Hawaii 5.0

I have always thought of Hawaii as a place that I could never afford, a sort of bucket list trip.  Well that was until now. While looking for a family Disneyland trip I got notification of $500 round trip airfare to Honolulu. I freaked out in excitement as I have never seen tickets to Hawaii that low.  We had 2 free tickets waiting to use for our rewards but we had to be under $600, well this justified it!  So Jeremy and I thought about it for a few days (prices slowly creeping up) as we really were not thinking a big vacation since 2012 was so big, but free airline tickets to paradise...yes please!  So we booked them AND we got a SWEET condo, 5th floor, ocean view...and when I mean ocean view...steps away from the beach for $1900 for 10 days! That is like a $190 a night! You seriously can't do any cheaper! Plus the condo has a full kitchen so we can cook.

Here is the bonus, we really wanted to go with family so Irene (my mother) is coming with us. She really hasn't traveled that much and she said this will be her first big flight!  She is retired, what more does she have to do than to travel.  Plus, she is fairly easy travel companion. She drives me a little crazy, but she gets her own room, TV, bathroom and patio area. We are so excited to have her join us.

Some people might think we are crazy traveling with a toddler...but what better place. There is really so much to do! We might miss out on sailing and stuff but really we can do almost everything, we just have to take turns. Our place is so nice that even if Cy got sick...not a bad place to hang out for a few days. Our condo is right next to Disney's new resort too so we get to take advantage of that a little without paying the Disney cost. I was excited as I am really hoping we get in to a character breakfast. We also can walk over and rent their paddle boards (that is really what I want to do the most). We have all the cool places on Oahu written down so that we can keep our options open.  We also found the Costco so we can buy groceries and cook (saving money some more).

Bonus, Jeremy has loved helicopters since he was a little kid. So as we save up money (because that isn't a cheap activity) he is going on a helicopter ride! He is just deciding if he wants open or closed doors. Eeeek! So excited for him!

Hawaii you ask when there are beaches in the US. Well EVERYONE we know and I mean everyone who goes and some are usually not totally sold come back in LOVE! The selling point was a friend of my husband's who stated Hawaii was never on her list of destinations but after coming...she fell in love. That carried a lot of weight. I welcome the history and diversity of the island.  We are actually staying in Kapolei which is about 45 minutes Northwest of Honolulu. I am excited to not be staying in some big high rise building. What is nice about our place is that it is right on beach! So after nap time we are hanging out in the city!

Mahola!

Happy New Year 2013!

This has been the most challenging and amazing year filled with so much love and personal growth! I feel so blessed for having an amazing family, wonderful friends, great job and good health. I told my boss before I left I am not use to having such great things that I feel like I am always waiting for something to happen...and you know what...sometimes life can just be good.

Beginning this year Jeremy and I will start on Sunday, January 6th for out 5 day Clean Cleanse.  What is a Clean Cleanse you ask...well I will tell you! It is a cleanse that lets you eat plenty as long as you forgo processed food, dairy, gluten, refined sugar, caffeine and alcohol. This program is suppose to help you relieve holiday bloat, improve digestion, boost energy and strengthen immune system. 

I started on my Pinterest page a board called Clean Cleanse Recipes. I go by Sarah Nelson or MrsNelly! Find me and follow the yummy recipes!

From our family to yours...I wish you a wonderful, adventurous, safe and healthy 2013 and beyond!

Happy Holidays!

Our first holiday season with Cy at home is amazing! I can't express how thankful I am to have him in our  home! I thought for sure I would be going crazy on gifts for him this year and I have to say I am WAY more subdued than expected. As I am running around doing last minute shopping I find my self overwhelmed with all the toys and thinking I am just so happy to have him home.  It is kind of crazy the whole present thing. I am a giver and love to receive but when it comes to children I swear it can be to much. This family was actually arguing in Toys R Us yesterday about the gifts for their child. I was blown away as I found myself just standing there staring at them.

The holidays are always special to me but will forever take a different perspective after having my son. Such gratitude and thankful will be upon me every season for Cy being in my life.

