tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30552896205410942042024-03-13T12:45:34.187-06:00Walking in FaithEmilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05399524725491592224noreply@blogger.comBlogger110125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3055289620541094204.post-26667188549789620962012-10-01T08:46:00.001-05:002012-10-01T08:46:46.524-05:00Three years ago today...<br />
Three years ago today a woman I have never met gave birth to a baby girl. In God's providence this baby girl had Down Syndrome. Because of this the baby girl was left at the hospital to be given to an orphanage. That woman never saw that baby girl again. <br />
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Two years ago today a family held a garage sale to raise money to adopt that little girl. I bought a birthday gift for this baby girl that I had never met. We worked hard that day. We showed her picture and told her story to every customer that walked up our drive way. <br />
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One year ago tomorrow we held that beautiful baby girl in front of our church family and promised to raise her in the fear and admonition of the Lord. I remembered all we had done to get her. I felt so much love from our church family and our family standing with us that day. They had all given so much. They, too, had loved her from when she was nothing more than a picture. They had loved me when the times were hard. I felt so loved and was humbled that they had helped us adopt this wonderful little girl.<br />
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This morning I held that beautiful baby girl. I kissed her good morning. I sang Happy Birthday to her. I fed her birthday waffles. She has taught me so much. She has taught me lessons about myself, about others. I had no idea I had so much to learn! <br />
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I was given a gift three years ago today. Thank you, unknown woman. Thank you for walking away. Thank you for choosing life for this little girl with Down Syndrome. <br />
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Happy Birthday, Alice Faith. You are so wonderful. You are so smart and funny. You make me laugh everyday. My pride in you cannot be measured. The Lord is using you in ways I can't even fathom. I love you.<br />
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Emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05399524725491592224noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3055289620541094204.post-89276646007874823342012-01-19T17:52:00.000-06:002012-01-19T17:52:10.072-06:00It's the little thingsAlice has taught me so much in the year she's been home. <div>
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I've learned to not underestimate a tiny little girl from an orphanage.</div>
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I've learned that, with Alice, it's the little things that excite me the most.</div>
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When she learned "Itsy-Bitsy Spider" I almost fainted.</div>
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When she learned to sign "Please" I almost wet my pants.</div>
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Today, she learned to drink from a straw. I shouted in the middle of Costco.</div>
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And the lady behind me almost fainted and might have wet her pants.</div>
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<br /></div>Emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05399524725491592224noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3055289620541094204.post-36499747712644010572012-01-16T19:06:00.000-06:002012-01-16T19:06:00.379-06:00New Skills<br />
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Alice has been playing the tie-Henry-up-and-sit-on-him-while-he's-in-the-infant-car-seat game a lot lately. <br />
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We're so proud of her new found skills.Emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05399524725491592224noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3055289620541094204.post-36306200412120418992012-01-11T12:16:00.000-06:002012-01-11T12:16:14.544-06:00Dear Alice<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Alice Faith. January 2011. 15 months</td></tr>
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Dear Alice,<div>
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It's been one year since we busted you out of the orphanage. We never looked back. It feels like you've always been a part of us. Our time in your country of birth seems like a hundred years ago in a weird dream. I am so grateful for all you've added to our family.</div>
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You have been our toughest child yet. You chewed up most of my furniture. You have figured out how to climb into the fireplace. You've tested my mothering skills. </div>
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But you know what? God has not only been glorified through you and He has blessed us with you being so rewarding as well. You have this beautiful determination. Your smile lights up the room. You give the BEST hugs! And you are learning how to give kisses. Be still my heart.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Alice Faith. December 2012. 2 years, 3 months.</td></tr>
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Getting to know you was and is such a sweet delight. Your tastes have changed so much. One day you'll love eggs. The next day you throw them on the floor. One day you'll eat meat. Next, don't plan on it. Yes, I've been frustrated. But, I'm learning how sinful I am. I'm also learning you.</div>
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You have these amazing hands. I love to look at them and hold them. Daddy loves your square little body. He loves the way you like to eat. He loves that when we ask if you are hungry you always sign please.</div>
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Your adoption has been the craziest, most wonderful thing. The Lord has taught us so much during the process and during this year with you being home. I know people think you are the lucky one. But, they couldn't be more wrong.</div>
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We are the lucky ones.</div>
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Love, </div>
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Mommy</div>
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</div>Emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05399524725491592224noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3055289620541094204.post-79305361853825198352012-01-09T19:53:00.001-06:002012-01-09T20:57:13.881-06:00Have ya missed me?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I know. I know. <br />
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Four months is too long for a blogging break.<br />
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If I blamed the crazy busy month of October, would you understand? <br />
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Ali had a sedated hearing test (she passed), got glasses (horrible things), and a sedated echo cardiogram (she passed).<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Passing the time in the hospital playing "Itsy Bitsy Spider."</td></tr>
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All 6 children had dentist appointments. We had 3 birthdays. I had bi-weekly then weekly midwife appointments. Yep. In one month.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Here's Miss Ali in her glasses and birthday hat.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Birthday #2...first one with us.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Thomas also had a birthday...#7.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSuQ5ZJG9WOXjVK8vXAEu8I-hsSto7-G-kHZDIQ0s0M5HI9G4D33HS7hPAiFb3nSn6E7vp4OhDlS1eyfrpu_n-Pi_ymkAWi3UaRHohmBupRxEa6wMuhy-VbU5pHB-OCr_YzCXVr8CeCs7W/s1600/Christmas+and+Laundry+photos+222.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSuQ5ZJG9WOXjVK8vXAEu8I-hsSto7-G-kHZDIQ0s0M5HI9G4D33HS7hPAiFb3nSn6E7vp4OhDlS1eyfrpu_n-Pi_ymkAWi3UaRHohmBupRxEa6wMuhy-VbU5pHB-OCr_YzCXVr8CeCs7W/s320/Christmas+and+Laundry+photos+222.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Daddy had a birthday...#38.</td></tr>
