Tuesday, December 8, 2009
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
Sarah's Words and Phrases
Most people who will read this know that I am an ESL teacher. Therefore, I am absolutely fascinated by the language development happening in my household presently.
Here are some of my favorite Sarah phrases - all in English!
1. That's enough - I wonder why she knows that?
2. I go outside
3. Nee sit down. (nee means you in Chinese)
4. Wash your body
5. Aaron did it
6. butter
7. cookie
8. candy
9. mine
10 No
11. No
12. No and
13. No!
14. Mommy
15. Daddy
16. color
17. Backpack
18. car
19. cat
20. woof
21. dog
Here are some of my favorite Sarah phrases - all in English!
1. That's enough - I wonder why she knows that?
2. I go outside
3. Nee sit down. (nee means you in Chinese)
4. Wash your body
5. Aaron did it
6. butter
7. cookie
8. candy
9. mine
10 No
11. No
12. No and
13. No!
14. Mommy
15. Daddy
16. color
17. Backpack
18. car
19. cat
20. woof
21. dog
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
Response to Comment
To the anonymous posted response that told me It wasn't God who brought Sarah to my life.
Who are you and what makes you think that God can't work through people. And no, the donations that were given were all by Christians following God's lead. Not one nonchristian gave to her adoption. The God loving and following Christians gave small amounts that they were led to give and we were given so much more than we needed.
Who else can know all the ins and outs of what was needed for our family but God. Who else could have put the timing together like it was. Who else could have knitted together our family in a time span that allowed me to be okay with all of this.
My strength comes from God, alone. Left to my own devices I could not mother or have the strength to mother these children. Yes, Miracles do happen and they have happened more than once in my life and are key markers that God is real, God cares, and he is active in our lives. He would like to be active in your life as well, all you have to do is admit that you have fallen short and can't live without him. Believe that Jesus is God's son and that he came to die for you because he loves us more than anyone ever could. And then choose to believe and have faith. Choose to learn and follow his lead.
I love my family and friends, but I must say that nothing they could have done would have gotten us to China if God wasn't with us.
Who are you and what makes you think that God can't work through people. And no, the donations that were given were all by Christians following God's lead. Not one nonchristian gave to her adoption. The God loving and following Christians gave small amounts that they were led to give and we were given so much more than we needed.
Who else can know all the ins and outs of what was needed for our family but God. Who else could have put the timing together like it was. Who else could have knitted together our family in a time span that allowed me to be okay with all of this.
My strength comes from God, alone. Left to my own devices I could not mother or have the strength to mother these children. Yes, Miracles do happen and they have happened more than once in my life and are key markers that God is real, God cares, and he is active in our lives. He would like to be active in your life as well, all you have to do is admit that you have fallen short and can't live without him. Believe that Jesus is God's son and that he came to die for you because he loves us more than anyone ever could. And then choose to believe and have faith. Choose to learn and follow his lead.
I love my family and friends, but I must say that nothing they could have done would have gotten us to China if God wasn't with us.
Saturday, October 17, 2009
A Not So Little Miracle
During the course of adopting Sarah, we experienced many little miracles. However, in the midst of working to get her, life was too tumultous to sit and ponder these amazing showings of splendor made by our Creator.
One of them was gathering the money we needed to travel. Anyone who knows me well understands that I worry all the time about money. This is a constant struggle for me and, as usual, I didn't feel monetarily prepared for Sarah.
We needed to take 7,000.00 U.S. currency with us to make our donation to her Chinese Orphanage and to pay all the fees we would need while in China. This was quite a bit more than we had available. At the very beginning, I told Nathan that we couldn't get her without that money and I wasn't putting it on a credit card. Even so, without the money, we stepped out in faith and started our preparation to get our youngest.
We wrote friends and family requesting prayer and a donation if possible. We hoped for something to help us along, and we waited prayerfully and, yes, sometimes panic striken at the thought that we had committed to going to China without all the funds in place. I hoped to just make it to China with enough to survive and get back home safely.
Funds began to trickle in little by little. I kept a running saga in my head of different ways we could scrounge out the money if we needed to, but none of my schemes were needed. Our family and friends honored God with their donations to little Sarah. Finally, 24 hours before our departure date we had 7,600 in our Sarah account! That was 600 more than was needed and gave us a buffer of comfort in case we ran into unexpected expenses. In addition to that we somehow managed to find a little more money for buying gifts. I am still in awe thinking about how the money came together when it was impossible for us to do on our own.
The amount God gave us /was generous and the timing was perfect. God said he would not forsake his people. He remembered our family's dream and He brought a forgotten child half way around the world to a new family who had been longing for a little girl for years.
One of them was gathering the money we needed to travel. Anyone who knows me well understands that I worry all the time about money. This is a constant struggle for me and, as usual, I didn't feel monetarily prepared for Sarah.
We needed to take 7,000.00 U.S. currency with us to make our donation to her Chinese Orphanage and to pay all the fees we would need while in China. This was quite a bit more than we had available. At the very beginning, I told Nathan that we couldn't get her without that money and I wasn't putting it on a credit card. Even so, without the money, we stepped out in faith and started our preparation to get our youngest.
We wrote friends and family requesting prayer and a donation if possible. We hoped for something to help us along, and we waited prayerfully and, yes, sometimes panic striken at the thought that we had committed to going to China without all the funds in place. I hoped to just make it to China with enough to survive and get back home safely.
Funds began to trickle in little by little. I kept a running saga in my head of different ways we could scrounge out the money if we needed to, but none of my schemes were needed. Our family and friends honored God with their donations to little Sarah. Finally, 24 hours before our departure date we had 7,600 in our Sarah account! That was 600 more than was needed and gave us a buffer of comfort in case we ran into unexpected expenses. In addition to that we somehow managed to find a little more money for buying gifts. I am still in awe thinking about how the money came together when it was impossible for us to do on our own.
The amount God gave us /was generous and the timing was perfect. God said he would not forsake his people. He remembered our family's dream and He brought a forgotten child half way around the world to a new family who had been longing for a little girl for years.
One month later....
Sept 15 was gotcha day. Now we are a month away from that momentous occasion that changed 5 lives - definitely for the better!
Our days have been crazy, tumultous and exhausting in general. I have had many good intentions to write our successes and trials, but have been overwhelmed by the needs of three children and no time left for anything.
Sarah, I believe is adjusting well to life in the U.S. She has learned several words in English. These include dinosaur, circle, flower, giraffe, sit down, and her favorite - no. She combines this word with her brother's names frequently. She loves to play with her dolls and organize her favorite things. She lovingly takes care of her clothes and thankfully has gotten used to the dogs. She even kissed Harriet's nose last night.
She transitioned well to day care, thankfully and we are now in our second week of regular schedule. Which is all too hurried for me, but Thanksgiving and Christmas are just around the corner. I will persevere
Isaac has certainly has mastered the role as big brother to her. I found him teaching her about legos Friday evening and he loves to help her get into her car seat.
Aaron - He is not adjusting so well and needs prayer. He is struggling in school and at home with authority and personal responsibility.
As for the parents, we see each other in passing. And now that I have made the jump from car to minivan, our car rides are much calmer. Each child now has personal space again, whew!
Our days have been crazy, tumultous and exhausting in general. I have had many good intentions to write our successes and trials, but have been overwhelmed by the needs of three children and no time left for anything.
Sarah, I believe is adjusting well to life in the U.S. She has learned several words in English. These include dinosaur, circle, flower, giraffe, sit down, and her favorite - no. She combines this word with her brother's names frequently. She loves to play with her dolls and organize her favorite things. She lovingly takes care of her clothes and thankfully has gotten used to the dogs. She even kissed Harriet's nose last night.
She transitioned well to day care, thankfully and we are now in our second week of regular schedule. Which is all too hurried for me, but Thanksgiving and Christmas are just around the corner. I will persevere
Isaac has certainly has mastered the role as big brother to her. I found him teaching her about legos Friday evening and he loves to help her get into her car seat.
Aaron - He is not adjusting so well and needs prayer. He is struggling in school and at home with authority and personal responsibility.
As for the parents, we see each other in passing. And now that I have made the jump from car to minivan, our car rides are much calmer. Each child now has personal space again, whew!
Saturday, September 26, 2009
A Story of Church in China
At church each Sunday, we go to worship and sing our praises to God. Driving the easy 5 minutes to church, sometimes with screaming kids doesn’t always put me in the mood to worship. But it should. In the U.S. there is literally a church on every corner and any denomination may profess their faith in their own unique way.
China has as many Christians as the U.S. just based on size alone, but they can’t choose a church. If they want to worship legally they must attend a church ran by an atheist government official. A government official literally sits in the service to make sure Jesus isn't elevated above the state. The Government is tolerant of internationals worshipping in their own way, however. Sunday morning in Beijing, the adopting families showed our passports to get into the Beijing International Christian Church. It was a mega church with many different services. Due to schedule, we woke up early and went to a smaller service. We entered a small auditorium and the power of God hit me square in my chest.
In this room alone, there were approximately two hundred foreigners in Beijing worshiping the Creator of the Universe. Race, creed, ethnicity were all meshed together and Christians were raising their voices in praise.
The song “Our God, Is an Awesome God” took on new meaning as I my eyes took in a room where every color in the world was represented and believing in Christ’s sacrifice.
After all I have lived and struggled through in my Christian walk, nothing came close to showing me God’s real size and strength as seeing people half way across the world lift up their hands to praise The One True God, twelve hours before my own home church service even began for the week.
Remember to Pray for the churches in China and for the Christians as they live their lives for Jesus.
China has as many Christians as the U.S. just based on size alone, but they can’t choose a church. If they want to worship legally they must attend a church ran by an atheist government official. A government official literally sits in the service to make sure Jesus isn't elevated above the state. The Government is tolerant of internationals worshipping in their own way, however. Sunday morning in Beijing, the adopting families showed our passports to get into the Beijing International Christian Church. It was a mega church with many different services. Due to schedule, we woke up early and went to a smaller service. We entered a small auditorium and the power of God hit me square in my chest.
In this room alone, there were approximately two hundred foreigners in Beijing worshiping the Creator of the Universe. Race, creed, ethnicity were all meshed together and Christians were raising their voices in praise.
The song “Our God, Is an Awesome God” took on new meaning as I my eyes took in a room where every color in the world was represented and believing in Christ’s sacrifice.
After all I have lived and struggled through in my Christian walk, nothing came close to showing me God’s real size and strength as seeing people half way across the world lift up their hands to praise The One True God, twelve hours before my own home church service even began for the week.
Remember to Pray for the churches in China and for the Christians as they live their lives for Jesus.
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
Becoming a Stevens
Sarah is becoming more and more like a Stevens each and every day. I can see her trust in us grow each day by way of her demeanor, talkativeness and willingness to try English words.
Today I went to run an errand at the back of the hotel lobby while Nathan showed her ivory carvings in the front cases. As I rounded the corner to find them, she saw me and began to tug on Nathan’s arm yelling Mama in her exuberantly loud voice. She broke from him and came running to me with great delight – giggles and all. I picked her up and she wrapped her arms around me and held me like I was the best person in the whole world.
She also makes her wishes known a little more often and is more relaxed. This morning she climbed on my lap spontaneously. She also gets very excited about our daily routines, especially if they involve some type of personal grooming for her.
She still carries her backpack around all the time and still stuffs it full of what is important to her. Mostly this includes wipes, hair clips, her tiger (our pictures are in the LCD screen on its belly), pullups, clothing, socks, and recently used napkins. In looking at the list, all these items are things we have given her to keep her clean or take care of her. At night and during nap, the backpack and her socks and shoes come off and are laid next to her in a neat and orderly fashion. She is very proud of her abilities to organize her things, open the hotel room door with the key (Daddy and Mommy can never get it to work) and clothes folding. I can’t wait to get her to help me tackle my continous laundry pile problem.
