Prayers for Emma

Please continue to pray for Emma and her family. If you remember, Emma recently joined her family when she came home from China just one day before her 1st birthday.

Upon arrival to the US and through a more thorough examination, it was identified that Emma has something kidney related going on. The initial fear was Melamine poisoning possibly due to tainted Chinese formula. But this most recent news is even worse. It is not Melamine, but likely a congential nephrotic syndrome. And in time, it is likely that Emma will need a transplant.

I have heard those words before and they are a devestating blow to family. My own father passed at the age of 47 due to a similar disorder. Since many of these disorders are hereditary, as in our family's case, two of my nephews also share this disease (Alport Syndrome). We know that transplants are also in their future as well. And the thought breaks my heart. (Note- my dad never did have a transplant, so it is likely that he would have lived longer had he gone that route)

I am equally devestated for Shane and Jen and little Emma. Emma's first 12 months were no day in the park. We will never know exactly what she experienced in the orphanage, but from the clues her parents have picked up on, it was a rough way to start life.

Please keep sweet little Emma in your prayers. We know that miracles can and do happen every day and are trusting that this just may be one of those case. And if not, please pray for her mom and dad. Pray that God provides them with the wisdom to make the right medical decisions for her and the strength needed to get through it all.

Also, on a similar note, I have another request for prayer. A cyber friend of mine Jen was also given some difficult news. As she was preparing to undergo surgey to donate a kidney to her cousin, it was found that she has a cancerous tumor on one of her kidneys. Already shaken with the recent death of her beloved grandmother and the news that her father too was diagnosed with cancer, this couldn't have come at a worse time for Jen and her family. Please keep this family in prayer as well. I know Jen could really use them!

Tuesday Afternoon Catch-Up

I really miss being here. I miss writing. The days I had time get lost in thought and reflection. I am sorry that I have not the energy nor the ambition to share anything remotely enlightening or thought provoking. But those days are gone, at least for now. And I wouldn't trade it for anything in the world. Instead this is what I can share,

Kids are doing well. Alex and Shawn are just getting over the most violent tummy bug I've ever seen.

School is on break, so Alex is enjoying some time home with her brother. Cullen, on the other hand, is ready to send her back!

Cullen is really changing all of the sudden. He is off the bottle and milk. He runs all over. Loves wrestling and playing ball. Jabbers away endlessly. Says many, many words...including unprompted "thank you's".

Cullen has also attached himself to me like a growth lately. If mom's home, he must be attached to my hip or leg. He is like the proverbial ball and chain. My mother-in-law commented that he looked a bit "oversized" for the wrap I wear him in. But my gosh...my arms physically can't hold him that long! And God forbid I leave his line of sight. Oh the drama.

We've also been busy on some home improvement projects. Alex had her room redone before Easter. Peter Pan. Thankfully there are some creative artists on ebay! It's adorable and I hope to get around to taking some photos. But that would require I actually get all her laundry put away and not have it stacked on her bed and dresser. In due time.

Shawn also decided to tare out all of the trim work up stairs and replace it with more decorative stuff. He is 90% done with that.

Besides the trim upstairs, Shawn is talking about ripping out the stuff downstairs. And in addition, now talks include replacing all the windows himself, rebuilding the deck, putting up a shed, pouring concete for a patio and siding the house. Obviously it is not possible to do all of this at the same time. He just needs to gain some focus. Could someone please pass on some ADHD meds. He could clearly use them!

Me, I am still trying to kick this respitory thing. We are going on three weeks now. And 3 days of which, I had no voice at all. Try getting your kids to take your threats seriously when you can't speak! Talk about a joke.

But all in all, I am holding my own. Trying to prioritize my time, which means less time on the computer. Attempting any time saving measure I can think of. If you have any tips....please let me know.

Happy Easter

I hope everyone had a very happy Easter weekend. Ours was very nice. Crazy as usual, but wonderfully traditional at the same time.

We spent much of Saturday at Adventure Landing for Easter egg hunts and other fun. Alex made out like a bandit and Cullen had alot fun running around.

We had Easter brunch out with family and then went back to grandma's house for a hunt. The kids scurried around the yard gathering eggs and the men later gathered round for the annual "scratch-off hunt". Yes, this is actually the most comically fun part of the day. Mom hides a couple dozen scratch off tickets througout the house and the guys have to hunt for them. Between Shawn, Roger and Chris...laughs are plentiful! And only because Grandma is so evil and chooses the most ridiculously hard hiding spots.

Unfortunatley we never made it to my mom's (sorry mom). Alex was saying she didn't feel well all of the sudden and we thought it was becuase she didn't want to leave her cousins. We later learned she was indeed sick as she exploded with the force of Mt. Etna all over the van. So two days later, she is still recovering and I am finally catching up on all the wash she has created over the last three days.

Before the "incident" I was able to capture many photos. They can be found here through Shutterfly.

