There's no place like home!

An Update On Sam!

2012-01-29T22:02:00.001-06:00

Sam had his surgery on Thursday. He was pretty much outta commission for that day.

On Friday he rested a lot and was quite sore.

It wasn't the colostomy take down site that was hurting him it was... the other spot!

Poor guy!

It was really good we did the surgery though because they found he has a minor hypospadias.

We probably would have never known had they not done this procedure.

It is something that can be taken care of in same day surgery at a later date.

I may be revealing too much BUT how can people learn if we keep everything hush hush?

One of the worst parts was the NG tube. It was necessary but uncomfortable for him.

He had such a great attitude throughout the whole thing. He is just not a complainer and has a high pain tolerance. I kept him busy with alternating playtimes (play doh, puzzles, books, Ipad, leapfrog, etc) and rest times.

On Saturday big sissy Kate came and took over!

Before I left Sammy tooted and pooped! It was a big moment for both of us!!

Katie stayed for 24 hours I was able to go home and see the children!

It was so nice to see them- I got tons of hugs and kisses!

It felt good to touch base at home and get reorganized!

Sam did great with Katie! Then Billy came to the hospital to see his little bro! Then Johnny and two friends stopped by!

Sam was thrilled to have so many visitors!

Later on Saturday the NG tube came out!

Praise God!

I arrived back at the hospital at noon on Sunday!

Oh my I love my big kids! They are so kind and such wonderful brothers and sister!

The adore the little children!

Both are so blessed from their relationships!

A couple hours later the little children came with Daddy to the hospital to to visit Sam!

Everyone was so happy to see him! And he was thrilled to see them!

They made beautiful pictures for his room!

They loved his toys and wanted so badly to play with them BUT he didn't really feel like sharing!

The visit was relatively short but sweet!

Sam has his IV out now!

He is eating regular food and after 4 days of not eating he is loving his food!

And he is pooping!

It's not controlled right now but it is still wonderful!

He is loving all of his balloons!

And he is so happy he can bring them all home because we are not flying home, we are just driving 20 minutes down the road!

Billy stopped by again on Sunday(today)!

Want to hear some more great news?

We are going home tomorrow!

THANK YOU JESUS!

Happy Chinese New Year!

2012-01-28T17:50:00.002-06:00

We celebrated last Sunday with our Families with Children from China Playgroup!

The children were so excited to see their friends, go to a party and wear their chinese silks!!

As we looked for the outfits we realized we had forgotten a package of 4 traditional outfits while we were in China. What a bummer! One was a gift for a friend, the other was Luke's handsome navy blue outfit, Abby's new red outfit and a beautiful violet dress for Ava (because I figured she had grown a bit since we bought her outfit in China last March).

So if anyone knows how to get a hold of Jordan in the island, please let me know!!

Maybe someone else could bring it back with them???
Hmmmm?? Not a bad idea?

After pics at home we headed to the party!

I didn't take pics there- we were always busy or visiting!

The children did a dragon face craft. colored new year pics, ate great food (pot luck) and then played in a huge maze!

At first Abby and Luke were a little overwhelmed but soon the were running around like the other children!!

It was so much fun and we were able to visit with wonderful families!

Until the new year party turned into a poop party for our family!

I remembered many things except, an extra diaper, an extra outfit and colostomy supplies.

Silly me, what was I thinking!

Poor dear Abby had a blowout and didn't make it to the bathroom and once she did... well... poop was every where! ;-)

Daddy did such a good job cleaning it up BUT her pink tutu was MIA(missing in action) when we left!

He had so much fun and was his active self - his bag started leaking and when that happens without extra supplies... it's time to go!

Baa Humbug!

Every time I take a pic and say "look at me" he usually turns his head!

He is such a funny guy!

Much, much better!!

And he had a poopy diaper so...

it was eazel dreazel drazzel drone...

time for this family to go HOME!

BTW, how do you get those silks clean?

I forgot the bib, sippy cup, etc!

Your probably wondering right now?

If I forgot all that...
what did I remember?

The children and the food!!

(Sammy update next!)

What really bothers me!

2012-01-27T15:45:00.000-06:00

If you are around me please don't say the Lord's name in vain. In fact where ever you may be, please don't say the Lord's name unless you are praying to Him.

I find it so offensive when others say his name at inappropriate times. My body cringes and I immediately pray for them.

Our Lord is to be glorified, revered and praised.

His name should never be used as a form of profanity, to make a point in a simple conversation or as an outlet for anger.

My second issue is when people say..."TRUST ME"

Oh my goodness, you are just human, why on earth would I put my trust in you?

My trust is in the Lord!

I can believe you, I can hope that what you say is accurate, I can love you, I can like you, I can assume you will do the best you can do, I can think that you will follow through or that you may know what you are talking about

BUT trust you?

No,

My trust is in the Lord.

What do you say to people that say the Lord's name in vain?

I'm not a fast thinker but I would love to be able to say something that would gently but accurately let them know that it's not okay to say?

So Long Stoma! Surgery is DONE!

2012-01-26T18:06:00.000-06:00

When we arrived yesterday and it was all fun and games! Our own room, a cozy bed, flat screen TV, snacks and nice nurses helping us!

Oh and did I mention play doh, movies and puzzles!

Yep, Sammy thought he was on a vacation

until...

they put that NG tube down his nose...

the mood, rightfully so, quickly changed...

If our little guy coulda found an exit, he woulda been outta here in a blink of an eye!

Thank goodness they had hospital BINGO on their station and Mista Sam won 2 games!

Yep, it was pretty fun!

We got bingo on our little cards and we called the hospital TV station up on the phone- his voice was on the TV and twice he announced to ALL the other patients watching

that.

he.

had.

BINGO!

They delivered his prize to our room!

He was thrilled and even forgot for a moment about his NG tube!

The tube came out later in the night!

At 7:00am this morning we headed to the OR!

At 7:45am Sammy and his two friends, Frankie and George (resting next to him) were waving goodbye to Mom and heading to surgery.

The colostomy closure went well (and so did the other little something we had done)!

His abdomen looks wonderful- I can't believe the stoma is gone!

The other procedure is causing him a bit of discomfort right now... if ya know what I mean!

FYI- it was not me (I'm proclaiming my innocence) that felt strongly about this but instead the men and boys of the family!

And this picture that you see above is nothing but a very cute clock!!

How come I never see something like this in the stores??

Wouldn't that be cute in a little boys room?

It was also set at the wrong time...

Hello people!

Daylight savings time ended quite a while ago!

So I fixed it!

And here is our patient!

The party is over- he does not like to be stuck in a bed feeling yucky and uncomfortable with wires and tubes coming out of every orifice!

(BTW- they put another NG tube in- poor guy)

He will improve with each day and sometime mid next week we will head home!

Thank you Jesus for a successful surgery!

Praising HIM!

Thank you for your prayers!

Takedown! And Abby and Luke Update!

2012-01-24T17:47:00.000-06:00

Once we got home with Abby and Luke the thought of flying to Cincy and having Sam's colostomy take down was over whelming.

So we made the decision to have it done here at home and it just so happened to be schedules for the exact same dates!

We will be admitted on January 25th (Wednesday) and have surgery on the 26th!

Caring for a child with a colostomy has been relatively easy.

Taking care of Sam has been a complete JOY!

A child is so much more than their diagnosis and just having Sam in our family makes it so obvious to all of us! We are so thankful we were not scared away by the name of his diagnosis - Imperforate Anus or Anal Atresia.

I don't think Sam completely understands what is going to happen this week. I have explained it to him but I think it is just too much for him to wrap his head around. He has never known not having his colostomy.

While he was in China we got an email from our agency. It said he was scheduled to have surgery in China and wondered if we wanted all of this done before getting him or if we wanted it done in America.

Although I was slightly tempted to say yes we had been advised to have it repaired at home, if possible. So we quickly emailed back STOP- we will have it done in America!!

We are thankful they listened and did not proceed with the surgery.

Not only would his repair be better done in the USA BUT I am so thankful we can be with him to comfort him and help him through the struggles that are ahead of us.

We may be in the hospital for up to one week, although we are hoping the time is shorter.

It will take time for him to be bowel continent and their are no guarantees. It may take months, it may take years but we will just deal with it as it comes. I am thankful this is happening in the winter so by the time summer rolls around we will know his situation better, hopefully have a routine and have lots of fun outside and in the pool!

Please pray for Sam!