Today I went to run an errand at the back of the hotel lobby while Nathan showed her ivory carvings in the front cases. As I rounded the corner to find them, she saw me and began to tug on Nathan’s arm yelling Mama in her exuberantly loud voice. She broke from him and came running to me with great delight – giggles and all. I picked her up and she wrapped her arms around me and held me like I was the best person in the whole world.
She also makes her wishes known a little more often and is more relaxed. This morning she climbed on my lap spontaneously. She also gets very excited about our daily routines, especially if they involve some type of personal grooming for her.
She still carries her backpack around all the time and still stuffs it full of what is important to her. Mostly this includes wipes, hair clips, her tiger (our pictures are in the LCD screen on its belly), pullups, clothing, socks, and recently used napkins. In looking at the list, all these items are things we have given her to keep her clean or take care of her. At night and during nap, the backpack and her socks and shoes come off and are laid next to her in a neat and orderly fashion. She is very proud of her abilities to organize her things, open the hotel room door with the key (Daddy and Mommy can never get it to work) and clothes folding. I can’t wait to get her to help me tackle my continous laundry pile problem.
Visa Prayers Answered
All info arrived and Sarah was able to get her Visa. Nathan spent all night Monday night making calls back to the US.
Monday, September 21, 2009
Please Pray
We have just found out the the National Visa Center has not completed uploading our visa information yet and sent it to the Consulate. We are supposed to get Sarah's visa this time tomorrow. Please continue to pray that this will get done and we will be able to leave Wednesday evening with the rest of the group for Hong Kong and then home Thursday morning. Nathan will be on the phone again tonight trying to make contact with the National Visa Center and possibly our senator and representatives. He will have approximately 12 hours to make calls before our visa appt tomorrow morning. Thank you for your continued prayers. We have met so many wonderful people with amazing stories on this trip and have seen how God works we have confidence that amazing things can happen.Angela
Saturday, September 19, 2009
On the Road in Guangzhou China
Guangzhou
We’ve come a long way – literally. From Dallas to Beijing, Wuhan and now Guangzhou. This city has something like 30,000,000 people living here. It is huge, but has many international foods, so tonight we will eat Italian. Tomorrow, German cuisine. Our hotel is on the 32nd floor and the hotel restaurant is on the 45th floor. I don’t think I have ever been this high up, perhaps with the exception of a 10 minute stint on the Empire State Building.
Our first stop today was to the medical office for Sarah’s mandatory health examination. This place consisted of two large waiting rooms and small cubicles with medical people wearing white coats and face masks. Very charming. We were the first group of adoptive parents to arrive and got the best waiting room. Within 15 minutes after our arrival, everyone else showed up. Over 100 families and their adoptive children were waiting for the same health exam that we needed to do.
We met several other Americans with their new loved ones. One family was on their third special needs adoption to China! All together they have 6 children. It was crowded, loud, and chaotic. Sarah sat glassy eyed on my lap during most of the visit. I am beginning to notice that this is her stressed state. We saw it last night leaving Wuhan as well. Today she held her things just a little tighter.
The Dr. looked her over and told us exactly what we could see. She has Spina Bifida, all right. The looked in her ears and throat and then gave her a TB test. I had geared myself up for a very unhappy Sarah during the TB test, but I was surprised. It was explained to her, she held her arm out, looked at it happening and then got a piece of candy. Not one tear leaked from her eye. The next boy screamed so loud people were holding their ears. We have to go back on Monday to get the test looked at and clear her to leave China.
On the NVC front, we have been told people are working on getting info to the US Consulate. We can’t contact them again until our Monday night, so we do not know where our paperwork is, exactly. Thank you for remembering us in your prayers.
We’ve come a long way – literally. From Dallas to Beijing, Wuhan and now Guangzhou. This city has something like 30,000,000 people living here. It is huge, but has many international foods, so tonight we will eat Italian. Tomorrow, German cuisine. Our hotel is on the 32nd floor and the hotel restaurant is on the 45th floor. I don’t think I have ever been this high up, perhaps with the exception of a 10 minute stint on the Empire State Building.
Our first stop today was to the medical office for Sarah’s mandatory health examination. This place consisted of two large waiting rooms and small cubicles with medical people wearing white coats and face masks. Very charming. We were the first group of adoptive parents to arrive and got the best waiting room. Within 15 minutes after our arrival, everyone else showed up. Over 100 families and their adoptive children were waiting for the same health exam that we needed to do.
We met several other Americans with their new loved ones. One family was on their third special needs adoption to China! All together they have 6 children. It was crowded, loud, and chaotic. Sarah sat glassy eyed on my lap during most of the visit. I am beginning to notice that this is her stressed state. We saw it last night leaving Wuhan as well. Today she held her things just a little tighter.
The Dr. looked her over and told us exactly what we could see. She has Spina Bifida, all right. The looked in her ears and throat and then gave her a TB test. I had geared myself up for a very unhappy Sarah during the TB test, but I was surprised. It was explained to her, she held her arm out, looked at it happening and then got a piece of candy. Not one tear leaked from her eye. The next boy screamed so loud people were holding their ears. We have to go back on Monday to get the test looked at and clear her to leave China.
On the NVC front, we have been told people are working on getting info to the US Consulate. We can’t contact them again until our Monday night, so we do not know where our paperwork is, exactly. Thank you for remembering us in your prayers.
God Is Answering Your Prayers
The right info is at the National Visa Center in Washington. Pray that it gets processed and that the US Consulate in Guangzhou will have access to the info on Tuesday when Angela and Nathan take Sarah to get her US Visa. The Dallas Visa Office did not pass the new family study info along to the National Center when it was suppose to send it. This was the US Officials dropping the ball. Everything in China has worked well. They are now in Guangzhou. They have joined the other families going through the same process. Yesterday they took Sarah for her medical exam. They will all travel to Hong Kong from Guangzhou by bus on Wednesday. They are scheduled to leave Hong Kong on Thursday. Thank you for your prayers.
Thursday, September 17, 2009
Pray for Angela and Nathan
Pray for Angela and Nathan. Some paper work is missing at the visa office. They had an update to their home study by the social worker that changed the age of the child that they could adopt. It was all approved but did not make it to the visa office. This puts Sarah's visa in doubt. They will be calling people in the US from China all day tomorrow. Pray that they get through maze of phone machines and connect with the right people. Pray that someone will walk the paper work through so Sarah can get her visa when they reach Hong Kong on Wednesday.
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
Three Strange Sights
One
Driving back from a beautiful display of Chinese music, the guide and driver began talking excitedly in Mandarin. They were laughing, pointing, and in general had a surprised expression.
When our guide noticed all the Americans in the car trying to figure out where the excitement was she pointed to the SUV less than two inches from our van (I am not exaggerating about the two inches)
“A Monk”, she said. Evidently not only is it odd to see a Buddhist monk driving, but very odd to see one driving a brand new Porsche Cayenne. Evidently, there are “Kenneth Copelands” in China.
Two
We have seen few animals. We were told this is because people must obtain a license for all pets and so they keep them inside until after the dog catchers has completed their work for the day. We have seen a couple small dauschounds and Lasa Apsas and one scraggly cat, but yesterday we saw a full blooded German Shepherd. I would hate to pick up the poop for that dog in a city like this.
Three
We were the strange sight this time. We went to the grocery store and after a week of not seeing any children out and about, all of a sudden there were lots of school age children all headed the opposite direction as us. We commented that there must be a school close by and we were right and school had just let out for the day. Suddenly there was a massive wave of excited 7-10 year olds all shouting and pointing our direction. I think we were the first Caucasians they might have ever seen up close, or maybe it was the red hair.
Everywhere people stare at us, but this just about caused a riot.
One
Driving back from a beautiful display of Chinese music, the guide and driver began talking excitedly in Mandarin. They were laughing, pointing, and in general had a surprised expression.
When our guide noticed all the Americans in the car trying to figure out where the excitement was she pointed to the SUV less than two inches from our van (I am not exaggerating about the two inches)
“A Monk”, she said. Evidently not only is it odd to see a Buddhist monk driving, but very odd to see one driving a brand new Porsche Cayenne. Evidently, there are “Kenneth Copelands” in China.
Two
We have seen few animals. We were told this is because people must obtain a license for all pets and so they keep them inside until after the dog catchers has completed their work for the day. We have seen a couple small dauschounds and Lasa Apsas and one scraggly cat, but yesterday we saw a full blooded German Shepherd. I would hate to pick up the poop for that dog in a city like this.
Three
We were the strange sight this time. We went to the grocery store and after a week of not seeing any children out and about, all of a sudden there were lots of school age children all headed the opposite direction as us. We commented that there must be a school close by and we were right and school had just let out for the day. Suddenly there was a massive wave of excited 7-10 year olds all shouting and pointing our direction. I think we were the first Caucasians they might have ever seen up close, or maybe it was the red hair.
Everywhere people stare at us, but this just about caused a riot.
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
Sarah’s First Shopping Trip
The best part of the trip so far was today. When we got Sarah she had a backpack, but the inside was definitely not full. Mostly the backpack held the things we sent to China for her and a couple diapers. We were also told not to bring too many items for her, so halfway through today, she was out of clothes. So, today after paperwork and an interview with Chinese officials we went shopping. Awesome!
By ourselves, just the three of us, we trekked down to a city shopping area in Wuhan. Wuhan is about the size of NYC and every bit as interesting. We had trouble finding stores for children at first, but when we did the price was right! Macy type items for 15 dollars and the smaller stores were less. Plus, if you hesitate, the sales lady will take off more money! At times, I had to use Sarah as a prop and once the sales lady actually took the pants off her and put new ones on before I had time to process what was going on. I had to act everything out that I wanted and we got stares from everywhere.
Going to buy Sarah her very first personal possessions was thrilling. Getting to ask a child that has never had her own piece of clothing which dress she likes best is so much fun. I felt like Daddy Warbucks.
We bought bows for her hair, socks, dresses and pants and a new pair of shoes. When we got back to the hotel we pulled out the extra suitcase and packed it with her things. She folded and laid them in carefully and then took them out again. She put all her socks and hair bows out of the suitcase and put them in her backpack and then she moved them all around again.
Right now, she is lying on her palette with all her things surrounding her head. She wants to see all of them so she feels comfortable. It is incredibly cute.
Backpack update: Now she will take it off to sleep, but must have it in eyesight. She also allowed it to sit beside her in the car and in the back of her shopping buggy
The best part of the trip so far was today. When we got Sarah she had a backpack, but the inside was definitely not full. Mostly the backpack held the things we sent to China for her and a couple diapers. We were also told not to bring too many items for her, so halfway through today, she was out of clothes. So, today after paperwork and an interview with Chinese officials we went shopping. Awesome!
By ourselves, just the three of us, we trekked down to a city shopping area in Wuhan. Wuhan is about the size of NYC and every bit as interesting. We had trouble finding stores for children at first, but when we did the price was right! Macy type items for 15 dollars and the smaller stores were less. Plus, if you hesitate, the sales lady will take off more money! At times, I had to use Sarah as a prop and once the sales lady actually took the pants off her and put new ones on before I had time to process what was going on. I had to act everything out that I wanted and we got stares from everywhere.
Going to buy Sarah her very first personal possessions was thrilling. Getting to ask a child that has never had her own piece of clothing which dress she likes best is so much fun. I felt like Daddy Warbucks.
We bought bows for her hair, socks, dresses and pants and a new pair of shoes. When we got back to the hotel we pulled out the extra suitcase and packed it with her things. She folded and laid them in carefully and then took them out again. She put all her socks and hair bows out of the suitcase and put them in her backpack and then she moved them all around again.
Right now, she is lying on her palette with all her things surrounding her head. She wants to see all of them so she feels comfortable. It is incredibly cute.
