Adopted Mommy

Wow! Has it really been that long since we've added to our blog? Well, here's some of the stuff that happened during October.... Of course the kids went trick-or-treating! Katarina was Tinkerbell (her choice) and David wore his dragon costume (Old Navy has the cutest costumes). Dina's brother and sister-in-law invited us all over to their house in Stockton. It was fun to be able to spend Baby Maddox's first Halloween with him (and David's first Halloween as a Graves). Justin showed us around the neighborhood and the kids had a wonderful time getting candy! David's pumpkin after being carved! :) Katarina's finished product. She drew the eyes, nose and mouth! So, of course, it's a little small. :) But, she had fun! It's even better when it's their own design! Sunday, October 25, we took the kids to Dell Oso farms to the Pumpkin Maze. Lathrop/Manteca is known for its' pumpkins. While we didn't stay too long, the kids had fu

Well, Justin and Monica finally tied the knot! It was yesterday that a small group went to Tahoe to watch them exhcange vows at Harvey's wedding chapel. After the ceremony, we had dinner at Hard Rock Cafe. It was a lot of fun! The drive wasn't the greatest (especially with 2 littles ones). But, Katarina and David were on their best behavior all day. Dina was asked to be the official photographer. She wanted to make sure she got exactly what they wanted. Over 200 pictures ended up being taken. Hopefully some of them will be what the new Mr. and Mrs. wanted. The guys (including little Maddox) wore Tuxedo t-shirts while the girls wore tank tops Monica had made. (Please see picture for phrase!) LOL! After the reception, Monica went back upstairs to their room and put on her Mrs. Rabara tank top! A very proud wife! :) Next year will be the big hoorah and Katarina will be the flower girl. She and David will walk little Maddox down the aisle in a wagon or fire truck.

Katarina has been talking about her birthday for months (LITERALLY)! Awhile back, she went through a party store catalog that Dina gets in the mail and saw the Hello Kitty set. That's when she told us she wanted Hello Kitty for her birthday theme. Fine. Done. Princess once again gets her way! LOL! This year, with money being VERY tight (as with most Americans), we decided only to invite a small group of people for cake. It was very simple and not much needed to be done, which was nice. Katarina, of course, was spoiled rotten as usual! She already has her Halloween costume (a Tinkerbell dress up outfit from her Nino & Aunt Monica). Her day care lady, Miss Angel, bought her a Hello Kitty bath towell and gold fish (which she LOVES). A balloon was waiting for her when Jeff dropped off the kids yesterday on her real birthday. Cupcakes were served at snack time with her friends. We think she had a very good birthday! :) Isn't this picture so adorable? She's g

Well, it's official! David's adoption was finalized by a judge on Monday, August 18, 2008! We were very happy how quickly this all came about. It was certainly overwhelming, with both Dina and Jeff starting new jobs. But, it was joyous occassion we were happy to share with immediate family. David was just so cute in his little outfit walking around the courthouse! Katarina was extremely well behaved even though it wasn't her day. :) Jeff started his new job with a lumber company in Livermore as an operations manager. It is a bit overwhelming learning everything and with there being so much responsibility. His shift will be later in the day, so he has been taking the kids to daycare in the morning so Dina can get to work early and then Dina picks them up after school and takes care of dinner and bath time. So far, it's worked out as far as that goes, but that still doesn't leave much Mommy & Daddy time. Dina started up her school year with her new cla

It's been a crazy summer and it's almost over! David is now walking and is into EVERYTHING!!! He doesn't listen very well! LOL! We are also proud to announce that his social worker turned in the paperwork for our petition for adoption and we should have a court date very soon. We look forward to the judge stating our son's name as DAVID ALLEN WILLIAM GRAVES!!! It will be a wonderful celebration! Dina has been working hard to get her classroom set up for the upcoming school year. She's very excited and nervous at the same time. Tomorrow will be her first day in teacher meetings and her new class of 5th graders will start on Wednesday. Time has flown by so quickly, but Dina thinks she's prepared to take on the challenge! The kids will start daycare, too, which will be good for their socialization. They have had a couple of playdates there to get them accustomed to the surroundings. Katarina told Jeff that she likes her new friends! David apparently h