For a successful surgery, that it is all done correctly, no complications, that he heals well and that he is able to adjust to his new situation!

Thank you!

And now onto these two darlings!

This morning Luke had his CT scan.
It went well and the rumor is that his blockage isn't as bad as they thought it was. We should get the official report on Friday.
Hoping the rumor is true!
His heart did great throughout the whole procedure!!
Thank you Jesus!!

Abby had her MRI today. She also did very well!
When she saw the interpreter and everyone looking at her she started to cry but then we took out the Ipad and she forgot all about her concerns.
They said her heart looked great! Which means her iron overload has not affected her heart muscle BUT her liver is another story...
It's huge and it lit up like a Christmas Tree when they did the MRI of the heart. (I think they took a peek at her liver while doing the heart.)
She will have a liver MRI in a couple weeks.
Once again this is rumor and we will get the official report on Friday.

We left sooner than planned which is always nice!!

We are home now and preparing for tomorrow!
Thank you Jesus!!

Please Pray for Abby and Luke!

2012-01-23T21:51:00.000-06:00

On Tuesday(1/24), Luke has a CAT scan and Abby has an MRI of her heart.

We hope that you will pray with us for good test results!

We pray that Luke does not have a blockage and if he does it can be fixed through a minor procedure.

We pray that the extra iron in Abby has not damaged her heart.

Thank you!

God Bless You!

Praising HIM!

2012-01-21T22:23:00.002-06:00

For everyday that our life gets a little closer to its new normal!

For the sounds of children playing... even when I have to say shhhhhhh!

Talk in you indoor voice!

For tea parties and pretend cookie baking!

For children sitting on counters!

For little girls and little boys dressed alike...

For abundant blessings from God!

For sunny days and snow covered ground!

I could go on... and on...

and on... and on...

so much to be thankful for...

Thank you, God

The Other Side of the Coin!

2012-01-20T13:12:00.000-06:00

So Wednesday was Abby's Birthday!
Which made it a very happy day for Abby but not necessarily for everyone in the family!

You see when someone has a birthday... their is always someone else that doesn't have a birthday...

From day one they had been treated the same!

Every time she got something... he got it too!

So tell me why? this day was different?

It was all so unfair!

Well, except when he was successful blowing his party horn!

But that thrill soon wore off and once again he was left with a lousy paper party horn and she had gifts and balloons!?!

He put up with the gift opening but he finally could take no more after

he asked to use her new birthday markers and she said "NO".

And since it was her birthday the parents didn't make her share...

And she said it with a smile on her face?

Big sis Kate agrees... life is so UNFAIR...

We tried to explain that Katie, Sarah, Mom and Dad couldn't use them either...

But that didn't help a bit...

It's hard to see Superman down and out...

No amount of reasoning was gonna help...

No no no no, he said, when we tried to comfort him...

On top of all of that, his very loving BUT irritating Momma was taking pictures of him...

I'm sorry honey!

I couldn't help it!

You where just too cute!

Katie did tell me that he will get over the fact that it is Abby's birthday and not his BUT I may be scarring him for life with the photo shoot!

I'm sorry but isn't he just too precious!

He refuses to look at me!

Or anyone else for that matter!

So we reached into our bag of tricks and pulled out Penny!

She's usually good for a smile or two!

But he waived her off, too.

No thank you!

He thought-

I refuse to smile, be happy or play with a cute little puppy on such a day as today!

Then he began to rethink the situation...
Hmmmm?
Well, she is kinda cute and fluffy?

And then after little tickle from his sissy Sarah!

He couldn't be sad any longer...

Just as this was happening we announced it was birthday cake time!

Once again Superman was his chipper self and he happily joined in the festivities!

With a belly full of Chinese food and Chocolate cake and ice cream

AND the birthday just about over

Superman cuddled in with Daddy!

And all was well in his little world...

Until the next birthday, which in this family happens a lot!

You see there is a problem...

Luke's birthday is November 18th.

We just missed having him home for his birthday and now he will have to suffer through everyone else's special and (gag) glorious birthday...

Awww, sweetie, we are so sorry!

Mommy will try not to have a photo shoot of you every time!

Just don't be so darn cute, okay!

Happy Birthday Abby!

2012-01-19T12:29:00.000-06:00

Happy Birthday Abby!

She turned 6 yrs old today!

It was such an exciting day for her!

I am guessing it was the first time she has ever celebrated her birthday!

We could have stopped at just the balloons - no need for anything else!

She carried them everywhere she went!!

But then we decided blowers and party horns were necessary!

Good thing they are super cheap and break EASY!!

Most have died already ;-)

I mean ;-(

I had to threaten them just to get a picture!

Momma is taking those blower/horns away unless you put them down for just one more pic!

Okay - have at it!!

She got 4 little gifts and once again it didn't matter what was in them because opening the gifts was such a thrill!

Everyone wanted to be a helper but she did fine opening them on her own!!

Of course they all wanted to help her play with the toys too!!

She is such a sweet blessing to us!!

Thank you Jesus for our dear little girl!!

Of course the birthday girl needed a crown for the big day!!

And a delicious chocolate cake!

And a big family singing HaPpY BiRtHdAy to you!!

And then we taught her how to blow out candles!

She did one at a time- makes the moment last longer!!

I made a wish for her!

Praying it comes true!

Happy Birthday to our little 6 year old daughter!

God Bless You Abigail!!

30 Years!

2012-01-15T17:40:00.001-06:00

Monday, January 16th is our 30 yr anniversary!

I can't believe it has been 30 years!

It has gone by too fast!
(We celebrated on the 14th- that's when the sitter could come! When your parents of many - you do what ya gotta do!)

We never give each other gifts. We usually just enjoy the day together!

This year hubby surprised me!

I was so so excited!

Thank you, honey!

You are the best husband and father in the world!

(You're probably thinking, no he's not, mine is! Okay then, they're tied for the best!)

After our second date, I knew he was the one!

I had prayed about it and put it in God's hands.

HE knew my heart and the road that was ahead.

I am so thankful that our dear Lord picked me to be his wife!

Lovin my hubby and feeling blessed!

Ava was quite concerned and said to me-

ahh, Mom? Do you have a gift for Dad?

No honey, I don't.

She looked at me like wow- huge mistake, social faux paux, how awkward and said-

Maybe next year, huh Mom?

Good idea honey- next year!

Scheduled

2012-01-14T11:24:00.001-06:00

I spent the last week getting all our appointments scheduled...

and scheduled...

and scheduled!

I made all the calls

and was put on hold

and was accidentally hung up on

and was told they would call me back (some didn't and some did)

and was told they don't do that procedure,

BUT then they called again and said now they do.

(should I be worried).

I was told there was an opening in April and then somehow we got a February appointment!

I put it in the hands of God and one by one they worked out.

It amazed me.

BUT why should it?

The King of Kings had it under control!

Between now and the beginning of March we are "booked"!

And there is even a little getaway in there for Hubby and I !!

I am thankful we are going to get some of this behind us while the weather is cold and we are tucked inside the house or in a waiting room or a hospital room or a clinic or or or!

Well... I guess it's just me that is tucked in the house!

The children love playing outside!

(Except Anna- she's inside with me!)

Winter has arrived and even the tiniest patch of snow or ice has them giggling!

This boy loves his dogs!!

And they seem to love him, too!

I know- I just got the worst mother of the year award!

Not only are they both crying... I had the nerve to take a pic of them!

It's 15 degrees outside and these two took off their mittens and refused to put them back on...

so...

they had to come inside ;-(

They got over it quickly and all is well now!

Nothing a tutu and a tea party couldn't solve!

I do like when it gets dark early and we can start bath time nice and early!

We have a bit of an assembly line approach - two in, two out, two in, two out!

And then every once in awhile we get side tracked and two lucky kids get to play longer in the tub!

(Luke still needs his bath)

It is so cozy to have cuddly clean kids in the evening!

Follow The Leader!

2012-01-11T22:40:00.000-06:00

As each day goes by we continue to move in the right direction.

Both Abby and Luke are beginning to become so much a part of our family.

As a mom, I can tell, when I hug them they fit into my body. The awkwardness is leaving and with each day we are becoming mother and child/ father and child. It is a very nice feeling!

These days have come with some challenges and much prayer as appointment after appointment we move forward to figure out our children's health mysteries. Once again GOD does not disappoint - but instead guides us each step of the way!

