tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-63527378663321398882024-03-20T06:38:54.971-07:00Bulgy The Blogor How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Adopt a KidBulgy the Whalehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08664095533450179454noreply@blogger.comBlogger75125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6352737866332139888.post-25411207635764247322009-09-29T11:17:00.000-07:002013-06-26T10:18:55.473-07:00OursYesterday morning we made a trek down to ye olde courthouse for our finalization hearing. We got up early and decided to dress Gus up for the big day.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSlixFdpk_rZ6mxM4ziLARYEOU-iHJ__BTVEFfko4sGMNK0mewjsYQQ1HDYMleMbrYMK36eQ984125iRxEUHv-BHH-hz_bSPu4dHwl_IAc4Lv8z5wXFvxDcBk0Yp_P8MD1qOnAPEOIwyom/s1600-h/P1040497.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5386998197001262866" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSlixFdpk_rZ6mxM4ziLARYEOU-iHJ__BTVEFfko4sGMNK0mewjsYQQ1HDYMleMbrYMK36eQ984125iRxEUHv-BHH-hz_bSPu4dHwl_IAc4Lv8z5wXFvxDcBk0Yp_P8MD1qOnAPEOIwyom/s320/P1040497.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 320px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 240px;" /></a>When we got off the elevator and turned the corner, there were a bunch of other families with babies waiting for their adoptions to be finalized. Apparently they do all the adoption finalizations on Mondays. I guess it's a nice way for the family court to start their week. We waited outside with the rest of them and one at a time, each family got called in for their time with the judge. The nice thing was the waiting families would applaud the people as they left the courtroom. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxqY4iFDYf03Lwgavi8GR1ivn_jiE-fvYFUlYTlTlCTqymwbuL8tnTAK3fAQX6Lkjug0DzGI0J4bFtwbWlbUpNSynKE58AJ6uyd-PfgajITMr-dG19A9o9UZknkqKUdG8vxsYacNQ2Wv1a/s1600-h/P1040511.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5387003471166396562" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxqY4iFDYf03Lwgavi8GR1ivn_jiE-fvYFUlYTlTlCTqymwbuL8tnTAK3fAQX6Lkjug0DzGI0J4bFtwbWlbUpNSynKE58AJ6uyd-PfgajITMr-dG19A9o9UZknkqKUdG8vxsYacNQ2Wv1a/s320/P1040511.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 240px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 320px;" /></a>After about a 20 minute wait, we got called in. I was actually a little bit nervous for some reason. Maybe they found a loophole in our file that would prevent the adoption from happening. We swore that everything was the truth, the whole truth and nothing but (the judge seemed to be preoccupied).<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX6bSXohY6TIwuQ5qMecoYgK2J1x8JA64Yo0AITmvaJQ2YIT_4kuPtpALF7nQ-KdNaQvfmpQz3X0-vL9cxCXl000p7N_nPm6JRUGo1lFSEv-1Fln_Xtng90MVvtTuAnY3mb9rJl5xQKVAZ/s1600-h/P1040546.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5387004169333178930" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX6bSXohY6TIwuQ5qMecoYgK2J1x8JA64Yo0AITmvaJQ2YIT_4kuPtpALF7nQ-KdNaQvfmpQz3X0-vL9cxCXl000p7N_nPm6JRUGo1lFSEv-1Fln_Xtng90MVvtTuAnY3mb9rJl5xQKVAZ/s320/P1040546.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 248px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 427px;" /></a>I have to admit, when the judge spoke her solemn words about parental responsibility, I got choked up. I couldn't believe Gus was finally going to be ours for real. It was all a bit overwhelming. The crazy thing is, the whole procedure lasted less than 5 minutes. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij8rNEAGLfZFyw8XDjLpyDLhz13kjWOkaY0wwTQwE3n1vS5gpKzvlTvp6rdDj4xd1a2itpm6_WyPthzojAGk06RGb6q_QWKaGhKdFk44MUXLh6oGhMtfuQzYQiFmn1g3aCxhfT3MBOt13D/s1600-h/P1040564.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5387005297161343058" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij8rNEAGLfZFyw8XDjLpyDLhz13kjWOkaY0wwTQwE3n1vS5gpKzvlTvp6rdDj4xd1a2itpm6_WyPthzojAGk06RGb6q_QWKaGhKdFk44MUXLh6oGhMtfuQzYQiFmn1g3aCxhfT3MBOt13D/s320/P1040564.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 320px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 240px;" /></a>So now we are truly a family. On paper as well as in spirit. Seems like the legal aspect of it wouldn't make a huge difference, but I do feel different knowing for sure that Gus is irrevocably our son. It really was a happy day. Maybe the happiest day of my life.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTaItlZD_1x-d2LyrOU1Wyde7UtB-2nNzVf2xC7mB_a_eYDaJUggscaWVWr4RqzZEvckuyFIebxcVxzYODVVlaEJISF6O07VwaoCNmA0vWsWzz8ndmH6BZiVnp2hMXZM8zbDDccCvrKxwj/s1600-h/P1040573.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5387006728002176770" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTaItlZD_1x-d2LyrOU1Wyde7UtB-2nNzVf2xC7mB_a_eYDaJUggscaWVWr4RqzZEvckuyFIebxcVxzYODVVlaEJISF6O07VwaoCNmA0vWsWzz8ndmH6BZiVnp2hMXZM8zbDDccCvrKxwj/s320/P1040573.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 320px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 240px;" /></a>Bulgy the Whalehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08664095533450179454noreply@blogger.com48tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6352737866332139888.post-56026996776896682462009-09-02T09:36:00.000-07:002009-09-02T09:51:41.651-07:00The Dating GameA date has finally been set! September 28 will be the second happiest day of our lives (the first being the day I got to see <a href="http://www.d-9.com/">District 9</a>... Wilkus!!) For something that was only supposed to take 6 months, we've had to wait 10 months to get a court date. It's only a small complaint since everything else has gone pretty smoothly. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://allinoneautomotive.com/images/strawberry_banana_smoothy_ffy0.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 267px;" src="http://allinoneautomotive.com/images/strawberry_banana_smoothy_ffy0.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>We have so much to be thankful for, I can't even begin to describe it all. So Here's to Gus' birth parents. Here's to Adoption Connection. Here's to being able to make a family despite life's challenges. woohoo!!!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://quakeragitator.files.wordpress.com/2008/11/happiness_by_wint3r88.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://quakeragitator.files.wordpress.com/2008/11/happiness_by_wint3r88.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>Bulgy the Whalehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08664095533450179454noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6352737866332139888.post-86802596619438760752009-08-19T22:49:00.000-07:002009-08-19T23:13:15.246-07:00Almost ThereWe finally got notice from Adoption Connection that they are going to request a court date for our finalization! It was taking a long time to hear any news so we emailed them to check on the status of our adoption. Luckily we did because they were waiting for the hospital to fax them Gus' medical report. We had some papers that the hospital gave us when we took Gus home so we sent them over to Adoption Connection. Turns out those papers were enough for them to <a href="http://www.lmp.ucla.edu/images/Finnish.gif">finish</a> writing their report. Now we're just waiting for our court date to bring this puppy home!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.innocentenglish.com/cute-animals/cute-baby-kittens-puppies-img/cutest-puppy-halloween-costume-pic54.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 336px; height: 404px;" src="http://www.innocentenglish.com/cute-animals/cute-baby-kittens-puppies-img/cutest-puppy-halloween-costume-pic54.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>I really can't wait for the adoption to be finalized. The truth is, at this point it's not necessary to have a piece of paper telling us he belongs to us but it would be nice to not have to think about it anymore. After 8 1/2 months, we are fully capable parents...<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTuwuugXQz-uOAbA-XIJXEu8oAwebUMy-waY4-j7LpWFmZrfFo_m-WiWF8k9-UpfwxD5UALPhV7FSls_DmdCLeRvfsbOtLXJf65pRDb9U5gGhMgBSFbG7s5iRvop5EmMEfKJOZeuv6ypjl/s1600-h/P1040377.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTuwuugXQz-uOAbA-XIJXEu8oAwebUMy-waY4-j7LpWFmZrfFo_m-WiWF8k9-UpfwxD5UALPhV7FSls_DmdCLeRvfsbOtLXJf65pRDb9U5gGhMgBSFbG7s5iRvop5EmMEfKJOZeuv6ypjl/s320/P1040377.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5371922843913229442" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5R8KWwMVoOMOyEsetDzUnIeSZtuCIWDbRorLWOdhs7xzpl8GksgDhsxa4ybBbMt20Wv7Wn0p6_5WF-62FnPFeQtuPMpoMvlYDEitfpY444QhtKW8RZ_u2fgOJQPCzKKyn6AtasTpGJwna/s1600-h/P1040394.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5R8KWwMVoOMOyEsetDzUnIeSZtuCIWDbRorLWOdhs7xzpl8GksgDhsxa4ybBbMt20Wv7Wn0p6_5WF-62FnPFeQtuPMpoMvlYDEitfpY444QhtKW8RZ_u2fgOJQPCzKKyn6AtasTpGJwna/s320/P1040394.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5371923179570550754" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7lcUFEyTs_KFtTcFgJjsW3pGztD35az_SLjEX-_nJayrbRkaPG3grU-Vpq7XylTs1e-o39zoYSFbvh134WYnGWs2tMbaIQqF9dgzb1kJ2pLtKV-3pabmqZ_A3Q3u21zQUtwUNzsk-kCZJ/s1600-h/P1040384.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7lcUFEyTs_KFtTcFgJjsW3pGztD35az_SLjEX-_nJayrbRkaPG3grU-Vpq7XylTs1e-o39zoYSFbvh134WYnGWs2tMbaIQqF9dgzb1kJ2pLtKV-3pabmqZ_A3Q3u21zQUtwUNzsk-kCZJ/s320/P1040384.