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If I blamed having a brand new baby...GIRL, would you understand? Beatrice Adele joined our family November 15th at 2:22 am. I'll share her wonderful, amazing birth story later. You'll have to trust that I won't leave ya hanging for months.<br />
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If I blamed a kitchen remodel, would you understand?<br />
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If I blamed Thanksgiving and Christmas, would you understand?<br />
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Ali is doing great. Her one-year anniversary of being "ours" is in a couple of days. This past year has been amazing. <br />
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We are still getting to know her. We've learned that she doesn't do change well. Poor thing. This past year has been nothing but change. We've learned that she doesn't like wearing glasses. We've learned how her little body does with colds. <br />
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She's had 3 haircuts.<br />
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She's gone from barely rolling over to crawling, standing, pulling up on everything, and taking 1-3 steps at a time. She's gone from only drinking from a bottle to only eating baby food to now drinking from a sippy cup and not having a full button. This girl likes to EAT! We're still working to help her "chew." <br />
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She's gone from an orphan to being a big sister!<br />
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I am so thankful that Beatrice is a girl! Her and Alice will be such wonderful friends growing up and beyond. I now have 5 girls and 2 boys. Oh man! <br />
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I'm still trying to figure out how to manage this group. I think I will always be trying to figure it out. I'm trying to find time to blog, ...and knit, ...and put up laundry, ...and homeschool, ...and think!<br />
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If I promise to blog more often, will you promise to keep reading?Emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05399524725491592224noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3055289620541094204.post-55801598256906263832011-09-07T21:11:00.002-05:002011-09-07T21:12:10.862-05:00A year ago...Today, I pinned Alice to the floor and chewed on her belly. What an amazing thing to do with a baby. It accomplishes two wonderful things at once:<br />
<ol>
<li>Makes her giggle...one of the best sounds in the world.</li>
<li>I get to feel her soft, soft skin.</li>
</ol>
A year ago, I was unsure this would ever happen.<br />
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A year ago, I was drowning in paperwork.<br />
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A year ago, I was clinging to God's will that He wanted us to go down this road.<br />
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A year ago, she was trapped in an orphanage.<br />
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A year ago, she had no future. <br />
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A year ago, she had NO idea that having 3 older sisters and 2 older brothers was <em>this</em> much fun. <br />
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A year ago, I had no idea that having 6 children was<em> this</em> <em>much fun</em>.<br />
<br />Emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05399524725491592224noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3055289620541094204.post-57812180159538907742011-08-19T10:49:00.001-05:002011-08-19T10:51:51.720-05:00All Done!Miss Alice had her surgery yesterday. She was a champ! We arrived at the hospital at 6:15, just like we were told. And we waited for an hour to have our pre-op interview. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Playing while waiting, waiting, waiting...</td></tr>
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They asked the <i>same questions</i> as the <a href="http://foralicefaith.blogspot.com/2011/08/first-usa-surgery.html">other day</a>. Then we went in another room. And they asked the <i>same question</i>s as the <a href="http://foralicefaith.blogspot.com/2011/08/first-usa-surgery.html">other day</a>. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">In "holding" waiting, waiting, waiting...</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Her hospital gown. It also had shorts. I'm thinking when she's 8 she should fit into it!</td></tr>
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Then we went into "holding." We were "held" for another hour. She fell asleep. I almost finished the book I was reading. Erin read a good chunk of his. <br />
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They finally came and got her to take her back for surgery. I hurried to find food. I was HUNGRY! A fruit bowl and rice crispy treat later (breakfast of champions, I tell ya!) I hurried back for Erin to have a turn. Almost as soon as he left, they called me up to the front. They were done! I called him on the phone and he rushed back.<br />
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When I got to her side 3 nurses where standing over her. I was afraid something was wrong. Nope, they all thought she was SO cute. One of them asked if they could take her home. I smiled and said something cute, I think. I just wanted to hold my baby. She was awake and chewing on everything.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">They taped her eyes down. That's why they look bruised.</td></tr>
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They let me give her a bottle. She was hungry too! <br />
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The doctor came by to talk to us about how the surgery went.<br />
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She said...there was NO fluid behind her left ear and only a little bit behind her right ear. I just sat there, stunned. Why did we do this, then? I thought. Why did we subject her to surgery for nothing? I thought.<br />
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Good thing Erin was there, because I had stopped listening to her. But she went on to say that now when she fails her next hearing test we'll know for sure that it isn't because of fluids. The only way to know for sure was this surgery.<br />
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I don't know how I feel about it all still. It seems rather extreme. But, I'm trying not to focus on that and let time tell.<br />
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She came home super hyper. She didn't stop moving all day! But, she is doing really great. Like nothing happened.<br />
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Thank you for prayers and kind words.Emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05399524725491592224noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3055289620541094204.post-50018156364644699562011-08-17T18:03:00.001-05:002011-08-17T18:03:12.342-05:00First USA surgery...Sweet Ali girl is having tubes put in her ears tomorrow morning. After failing 3, yes you read that right 3, hearing tests I finally found an ENT that would put tubes in my baby. The first 2 doctors were "uncomfortable" operating on her because of her having Down Syndrome. So, here we are 5 months after I first started trying to make this happen...it's happening.<br />
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The surgery coordinator called to ask some questions. <i>Was she full term?</i> Don't know. <br />
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<i>Has she ever had surgery? </i> One that we know of. <br />
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<i>Was that surgery done at Texas Children's?</i> No, in Ukraine. Pause. <br />
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<i>Was she adopted?</i> I can't tell you how much I wanted to say "no." But, I didn't. <br />
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<i>Is is up-to-date on her vaccines?</i> Beats me. <br />
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<i>Is there anything in your religion or culture that pertains to surgery that the doctor should know about?</i> Um, just don't kill her. That got me a chuckle from the lady. Ma'am, it's a 15 minute surgery. She'll be just fine. Well, I thought, you asked! <br />