Yesterday was exhausting... I brought Abby in for an ECHO, blood draw and an appointment with her hematologist (and possible transfusion). Each time we go she will most likely need a transfusion but we need to wait for the labs. They will not give her a transfusion unless is is completely necessary due to her iron overload. At this point we are figuring every 3 weeks.

After each appointment we went to - she was so happy... she thought she was done and she could return home.

AND then each time we made our way to a new office, her expression changed to sullen AND then serious.

Once she found out she was having ANOTHER transfusion she cried and cried and cried. It was so so sad...

Her cry was so full of hopelessness...

My heart broke...

We had a interpreter this time and she was wonderful. She told us that Abby kept saying over and over again - "I just want to go home with Momma and Babba..."

The interpreter had tears in her eyes...

We were at the appointment from 1:00- 9:00 and when it was over we were completely emotionally exhausted... WEll, let me rephrase that, I was exhausted and of course, Abby felt great after a transfusion!

Each time we go the Dr and her staff are wonderful BUT next time they ask me "What can we do for you?"

I will say, just get us "in and out" of here, asap!

I have been praying a lot lately- whether it is planned or unplanned, it is just happening ALL the time.

God is so good and so kind, I know he is ALWAYS with us, through thick and thin.

For the last three nights, I have heard messages that were so right on- so from our heavenly FATHER.

Last night I prayed and the Lord said- "Follow the Leader"

Dear Friends... who do you follow? Do you follow God or your neighbors advice. Friends and neighbors are wonderful and often give great advice BUT please take your questions one step further, to HIM.

HE will answer!

Is there an area in your life that you need clear direction on?

Is there a decision you need to make today?

Well,

then,

Follow Your Leader!

He will lead you down paths of righteousness and peace! He will not disappoint! He will guide you every step of the way and NOT leave you!

The next morning, I woke up with peace. I know God has a plan and I need to put all my trust in HIM!

WE( our family) NEEDS TO FOLLOW OUR LEADER!

"So you see God is with us. He is your leader."

2 Chronicles 13:12

This and That!

2012-01-09T21:53:00.002-06:00

I had a venting post all ready to go BUT I just can't post it. It was about how money talks and it just creeps me out- If we pay our bill a little late people are rude. If we pay early or on time they love us.

Seriously- how can some people be so judgmental and shallow...

We were in Cincy 3x in November and then off to China for 3 weeks- I know it doesn't excuse anything but why should people jump to a conclusion and think the worst, just because a bill is not paid exactly on time...

Shouldn't people be treated respectfully no matter what??

Okay, I will stop there or I may just as well post my other post...

I like to think positively, be positive, be a problem solver NOT part of the problem!

This month and most likely next are going to be filled with medical appointments! I am so thankful to God that one by one they are falling into place!

God is so good and so kind and I am just so grateful to HIM!!
He can handle this crazy scheduling need of ours!

We have been home for for 3 weeks and things are really falling into place. Luke is becoming more and more our son and it feels so good! He is so good natured and has an adorable sense of humor! He calls me Momma all the time and I love it! He knows all the younger children's names and many of the older kids, too! He is saying many many words in English and seems to understand everything we say!! (He had an American Foster family at his baby foster home). He is so interested in everything and repeats anything we ask him to repeat. He is very excited about the potty chairs distributed through out the house but not so sure he has any intentions of using them ;-).

We are waiting for our potty movies and books to arrive and then maybe in February we will start potty immersion! Sorry- that's a lot of potty talk but hey that's our life!!

Abby is doing well, too. After her transfusions she is chipper and alert but as the days go by our dear girl is more on survival mode and learning or repeating words are not high on her priority list. Tomorrow we will find out what her 23 day Hgb is and she will have an ECHO of her heart.

God has blessed us in MN with unseasonably warm weather so far!

(others may call it global warming BUT I call it a blessing!)

The children searched and found the only existing patch of snow in our little neighborhood.

They have loved playing outside everyday and I have loved how easy it has been to get them in and out of the car, the store, the appointment, etc!

Cold weather is on it's way and reality that it actually is winter will hit us soon!

In fact, I think this Wednesday is the day ;-(

For now we are thankful for the outside time we have had!

Ellie has been so kind and helpful to her new little sister and brother!

Feeling Blessed!

A Balancing Act

2012-01-06T13:34:00.000-06:00

Abby and Luke are officially on our insurance. I know that is supposed to happen the minute they were ours but the insurance companies don't see it that way. They want proof, they want the adoption decree and they want the time to add them into the policy. Not everyone views adoption as all smiles and cuddly teddy bears- namely the insurance companies.

We are so thankful for the people at Hubby's work that took the time to get the children added to our policy.

Both Abby and Luke have important test coming up and they have to be approved by the insurance company before they can happen. We were getting close to having to reschedule. Praise God the approval came in time!!

Is it just me or have things been getting a lot more difficult lately with health insurance companies?

Abby had her transfusion on Dec 20th. They did not retake the Hgb after the transfusion so we do not know what she got up to? She had one really good week and then once again her color started to change and dark circles under her eyes.

So at the two week marker I brought her in to have it checked.

It was at 8.2.

For a healthy child that would be a concern but for Abby it means wait and watch her...

Wait for her respirations to go up, wait for her to look even more pale, darker circles under her eyes and her lips to lose their sweet pink tinge.

Wait for her heart rate to increase and for her heart murmer to be louder. Wait for her to need a nap during the day because she is so exhausted...

That sounds like torture to a Momma...

Part of me wants to rush in and insist on a blood transfusion- NOW.

I want her to feel good, to have her lovely olive skin tone and her precious pink lips.

For her to want to try to speak english and hear her cute little giggle...

BUT there is a reason for all of this...

And it makes sense BUT it doesn't make it easier...

Every time Abby gets a blood transfusion it fills her body with extra iron. The iron cannot just leave the body but is instead stored in her liver, her heart and who knows where else...

Where ever it is stored it causes damage to that organ.

Normal iron levels are around 50.

Abby's is 4,400 as of December 20th.

That number makes my stomach turn... my head spin and I think I'll think of something else right now until we can deal with that issue...

Soooo, that is why we need to wait... until she is symptomatic...

It makes sense to me now. I don't like it, but it makes sense...

It is in her best interest (health wise) but it is hard to watch her feel worse day after day.

Just another tidbit of info. - children with excessive iron do not grow. Abby will be 6 in two weeks and she is already a half inch shorter that Anna. ( and I thought Anna was itty bitty!)

Abby has an ECHO of her heart in the afternoon of Tuesday the 10th and a Dr appt. following it.

Luke has a CT scan of his heart on the Morning of the 10th.

Praying for answers, healing and direction for both of the children.

Once we have test results in, we will know how to proceed with her care- future transfusions, possible medication and devise a plan to rid her body of the extra stored iron.

These two love bugs also have cavities galore!
(That's another post I am already working on)

We have also decided to not spend our days worrying about health issues and but to focus on enjoying our days!

Little Abby is all signed up for gymnastics on Wednesdays (she is in a younger class with Sam in the little gym), a homeschool gym class on Tuesdays and today (Friday) she will go to dance class with Ava and Anna!

As Luke gets a little older and we find out more about his slight blockage we will have him do a few activities, too. He did try to walk into Abby and Sam's class it was so cute but his momma scooped him up and held him- then we played a game on the ipad and had an clementine!

Option 2 worked well for little Luke!!

The Adjustment...

2012-01-04T20:35:00.000-06:00

How are we doing? How is the adjustment going?

Well, considering we have added 6 new family members in the last 18 months...

We are doing remarkably well!

(BTW- the pics have nothing to do with the post!)

That doesn't mean we don't have our challenges...

because we do!

I originally thought Emma and Ellie were not threatened by the addition of two blessing,

But

I was wrong.

Ellie has exhibited some PTSD (post traumatic stress symptoms). Her sypmtoms are minor and usually she is just fine. Sometimes I will see a blank stare, unable to answer the simplest question (especially if it involves her doing something she is not supposed to do), her speech has gone backwards big time (she was speaking as if she had marbles in her mouth- we were so surprised). Sometimes her movements are very very slow. She will be fine soon and we can already see improvement. (Praise God)

Emma has been a bit angry lately. It is directed at me. I can tell by the way she looks at me. She is feeling like everything is unfair and somehow she is getting the bad end of all of this- it couldn't be further from the truth. She feels this way in every area of her life- school, food, clothes, etc. It is just the way she is currently perceiving things.

I do understand and know in time things will be fine

but it has made it extra challenging.