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5371924171225106434" border="0" /></a>Bulgy the Whalehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08664095533450179454noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6352737866332139888.post-40580322787615815212009-07-24T09:47:00.001-07:002009-07-24T10:23:57.272-07:00Blair, Jo, Natalie, and Two-TeethSorry it's been so long since I've posted. The truth is, nothing new has happened on the adoption side of things. We are still waiting to hear when our finalization date is going to be. Maybe everything is being held up in the plumbing of bureaucracy.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2416/2411079946_83dbefaf1c.jpg?v=0"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 196px;" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2416/2411079946_83dbefaf1c.jpg?v=0" alt="" border="0" /></a>Just because we are waiting around for our court date doesn't mean we aren't busy. Gus is getting bigger every day and starting to become <a href="http://www.cookiemag.com/images/gear/2006/09/gear02_mobiles.jpg">mobile</a>. He's also doing quite a bit of baby talk. Hopefully we are finalized before he learns to say Dada otherwise he'll have to learn how to say it with air-quotation marks.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://sexyactionnews.com/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderpictures/air_quotes.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 321px; height: 259px;" src="http://sexyactionnews.com/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderpictures/air_quotes.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>Here are a few recent pics:<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2c1oOYDLmYT0-V4kmisaYnvqOs0Tyhh7BKdQoGiosYSoak6R9YaSIj1IBkkNynXPIyBPekSvFHk5sj4kOM-kH8y_J9nNhL-Bhs30p089wlErr7Xy7GxfIeRDD-b4IdKzd3s1ijfMuCVrz/s1600-h/P1040348.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2c1oOYDLmYT0-V4kmisaYnvqOs0Tyhh7BKdQoGiosYSoak6R9YaSIj1IBkkNynXPIyBPekSvFHk5sj4kOM-kH8y_J9nNhL-Bhs30p089wlErr7Xy7GxfIeRDD-b4IdKzd3s1ijfMuCVrz/s320/P1040348.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5362077366665617138" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSZh-Otw3m-Dj2b9rZ1g-vyzE_UP_Dz8Kw8WYja8oIOtGjZs14-yomHph-uJDti3xzOZT6lNVzcuroszPkfmI2Hhdyx7wnRuShr36bP-QZRM8JweZQSKH8z7aGXA4fiognBdc1DTl3oBJw/s1600-h/P1040243.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSZh-Otw3m-Dj2b9rZ1g-vyzE_UP_Dz8Kw8WYja8oIOtGjZs14-yomHph-uJDti3xzOZT6lNVzcuroszPkfmI2Hhdyx7wnRuShr36bP-QZRM8JweZQSKH8z7aGXA4fiognBdc1DTl3oBJw/s320/P1040243.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5362076394159368834" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8xyGkCBImYb2XdiF5tbR5n3ZIorK2Smg_NE2-Br4k96Exmyb_1Ib0G-_nHIddIPFFSxn3PaC8J66in6GXyJIvh9GyKbN7Yrma-cQCWVybOrqL2d1HOCSPQpwXGoeKsnJapXPAEcl6hEmM/s1600-h/P1040322.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8xyGkCBImYb2XdiF5tbR5n3ZIorK2Smg_NE2-Br4k96Exmyb_1Ib0G-_nHIddIPFFSxn3PaC8J66in6GXyJIvh9GyKbN7Yrma-cQCWVybOrqL2d1HOCSPQpwXGoeKsnJapXPAEcl6hEmM/s320/P1040322.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5362076862024447938" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoj8xWdv9VnEt7Kubzk4r-qU4HRUXtSB6y8DJeeaCwX2ocQlD4kc6_j6ATzud-0IOize7YmYhes3B4-ePVNFtG367e2IfNDBiLjkiGhjXEjOD21waGf62zDHewz8QshCizHLOhVaX8bZHV/s1600-h/P1040223.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoj8xWdv9VnEt7Kubzk4r-qU4HRUXtSB6y8DJeeaCwX2ocQlD4kc6_j6ATzud-0IOize7YmYhes3B4-ePVNFtG367e2IfNDBiLjkiGhjXEjOD21waGf62zDHewz8QshCizHLOhVaX8bZHV/s320/P1040223.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5362075701324089298" border="0" /></a>Bulgy the Whalehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08664095533450179454noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6352737866332139888.post-6560690639950985422009-06-09T21:30:00.000-07:002013-06-26T10:19:04.343-07:00Smiley CyrusWe are done with the paperwork! We had to do a narrative report about our experience with Gus so far and fill out a bunch of adoption forms that the court requires. The narrative report was pretty easy. It is basically just a relaying of Gus' vital statistics with a little personal perspective thrown in here and there. They ask you to list his milestones and when he hit them. Doing it made me nostalgic about how much has happened in the last 6 months. It's kind of hard to believe he is now two and a half times his birth weight!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVYGvcrkZu9hUKgmXPoRaRowQXd0P4Wzsuqv3V4XjcvMyLl2VGADKCY7UNn-GP3PqyLthIwRBisL0_yy-K_XRexCRhv6CGhFyvaebAu62_rewmaVV16BHTZkCycVLC2uVo7EoVB5oUflJl/s1600-h/P1040095.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5345553883703283122" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVYGvcrkZu9hUKgmXPoRaRowQXd0P4Wzsuqv3V4XjcvMyLl2VGADKCY7UNn-GP3PqyLthIwRBisL0_yy-K_XRexCRhv6CGhFyvaebAu62_rewmaVV16BHTZkCycVLC2uVo7EoVB5oUflJl/s320/P1040095.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 320px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 240px;" /></a>In the last couple weeks alone, he's been going through several major changes. We've begun feeding him solid foods, he can now hold a bottle on his own, he got his first tooth, and we are taking him to a weekly swim class... What's next, marriage?!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO8RHyYqYkq3NANylLAL8_T53BdyqhUuNpmGisCe1IWGqgkuKkZ7ffwav7bw1K0j0MPa1HLBktN7uGgc3Qt362M965uHLZs3ivxTcjRjj86O4Pp89adNAaNVJv-cZ5re2mb5f7X3BkfJga/s320/wedding+babies.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO8RHyYqYkq3NANylLAL8_T53BdyqhUuNpmGisCe1IWGqgkuKkZ7ffwav7bw1K0j0MPa1HLBktN7uGgc3Qt362M965uHLZs3ivxTcjRjj86O4Pp89adNAaNVJv-cZ5re2mb5f7X3BkfJga/s320/wedding+babies.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 259px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 320px;" /></a>The court needs several papers in order to complete the adoption. They all sound sort of similar but they each serve a slightly different legal purpose. They are as follows:<br />
<br />
-Adoption Request (to ask for a hearing and case number)<br />
-Contact after Adoption Agreement (establishes amount of contact between birth parents and adopting parents)<br />
-Adoption Agreement (making sure we REALLY want to do this)<br />
-Adoption Expenses (all about the <a href="http://img2.timeinc.net/people/i/2007/startracks/071217/bow_wow.jpg">Benjamins</a>)<br />
-Adoption Order (the court says it's ok)<br />
-Indian Child Inquiry (any Navajo in there?)<br />
<br />
David and I went to the courthouse on Monday to hand in the forms. They stamped the papers and gave us a case number. For some reason, every time the clerk stamped a form, I heard <a href="http://www.celebchefs.net/wp-content/uploads/2006/08/bam.jpg">Emeril Lagasse</a> say, "BAM!" Now we just have to wait for our adoption agency to finish their paperwork so everything can be combined and we can set a date to finalize the whole thing once and for all!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl5FSd_moHi_xHcaJarm2kDDvk4gVc6ugYa4S1kfWocHcjJga7njGLkKN2ng7FIeZHAuSh35yp8ldV6X8lSLXnjhdpRKboYrzJhZasrjZx96M19C90lbiq7zwwqTNJDnMSrYF7qaHd-DPj/s1600-h/P1040164.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5345563996842155874" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl5FSd_moHi_xHcaJarm2kDDvk4gVc6ugYa4S1kfWocHcjJga7njGLkKN2ng7FIeZHAuSh35yp8ldV6X8lSLXnjhdpRKboYrzJhZasrjZx96M19C90lbiq7zwwqTNJDnMSrYF7qaHd-DPj/s320/P1040164.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 240px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 320px;" /></a>Bulgy the Whalehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08664095533450179454noreply@blogger.com43tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6352737866332139888.post-68389006157438192222009-06-01T10:04:00.000-07:002009-06-02T12:29:23.705-07:00Can Almost See ItLast week was interesting. We had the final visit with our social worker which ironically doesn't mean the end of our adoption journey. It actually just means we can begin the paperwork to finally get a judge to say we are fit to be Gus' parents.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8DRDFO8p4Lym31yaixbG78ujJRobme5PUGZMSalJBzaysCizaLt5ohLdU6e29YZaoRtsujKp8Efl0ZZcoXj7fYF89tDs3U51e0BR8TR8uG7Wxi4F02ZLJnsJ6AVHsi9BjukvqFbQUvGmI/s1600-h/P1030974.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8DRDFO8p4Lym31yaixbG78ujJRobme5PUGZMSalJBzaysCizaLt5ohLdU6e29YZaoRtsujKp8Efl0ZZcoXj7fYF89tDs3U51e0BR8TR8uG7Wxi4F02ZLJnsJ6AVHsi9BjukvqFbQUvGmI/s320/P1030974.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5342409163742125378" border="0" /></a>Miraculously, he is thriving under our care and as each day goes by, we feel the parental bonds deepening. At this point I can't imagine anything preventing us from becoming his legal parents but you never know I guess. They have gone over our life with a fine-toothed comb and come up wanting. At first, I felt like we had to prove to the agency we can be capable parents, but the truth is, the only person we have to do right by is Gus.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwTC51NYVWDOE_P6a95mk9i8kBrIH-t21_3trWzBjWPLtB9FufGrV3Ke6owY4DiCPR-awV-_bTIYc8wnudxEPq_f4_6qk2rZRGQFFvjFEttIoXBaCy63SAOQ_5pvy2kNiaPV245q3RRpfw/s1600-h/P1030969.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwTC51NYVWDOE_P6a95mk9i8kBrIH-t21_3trWzBjWPLtB9FufGrV3Ke6owY4DiCPR-awV-_bTIYc8wnudxEPq_f4_6qk2rZRGQFFvjFEttIoXBaCy63SAOQ_5pvy2kNiaPV245q3RRpfw/s320/P1030969.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5342411169879851058" border="0" /></a>So now we are busy filling out more paperwork. It is seemingly endless but every blank I fill in, I know I'm getting closer to the finish line. I'll be so glad when it's all over and we can shift 100% of our focus to other stressful things like pre-school, potty training, language acquisition, gross/fine motor skills, and manners.