. She is currently playing chutes and ladders while waiting for the play deck to open. Hurray we will be going out of the unit..
Yesterday the Dr did say that she still has a small murmur most likely a stitch or two on the patch did not hold but hopefully this will be covered as the tissue covers the patch. Thanks again for all the good wishes.
peace and happiness Bonnie

Day 5
Posted 9 am June 30
Zoe has been doing well. We had a very quiet night.She has been very clingy It will be nice to get back home so I can be ignored and shut in my room!! We won't be going home today ,hopefully the chest tube will come out soon and then we can be home. I am ok with this delay as I would rather have it be in one day longer than have to be put back in or have us have to come back up here. She is doing amazingly well. You would never know to look at her that she had open heart surgery 5 days ago or that she has a chest tube in. Yesterday we visited the playroom in the reg peds deck where Desi spent 3 weeks 5 summers ago! There is much more activity there, more kids and many more drs. Zoe wanted to move down where the action is but thankfully we have stayed put in this nice quiet corner. We also visited the playdeck(roof top play area) and will be going there for a picnic lunch this noon. Yesterday there was an alarm and all the doors were shut. 6 firetrucks came to the hospital. Later they said it was a drill.?? Desi called to see if I had brought all my cards with me as he saw something he "had to have" .I am sure that was just an excuse to hear my voice!!! LOL.
I am very lucky that I am able to take this time off work and that my insurance will cover almost all expenses. There are many families in here not so fortunate and their kids are here mostly alone because the parents have to stay working.
Thanks to all of our friends for thinking of Zoe and praying. Thank you to God for putting our family together..
Peace and happiness Bonnie
We should be getting out soon ,especially since the weather is suppose to rainy the rest of the week.

All Done

2009-06-26T12:21:00.001-04:00

Dr Alf came and told us (11:20)that the surgery went well and she should recovery well. We only got a quick glimpse of her as they wheeled her by. She will be going directly to her own room and we should be able to see her in a half hour or so. Grandma,Aunt Shell and Uncle Rick arrived to finish the wait with me and Tev. Thanks for all the support. I think I have held up pretty well so far, no tears, but that may change when I get a good look at her . i feel relieved that this part is done and hopefully recovery will be quick and without problems.I will update after we see her... peace and happiness Bonnie

still in surgery

2009-06-26T12:13:00.000-04:00

Still in surgery
Posted 2 hours ago

we arrived actually on time this am ,the time 6:26, the date 6/26 on our parking ticket.. strange. Zoe,Tevin and myself followed the kites and butterflies to the basement intake. Zoe's surgeon came over and introduced himself,Dr Geogre Alfieris.He was very reassuring although I don't think Zoe was buying it. She was a little uncooperative,understandly so,then she had a whose tongue is the longest contest with the anesthesiologist and the happy juice kicked in. It was very reminiscent of big sis Kelli dentist visit...silly silly girls. We got Zoe changed into her lovely hospital pj's which were 2x her size.They came and carried her away,that was about 7:40.Tevin and I went to the cafe and there we saw Dr Alf... hmmm shouldn't he be with my girl. He said that she was just getting to sleep and things were good. I imagine that it would tell a bit of prep to do 3 IVs, a breathing tube and the other stuff. we havent heard anything yet.We took some pics of her before with her pink minnie mouse(gift from hosp yesterday).Zoe also brought along her Dr Bunny(dressed just like the dr's here,and of course her trusty white tiger. Hopefully things are going smoothly. It was hard seeing so many little ones going in for their procedures no matter what it was it is a scary time for them and their parents. Please keep them all in your prayers,especially the little boy born yesterday that he gains strength for his surgery ... I will update when we have some news ... thanks for your thoughts and prayers... Bonnie

