The Problem With Blogs

I've discovered the problem that I have with blogs. In case you care, here it is: most folks don't update often enough for me, because you see, I think I'm addicted to blogging!! I can't seem to get into FaceBook that much, although I did discover the Word Challenge Game last night & I stink at it!!! So, I'm trying to get better LOL! I don't know what it is that makes me want to hear of others' joys & trials, see their cute kiddo pictures & such, but I do. Maybe it's just the nosy mama in me! I want to see some new pics of Tanner whose mama is there in VN with him right now. It seems that Meredith has password protected her blog & I can't get in this morning. If I don't hear about Sophie Le whom I've been praying for for 2 weeks now, I might freak out! What's going on? Is she ok? Help me out here....you see, it's all about me! So, that is why I have loved this week & Leigh's challenge. Every day, something new! On lots of blogs! It's so much fun! I officially have too much down time in the mornings before everyone wakes up!!!

Enjoy your day. Daddy & Caleigh's birthdays are tomorrow, so I'll be cleaning & getting the cake, etc. today. Here's a random pic just because.....

Every adoption is a leap of faith.....

Later, on the day we accepted our referral, our daughter's face was reavealed to us. This time, the photo was brighter & we could see her toes! I remember being so excited that she had toes & that there appeared to be 10!

In my opinion, every adoption is a leap of faith. International adoption especially, because we just do not get much information...no medical background, very limited if any history of the child, etc. We just don't have much to go on...do we? Except faith. Faith that we are united with a special child for a reason. Faith that this was "meant" to be. A higher power other than our adoption agency has guided us & led us.

Special Needs used to be a scary term to me. Now that I am a parent of a "special needs child", it's not so scary anymore. When we checked off our list of "acceptable things" on our homestudy, I gave it little thought I am embarrassed to say. I checked 'no' to just about everything. I think a lot of PAPs do. However, when I got "that" e-mail..."that" e-mail about a special little girl available for adoption..."that" e-mail about a 3 month old with 'special medical needs', my heart jumped. A little voice said "ask more questions...get more information" & we did. We had little to go on. A dark picture with a blacked out little face & wrapped up little feet. I want to tell you that sometimes the terminology of a defect or medical condition gets lost in translation. This was the case for us. The information stated malformation of both feet; innate chipped feet. Well, we couldn't see her feet & the doctors that we spoke to (4 total) said that there was no such term for any known medical defect, genetic or otherwise, pertaining to feet.

So, we had to look at the best case scenerio & the worse case scenerio & make a decision. I am a stay-at-home mom with two children in school...we decided what our threshold would be & it was greater that the worse case scenerio that the doctors presented to us, so we went for it & accepted her referral...feet unseen. And you know what? I wasn't even worried. I knew she was our daughter....she was not her feet. Strange, because I am OCD to the limit people! 2 weeks after we accepted her referral, the orphanage staff took the photos of her little feet that we had requested & we found out she had mild to moderate classic club feet. We were excited & off I went to study about it. The rest is history. From the unknown & faith to a trip across the ocean to bring home our special girl! SN Adoption is not for everyone. I just wish that everyone knew of the wide range of SN that there are. Some are very minor & require minimal surgery or physical therapy. Some are major & would require one's full & devoted attention. I can only encourage you... If "an" e-mail comes to you, ask lots of questions before you dismiss it. You may be missing out on your miracle. I am trying to find it in myself to look for a way to help promote SN Adoption. So, pray for me because I am not normally a very outspoken person :) This is a start I guess....

Today is a Froggy Day

Today is a froggy day...what I mean is, most of my household occupants sound like frogs. "Croaky": stuffy, coughing, sneezing (do frogs sneeze?)....well, I contribute it mostly to some weed growing tall with yellow blooms on top along all of the roadways & pastures. I call it golden-rod, but I'm not sure if that is the actually weed. I envy those cruzing along with their windows rolled down in the cool breeze...not I! I can smell it...it burns my nose & throat...ack! So, windows up & AC still on in our house. Hopefully the boys will feels better after the long weekend coming up. The only one who's fine is Caleigh.

So, for my froggy day, I thought I would introduce you to the frog who has visited our back porch every night for 4 years now. I should name him....any ideas? Here he is....he's a beauty...well, as far as frogs go, or is he a toad?

1 Down 2 To Go

"Only 2 more months of braces? Really? Cool! "

We had our check-up for Caleigh yesterday in Dallas. We are 1 month into the braces & the doc says we are right on track & we have 2 more months to go. After that, she'll only wear them at night. So, back for another check on Nov. 7th. So far, so good. It is always a long day on "Dallas Doc Days", but luckily we only go once a month & once she is in the braces only at night, it changes to check-ups once every 3 months. I'm not sure what I expected, but I thought this whole process would be much 'worse', for lack of a better word. I have a post swirling in my head about adopting a child with special needs...the words 'special needs' tend to freak out PAPs, but there is such a wide range....if only everyone knew....ok; I'll save it for the next post! Have a great day!