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe5OQ2Llj0QdsDf-5389vEzB-gU2ilq58C67DTOEPo-gakFEYoTJpDwOqfWSrLrJBHpsEujXbLl2kyaUOqboJI44AMJmh5mO7PBy78anzo2hiUCOP-SJVWPXbMlEaQnjrs-AylzLly3sRI/s1600-h/P1030893.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe5OQ2Llj0QdsDf-5389vEzB-gU2ilq58C67DTOEPo-gakFEYoTJpDwOqfWSrLrJBHpsEujXbLl2kyaUOqboJI44AMJmh5mO7PBy78anzo2hiUCOP-SJVWPXbMlEaQnjrs-AylzLly3sRI/s320/P1030893.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5342413275901673042" border="0" /></a>In related family news, California decided to uphold the majority ruling of prop 8 which means marriage is only allowed between a man and a woman. Luckily for us, the CA Supreme Court is letting the 18,000 same-sex couples who got married last year have their marriages remain valid and recognized. But don't think the fight is over. I hear we are going back to the ballot box in 2010 to try again. If that doesn't work, we'll go back in 2012. The point is, eventually gay marriage will happen so the nay sayers should just give up. Meanwhile, as a married gay person, I am very busy ruining the fabric of society by watching the new season of So You Think You Can Dance. What's up with Mary Murphy?!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.exposay.com/celebrity-photos/mary-murphy-2006-fox-tca-summer-party-arrivals-Dx3GM6.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 225px; height: 349px;" src="http://www.exposay.com/celebrity-photos/mary-murphy-2006-fox-tca-summer-party-arrivals-Dx3GM6.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />-Bulgy the Whalehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08664095533450179454noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6352737866332139888.post-33399899923458805302009-05-20T10:20:00.000-07:002009-05-20T20:26:25.565-07:00SpazmodeusI don't know what this is:<br /><br /><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dyUOC6r8BeKN7z7UYkFlav32tybU2vbtdSMTVcXgIpQH_Um6VO6C41b6YCPABXLrd3B36q10YJEOFhzYVMd' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe><br /><br />Anyway, life is flying by fast. While waiting for our final social worker visit, the family is settling into a pretty reliable routine. Gus is sleeping on average 10 hours a night and it's getting easier for us to predict his moods.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.happyworker.com/images/supermom/baby-moods.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 420px; height: 262px;" src="http://www.happyworker.com/images/supermom/baby-moods.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>We've started him on solids and he's taking to it pretty well! It's so funny that every time we offer a spoonful he's shocked but then takes it. I also went to a play date with some other gay dads. It was nice to see dads interacting with their kids. Usually there is a sea of moms (or sea momsters) at any given playground so we got to show how the other half does it. The funny thing was, we didn't talk about being gay at all. We just exchanged tips on parenting!... LIFE!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://img2.timeinc.net/people/i/2004/04/startracks/040517/jgyllenhaal.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://img2.timeinc.net/people/i/2004/04/startracks/040517/jgyllenhaal.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>Bulgy the Whalehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08664095533450179454noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6352737866332139888.post-84636112518968528032009-05-01T09:08:00.000-07:002013-06-26T10:17:44.097-07:00Suffocatie HolmesA few weeks ago, Amy asked us if we would be willing to speak at Adoption Connection for their 'Preparing for Adoption' class. This is the same class we took over a year ago. I even have an entry about it <a href="http://bulgytheblog.blogspot.com/2008/01/roller-coaster.html">here</a>. We were happy to do it because I remember feeling so appreciative of the parents who came to speak back then. Getting to hear real stories of people who have gone through it was encouraging and eye-opening.<a href="http://blueridgebluecollargirl.files.wordpress.com/2007/10/nut-family-blog.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://blueridgebluecollargirl.files.wordpress.com/2007/10/nut-family-blog.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 270px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 360px;" /></a>Last night was the night of the class. They had 2 other sets of speakers with their new babies. One of the other couples happened to be in our Preparing for Adoption class from 2008! <a href="http://a.media.global.go.com/parksnews/downloads/HKDL_its_a_small_world_CRD.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://a.media.global.go.com/parksnews/downloads/HKDL_its_a_small_world_CRD.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 275px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 414px;" /></a> The classroom was filled with people at the earliest stages of adoption. Their gazes were fixed upon our babies or, Pots Of Gold, if you will. I think a lot of prospective parents (us included) are fearful of the situations surrounding the birth parents but seeing a thriving happy baby makes you forget about all that. Usually the journey is the destination but in the case of adoption, the destination is the destination.<br />
<br />
After relaying our story, we answered a few questions and went home. From their perspective, I'm sure it's hard to imagine the adoption process working but we are here to say it really does and we have a <a href="http://psstatic.podshow.com/images/users/15537/gallery/large/11746.jpg">chubby baby</a> to show for it. A baby I might add, that can now flip over onto his stomach but can't quite turn back. So now, when he's asleep, we're awake.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO8VfT8f-xLAmwmRsnOns60lFbU15w_wSzQs07Cb63vQN75rLVEP1qjIC7AcIfnfCHw0W_TYKLdSh9CG1gCaXJH9CouiampQntqAXWeW5DQE5LXAudsrbp1j3OLKhXdHqxchW5a727_rg-/s1600-h/P1030839.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5330915114329237954" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO8VfT8f-xLAmwmRsnOns60lFbU15w_wSzQs07Cb63vQN75rLVEP1qjIC7AcIfnfCHw0W_TYKLdSh9CG1gCaXJH9CouiampQntqAXWeW5DQE5LXAudsrbp1j3OLKhXdHqxchW5a727_rg-/s320/P1030839.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 253px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 367px;" /></a>Bulgy the Whalehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08664095533450179454noreply@blogger.com99tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6352737866332139888.post-65379354839851783342009-04-15T15:53:00.000-07:002009-04-15T16:39:44.197-07:00Filling OutOn Monday Amy came by for her third visit. Even though the time is always pleasant and laid back, I usually feel a little bit <a href="http://images.amazon.com/images/P/B00018YC1O.01.LZZZZZZZ.jpg">on edge</a> right before she arrives. It's because she has to write a report on how we're adjusting to parenthood and about how Gus is developing physically, mentally, and emotionally. The lead up to her arrival is a frantic display of tidying up our house, changing into clean clothes, and wiping the drool off of the baby, us, the floor, and the cats.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNbpWNMT6Jvz3ZzngFJ1_5KdsydbYn_yG64T4sLY2SBo_8BKqyTUJuy8zE_qX-yj6_AIY3_AJVxd7pJ0chX9EfGKRWprcrp9VmVJ4pA1VCXpFKc1V0QzMwbmmolkrWsj3n6fwj9V0TkCL_/s1600-h/IMG_0149.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNbpWNMT6Jvz3ZzngFJ1_5KdsydbYn_yG64T4sLY2SBo_8BKqyTUJuy8zE_qX-yj6_AIY3_AJVxd7pJ0chX9EfGKRWprcrp9VmVJ4pA1VCXpFKc1V0QzMwbmmolkrWsj3n6fwj9V0TkCL_/s320/IMG_0149.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5325058959475590594" border="0" /></a>At this visit, she told us we can make an appointment for finalization after June. Finalization means we will go to the courthouse and a judge will deliver a solemn reading about the <a href="http://farm1.static.flickr.com/60/168203072_a705e028ba.jpg?v=0">weightiness of parenthood</a>. Then Gus will get to pick out a stuffed animal from a bin and we will get a new birth certificate with both our names on it as his parents! I can't hardly wait!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://repressyourself.files.wordpress.com/2008/11/chwait.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 286px; height: 411px;" src="http://repressyourself.files.wordpress.com/2008/11/chwait.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>To qualify for finalization, we have to supply a vast array of forms ranging from Amy's narrative report on us as well as our own report on Gus, birthparent relinquishment papers, adoption expense list, and even a form stating whether or not he has <a href="http://www.libertyfilmfestival.com/libertas/wp-content/uploads/2007/11/rca-28dances-with-wolves-posters.jpg">Native American</a> blood. There's no messing around when you're getting a baby! They should make teenagers go through this in order to have a kid.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.babble.com/CS/blogs/famecrawler/2008/07/16-22/middle_school_pregnant_teens.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 319px; height: 278px;" src="http://www.babble.com/CS/blogs/famecrawler/2008/07/16-22/middle_school_pregnant_teens.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>On a personal note, we have begun sleep training Gus. We want this:<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKeFAIuwkLrBKhczZ4ixw3ZnAIyHROXOR8KZeJUy6wB6NBEl1LCY40Mr2yJPXd9InGQSfJf0OzDWoOQcSJevY9vX4-EyrwOyapiZBbmL07mguFa9ZQnmX_FtHZCn8GEEC3XRzCr45x3rV9/s1600-h/P1030725.