Backpack update: Now she will take it off to sleep, but must have it in eyesight. She also allowed it to sit beside her in the car and in the back of her shopping buggy
Sunday, September 13, 2009
Gotcha Day
At home it is 2:20 in the afternoon, but I write at 3:20am. Two nights ago, I managed 8 hours of sleep for the first time since last Tuesday. This Monday morning I am happy for the 5 I squeezed out.
Today is Gotcha Day. In two hours we meet in the lobby and travel with the group to the airport. From there we travel with one other couple to Wuhan, the capital of Hubei. We will stay there during the first several days of meeting Sarah and getting the paperwork completed. Hubei is a province of many lakes, rivers and thriving business. It has been termed the New Business Center of China because of easy river access. Many items are manufactured there.
I don’t think words describe the river of feelings raging inside me. I miss my boys terribly and we are at a journey’s end that I have longed for many years. We are also at a beginning that I can’t imagine life without, but must admit that I am nervous to say the least.
If I were Chinese, I might name today something like The Sacred and Uplifted Day where Hearts Spill over for Love and Glory. I am sure it would look much better in Chinese characters, but I hope the words can grasp some of my thoughts.
At home it is 2:20 in the afternoon, but I write at 3:20am. Two nights ago, I managed 8 hours of sleep for the first time since last Tuesday. This Monday morning I am happy for the 5 I squeezed out.
Today is Gotcha Day. In two hours we meet in the lobby and travel with the group to the airport. From there we travel with one other couple to Wuhan, the capital of Hubei. We will stay there during the first several days of meeting Sarah and getting the paperwork completed. Hubei is a province of many lakes, rivers and thriving business. It has been termed the New Business Center of China because of easy river access. Many items are manufactured there.
I don’t think words describe the river of feelings raging inside me. I miss my boys terribly and we are at a journey’s end that I have longed for many years. We are also at a beginning that I can’t imagine life without, but must admit that I am nervous to say the least.
If I were Chinese, I might name today something like The Sacred and Uplifted Day where Hearts Spill over for Love and Glory. I am sure it would look much better in Chinese characters, but I hope the words can grasp some of my thoughts.
Overload
Yesterday, Saturday, was our first full day in China. Our Guides said they wanted us exhausted by the end of the day, and they succeeded. In one day, we visited the Summer Palace, the Great Wall, a Jade Factory and had two Westernized Chinese meals.
Being this busy has made the wait for our new bao, bao easier. We have taken a lot of pictures, and video and have done a lot of oohing and awing over things I never thought I would have seen.
The group we are traveling with is very kind and our Guides are gracious and teaching us all the time about Chinese culture and history. One of our Guides said she learned our National Anthem in school and then sang it to us in Chinese.
Today we go to a church service and continue to see everything we can. BTW, for all those out there who bemoan our traffic. You should try Beijing in a bus.
Yesterday, Saturday, was our first full day in China. Our Guides said they wanted us exhausted by the end of the day, and they succeeded. In one day, we visited the Summer Palace, the Great Wall, a Jade Factory and had two Westernized Chinese meals.
Being this busy has made the wait for our new bao, bao easier. We have taken a lot of pictures, and video and have done a lot of oohing and awing over things I never thought I would have seen.
The group we are traveling with is very kind and our Guides are gracious and teaching us all the time about Chinese culture and history. One of our Guides said she learned our National Anthem in school and then sang it to us in Chinese.
Today we go to a church service and continue to see everything we can. BTW, for all those out there who bemoan our traffic. You should try Beijing in a bus.
Thursday, September 10, 2009
Let It Begin!
Right now, 6:31am, I feel like the hamster mixed with the cat in BOLT the Movie. The hamster sits on top of a free fall drop to the top of the train and is ready to plunge into the unknown. But the cat is desperately trying to get back to safety. That is how I feel today. I know it is a bit of a juxtaposition, but hey I'm a female and my complexities are numerous!
We have already met one family traveling with us to Beijing. They are taking their first adopted child with them and it has made me miss my children all the more. Last night, I handed them off to Papa and got the hugs and kisses I needed for the night, but this morning seems hollow. What a void they leave when not around. Last night, Aaron hugged me so tight. His little arms round my neck and he told me that we wouldn't be too far apart. Isaac, my ever practical child was giving me pointers on what to do when I got sick, like this was inevitable.
The next two/three days will be in Beijing. I am hoping to post lots of picks.
Thanks for remembering us this next two weeks.
We have already met one family traveling with us to Beijing. They are taking their first adopted child with them and it has made me miss my children all the more. Last night, I handed them off to Papa and got the hugs and kisses I needed for the night, but this morning seems hollow. What a void they leave when not around. Last night, Aaron hugged me so tight. His little arms round my neck and he told me that we wouldn't be too far apart. Isaac, my ever practical child was giving me pointers on what to do when I got sick, like this was inevitable.
The next two/three days will be in Beijing. I am hoping to post lots of picks.
Thanks for remembering us this next two weeks.
Monday, August 24, 2009
A Smooth Transition
The title says it all. We did about as good today as we possibly could. We made it to school with all pertinent supplies, lunches and bags. I managed to oversee lunches being made last night and tonight. I am ignoring the fact that there is only dairy products in Aaron's lunch. He made it himself and that is a first step!
Actually, the six year old has been displaying a shocking amount of independence lately. He announced to the nurse that he didn't need her help to use the restroom today and he barely waved at me when we passed each other in the halls. I was very proud.
Isaac loves his teachers and was excited about them last week. My favorite line from his school beginnings this year was as follows:
"Isaac, do you want to know who your teachers are?"
"Yeah, Yeah, Yeah, (panting like a dog in expectation)
"Well," I said..."I'm not going to tell you"
"GRRRRRR" Hee, Hee. I love teasing the boy.
"Okay, It is Mrs. Shackleford"
" Yippee, Yes!"
"Do you know who that is?"
"No"
I gotta love the optimism. His low point was finding out that he will be the only 4th grade class in the old wing and therefore will not have lockers. Sadness!
As for the adoption. We are again waiting. The referral has been sent to China with our approval signed on it and we are waiting. Did I mention, we are waiting.... Anyway, her room is finished. I love walking into it and seeing the girly curtains (Thank you Margaret), the purple walls and the quilt spread across her bed. Now all it needs is the little girl. The boys keep asking when we are going. I wish I knew for sure, but it will be soon. After all, the clock is ticking and it can't be long now. I am glad they are excited.
Actually, the six year old has been displaying a shocking amount of independence lately. He announced to the nurse that he didn't need her help to use the restroom today and he barely waved at me when we passed each other in the halls. I was very proud.
Isaac loves his teachers and was excited about them last week. My favorite line from his school beginnings this year was as follows:
"Isaac, do you want to know who your teachers are?"
"Yeah, Yeah, Yeah, (panting like a dog in expectation)
"Well," I said..."I'm not going to tell you"
"GRRRRRR" Hee, Hee. I love teasing the boy.
"Okay, It is Mrs. Shackleford"
" Yippee, Yes!"
"Do you know who that is?"
"No"
I gotta love the optimism. His low point was finding out that he will be the only 4th grade class in the old wing and therefore will not have lockers. Sadness!
As for the adoption. We are again waiting. The referral has been sent to China with our approval signed on it and we are waiting. Did I mention, we are waiting.... Anyway, her room is finished. I love walking into it and seeing the girly curtains (Thank you Margaret), the purple walls and the quilt spread across her bed. Now all it needs is the little girl. The boys keep asking when we are going. I wish I knew for sure, but it will be soon. After all, the clock is ticking and it can't be long now. I am glad they are excited.
Saturday, August 8, 2009
Bringing Sarah Home - The Journey
It has been almost 24 hours since Leah our social worker called us and told us that China had sent us the official referral. I am still in awe and processing the news. We expected the referral at the end of Sept and to travel in November sometime. But it seems that we will travel much sooner.
Now that we have the referral, pictures can be posted and information openly shared. We are literally 6 (maybe 8) weeks away from having three children. (As soon as I can find the pictures of her, I will post)
We have longed for her, hoped for her and worked for her. I wish we could say everything was perfect and we were completely ready to greet our new daughter. But what I want is not necessarily what needs to happen, so that all the glory of this experience can go to God. When all was working on the expected schedule of travel in Nov. the financial part of the plan seemed in line. We had time to make grant applications and get responses. I was confident that it would work and the money would be completely in place.
Today I am not so confident. I am clinging (by this I mean dangling by one hand hold to a precipice) to the the knowledge that God is in control and if this is our child, no earthly force will keep her from us. It is only a matter of God's timing and having the faith to let him work and not get in his way with my ego or pride.
If you read this please join with me in prayer for our little girl. Pray for the health of her kidneys and the finances to bring her home.
Now that we have the referral, pictures can be posted and information openly shared. We are literally 6 (maybe 8) weeks away from having three children. (As soon as I can find the pictures of her, I will post)
We have longed for her, hoped for her and worked for her. I wish we could say everything was perfect and we were completely ready to greet our new daughter. But what I want is not necessarily what needs to happen, so that all the glory of this experience can go to God. When all was working on the expected schedule of travel in Nov. the financial part of the plan seemed in line. We had time to make grant applications and get responses. I was confident that it would work and the money would be completely in place.
Today I am not so confident. I am clinging (by this I mean dangling by one hand hold to a precipice) to the the knowledge that God is in control and if this is our child, no earthly force will keep her from us. It is only a matter of God's timing and having the faith to let him work and not get in his way with my ego or pride.
If you read this please join with me in prayer for our little girl. Pray for the health of her kidneys and the finances to bring her home.
Good News on the Eye Patch Front
Last June, we were told that on top of our other daily medical duties we would need to get Aaron to wear an eye patch. A year later, many tantrums, bribery sessions and pleading explanations later we got word yesterday that Aaron's eye sight has gotten a little better.
The progress made him smile and made him proud of what he did. We are not out of the woods yet, however. We have until age 8 to get his eye as good as we can. We have been given extra duties this year to help our progress such as coloring in circles for 15 minutes a day and seeing the Dr. again in two months to see if we should start putting drops in his good eye to make it more blurry.
Anyway, I am ecstatic!
The progress made him smile and made him proud of what he did. We are not out of the woods yet, however. We have until age 8 to get his eye as good as we can. We have been given extra duties this year to help our progress such as coloring in circles for 15 minutes a day and seeing the Dr. again in two months to see if we should start putting drops in his good eye to make it more blurry.
Anyway, I am ecstatic!
Friday, July 31, 2009
Goodbye South Dakota
When I was riding in the back of the SUV toward SD, I had no idea what to expect. The last time I had been in the Black Hills I was 13, give or take a year. Anyway, I had forgotten how barren and ugly Nebraska is. As a child growing up in Missouri and close to the Kansas border, we would make fun of flat, boring Kansas. Well, Kansas is a Six Flags compared to Nebraska- with the exception of Carhenge. Who knows why someone built it, but there it was erected out of foreign and domestic cars and in Nebraska.
This vacation wasn't the restful slow crawl of our beach vacations. Each day this past week we were up and out of my Aunt and Uncle's home by 8:30 and on our way touring beautiful mountains known as the Black Hills. Pine trees stood straight and tall up the sides of hills. They stood in stark contrast to the walls of gray rock that towered above our heads. During our stay we marveled at the beauty and the cool weather around us. We played tourist to Mount Rushmore, Rapid City and Custer State Park.
The boys petted buffalo and wild donkeys. They raced up the sides of mountains and stood looking out over a cliff to a pristine lake below. We took in a dinner show and paddleboated. In all, we had great fun. We had a grand time,but wished that Nathan could be with us. He would have loved to climb a mountain with the boys, delighting in their shouts of "Hey mom, I am taking the dangerous way!" Their first time in a mountain environment.
I will soon post pics and video of all the granduer we saw in the Black Hills. Aaron got over his illness by the third day, and it was all up hill from there! Except, Nebraska - I can really do without Nebraska, maybe it was the miles and miles of ....corn.
