Wednesday, April 21, 2010
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
A Different Perspective
A Different Perspective
Immense Loss; Walk a Mile in Baby’s Booties
Imagine for a moment…
You have met the person you've dreamed about all your life. He has every quality that you desire in a spouse. You plan for the wedding, enjoying every free moment with your fiancée. You love his touch, his smell, the way he looks into your eyes. For the first time in your life, you understand what is meant by "soul mate," for this person understands you in a way that no one else does. Your heart beats in rhythm with his. Your emotions are intimately tied to his every joy, his every sorrow.
The wedding comes. It is a happy celebration, but the best part is that you are finally the wife of this wonderful man. You fall asleep that night, exhausted from the day's events, but relaxed and joyful in the knowledge that you are next to the person who loves you more than anyone in the world…the person who will be with you for the rest of your life.
The next morning you wake up, nestled in your partner's arms. You open your eyes and immediately look for his face.
But IT'S NOT HIM! You are in the arms of another man. You recoil in horror. Who is this man? Where is your beloved?
You ask questions of the new man, but it quickly becomes apparent that he doesn't understand you. You search every room in the house, calling and calling for your husband. The new guy follows you around, trying to hug you, pat you on the back,...even trying to stroke your arm, acting like everything is okay.
But you know that nothing is okay. Your beloved is gone. Where is he? Will he return? When? What has happened to him?
Weeks pass. You cry and cry over the loss of your beloved. Sometimes you ache silently, in shock over what has happened. The new guy tries to comfort you. You appreciate his attempts, but he doesn't speak your language-either verbally or emotionally. He doesn't seem to realize the terrible thing that has happened...that your sweetheart is gone.
You find it difficult to sleep. The new guy tries to comfort you at bedtime with soft words and gentle touches, but you avoid him, preferring to sleep alone, away from him and any intimate words or contact.
Months later, you still ache for your beloved, but gradually you are learning to trust this new guy. He's finally learned that you like your coffee black, not doctored up with cream and sugar. Although you still don't understand his bedtime songs, you like the lilt of his voice and take some comfort in it.
More time passes. One morning, you wake up to find a full suitcase sitting next to the front door. You try to ask him about it, but he just takes you by the hand and leads you to the car. You drive and drive and drive. Nothing is familiar. Where are you? Where is he taking you?
You pull up to a large building. He leads you to an elevator and up to a room filled with people. Many are crying. Some are ecstatic with joy. You are confused. And worried.
The man leads you over to the corner. Another man opens his arms and sweeps you up in an embrace. He rubs your back and kisses your cheeks, obviously thrilled to see you.
You are anything but thrilled to see him. Who in the world is he? Where is your beloved? You reach for the man who brought you, but he just smiles (although he seems to be tearing up, which concerns you), pats you on the back, and puts your hand in the hands of the new guy. The new guy picks up your suitcase and leads you to the door. The familiar face starts openly crying, waving and waving as the elevator doors close on you and the new guy.
The new guy drives you to an airport and you follow him, not knowing what else to do. Sometimes you cry, but then the new guy tries to make you smile, so you grin back, wanting to "get along." You board a plane. The flight is long. You sleep a lot, wanting to mentally escape from the situation.
Hours later, the plane touches down. The new guy is very excited and leads you into the airport where dozens of people are there to greet you. Light bulbs flash as your photo is taken again and again. The new guy takes you to another guy who hugs you. Who is this one? You smile at him. Then you are taken to another man who pats your back and kisses your cheek. Then yet another fellow gives you a big hug and messes your hair.
Finally, someone (which guy is this?) pulls you into his arms with the biggest hug you've ever had. He kisses you all over your cheeks and croons to you in some language you've never heard before.
He leads you to a car and drives you to another location. Everything here looks different. The climate is not what you're used to. The smells are strange. Nothing tastes familiar, except for the black coffee. You wonder if someone told him that you like your coffee black.
You find it nearly impossible to sleep. Sometimes you lie in bed for hours, staring into the blackness, furious with your husband for leaving you, yet aching from the loss. The new guy checks on you. He seems concerned and tries to comfort you with soft words and a mug of warm milk. You turn away, pretending to go to asleep.