2009-06-26T12:12:00.000-04:00

Zoe's sugery was scheduled for mon June 29th but on Weds june24 i rec'd a call saying that Zoe was now going to have her surgery on Fri the 26th and her pretesting would be on thursday . We arrived at the hospital and the Peds NP told us that they were going to reschedule for monday if the little boy that had just been born could not wait.Half way thru the call came in and it would be monday. We finished her appt.Zoe did great with the chest xrays and exam, not so happy with the blood draw. The procedure should last 4 hours.Zoe will have 3 different IV's as well as a breathing tube and a catheder.She will most likely spend 5-7 days in the hospital.Zoe will also participate in a study for blood cleaning for kids, she will either be given cleaned blood or the normal blood.She will then have samples of her blood drawn afterwards for the study. We left the appt and as I was getting my coffee fix in the lobby the peds NP came up and said that they would like to do her surgery on friday.

Zoe goes to the hospital

2009-06-25T11:50:00.000-04:00

Zoe's surgery has been moved up to this friday. I rec'd the call yesterday am. we leave in an hour for her pre testing. Zoe and I toured the 4th floor where she will stay after.We went when Desi was asleep getting his treatment last month. It is the same place that Desi stayed during his 3 week stay in 04 but they have revamped and updated everything. She is concerned she does not want to be asleep. They said in her China updates that she was not much for the naptime and boy they were not kidding.. Keep us all in your thoughts and prayers as I am sure I will be freaking out the whole day friday. thanks

Zoe graduates from Preschool

2009-06-19T10:43:00.000-04:00

Zoe graduated from preschool on June 10th. I was not able to be there as I was held over at work. there was a co worker that could have stayed but she would not(not for me!!) She also is the one to whom this conversation took place Sunday.CW#1(coworker)"good luck with Zoe surgery".. me "yes I am getting very nervous about it" CW#2(PITA~pain in the ***)" I don't know why you are getting so worked up about it, Its not like its your real child" Head snap... did she really just say that!!! me.."what do you mean?" PITA.."she's adopted its not the same as a "REAL"child",me " um excuse me, there is no difference in how I feel about all my kids, she is just as "REAL" to me as the other kids" PITA.. " I beg to differ, its not the same".... IDIOTS... sometimes you have to work with!! PITA also keeps telling everyone that I should not be able to get time off for Zoe's surgery and recovery because she is not my real child. Anyways back to the Good and away with the EVIL.

Here are some photos that big sister Kelli took of graduation.Kelli said that Zoe just stood with her head hanging down the whole ceremony.We met up later at APPLeB**s for a celebration lunch. Kelli has a blog for her dog Tibby
http://tibbytales.blogspot.com
and post some cute pics of Zoe. Thanks Kel for being a great help to me with your little sister. Zoe is all set to start Kindergarten in the fall. She did excellent on her screening and should find out what lucky teacher she will have soon.
One week until we do all the post op details for her surgery. I found out Zoe's bloodtype is A+ she is a whole grade better than my B+ so I will not be able to donate for her surgery. Peace and happiness, finally a 2 day weekend WooHOO!!

*** click on the pic of zoe and tibby, check out how well Z is holding the leash...

Zoe's surgery

2009-06-08T10:27:00.000-04:00

Zoe and her BFF Emily being silly. Zoe all dressed up on Easter and her earth day outfit

Zoe's surgery is schedules for the 29th of this month. I am growing increasingly nervous and really wish I was a head in the sand person and that I did not really know what will take place. Zoe is healthy and should heal quickly but still no one wishes to see their child(or any child) go thru this. please pray for Zoe and keep good thoughts coming. Any advice or reassurances from those who have traveled this road before would be much appreciated. Thanks and God Bless.