Baby Maddox is here!!! He was born on July 15, 2008 at 7:10 P.M. He weighed 7 pounds, 7 ounces and measured 20 inches long! Big boy! Justin is a very proud daddy and Monica did a wonderful job. The meds they give these days do wonders apparently! LOL! It was a wonderful experience to be a part of. Dina was thankful Jeff had the day off so he could stay with Katarina and David at home while she was at the hospital. It was a long day for everyone, but the newest Rabara is doing great. He is a very chill little guy and it is interesting to observe Justin interact with his son. Maddox knew his daddy's voice and calmed down when Justin would speak to him. It was amazing! July 3rd Justin graduated from the Contra Costa Fire Academy and is now working in Clayton. It was a proud moment and Monica got to pin his badge after the ceremony. All that hard work (litterally blood, sweat and tears) finally paid off. It will take him a year to get off probation, but in the meantime

Well, so much has been going on lately! It's been really crazy and Dina hasn't had much time to do a lot of blogging, but here's the latest: On Saturday, June 28, Dina took the kids to meet up with her sorority sister/college roomate for lunch while her friend was up from Riverside. This was the first time all the kids were together. It was a short lunch, but great to see Grace and her hubby so happy with their son! The food at Elephant Bar was excellent too! Dina then drove to Stockton for her baby cousin's 3rd birthday! It was at the house where Dina grew up! Of course it was princess themed. They had a castle bouncehouse, which Katarina took to for the first time. The little kiddie pool was set up, too. David wasn't too sure about that, but it was a lot of fun. Brianna's big sister made the Ariel cake in the picture above! Cecy just finished culinary school not too long ago in San Francisco. After cake and presents, Dina drove with the kids back

Ok, so it's been awhile, but we've been CRAZY BUSY! Jeff is now a car saleman at Stan Morri Ford in Tracy (go see him if you want a good deal!) and so his hours are long. Dina feels like a single mom and any family events have been without Jeff. But, here are a few things that have been going on.... Dina took Katarina in to have her hair trimmed and noticed someone with the cute bob cut. She decided once Jeff came home, she would cut her hair. Originally she planned to wait until it was long enough to donate, but with the wicked hot weather and starting back up teaching in Tracy Unified, a new look was called for. Plus, Dina turns 30 on Monday, so she felt like she needed to do something wild for it! Father's Day was hard with out Jeff. He worked (as ALL car saleman do) on Sunday, but Dina tried her best to fix breakfast for him before he had to go in. Dina then took the kids to Modesto to meet up with her dad, step mom and bro's (with their significant others)

No, it's not for us again! LOL! Dina's brother and girlfriend are expecting a boy in July. A family baby shower was organized at the Stockton Ball Room yesterday. Good food and company made for a wonderful afternoon! Everyone enjoyed the kids and of course Katarina helped out with opening gifts for her future cousin! This little boy is going to be SPOILED!!!

we brought Katarina home! Two years ago today was her first official day home and the day we became parents. So many memories we've experienced with her, it's still hard to believe it's been two years. Our little princess has been a wonderful addition to our entire family. Looking through all her baby pictures amazes us how far she has come. It was a difficult transition for her to adjust to our home and "crazy" extended family. The all seemed like strangers to her and all anyone ever wanted to do was love her! Now, she has no problems talking to the Target cashier asking for a penny! LOL! Katarina Ann is definitely a keeper!

This is Dina's 3rd year celebrating Mother's Day! This was the first as a mommy of 2. Poor David hadn't been feeling well last week, but seemed to be better. But, as luck would have it, he had an episode (the details will be spared) just as we were ready to head out the door to Lodi for brunch with Dina's mom. So, Jeff stayed home with David while Dina took Katarina to celebrate Mother's Day with Grandma! Then we met up in Modesto later on that afternoon with Papa and Cita to wish Dina's step mom a Happy Mother's Day. Katarina was so well behaved, considering she woke up at 5:30 in the morning and only had a little catnap in the car on the way to Lodi! What a trooper! But, that meant an early bedtime tonight! Woo-hoo! :) Hope everyone else had an enjoyable day today!

