Double Dose of Vacation Bible School

Our summer is off to a busy but fun start!  Arabella and Sterling are now into their third Vacation Bible School and loving it!  This week, we have a double-dose with VBS in the morning and the evening.  It's great to watch them challenge one another as to who will be first to memorize their bible verse.  This morning, Arabella was the first in her class to stand-up and recite the bible verse.  Go, Arabella!!  No doubt God has big plans for this tiny-but-oh-so-mighty girl. 

We had an extra busy day today with Arabella at VBS and Sterling at reading class this morning, then for lunch we did a trip to gather an employment letter for the adoption and  back home in time to prepare dinner and head back out to VBS.  WHEW!  It made for a quick but very productive day.  I was able to check-off an item on my to-do list--yea!

We did Arabella's favorite for lunch today, Chik-fil-a.  She loves their chicken nuggets.  The kids were gifted with 2 small Chik-fil-a cows and the idea was to submit their picture with the cows via email to the Chik-fil-a in Conroe.  I guess they are having some sort of Facebook contest and the picture with the most votes receives a year of Chik-fil-a.  That's all it took for Arabella's competitive side to take charge.  She had it all planned out that her and Sterling were to take their picture at church with the stuffed animals and they were sure to win the contest.  There are two things Arabella enjoys, Chik-fil-a and a good competition!  (very true to her Chinese Sign-The Horse)

When returning home from our errands, Sterling discovered that he had 5 small Chik-fil-a cows and Arabella only had 1.  When it comes to Sterling and his environment, he wants everything to be fair.  Even to the point that he gave Arabella 2 of  his stuffed animals so both he and Arabella would each have 3 cows.  Let me tell you, that is a great big sign of love and thoughtfulness on Sterling's part because if there is anything in this world that he really truly enjoys and holds near and dear, it's all of his stuffed animals!  (he has near 100 stuffed animals)  So, when taking their picture it had to be with all 6 of their cows and wouldn't ya know, as luck would have it, the picture turned out blurry. 

Elijah Update

For those who may not be aware, we are "expecting" and paper chasing to bring home a little brother!  Our Letter of Intent was submitted to China on Thursday, June 5 and on day 17 of the wait.   The current wait times had been moving quickly, like a day or two but since a recent soft wear update China made to the system, seems a lot of families, like ourselves are in a holding pattern. 

Our wonderful social worker made a visit yesterday to begin compiling our home study for Elijah and another child we hope to adopt from China.  As with our previous home studies, we are writing the home study for 2 children.   The home study is required for any adoption domestic or international but with an international adoption, the home study is only one of the many documents included in the dossier.  

It's been a long while (5 years) since we prepared a dossier and chased down all this paper work (paper chase) because our first dossier was written for 2 children, blessing us with Sterling and Arabella.  Now, as we continue to expand our family through the beautiful gift of adoption from China, we are back on the playing field and running around gathering all sorts of documents, files, police clearances, FBI clearances, child protective services clearance, employment letters and many others. 

Sterling is very excited about his little brother and was a bit disappointed yesterday when the social worker arrived, without his brother!  We sat the children down and explained why the social worker was coming and that it was one of the first steps toward Elijah coming home.  Well, Sterling didn't completely understand and thought she was bringing him home to us, yesterday.  Then, when Sterling woke this morning, he asked, "Mama, where is my little brother?"  I said he was still in China and it would be another year before he came home.  Next summer, little brother should be home.  Sterling replied with, "that's a long, long time.  I want to go to China today."  Me too, little buddy but we must be patient. 

Mightee Kids Team Up to Support Love Without Boundaries!

I stumbled upon a great organization that helps inspire children to help those less fortunate, one tee at a time...that is one tee-shirt at a time!  When you purchase your child a t-shirt from Mightee Kids, $5.00 of the proceeds go to a specific cause and the t-shirt arrives in a cool packaging that includes information to be discussed with your children regarding the "cause" of the month. 

https://www.mighteekids.com/shop/our-shirt.php

This month's T-shirt is supporting an organization that is very near and dear to our hearts,  Love Without Boundaries!  The tee-shirt caption reads, "Home is where the hugs are." 

Home is Where the Hugs Are

This month's cause helps orphaned children in China get medical treatments through Love Without Boundaries' Healing Homes. Specially trained nannies love and care for these children until they are healthy. These treatments help children increase chances of getting adopted. Please watch the video about Love Without Boundaries (LWB).

