This weekend was awful.
It really started last week. Our fingerprints FINALLY came! We celebrated, but it didn't last very long.
My mom and dad were supposed to take all of our paperwork to Denver on Wednesday to get everything certified (third to the last step before we send it to China.)
My dad got put into the hospital over night - while they were trying to get things done.
We had everything planned to take it to Denver on Friday.
I spent the day in the emergency room with my mother in law...
Thank God, both my dad and my mother in law are doing ok.
Friday, we also got an email stating that we needed on more thing certified in Illinois.
Saturday and Sunday, Leonard did literally 20 hours of homework.
Jacob and Nathan studied for finals.
Jacob had two basketball games - which he didn't play in...that would be another post altogether...
Finally celebrated John's birthday.
I finished up an order for a purse and a pair of socks...
Cleaned up dog throw up.
Cleaned up kid pee.
Wrapped presents.
Christmas shopped.
Dealt with a bad grade from one of my oldest children.
Did 10 loads of laundry.
Helped Leonard with his final business plan.
Thought about cleaning the house. Didn't do it.
And then they came. The tears....I lost it last night.
I cried and Leonard sat with me. Not saying a word.
It seems like for every step forward on the adoption, we take two steps back.
I really don't know if I can take anymore. I know that it is all in God's perfect timing.
Monday, December 15, 2008
Monday, December 8, 2008
Happy Birthday...
It is Noah's birthday today. He is 3. In this world there are three mothers...
1. His foster mom - Today she will spend his birthday...I know that the home that sponsors him has a birthday party for each child and their family. I know that she is enjoying this time and loving it. She always looks so happy when she is with him. Thank you so much for loving him before he comes home to us. Thank you for giving of your time, your energy, and your patience to raise him.
2. Me - I think of Noah all of the time. I wonder what he is like. What is he doing to celebrate his birthday? What is his favorite food? What makes him laugh? I pray he is healthy and that his adjustment is quick and secure. I have never met this little boy, yet, he is so deeply etched in my mind and in my heart, that I cannot imagine life without him...
3. His birth mother - Granted, there is no way of knowing exactly when his birthday is. However, whether it was yesterday, today or tomorrow, there is a mother who is without the child she carried for 9 months. She is without the heartbeat that was under hers for so long. She made the very hard decision to give him up. Can you imagine having a child and then having it taken away at only a couple of days old? Can you imagine laying him on the sidewalk, hoping and praying that some one will come by and pick him up?
Noah has three mothers...one that will hold him for a couple of years, one that dreams of holding him for the rest of his life, and one that remembers holding him as he took his first breath and heard his first cry....
Happy Birthday, Noah
1. His foster mom - Today she will spend his birthday...I know that the home that sponsors him has a birthday party for each child and their family. I know that she is enjoying this time and loving it. She always looks so happy when she is with him. Thank you so much for loving him before he comes home to us. Thank you for giving of your time, your energy, and your patience to raise him.
2. Me - I think of Noah all of the time. I wonder what he is like. What is he doing to celebrate his birthday? What is his favorite food? What makes him laugh? I pray he is healthy and that his adjustment is quick and secure. I have never met this little boy, yet, he is so deeply etched in my mind and in my heart, that I cannot imagine life without him...
3. His birth mother - Granted, there is no way of knowing exactly when his birthday is. However, whether it was yesterday, today or tomorrow, there is a mother who is without the child she carried for 9 months. She is without the heartbeat that was under hers for so long. She made the very hard decision to give him up. Can you imagine having a child and then having it taken away at only a couple of days old? Can you imagine laying him on the sidewalk, hoping and praying that some one will come by and pick him up?
Noah has three mothers...one that will hold him for a couple of years, one that dreams of holding him for the rest of his life, and one that remembers holding him as he took his first breath and heard his first cry....
Happy Birthday, Noah
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
Where have I been?
The same place we were almost a month ago...waiting for the now infamous fingerprints...
I feel guilty complaining about the wait.
What about all of the little ones out there without parents, not knowing if they will ever have a family.
What about the little ones who do have parents but should be removed from the home?
What about the little ones who don't have enough to eat, a place to sleep, or safety?
What about the little ones who have lost a parent...and don't understand why?
What about all of the little ones who will never know that Jesus died for their sins?
I think about all of the little ones out there. I can't help them all. I can pray for them, I can call out to Jesus to protect them, feed them and comfort them. I can adopt two little ones and give them all of the love that some of the others will never know. I can donate toys to toy drives, sponsor a family this holiday season...but I can't help them all.
Makes me sad...makes me disappointed...makes me want to hurry up this process so Noah can know the love of a family.
I feel guilty complaining about the wait.
What about all of the little ones out there without parents, not knowing if they will ever have a family.
What about the little ones who do have parents but should be removed from the home?
What about the little ones who don't have enough to eat, a place to sleep, or safety?
What about the little ones who have lost a parent...and don't understand why?
What about all of the little ones who will never know that Jesus died for their sins?
I think about all of the little ones out there. I can't help them all. I can pray for them, I can call out to Jesus to protect them, feed them and comfort them. I can adopt two little ones and give them all of the love that some of the others will never know. I can donate toys to toy drives, sponsor a family this holiday season...but I can't help them all.
Makes me sad...makes me disappointed...makes me want to hurry up this process so Noah can know the love of a family.
Thursday, October 23, 2008
I do have five kids at home
Sometimes, it seems like I only write about a couple of my kids. But really I do have more than these, I have five at home and 1 more on his way.
My two oldest boys, 15 and 13, are so incredibly special to me. I can't tell you how proud of them I am.
My oldest, Jacob, is wanting to go into the military after high school. He has wanted to do the military thing for as long as I can remember. Now it is just a lit
tle more detailed.
He is thinking ROTC - which would be great. I told him last year, that if he was still interested when he turned 16, I would take him to talk to a recruiter. I couldn't be more proud of my son who wants to defend his country and his freedom and his Lord. Jacob is amazing.
(He is the one in the white, that is taking the one in the blue down.)
Then there is Nathan. Nathan is Nathan...He is one of the best big brothers three little ones could ever have. He is the one that is always on the floor playing with all of those 5 and under. He plays, he reads, he sings, he laughs, and of course, he fights, with all of his siblings.
He too, loves football. Here, this picture shows him scoring a touch down. The thing I like about this picture, is the student on the sidelines, cheering because my son just scored. Way to go Nathan!!
My two oldest boys, 15 and 13, are so incredibly special to me. I can't tell you how proud of them I am.
My oldest, Jacob, is wanting to go into the military after high school. He has wanted to do the military thing for as long as I can remember. Now it is just a lit
tle more detailed.He is thinking ROTC - which would be great. I told him last year, that if he was still interested when he turned 16, I would take him to talk to a recruiter. I couldn't be more proud of my son who wants to defend his country and his freedom and his Lord. Jacob is amazing.
(He is the one in the white, that is taking the one in the blue down.)
Then there is Nathan. Nathan is Nathan...He is one of the best big brothers three little ones could ever have. He is the one that is always on the floor playing with all of those 5 and under. He plays, he reads, he sings, he laughs, and of course, he fights, with all of his siblings.
He too, loves football. Here, this picture shows him scoring a touch down. The thing I like about this picture, is the student on the sidelines, cheering because my son just scored. Way to go Nathan!!
An update after the meeting
I have waited for a while to post about the meeting, because I needed to take it all in.
Kaycee started preschool, just not where I had originally wanted her. She is currently in the preschool here in our little school. She is there two days a week, from 8 to 11:45. From 8 to 11:15, she has a full time TOD with her.
That is wonderful. Her TOD is a wonderful, loving, hard of hearing teacher, who really likes Kaycee. And Kaycee really took to her too.
Its nice to be able to have Kaycee in the same building as me. And she is in the same classroom as my oldest daughter, Kylie. Kylie just stays all day.
Her 20 minutes of speech she gets a week is with a very gifted SLP who really likes Kaycee too. I like it...I really do.
All of Kaycee's teachers get to look like Hannah Montana because they get to wear the FM system headset. It is kind of the new, cool thing in our building.
All of the teachers have their own name signs, all of the students are going to get their own name signs.
Our music teacher is wonderful and is teaching all of the kids some of the music songs in sign language.
Some of the other kids in the school (remember, we are a prek - 12 school) are very interested in sign language and try to sign with Kaycee. It is all very touching. I am so lucky to be in a school who really does care, and one that so openly accepts my child and all that she comes with.
I have a couple of concerns still: Kaycee is 3, she is in a mixed preschool and kindergarten classroom. She is VERY YOUNG!!!
She is sharing the room with Kylie. Even though they are on very different levels, they are still sharing. (Granted, they will need to get used to this as they get bigger. My four youngest children will all be within 24 months of each other.)
There are other concerns but I am trying to keep my chin up and think very positively about this placement. She is in school, she is happy and she is learning.
For example, for the last year, I have been doing the sign for "red" wrong, and Kaycee told me about it. She grabbed my hands and showed me the right way. :) Gotta love it!!!!
Kaycee started preschool, just not where I had originally wanted her. She is currently in the preschool here in our little school. She is there two days a week, from 8 to 11:45. From 8 to 11:15, she has a full time TOD with her.
That is wonderful. Her TOD is a wonderful, loving, hard of hearing teacher, who really likes Kaycee. And Kaycee really took to her too.
Its nice to be able to have Kaycee in the same building as me. And she is in the same classroom as my oldest daughter, Kylie. Kylie just stays all day.
Her 20 minutes of speech she gets a week is with a very gifted SLP who really likes Kaycee too. I like it...I really do.
All of Kaycee's teachers get to look like Hannah Montana because they get to wear the FM system headset. It is kind of the new, cool thing in our building.
All of the teachers have their own name signs, all of the students are going to get their own name signs.
Our music teacher is wonderful and is teaching all of the kids some of the music songs in sign language.
Some of the other kids in the school (remember, we are a prek - 12 school) are very interested in sign language and try to sign with Kaycee. It is all very touching. I am so lucky to be in a school who really does care, and one that so openly accepts my child and all that she comes with.
I have a couple of concerns still: Kaycee is 3, she is in a mixed preschool and kindergarten classroom. She is VERY YOUNG!!!
She is sharing the room with Kylie. Even though they are on very different levels, they are still sharing. (Granted, they will need to get used to this as they get bigger. My four youngest children will all be within 24 months of each other.)
There are other concerns but I am trying to keep my chin up and think very positively about this placement. She is in school, she is happy and she is learning.
For example, for the last year, I have been doing the sign for "red" wrong, and Kaycee told me about it. She grabbed my hands and showed me the right way. :) Gotta love it!!!!
Monday, October 13, 2008
God is in control
Its here. The dreaded day has finally arrived - Kaycee's very large IEP meeting.
For those of you not familiar with the special education world - IEP - Individualized Education Program - a plan developed just for one specific child, with specific goals, accommodations and modifications.
This is a continuation of one that took place about three weeks ago.
This time the BIG GUNS are out. I mean the really big guns.
Here is the very long, drawn out story, hopefully in a large nut shell.
We are in a small district that does not have special services in our school, we share them all with other schools in a things called a Board of Cooperative Education Services, BOCES.
The BOCES people, think Kaycee's needs: using sign language, improving her expressive language level from about a 14 month old, not being able to communicate effectively, even for a three year old, can be met in a regular education classroom.
In a regular classroom, where 50% of her language would not be recognized. (About 50% of her language is currently sign language.) Where only 50% of the instruction she would be getting would be comprehended by Kaycee, where there are no other children like Kaycee, and where the teacher can only understand about 20% of what Kaycee is trying to say.
Even before we mention the law, does any of that sound right?
