5th Week

Family Photos

5 Weeks Old

We are doing well. Mom and Dad still feed us every 3 hours around the clock. We weighed in at 6lbs 6oz (Maggie) and 6lbs 13oz (Mary) on Friday. Mom and Dad were really excited. Not sure what all the fuss was all about.

Meet the Parente Twins

We are overjoyed and honored to announce the arrival of Margaret Ann (on left) and Mary Christina Parente. They are a true gift from God and are absolutely beautiful. We will be adopting them when all legal paperwork and waiting period is over.

As most of you know, it's been over 4 years of praying and hoping for children. We have had many trials and lessons along the way. God apparently had something amazing planned and we are still in awe! God is just showing off again and letting us know that He always has a plan even if it's not our timing.

We want to take this opportunity to thank you for your prayers and support over the years. God has answered your prayers for us twofold!!!! We truly appreciate it and hope to return the favor!!

I am sure you are wondering, how and when did this happen? Here is the short story:

December 11th: We received an email from our Adoption Agency asking if we would be open to be shown to a woman who had given birth to twin girls. She was unable to care for them and wanted them to go to a Christian family who would "love them as their own." They were born premature at 34 weeks. They would be released from the hospital December 26th. We prayed about it and soon said "Yes".

December 17th: The birthmother and two of her friends were shown adoption profiles for 8 families, one of which was ours.

December 18th 4:00pm: We were on the way to Orange County, getting in the Security line at Oakland airport when Erin got a call on her phone. It was the Adoption Agency informing us that we had been chosen. The birthmother and her friends had chosen us!!! We were then informed that the girls (Twin A and Twin B) were doing so well that they would be discharged Sunday December 20th. Erin broke down crying in the airport, said "Congratulations Daddy" and after lots of hugs, we had to quickly get our bags off the plane. We headed back to the airport parking lot to get our car and went home to prepare. We figured we might want to get one last good night sleep.

December 19th: We had our first of many trips to Babies R Us to get another car seat and a few other things we thought we might need. We then drove out to Modesto where the girls were born. We met them at 5pm and right away we were in love!!! They were so adorable all wrapped up in their hospital footprint swaddles, knit caps and blankies (made my hospital volunteers) The Dr. wanted us to feed them for a couple days to get used to their eating styles. We also gave them baths. We named them that first night - Margaret Ann (Twin A) and Mary Christina (Twin B)

December 21st: They were discharged Monday to give us more time for instruction by the amazing nursing staff. The birthmother felt it would be too hard for her to meet us, but we did get to meet the woman who was instrumental in helping her choose our agency and make an adoption plan. This woman was filled with the Holy Spirit. She told us about how she read each of the 8 profiles word for word and God had placed us in her heart. But the birthmother had to make the decision for herself and she also chose us. The social worker gave us a message from the birthmother which was " Thank you so much." We were overwhelmed with gratitude for her loving sacrifice and through tears expressed how she had blessed us and made about 200+ peoples Christmas this year. The woman asked if she could pray with us and we continued to cry during her amazing prayer for the "little angels" and us. We also thanked her daughter who was there who just got back from Iraq...we cried again. Then we got the girls ready and loaded in the car. We left around 2:30pm to bring them to their new home. Mom sat between the girls to make sure they were OK on the rainy drive home.

December 21st - Now: We are enjoying the twins immensely, but are very tired. They have a very strict feeding, bathing, burping, changing, sleeping schedule. We are spending time bonding with them as much as possible. Right now they mainly sleep all day and night. Please see an introduction to the girls below and many photos below that. Enjoy!!

The Power of Words

Below is an excerpt from one of the many articles we have on adoption from our agency Bethany Christian Services. Please take the time to read it and understand adoption terminology.

We know it's tempting to ask specific questions about their parents (and I know we have done it with other adoption situations!), but we do not discuss this with anyone. This is out of respect for the biological parents and the twins. Their unselfish and loving act has made us a family. We know they are truly blessed for their kindness!

"A simple choice of words can reveal our views and communicate a great deal to a listener. We encourage social workers, adoptive parents, birthparents, board members, volunteers, and supporters to use language that accurately reflects the reality of adoption. The following list is not exhaustive, but it reflects some of the more common words that we encounter as we minister to birth and adoptive parents in Jesus’ name."
Click here to read the full article.