She has gone backwards on the progress she was making at school.
I feel like sometimes she is not even trying.

She is also giving me the completely blank look.

At times she has been defiant and will do exactly what we ask her NOT to do.

I signed the children up for a homeschool gym class but I did not put Emma in it. She is unable to move fast and when things are happening quickly she freezes. Emma is forever 4 yrs old. She doesn't understand... that she does not understand (did ya get that!) She does not see that she is different. Others do and we made the decision for safety purposes. We also made the decision to allow Sarah and Ellie the freedom to do the things they can do!

Somehow we need to teach Emma that she is loved and valued just the way she is... I'm just not sure how to go about doing that BUT that is the goal.

Ava has shed more tears over minor things lately.
I have made the mistake of calling Abby, Ava and Ava, Abby. BIG oops! I am sure this did not help Ava's adjustment.
Abby didn't notice a thing!

Sam has been a bit more rambunctious! He's been telling a few... untruths, lately!

He has been all about the competition and winning more than usual.

He seems to feel a little threatened. At the same time he is as gentle as can be to Luke. We can tell he is thrilled to have a little brother!

Last night the tears flowed, he finally broke down and allowed me to comfort him.

In the past when we he cried and we held him- he would cry even harder.

Seems to me this boy hasn't even been comforted when he was sad in the past.

I think he didn't even know how to handle it.

So when we comforted him it made him even more sad (because for 4.5 years no one comforted him).

I was so quietly happy that he held on to me tight and in time stopped crying!

Anna and Sarah seem to be doing great! Anna has really taken Abby under her wing! She loves having a sister her age and does not seem to be threatened by her at all... unless of course she likes her outfit better! The she may negotiate a trade with her non english speaking sister!

Our house was busy but fun over the holidays! Matt and his girlfriend Caitlin came from Colorado to visit for 4 days! They brought their doggy Mei Li!

The kids loved Mei Li!

Especially Luke- who has now overcome his love/ hate feelings for doggies- it's all love now!!

Everyone has gone home now. We loved having a houseful but it is nice to return to everyday life!

God has been so kind to give us a full everyday life!

We are back at school and attempting a routine!

I just about posted after our first day- HELP SOS!!

But thank the Lord each day is getting better and better!

Luke is a dream child! He is so mild mannered! He will repeat anything we ask him to say! He joins us for school then he plays puzzles, says hello to Sarah, plays legos, plays with shapes, colors, goes with me while I heat up my coffee and then back up the stairs, sits on my lap for awhile and then returns to playing legos - he is a JOY!

He currently has zero interest in potty training! I just bought 3 potty chairs to have all throughout the house and next we will be reading books on going potty in the big potty and maybe even some videos!

We are not going to rush the process just planting a seed right now!! ;-)

I thought this was so so creative! Roller blades on the horse! They needed 2 pair! It was Sarah's idea!! I love it!!

Go horsey, go!

We are blessed to have these two in our family!
Matt and Caitlin!
So happy they could come home and see us!!

We will continue to put one foot in front of the other and somehow find our "new normal"!
(I may have heard that was one of the most hated new terms of the new year!)

New Years Resolutions/ Rather Things To Do In 2012

2012-01-01T09:58:00.000-06:00

Oh my, this list could be endless!

But here goes anyways!

Purge, clean out, clear out and organize. I have blogged about this before BUT I never actually did it! oops! It's time to get going on this right NOW!

I am hoping we will really get into a good homeschooling routine asap. The fall went great but now we have two new blessings home. I know the Lord will handle the details and everything will fall into place! Hopefully this year I will have at least 3 new readers (Anna, Ava and Ellie) and maybe even 4 (Sam) - we'll see?

2012 will be a year of bonding. Most likely it will not include a trip to China. We have brought home our blessings in record time, now we just need to give them tons of love and enjoy this marvelous time with them!

One of our family members will be moving to Europe. It's bittersweet - I will miss them but it is a wonderful opportunity to grow in courage and faith. SO, I am hoping 2012 will bring me and some other family members to Europe, also! I have never been there so it will be a welcomed adventure!

(I will post more on this when I can)

We will a lot of medical things going on this year! We need a diagnosis for Abby and a treatment plan. We need to know more about Luke's blockage and he may need surgery or a procedure. We have decided not to take Sam back to Cincy. I am sorry to the bloggy friends I was hoping to see- it looks like we will be having the surgery at home. For us this is a good choice. This is not necessarily an intricate surgery so it can be done by our local pediatric surgeons. I am very thankful to be able to stay close. I just can't see leaving Abby and Luke and the other children for 10 days. I have been gone too much lately- with 3 trips to Cincy in November and 3 weeks in China in December.

Please say prayers for our little treasures- that God will heal them

I believe this will be a year of intense prayer. I can feel it- there will be many challenges this year- some I already know about and some only the Lord knows. I plan to stay close to HIM in prayer and by reading his word.

I also hope to "listen" better to God. Be peaceful and allow Him to speak to me and to use me to glorify HIM.

We have many things that have been left undone. Now that we are home without an adoption "in process", they need to "get done". We have to finish post adoption requirements. We need to manage things better at home - bills, schedules, appointments, money, etc.

Some of the children have photo albums and some do not- they all need them! They love to look through them and it is a documentation of their past. It's a very important for each child to have a photo album. I need to get this done for them! I also want to get gift/ photos albums off to the children's orphanages/ foster parents.

Our youngest birth child- JOhnny is going to graduate from High School this spring. I can't believe it... once again time has gone much too fast. It actually makes me teary just thinking about it.

What does not make me teary IS that he is taking his sweet time deciding! UGH! He does have a few non traditional ideas sooooo we will see what this boy ends up doing!

On top of that, our Mark is graduating from College this spring! Stay tuned for the "whats after college" segment! (A job sounds good to me!)

So I have all these plans, desires, ideas- right! Sounds like I have some direction, right...maybe!

To be honest these are all the things I "think" I "should" do but God just has to say the word and we will change direction for HIM! Serving HIM is what is most important!

So once again we look forward to a year that will slowly be revealed by the Master!

Update on Luke's Heart!

2011-12-30T21:26:00.000-06:00

Right before Christmas we took Luke into the Pediatric Cardiologist.

The appt went well and he did so good!

They did an ultrasound of his heart!

He laid their for over an hour- what a hero! Thank goodness I had some left over crackers from China in my purse! That helped him through the last half hour!

Luke has a very confusing heart!

It is on the wrong side of his body, it is in a slightly contorted position and was repaired in Israel 18 months ago.

While they were looking at it they said words like awesome repair and beautiful job!

In a nutshell he has everything he needs now- 2 atriums, 2 ventricles and all the vessels go to the right place!

18 months ago this little boy had life saving surgery- a blessing from our heavenly father!

It was not an easy surgery , even the Physicians in Israel questioned if they could do it.

BUT GOD could and so many people all over the world were praying and fasting for this sweet boy!

5 months earlier I had heard God speak. Out of the blue I heard "He is your son" as I was looking at Morningstar Foster home site and saw a picture of Luke.

I remember being very nervous and praying and fasting throughout the day of his surgery and throughout his recovery.

It truly amazes me that he is home now!

God is so awe inspiring!

There are a few things we need to watch AND their may be an upcoming surgery we are not sure- more tests need to be done.

Luke has two leaky valves which are not concerning at this point. His oxygen level runs at 96%- 99%.
His heart makes a hippity hop and a gallop sound!
He has an atrial rhythm, not a sinus rhythm like most people.

He does have a minor blockage where the pulmonary arteries go to the atrium of the heart.
That is the most concerning issue right now...

He will have a CAT scan and maybe a few other tests on January 10th.

They also had him wear a 24 hour monitor so they could see what his heart is doing throughout the day. We know he skips beats, so they want to see if there is a pattern or a reason.

He was so cute with this on!

He didn't complain or pull it off!

BUT of course it made his pants fall down!

He has the tiniest BUTT and his pants are always falling down! Sometimes even the diaper falls down!

So instead of wearing it on the back of his pants...

He carried it in his hand... for a whole 24 hours!

Yes, he is 3 and he did take out every puzzle we own!

It's okay, it turned into puzzle time for everyone else!

He held it or it was on the ground!
Hey, whatever works!

All the kids were excited to see a bit of snow!

It didn't stay long BUT still it was exciting!

And yes, we gave up on the pants issue!

Hey, Like I said! ya do what ya gotta do!

