Another catch up post

Where does the time go! But we have been busy! Firstly I had to prepare a PowerPoint talk. I do these for work all the time, but I have so many talks I can normally cut and paste slides which saves a lot of time!! But as this was a talk on ICA! I had to prepare this from scratch! So my evening have been busy researching and on the computer as soon as Isabella goes to bed!



The talk was because I volunteered to speak to our local authority and adoption panel on inter country adoption. It the UK some local authorities who do the HS are very slow and unsporting. We were very lucky in that ours totally supported us, but only have a few applicants each year for ICA. So I thought that if I went and spoke to them and told them about ICA and our experience it will help others behind and speed up the process! And also dispel some myths! Well my talk was suppose to last an hour but I got asked a lot of questions and had a lot of information to give so actually talked for an hour and a half. Even then the end was rushed and I didn't get all the points I wanted across but they were on the handouts! Thanks to those who sent information to me!

Hubby bought Isabella at the end, and they crept in and sat at the back. But when she saw Ma Ma, she ran around the chairs and through the people and wanted to be picked up and hugged! So I had to finish the talk with Isabella straddled across my hip! Blabbing and pointing her toy rabbit at the screen like a laser pointer! She is a natural! And was a huge hit! Hubby wished he had a camera or video as it was very funny! She is very confident, and was happy to be in such a large audience and the centre of attention! She really stole the show! And I was told that they really enjoyed the talk and dispelled a lot of myths about ICA. So hopefully I achieve my aim!

When I had finished talking the adoption medical officer came over for a chat and Isabella looked at her, pointed to her bottom and said 'poo, poo'. So it was a quick dash to the toilet! She made her point!

We then went for a lovely huge dim sum! Its so nice to spend time together as a family. Hubby also took her to the toddler gym in the morning, which she loves! But I think he enjoys it as well! And its so rare for him to spend so much time with her during the week.

Also I now have the proofs for my textbook that I edited. I have 18 chapters and the index to do and return by next week. I have sent the chapters out to the individual authors and have done mine, but its a lot of work still to be done so I will certainly be burning the mid night oil next week.

I haven't blogged about or marathon training for a while. Basically it came to a halt when I had the flu. It took me a long time to recover. But last weekend I ran 10 miles quite comfortably and also two mid week runs. The previous weekend I had to stop at three miles! I hope to run 13-15 miles this weekend, and then will be back on track! As long as I can run 18-20 miles by the end of February I will be fine! I will blog fully and about our fundraising and other things that are happening over the weekend. When I need a break from book editing!