People come to the house. You can feel the anxiety start to bubble over as you look into the faces of all the new people. You tightly grasp the new guy's hand. He pulls you closer. People smile and nudge one other, marveling at how quickly you've fallen in love. Strangers reach for you, wanting to be a part of the happiness.
Each time a man hugs you, you wonder if he will be the one to take you away. Just in case, you keep your suitcase packed and ready. Although the man at this house is nice and you're hanging on for dear life, you've learned from experience that men come and go, so you just wait in expectation for the next one to come along.
Each morning, the new guy hands you a cup of coffee and looks at you expectantly. A couple of times the pain and anger for your husband is so great that you lash out, sending hot coffee across the room, causing the new guy to yelp in pain. He just looks at you, bewildered. But most of the time you calmly take the cup. You give him a smile. And wait. And wait. And wait.
--Written by Cynthia Hockman-Chupp, analogy courtesy of Dr. Kali Miller
Immense Loss; Walk a Mile in Baby’s Booties
Imagine for a moment…
You have met the person you've dreamed about all your life. He has every quality that you desire in a spouse. You plan for the wedding, enjoying every free moment with your fiancée. You love his touch, his smell, the way he looks into your eyes. For the first time in your life, you understand what is meant by "soul mate," for this person understands you in a way that no one else does. Your heart beats in rhythm with his. Your emotions are intimately tied to his every joy, his every sorrow.
The wedding comes. It is a happy celebration, but the best part is that you are finally the wife of this wonderful man. You fall asleep that night, exhausted from the day's events, but relaxed and joyful in the knowledge that you are next to the person who loves you more than anyone in the world…the person who will be with you for the rest of your life.
The next morning you wake up, nestled in your partner's arms. You open your eyes and immediately look for his face.
But IT'S NOT HIM! You are in the arms of another man. You recoil in horror. Who is this man? Where is your beloved?
You ask questions of the new man, but it quickly becomes apparent that he doesn't understand you. You search every room in the house, calling and calling for your husband. The new guy follows you around, trying to hug you, pat you on the back,...even trying to stroke your arm, acting like everything is okay.
But you know that nothing is okay. Your beloved is gone. Where is he? Will he return? When? What has happened to him?
Weeks pass. You cry and cry over the loss of your beloved. Sometimes you ache silently, in shock over what has happened. The new guy tries to comfort you. You appreciate his attempts, but he doesn't speak your language-either verbally or emotionally. He doesn't seem to realize the terrible thing that has happened...that your sweetheart is gone.
You find it difficult to sleep. The new guy tries to comfort you at bedtime with soft words and gentle touches, but you avoid him, preferring to sleep alone, away from him and any intimate words or contact.
Months later, you still ache for your beloved, but gradually you are learning to trust this new guy. He's finally learned that you like your coffee black, not doctored up with cream and sugar. Although you still don't understand his bedtime songs, you like the lilt of his voice and take some comfort in it.
More time passes. One morning, you wake up to find a full suitcase sitting next to the front door. You try to ask him about it, but he just takes you by the hand and leads you to the car. You drive and drive and drive. Nothing is familiar. Where are you? Where is he taking you?
You pull up to a large building. He leads you to an elevator and up to a room filled with people. Many are crying. Some are ecstatic with joy. You are confused. And worried.
The man leads you over to the corner. Another man opens his arms and sweeps you up in an embrace. He rubs your back and kisses your cheeks, obviously thrilled to see you.
You are anything but thrilled to see him. Who in the world is he? Where is your beloved? You reach for the man who brought you, but he just smiles (although he seems to be tearing up, which concerns you), pats you on the back, and puts your hand in the hands of the new guy. The new guy picks up your suitcase and leads you to the door. The familiar face starts openly crying, waving and waving as the elevator doors close on you and the new guy.
The new guy drives you to an airport and you follow him, not knowing what else to do. Sometimes you cry, but then the new guy tries to make you smile, so you grin back, wanting to "get along." You board a plane. The flight is long. You sleep a lot, wanting to mentally escape from the situation.