Sam, Is just realizing that Luke has HIS toys!

Oh ya! I forgot I have to share!

It's okay, he's my brother!

(and my sister, and my sister and my sister!)

At this point... Luke is figuring out the sharing thing!

Really? Do I have too?

Okay, Okay!

This kid can almost do the splits! Future gymnast!

We were very happy to have our 24 hours over and be able to take all of this off our little guy!

FREEDOM!

We're jumping to Christmas eve night!

While in China we bought a chinese brand DVD player so everyone at home could enjoy some of their favorite Chinese cartoons!

They were all thrilled!

They are watching the happy goat and wolf show!

We call it Mei Ya Ya but I think we are wrong since every time we say it the "masses" correct us!

Masses meaning ALL the children!

Auntie Barbie came with some gifts for the children!

They all obviously opened at once!

Everyone enjoyed the chaos!

And... here are my littles!

such wonderful blessings!

3, 5, 5, 6 and 5!

Once again!

Thank you, Jesus!

Wordless Wednesday- December 28th, 2011

2011-12-28T12:34:00.002-06:00

A Miracle on Ferndale Road!

2011-12-26T15:30:00.000-06:00

I thought it would be impossible!

It was more than my brain could take in and to overwhelming to figure out!

So I left it to God and I warned all the children at home.

Christmas just wasn't going to be the same this year.

We were just coming home with two needy children. Both have serious health and dental needs.

Jet lag tends to do me in and I only run at half strength for awhile until we readjust to the time change.

We had no gifts, no groceries and I knew on top of jet lag we would be at Dr Appts- some of them lasting half a day.

BUT GOD!

He knew how we were going to do it!

He knew the plan way before I did!

And FYI- it was a great plan!

(In another post, I will fill you in about Luke's Dr appt.)

It was Thursday and Luke and I had his appt. in the morning.
God somehow gave me a little extra energy and once we were home a big brother offered to babysit this large crew!

I woke up in the middle of the night (the night before) and devised a plan. I was so certain about it that I am figuring God placed it in my heart! In fact after coming up with it I peacefully fell back asleep!

So with Mark watching the kids, I ran to the store! In just two separate stores I was able to get all the gifts for our family. Not too much but just enough to make it fun!

Friday I wrapped everything and tried to pic up the house in the midst of large family chaos.
(I was also starting to feel sick- the usual upper respiratory crud that I get with jet lag)

The next morning- Saturday, Christmas Eve we woke up to Luke having a fever of 101 degrees. He previously had a cough but I was thinking it was getting better. I was wrong. So I took Him to the Dr! Yes, our pediatrician had Saturday hours! I grabbed Emma, too. We had to do something about the itching and scabs all over the trunk of her body.

I wasn't sure what was going to become of this visit? Maybe no answers, maybe Luke was in distress- I didn't know BUT it just so happened one of our favorite Pediatricians were there- from when our big kids were little. He put Luke on Amoxicillin and Pulmacort nebs - a nice hefty dose and I'll jump ahead and say, we haven't seen any symptoms of anything other than a lively happy healthy little boy since we started the meds and nebs- Yay God!! And thank you Dr K!!

He also took Emma's situation seriously and put her on antihistamines at night and creams during the day and night! He does not think it is scabies but more of a nervous nighttime ritual for her, along with the fact she may have a minor infection in her body and her bodies response is to give an allergic reaction- such as itchy skin.

Hubby and I are a tag team so once I got home with the two kids and with the new meds, Hubby went to the grocery store for the holiday food!

At that point I excused myself from church- there was just too much happening and after all we had no idea how Luke would feel in the afternoon.

We intended to send just the big kids but 3:00 rolled around and God gave us a burst of energy- we got all the little kids ready, Luke was doing great and we ALL made it to 4:00 church-

SO SO THANKFUL!

I was truly shocked we were all there!!

Although things are going very well I want to put it in to perspective.

During the service I ask Hubby if I could quickly go to the restroom to blow my nose...

His answer "NO"!

You can't leave me!

We had five special little children that wanted so much to crawl on our laps and fall asleep!

Somehow they managed to all stay awake!

The rest of the evening was wonderful! It was just our crew here at our house!

There was a lot of joy and everyone chatted away!

Luke and Abby are fitting in so nicely!

Sometime Abby whines BUT she responds to a reminder to stop whining.

Luke can be stubborn but he is learning what life in a big family is like!

No means no and we do not pick favorites!

(and even if you cry, you do not get your own way)

Honestly, I did not think this was possible! I did not think we would have a joyous holiday. I did not think it was possible for everything to fall into place. In fact I made a point of NOT thinking about it- it was too much for me.

But thank you God!

I should have known that you could do this!

And thank you to all the people praying for us!!

HE HEARD and HE ANSWERED!

Last Wednesday Sam came up to me with watery eyes and asked... "Next year can we please have presents?"

It broke my heart to think that for 4 children (Ava, Abby, Sam and Luke) this was their first Christmas home and they would not have any gifts.

I think pic of Emma and Ellie! They were so thrilled with their Holiday dresses! We got them before we left for China!

I feel that God is so evident in our lives! He takes what we cannot do ourselves and gives us strength. He guides us thru the potholes in life (that's a Minnesota thing- we have so many potholes in the spring)!

Anything is possible with HIM!!

Luke and Anna waiting patiently on the stairs for the big kids to get up, so we can open presents!

Merry Christmas sweet girl!
Praying you feel the joy of Jesus in your life!

While in China we got animal backpacks at the safari zoo!
They all loved them!

I had planned on taking the kids to Build * Bear Workshop for Abby's B-day in January but we purchased things for Christmas instead and will go to the children's museum for her big day!

We also brought home umbrella's from China for all the girls and cars that make noise for the boys!
Jordan- a christian shop owner on Shaiman island in GZ wrote the girls names in English and Chinese on their umbrellas!

Each child got one big bag with 4 gifts wrapped inside! They loved it!

There is your name Ava!

Bless you dear sweet girl!
Merry Christmas!

They are such blessings!

We are so so THANKFUL that they are HOME!

The rest of the day went great!
(Of course our standards are a bit low right now!)

All of the kids are getting along very well!
There are not any particular struggles between any of the kids.

I think Sam thought he would have a partner in crime with a little brother and that is not what is happening.

Sam and Luke are very different boys. Luke is mild and Sam has lots of energy.

Sam is more physical and Luke is more expressive with his words and facial movements.

But they are still doing great together- they are not particularly close at this point.

Everyone just hangs out with everyone!

It has been a little chaotic but that is to be expected the first week home and with Christmas!

We will get them all settled down in time!

Sleep is going very well! Luke even stayed in his own bed last night!

Thank you God for your son our Savior, Jesus Christ!

Venturing Out!

2011-12-21T20:44:00.000-06:00

Today we all ventured out and ran errands!

It was my first time out alone with 8 children!

I always give them the same shpeal- Stay with mom all the time, you can look but don't touch,be super good so we can do this again!

They did pretty good,

Yes, they did touch BUT the put back!

If we wanted to we could have wreaked havoc on walgr**ns but they all behaved!

Whew!

The clerk said to me "let me just help these people and I will be right back to you."

I looked at her and said "you really want us in and out of here as fast as possible."

She got it!

Emma is like velcro to me!

She would love to spend the whole day following me around, helping me and doing whatever I do!

Both Emma and Ellie have not needed an adjustment period with this last adoption. They are doing great and haven't missed a beat! They are enjoying their new siblings and not feeling threatened! That is so good!

EXCEPT- for one thing Emma tends to scratch and scratch her back at night. Her back is filled with scabs.

And it is only at night that she does it. I NEVER see her scratching.

We are not sure why this happens?

Could it be stress?

Could it be a little OCD?

Could she have scabies? I don't think so?

The new children are being added to our insurance and it is not on the records yet so Luke's pulmacort was not covered and it was $409! excuse me? We took a fraction of the prescription and will fill the rest once it's covered!

Next stop! A delicious lunch from McD's!

We now need two 20 piece nuggets meals!

Best part- kitchen stayed clean!

Once home I found Mark on the stairs...

I asked him "What are you doing? Hiding?"

Ha, he was!

How do I know that?

Wellllll, I may have done it now and then!

Like when I am sneaking chocolate!

The freezer is repaired!! Praise God! Mark got a lesson on how to clean it!

Luke has a love/fear relationship with the dogs!

He always wants us to go with him and "look" at them !

It's pretty cute!

