On the road again...

Just can't wait to get off this road again.
The life we love is miles away, still, but then,
We just can't wait to get off this road again.

On the road again...
Goin' places that we've never been.
Dodging truckers and those snowflakes 'round the bend,
And we can't wait to get off this road again.

Today... Chris and I traveled the 500 plus miles again to visit with our Bio-parents. The weather was far from on our side as driving white-knuckled in a snow storm is never a pleasant thing to do.

When we pulled up to the house, we saw our bio-mom standing on the porch waiting for us, but our bio-dad was no where to be found. She hopped in the car and then informed us that he wasn't feeling well and decided to go home (Chris and I instantly shot each other a glance hoping that his 'illness' wasn't a sign of not wanting to go through with the adoption, or feeling that we weren't the adoptive-parents of choice).

We asked her how yesterday's Dr's appointment went and she told us that her physician, who now sees her on a weekly basis, informed her that this would probably be the last visit she would be at. "What you talk'n 'bout Willis???" went through my head, but I dared not to say it - (hahahaha) So instead I asked "Doesn't need to see you again because everything is alright?" or "Doesn't need to see you again because you will give birth before next week's visit?" and very non-chalantly she said, "Yep... I'll probably give birth in the next 7-10 days."

"What you talk'n 'bout Willis???" came out of my mouth this time (There was NO holding that sucker in!!! Thoughts of "The nursery isn't done yet", "we have our reception this Saturday", "I haven't submitted a paternity-leave plan to HR" and "I'm only on Chapter 23 of 'What to expect the Baby's first year'" all went running through my head. Chris gave out a scared chuckle and said, "You do realize that we're headed AWAY from the hospital today... lets not have that water break just yet". We all laughed (and sadly, a little vomit came up in my mouth).

We headed a couple towns over and stopped in for lunch before heading to the Movies to see Twilight. At lunch we exchanged our recipe books and feel in love with the book that she created for us. I thought I was going above and beyond with my digital scrapbooking sheets I made (see post below), but she did her own little craft project as well. She handed us a book with a hand-drawn couple on the cover with a quote that was from a plaque that hung in her grandmothers kitchen. She cataloged her favorite recipes and we went though them all, talking about our excitement to try this one and bake that one. We were then told that our bio-dad went home, not because he was ill, but because her mother was driving him crazy and he needed to get away from the stress that was being created... that, and the fact that he too was in shock about the news that she would/could be delivering early.


She then pulled out a project that she was working on for us... a scrapbook of them- similar to our adoption portfolio that we provided them - so we could learn a little bit more about them and their friends and family.

We were in awe with the pages we saw. It was so creative and was also filled with favorite quotes that she tends to live her life by.

We then headed to the movies and were the ONLY 3 people in the entire theater, making it very easy to identify the seats that we wanted to the movie (she told us that she read books 1 and 2 of the series and was hoping that the movie did the book justice). Nestled in the center of the center row in the theater, we each had our large drinks in-hand and the gigantic tub of popcorn was placed in my lap. About a quarter way through the movie, she had to readjust herself and ended up propping her head on my shoulder. It was the most touching thing I have ever experienced.... and then I saw the baby start to kick. and kick. and kick some more. Please, please, please... not now I thought to myself. Thankfully, today wasn't the day she wanted to come out :)

After the movie, which she said she wasn't disappointed in, but only have the movie an 8.0 (Chris gave it a 7.6 and I an 8.4) we noticed that it was after three and she had her sonogram appointment. We offered to drive her straight there, instead of having to go home and call her Dad to pick her up. She said she'd be happy with us driving her there and what do you think we saw when we entered the waiting room? A Relay For Life award that the hospital got for best decorated tent. The employees thought I was completely nuts when I took out the camera and started taking pictures. I knew right then that any group that could win a RFL decorating contest could deliver our baby with ease (hahahaha).

Watch our Julia Childs...

because here we come!

Chris and I, in preparation for meeting our Bio-mom on Tuesday of next week, are putting together a recipe book for her. At our very first meeting, she told us that during the holidays she spends most of her time in the kitchen with her family baking. We told her that we too enjoy our projects in the kitchen (though, Chris more than me) and we decided to collect our favorite recipes and trade them.