Now lets talk law - besides all of the "little" details (not testing at the right time, not giving us the correct amount of time when a meeting has been called, not having our teacher of the deaf there, when she is the only one that has worked with Kaycee as a teacher, etc etc etc) they are not working within the Deaf and hard of hearing child's bill of rights.
It states there that all hard of hearing/deaf (hoh/d) are required to have access to like peers (other hearing impaired children), and are required to be taught in their own language by a fluent person (fluent in ASL and English). The placements they have offered are good ones, but not for a child that has a hearing impairment.
Would it be different if she had been with us from birth? Would it be different if she had been aided from the time she was about 4 months old?
Yes.
She has only been hearing sounds for a year. She is still learning how to hear...imagine having to learn how to hear...
Which direction was that sound from?
Did I need to pay attention to that sound?
Why does mom's voice sound different from just a little while ago? (difference between when mom is happy with me and when she is upset with me)
What was that beeping sound in the kitchen?
Etc....
There is so much to it. More than these experts think there is.
(I was told that having been adopted at 21 months of age really has nothing to do with anything and that the fact that all she heard for the first 21 months of age was very garbled Chinese, means nothing.) Hhhmmmm, I wonder what research says...I know what it says. It says that language development in the first three years of life is the most vital time for rich language acquisition.
I need to stop...I need to work on Kaycee's communication plan for tomorrow.
And I need to pray. I need to give it to God. He is the one in control...
For those of you not familiar with the special education world - IEP - Individualized Education Program - a plan developed just for one specific child, with specific goals, accommodations and modifications.
This is a continuation of one that took place about three weeks ago.
This time the BIG GUNS are out. I mean the really big guns.
Here is the very long, drawn out story, hopefully in a large nut shell.
We are in a small district that does not have special services in our school, we share them all with other schools in a things called a Board of Cooperative Education Services, BOCES.
The BOCES people, think Kaycee's needs: using sign language, improving her expressive language level from about a 14 month old, not being able to communicate effectively, even for a three year old, can be met in a regular education classroom.
In a regular classroom, where 50% of her language would not be recognized. (About 50% of her language is currently sign language.) Where only 50% of the instruction she would be getting would be comprehended by Kaycee, where there are no other children like Kaycee, and where the teacher can only understand about 20% of what Kaycee is trying to say.
Even before we mention the law, does any of that sound right?
Now lets talk law - besides all of the "little" details (not testing at the right time, not giving us the correct amount of time when a meeting has been called, not having our teacher of the deaf there, when she is the only one that has worked with Kaycee as a teacher, etc etc etc) they are not working within the Deaf and hard of hearing child's bill of rights.
It states there that all hard of hearing/deaf (hoh/d) are required to have access to like peers (other hearing impaired children), and are required to be taught in their own language by a fluent person (fluent in ASL and English). The placements they have offered are good ones, but not for a child that has a hearing impairment.
Would it be different if she had been with us from birth? Would it be different if she had been aided from the time she was about 4 months old?
Yes.
She has only been hearing sounds for a year. She is still learning how to hear...imagine having to learn how to hear...
Which direction was that sound from?
Did I need to pay attention to that sound?
Why does mom's voice sound different from just a little while ago? (difference between when mom is happy with me and when she is upset with me)
What was that beeping sound in the kitchen?
Etc....
There is so much to it. More than these experts think there is.
(I was told that having been adopted at 21 months of age really has nothing to do with anything and that the fact that all she heard for the first 21 months of age was very garbled Chinese, means nothing.) Hhhmmmm, I wonder what research says...I know what it says. It says that language development in the first three years of life is the most vital time for rich language acquisition.
I need to stop...I need to work on Kaycee's communication plan for tomorrow.
And I need to pray. I need to give it to God. He is the one in control...
Sunday, October 5, 2008
A Calling...
Ok. I wrote about this A LONG time ago. I have been hearing God's voice talking to me again. No, he isn't saying what I want him to say...(there is another little one waiting for you in China :)
He is saying there is something you should and could be doing for those left behind. There are so many of them, and not just in China. All over the world, including right here in the United States.
I have been tossing around many ideas. Many of them just don't feel right, while others do.
Right now, I really don't have the time to devote to it. I have been praying about though. And the feeling is getting stronger, so I know there is something to it.
While we are waiting for Noah though, I have been asking a few friends and family members if they would be willing to make a blanket for me to take to China with me.
My goal is to have enough stuff to fill a large suitcase. I want to take it to Noah's group home, True Children's Home.
Here is a list of what they need:
Diapers— Size Preemie to Large
Diaper Wipes and Waterproof Crib Pads
Plastic Baby Bottles, Nipples and Bottle Brushes
Infant Formula—Nestle Stages1 and 2
Pigeon Cleft Feeders
Pacifiers and Pacifier Cups
Clothing (new or gently used) - Preemie to 4T
Winter Coats—Preemie to 4T
Socks for Infants and Toddlers
Shoes for Infants and Toddlers
Infant Bath Towels and Bibs
Nebulizers
Nail Clippers, Bulb Syringes and Nasal Swabs
If you have any of these laying around, they can always be used in China.
Its a start anyway!
He is saying there is something you should and could be doing for those left behind. There are so many of them, and not just in China. All over the world, including right here in the United States.
I have been tossing around many ideas. Many of them just don't feel right, while others do.
Right now, I really don't have the time to devote to it. I have been praying about though. And the feeling is getting stronger, so I know there is something to it.
While we are waiting for Noah though, I have been asking a few friends and family members if they would be willing to make a blanket for me to take to China with me.
My goal is to have enough stuff to fill a large suitcase. I want to take it to Noah's group home, True Children's Home.
Here is a list of what they need:
Diapers— Size Preemie to Large
Diaper Wipes and Waterproof Crib Pads
Plastic Baby Bottles, Nipples and Bottle Brushes
Infant Formula—Nestle Stages1 and 2
Pigeon Cleft Feeders
Pacifiers and Pacifier Cups
Clothing (new or gently used) - Preemie to 4T
Winter Coats—Preemie to 4T
Socks for Infants and Toddlers
Shoes for Infants and Toddlers
Infant Bath Towels and Bibs
Nebulizers
Nail Clippers, Bulb Syringes and Nasal Swabs
If you have any of these laying around, they can always be used in China.
Its a start anyway!
Friday, October 3, 2008
While we were sleeping...
...a gift was delivered.
There are new pictures of Noah. But this time, there was a little something extra in the gift...pictures of his foster parents.
I have some of Kaycee's too. It is something that will be wonderful to share with them. I showed a picture of them to Kaycee a little while ago. There was no indication that she remembered them. She was 21 months old, had only been with them for about 3 months, and it had been over a year since she had seen them. Tells me she wasn't really attached to them that much. I don't have a picture of her first set, she was with them for over a year.
Anyway, with Noah's foster parents they seem so happy. Kaycee's never smiled in any of the pictures. Noah's seem truly happy. The source I have says that they really love Noah. It is evident in the photo.
I am sad for him. He is in a very loving home right now (at least that is what it looks like.) In just a few short months, his life will be turned upside down! I am praying for him every day that his transition will be as smooth as Kaycee's was. But Kaycee wasn't attached - Noah is.
There are new pictures of Noah. But this time, there was a little something extra in the gift...pictures of his foster parents.
I have some of Kaycee's too. It is something that will be wonderful to share with them. I showed a picture of them to Kaycee a little while ago. There was no indication that she remembered them. She was 21 months old, had only been with them for about 3 months, and it had been over a year since she had seen them. Tells me she wasn't really attached to them that much. I don't have a picture of her first set, she was with them for over a year.
Anyway, with Noah's foster parents they seem so happy. Kaycee's never smiled in any of the pictures. Noah's seem truly happy. The source I have says that they really love Noah. It is evident in the photo.
I am sad for him. He is in a very loving home right now (at least that is what it looks like.) In just a few short months, his life will be turned upside down! I am praying for him every day that his transition will be as smooth as Kaycee's was. But Kaycee wasn't attached - Noah is.
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
My oldest daughter
Kylie turned 5 about three weeks ago.
She is one of my precious angels.
After trying to have a child for about 2 years and enduring at least two miscarriages, she is what became of our infertility treatments.
I can't believe it has been 5 years. I have to be honest, I think she is one of the cutest little girls I have ever seen.
She is starting pre school in about two weeks and she CANNOT wait!!!!
The earrings were a gift from dad. She doesn't have her ears pierced but she thinks she is a big girl and needed to wear them in her pictures.
Monday, September 15, 2008
Que the angels and glorious light from Heaven!!!
Our fingerprint appointment is on 9-26-08 at 8:00 in the morning!!! Praise GOD!!!!!
We are getting SO CLOSE!!!!!
Noah will be home so soon!!!!
We are getting SO CLOSE!!!!!
Noah will be home so soon!!!!
Thursday, September 4, 2008
a second post in two days...
UUGGHH,
I am a special education teacher, and I love it! There is never a dull moment during my days and my days are never the same.
I spend my days working with kids that need more help than just general education and making sure they are getting what they need.
What is this post about? Kaycee and her educational needs.
Kaycee has bilateral microtia, her ears are not formed on the outside. She has a mild to moderate hearing loss. She hears clearly - when things are yelled, you hold her ear to your mouth and talk at a louder than normal level, or she has her hearing aid on.
The first 24 months of her life, she heard muffled sounds, including 18 months of nothing but Chinese.
Kaycee needs a little extra in her educational setting.
So what exactly is the problem? We are having a hard time getting her into where she needs to be.
We live in a very small town in rural Colorado. We don't have an audiologist, school nurse or anything else like that at our school. We have to share these specialists through our BOCES - Board of Cooperative Education Services.
We have three deaf and hard of hearing preschools within driving distance, one about 35 miles away, one about 50 miles away and one about 65 miles away.
Of course, the one that is 35 miles away is closed to out of district students, as is the one that is 50 miles away. The only one that is accepting students from out of district is the one that is 65 miles away.
UUGGHH - here is my 2 year old, soon to be 3 year old. She has about 60% of her language by using sign language. The rest of it is oral and pointing, asking and the worst part - frustrating...
So we wait for the big transition meeting for Kaycee. To decide what to do with her preschool.
No matter what, some part of this is going to go away from the table not happy.
Unfortunately, I am a part of all of the parts...I work with everyone that will be deciding Kaycee's fate.
I got some really good advice from one of the experts that I work with...
Loyalty is something that should be taken with a grain of salt. The school can rebound from whatever is decided. BOCES can rebound from whatever is decided. But Kaycee won't be able to rebound from whatever is decided. Whatever is decided will affect Kaycee for the rest of her life.
Talk about pressure!!!
Just think, next is the decision about surgery!!!
And just think, when Noah comes home, we get to do the same thing for him!
I am a special education teacher, and I love it! There is never a dull moment during my days and my days are never the same.
I spend my days working with kids that need more help than just general education and making sure they are getting what they need.
What is this post about? Kaycee and her educational needs.
Kaycee has bilateral microtia, her ears are not formed on the outside. She has a mild to moderate hearing loss. She hears clearly - when things are yelled, you hold her ear to your mouth and talk at a louder than normal level, or she has her hearing aid on.
The first 24 months of her life, she heard muffled sounds, including 18 months of nothing but Chinese.
Kaycee needs a little extra in her educational setting.
So what exactly is the problem? We are having a hard time getting her into where she needs to be.
We live in a very small town in rural Colorado. We don't have an audiologist, school nurse or anything else like that at our school. We have to share these specialists through our BOCES - Board of Cooperative Education Services.
We have three deaf and hard of hearing preschools within driving distance, one about 35 miles away, one about 50 miles away and one about 65 miles away.
Of course, the one that is 35 miles away is closed to out of district students, as is the one that is 50 miles away. The only one that is accepting students from out of district is the one that is 65 miles away.