 

Happy Father's Day!

Yes, I'm late posting a Father's Day message but better late than never!

Our family had a great father's day, the kids gave him a new grill, a day of relaxation and some beautiful cards!!!  I think Earl enjoyed himself and he didn't seem to mind grilling Sunday evening on the new grill.  Happy Father's Day honey, you're a great dad to our children!

Happy US Flag Day & Elijah Update

Happy Flag Day!  In the United States, Flag Day is celebrated each year on June 14 to commemorate the adoption of the United States Flag which happened on this day in 1777 by the Second Continental Congress.  In 1916 President Woodrow Wilson issued a proclamation that officially established June 14 as Flag Day.  While Flag Day is not a federal holiday the state of Pennsylvania became the first and only to observe this day as a State Holiday.

Several people and organizations were instrumental in the establishment of a national flag day celebration.  One of those individuals is Bernard J. Cigrand (1885) an elementary school teacher who held the first formal observance of Flag Day at Stoney Hill Elementary School in Waubeka, Wisconsin. A side note about Mr. Cigrand, while he was an elementary school teacher, he also became a dentist, graduating first in his class. Read more about this remarkable man below:

http://www.nationalflagday.com/bjc.asp

Also on this day, the United States Army celebrates its birthday!  And last but definitely not least, today is my father's birthday!

Adding to the importance of this day, we mailed off a notarized contract to the adoption agency that is contracting our social worker!  Once the contract is received we can "officially" start the home study which kicks off the paper chase that is required to bring Elijah home!

But, can't forget that we are still waiting PA, China's preapproval for this adoption.  Our agency submitted our "Letter of Intent to Adopt" or better known as the LOI, last Thursday, 8 days ago.  The agency said it typically takes about a week but due to a recent computer upgrade in China, it may take longer.  We've learned from other families that yes, there have been glitches and problems with the new system, as to be expected with any computer upgrade and everyone adopting from China seems to be in a holding pattern. 

God's Message of Encouragement & New Beginnings

To most, this is simply a storefront business closing it's doors to relocate further up the street...but to me, it was an iconic moment or better yet, another confirmation from God.  Before I go any further, isn't it amazing the different ways God will speak to our heart.  While God can speak to us at any given moment and use any person, place or thing to send His message, I never imagined a storefront as a way of God relaying a message but then again, that's how our majestic God works.

The message behind this storefront started exactly 3 years ago this month, when learning the severity of Sterling's language and speech challenges and that it wasn't an overnight fix.  Sterling was 41/2 years old and had been home a short 6 months.  He had absolutely no language and no communication skills. Not in English.  Not in Mandarin.  Absolutely none.  Period.  He could not make a choice, he could not call out for help...he was only able to feed himself and cry for hours on end when it was bedtime....it...the end.  (His doctors said he was on the level of a 6 month old baby.)  He could not express pain.....he was numb to the world around him. This was his defense mechanism after living 4 years in an orphanage. I can remember at one point, by complete accident, placing his hands under semi-hot water that most children would have been screaming out and Sterling did not as much as flinch!   He remained unemotional to the event and out of touch with all that surrounded him.  Sterling's defense mechanism was to withdraw from all that surrounded him. 

We started speech therapy in March of 2010 and while it was simple and slow going, we didn't want to jump to any conclusions and continued to work closely with him.  His speech therapist was awesome!  By June the speech/language therapist did some further testing and evaluations with him and approached me with the information that Sterling had challenges beyond ESL (English second language) and she suspected the possibility of, "apraxia."  I was devastated...not for the diagnosis but rather, the tough road ahead of my son, the challenges that added to his already tough times.  I was placed in touch with another lady who had a grandson with apraxia and she met with me at this particular Starbucks to offer encouragement, share her story and help sooth my soul.  It's amazing how God will bring people into your life, at just the right time.  This was an overwhelming time in trying to get the right help for Sterling on many different levels. 

Today, fast forward 3 years and we can definitely gauge how far Sterling's language and speech has developed.  We now have simple exchanges of conversation and in complete sentences.  We started out with sign language, graduated to signs and single words and from there, he started dropping signs for words he could pronounce.  Today, he is strictly verbal! (at times, he will revert to signs but not very often; only when we don't understand him or he's too excited to get the words out verbally.)  It's nothing short of amazing how far God has brought Sterling and how much further we know God will take him!

