Annie's Recent Texas Family Visit

Annie recently spent a few days with our Texas family. Here are a few pictures:

Tex-Mex with most of Annie's Family

From Left to Right:

Papaw & Mimi (Annie's grandparents), Annie holding James (our nephew), Meredith (Annie's sister), Nana (Annie's mom), Sierra & Travis (Annie's sister-in law & Brother - who are parents of James)

Annie, Papaw, Mimi, Meredith

 Meredith (Annie's sister) lives here in NYC too! She is always up for an adventure and exploring the hidden gems of the city!

On a hot Texas day it's best to stay indoors. We took James (our nephew) to the Dallas Aquarium

Meredith, Annie & James

Meredith convincing James that it's not a real shark

Sweet Face

Shark Face

Frozen yogurt with the girls!

Sierra is Annie's sister in law but we just call her sister

Emily (cousin), Meredith (Annie's sister) & Annie

Sunday lunch together - just like old times

Annie, Papa (Annie's dad) & Meredith (Annie's sister)

Our Woodland Nursery is Ready!

We finally finished the nursery and wanted to share a few pictures. It may look snug but for New York City standards, our apartment is considered spacious.

View from doorway 

Second view from doorway

Changing table/Dresser

Fox & Woodland  Theme

Parenting Style

Our Thoughts on Parenting 

& 

The Type of Parents We Hope to Be

• Laughter is the best medicine. We are a goofy, loving couple who enjoy making each other laugh. Our home is filled with joy! 

Over the years our family beach trip has grown to include our best friends & their families

• Family is key! We love our families and are very close with them. Whether they travel to New York City, we travel home or everyone goes on vacation together -family time is a priority. Spending time with our friends (who we consider our family as well) is important to us too! All of our friends who have children allow them to call us "Aunt" & "Uncle" - Their kiddos can't wait to have a new "cousin" to play with.

Forth of July picnic and Fireworks at the park with all our neighbors and friends

• We desire to provide a home that is safe, supportive and nurturing of a child. So that he/she can grow into who they are meant to be. We do not believe in molding a child into our vision of who we think they "should" be but rather guiding them toward their own path and helping along the way.

On the beach with my shadow - our best friend's daughter

• No spanking! No matter the situation,  there is always a peaceful and loving way to encourage good behavior. As a nanny, Annie has experience in dealing with unwanted behavior with redirection, "time-outs", withholding privileges and positive reinforcements as a form of discipline. We plan on using these techniques in our home. 

Sean playing baseball at the park with our best friend's daughter

• Education is important to us. We want to provide an environment that promotes a curiosity for learning. Whether through school, sports, baking, gardening, travel or quiet time at home; we feel that a child can blossom through an array of experiences. Living in the epicenter for culture we are eager to give a child the opportunity to soak up all that New York City has to offer. 

The cutest little ones (our best friend's children) visiting "Uncle" Sean at work

Advice on What to Do Once We Are Chosen

The following article was posted by Canada Adopts! -

Being chosen by an expectant mother to adopt her baby is an unforgettable event. Once it happens, it’s hard to think about anything else.

You replay the moment in your mind again and again (and again!). 

But no sooner do you think “I can’t believe this is happening. I’m finally going to be a parent!” than a new set of fears rears its head: “What if I’m just dreaming? What happens if the match doesn’t work out?”

With so many mixed emotions, it’s hard to stay grounded and not feel like a basket case. 

This moment is not the end of your journey. In many ways, it’s just beginning. There are still a million things you need to do — and, as you’ll see, none of them is easy or straightforward.

1. Manage your emotions

Hearing that you’ve been picked by an expectant mother with an adoption plan can trigger a wave of conflicting emotions: excitement, sadness & fear. 

It’s normal, part of the process. Eventually things will settle down and return to normal — or at least to a new normal.

2. Build your relationship

As exciting as an adoption match is, it’s not an adoption. The expectant mother could have a change of heart. 

Needless to say, there are so many unknowns, things that you won’t know for days, weeks or even months down the road. Keep your adoption professionals in the loop. And use the time now to get to know the expectant mother better, find answers to your questions, and build your relationship.

3. Share your news with family

Announcing an adoption match isn’t the same thing as announcing a pregnancy. 

Plus, because most people don’t understand adoption or have out dated views about it, their level of excitement may not match yours. They may put a damper on your enthusiasm.

4. Share your news with friends

It’s only natural that you’ll want to share your news with friends. Who wouldn’t? If they’ve been on your adoption journey with you, they’ll most certainly want to know.

But it’s tricky. Once your story gets out, it’s not yours anymore. Think carefully about who to tell and what to tell them.

5. Get your home ready

Many hopeful parents use this time to nest and prepare their home for the baby’s arrival. Whether it means stocking up on necessities like diapers, wipes and sleepers or taking on a bigger project like decorating the nursery, it up to you.

Others, however, worry that doing too much beforehand could jinx their placement and refuse to do anything until the very last moment. As with so much about open adoption, it’s a personal choice.

6. Create a hospital plan

No matter when the expectant mother is due, it’s never to early to develop a hospital plan. This is something that you and the expectant parents will need to work out together.

How much involvement do you want to have in the delivery? Will you be in the room with her? Who will hold the baby first? How will the placement occur? Giving birth is such an emotionally-charged event, it’s important to work out the details beforehand so that you and the expectants parents are on the same page.

In addition, you should make sure that the hospital staff is up to speed about how an open adoption placement works and is aware of your wishes. Delivery day will be stressful enough. You don’t need any additional surprises.

7. Explore travel arrangements

Depending on where the expectant mother lives, you may want to start researching flights and hotels for the best rates and availability.