UUGGHH - here is my 2 year old, soon to be 3 year old. She has about 60% of her language by using sign language. The rest of it is oral and pointing, asking and the worst part - frustrating...
So we wait for the big transition meeting for Kaycee. To decide what to do with her preschool.
No matter what, some part of this is going to go away from the table not happy.
Unfortunately, I am a part of all of the parts...I work with everyone that will be deciding Kaycee's fate.
I got some really good advice from one of the experts that I work with...
Loyalty is something that should be taken with a grain of salt. The school can rebound from whatever is decided. BOCES can rebound from whatever is decided. But Kaycee won't be able to rebound from whatever is decided. Whatever is decided will affect Kaycee for the rest of her life.
Talk about pressure!!!
Just think, next is the decision about surgery!!!
And just think, when Noah comes home, we get to do the same thing for him!
Wednesday, September 3, 2008
An update on the adoption front
We received an email from our agency yesterday. All of our paperwork has been sent to the USCIS! WOOHOO!!! This means that we have to wait about two weeks for an invitation to be fingerprinted, then after that it is another waiting game for our fingerprints to come back from immigration.
Then, we send all of our paperwork to the state to be certified.
Then, we send all of the certified paperwork to our agency and they send it to the Chinese consulate to be authenticated.
Then they receive it back, and SEND IT TO CHINA!!
Seems simple enough. Shouldn't take too long.
Did I mention that it could take up to 3 months to get our fingerprints back from immigration?
Then did I mention it would be another 2 weeks to get things certified?
Then did I fail to mention it would take up to another month to get things authenticated?
HHMM, another 4 1/2 months?
I pray this is the absolute worst case senario...
Then, we send all of our paperwork to the state to be certified.
Then, we send all of the certified paperwork to our agency and they send it to the Chinese consulate to be authenticated.
Then they receive it back, and SEND IT TO CHINA!!
Seems simple enough. Shouldn't take too long.
Did I mention that it could take up to 3 months to get our fingerprints back from immigration?
Then did I mention it would be another 2 weeks to get things certified?
Then did I fail to mention it would take up to another month to get things authenticated?
HHMM, another 4 1/2 months?
I pray this is the absolute worst case senario...
Monday, August 18, 2008
Who is this??
Just look at our little guy, he is getting so big. I can't believe how tall he looks. Doesn't he look like he will just fit right into our family?
He is 24 pounds and almost3 feet tall. According to my research, he is in about the 45 percentile for size, on American charts. A little small, but really for Asian, not too small.
It also sounds like he is getting potty trained, and he has a vocabulary of 3 words. He understands a little more than that but as far as vocalizing, 3 words is it. But apparently there is hearing, that is wonderful!
Come on paperwork!!! He is waiting for us!!!
Monday, July 21, 2008
Craziness abounds!
As is usual - it is crazy in our household - we are preparing for school...
Jacob will be a sophomore this year:
getting his driver's license - so he drives everywhere - we have to keep track of his hours...ugh
basketball just ended, football will be starting in the next two weeks and then we are off on the never ending - except for two weeks in the summer - sports seasons
he just went in for his physical - he is 6' tall and weighs 153.2 pounds - he was very concerned because he lost 2 pounds...again, ugh!
Nathan will be in 8th grade this year:
he just finished his rocket for 4H, we shot it off yesterday, this is the fourth year he has done a rocket and it was by far the best launch he has ever done
Nathan just finished softball - they got 2nd, now he waits until the first day of school to start junior high football - there will be a new coach this year :( so he is a little concerned about that...
Nathan is about 5'4" so he is starting to be able to look me eye to eye - you can tell he is liking that.
Kylie will be in preschool this year, or pretty school as she calls it
We bought her her PE tennis shoes - anyone who is from out here understands what this is all about - and she is so excited. But she can't figure out why she cannot wear them...so she just carries them around.
John will be in preschool too - just not as long.
He could really care less about the whole thing. Preschool to John is just a word, although he does love to play with other little ones that aren't his sisters. He probably does need the influence of other little boys - he wears a lot of high heels, pushes strollers, and likes pink...you get the picture
Kaycee will also be in preschool - we just haven't figured out where yet...To make a REALLY long story short - I would like to have her in a program with other deaf and hard of hearing kids...but we aren't getting there yet - with the resources we have - not to mention the nearest one is about 1 1/2 away from us....
Leonard is going to be starting his graduate degree on September 2. He is nervous and excited. He will actually be getting a dual masters - organizational management and project management. Sounds impressive, doesn't it? I am very proud of him.
And of course, me - I will be in my 9th year of teaching - ugh 9 years. Anyway, I am still in grad school too - I have 19 credits to go...39 down...I am tired, VERY tired!!! But oh well......
It is kind of funny actually - we are ALL getting ready for school this fall, we will all be in school from 2 years old to, well, me who is somewhere around 29-39 years old.
Jacob will be a sophomore this year:
getting his driver's license - so he drives everywhere - we have to keep track of his hours...ugh
basketball just ended, football will be starting in the next two weeks and then we are off on the never ending - except for two weeks in the summer - sports seasons
he just went in for his physical - he is 6' tall and weighs 153.2 pounds - he was very concerned because he lost 2 pounds...again, ugh!
Nathan will be in 8th grade this year:
he just finished his rocket for 4H, we shot it off yesterday, this is the fourth year he has done a rocket and it was by far the best launch he has ever done
Nathan just finished softball - they got 2nd, now he waits until the first day of school to start junior high football - there will be a new coach this year :( so he is a little concerned about that...
Nathan is about 5'4" so he is starting to be able to look me eye to eye - you can tell he is liking that.
Kylie will be in preschool this year, or pretty school as she calls it
We bought her her PE tennis shoes - anyone who is from out here understands what this is all about - and she is so excited. But she can't figure out why she cannot wear them...so she just carries them around.
John will be in preschool too - just not as long.
He could really care less about the whole thing. Preschool to John is just a word, although he does love to play with other little ones that aren't his sisters. He probably does need the influence of other little boys - he wears a lot of high heels, pushes strollers, and likes pink...you get the picture
Kaycee will also be in preschool - we just haven't figured out where yet...To make a REALLY long story short - I would like to have her in a program with other deaf and hard of hearing kids...but we aren't getting there yet - with the resources we have - not to mention the nearest one is about 1 1/2 away from us....
Leonard is going to be starting his graduate degree on September 2. He is nervous and excited. He will actually be getting a dual masters - organizational management and project management. Sounds impressive, doesn't it? I am very proud of him.
And of course, me - I will be in my 9th year of teaching - ugh 9 years. Anyway, I am still in grad school too - I have 19 credits to go...39 down...I am tired, VERY tired!!! But oh well......
It is kind of funny actually - we are ALL getting ready for school this fall, we will all be in school from 2 years old to, well, me who is somewhere around 29-39 years old.
Wednesday, July 9, 2008
continued
Computers...uugghh!
Anyway, now with the I800 - it takes up to 2 or 3 months to get the appointment for fingerprints, get our fingerprints, then wait about 2 months to get approved.
THEN we send all of our dossier to our agency (after it has all been notarized) then they send it to our state to get it certified, then to the Chinese consulate to get it authenticated. All of that can take maybe 1 or 2 months, depending.
SO - when will we have our paperwork to China? I thought maybe it would November - now I think that is hopeful! Our LOI went in May - really we only have until August to have few problems. If we take until November, we could have a "bumpy road" according to our agency. After November? Who knows, it would be horrible to think about...
All while a little boy sits in China, no language, no hearing, and no family.
Anyway, now with the I800 - it takes up to 2 or 3 months to get the appointment for fingerprints, get our fingerprints, then wait about 2 months to get approved.
THEN we send all of our dossier to our agency (after it has all been notarized) then they send it to our state to get it certified, then to the Chinese consulate to get it authenticated. All of that can take maybe 1 or 2 months, depending.
SO - when will we have our paperwork to China? I thought maybe it would November - now I think that is hopeful! Our LOI went in May - really we only have until August to have few problems. If we take until November, we could have a "bumpy road" according to our agency. After November? Who knows, it would be horrible to think about...
All while a little boy sits in China, no language, no hearing, and no family.
Worried...
So it has been a really long time since I last wrote. It isn't because there isn't anything going on, it is just that well, you know, we have been busy!
We finished up the home visits part of the home study, all but one child has their physicals- the last one is Monday and Leonard and I have ours done.
We are in a stand still with the adoption. It is crazy, sickening, worrisome, and long. And really, it is hard to explain, but let me try!
There are 24 hours of parenting classes required by the federal government for adopters. We have taken 30 with social services, and 22 through our homestudy agency = even though I didn't major in math, I think that comes out to 52 credits taken...I would say that is more than enough, but no. It isn't.
Ok, here comes the complicated part...some of it is our fault, some of it isn't.
Since we adopted Kaycee, something new has been implemented by our government - it is called the Hague. In the adoption community, this really is not a pleasent word.
All agencies must become Hague accredited - meaning they have to jump through a lot of hoops, fill out a lot of paperwork and be approved. HHMMM, does that sound like international adoption?
Ok, with the Hague, they are requiring all parents to take 6 classes, each 4 hours long. We have taken 3, been given credit from our 30 hours for 1 and have 2 left.
These are not offered again until the middle of August.
Supposedly, we cannot complete our homestudy and apply for our I800 until these are done. I have spent many sleepless nights, many times on the phone and many emails to our agency. FINALLY! The immigration specialist stated that we could put a note in our homestudy that states we understand these classes need to be taken before we travel - ok, no problem! Got that under control.
Some people, including my husband ask why one month would make sure a huge difference. Why was I worried so much...here goes the explanation:
Noah's file came to our agency late last year. It was under the old system - where China sent an actual paper file to the agencies, and each agency got their own list of SN children.
We didn't decide to adopt Noah until February. We were NOT ready in the least - finacially or paper ready. So we knew it would take a long time to get done.
Fast forward a couple of months - China has now changed their system - it is all electronic - and all agencies share the same list of SN children. Noah's file had to be completed, with a Letter of Intent, by the middle of May.
When China was on the paper system, they would let families have at least 6 months to get their paperwork completed, now that they are on the electronic system, they only have 3 months.
Go back to the I800- with the old system, the I600, we could apply for fingerprints before our homestudy was completed, wait for our appointment, get fingerprinted, send in our homestudy, wait to be approved ,then be completly done. It took us 5 months - and that was pretty quick with Kaycee.
Now with the I800 - we have to have our parenting classes completed, then finish our homestudy (because the homestudy cannot be completed without the parenting classes done), then apply for our fingerprints
We finished up the home visits part of the home study, all but one child has their physicals- the last one is Monday and Leonard and I have ours done.
We are in a stand still with the adoption. It is crazy, sickening, worrisome, and long. And really, it is hard to explain, but let me try!
There are 24 hours of parenting classes required by the federal government for adopters. We have taken 30 with social services, and 22 through our homestudy agency = even though I didn't major in math, I think that comes out to 52 credits taken...I would say that is more than enough, but no. It isn't.
Ok, here comes the complicated part...some of it is our fault, some of it isn't.
Since we adopted Kaycee, something new has been implemented by our government - it is called the Hague. In the adoption community, this really is not a pleasent word.
All agencies must become Hague accredited - meaning they have to jump through a lot of hoops, fill out a lot of paperwork and be approved. HHMMM, does that sound like international adoption?
Ok, with the Hague, they are requiring all parents to take 6 classes, each 4 hours long. We have taken 3, been given credit from our 30 hours for 1 and have 2 left.
These are not offered again until the middle of August.