My Nonna's Chair

Lydia was my Nonna's name...well, Mary Lydia actually, but my Papa always called her Lydia. Caleigh's middle name is Lydia~Grace...My Nonna was the most graceful woman I knew. She's been gone from this Earth for two years now. It's hard to believe she's not hear to watch my daughter grow; she was such an influence in my life...we always lived in the same town. My favorite thing that reminds me of her is her rocking chair. It was at their lakehouse when I was growing up. It's been in every home I have owned because she gave it to me years before her strokes & the memory loss...she wanted me to have it & that makes it so special. It sits in Caleigh's room today, where she loves to sit in it...Here it is....I will never strip it, paint it, stain it, etc. It will stay the way I remember it forever.

OK Leigh....I will take the challenge....1 blog entry a day for the week! I'll be checking in on you!

My favorites from the weekend....

Blake on top of the Firetruck Bryce by the rattlesnakeCaleigh watching the boys play.

All three kiddos

Daddy & Caleigh hanging out.
We visited the Brookshire's Wildlife Park & Museum this weekend. It is in our town & has always been the boys' favorite park. They were excited to show Caleigh everything since it was her first time there. The weather was perfect & we all had a good time. They have a real tractor, fire-truck, caboose & lots of swings, slides, merry-go-rounds, etc. It's a really neat park...if you're ever in East Texas, check it out! Here are a few of my favorite pictures from Saturday.

Tomorrow morning we head out to Dallas for our 4 week check-up on Caleigh's braces. We had our first visit today with Blake's new orthodontist...it looks like braces on the top permanent four teeth until they are straightened & room made for the other perm. teeth to come in...then the braces will come off until he is 11 or 12 & more of his perm. teeth are in. Then, we will re-evaluate & probably a 2nd set of braces. We'll know more after x-rays & a consultation which will take place in the next couple of weeks. I can see the $$$$ flying now....

New Tooth, SW Visit #2, Immunizations: Oh My......

This has actually been a pretty full week...Fall is finally here & has brought the cooler weather in the evenings. It's still in the 80's during the day, but I have high hopes for next week! I'm definately a Fall person...love it! Caleigh's 2nd tooth has finally broken through...hooray! I think I could have filled a gallon jug with all of the slobber it took to cut it! So, now she has two cute little bottom teeth. I think several more are in the works...she chews on everything.

Our 2nd Post-Placement Visit was Tuesday...so of course, Monday was spent cleaning...I wish she would use just one of the bathrooms, just one time...just to make it worth the bleaching & scrubbing! Nope! Our last visit will be in December & then we can start the Re-Adoption Process/Name Changing, SS#, etc. Also noted...time to start baby-proofing. She can get herself to just about anywhere she pleases now. She doesn't like the tile floor yet, so I'm fairly safe with her on the carpet in our living room. However, she really wants to be in the kitchen & toy room so I'm sure she will venture onto the tile soon!

Caleigh had her second round of immunizations this week. She did really well...no fever this time, but I was on time rotating the Motrin & Tylenol to a "T". Her 1 year check up is October 15th. The nurse did weigh her & we were right...she's 16 1/2 pounds.

James has been in South Texas/Corpus this week bird hunting. However, I'm confused because he sent me a text this morning that he got a hog. Huh? A hog? I thought you were bird hunting....huh? Sounds like they had fun & he's due back tonight.

Caleigh's schedule has changed since school started. Since I am waking her up most mornings at 7:30 to take the kids to school, she has started napping from around 9:30 or 10:00 until around 11:00...then another short nap in the afternoon....sometimes a long one. Still to bed around 8 & up once for the bottle. She is drinking out of a sippy cup for juice time now & wants to feed herself all the time. The crawling is coming along. She is starting to pull up onto her knees a lot to 'climb up me'. She's so funny...the pictures are from the day of the SW visit...when she saw the camera was ready, I got her funny 'cheese' fake smile....

Tomorrow will mark 3 Months Home with our baby girl. Time flies! I feel so lucky to have her here with us. Please continue to keep other families who are waiting to travel for their children still in Vietnam Orphanages in your prayers. The DNA Requirements have put lengthy delays on travel dates.

STRETCH!

This girl continues to amaze me at how flexible she is!! Finally caught in on film with a great big smile laughing at her daddy!

Caleigh is learning to crawl! It's a slow process, but she really thinks about it & every now & then makes the leap of faith to move all four limbs in sequence!!! It's really fun to watch. I had wondered if she might skip crawling and go straight to walking once she gets her braces off....it looks as though she may crawl after all. We'll see.....Oh, and she doesn't like to crawl on the carpet, that is why she's always on a quilt or sheet, etc. Something about the feel of the carpet on her knees & feet...I think they were very sensitive when her casts came off & now she is starting to venture off onto the carpet!

