{China #5} A Much Better Day

First of all, we want to thank each and every one of you that has commented on the blog and prayed for us.  This area is NOT very touristy and we are the only Americans at our hotel and possibly the only Americans in this area.  It’s SO nice to read the comments every morning and to feel connected to our family and friends.  Thank you for your encouragement!

Emerson woke up early this morning and wanted to wake up Chase, but I came out and gave her something to eat and she did take a nice long drink, too (huge praise!  We were concerned about her getting dehydrated).  We went down for breakfast and the same as yesterday….lots of crying, sad crying.  But at least we have been able to figure out a few foods that she will eat during breakfast.  She seemed to do better when feeding herself.  And also same as yesterday, Chase was able to get her to start giggling a bit towards the end of breakfast with his bouncy ball.

We came back up to our room and every time we get to the room, Emerson starts crying and doesn’t want to come in.  We were able to skype with my parents and the kids for the first time since we left home!!!  Emerson cried a good portion of that time, so Jeff took her out to the hallway so that I could continue to talk.

Today was a free day, so Jeff and I knew that we needed to get out and keep busy.  No tour guide today.  We ventured out a few blocks away to a supermarket and had fun looking around and buying a few items.  It gives us something to do.  Emerson hung out in the stroller and was content to watch all the “action”(if you can call it action).  She likes to go out and has, thus far, been very content while we’ve been out and about.  We checked out the local restaurants and had to try McDonald’s. ☺  Yep, double cheeseburgers taste the same in China!  We also tried ordering chicken nuggets, but got some fried mystery meat that we decided not to eat.  Unfortunately, we left our camera at the hotel, so we don’t have pictures of that part of the day.  But we plan to go back at some point.  

We came back to the hotel so Chase could work on some homework.  Emerson wasn’t very happy, so I took her for a stroller ride.  We walked for about a half hour down the street, while Emerson jabbered to herself.  She was quite pleased to be out and about.  When I came back, I put her down for an hour long nap.  

{Always watching Chase - even when he's doing homework!}

{Ready to go on a walk with Mommy}

When she woke up, we headed down to the pool so Chase & Jeff could go swimming.  In talking to our tour guide, she had warned us that swimming caps are required, that you’re not supposed to jump into the pool and that the “baby” shouldn’t swim because she might catch a cold.  So obviously, that was a cultural oops we made with Abram last time.  The pool was more of a lap pool than a swimming pool for kids to play in, which was a disappointment for Chase.  And the “hot” tub was NOT hot!  Another disappointment.  But Emerson loved watching them swim.  She is very curious and inquisitive in a very quiet way.  While walking back to the elevator I put my hand out for Emerson to hold (not expecting her to), but she reached up and held my hand for just a few seconds.  When we got back to the hotel room, she did not cry this time.  

{Swimming}

For supper we ventured out to a “Hong Kong” restaurant (that was the name of it) about a 5 minute walk away.  We saw a street vendor selling huge steamed buns (this is a family favorite) – we were SO tempted to buy some as they looked delicious, but heeded the warnings of our head, rather than following our stomachs.  Emerson did VERY well at supper time, eating a fair amount and not crying once!  Then we headed for McDonald’s for ice cream cones!  (3 cones for about $1.25 total!)  Once again, she did not cry when we returned to our room.  

{Heading out for supper}

{Steamed buns at a street vendor}

{Emerson trying to feed herself with chopsticks}

{Ice Cream at McDonald's}

We were determined to give her a bath tonight.  Chase put on his swim trunks and got in the tub and showed her the toys we brought.  She fought us removing her clothes and her pink coat which has become her security blanket.  But once she got in, she did pretty good, even playing a little.  

Finally before bed, we watched a little of the Olympics…curling (of all the events to be on during prime time!)…it was China vs. USA.  Oh so exciting to watch…it would have helped if we understood the rules and the scoring!! 