Supposedly, we cannot complete our homestudy and apply for our I800 until these are done. I have spent many sleepless nights, many times on the phone and many emails to our agency. FINALLY! The immigration specialist stated that we could put a note in our homestudy that states we understand these classes need to be taken before we travel - ok, no problem! Got that under control.
Some people, including my husband ask why one month would make sure a huge difference. Why was I worried so much...here goes the explanation:
Noah's file came to our agency late last year. It was under the old system - where China sent an actual paper file to the agencies, and each agency got their own list of SN children.
We didn't decide to adopt Noah until February. We were NOT ready in the least - finacially or paper ready. So we knew it would take a long time to get done.
Fast forward a couple of months - China has now changed their system - it is all electronic - and all agencies share the same list of SN children. Noah's file had to be completed, with a Letter of Intent, by the middle of May.
When China was on the paper system, they would let families have at least 6 months to get their paperwork completed, now that they are on the electronic system, they only have 3 months.
Go back to the I800- with the old system, the I600, we could apply for fingerprints before our homestudy was completed, wait for our appointment, get fingerprinted, send in our homestudy, wait to be approved ,then be completly done. It took us 5 months - and that was pretty quick with Kaycee.
Now with the I800 - we have to have our parenting classes completed, then finish our homestudy (because the homestudy cannot be completed without the parenting classes done), then apply for our fingerprints
Wednesday, June 4, 2008
Another "Kreation!"
Here she is...isn't she cute? Minnie Mouse purse, with a Princess Kreations tutu. I think they are cute...Anyone want one? Just email me...vkrise2002@yahoo.com
Monday, June 2, 2008
Best friends are we...
We have had the pleasure of having some little "extra" people running around our house for the past two days. This little people are our nieces and nephews. Anyway, we have had a lot of fun the last couple of days but probably the best time was when Kaycee and Ellie (both have bilateral microtia) were talking.Both of them have a moderate hearing loss, both of them had just gotten up from their naps, and neither of them had their hearing aids on.
Here is the scenario:
"Blah, blah, blah..." says Ellie - very loudly.
"Blah, blah, blah..." says Kaycee - also very loudly.
Kaycee: "Yeah!"
Ellie: "Yeah!"
This went on for about 30 minutes - both talking very loudly, a lot of nodding, a lot of "yeah", a lot of jibber jabber. It was adorable!
Kaycee has been home for almost a year, and is 2 - China.
Ellie has been home for less than four months, and is 4 - Ukraine.
Nathan said it was like having the United Nations in our home this weekend...Russia, Ukraine, China and the United States. (I am not completely sure, but I don't think some of these countries are part of the United Nations, but I get what he was saying...)
Sunday, May 18, 2008
It felt really good...
...to be back behind the camera again. I have been so busy the last couple of months, I don't think I have even reached for the camera. So today was beautiful and we headed for the park!
Could they be ANY cuter????? I don't think so!
Thursday, May 15, 2008
The earthquake -
It is very sad. Last night, as I was putting my three little ones to bed, I thought about how lucky I was to be able to put them into bed.
I realized how lucky I was that we had blankets for all of our kids, beds for them, food for them, and a roof for them.
We have a car to take them to 4H, to pick them up from practice.
The biggest thing we have to worry about is who is going to get them and at what time.
I have read stories about people sleeping in tents with five other families. Living under a plastic canvas
Some people have just started walking, not really knowing where they are going, just walking.
I know that Noah is fine, the earthquake was not close to his province - Thank God. But I think about those other little ones who maybe weren't so lucky. There are many parents out there that are waiting and wanting some news about their children.
Here is a list of the orphanages that have been affected some how:
I realized how lucky I was that we had blankets for all of our kids, beds for them, food for them, and a roof for them.
We have a car to take them to 4H, to pick them up from practice.
The biggest thing we have to worry about is who is going to get them and at what time.
I have read stories about people sleeping in tents with five other families. Living under a plastic canvas
Some people have just started walking, not really knowing where they are going, just walking.
I know that Noah is fine, the earthquake was not close to his province - Thank God. But I think about those other little ones who maybe weren't so lucky. There are many parents out there that are waiting and wanting some news about their children.
Here is a list of the orphanages that have been affected some how:
- Abazhou CWI: Unknown (52 children according to HTS)
- Baoji, Shaanxi: No injuries reported. Minor damage to the building but they are able to remain inside. (LWB)
- Chengdu: Safe, children are outside of the building during the day due to aftershocks. When it rains they go into the institution’s buses. At night they are on the first floor of the Children’s Building. There are cracks in some (but not all) buildings. (HTS and Agency). OCDF reports there is no electricity, water, or gas. They need diapers since they cannot wash. HTS reports they are having trouble finding supplies of milk and formula.
- Chongqing: Safe (HTS, OCDF, and an agency)
- *Deyang: Children are safe, minor damage to building (LWB OCDF)
- Dianjiang, Chongqing: Children are safe, no damage to building (Parent)
- *Dujiangyan: Children are safe. Children have been evacuated. Their temporary shelter has no tap water or electricity. They urgently need food, clean water, diapers, and powdered milk. (HTS)
- Fuling, Chongqing: Children are okay, no damage to current building. New building that is still under construction and not occupied sustained structural damage. (Parent and Agency) LWB and OCDF report damage to the building and are not clear if it is the new building or the one currently occupied. An agency reports cracks in the buildings currently occupied.
- Fungdu: Safe, no damage to building. (OCDF and Parent)
- *Guanghan: Unknown
- Guangyuan : Safe, staying in tents outdoors for now. (Parent)
- Ganzizhou: Unknown
- Hanzhong City SWI, Shaanxi Province: Children are safe, staying outside of building due to aftershocks. There are reports that the buildings sustained significant damage, and other reports the building sustained minor damage. There are tents set up for now. (Parent) Water pipes burst, water tower has cracks. Children have been evacuated and they need more tents, bedding, and clean water. (HTS)
- Liangping SWI : Children are Safe (OCDF, Parent, and agency). Reports of serious structural damage. (2 Agencies)
- Mama’s Wish: Teachers and students safe (LWB)
- *Mianyang CWI: Children are Safe. (Parent and HTS) Severely damaged walls, children have been moved to a military base. They have an urgent need for diapers, bedding, powdered milk, and clean water. (HTS)
- Mianzhu SWI: Unknown.
- Nanbu: Children are safe. Building has cracks. (Agency)
- Nanchong #1: Safe (Agency and OCDF).
- Nanchong #2: Children are safe (Agency, OCDF, HTS). Damage to buildings (OCDF and HTS) They need tents (HTS)
- Nanchuan, Chongqing: Safe, no damage reported. (LWB and Agency)
- Neijiang: Children are safe. Some structural damage to possibly several buildings. (HTS and Parent)
- Panzhihua: Unknown
- Rongxian: Unknown
- Santai County: Unknown
- Suining: Unknown
- Wanzhou: Children are safe. Building has cracks (Agency)
- Wenjiang County: Unknown
- Xiushan, Chongqing: Safe, no damage reported. (LWB and Agency)
- Yibin: Safe (HTS and OCDF)
- Yunyang, Chongqing: Safe. (LWB and Agency) LWB reports there is no damage to the building, but an agency reports there is some damage to the building.
- Zhaotong Foster Care program, Yunnan: Safe (LWB and Agency)
- Zigong CWI: Children are safe. They need bedding, powdered milk, crackers and disposable diapers (HTS)
- *Zitong County: Unknown
Sunday, May 11, 2008
Two part post about mother's day...
Part 1:
I am a mom, through and through.
I am excited when my child goes potty on the potty, when they can write their names for the first time.
I am excited (and a little sad) when my oldest talks about graduation and going into the military in less then 3 years.
I have watched my two oldest become young men, while I wish my youngest would let us sleep in on Saturday mornings past 6:00.
We watch Dora and NiHo Kai-lan with our 2, 3, and 4 year olds and work on Algebra, US History and watch the X-Files with our 13 and 15 year olds.
However, on Friday, it struck me and it didn't feel very good. NBC with Teleflora decided to have a "mom contest." To make a really long story short, they had some definitions of different kinds of moms. Like military moms, etc. One of the categories was "non mom." Under this title, was the definition: adoptive moms.
HHmm, how sad that some people in society view motherhood only as giving birth. A mom can only be a "real" mom if she has gone through the physical act of bringing a child into this world. How incredible. Apparently, these people have never known anyone who has gone through everything it takes to adopt a child. Are their children "non children?"
I look at Kaycee, she is my daughter, through and through. We have a lot in common. We are the only ones in our family who like tomatoes. We are the only ones who like broccoli. She loves to have her back and feet rubbed, just like I do. (I am getting off topic here...)
It really made me mad and it was very offensive. I cannot imagine how moms felt who have built their families purely by adoption. I would be very upset...
At least though, after they were bombarded with emails and phone calls, the company changed the title to "adoptive mom." Which in its own way is still offensive. What about just "mom." Why do they have to be different and singled out?
Part 2:
Its Mother's Day today. And while yes, we have celebrated it here (I got to do some laundry this afternoon) I think about Kaycee and Noah's birth moms.
What are they doing today? There are 52 countries in the world that celebrate Mother's Day - I admit, I am not sure that China is one, however, it is a day when I must think about those two women.
When they are both a little older, maybe next year, I am going to start a tradition for their birth moms. Maybe we will plant flowers, or take some plants to a nursing home, plant a tree, go to the mountains, something, anything that will help both of them remember the sacrifices their moms went through.
But I do have to say to both of them, thank you. Thank you for giving me the gifts of your child. Thank you for letting me raise them, love them, and hold them. Thank you for giving birth to them. You will always be their first mom.
I am a mom, through and through.
I am excited when my child goes potty on the potty, when they can write their names for the first time.
I am excited (and a little sad) when my oldest talks about graduation and going into the military in less then 3 years.
I have watched my two oldest become young men, while I wish my youngest would let us sleep in on Saturday mornings past 6:00.
We watch Dora and NiHo Kai-lan with our 2, 3, and 4 year olds and work on Algebra, US History and watch the X-Files with our 13 and 15 year olds.
However, on Friday, it struck me and it didn't feel very good. NBC with Teleflora decided to have a "mom contest." To make a really long story short, they had some definitions of different kinds of moms. Like military moms, etc. One of the categories was "non mom." Under this title, was the definition: adoptive moms.
HHmm, how sad that some people in society view motherhood only as giving birth. A mom can only be a "real" mom if she has gone through the physical act of bringing a child into this world. How incredible. Apparently, these people have never known anyone who has gone through everything it takes to adopt a child. Are their children "non children?"
I look at Kaycee, she is my daughter, through and through. We have a lot in common. We are the only ones in our family who like tomatoes. We are the only ones who like broccoli. She loves to have her back and feet rubbed, just like I do. (I am getting off topic here...)
It really made me mad and it was very offensive. I cannot imagine how moms felt who have built their families purely by adoption. I would be very upset...
At least though, after they were bombarded with emails and phone calls, the company changed the title to "adoptive mom." Which in its own way is still offensive. What about just "mom." Why do they have to be different and singled out?
Part 2:
Its Mother's Day today. And while yes, we have celebrated it here (I got to do some laundry this afternoon) I think about Kaycee and Noah's birth moms.
What are they doing today? There are 52 countries in the world that celebrate Mother's Day - I admit, I am not sure that China is one, however, it is a day when I must think about those two women.
When they are both a little older, maybe next year, I am going to start a tradition for their birth moms. Maybe we will plant flowers, or take some plants to a nursing home, plant a tree, go to the mountains, something, anything that will help both of them remember the sacrifices their moms went through.
But I do have to say to both of them, thank you. Thank you for giving me the gifts of your child. Thank you for letting me raise them, love them, and hold them. Thank you for giving birth to them. You will always be their first mom.