Here are some of the gifts that I LOVE that we are getting Cy this year:

Strider Balance Bike

Automoblox

Take time this holiday season to put the presents aside and enjoy time with family and friends! My life has changed so much for the better this past year. I have spent so much time with my amazing family, making new friends and fostering such strong friendships with old and current friends. Such an amazing year with only many many more to come! We are truly so happy, thankful and grateful!

Peace and Love from the Nelsons!

Cleaning Out the Closet

I just went through Cy's closet and I have to admit...it wasn't horrible.  I was kind of surprised by a few of the Gap shirts, but I shopped subconsciously smart. Overall, I was pretty excited that I didn't have to throw out his whole closet. He has a few sweaters with a touch of wool and polyester, however I think if there is a shirt on underneath we should be okay.  Jeremy wanted me to just throw it all out, but I held on a little to a few pieces. We had to throw away almost all of his pajamas away, Gymboree, Hannah Anderson and Babys R Us brand survived the cut...all 100% cotton! I personally LOVE shopping at Baby's R Us clothes and everything I purchased was all 100% cotton!  Yeah me!

Cy was sleeping in a polyester kids sleeping bag, which he loved and I threw that one out the window! Seriously, I can't believe we were letting him sleep in that thing! I purchased some new sheets, 100% cotton and checked the sheet on his bed and it was 100% cotton. I feel pretty good in that respect!  Now we probably need another blanket/comforter for him. He sleeps with the blanket my friend Kristi made him but he needs a little bit more coverage.

A child with eczema is all about helping them live with it. We knew Cy had eczema when he was in Korea...but we didn't have an outbreak or anything really dramatic so we didn't think much of it. These past few weeks have been horrible for the little dude. I am hoping that cleaning house a little might help. I also can't say enough for having a house cleaner come every few weeks! One of the smartest things we did.

Well tomorrow is the allergy test. I really hope he isn't allergic to much, but the rash around his mouth and hives makes me think he might be allergic to something. From my puffy boy and me...talk to you later!

Favorite Retailers for 100% Cotton!

• Tea Collection
• Hannah Anderson
• Gap - But make sure you read label. There are things that have polyester and wool!
• Babys R Us! Cy has a lot by Amy Coe and everything is 100%. Even the $10 cute Santa pj's are 100% cotton.
• Gymboree - Make sure to check labels
• Old Navy - Make sure to check labels

Peace and Love!

Eczema...How do You Protect Your Children

My son suffers severe eczema and it kind of hit us like a train this winter. While I am waiting to get an allergy test done all my research tells me that 100% cotton is the best and kick the synthetic fibers to the curb.

Here are some triggers for Eczema. What I have read and from out allergist that Hay Fever and Asthma is VERY common in kids with Eczema. Sooo we are just waiting for results from allergist.

• Wool (is the WORST!), Synthetic fibers, Polyester, etc
• Biological washing powders
• Pet fluff and pet dander’s
• Parental smoking (we don't so no worries)
• Emotional factors - keeping stress levels down.
• Detergents
• House dust mite
• Food, additives and colorings

Here are some good websites for clothes:

• Hannah Anderson - If you shop sales you will get great organic clothes for a good price.
• Cotton Comfort - This carries clothes specific for kids with eczema. 
• Ickle -Eco - 100% Bamboo clothes
• The Allergy Shop - This is a great website

Best Places to Buy Sheets:

Kids with eczema need 100% cotton sheets. Polyester or synthetic only irritate their skin. So changing pajamas and sheets is a big overhaul. Here are a few places where you can get good quality sheets!

• Pottery Barn Kids
• Bed Bath and Beyond
• Gaiam
• Amazon

Of course I can shop at a variety of places, however I will just need to make sure to read the tags. I bought Cy all these cute jeans for winter...yeah not so much. Poor kid needs soft cotton pants.

I will journal my journey through Cy's eczema more as I learn and grow to help my child and hopefully help other people. I swear everything I find is in Australia and UK...so maybe we can get more US resources.

Peas and love!