This vacation wasn't the restful slow crawl of our beach vacations. Each day this past week we were up and out of my Aunt and Uncle's home by 8:30 and on our way touring beautiful mountains known as the Black Hills. Pine trees stood straight and tall up the sides of hills. They stood in stark contrast to the walls of gray rock that towered above our heads. During our stay we marveled at the beauty and the cool weather around us. We played tourist to Mount Rushmore, Rapid City and Custer State Park.
The boys petted buffalo and wild donkeys. They raced up the sides of mountains and stood looking out over a cliff to a pristine lake below. We took in a dinner show and paddleboated. In all, we had great fun. We had a grand time,but wished that Nathan could be with us. He would have loved to climb a mountain with the boys, delighting in their shouts of "Hey mom, I am taking the dangerous way!" Their first time in a mountain environment.
I will soon post pics and video of all the granduer we saw in the Black Hills. Aaron got over his illness by the third day, and it was all up hill from there! Except, Nebraska - I can really do without Nebraska, maybe it was the miles and miles of ....corn.
Saturday, July 25, 2009
A Tornado, A Rainbow and Bloody Noses - SD trip Part 1
Road trips are an adventure that as a child I did not necessarily enjoy, however now I feel the need to impart this joy to my children. With that in mind, I set off with my parents to South Dakota to see our Northern family.
Two days into the trip we have had two bloody noses, one fever, tornado sirens went off during dinner, we were caught in a hail storm and then God produced a beautiful double rainbow.
Aaron and Isaac have enjoyed the frequent stops at places like Carhenge, a SandHills area Museum and the Swedish heritage town, Lindsborg, Kansas where we saw beautiful Dala horses.
We have made it to South Dakota and everyone is no worse for the ware!
Two days into the trip we have had two bloody noses, one fever, tornado sirens went off during dinner, we were caught in a hail storm and then God produced a beautiful double rainbow.
Aaron and Isaac have enjoyed the frequent stops at places like Carhenge, a SandHills area Museum and the Swedish heritage town, Lindsborg, Kansas where we saw beautiful Dala horses.
We have made it to South Dakota and everyone is no worse for the ware!
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
The Journey Begins - Again
I have mentioned adoption in my posts before and some might remember us working concession stands a couple years ago to help fund our adoption of a little girl. In fact, in April of 2007 we sent our dossier to China and have been waiting ever since for something to happen.
This year it looked like our adoption dream was floating away from our grasp, but then suddenly the winds changed direction.
We have now accepted a referral for a child who is very similar to Aaron in need and is the most precious little three and 1/2 year old girl-ever. She has a big smile with a dimple in her cheek, loves the outdoors, loves music, hates vegetables and can be (according to her caregivers) obstinate at times.
Reading her bio was like reading about us.
We prayed vigorously for this child before the referral and I must admit, that I prayed vigorously for the doors to be closed if this wasn't the child for us. Over the last three weeks I have been astonished to see a door begin to close and then find it shoved open again - even wider than before. This is not to say I am not full of a heightened level of anxiousness. After all, we just found out that we are more than likely adding to our family in a record time of 4 months. Eek!
This whole process is very new to us and we are feeling it out as we go. But for everyone's info... In about 1-2 months we should recieve a preapproval that will state China feels we can proceed to the next level. Then we will receive referral agreement which is the official "Yes" and finally we will get travel plans. It is very possible we won't know til the month we travel when we go. The only real answers we have is that is usually takes 3-4 months.
In this time, please join us in prayer for our Sarah and her kidneys. Pray for us to have all three children stay healthy and pray that we will be wise in our decisions.
As news from China comes, I will post. As my emotions rise and fall and I struggle with all the things that I always struggle with, I will post. And as weird, unusual and amazing things happen to the Stevens clan, I will post.
I do have a total of 13 pictures of little Sarah, but they should not be posted until we have the referral. So until then....words will have to do.
This year it looked like our adoption dream was floating away from our grasp, but then suddenly the winds changed direction.
We have now accepted a referral for a child who is very similar to Aaron in need and is the most precious little three and 1/2 year old girl-ever. She has a big smile with a dimple in her cheek, loves the outdoors, loves music, hates vegetables and can be (according to her caregivers) obstinate at times.
Reading her bio was like reading about us.
We prayed vigorously for this child before the referral and I must admit, that I prayed vigorously for the doors to be closed if this wasn't the child for us. Over the last three weeks I have been astonished to see a door begin to close and then find it shoved open again - even wider than before. This is not to say I am not full of a heightened level of anxiousness. After all, we just found out that we are more than likely adding to our family in a record time of 4 months. Eek!
This whole process is very new to us and we are feeling it out as we go. But for everyone's info... In about 1-2 months we should recieve a preapproval that will state China feels we can proceed to the next level. Then we will receive referral agreement which is the official "Yes" and finally we will get travel plans. It is very possible we won't know til the month we travel when we go. The only real answers we have is that is usually takes 3-4 months.
In this time, please join us in prayer for our Sarah and her kidneys. Pray for us to have all three children stay healthy and pray that we will be wise in our decisions.
As news from China comes, I will post. As my emotions rise and fall and I struggle with all the things that I always struggle with, I will post. And as weird, unusual and amazing things happen to the Stevens clan, I will post.
I do have a total of 13 pictures of little Sarah, but they should not be posted until we have the referral. So until then....words will have to do.
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
If you Flush a Fish Down the Toilet
If a 4 year old fish dies in your house and you flush the fish down the toilet, then the toilet might get clogged and make a glug glug sound.
If your wife hears the sound and tells you in the car, then you might not remember later on to take care of the problem before the night time routine begins.
Then if you wait too late at night to make dinner when your wife is out, then you might have to deal with bathroom time and cook at the same time.
If you sit your littlest on the potty to go and then leave to grill some chicken then your littlest son might sit for a long time and decide to flush before he is finished.
If he flushes before he is finished then the toilet might overflow and you will hear screaming while you are trying to finish grilling the chicken.
If you hear screaming you might run to the bathroom to see your child standing in very unmentionable stuff, and you might tell him to get into the bathtub and wait until you clean up the mess. While you are working on cleaning up the mess, you might smell burning and realize that there is chicken on your grill.
When you realize your dinner is being burned beyond recognition, you might run to the grill and discover that one set of grilled chicken is now being chewed on by the dogs in the yard and that the breasts grilling are charred.
While you get the chicken off the grill to prevent a fire, you might hear something smash and break in the bathroom. You will hear your child say- Uh Oh. I'm sorry. It was an accident.
You will run into the bathroom to find that your youngest child has gotten thirsty and asked his older brother for orange juice.
The older brother will get o.j. for his sibling in a fragile glass and somehow bypass the remaining yuck on the floor and hand it to him while still in the tub.
Being in the tub and slippery, the glass will fall and break in the tub where your child is standing barefoot.
So now in a matter of a few short minutes, you have to clean yuckiness off a floor, glass out of a bathtub, safely transport your child to the other bathroom for a bath and you have lost your dinner.
When all this is done you will call your wife when she is on her way home and ask for Mountain Dew, Dr. Pepper and twinkies.
If your wife hears the sound and tells you in the car, then you might not remember later on to take care of the problem before the night time routine begins.
Then if you wait too late at night to make dinner when your wife is out, then you might have to deal with bathroom time and cook at the same time.
If you sit your littlest on the potty to go and then leave to grill some chicken then your littlest son might sit for a long time and decide to flush before he is finished.
If he flushes before he is finished then the toilet might overflow and you will hear screaming while you are trying to finish grilling the chicken.
If you hear screaming you might run to the bathroom to see your child standing in very unmentionable stuff, and you might tell him to get into the bathtub and wait until you clean up the mess. While you are working on cleaning up the mess, you might smell burning and realize that there is chicken on your grill.
When you realize your dinner is being burned beyond recognition, you might run to the grill and discover that one set of grilled chicken is now being chewed on by the dogs in the yard and that the breasts grilling are charred.
While you get the chicken off the grill to prevent a fire, you might hear something smash and break in the bathroom. You will hear your child say- Uh Oh. I'm sorry. It was an accident.
You will run into the bathroom to find that your youngest child has gotten thirsty and asked his older brother for orange juice.
The older brother will get o.j. for his sibling in a fragile glass and somehow bypass the remaining yuck on the floor and hand it to him while still in the tub.
Being in the tub and slippery, the glass will fall and break in the tub where your child is standing barefoot.
So now in a matter of a few short minutes, you have to clean yuckiness off a floor, glass out of a bathtub, safely transport your child to the other bathroom for a bath and you have lost your dinner.
When all this is done you will call your wife when she is on her way home and ask for Mountain Dew, Dr. Pepper and twinkies.
Thursday, June 18, 2009
Angry Cats
Aaron sits with his hand out calling the dog, Pete to him. Petey turns in circles and licks his lips in anticipation of a back rub. Aaron looks up at me while holding tight to his little pup, smiling and thinking. I can see the wheels turning behind my son's green eyes. At the same time, the pup's eyes are bulging out of his head, and I am worried that one might pop directly out from the pressure Aaron is applying to the dog's waist. Aaron looks down at the dog and then up at me. He announces that he knows why I like dogs and hate cats. Why, I ask. And then in his little honest voice he says it is because dogs are happy, while cats are always angry. Cats, it seems, just don't have a good attitude.
Well, I can't say it better than that. Cats don't look happy. Uppity and snooty and a little annoyed, but definitely not happy. Dogs, however, are loyal, true and will love you and be happy with you no matter what.
I love the reasoning of a child.
Well, I can't say it better than that. Cats don't look happy. Uppity and snooty and a little annoyed, but definitely not happy. Dogs, however, are loyal, true and will love you and be happy with you no matter what.
I love the reasoning of a child.
Friday, June 12, 2009
Our Cub Master Hard at Work
I couldn't resist taking these short videos of Nathan hard at work being the Cub Master. He has a lot of fun! At the end of the meeting all the boys moved up a rank and our littlest one received his first tiger handkerchief. Aaron was very proud of his new status.
Nathan is Now Master Mason
Thursday night, Nathan went through his third degree Master Mason ceremony. I, of course, could not be a part of it. However, at 8:45 the boys and I were encouraged to come back to the lodge to be presented with a family bible.
I don't know much about Mason life, but Nathan has several relatives that have been Masons. These include both grandfathers, uncles and at least one cousin. On hand last night were several of Nathan's Masonry involved friends and an uncle and a cousin. The cousin gave Nathan his grandfather's Mason ring during a ceremony and my dear husband cried. At least that is what I am told, I wasn't actually there to see it.
I am proud of my hubby for learning and memorizing what was necessary and taking the obligation. (again not sure what that means) I am also proud of him for keeping the tradition in his family. He is definitely a man of honor and the Masons seem to be an honorable group to belong to.
I don't know much about Mason life, but Nathan has several relatives that have been Masons. These include both grandfathers, uncles and at least one cousin. On hand last night were several of Nathan's Masonry involved friends and an uncle and a cousin. The cousin gave Nathan his grandfather's Mason ring during a ceremony and my dear husband cried. At least that is what I am told, I wasn't actually there to see it.
I am proud of my hubby for learning and memorizing what was necessary and taking the obligation. (again not sure what that means) I am also proud of him for keeping the tradition in his family. He is definitely a man of honor and the Masons seem to be an honorable group to belong to.
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
And the Littlest seems to be the Strongest
Today I finally broke due to my foot pain and allowed a Dr. to put a shot in each of my heels and then wrap them for a week. I have been denying that my feet pain me from morning til night for about a year now, but it has gone on too long. Knowing that a shot was imminent, I brought along moral support in the form of a burly grown man and two boys. I was hoping that I could squeeze the burly man's hand tightly and somehow distract myself from the stinging sensation and hot pain of the shot.