{watching the Olympics}

A couple of random side notes about today.  Emerson repeated “uh-oh” today and also mimicked Chase, taking his pencil and writing on his math book.  She also took the pencil sharpener and a pencil and although she didn’t put the pencil in the sharpener hole, she did make the twisting motion.  She is very observant and is quick to catch on…she seems to be a smart little cookie!

{Figuring out the Pencil Sharpener}

{Already learning the iPhone}

Today has been MUCH better than yesterday.  Thanks for praying for her and for us – we need them!

{China #4} What We Expected

Last night went well, thankfully.  Emerson slept all night until 5:15.  She’s definitely warmed up the most with Chase, for which we are thankful for…but stiffens her body if Jeff or I pick her up.

While at breakfast this morning, Emerson sat on my lap while I fed her some porridge.  She took several bites and then her lower lip started trembling again, then the tears came and she cried for most of breakfast.  I know that she was use to her foster mom feeding her with a spoon and I wonder if she suddenly realized that I was not her. ☹  Her crying is soft and mournful…it breaks our hearts!  Towards the end of breakfast, Chase pulled out a bouncy ball and started bouncing it softly.  This seemed to delight her and soon she stopped crying and was somewhat entertained with Chase, even laughing and giggling a little.

{Emerson smiling & playing with a bouncy ball}

{Emerson & Chase in the Hotel Lobby}

Back in our room, she looked through picture books with Chase and was saying some of the animals in Chinese (at least the ones we know in Chinese…horse and dog).  

We met with our tour guide this morning and went to the civil affairs office to do most of our paperwork for this week.  When we came back, Emerson fell asleep in my arms for a little while.  I loved it!  She did fairly good from there, playing, entertaining herself with beaded necklaces, her snack cup, Cheerios….until…….She got ahold of the photo album that her orphanage director/ foster mom put together for us.  I should have taken the photo album away, but I didn’t.  Soon she saw a picture of her, with her foster mom holding her….the flood gates opened.  Oh how I regret not taking it away before she saw the pictures!  Jeff and I could not console her.  She would have brief moments of being distracted by Chase, but then one look at me or Jeff and the flood gates would open again.  Oh, how hard it is to grieve for her, but not be able to comfort her.  I’ve found myself praying again and again for Jesus to comfort her in ways I can not comfort and to help me be patient.

Patience….Jeff and I always try to teach our children delayed gratification.  But right now I want instant gratification.  I want Emerson to love me, to smile at me, to feel comfortable with me….and the list goes on.  Reality is that I need to be patient and faithful.  Faithful to love, even when it’s not returned.  Bonding takes time and I KNOW THAT…so why is it so hard to be patient?  It’s only our first full day, for pete’s sake!   

Emerson did finally calm down as I rocked her (I knew she was tired, too) and she fell asleep in my arms for 30 minutes or so and woke up crying again.  Chase sat on the sofa and she sat beside him and quieted down, laying her head on his lap.

{Emerson loves her new big brother!}

We had a couple more appointments this afternoon.  Emerson did great, considering that she was still very tired.  She allowed me to hold her most of the time and let Jeff hold her too.  Afterwards we went to a Walmart to purchase a different sippy cup(she has drank very little (if anything) since we got her yesterday evening!...pray that she will stay hydrated) and a few other items.  She never said anything throughout our appointments and Walmart( very quiet) and then fell asleep in my arms before we got back to the van.

One hour later, Emerson woke up(at 5:30pm) and cried for the next hour and 15 minutes.  Finally she stood in front of Chase and plopped down on his lap and instantly stopped crying as she leaned back on him.  She doesn’t always respond to Chase, but he definitely calms her the most.  As we put her to bed, she seems like a completely different girl when it’s just her and Chase in the opposite room (we have a suite as “normal” hotel rooms here in China are TINY – about 350 SF).  We’re thankful to have glimpses of what Emerson will be like once she’s bonded with us.

It’s been a rough day, but as Jeff has reminded me…Isn’t this what we expected it to be like? Yes, it is what we expected it to be like, but yet it’s so hard to go through.