Being that I'm on some super-gay crafty mission, I've decided to collect them and create a digital scrapbook for her. Some of the recipes I've included are Chris' Carrot Cake, meat stuffing (Jeff's favorite), pumpkin spice rolls, peanut brittle, pecan pralines, chicken marabella, pumpkin pie, bananas foster, and a few others. Below you can see a sample of the pages I created for her.

dis·agree (dis′ə grē′)

intransitive verb disagreed -·greed′, disagreeing -·gree′·ing
- to fail to agree; be different; differ
- to differ in opinion; often, specif., to quarrel or dispute
- to be harmful or give distress or discomfort
- to want to name your daughter a beautiful name and be told that it is to masculine.

Just a tiny bit of false advertising

~100% ultra premium acrylic
~Superior color definition
~Superior stain resistance
~Washable and scrubbable for easy maintenance

~Single Coat Application... maybe on white, but it took 3 coats to prime the walls :(

~Drys in 30 minutes (typo... should have said 3 hours)

P-Daddy's in the house...

What a great surprise waiting for me when I came into work today... Liam's mommy helped him pack up some of his favorite items for our little-one-to-be. In addition to the amazing items (I've heard WONDERS about Gripe Water) in the bag, Liam's mommy handmade the beautiful card you see above. Whenever you need something original made, no matter what the occasion is, KimBy Greetings is the way to go (with that being said, would it be a major faux paux to ask her to make me a "Thank You" card for her?).

Drop drop fizz fizz, oh what a relief it is

For the love of Jehovah. Today had to be one of the more stressful days I've lived through in awhile. Chris and I headed out to the baby stores to pick up our crib (thanks Mazhai and Fazhai) and to wrap up our registries.

First Stop - Buy Buy Baby. Chris and I walk straight to the furniture section. Chris and Leslie came here a couple weeks ago and found a lovely set, but then Chris went back to the store and found the most fairytale-ish (okay... I'll admit it, I just made up a word) set that reminded me of Belle and Beauty and the Beast. Once I saw it, I agreed that this is the one...

After realizing that only one of the boxes were going to fit in my truck, the day started to go down hill. This half-day outing to the stores has now just turned into a weekend adventure. After about 25 minutes of standing in the store, I found myself standing in the middle of the infant clothing section with tears streaming down my face.


It wasn't the fathers walking around the store pushing their strollers that look like they just aged 10 years because of the lack of sleep (i.e., Bill Clinton after being in office for 2 months - GWB didn't have this problem because he was on vacation 38% of the time he was in office)... it wasn't the crying babies who were either hungry and colicy or even the 101 employees - not Dalmatians - that kept asking, "Can I help you sir"... it was the sheer fact that I don't understand the need for a crib, a bassinet, a sleeper mobile and a vibrating pack-and-play. Does a baby really need 4 different items to sleep in?

I felt (and still kinda do) totally overwhelmed. Our forefathers didn't have all of these 'baby essentials'. They merely opened up the dresser drawer and laid down some bear/deer/rodent skin for warmth. If it was good enough for Abe Lincoln, it should be good enough for our child.

Well, I guess that will be easier said than done - Chris put the bassinet, a sleeper mobile and a vibrating pack-and-play on our registry against my objection. And the Boppy... don't even get me started. Jackie Kennedy was never caught walking around the Whitehouse with no darn Boppy and her kids (god rest JFK Jr's soul) turned out just fine.

Next Stop - Baby's 'R Us.

Let me start off by stating that the clothing line is much, much, much cuter here than at Buy Buy Baby (evil smile). Chris and I updated this registry, and I continued to feel overwhelmed, but Chris did find the cutest little outfit that will be her "coming home" garb. In addition to the pieces here, we also picked up the matching shoes, jacket, pants, t-shirt, and sweater. Let's just say, I don't think I will be getting that pair of Armani jeans I wanted anytime soon (is this what they meant by sacrifices??? because this stuff ain't funny!)




We also picked out the bedding that we will be going with. Here is the Mulberry design -

Beam me up, Dr. Spock!

Chris and I chose our pediatrician last night after reviewing all of our birth mothers medical records - all 30 pages - and Chris was able to set up a meeting with them today.