Monday, May 5, 2008
Kaycee and her language...
I have to keep reminding myself that Kaycee is only 2. She has been home almost 10 months, has only been aided since October and really just started talking.
When I say talking, I mean talking...up a storm...as in the girl won't stop...
She would be a great gossip!
Tonight, our dog peed by the front door. Out of Kaycee's mouth comes, Daddy, dat naughty.
Then she looked at Jacob - Dadob, dat naughty.
After a while, she says, mommy, I have coodie. (Cookie)
Then it is, Mommy, I potty.
I really would have to say the girl is on her way.
Now let's look at her sign language. We were reading a book, "The Very Hungry Caterpillar." She is starting the sign the book. If I could figure out my video camera, I would video it and put it on here. It is so cute. Her favorite part is when the caterpillar isn't a little caterpillar anymore, he was great big, fat caterpillar.
She is a precious little gift in our family.
When I say talking, I mean talking...up a storm...as in the girl won't stop...
She would be a great gossip!
Tonight, our dog peed by the front door. Out of Kaycee's mouth comes, Daddy, dat naughty.
Then she looked at Jacob - Dadob, dat naughty.
After a while, she says, mommy, I have coodie. (Cookie)
Then it is, Mommy, I potty.
I really would have to say the girl is on her way.
Now let's look at her sign language. We were reading a book, "The Very Hungry Caterpillar." She is starting the sign the book. If I could figure out my video camera, I would video it and put it on here. It is so cute. Her favorite part is when the caterpillar isn't a little caterpillar anymore, he was great big, fat caterpillar.
She is a precious little gift in our family.
Thursday, May 1, 2008
Updates and more updates...
I have a source...
I have a person that is watching our little guy in China and can fill me in on Noah. What a very precious gift....
Here is the latest...
I have a person that is watching our little guy in China and can fill me in on Noah. What a very precious gift....
Here is the latest...
Noah is a sweet and loving child. He seems to be very observant and likes to imitate others. He enjoys going outside playing ball, sliding down the slide at the park and likes to play with toys that move or with music.
At times he will cry if he does not get what he wants. Diverting his attention to something else seems to help.
He seems to be a healthy child. He does have dry skin. He likes to eat soup, meat porridge, bananas, apples and cake. He likes to drink milk. Currently he weighs 11kg, head size is 45.5 cm, chest 46 cm, foot 13.5 and height 86 cm.
He can say Mama and Papa in a very low voice. He will point to what he wants or lead you somewhere to help him. He enjoys “helping” round the house. Example: likes to bring things and moving the stools.
If you are anything like me, I had to use a converter calculator to get his size. He is 24 pounds and about 2 ft 9 in. He is a skinny little thing. Kind of built like Kylie.
Tuesday, April 29, 2008
busy, busy
With a lot of kids, comes a lot of activity...there is hardly ever a moment when there isn't something going on around here.
Saturday, Jacob had a track meet in Akron (not Ohio...) but mothernature had other plans. They got there, watched two of the girls run two events, and then the track meet was canceled due to snow. Yes, snow. Here we were sunburned from just a couple of days earlier, when we took the 6-12 grade to the Rockies game.
Monday, Jacob had his district baseball playoff game. Unfortunately, after being up on the other team, (our very big rivals) we lost. It was too bad, as we had just beat them Friday.
Today, both Jacob and Nathan had their league track meet in Sterling. Nathan placed 6th place in the 100 meter, and Jacob's relay team won. So Jacob has now qualified for state in his freshman year in track. (Can you tell I am proud of him?)
Tomorrow and Thursday, I think are quiet days, just track practice for Jacob and a couple of tests.
Friday, Leonard and I have to go to Denver to take some classes for our adoption. During our adoption of Kaycee, we were supposed to take 24 credits, as this is a requirement for the state of Colorado. However, honestly I forgot. So now that we are wanting to adopt again, we have to have our classes done before we can get our homestudy certified by the state. UUGGHH, oh well.
Our classes start at 5:30 Friday night, then there are two more classes Saturday - all day, while Jacob is running in his state track meet. UUGGHH!
Sunday, should be a "relaxing" day...church, youth, an anniversary party, Sunday night church for the adults.
Then, it all starts again...only this time, I will be lucky enough to be back in school. 9 credits for my masters...Behavior Analysis, Adaptive Technology, and Literacy for special needs students. Sounds fun...however, I am not sure when I will find the time to study...Any suggestions?
Saturday, Jacob had a track meet in Akron (not Ohio...) but mothernature had other plans. They got there, watched two of the girls run two events, and then the track meet was canceled due to snow. Yes, snow. Here we were sunburned from just a couple of days earlier, when we took the 6-12 grade to the Rockies game.
Monday, Jacob had his district baseball playoff game. Unfortunately, after being up on the other team, (our very big rivals) we lost. It was too bad, as we had just beat them Friday.
Today, both Jacob and Nathan had their league track meet in Sterling. Nathan placed 6th place in the 100 meter, and Jacob's relay team won. So Jacob has now qualified for state in his freshman year in track. (Can you tell I am proud of him?)
Tomorrow and Thursday, I think are quiet days, just track practice for Jacob and a couple of tests.
Friday, Leonard and I have to go to Denver to take some classes for our adoption. During our adoption of Kaycee, we were supposed to take 24 credits, as this is a requirement for the state of Colorado. However, honestly I forgot. So now that we are wanting to adopt again, we have to have our classes done before we can get our homestudy certified by the state. UUGGHH, oh well.
Our classes start at 5:30 Friday night, then there are two more classes Saturday - all day, while Jacob is running in his state track meet. UUGGHH!
Sunday, should be a "relaxing" day...church, youth, an anniversary party, Sunday night church for the adults.
Then, it all starts again...only this time, I will be lucky enough to be back in school. 9 credits for my masters...Behavior Analysis, Adaptive Technology, and Literacy for special needs students. Sounds fun...however, I am not sure when I will find the time to study...Any suggestions?
Wednesday, April 23, 2008
A very recent picture,...
I received a wonderful present today...it is a very recent picture of our newest addition, Noah. In addition to this, just seeing that he is healthy and happy was a gift in and of itself!
As I have stated before, Noah is currently part of the True Children's Home in Guangdong Province and is in foster care. Apparently, every quarter, the foster parents and children get together with all of the other parents and children and go do something really fun. Well this picture shows him playing on a car at a park with two of his friends...it is priceless... Can you tell which one is Noah? I will give you two hints...he is not the one on the left or the one on the right...:)
Getting this picture today makes me realize how precious our time with our children really is. How much we take for granted that we can get a picture of our kids whenever we want. We can hug and kiss them, tell them stories, laugh with them, take a walk with them, whenever we want. When all you have is a photo or two, and you never know when you will get them, you realize how precious they are.
Even though we are just starting this process again, and it seems to be dragging and not getting done, I know Noah is our son. He is the youngest member of our family. He is the one that will take the middle name of Leonard's great grandfather. He is the one that will share a bedroom with John. He is the one I worry about in school.
It is unexplainable, no words can do it justice...
Love Without Boundaries
LWB is a non profit organization which helps orphans in China who need medical attention. Most of these children are the ones who need life saving heart surgery.
LWB will be having their charity auction on Ebay starting 4-24 and ends 4-29. It is so important to get this word out...
I was contacted by them and donated two tutus and a pair of cupcake shoes to the auction. I really hope they are able to raise the money they are needing.
In addition, for those of you that shop on Amazon - if you would go through their website first to get to Amazon, they will receive proceeds from your purchases.
LWB will be having their charity auction on Ebay starting 4-24 and ends 4-29. It is so important to get this word out...
I was contacted by them and donated two tutus and a pair of cupcake shoes to the auction. I really hope they are able to raise the money they are needing.
In addition, for those of you that shop on Amazon - if you would go through their website first to get to Amazon, they will receive proceeds from your purchases.
Monday, April 14, 2008
A lot to fill you in on...
I have been gone for over a month. Wow, time flies...
Anyway, we have been going pretty much none stop since my last post. Jacob is playing baseball and running track, Nathan is running track, and Kylie, John and Kaycee have been sick off and on.
Leonard and I went to Las Vegas for a couple of days - really it was because he had convention for work, I just hung out by the pool and relaxed. It was really nice to get to be just the two of us. We have gone on many vacations, but there is always someone's child around. (For example, we have gone to Florida and California without our children, however, we had about 10 other kids with us for their senior trip.)
Anyway, it was nice, but Las Vegas is really not for me. I spent $6.00 and Leonard spent $1.00 in the nickel slots. Last of the big spenders, aren't we? But when you are trying to come up with about $16,000 in the next 10 months for an adoption, it is hard to spend money on something that doesn't usually give anything back.
Speaking of adoption: We wrote out our Letter of Intent (LOI) and have sent it to the agency. The letter states we understand that Noah has a special need, that he is not a "healthy" child, and that we still want to adopt him anyway. But the bad news is...China has recently changed their rules regarding adoptions - of which, none of them have affected us...except that we cannot send in our LOI yet as we are not close enough to being done with our dossier or our homestudy. Apparently, there is now a three month window in which the paperwork needs to be done in...just found that out today. YIKES! Three months...This really is impossible, as the homestudy needs to be completed in order for us to get our immigration paperwork completed. We have to apply for a time to get fingerprinted, first, but have to have the homestudy done - first. The homestudy will usually take about 3 months to be completed. Confused? It seems that if you are not familiar with international adoptions, it does get very complicated and crazy.
Here is a breakdown: (not mine...yet)
1. Our LOI is completed and in the hands of the agency.
2. The agency is going to hold the LOI to "buy us some time"
3. We are waiting to be matched with a social worker to do our homestudy.
4. The homestudy needs to be completed (three visits with the social worker)
5. The homestudy needs to be completed before we can apply for our I800a, immigration ok to be fingerprinted.
6. We then need to get fingerprinted and then wait to get those back.
7. In the meantime, we are gathering birth certificates, marriage certificates, doctor's notes, letters of employment, etc etc etc...Geesh, we just adopted less than a year ago, can't they just use some of that? Just kidding...
8. At which time, all of this paperwork needs to be notarized, certified and then authenticated, then it can all be translated and then sent to China. I will explain all of this in another post. I am a little tired right now...
Anyway, we have been going pretty much none stop since my last post. Jacob is playing baseball and running track, Nathan is running track, and Kylie, John and Kaycee have been sick off and on.
Leonard and I went to Las Vegas for a couple of days - really it was because he had convention for work, I just hung out by the pool and relaxed. It was really nice to get to be just the two of us. We have gone on many vacations, but there is always someone's child around. (For example, we have gone to Florida and California without our children, however, we had about 10 other kids with us for their senior trip.)
Anyway, it was nice, but Las Vegas is really not for me. I spent $6.00 and Leonard spent $1.00 in the nickel slots. Last of the big spenders, aren't we? But when you are trying to come up with about $16,000 in the next 10 months for an adoption, it is hard to spend money on something that doesn't usually give anything back.
Speaking of adoption: We wrote out our Letter of Intent (LOI) and have sent it to the agency. The letter states we understand that Noah has a special need, that he is not a "healthy" child, and that we still want to adopt him anyway. But the bad news is...China has recently changed their rules regarding adoptions - of which, none of them have affected us...except that we cannot send in our LOI yet as we are not close enough to being done with our dossier or our homestudy. Apparently, there is now a three month window in which the paperwork needs to be done in...just found that out today. YIKES! Three months...This really is impossible, as the homestudy needs to be completed in order for us to get our immigration paperwork completed. We have to apply for a time to get fingerprinted, first, but have to have the homestudy done - first. The homestudy will usually take about 3 months to be completed. Confused? It seems that if you are not familiar with international adoptions, it does get very complicated and crazy.