Also, thanks so much to everyone for their comments.  We can’t view the blog (we email the posts to Chelby’s cousin who posts them for us), but the comments are emailed to us.  They are the highlight of our day!!

-Jeff, Chelby, Chase & Emerson

{China #3} Emerson!!

This morning we left our hotel and headed to the airport.  Had another great conversation with Angela about her faith, upbringing and also got some more insights on how the orphanages are run.  It was a little sad to say goodbye to Angela, like we were saying goodbye to a good friend.  

Our flight was delayed 1 ½ hours…seems like all the flights we are on time for are delayed and the ones that we’re late for are on time! ☺ Nanchang received a couple inches of snow today which we assumed was the cause of the delay.  It was also their first snow of the season…we seem to have brought the Illinois winter with us to China as just last week it was 70 degrees here!  

As we sat on the plane, it almost seemed surreal… is this really happening?  Are we REALLY going to meet our little girl? Once we landed, we got our checked luggage (yeah for checked luggage..3 years ago, it was lost for 2 days!) and met with our guide and driver.  Soon we were on the road, heading through the same city that Abram was from, recognizing different spots and areas as we drove past.  

The Orphanage director was already in town with our little girl (had a 6-7 hour drive to get here), so we knew that as soon as we got to the hotel, it wouldn’t be long until we saw her.

Once we arrived at the hotel and got up to our room, I scurried around the room, trying to find the snacks and books and toys that we had packed for her.  It wasn’t but 10 minutes later that they brought Emerson up to our room. OH. MY. WORD!  Can I say…cuteness?!?!  WAY cuter in person, than in the pictures we had of her.  

{Emerson & Chase}

Being held by another nanny from Emerson’s orphanage system (her foster mom didn’t come, which is typical), Emerson was quiet and shy.  Slowly she stood on her own and allowed Chase and I to show her some of the books and toys, while Jeff asked the orphanage director questions about Emerson. She didn’t warm up very fast…not fast at all, but at the same time, she didn’t cry…at least not yet.  

{Emerson with orphanage director and other nanny - not hers}

{Emerson eating a banana}

{Chase, Emerson & Daddy}

{Emerson with her new doll}

{Chase & Emerson watching a video of Aubs & Abram}

One question we had for the orphanage director…is there a nickname for Longxi (Chinese name)?...Xixi (pronounced “she she”)…means (joy, joy or double joy or double happiness.  We LOVE it, XIxi!  She definitely knows her name…xixi. ☺  We were also given a photo album of many, many pictures of Emerson, her foster mom, the other children in the orphanage, the Christmas party with the cake that we ordered for her, around her town, etc.  We were ecstatic to say the least.  They also gave us a gift of a little sack of dirt from her hometown, wrapped in red satin fabric.  

After the guide, orphanage director and other nanny left, Emerson remained quiet and yet inquisitive with the books.  Soon the lower lip started trembling and her eyes welled up with tears.  I thought I was going to cry with her, as my heart tore in half.  Her cry was soft and she let me hold her (though her body didn’t relax in my arms, she didn’t fight me, either).  Soon she stopped crying and only cried off and on throughout the next couple of hours.

{Emerson realizing something is happening & starting to cry}

Emerson came to us in 4 shirts (2 thick shirts, 2 regular) and 3 pairs of pants with no diaper (split pants….split down the crotch of the pants so the child can squat and go pee…lots of young Chinese children wear them) and one thick coat, good boots and heavy socks.  About an hour after she came, Chase was playing with her and suddenly announced, “she’s peeing!”…and sure enough, little miss Emerson was squatting and peeing on the carpet!  Couldn’t help but laugh and clean it up!

We were determined to give her a bath tonight, but Emerson wanted nothing to do with it!  She resisted and cried when each layer was taken off.  Her cry was a cry of grief…each piece of clothing is the only thing familiar to her…Everything else is new.  We have new toys, new pj’s, new clothes, new blanket, new doll, etc.  We finally gave her a sponge bath and as much as I totally wanted to get rid of all of her old clothes, we put two of her shirts back on along with a pull up.  ☺  

For bedtime we weren’t given much of any instructions other than she slept with her foster mom in bed, rather than her own crib.  Chase also got ready for bed to try & “show” her what to do.  As he laid on the couch (his bed), she reached out and stroked his hair and face and pushed at his eyes and eyebrows.  

