Packing it up....

Our life has been a whirlwind for the last 4 weeks. Everyday, we're engaged in activities, projects, quiet time, etc. and then I think "oh, I can't wait to write this in the blog!" ~ but the time to write can't be found. I guess I could give up sleep...

Tonight (Thursday) we have been packing up to leave for Florida Friday evening. We have a red-eye flight into Orlando where JD, Kristina and I will stay at my parent's Ranch for a few days. We figured it would be good quiet time together in a new timezone before gathering together in So. Florida with the Cassidy Clan and friends before our cruise next week on June 20th to the Caribbean. We'll be gone for two weeks.

Kristina continues to just flourish and her personality is incredible. She speaks to us with hand gestures and facial expressions that leave us busting at the seams. I've tried capturing a few of these conversations on video and will try to upload one when we get to Florida.

Falling asleep at night is still an issue...unless she doesn't get an afternoon nap. In that case, she's sound asleep within 20 minutes. She has awakened between 5am and 6:30am all week....but I found that if I take her back to bed with me, she cuddles in just like a cat (yes, up against my face many times) and will fall asleep for another 3 hours! I love waking up and seeing her staring into my eyes and then puckering up to give Mama a big smooch. Where did she learn this? I swear....sometimes I begin to think that this little girl has walked this earth before.

Last weekend was a busy one seeing friends from CT (Miss you, Ken, Cindy and Kiera!), going to our adoption agency's picnic where we got to see other little kids and friends, and then a Welcome Baby Shower for Kristina on Sunday thrown by Laura (LYL TOL!). Overall, I think Kristina did really, really well. So many people commented on how friendly, outgoing, and comfortable she is with everyone. Of course, my eyes were out to see if she was "mommy shopping" but still haven't seen that yet. Even if there's a crowd, she'll still run through it with arms wide open looking for her Mama's love. Yep - my heart just melts.

Was she overstimulated? Yeah -- I could tell by Sunday afternoon that we were nearing maximum capacity and made sure that each day since was quiet family time with only JD and me. Now she won't leave my side. Quiet home-time with Papa while Mama shops? Oh, no.....little Miss K cried for 2 hours straight "Mamaaaaaaa, Mamaaaaaaa" and then JD called me and said "Please, when are you coming home?" Broke my heart to hear her bawling in the background but oh.....to feel so needed and wanted! :)

Back to packing as it's going on 1:30am and the suitcases are still bare. More entries and tons of pictures to come....just appreciate the patience from everyone as this tired Mama is trying to just stay afloat!