Here is a breakdown: (not mine...yet)
1. Our LOI is completed and in the hands of the agency.
2. The agency is going to hold the LOI to "buy us some time"
3. We are waiting to be matched with a social worker to do our homestudy.
4. The homestudy needs to be completed (three visits with the social worker)
5. The homestudy needs to be completed before we can apply for our I800a, immigration ok to be fingerprinted.
6. We then need to get fingerprinted and then wait to get those back.
7. In the meantime, we are gathering birth certificates, marriage certificates, doctor's notes, letters of employment, etc etc etc...Geesh, we just adopted less than a year ago, can't they just use some of that? Just kidding...
8. At which time, all of this paperwork needs to be notarized, certified and then authenticated, then it can all be translated and then sent to China. I will explain all of this in another post. I am a little tired right now...
Thursday, March 13, 2008
Compare/Contrast
Over the last 15 years, I have been blessed with both giving birth to my children and adopting my children. Both of them are blessed events, both full of wonder, worry, pain, and joy. Even though both of them end with the same gift - that of a child - they are so different...
Giving birth, you worry about finances after your little one is home.
When adopting, "after my little one is home? Geesh, haven't even thought of that...what about paying all of the fees just get our little one home?"
Giving birth, you feel the first kick and movement, you gaze at the ultrasound and dream of this little being growing inside of you.
When adopting, you gaze at a photo, which is most likely at least 6 months old, and wonder if your little one is healthy, getting enough food, being held, safe, warm, pain free, being loved.
Giving birth, you get a due date and dream of that day.
When adopting, you have so many deadlines, most of which come and go without producing anything.
Giving birth, you decide if you will have a baby (in most cases)
When adopting, you have to wait for a foreign country to tell you you can have this child, then you have to have it ok'd by our country's government.
Giving birth, as you get further along, you get comments all of the time - "When are you due?" "How exciting." Etc, Etc.
When adopting, only close friends and family know you are "expecting" and most people don't "get it."
Giving birth, no one ever asks you "why in the world would you do that?"
When adopting...well it has been asked.
Giving birth, if your child is born with a birth defect of some kind, people would not criticize you for keeping this child.
When adopting a child with a special need, people criticize you for "bringing these children into our country for us to care for."
Giving birth, you are exhausted from hours of labor.
When adopting, you are exhausted from months and months of paperchasing, waiting and waiting, promises that aren't kept, worrying about fees, traveling half way around the world to a foreign country, and two weeks with food that you would sometimes rather not have. Not to mention the time differences (13 hours)
Giving birth, you lose a lot of sleep in the first couple of months, as your child does not sleep at night.
When adopting, you lose a lot of sleep as your child does not sleep because they are on a different time schedule than you, and most likely they have night terrors.
Giving birth, people come to visit after you are home from the hospital.
When adopting, no body comes to visit.
Giving birth, people understand if you love this child before you actually give birth.
When adopting, "How can you be in love with a picture?" is stated more often than not.
Giving birth requires no ok from a social worker (although I think it should in some cases.)
When adopting, you can't unless you have a 10-12 page report, written about your family, your parenting style, your criminal history, your work history, all of the children in your home, have been fingerprinted at least twice, produce a statement that shows you are financially able to support this child, have health insurance, life insurance, 3 references from people who know how you parent, and at least $20,000 to pay the fees.
Giving birth, is a wonderful, blessed, God sent event. After 9 months of waiting, you hold this perfect little being in your arms. You know their complete history from the time of conception to this exact moment. You know all of their medical history, their bloodline, everything.
When adopting, you know very little, if anything. Did they eat breakfast this morning? What is their favorite food? Are they potty trained? What are those scars from on their bodies? What are they afraid of? What do they like to do?
Neither one is better than the other. Please don't think that! I love my biological children and my adopted child(ren) just the same. They are my children, my gifts from God, my challenges, my blessings, my rewards on this earth.
Giving birth, you worry about finances after your little one is home.
When adopting, "after my little one is home? Geesh, haven't even thought of that...what about paying all of the fees just get our little one home?"
Giving birth, you feel the first kick and movement, you gaze at the ultrasound and dream of this little being growing inside of you.
When adopting, you gaze at a photo, which is most likely at least 6 months old, and wonder if your little one is healthy, getting enough food, being held, safe, warm, pain free, being loved.
Giving birth, you get a due date and dream of that day.
When adopting, you have so many deadlines, most of which come and go without producing anything.
Giving birth, you decide if you will have a baby (in most cases)
When adopting, you have to wait for a foreign country to tell you you can have this child, then you have to have it ok'd by our country's government.
Giving birth, as you get further along, you get comments all of the time - "When are you due?" "How exciting." Etc, Etc.
When adopting, only close friends and family know you are "expecting" and most people don't "get it."
Giving birth, no one ever asks you "why in the world would you do that?"
When adopting...well it has been asked.
Giving birth, if your child is born with a birth defect of some kind, people would not criticize you for keeping this child.
When adopting a child with a special need, people criticize you for "bringing these children into our country for us to care for."
Giving birth, you are exhausted from hours of labor.
When adopting, you are exhausted from months and months of paperchasing, waiting and waiting, promises that aren't kept, worrying about fees, traveling half way around the world to a foreign country, and two weeks with food that you would sometimes rather not have. Not to mention the time differences (13 hours)
Giving birth, you lose a lot of sleep in the first couple of months, as your child does not sleep at night.
When adopting, you lose a lot of sleep as your child does not sleep because they are on a different time schedule than you, and most likely they have night terrors.
Giving birth, people come to visit after you are home from the hospital.
When adopting, no body comes to visit.
Giving birth, people understand if you love this child before you actually give birth.
When adopting, "How can you be in love with a picture?" is stated more often than not.
Giving birth requires no ok from a social worker (although I think it should in some cases.)
When adopting, you can't unless you have a 10-12 page report, written about your family, your parenting style, your criminal history, your work history, all of the children in your home, have been fingerprinted at least twice, produce a statement that shows you are financially able to support this child, have health insurance, life insurance, 3 references from people who know how you parent, and at least $20,000 to pay the fees.
Giving birth, is a wonderful, blessed, God sent event. After 9 months of waiting, you hold this perfect little being in your arms. You know their complete history from the time of conception to this exact moment. You know all of their medical history, their bloodline, everything.
When adopting, you know very little, if anything. Did they eat breakfast this morning? What is their favorite food? Are they potty trained? What are those scars from on their bodies? What are they afraid of? What do they like to do?
Neither one is better than the other. Please don't think that! I love my biological children and my adopted child(ren) just the same. They are my children, my gifts from God, my challenges, my blessings, my rewards on this earth.
Thursday, March 6, 2008
You otta be in pictures...
It was lovingly brought to my attention that I hardly have any pictures on my blog. Well, here you go. Here are just a few snapshots of our family. Believe it or not, I love photography and actually have a website (though it is not updated) of a couple of pictures I have taken. I wish I had more time to do this, but well, you know...go ahead, take a look...www.countrymemoriesphotography.com
Here is Nathan, at his basketball tournament - he is the guy in red
Jacob is number 7 - I actually had another picture on here, but it got deleted and the kids are starting to get restless. This was his first year in high school football...yikes!
How many kids can you get into a bathtub?
If any of you know Kylie, this is a typical look from her...
Our little angel, Kaycee...isn't she beautiful?
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
We did it...
We did it.
As crazy and insane as this sounds, we did it.
We have filled out the application for our newest addition...
The first piece of paper of hundreds..
What does that mean?
It means we get to start talking in acronyms, dealing with dates, etc.
So with that in mind, lets get down and find out what is going on...
1. We filled out the application and electronically sent it to the agency tonight. Tomorrow, we will send the actual one with our application fee.
2. We are currently waiting for an LOI (letter of intent) that needs to be filled out by us, sent to the agency, translated into Chinese and then sent to the CCAA (Chinese.) The LOI is basically a letter from us, stating why we want to adopt this little guy, how we will take care of him, and what our plans are for him.
3. After the CCAA has approved us (hopefully) we will receive a PA - which means pre approval.
For those of you who believe in signs from God, keep reading...
This little guy's "American" name from the agency (which really isn't his real name, it is just one that is given to the children by the agency in order to make it easier for people to reference these kiddos when asking questions to the agency.) HHMMM, it is getting late.
ANYWAY, his "English" name is Noah on the agency's website.
Tonight, out of the blue, my husband, Leonard, disappears downstairs for a while. He returns with a book "15,000 baby names."
"I thought you would like to look through this tonight." For those of you who know him, you know this is huge...
I said, I would really like you to pick out his name. I got to pick Jacob, Nathan, Kylie and John's first names. I would like for you to pick this one. I just had one request - all three of our other boy's names are Biblical. I would really like for his name to be Biblical also.
Leonard said, I would like for his name to begin with an "N" so Nathan didn't feel left out...John, Jacob...
"What about Noah?" Leonard says. Ok, here is the deal...I have been the one with all of the paperwork. Leonard has only seen the paperwork with his Chinese name on it. Never has he seen or heard anything with Noah on it. Is anyone following me?
So Noah it is...I get to pick a middle name. Better get the book and start trying them on for size.
As crazy and insane as this sounds, we did it.
We have filled out the application for our newest addition...
The first piece of paper of hundreds..
What does that mean?
It means we get to start talking in acronyms, dealing with dates, etc.
So with that in mind, lets get down and find out what is going on...
1. We filled out the application and electronically sent it to the agency tonight. Tomorrow, we will send the actual one with our application fee.
2. We are currently waiting for an LOI (letter of intent) that needs to be filled out by us, sent to the agency, translated into Chinese and then sent to the CCAA (Chinese.) The LOI is basically a letter from us, stating why we want to adopt this little guy, how we will take care of him, and what our plans are for him.
3. After the CCAA has approved us (hopefully) we will receive a PA - which means pre approval.
For those of you who believe in signs from God, keep reading...
This little guy's "American" name from the agency (which really isn't his real name, it is just one that is given to the children by the agency in order to make it easier for people to reference these kiddos when asking questions to the agency.) HHMMM, it is getting late.
ANYWAY, his "English" name is Noah on the agency's website.
Tonight, out of the blue, my husband, Leonard, disappears downstairs for a while. He returns with a book "15,000 baby names."
"I thought you would like to look through this tonight." For those of you who know him, you know this is huge...
I said, I would really like you to pick out his name. I got to pick Jacob, Nathan, Kylie and John's first names. I would like for you to pick this one. I just had one request - all three of our other boy's names are Biblical. I would really like for his name to be Biblical also.
Leonard said, I would like for his name to begin with an "N" so Nathan didn't feel left out...John, Jacob...
"What about Noah?" Leonard says. Ok, here is the deal...I have been the one with all of the paperwork. Leonard has only seen the paperwork with his Chinese name on it. Never has he seen or heard anything with Noah on it. Is anyone following me?
So Noah it is...I get to pick a middle name. Better get the book and start trying them on for size.
Sunday, February 24, 2008
I will take door number 2
So what's it like, being mom to five kids?
What goes on behind the closed doors of our two story, in the country of Colorado?
How does our family function?
Here are two very funny (at least to me) episodes from this family of seven...
I decided I was going to cut and color my hair. Naturally, I am a brounette. However, for some reason (I am only 35) I have started going gray. Now, understand, I am a teacher by trade, and most students are not afraid to remind you how gray you have become since they have known you.
Anyway, I got my hair done last night, I am now a blonde. My 15 year old son met me at the door - "What happened to your hair, mom?"
I said, I got scared and it turned this color. "You look old!" Meanwhile my husband has said nothing about it.
By the time I got home, my little ones were asleep. They did not see me until this morning.
