CRINGE!

Let me start by saying I am not an overly sensative person.  I do believe in using positive language regarding differences and abilities -- not so much politically correct, just not painting disabilites in a negative way. I cannot beieve the president of the United States made a crack about the Special Olympics last night :(

This article says pretty much how I feel -- just made me cringe!

Obama's Special Olympics Joke

What are your thoughts?

Two-for-one!

Well, because I couldn't pick which one to post first -- here are two videos!!

Morgan and her letters...cracks me up!  I am so proud of her :)

I ask Jack to take a step -- instead he's being a little silly!

Because I never want to forget...

"Hi guys" -- no matter who enters a room, even if it's just one person

"Oh goodness!" -- When something doesn't go quite right

"Uh Oh, broken" -- this refers to ANYTHING that falls or comes apart.  It includes her scraped knee (which is NOT broken) 

"Happen?" -- As in what happened?  I think she pretends to not know the answer to this one, lol

"Dow-ya" -- her new favorite:  Dora, the Explorer :)

"Oh man!" -- expressing dissapointment

"two, nine, TEN!!" -- This is how EVERYTHING is counted according to Morgan

"Dee You" -- the letter W

Our First Ethiopian Meal (Recipe)

I am waiting on the arrival of the teff flour I ordered online but I wanted to share my plans for our first Ethiopian meal :)

Ethiopian Injera Bread

Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup teff flour
• 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup water
• a pinch of salt
• peanut or vegetable oil
• a mixing bowl
• a nonstick pan or cast-iron skillet

Directions:

1. Put the teff flour in the bottom of a mixing bowl, and sift in the all-purpose flour.

2. Slowly add the water, stirring to avoid lumps.

3. Stir in the salt.

4. Heat a nonstick pan or lightly oiled cast-iron skillet until a water
drop dances on the surface. Make sure the surface of the pan is smooth: Otherwise, your injera might fall apart when you try to remove it.

5. Coat the pan with a thin layer of batter. Injera should be thicker than a crêpe, but not as thick as a traditional pancake. It will rise slightly when it heats.

6. Cook until holes appear on the surface of the bread. Once the surface is dry, remove the bread from the pan and let it cool.

Ethiopian Beef Stew -- Tsebhi Sga or Key Wet

Ingredients

3 medium red onions
1/2 cup spiced butter (also know as tesmi or kbe)
1/4 cup chili paste (also know as d'lk, a hot chili mixed with water, oil and spices)
1 cup canned crushed tomatoes
2 lbs beef (preferably a beef brisket or any cut of your favorite beef)
water

Directions:

1. Chop onions into small fine pieces.
   
2. Heat a shallow deep pan, about 3 to 4 inches deep.
   
3. Add half of the spiced butter.
   
4. Once butter is melted add the chopped onions and cook it until the onion is caramelized.
   
5. Be sure not to burn the onions, keep stirring!
   
6. Add the chili paste to the cooked onions.
   
7. Mix it well by adding a drop of water at a time as needed.
   
8. Cook for about 15 minutes by adding a drop of water as you stir to stop it from drying.
   
9. Add tomatoes and cook for about 30 minutes more stirring it often and adding a drop of water as needed to prevent it from drying out.
   
10. Cut beef into small bite sizes, about ½ inch cubes.
    
11. Add beef to the cooking paste and cook covered for about 20 minutes or until it is cooked fully.
    
12. Add the remainder of the spiced butter and mix well.
    
13. Let cook of about 5 more minutes.
    
14. Depending on your personal desire, you may add more water to bring it to the consistency you like.
    

I will be sure to post opinions/pictures of our first attempt!  At least I have nearly two years to perfect some Ethiopian dishes before our new child comes home!!

Spicy Shrimp and Avocado Salad Recipe

Ingredients:

1 1/2 pounds large frozen shrimp, thawed, shelled and deveined
1 head romaine lettuce, washed and drained
2 Tbsp. chopped fresh chives
1/3 cup chopped fresh cilantro
1 tablespoon chopped jalapenos or a pinch cayenne, optional
1/4 cup fresh lime juice
1/2 cup olive oil
1 small shallot, minced
1 small ripe Haas avocado, peeled, pitted and cubed just before cooking
Kosher salt
Freshly ground black pepper

Instructions:

Dice the romaine into bite sized pieces, place in large salad bowl and set aside.

In a medium non-stick pan heat the olive oil.
Add the avocado and saute for 5 minutes.
Remove the avocado with a slotted spoon and set aside in a bowl.

Pour out all but 2 tablespoons of avocado oil into a small bowl, and reserve.
Add the minced shallot to the skillet and return to medium heat.
Cook, stirring until shallots begin to soften (about 30 seconds).
Add the shrimp, salt and pepper and jalapenos or cayenne, if using, and saute until shrimp are cooked through (3-4 minutes).