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKeFAIuwkLrBKhczZ4ixw3ZnAIyHROXOR8KZeJUy6wB6NBEl1LCY40Mr2yJPXd9InGQSfJf0OzDWoOQcSJevY9vX4-EyrwOyapiZBbmL07mguFa9ZQnmX_FtHZCn8GEEC3XRzCr45x3rV9/s320/P1030725.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5325065241767802034" border="0" /></a>to become this:<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm72OoUBI00czwXNdmz9tGj2ZSItgKIREm3e-EK4v238pyLSkj7M_8zEYzQwASSF3huSe0XfkT-rBkpu13GQ92PfZ83494KG64r74YH-gnSbVSi_bLJvkCgJwbAKsLXlJwetrIruEAsAfJ/s1600-h/P1030748.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm72OoUBI00czwXNdmz9tGj2ZSItgKIREm3e-EK4v238pyLSkj7M_8zEYzQwASSF3huSe0XfkT-rBkpu13GQ92PfZ83494KG64r74YH-gnSbVSi_bLJvkCgJwbAKsLXlJwetrIruEAsAfJ/s320/P1030748.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5325065736788192034" border="0" /></a>Bulgy the Whalehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08664095533450179454noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6352737866332139888.post-9139800717748623322009-04-12T15:43:00.000-07:002009-04-12T16:52:38.797-07:00Sir Squeaks-A-lotFor Gus' first Easter, we thought we'd go all out while we still have a relatively large amount of energy for this kind of thing. The poor guy didn't know what we had in store for him!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEruwLTpvkRi_RM2PFnIlXu6VKAKhyphenhyphen8Xq0GkRo3Ewq7aljsje3wIXYuQMZdRvMKBMBaRlBb6L-tx5yrZvdN_6M4jQc6jxHEjQBRX0LKXq6oxQVpIRklmPgHPqAM19v2LRb_RugDgbJtvJ7/s1600-h/P1030775.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEruwLTpvkRi_RM2PFnIlXu6VKAKhyphenhyphen8Xq0GkRo3Ewq7aljsje3wIXYuQMZdRvMKBMBaRlBb6L-tx5yrZvdN_6M4jQc6jxHEjQBRX0LKXq6oxQVpIRklmPgHPqAM19v2LRb_RugDgbJtvJ7/s320/P1030775.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5323940755168361810" border="0" /></a>Anyway, he seemed to like going to the park for a picnic in his new outfit. It was windy and the suit was nice and warm.<br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">David burping Gus (note the tail)<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaZAeX242ZwfzGFpx3AbklGNrbkT-hy2sVUZe-DsvUrmJ57Eh3UPzIeOqQ8uAXmY8Wcl_86K0I8-HmdcPn2RVq1rK6DNIif7_Xe7aSWMZ0C0RPpIq-1dBntDskoipJwAKllii50ljnx75W/s1600-h/P1030797.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaZAeX242ZwfzGFpx3AbklGNrbkT-hy2sVUZe-DsvUrmJ57Eh3UPzIeOqQ8uAXmY8Wcl_86K0I8-HmdcPn2RVq1rK6DNIif7_Xe7aSWMZ0C0RPpIq-1dBntDskoipJwAKllii50ljnx75W/s320/P1030797.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5323943402094747314" border="0" /></a><br /><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVqYL2u_geiLWHomvrjO7S9yd7Hxzc_jMIVpVwdV09lmB5xVj2EWMHam9YRLXoqG1ZNwcJ4gcycHbjCAhyphenhyphen76r0Ngaxy3XRNQjRDVBJHbi1X36AgsSNSfZuJ1fpuIaTVvnhbOGCSNLcOL-K/s1600-h/P1030803.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVqYL2u_geiLWHomvrjO7S9yd7Hxzc_jMIVpVwdV09lmB5xVj2EWMHam9YRLXoqG1ZNwcJ4gcycHbjCAhyphenhyphen76r0Ngaxy3XRNQjRDVBJHbi1X36AgsSNSfZuJ1fpuIaTVvnhbOGCSNLcOL-K/s320/P1030803.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5323949405467413634" border="0" /></a>This being San Francisco, we were graced with a variety show hosted by the <a href="http://www.bigbottomphotos.com/SPI92508.jpg">Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence</a>. There was going to be a Hunky Jesus contest but we left before they got to that... One more thing for my <a href="http://www.vh1.com/sitewide/flipbooks/img/movies/production_stills/b/bucket_list/BL-00176.jpg">Bucket List</a> I guess!<br /><br />Progress report: Gus can sort of laugh now but it's more like a squeal.<br /><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dymuXbiidYLHoSWo9ikaf2tiNH87CxIGHzk00_LMVtZox7LsCswo-A82_fY6Z4lwPewksRlAuJAYsb0codikg' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe>Bulgy the Whalehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08664095533450179454noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6352737866332139888.post-49093452003623317152009-03-31T15:04:00.000-07:002009-04-01T13:31:05.839-07:00Observe And ReportJust got back from a wedding in lovely <a href="http://www.hottconsultants.com/photographs/mendocino.jpg">Mendocino, CA</a>. I got to reconnect with a couple of my good high school friends. Much has changed in our lives but basically we are the same people we were then and still laugh hysterically at the drop of hat.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.7gadgets.com/wp-content/uploads/2007/11/il_fullxfull_12639192.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 265px; height: 316px;" src="http://www.7gadgets.com/wp-content/uploads/2007/11/il_fullxfull_12639192.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>The wedding was notable because it was our first overnight outing with Gus. We packed like we were never coming <a href="http://www.impawards.com/1985/posters/back_to_the_future.jpg">back. In the future</a>, I hope to streamline the process a bit because really, does Gus need 5 changes of clothes for a 36 hour trip? Overall, the experience was fine and he only had a small fit near bedtime. Maybe he's still too young to be tied to a schedule.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://tykecoons.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/03/babylaptop1.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 322px; height: 300px;" src="http://tykecoons.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/03/babylaptop1.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>Adoption news: We got a package in the mail from <a href="http://www.adoptionconnection.org/homepage1.asp">Adoption Connection</a> telling us the birthparent rights have officially been terminated and filed. Whee! In July, we should be done with the post-placement period. A couple months after that, we will have our court date in front of a judge for the finalization hearing. This process is long and labored, but when I'm playing with Gus it doesn't really matter how much work we have to do. It will all be worth it in the end (unless he hates us).<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBzyCWpHS_6DHEtiHF0J0U9Str1oMSZ3E1lcCDJS09xP8w4CYtNcDfnszXfh5OfMN8axenD_AkwvSw7sncwOElGjpSfOUp3MU8OpfP31IxylrYoXFUbT_t6B4kwEUHKqx3qM8fHm9obPaK/s1600-h/P1030621.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBzyCWpHS_6DHEtiHF0J0U9Str1oMSZ3E1lcCDJS09xP8w4CYtNcDfnszXfh5OfMN8axenD_AkwvSw7sncwOElGjpSfOUp3MU8OpfP31IxylrYoXFUbT_t6B4kwEUHKqx3qM8fHm9obPaK/s320/P1030621.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5319528107234642546" border="0" /></a>On an unrelated note, as the primary caretaker of our baby, I've noticed I'm getting a fair amount of unsolicited advice from strangers. Meaning, I will be standing in line at a store and an older lady will say, "your baby looks cold, do you have long-sleeved clothes for him?" Or, "When was the last time you fed him? He's hungry." Or, "Unlock the bathroom door! You need my help! I'm calling social services!" (one of these is a joke) My guess is this happens because I'm a man. Do women get this kind of treatment? I may not be <a href="http://www.theage.com.au/ffximage/2005/04/13/supernanny_narrowweb__200x352.jpg">Super Nanny</a>, but I think I know what Gus needs by now. Oh well, all part of the experience I guess.Bulgy the Whalehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08664095533450179454noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6352737866332139888.post-24867048800691099972009-03-14T12:29:00.001-07:002009-03-14T12:48:47.624-07:00TwitterIn an effort to keep myself busy/waste time while taking care of Gus, I've joined <a href="https://twitter.com/">Twitter</a> and added my updates to the sidebar on the right---><br /><br />For those who don't know what <a href="https://twitter.com/">Twitter</a> is, it's basically a social networking program that lets you say what you're doing at any given time. Kind of like the status update in Facebook. Great for mobile phones, horrible for productivity. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.wisebread.com/files/fruganomics/imagecache/blog_image_full/files/fruganomics/blog-images/pile.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 236px; height: 274px;" src="http://www.wisebread.com/files/fruganomics/imagecache/blog_image_full/files/fruganomics/blog-images/pile.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>In baby news, I started going to physical therapy for my wrist pain. Apparently, it's a common ailment for new mothers (is that sexist?) called <a href="http://orthoinfo.aaos.org/topic.cfm?topic=A00007">De Quervain's Tendonitis</a>. Now in addition to diapers, feeding, laundry, and dishes; I have stretches, <a href="http://www.breadstoremillcreek.com/images/wlcr/icing.jpg">icing</a>, and ibuprofin to look forward to every day. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.tropsoft.com/ergotimer/images/stretches/frontwrist_stretch.png"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 300px;" src="http://www.tropsoft.com/ergotimer/images/stretches/frontwrist_stretch.png" alt="" border="0" /></a>Bulgy the Whalehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08664095533450179454noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6352737866332139888.post-50639995091344195062009-03-11T12:33:00.000-07:002009-03-11T16:05:49.194-07:00ATTACK OF THE 500 FOOT BABY!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvZ2SHE9GuvFzbH-7X8QnPBxXAkA8J6nJsA4gPSSthmlIlsRQYn-mE7umNoNX0an6cZfrV64Tim-jUseMY43gjFsc1pybgl47Hypr1ykVIy7hOdHML42-chh8iMhGZOpj6sBln9aEuFp8W/s1600-h/P1030562.