Gratitude

As we enjoy a Sunday evening home together, I can't help but be filled with gratitude. Watching the boys play, watching Olivia care for her littlest brother by rocking him to sleep, and watching a faithful father oversee and relish in his family. God is good. Days are still filled with challenges, and joy, but tonight, I'm relishing rocking away the fleeting moments of a snuggling toddler and listening to laughter from the big kids and Dad in the living room. We have purposed in our family to slow down and enjoy the days...slow down to minister together...slow down to grow, learn and just BE together as a family. Striving for all of that good stuff with God smack dab in the middle of it all. And, as always, still looking for those everyday miracles, and everyday mercies.

Brothers

We are truly blessed...

16.00

Yesterday, I was grumbling at the 16.00 I paid to park 10 miles away from Shedd's Aquarium. Grumbling mainly because we would only be there for an hour and a half. (Thanks to all the construction on I90 and in the city, and GPS that didn't quite realize that Lake Shore Drive was indeed, a key road in getting there.)

Truthfully, I didn't even want to go. The thought of taking 4 kids in there myself was a little unnerving. (Craig was on his way home from Germany) Last time we went into Chicago for some medical appts for Evan, we went to the aquarium and got a membership. We knew it would pay off, and it has. :)

Grumbling the entire trip in, and then even more so when I had to fork over the 16 bucks to park....then the what seemed like a 4 mile hike to get into the aquarium...I was already...well, crabby.

As the kids were on the ledge of a floor to ceiling display of the amazon river and all it's fishies, I noticed a lady chuckling as she watched Evan.

Evan is more or less "old hat" in our family. Seems like he's been here forever, and we just don't notice that he looks different from the other kids. Must be an adoption thing, I guess? So, this lady was watching the boys peering into the display and watching some polka dotted stingray looking fish glide around. She asked me if I had adopted Evan. I said yes. She then started asking some more adoption related questions and mentioned she was 48 and was interested, but thought she was too old. Funny that she mentioned her age...she didn't look like she could be past 35.

Then, I knew exactly why the Lord had me in that spot, at that time. It was for her. It was for them. For the little one who could very well be somewhere out there who is meant to be her child. She was mostly interested in China. I could tell that this was something more than just a passing thought. She was extremely interested. She said that she and her husband married late in their 30's and never had children, but wanted them. I gave her information on New Day as well as our agency. We talked briefly about sn adoptions as well.

This meeting was not by chance. I live 90 miles away, she lived in Michigan, I had just a short time there, and was trying to keep track of three very excited kids in a crowd. God allowed us to meet up and worked the whole conversation around.

As I walked away, I chided myself and bad attitude. I had momentarily lost sight of the big picture in life. Gee, 16.00 for parking or the mega-chance that a child will go home to a mom and a dad? I'll gladly pay that parking fee!

The kids were awesome, and my fears, though valid...were squashed. :)

Evan Amazing & Updates

It's been awhile. The adjustment to 4 kids under the age of 7 is well...INSANITY!!!!! Nah, it's all good, but busy doesn't begin to describe life.



So, I had to share this story that happened today. Evan. This kid never ceases to amaze me. After we dropped off the older two kids at their week long day camp, Evan, Levi and I went to Target for a few things.

Boy, shopping with only two kids, is like having no kids at all! Here's where our story begins. For whatever reason, Evan decides that his brother, Mason would like a Mario movie for his birthday next month. As we are rounding the corner out of the baby aisle, and are rolling towards electronics, Evan sees a young Target employee. He stops him by saying, "Excuse me, I looking for Mario movie." The young guy, bends down on his knees and, Evan goes on to say that it's his brothers birthday and he wants Mario, so he's looking for the Mario movie. Meanwhile, I'm behind the cart, and astonished that my child initiated and is having such an adult conversation. Evan clearly knew what he wanted and knew who to go to to find it. The rest of the conversation went like this:

Target guy: "Are you looking for the cartoon or the real people in the movie?"
Evan: "I want the tartoon."
Target guy: "OK, follow this aisle down to the garden department and then go right. The movies will be down just a little bit on your right."
Evan: "Thank you."

