Because someone just donated $100 to helping us bring Maya home! HURRAY!!!!
Thank you, you amazingly wonderful person, you! You will forever be a part of Maya's story!
Love,
Her family
Monday, February 27, 2012
Yeah!
Because someone just donated $100 to helping us bring Maya home! HURRAY!!!!
Thank you, you amazingly wonderful person, you! You will forever be a part of Maya's story!
Love,
Her family
Sunday, February 26, 2012
Recovering from Malnutrition
We just finished up our adoption classes this weekend and I mostly loved everything we learned. Adoption is such an amazing thing for children, but educating yourself on the experiences children face before adoption can be heartbreaking.
Today we finished the class on Malnutrition. The effects of malnutrition are devastating to children and can have long term effects if not corrected in all areas of life. If you're interested in some studies on the recovery of malnutrition, I found this except very interesting:
'Adoption is the most dramatic intervention after malnutrition. Adoption provides a total and permanent improvement of the environment, optimizing both nutrition and surroundings. Studies of Indian, Korean, and Chilean adoptees all address this question. Indian children adopted in Sweden achieved normal psychomotor scores within two years, although milestones were initially delayed in approximately 30% of the children, especially those who were stunted or underweight. Average age at follow-up was 39 months. In another study, Korean children in the United States were evaluated 6 or more years after adoption; all were in grades 1-8. The nutritional status of the children at the time of entry into pre-adoptive (foster) care (less than 2 years of age) predicted IQ scores. All 138 children adopted before age 3 years had above average IQ scores. Nutritional status of Korean children adopted at older ages (between age 2 and 5 years) also predicted IQ. Those with severe malnutrition at entry did not achieve average IQ scores, but moderately malnourished and well-nourished children scored above average. Finally, Chilean children with malnutrition in infancy achieved higher IQ scores after adoption than those consigned to institutions or those who returned to their biologic families. These studies are all testaments to the special stimulatory character of the adoptive home.'
--From Adoption Education, LLC
Actually, while reading through this, it reminded me of a blog post by an adoptive mother who often perfectly puts into words what needs to be shared on behalf of these kids. Here I am sharing a post she wrote on her blog called, "Seeing is believing." I think oftentimes we know the importance of family-less children getting their physiologic needs met by being a part of a family, but this post perfectly describes that basic needs are met as well. ( I remember just a year ago, following along on the blogs of these families as they met these children for the first time. I can't believe what I am seeing today)
For the last week I have been bringing to your attention a situation which, very sadly, is not spoken of very often--a situation which, I'm sure, has broken your hearts as much as it breaks mine each and every time a dire situation such as one of these is brought to my attention. Sometimes there truly are no words. The pictures are terribly hard to look at! The images leave us feeling so desperate to do something--anything--to help. Very soon I will share ways that you and I can do just that...do something!
But today is a different kind of post. Today I want to show you all what redemption looks like for children such as these...the ones abandoned in the back room of an orphanage, the ones forgotten about, the ones not worth feeding, the ones living in dire poverty, the ones with no value, the ones no one wants.....
The least of the least of these!
If a picture is worth a thousand words...
These are worth a million!
This is Dusty. Adopted from the same orphanage as our girls just nine months ago--weighing just 20 pounds when he came home and was admitted straight into hospital for malnutrition.
Today, only ten months later, Dusty weighs over 30 pounds! I have been so blessed to meet Dusty in person, and to watch him develop and grow. He is a little miracle boy for sure.
Meet sweet Gabe. Home for just eight months! Weighing just 21 pounds at six years old when adopted. He was left in a crib his entire life. He only took his food pureed from a bottle, hated touch, and could hardly sit up on his own. Weak and malnourished, he needed to be rescued!
Today...a healthy, blossoming, growing boy who loves life!
And beautiful Carrington. Adopted in March 2011 and taken directly from the airport to the hospital. Carrington was nothing but skin and bones--weighing only ten pounds when she came home. Doctors told the family that Carrington's organs had already started shutting down and she had just 24 hours of life left in her.