Based on all of the books we read - i know, i know... books tend to fill your mind with things that will not help you become a great parent - we asked the following questions to ensure that we made the right choice.

Pediatrician Background, Credentials, Experience
- How long has the pediatrician been in practice?
- Does the pediatrician have any areas of subspecialty?
- What hospitals does the pediatrician have privileges at?
- How soon after the baby is born will the pediatrician come to see it?
- How does the pediatrician feel about parents calling in after hours over "little things"?
- Is there a specific time during the day that the doctor will take phone calls?
- How many same-sex families are patients of the practice?

Office Logistics
- Is the office conveniently located for less travel time with a sick child?
- Does the practice have multiple offices you can visit?
- What are the office hours and are there any early morning or late evening hours for working parents?
- How long in advance must you book appointments?
- Are there any diagnostic facilities on site such as X-rays, blood work, etc.?
- What lab work can be performed at the pediatrician's office?
- Is there a specific time during the day that the doctor will take phone calls, and how does the office handle your phone-in questions?
- Does the doctor answer any general questions by email?
- How does the office deal with after-hours emergencies?
- Is there a 24-hour answering service that can connect you to a doctor?
- Who covers for the doctor when he/she is on vacation?
- Does the office mail out reminders for scheduled immunizations and checkups?

We're paper pregnant

Credits and links to Freebies:
My Digital Addiction - We're Pregnant Stick
Creative Delusionz Scraps - Puple Paper
Bluedream Designs - Pregnancy Paper Kit

I need the Cliff Notes on "Baby 411"

So I've taken on the crash course of digesting Dr. Field's and Brown's: Baby 411. It's close to 10:00pm and Chris and I are trying to get ready to meet the birth parents again tomorrow and I can't get through Chapter 3 on Abnormal Jaundice. What do you mean I may have a yellow baby for 5-7 days that I'm gonna have to stick under a heat lamp? I'm against tanning booths :) Can't they just make a pill that will turn the baby to a nice peachy color?

Chris is reading "An Adoptive Parents Guide" and just came across the chapter on potential RED FLAGS. I think we both stopped breathing when he read them. We've now entered into the high risk catagory. I'm sure we're going to be okay, and the process will go smoothly, but just seeing our situation in black and white in a book is a little scary. Looks like we'll be making a call to the agency tomorrow on our 4 1/2 drive to the birthparents house.

Wish us luck!

Drop cloths and brushes: $35.00
2 Gallons of Primer: $24.00
1 Gallon of Signature Iris Blossom Purple: $40.00
2 Gallons of Chef White: $32.00

Having her nursery ready when she comes home:
PRICELESS

We're Going To Be Daddies!

Thursday's Blog - Take 2.

So I ended up leaving the office late tonight, preparing for a conference in upstate New York tomorrow. Around 7ish I call Chris who's heading back from the hair salon. Still no news from the agency. So sad :(

Every song on the radio makes me think about parenting/adoption/being chosen:

1) Jason Mraz, I'm Yours: I won't hesitate no more, no more, it cannot wait. I'm yours. Well open up your mind and see like me. Open up your plans and damn you're free. Look into your heart and you'll find love love love love. We're just one big family and it's our godforsaken right to be loved loved loved loved loved.

2) Akon, Right Now: I haven't seen your face. I'll try to be strong... But the stress I have is washing with. Wont belong before I get you by my side, and just hold you.

3) Nickelback, Gotta Be Somebody: This time, I wonder what it feels like, To find the one in this life, the one we all dream of. But dreams just aren't enough, so I'll be waiting for the real thing. I'll know it by the feelin. The moment when we're meeting, will play out like a scene. Straight off the silver screen. So I'll be holding my own breath, right up 'til the end. Until that moment when, I find the one that I'll spend forever with.

4) Pink, So What: Okay, maybe not this one... but is has a catchy beat :)

In through the garage door I enter. Duncan jumps up on me and wants his kisses, and I roll my laptop case to the side of the couch. Chris is on one side of the couch, mail is on the other. I start debriefing about my day and pick up the piece of mail on top... a card with "Paul" written in black ink on the envelope. I open the envelope and continue to talk. Duncan needs to go outside. Card goes down on the pile. 2 minutes later, I come back in and continue to debrief. I don't even read the cover of the card, I just open the inside to see the words "You're going to be a dad" on the inside. Chris is teetering on laughing at me because my jaw has hit the floor with total confusion, crying because he's happy, and mad that I didn't even read the outside of the card that was a baby themed "Congratulations".