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Her surgery is scheduled for 8:15 in the morning. I'm so excited to see what sort of difference this makes in our sweet girl, if any. I know she can hear. I hope this makes her hear clearer and softer sounds. <br />
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Although, in all honestly, there aren't many clear and/or soft sounds in our house. Emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05399524725491592224noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3055289620541094204.post-46929660445101085372011-08-05T14:32:00.001-05:002011-08-05T14:32:12.918-05:00Hi...My name is Alice<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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And I have decided that naps are for suckers. Since I'm not a sucker, I'm not going to take them any more. So, even though I may sit and cry, I'm not tired. I may yawn and rub my eyes. But don't lay me down for a nap. I won't take one. Unless I have speech therapy this afternoon. Then I shall fall asleep mere minutes before Aunt Laura comes and when you wake me for our session...let's just say I'm gonna make everyone unhappy.<br />
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I've also decided I can feed myself mashed potatoes. I am not sure that getting it all inside my mouth is a high priority. So, maybe...maybe not.<br />
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And I think that folded clothes are put on this earth for my enjoyment. And it brings me joy to toss them on the floor.<br />
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And I had my first hair cut. I think I make this cut look gooooooood!<br />
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<br />Emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05399524725491592224noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3055289620541094204.post-60603041656375050982011-07-26T16:14:00.001-05:002011-07-26T16:14:43.030-05:0050 Yard LineI know that having a big family means that things happen in a super-size fashion. I mean, that simply makes sense. Until you are the manager of such a family and the one that has a seat on the 50-yd line...in the middle of the field...when you don't play football...and they just snapped the ball.<br />
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Last Monday started out normal. Up at 5:50. Kids up at 6. (It's important to get up before the kids when you have a big family.) Breakfast at 7. <br />
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Lizzie started not feeling so great. She asked to lay down for a while. Fine. Sweet thing. Go rest. Mommy has got everything under control. At 11:00 I'm not feeling so great. Morning sickness. By this point Lizzie has started throwing up and running a fever. <br />
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I feed everyone lunch. Proud of myself for doing so with as much morning sickness as I was feeling. By 1:00 I'm laying on the couch with Lizzie begging the Lord to take me home. Fever and other terrible things going on in my body. When your stomach hurts it is just simply unfair to have a baby doing trampoline tricks on it all day. Just sayin'. <br />
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So, my sweet Mary is taking care of Lizzie and I. The youngest 2 were napping and I'm not sure where the middle 2 were. I didn't care as long as they weren't bothering me. <br />
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By 3:00 Mary was sick. So, the 3 care givers of the family are sick and taking turns laying on the couch.<br />
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Tuesday, the 3 of us are better but just achy from being so achy. Erin took the 3 youngest to grandma's for the morning so we could rest and Charlotte, the 9 year old, took care of us. I was down for the entire day. I think being pregnant made it hit me the hardest. Or I'm a big baby. I'm ok with either.<br />
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Wednesday, I had fooled myself into thinking that was a fluke thing and we were going to have a great week. Attending the finalization of a domestic adoption, 50th birthday party, Grandpa and Grandma's birthday party were all on the schedule for the weekend.<br />
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Thursday, Charlotte comes downstairs and says, "Mama, look at all these spots." Now, I know that many of the mothers reading this are either laughing or their stomachs have dropped. <br />
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Chicken pox. <br />
<br />
They didn't look like normal chicken pox (we've had it here before so I know what they look like.) So, I called a friend to come look. She did and said she didn't know what they were, but they didn't look like chicken pox. I then made an appt with the doctor. Remember all the things I had on the schedule? I didn't want to cancel them if I didn't have to.<br />
<br />
Spent 3 hours at the doctor's office waiting room. When I went to the front desk and reminded them that we were there to have the chicken pox looked at and that the longer we sat in the waiting room the more children were being exposed, we were seen within 30 minutes. She said they didn't look like chicken pox, but she didn't know what else they could be. Lay low and see if she gets worse. Great.<br />
<br />
Friday, Saturday, Sunday skipped all the events on the schedule. It made us all sad, but being home with everyone was sweet. Henry and Alice still haven't gotten any spots...yet. <br />
<br />
Monday, yesterday, I'm thinking we are back on track. Weird week last week, but this week is new and improved.<br />
<br />
After lunch Henry started throwing up. On the carpet. Everything in his stomach that he's ever eaten. In his entire life. <br />
<br />
So, Mary cleans him up and I stare at the carpet. Shop vac! After I finish vacuuming up the ... stuff... I realize that the shop vac has a vent that blows air as it's sucking up. And the vent is pointed at the fireplace. And that the fireplace should have been cleaned out months ago. And now there is ash ALL over the living room.<br />
<br />
I simply stood there for a minute or two.<br />
<br />
Then, I put the shop vac away and scrubbed the carpet. Then I dusted the living room.<br />
<br />
That evening Henry threw up as he was playing with the Legos. Gross.<br />
<br />
Today he was running a fever.<br />
<br />
This morning Lizzie woke up with hives all over her arms and neck. Emotional stress? Nope. An allergic reaction to the heat. Nice try, Sweetie, you still have to go outside and clean up after the dog.<br />
<br />
Again there are those mothers that are dying laughing right now and those that simply feel sorry for me. You know who you are.<br />
<br />
I laughed. I have told and retold these stories so that I can hear others laugh too. Did it make the situation different? Nope. Did it make how I looked at the situation different? Yep.<br />
<br />
So, don't feel sorry for me...laugh! And share some mothering stories that either make people laugh or feel sorry for you. It'll make me feel like I'm not the only one on the 50-yd line. Emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05399524725491592224noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3055289620541094204.post-64417022881042554062011-07-06T20:37:00.001-05:002011-07-07T08:07:14.150-05:00FreedomI've been thinking a lot about Ali's freedom. It's been 6 months since we took her out of the orphanage for the first and last time. She's not the same little, blank baby we took out of there. <br />
<div><br />
</div><div>She's <i>free</i> from care takers that took care of her, but didn't love her...we love her so much.</div><div><br />
</div><div>She's <i>free</i> from a diet that barely kept her alive...we work very hard every day to feed her good food. AND she's starting to eat something more solid than baby food. To God be the glory!</div><div><br />
</div><div>She's <i>free</i> from SO many layers of clothing...this summer she's often wearing a diaper only.</div><div><br />
</div><div>She's <i>free</i> to crawl into the kitchen where all the action is...not just around a large play pen all day.</div><div><br />
