Fundraiser for Adoption No. 2 from Central Africa - Feb 6

Adoption Fundraiser - Amway Party - Feb 6

I REALIZE THAT MOST OF YOU LIVE FAR FROM THE PARTY LOCATION, BUT YOU CAN STILL PARTICATE AND HELP THE ADOPTION CAUSE VIA THE WEBSITE! I AM IN THE PROCESS OF ADOPTING MY SECOND DAUGHTER....THIS TIME FROM CENTRAL AFRICA. I HAVE RAISED SOME FUNDS, BUT NEED TO RAISE APPROXIMATELY $22,000 TO COMPLETE THE ADOPTION.

For those that live far away, you can go to the following website to place an order:   www.amway.com/sspettis

Happy 3rd Birthday to My Sweet Caroline

New Year's Eve has always been a fun day....spending time with family and/or friends.  Now, it is even more special because Caroline's birthday is on New Year's Eve.   I can't believe that she is three-years-old.  She is growing so fast.   We spent her birthday in Kansas City with family members, and had a great time.  We celebrated with an 'Elmo' themed party.  Caroline is crazy for Elmo, so it was obvious that we needed to have an Elmo cake and decorations.   I will post pictures soon.   What a wonderful day we had.

Christmas Time!



A successful photo session with Santa!



Caroline is in her 'concert attire' before going to Momma's children's choir concert



Caroline and Momma are ready to go to Momma's university Christmas concert

Ready to go to church in another Christmas dress

October 2010 Photos

Here is Caroline at 34-months-old.  She's a happy girl and seems to love her life.  I love having her in my life.

'My Momma, Right There'

Caroline says something about five times a day.  She looks at me and says "My momma, right there" and points to me.  She says the same to Grandma, and to our doggie Higgins.   She also says, "my home."  Caroline seems to gain great pleasure in affirming this on a daily basis.   She absolutely warms my heart.

Celebrating Our Gotcha Day!

                                           The moment that I held Caroline for the very first time.

Overcome with emotion

And, one year later!

Momma and Caroline

Grandma and Caroline

Our wonderful friends celebrating at Hong Kong Restaurant

We had a wonderful celebration of our Gotcha Day.  I can't believe it has been one year since I adopted my beautiful daughter Caroline on Sept 21, 2009.  I've posted a picture of that day, and also pictures of our Gotcha Day celebration with our friends.    What a magificent day Sept 21, 2009 was!  That day was surreal.  I was meeting my daughter for the very first time.  I had dreamed of that day for such a long time.....lived in my dreams so many times.  It was better that I had dreamed.   Caroline is the joy of my life and can't imagine life without her.

One Year Ago Today We Boarded a Plane for China

View of Guangzhou from the China Hotel

Our Hotel Room on the 17th floor

The China Hotel

The crib was set up in our room when we arrived  *tears*

One year ago at this moment, Mom and I were sitting at the Chicago O'Hare airport gate waiting for our flight to Seoul, South Korea, then on to Guangzhou.  I was experiencing so many emotions that night....excitement, fear, disbelief that it was really happening....and probably a bit of fear.  It is interesting that I am experiencing these same emotions all over again as I re-live the experience.  That trip was the most important trip that I have ever taken in my life; it changed my world in the most wonderful way.  I love Caroline more than anything in this world and my heart is full.