I thought I did a fine job parking until I came out! This woman needs to stay HOME!

Holy buckets did I do a bad job parking!

Male bonding!

We doubt Luke will be able to be a soccer player BUT it's not stopping him from being a GREAT FAN!

Too, too cute!

Transfused!

2011-12-21T10:39:00.001-06:00

We brought Abby into the Hematologist today. She was pale and not talking very much BUT she was doing okay.

Once we were escorted into a room she became a little fearful.

She was wondering what was going on?

And then they looked at the veins in her inner arm and the tears began to flow and flow and flow.

Abby did so well with the blood draw the day before and she has been given blood many many times, so I declined a interpreter...

my mistake...

I felt really bad for her...

we tried a interpreter over the speaker phone but she wanted nothing to do with it.

Her sadness was to loud to even hear what he was trying to say to her.

So, your wondering WHY did we decline the interpreter.

Well...

because we have had mixed experiences with them.

All of them are nice people BUT they kind of get in the way of bonding.

I want and need Abby to depend on me and to learn to trust me.

Sometimes they get too playful and mothery over the children.

Sometimes they ask our child a question, our child doesn't answer BUT the translator answers for them.

Sometimes they hang with us all the time and I feel obligated to visit and not have my time with our child.

So it usually is my preference not to have one-

BUT

this time I was wrong

DARN

Abby cried and cried in my arms. I tried to comfort her but she continued to cry. We were in the bed together- cuddling.

I wondered what she was thinking?

Am I here for a whole week?

Is my new Momma going to leave me here?

Will she come back?

Will it hurt?

I want to be back at my new home with all my brothers and sisters!

I don't want to be here.

Why do I have to have this done so much?

Her lunch try came- I tried to order as many recognizable food as possible.

She enjoyed her lunch and promptly fell asleep!

I knew once it was over with and she would see that all would be fine! Our sweet girl got presents, good food, the procedure was painless, she watched TV and Momma never left her side- it turned out to be a pretty good experience- if you have to get blood that is!

It was actually nice for me to have that time with her.

We had Karen's daughter Katie babysit the children at home.

She is 21, college student and an awesome capable sitter- they really should clone her, too!

(Along with Karen)

Big brother Mark took over the last half of the shift until Babba came home.

What it is not- is thalassemia.

I was a little bummed. It would have been nice to have an answer and then figured out a plan from there.

Her body is not even trying to make up for the red blood cells that are bad.

It's going to be about 3 months before we find out. It will be a process of many tests and waiting for results.

Inside, I am thinking China was right. They usually are...

I was hoping since they did not give us anything to substantiate the diagnosis maybe it was just a shot in the dark for them.

I am guessing not, it probably is MDS-RAS. I don't know...

We have a bone marrow biopsy scheduled for January 19th.

Then more genetic testing and whatever after that...

Whatever the road will be, we are doing it.

She is just too precious!

A beautiful child, a gift from GOD!

We are so thankful she is HOME!

Abby got a blanket- the one on her bed and a present that was all wrapped up- littlest pet shop kitchen- every girl needs one of those!

She left a happy camper!

Singing songs and repeating 3 word sentences in english!

She was thrilled to come home to chinese dinner waiting for her and all the children and Babba so excited to see her!

Luke's appt is tomorrow.

Last night after a long day with Abby I looked at Luke and did a double take-

Where his lips more blue? Or was I seeing things?

Jet lag can do that to a person!

Then hubby reminded me-

he had just finished the blue part of his popsicle!

WHEW!

Today the freezer gets fixed- YAY!!

Lot's Happening...

2011-12-19T23:33:00.001-06:00

Hard to know how to title this post!

Lots happening-

Hubby's work computer crashed...

Our freezer is no longer working...

And we have random lights in the house that no longer work (electrical issues)...

I'm trying to block the fact that this is the Christmas season and all the things I normally do... I cannot do...

We are just focusing on having a good attitude, doing all the things we need to do, minus all the Christmas stuff that we usually do... and preparing our hearts for one of the most important days of the year!

While, at the same time, trying to become a new enlarged family and somehow finding our new normal- which will take a little bit of time.

Abby has been increasingly pale and pasty looking with dark circles under her eyes. In spite of that she stays awake all day and colors and plays with all the children. I took her into the DR today to check her HGB(hemoglobin)- it was 6, just 20 days earlier she was at 12.6. That's not good...

They are awaiting our call tomorrow morning and will get us into the hematologist. Most likely she will be transfused tomorrow, too. She is such a dear sweet child- and yet such a trooper- she doesn't complain at all. Honestly 48 hours home, jet lag and she still keeps up with the other kids- I think she is amazing!

The Dr- also listened to Luke- he is somewhat irregular (but she was not alarmed) and she heard two murmurs- we will also be contacting the Peds cardiologist tomorrow(our appt is scheduled for next week but we may want to get in sooner). He is wheezing but not bad and we will start neb (pulmicort) tomorrow, too.

We have noticed that Luke does not run like the other kids. He self regulates his activity level and will gladly hold a parent's hand while the other kids run ahead.

Both of these children are so dear and so amazing. They are more delicate that our other children- at least that is how we feel. Their health issues are serious and life threatening. We need to know exactly where they are at "health wise" and go from there.

We are blessed to have them and pray that our Heavenly Father will be with us every step of the way!

(Maybe pics later or with next post!)

There's No Place Like Home!

2011-12-18T14:45:00.000-06:00

Grace was one of our Guides in GZ- She was wonderful and remembered us(Ava and Sam) from last March!

Our flight went very well! GZ to Beijing- arrived late and went straight to bed! Ate BKF and then back to the airport for the grueling flight to the USA. Of course it was morning and we all had just slept- so we were wide awake for the whole ride across the pond! Luke managed 3 hours of sleep- which was wonderful for him- he needed it!

It was a delta flight so once we were on the plane it felt familiar!- The people spoke english, the plane was clean, the food was recognizable!

Abby was very quiet on the plane and a little moody- I think she was scared. I was concerned she was not feeling well but she made it through just fine. I so wished I could communicate with her to comfort her and let her know everything would be okay.

She got irritated with me when I would put on her seatbelt, stop her from picking her nose and kicking the seat in front of her and then she would pout and hang her head. There was nothing I could do - even when I kind man spoke to her in Chinese she chose not to answer or even acknowledge him.

Soon she would see for herself that all would be fine.

It is survival once on the long ride home. Movies, electronic games whatever for as long as anyone can stand them. I hope to never again play suduko or solitaire on an ipad EVER AGAIN!

Landing in Seattle was wonderful!

However my ever so darling hubby forgot to figure in customs! We only had 1 1/2 to catch the next plane!

Surprisingly- WE DID IT! And it was not because of customs kindness or precision- I don't think they could have moved slower!

The gates just so happened to be very close by and we RAN!

We made it AND so did our luggage- YAY!!

Katie and her boyfriend Andrew picked us up in Vanna! The other children were anxiously waiting at home with Karen- who took care of them when we were gone!

The carseat pics are from Katie's phone!

The kids were fine with the carseats! I think Luke may have used one with his foster family!

They loved meeting Katie and Andrew! Honestly they probably think Andrew is one of their brothers!!

I should have gotten a pic of them with the kids- I just wasn't thinking clearly!

Once HOME we were greeted by American flags and smiling children wearing red, white and blue! Once again I didn't get a good pic ;-(

The children at home were adorable and so excited to see their Momma, Babba, Sarah and new siblings!

Oh my, did I feel loved!

Sam is so happy to have another little boy in the family!

Honestly, I think Johnny missed us the most! He is so so happy we are all home!!

He even wore his China shirt (in honor of his new siblings) to welcome us home!

Abby's face lit up when she saw her siblings and her new home!

All the children were so welcoming and kind to Abby and Luke!

JOhnny has opened his heart so many times to new sibling! We are so proud of him and his kind and loving spirit!

It has been a journey for him as well as us and he is doing so well now with all of our adoptions!

His friends get such a kick out of these precious children!

Johnny right away introduces them as the come over to hang out with him!

Luke and Abby LOVE the dogs BUT they are also a little afraid of them! We have them gated in the mudroom and they love watching them from the safe distance!

Luke calls Katie's dog a tiger! She is a miniature poodle! He's pretty sure the dog says roar instead of woof!

Everyone has been clicking well- no one seems to feel left out right now!