I proceed to follow Evan to where the guy was pointing. He needed help with left and right, but, that's it. Evan knew exactly what he was getting, and where to get it. He found his movie, and was happy as a lark. I still can't get over the sight of him walking up to this young kid working at Target and asking for a certain item, and how to get it. Evan just turned 5!!!

Well, we get the movie, go home, and wrap it. I helped Evan wrap it, and he wrote Mason's name on the outside.

There are days when I feel as if he will never 'get it.' and we'll be stuck in this merry-go-round of how to put shoes on the right feet, brush teeth, put clothes on right side out...etc. Then there are days like today, and I stand amazed at this kid. I can't help but wonder what his birth parents must be like.


Evan playing ball with Papa. (Craig's dad)

So, here's a general update of Evan. Lots has been going on!

1. Evan has had a lot of medical appointments in the last few months. All of which we have been able to do here in town. However, one doctor, the main guy, dropped the ball, and has been extremely inconsistent with Evans care. That has led us to drop him like a hot potato. We are now seeing a cleft team at Children's Memorial in Chicago. We have several appointments scheduled throughout the summer. This has caused us to have to obtain second opinions on the rest of his care. So essentially, we'll be doing the last few months of appointments all over again. I'm OK with that, as I want Evan to have the best care possible, to give him the best advantage. Not so sure that Evan will be wild about this. However, the Lincoln Park Zoo is less than a mile away. There's always a silver lining!

2. Evan has been seen by a geneticist as well. He has been showing signs of a syndrome. There are three that he seems to fit into. Thankfully, nothing life threatening. We are currently appealing the first appeal with our insurance company to have these tests covered.

3. Evan started school in February. It's an early childhood school through our school district. He is supposed to be getting a fair amount of speech therapy, but well.... Since we are keeping him in pre-K for another year, there is not really a spot for him in the school district. They are very willing to make a spot but at this point, we feel that we can better educate him at home. :) He will however still receive therapy for speech, but at only 15 minutes a week. I am hoping to find a way to increase this time, as he needs it.

4. We have found that Evan has a mild hearing deficit. He will be fitted with hearing aids in the next few months. Funny though....hear can hear the phrases, "Would you like to play the Wii?" and "What flavor of ice pop did you want?" from a mile away.



Two weeks ago, we celebrated Evan's 5th birthday. What a momentous milestone!! I pray I never get complacent in the fact that his life is nothing short of a miracle. Though it was a huge milestone, we didn't exactly go 'all out.' Just a family party at Nanny's, but he did get that Woody cake he'd been asking for...for about a month. See his birthday song below.

Since Levi's birth, it's been wild around here! It's uber hard to blog, or even keep up with reading. I didn't think the transition would be so big, but it has been. All in a good way, and honestly, I'd love another. I cannot stop, for the life of me kissing this kids face! See why?

His Roots

Evan loves his book!!!

He waited most of the afternoon for the big brown truck to bring his special book. Finally, it came. He ran to the door, but, as usual, was trampled by his older sister.

He knew it was his book, and didn't care. No one could steal his thunder...especially an overbearing big sister!!

We unwrapped it and he read over each page so very carefully..remembering specific things about China...the New Day playground...his foster family...a special toy, etc. He 'got' it.

These are the only 'roots' he has. We don't know his exact birth date, or where he was found. Dr. offices beg for family history. They can't seem to grasp that these kids from China are abandoned. Abandonment is his reality, cold and harsh. Anything I can do to soften the blow, I will. He loves books, he loves looking at books of him, his family and now he can look at a glimpse of his special story...so far.




(I can't make this pic turn! sorry!)

Sorry for Him...

I don't quite know how to articulate this post.

We have all been sick...on and off for nearly a month. Last night it was mine and Liv's turn to be the sickest, so we made a mad dash for the convenient care clinic.