Product Plug #2

As you can see, I haven't been very diligent with posting my "product plugs". In truth I've only posted one so far. So here goes number two.

The Vibrating Teether

I had forgotten how much Cullen (and Alex at that age too) enjoyed the vibrating teether. But along with my phone charger, we left his in the hotel on our last trip to Niagara. So tonight when Cullen was terribly miserable cutting some megateeth, we had tried everything. Didn't want food or drink. Didn't want to be held or put down. Didn't really know what he wanted other than his teeth to stop hurting. So as a last result, I suggested Shawn go replace Cullen's teether.

You be the judge...
...I think he's in heaven!

These teethers are just as their name states, vibrating. When you bite down, they massage the gums. For a young/early teether, you may need to squeeze it for them and hold it on their gums. I remember this being the case with Alex. But they learn quickly and Cullen took right to it like a magnetic force. They run between $5-$7 and can be found at most local grocery stores, baby stores, Target and WalMart.

Annual Adoptive Family Spring Fling

Since Alex was a babe, we've gotten together with a group of local adoptive families each Spring and Fall. In the Spring, it's an Easter Egg Hunt. We had so many families today that we barely fit in the house. It was wonderful!

What a Difference a year makes...

Thanks Becky!

We had a nice little visit from Nanie and Pa tonight. They stopped over to give the kids an early Easter gift. My Aunt Sue's friend Becky is such a sweetheart! She made them each an Easter printed tote along with gorgeous handmade sweaters. They are so soft and pretty.

Thanks Becky, they fit the kids perfectly!!!





And she also made this cute little poncho a few weeks ago for Alex. As you can see, Alex thought she was "all that".

A Ride in the Park

Well, maybe not the park, but around the neighborhood at least.

We took a nice little ride over to feed the ducks. Most families bring bread. Which we did. Our family apparently brings frozen corn as well.

The history of frozen corn....

Back a couple of years ago Alex had a sleepover at Gabi's. I think the girls were around 2 at the time. While in bed that night, Alex got whacked in the head with a sippy cup. So Teri saved the day by providing her with a nicie bag of frozen corn to put on it. A little while later, Teri noticed that Alex was not using the corn as intended...she was EATING it! I am not sure if that is what she thought she was supposed to do with it, or if she simply got hungry. My child will clearly eat anything. Whatever the case, it worked. Her boo-boo no longer hurt and she had frozen corn to thank for it.

Now, why bring frozen corn on a bike ride? That's a whole different story...

Two summers ago, we took a ride down to Abbott's in Sea Breeze. Alex on the back of Shawn's bike and me following behind along with two of our friends. We got to one of the hills, I lost control and flew off the bike landing with all my weight on one knee. My knee was pretty messed up for a long while and I have been a bit gun shy (read: avoid at all cost) of riding ever since.

So Alex insisted we take the corn along for Mommy for when she falls. I assured her we'd be safe without it, but she wasn't taking any chances. It was quite embarrassing. As we rode down the street all I could hear from the kids trailer was a little voice hollering out, "Mommy, you're doing it!" "Good job, Mom." "Look Daddy, Mommy isn't falling!!!" Such confidence.
And since I didn't fall, I guess she figured the corn was safe to eat!

When Dad's Away

When dad's away, it mom's turn to play!

I stood in the doorway the other night and watched as Shawn walked down the road with the kids, everyone full of excitement. Was I envious of him that I was to stay back to perform the glorious task of washing dishes while they enjoyed an evening walk? No. I basked in the beauty of it actually. Not only did I have a few minutes of peace and quiet, but I just love watching my husband with our children. He is such a fantastic dad. I love how their faces light up each night when he comes home and how he literally drops everything at the door to be with them.

But last night was my turn. Daddy was in Niagara, so I was flying solo. Instead of doing dinner dishes, we decided to go for a relaxing and peaceful walk and enjoy the mild temps of early Spring.

When Shawn called, he wondered why I was out of breath. Um, perhaps it was from trying to answer all of the obsurd questions from one precocious and inquisitive 5 year old, while trying to chase said daughter as she wildly pushed her brother in his car, at the same time struggling to manitain control over one unruly alpha male golden retriever. This life of mine is many things, but relaxing certainly doesn't make the list!

You can come home now, Shawn!

Tyler James

Congratulations to Chris and Jessica on the arrival of their new son, Tyler James.

I had the honor of meeting little Tyler earlier today. What a beautiful, beautiful baby!  I just couldn't pick a favorite photo.

Happy 1st Birthday, Cullen!

Make a Smilebox scrapbook

In one breathe I think about how the past year has gone by so quickly, yet in another it's a struggle to remember a time that didn't include our sweet little boy. I never doubted that adoption worked and that it would happen for us too. But who knew it could be so perfect (twice). Yet still, when it does happen, it is such a surreal experience. And for many, like us, it happens quickly. Very, very qucikly. I mean the wait may feel like anything but short, but once that "call" comes, life goes from 0 to 120 in seconds.