</div><div>She's <i>free</i> to be loved on by 2 brothers and 3 sisters....with them often fighting over whose turn it is to kiss her.</div><div><br />
</div><div>She's <i>free</i> to laugh...and she does, a beautiful belly laugh. Usually at Thomas. When she hits him.</div><div><br />
</div><div>She's <i>free</i> to smile so hard her eyes have developed crow's feet.</div><div><br />
</div><div>She's <i>free</i> to have an opinion. And don't think that just because she is little and has Down Syndrome that she doesn't have an opinion. Cause she does. And she's loud about it. very loud.</div><div><br />
</div><div>She's <i>free</i> to play and chew on things besides the crib bars.<br />
<br />
She's <i>free</i> to hear the gospel taught in her home most every night.<br />
<br />
She's <i>free</i> to hear Who made her and what He did for her.</div><div><br />
</div><div>And I have freedoms too...</div><div><br />
</div><div>I'm <i>free</i> to call her my daughter...I no longer think of her as adopted.</div><div><br />
</div><div>I'm <i>free</i> to help others with fundraising...not having to worry about our own.</div><div><br />
</div><div>I'm <i>free</i> to delight in her gaining weight and not worry about how little she is.</div><div><br />
</div><div>I'm <i>free</i> to get all warm and fuzzy when I think of her as a big sister.</div><div><br />
</div><div>I'm <i>free</i> to forget that she has Down Syndrome...which I often do...she's just Alice. </div><div><br />
</div><div>But, all my true freedoms were bought for me...</div><div><br />
</div><div>I'm <b>free</b> from guilt...I've been washed white by the blood of my savior.</div><div><br />
</div><div>I'm <b>free</b> from the threat of hell...I've been given a one-way ticket out of here and it was through no works of my own.</div><div><br />
</div><div>I'm<b> free</b> from the bondage of sin...my redeemer paid my debts in full.</div><div><br />
</div><div>Just like Alice was taken from the orphanage never to look back, Jesus carried me in his arms out of the only life I had ever known. I was blank. I was and still am a sinner. He brought me into his world of love, compassion and grace. I didn't ask for it. I didn't deserve it. I didn't work for it. And believe me, there is not a more special-needs Christian than I am. Yet, God adopted me into his family to share in the inheritance of Christ. Just saying that gives me goose-bumps.</div><div><br />
</div><div>If the Lord hasn't saved you yet, call out to him. Repent of your sins and beg for mercy. I pray that the Lord will give you <b>freedom</b>, too.</div>Emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05399524725491592224noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3055289620541094204.post-30986938800854862812011-06-27T16:08:00.002-05:002011-06-27T16:12:22.888-05:00A baby in need<h3 class="post-title entry-title" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font: normal normal normal 30px/normal Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; line-height: 20px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; position: relative;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Not my baby. But another mother's baby. She's Victoria. She was adopted and taken straight from the airport to the hospital. She is in desperate need of prayers, money, prayers, help and most importantly...prayers. Please get the word out. Please pray for this family. Here's their <a href="http://wronginalltherightways-travcat.blogspot.com/">blog address</a> so you can read the back story and get updates.</span></h3><div class="post-body entry-content" id="post-body-7623981760506361769" style="color: #333333; line-height: 1.5; position: relative; width: 648px;"><div style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: center;"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxZRLjJ0LxHBrcQ5lMTTffRActmDJhtu972j657Fi-0wzOpLht8WRWC88ugf2_h-9QAlIkG4Xc29LgMWRpmwMF0SbjXY-EZgLNCqvSOD42wsls_HuxsMwxDxvLkoTupnyOH1c-qDuQ6eLu/s320/May+29+015.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="color: #cc3300; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-decoration: none;"><img border="0" height="213" i$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxZRLjJ0LxHBrcQ5lMTTffRActmDJhtu972j657Fi-0wzOpLht8WRWC88ugf2_h-9QAlIkG4Xc29LgMWRpmwMF0SbjXY-EZgLNCqvSOD42wsls_HuxsMwxDxvLkoTupnyOH1c-qDuQ6eLu/s320/May+29+015.jpg" style="-webkit-box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.496094) 1px 1px 5px; background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-style: none; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-width: initial; box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.496094) 1px 1px 5px; padding-bottom: 8px; padding-left: 8px; padding-right: 8px; padding-top: 8px; position: relative;" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sweet Victoria</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqnVcQBdRNhtSs5cP48BjpuEGieMYvglkVPQGc6u_2ghfhtAjlyH4pSxtto8eKmIHKvgUVmwLFQtcO8zOmDIK-tFiO3bEuvnCn1-wXw1DDedl2I42P7R_f_pjQ-QESFoEwEneQLD_bWayq/s320/June23+875.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="color: #cc3300; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-decoration: none;"><img border="0" height="320" i$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqnVcQBdRNhtSs5cP48BjpuEGieMYvglkVPQGc6u_2ghfhtAjlyH4pSxtto8eKmIHKvgUVmwLFQtcO8zOmDIK-tFiO3bEuvnCn1-wXw1DDedl2I42P7R_f_pjQ-QESFoEwEneQLD_bWayq/s320/June23+875.jpg" style="-webkit-box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.496094) 1px 1px 5px; background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-style: none; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-width: initial; box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.496094) 1px 1px 5px; padding-bottom: 8px; padding-left: 8px; padding-right: 8px; padding-top: 8px; position: relative;" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;">She is currently in the Children's Hospital of Atlanta at Scottish Rite.</span></td></tr>
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</div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">She needs help. So does her family.</span></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Shelly Burman, who just finished going through the same nightmare with their daughter Carrington, has volunteered to organize people to help the Ferrones through her <a href="http://carringtonscourage.blogspot.com/" style="color: #cc3300; text-decoration: none;">Carrington's Courage</a> blog. </span></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">If you live in the Atlanta area and can help- please contact Shelly through <a href="http://carringtonscourage.blogspot.com/" style="color: #cc3300; text-decoration: none;">that blog</a> and let her know what you can do to help. </span></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">If you don't live in the Atlanta area - then consider helping the family out financially. They could definitely use every single donation made at this point. </span></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">There is a chip-in on <a href="http://carringtonscourage.blogspot.com/" style="color: #cc3300; text-decoration: none;">Carrington's Courage</a>.</span></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Please pray for this family. I can't imagine what it would be like to have to go from the airport NOT home, but the <i>hospital</i>! I wish I could do more, but I can pray. I can tell others. I can pray. So can you.</span></div></div></div>Emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05399524725491592224noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3055289620541094204.post-84537335967532473302011-06-24T11:03:00.000-05:002011-06-24T11:03:49.134-05:00My Girl<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-htacW0YU8A8/Tf0uRMAdzRI/AAAAAAAAA9k/ayHDj0K0-OM/s1600/P6150432.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-htacW0YU8A8/Tf0uRMAdzRI/AAAAAAAAA9k/ayHDj0K0-OM/s320/P6150432.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I made a birthday hat for Alice. Her birthday isn't until October. I 'm not worried that I ruined the surprise.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Alice and I flew to Amarillo to watch a couple of graduations. She was unimpressed.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4TlYL3gLOlA/Tf00op9CdWI/AAAAAAAAA_Q/xh9ve7aEGD8/s1600/P5160336.