It was there, I had what is likely to be an occasional conversation with well meaning, ignorant souls. I felt so sorry for him. Ignorance certainly isn't bliss.

Upon mentioning one of our 4 kids was adopted, he, the doctor said to me, "Why would you adopt when you are able to have your own children?"

I couldn't believe it. Did he really just say that?! OK, so maybe the toothless lady at the grocery store with a cart full jaw breakers might, but really, the doctor?

What are the right words for such a question? Be it right or wrong, I told him that it was silly to me to bring more children into this world when so many are waiting.

Now, granted, 7 weeks ago I gave birth to the sweetest little baby in world, but he was an absolute miracle and surprise gift from the Lord. Craig and I made the decision after Jack was born 5 years ago,that we would grow our family through adoption when it was time. God had given us that desire, just kept doors shut until Evan was ready for us. We can have biological kids, bu what we desire is to care for the Orphan. We will take all the children God wills for us...biological or adopted.

My answer to him, is just that, mine. The decision to adopt is different for everyone. This was our reason.

It wasn't what this doctor was looking to hear. He went on to ask how much it was, and why we would want to pay that much for a child with special needs. (totally implying that we 'bought' our child.) Then he asked if we got a discount. Implying that we perused the "children" section of a store and picked one off a shelf.

Are you kidding me....really?! He continued with his exam, and the conversation naturally changed direction.

I don't have the answers that he wants to hear. It's pretty obvious that he is not a believer. James 1:27 and the host of other verses don't mean a thing to him.

I did my best to help him to see our child as a child...not an 'expense' or a 'burden' or whatever he might think of an orphan. It was to no avail.

Even thinking of something witty or even crass to say was beyond my sleep deprived, viral laden capabilities.

Sadly, he was a nice man. I'm sure he meant well, but the poor guy couldn't see past the end of his nose. He obviously can't see a great big world of pain out there, that millions of children live in on a daily basis. He swabs for strep cultures and collects a fat paycheck. How sad. So, so sad.

Evan has some special needs. Evan was abandoned at birth. We don't know if he was wrapped in a blanket, put in a box, had a note....nothing. We don't even know his true birth date or finding place. Does that make him less than any of our other children? Does that make him less of a person? Less of a value in this world? Gee, I wonder if Steve Jobs (Apple CEO) is any less of a person because he was adopted?

From what this doctor implied...absolutely.

As Liv and I drove home, I couldn't help but feel really, really sorry for this doctor. All that schooling and he just doesn't have a clue.



So, my question is this. How do you get people like this to see beyond the end of their nose? How do you answer their questions in a short sweet and severing way to make them SEE?

Evan's Special Adoption Story

Click here to view this photo book larger

Masterpiece

Life with four kids is hectic and the small things tend to swept by the wayside...but I'm learning, those small things are what matters most...the hearts of the children and seeing what they see. And, more importantly, seeing them how their Creator sees them. A masterpiece.


"Lo, children are a heritage from the Lord..."

Most days, between the squabbles, it tends to be tough to see that. So, most days, I ask the Lord to "let thine eye affect thy heart..." I want to see my kids for the masterpieces that they are. I want what I see in my kids to affect my heart like nothing else, so that I'll do my very best at raising them to be and do what God has planned for their lives.


Sunday, I took Livvy to the store with me. In anticipation of sping, we purchased the ingredients to make 'birds nests.' You know...those crunchy noodles in the Asian food aisle mixed with chocolate and peanut butter topped with a jelly bean? Melt the chocolate chips, mix in the noodles and glop a bit of it on waxed paper, set the jelly bean on top and it magically becomes a birds nest. Olivia was SO excited to do this little project, but felt it necessary to make a mama bird out of pipe cleaners first. She insisted. I thought it was silly, until the Lord reminded me to let my eye affect my heart. How could she have a nest and eggs without a mama bird so carefully fashioned? Really? It's not silly to her, it was the most important aspect of the project, to her. Honestly, the most important part of the project to me was making as little mess as possible, so that my clean up job was less of an effort.