Because everything is so unpredictable, you may need to book a flight in the last minute. Knowing what flights are available, and finding a direct route, can save you a lot of trouble down the road.

Since the baby could arrive at any time, you’ll want to leave yourself enough time to get to the hospital in time for the birth. You also want to look for hotels that are near the hospital or the expectant parents’ family.

8. Start thinking about a post-placement plan

This is another item for down the road, but again it’s never too early to start thinking about it. After all, if the adoption goes through, you and the expectant mother will be tied together for life.

Your adoption professional can help you hammer out a plan with the expectant mother. Some of the things you’ll want to consider is what kind of ongoing contact do you want to have after placement? How do you plan to keep in touch?

There’s a lot you need to think about when you find a match. The more prepared you are, the easier it will be. For now, take things one day at a timeThere’s a lot you need to think about when you find a match. The more prepared you are, the easier it will be. For now, take things one day at a time and enjoy the moment while it lasts. But don’t leave things to the last moment. If all goes well, your placement day will come sooner than you think! and enjoy the moment while it lasts. But don’t leave things to the last moment. If all goes well, your placement day will come sooner than you think!

FYI: Adoption Lingo

Positive/ Appropriate vs. Negative/ Outdated

Birth Mother not Real Parent
Birth Parent not Natural Parent
Birth Child not Own Child
My Child not Adopted Child
Born to Unmarried Parents not Illegitimate
Terminate Parental Rights not Give Up
Make an Adoption Plan not Give Away
To Parent not To Keep
Adoption Triad or Circle not Adoption Triangle
Child Placed for Adoption not An Unwanted Child
Child with Special Needs not Handicapped Child
Was Adopted not Is Adopted

This is our pup - Gaston

We rescued Gaston about seven years ago. He came to us with a horrible scratch on his eye and really bad teeth. Over the years he developed Glaucoma. Unfortunately, as you can see, he lost his eye. The vet said that Gaston would be just fine.... and she was right. 

Gaston is a loving, spunky pup who spends his days investigating the world around him and of course, napping. He is VERY friendly with everyone. 

Life in New York City - written by Sean

Picnic with Friends

Annie has worked for some pretty cool places here in NYC over the past 10 years - manager at a jazz club, customer service at a celebrity fitness center and concierge at a mid-town hotel. Now she is "nesting" and spends her time working as a part-time nanny & creating a comfortable, baby friendly home environment. She loves to garden and bake. Annie is also very dedicated to her yoga practice.

Homemade Donuts

After leaving the jazz club where we met, I have been employed at a prominent and historical hotel in the city. I love the fast pace of the city. This position allows us the opportunity to travel within the company's brand. We have been fortunate to experience different parts of the country as well as travel to Europe. We hope to continue traveling and exploring other cultures. This is something that we can't wait to share with whomever joins our family. 

How We Met - written by Annie

I met Sean almost 10 years ago while interviewing for a job at a world class jazz club here in New York City. I called my grandmother after the interview and told her that I wasn't sure if I got the job but I just met the man I'm going to marry. Well, I did get the job and Sean & I have been inseperable since then. Sean is everything to me. He is a lion-hearted, loyal man that keeps me safe and cared for. Sean can always be counted on by me, his friends and family for whatever is needed. He is my better half. We are meant to be together. He proposed on the beach with a sand sculpture. It's a treasure chest full of shirt buttons because I collect shirt buttons. We had a small southern style wedding and continue to live life like two newlyweds. 

What "Open" Adoption Means to Us

As a child grows, it is only natural to want to know who you come from. We plan on being very open and honest with "our" little one from the beginning and communicating information on a level that they can understand. We have already purchased children's books on adoption for various ages and feel it is important to normalize the circumstance of his/her birth. We are also open to allowing "our" child, at an appropriate age, to reach out to his/her birth parents should the circumstances allow. Above all, we will strive to help "our" child feel that they are so very loved by all parents involved. 

Out of respect for you and "our" child, we would love the opportunity to get to know you - Whether before or after the birth. We feel this would give everyone peace of mind in dealing with the magnitude of this decision.  

A child born to another woman calls me mom. The depth of tragedy and the magnitude of the privilege are not lost on me. 

-Jody Landers

A little About Annie and Her Family

Adding a "Love Lock" to the Pont des Archeveche in Paris just outside Notre Dame

I grew up in Texas. The oldest of four kids and always surrounded by siblings, cousins and friends. A true southern family. We had lunch at my Granny's house every Sunday and football engulfed our entire community all season long. My parents also made sure that we had balanced exposure to the arts as well. I basically lived at the dance studio or in the theatre. 

My family LOVE to visit us here in New York City! When they come up, we always find something new to experience here in the city - which is pretty easy to do since this city has so much to offer. 

My Mom (Nana) and I waiting for the subway 

Being from a middle class family, there wasn't much of an opportunity for college after high school. So I worked a ton of jobs varying from dance teacher, nanny, community center art teacher, summer camp counselor, house keeper and dog sitter to raise money for my big move to NYC. My family were and are supportive of everything I pursue.  

Wedding fun with my family 

Even though it was tough to leave my home town, I soon found a wonderful group of friends (including Sean) that became my New York family. I have had opportunities and experiences here in NYC that I wouldn't have otherwise had. The culture and diversity here is absolutely amazing. 

Dublin Castle - Ireland 

I have worked for some pretty cool places here in NYC over the past 10 years: manager for a world famous jazz club (where I met Sean), membership services for a celebrity fitness center and concierge for a boutique mid-town hotel. Now I am "nesting" by spending my days working as a part-time nanny and creating a comfortable, baby friendly home environment. I take pride in our little backyard garden. And picnics in the park keep me balanced in such a busy city. I am also very dedicated to my yoga practice. 

Visiting Maine