Hours later, the plane touches down. The new guy is very excited and leads you into the airport where dozens of people are there to greet you. Light bulbs flash as your photo is taken again and again. The new guy takes you to another guy who hugs you. Who is this one? You smile at him. Then you are taken to another man who pats your back and kisses your cheek. Then yet another fellow gives you a big hug and messes your hair.
Finally, someone (which guy is this?) pulls you into his arms with the biggest hug you've ever had. He kisses you all over your cheeks and croons to you in some language you've never heard before.
He leads you to a car and drives you to another location. Everything here looks different. The climate is not what you're used to. The smells are strange. Nothing tastes familiar, except for the black coffee. You wonder if someone told him that you like your coffee black.
You find it nearly impossible to sleep. Sometimes you lie in bed for hours, staring into the blackness, furious with your husband for leaving you, yet aching from the loss. The new guy checks on you. He seems concerned and tries to comfort you with soft words and a mug of warm milk. You turn away, pretending to go to asleep.
People come to the house. You can feel the anxiety start to bubble over as you look into the faces of all the new people. You tightly grasp the new guy's hand. He pulls you closer. People smile and nudge one other, marveling at how quickly you've fallen in love. Strangers reach for you, wanting to be a part of the happiness.
Each time a man hugs you, you wonder if he will be the one to take you away. Just in case, you keep your suitcase packed and ready. Although the man at this house is nice and you're hanging on for dear life, you've learned from experience that men come and go, so you just wait in expectation for the next one to come along.
Each morning, the new guy hands you a cup of coffee and looks at you expectantly. A couple of times the pain and anger for your husband is so great that you lash out, sending hot coffee across the room, causing the new guy to yelp in pain. He just looks at you, bewildered. But most of the time you calmly take the cup. You give him a smile. And wait. And wait. And wait.
--Written by Cynthia Hockman-Chupp, analogy courtesy of Dr. Kali Miller
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
Friday, April 02, 2010
Baby Check List!
I started this list when Jack was still in the NICU. I revised it when I was pregnant with Morgan. I was so excited to pull it out yet again! Over the years we've gone through baby items, donated things and just plain wore some others out! This is my current list of things for Baby T!
The items is BOLD are things we already have. Not too bad at all! Items in red are things I am way too excited to start shopping for!
I am starting to feel that urge to nest and set up his little space in our home :) I'm also itching to get shopping too!! I really need to organize what we have first. There are a few boxes in Morgan's closet, the larger items like the swing and highchair need to be pulled from storage and washed! I think this is the perfect weekend to get started!
I would love your feedback on the list! Anything I am forgetting? He will be around 7-8 months old (but still a tiny fella and not nearly as BIG as an 8 month old) when he comes home. Any ideas are welcomed! Also, any shopping buddies are more than welcome too!
The items is BOLD are things we already have. Not too bad at all! Items in red are things I am way too excited to start shopping for!
Crib
Nursury Decor/Crib Bedding
Dresser
Diapers
Wash Cloths/Towels
Changing Table
Portable Crib
Pack and Play
High Chair
Booster Seat
Car Seat
Changing Table
Baby Blankets
Stroller
Jogging Stroller
Monitors
Crib Sheets/Bedding
Swing
Bouncy Seat
Baby Gym
Excersaucer
Onesies
Bibs
Socks
Outfits
Rompers
Sleepers
Sleep Sack
Sleep gowns
Grooming Kit
Diaper Bag/Backpack
Burp Cloths
Baskets for Dresser
Thermometer
Diaper Rash Cream
Front Carrier
Hats
Keepsake Box
Infant Meds (Mylecon, Tylenol, Saline)
Binkies
Dreft
Bottles
Formula Pitcher
Formula
Infant Toys
Rattles/Teethers
Vaseline
Baby Food Organizer
Nursery Water
I am starting to feel that urge to nest and set up his little space in our home :) I'm also itching to get shopping too!! I really need to organize what we have first. There are a few boxes in Morgan's closet, the larger items like the swing and highchair need to be pulled from storage and washed! I think this is the perfect weekend to get started!