Yesterday was our 7 year anniversary! It just amazing how fast time flies. So much has happened over the years. We used to always make it a point to celebrate by taking a trip. Kids definitely redirect priorities. But, that doesn't mean we don't take time to remember the day we exchanged vows. Saturday night we were able to enjoy dinner at Elephant Bar au deux! That was a lovely treat to have a decent dinner not having to worry about kids. For our actual anniversary dinner we cooked salmon and rice. Dina made chocolate dipped strawberries for dessert. After the kids were put to bed, we enjoyed those with some champagne. Yum-O! :)

Well, Katarina will be 3 years old in less than 6 months and fortunately we never went through the whole climbing out of the crib period with her. She slept in her crib this whole time. The other day, however, she did NOT want to nap. She was overtired and was just plain crabby. When Katarina was placed in her crib, she was upset and started trying to climb out. We could see this from the video baby monitor we still have in her room. Jeff and Dina both kept watch on the monitor and eventually she fell asleep without actually getting out of her crib. But, we decided it was time we take down her convertible crib and turn it into a toddler daybed this morning. She was so excited to get her "big girl" bed and she actually did quite well today at nap time. Mommy, of course, used this photo op for her scrapbook page!

Sunday was David's "official" birthday, so as a small family of four we celebrated again with the cupcakes I saved from the birthday party. This time David was much more into his cupcake! He didn't necessarily eat it, but he didn't mind running his fingers through the mess and clapping crumbs everywhere! Dina calls the pictures above his "devilish grin" because he knows Mommy gets to clean up the mess! He had his one year check up earlier this morning. He received three shots (and he is cranky today and won't nap well). He weighs 21 pounds and is 30 inches tall! They keep telling me at the doctor's office he is going to be a big boy when he's older. He seems to be doing well and pretty soon he'll start walking. David seems to do things at his own rate. It's very funny because now that he's on whole milk, he refuses to drink it cold since he's used to formula at room temperature. We were recommended to start it out a

Wow, how time flies! Our little man is officially one year old! We had his party at Woodward Park yesterday. What a day to have an outside party! The wind made everything blow away and the decorations wouldn't stay at all! It was so cold, too! We all wore sweatshirts! David had the CUTEST preppy little outfit for his All Star theme party to wear, but that was covered up by his hooded sweatshirt. Mommy was disappointed, but we'll get some pictures of him in the outfit soon! To our suprise, also, David wasn't too sure about the cupcake he was supposed to devour. Maybe he was just so exhausted by all the excitement, but it was a mess to clean up! He just wouldn't eat any of it, even though frosting was EVERYWHERE on his jacket and seat! Four cupcakes were saved for tonight since today is his "real" birthday. It's still hard to believe we're a family of 4!

We hope everyone had a wonderful Easter!

Mommy finally got an opportunity to take both Katarina and David to see the Easter Bunny this morning. The little princess was just in awe of the furry guy! Last time we walked around the mall, Katarina asked if we could see the Easter Bunny. Unfortunately, their outfits weren't purchased yet, so she was disappointed. Target is AWESOME for children's holiday clothes (they basically wear them a couple of times anyways, so why pay a bunch of money)! Dina was pleased with the deals offered for the kids' Easter outfits! Yesterday was David's hearing at the court to terminate parental rights. Well, unfortunately that was not able to happen. Apparently the birth father was unable to be found and therefore, not served papers. So, the hearing is continued until May, which we are hopeful that will be completed at that time. If parental rights are terminated in May, then after a 60 day waiting period (birth parents have that much time to petition) we can sign paperwork f

Mommy couldn't resist this cute shirt from Old Navy David is wearing. He is part Irish, so it is completely appropriate (and adorable)! Dina was busy in the kitchen making corned beef for dinner, which is Jeff's favorite! If he could eat that every day, he would! Yet, the only one in the Graves house was not wearing green was Jeffrey! David is getting more mobile every day and finally started crawling on his hands and knees. He also enjoys pulling himself up to furniture/activity tables on his knees, but is still working on getting up on his feet. David really has come a long way since we first met him! Katarina is still just as active as ever! The weather over the weekend wasn't the best for playing outside. Today we were able to enjoy a little bit of time in the backyard. We are just amazed how fast time flies with her already! Katarina is exactly 30 months old (2 1/2 years old) today!