There is also a lot of positive reasearch out there about adoptive children to combat old sterotypes. We hope that you will also take time to read this information. Click here to review one such study.

Meet Maggie

Hi everyone. I am Margaret Ann Parente or Maggie. I look forward to meeting you one day. Here are my stats:

Birthday: December 5, 2009 7:17am
Same Birthday As: Walt Disney in 1901- Coincidence? I think not!
Named After: Great Grandmothers' Margaret Ann Ricketts and Margaret Mary Parente.
My Saint: Saint Margaret Queen of Scotland (Mom's confimation Saint)
My Guardian Angel's Name: Avery (name given to me by the nurses)
Birth Weight: 4lbs 5oz Birth Height: 17"
Current Weight: 6lbs 6.4oz Current Height: 19" (updated 1/8/09)
Distinguishing Characteristic: A little smaller than Mary, but stronger and more feisty
Favorite Song: "Maggie had a little dog"
Since Mary already had a song, mommy changed a few words and now I have one too.
Famous Songs with My Name: Maggie May (Rod Stewart), Maggie's Farm (Bob Dylan)
Best Facial Expression: Trying frantically to eat - Rooting
Favorite Food: Similac Neosure
Favorite Activity: Getting a head rub, sleeping, eating, and being held

Meet Mary

Hi everyone. I am Mary Christina Parente.

I look forward to meeting you one day too. Here are my stats:

Birthday: December 5, 2009 7:18am

Same Birthday As: Walt Disney in 1901- Coincidence? No way!

Named after: The Virgin Mary and Auntie Christina Parente. Our social worker's name is also Christina.

My Saint: St. Mary Salome (One of the “Three Marys” who served Christ)

My Guardian Angel's name: Bellen (name given to me by the nurses)

Birth Weight: 4lbs 13oz Birth Height: 17"

Current Weight: 6lbs 12.8oz Current Height: 19" (updated 12/8/09)

Distinguishing Characteristic: A little bigger than Maggie. Birth mark on my second to the last toe (left foot)
Favorite Song: "Mary had a little lamb" of course.

Famous Songs with My Name: Proud Mary (CCR), Along Comes Mary (The Association) and many more

Best Facial Expression: Smiling while sleeping (talking with the Angels)

Favorite Food: Similac Neosure

Favorite Activity: Sleeping, eating, a warm bath, being held and kissed

Our Amazing Christmas Gift

These are photos from the hospital when we first met the little bunkins and some from the first few days at home.
Single click the slide show to see larger images.

One Month Old

A little glimpse at our new life with the twins. They turned one month on Sat, January 2nd. They are now officially at 38 weeks gestation which means it would be best if they were still in the womb, but they got a 4 week head start on life.
They had their first walk in the stroller (5 yr old donation, a little wobbly, but hey, it works for now!).
Love to all.

Outfits and Poses

Disneyland with Framy on Halloween

Another great trip to Disneyland, but this time with newly married Frank and Amy (Framy). We had a blast!!!

Dinner with Dolores

Thanks Dolo! The kiddies loved the costumes and we loved the food.

In memory of BabyP (Grace) and some Joy from Max

We love you and miss you BabyP (Grace) We know you are in heaven experiencing true love, joy and peace.
Thanks Max for the laughter and smiles.

Lake Tahoe

We have never been to Tahoe together and we sure picked a beautiful time of year. We didn't realize it was going to snow quite so much. We had a very healing vacation after our loss. We did many things in remembrance of the little one we lost - BabyP(Grace)

Labor Day Weekend

We had a wonderful Labor Day weekend in Half Moon Bay. We chose this location so we could attend our Godson Dominic's 3rd birthday party. Happy birthday Dom! We love you!

Labor Day Weekend

Birthday in H.B.

My birthday was the day after my highschool reunion. It was nice to spend the day with family and get in some good beach time.

4th of July - Amy and Frank's Wedding in Carmel

We had a wonderful weekend in Monterey and Carmel. We were so excited for Amy and Frank. We were both very honored to be a part of the their beautiful day. (click the photo below to view the photos)

July 4th Weekend

Tony and Christina's Visit

We are so grateful that Tony (Larry's father) and Christina (Larry's sister) traveled to the West coast to visit us. We had a wonderful time!! The As won and we saw an incredible fireworks sho afterwards.