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvZ2SHE9GuvFzbH-7X8QnPBxXAkA8J6nJsA4gPSSthmlIlsRQYn-mE7umNoNX0an6cZfrV64Tim-jUseMY43gjFsc1pybgl47Hypr1ykVIy7hOdHML42-chh8iMhGZOpj6sBln9aEuFp8W/s320/P1030562.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5312016461154841394" border="0" /></a>That's a <a href="http://photos.igougo.com/images/p177435-Tabasco_Sauce_on_Avery_Island.jpg">full-sized bottle of Tabasco sauce</a> he's holding! After this picture was taken, he kicked down our front door and rampaged through the streets of San Francisco.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/7/72/Post-and-Grant-Avenue.-Look.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 381px; height: 282px;" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/7/72/Post-and-Grant-Avenue.-Look.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>The point is, he's growing fast.Bulgy the Whalehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08664095533450179454noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6352737866332139888.post-12813287691998822652009-03-05T09:01:00.000-08:002009-03-05T09:17:30.967-08:00What Makes A Family?Today will be the oral arguments for overturning Prop 8 in front of the California supreme court. It's scheduled from 9:00am to 12:00pm. Watch it live <a href="http://www.calchannel.com/">here</a> or after it's over in their archives.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.thomasmore.org/graphics/sb_thomasmore/imag190.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 307px;" src="http://www.thomasmore.org/graphics/sb_thomasmore/imag190.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>I remember being so sad when the majority voted to restrict marriage to opposite sex people. This was before we got Gus and back then I wanted equal rights because of basic fairness. Now I feel like it's about much more than that and so important for our family to have the same legal protections as everyone else.Bulgy the Whalehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08664095533450179454noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6352737866332139888.post-24790481666578159542009-02-25T09:50:00.000-08:002009-02-26T00:27:39.717-08:00Babies SuckAt least ours does. If it's not the pacifier, he's sucking on his fingers, toys, or blankets. WTF? Too bad they don't have a "change your own diaper" reflex. I <a href="http://www.uoregon.edu/%7Emcassid1/mcassidypages/Baby%2520Goat.jpg">kid</a>. One of the surprising joys of fatherhood is getting to change a messy diaper because that means he won't be constipated for a while which means Happy Baby.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://hillarysyogapractice.files.wordpress.com/2007/03/happy-baby.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 309px; height: 226px;" src="http://hillarysyogapractice.files.wordpress.com/2007/03/happy-baby.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>Yesterday we had our second social worker visit. This time it went <a href="http://www.meelor.com/News/ewebeditor/uploadfile/20080708091645746.bmp">smoothly</a> and Gus was a model baby. We fed him while Amy was at our house to cut down on the potential crying time. Thankfullly he was very happy and calm during the whole visit. Whew!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www1.istockphoto.com/file_thumbview_approve/2564471/2/istockphoto_2564471_business_man_says_phew.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 224px; height: 280px;" src="http://www1.istockphoto.com/file_thumbview_approve/2564471/2/istockphoto_2564471_business_man_says_phew.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>Amy asked us the usual questions about his height, weight, eating habits, dailiy activities, etc. She commented on how Gus is about to enter a really fun phase soon. He is 3 months old and starting to grab at things, smile voluntarily, and stare at us as we walk across his line of sight. What else could there possibly be?!! Whatever it is, we are as prepared as we can be and are just holding on for the ride. He's already changed so much in 3 months. Please to compare:<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"> THEN<br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwCisvVGgpn4wTiQGg3GE4IE3KG8YDZKEyDRaUasLCOjpO9pb_BrXhhFFMt08GOZd2U0K4up1XtYOSnWMOEsq8zYkJOZa1DaTOE8aH1axW4wUIriLF4bDi2gavS49RxXLs5U2YgEbyXX8K/s1600-h/P1020585.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 180px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwCisvVGgpn4wTiQGg3GE4IE3KG8YDZKEyDRaUasLCOjpO9pb_BrXhhFFMt08GOZd2U0K4up1XtYOSnWMOEsq8zYkJOZa1DaTOE8aH1axW4wUIriLF4bDi2gavS49RxXLs5U2YgEbyXX8K/s320/P1020585.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5306821720579482882" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;">--------------<br /><div style="text-align: center;">NOW<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXnJ5vm6hsgw3RMkEA7ErlRvCKiqUf11I-fseeIdC1QHcCPDWFiz5H0FxhADv0aqAxDEtFHgUMsrRz0G9-5TJ4e9YANqXgQY-haHiTulWy9twIx92D74a053xSkJt9Bf9HJhejpZnaR3hg/s1600-h/P1030511.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 244px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXnJ5vm6hsgw3RMkEA7ErlRvCKiqUf11I-fseeIdC1QHcCPDWFiz5H0FxhADv0aqAxDEtFHgUMsrRz0G9-5TJ4e9YANqXgQY-haHiTulWy9twIx92D74a053xSkJt9Bf9HJhejpZnaR3hg/s320/P1030511.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5306822073710388738" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: left;">Another thing Amy mentioned was the finalization process. Apparently, we are still far from over! There are reports to be written, lawyers to consult, judges to see, and <a href="http://www.thevancouverite.com/pictures/nelson-muntz.gif">months</a> for Gus to reach (6). More on all that as it happens.<br /><br />One final thing is, I've developed a bit of carpal tunnel in my wrists from carrying/feeding the baby. Any parents have advice on this?<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3Q0O-t2yhx4grn6nqQdckVAu8hj9AN3utXM1LnwWU4P8-L0cP7DHXuz5o2HJrxXPkqtnM11yYLAm_PZ_Lo_Q_DUAGDSKINdYZlQz97wUoNLXDH1PocjchU2X_mvdTaVwyVnSEZ-itdd7b/s1600-h/P1030507.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 250px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3Q0O-t2yhx4grn6nqQdckVAu8hj9AN3utXM1LnwWU4P8-L0cP7DHXuz5o2HJrxXPkqtnM11yYLAm_PZ_Lo_Q_DUAGDSKINdYZlQz97wUoNLXDH1PocjchU2X_mvdTaVwyVnSEZ-itdd7b/s320/P1030507.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5306824490954041170" border="0" /></a></div></div></div>Bulgy the Whalehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08664095533450179454noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6352737866332139888.post-32010436693728570562009-01-27T10:37:00.000-08:002009-01-29T13:14:21.849-08:00Droolia RobertsOn the day of our first social worker visit it was raining. I should have known something was going to go <a href="http://www.vholt.com/Snow/Whistler03/photos/AllAwry.jpg">awry</a>. I had fed him prior to our scheduled meeting to make sure he would be happy but as soon as Amy arrived, Gus started screaming. He's usually quite calm and content but at that moment, he was crying and crying. Turns out I had to change his diaper because it was "Ethnic Food Night" down there if you know what I mean.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://opinionsandexpressions.files.wordpress.com/2008/06/indian-food.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://opinionsandexpressions.files.wordpress.com/2008/06/indian-food.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />Even after he was changed and clean, he continued to cry inconsolably. We decided to just start the interview despite the wails. Amy was very nice but seemed a little distracted because it was so loud. To her credit, she didn't make me feel like a <a href="http://www.xmission.com/%7Ejohn/images/baby_cage.jpg">horrible parent</a>. In fact, she offered a few suggestions to help calm Gus down. Eventually he stopped and the rest of the visit went smoothly. Of all the days!<br /><br />For those curious, she asked about:<br /><br />- his height and weight<br />- how he was eating<br />- where he sleeps and his schedule<br />- how we were doing (both individually and as a couple)<br />- doctor visits<br /><br />All in all not too bad. David said it's probably good that Gus was crying when she was visiting because it showed her how I handle the baby when he's upset. I'm on the fence about that theory but hey, only 3 more visits to go!<br /><br />Speaking of being a bad parent, here's a photo series I call, "Things On My Baby's Head"<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Rattle<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAMY9ODhztQt7lotfuF6mN9C4Q8tzgVkakk3fGXReNQXzfoNWzx5d-oNppTZlOF5g2aYw-73Ea-EtHml7Ts9gJlEkZ37BbaXPiySzGfYLmMcUXrJSk9L7KR31d7ZsOHqPQM8tJ9BqcLPg1/s1600-h/IMG_0072.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAMY9ODhztQt7lotfuF6mN9C4Q8tzgVkakk3fGXReNQXzfoNWzx5d-oNppTZlOF5g2aYw-73Ea-EtHml7Ts9gJlEkZ37BbaXPiySzGfYLmMcUXrJSk9L7KR31d7ZsOHqPQM8tJ9BqcLPg1/s320/IMG_0072.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5296807513056226658" border="0" /></a>-----<br /><br />Onesie<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUVuZ80QtZz77Z0hIe13yB3cGomPseFMMkb6WKTyVRmQanXjMlpnwG9AnaRn9XSeje3-e-vfx0rAuPYOsKFcjslb7QpRPjNc2DQAsGzHGj8sNkfCU3hKxoiqaljfNfKcBZ_0Ds8qzsofqE/s1600-h/IMG_0084.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUVuZ80QtZz77Z0hIe13yB3cGomPseFMMkb6WKTyVRmQanXjMlpnwG9AnaRn9XSeje3-e-vfx0rAuPYOsKFcjslb7QpRPjNc2DQAsGzHGj8sNkfCU3hKxoiqaljfNfKcBZ_0Ds8qzsofqE/s320/IMG_0084.