None of the kids looked at us like we were from outer space. Everyone was just happy to see us and welcoming! I am so thankful that Emma and Ellie are in such a great place right now! They are comfortable and relaxed! They are not threatened by our two new additions!

Ava and Sam are they same way! So Thankful for that!

The children at home had a little program for us! They sang songs and did movements to them!

It was adorable and I think big sissy will be putting it on u*tube!

Our sitter Karen did an incredible job at home!!

She had Sammy's colostomy, his dilitations, medicines to remember, she continued with school and all the kids activities, not to mention a few extra fun activities and church! The house was spotless, the kids were so happy, they learned so much, the laundry was done and she made us dinner!

WOW!! Thank you Karen!!

You are a blessing to all of us!

Here is our crew at home!

Feeling so blessed!

I looked at the children and felt like they had grown since we had left!

We measured them this morning and sure enough- everyone had added a half inch since September and Emma had grown an inch!!

Sam is a half in taller than Anna and Anna is a half inch taller than Abby- which surprised me!

Once we get some nourishing food in Abby and her transfusions figured out along with the medication to decrease the excess iron in her blood she will probably have a little growth spirt too!

We were thankful to have the dinner prepared and at our fingertips!

It was great but lil miss Abby was not used to this kind of food. She ate a little but not much...

For lunch we had chicken noodle sup and got rice an d dumplings- she was thrilled and gobbled it up!

As look at Abby- I think she looks very pale, her lips have lost their color and she seems tired.

Some of that is jet lag and some of it is she may need a transfusion soon.

She looks better today after eating food she likes.

Everyone got pj's on early!

Sarah went to bed at 7:30 and slept until 8:00am!

Abby and Luke were in bed at 7:45.

The rest of the children went to bed at 8:30!

Including ME!

Dad was in bed at 9:00!!

By 10:45 pm there was a party going on in the littles room!

Everyone was up, chatting, lights on and...

Ava was taking Luke to the bathroom!

Because... ya know she said...he wants to go to the bathroom...

Excuse me?

He wears diapers!

It was adorable but I was semi lacking my sense of humor due to fatigue!

I put them all back into bed and took the two newbies with us!

They slept between their Momma and Babba.

At 3:00am they woke up and stirred for an hour.

We did not offer anything other than more sleep.

I really can't do the BKF in the middle of the night thing- I would just be too unpleasant for the whole day!

They feel back asleep by 4:00 and we ALL woke up at 8:00!

Praise God for a good first night!

A very happy and tired Babba with his new son!

Both Abby and Luke like their new name cups!

(many of the children are accidentally calling Abby - Mia, I do still love that name- darn dog)

We have an appt for her on WEdnesday and we are watching them both closely. We may take her in earlier. Luke's appt is the following week but there is a good chance he will go in early, too. He has a deep cough but he only occasionally coughs and seems to feel well!

We have been home for 24 hours and so far so good!

Our expectations are low and our list of "to do's" is short!

We are being nice to ourselves!

Thank you for all your support throughout our journey!

I do plan to continue blogging!

Yay America!

Thank You Jesus!

Good Night Guangzhou!

2011-12-15T22:44:00.000-06:00

If I have time I will write words but the pictures speak for themselves!

Feeling so overwhelmingly GRATEFUL to our Dear God!

Thank you for your prayers, for your comments and words of encouragement- they have meant so much and have gotten us through our time away from home.

We will be back, I can feel it!

I am not sure for what reason BUT I know HE has further plans for us!

Praise HIM!

Please continue to pray us home!

God Bless You!

Our Day, CA, Answered Questions and Only 24 Hours Left!

2011-12-15T01:22:00.000-06:00

Thank you for your encouraging words!!

(keep 'em coming!)

It was so nice to wake up to so many wonderful comments!

I tried to answer some of your questions in this post- sorry if I missed a few!

We walked up Mt Baiyun!

With a stroller...

Yes we were the only ones with a stroller ;-)

There is a reason for that- it is not easy to push a stroller up a mountain!

I know... what were we thinking!

Of course, we got lots of looks!

As if to say "what are those americans thinking?"

We were going to ride the electric car but we bought the wrong ticket and then decided it was such a beautiful day- Let's walk!

I did not make her push the stroller the whole way up the mountain!

She just so happens to love pushing strollers!

We alternated pushing and having Abby walk a little.

Abby thought it was so incredibly unfair that Luke got to ride and she had to walk- a little!

This is supposed to be a look of exhaustion BUT she has too much energy to be tired!

Someone asked "How is Sarah doing in China?"

She is incredible!

It has really been a growing experience for her!

Playing with all the families has really helped her grow socially!

She is a little uncomfortable with her chinese. She has forgotten a lot and does bother her. Although she has said she only wants to get good in English and let her chinese go- we are not so sure we will do that?

We really aren't sure what we will do? It would be so wonderful for her to keep it and yet she is learning so much right now AND still has so much to learn. We are just not sure where the chinese language fits in to all of that?

She is really enjoying Abby and Luke and they adore their Jei Jei (big sister)!

It was much farther and harder to walk up the mountain (with a stroller) than we realized!

But great exercise!

It was so nice to take the gondola down!

This mountain and garden area are right in Guangzhou! Only a 20 minute drive from the hotel!

We bought the children each a toy! They were thrilled!

How do we like the China Hotel?

We like it a lot. The rooms are great- larger, the beds are more comfortable and they connect!! It is a big Hotel and the families are not near each other- which is too bad. The BKF is very good!

BUT

we do miss the island, a lot.

We have been back to it everyday!

You can take a taxi to the island for 20 RMB- it's worth it to us!

Here is the garden section of the park! It is beautiful!

The White Swan will open next October BUT it will no longer cater to adoption. The rooms will be larger and the hotel will be more for those who travel for business. We heard prices are going up significantly.

We had a great day!

Of course we would rather have been heading home but since that wasn't an option this worked out well...

I have heard from others in MN that we should just enjoy our time here because of the weather back home - it's COLD!

Do we talk to the children at home very often?

No, we do not.

I know some families skype all the time- we haven't at all.

We send emails back and forth. I know the children are counting down the days until we get home!

It has worked for us to do it this way so when something works we continue to do it! The children are doing so well at home and here- why upset anyone(including me) when they all are happy! Seeing us may make them miss us even more? I know it would make me miss them even more!

Can't wait to give them all a huge hug!!

FOR real- this has been our easiest adoption! Both Abby and Luke are easy kids! They are smart and go with the flow- it's been nice!

Once we get home I can see Luke getting into things- he's only 3yrs old and can be a little dickens sometimes! BUT I will have many watchful eyes!

Our children love tattling, I mean reporting!

The timing of our return flight is a little off. LAst time we flew straight out of GZ to LA and had an 10 hour layover- it was so perfect. Enough time to eat a burger and sleep 5 hours! It was perfect. We left at night and slept! ate in LA and slept some more! Arrived home feeling good.

This time we are flying to Beijing tomorrow night. Sleeping and then heading to Seattle in the morning. have a 4 hour layover and then to Mpls.

We are hoping the flight is not full so we can lay down! And we are praying that between movies and sleep our time will go by quickly...

We were at this park 3 years ago when Katie and I came to China to get Sarah.

The landscaping is beautiful! It is a serene walk around the grounds!

It's almost time to go home...

24 hours left- whew!

We had our CA this morning- it went well!

CA- stands for consulate appointment. We go to the US consulate say an oath for our children and apply for their visa to get into the USA. The Visa's are available about 34 hours later- once we get them in our hot little hand we are FREE to go!! WooHoooo!

I said no- for the first time to Luke today.

Huge crocodile tears welled up in his eyes.

Of coure then I needed to hug him- which was my pleasure!

One more post and we are so outta here!

Our Group in China and ALL I WANT FOR CHRISTMAS IS TO GO HOME!

2011-12-14T02:56:00.002-06:00

I am beginning to go completely batty! All I want is to hug my dear children at home, sleep in my own bed, sit on my own toilet and do laundry in my laundry room!

Well... and eat honey bunches of oats cereal, homeschool my dear children, pet my dogs, drive vanna -

in other words...

I just wanna be home!!

Hubby would love to go to work!

I would love him to go to work!

And we want to see these two new treasures in our home with all our other kiddos...

BUT, thinking of home and torturing ourselves is not a good idea...

Very few families are left now- most have gone.

It's killin me...

We had a great group!

Everyone was so so nice!

This is Brent, Kris and their darling daughter Hope!

They went with the regular program NSN and waited 6 years! This is their first child! She is beautiful and they are overjoyed!