I would love your feedback on the list! Anything I am forgetting? He will be around 7-8 months old (but still a tiny fella and not nearly as BIG as an 8 month old) when he comes home. Any ideas are welcomed! Also, any shopping buddies are more than welcome too!
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
An Update on Baby "T"
We did receive our update on our son yesterday and WOW is he ever the cutest thing! He looks like he's doubled over in laughter in two of the pictures, another is quite serious and concerned and the others are just different expressions! He's grown a tad bit, has a tiny wisp of hair and a great toothless, gummy smile :)
They included information about their schedule and feeding and a little bit about his personality. Apparently he's easy to laugh and when he's tired he sucks on his middle and ring finger. After spending a month looking at his very first photo I was so happy to see more of him!
We are still waiting to hear on court news...
They included information about their schedule and feeding and a little bit about his personality. Apparently he's easy to laugh and when he's tired he sucks on his middle and ring finger. After spending a month looking at his very first photo I was so happy to see more of him!
We are still waiting to hear on court news...
Monday, March 22, 2010
Friday, March 19, 2010
Sunday, March 14, 2010
THE Call! We have a new son!
I can't share too many details -- so bear with me as I try to creatively fill in the blanks!!!!
It was just like any other Monday morning. Jack was off to school, Morgan was playing on her own, and I settled with a nice cup of coffee to check my email. I had been trying to keep my excitement in check. I checked the Bethany Ethiopian Adoption message boards (members of our agency adopting from Ethiopia joined an online group to share experiences) and noticed we were getting awfully close to the top of the "unofficial waiting list." I was not getting my hopes up though -- trying to keep from getting ahead of myself.
I then heard the phone ring. Monday, March 1, 2010 at 10:26 am. I saw the caller ID and my heart skipped a beat. It was Bethany Christian Services. In that moment I knew! Our social worker has never called our house. We use email to communicate back and forth with her. I picked up the phone and said "Hello?" and she said "Angela, it's J--, are you sitting down?" I said "Well, I am now!" and she said "I have a referral for you!" I don't think I heard what she said next. I started to get teary-eyed. She said "He was born on (certain day in the fall of 2009), and is at "certain" orphanage. I had to interrupt her -- "So it's a BOY?" and she said "Yes, it is a boy!" and I tried to do the math very quickly in my head and said "And he's under a year old?" and she said "He's 4 months old and just the cutest thing!" I said "Wait! There are PICTURES??" and she said she'd send the official referral documents through email. She told me his name. She told me how long he's been at the orphanage, how much he weighs and also how tall he is. I remember saying "I am crying, is that okay?" LOL! Who says that?? She was delighted to share in that moment with me. I told her I will look for the email and I needed to call Jason right away!
So I called Jason and said "Are you sitting down?" (such a good line, lol) and proceeded to tell him everything our social worker told us in one breath and that we have a NEW SON!!!!!!! I waited on the phone with Jason all the while hitting refresh on my email waiting for the message from J--. Finally the message came through and before I opened it, I forwarded it to Jason so we could see his picture at the same time. Both of us were quiet as we quickly scrolled through a few pages of words until we reached the bottom to see his precious picture.
There he was. Our son. A stunningly beautiful little boy curiously looking back at us with his HUGE brown eyes. He looked healthy and he was wearing the cutest orange and blue outfit. I studied every inch of his face and his little hands and legs. Since Jason was at work I had to let him get back to it and we said we would wait until he got home to call the rest of the family. I did tell him I was going to call my mom right away!
Floating -- surreal -- under water -- slow motion -- I couldn't think of anything else except our new son! I called my mom and she and grandpauly rushed over so they could see his picture. It was so awesome to have them see the same thing I was seeing! I wasn't crazy -- there he was! Our baby boy!
That evening Jason called Pa Pa and he was so excited! We called other family and friends and it was so good to finally share this wonderful news! Uncle Ryan and Aunt Shannon came over that evening to say hello and "meet" their new nephew!
I can hardly believe it's been 13 days since the call. I have so much more to share but I wanted to get this moment down on paper before my brain lost some of the details!