I'm pretty sure I just disqualified myself for the Mother of the Year award.

This morning, I was up early feeding the baby. Normally, I'm not downstairs in the living room, but today I was. As I was feeding the baby, I surveyed the mess in the living room. Or rather, the 'aftermath.' The kids like hiding spots, so they make forts out of anything, but the favorite materials around here are umbrellas. They were all there, still set up and ready to go for this morning's adventures. Our living room is small, and I was slightly irritated about all these umbrellas taking up space. The Lord convicted me about this...it's not a mess or 'aftermath' it's a waiting adventure. And, my kids are not 'taking up space.'



It seems like so many people feel that way about children these days. They take up space...too much space and you'll have to get a bigger car or house. How sad!

"Children are a heritage of the Lord."

So, today I just wanted to mention how absolutely thankful I am that I have these kids, even if it's not "Thankful Thursday" yet.

Cabin fever = Evan and his Gooseggs....

Perhaps we should get carpet, or better, rubber floors. Perhaps SPRING SHOULD JUST HURRY UP AND GET HERE!

Either way, the kids are running through the house...wildly. Evan, bless his heart, just can't keep up physically without falling. We have hardwood floors. They can be slippery and are always hard. (duh) Good thing Evan's head is just as hard.

In the last hour the kids have been wrestling, all three older ones. Evan has acquired 3 small gooseggs on various areas of his head.

As the adult in charge, what am I doing about this? Sitting on the couch with a raging head cold nursing a 3.5 week old baby with RSV...wishing it were spring and I could send them outside.

Before the pity party gets out of hand here, I should mention I'm very grateful we have, thus far avoided more stitches. There hasn't been any bloodshed from head trauma or otherwise yet today, either. Thankfully, Evan doesn't seem to mind stitches. For a trip down memory lane...here are the two sets he acquired in China.

Inklings

ink·ling/ˈiNGkliNG/
Noun: A slight knowledge or suspicion; a hint.


inklings are pretty amazing. Mine often come to fruition as well, which can be a bit scary at times.

I had this inkling as a child that I'd be a nurse... that was a correct inkling, though I did 'retire' 7 years ago when Liv was born.

I also had this inkling early in high school that I would be an adoptive mom... that was also correct, and on January 16th of 2009, I saw our little boy from China for the first time.

There have been others...but for awhile I've kinda had another one. *sigh* Not one that I would expect and honestly want. I mean really...I have four kids. FOUR. That's a lot of laundry, milk, toilet paper and training/discipline. I am NOT the maternal mushy, apron wearing, cookie baking mom as nice as that would be to be her.

So, I've always had this inkling that I'd have a colorful family. Maybe some 'white' kids, or 'brown' ones, or maybe some blind or deaf ones, perhaps a little blondie with Downs. Just anything but the norm, that's for sure. Why? I don't know...it was/is just an inkling.

God is good. So, so good...and I might add, He has quite the sense of humor. Me? Four kids? A minivan? Really? (I NEVER had an inkling about a mini-van. EVER)

We are all sick. Coughing, fevers, sore throats...all the good stuff, minus the puke. :0) Even little Levi is sick and running a fever. (Don't worry...we're watching him closely.) As I was watching him sleep last night, that inkling came back and was solidified. The nudge, the "I wonder," the whatever it is you want to call it. It's that inkling there is another child out there. I'm thinking 2. I'm also thinking it's Africa.

???

I know! What's up with that?! I'm not signing up, that's for sure! My marbles are long gone, and my hands are plump and full with the 4 I already have. And between you and me...I swear Evan counts as two kids! :0)

However, I have learned you say no to drugs, alcohol, and sweets. You don't say "no" to God. What if saying "no" to Him in this inkling costs a child their life?

"Lord help me to never be that person to cower away from your leading because it doesn't suit my lifestyle or vehicle preference." Seriously.