Apparently when I called earlier, Chris had lied to me (no surprise there). Chris was in the salon when he got the call... When he entered, he told his normal stylist that he may receive a phone call and if so, he'd need to take it right away - he did so because this place is known to tell their patrons to get off the phone because it ruins the 'spa-like' experience. When Chris was in the middle of getting his hair washed, the phone rang. Up he jumped with water streaming down his back. It was Barb, our social worker. She heard from the birth mother and we're a match! Chris was excited and gave Corrine the thumbs up and the salon went wild with excitement. Barb told Chris that she would call him back and leave the birth mothers number on his voicemail... we should call her up directly because the birth parents wanted to see us again. Chris went back to getting his hair washed when the phone rang again. Chris jumped up again, water continuing the stream down his back, only to find Barb telling him it was her, and he wasn't supposed to answer the phone - she was leaving the number on his voicemail. :)

After getting his haircut, Chris called the birth mother to tell her how excited he was, and that I didn't know yet and he was going to surprise me when I got home. She was happy that we (he) was happy and loved the fact that Chris was going to surprise me.

(fast forward)

So I open the card and Chris pops the cork on a bottle of champagne. We toast and I listen to his recap as I down the glass. After about 5 minutes, my stomach is in so much pain, I can't stand it. Chris thinks it's nerves... but I was in pain before i got home (I think it was the 2 large McDonald's Sweet Ice Teas I had on my commute).

I'm now laying on the ground, doubled-over. I move to the couch. Back on the floor. Then back to the couch. Chris offers to take me to the hospital because I'm in so much pain - instead I down a bottle of Pepto and three minuted later I could actually stand up.

I too called the birth mother and left a message for her telling her how excited I was and that we'd call her on Sunday with a day and time that we could drive back to see them.

So, the long and the short of this posting - We're Going To Be Daddies!

Email Exchange

10:30 am (email to work account from Chris) - Did you hear anything yet?

10:31 am (email to personal account from Chris) - Did you hear anything yet?

(I was in a meeting and not checking my blackberry)

11:23 am (email to work and personal account from Chris) - ????????

12:31 pm (I reply) Nope :(

12:32 pm (email to work account from Chris) - Should I call Barb to follow-up?

12:57 pm (email to work account from Chris) - ??????

1:11 pm (I reply) I don't think so... we don't want to be one of "those" people.

1:12 pm (email to work/personal account from Chris) - I can just do a, "hey, we're just checking in..."

1:13 pm (I reply) go for it

1:14 pm (email to work account from Chris) - I need her number :)

1:15 pm (sent number)

2:30 pm - I call Chris to follow-up, he left a message with Barb.

One flew over the cuckoo's nest

I work with a bunch of nut jobs!

I guess missing the meeting with our CEO and COO raised some red flags, so when I came in this morning and was quizzed on how sick I actually was (okay... poor excuse, but I couldn't not just show up to the meeting without sending my team an email expalining why I wasn't going to be attending the meeting).

Some thought my leg would have been amputated, some claimed that I was on a job interview, and many claimed we got a baby. I guess I blew my excuse when I ordered chili cheese fries at lunch - something that a sick person just doesn't order, unless they want to hug the porcelain god.

Today's the Day.

So much for going to bed early! We found ourselves both staring at the ceiling at 3 a.m., too anxious to actually sleep. We were completely ready by 8 a.m. this morning and waited around the hotel until 9:30, and then traveled a couple minutes down the road to meet Barb, our social worker, and the birth-parents. Our meeting wasn't until 10:30, but walking in circles in the hotel room had started to grow old - for both of us. We waited in the lobby of Denny's and were able to at least get something to drink. I received a voice mail message from Barb where she was just checking in and stated that she was pulling into the birth-parents house and would be at the restaurant in about 15 minutes.

10:20 a.m., in walks Barb and the young engaged couple and our stomachs drop. We all say hello and head to the table and state, "Don't know about you two, but we were up all night and are beyond nervous, " in which they laughed and said, "Same here!"