But God...! Just look what He did! Today, almost one year after coming home, Carrington is healthy and thriving--weighing in at 27 pounds. Glory to God in the highest! Another little miracle.
And darling little Belle. Adopted at almost three years old and weighing only 15 pounds. Belle knew nothing but a life confined to a crib...until her family heard the call and said, "Here we are, Lord! Send us!"
Today...just 13 months later she is a happy, healthy little toddler who weighs 26 pounds.
I know that so many of you followed Katie's amazing journey home. Sweet, little, teeny-tiny Katie. Rescued just three months ago--hanging on by a thread in a faraway orphanage. God had big plans for this angel! Katie also went straight from the airport to the hospital--weighing a measly 10 pounds 9 ounces at nine years old!
Oh, but just LOOK what a difference family makes! Today...Katie is doing incredibly well. She is a healthy weight for her height and is growing before her family's eyes. She now weighs nearly 23 pounds! What an absolute JOY Katie is to her family!
Ah, handsome boy! Rescued from Africa two years ago--weighing 15 pounds at five years old-- having seizures, asthma attacks, aspirating on his food, and with zero hope! He received no medical care and was in terrible shape--living on borrowed time, bedridden. But God had plans for this lovie too...and He sent a very special family to rescue him.
Today...seven years old and doing so, so well. Weighing 43 pounds, he is the light of his parents lives! Redemption.
Meet beautiful Kori. Adopted at almost eight years old and weighing in at a mere 16 pounds! Lifeless, sad, circles under her eyes, and in very poor condition. But God could not leave her like that...He knew that her life had purpose and a destiny. And so He reached down from heaven and gave her a miracle....a family to call her own.
Today...a picture of health! Healthy, happy and growing in every way. Adorable!
This little lovie is Victoria. Adopted only eight months ago. She was tiny, desperately unhappy, and painfully thin. Also confined to a crib and literally starved. Victoria was another little one who spent her first weeks on U.S soil being treated for malnutrition in the hospital. She only weighed 14 pounds.
Today....what a huge difference! Victoria now weighs 26 pounds and hardly even looks like the same child. There is a light in her eyes and she knows she belongs.
Oh, my sweet, sweet Julia! How I love this little angel. Julia was the first child I ever advocated for here on my blog. I met Julia in Hailee's laying room in Ukraine. Each day I would go into the room and cry tears as Julia smiled at me through the bars of her crib--lying in a puddle of urine, unable to even sit up, wasting away, languishing. You can read Julia's story here. Diagnosed with a very rare disorder, she needed to be rescued!
Today...Julia has been home for 10 months. I have been so blessed to watch this little girl--left lying in a crib 24/7--blossom and grow into all who God has created her to be. She has gone from a 15-pound little girl who was so malnourished, to a 30-pound beauty in such a short space of time. Julia has astounded us all with how far she has come.
This precious young man is Judd. Adopted from the same orphanage where my friend, Julia, adopted their Aaron from. You only have to read Julia's testimony to know what life was like for this boy for so many years. Awful! Judd was so full of sores and scars when his parents got to him...
Today...all gone! He is healing in every way, is healthy, and is such a delighful little boy. Redemption has come to him too.
And then there's one of my best friend's daughter, Lily. I remember standing in the airport just 18 months ago waiting to see Lily come home. Lily was born with a very complicated and life threatening heart condition. She was given very little hope of survival in her birth country. By the time Rachel and Chris reached Lily, she was blue from lack of oxygen and hanging on for dear life. She too was admitted into the hospital as soon as she got home.
Lily is a walking miracle. She has amazed us all with how far she has come. Her heart condition is still very serious, but Lily has been given the best of care from top heart doctors and she is finally at a point in her growth and health where open heart surgery can be done. I know her family would greatly appreciate your prayers as they journey toward Lily's heart surgery soon.