So, this inkling? We'll see what happens. This is one potential adventure I definitely am NOT up to spear-heading! When He decides it's time, it will be time. I trust He'll let Craig in on the direction. It may not be adoption, but I'm thinking it is. For now, it's an inkling, a suspicion on what *may* be to come in the future.

What I DO know is that He's given me 4 awesome kids and a hint or two.

God's Hand

Yesterday, when updating stats...I failed to mention God's goodness in our family. Because Levi was SO big, I had to have a c-section. I wasn't pleased, as I know how these recoveries go and personally, having staples in my body is not something I relish the thought of. (Praise the Lord they are gone now!)



But God had other plans for the delivery, and we knew this. Here is where...once again...His goodness floods in. As they pulled Levi out, I heard them say "nuchal cord times 1." A cord around the neck is common, no biggie. Then it became quite hushed in the OR. Dr. R then said, "we have one umbilical knot, we have two umbilical knots."

WHAT?!

I was an OB nurse for just a short, short time, after I graduated nursing school 10,000 years and 4 kids ago, but I remember enough to know that a knot in the umbilical cord is a potential death sentence for the little ones. Most knots are discovered after it's 'too late.'

It wasn't 'too late' for our little boy because all along God kept him safe and sound. Levi had one loose knot, and one tight knot. He could have easily died, even at 39 weeks, but God in His love and grace, protected him. I just LOVE seeing His hand on my kids! It's a reminder to me that no matter what I do to love and protect my children, that ultimately He is in control.

After the initial shock in the OR was over, they continued their assessment on Little (OK, or not so little). Levi's apgar scores were 9 and 9. He was the pinkest, fattest,
biggest baby I had ever seen. His knots posed no problems for him. The doctor later told me that his cord was so big and healthy that it was likely he had the knots for awhile.

God spared him for His glory, and even from the start he was meant to be here. Shortly after Evan came home...I prayed the Lord would "shut my womb" for good. I didn't want ANY chance of another biological child because there were so many orphans out there already. My chances of conceiving and carry a term baby are actually quite minimal anyway, but just in case, I still asked...

What a blessing the Lord said "NO!" It was a resounding NO when that cheapie pregnancy test show positive.

So, I've learned that when God says NO, it's a good thing, and no matter what I do, I'm still not in control. (as much as I'd like to think I am!) Unfortunately, I will need to learn this lesson over and over and over again, but each time, it's sweet to see His grace and patience with me.

And Levi Makes 6.....

A week ago today, the Lord increased our family to 6! Levi Joseph was born at 9:05am on 1/25/2011. He weighed a whopping 10lbs 14oz and was 20.5inches long. It was a long and miserable pregnancy, ending in a planned c/s due to his size, and he is worth EVERY STINKIN' MINUTE!



Levi is such a blessing to our family. God is so gracious to have given us another child. So far, he has quite a laid back personality and on his own time frame. And that's OK. I miss all those baby noises, smells and that way they stick their little butts out when you pick them up. *sigh* We are all smitten.



I never imagined myself with 4 kids....always hoped, but never, ever thought it would be true. It is...I have the messy and loud house to prove it. All is good. I can't fathom spending the time doing laundry when I can snuggle a newborn. Their littleness only lasts so long! Besides....the kids have plenty of underwear, perhaps enough to get them through to the new year.

Confessions...

I have these confessions...things that won't necessarily put me in jail, BUT, I assure you the nomination of "Mother of the Year" won't be mine anytime soon. Ah, well. We're all still alive, right!?

And, of course, kids are resilient.

This pregnancy has been tough. The hardest by far. Not sure if it's because I'm older (a whopping 34 now) or because this is child #4 (baby #3), or what.

From before the pregnancy test was positive, I felt sick. It hasn't stopped...one symptom after another. One shot of insulin after another. One chiropractic adjustment after another in hopes I can continue to walk. This little boy...oh my. He's so worth it, but oh my.

