Beach Babes

Aloha all and thanks for checking in and being patient. I keep getting called out for not keeping up with the blog. I'm really sorry but we're just having so much fun. Kozette's days have been filled with new experiences and she seems to be enjoying every minute. She loves the beach and doesn't go anywhere without making a new friend. The girls are doing great with each other. It is so amazing to see the bond between them grow. It is the best to watch them laugh together and this is happening more and more frequently. I think they are both realizing this is our family now and it's going to stay this way.

Along with the smiles and laughs there are a few challenges. At the top of the list is sleeping. I look forward to a full night's sleep and promise to post more once I am well rested.

Back in the Swing of Things

It's been a month since my last post. I apologize for being such a slacker (I have some really good excuses but I won't go there). Thanks Mimi for covering for me. Isn't that what moms are for? I have so much to share and don't know where to begin. The trip to Ethiopia was amazing. It was like a homecoming. I was greeted by hugs and kisses and everyone was eager to hear about Tsebay. Meeting Kozette was amazing. It was like I was her momma her whole life. She attached herself to me from the first second and has pretty much been at my side ever since. Kozette is a wonderful little girl. She is sweet and compassionate and very loving. Don't get me wrong there are challenges but we get through them and she is improving every day.


On January 21st Tsebay turned one. We had a great party with family and friends. I can't believe how much my baby is growing. Her top two teeth are coming in and she is beginning to walk a few steps at a time. Her vocabulary continues to increase. Her most recent words are dog and Thank you. Tsebay continues to be a cuddle bug and enjoys having her sister around, most of the time. She has been a real trooper through this entire experience and I know I am blessed to have such a great baby.

The toughest part of adding Kozette to our family has been missing out on my 24/7 time with Tsebay. I am still working on the balance and have heard from many seasoned moms that this is always a challenge. The travel was exactly what you would imagine, pretty tough but we got through it and I'm sure I will be torturing myself again in this fashion sometime soon.

It was great to spend time and catch up with friends and family on the East Coast. Thank you to everyone for your love and support, especially Mimi and Pop Pop. We'll be back soon. We are settling in back on Maui and are lucky to have a super nanny, Ange. She passed the toughest test of all. She traveled with us from Philly to Maui and didn't quit. Ange is great with the girls. She is very positive and very consistent. It has been great introducing Kozette to her Aunt Shelly. I know they are going to be the best of friends.

Here is a slide show with some pics from the past month.

Gladney, what do I have to do to get my blog moved to the top of the page? I've been to Ethiopia and back twice!

Blanket Party

It's Mimi here -- I've had several emails from friends/fam saying they keep checking Maria's blog for updates. We're sorry she has been so busy with the kiddies.

First of all -- all is well. The Quinn Ohana is back on Maui as of last Wednesday. (Well all is well except for our empty nest here in Jersey -- but it's not about me, so I'll stop). Maria and Tsebay are recovering from bad head colds etc. which Rachelle managed to pick up as well. Kozette is doing just wonderful and Angie, their Nanny, is being loved by all.

I'm writing without Maria's permission, so I'll not go on. She's at work (her first day back today so I'm not checking in with her to see if I should be doing this :).

My reason for blogging is to share a project I just read about on another blog.
PLEASE GO TO:
http://owlhaven.wordpress.com/
(SORRY I DON'T KNOW HOW TO DO THE LINK THING, SO YOU'LL HAVE TO TYPE IT IN)

and join the party! It is so wonderful to be joined to this community and have the knowledge that your contribution will go directly to the purpose stated. Providing a blanket to a new born baby -- can we play a simpler part in life than that!

THANK YOU ALL!

I'm adding a pic to hold you over til Maria gets back in the game. And by the way -- I just love my Granddaughters! They are precious, sweet, witty, full of personality -- and just a a little bonus - they also happen to be beautiful.