Dina has been trying to work with David on pulling himself up onto furniture! Well, at least now he can get on his knees by himself! He is getting stronger each day! It won't be long before he's into EVERYTHING! We have a feeling he will have to be watched 24/7 (like he isn't already, but you know what we mean)! It's wonderful to see him progress so much in the short time we've had him home! Mommy couldn't pass up this photo op of him posing! David is such a happy kid! :)

Katarina has recently started taking a liking to dressing up. She absolutely LOVES her fake Barbie heels and tiaras. For some reason, all she wanted to do was put on her costume yesterday. When Dina gave her the matching wand, she said, "I stop you!" Did we do something bad? LOL! :) She looked too adorable to pass up taking photos in her outfit! We are also very excited about something else! This morning Dina signed Katarina up for pre-school. Classes start in August and she will only go two days a week. It will be great for her to explore more with different children. This will also allow for alone time with David to do some one-on-one activities like Dina was able to do with Katarina.

David's not crawling just yet (he's still doing the commndo crawl-that would be a cute photo op in camo gear!). But, he's working on it. Yesterday he started doing this trick where he can actually lift his entire body off the ground. It seems to be making him stronger, too. David has a long way to go, but he's making progress! :) On another note, we've ALL been sick yet again! Ugh! It's been so much fun dragging the kids to doctor appointments and not really having any rest since there are 2 little ones that keep us busy. What a week we had!

Ok, so blogging now isn't our top priority. But, here is an update on the latest and greates! There have been many things going on around the house that have needed fixing (Jeff isn't the best at handyman work). After all the rain a few weeks ago, we had a water spot in our ceiling. After an inspection, it was determined that there was a leak in our roof and tiles needed to be replaced. Then once that was repaired, the drywall had to be redone and painted inside! Then, at the same time, the dogrun gate became loose (the bolts in the cement were rusting and eventually gave out). Every now and then we'd find Minnie and Nikoli at our back door (without permission). Finally the neighbor came over to help Jeff with the repair (apparently we didn't have the right drill for the job). So, things have been a bit hectic at Chez Graves! Last Friday, the 15th was Dina's brother's 25th birthday. Justin made a big deal that he was turning a quarter of a century old

A friend had invited for us to use their new backdrop they ordered for pictures. We thought this would be a cute way to get Valentine's Day pictures done for cards from the kids! Ugh! It was difficult (not a complete disaster, though) to get both David and Katarina smiling at the SAME time! Mommy was able to get some cute solo pics of both little ones, but trying to get that "perfect" photo of a toddler and infant may be next to IMPOSSIBLE!!! :)

It's David! Mommy has been putting a few Gerber Fruit Puffs on the highchair tray for him while the rest of the family eats dinner. (David's dinner time is 4:00) Last night was the first time he actually got the finger foods in his mouth and ate them! Normally he would just play with them, trying to figure out what to do. Of course there are the inevitable stray puffs thrown on the floor for Mommy to pick up! Let's just hope this doesn't become a game like Katarina did when she was younger! David is also starting to learn how to use a sippy cup. This way by the time he's a year old, no more bottles!!!! The new Nuby cups are great! They're slim like a bottle and the spout is very much like the material he is used to (compared to the Playtex ones that have a hard plastic spout). Katarina had a very difficult time letting go of the bottle, so we are hoping that David will get used to these much easier than she did!

It's been a crazy end of 2007 and beginning of 2008, but things are going very well. David is wonderfully progressing in his mental and physical development. He talks/babbles a lot and rolls around the floor with great speed. It wasn't until this past weekend that David started to set himself up in a crawling position. He has not yet begun to move on all fours, but he's getting his strength and loves to practice getting his muscles ready! :) He already has 2 bottom teeth (teething is sooooo much fun-NOT) and we think more are coming in. Katarina went to see her first movie at the theatre on New Years Day. Her Nina wanted to take cousin Johnny to see Alvin and the Chipmunks, so we were invited to go. Daddy stayed home (so sweet of him) with the baby so Mommy and Daughter could have some fun! Katarina sat in her little booster seat with her "kids meal" of popcorn, M&M's and lemonade and she was good to go. It was a pretty long movie, but she sat