We have a new son!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
It was just like any other Monday morning. Jack was off to school, Morgan was playing on her own, and I settled with a nice cup of coffee to check my email. I had been trying to keep my excitement in check. I checked the Bethany Ethiopian Adoption message boards (members of our agency adopting from Ethiopia joined an online group to share experiences) and noticed we were getting awfully close to the top of the "unofficial waiting list." I was not getting my hopes up though -- trying to keep from getting ahead of myself.
I then heard the phone ring. Monday, March 1, 2010 at 10:26 am. I saw the caller ID and my heart skipped a beat. It was Bethany Christian Services. In that moment I knew! Our social worker has never called our house. We use email to communicate back and forth with her. I picked up the phone and said "Hello?" and she said "Angela, it's J--, are you sitting down?" I said "Well, I am now!" and she said "I have a referral for you!" I don't think I heard what she said next. I started to get teary-eyed. She said "He was born on (certain day in the fall of 2009), and is at "certain" orphanage. I had to interrupt her -- "So it's a BOY?" and she said "Yes, it is a boy!" and I tried to do the math very quickly in my head and said "And he's under a year old?" and she said "He's 4 months old and just the cutest thing!" I said "Wait! There are PICTURES??" and she said she'd send the official referral documents through email. She told me his name. She told me how long he's been at the orphanage, how much he weighs and also how tall he is. I remember saying "I am crying, is that okay?" LOL! Who says that?? She was delighted to share in that moment with me. I told her I will look for the email and I needed to call Jason right away!
So I called Jason and said "Are you sitting down?" (such a good line, lol) and proceeded to tell him everything our social worker told us in one breath and that we have a NEW SON!!!!!!! I waited on the phone with Jason all the while hitting refresh on my email waiting for the message from J--. Finally the message came through and before I opened it, I forwarded it to Jason so we could see his picture at the same time. Both of us were quiet as we quickly scrolled through a few pages of words until we reached the bottom to see his precious picture.
There he was. Our son. A stunningly beautiful little boy curiously looking back at us with his HUGE brown eyes. He looked healthy and he was wearing the cutest orange and blue outfit. I studied every inch of his face and his little hands and legs. Since Jason was at work I had to let him get back to it and we said we would wait until he got home to call the rest of the family. I did tell him I was going to call my mom right away!
Floating -- surreal -- under water -- slow motion -- I couldn't think of anything else except our new son! I called my mom and she and grandpauly rushed over so they could see his picture. It was so awesome to have them see the same thing I was seeing! I wasn't crazy -- there he was! Our baby boy!
That evening Jason called Pa Pa and he was so excited! We called other family and friends and it was so good to finally share this wonderful news! Uncle Ryan and Aunt Shannon came over that evening to say hello and "meet" their new nephew!
I can hardly believe it's been 13 days since the call. I have so much more to share but I wanted to get this moment down on paper before my brain lost some of the details!
We have a new son!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
Seizure
Monday morning literally 5 minutes before the bus came for Jack he had a seizure. He was waiting by the door with his coat, hat, and gloves on and I was in the kitchen gathering his lunch and bookbag. I don't know how or exactly when the seizure started. I heard teeth grinding sounds and thought to myself "uh-oh." and when I walked around the corner I saw a very pale, blue-lipped Jack in the middle of a seizure. I froze and couldn't make my mind work. After what felt like forever I took Jack's coat off and turned him on his side. I was working on his belt and pants (had diastat on hand) and he came to and looked around and very weakly whispered "bus" and I gently told him "Jack, you had a seizure and you're probably feeling sick" I did not need to use the diastat this time.
I grabbed the phone and called Jason, then I called the school, and then finally I remembered the bus! I ran out to the bus and explained to the driver that Jack had a seizure and I would be keeping him home from school. I ran back inside and assessed Jack. He was really out of it with big pupils and very pale. I then remembered I had to call his TSS (who meets him at school every day) and by the time I was done talking to her Jack was fast asleep on the living room floor. This one hit him pretty hard. He slept from 8:30 am until after 12:00. When he woke up he was confused and disoriented and very lethargic. He perked up a bit and ate a late lunch but was very quiet and his speech was slurred (he had a hard time getting his consonants out)...then, by 3:00 pm he totally perked up and was back to being Jack! He was dancing and singing, hopping around and requested to eat like 5 times before dinner!
