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My Overthinking

Philly Area mom, Life forever changed by adoption

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He did it!

7.17.10

One month ago, Evan cried because I signed him up for swim lessons and he did not want to get his face wet. Tonight, he swam half the length of the pool freestyle and floated on his back to earn himself a yellow wristband, giving him the ability to get in the pool up to his armpits without a parent–picture my wiping the sweat from my brow–Phew! Ashlyn passed the test a few weeks ago. Evan wanted to take it, but he failed. Then, he wanted to take it again, and he failed. So, we were thrilled yesterday when I practiced with him for a while and then told him I thought he was ready and he took it and passed. I’m so proud of him.

Here isn’t is his best form, but he’s getting there. I think he was a bit tired by the time I got the camera out.

Obviously, Drew wanted some camera time too.

As usual, Lydia loved the combo of two of her favorite things: Daddy and the pool. (If only she could add her Ren Ren and eggs to the combo, she’s be in heaven.)

Happy day for us all! Kids are proud. Kids can now enjoy a little bit of freedom. And, I can have Lydia and Drew in the little kids’ pool without Evan and Ashlyn standing beside me complaining! Yea!

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Posted by Kelly the Overthinker
Filed Under: why can't they just stay little forever

just another day in the life

7.15.10

Jumped in the pool fully clothed with a bag of teddy grahams in my hand and my car key remote attached to my belt loop to save a little girl; got to experience a waiting family being matched with the child they have been waiting a very long time for; made lunch and dinner and caught up with laundry; and mowed the lawn for the first time ever.

Just another day in the life of a mama.

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Posted by Kelly the Overthinker
Filed Under: Uncategorized

It all started with the Chocolate Mango Cake

7.13.10

That would be the one on the right, that comes in this special little box from the White Swan bakery. I mentioned it in #34 of my travel tips. And, yes, it’s true. We (that sounds so less incriminating than “I”) had 4 of these amazing treats.

So, yes, it all started with the chocolate mango cake. And, I need to tell you that I really don’t like exercise. Really. don’t. like. exercise. But, I got into a groove of doing a class at the Y while Drew did a class. And, I’ve been known to visit the workout center and put the kids in the childwatch program–babysitting for $.50 for 30 minutes made a “break” in the workout center rather appealing at times. But, since China, since Lydia, and since the chocolate mango cake, no exercise here for me besides going up and down stairs with endless loads of laundry (and that is exercise indeed). And, I am feeling the lack of exercise—as are my favorite jeans.

Today, all that changed. Evan and Ashlyn had swim lessons from 9-9:45 and entertaining the other 2 (both of which love the pool) yesterday made me sweat off some calories (could have had something to do with the pool room being 400 degrees). So, today, I decided to wear those old workout clothes, put Drew and Lydia in the childwatch program (ahhh! Lydia’s first time!) and get moving. Lydia, of course, walked right in there while Drew needed more than a little threatening coaxing. There were only 2 other babies in there, and they let Drew stay with Lydia. So, off I went. I got on that workout machine (something like an elliptical thingie) and started moving. I felt it after 2 minutes and was rather glad I told the childwatch ladies that I was just trying it out with Lydia and would be back in 15 minutes. 10 minutes go by, and there’s announcement over the intercom (I thought) saying everyone had to get out of the pools due to lightening. Uh oh. Gotta get to the pool area for Evan and Ash–can’t have them sitting there towel-less wondering where I am! So, I race off there to find them happily kickboarding. Well, I already bagged the workout room, so I’ll just go get Drew and Lydia. She wasn’t overly thrilled to see me, but following all the attachment therapy, I acted like she was and gushed and gushed over her. I think the workers thought I was crazy. Back to the pool. Evan and Ashlyn finished up, and we headed through the locker rooms to quick change and then head to the grocery store. Evan waited outside the girls’ locker room while I helped Ash do a quick change. When she was changed, I didn’t see Drew but assumed he went out to wait with Evan. So, out we went to find the boys. But, only one boy was there. Where was Drew? Drew? Drew? Where are you? (giggling from the girls’ locker room ensued.) Drew? Seriously, Drew, where are you? (more giggling) That’s when I realized that it’s a small locker room without many hiding places….except for maybe 100 lockers. Yup, he had hid in a locker, and thought it was hysterical. Took me about 6 shots until I found the right one. He was still laughing when I found him. Wonder how long it would have taken for his laughing to turn into panic.

So, got a whole 10 minute workout today. Feels good. I may have worked off just enough calories for one bite of the chocolate chip cookie I had after lunch today. Yahoo. (sigh)

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Posted by Kelly the Overthinker
Filed Under: daily life

Jiayin Designs–New Style Added!

7.11.10

Isn’t this SO pretty? It’s a hand cut sterling silver character (like all the ones available from Jiayin Designs) in a circular frame loosely connected to a large round piece of mother of pearl. You can order it in natural (as shown), an ivory shade, or a dark blackish shade. So stunning on! I just love it.

The character I had put on this one for a sample piece is hao. Hao means good. But, what I love about it is that what creates the character here for good is actually the characters for woman (the character on the left) with a child (the character on the right). Isn’t that beautiful? What actually symbolizes good is a woman with a child. What a beautiful symbol to wear around my neck, and a wonderful reminder to me that what I am doing in mothering these 4 children is good.

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Posted by Kelly the Overthinker
Filed Under: Jiayin Designs

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I overthink everything. This blog is a prime example. Make yourself a cup of coffee and sit down for a read. Actually, make that a pot of coffee. There’s a lot of overthinking here.

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