If the stork were only real. *sigh*

Back to my confessions:

The kids eat more cereal than they really should...it's at least one meal a day now days

If their clothes aren't funky....they wear them again.

If I have too many contractions in a day...no one get's bathed or schooled.

I have taught Olivia to do laundry...well, trying anyway.

Oh, the laundry. The pile is as wide as I am tall, and it's up to my waist. I have Evan to thank for peeing his bed the other day and the cat puking on ours. That has put the pile over the top!

The rats died...and I couldn't be more thrilled. Here's hoping the cat will too.

The baby's crib? We'll, it's here in IL...just in Chicago awaiting our arrival to pick it up.

I have a love affair with the couch and the ice maker. Can't get enough of either.

I eat about 22lbs of ice every 10 days. I crave it..but then why have I gained 25lbs?! Hello?! (thanks for the genes, Mom)

Other drivers on the road....they are all lucky to be alive.

Bowls, plates, cups, spoons, etc...they are ALL in a low shelf so that the kids can easily reach them to make their own cereal...pop tarts...fruits, yogurt...etc.

We have eaten more McDonalds than I can shake a stick at. The kids are "lovin' it"

And, the most recent event. Food poisoning. Yeah, um, those brownies I made the other night hoping to redeem myself? Not so good for Craig. He got food poisoning from them.

However....it's not ALL doom and gloom!

The kids have matured tremendously. Especially Olivia. While I have managed to let everything go, I HAVE worked to remain on top of my 'dedicated' little boy, attitudes, discipline, and training. Can't say I've done a great job, but honestly, I'd rather have to scrounge for socks for everyone than have seriously bratty kids. They have their moments, as do I (usually behind the wheel!) but all is good.

Much more is expected out of them, and it's been a good thing! They are developing skills on how to work their arguments out and to play fair. They are quite the little helpers, and are eager to accomplish tasks.

I *promise* (term must be used loosely) to post pics of the kids, especially Evan soon!

While the "Mother of the Year" award won't be traveling my way anytime soon....I'll take the concession prizes of a weekend away with the hubs and that much needed new car. ;0)

Heck...I'll take that over the award ANY DAY!!

Dedicated

It's been awhile. Growing a baby, diving into health issues with Evan, schooling three wild kids, loving on my hubby....time flies.

However, a certain event happened yesterday that is SO Evan, I have to share. Getting Evan to unbuckle his car seat has been, well, a difficult task. He can do it, has done it before, just doesn't want to. And, what Evan doesn't want to do, um....let's just say he will do everything is power not to.

Of course, that is a really nice way of saying, "stubborn."

After church yesterday, we pull into the garage. Evan did not want to unbuckle his car seat, so he pretended like he was sleeping. I gotta give it to the kid...he should be in Hollywood for a budding acting career. Even this discriminating mother had a hard time telling if he was actually sleeping. The mean mom that I am, I would have woke him up, and had him walk into the house...and besides, I cannot physically carry any of the kids these days. My dear husband, however, is full of mercy. He took Evan out of his car seat and carried him in. This entire time, Evan continued to pretend to be asleep. By this time, we both knew he was pretending to be 'asleep' so he would not have to unbuckle his seat. Smart kid.

It wasn't quite time for his nap, but since he was sooooo tired, and we could not wake him up, what else is there to do? Craig carried him up to bed.

Evan was stunned. Craig was in the lead.

A few minutes later, we checked on him. He was wide awake, but still pretending to be sleeping whenever we poked our heads through the door.

If you can believe it, this went on for an hour. Each time Craig or I checked on him, he did his very best to keep up the act. He didn't give in, until he finally did fall asleep.

Parents 1
Child 0

We win.

Evan is NOT stubborn or strong willed.

Craig calls him "dedicated."

Something Very Special

While we were in China, we had the privilege of attending Easter Services at New Day where we met some core people, one family being the Rippee's. They are the house parents of the Forever Home at New Day. The Rippee's are really neat people with a great big heart for the Orphan. They are adopting! Not sure who...maybe one of the girls? I dunno....time will tell! They have a few bio kids and 2 adopted from China, so they are not new to the process.