I sat in the examination chair and was lifted up and into position. We had all been debating whether or not I would go forward with the shot. I have this gargantuan fear of something sharp being jabbed into my flesh and then being injected with a foreign substance. The Dr. pronounced that we needed to just do it and not talk about it at all and it would be over quickly. Before I could even agree with him a drawer was open and a needle and syringe were being drawn out and filled with a medicinal concotion. Eek. I started to hyperventilate just a bit and asked Nathan to stand by my side.
Aaron could see what was about to happen and he immediately put his fingers in his ears. This is a true sign that he is stressed and worried about something. The needle was being prepped and Aaron's eyes were getting wider. Isaac, on the other hand, had not yet looked up from his DS. Aaron looked at me with searching worried eyes and then asked to leave the room. I didn't want him to feel any more trauma so out he went shutting the door behind him.
After he left, on of my hands grabbed Nathan's arm and the other one shielded my own eyes. My breathing turned ragged and I had to force myself to breath deeply through the shot. It was over quickly and probably wasn't as bad as my mind had made it(probably). I don't even think I screamed. I did however leave claw marks on my Hubby.
When it was done, Aaron knocked on the door and timidly entered the room. It was then that it struck me that I had panicked over two shots when this little boy - although not liking to see someone else's painful procedure - has been through a lot more with much less drama than I had just shown. I have held him during multiple CAT scans, VCUG's, sonograms, pricks with needles to arms, legs and head, 6 different surgeries and those don't count the routine prodding that he receives at each Dr's. visit.
Last night, when I came home and propped myself up on the couch. Aaron is the one who came to love on me and gently touch my bandaged feet. I got a lot of kisses and hugs from him last night.
I sat in the examination chair and was lifted up and into position. We had all been debating whether or not I would go forward with the shot. I have this gargantuan fear of something sharp being jabbed into my flesh and then being injected with a foreign substance. The Dr. pronounced that we needed to just do it and not talk about it at all and it would be over quickly. Before I could even agree with him a drawer was open and a needle and syringe were being drawn out and filled with a medicinal concotion. Eek. I started to hyperventilate just a bit and asked Nathan to stand by my side.
Aaron could see what was about to happen and he immediately put his fingers in his ears. This is a true sign that he is stressed and worried about something. The needle was being prepped and Aaron's eyes were getting wider. Isaac, on the other hand, had not yet looked up from his DS. Aaron looked at me with searching worried eyes and then asked to leave the room. I didn't want him to feel any more trauma so out he went shutting the door behind him.
After he left, on of my hands grabbed Nathan's arm and the other one shielded my own eyes. My breathing turned ragged and I had to force myself to breath deeply through the shot. It was over quickly and probably wasn't as bad as my mind had made it(probably). I don't even think I screamed. I did however leave claw marks on my Hubby.
When it was done, Aaron knocked on the door and timidly entered the room. It was then that it struck me that I had panicked over two shots when this little boy - although not liking to see someone else's painful procedure - has been through a lot more with much less drama than I had just shown. I have held him during multiple CAT scans, VCUG's, sonograms, pricks with needles to arms, legs and head, 6 different surgeries and those don't count the routine prodding that he receives at each Dr's. visit.
Last night, when I came home and propped myself up on the couch. Aaron is the one who came to love on me and gently touch my bandaged feet. I got a lot of kisses and hugs from him last night.
Monday, June 8, 2009
Aaron's New Endeavor
This afternoon Aaron began piano lessons. His little legs dangled off the bench as his teacher taught him about the piano. He was so adorable sitting up straight in the L shape and listening with rapt attention. When the lesson was over he told me all about how to hold his hand. He immediately wanted to go home and practice. Will my children be the next Jonas Brothers? Anything is possible.
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
Little Surprises
I sat on the couch putting on my shoes this morning when a nine year old bounded in the room and plopped himself down on my knees. Two gangly arms locked themselves around my neck, and he gave me a hug that would melt any mother's heart. A "secret"*** kiss followed and an I love you, Mom.
AAAHHHH! How sweet the love of a child! Just the night before the other boy cuddled up next to me and gave me a big smooch on the cheek during the middle of story book time. He smiled a little smile and smushed himself up under my arm, promptly falling asleep.
The thought makes me happy :-)
***Secret kiss denotes the order of where your face gets kissed first, second, third and so on...In this day and age I felt I better explain that.
AAAHHHH! How sweet the love of a child! Just the night before the other boy cuddled up next to me and gave me a big smooch on the cheek during the middle of story book time. He smiled a little smile and smushed himself up under my arm, promptly falling asleep.
The thought makes me happy :-)
***Secret kiss denotes the order of where your face gets kissed first, second, third and so on...In this day and age I felt I better explain that.
Friday, May 22, 2009
NEWS IN SHORT
- Only 4 weeks left of domestic adoption training
- Only 2 weeks left of school
- Nathan and I both got A's in our respective Grad courses
- Nathan is no longer driving a bus to supplement income (hmmm....I wonder why that happened....check older blogs)
- Nathan will be taking a whopping 9 grad hours this summer - bye, bye Nathan...see you in Sept.
And Finally the Best News.....
- Our concurrent Chinese adoption has made a small amount of progress. Our dossier has been approved and our folder moved to a different desk to wait for .....well, we don't know how long...but at least it has moved desks.
Sunday, May 17, 2009
Spring Piano Recital
I must say that I am full of pride when I watch Isaac play the piano. He practices and it does show! I wish I had practiced growing up like he does. As I watch him bow on the stage, I imagine the doors that will be open to him because he can play an instrument.
He performed flawlessly and earned his Scale Medal for memorizing all his scales and playing them in a certain amount of time.
He performed flawlessly and earned his Scale Medal for memorizing all his scales and playing them in a certain amount of time.
Sunday, May 3, 2009
Meet Spike and Spaz
About two weeks ago, I checked my email and found, mixed in with the SPAM, a request for a happy home for two guinea pigs: cage and all included. Aaron has been asking for some sort of rodent since before Christmas and I have held out for more than one reason. The biggest being I didn't want to pay for a rodent, especially something like a mouse, that I would lay a trap for and kill under any other circumstance.
So a couple Monday nights ago, Nathan and the boys went to pick up our new family additions. It was a total surprise for the boys and therefore, the boys were ushered into the car knowing nothing about their destination or the purpose behind the trip. Off to another town, they drove and found the owner's house. The boys inquired about the house and who lived there. Are these long lost relatives, are we buying the house, do they have little boys to play with?
The door opened and a lady answered the door. My boys smiled at her and politely said hello. Then the lady said she knew why they had come and asked if the boys were surprised. Now they were thoroughly perplexed. This lady was nice and all, but she didn't rank high on the excitement quotient. As the boys stared around, they finally noticed her pointing to a cage and revelation dawned on them. The boys moved in closer and the excitement grew. Filled with giddiness they brought home Spike and Spaz.
So far, they have been good about cleaning the cage and keeping the guinea pigs happy. We have rearranged Aaron's room to accomodate them and now they live with him. Our only issue seems to be that Harriet, the sweetest of our dogs wants to eat the guineas very badly. She whines and cries to get in the cage. I would think she just wanted to be friends, but a person can't mistake the maniacal look in her eyes as she begs to be closer to them.
This is Spike with Toy Lion.
So a couple Monday nights ago, Nathan and the boys went to pick up our new family additions. It was a total surprise for the boys and therefore, the boys were ushered into the car knowing nothing about their destination or the purpose behind the trip. Off to another town, they drove and found the owner's house. The boys inquired about the house and who lived there. Are these long lost relatives, are we buying the house, do they have little boys to play with?
The door opened and a lady answered the door. My boys smiled at her and politely said hello. Then the lady said she knew why they had come and asked if the boys were surprised. Now they were thoroughly perplexed. This lady was nice and all, but she didn't rank high on the excitement quotient. As the boys stared around, they finally noticed her pointing to a cage and revelation dawned on them. The boys moved in closer and the excitement grew. Filled with giddiness they brought home Spike and Spaz.
So far, they have been good about cleaning the cage and keeping the guinea pigs happy. We have rearranged Aaron's room to accomodate them and now they live with him. Our only issue seems to be that Harriet, the sweetest of our dogs wants to eat the guineas very badly. She whines and cries to get in the cage. I would think she just wanted to be friends, but a person can't mistake the maniacal look in her eyes as she begs to be closer to them.
This is Spike with Toy Lion.
This is Spaz working construction.
Saturday, April 25, 2009
Derailment
Friday afternoon, I had everything worked out. I had picked up Isaac from school, Aaron was temperature free and I had a date with my toes. The first pedicure of the season and I felt giddy about it. Nathan was going to swing by and pick up Isaac to head off to a boy scout camp. So, I was mentally prepared for silence and solace.
My week had been a wild ride of sickness and worry over a continuous high fever with Aaron and trying to get Isaac to remember to do his homework. I was glad it was over.
Then my phone rang. I looked at the picture on the screen and saw my hubby. He usually calls on the way home from work. I picked up the phone with a happy hello and was met with disaster. He spoke two short sentences.
"I've been in a bus accident and the Dr. called - you need to take Aaron to the hospital. He has some sort of bacterial infection that will only respond to IV antibiotics." Then he said he had to go and he hung up.
Shock. Stupor. Panic.
Questions roared in my mind about the accident and the child running around my house. He looked pretty healthy to me, but there was some diabolical bacteria lurking inside him. Go to the hospital! Which hospital and what am I supposed to tell them. And Darn, My toes still look awful!
Usually, I am pretty clear headed under pressure. I have always held a secret ambition to be an Emergency Room Nurse or a Police Dispatcher. But I had no information here and I could do anything to get the ball rolling. So, I called my husband back and hoped he wasn't being throttled by police or on an ambulance himself.
He gave me a little more info and a starting place. In the end I was able to get hold of an actual Urologist who assured me that the antibiotics Aaron was already on seemed to be taking care of the pesky bladder bacteria.
Two hours later, Nathan was not on his way camping (because his mandatory drug test had taken forever), my toes were pedicured properly and we were eating dinner together at a local restaurant. Both boys were at the church being entertained and we were on an impromptu date and not at the hospital. I was thanking God for all the outcomes of the evening.
I was also marveling at how fast change happens. As people we are on a road that we think is set in stone- immoveable. We go about life with a certainty that is not really present. At any moment life can be derailed. I have had experience with this before. Aaron has taught me a lot about derailment, and I have lived through other experiences where I know, that except for a divine plan for my life, I would not be writing this now. (Another car accident years ago comes to mind). God is so good to bless us, though. I am sure he gives us our sense of certainty as to help us not live in fear, but then he allows those derailments so that we can be pruned to His likeness.
So, I am very thankful tonight to be at home and not at the hospital. I am thankful Nathan was not hurt in the accident and that no one else was. I am also thankful for the opportunity to live through the derailments. Mostly, I am thankful for a God who care for me through it all.
My week had been a wild ride of sickness and worry over a continuous high fever with Aaron and trying to get Isaac to remember to do his homework. I was glad it was over.
Then my phone rang. I looked at the picture on the screen and saw my hubby. He usually calls on the way home from work. I picked up the phone with a happy hello and was met with disaster. He spoke two short sentences.
"I've been in a bus accident and the Dr. called - you need to take Aaron to the hospital. He has some sort of bacterial infection that will only respond to IV antibiotics." Then he said he had to go and he hung up.
Shock. Stupor. Panic.
Questions roared in my mind about the accident and the child running around my house. He looked pretty healthy to me, but there was some diabolical bacteria lurking inside him. Go to the hospital! Which hospital and what am I supposed to tell them. And Darn, My toes still look awful!
Usually, I am pretty clear headed under pressure. I have always held a secret ambition to be an Emergency Room Nurse or a Police Dispatcher. But I had no information here and I could do anything to get the ball rolling. So, I called my husband back and hoped he wasn't being throttled by police or on an ambulance himself.
