Molly Update

I got an email late last night with new pictures of Molly! She has grown and changed so much - still has big eyes and lots of hair. But she's still CUTE, CUTE, CUTE! And she looks happy and healthy.



It's been a bit strange today - it feels like I have to get to know a new baby. The only thing I've had these last few months is the pictures of her taken when she was 3 months old. It's an adjustment to see her at 7 months old.



These pictures came with no other information. I don't know if she is teething, if she can sit up, crawl or stand, if some of her medical tests have been repeated, or even if she is sleeping through the night. So I'm considering once again going early and waiting with her there.

I'm still here

I couldn't make all the arrangements to travel to Vietnam before Christmas, so I'm still here. Plan B is to wait for 'THE CALL', and hope it comes early in January. Things in Vietnam shut down for 2 weeks for Tet, which is their New Year celebration on Feb 14th. It would be nice to be there to see the celebrations!

I gave my bee hives the winter mite treatment today. It was a mild, dry day, so I took the hives apart and drizzled treated sugar syrup over the backs of the bees. They didn't seem to mind too much, although the Sophia hive is pretty agressive! I constantly had to back away from the guard bees that kept coming at me. I didn't get stung, though - thick clothing and the veil saved me.

The Sophia hive still has LOTS of bees. I saw some mold on the inner cover, and the bottom board was pretty wet around the edges. The Belle hive was drier, but they have a smaller ball of bees. However, I'm happy with what I saw today. I have comfort in thinking both hives will survive the winter. I have no idea how I'm going to be able to take care of the them once Molly arrives, but with a little help from my friends, maybe I can handle it.

The newest offerings from the hives are now candles. My bee club had a candle-making day last month, where I learned how to make molded and hand-dipped candles. I picked up a few supplies afterwards and made some tea-lights and votives for Christmas presents. I'm keeping the cracked and crooked candles for myself, but proudly wrapped up a bunch of tea-lights for my friends and family.

Baby Shower for Molly and Me

What a fantastic group of friends I have! A friend of mine offered to host a baby shower for me this weekend, and we had a wonderful time! There were so many great moments. I am really lucky to have such a great group of women supporting me, plus it was great to get together with everyone before I head off to Vietnam. Here are some highlights:

• Poetry was composed, and a song was sung about adopting Molly
• Gifts were passed down to me that friends had used for their children
• A hand-stitched baby quilt was made for Molly
• She now has lots of bibs and socks
• She will wear lots of pink!

I was very touched with the thoughtfulness of the gifts. Thanks to all of you for being part of this journey with me, for all your support, and your generosity.

And a big THANKS to Julia, Vera and Doug for hosting the shower in their lovely home!