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5296808748501730434" border="0" /></a>-----<br /><br />Burp Cloth<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4X1XTp7GxXDcprh2yo8jA5bBZpPHxlX7N-zi9AGOiX7lVcFPjKBpb2t9IXp7u73RrOeY4vEyf2ajmKxlT04-3nAa4Eim94QTOT74SG6_eneQvaLidW4xS-4tcRebCcifDgwt7SxqDuF6t/s1600-h/P1020944.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4X1XTp7GxXDcprh2yo8jA5bBZpPHxlX7N-zi9AGOiX7lVcFPjKBpb2t9IXp7u73RrOeY4vEyf2ajmKxlT04-3nAa4Eim94QTOT74SG6_eneQvaLidW4xS-4tcRebCcifDgwt7SxqDuF6t/s320/P1020944.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5296809360775798722" border="0" /></a>-----<br /><br />Pacifier<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6GF47YdwweCqfhzEjXWfKjJLKSW6ZyHORks88xdyFuC4sJ2Ejhaexx6OokwOQnUb4_oM2BelxEOanjgkIq30zdofUsTe-2J5x82WsTSp50wevKhJav0mL27MGSynrDWGYdqPCQaTXkwh9/s1600-h/IMG_0077.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6GF47YdwweCqfhzEjXWfKjJLKSW6ZyHORks88xdyFuC4sJ2Ejhaexx6OokwOQnUb4_oM2BelxEOanjgkIq30zdofUsTe-2J5x82WsTSp50wevKhJav0mL27MGSynrDWGYdqPCQaTXkwh9/s320/IMG_0077.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5296808013497046434" border="0" /></a>-----<br /><br />Wiimote<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg301x2pe0WC5r8_0PoEiLyvt8jKJrpO0P50Kl0zbeRIIRdWPzgIN1Fmdq-8Der8IjluQnmZSrrkdbvw8Lt8x7TrJV9F-UyQUK7hZFRoyoHAZU5Pks-u-PXZzOw9MgVF-QJMGR3SqjRyJwU/s1600-h/IMG_0090.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg301x2pe0WC5r8_0PoEiLyvt8jKJrpO0P50Kl0zbeRIIRdWPzgIN1Fmdq-8Der8IjluQnmZSrrkdbvw8Lt8x7TrJV9F-UyQUK7hZFRoyoHAZU5Pks-u-PXZzOw9MgVF-QJMGR3SqjRyJwU/s320/IMG_0090.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5296809834646885522" border="0" /></a>-----<br /><br />Pocahontas Ballpoint Pen<br /><div style="text-align: left;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPI23AhN9LmJmmgT258hX2DKtpPKOtCObwPoc50Gr6LC6CZdw56CJdEMBYiVYvJ8Yr_2ToSfgAi6CV1JKTXZPfbhyphenhyphen9v_ZBNND1GkczKawxMHmN1VMOQPK_iI5QHdCwi1tw2eIK-tFLj53U/s1600-h/IMG_0089.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPI23AhN9LmJmmgT258hX2DKtpPKOtCObwPoc50Gr6LC6CZdw56CJdEMBYiVYvJ8Yr_2ToSfgAi6CV1JKTXZPfbhyphenhyphen9v_ZBNND1GkczKawxMHmN1VMOQPK_iI5QHdCwi1tw2eIK-tFLj53U/s320/IMG_0089.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5296810399419622578" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br />Please don't call Child Protection Services.<br /></div><br /></div>Bulgy the Whalehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08664095533450179454noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6352737866332139888.post-74856342027960982542009-01-20T14:20:00.001-08:002009-01-20T15:36:39.309-08:00Ya'll got Ya'll's Work Cut Out For Ya'llLet the indoctrination begin!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGuC6nP1O2cXdVcfsU-rPr73doGI8UfxibIZ4ILvAATkR03VUnrI6_S4FwV1ggSULAsG0HnypCwE1X8uXLNpSXrOhwq10mr5Fm6duaImEYVc3GECUDW0z8EvClWDQIFvvYYWGIkKAc6Ip8/s1600-h/P1020891.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGuC6nP1O2cXdVcfsU-rPr73doGI8UfxibIZ4ILvAATkR03VUnrI6_S4FwV1ggSULAsG0HnypCwE1X8uXLNpSXrOhwq10mr5Fm6duaImEYVc3GECUDW0z8EvClWDQIFvvYYWGIkKAc6Ip8/s320/P1020891.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5293508289146178850" border="0" /></a>OK, it's been a few weeks since an update but that's because we've been busy with Gus and his <a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/5/58/Maslow%27s_hierarchy_of_needs.svg/800px-Maslow%27s_hierarchy_of_needs.svg.png">numerous needs</a>. They are not kidding when they say being a stay-at-home mom is a full time job. He is now 8 weeks old and doing great! I have to say, despite sleepless nights and diaper changes, I thoroughly love being a dad. He gets cuter with each passing day and is beginning to <a href="http://images.ctv.ca/gallery/photo/idol_gives_back_070416/image0.jpg">give back a little</a> with semi-smiles and not-so-blank stares. From total newborn infant dependency he's slowly but surely leaving the fog of nothingness and emerging into the bright light of consciousness... I hope he's not a bully.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://chriskalani.com/news/goat-headlock.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 378px; height: 283px;" src="http://chriskalani.com/news/goat-headlock.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>On the adoption front, we are going to have 4 visits from our social worker before the adoption can be finalized. I know it's necessary and for the good of the baby, but it still makes me a little nervous. The good news is, we've managed to keep Gus alive for 8 weeks so we're doing <span style="font-style: italic;">something</span> right. <a href="http://blogs.villagevoice.com/dailymusto/images/annie.jpg"> Tomorrow</a> is her first visit so I will talk more about that later. Wish us luck!<br /><br />here are some more pics of Gus' antics:<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZjQofb0ZERGQj_Ts9clHaICRcft9lTtKZR6vyMvHyNnP9xYh3oYhcvlg6FbDEY6tHsroYXW20JGgY6RuIIBP5n3mGMggK1_nRoUd8I3t92uZ_6tMk3HX1S0Q69rqKoy18bXVladfsYJ4A/s1600-h/P1020923.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZjQofb0ZERGQj_Ts9clHaICRcft9lTtKZR6vyMvHyNnP9xYh3oYhcvlg6FbDEY6tHsroYXW20JGgY6RuIIBP5n3mGMggK1_nRoUd8I3t92uZ_6tMk3HX1S0Q69rqKoy18bXVladfsYJ4A/s320/P1020923.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5293518303722277714" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdDJaUWJzKzk5CjsGwdE6Uf28m1lFj-5a625J1C6alGa4kz3ImKOGLuo4FQODoQppyHkC7L4IK0BGChIdbKisl2lio9MtNPeQT6fFE9JSLf9t8YSNexs52RVJ1Yssfm6XMj7dshgt-Q-CR/s1600-h/IMG_0058.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdDJaUWJzKzk5CjsGwdE6Uf28m1lFj-5a625J1C6alGa4kz3ImKOGLuo4FQODoQppyHkC7L4IK0BGChIdbKisl2lio9MtNPeQT6fFE9JSLf9t8YSNexs52RVJ1Yssfm6XMj7dshgt-Q-CR/s320/IMG_0058.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5293518666702914434" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwaWoNHeYj2qHX4R5Bv1qBQtUUIrWmrrd3kbh_NC0Sx7IxhnKgJB2Y2qJrzhjG4idkOR917UoSuPbAl6HpmEVx7QR1x4JoCSM__bqhNbCEQeTE5vH2WTtCxVe7ydg9CcsEewBw5kV7g2z4/s1600-h/P1020858.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwaWoNHeYj2qHX4R5Bv1qBQtUUIrWmrrd3kbh_NC0Sx7IxhnKgJB2Y2qJrzhjG4idkOR917UoSuPbAl6HpmEVx7QR1x4JoCSM__bqhNbCEQeTE5vH2WTtCxVe7ydg9CcsEewBw5kV7g2z4/s320/P1020858.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5293519398470461170" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW3Ab3h0F7DyP_aJQyMv8BUQr04JSDDmUBhJfxAlCacrzxvMZSCHZs3RygQtjzBp1WODf7Ysn-uLgmz64vfsJPWX1WTvOPgj3CWaXkadDL2utCPu8A3raTNX84ayLpv50cbIsBmUpwBDvA/s1600-h/P1020661.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 180px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW3Ab3h0F7DyP_aJQyMv8BUQr04JSDDmUBhJfxAlCacrzxvMZSCHZs3RygQtjzBp1WODf7Ysn-uLgmz64vfsJPWX1WTvOPgj3CWaXkadDL2utCPu8A3raTNX84ayLpv50cbIsBmUpwBDvA/s320/P1020661.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5293523817977025154" border="0" /></a>Bulgy the Whalehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08664095533450179454noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6352737866332139888.post-28365802907568467702008-12-23T17:34:00.000-08:002008-12-23T17:46:55.388-08:00This Christmas Is Not Bliss-Less<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqCXNhYaly_lfEwxByuOQM97BRN5QhXmtydTTdwVO4vIBjSgJZ4zr8eZf3TqRKHHE1s8shROvIkvPyfKm0f06TLsWeqhdRCrlrn0C72deUysAys-4YgI650UtI72LXtTG-CtQq9KsjCOjE/s1600-h/xmas+2008.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 286px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqCXNhYaly_lfEwxByuOQM97BRN5QhXmtydTTdwVO4vIBjSgJZ4zr8eZf3TqRKHHE1s8shROvIkvPyfKm0f06TLsWeqhdRCrlrn0C72deUysAys-4YgI650UtI72LXtTG-CtQq9KsjCOjE/s400/xmas+2008.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5283165212710798370" border="0" /></a><br />Hope everyone has a <a href="http://graphics8.nytimes.com/images/2007/10/25/sports/26baseball-600.jpg">safe</a> holiday season!Bulgy the Whalehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08664095533450179454noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6352737866332139888.post-31326214304878954622008-12-11T18:30:00.000-08:002009-03-04T09:49:58.470-08:00RelinquishmentYesterday was a big day for us. I took Gus' birth parents to <a href="http://www.adoptionconnection.org/">Adoption Connection</a> to sign the relinquishment papers. I thought it would only take a few minutes but it ended up taking over an hour. Apparently there are a lot of papers to sign and they have to do it in triplicate. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/41982000/jpg/_41982862_get416triplets.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 331px; height: 238px;" src="http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/41982000/jpg/_41982862_get416triplets.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>Before they signed I noticed our conversation was <a href="http://www.wrensnestonline.com/blog/wp-content/awkward-picture.jpg">awkward</a> with lots of silences. After they signed off however, everyone was more relaxed and started joking around. I guess the big elephant in the room was finally gone.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.newyorker.com/images/2007/05/14/p646/070514_banksy10_p646.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 452px; height: 282px;" src="http://www.newyorker.com/images/2007/05/14/p646/070514_banksy10_p646.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>Thus after two and a half weeks of caring for the little <a href="http://images.amazon.com/images/P/B00064K2RQ.01.LZZZZZZZ.jpg">poop machine</a>, he's officially in <a href="http://msnbc.com/modules/take3/aug/img/rewind/limbo.jpg">Limbo</a>! Meaning his birth parents no longer have any rights to him and at the same time he isn't technically our son... Yet. We have to wait 6 months before the adoption is finalized. During that time there will be a couple visits from a social worker to see if we are in fact taking good care of him.