Kylie (she is 4) walks in this morning and says to me, "Wow, Mom - what happened to your hair? It looks like Muffin's fur!" (she is our dog, who has white fur.)
Nathan and John have said nothing up to now. Kaycee just sat on my lap and played with my hair all morning.
After church, Kylie looks at me and out of nowhere says..."Mom, your hair is so gray." She says this about 4 times. Finally John thinks it would be fun to get in on the comments and says, "Mom, you hai is gway!" And runs away laughing.
______________________________________________________________________
If you have a weak stomach, or are eating anything right now, you might want to come back later.
While we were eating lunch, John announced he needed to go potty. We have a safety handle on the door because John and Kaycee think it is a lot of fun to play in the potty. Anyway, we asked Kylie to please open the door for him.
John goes in and proceeds to do his business. At the same time, apparently, Kaycee was doing her business. She still wears a diaper...
She comes to me and says "potty." Now, I thought she was talking about John going potty. I said, "Yes, John potty."
She leaves.
About a minute later, I hear John say, "Taycee, you tink!" I think to myself, she must have really done her business. Let me eat this last bite and then I will change her.
Jacob exclaims, "John, why do you have Kaycee's diaper?"
We all look, and sure enough, John is carrying Kaycee's diaper through the living room and is ready to through it away.
In my mind I am putting everything together...Kaycee says potty, John stating that Taycee tinks, Kaycee not having a diaper on anymore, and Kaycee is no where to be seen.
Its one of the moments, when you really don't want to see what is behind door number two (ha ha ha ha!!! I am so funny!)
Your mind thinks the worst of course. Is it smeared on the walls? The floor? All over your child?
I walked down the hall, dreading it more and more with each step!
Finally, I looked in - there it was. In all of it's glory...Kaycee's poop. On the floor, in a pile. Yep, there it was.
As my eyes took in the view, I realized it wasn't as bad as I had thought it would be. There was a small bit on her shoe, a little on her finger, that was it. Most of it was in the pile that must have fallen out of her diaper.
I think it must be time to start potty training Kaycee.
What goes on behind the closed doors of our two story, in the country of Colorado?
How does our family function?
Here are two very funny (at least to me) episodes from this family of seven...
I decided I was going to cut and color my hair. Naturally, I am a brounette. However, for some reason (I am only 35) I have started going gray. Now, understand, I am a teacher by trade, and most students are not afraid to remind you how gray you have become since they have known you.
Anyway, I got my hair done last night, I am now a blonde. My 15 year old son met me at the door - "What happened to your hair, mom?"
I said, I got scared and it turned this color. "You look old!" Meanwhile my husband has said nothing about it.
By the time I got home, my little ones were asleep. They did not see me until this morning.
Kylie (she is 4) walks in this morning and says to me, "Wow, Mom - what happened to your hair? It looks like Muffin's fur!" (she is our dog, who has white fur.)
Nathan and John have said nothing up to now. Kaycee just sat on my lap and played with my hair all morning.
After church, Kylie looks at me and out of nowhere says..."Mom, your hair is so gray." She says this about 4 times. Finally John thinks it would be fun to get in on the comments and says, "Mom, you hai is gway!" And runs away laughing.
______________________________________________________________________
If you have a weak stomach, or are eating anything right now, you might want to come back later.
While we were eating lunch, John announced he needed to go potty. We have a safety handle on the door because John and Kaycee think it is a lot of fun to play in the potty. Anyway, we asked Kylie to please open the door for him.
John goes in and proceeds to do his business. At the same time, apparently, Kaycee was doing her business. She still wears a diaper...
She comes to me and says "potty." Now, I thought she was talking about John going potty. I said, "Yes, John potty."
She leaves.
About a minute later, I hear John say, "Taycee, you tink!" I think to myself, she must have really done her business. Let me eat this last bite and then I will change her.
Jacob exclaims, "John, why do you have Kaycee's diaper?"
We all look, and sure enough, John is carrying Kaycee's diaper through the living room and is ready to through it away.
In my mind I am putting everything together...Kaycee says potty, John stating that Taycee tinks, Kaycee not having a diaper on anymore, and Kaycee is no where to be seen.
Its one of the moments, when you really don't want to see what is behind door number two (ha ha ha ha!!! I am so funny!)
Your mind thinks the worst of course. Is it smeared on the walls? The floor? All over your child?
I walked down the hall, dreading it more and more with each step!
Finally, I looked in - there it was. In all of it's glory...Kaycee's poop. On the floor, in a pile. Yep, there it was.
As my eyes took in the view, I realized it wasn't as bad as I had thought it would be. There was a small bit on her shoe, a little on her finger, that was it. Most of it was in the pile that must have fallen out of her diaper.
I think it must be time to start potty training Kaycee.
Friday, February 22, 2008
Somebody stop me!!!
I am an addict. I really am.
I cannot control myself. At least admitting it is the first step to being cured.
Crocheted Minnie Mouse purses...
I cannot control myself. At least admitting it is the first step to being cured.
I am addicted to crafts. There I said it.
I can't stop. I love to make things...sewing, tutus, crocheting, you name it, I am addicted to it.
But I figure, this is the best way to help fund our adoption. I sell these on Ebay and Etsy. And really, I have a lot of fun doing it. Here are some of my newest creations...
Crocheted Minnie Mouse purses...
Ok, I took this picture off of ebay, so it doesn't look so good, but it is Kaycee in a Minnie Mouse outfit! I thought she looked adorable.
And these are the latest...Aren't they cute? These are Kylie's newest shoes. Kaycee has some just like them except her's are lace up, but they are just as cute. With these, really the possibilities are endless, any color combination a person could want!
Now I just need to get rid of the addition and things should be much better. Do you think they have a 12 step program for people like me?
Saturday, February 16, 2008
This is what it is all about...
I have a friend, which I met in China. She was there adopting her fourth child from China...her eighth child overall.
This little boy, who was older than most of the kids that are adopted, had a severe heart defect.
It was killing him, literally.
He had all of the effects of a bad heart, I won't even try to go into the details because I don't know enough about these things, but I know it was bad.
But even though his heart was not good...he still had a heart of gold.
We were in province with Lynn, her three daughters and two of her sons, my mom, Kaycee and me. After her two older sons left, this little gentleman was "the man of the house (or hotel, whichever you like.)
He opened the doors for us, made sure we were all on the elevator, all of us had a chair to sit in, and then we he would go about his business.
He played, he talked on his walkie talkie, he swam, and he slept. He was tired, his heart was making him be this way.
Fast forward a few months...he has had his heart fixed, and now he can run, he can play, and he doesn't get so tired.
You need to check out his story at - http://www.theunion.com/article/20080215/NEWS/144242038
Make sure you have a kleenex handy (for good tears, I promise.)
This really is what adoption is about. Bringing families together, for the good of the family.
This little boy, who was older than most of the kids that are adopted, had a severe heart defect.
It was killing him, literally.
He had all of the effects of a bad heart, I won't even try to go into the details because I don't know enough about these things, but I know it was bad.
But even though his heart was not good...he still had a heart of gold.
We were in province with Lynn, her three daughters and two of her sons, my mom, Kaycee and me. After her two older sons left, this little gentleman was "the man of the house (or hotel, whichever you like.)
He opened the doors for us, made sure we were all on the elevator, all of us had a chair to sit in, and then we he would go about his business.
He played, he talked on his walkie talkie, he swam, and he slept. He was tired, his heart was making him be this way.
Fast forward a few months...he has had his heart fixed, and now he can run, he can play, and he doesn't get so tired.
You need to check out his story at - http://www.theunion.com/article/20080215/NEWS/144242038
Make sure you have a kleenex handy (for good tears, I promise.)
This really is what adoption is about. Bringing families together, for the good of the family.
Thursday, February 14, 2008
Being thankful...
Life gets hectic sometimes for everyone. Sometimes we can get down, feeling like we have the world on our shoulders.
I know, I have pity parties all of the time - between school, five kids, (including two teenagers, no need to say more about that), work and a husband, sometimes it feels a little overwhelming.
Then, you get a "God smacked" and you realize that your life if pretty darn good.
Leonard and I are currently still reviewing a little guys' file. While going through his file, there was a letter in there from an American who runs a children's home in China. This little guy had been living there. In the following link, you will see his picture (can't tell you which one) along with many other little ones who are living there.
It makes you realize what you have in life when you have something as basic as a family.
These little ones have never known the love of a family. Most likely at this point in their lives, they don't understand it completely. But some day they will.
Whether it is when other kids go home, when they hear the nannies talking about their own families, or when they age out of the orphanages and realize that in the "real" world, people do not grow up in a building with dozens of other kids, being cared for by people who are getting paid to take care of them.
Sure these are just pictures of children. Yes, all of these children were born with some sort of birth "defect." But when you really look at these little ones, you can see that they are living, breathing, moving, and loving little beings, just looking for their families.
You can see these babies at: http://truechildrenshome.org, then click on our children.
Tell me, if you really look at them, that you can still have that same pity party. I know my attitude changed.
I know, I have pity parties all of the time - between school, five kids, (including two teenagers, no need to say more about that), work and a husband, sometimes it feels a little overwhelming.
Then, you get a "God smacked" and you realize that your life if pretty darn good.
Leonard and I are currently still reviewing a little guys' file. While going through his file, there was a letter in there from an American who runs a children's home in China. This little guy had been living there. In the following link, you will see his picture (can't tell you which one) along with many other little ones who are living there.
It makes you realize what you have in life when you have something as basic as a family.
These little ones have never known the love of a family. Most likely at this point in their lives, they don't understand it completely. But some day they will.
Whether it is when other kids go home, when they hear the nannies talking about their own families, or when they age out of the orphanages and realize that in the "real" world, people do not grow up in a building with dozens of other kids, being cared for by people who are getting paid to take care of them.
Sure these are just pictures of children. Yes, all of these children were born with some sort of birth "defect." But when you really look at these little ones, you can see that they are living, breathing, moving, and loving little beings, just looking for their families.
You can see these babies at: http://truechildrenshome.org, then click on our children.
Tell me, if you really look at them, that you can still have that same pity party. I know my attitude changed.
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
A day with three sick kids, four and under...
For the last five days, the three little ones have been sick. I have stayed with them most of the time, as Leonard is very busy at work.
Thank God I have wonderful co-workers, who will cover for me...so I don't have to worry about school.
I have been just treating the symptoms that they are showing, as you know the typical answer you get from the doctor..."It is just a virus, it has to run its course." UUGGH, I hate that answer. Not that I want my children to really have anything, I just want something for them. Give me a sugar pill if nothing else.
Anyway...after almost a week, (Yes I am going to get the mom of the year award...) Kylie and John have double ear infections and Kaycee just has the crud...apparently she cannot get ear infections as she has no ears. At least that is one positive with her SN.
So before the doctor appointment, Kaycee's teacher of the deaf came out to work with Kaycee. But today was a little different.
She was going to videotape me working with Kaycee. To see how much language she has so we can do it again in about a year and see how much she has changed. In addition, the tape will be given to some people (I have no idea who) so they can critique her language.
Anyone ever been video taped working with your child, so you can be critiqued? It really was not very fun...
We started off pretty well. Kaycee sat on my lap and we read a book. Then looked at another book with a lot of pictures in it. She labeled everything in the book that she knew.
(Remember, Kaycee is 2) then that was enough of the book. It was also enough of the language stuff too. She wanted to color and write - which required no talking. Nothing.
Meanwhile, Kylie and John were feeling neglected, I guess, because all of a sudden, they were everywhere! Kaycee had migrated into the eating area of our kitchen. Our eating area has a two story wall and the hallway upstairs looks down into the eating area.