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4TlYL3gLOlA/Tf00op9CdWI/AAAAAAAAA_Q/xh9ve7aEGD8/s320/P5160336.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Silly Mommy. Baby gates are for sitting!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-M6LNScBL4v8/Tf00ps1KzZI/AAAAAAAAA_c/zQrp57SmfaU/s1600/P5160339.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-M6LNScBL4v8/Tf00ps1KzZI/AAAAAAAAA_c/zQrp57SmfaU/s320/P5160339.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I can't tell if she liked licking the dryer because it was warm or shiny. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>She did the same thing to the dishwasher. And with 6 kids the dryer and dishwasher are <i>always</i> warm and running!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">She has a Captain and Tineal thing going this day. I took at least 25 pictures. Each one blurry.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qyVqswWtYtk/Tf00tVejTBI/AAAAAAAABAA/GLvzo3FgJNg/s1600/P6100389.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qyVqswWtYtk/Tf00tVejTBI/AAAAAAAABAA/GLvzo3FgJNg/s320/P6100389.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">She loves music. And she loves Lizzie.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yep. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>Some days she is in the best mood and we just soak it in. Some days she is full of attitude and we just survive until nap time. It's weird. I know she doesn't have my DNA, but she sure does act like her mama! <div><br />
</div><div>We have one more specialist (yet another ENT) then we are done with specialist...well, now we'll be doing the 6 month check up thing. But, no "new" doctors.</div><div><br />
</div><div>We are still working on eating food more solid than puree. Some days I feel like I'll be feeding her forever. And some days...well, I always feel like I'm going to be feeding her forever.</div><div><br />
</div><div>But, she's my girl. I love her like crazy. And because my life is a musical (a song for every occasion) I had to help you have this song in your head the rest of the day.</div><div><br />
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</div>Emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05399524725491592224noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3055289620541094204.post-74513189859375364452011-06-20T20:59:00.000-05:002011-06-20T20:59:32.477-05:00A plea for help...So, I don't post in, like, forever. Then I go and ask you to give money. Yep, that's the way I roll these days.<br />
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A dear, dear family is adopting 3 little ones from the country Alice was born in. <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i>3</i></span>! I can't even wrap my brain around that one! They were approved for 3 and decided 3 is what they were coming home with. <br />
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This family also happens to live in my town, so we've been able to visit and talk face-to-face. I'm hoping to get to do much more of that when they get home.<br />
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They are a little short with the money side of things. Can you help? Here's her blog <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;"><a href="http://letsfillthevan.blogspot.com/">"Let's Fill the Van!"</a>. </span>How cute is that blog title? These kiddos they are bringing home will fill their big white passenger van! Amazing.<br />
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Also, please pass the word. The more people that see this the better. And pray. Pray, pray, pray.Emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05399524725491592224noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3055289620541094204.post-65081367390712049332011-05-11T09:33:00.000-05:002011-05-11T09:33:45.957-05:00Then and todayMiss Alice has been changing and growing so fast! Don't believe me? Take a look...<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Picture taken in Feb.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;">Picture taken in April</span></div></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>Hasn't she grown? Look she no longer fits in the kitchen sink!<div><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img height="240" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-e9YH8XLy5pM/TWz_xiTnqqI/AAAAAAAAA5k/H3Kql4eiCsM/s320/P2220129.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="320" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Look how tiny she looked in the baby seat then...</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4IQ_VHJU8Zo/TcqS8p4S-DI/AAAAAAAAA7o/n_zQaOHz7wg/s1600/P5060273.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4IQ_VHJU8Zo/TcqS8p4S-DI/AAAAAAAAA7o/n_zQaOHz7wg/s320/P5060273.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">and how she looks now!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div><br />
</div><div>Plus, look at all her hair! I can't get over how long it has gotten. We are having fun with the bows and pigtails. And that smile...it's on her face all day long! She has become the happiest, sweetest little girl. </div><div><br />
</div><div>But, here's the part that warms this mama's heart to boiling...she isn't like that for every one. Just us! AND, while she'll still go into anyone's arms, if she sees me she starts trying to get to me!</div><div><br />
</div><div>She's developed an opinion. She will let you know if she likes something or not. And it's very, very clear. My mother-in-law asked if I was sure I didn't give birth to her. I guess Alice and I have a lot in common.</div><div><br />
</div><div>We are working with a speech therapist on feeding issues. This therapist happens to LOVE Alice because a)this girl is lovable and b)she's Alice's aunt! Alice still will not eat anything with texture. She will gobble down purees but not much beyond that. Gobble down a tablespoon during a feeding, that is. She's still not a huge eater, but we have made some major steps.</div><div><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PDjFOixWu3Q/TcqS75PTZ2I/AAAAAAAAA7c/4TshcHKzHmI/s1600/P5050265.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PDjFOixWu3Q/TcqS75PTZ2I/AAAAAAAAA7c/4TshcHKzHmI/s320/P5050265.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2BZ34JTNp6Y/TcqS8Fk20zI/AAAAAAAAA7g/F5nz3Dm4InI/s1600/P5050267.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2BZ34JTNp6Y/TcqS8Fk20zI/AAAAAAAAA7g/F5nz3Dm4InI/s320/P5050267.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Laura, aunt, speech therapist, and an Alice fan.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>I like that picture of Aunt Laura feeding Alice because it shows off that sweet, round tummy.<div><br />
We are so in love with this little one. But, lest you think life has been all roses, having a new baby and expecting a new baby has been tough. Trying to keep up with all the appointments and not having a brain cell in my head or the energy to get out of the house has been difficult. <br />
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</div><div>But, I've hit the beloved 2nd trimester and I think I see the light at the end of the tunnel...I'm only nauseous until noon instead of all day. I am able to stay awake until 9 pm, instead of 7. We were able to hear the little one's heartbeat yesterday. That is just about the sweetest sound on earth, next to a child's giggle of course.</div><div><br />
</div><div>And Miss Alice has been giving us more and more of those every day.</div><div><br />
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</div></div>Emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05399524725491592224noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3055289620541094204.post-89508552257755349822011-05-06T11:35:00.000-05:002011-05-06T11:35:56.186-05:00Exactly, where have I been, you ask....<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN7Ba8s3p_LZZYKmB7wzoqeHH-X_AZ5grNCJQKqAodBQ9amczTsC77zXERF5FAJF90ZmK4OZ6YcjyTOCn9Q6xj54bN40qrwbEvfOkGlbKEKyGwUFoMfWor6r1XHKWilJh5vSrqFCjV7aFU/s1600/morning+sickness.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN7Ba8s3p_LZZYKmB7wzoqeHH-X_AZ5grNCJQKqAodBQ9amczTsC77zXERF5FAJF90ZmK4OZ6YcjyTOCn9Q6xj54bN40qrwbEvfOkGlbKEKyGwUFoMfWor6r1XHKWilJh5vSrqFCjV7aFU/s1600/morning+sickness.gif" /></a></div><br />
Yep, been pretty green for a while! I have entered the 2nd trimester and I'm praying the all day nausea will be replaced with lots of energy.<br />