Home - Five Years of Photos

We love our home and many have asked to see pictures. Most are of our smaller island/peninsula community - Harbor Bay Isle.

Memorial Weekend with the Seger Kids

Kapalua, Maui again....

Aahhhh, we love it here. A picture is worth a thousand words....and we have about 300 pictures...

Scott and Monica's Wedding

I can't believe my little brother is married!! These are just my clumsy pictures and videos (double click to see), but will post real ones soon.
It was a beautiful day and Monica looked gorgeous, of course. Scott was all smiles as Monica walked up the aisle. Fr. Angelo gave a wonderful homily!
Congrats Mr. and Mrs. Ricketts!!!

Scott and Monica's Rehearsal Dinner

The rehearsal went well and the celebration followed at Buca de Beppo. One more day until the wedding!!!

Monica's Shower

We had a great time at my soon-to-be sister-in-law's bridal shower.

Ginny's Tea

Just a little formal English Tea in celebration of Ginny's second child. I think Patsy was trying to steal the show!

Ginny's Tea

Dana and Ryan's Wedding

My third oldest cousin was married to Ryan Jensen on August 16th in San Diego. The ceremony was at the San Diego Mission and the reception at the Rancho Bernardo Inn. It was so wonderful to see family and celebrate another great Ricketts' wedding.

Dana and Ryan's Wedding

Max's Baptism

It was a joyous day to welcome dear Maximus Kolbe Segerblom to our Christian family. Here are some pictures from the event.

Maui 2008 - Kapalua

We had a wonderful vacation in Kapalua, Maui. We feel very blessed. Enjoy the photos. (They may take a minute to load)

Tony and Christina's Visit - A Day in Napa

We had a wonderful time with Larry's father Tony and sister Christina.

Larry's Newest Godson - Logan

We have yet another beautiful Godson!! Kirsten and Harold asked Larry to be Logan's Godfather. He is full of joy as you can see. He smiled and laughed throughout the ceremony. We are happy to have you in our Christian family!! Congratulations Logan.

Logan's Baptism

St. Mary's in Moraga

If I have one regret, it's that I didn't attend this college. It's beautiful!!!!

St. Mary's Moraga Hike

Ricketts' Christmas Part III

The second Ricketts' party was originally just for adults, but now that most of the 20 cousins are close to adulthood, we are pretty much all there!
We played a great game of "Functional Item" white elephant!!! Can you find the pink purse in this album?

A Ricketts Christmas III

Ricketts/Williams Christmas Part II

A Ricketts Christmas Part II

Ricketts' Christmas Part I

We had another wonderful Christmas Celebration at the country club!!!

A Ricketts Christmas Part I

Christmas in Our Home

It was so nice to get a tree this year instead of our one foot plastic Charlie Brown tree (although I have a place in my heart for that one too)
Merry Christmas!!!!

Dominic's Many Smiles

You gotta love the cheap and reusable toys - Papertowels!

Sheila's Shower - Baby # 3

I am also glad we were back to celebrate the arrival Sheila and David's third child, Patsy.

Peter's 1st Birthday

One of our first parties was at John and Heidi's to celebrate their son Peter's 1st birthday. We were so glad that we could be there! His sister Anna was just as excited to celebrate with good food and cake!

Larry met John and Heidi when he moved to the San Francisco in '94. They brought him to St. Dominic's for the first time and John sponsored Larry as he became Catholic.

Pre-Christmas with Babbys - A First for Patsy

Just a little Pre-Christmas visit to our good friends, the Babbys. It was Patsy's first Christmas.

We've Moved....Back

After a year and a few months, we have moved back to our home in Alameda. Larry secured a new position at Merrill Lynch Trust Company in San Francisco and I found yet another position with Kaiser Permanente in Redwood City.

Our time down in Agoura Hills was enjoyable. We were minutes from the beach, an hour from my family and we had 340 sunny days of the year (layout time for my sun worshipping husband). We also met some wonderful people that we will keep in touch with. In spite of all the positives, we truly missed our faith community, godsons and home in the Bay Area.