{Emerson patting Chase's head}

Chase has been amazing in his interactions with her thus far.  You can tell she is definitely more comfortable with him than with us at this point.  Up to this point we had tried a couple different things in putting her to bed – rocking her, laying down with her, etc.  Finally Jeff thought of rolling the crib next to Chase’s bed with the railing lowered towards Chase.  She whimpered as she didn’t like the idea of being in the crib.  She reached her hand out to touch Chase’s head.  After a couple minutes we were shocked to find them both asleep!  I think she was plum tuckered out.  

We are so thankful for how today went – thank you for praying for us and her!  Pray that she can trust us and that we can have wisdom and patience with bonding and very possibly lack of sleep if she’s up throughout the night(s).  

Love,

Jeff, Chelby, Chase & Emerson

{China #2} Beijing Tour

Today was a PACKED day!  We started at 8:30/9am and went to the Temple of Heaven.  It was huge and despite the snow from yesterday, it still seemed busy.  It was fun to see some couples dancing to music in the park and other people playing…something like hacky sack.

{Temple of Heaven}

{Chase, Chelby & Angela}

From there, we went to a Chinese restaurant and again tried several new dishes, such as: a shrimp and walnut dish, Chinese cabbage, meat pie and some other dishes. 

{Eating lunch with Angela, her husband and our faithful driver}

Afterwards, we headed to the Tien Mien square and to the Palace Museum (aka the Forbidden Palace). 

{Tein Mien Sqaure}

The Palace Museum was incredible and seemed to never end (in a good way).  The architecture was simply amazing.  It made the Capitol project I (Jeff) just finished seem small & plain in comparison.  Our tour guide, Angela, said that there were 9, 999 rooms in the Palace.  If a new born were to sleep in a different room every night, he would be 27 years old by the time he slept in all the rooms.  Needless to say, it was amazing to see.

{Forbidden City}

From there, we hopped back into our van.  Next stop, a rickshaw ride.  It was a bit cold at times, when the wind was against us, but worth the experience.  The driver took us to a local Chinese home, where our tour guide explained how the Chinese used to live, while we got to look inside the rooms.  Then the rickshaw driver took us around some of the back roads for a bit.  I loved observing all the people….riding past a lake, iced over, with people ice skating and ice skiing (a chair on skis with ski poles to push across the ice). 

{Rickshaw Ride}

Throughout the day as we’ve ridden in our van, we’ve been able to talk with Angela and ask her lots of questions.  She used to work for All God’s Children (an adoption agency), so she knows a lot about the process and the orphanages and how they are run.  We’ve also been able to ask her some language questions like how do we tell Emerson it’s time for bed?  She also informed us how important tones are as similar words said with a different tone can mean VERY different things.  Baba can mean Dad or it can mean poop depending on the tone you use!!  Chase thought this was hilarious.  ☺  

Our last stop was the Chinese acrobats.  This was simply incredible!  We were in awe most of the performance.  Chase absolutely LOVED this, especially when they had 8 motorcycles riding around in one spherical type cage (that was not very big).  Several of the stunts literally took our breath away as it seemed for sure they were going to fall or hurt themselves.  

{Chinese Acrobats}

{Motorcyclist in Cage} 

We went out to eat again for supper sampling din sum/pot stickers, egg plant, a very spicy beef dish, sweet potato & mushroom dish, etc.  

Chase crashed as soon as we got back to our hotel room (around 8:30pm).  He did fantastic for as many things as we did today.  He told me tonight before bed that he can’t wait to meet his little sister tomorrow.  It’s hard to believe that Gotcha Day for Emerson is nearly here!  Please pray for her and her foster mom knowing the pain & grieving that lie ahead for both of them.