Thank you Mr. President

Letter from the President

NATIONAL ADOPTION MONTH, 2012

- - - - - - -

BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

A PROCLAMATION

As a Nation that believes all children deserve the chance to reach their full potential, we have a fundamental responsibility to ensure each of them grows up knowing the love and protection of a permanent family. During National Adoption Month, we give voice to children who are still waiting for that opportunity, celebrate the bond that unites adoptive parents with their sons and daughters, and recommit to providing every child with the care and security that will nurture their development and well-being.
Later this month, many Americans will also mark National Adoption Day by completing a foster care adoption and embracing a new member of their family. Driven by reasons unique to their households but united by the spirit of compassion that moves all who choose to adopt, these parents will take up our country's most important task -- the work of raising our sons and daughters. As we celebrate the contributions of adoptive parents across our Nation, let us also strive to eliminate discriminatory barriers that would separate foster children from a loving family. Adoptive families come in many forms, and it is essential that all qualified adults have the opportunity to care for a child in need.

My Administration remains committed to helping every child find a loving home. We have partnered with faith-based and community organizations across America to help connect children with adoptive parents, and we continue to work with State, local, and tribal governments to improve child outcomes; enhance safety, permanency, and well-being; and support adoptive families. I was proud to sign the Affordable Care Act and the International Adoption Simplification Act, which have made it easier for families to adopt, as well as the Child and Family Services Improvement and Innovation Act, which will help reduce the length of time young children are without families. We have built on those efforts as part of the National Adoption Campaign, which continues to bring adoption and foster care into our national conversation.

Thousands of children living in America hope for the comfort and safety of a loving family. This month, we pay tribute to the dedicated professionals who help make those children's dreams a reality, sharpen our resolve to find a permanent home for every child, and celebrate the stories of all whose lives have been touched by adoption.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim November 2012 as National Adoption Month. I encourage all Americans to observe this month by answering the call to find a permanent and caring family for every child in need, and by supporting the families who care for them.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this first day of November, in the year of our Lord two thousand twelve, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-seventh.

BARACK OBAMA

November is National Adoption Month

With it being National Adoption month I hope to do various post about Adoption. I know this year Larimer County is doing it's first ever National Adoption Day Celebration at the court house. It is really exciting how in recent years adoption has been so mainstreamed. I feel so fortunate every day for my son Cy! I believe VERY strongly in adoption/foster care.  

One thing I hope to bring more to light are some things that I found very important and personal to me.  Throughout this month I will highlight some of our struggles and wins. We went through extensive training before Cy came home preparing us for how we might feel, attachment, grieving, etc...However, we weren't really prepared for a toddler. Don't get me wrong as the date continually changed I was aware of his age...just not really a toddler. There wasn't much for resources on Toddler Adoption and the Weavers Craft can freak anyone out. I remember reading information on the Internet saying you shouldn't leave your child for 6 months, don't do this and don't do that. I wanted desperately to do the right thing. I literally freaked out and finally called my social worker crying because I just didn't know what to do and they didn't really know how to help as we were the first group to bring Toddlers home from Korea. Her advice, make sure to take care of you and Jeremy. So we did that. We sat down and wrote out what we wanted to do. I lost some people close to me for my decisions as even though we might make those decisions...it doesn't mean they are easy.  I mean we kept thinking...shit what do we do!

I know my husband and I felt very lost as everything we read was for babies. I even remember thinking...in training they told us to sit on a yoga ball since the babies would be heavy (to protect our backs) and my son is climbing the kitchen cabinets and running all over the place. Frantically flipping through my resource books I was told to read and really finding nothing. Cy was 22 months when he came home, he wasn't this tiny baby. He was this mobile kid with a voice, opinion and he was moving!  I have to be thankful for some friends who had two kids who said if we went from 0 to this we would freak out. I was like thank god I am not crazy because this is insane! Not because we didn't love our son because we were so unprepared.

It is kind of funny but literally around six months it got easier or we just got used to it, who knows. It was literally like stepping outside and everything was crisper. I got it. I am not afraid to share that I went through a little depression or that my family struggled in the beginning. I am not perfect. It wasn't all ice cream and suckers after two weeks. What I feel is important that every adoption is different and I want people to know how you choose to handle the transition doesn't make you a bad person. One piece of advice I can give is to always to what is best for you and your family.

I hope this month to try and post as much information on Toddler Adoption as possible to be a resource for others. Especially now Korean Adoption all children coming home will be toddler or older.

Peace and Love!