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Alice is amazing and changing every day! I'll get some pics up soon...as soon as I get my face out of the toilet and my tired body off the couch.Emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05399524725491592224noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3055289620541094204.post-792504378474840522011-04-11T15:21:00.000-05:002011-04-11T15:21:00.121-05:00Failed one test...passed anotherAlice had a hearing test done this morning.<br />
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Her speech/feeding therapist (did I mention she's another beloved aunt?) suggested she have her hearing checked. Sometimes when you call out Alice's name, she turns first time. Sometimes the world can be falling around her and she doesn't even blink. So, I agreed it would be a good idea to have it checked out.<br />
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Plus, we've done so many other doctors, what's a few more, right?<br />
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Well, I don't understand everything, but basically she failed the hearing test and has mild hearing loss. She's got fluid build-up being her ear drums. We are going to go back in 2 weeks after some effort to drain the ears to repeat the test.<br />
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I wasn't worried as I waited for them to come back with the results. I knew something was up, though. I was trying to imagine life with a child that will have issues with impulse control who can't hear me tell her no. More than that, I was sad. Would she ever hear me? Would she hear giggles? Would this be one more thing that would set her apart from...well, everyone else? <br />
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We adopted her knowing she had special needs. I know she's different from my other children because of that. She is adored and treasured. But, it made me sad to think she would have another hill to climb.<br />
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I have no idea what the next few months will tell us with her hearing. But, this I DO know. God made her the way He wanted her to be. He created her and gave her to me. He has a purpose for this. <br />
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The other test...<br />
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Well, I'm the one that passed that test...actually, it was more of a positive/negative thing.<br />
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As in...the pregnancy test was positive! Alice is going to be a big sister! Baby #7 is due in mid-November.<br />
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I was a little shocked. Usually, when my babies are 2 we are expecting in the next few months. Henry turned 2 in December. I should have been expecting it. But I expected it to happen when Alice turned 2. I know it sounds crazy. But, she's the baby and that's how my brain works.<br />
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So, Alice will turn 2 in October. And I'll have 2 two year olds. The baby is due in November. And Henry turns 3 in December. <br />
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Maybe I should change the name of the blog to "Blessings Coming out my Ears!" or "The day the Laundry took over" or "Grateful".Emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05399524725491592224noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3055289620541094204.post-13647048623197333222011-04-01T19:53:00.000-06:002011-04-01T19:53:11.502-06:00Doctor appointments take, like, 1000!When I told my beloved sister-in-law that we were considering adopting a special needs child she asked me if I had considered how many doctor/therapy appointments we would be adding to our schedule. Now, understand, I had 5 children and we only had the twice a year dentist and endocrinologist. How could that stop us? She agreed, but just wanted me to think about it. I appreciated the wise council. But, I was naive. How difficult could a few extra appointments be? <br />
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Oh. My. Goodness. I am worn out!<br />
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Tuesday my oldest, Lizzie, had a quick dental appointment that I almost missed because I had forgotten about it. <br />
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Wednesday all 6 children had dental cleanings. Yep, all 6. They cleared the whole hour just for us. Charlotte has to have a tooth extracted. Mary will get the privilege of having lots and lots of braces in the future. Lizzie is getting her braces next month or so. Thomas and Henry looked great. H was so adorable. The ladies in the office were impressed with his 2 year old cuteness. I always am. Alice even got a looking over. He said she looked great and to bring her back when all of her teeth came in. Since she's cut 6 since we've come home, I'm guessing next month?<br />
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Thursday is our normal day of violin and harp lessons and grocery store. And a nice long nap for mommy.<br />
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Then, the mother of all days, Friday. No milk to make breakfast. So the kids ate bananas. I drank a smoothie. We made it out of the house by 8:45 (we were shooting for 8:30). We went to the Museum of Natural Science. So did 4 separate school districts of children. So, as we dodged the other children I explained about creationism (amid a few evil eyes from the teachers). As I tried to keep teachers from assuming my kids belonged with their kids, we learned about chemistry. <br />
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After about 2 1/2 hours of <s>all that torture</s> our field trip, I was ready for lunch. We had a picnic outside. My favorite part of the day. Charlotte held Alice on the blanket. I was laying down with both Henry and Thomas laying on me. Lizzie and Mary sat near us. The weather was perfect. What a beautiful day. <br />
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From there we went to another doctor's appointment. Charlotte has Hashimoto's thyroiditis. An autoimmune disease that causes hypothyroidism. We head down to the medical center every 6 months or so. Well, in God's providence, it appears that so does Alice. It's very common in Down's so I'm told. Whatever. I'm already well researched in it. Bring it on!<br />
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Alice will have to be on meds just like Charlotte. Well, at least I know what to expect. Except the meds didn't make Charlotte any more hyper than usual (praise the Lord! Any more energy and that girl could light our house!). But, will they make Alice hyper? She is the squrimiest baby already. We'll see I guess.<br />
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Back to the appointments.<br />
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Monday both Lizzie and Charlotte will have teeth extracted AND then both Charlie and Alice have to have blood drawn to check their thyroid levels.<br />
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Sorry, I had to lay down for a bit. I got a little light headed looking at all that.<br />
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I adore Alice more than words can say. I think she is one of the prettiest babies we've ever had. She can charm the stripes off a zebra. But, let me tell ya. I am pooped from running her all over town! I think we're slowing down a bit. I mean, really? How many more doctors are there out there? Right?Emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05399524725491592224noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3055289620541094204.post-54421026350510152362011-03-29T17:14:00.000-06:002011-03-29T17:14:28.394-06:00I know, I know....It's been, like, <i>forever</i> since I've posted. I have no good reason. I have a reason, I'm just saying it's not a <i>good</i> reason.<br />
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Here goes...I never found the time to upload the pictures of Alice's cardiologist appointment.<br />
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There. That's it. It's been over a month and that's the best I could come up with.<br />
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So, here's the update:<br />