We are looking forward to traveling to a warmer climate tomorrow where we don’t have to wear 2 pairs of pants! ☺

Jeff, Chelby & Chase

{China #1} Plan A...to Plan D

Wednesday morning, Jeff and I got up at 5…knowing to be prepared for flight cancelations because of the snow.  The original plan was to fly out of Peoria to Chicago and then from Chicago directly to Beijing.  As we were getting ready that morning, we kept on checking flight status, but it wasn’t until 7am, that our Peoria flight was canceled.  My Dad was our back up and we called him to notify him that we needed to drive to Chicago and try to make our flight.

We quickly packed up, scooped the snow off the driveway, kissed Aubs and Abram goodbye and drove to Bloomington to pick up my Dad.  Driving conditions were pretty bad, averaging 40 miles an hour.  We made it to the O’hare airport just 30 minutes before our flight took off, knowing that we wouldn’t make our flight unless it was delayed.  Jumping out of the van, grabbing all of our luggage, we ran in to the airport to check in, as my Dad drove our van back home.  But it was too late and they wouldn’t let us check in – our flight was one of the few that was not delayed.  ☹

They were able to change our flights, so that we would be flying out in 1 hour, to Hong Kong, instead, then an hour layover and fly to Beijing.  With that, we ran through the airport, security and to our gate.  When we boarded the plane, we knew that the flight had been delayed for 30 minutes…but as we sat on the plane, waiting for take off, we waited, and waited…for almost 2 hours before the plane took off.  They had to de-ice the plane a couple of times and supposedly were waiting on a big group that still needed to board the plane.  

The flight seemed forever long, 15.5 hours in the air and no way to get comfortable and get good sleep.  We knew that we would miss our connecting flight to Beijing and prayed that plan D would be clear.

{Watching 1 of many movies on our 16-hour flight}

When we got off the plane (8:30 pm Thursday, local time…6:30am Thursday our time), we were immediately told that there were no more flights to Beijing that night and they put us up in a hotel for the night.  Chase was ecstatic to be spending the night in Hong Kong and thought that was so cool!  While waiting for our boarding passes to print, we met a missionary couple from California heading back to India after a short furlough.  It was a neat time of fellowship.  

{At our Hotel in Hong Kong}

Friday morning we were shuttled back to the airport and flew out at 8am.  We arrived in Beijing at 11:30am…to snow.  It was their first real snow of the season (I’d say about a whopping 1”).  We met our tour guide, Angela, who we’ve gotten to know via email prior to the trip.  We drove to a local Chinese restaurant where they served us “family style” and we were able to sample Roasted Peking Duck (which Beijing is famous for), Kung Pao chicken, fried green beans, fried pumpkin sticks (similar in size to French fries), fried rice (are we sensing a theme by now??).  It was really nice to have someone order our food who knew what Americans could handle, but yet have us sample some specialty dishes. We were proud of Chase for trying almost everything and enjoying it! 

{Roasted Duck}

{Fried pumpkin, Kung Pao Chicken, Fried Green Beans}

We then drove to the Great Wall – beautiful scenery/area, especially with the fresh coating of snow.  We took a chair lift up to the Wall, then walked along it for a while, going through several guard tours and up and down slippery steps and inclines due to the snow.  It was surreal to actually be seeing it first hand.  Normally, we would have taken a toboggan back down the hill (think Alpine slide), but due to the snow, it was closed.  Bummer.  Instead the somewhat tipsy/drunk attendant at the top demanded a tip from Jeff after Chelby & Angela had already gotten on the previous chair to head back down.  This was the same guy who asked what the English word was for his two-way radio.  When we said Walkie-Talkie, he burst out laughing.  And the same guy who offered all 3 of us a sampling of his strong alcoholic beverage (yes, even Chase!...he was kidding, at least I think so!) 

{Great Wall of China}

We then drove two hours back to Beijing to get checked into our hotel.  Chase (who had previously gotten 6 hours of sleep over the course of 2 nights…he usually gets 11 hours/night) fell into a comatose type sleep on the ride back, skipped supper and went straight to bed around 7:30 as soon as we got into our room.  