I thought it iconic that of all times for this particular Starbucks to be closing their doors after being open 20+years, God chose June 2013. Exactly 3 years to the month that God lead me there for encouragement at the start of our journey with Sterling's speech and language needs.  The Starbucks is moving up the street to a new location....just as with Sterling, he is beginning a new chapter in his life that includes his language exploding and the ability to have true exchanges of information in the form of sentences and simple conversation.  As with this company's new beginnings, Sterling is starting a new beginning too!

By the way, our speech therapy office is closing its doors next week and Sterling will begin with a new speech therapist.  So, this sign is truly iconic to the start of a new journey...a new chapter in the journey of life!

God is good.....all the time!!!

Arabella's Post Operative Visit

We made it to Shriners and back, yesterday.  It was a very long day that took 11 hours total but we received a clean bill of health and an appointment date for our next visit.  Praise God!!

We were told the appointment was at 8:30 but as it turned out, the doctor is in surgery each morning so we did not see him until 3:00pm.  Not sure why they asked us to arrive by 8:30 but none the less, we will not complain because everyone, from the security desk to the doctor is a pleasant experience.  Each and every person seems to have a heart for children.  They are courteous and kind to everyone.  They are providing Arabella services through our insurance BUT, not requiring us to pay any out of pocket fees!  A true blessing.....a true gift! 

Arabella's surgery was more invasive than originally thought.  Originally, the message Earl understood was that simple cuts would take place inside the gums of her mouth- the end-but as it turns out, they made cuts not only to the inside but several on the outside as well.  She had cuts in the corner of her mouth, below her lip and above the mouth.  She had surgery tape all around her mouth after the surgery.  She was able to remove the tape last night after hours of having antibiotic ointment smeared all over her face.  The tape was glued to the incisions therefore, we had to soften and break the seal with the ointment.  She is very happy to have that tape removed.  She is anxious to begin swimming!  She can return to the pool but until 2 weeks, she can only splash around; after next Friday, she may resume regular pool fun.  While the incision sites can get wet, the doctor doesn't want to risk any infection before 2 weeks. 

We also scheduled our next visit.  She is scheduled to return on Monday before Thanksgiving.  The doctor is very insistent on allowing Arabella to make all decisions from here on out regarding her surgeries.  He said that at her age, the doctor allows the child to decide what surgeries are performed and he isn't budging on that one.  I can respect their viewpoint, as these surgeries are painful and extensive, especially the future surgeries we are facing but on the other hand, Arabella has only been in our family a short time and I'm concerned she may not speak up for herself.  Yes, she has a strong personality with those she is most comfortable and doesn't hesitate to speak out toward myself or her daddy but she closes up around strangers.  We love Arabella just the way she is, she is the most courageous and beautiful little girl you'll ever meet...her eyes totally sparkle when she smiles and we want her to remain just as she is....and we also want her to feel comfortable with her body throughout life.  When we started this process last summer, she was elated to learn there was medical intervention available. I respect the viewpoint of Shriners Hospital and we do have until she is 18 to receive any medical intervention she may desire.  As for now, we will return in November and determine the next step in the phase and her next surgery will potentially occur over Christmas break.

Arabella Update

Arabella had surgery this past Friday and is now 4 days post operative.  She is healing well and feels more mobility in her mouth and less discomfort each day.  We are currently waiting a return call from Shriners for her post-operative visit.  It was scheduled for Monday but due to other circumstances, we had to cancel and are waiting for it to be rescheduled.  Shriners is run on a shoestring budget yet they have fabulous services, so we are waiting patiently.  I do plan to call again today and inquire.  It's amazing what a couple of "clips" in the corners of her mouth have made.  She can tell a difference, as she has more mobility with her mouth (able to open wider) and easier for her to eat with regular sized utensils.  We have been using small plastic spoons and smaller forks when at home.  During the pre-operative visit, the doctor briefly discussed future surgeries and spoke with Arabella about her wishes and desires.  I'm hoping to continue the conversation during her post-operative visit.  Due to the timing of her surgery, it was virtually impossible for me to be at her pre-op visit or the surgery but glad that with summer, I can be with her during the post-op visit.  From the best I can tell from Earl's replay of the visit and conversation, sounds as though most conversation surrounded making her new ears.  The doctor described the surgery, which would entail graphing bone from a rib and is an extensive and uncomfortable surgery.  First step is to get our post-operative visit and from there, we can determine the future.  We are happy recovery is going well and soon, she will return to her regular diet, activity and outside fun--like swimming.  She's really anxious to spend time in the pool.