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Her cardiology appointment went well. He said that she had one hole in heart at birth that was repaired around the age of 6 months (not 3 days like we were told in the orphanage.) It was a good repair and he didn't need to see us again for 6 months.<br />
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Now, was that so hard?<br />
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She's started to sit up. She's started to crawl. And she's cut 6 teeth since we've come home. I have pictures, lots of pictures. But, in true Emily fashion I haven't taken them off the camera. But, I simply couldn't wait any longer. The guilt of not updating was starting to effect my daily routine. (That means I wasn't reading my favorite blogs because I felt bad. I know, I've got issues.) <br />
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Whew! I feel 10 pounds lighter! I think I'll reward myself with a snack. Hopefully, I will feel free to update more often...and with pictures.Emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05399524725491592224noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3055289620541094204.post-19932769652877965312011-03-01T08:31:00.000-06:002011-03-01T08:31:03.767-06:00Madam BlueberryI thought Alice would love to eat frozen blueberries...why not? <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-e9YH8XLy5pM/TWz_xiTnqqI/AAAAAAAAA5k/H3Kql4eiCsM/s1600/P2220129.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-e9YH8XLy5pM/TWz_xiTnqqI/AAAAAAAAA5k/H3Kql4eiCsM/s320/P2220129.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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She liked the taste, but hated the cold. She would pick them up (fine motor skills) and then toss or throw them because of the cold. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-A6fXpsmh19g/TWz_y489l-I/AAAAAAAAA50/0Reb3_ucO6k/s1600/P2220133.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-A6fXpsmh19g/TWz_y489l-I/AAAAAAAAA50/0Reb3_ucO6k/s320/P2220133.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-TSzXcx3LqqY/TWz_zGKiFlI/AAAAAAAAA54/S5vifgR6IGk/s1600/P2220134.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-TSzXcx3LqqY/TWz_zGKiFlI/AAAAAAAAA54/S5vifgR6IGk/s320/P2220134.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
She even tried to eat them without touching them.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-U8tQ2RLR2jU/TWz_xzoRc3I/AAAAAAAAA5o/lqPOrC5QHmA/s1600/P2220130.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-U8tQ2RLR2jU/TWz_xzoRc3I/AAAAAAAAA5o/lqPOrC5QHmA/s320/P2220130.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
After she was nice and blue I decided to give her a sink bath. You know, when you are too tired to walk all the way upstairs to give the kid a bath in the tub so you spend just as long cleaning the sink and give them a bath there? But, after doing this, it may be our go-to place for baths...she fits!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-iKojuxKVQn8/TWz_2XTakVI/AAAAAAAAA6Y/YxVP_GX-s_E/s1600/P2220142.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-iKojuxKVQn8/TWz_2XTakVI/AAAAAAAAA6Y/YxVP_GX-s_E/s320/P2220142.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
After this picture I heard Henry behind me saying he wanted a bath. Sure, I said. I turned around and he was naked in the middle of the kitchen! <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-aNEm_6Bod1Y/TWz_3Qg7dqI/AAAAAAAAA6g/C72NWa7CWtM/s1600/P2220144.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-aNEm_6Bod1Y/TWz_3Qg7dqI/AAAAAAAAA6g/C72NWa7CWtM/s320/P2220144.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
So, although he SO doesn't fit, he got a sink bath, too.Emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05399524725491592224noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3055289620541094204.post-41963827929429427302011-02-18T18:49:00.000-06:002011-02-18T18:49:27.321-06:00This week in words...no picturesI had no idea it had been so long since I wrote a post!<br />
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We are doing great! The week's highlights...and low lights...<br />
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<ul><li>Alice's first ever holiday at home...Valentine's Day was spent at the Doctor's office. Alice and Henry both had bad coughs and fevers on Sunday. I'm not a run to-the-doctor-at-every-sniffle kind of mom. I'm more of an if-I-ignore-you-being-sick-will-you-get-better kind of mom (or I use homeopathy and oils to treat them at home...after all doctors' offices are where sick people hang out) But since I know nothing about her being sick and her heart, etc, I didn't feel comfortable treating her at home. The doctor said that Henry had bronchitis and was close enough to pnenomia that it warranted an antibiotic and a nebulizer. She was impressed that we didn't already have one of those. I told her we rarely get sick. Alice had a bit of an ear infection and because she's medically "fragile" she's on an antibiotic too. </li>
<li>At the doctor's office Alice was weighed and she is now up to 13 pounds 15 ounces! She's gained 15 ounces in the time we've been home. I'm proud of that. I'm not sure if that's good enough, though.</li>
<li>Also, her thyroid is going to need treatment from a pediatric endo. We head there in April. (So, if you're counting...she's had 2 pedi appointments, 1 cardiologist appt in March, endo in April and pt evaluation in March. Yeah, I know!)</li>
<li>Her certificate of citizenship arrived today! It has the cutest picture on it. I will try to post it later.</li>
<li>Yesterday, I applied for her SSN. I have to be honest...I am SO done with paperwork. I don't want to look at any of it! That's why it's taken me this long to get everything done. I still have to register her with the consulate. I will attempt to do that next week.</li>
<li>I got sick this week too. So did Thomas. That means we've been eating canned soup and laundry has plied up. But, the Lord blessed me with daughters that are wonderful at taking care of us. That is also the reason that blogging has not been a priority. Sick babies is draining then add a sick mama...spells rough seas in the household.</li>
</ul>Alice is really starting to bond to us, I think. Today, she smiled at me when I picked her up. She cried when I put her down. She's very serious and doesn't smile very often so these little smiles are like gold! Her hair is growing and is shiny. Her skin is soft and glowing. We can no longer see her ribs, her hip bones or most of her back bones. That alone is a huge blessing. <br />
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We just can't get enough of this little girl. I wonder if you can tell that by the amount of "baby" stuff in the living room...bouncy seat, exersaucer, pack 'n play, bumbo seat, texture balls, jungle crawl mat...This is, of course, in addition to the "stuff" already in the living room for everyone else. I like to pride myself in not needing much for babies. <br />
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I think the Lord is really working on my pride issue. I used to pride myself in my humbleness. I realize now I may have been going about this all wrong.Emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05399524725491592224noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3055289620541094204.post-33774381060940865382011-02-10T09:06:00.000-06:002011-02-10T09:06:20.331-06:00Say my name...Look who responded to her name today...<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yqcRycmfdsY/TVP-qSuRqtI/AAAAAAAAA4o/FavAnwLASn8/s1600/P2100091.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yqcRycmfdsY/TVP-qSuRqtI/AAAAAAAAA4o/FavAnwLASn8/s320/P2100091.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
I know it's not a very exciting picture, but I was calling her name and she turned to find me! This mama couldn't be more proud.Emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05399524725491592224noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3055289620541094204.post-27119572288808613372011-02-09T09:24:00.000-06:002011-02-09T09:24:13.489-06:00Check this out!!!!So, I'm surfing through some of my favorite adoption blogs and one of them has the neatest "button" to advertise <a href="http://rrbuttons.blogspot.com/p/reeces-rainbow-buttons-2011.html">Reece's Rainbow and Down Syndrome adoptions</a>. "You know," I thought, "I need a new button because we are no longer fundraising." The old one transfered to our family site for donations.<br />
