Checking out the starfish at the Manhattan Beach Pier Aquarium

I love the fishies!

We see the panda family - mom, dad and baby. What an experience! I know I'll never forget it!

Outside the monkey cages at the San Diego Zoo, Isabella, Mom and Grandma stop for a pose.

Riding the Sky Tram

Playing with the apes was Isabella's favorite part of the day.

Sharing artichoke dip with dad

Seeing the cars and motorcycles at West Coast Choppers in Long Beach

Artichoke what?

We all enjoyed a wonderful visit and an excellent dinner last night. Kevin tried artichoke cheese dip and loved it! Pictures of Kevin and Isabella eating it on crackers to follow after we get home.

Cross-country plane ride

Kevin, Isabella and I enjoyed a very LONG flight from Cleveland to LAX Friday afternoon.

After repacking another suitcase to avoid unnecessary searches and long talks with friends and family to reconsider the flight the day after the terrorist plot, we arrived three hours ahead of schedule at Hopkins. No delays to check in or at the baggage check. We worried that security would take awhile but they waved us to the front when they saw the baby.

The wait came at the gate since we had no problems getting through check points. Isabella was good but wanted to walked a lot and watch people pass by, saying HI to each and every one.

The flight was not so smooth. Isabella cried for 45 minutes straight before finally giving up. She only slept for an hour so we played back-and-forth game for three hours of the flight.

When we landed and went to get our baggage, one was missing - the one that was repacked with toiletries, my clothes and all our medications. Someone else picked it up according to Continental staffers. But the next morning Kevin called and the people brought it back to the airport. Kevin went immediately to pick it up.

Needless to say, we are not looking forward to the return flight on Sunday.

First Professional Photo Shoot

Isabella had her first professional photos taken yesterday. Boy was that an experience!

She hates being told what to do so when a total stranger says stand here, sit here - without mommy - Isabella wasn't having it!

We got only a few smiles out of her the entire time but the expressions really show her true nature - inquisitive.

Take a look at the proofs...

https://www.searsphotos.com/view_shared_roll_images.asp?shareid=S204422367lCHZ6FET72T&tag=75575EBE09F042CDB67A4C68D85BD085C1784AF70A7642CEAA59F7DD1AA84073

Welcome new cousin

Isabella has a new cousin.

Keith, Kevin's brother, and wife Tiffany brought Kylie Marie into the world on Thursday, July 13. She weighs 6 lbs. 12 ozs. and is 20 inches long. She has a full head of black curly hair and is adorable! Welcome baby girl!

The Cozy Coup

After the zoo we headed home for nap time but Isabella had too many things on her mind so we visited the Teeple home and played with Nicholas and his fun toys. Besides having so much fun, Isabella also tried her first bite of Strickland's Frozen Custard and boy did she like it!

A Day at the Zoo

Isabella enjoyed her first visit to the Akron Zoo with mom and dad and the Teeple Family. She loved looking at the animals, but she wasn't too sure about the petting zoo! She played on the playground and even rode the train - with mom of course!

A True American Girl

Isabella experienced her first July 4 in America and like her mom and dad did not like the sound of the fireworks. But she did love the potato salad!

"Can I drink from that cup, too?"

"I look so cute in my red, white and Blue - and pink, too!"
"Man burgers rule. Thanks Chris!"

"I can help, too!"

I love my grandpas!

Splish, splash

Isabella loves the water as long as it's not bath time. Kevin taught her how to jump into his arms in the hottub. And we've headed to Julie and Chris's pool to cool off, too. She loves her pool scooter and hanging out with dad in the water!

Isabella's First Wedding

Isabella's aunt and uncle - Julie and Chris (my sister and her husband) - renewed their wedding vows at a beautiful service and reception on June 24.

Partying at the Rehearsal

Dancing at the reception

Update on how I'm feeling - I had a bit of a relapse after the wedding getting a sinus infection on top of the mono. Getting plenty of rest though!

More cute pictures we have to share

"Why are they always taking pictures of me? Can't I rest!"
"I know I'm adorable!"
"Let me drink my bottle in peace!"
"American Idol -Here I come!"

"I'd rather play with the dog's toys!"

I love to swim!

Isabella turns ONE!

Thursday, June 8 marked a great milestone in Isabella's life - she turned 1! We started the day with brunch at Bob Evans with Grandma Mary and went to the toy store from there. Grandma Sue and Grandpa Al played with her in the afternoon before going to a special party at the Gaylord house. Surrounded by immediate family, she celebrated by enjoying pizza and her first taste of ice cream.

Offline for awhile

Dear Readers,
We are sorry we have not posted updates for awhile and are sad to report another delay ahead. As many of you may know after speaking with Kevin or other family members about the cancellation of Isabella's birthday party, Jennifer has been very sick.

She was admitted to Akron General Medical Center May 19 with breathing problems. After many tests doctors discovered a bacterial infection in the lining of her chest wall. But that wasn't all. She had a badly infected gallbladder full of stones. She had complained of stomach aches in the previous weeks and had tests scheduled for May 21. She didn't make it for those tests.