How well she has done!
And finally, there's our own miracle girl. Adopted 21 months ago. Hailee weighed 14 pounds the day I finally got to her in the orphanage. She was almost five years old. She spent her entire life in a crib--rocking endlessly, biting her fingers, hitting her head on the bars of the crib until the sores bled, grinding her teeth until all that remained were stumps, drugged with an adult tranquilizer to make her sleep, and was fed a diet of only broth. Hailee lived in what's known as a "laying room"--a place for the neediest of special-needs children.
Words cannot even describe what a blessing this little lovie has been to our family. As she heads toward her seventh birthday, she is now weighing 27 pounds and is doing well. She is learning, growing, and making us smile each and every day.
People often comment on how fortunate Hailee was to be rescued. And yes, she was, for she would surely have died if they had transferred her to a mental institution around her fifth birthday. But the greatest blessing of all has been for US, her family. We simply cannot imagine life without Hailee in it.
And so I ask you...is anything impossible for the Lord God Almighty? Anything at all? Is there any life which He cannot redeem and turn into something so wonderful, so glorious?
No!
I believe that every single child deserves a family to call their own! Even the ones such as these--the ones so often hidden away in dark places and forgotten about. Each one of these children's lives displays the Father's glory--His ability to reach down from heaven and redeem. His miracle-working power in their lives is so tangible, so absolutely magnificent.
HE IS MIGHTY TO SAVE THE ORPHAN!
Today we finished the class on Malnutrition. The effects of malnutrition are devastating to children and can have long term effects if not corrected in all areas of life. If you're interested in some studies on the recovery of malnutrition, I found this except very interesting:
'Adoption is the most dramatic intervention after malnutrition. Adoption provides a total and permanent improvement of the environment, optimizing both nutrition and surroundings. Studies of Indian, Korean, and Chilean adoptees all address this question. Indian children adopted in Sweden achieved normal psychomotor scores within two years, although milestones were initially delayed in approximately 30% of the children, especially those who were stunted or underweight. Average age at follow-up was 39 months. In another study, Korean children in the United States were evaluated 6 or more years after adoption; all were in grades 1-8. The nutritional status of the children at the time of entry into pre-adoptive (foster) care (less than 2 years of age) predicted IQ scores. All 138 children adopted before age 3 years had above average IQ scores. Nutritional status of Korean children adopted at older ages (between age 2 and 5 years) also predicted IQ. Those with severe malnutrition at entry did not achieve average IQ scores, but moderately malnourished and well-nourished children scored above average. Finally, Chilean children with malnutrition in infancy achieved higher IQ scores after adoption than those consigned to institutions or those who returned to their biologic families. These studies are all testaments to the special stimulatory character of the adoptive home.'
--From Adoption Education, LLC
Actually, while reading through this, it reminded me of a blog post by an adoptive mother who often perfectly puts into words what needs to be shared on behalf of these kids. Here I am sharing a post she wrote on her blog called, "Seeing is believing." I think oftentimes we know the importance of family-less children getting their physiologic needs met by being a part of a family, but this post perfectly describes that basic needs are met as well. ( I remember just a year ago, following along on the blogs of these families as they met these children for the first time. I can't believe what I am seeing today)
seeing is believing
I am so excited to share today's post with you.For the last week I have been bringing to your attention a situation which, very sadly, is not spoken of very often--a situation which, I'm sure, has broken your hearts as much as it breaks mine each and every time a dire situation such as one of these is brought to my attention. Sometimes there truly are no words. The pictures are terribly hard to look at! The images leave us feeling so desperate to do something--anything--to help. Very soon I will share ways that you and I can do just that...do something!
But today is a different kind of post. Today I want to show you all what redemption looks like for children such as these...the ones abandoned in the back room of an orphanage, the ones forgotten about, the ones not worth feeding, the ones living in dire poverty, the ones with no value, the ones no one wants.....
The least of the least of these!