A Post without Pictures? I know, you're schocked!

I know, you're shocked! A post with no cute pictures...maybe next week! I think I'll just ramble today! First of all, I just got home from lunch with my DH. Do you know how long it's been since I've eaten lunch during the week with my DH??? WAY TOO LONG!!! It was fun & C had a good time too! Then, C & I went shopping for Fall decorations at Michael's & I bought a hair bow maker & ribbon...I know, not too "fally", but maybe I can save some $$$ & learn to be crafty. We'll see. Upon returning home, it appears as though my hunter Boxer has found yet another snake as one has surely bitten her on/above her eye & it's swollen up like a tennis ball. Called the vet, no time to take her as the boys are out of school in 20 min., so I popped 3 Benadryl down her & if not better when I get home, a trip to the vet may be in order. This is the 3rd snake she's found...she also likes to kill rats, baby birds, moles, you name it! So, on another ramble, Blake had a dentist appt. this week & it seems that we have to start seeing a Pediatric Orthodontist (AKA Money Taker) ASAP as his teeth are coming in all wrong & with no room, etc. So...that starts next week. He just turned 8 people!!! OMG! C has completely adjusted to life with the annoying shoes & bars on her feet...she can turn over, sit up & sleep well now. It took a couple of weeks, but she's back to her normal schedule...we have a check-up on Oct. 7th. When her braces are off, she is trying to crawl, but gives up easily & is content to sit & play...need to think of a good motivator to get her accross the room! Her upper body is so strong now. Our 2nd post-placement visit with our SW is next Tuesday. It seems in TX we have to have 6 before we can begin the re-adoption/name change process. 6! Geez! The boys are doing well in 2nd grade; this year seems to be the best thus far with spelling coming easier as well as math. We are still struggling with reading, but the comprehension is there....need to work on word recognition & speed. Our afternoons are full of homework, but no complaining this year as we had last. Well, enough rambling....Need to go wake up C who's only been asleep for 30 min. so I can get the boys; she should be really happy...not...And last, but not least...we've been Caleigh's parents for exactly 3 months today! Woo Hoo!

Family & My 'Country Friends' Welcome Home Party

Sunday afternoon my In-laws & country friends threw Caleigh a big Welcome Home Party. It was at my sister-in-law's home & everyone was there...so fun! We lived just a mile down the road in a little farm house on 65 acres for 4 years after we were married (years 2-5 of our marriage in fact!) Just a mile from both my husband's sister & all of her family & about 1 1/2 miles from his mom. It was country living to the max & I miss it so!!! We lived in a 100 year old farm-house and had a garden, cows, chickens, a barn, cats (to kill the rats of course!) & woke up every morning to the sound of crickets. It was Heaven & it's too bad that I realize it now after moving nearly 10 years ago. My Dad was happy because we were moving into a modern home with central heat & air; he was always afraid we were going to burn the house down with the Dearborne stove in the living room that we used for heat. (I'll have to dig up some pictures!) Anyway, long story...but that's why they are my 'country friends'! Here are a few pictures from the party....Caleigh received so many things...I think her Fall Wardrobe was made on Sunday! She's wearing her little dress that I bought in Vietnam especially for this party. Just a side note...I'm glad we waited 2 months after coming home for this....it was a LOT of people & they all wanted to see/hold/play with her. She is so comfortable & secure now that she had a great time & was not clingy or worried at all...I'm glad we waited & everyone got to meet her! On the invitation, it was a "Sip and See"! My friend hand-painted the little chair for her...too cute!

Caleigh weighs 17 pounds now! I found out last night that she loves spaghetti & garlic bread!

Fun Yesterday at the Fair

Make a Smilebox slideshow

Snot, Slobber, Wet clothes, OH MY!

I forgot how 'wet' little ones are! Wet diapers is the easiest part...it's the slippery wet noses that come with colds or allergies...or is it the teething? I don't know. Oh, and she is teething at the same time & did I mention she drools constantly! It's so cute in one way, but her clothes get WET! I change her clothes at least 3 times a day. Not that I'm complaining, I love to dress her up, but the poor thing has a wet shirt all of the time. I guess I'll have to go to having her wear a bib some, although I really don't want to....I don't know why...I just don't. Maybe that tooth will come on through soon! I can see it right under the gum. Lest you think that I live in a perfect world, right now it's full of snot, slobber & wetness! I'll take it over stinky, runny diapers any day though!!! I tried to catch a pic of it all...you know, for when she's 15 & I can remind her how many times I've wiped her nose! :)

The Clean-Up after Hurricane IKE

The boys cleaning up....and our dog Duke helped too!
Caleigh watching the fire...You should still be able to click on most of our pictures to enlarge them...