He gave me a little more info and a starting place. In the end I was able to get hold of an actual Urologist who assured me that the antibiotics Aaron was already on seemed to be taking care of the pesky bladder bacteria.
Two hours later, Nathan was not on his way camping (because his mandatory drug test had taken forever), my toes were pedicured properly and we were eating dinner together at a local restaurant. Both boys were at the church being entertained and we were on an impromptu date and not at the hospital. I was thanking God for all the outcomes of the evening.
I was also marveling at how fast change happens. As people we are on a road that we think is set in stone- immoveable. We go about life with a certainty that is not really present. At any moment life can be derailed. I have had experience with this before. Aaron has taught me a lot about derailment, and I have lived through other experiences where I know, that except for a divine plan for my life, I would not be writing this now. (Another car accident years ago comes to mind). God is so good to bless us, though. I am sure he gives us our sense of certainty as to help us not live in fear, but then he allows those derailments so that we can be pruned to His likeness.
So, I am very thankful tonight to be at home and not at the hospital. I am thankful Nathan was not hurt in the accident and that no one else was. I am also thankful for the opportunity to live through the derailments. Mostly, I am thankful for a God who care for me through it all.
Monday, April 13, 2009
A Rich Family
A door bell rings and a front door opens. Two little girls run inside an expectant house. Hugs are eagerly sought by the adults and then the girls scatter to find their cousins. They haven't seen them in a while and they are coiled with energy, ready to play.
After a brief hello and getting the visiting dogs settled outside we all traipse off to the local church's Easter Egg hunt. The children are in various age groups and this means the adults also must scatter in order to keep watch over the egg war that ensues. I hear parents coaching children on how to get the most eggs, and on how not to get run over by zealous egg hunters behind them. A whistle blows to start the action and the whole thing is over in less than 5 minutes. From the side lines it reminds someone of a PAC-Man video game but in force. As the children, move over the egg littered grass it is suddenly without color as if the eggs have been beamed up into space. Bags in hands the children bend down on the sidewalk to break open their eggs and sort candy and other small treasures. The parents help and at the same time snitch the good chocolate that we know the kids won't eat anyway- probably.
The eggs, however, are soon forgotten as everyone comes to the house again. A game of chase picks up in the backyard while lunch is prepared. After lunch, an afternoon whittles away with cake decorating, movie watching and in general just visiting.
Mid-afternoon a short adventure ensues as three women stand over a hot oven figuring out how to get a stuck ham out of it. It has plumped up during cooking and is too big slide out the way it went in. Finally, the top is cut off and it can be removed from the oven for its final basting. It is a fairly simple fix but it does give us a laugh.
7 hours after the ham is put in the oven, it comes out again ready to be devoured. The doorbell rings once more and the other side of the family shows up hungry. Eating, eating - more eating. Talking, laughing, and just plain hilarity ensues as the kids eat at their table. The boys showing off for the girls. The girls egging them on with giggles.
After dinner, the adults open facebook and YouTube to share found funnies. Talk moves from jobs, to the economy and politics and then back to Extreme Sheep Herding. (My all time favorite YouTube video.) Chocolate covered Espresso beans are tasted and a divine lemon roll is savored. The egg-shaped cake is also eaten to the delight of the children that methodically pressed M&M's into the frosting earlier that afternoon. Soon, the masterpieces from the kitchen are reduced to crumbs. Stomaches are full.
The above was our Saturday.
I read today about true riches in a person's life, and I thought of Saturday and our family visiting; surrounding us. I thought about the comfortable closeness that comes from knowing people for decades. The gentle teasing that is done in love and jest. It is simply, beautiful.
At the end of our lives, I am sure we look back on what we have done, accomplished and acquired. I want my thoughts to be on what I have experienced and especially on the love I have shared with family and friends. Saturday was a treasure that can not be bought in Saks. It was a treasure of time well spent and fortune found in the relationships that were strengthened.
After a brief hello and getting the visiting dogs settled outside we all traipse off to the local church's Easter Egg hunt. The children are in various age groups and this means the adults also must scatter in order to keep watch over the egg war that ensues. I hear parents coaching children on how to get the most eggs, and on how not to get run over by zealous egg hunters behind them. A whistle blows to start the action and the whole thing is over in less than 5 minutes. From the side lines it reminds someone of a PAC-Man video game but in force. As the children, move over the egg littered grass it is suddenly without color as if the eggs have been beamed up into space. Bags in hands the children bend down on the sidewalk to break open their eggs and sort candy and other small treasures. The parents help and at the same time snitch the good chocolate that we know the kids won't eat anyway- probably.
The eggs, however, are soon forgotten as everyone comes to the house again. A game of chase picks up in the backyard while lunch is prepared. After lunch, an afternoon whittles away with cake decorating, movie watching and in general just visiting.
Mid-afternoon a short adventure ensues as three women stand over a hot oven figuring out how to get a stuck ham out of it. It has plumped up during cooking and is too big slide out the way it went in. Finally, the top is cut off and it can be removed from the oven for its final basting. It is a fairly simple fix but it does give us a laugh.
7 hours after the ham is put in the oven, it comes out again ready to be devoured. The doorbell rings once more and the other side of the family shows up hungry. Eating, eating - more eating. Talking, laughing, and just plain hilarity ensues as the kids eat at their table. The boys showing off for the girls. The girls egging them on with giggles.
After dinner, the adults open facebook and YouTube to share found funnies. Talk moves from jobs, to the economy and politics and then back to Extreme Sheep Herding. (My all time favorite YouTube video.) Chocolate covered Espresso beans are tasted and a divine lemon roll is savored. The egg-shaped cake is also eaten to the delight of the children that methodically pressed M&M's into the frosting earlier that afternoon. Soon, the masterpieces from the kitchen are reduced to crumbs. Stomaches are full.
The above was our Saturday.
I read today about true riches in a person's life, and I thought of Saturday and our family visiting; surrounding us. I thought about the comfortable closeness that comes from knowing people for decades. The gentle teasing that is done in love and jest. It is simply, beautiful.
At the end of our lives, I am sure we look back on what we have done, accomplished and acquired. I want my thoughts to be on what I have experienced and especially on the love I have shared with family and friends. Saturday was a treasure that can not be bought in Saks. It was a treasure of time well spent and fortune found in the relationships that were strengthened.
Saturday, April 4, 2009
Scottish Rite Easter Egg Hunt
I am proud of myself for actually getting this video to load. I have had several launch failures and I was beginning to feel a bit inadequate in the technology area. However, I am excited to show everyone a glimpse of one of the best hospitals in the world! Our Spina Bifida Association annual Easter Egg Hunt is always on the Scottish Rite Hospital grounds. Did I mention they are run completely on donations and no patient ever pays anything out of pocket. Amazingly this hospital was created without government intervention!
So, here are the boys enjoying a beautiful Texas day in Spring!
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
Which came first Knowledge or Intelligence?
Tonight we got a happy visit from Uncle Matt. This always causes revelry and excitement from the boys. Tonight his visit came during homework time and Matt found himself caught up in looking through Isaac's graded papers. Now, Isaac likes to organize his folder for easy scrutiny of 100 percent papers. He puts all 100's on the left of the folder and all other grades on the right.
Isaac, as he should be, is very proud of those 100's and especially proud of his commended performance on the TAKS test. (He only missed one!) There Isaac was standing proud and commenting on all his scholarly achievements when the conversation turned to the right side of the folder where the A's, B's and C's are all lumped together. Matt made the suggestion that if Isaac moved all the A's together it would make that stack of papers really big. Isaac very seriously considered this statement.
Then he turned to Matt and stated in the resigned voice of a boy coming to grips with his limitations that sometimes intelligence just doesn't match his knowledge.
Isaac, as he should be, is very proud of those 100's and especially proud of his commended performance on the TAKS test. (He only missed one!) There Isaac was standing proud and commenting on all his scholarly achievements when the conversation turned to the right side of the folder where the A's, B's and C's are all lumped together. Matt made the suggestion that if Isaac moved all the A's together it would make that stack of papers really big. Isaac very seriously considered this statement.
Then he turned to Matt and stated in the resigned voice of a boy coming to grips with his limitations that sometimes intelligence just doesn't match his knowledge.
Sunday, March 15, 2009
Happy Birthday - Isaac
We celebrated Isaac's birthday this week. It was on a school day but Isaac felt it should begin with jubilation. How better to do that than by requesting breakfast in bed? This is exactly what he asked me for as he went to bed the night before his birthday.
Yeah right! I told him that I might be able to manage some toast, seeing as the next morning was a school morning. At this he gave up, because toast isn't good enough for a breakfast in bed. It should include pancakes or waffles and fresh squeezed juice. Thank you T.V. I know this must be where he got the idea, because he has never experienced that kind of treatment at our house.
Anyway, Happy Birthday to Isaac. He received some grand gifts and has spent most of the last few days putting together legos that he got for his birthday.
Yeah right! I told him that I might be able to manage some toast, seeing as the next morning was a school morning. At this he gave up, because toast isn't good enough for a breakfast in bed. It should include pancakes or waffles and fresh squeezed juice. Thank you T.V. I know this must be where he got the idea, because he has never experienced that kind of treatment at our house.
Anyway, Happy Birthday to Isaac. He received some grand gifts and has spent most of the last few days putting together legos that he got for his birthday.
Us Girls
The usual Sunday routine is lunch with my parents and grandmother after church. Today was no different. We sat, held hands to pray and then began to dig in. With 5 adults and two rambunctious children at the table it is usually every man, woman and child for themselves. The boys ask for ketchup and cheese. My dad asks for the onions while I dip out a bit of guacamole for myself. Grandma asks for the chips and then my dad complains that Nathan still has the meat at his end of the table. This, of course prompts Nathan to shove the meat farther from my father and obligates me to retrieve the meat before all is lost and Dad gets no protein at all. By this time, the boys are finished eating and asking for chocolate chip cookies or to be excused.
Today the only difference was my mother, whom unknown to the whole table, was sitting with her hands folded under her chin and gazing at the Sunday rigamaroll. The passing of the bowls had finally stopped and the clatter of forks were on the rise but my mother was still poised in her chair just staring at us all.
My dad got wind that something was amiss and asked my mother what the problem was. My mother, the woman who has never had trouble asserting herself in our family says to us all: "I was just wondering when someone would pass me something to eat."
The statement caught all of us with forks half way to our mouths. The martyrdom was apparent in the air and as all good families would do...we laughed at her and then passed her everything at once.
Well, she asked for it didn't she. :-)
Later on this evening, we ate dinner with another family. They are good friends and have a daughter about Aaron's age. The conversation was moving briskly and everyone was talking except their little girl. After several minutes of silence from her, she spoke up clearly with this sentence "I was just wondering when someone was going to talk to me".
Immediately, my mind went to my mother's statement and the thought crossed my mind. I guess us girls never really change.
Today the only difference was my mother, whom unknown to the whole table, was sitting with her hands folded under her chin and gazing at the Sunday rigamaroll. The passing of the bowls had finally stopped and the clatter of forks were on the rise but my mother was still poised in her chair just staring at us all.
My dad got wind that something was amiss and asked my mother what the problem was. My mother, the woman who has never had trouble asserting herself in our family says to us all: "I was just wondering when someone would pass me something to eat."
The statement caught all of us with forks half way to our mouths. The martyrdom was apparent in the air and as all good families would do...we laughed at her and then passed her everything at once.
Well, she asked for it didn't she. :-)
Later on this evening, we ate dinner with another family. They are good friends and have a daughter about Aaron's age. The conversation was moving briskly and everyone was talking except their little girl. After several minutes of silence from her, she spoke up clearly with this sentence "I was just wondering when someone was going to talk to me".
