Four Years Ago Today

Just last week we celebrated Naomi's home coming. Four years ago today we brought Josiah home. I remember it like it was yesterday. With Josiah it was different than with Naomi. We were first time parents, scared and knew nothing about taking care of a child, let alone a 7 1/2 month old that already had routines.

We arrived at the adoption agency in Korea on our way to the airport to return to the States. We had a brief meeting with our social worker, got all the paperwork we needed to clear customs and immigration and then sat and waited for Josiah's Foster Mother to bring him in. She sent word that he was asleep and she needed just a few more minutes with him before she could say goodbye. Josiah was her 3rd foster child and the only one whose parents she met before he had to leave. She brought him in, she gave us so many gift, she gave us his favorite toys, bottles and clothes even though she did not have to. She loved this little boy with a love that I cannot even put into words. Her and his foster Dad handed him to us and they sobbed so hard that we all were in tears including Josiah. We said our final goodbye's and got into a taxi for the the airport.

Josiah pretty much screamed, kicked and scratched me for the entire hour drive to the airport (no car seats in Korea, so I was holding him). By the time we reached the airport I think he was exhausted and just could not cry any more. He stayed calm until we got on the plane and then cried again for a couple hours. He finally fell asleep and we were all exhausted.

We arrived home late at night to find welcome home signs and meals for several days at our house. Our friends took good care of us those first few weeks.

As you can imagine, life has changed a ton since that day and then again not so much. The tantrums and crying still come in full force when they come, but Josiah has learned so much and grown so much in 4 years. Josiah has very good language skills. He talks like he is 7 instead of 4 and keeps us guessing as to what questions he will ask next. He is curious about everything and has a desire to learn as much as he can. He loves to read, which thrills me so much. I think reading is so important for developing a well rounded child. Greg and he are reading Charlotte's Web right now, and this book has finally challenged his reading skills. He has a very sensitive side. He has a fear of anything new and doesn't like change too much. He loves his sister and comforts her when she is sad. He is strong willed and will definitely be a leader someday. Josiah will be starting kindergarten in the Fall and is going to be going to the Montessori school. I am excited to see how he will do. I can't believe my baby is growing up. The Lord has blessed us with two wonderful children.

Is Spring Here to Stay?

Today was such a beautiful day. I can only hope the warm weather is here to stay. We got out early this morning and went to the YMCA. I took a spinning class while the kids played in the adventure center. When we got home, Josiah and Naomi played outside all morning. When Josiah came home from school we played outside for a couple more hours, had dinner and then went to DQ for ice-cream. When we got home we played some more. I am so ready for the summer.

One Year ago Today

Can you believe that a year ago today Naomi was placed in our arms forever?

We went to the adoption agency in the morning had a short meeting with the social worker and her Foster Mother. We were given gifts by the director of the agency and then we were escorted out of the building with our daughter while her Foster Mother stayed behind. My heart was aching for her as she watched us leave with this little bundle that she had been taking care of for so long. I am so thankful for her and her love for Naomi. She gave our little girl a loving positive start to her life.

So much has changed in our lives in this one short year. Josiah became a big brother. He loves his little sister and plays with her so well - most days. We have only had one day recently when he told me he wished he didn't have a baby sister, but that was because he was mad at her and besides he didn't want a daddy or mommy that week either.

Greg and I have gone from having absolutely no sleep to having an occasional good night. I believe when my children are 18 years old or older I may get my rest. Until then we will continue to love on and comfort our kids in the middle of the night and play with them and teach them all we can about life during the day.

Naomi has grown in leaps and bounds. She loves to eat and that's the first thing she wants to do when she wakes up in the morning. She has gone from being a baby to our little girl. When she came home at 8 1/2 months she could not sit on her own or crawl. She is now running and climbing anything she can. The other day I waked into the kitchen and found her sitting in the middle of the table. She has gone from not saying anything to talking all the time. Greg jokes that there are only 2 people that understand what she is saying and that he is not one of them. Often when I am not in the room I hear Greg asking Josiah what she is saying. Josiah can pretty much tell him exactly what Naomi is saying every time. Naomi has shown that she is opinionated and fits in well with our family in that respect. She has learned the art of throwing a tantrum from her brother and she is very jealous of any time he spends with me. She is a Daddy's girl through and through. What a blessing we have.

Update on Anna

After surgery on Sunday and some very strong antibiotics Anna is doing much better. Yesterday she was taken off the respirator and has been awake and alert. She will still need to be in the hospital for several weeks since they have to wait for her infection to be cleared up before replacing her shunt that was taken out. Please continue to pray for Anna's healing and for her family. Thank you.

Please Pray for Anna

Our friend's Todd and Amy's little girl Anna has been in the hospital since Wednesday last week. She had surgery this afternoon after a week of high fevers and no real response to drugs. Anna has a shunt in her brain that treats her hydrocephalus. When the surgeon took the shunt out today they found an infection where the shunt enters her brain. She is being treated with major antibiotics right now. Later in the week when the infection clears up they will need to replace her shunt. Please pray for healing for Anna and for strength for Todd and Amy.

Pay It Forward

“Pay It Forward” is a book written by Catherine Ryan Hyde, released in 2000, but it's also an action plan within a work of fiction. Is it only fiction? I don't think so; it's a way of life.

A few weeks ago a friend of mine, Jan, did a Pay it Forward blog entry where she gave several things away on her blog to the first few people that responded in her comments. I receive a little something from her and in response to getting a little gift I need to also pay it forward to 3 people.
A week ago I did my first pay it forward. We were at Burger King getting lunch in the drive through. I paid for the people in the car behind me's food.
I also have two $5.00 Dairy Queen gift cards in my wallet. These will be sent to the first two people that respond with a story about an experience you have had Paying It Forward or recieving a Pay It Forward. You must also Pay It Forward to three other people. You must be willing to leave your story in the comments and then tell me what you plan to do to Pay It Forward.

Update on Chase - Please Continue to Pray

Chase came through surgery Thursday with a repaired valve and heart. His surgeons were cautiously optimistic. Later he spiked a very high fever and was packed in ice to reduce it. His family really have just relied on the Lord to bring them through this. His fever went down and as of yesterday he is doing better. He has been taken off the respirator and his pace maker and is holding his own. Please continue to pray for this little guy and his family.