[what was discussed, and information about the birth-parents isn't our story to tell, it would be our daughters... if we are selected]

The meeting, from our perspective, went great! We were able to see the sonogram pictures and showed the couple additional pictures of our family and friends, along with our home and our travels, and after about two hours of talking it was time to wrap it up. Barb told the couple that she would give both parties a few days to talk and see if the matches were right and then we'd go from there.

As we were leaving the restaurant, the birth-mother gave us a hug and stated that the meeting went better than she expected and that she would love to see us again. We walked out into the snow that was falling and headed home.

About thirty minutes into the 3 1/2 hour ride home, we received a call from Barb that said she thought the meeting went great and we should be hearing something from her shortly.

Let the waiting game begin!

Agency Holiday Party

Today we traveled to Albany for our adoption agency's pre-holiday party. In the picture in our case-worker supervisor, Mary. It was a great opportunity to see the staff, meet with other parents-in-waiting and hear the status of their journey and see pictures of the construction on the agency's building. It was also great to see other couples who attended the agency's "Getting To Know You" weekend in Vermont with us last August when we first considered Friends In Adoption as our agency of choice. Many of them signed on that weekend (we waited until January) and have already have had a placement... others signed on later and are in the process of receiving their postcards and having meetings with birth-mothers. It was tough not to talk about tomorrows meeting with a birth-mother/father because we didn't want to a) jinx it, and b) deflate someones hope whose portfolio was also being reviewed by the same birth-couple.

After the party we headed out to our hotel where we waited... in complete nervousness. We watched the National Rodeo Associations finals that were taking place in Vegas and are planning to going to bed early in preparation for the big day. Wish us luck!

A Match Made In Heaven

During lunchtime today I decided to give Duncan a bath and groom him - a task that is always a joy. When I came back downstairs I noticed my 'message' light flashing on my blackberry. Scrolling through the call log I didn't recognize the number that called and debated on whether or not to pick up the message. I was supposed to be off today, and ended up working all morning, but on a project that was fun so it was worth it. Deciding not to let the message go unanswered, I called into my voicemail. I heard Barb, one of the caseworkers, on the line stating that she'd been trying to reach us (Chris was in the office on a conference call and didn't switch over). She stated that she had an 'opportunity' to present to us and that we needed to call her as soon as pobbible. Needless to say, I bolted into Chris's office with misty eyes and told him to get off the phone - not sure if I said, "Now", "Immediately", or to just "hang up". I called Barb back, on her home line and her cellphone and left messages. Chris and I listened via speakerphone to the message a couple times. An 'opportunity'... only one thing that this could be - the portfolio that went out several days ago. We must have been matched.

Barb called me back about fifteen minutes later and told me that the birth parents, who reviewed ten couples, ended up both choosing us as the couple they would like to meet, and as soon as possible as the due date is less than 6 weeks away. Needless to say, I will not be making my meeting on Monday with our CEO and COO, but I'm sure they will understand :)

Barb sent us over the medical, social and family history of the engaged couple and we reviewed it and are very happy with the information that was provided. Chris and I both cleared our calendars for Monday and we're planning on heading up to New York state to meet Barb and the couple for breakfast. Funny... meeting for breakfast when I can tell you right now, my stomach will remain in knots until after the meeting and I can almost guarantee you that I will not be eating.

Hey there... wait a minute Mr. Postman

Today I opened the mailbox to find a little surprise waiting for us... one of our "ItsDaddies.Plural." postcards. These are the cards that we attached to our adoption portfolios when we sent them to the agency. These postcards let us know when our profile has been sent to a birth mother/birth parent. It informed us that a mother, who lives in New York state is reviewing us. How exciting! But even more exciting - she's due Dec 23rd.

We're not getting our hopes up (yet). When a birth mother / birth parent is looking at the option of adoption, she/they are given multiple portfolios that match thier requirements. I know we are one couple of several that are being reveiwed but just the thought of a potential little one is getting are hearts racing a little faster.

Infant CPR Certified

Chris and I took the American Red Cross's first aid, CPR and AED training programs. These are designed to give you the confidence to respond in an emergency situation with skills that can save a life. We also had additional training in bloodborne pathogens, oxygen administration and injury prevention to help prepare us to prevent and respond to life-threatening emergencies.

