What A Day!

Today has been quite a day for celebrating!

This morning at church, we had Ellie's dedication service. She, as usual, was very much the charmer and even reached out for our pastor (who she knows very well) to hold her.

Lucas was baptized this morning also. He made the decision to ask Christ into his life sometime last year, but has just now wanted to do the baptism. Our church allows fathers (who have a relationship with Christ) to baptize their sons, so Kyle got to have that privelege! It was so neat to see Lucas making that decision. We have prayed that God would turn our children's hearts towards Him and He has been so faithful in that.

We came home after church and had Ellie's birthday party. My parents, Kyle's parents, Kyle's brother and sister-in-law, and some close friends of ours and their 3 month old were here. Whew. I needed a bigger house.....bigger kitchen at least. I had to put Ellie in the bed for a nap while we were eating and then woke her up for presents/cake. She was NOT very happy about it, so we kinda rushed through it all. She loved the cake and wasn't hesitant at all. Even screamed when it was all gone because she wanted more! Little Miss Piggy!

Finally, Jacob has been tee-tee in the potty 3 times in a row now. Last night, this morning, and again at church. I got fed up yesterday and drew a line in the sand. I told him diapers were going in the trash and he could only wear one at night - that he could go all over the floor as long as he wanted to, but that he would be cleaning it up and changing himself. I'm not sure if that's what did it or not, but words cannot express how happy I am at this moment. I'm holding my breath to see if it continues, but we're definitely NOT going back to diapers!

What a day!

Happy 1st Birthday Eliana!

Since we've had blogs in 3 different places, we're in the process of combining them. Please bare with us as they'll probably be all out of order and not very pretty!

Today is (almost was since it's almost midnight!) Ellie's 1st birthday. Time has gone so fast. It literally seems like only a month ago that we brought her home. I thank God for leading us to our agency (For This Child), guiding our process quickly, and giving us such an angel baby (well, an angel most of the time!)

Eliana Elisabeth (born Daniela Desire) was hand picked by God for our family. I can't help but think of the sacrifice her birthmother made a year ago. How her heart must have been breaking to know that she would probably never see this child again. How much she has probably prayed that this child would be loved beyond measure. I wonder if she has thought about her today, if she remembers. But, how could she forget?

Ellie has gone through today just like any other day. I'm sure she remembers no one else except our family since she wasn't even 3 months old when I traveled to Guatemala to be with her. She doesn't know that thousands of miles away there is a woman who gave the most selfless sacrifice - her baby girl - for the love of her child. I hope that one day Ellie can grasp the concept. Being an adoptee myself, I know the questions and emotions that come with trying to sort through it all. But, I pray everyday that God gives us wisdom and words to tell her story in a way that brings Him glory.

DATE: 06/06/2006 03:17:05 PM
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Well, we made it back from Michigan Sunday night. After driving 1600 miles round trip (side trips included), I think I'll be ok with never getting back in the van with my kids again. The boys did ok. Noah said maybe 5 words the entire 2 day trip up and 2 day trip back home. Lucas got a little ansy, but that's to be expected. Jacob had one 'moment" that passed quickly.

Ellie, however.........well what can be said. We spent a large majority of the trip with the windows down to muffle the sound of her ear piercing shrieks and screams. Here's a tiny (emphasis on the word TINY) sampling of what we experienced for the part of our trip that required being in the van.

http://www.clipshack.com/Clip.aspx?key=C32DF66AD94635AE

(let me know if that works!)

And, yes, she is turned around front facing and no, she doesn't way 20 pounds and isn't a year old yet, but we were desperate to try anything!

We realized after renting a bike for Lucas to ride for the week that he had no experience riding up and down hills. His bike riding has been limited to riding in circles around our very flat cul-de-sac. He did, however, conquer his fear of riding down a very steep hill before the end of the week. The first day he tried it alone, he kept he brakes on and was barely moving. We could see his lips moving, though, and questioned him on what he was saying. He told us he was saying to himself "God gives me bravery, not fear." Words can't express the feeling of seeing the fruit from lessons that you've been fiercely trying to instill in your children.

We had a great time. The kids were exhausted when we got home as were Kyle and I, but we wouldn't trade the week for anything. There's something to be said for spending a week away from TV, cell phones, radio, computers, and just being with your family and listening to God. And God did teach us quite a bit. Maybe more on that at a later date. Right now, I'm still trying to unpack suitcases!

Here are a couple of pics from the week....

Lucas conquering his fear


The boys in the lake


Ellie in the lake

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DATE: 06/06/2006 02:49:44 PM

A few weeks ago, the hospital Kyle works for had their annual fundraising ball. He was required to go and I got to tag along as the "dutiful spouse." It wasn't our kind of thing AT ALL, but it was fun to get dressed up for the first time since we were married, I think! Here's a pic of the 2 of us.......this is as good as we get I suppose.


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DATE: 05/05/2006 08:15:59 PM
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BODY:
The past 2 nights, all 4 children have slept all night. That hasn't happened in.....let's see about 5 1/2 years. Praise God for sleep!
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DATE: 05/04/2006 11:01:37 PM
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Noah's last day of preschool is next Thursday. I guess between now and then they are just trying to fill the days. Today was "crazy hair day" for his preschool class. Noah wanted a mohawk, so we did our best to give him the look he desired. Here's how it turned out.



Noah's been doing so well this year. Because he was premature (at least we think that's the root cause) he's been delayed in speech and some motor skills. We also are starting to think he has some sensory issues, which means that his brain doesn't process sensory things (touch, noises, bright lights, balance, movement, etc.) the way most people do. He gets overwhelmed very easy. Anytime we're in a place with crowds and noise, he freaks out, things like that.

So, our pediatrician gives us a referral for a speech therapist (he had a great one in MS and we were sad to leave her!) and physical therapy evaluations.

However, insurance won't cover those evaluations. We are now trying to go through the school system, but no one there will call me back.

Oh the joys of trying to get help for your child!

DATE: 04/24/2006 02:58:51 PM
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Since our camera is broken, I took Kyle's mom's and downloaded them on our computer. They're not the best, but here are a few pictures from this month.


Ellie swinging at MiMi's house.


The boys washing Daddy's car a few weeks ago.


Lucas performing for us in PawPaw's office.


The boys washing their jeeps at MiMi and PawPaw's house.


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