Adoption Survivor!

Saturday we threw a party to celebrate Jessica's arrival. We opted for an aloha/survivor theme instead of pink & duckies, because we were ready to par-tay over our first adoption! I couldn't find a clip-on bone for her nose, or grass skirts in size 0, so we opted for eyebrow pencil and her animal print top. The guests all wanted to hold her and she was a great hostess. That's one for the baby book: first party! (And she didn't even have to wait til her first birthday.)


Lots of people helped out with food, and besides 2 dinner dishes, all we had for dinner that night was sugar and fruit, yum! We had just the right amount of people to sit and talk and tell Jessica's story. (I went to 8 stores to find my favorite paper lanterns, and of course, they were at the last possible store on my list.)

Two of my tennis teammates came bearing gifts. My tennis team has been really happy for me, although it's taking time away from my favorite sport. My wonderful friend Meghan is babysitting Jessica for the last few games of the season. Both our division 7 and division 5 teams are in first place, and it's been a blast playing (and winning) these last 2 years with them.

Dave offers up Jessica, Lion King style. "It's the cir---cle--- of liiii----fe !"

His coworker Steve is a cheerful guy whom Dave really likes, so we're glad he came. Dave's company delivered a bouquet of flowers and balloons of congratulations, and their best present: they didn't fire him after being gone for 10 working days. Thanks Florida Turbine Technologies!

Our friend Sheyla made a custom cake for the party: Dave and I on a safari to find a pink bundle in a treasure chest under the palms. Dave is complete with glasses, and apparently my figurine liked to swim, because it kept falling in the water. (This week we've been eating the cake, but we decided it would be slightly cannibalistic, and sick, to eat tiny sugar versions of ourselves, so we ate around them.)

Sheyla won the tropical food contest, and the amazing fruit hat, which looked like it was made for her! Our church "family" has been a huge support over the 6 years we've been here and childless. They've referred us to infertility specialists; told us their own experiences; listened to us (complaining sometimes on my part); some have consciously not asked about it I'm sure (a relief in its own way); gave advice (the helpful, the useless, and the painful kind); they've included us in family activities even though we didn't have kids; let us borrow their kids; and greatly encouraged us. And lastly, they were ecstatic when we finally did find a child, and have showered Jessica with gifts. We love you Jupiter ward!

Thanks to everyone who helped us celebrate!