Red Cross Preparedness programs in first aid, CPR and AED are available for any age and can be tailored to the needs of specific groups and individuals. Whether you work with children, want training for employees, are a professional rescuer, or simply want to know how to help someone in an emergency, the American Red Cross has a program for you. Visit the American Red Cross website to be connected to your local resources.

Obama says he supports LGBT adoption

Barack Obama assured the LGBT community that he supported their right to adopt, in a statement he sent to the LGBT organization the Family Equality Council.

Jennifer Crisler, executive director of Family Equality Council, had asked both candidates to outline their plan to “recognize, respect, protect and celebrate all of the loving families [they] seek to represent” after John McCain had declared in an interview that he was not in favor of LGBT adoption. The McCain camp has not issued a response to her request.

Obama said, “But we also have to do more to support and strengthen LGBT families. Because equality in relationship, family, and adoption rights is not some abstract principle; it’s about whether millions of LGBT Americans can finally live lives marked by dignity and freedom. That’s why we have to repeal laws like the Defense of Marriage Act. That’s why we have to eliminate discrimination against LGBT families. And that’s why we have to extend equal treatment in our family and adoption laws.” His letter ended, “I’ll be a president that stands up for American families – all of them.” (The full letter is here.)

Tell A Friend

Family equality is an issue that affects everyone. It's important that the Family Equality Council (who works to ensure equality for LGBT families by building community, changing hearts and minds, and advancing social justice for all families) build thier base because there is great strength in numbers. Now you can build help build their base by visiting this link and letting your friends, family members, teachers, neighbors or anyone else in your social circle know how important this issue is.

A Story About Gay Fathers In America

DADDY & PAPA is a documentary that explores the personal, cultural and political ramifications of the growing number of gay men who are making a decision that is at once traditional and revolutionary: to become dads. Taking viewers inside four gay male families, DADDY & PAPA explores the many unique issues that these families face: the ambiguous place of interracial families in America; the wonder and precariousness of surrogacy and adoption; the complexities of marriage and divorce within the gay community; and the legality of gay parenthood. DADDY & PAPA also explores the ways that these families resemble others as the dads take on the daily joys and struggles of raising healthy and happy children. To learn more, or to order a video, please visit http://www.daddyandpapa.com/

We're Active!

DEFINITION OF "ACTIVE"
~Being in physical motion: active fish in the aquarium.
~Functioning or capable of functioning.
~Marked by energetic activity; busy: active stock and bond markets; spent an active day sightseeing.
~Being in a state of action; not quiescent: active hostilities along the border.
~Currently in use or effect: an active membership.
~Openly acknowledged or expressed: an active dislike of the new neighbors.
~One Step Closer To Starting Our Family

Today is the "official" day of our ACTIVE status. Now it's time to shop for car seats :) Matching ones, of course!

Year of the Rat, Month of the Monkey, Day of the Dragon (08/08/08)

On this day of great celebration and joy, the eight day of the eight month, on the eight year of the century, in the state of California, we spoke the words and performed the legal rites which united our lives and affirmed our love.

On this day, we pledged to honor our vibrant love, to nurture and protect it. Our lives enriched by our unique traditions, will embody trust, constancy and compromise. We will cherish each other, meeting life's trials with quiet strength and courage, and embrace life's blessings with wonder, joy and laughter. We will grow as individuals and delight in an elegant freedom borne from mutual respect. May there be peace in our home, may we be blessed with good fortune, health and happiness and may our devotion to each other ennoble us.

Yours before we met, mine before we touched, ever lasting from the start...Our love is meant to be.

Now Calling Couple "A058"

Today Chris and I headed to San Francisco's City Hall to obtain our marriage license. It was the most incredible experience ever. Our appointment time was set for 11:30 a.m., and we were early, of course. As we walked into the elegantly restored historic landmark, we were surrounded by many couples - some who had just taken their vows, and others who were about to embark on their dual journey.