First of all, I am grateful that our area did not see much of Hurricane Ike. We did have a ton of wind & some rain on Saturday & lost our power for the afternoon. Lots of tree limbs down in the back & the boys cleaned up on Sunday. Here are a few pictures. The devastation to the Galveston/Houston area is tremendous...please keep those families in your prayers.

Also, just down the street from our neighborhood, there are homes who may not have their electricity restored for 7-10 days! Not a generator to be found; they have all gone to Houston, so pray for them as well....the boys' school is closed today because they do not have electricity either, so a free day for the kids!

Happy 11 Months Caleigh!

Today my baby is 11 months old! I thank God every day that He gave us hearts for adoption! Thank You for entrusting us with this precious little girl. We are forever grateful that we have been chosen by You to be her parents!!! I love her more than words can say. She is such the little trooper! I am so happy that we get to see her little knees & legs again! She was up & rocking trying to crawl last night during her "free from braces" time....she'll be moving in no time. Happy 11 Month Birthday day Caleigh! We're off to the Book Fair at school with her big brothers & then we'll wait & see what Hurricane Ike is going to bring us.....

Casts On...Casts Off...Braces On...Here we go!

Trying to crawl with my casts on.Waiting to see the doctor.

Casts off! Straight little feet!
Hey! I can feel my leg (her foot was red & swollen yesterday, but it had gone away by this morning. )
Look Mom! No Casts!Smiling at the cute girl in the mirror! My new braces.

From casts on yesterday morning to casts off by 10:30 am. Fitted for braces at 11:00...on the road home by noon. Straight little feet! Hooray! The doctors are pleased with the outcome of Caleigh's surgery & everything looks good to go, so we're onto the braces now. (which are really just shoes, laced up pretty tight, with a bar connecting them so her feet stay in a corrective position). She can have them off 3 times per day for 30 min. each time to stretch & so that we can check for any pressure points/blisters/skin irritations. This will be for about 3 months & then they will be off all day & on for 12 hours each night until she is 3 or 4 years old. The nature of club feet is to revert back to their original position, so correction is necessary for quite some time to avoid that. Anywho, the castings seemed to fly by so I hope that this period of bracing does as well. For now, she's not a happy camper; last night was 'fitful', but no hysterical crying as she did with the castings when we first got them on, so I am hopeful for her as far as her comfort level. Here are some pictures from the past 2 days....

1st photo session

Caleigh had her first photo session a couple of weeks ago...we get to pick up our pictures on Friday. They all turned out too cute & it was so hard to choose! It just bugs me that I didn't get her pigtails straight, but that's the OCD coming out in me! Here are just a few of my favorites...I wanted to have her pictures made in her casts. They come off on Wednesday....

Home 2 Months

We have been home 2 months today with Caleigh! I took these photos today...finally got one of her tooth! She's cutting the 2nd, thus the drool on her t-shirt!

My Favorites from the CanTho Kiddos Reunion

5 of the 8 kiddos....
Our boys...
The yearly "swing" photo...the whole weekend crew of kids....

We had our gathering of travel-families last weekend. All of us plus 3 more families traveled to Vietnam together in 2002 to bring our children home after a 1 1/2 year wait. We are very close & I think it is because we endured the long wait together, chatting on the phone each week, conference calls, re-doing paperwork 3 or 4 times & just enduring the stress together! All of our kids are now 8 years old! All of the children are from CanTho...Red Cross Orphanage....

Age 10 1/2 Months

Caleigh is 10 1/2 months old! It is hard to imagine that we have been home almost 2 months. Next month will mark the 2 year anniversary that we started our adoption process through Dillon. Caleigh is growing & changing with every day that passes...something new is accomplished and we are so proud of her! Just this weekend she started sitting up on her own from a lying down position. I thought maybe it was a fluke, but I went in to get her from her nap yesterday & she was sitting straight up in her crib! I know most babies reach this milestone months earlier, but with her casts still on, I think it's a great accomplishment! She now can feed herself by picking up small 'treats' off of her high chair tray. She actually gets them in her mouth more times than not. She is cutting her 2nd tooth right on the bottom next to the one she has. She is pushing up & would be crawling I'm sure, but the casts are too slippery on the floor & carpet, so she pulls herself along & around in the direction she wants to go...We go next Wednesday & the casts come off. We will be fitted for the braces & onto the next part of the healing process. The braces will be on 22 hours a day for a couple of months...She will be most excited to take a real bath again! This little girl is just so precious; it is amazing to me how easily she has bonded with our entire family; she looks for the boys each morning for her 'morning kiss'. It's super sweet. Peace to all & more pictures to come of our VN Kiddos reunion this weekend....