Here are a few photos from a September birthday/going away party with the Ricketts family:

The Getty Villa, Malibu

We had to pay a visit to the newly renovated Getty Villa before we moved. The last time I was here was during a 3rd grade field trip. Larry went crazy with the art/sculpture photos. I fell in love with the water lilies. You can bet I will be using these as inspiration for my paintings. Has it been done before??? ;o)

Disneyland with the Babbys

The Babbys planned a Disneyland trip for the boys before the birth of their sister. I was glad to be able to join them for the day. It was fun to play tour guide and introduce my godson, Brandon and favorite big brother, Nathan to Larry and my favorite place. Sheila was a trooper! At around 8 months pregnant, she walked all day for 3 day straight!!!

Tony Parente's Visit and Santa Barbara

Larry's dad came to Agoura Hills for a summer visit. We had a wonderful time eating, talking, golfing (the guys only) and taking a day trip to Santa Barbara. Thanks for coming out Tony!!!!

Tony's Visit

Visit with Papa Jim and Grandma Veda

Grandpa Visit

We had a nice Saturday lunch visit with my granparents. What a treat!!!!

It's All About the Kiddies - Erin in SF

Erin in SF

Larry made a trip up to San Francisco in May to run the Bay to Breakers like he does every year with is friend David. Therefore, I was due for a visit up myself to see friends. I chose the weekend that many of our friends were camping in Big Basin (Santa Cruz Mountains). I flew into San Jose airport and then drove to the campsite. I then visited my Godson and his mother in Pleasanton and concluded my visit in San Mateo to see my other Godson, his parents, my friend Linda and Jay. It was quite the whirlwind tour, but it was worth seeing some of my friends and their adorable children.

Disneyland - June

Disneyland- June

Father's Day

Father's Day

Happy Father's Day to all Dads. We had a great time at my Aunt Debbie and Uncle Kevin's house. They are quite the hosts!!! The whole family was present and we had a wonderful time catching up with everyone!

Ojai

Ojai

Larry had offsite work meetings at the Ojai Inn and Spa. I decided to take some time off and join him. What a beautiful getaway in my favorite Early California/Spanish style setting.

Seal Beach

Seal Beach

Just a leisurely day at Seal Beach with my parents, doing a little window shopping and eating.

Bay Area in March

Bay Area- March

We again had the pleasure of staying with Leilani and Shane in Foster City. They hosted a party to celebrate Leiani's birthday and their new house.It was a full house and so great to see everyone, especially the little ones. Don't you love the shot of Frank and Dominic above- so cool.

Disneyland - March

Disneyland - March

Every other month we need our fix. This album includes lots of ride photos (mostly in California Adventure) for those of you who haven't been to Disneyland in a while.

Big Bear

Big Bear

We had a nice weekend in Big Bear although we missed the snow. I guess it snowed a couple weeks later. It was nice to spend tie with my brother Scott and his girlfriend Monica. We were so grateful to be able to stay at Monica's Grandparents house. It was St. Patrick's Day weekend, so the first order of business was to find some corned beef!!!

Mexican Riveria Cruise

Mexican Riveria

We just returned from our cruise to the Mexican Riveria. We had a wonderful time and met some wonderful people. We left from the San Diego Port of Call. When we returned, we were greeted by our Aunt Sheereen and cousins Shea and Chad. It was so nice to have lunch with them on the Point Loma cliffs!!

Happy Saint Valentine's Day - Love to All

In Mexico, they don't leave the "Saint" out of a Valentine's Day wish. It's refreshing. The streets were lined with vendors selling heart balloons and teddy bears which are the favorite gifts to receive on this day in Mexico.

Flowers tend to be the one of the favorite gifts in the States, so Larry and I have some flowers for you to show our love and friendship. The right one was done by Larry and given to Erin on St. Valentine's Day. Isn't it beautiful??? The left one is from Erin.

Celebrating Birthdays

My Mom and Aunt Cathie's birthdays are in January, so we celebrated with a Larry Parente home-cooked meal at my parents followed by many rounds of Catchphrase. We also threw in a song for Larry and Monica's birthdays as well.

Visit to the Bay Area

We were so glad to have an excuse to visit our friends again in the Bay Area. The 3rd Annual Walk for Life West Coast that my friends Dolores (below with Erin) and Eva started, was on January 20th in San Francisco.

We stayed at our friends Shane and Leilani's house in Foster City and were able to visit with some of our friends. We were most excited about seeing Larry's newest Godson, Dominic. He's so darn cute!!!

A Visit from Shalani

We had our first visitors to Agoura Hills- Shane and Leilani, aka Shalani. We took them to our favorite spots in Malibu.