<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><br /><br /></span>oh, his umbilical cord finally fell off! It's totally disgusting. I mean, it's a beautiful example of nature at its most miraculous.Bulgy the Whalehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08664095533450179454noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6352737866332139888.post-21572969070437727542008-12-04T11:30:00.001-08:002008-12-04T12:59:03.088-08:00Itty Bitty Kitty Committee<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYyLFk2uC8b4I4mb4hyLwA3QnFox99DV-9C5D8TPTY-C0JVjtE7chRBmEnnzNczKSGjB_Rzxdc3YobRFwpXs_VRY2ypEX2pJX4DltbsLCULPhoX68hgFjuYAAnpwYLDrRwy8HVNfaUMxF8/s1600-h/P1020625.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 180px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYyLFk2uC8b4I4mb4hyLwA3QnFox99DV-9C5D8TPTY-C0JVjtE7chRBmEnnzNczKSGjB_Rzxdc3YobRFwpXs_VRY2ypEX2pJX4DltbsLCULPhoX68hgFjuYAAnpwYLDrRwy8HVNfaUMxF8/s320/P1020625.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5276041534832287714" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbXcmN8usEpOmhO9ay44BsCrOnCWsDjQJpjuHtn-GhmukNUOtB_c2etjCvTkRcywYAUhFpUYJKrQl9CYfQY93Buyi5I6OPMTEHEHUVTBN2ShkBl6eA2O-rL1ygq7Yy28wSEa6RO5HdnNNL/s1600-h/P1020623.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbXcmN8usEpOmhO9ay44BsCrOnCWsDjQJpjuHtn-GhmukNUOtB_c2etjCvTkRcywYAUhFpUYJKrQl9CYfQY93Buyi5I6OPMTEHEHUVTBN2ShkBl6eA2O-rL1ygq7Yy28wSEa6RO5HdnNNL/s320/P1020623.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5276021060905527746" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6TVYB3PKdUQGu84Zn61E7KXcdTTMqb14bKg6TLvXSYD2g1XjRoAB4t86cOD-ouRxq0U2MJbzuB39cbxp8lBrtnDA2gZPytzV0WRHSOC5LNJgkzOypRylyLVZEgzZlJGGvywEhw191x4lR/s1600-h/P1020622.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 180px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6TVYB3PKdUQGu84Zn61E7KXcdTTMqb14bKg6TLvXSYD2g1XjRoAB4t86cOD-ouRxq0U2MJbzuB39cbxp8lBrtnDA2gZPytzV0WRHSOC5LNJgkzOypRylyLVZEgzZlJGGvywEhw191x4lR/s320/P1020622.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5276020701699902194" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLxe3p8i-f6H0v2v_-cBKBS3BECd5RNUSd7SBRSJajgbet0-Qv0ld7y81N8CWm1qlqA87YwG5GvdZqHn1knhEm_bKwIktaDa7HH7ySRzpvmY_4nXN8x8ww-VxKZ4lZ3_O3FQ2ddopLMZaJ/s1600-h/P1020621.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 180px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLxe3p8i-f6H0v2v_-cBKBS3BECd5RNUSd7SBRSJajgbet0-Qv0ld7y81N8CWm1qlqA87YwG5GvdZqHn1knhEm_bKwIktaDa7HH7ySRzpvmY_4nXN8x8ww-VxKZ4lZ3_O3FQ2ddopLMZaJ/s320/P1020621.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5276020473745053858" border="0" /></a>But seriously folks...<br /><br />Just because we have a new baby in the house doesn't mean our adoption journey is over. Far from it in fact. Even though Gus is in our care, his birth parents haven't yet signed the relinquishment papers. It is Adoption Connection's policy to let them be of sound mind to sign off. That means they have to be out of the hospital for a couple days first. They will then meet with a counselor to see if their choice is in fact one they definitely want to make. It's a little bit <a href="http://images.quickblogcast.com/101258-93957/Boy_With_Stage_Fright.jpg">nerve-wracking</a> for us since they could change their minds but they have assured us this is the road they want to take. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.getentrepreneurial.com/images/decision-making.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 263px; height: 260px;" src="http://www.getentrepreneurial.com/images/decision-making.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>We have been using this time to get to know them a little bit. We've seen them twice since taking Gus home and they seem to really mostly be concerned for Gus' well being. I'm always nervous before we see them because I fear they will think we're doing a <a href="http://www.wetasschronicles.com/archives/images/TargetHolder.jpg">bad job</a> but the truth is, I think they have an equal amount of fear. Maybe it's because they think we might change OUR minds, or that we might judge them for deciding on an adoption plan.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://images.google.com/url?q=http://www.legaljuice.com/judge.jpg&usg=AFQjCNE7d1ahHVqcodMCPM0MIeM3c2d5hQ"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 333px; height: 350px;" src="http://images.google.com/url?q=http://www.legaljuice.com/judge.jpg&usg=AFQjCNE7d1ahHVqcodMCPM0MIeM3c2d5hQ" alt="" border="0" /></a>So here we have this perfect little baby who will have no shortage of love from us and even though his birth parents decided on adoption, it was because they also loved him too much to be raised in their situation. Whatever I used to think about adoption, I now know that it is a profound event surrounded by love.Bulgy the Whalehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08664095533450179454noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6352737866332139888.post-55414443411323308152008-11-29T12:09:00.000-08:002013-06-26T10:19:21.320-07:00Ready... Set... GO!!!In a nutshell, We are now the proud parents of a newborn baby boy! Introducing <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/28430168@N02/sets/72157610435403786/"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Gus Elliott Lee-Jesitus</span></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/28430168@N02/sets/72157610435403786/" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3066/3068275673_645e21c9d4.jpg?v=0" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 230px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 410px;" /></a>In honor of this big change in our lives, I have changed the look of the blog as well. I still can't believe it actually happened. A little over a year since we joined <a href="http://www.adoptionconnection.org/homepage1.asp">Adoption Connection</a> and 10 months of waiting in outreach, we are finally DADS. Let me catch a breath! This is the first time in 5 days I've had a moment to sit down and collect my thoughts...<br />
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On Monday the 24th of November, 4:00 pm, it was just a normal day at work when Adoption Connection called to tell me there is a couple that had just given birth but couldn't keep him. They chose us out of 5 profiles! If we agreed to it, we would have to take the baby home the next day. We scheduled to meet at the UCSF Hospital at 6:00. Between 4 and 6, I had to scramble to finish my work, tell my bosses I need to take a leave of absence and call David to tell him the news.<a href="http://whistler.mtv.ca/images/schedule/schedule.gif" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://whistler.mtv.ca/images/schedule/schedule.gif" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 290px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 392px;" /></a>We met the couple at the hospital, met Gus, got to know everyone a little bit, set up an appointment to take the baby home the next day, and then left. We then went to Target to buy 2 cart loads of baby stuff. Without knowing what to buy, we just threw stuff into the carts willy nilly. Sleep that evening was interrupted and strange.<a href="http://wwwdelivery.superstock.com/WI/223/1804/PreviewComp/SuperStock_1804R-5006.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://wwwdelivery.superstock.com/WI/223/1804/PreviewComp/SuperStock_1804R-5006.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 202px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 305px;" /></a>The next day (Tuesday), we went back to the hospital at 11:00 in the morning to be there for his discharge. We were actually at the hospital until 4:30 because things just took a little extra time. It was an awkward moment when the birth parents left. It seemed like they wanted to keep it short but they were visibly sad yet resolute about their decision.<br />
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After they left, the nurses gave us a quick lesson on what to do. I could tell they thought we were totally unprepared. They offered to have a nurse come to our house to give us pointers but I haven't heard anything since we left the hospital so maybe that won't happen. After the crash course, we made an appointment to see a pediatrician and then signed 2 forms and left the hospital... Um, that's all we had to do? We could not believe they let us take a newborn infant out of the hospital after only meeting him the day before.<a href="http://www.funonthenet.in/images/stories/forwards/Roller-Coaster/roller-coaster-2.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://www.funonthenet.in/images/stories/forwards/Roller-Coaster/roller-coaster-2.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 373px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 280px;" /></a>Now we are getting settled into a routine and he is a very sweet mellow kid. This is one Thanksgiving we will always remember.Bulgy the Whalehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08664095533450179454noreply@blogger.com22tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6352737866332139888.post-91696422184594920202008-11-05T10:54:00.000-08:002013-06-26T10:18:34.423-07:00Equality For All (except gays)Despite our best efforts, Proposition 8 looks like it will pass by a narrow 52-48 margin. That means the citizens of California voted to insert language into the constitution taking away rights from a group of people. Usually it's the other way around and we GRANT rights to disenfranchised people.