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So, I click the button and start scrolling through the website. This one is cute, what else is there? I love the wording on that one..."Everyone deserves the blessing of a Down Syndrome child." That one is so sweet, what else is there? <br />
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GASP!! I start laughing and crying! Why? Take a look to the right? See the button I found? It's me and Alice!! My sweet girl. That picture was taken on <a href="http://foralicefaith.blogspot.com/2010/12/i-would-like-to-announce.html">our first trip</a> to meet Alice in her orphanage. I love that picture. Such joy on both our faces. It's funny, now though, because she's really a serious young lady. Smiles are given only after she deems you worthy. Or you show her your hand. She loves hands.<br />
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You can put this button on your blog, or any of the other buttons that Reece's Rainbow has created, to advertise the very important work they are doing. I promise I won't be offended if you choose not to use "ours." I am thrilled to get the word out.<br />
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Alice is such a wonderful blessing to our family. I can't imagine our life without her. I melt every time I look at her. We dote on her and fight over her. I'm crazy about her and couldn't imagine her ever in an asylum. <br />
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As I sit and type this, I have her in my<a href="http://www.mobywrap.com/"> Moby wrap</a>. Snug and secure, listening to my heart. She has her own <a href="http://foralicefaith.blogspot.com/2010/09/ill-have-my-people.html">people now</a>. And they will do the same thing over and over and over again if it means she will give them the littlest of smiles. Often, she does better than that. She gives a full belly laugh.<br />
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She was the least of these.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">And the King will answer them, "Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me." Matthew 25:40</span></i></div><br />
Now, she's a beloved daughter, sister, granddaughter, niece. Hopefully one day, saint. And we're the lucky ones.Emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05399524725491592224noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3055289620541094204.post-52927540711684662362011-02-08T08:52:00.000-06:002011-02-08T08:52:17.720-06:00Bathing Beauties<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Alice loves taking baths...so does Henry. Now, they get to take one together! We call it multi-tasking. They call it fun.<div><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_aA3ruxvDd30/TVFTzPem2wI/AAAAAAAAA1w/dwFSTgdsdlM/s1600/P2070070.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_aA3ruxvDd30/TVFTzPem2wI/AAAAAAAAA1w/dwFSTgdsdlM/s320/P2070070.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ok, look closely...see the newly formed roll next to her armpit? I've never been more proud of a fat roll.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_aA3ruxvDd30/TVFTzSM3PqI/AAAAAAAAA10/UyE3gktqvTI/s1600/P2070071.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_aA3ruxvDd30/TVFTzSM3PqI/AAAAAAAAA10/UyE3gktqvTI/s320/P2070071.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yes, he needs a haircut...no, I'm not going to give him one just yet. I like his curls.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_aA3ruxvDd30/TVFT4ARf32I/AAAAAAAAA3Q/NOCNgxZk_R4/s1600/P2070084.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_aA3ruxvDd30/TVFT4ARf32I/AAAAAAAAA3Q/NOCNgxZk_R4/s320/P2070084.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Flying Superman!!! Or as H calls him, "Good Guy"</td></tr>
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</div><div>This week has already gone so much better!!! I realized that I can't slip back into the "old" routine of 5 kids. I need a new routine to include baby #6. So, we've loosened up our mornings. We've added in more "subjects", but we're not in such a hurry to get it done by 1. Yes, that means that some kids were doing music practice at 9 pm last night. Oh well. Mommy was nicer during the day. They got to sit and give Alice a bottle or read to Henry during the day. What's better than that?</div><div><br />
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</div></div></div>Emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05399524725491592224noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3055289620541094204.post-43321430888329307212011-02-04T07:24:00.000-06:002011-02-04T07:24:25.265-06:00I'm not gonna lie...It's been a tough week. We started back to school this week. We've been doing a "light" school since June and a "no" school since November. I was starting to feel guilty about the children's lack of education....so, we jumped in with both feet Monday morning.<br />
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Maybe we should have aimed for the kiddie pool and not the Olympic pool on Day 1. We had melt downs, temper tantrums, sobbing in the corner, torn papers, broken pencils...and that was just me! I started thinking I should be getting up earlier to get more done without the children. But I think any earlier than 5 is just wrong. Tell me I'm not the only one that thinks that.<br />
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Alice was great. She just goes with the flow. Praise the Lord! The 2 year old, not so much. He had a hard time getting back into the swing of things. He got in trouble, trouble, trouble. He doesn't mind Alice. In fact, he want me to hold her and him at the same time. And if she's on the floor, he's on the floor. Of course, if you'll look at the picture...he's not alway appropriate with how he plays with her. The rest of the kids, well, were grateful to be back in a routine and had missed school...weird...but nice.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_aA3ruxvDd30/TUv9RtxAp3I/AAAAAAAAA1Q/Lo9S9vw8S1k/s1600/P1250024.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_aA3ruxvDd30/TUv9RtxAp3I/AAAAAAAAA1Q/Lo9S9vw8S1k/s320/P1250024.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yep, using her as a foot stool. And yes, she's chewing on a book. We're starting reading early.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_aA3ruxvDd30/TUv9RVrDhAI/AAAAAAAAA1M/yjlw4F4Tk78/s1600/P1250026.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_aA3ruxvDd30/TUv9RVrDhAI/AAAAAAAAA1M/yjlw4F4Tk78/s320/P1250026.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">But, he really does love her. And, yes, we do sometimes put clothes on him.</td></tr>
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By Wednesday, things were getting a bit better and by Thursday we had a great day. Of course, we didn't do school, but whatever. Henry is getting better and not quite so naughty. Well, as not quite so naughty as a sinner and 2 year old can be.<br />
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We have some family coming in tonight so we have to clean and do school today. But, I'm not worried. I feel like we can do this today. It is only 7 am. We'll see if I'm still this optimistic at 5 this afternoon.<br />
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Alice's blood test came back and her thyroid levels were high. So we repeated the test with a broader panel. Thyroid issues are common in Down Syndrome, so this didn't completely surprise us. Also, we have a daughter with an autoimmune hypothyroid. It's no sweat. But, here's the really neat part to my little rabbit trail...the techs that drew her blood were the same that drew it last time. They were impressed with how much more alert she is and how much stronger. It made this mamma's heart sing! <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_aA3ruxvDd30/TUvtYQpXzRI/AAAAAAAAA08/JJb4pzWJsgE/s1600/P1310056.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_aA3ruxvDd30/TUvtYQpXzRI/AAAAAAAAA08/JJb4pzWJsgE/s320/P1310056.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Isn't she beautiful? Picture taken by Lizzie.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05399524725491592224noreply@blogger.com4