Tomorrow will be a packed day of sightseeing around the city.  On Sunday we will travel and meet Emerson around 5pm!

Jeff, Chelby & Chase

Top of a Roller Coaster

That's what it feels like right now.  Top of a roller coaster.  We've been planning for the past months, packing and getting everything ready for the past 4 weeks.  Emerson's room painted, check. Dentist appointments for 4 of us, check.  Abram's follow up cardiologist appointment, check....Chase's school project, check.  Aubrey's Valentine box, check. Juice boxes for Abram's Valentine party, check. Meals in my freezer, check(thanks to some friends!). Packing...um...almost check.


We've been so busy getting ready, physically and mentally.  I've been preparing myself for the worse.  Some say I'm pessimistic...I say I'm realistic.  Nearly every adoption has it's hard times, some more than others.  I'm not looking at this adoption through "rose colored glass".  Oh, I hope for the best...but I'm expecting it to be down right hard.  AND maybe, just maybe in some areas I might be pleasantly surprised. Oh, I sure hope so.


So here we are, almost ready to begin our adventures.  Life has been routine, predictable and I like it that way, but I know there's something greater around the bend.  Many times we have to go through the hard things to see the gems in life.  Abram was that way.  He was up MULTIPLE times a night the first few months at home, he DEMANDED my attention(and still does), he pooped though his pants 2-4 times a day for the first 4 months or so, he wasn't potty trained until he was over 4 years old(much to my frustration)....and though he's grown out of some of these things, there are aspects of him, that I just have to accept, that's Abram.  We've been through some of the tough adjustments with him(at this stage of life)...and on the other side, there is laughter...LOTS of laughter.  Abram makes us all laugh every day.  He makes life interesting, that's for sure.  Aubrey and him are the best of playmates(usually) and him and Chase are good buddies.  Every morning, Abram snuggles up onto my lap(and usually begs to sip my coffee) and sits there for several minutes.  He adores Daddy.  And, well...life is a party in Abram's eyes.  And just to think....if we hadn't gone through the hard stuff(adoption, adjustments, surgeries....) we would be missing this precious gem in life.


So as we travel this road again, I know it won't look exactly the same.  But I pray that I won't get "bogged" down with the hard, tough adjustments.  I pray that we can enjoy our time in China, despite being away from our 2 youngest for 2 weeks and despite being in a Hotel room for 2 weeks. I pray that I can lower my expectations for myself in the weeks and months that will follow and that I can "roll with the punches".


Thanks for joining us in our adventures for the next 2 weeks.  Post a comment if you want, we love to read them and to know that we aren't alone in this, even though we are half way around the world!

REFERRAL!!!

Short Story: Last Monday, August 5th, we got our referral. She's 18 months old, from the same province as Abram, and has a cleft palate. We have named her Emerson and will keep her Chinese name for her middle name.

Long version:  Over the past few months we've been able to inquire about a few different little girls(off a shared list).  When looking off this list, we also realize that another family could be checking out the same information, too.  Whereas a referral is a bit different, in that, we were the ONLY people looking at Emerson's information.

So, as we inquired about these different girls(over the past few months) and looked over their information/file, it was a difficult experience.  Sometimes there were multiple medical needs and I struggled in trying to figure out what our family could/could not handle.  Along with it, the information would be over 2 years old and that left a lot of questions.  Sometimes we had to research the condition, because we were SO clueless as to what it was and had to ask our Dr. if there was EVEN a specialist in the area. Other times, we felt like there wasn't much information and we would try to ask for more information.  I finally came to the point of praying that God would either make Himself clear by working in both Jeff and I(and stepping out in faith) or that He would make it clear on paper(the child's file).  As we prayed about these different girls, we either never felt a peace about them or one time we found out that another family had already "claimed" the girl.

