We've Turned the Corner

The true Riley has finally re-emerged!! Yes, it's true. For the last several weeks she has been like a new girl. She seems to have finally accepted our new family.

When we got Sunder the first three months with Riley were so difficult. She was filled with anger which she took out on me day after day. She seems to be done with this now. In fact she has been so lovey and full of snuggles. She is happy and above all she is sometimes tolerant of her sister. It seems as time passes Riley is more willing to play with Sunder. Recently they've had some great times together. Of course they will be bickering 20 seconds later, but who's keeping track? My little girl is back!! Things at our house are good. Very good and Thanksgiving will be especially special for us this year.

Here's some recent pics:

Help! What to do about Food?!

So I am on this new wheat free-dairy free diet. It has revolutionized the way I feel. However, my kids aren't thrilled about my new health kick. They will hold off on my love-filled lunches and dinners and wait until breakfast or snacktime to fill themselves with less ideal foods. On top of this, my husband is allergic to red meat and hates any other kind of meat except fish. Meanwhile, meat has become more of a staple for me since I no longer do conventional pastas or cheeses.

I now feel like I have to make 3 or 4 different dinners everyday if everyone is to be happy and get a balanced meal. WHAT SHOULD I DO? Dear Bloggers, how do you handle food issues in your home? Please help me!! I am willing to reveal my secret method of "how to keep a mostly clean house" to anyone who can offer me a breakthrough.

By the way, cutting gluten and dairy from my life is perhaps the best thing I have ever done for myself. I feel like a new person and my former chronic conditions seem to be totally gone.

Gotcha Day Revisited

I'm creating Sunder's adoption movie this week. It's been over 3 months since that hot muggy day in China when this toddler was placed in my arms. This moment was such a blur to me. I am so thankful for video! Seeing this footage for the first time is surreal. I didn't realize that she actually reached out to me when I held my arms out to her. One thing the video does NOT convey is the emotions we were feeling. We look much calmer than we really were! And oh... the look in Sunder's eyes. So confused and wondering "what the heck is going on". She was such a trooper that day and every day since.