Wednesday-A flurry of mishaps & delays!

It's been a very busy week in our family and a very long week at that.  Earl left on Tuesday afternoon for the Shriner's Burn hospital in Galveston,  to be in place for Arabella's pre-operative visit the following day (Wednesday).  Well, Wednesday was not a good day for Earl.  He was awaken early on Wednesday morning by the hotel staff banging on the door and asking if he intended to check out because the reservation was for only 1 day.  So, Earl went back and forth with the front desk, explaining the situation and further explaining that he called to confirm the reservation for 3 nights with check-out on Friday.  Once he worked through those details, the hotel further added, the room would be more expensive than we anticipated.  No big deal in the scheme of things but what a hassle to deal with in the early morning hours and especially given that Earl is NOT a morning person.  Then, to further complicate the day, as Earl loaded the kids up for breakfast, the van door would not close.  Upon inspection it was discovered the top wheel had come off the track and would require simple tools to repair.  The hotel didn't have any so Earl went to the nearest auto parts store.  I never asked HOW my family drove away from the hotel with children in tow and a door that remained open.  There are some questions, better left unanswered. 

Okay, in addition to the hotel staff banging on the door in the wee early hours and the van door not closing, Earl receives a call to say Arabella's surgery was to be pushed out by one day due to an emergency that involved her surgeon.  So....Arabella is going in for surgery tomorrow morning (Thursday morning) at 6:30 am.  They plan to make cuts on the inside the mouth and both exterior corners.  The actual procedure itself is said to only take 15 minutes but total from start to finish is estimated to be 45 minutes.  This will allow more mobility in opening her mouth.  Currently, the dentist is not able to dental work because her mouth does not open wide enough.  During the pre-op visit, the doctor started to discuss future surgeries and wanted Arabella's' feedback.  The doctor said she is looking at some quite intensive and uncomfortable surgeries to make the necessary revisions and repairs.

Among the flurry of mishaps and delays, also on Wednesday we received word from our current adoption agency; they were not able to submit the Pre-approval (PA)  as anticipated on Monday and required additional information prior to submitting.  China did a computer upgrade last week.  Anytime there's a computer upgrade there's always expected glitches here and there.  So, our PA was not submitted on Monday but thankfully, was submitted today--Thursday, June 6!  Our agency said approvals have been taking an average of 1-2 weeks but given the new computer system, it could potentially take longer.  Elijah is another step closer to coming home!!! 

Our Sweet Arabella!

It's been a crazy couple of weeks in our family and this evening, I hugged and kissed my family good-bye as they drive to Galveston for Arabella's first surgery. It saddens me to not be there for her during this time but as a school teacher, it's difficult (impossible) to take three days off work, when they are the very last three days of the school year....and, since we are going through Shriner's Burn Hospital for the surgeries, the options for surgery dates were slim.  It was either this week or not until late July early August.  We didn't want to delay it any longer than necessary, so, as I type this post, Earl, Sterling and Arabella are on their way.  It's about a 75 minute drive from our house.  I already miss them dearly!!

This procedure will be done as out-patient and she'll return to the hospital the following day to have it checked out by the doctor before they return home.  Earl drove down tonight to allow them beach time in the morning before her pre-operative visit.  The kids are excited about the beach time!

Today was the last day of school for both Arabella and Sterling since they will be in Galveston the remainder of the week.  Arabella loves school and was sad for the school day to end.  She has been blessed with great teachers who have each taken a personal interest and fondness of her.  They've been true angels and have made Arabella's first (complete) school year a very positive one!  Arabella continues to say she wants to be a teacher when she grows up. 

We are so proud of Arabella!!! She scored very high marks on both the state-wide assessment and an ESL assessment that is required of students who are English Second Language Learners.  As a matter of fact, one year ago her scores reflected that of an early beginner but this year, she scored very high and is classified as an advanced high rating in reading proficiency!  Arabella has been in our family for a short 16 months and this is her first complete school year.  Her math scores on the state assessment were amazingly high--she scored above the advance rating.  She's a very smart girl!

Before closing, allow me to share a picture taken this past weekend.  These are most beautiful children and I thank God every day for allowing me to be their mother!!!!