Immediately, my mind went to my mother's statement and the thought crossed my mind. I guess us girls never really change.
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
He Can Read!
Aaron and I were sitting on my bed tonight doing homework. Every week he has a packet of work to do and this week was no exception. We were on page two and I was pointing to a picture of a mop. Beside the mop were two word choices: mop and man.
I directed him to circle the word that went with the picture. He looked at me and said. I don't know which one it is mom. Should I circle man or mop?" Realization washed over me and I stared at the boy who up until now has showed no interest in actually reading anything.
"I never told you what the words were on this one, Aaron. How did you know it was man?"
A sly little grin spread over his face and a giggle gurgled up from his throat. It is a good thing that his smile can melt me in whatever mood I am in. I grabbed him in my arms and hugged him tight. "You can read!" I shouted. Aaron just kept on giggling.
Now, I just wonder how long the boy has had me shnookered.
I directed him to circle the word that went with the picture. He looked at me and said. I don't know which one it is mom. Should I circle man or mop?" Realization washed over me and I stared at the boy who up until now has showed no interest in actually reading anything.
"I never told you what the words were on this one, Aaron. How did you know it was man?"
A sly little grin spread over his face and a giggle gurgled up from his throat. It is a good thing that his smile can melt me in whatever mood I am in. I grabbed him in my arms and hugged him tight. "You can read!" I shouted. Aaron just kept on giggling.
Now, I just wonder how long the boy has had me shnookered.
Monday, March 2, 2009
Working It Off - Dave Ramsey Style
This last Saturday found us all standing in the Wii aisle at Fry's. Isaac had his hands wrapped around several games. He was looking at them with a kind of intense frenzy that only an eight year old can accomplish about a video game.
"Pleeeaassee mom, can I have the Lego Star Wars game. It has all 6 episodes!"
I looked at it and thought that surely Nathan wouldn't allow it because we have plenty of games, but then I saw it had Lego Leia IN the metal bikini. I knew he would go for it then because a Lego Leia in the bikini (movie 6) is just strange and Nathan is all about the strange things in life.
So with a promise to work off the 20.00 that Isaac didn't have to buy the game, Nathan and I bought it for him and took it home.
On Sunday, we set a box of medical supplies in front of our boy and told him to start sorting. At first he balked. After all, work is not his strong suit. But then we reminded him of his promise to pay back the 20.00 and the sorting began.
When he had finished sorting plus completed a couple other "interest charge"chores, we told him he had cleared his debt with his parents and he was free to do what he wanted.
In true Dave Ramsey form, Isaac stood in our kitchen, raised his arms toward the sky and screamed out loud...."I'm DEBT FREE...FREEDOM!"
"Pleeeaassee mom, can I have the Lego Star Wars game. It has all 6 episodes!"
I looked at it and thought that surely Nathan wouldn't allow it because we have plenty of games, but then I saw it had Lego Leia IN the metal bikini. I knew he would go for it then because a Lego Leia in the bikini (movie 6) is just strange and Nathan is all about the strange things in life.
So with a promise to work off the 20.00 that Isaac didn't have to buy the game, Nathan and I bought it for him and took it home.
On Sunday, we set a box of medical supplies in front of our boy and told him to start sorting. At first he balked. After all, work is not his strong suit. But then we reminded him of his promise to pay back the 20.00 and the sorting began.
When he had finished sorting plus completed a couple other "interest charge"chores, we told him he had cleared his debt with his parents and he was free to do what he wanted.
In true Dave Ramsey form, Isaac stood in our kitchen, raised his arms toward the sky and screamed out loud...."I'm DEBT FREE...FREEDOM!"
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
EMAIL?
Last week we were filling out paperwork at the Urologist. I was talking out loud as I filled out the stats. "Male or female", I said into the air. Aaron looked up at me and very confidently said..."Your female, I'm e-male."
Thursday, February 19, 2009
A Spina Bifida Post
We drove to Plano yesterday to have our trusty Urologist take a look at why we can't get Aaron any more continent than he already is. Our major issue, in relation to the Spina Bifida that Aaron lives with, is our daily battle with pee and poop. The number 2 side of things is pretty well managed, but the last 4 months have been riddled with number 1 issues.
Aaron was given an urodynamic test. He was poked and prodded as 220 ccs of water was pushed into his bladder and electrodes were hooked to very unmentionable places. He was a little nervous about some of the electrodes but was very brave - even when his brother declared that they would hurt coming off!
Drum Roll, please. The stats are that his bladder holds just about as much as any other 6 year old bladder, but his sphincter muscle doesn't work at all. This means that any more surgery to tighten his bladder neck or put Deflux in his ureters is not going to help our little boy. Our options at this point are minimal.
We could completely block off the regular pee route and open another one by his belly button. Technically this would be done through surgery - not by Nathan or me. It would definitely fix the problem, but it would close off all other less invasive options. Or... we can wait until puberty and hope his prostrate will enlarge enough at that time to help him hold his urine longer. Or.... or we can hope to try a very new nerve rerouting surgery being tested here in the United States at Beaumont Hospital in Minnesota, (I think). It was created by a Chinese Surgeon named Xiao. Only about 8 children so far have had it done and results are still not completely conclusive.
Well, puberty is at least 7 years away and the rerouting surgery is no where near researched enough to be done on my little boy. Our Doc suggests to wait it out for awhile and we agree that doing nothing seems the best approach...for now.
I remember sitting in a church service about 4 years ago and hearing our Pastor relishing the turning point in which a parent no longer buys diapers or pullups. We have been buying those products since the year 2000 and it looks like we will continue to use them well into the next decade. I wonder if Huggies has some sort of most loyal customer reward? If so, I am sure we are in the running for the grand prize!
Aaron was given an urodynamic test. He was poked and prodded as 220 ccs of water was pushed into his bladder and electrodes were hooked to very unmentionable places. He was a little nervous about some of the electrodes but was very brave - even when his brother declared that they would hurt coming off!
Drum Roll, please. The stats are that his bladder holds just about as much as any other 6 year old bladder, but his sphincter muscle doesn't work at all. This means that any more surgery to tighten his bladder neck or put Deflux in his ureters is not going to help our little boy. Our options at this point are minimal.
We could completely block off the regular pee route and open another one by his belly button. Technically this would be done through surgery - not by Nathan or me. It would definitely fix the problem, but it would close off all other less invasive options. Or... we can wait until puberty and hope his prostrate will enlarge enough at that time to help him hold his urine longer. Or.... or we can hope to try a very new nerve rerouting surgery being tested here in the United States at Beaumont Hospital in Minnesota, (I think). It was created by a Chinese Surgeon named Xiao. Only about 8 children so far have had it done and results are still not completely conclusive.
Well, puberty is at least 7 years away and the rerouting surgery is no where near researched enough to be done on my little boy. Our Doc suggests to wait it out for awhile and we agree that doing nothing seems the best approach...for now.
I remember sitting in a church service about 4 years ago and hearing our Pastor relishing the turning point in which a parent no longer buys diapers or pullups. We have been buying those products since the year 2000 and it looks like we will continue to use them well into the next decade. I wonder if Huggies has some sort of most loyal customer reward? If so, I am sure we are in the running for the grand prize!
Friday, February 13, 2009
Little Surprises This Week
Since I have been so grumpy this week, I thought it would be good to take stock of the little surprises that this week offered.
So here is a list.
1. Isaac is continuing to ace his practice state tests and I am thinking that a commended performance is very probable. Yes, I know we all hate the those tests, but hey...no tutoring needed. Plus, it proves how smart he is!
2. He picked out the 5th Harry Potter for his Library book and he can actually read it and understands it. WOW!
3. Aaron came and asked me if he could make a Valentine's card for his teacher.
4. Nathan brought me a DP this afternoon since he took time off from work when I did not.
5. A plastic table cloth was given to me, so I don't have to wash mine all the time.
6. Nathan took care of getting the meds refilled - Thank You!
7. Lots of my students gave me Valentines!
Well, for such a yucky week, I don't think the list is too bad.
Happy Valentine's Day
So here is a list.
1. Isaac is continuing to ace his practice state tests and I am thinking that a commended performance is very probable. Yes, I know we all hate the those tests, but hey...no tutoring needed. Plus, it proves how smart he is!
2. He picked out the 5th Harry Potter for his Library book and he can actually read it and understands it. WOW!
3. Aaron came and asked me if he could make a Valentine's card for his teacher.
4. Nathan brought me a DP this afternoon since he took time off from work when I did not.
5. A plastic table cloth was given to me, so I don't have to wash mine all the time.
6. Nathan took care of getting the meds refilled - Thank You!
7. Lots of my students gave me Valentines!
Well, for such a yucky week, I don't think the list is too bad.
Happy Valentine's Day
Thursday, February 12, 2009
The State of the Family
There is a lot of talk on t.v. and the radio about the state of our economy. However, I believe more important is the State of the Family.
It is a constant struggle to keep schedules and obligations at a manageable level. These last couple of weeks, I have felt that the Stevens' are losing our battle. Each day is taken with the noble efforts to work and learn. Each evening has been taken up with other "noble" obligations such as college classes, boyscouts and basketball to name a few. Plus the daily tasks of taking care of a special needs child. I hate to even bring up the S.N. child thing, but it does change your existence. Time is monitored differently and extra brain power is used to make sure all goes well. As of right now all our noble enterprises and daily routine seem more like part of the list to be checked off at the end of the day.
I wonder how much is too much. Where does a family draw the line at the busyness? I used to listen to other families talk about this struggle and not feel the pressure of it myself. I thought it would be easy to draw our line, but I now understand. There is nothing on our busy list that seems frivolous. A well reasoned case can be made for each area of work. And so, the rat race scurries on.
I write this not to complain about my life, but to question it. I ask if this is what God meant for our daily lives. How do we make the most of the opportunities without sacrificing our family? Do I dream too big? What is really not important? How do we make the right decisions?
I do not have the answers to these questions. But I will search for them and in the mean time...
There is a pin prick of light at the end of the tunnel. I think it's called Spring Break. And it will be here in about 4 weeks. Until then, we will meet our obligations and our family will survive.
It is a constant struggle to keep schedules and obligations at a manageable level. These last couple of weeks, I have felt that the Stevens' are losing our battle. Each day is taken with the noble efforts to work and learn. Each evening has been taken up with other "noble" obligations such as college classes, boyscouts and basketball to name a few. Plus the daily tasks of taking care of a special needs child. I hate to even bring up the S.N. child thing, but it does change your existence. Time is monitored differently and extra brain power is used to make sure all goes well. As of right now all our noble enterprises and daily routine seem more like part of the list to be checked off at the end of the day.
I wonder how much is too much. Where does a family draw the line at the busyness? I used to listen to other families talk about this struggle and not feel the pressure of it myself. I thought it would be easy to draw our line, but I now understand. There is nothing on our busy list that seems frivolous. A well reasoned case can be made for each area of work. And so, the rat race scurries on.
I write this not to complain about my life, but to question it. I ask if this is what God meant for our daily lives. How do we make the most of the opportunities without sacrificing our family? Do I dream too big? What is really not important? How do we make the right decisions?
I do not have the answers to these questions. But I will search for them and in the mean time...
There is a pin prick of light at the end of the tunnel. I think it's called Spring Break. And it will be here in about 4 weeks. Until then, we will meet our obligations and our family will survive.
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
A Smooth Morning
It is amazing to me that February has come so swiftly. We are completely back into the swing of school and today was, once again, the EARLY MORNING. If I could type "early morning" in shaky scary letters, I would.
Each Tuesday, I begin mentally preparing for the early morning. I set out clothes, bags, etc. I resign myself to the fact that I will not be wearing make-up or doing my hair. I get ready for the parent/child showdown with the sleepy-eyed boys who hold fast to their covers as I pry them up to do their morning routine.
