Our Crazy Crawler

Continuation on the AHope theme..

Just want to make sure everyone is aware:

What You Should Know About HIV/AIDS

-HIV can NOT be spread through casual/household contact. HIV is not spread through hugging, kissing, shaking hands, sharing toys, sneezing, coughing, sharing food, sharing drinks, bathing, swimming or any other casual way. It has been proven that HIV and AIDS can only be spread through sexual contact, birth, breastfeeding and blood to blood contact (such as sharing needles).
- HIV is now considered a chronic but manageable disease. With treatment, people who are HIV+ can live indefinitely without developing AIDS and can live long and full lives.
- People who are HIV+ deserve to be treated with love, respect, support and acceptance as all people do.
Additional information on transmission of HIV can be found on the Center for Disease Control website:
http://www.cdc.gov/hiv/resources

{copied from http://abushel-and-apeck.blogspot.com}

AHope

This organization is responsible for the orphanage we visited in Ethiopia that cares for HIV+ children, educating and ultimately trying to keep them with their families and in their communities. I posted a bit about the experience back in February, feel free to read back if you want, it was a very emotional visit for me. While we were there Ben helped to feed a l-i-t-t-l-e one, she was so frail and tiny, she looked liked she belonged in intensive care.. But, this is Ethiopia and she had HIV. We found out shortly after we returned home that she did indeed pass away, but she was loved in her last days.. The people here and the work they do are both amazing, they are worthy of and in need of help.

Today's Neighborhood Funny

Just now, I was working on putting Kai down for the night. We were on the last few sips of his bottle when Norm starts barking excitedly and seconds later the doorbell rang. I put Kai in the crib, start down the stairs and can see 4 neighborhood kids through the glass. As I get closer I see one of them with a sign.. hmmm..

"Hi guys, whats up?"

The 9 year old group spokesperson says, "Hi! We have are selling a sofa, 50 bucks or best offer. It has to go by Wednesday."

I took a second look at the sign being held by the adorable redhead. It was a circular piece of cardboard attached to a hockey stick that said Sofa for Sale..

"Sorry guys, we don't need another sofa, but if I think of someone, I will let them know about it."

"Ok, but it has to go by Wednesday" said over the shoulder as the entourage starts turning around.. and she adds cheerfully, "Or best offer!" Then the boy in the group pipes up "Hey, lets go next door and check with Donovan, maybe he needs one!"

I chuckle as I head inside.. chuckle at their enthusiasm and determination and for the fact that Donovan is only 16 years old.. but hey, maybe he does need a full sized sofa in his room, you never know!

Malakai Update

So, what is the little bugger up to lately? He is crawling like a champ and rarely topples backward anymore when he is sitting up by himself.. it's really kind of cute when he looses his balance while sitting.. He is very fast with his hands now to catch himself when he wobbles and he looks up and around like, wow - that was embarrassing, did anyone see that?

He still only has four teeth, but has started using them.. on the furniture.. wood tables mostly. He loves to bang things, laugh at everything and has started teasing the dog. I am enjoying this stage, his little personality is starting to come out and so far I really like him :)

But the best thing began just the other day and I wish I had a photo, I couldn't quite think straight when it first happened.. While eating his lunch of peas and something all of a sudden he figured out how to blow food out of his mouth.. straight at me.

I just love a good sale

my New Mommy Top Ten

In no particular order, the things I have come to love in recent months:

1. Kiwi Magazine - Love it! The tag line is "Growing families the natural and organic way" - just up my alley! Plus, the CEO/Publisher is also an adoptive Mom and her daughter has her own column in the Mag.

2. BlaBla Doll - This is Kai's snuggly sleeping buddy. He has a small one; it is adorable, just the perfect size and has gone through the wash many times over already.

3. Fuzzi Bunz - Even Ben can use these easily and he was really skeptical about cloth diapers at first! They wash up great and are not complicated at all.

4. Ergo - I've already posted on how much I love this, but just to reiterate.. I LOVE THIS CARRIER! The little guy falls alseep so easily and it has become our mode of calming & comfort for him when he has his cranky moments - and it always works.. Yesterday we went to check out the new Hindu Temple in Lilburn and he was asleep in about 5.4 minutes after being taken out of his car seat.

5. Rings, Strings, and Cords.. These are his 3 favorite toys.. He is moving beyond the rings now, but the strings and cords... I can't keep him away from them.

6. Mirror on the back seat - my boy loves to look at himself. He can keep himself entertained for an entire car ride to Target and I can check on him when he gets too quiet..

7. Super Baby Food - This book gives you everything you need to know about feeding your baby (well) and kids in a simple, reference style way. I love it - thanks Sarah!

8. Onsies - Really, no explanation or link necessary.. Kai is pretty much either wearing just a diaper (soo cute!) or in one of these this summer. Love the ones with a collar and little shorts.

9. Bouncy Seat - He has pretty much outgrown this now, but it got a ton of use.. It was the only way I could take a shower the first few months home! :) Thanks Val!

10. Garage Sales & Craigslist! I love getting a good deal and I hate paying a ton for something that doesn't get used to its full potential - so 2nd life clothing, toys & supplies are a perfect match for me.

Honorable Mention: My Hubby definitely should be on the Top Ten.. I don't know how you hot single Mommas do it! Sometimes at the end of the day I can't wait for him to walk through the door just so I can have a few minutes of down time.. I have SO much respect for you ladies!

How about you? Christina? Heather? Laura? Cathy? whoever else is out there reading, what am I missing out on ??