He's been fine ever since...no other seizures that we've noticed.
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So this isn't the first time and it certainly won't be the last -- but boy do seizures have a way of knocking me for a loop. It's like we go just long enough for them to creep to the middle-to-back part of my mind, almost a distant memory then WHAM -- NOPE, no relaxing for you! I know it's out of my control -- and that's probably the hardest thing. I had a really hard time sending him on the bus yesterday but I know I can't keep him home just in case...ya know? So he's fine, and I am too -- but I don't like these sneak attacks.
I grabbed the phone and called Jason, then I called the school, and then finally I remembered the bus! I ran out to the bus and explained to the driver that Jack had a seizure and I would be keeping him home from school. I ran back inside and assessed Jack. He was really out of it with big pupils and very pale. I then remembered I had to call his TSS (who meets him at school every day) and by the time I was done talking to her Jack was fast asleep on the living room floor. This one hit him pretty hard. He slept from 8:30 am until after 12:00. When he woke up he was confused and disoriented and very lethargic. He perked up a bit and ate a late lunch but was very quiet and his speech was slurred (he had a hard time getting his consonants out)...then, by 3:00 pm he totally perked up and was back to being Jack! He was dancing and singing, hopping around and requested to eat like 5 times before dinner!
He's been fine ever since...no other seizures that we've noticed.
.JPG)
So this isn't the first time and it certainly won't be the last -- but boy do seizures have a way of knocking me for a loop. It's like we go just long enough for them to creep to the middle-to-back part of my mind, almost a distant memory then WHAM -- NOPE, no relaxing for you! I know it's out of my control -- and that's probably the hardest thing. I had a really hard time sending him on the bus yesterday but I know I can't keep him home just in case...ya know? So he's fine, and I am too -- but I don't like these sneak attacks.
Thursday, February 11, 2010
Snowed In! Blizzard of 2010!! SNOW DAY!!!
Two storms in one week..well actually two storms in two days! Our first snow storm brought us around 15 inches...and the blizzard brought us about 20 inches! Too much snow, but it is breath taking and beautiful!
The entire family had a snow day yesterday and school is canceled again today. Jason went back to work today. We did take the kids out for a little (very short) while yesterday and they loved it!
We baked a banana cake (which turned out YUMMY), played with blocks, colored with markers, and played dress up...well, Morgan dressed up and we all told her how pretty and cute she looked (at her request) lol!
Today we'll finish making Valentines for Jack's classmates! I am not sure if they'll have school tomorrow or not but we want to be prepared just in case. I have no idea how the bus will operate in this weather (the wheel chair lift) seeing as he has almost no options to pull over and there is snow every where! Well for today no worries -- because it's another SNOW DAY! (sorry Jason, we miss you today!!!)
Monday, February 08, 2010
Funny
clues as to what she's been doing! She found the camera and took a
picture of her foot!! lol
Friday, February 05, 2010
Yes we did!
out unscathed! The kids were so patient and tolerated waiting! I am
one happy and proud momma :)
Wednesday, February 03, 2010
Jack "writes" his name!
We have a two hour delay this morning because of snow...Jack is anxious to get to school so to pass the time he wanted to play "drawing" and write his name!
In this video you can hear him say "Write ah name!" and I think he gets a few letters...normally he's been able to say "J, A, C" which is amazing -- and so close! He can recognize the letters of his name in uppercase letters as well. It's the little things when added together really show his amazing progress this school year!
Here is the short video clip (he hardly ever stays still either, lol) enjoy and hope you all have a great week!
Edited to add Jack is playing with the Scribble and Write from Leapfrog
In this video you can hear him say "Write ah name!" and I think he gets a few letters...normally he's been able to say "J, A, C" which is amazing -- and so close! He can recognize the letters of his name in uppercase letters as well. It's the little things when added together really show his amazing progress this school year!
Here is the short video clip (he hardly ever stays still either, lol) enjoy and hope you all have a great week!
