I have been busy (diabetic coma.. not mine, doing favor for single dad, work politics). But I haven't posted because I am just wasn't sure what to say. I am not depressed exactly... maybe more emotionally tired.

I want to adopt a second child but nothing is moving forward. I am registered as an adoptive family with foster care. However I am not accepting an risk placements. And the fact that I want to adopt a single child seems to be the problem.

I adopted my darling Natasha from Ukraine back in 2000, so I have thought about returning to Ukraine. But Ukrainian adoption is moving slow and I don't know what to think. Ukraine won't accept new dossiers until after Jan 1, 2007. I am going to just watch and see what happens. If I didn't have my darling Natasha I would be more impatient. Natasha keeps me busy.

Life has moved on while I wait for something to happen. My darling daughter Natasha started a new campaign 6 months ago. She wanted a pet rat. A pet rat would complete her. A pet rat would teach her responsibility (like the 2 cats and 3 dogs aren’t teaching her... snicker).

Once I realized Natasha was serious about bringing a rat into MY house, I told her no. She is a stubborn sucker and wouldn't let it go. But she was trying hard not to be annoying.

Natasha: Mom have you been thinking about me getting a rat. They are sooooooooo cute. I will take care of him.

Mom: Natasha the cats would eat the rat. I found a dead rat in the kitchen last month. Probably April [my feral cat] left it as a present. I am not bringing an animal into this house to die.

Cut to the chase... Here is Teddi. He is a Teddy Bear Hamster. He has been with us 1 week. The picture at the top, is Teddi in his cage.

Every concern that I brought up, Natasha thought about an answer. She could keep the rat in her room. She would keep the cats and dogs out of her room. I asked her to prove it. And she did. She kept her door closed and kept everyone out for 1 month.

Life Moves On Anyway
Waiting is Depressing But Life Moves On Anyway
Teaching the Strong Willed Child
Cat Attack