Last Monday evening, I went to bed, while Jeff was driving home late.  He usually turns his email off on his phone in the evening, but for some reason he left it on.  Close to 10pm, we received an email from our Agency with our referral(we had 24 to 48 hours to respond)!  Jeff quickly called me, getting me out of bed and had me review the email.  Immediately we both felt peaceful.  Her condition, cleft palate was something we were already somewhat familiar with and didn't need to research it.  Her information was the MOST RECENT information we had ever seen(dated March 2013). AND the description of her was the MOST we've seen (one whole page about her and her development).  Jeff and I felt and still feel so thankful for God Answering our prayer.  He made it very clear through her paperwork.

Chase and Aubrey are VERY EXCITED!!! Abram, well.....let's just say that we need to somehow prepare him for the changes that coming.  We hope to travel by late winter/early spring.  And, yes, Chase NOW, knows that he will be traveling with us to China.

If you think of us, we WELCOME your prayers!  There will be lots of change for Emerson and for us.

Aunt Bonnie's Chair

This was my last project before school was out.  My understanding was that this chair use to belong to Uncle Denny's Mom.  Therefore, it made it all that more special to reupholster this chair. 

 

BEFORE:

 

DURING:

 



AFTER:

 



 

 

Isn't it such a fun fabric?  Good pick, Aunt Bonnie!  And isn't Uncle Denny great to let her have a pink chair in their bedroom?

Anna Louise

Introducing our precious Anna

Anna and Momma are doing great. She's sleeping and eating well and Momma is recovering well. Thanks for everyone's prayers and can't wait to hear welcome to the family sung at Thanksgiving, I'm sure I'll cry with joy.

Update and random pictures

 

Jeff and I just sent our Dossier off today!!  Please pray for us, as we will probably be looking at different girl files, soon.  Pray that we will be wise, to know what our family can/can't handle, but that we won't be selfish, wanting a girl with little to no medical needs.

Now on to some random picutures:

 

This was "dress for Success day" at School.  It's our principal's last week, as she took on a new position in another state.  Monday, the kids were suppose to dress up like principals!

I don't know what it is with the toilet, but yesterday, sunglasses were (accidentally) dropped into the toilet.  The day before that, it was Abram's thermos!!  NASTY!

Right after Abram's Cardiac Cath.

Right before he went back for his cardiac cath.

Uncle Clark and Aubs on a 4-wheel ride.  Each of the kids got a ride and LOVED IT(over spring break)!!  Thanks, Uncle Clarky!

Welcome to Michigan Winters

So, people told me when we moved to Michigan, just wait for the winters...well last year (like across the nation) was not a very cold or snowy winter. This year on the other hand. Besides the winter storm of 2011, I've seen more snow then the last few years combined! Here's a few fun pics of our adventures in the snow.

Loving the snowy world we live in. Lot's of snow, and more predicted! If anyone wants to come up and bring your kids sledding let me know!
Bekah

Here We Go Again!

Aubrey needs a sister!  As Chase and Abram run to their room and lock the door before Aubrey can get in......Aubs is left on the other side of the door, crying...hurt feelings.  There are other times when all three of them play great together.  Aubrey even gets Abram to play restaurant and dolls with her.

We've talked about it a lot, adopting a little girl.  Aubrey told me once, at bedtime, "you go to Chi-na, next week, and bring me home a sista!"  Chase has told us that he wants another brother.  Abram agrees with whatever Chase says.

But when Chase leaned over my shoulder the other week, as I was typing an email to our agency, telling them that we were ready to start the process to adopt a little girl, Chase gasped as he read it.  His "gasp" was one of excitement...."we're going to adopt again?!"  He was even excited with another little sister.  He EVEN had a NAME suggestion! :)  (no, we didn't go with his suggestion, but it was cute)

So with all that said, Jeff and I have started our paperwork to adopt from China again.  We are hoping for a girl, under 4 years old, and some sort of medical need.  Our agency is saying 1.5 year process...but you never know with adoption, could be longer!

If you ever think of us, you can pray for our little girl, that we don't know yet, don't have a face or name, but God knows.