THUNK!! Here comes John's firetruck from upstairs, straight down onto ceramic tile in the eating area. Pieces everywhere. Meanwhile, the video tape is still going...I guess if there is one good thing, at least it wasn't John coming down like the firetruck.
I hope I can get a copy of the video tape so I can show it to John when he is a dad.
___________________________________________________________________
A side note...Have you ever heard that a child is supposed to be half their adult height by the time they are 3? Well, anyway, I have...John is three...John is 3 feet, 3 3/4 inches tall. Could he really be 6'7 1/2" when he is an adult? His daddy is 6'5", so I guess it is a possibilty...Good grief, we are going to have take out a home equity loan just to feed him......
Thank God I have wonderful co-workers, who will cover for me...so I don't have to worry about school.
I have been just treating the symptoms that they are showing, as you know the typical answer you get from the doctor..."It is just a virus, it has to run its course." UUGGH, I hate that answer. Not that I want my children to really have anything, I just want something for them. Give me a sugar pill if nothing else.
Anyway...after almost a week, (Yes I am going to get the mom of the year award...) Kylie and John have double ear infections and Kaycee just has the crud...apparently she cannot get ear infections as she has no ears. At least that is one positive with her SN.
So before the doctor appointment, Kaycee's teacher of the deaf came out to work with Kaycee. But today was a little different.
She was going to videotape me working with Kaycee. To see how much language she has so we can do it again in about a year and see how much she has changed. In addition, the tape will be given to some people (I have no idea who) so they can critique her language.
Anyone ever been video taped working with your child, so you can be critiqued? It really was not very fun...
We started off pretty well. Kaycee sat on my lap and we read a book. Then looked at another book with a lot of pictures in it. She labeled everything in the book that she knew.
(Remember, Kaycee is 2) then that was enough of the book. It was also enough of the language stuff too. She wanted to color and write - which required no talking. Nothing.
Meanwhile, Kylie and John were feeling neglected, I guess, because all of a sudden, they were everywhere! Kaycee had migrated into the eating area of our kitchen. Our eating area has a two story wall and the hallway upstairs looks down into the eating area.
THUNK!! Here comes John's firetruck from upstairs, straight down onto ceramic tile in the eating area. Pieces everywhere. Meanwhile, the video tape is still going...I guess if there is one good thing, at least it wasn't John coming down like the firetruck.
I hope I can get a copy of the video tape so I can show it to John when he is a dad.
___________________________________________________________________
A side note...Have you ever heard that a child is supposed to be half their adult height by the time they are 3? Well, anyway, I have...John is three...John is 3 feet, 3 3/4 inches tall. Could he really be 6'7 1/2" when he is an adult? His daddy is 6'5", so I guess it is a possibilty...Good grief, we are going to have take out a home equity loan just to feed him......
Sunday, January 27, 2008
The many, many corners of life...
Corner #1:
For the last two weeks, our family has been living on pins and needles. Leonard interviewed for a job in Kansas.
This job would be wonderful. The increase in pay would be more than I make in a year. Not to mention, it would be just a better job. But on the other hand, we would have to move our kids.
The little ones are not so bad, but the older ones would be really hard to move. Jacob would be a sophomore and Nathan would be in 8th grade. It would be really hard.
We have prayed and prayed, and prayed again that it God's will be done. So we wait. The longer we wait, the less faith we have that he will get the job, but of course - God's will.
Corner #2:
I have written a couple of times of my desire to adopt again. Most likely a little girl from China. There are many reasons:
1. Kaycee needs someone in the family that shares her birth country.
2. Kaycee has been so easy to adjust to, I know she has spoiled us...but that is ok!
3. I don't think a person can go into an orphanage and not be a changed person. Walking around, seeing the children...you will never be the same, really.
The first children I saw at the orphanage were four babies, all about 6-9 months old, cleft affected. Then in the next room were three babies - about 6 months old, all had CP, or at least that is what they were diagnosed with. They just layed there in their cribs. Needing held, needing love.
The next room was the preschool room. There were three boys in this room who will never be adopted out because they were "stolen" babies. They do not know who their parents are, but cannot be adopted because they were not abandoned.
The next room were school aged children, but due to SN they were not able or allowed to go to school. One little boy, about 8 years old had been badly, badly burned. His face and body. To this day, it will still make me cry.
For more on this little guy, go to http://www.fujiankids.org/ they are doing a fundraiser for him so he can have some surgeries. (He had been abandoned as a baby, was adopted by a Chinese family. Then there was a fire at his house and his mother was killed, he was burned very badly, so he was sent back to the orphanage.)
Anyway, I have been watching a little "boy's" file since about October. He has the same SN as Kaycee, although it does appear he can hear a lot better than she can, he actually has normal hearing, even without a hearing aid. His file is due back in a couple of weeks. After a file is returned to China, the file may or may not be sent to another agency. If it is not, the child will most likely live in the orphanage for the rest of their life.
He really has my heart. I have prayed for him, advocated on my groups for him, and still nothing. No interest in him, no family for him.
This was the same way with Kaycee. Her file was only days from being returned, and look what a beautiful little princess we have in our lives.
I am sold, just have to get my husband to jump on board.
I asked him to pray about this little boy. Not for anything, but just for this little boy.
He did.
"Let's talk about the adoption." He said this afternoon.
"What about it?"
"Let's see how and if we can bring him home."
I had prayed for a miracle yesterday afternoon. I asked for a sign. Perhaps this is it....
For the last two weeks, our family has been living on pins and needles. Leonard interviewed for a job in Kansas.
This job would be wonderful. The increase in pay would be more than I make in a year. Not to mention, it would be just a better job. But on the other hand, we would have to move our kids.
The little ones are not so bad, but the older ones would be really hard to move. Jacob would be a sophomore and Nathan would be in 8th grade. It would be really hard.
We have prayed and prayed, and prayed again that it God's will be done. So we wait. The longer we wait, the less faith we have that he will get the job, but of course - God's will.
Corner #2:
I have written a couple of times of my desire to adopt again. Most likely a little girl from China. There are many reasons:
1. Kaycee needs someone in the family that shares her birth country.
2. Kaycee has been so easy to adjust to, I know she has spoiled us...but that is ok!
3. I don't think a person can go into an orphanage and not be a changed person. Walking around, seeing the children...you will never be the same, really.
The first children I saw at the orphanage were four babies, all about 6-9 months old, cleft affected. Then in the next room were three babies - about 6 months old, all had CP, or at least that is what they were diagnosed with. They just layed there in their cribs. Needing held, needing love.
The next room was the preschool room. There were three boys in this room who will never be adopted out because they were "stolen" babies. They do not know who their parents are, but cannot be adopted because they were not abandoned.
The next room were school aged children, but due to SN they were not able or allowed to go to school. One little boy, about 8 years old had been badly, badly burned. His face and body. To this day, it will still make me cry.
For more on this little guy, go to http://www.fujiankids.org/ they are doing a fundraiser for him so he can have some surgeries. (He had been abandoned as a baby, was adopted by a Chinese family. Then there was a fire at his house and his mother was killed, he was burned very badly, so he was sent back to the orphanage.)
Anyway, I have been watching a little "boy's" file since about October. He has the same SN as Kaycee, although it does appear he can hear a lot better than she can, he actually has normal hearing, even without a hearing aid. His file is due back in a couple of weeks. After a file is returned to China, the file may or may not be sent to another agency. If it is not, the child will most likely live in the orphanage for the rest of their life.
He really has my heart. I have prayed for him, advocated on my groups for him, and still nothing. No interest in him, no family for him.
This was the same way with Kaycee. Her file was only days from being returned, and look what a beautiful little princess we have in our lives.
I am sold, just have to get my husband to jump on board.
I asked him to pray about this little boy. Not for anything, but just for this little boy.
He did.
"Let's talk about the adoption." He said this afternoon.
"What about it?"
"Let's see how and if we can bring him home."
I had prayed for a miracle yesterday afternoon. I asked for a sign. Perhaps this is it....
Tuesday, January 15, 2008
Tutus and more tutus
So I am making these tutus and really have a lot of fun making them. I think I have about seven between my two girls...We have a bunch of different colors. Right now, I have an order for four more and a lady who is trying to figure out if she would like to do a bulk order.
As I was making these, I was trying to figure out how many I have made and how many yards of tulle I have used.
At last count, I had sold 11 off of my website. Not as much as I would like, but this blog is the only "advertisement" I have done.
As far as ebay...I had to count, looks like about 43...
Then there are the personal sales around town...one for a poodle, one for a three year old and one for a five year old.
57 tutus, at 70 yards of tulle per tutu, is that really 3990 yards of tulle? Wow! That is a little hard to get my mind around...
The more there is though, the more I have for who I would like Chloe.
My sister in law has a wonderful blog about their adoption. She calls her daughter Maddie all the way through, but her name is going to be Eliana, mine is Chloe. Really that is what I would like to name her. But husband says no to that...I guess we will see...
But back to the tutus - they are a lot of fun to make, and really I wouldn't mind making more.
Thursday, January 3, 2008
Pictures, pictures and more pictures...
I was having more computer problems, so I posted the other post and then did this one with pictures.
Day three...
Actually this should have been posted yesterday - and really it was. However, my computer shut down at the end of the post and I didn't have time to repost it.
____________________________________________________________________
Day Three - We get Kaycee!
After not sleeping for most of the night, we were ready to leave the hotel at about 4:00am. Finally, the wake up call came and we were ready to go.
We headed straight for the busses and got on. And waited...and waited...
Finally, after about 45 minutes, we were on our way. Finally! We were going to be with Kaycee in just a matter of hours.
The rush hour hit. Remember...I live on a dirt road in rural Colorado. If there are two cars on our road at the same time, neither car knows what to do.
Rush hour in Beijing meant the bus drivers got out to have a smoke. They saw people they knew. They hung out and talked like they had just met at a ball game. There was no "hurry up" anywhere. So we waited...and waited.
Now, if you know me, I am not a patient person. Actually I have very little patience. I truely believe it was God teaching me another lesson. It was going to be on His time.
Finally, we were off again to the airport.
We got there and boarded the plane. We were just an hour from where Kaycee was. I prayed she was ok, and that she would do well with the transition.
We landed...got our luggage...and, yes you guessed it...waited!
Our guide was not there. I walked and walked the airport - unlike the Beijing airport, the Fuzhou airport was very quiet and very clean.
Finally, we spotted our guide and we were off. Driving up the coast to where Kaycee was. As we passed the run down housing of the area, we learned we would be driving to a shopping center, would be given Kaycee, her photo would be taken and we would need to do some paperwork. Minutes, merely minutes.
As we pulled up in front of the shop (we were parked on the sidewalk) we were told to "wait" here. Our guide went to see if Kaycee was inside the passport shop. No - not there. They were on their way.
Finally, a van pulls up next to ours, and our comes a lady, with a precious little girl in her arms. There she was.
All of the paperwork, the tears, the signatures, the unknown, the fear, and yes, the waiting was done. She was there.
We jumped out of the van, my mom with the camera and me with the video camera. Kaycee was there. Our daughter, who was born without ears, who for all we knew was deaf, was standing in front of us, inches from me.
I reached out, touched her hair and the lady handed her to me. On the side of the road, in front of a little photo shop, my life changed.
Here was this little child in my arms. My deaf daughter looked at me, and said as clear as can be, "Mama?"
My heart stopped. And I cried - she didn't. All of the praying for her transition must have been heard and answered by God. She was fine...I wasn't.
The rest of the day was really a blur. We signed papers, went back to the hotel. We changed her clothes - no time for a bath - we had more paperwork to complete.
I picked her up, and there she fell asleep in my arms. She slept for almost two hours - even when we got in the van to go do more paperwork.
Fuzhou, Fujian, China - aerial view
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