Jingle Bells

Fun in the Snow

No Special Treatment

When we adopted Annalea in 2008, Armenian requirements for adoption stated that the adoptive family have some Armenian heritage on at least one side of the family. This was fair, I thought, considering how few children are available for adoption in this small country.

About a year ago, this rule went by the wayside. The claim is that Hague rules require this to prevent discrimination. Now anyone of any ethnicity can adopt here. I think that is a good change, with one exception. Armenians do not get preference.

I have some questions about this.

China is a Hague country. They give preference to people with Chinese heritage. Why can't Armenia?

Why is one agency requiring Armenian heritage and the other not?

Why was something that was so important before 2008, suddenly become not important at all?

I am sure this will anger some. It is already a heated discussion on the Armenian Adoption Yahoo list serve.

But darn it!!!! This is a very small country where the wait for a referral was already 1 to 1.5 years. Now you can expect to wait 3 years or more. And, yes, if you are Armenian, go to the end of the line.

Annalea's Sharpie Artwork

Annalea Dances

Happy Birthday Annalea

Annalea had her 2nd birthday celebration this weekend. Should we be amazed that she blew the candles out herself?

Tomato Hog Meets His Match

Kevin chases an unwelcome visitor in our tomato garden.

Ryan Performs for Blue Belt Graduation

Ryan performs purple belt form during his graduation to blue belt.

Rocking Out

Annalea obviously likes this activity.

Kabob Delight

Annalea's taste of shish kabob!!

Ryan's First Piano Recital

Yesterday Ryan performed in front of an audience of about 50 people during his first recital. Thought you might enjoy his performance...as Ryan said, "I messed up on Chimes," but I think he handled it very well.

Cute Clips