A Etsy shop owner, Sarah's Treasure Box is having a fundraiser of sorts for the Rippee's. On Tuesday, Oct 5, 5.00 from any pendant purchase made out of Sarah's Etsy shop will be donated to the Rippee Adoption Fund.





These are great Christmas gifts and I'm looking forward to picking out a few. Two of them especially for two very sweet nieces I have. :0) Can't wait!

Here are some more samples of what Sarah has to offer for sale:





I must be in a "pink" mood today...seems like all the ones I picked to post have pink in them...however Sarah had 11 pages or so to choose from. Not all pink, but ALL very cool!

Operation Giggle is in full swing!!

Operation Giggle is in full swing!!!

This is a ministry that has made a huge impact on the children of New Day Foster Home. Last year, Evan was at New Day and received his Operation Giggle gift. Sherri, the one who founded Operation Giggle is working tirelessly to make it a beautiful Christmas for these children, as well as other orphans in Ethopia, as well as a group of widows in Ethopia.

There are 19 New Day children left to be sponsored. Then, Sherri will release the info for Ethopia's orphans and widows.

We feel blessed to be sponsoring Jenna for Christmas! I am thankful that we have the opportunity to teach our children that the whole reason for Christmas is the Gift. These children and widows lack the real Gift of Christmas, and it's important to us to teach the kids to show others the Gift of Christmas. We are excited to shop for Jenna, and when the widow list gets released, I personally am excited to be a blessing to her. On Christmas morning, it will be sweet to think of Jenna and our Widow as we open up our own Christmas gifts.

***I wanted to add pictures of the kiddo's waiting to be sponsored, but blogger won't let me upload*** :0( Operation Giggle has all the info you'd need though!

Bruises, Stitches, Legos & Kisses...

That's what little boys are made of....and a little boy is what we are having!

Of course, Olivia promptly told the sonographer we'd be going back to China for 2 sisters...you know to even out the odds. Gotta love the faith of children. Yes, I'm sure we'll eventually even out the odds, but right now...survival is priority #1.

We are very thankful for a new little boy. Evan and Jack think it's pretty cool. Liv has taken over the sonogram pictures and is quite competent to make sure everyone who sees them, knows we're having a boy. Guess there's nothing like an A&P class in 1st grade!

Honestly, I was quite surprised this little one is a boy. I had all the same symptoms as I did with Liv. This baby is super duper active like she was...hiding, kicking the doppler, etc. Uh-oh. But, well, there's no mistaking, it's a boy!

The pregnancy has not been going well. Beyond the usual "barf bucket O' fun" of the first trimester I do have some progesterone issues, preterm labor, and gestational diabetes. The practice I went to with Jack was great, so I went with them again, but the whole atmosphere and a few of the docs changed...and not for the better. I admit, I get a little combative about my children...and this kiddo is no exception.

I asked the Lord for a big favor...to give me a new set of docs.

And...He did! Because of the pregnancy being higher risk then they felt comfortable with, my practice booted me out to the high risk unit at the hospital. :0) It's lovely. Really, and truly...I'm not being sarcastic, I promise! This little one and I are under some exceptional care. The best of the best, and I'm thrilled.

So far, even with all the risks, that my body is posing to the baby, they say he looks great. 18 weeks down!

Chit Chat

Last night we had the privilege of Skyping with Evan's Chinese foster family and his beloved, Mei-mei. This was something I have wanted to set up for months, but just wasn't sure, and it didn't seem like a priority.

It should have been.

Nearly everyday, Evan asks to see his Mei-mei, Polly. She too is at New Day. She is a sweet little 3yo girl. Her special need is that she has Downs. Of course, Evan doesn't see that...he sees Mei-mei and how she was 'fearfully and wonderfully made."