Remove from heat and spoon the shrimp into the bowl with the Avocado pieces.
Add the chives and cilantro and fold together gently, just to combine the ingredients.
With a rubber spatula, scrape any remaining oil in the skillet into the bowl with the reserved avocado oil.

Whisk in the lime juice and salt and pepper to taste to make a dressing.
Toss some of the dressing with the romaine until the lettuce is nicely coated, divide among serving plates.

Top the lettuce with hot shrimp mixture, drizzle with additional dressing, garnish with cilantro and serve.

February 2009 Pictures!

Added February Album!

Guest Post up at Dwell

I encourage you to read Ann's blog -- Dwell in Possibility.

I was invited to write a guest post and so happy to do so!  I am sorry it took me so long Ann!

VOTE! Vote for Jack and Morgan

We love Doni's blog and are so excited!  We entered a contest to have Doni digitally paint a portrait of Jack and Morgan...VOTE FOR US :)  We are entry #2

http://x.jimanddoni.com/?p=903

Happy 6th Birthday Jack Riley!!

To my little boy:

I am so proud of you.  My heart swells when I think you're already 6 years old.  I remember the day you were born and how scared we were.  I remember meeting you and knowing you were a fighter the moment I laid eyes on you!  We are so proud of you and love you very much.  Happy Birthday Jack Riley!!

2003

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2008


2009

Recipe -- Hummus Pizza

INGREDIENTS
1 (10 ounce) can refrigerated pizza crust dough
1 cup hummus spread
1 1/2 cups sliced bell peppers, any color
1 cup broccoli florets
2 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese


DIRECTIONS
Preheat the oven to 475 degrees C (220 degrees C).
Roll out pizza crust and place on a pizza pan or baking sheet. Spread a thin layer of hummus over the crust. Arrange sliced peppers and broccoli over the hummus, and top with shredded cheese.
Bake for 10 to 15 minutes in the preheated oven, until the crust is golden brown and cheese is melted in the center. Slice and serve.

Help! (OFF TOPIC) "Little Black Dress"

One of my best friends Sara is getting married June 13th!  We were sitting together today looking at dresses for her bridesmaids to wear.  We came across this dress and it's THE ONE!  However, we're looking for it in black.  We've checked so many different sites but can't find anything close to this design.

Portrait Collar Taffeta Dress

Wanna get googling to help us?  Please reply here with your links and ideas!!  Also, we're looking for a catalog order kind of dress preferably less than $70!

Thanks in advance!!

Ups and Downs!

Jack is feeling much better.  Still coughing but no more fever!!  He'll be back to school on Monday -- YIPPY!!!!  

On the down note, Morgan woke up with a fever yesterday.  She's not as sickly as Jack was so I am hoping it's just a cold for her!!

I am looking forward to a nice weekend at home!!!

Unwell

UPDATE:  The kiddo has pneumonia.  Jack's fever was 104 at the doc's office :( She gave him an antibiotic and if he's still not feeling well by Friday she would like to see him again and order a chest xray. So no school for Jack on Wednesday. I didn't even take his wheelchair in to the doctor's office -- I knew he'd just want to lay on me. He's really not feeling well at all. Hopefully the meds will kick in and he'll start to feel better soon! 

Earlier today:

Poor Jack is not feeling well.  He's had a fever and cough since Sunday night.  His fever is 100-103 even with Motrin or Tylenol and the cough isn't terrible sounding but it is persistent and keeping him up all night.  He missed school and two outpatient occupational and physical therapy appointments this week but he certainly needs his rest and therapy can resume next week!  I am taking him to the doctor this afternoon.  Hopefully whatever it is it goes away quickly.  I hate when my kids don't feel well.  He's been loving all of the cuddle time on the sofa as well as watching lots of Nick Jr. and getting to drink "fruit soda"  or as Jack calls it "Froop La La" which is just some of that flavored no calorie, no caffeine seltzer water.  It's keeping him hydrated -- which is great!  Right now he's on the sofa watching the Backyardigans and is having a few chills from his fever.  He won't take a blanket though and his hands and feet are FREEZING yet his head and back are very hot.  My mother is coming over today to watch Morgan so I don't have to take her into the germy waiting room at the peds office.  Must love Grandmas!!

I will keep you posted.  Also, we're thinking of our little friend T. who is having surgery today.  He's getting the ear tubes/adenoids and tonsils combo.  We hope you're doing well little T.!!!!!  Can't wait to talk to your mommy to hear how you're doing.