The new puppy

2009-06-05T10:35:00.000-04:00

We (tevin) got a new puppy in january. The mom is a border collie - lab mix so we thought it would be a good fit to be a playmate for Keena. Well her name is Elle although lately I have been calling her dumpster dog.Elle is so sweet and loves to cuddle. It soon became evident that the doggy daddy was a Chihuahua with a step ladder but really she is the cutest dog. looks like a border collie

Zoe's mom

2009-04-18T13:42:00.000-04:00

1. What is something your mom always says to you? i love you
2. What makes your mom happy? kisses
3. What makes your mom sad? not having a little sister like Zoe
4. How does your mom make you laugh? tickles
5. What was your mom like as a child? swim in the pool
6. How old is your mom? 40
7. How tall is your mom? you think i don't know.
8. What is her favorite thing to do? spy glass
9. What does your mom do when you're not around? cry
10. If your mom becomes famous, what will it be for? wait a second
11. What is your mom really good at? milk
12. What is your mom not very good at? skipping and finger paint
13. What does your mom do for a job? toys
14. What is your mom's favorite food? cereal and salad
15. What makes you proud of your mom? ???
16. If your mom were a cartoon character, who would she be? dragon
17. What do you and your mom do together? pick strawberries and do everything we like
18. How are you and your mom the same? same eyes,same hair and same nose
19. How are you and your mom different? different shoes and different shirts
20. How do you know your mom loves you? kisses
21. What does your mom like most about your guyguy? they are friends
22. Where is your mom's favorite place to go? applebees

New grandson-Evan Ridan

2009-03-23T15:32:00.001-04:00

entry wk 11-No flash

2009-03-23T15:02:00.000-04:00

Entry into I Love faces conteset wk 11 no flash

Zoe relaxing on a warm summer day in the trampoline

2008-12-11T12:24:00.001-05:00

Happy and Joyous Holiday !!

2008-11-14T11:25:00.000-05:00

Holloween

2008-11-14T11:13:00.000-05:00

click on picture to see photo larger..

Zoe and I have been hanging out with her friend Emily and her mom Mei. Mei is from Beijing and when we are together people seem puzzled that Zoe is my daughter and Emily is Mei's. we attended the U of R 's Autumn Moon Festival(sept) and We also visited Stokoe farms one beautiful sunday(oct) to see the pumpkins. Zoe was not feeling well so we pulled over and she was carsick(too hot) and this pretty horse came over to say hi. We had all sorts of fun.. cool 2 story tube slides,a hamster wheel, a corn maze and a mini train. We also rode on a hayride to look at the pumpkins in the fields. afterwards we all went to eat at the BIG china buffet .
The girls are in preschool together as well as dance class. We went trick or treating with Emily and Mei. Zoe sure caught on fast. Zoe was a bumblebee and kept telling folks not to be afraid it was just pretend. It was a beautiful night. Desi stayed home but Tevin went as a boy and returned as a shaving cream teen.

2008-11-08T17:11:00.000-05:00

2008-11-08T14:15:00.000-05:00

click on picture to see photo larger..

2008-11-06T16:36:00.000-05:00

catching up..

2008-10-04T11:07:00.000-04:00

i have not done so well keeping up the blog... life is just speeding by. Yesterday was 10 months since we held Zoe.I spent the day at the hospital with Desi getting his daylong treatment. the boys are both doing well in school so far. Desmond is now taller than me and Tevin is not too far behind. Zoe is doing great in preschool still clinging to mom and the stairs at dance.... some funny things about Zoe.... She now tells people her name is Zoe Princess P. Last night she put on her sunglasses that were missing one lenses and told us she was a pirate. She really has a great sense of humor... more later... this mama

a new blog

2008-09-10T10:44:00.000-04:00

we started with Finding Zoe,then had bringing Zoe home, and now life
goes on so after 9 months its time to move to keep up with life among the monkeys. Why monkeys?? come spend a few hours with my boos. They will most likely...:throw food,hang from something,jump on each other,need something picked off, each day an exciting adventure as they learn to grow and one day they will live our little happy jungle and head out into the world.This will chronicle as they try to establish dominate and as I try to keep my sanity, easier now that it is half gone.....