Her doctor scheduled an emergency surgery to remove the gallbladder. But again that wasn't the end. While in pre-surgery, Jennifer pointed out a lump in her throat to her surgeon. With no fever and no other symptoms, doctors proceeded with the surgery. However, later that day, Jennifer spiked a fever of 103 degrees. For three days, doctors did tests to figure out why her fever was so high and rising. Packed in ice to cool her down, Jennifer told doctor's of her sore throat as it swelled and swelled to no throat at all.

After numerous specialist consulted on her case, an ENT discovered an infected bronchial cyst in her right lymph nodes. Hoping that antibiotics would cure the infection, doctors watched her progress. The fever and much of the swelling subsided so doctors released her at 2 p.m. May 27 (Kevin's 30th birthday).

Within an hour of being home, Jennifer's throat began to swell and her fever began to rise. At 4:41 p.m. May 27 she was readmitted to Akron General.

The next morning doctor's performed a radiological drainage of the bronchial cyst to relieve some of the pressure in hopes antibiotics could kick the rest of the infection out. But that wasn't the only thing Jennifer was fighting. Later that day, her infectious disease doctor informed us that Jennifer was also fighting Mono. We were informed that she was well past the age group to contract this disease but with her weakened immune system couldn't fight it off.

No luck as Jennifer underwent another surgery as doctors inserted a drainage tube in her neck. For two days doctors watched as little fluid drained from the tube so another procedure was performed to insert a new tube which remains in place today.

Jennifer was released this weekend to her parents' care. She and Isabella have moved in with them as Jennifer recovers (and sleeps - The Mono has her so drained she's only awake about 6-8 hours a day.) She meets with her ENT today to discuss the next step. Her I.D. doctor's are in touch with her and will see her later this week. Her surgeon will meet with her next week to check on her gallbladder incisions.

When we set a new date for Isabella's party, we will let everyone know. Thank you for understanding when we had to postpone.

Thank you, too, for all the well-wishes and prayers.

I love my swing set!

A special thanks to cousins Matt, Amy and Noah for selling us this wonderful Little Tikes swing set. Isabella really enjoys the dolphin swing and the slide!

Go Cavs!

Not only did Lebron and the guys tie the series at 2-2 last night, but Isabella had the experience of a lifetime at her first Cleveland Cavaliers game and a playoff game to boot!

Kevin, Isabella, Grandpa Kramer and Uncle Keith (and mom of course) enjoyed free tickets to the game courtesy of the Cavs Reading & Learning Center at Project Learn.

Isabella was so good and really got into the whole cheerleading atmosphere, yelling and singing with the crowd. She sported her Cavs cheerleader outfit and her Lebron James Nikes!

And what a game it was. 73-72 Cavs! Detroit here we come!!!!!!!

Happy Mother's Day!

When I stopped to think about I wanted to write about on, this, my first Mother's Day, I got to thinking not about me and how I feel about being a new mom, but about my mom.

She provided me with all the love and support a girl needs to pass on to her daughter! She played peek-a-boo with me just like she does with Isabella. She changed my diapers and gently brushed my hair. She bathed me and fed me even when she was so tired it hurt to move.

These may not seem like important, life-changing things, but looking back, that's what each moment was. She showed, and continues to show me, in each action that she loves me above all else. That is the best gift any child can receive.

So on this Mother's Day, as we receive our flowers and cards and tokens of appreciation, I hope each of us takes a minute to say Thank You to the most influential, most loving and hardest worker in our lives - our Mom!

Happy Mother's Day to all you moms, grandmas and godmoms - all of you make a difference every day in the lives of those you love!

And to my Mom - Thanks for loving me and for always being there. And thanks for showing me how to be a great mom to Isabella!

First Sleepover

Isabella enjoyed her first night away from home last night as see shared a night-night with Aunt Julie and Uncle Chris. She faired well going to sleep first at 10:30 p.m. (later than she's goes down for us). But that didn't last long because within an hour she was screaming out in her pack-n-play. She may have been scared not knowing where she was and sleeping in the pack-n-play for the first time could be tough.

Kevin and I missed her a ton! We both kept asking each other "do you think she's okay" and do you think she misses us". But having the sleepover was a blessing in disguise since I had Kevin call an ambulance for me at 11:15 p.m. I had incredibly shooting pains in my chests and I couldn't catch my breath. After trying Pepto to calm maybe heartburn, I was desperate. When EMS arrived they checked me out and said everything was fine. Still don't know what caused it but I'm glad to be feeling much better this morning.

Now off to pick up our angel!!!!!!!

Isabella's Baptism

What a great Saturday, April 29!

Isabella was baptized at the 4:30 p.m. mass at Immaculate Heart of Mary Church in Cuyahoga Falls. The deacon and priest made the event very special for our family by recognizing us at the start of mass and by talking about our adoption journey. Godparents Julie Madera (my little sister) and Keith Kramer (Kevin's younger brother) were included as well and even brought up the gifts at communion.

After the homily, he deacon performed the baptism. Isabella never cried as he poured the water over her head but did push his hand away as he blessed her with the oils. He made everyone laugh by saying "She's got quite a mind of her own!" We were delighted to see the Miller Family who adopted Jakob at the same time as Kevin and I were in Guatemala picking up Isabella. They live in Northfield and we have family friends in common. What a small world we live in!

We entertained about 50 guests at an after-party at Kevin's parents' home. The weather was beautiful so many people enjoyed dinner and dessert on the desk and in the sunroom. It was quite a night!