The only problem is- we all all from different parts of the USA.
Chances of us getting together again are not good unless we all attend a CCAI function in Colorado?
Who knows? Maybe it will happen?

In the picture above are Suzy and Joe! Their two newbies are on each side of Dad! Sasha is on the right and she is 12 yrs old. Daniel in on the left and he is 11 yrs old.

Doug and Elise are bringing home Jack(20 months)!

Our Sarah(11) loved playing with Hannah(12) and Aaron(10)!

Here is Kendra and Kevin!

Lauren and Beth came with them to get their Mei mei!

They have 3 other girls at home!

Mark and Rosie are bringing home Lexi(2.5 yrs old)!
Big sis Mia(6) came with them and so did nephew Bobby (18)!

Maria and Tom adopted Maddy!! She is such a cute little peanut!

I think she is around 18 months old?

Paul and Kelly adopted Chloe! She just turned 3! Big sister Charis came too!

Kim is bringing home Josie(3).
Her hubby is at home with their other daughter- age 4!

Jody and Dani have Eli age 18 months. Lexi(9) and Emily(6) are the big sisters!

Lona and Bobby are bringing home the 2 boys- Levi and Luke! Both boys are 3 yrs old!

They also have a crew at home waiting for them!

And here we all are!-
Except for 2 families!

Nate and Jennifer with the new baby girl- Sarah Grace!
The three of them went to the Safari park with their other 2 children- Rose(10) and Wade(4).

If anyone is worried about me losing weight- worry no more!
I'm doin more than okay...
In fact I have developed a new hobby-
It's called eating to pass the time away or having one meal and then right away planning the next meal and well you get the picture!

Okay friends- I am faltering!

Please leave me a comment, email me, tell me something I didn't know?

What did you have for dinner last night, what are you having for breakfast, what are you doing today?
What do you want for Christmas?

Just don't leave me now!!!
Prayers are welcomed!

Guess Who We Saw Today!!

2011-12-12T22:41:00.000-06:00

We were so happy to meet up with Shonni, Kaylin and the two kids!!

As we were eating we were joined by Donna!!

It was so wonderful to have some time together!!

Then Donna had to leave... it was time for her to meet her new daughter!

Yay God! How very very exciting!!

After lunch the kids played at the park!

Noelani and Sarah were able to interact and play a little!

Clive enjoyed Jim- they are both going to love having a Daddy and siblings!!

They are very excited to get home and reunite with the rest of the family!

We strolled around the island and visited!

We loved spending the afternoon with them! They are so nice and have a great sense of humor!

I feel very blessed to have had this opportunity to meet up with them in China!

We have been going and going so we decided that tonight we needed to go to bed early... actually the children needed to go to bed early!

They had cozy baths and playtime in the tub!

This is the courtesy smile!

Thank you Luke!

We had dinner in the room! Luke wanted outta the tub fast when he saw the food!

Chinese Chicken Noodle soup hit the spot! They all loved it!

Hubby and I relaxed and visited!

After dinner the children watched a movie! At 8:00 the lights went out and Mr Luke and Miss Abby hit the hay! They were very happy to go to bed!

God is so Good!!

Safari Park!

2011-12-11T20:39:00.000-06:00

It was a beautiful day today!! 61 degrees and SUNNY!!
It was so nice to be outside with the children and other families!

In our opinion the Safari Park should be in the rotation during adoption trips!
One by one more families wanted to join us- we ended up with a nice size group and no one was disappointed! The animals are awesome, active and plentiful!

I was going to spare you my animal pics BUT how would you know what we saw if I didn't share at least some of them!
I know they can get boring but try to stay with me!

Abby and Luke LOVED seeing them!
I could never get a pic of their faces because I was always behind them.

If you are going to China in the future be sure to go to the Safari Park!
It is a little expensive but totally worth it!

Luke is getting a cough and cold. Along with his Momma and Babba.

Abby loved feeding the giraffe!

Luke liked watching everybody feed the giraffe!
He decided not to give it a try!

Sarah could have stayed there all day feeding them!

He liked the giraffes better from a little ways away!

Oh very funny Luke!

Luke is interested in everything! He is such a smart little boy!

Abby, too! Nothing gets by her! She wants to be part of everything!

Which is good quality in a big family!

Sweet sweet child!

All the kids that came to the Safari Park with us!

Inside that panda costume is a Chimpanzee!

Sarah volunteered to be part of the show!

She made the basket! Of course the monkey helped her!

She's a winner!

The kids loved watching the little show.
Since no one volunteered to kiss the monkey- Sarah raised her hand!

The people in the crowd were surprised when she ran up to us after the show!
They were surprised to she was adopted- she did such a great job!
It made my Mommy heart proud!

We had a GREAT day!

And as soon as we got back on the bus both Luke and Abby crashed!
They were exhausted!

We are looking forward to going home but it will still be awhile.
We have a later CA date- Thursday morning.
We get our Visas on Friday and high tail it outta here!
The big kids at home are really missing us and we are really missing them.
Praying the littles are doing okay. Can't wait to see them ALL!
Praise God!

Medical exams and ...

2011-12-11T07:20:00.000-06:00

The children had their medical exams done. Our two children surprised them just a bit. They had a couple different Docs come and listen to Luke. They determined that, yes his heart beat is irregular at times but felt he was doing very well.

We do plan to have him seen in MPLS- BUT we would also consider traveling to a doctor if that is what is best for him. Feel free to leave a recommendation in the comment section! We need a Pediatric cardiologist group- the best in the USA works for us!! Whoever that is?

We would love to take him close to home BUT I have gotten questionable vibes from the local group- they would not take the time to write a brief letter to help expedite his adoption and the Dr didn't even take the time to talk to us... hmmmm- not so sure they are the right group? Planning to bring him in and see- praying that God directs us!

When Abby had her medical exam they were very surprised at her diagnosis.
A couple different Docs came in to see her. He finally asked me how did they come up with this diagnosis and then I said- I have no clue, I was going to ask you that question.
He was not so sure that was a correct diagnosis, we are not either??? Her spleen and liver are enlarged. The one blood test had her Hgb as 2.86- so something is happening where she needs the transfusions BUT what is it??
I would love to hop on a plane now and go straight to the Dr and find out what is going on with our little Abigail Elizabeth?

I'm running into a little bit of trouble with the photo shoots!
One of my models is not cooperating!
As you can see Luke is shaking his head- NO more pictures!

He has been so good with it so far but I think my days of snapping away with him are numbered!
He will fit in perfectly with the big boys!
They often say- no pics mom!

Even Abby is not so interested in posing for me!

Thank goodness I still have Sarah! She'll smile for me!!
We ate at Lucy's! It felt good to be on the island!
It is just more peaceful and we can take a stroll down the parkway!

After lunch we played in the park.

I especially love this pic BECAUSE of the rays of sun shining down on Luke.
When my mother passed away the clouds broke and they son shined through- it was a blessed moment.
So when I can see the rays of sun, I know my mom is near!
Oh my, how she would love these treasures of ours!

The park worked out prefect after lunch!
It was different this time. No other newly adopted children were there- it felt like something was missing at the park

Luke talks a lot! It is adorable and he walks right up to us... like we are supposed to know what he is saying! We quickly call Sarah to our side to translate!
OR we pretend we know what he is saying and answer him back!
That actually works sometimes!
He talks in 3rd person, just like Elmo!
It is so cute!

After we left the island he said... "I didn't find my Momma and Babba..."
It was kind of sad...
But at the same time he is happy, active and doing so well!
He seems to like both of us and is enjoying Sarah and Abby.

At night we had a group dinner. These three had lots of fun together!
They didn't misbehave BUT then I'm not so sure they behaved either!
I think it was somewhere in between!

( I am so proud of Sarah and her social skills with other children. She just seems to blend in so well. We are happily surprised and very thankful for the confidence that she is gaining!)

We had four huge round tables and we had a lot of fun!
Almost everyone from our group was there!

Once again I will say, we have thee nicest group and we feel very blessed to be part of it!

Note to Gege's (big brothers)- he is not playing with a doll!
This is part of an electrical engineering test- her tail lights up!
Soooo, there's no need to worry!

And now he is doing a mathematical calculation- how many times can the hair ties go around the ponytail?
Serious stuff going on here!

Sweet Abby is doing so well!
She is such a blessing!

Thank you Jesus!

You may want to read the post below- I may have posted twice in one day?