A year ago this day I had nothing to post. It was just an ordinary day, or so I thought. I had no knowledge that our son was busy making his grand entrance. I would not know for another day that our time had come and he would be joining our family. And we'd wait another after that to meet him.

I know I have said it before, but Cullen is truly every bit of what our prayers were made of. It's like my heart was not only preparing for a baby ...but all along, it was preparing for HIM! God knew what, and who, would complete our family. Another adoptive mom uses the term "sweet completion" and I just love that. It truly describes how I feel about my children and my life. I am so very, very blessed.

Cullen,
I love you more than the breath I breathe. Like with your sister, I hope that Daddy and I can give back to you even a fraction of the joy and fulfillment that you give to us every day. We love you to the moon and back and wish you the Happiest of First Birthdays.

Melissa,
You know my thoughts. And the love that our hearts hold for you. And we think of you even more on this day. I pray that blessings be wrapped around. And know that today, and every other day, Cullen is surrounded by love.

Two Peas

I just have to share a picture of the adorable cake we had made for the party! Since we often refer to Ellie and Cullen as the "twins", it was only suitable to have their parties together. And the theme was "Two Peas in a Pod".

We had the cake made by a private baker, and were so impressed with what she came up with. And not only was it adorable, but it tasted fabulous!

So if anyone is in need of a custom cake, I would highly recommend Heather of Let Them Eat...Customs Cakes by Heather.

Birthday Week Ramblings

Last year, on this weekend, we celebrated four birthdays and one birth. I never would have imagined that a year later we'd be adding a first birthday to the mix. At this time last year, we had no idea that our son was about to be born. It's kinda surreal to think that one day you are busy living every day life the best you know how and the next your world is turned upside down in the most magnificent way imaginable.

The month before my daughter's birthday was always a special time. A time of rememberence, appreciation and nostalgia. Of course it's been no differnt with Cullen. I am flooded with memories and emotions of one year ago. The torment of not knowing when, if at all, we'd be blessed with another child. The shock and disbelief of getting "the call". The exhilleration once we finally realized it WAS HAPPENING! And the moment. That magical moment when we saw our son for the first time. And the sybolism of his firstmom graciously and tenderly handing him to us. It's a short burst of time that holds a million thoughts and feelings.

So I often bring myself back. Relive the moments that pass by so quickly, in hopes of never forgetting. And I can feel it like it was only minutes ago. The butterflies in my stomach. The cramped knees and tired eyes of driving thru the night. The feeling of Alex's hand in mine as we walked in the parking lot. The urge to throw up when we passed the hospital flower bed. The smell of the gift shop. The long ride up the elevator and down the hall. Knocking on her door.

And there it is, that moment again. He is right there in front of us. And he is breathtakingly perfect. He is in her arms. Why isn't she crying? She almost seems excited. She is excited. For the journey in which his new life will take him. I can still hear her voice. In it held the excitement of catching up with a long lost friends. I remember the laughs as we talked about our families and traditions. And of course the bittersweet tears. The promises to stay in touch. Our promise to her that we would take care of him.

In all the days of my life, I will remember every detail of how our children came to us. Cherish every moment of that time and never forget the sacrifices that were made to make us family.

One Year Pics

Cullen's First Haircut

Can you believe I did it? Are you all so proud of me? I know my mom is!

Last night we took Cullie for his first haircut. I was so surprised (though I shouldn't have been) at how well he did. No fussing and he even sat STILL through most of it. I was so very sad to see those baby curls dropping to the floor, but in the end even I have to admit that it looks much, much better. It was getting a bit wild! I still may try for those long curkscrew curls at some point though!!!

Make a Smilebox slideshow

Water Park Fun

At Last...

Emma is finally right where she belongs!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Travel Plans

Today is the day that our friends Jen and Shane finally leave for China! I can't even describe how happy I am for them. They left Tennessee at 6am this morning to head to Chicago, and will head from there to Bejing around 12:30 this afternoon. Neither one of them have ever flown. So this will will quite the experience in many ways. Please, please pray for their safety while traveling. If you are interested in following their journey while they are incountry, please visit here.

Also, the kids and I will be heading to Niagara Falls tomorrow to join Shawn, who left early this morning. I figured I would take off Alex's last day of winter break and we'd do something fun. And we plan to visit the indoor water park while there!

Good Friends, Good Fun

We had such a great time last night! We had our own room at Phillips, which was nice. The food was slightly less than the typical Phillips standards, but the the good company made up for it. I, of course had to snaps pics of all the love birds.

And the concert was great. Jessica Simpson opened the show. And let's just say that she is, well, different. A bit out there, but entertaining at the very least. And regardless of what the tabloids report, that girl is drop dead gorgeous.

And Rascal Flatts did not disappoint!