PS -- Jack pictured above with his gorgeous quilt made by our new friend Leslie from www.quiltsforkids.org thanks Leslie, we love the quilt and wheelchair tote bag!!

and yes, that is a wire whisk on the back of our sofa.  What?  You don't store untensils on your couch?

Walk this way :)

Only when I watch a video like this is when I realize how TALL our Jack Riley is!! Jack loves to walk around the house with one hand held. He is very brave these days taking "risks" and trying to step on his own. You can see the nice boo boo on his cheek as he caught himself on the end table last week (with his face!).

Jack is a former 25 week preemie diagnosed with cerebral palsy. This video was taken a few days after botox. Although he's a little looser -- there's nothing too different in the video itself.

Home :)

Botox went well!  Jack was out like a light from the gas -- the injections took about 20 mintues and he woke up shortly afterwards.  We were released about 30 minutes after he woke up and he's eating everything in sight right now!  Yogurt, cheerios, water, chocolate milk and fruit snacks...lol

We were given an rx for extra therapy PT and OT 3 hours a week as well as a night time wedge/knee splint/brace thingy that I am sure isn't going to go over very well with Jack...but we shall try.

The Dr. said even under anesthesia his hammies (hamstrings) were so so tight.  She didn't say this outright -- but I think surgery is in our future.  Sadly this is what happens with spasticity.  Jack's had a major growth spurt and his muscles just can't handle the growth.  I hope botox and therapy help a little for the next few months!

Gotta run -- Jack wants to go watch Tee Tee (TV).

Update!

Jack is scheduled for Botox tomorrow morning!  He'll go under general anesthesia and recieve injections in both legs and his right arm/hand.  We go in at 8:00 am and will be able to come home later that day.

Yesterday we attended a 2 hour meeting at our adoption agency! We learned the general process of adopting internationally. We asked a lot of questions and felt very relieved and excited after the meeting. We have filled out the formal application and sent it this morning. The application was done online so we should hear within 48 hours on whether or not we were accepted into the program.   Please say a little prayer :)  At this point I am not posting too many specifics regarding the agency publically online.  I am not sure of the legality and would rather discuss these things privately!  So please, feel free to email me with any questions!  Also, stay tuned to our Adoption Timeline on the side bar for updates!!

Also on the side bar you'll see our 2009 March for Babies banner!  Click on the banner for our 2009 March for Babies information and of course to donate in Jack and Morgan's honor ; )

I will let you know how Jack is doing after botox tomorrow!

Just Morgan : )

January 2009 Pictures!

January 2009

Speech Therapy?

I was hoping to take a poll on what kind of activities your kids do during speech therapy at school (not outpatient/hospital based). 

I am meeting with Jack's teacher and speech therapist on Friday to discuss how his sessions are going.  I am just curious to find out how other schools conduct speech therapy.

At Jack's school speech is done in a group setting.  I've only come to realize (this week) that he does not get his speech 1 to 1 like he did in preschool or during early intervention.  I have a lot of questions on how he's doing with his goals and whether this is an appropriate setting for him.

The group session consists of 6 or 7 kids from two classrooms with about 5 switches on the table. They take turns hitting the switch to "read" a story.  While the activity in itself is nice, Jack needs SO MUCH MORE than this during his therapy time.  Much less in a group of 6 or 7 where he's the only VERBAL child.

Here's our experience PRIOR to this school year with school based therapy:

Oral Motor stuff like working in front of a mirror sticking his tongue out or imitating a "O" with his lips. Using a "horn hierarchy" to build muscles around his mouth. Blowing cotton balls across the table with a straw, etc.

The other things were receptive language stuff: like point to the bird, what is the boy doing in this picture, etc.

Then there's the pronunciation and just repeating sounds.

He has so many motivators too like bubbles, music, toys, balls, etc. And his TSS is there to help with the behavior and redirecting so I feel he needs to be in a different situation at speech time.

Thanks for your input -- I'll keep you posted!!!

First Steps (of a different kind)

We've been researching adoption on and off for over a year now and we'd talk and read and then let it go for a while.  A few weeks ago we started talking seriously about our plans and have decided to take the international adoption route. Right now we are hoping to adopt an infant from Ethiopia. We filled out a preliminary application and mailed it on Friday.  It's out there heading to the agency right now.

It is a long, long, long process and realistically we know it could be 2-3 years until everything is final and we have a new baby in our home.

We are open to a boy or girl.  We aren't sure if we'll travel or use an escort.  We are open to twins or siblings, and will probably know more once we're further down this path.

I just wanted to share this with my second family!! I'll keep you posted! 

Right now we ask you keep us in your thoughts for getting accepted into this agency's program!!

PS -- I started an adoption timeline on the sidebar if you're interested in watching our progress!