However, today it was not so scary. In fact, the word serene floats in my mind as I think of how smoothly this morning went. Nathan, the alarm clock, woke up Isaac and I wrangled Aaron out of bed and into the bathroom. All I said to Aaron was "Come on, it's our early morning" and the boy was moving. He wanted to go to out to breakfast. He knew that his new "Parenting with Love and Logic" mommy would not take him to a greasy fast food restaurant one minute after the deadline.
The deadline is where we leave no matter what, even if teeth aren't brushed, food isn't eaten and clothes aren't on. I refuse to hum above them and remind them to keep getting on with the routine. By the way, I have never actually had a child leave the house naked. In the last week or so, they have left the house looking rather frightening, but never unclothed. - Thank goodness.
Anyway, both boys were ready and in the car 5 minutes before my newly imposed deadline. I even got my makeup and hair done this morning.
I was impressed. I drove down the road smuggly saying to myself - see the parenting with Love and Logic really works. I am a mom in control. I have created expectations and they are being met. I have been calm and yet immovable. I have not hovered over them like a helicopter to get out the door. They now understand and respect the deadline. It is their responsibility. I am SuperMom.
In the middle of my elation a wave of realization hit me. We certainly did get out the door on time. The boys were perfect. I was not. All medications needed to keep Aaron's bladder relaxed and bacteria free were not taken and were left at home which was 20 minutes behind us. I winced knowing what this meant for my little boy. But, I shook it off and was thankful that at least missing the meds would only mean things would be a little messier.
My SuperMom bubble got deflated real quickly - but, hey, that's life.
Each Tuesday, I begin mentally preparing for the early morning. I set out clothes, bags, etc. I resign myself to the fact that I will not be wearing make-up or doing my hair. I get ready for the parent/child showdown with the sleepy-eyed boys who hold fast to their covers as I pry them up to do their morning routine.
However, today it was not so scary. In fact, the word serene floats in my mind as I think of how smoothly this morning went. Nathan, the alarm clock, woke up Isaac and I wrangled Aaron out of bed and into the bathroom. All I said to Aaron was "Come on, it's our early morning" and the boy was moving. He wanted to go to out to breakfast. He knew that his new "Parenting with Love and Logic" mommy would not take him to a greasy fast food restaurant one minute after the deadline.
The deadline is where we leave no matter what, even if teeth aren't brushed, food isn't eaten and clothes aren't on. I refuse to hum above them and remind them to keep getting on with the routine. By the way, I have never actually had a child leave the house naked. In the last week or so, they have left the house looking rather frightening, but never unclothed. - Thank goodness.
Anyway, both boys were ready and in the car 5 minutes before my newly imposed deadline. I even got my makeup and hair done this morning.
I was impressed. I drove down the road smuggly saying to myself - see the parenting with Love and Logic really works. I am a mom in control. I have created expectations and they are being met. I have been calm and yet immovable. I have not hovered over them like a helicopter to get out the door. They now understand and respect the deadline. It is their responsibility. I am SuperMom.
In the middle of my elation a wave of realization hit me. We certainly did get out the door on time. The boys were perfect. I was not. All medications needed to keep Aaron's bladder relaxed and bacteria free were not taken and were left at home which was 20 minutes behind us. I winced knowing what this meant for my little boy. But, I shook it off and was thankful that at least missing the meds would only mean things would be a little messier.
My SuperMom bubble got deflated real quickly - but, hey, that's life.
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
So Sorry about the Grammar
I must say I am embarrased. I feel compelled to apologize to the world for my gross abuse of the English language in my last post. I wrote hurriedly, checked for problems during a late night stupor and just realized (to my horror) that I really goofed on my grammar.
Oops.
Oops.
Sunday, January 25, 2009
The Look
A bit cold today, but the wind was not whipping around us at 40 miles an hour, so we got the Air Hog out today.
Isaac got his remote control Air Hog for Christmas, but today was the first day we took it out. We had multiple outside activities going at the same time, and really we didn't want to put everything away. Therefore, we just decided to fly it in the front yard. - Really, what could happen, right.
All was well for a while. I would repeatedly say directing words such as "Keep it low. Don't go near the houses. Good job!"
Then I made the fatal suggestion to let me drive the plane. Isaac threw it up and I pushed the button. Off it went sailing through the air. I was turning the controller watching the plane bank to the left and the right all the while sailing higher and higher. Pretty soon the Air Hog was higher than the two story house two doors down from us and I was pretty sure it was angling the direction of that houses roof. I tried to make the airplane come back down or turn a little more sharply back to the street.
It never made it. The Air Hog disappeared over the highest point of the roof and all sound from the plane stopped.
I immediately yelled "I'm sorry" and "I tried to keep it off the roof!" We all ran to the neighbors house and looked up. Sure enough the plane was resting on the top slant of the roof. The wind wiggled it a little here and there, but it obviously was not coming off the roof without help.
Isaac turned and looked at me with the look that said something like "I can't believe I let you fly my plane." but what he said was "Mom, I forgive you."
Fogive me! I hadn't killed it yet. I still had a chance to get the plane back. Nathan went to ring the doorbell and inform our neighbors about the stow away plane on their roof, but no one seemed to be home. We stood there on the front yard and stared at the plane - willing it down. But it just wouldn't budge.
We considered just going to get a ladder, but thought it might be considered rude for them to find Nathan halfway on their roof retrieving our plane. So, we wrote a note instead and scotch taped it to their front door.
When they found the note, the neighbors called. Nathan was the ultimate hero. I had gotten the plane stuck. Nathan however, used a 20 foot ladder and a telescoping painting pole with a zipp tied fishing pole at the end to get the plane back.
He got a whoop of "Yeah Daddy" in direct contrast the the look I got, but at least the plane lives to fly another day.
Isaac got his remote control Air Hog for Christmas, but today was the first day we took it out. We had multiple outside activities going at the same time, and really we didn't want to put everything away. Therefore, we just decided to fly it in the front yard. - Really, what could happen, right.
All was well for a while. I would repeatedly say directing words such as "Keep it low. Don't go near the houses. Good job!"
Then I made the fatal suggestion to let me drive the plane. Isaac threw it up and I pushed the button. Off it went sailing through the air. I was turning the controller watching the plane bank to the left and the right all the while sailing higher and higher. Pretty soon the Air Hog was higher than the two story house two doors down from us and I was pretty sure it was angling the direction of that houses roof. I tried to make the airplane come back down or turn a little more sharply back to the street.
It never made it. The Air Hog disappeared over the highest point of the roof and all sound from the plane stopped.
I immediately yelled "I'm sorry" and "I tried to keep it off the roof!" We all ran to the neighbors house and looked up. Sure enough the plane was resting on the top slant of the roof. The wind wiggled it a little here and there, but it obviously was not coming off the roof without help.
Isaac turned and looked at me with the look that said something like "I can't believe I let you fly my plane." but what he said was "Mom, I forgive you."
Fogive me! I hadn't killed it yet. I still had a chance to get the plane back. Nathan went to ring the doorbell and inform our neighbors about the stow away plane on their roof, but no one seemed to be home. We stood there on the front yard and stared at the plane - willing it down. But it just wouldn't budge.
We considered just going to get a ladder, but thought it might be considered rude for them to find Nathan halfway on their roof retrieving our plane. So, we wrote a note instead and scotch taped it to their front door.
When they found the note, the neighbors called. Nathan was the ultimate hero. I had gotten the plane stuck. Nathan however, used a 20 foot ladder and a telescoping painting pole with a zipp tied fishing pole at the end to get the plane back.
He got a whoop of "Yeah Daddy" in direct contrast the the look I got, but at least the plane lives to fly another day.
Monday, January 19, 2009
Rocket Launching
Saturday, the boys and Nathan discovered a new hobby. I am actually surprised they didn't discover the joy of ignition, launch and rockets blasting in the sky much sooner. It was a great time for Nathan and Isaac especially.
Aaron wanted it to be a great time, but having several run-ins with getting burned, he is usually less likely to be in the middle of something that has to do with fire and small explosions. So he sat in our car with the windows up and doors locked during the rocket launches.
He says he is ready for it next time, though.
In the picture below, you can see Aaron right in front of the man with the boys scout uniform. This is our friend and assistant cubmaster, Jim. Isaac is holding a rocket right up to his face and so he is partially blocked from view and squinting as well. He is behind the boy rubbing his eyes. Nathan is not pictured because he was messing with the third rocket he wanted to launch. There is nothing like waiting til the last minute to do things.
Aaron wanted it to be a great time, but having several run-ins with getting burned, he is usually less likely to be in the middle of something that has to do with fire and small explosions. So he sat in our car with the windows up and doors locked during the rocket launches.
He says he is ready for it next time, though.
In the picture below, you can see Aaron right in front of the man with the boys scout uniform. This is our friend and assistant cubmaster, Jim. Isaac is holding a rocket right up to his face and so he is partially blocked from view and squinting as well. He is behind the boy rubbing his eyes. Nathan is not pictured because he was messing with the third rocket he wanted to launch. There is nothing like waiting til the last minute to do things.
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
Happy Birthday Aaron!
This weekend we celebrated Aaron's 6th birthday. One of my favorite parts of the boys' birthdays is making their cakes/cupcakes. I usually let them help a little, but since cake is a creature where taking time is essential to the frosting not dripping onto my table, almost always, the boys are not up to witness the final touches.
So, I finished Aaron's fairly simple cup cakes and showed him the final product the next morning. They were all iced, sprinkled and with a letter of his name on each one. He sucked in his breath, opened his eyes wide and started announcing to his brother. "Look, Look, my cupcakes are done." and "I want one, now." He was galloping around the room with a look of joy and feeling special. I love those moments. I love the looks of excitement and knowing it was my work that made the boys feel that way.
Nathan was still working on the 4 layer cake baking at this time, so I was the first to show him his treats. Aaron's birthday consisted of cupcakes AND birthday cake AND a good amount of presents. He played with a friend all afternoon and actually dug into his lego set and started creating ships! A great turn around from a couple weeks ago when he said he wanted legos, was given legos and then said he didn't want them anymore.
We did promise the boys and combined birhtday Wii system in exchange for me not having to plan huge expensive birthday parties at Chuck E. Cheese. (Ugh, I hate that place). Unfortunately, the levels of supply and demand are out of whack and Aaron has a Wii game and no Wii to play it on- still. I am searching, and most likely will eventually order it on line.
All in all, his birthday was a success.
Since turning 6, Aaron has informed me that he would no longer call me Mama, because only babies did that. He also managed a whole night in his room - by himself. I am hoping for two!
So, I finished Aaron's fairly simple cup cakes and showed him the final product the next morning. They were all iced, sprinkled and with a letter of his name on each one. He sucked in his breath, opened his eyes wide and started announcing to his brother. "Look, Look, my cupcakes are done." and "I want one, now." He was galloping around the room with a look of joy and feeling special. I love those moments. I love the looks of excitement and knowing it was my work that made the boys feel that way.
Nathan was still working on the 4 layer cake baking at this time, so I was the first to show him his treats. Aaron's birthday consisted of cupcakes AND birthday cake AND a good amount of presents. He played with a friend all afternoon and actually dug into his lego set and started creating ships! A great turn around from a couple weeks ago when he said he wanted legos, was given legos and then said he didn't want them anymore.
We did promise the boys and combined birhtday Wii system in exchange for me not having to plan huge expensive birthday parties at Chuck E. Cheese. (Ugh, I hate that place). Unfortunately, the levels of supply and demand are out of whack and Aaron has a Wii game and no Wii to play it on- still. I am searching, and most likely will eventually order it on line.
All in all, his birthday was a success.
Since turning 6, Aaron has informed me that he would no longer call me Mama, because only babies did that. He also managed a whole night in his room - by himself. I am hoping for two!
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
The Important Book
Isaac wrote a book about his family for a school project recently. He gave it to us for a Christmas present and I just had to share.
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