<a href="http://blog.thehumanist.com/wp-content/uploads/2007/07/jimcrowpic3.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://blog.thehumanist.com/wp-content/uploads/2007/07/jimcrowpic3.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 226px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 349px;" /></a>I'm incredibly saddened by this turn of events and yet have hope for a couple of reasons. One reason is Barack Obama won the presidential election and I believe he will be an ally for us. I mean, he even included gays in his winning speech last night! I don't think Bush ever did that.<a href="http://www.theatlantic.com/unbound/sage/images/bush-gay-marriage.gif" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://www.theatlantic.com/unbound/sage/images/bush-gay-marriage.gif" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 276px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 345px;" /></a> Another reason is young people are not nearly as threatened by homosexuality as older folks so when the older generation dies off, we'll be left with a loving utopia where everyone is treated with dignity and respect...<a href="http://img2.timeinc.net/people/i/2007/startracks/070101/aaron_carter.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://img2.timeinc.net/people/i/2007/startracks/070101/aaron_carter.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 346px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 260px;" /></a>The final reason is this whole gay marriage thing has really filled me with a sense of community and justice. Last weekend <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/28430168@N02/3005305273/sizes/l/in/set-72157606838495039/">we stood outside in the pouring rain</a> holding signs for "No on 8". It felt good to be a part of something at a grassroots level. It felt even better when people driving by in cars honked in our favor or told us they were definitely going to vote No. Even though we lost, the fact that we came so close this time gives me hope for the future.Bulgy the Whalehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08664095533450179454noreply@blogger.com80tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6352737866332139888.post-52360074547496318442008-10-23T13:35:00.000-07:002008-10-23T15:14:58.877-07:00Vote NO on prop 8!Hi everyone. This is my PSA on <a href="http://www.noonprop8.com/">Prop 8</a>, the proposition that will amend California's constitution to eliminate marriage rights for same-sex people. Ready? here goes:<br /><br />If you are going to vote YES on Prop 8, you should just kill yourself.<br /><br />Let me elaborate. Seems like the only people who want Prop 8 to pass are either a.) religious, or b.) so homophobic they invent some irrational morality to defend their prejudices. If you are the former, killing yourself will get you to God faster which is the ultimate goal right? Don't think of it as suicide, think of it as getting in the Fastrak Lane for the Pearly Gates. If you are the latter, you should just die because what you're trying to do is insert bigotry, hate and discrimination into the state's constitution and that is a deplorable thing to do. I think in your heart of hearts you know that too. If you vote Yes, will you be able to look someone in the eye and say "I voted to ADD discrimination to the Constitution"?<br /><br />We shouldn't be able to eliminate rights for anyone just because they are different than us. Haven't we learned this already? David and I just want to live our lives as decent human beings where we realize that difference, though sometimes scary, is not always bad. In fact, encountering difference is just an opportunity to learn more about this bizarre world we live in. Kind of like going to an Asian restaurant. So, with that in mind, I take back my original statement. I don't want anyone to kill themselves because it would be wrong to wish that (and I think we all know the difference between right and wrong). I just want people to vote <a href="http://www.noonprop8.com/">NO on prop 8</a> where it won't affect straight people's lives <span style="font-style: italic;">at all</span> but could totally change ours.<br /><br />We have got to get past this.Bulgy the Whalehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08664095533450179454noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6352737866332139888.post-38481025395324407502008-10-09T10:09:00.000-07:002008-10-09T13:35:49.293-07:00And Just Like That...<span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);font-family:arial;font-size:180%;" >RED ALERT!</span><br /><br />Yesterday we got a call from <a href="http://www.adoptionconnection.org/homepage1.asp">Adoption Connection</a> that there might be a baby for us! It is already born and they wanted to know if it would be ok to give the birth mother our profile. If she chose us, we would have to leave work right away and drive a couple hours to pick the baby up.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.healthliteracyinnovations.com/_imgs/say_what.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px;" src="http://www.healthliteracyinnovations.com/_imgs/say_what.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>We had just moved the day before and in fact weren't even living in our new home yet. We were in <a href="http://images.allposters.com/images/125/003_crossroads_doublesided.jpg">purgatory</a> sleeping on blankets on the floor of our old house because the new house didn't even have a bed set up yet. All our clothes were in boxes including all the baby stuff we have accumulated and we didn't even have a working phone line, not to mention any internet... So we said, "<a href="http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.onmylist.com/list_item_images/48840/00_list_view.gif">Sure we'll take it!</a>"<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.impactlab.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/04/choice-87.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px;" src="http://www.impactlab.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/04/choice-87.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>but <a href="http://www.magicmyst.com/child.htg/kate.gif">alas</a>, she chose someone else. Phew and Sad Face at the same time. My poor stomach.Bulgy the Whalehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08664095533450179454noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6352737866332139888.post-63789383027041971252008-09-30T11:33:00.000-07:002008-10-01T10:39:03.213-07:00What We Have Learned Thus FarBoy are we <a href="http://www.nosweat.org.uk/files/images/Sweatshop%201.preview.jpg">busy bees</a>. David and I are in the middle of selling our place while buying a new one at the same time. It's been a whirlwind of storing, staging, and showing. There's also been a <a href="http://gillinc.blogspot.com/uploaded_images/Alvaro.Morales.Katrina-767077.jpg">Hurricane Katrina's</a> worth of faxing, emailing, and phone calls. Not to mention a healthy <a href="http://www.co.marin.ca.us/depts/lb/main/crm/earthquake/sf/20.jpg">1906 Earthquake's</a> portion of inspections, meetings, and paperwork.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://blogs.sfweekly.com/thesnitch/Paperwork.gif"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px;" src="http://blogs.sfweekly.com/thesnitch/Paperwork.gif" alt="" border="0" /></a><a href="http://9440group5.wikispaces.com/space/showimage/soondubu_jjigae_%28spicy_tofu_stew%29.jpg">Soon</a> the transition will be over and it will be back to business as usual... Meaning sitting around waiting to be matched. Despite having a packed schedule, we somehow managed to go to 2 workshops over the last month.<br /><br />The first one was about the legal issues that may arise for married same-sex couples. It was hosted by two powerful attorneys who specialize in family law and estate planning. Their names are <a href="http://www.dlklawgroup.com/">Deb Kinney</a> and <a href="http://www.waldlaw.net/index.htm">Deborah Wald</a>, or as I like to refer to them, The Debsbians. They spoke passionately and eloquently not just about the legal ramifications of same-sex marriage, but the cultural ones as well. We are standing at the precipice of yet another important civil rights issue and it is heartening to know we are trying to move away from discrimination instead of towards it. "NO" on <a href="http://ballotpedia.org/wiki/index.php?title=California_Proposition_8_%282008%29">prop 8</a>! Don't worry, allowing gay people to marry won't cause this to happen:<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i147.photobucket.com/albums/r296/keeleyson/goat.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px;" src="http://i147.photobucket.com/albums/r296/keeleyson/goat.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>The second workshop we went to was called Negotiating Birth Family Relationships. Since we are planning on doing an open adoption, the intent is for the birth family to be involved in the child's life forever so it's important to nurture a good relationship with them. The workshop mainly <a href="http://www.vospers.com/upload/vospers/images/new%20car/ford-focus.jpg">focused</a> on fears and expectations. The speaker also gave us different scenarios that may arise and asked how we would handle them. Also, there were bagels.Bulgy the Whalehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08664095533450179454noreply@blogger.com4