Once we were directed to the clerks office, by a same-sex couple that just got married, we took our application and number - A058 - and waited in line. Within minutes we were called to the front desk and greeted by one of the friendliest city empoyees ever. After reviewing our application, and looking our our drivers licenses, she informed us that we were the first couple from Pennsylvania to get married in San Francisco. I guess that makes us "Keystone Pioneers" :)

Here is a picture she took of us being sworn in.

Introducing Us... Again

TADA!

Thanks to the amazing work of our designer, Adam, at Creative & Sons, our portfolio is finally completed. And just think, we only made him go through 23 revisions (or was it 24?!?)

Click on the link and you can download a copy for yourself.

We hope you all enjoy it as much as we enjoyed putting it together! If you don't like the photo of you in the portfolio - Blame Adam. If your photo didn't make it into the portfolio, also Blame Adam. That's what you get when you hire a professional ~ someone who refuses your sugesstions because of creative differences. That's not always a bad thing. Smile Adam!!

P.S. Thanks to Cathy and Kyle for taking 100+ photos in order to get our cover shot. I just couldn't smile for the life of me. The weekend was great... several hours of Wii track and field, tons of Taco Bell (Cathy, what were we thinking?), and ended with us designing their nursery. Hahahhaha. Love you both!

Gay N.Y. pair fight adoption-service bias

A gay couple who were barred from posting their profile at an online adoption service filed discrimination complaint Tuesday with the New York State attorney general.

Rosario Gennaro and Alexander Gardner of New York City claim the Arizona-based Adoption Profiles LLC and Adoption Media LLC violate New York State antidiscrimination laws. The companies' website, ParentProfiles.com, allows only opposite-sex couples to register.

It is not the first time a gay couple has lodged a complaint against the service. Last year, it settled out of court a lawsuit brought by a San Jose, Calif., couple, Michael and Rich Butler, who alleged the companies violated California anti-discrimination law.

The companies argued that because they are based in Arizona and do business on the Internet, they did not have to comply with California law. A federal court judge in San Francisco rejected the argument and ruled that the lawsuit could proceed.

The companies have since ceased doing business in California, said Flor Bermudez, a staff attorney for Lambda Legal, which is handling the case.

"They can't come into New York and effectively hang a sign on the door saying 'Gay couples need not apply,'" Bermudez said. The Associated Press reported that the companies had not yet responded to requests for comment.

The Advocate

Book of the Month: King & King

King & King, By Linda de Haan. When the queen decrees that it's time for the prince to marry, princesses come from far and wide hoping to catch his eye. But the one who actually charms the prince is the brother of one of the princesses, and guess what? They live happily ever after! A great way to show your kids that they can love whoever they want to love.

How To Hug A Porcupine

The nursery theme is still a hot topic in our household. While many of you voted in our earlier poll, there is a new contender on the race. A lovable purple bundle of joy that just wants to be hugged. We put the author and graphic designer, Mr. Carnevali, to the test to see if infants take his prickly-creation which is featured in his pre-published book, How To Hug A Porcupine. Well, a picture is worth a 1000 words.

You passed the test with flying colors... purple, that is.

We're getting Married

Dear Friends,
Chris and I are headed to California on August 8th (yes, 08/08/08) to legalize our 11 year relationship in front of a JP.

Despite the recent California Supreme Court decision that denying same-sex couples the right to marry is unconstitutional, efforts are underway throughout the country to take away rights from same-sex couples. Chris and I just joined thousands of others in showing our support for marriage equality for all. But recently, proponents of bigotry and hate collected even more signatures in an attempt to invalidate the California Supreme Court decision. And they won't stop with California - extremists are even trying to add a ban of marriage for same-sex couples to the U.S.Constitution. We are at a turning point in our nation's history and I'm hoping you'll join me in standing up against discrimination.

Please sign the Million for Marriage petition and get us one name closer to showing that Americans overwhelmingly support marriage equality! http://www.millionformarriage.org/ Every committed couple deserves to enjoy the privileges and responsibilities conferred by marriage. Add your name to the petition and be a part of the movement to fight for marriage equality for all.

Thank you!

Gay Men Choosing Parenthood

Gay Men Choosing Parenthood, by Gerald P. Mallon. Based on extensive research and numerous interviews with men who (in the 1980?s) chose to become fathers. Discussing strategies, child rearing, social obstacles, the book reveals how natural, nurturing, and successful gay parenthood can be.