The time was set.... 8pm here, 9am in Beijing. Evan was poised and ready! He'd been ready and waiting all day. Quite patiently, I should add.

At 8pm, we dialed China. How exciting! New Day answered, and there was Mei-mei and his foster mom. Polly didn't seem like she had any idea of what was going on, but Evan's foster mom was thrilled to tears to see him. It had been way too long. She talked to him, only knowing Mandarin. We think he understood everything he said, but did not talk back in Mandarin. I know he can (will have to blog about that sometime...very funny!) but I think he was so overwhelmed he couldn't think straight.

Stating that his foster mom was thrilled to see him is an understatement. He sang to her. In fact, he sang his three very favorite songs, "The B-I-B-L-E" "Jesus Loves Me" and the theme song from Elmo's World. She had no idea what he was saying, but she and Polly clapped when he was finished. The translator asked us some questions the foster mom wanted to know. The most heartbreaking was about how he did after they handed him off to us. This is where a letter to her, or a Skype conversation set up earlier would have been nice. All that time, she was wondering how he's been, and didn't have to. Stink. I think she knew in her heart he'd be fine. They prepared him very well for us, and I'm sure New Day let her know he was fine.

Still, she was visibly reassured to see his animated little self, and to know he did fine after we took him. She liked hearing that he prays for them nightly and that he has a special book of pictures of them that he treasures.

So, we chatted for about a half hour. It was hard for her to say 'good-bye' but it won't ever be a final good-bye if we can help it.

Evan really enjoyed his time to see them. He really as adjusted so well. What a super blessing that we can do this with his foster family in China. So many...well, the majority of families that adopt from China never know who took care of their little ones. They never get to connect with them. And..these foster families (if the child was so blessed as to have one!) never get to see the other end of adoption. I'm so glad that Evan's family did! They know he is a regular, wild, little 4 year old boy...doing just fine. :0)

Now doesn't that just bless your blesser?

Long Overdue....

To make such an announcement as this!

Let me preface this as to say, I have NO IDEA what the Lord is doing. Surely it must be something grand, but I have to say, it's not what I had planned!!!

None the less. Every good and perfect gift comes from above, and we certainly were given a very good and perfect gift.

The gift of new life, growing within... A baby!

It's a pretty crazy finding for us, as we are one of those couples plagued with miscarriage and infertility. It's not a big deal as our hearts are for the orphan. I guess that's why it seems so strange why He'd give us another biological child.

Perhaps this child will do more for the orphan than we ever could? Perhaps, like a sweet friend said, it's a deep blessing that goes far beyond what we can comprehend.

Either way, we are tickled...pink maybe? Or maybe blue?

Come January, we'll have another arrow in our quiver!

*******Going Home!*******

God answers prayer, does He not?!

To a New Day adoptive parent, ***asterisks*** are a dream come true. I remember eagerly awaiting our PA (preliminary approval) so that Evan would have a * next to his picture, and new name on the New Day web site. This * means a child is matched...going HOME...to a THEIR family....always and forever.

Those * are a sigh of relief, and the start of a dream turned reality.

For several months we have been praying for the Lord to open up the door for us to adopt another child from New Day. His papers have been on the Shared List for quite some time, but he wiggled his way into our hearts long before that. We were even able to meet and snuggle with him in China.



After we got home with Evan, I began to pray for this child to be mine. I was pretty sure I was hearing God say "no." Not liking that answer, I took it for, "not now."

Several weeks later, that "not now" answer I was clinging to, (though I knew otherwise) turned into a big fat "NO!" He has something else. Not something better, not something lesser, something WAY different.

So today, our family gets to relish in answered prayers. A prayer we have prayed daily since we met Samuel, and returned from China.

He has a *.

We all know that means he has a family!

And, what's even better is that his new family is a Christian family with a heart for the orphan...especially the special needs orphan.

I'm so blessed to have been able to be in contact with his mom, and to learn how they've already met him in China, how God whispered his name to them, and He's moving mountains to bring their sweet little boy home.