Edited to add Jack is playing with the Scribble and Write from Leapfrog
Monday, January 25, 2010
Thursday, January 14, 2010
Haiti Earthquake Recovery Fund
I have been watching the news through tears the past 48 hours. It's a helpless feeling watching such devastation. I am encouraging everyone to donate to help the people of Haiti.
Please visit the link below and under gift designation choose: Haiti - Earthquake Recovery
CLICK HERE TO DONATE
Thank you!
If you can financially help the children in Haiti, Bethany Christian Services has set up a fund for earthquake recovery in Haiti. We will work with our partners on the ground in Haiti to use your donations to help ensure that children in Haiti are cared for and kept safe.
Please visit www.bethany.org/donate to donate to the Haiti-Earthquake Recovery fund.
Please visit the link below and under gift designation choose: Haiti - Earthquake Recovery
CLICK HERE TO DONATE
Thank you!
If you can financially help the children in Haiti, Bethany Christian Services has set up a fund for earthquake recovery in Haiti. We will work with our partners on the ground in Haiti to use your donations to help ensure that children in Haiti are cared for and kept safe.
Please visit www.bethany.org/donate to donate to the Haiti-Earthquake Recovery fund.
Thursday, January 07, 2010
Casts off after one week ( post Botox)
Check out this video on YouTube:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hrYN6pv4E40&feature=youtube_gdata
Sent from my iPhone
Wednesday, January 06, 2010
Feeling the Excitement!
The past few days have brought tremendous news for many, many families waiting for referrals from our adoption agency! There were 10 or more families matched with children (based on the waiting families just on our agency's adoption message board -- which obviously isn't every family working with our agency). This is a HUGE number. Recently there has been a lull in referrals where weeks would go by without any matches and then just one or two would occur. We have kept our excitement in check and knew that we had many, many, many longs months to go before it was our "turn" to receive a referral. This large group of referrals just made us jump up on the waiting list faster than I've seen in the past year! There was at least one family's DTE (dossier to Ethiopia) date really close to ours. The quoted time frame is still around 15 months from the time your paperwork (dossier) gets to Ethiopia. Our paperwork went on August 7th, 2009. Based on that -- we still have 10 months to wait. Based on what went on yesterday...we could potentially receive a referral much, much sooner!
Up until yesterday I hadn't thought actively about the wait. I was "fine" just going about our busy days...now I can't peel my eyes away from the message board and I admit, my hopes are waaaaaay up!!! I said to Jason last night a few days ago getting a referral seemed like some far off day...kind of like thinking of Jack's 10th birthday or Morgan going to Kindergarten. I know those things will happen in the future but I certainly don't think about it every day!
So we don't know anything...we do know that our social worker is absolutely fantastic about sending program updates and information. I just started reading another book she suggested a few weeks ago. So we wait...how long? We still don't know!
For those interested in reading more about the work our agency is doing for families in Ethiopia you can do so here: ETHIOPIA
Up until yesterday I hadn't thought actively about the wait. I was "fine" just going about our busy days...now I can't peel my eyes away from the message board and I admit, my hopes are waaaaaay up!!! I said to Jason last night a few days ago getting a referral seemed like some far off day...kind of like thinking of Jack's 10th birthday or Morgan going to Kindergarten. I know those things will happen in the future but I certainly don't think about it every day!
So we don't know anything...we do know that our social worker is absolutely fantastic about sending program updates and information. I just started reading another book she suggested a few weeks ago. So we wait...how long? We still don't know!
For those interested in reading more about the work our agency is doing for families in Ethiopia you can do so here: ETHIOPIA
Monday, January 04, 2010
Pee Pee on the P-O-T-T-Y!!
Major milestone moment here today! Miss Morgan Leigh decided today was the day she'd finally pee on the potty. We'd been trying on and off with zero success over the past 6 months or so. She'd just sit and make a "Pssssssst" sound with her mouth...we put it on the back burner over the holidays and this morning while I was running her bath water I decided to try again. I wasn't expecting anything so I was very surprised when she hopped off and there was actually PEE in the POTTY, lol! So it's officially on...potty training has begun!
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