If a picture is worth a thousand words...
These are worth a million!
This is Dusty. Adopted from the same orphanage as our girls just nine months ago--weighing just 20 pounds when he came home and was admitted straight into hospital for malnutrition.
Today, only ten months later, Dusty weighs over 30 pounds! I have been so blessed to meet Dusty in person, and to watch him develop and grow. He is a little miracle boy for sure.
Meet sweet Gabe. Home for just eight months! Weighing just 21 pounds at six years old when adopted. He was left in a crib his entire life. He only took his food pureed from a bottle, hated touch, and could hardly sit up on his own. Weak and malnourished, he needed to be rescued!
Today...a healthy, blossoming, growing boy who loves life!
And beautiful Carrington. Adopted in March 2011 and taken directly from the airport to the hospital. Carrington was nothing but skin and bones--weighing only ten pounds when she came home. Doctors told the family that Carrington's organs had already started shutting down and she had just 24 hours of life left in her.
But God...! Just look what He did! Today, almost one year after coming home, Carrington is healthy and thriving--weighing in at 27 pounds. Glory to God in the highest! Another little miracle.
And darling little Belle. Adopted at almost three years old and weighing only 15 pounds. Belle knew nothing but a life confined to a crib...until her family heard the call and said, "Here we are, Lord! Send us!"
Today...just 13 months later she is a happy, healthy little toddler who weighs 26 pounds.
I know that so many of you followed Katie's amazing journey home. Sweet, little, teeny-tiny Katie. Rescued just three months ago--hanging on by a thread in a faraway orphanage. God had big plans for this angel! Katie also went straight from the airport to the hospital--weighing a measly 10 pounds 9 ounces at nine years old!
Oh, but just LOOK what a difference family makes! Today...Katie is doing incredibly well. She is a healthy weight for her height and is growing before her family's eyes. She now weighs nearly 23 pounds! What an absolute JOY Katie is to her family!
Ah, handsome boy! Rescued from Africa two years ago--weighing 15 pounds at five years old-- having seizures, asthma attacks, aspirating on his food, and with zero hope! He received no medical care and was in terrible shape--living on borrowed time, bedridden. But God had plans for this lovie too...and He sent a very special family to rescue him.
Today...seven years old and doing so, so well. Weighing 43 pounds, he is the light of his parents lives! Redemption.
Meet beautiful Kori. Adopted at almost eight years old and weighing in at a mere 16 pounds! Lifeless, sad, circles under her eyes, and in very poor condition. But God could not leave her like that...He knew that her life had purpose and a destiny. And so He reached down from heaven and gave her a miracle....a family to call her own.
Today...a picture of health! Healthy, happy and growing in every way. Adorable!
This little lovie is Victoria. Adopted only eight months ago. She was tiny, desperately unhappy, and painfully thin. Also confined to a crib and literally starved. Victoria was another little one who spent her first weeks on U.S soil being treated for malnutrition in the hospital. She only weighed 14 pounds.
Today....what a huge difference! Victoria now weighs 26 pounds and hardly even looks like the same child. There is a light in her eyes and she knows she belongs.
Oh, my sweet, sweet Julia! How I love this little angel. Julia was the first child I ever advocated for here on my blog. I met Julia in Hailee's laying room in Ukraine. Each day I would go into the room and cry tears as Julia smiled at me through the bars of her crib--lying in a puddle of urine, unable to even sit up, wasting away, languishing. You can read Julia's story here. Diagnosed with a very rare disorder, she needed to be rescued!
Today...Julia has been home for 10 months. I have been so blessed to watch this little girl--left lying in a crib 24/7--blossom and grow into all who God has created her to be. She has gone from a 15-pound little girl who was so malnourished, to a 30-pound beauty in such a short space of time. Julia has astounded us all with how far she has come.
This precious young man is Judd. Adopted from the same orphanage where my friend, Julia, adopted their Aaron from. You only have to read Julia's testimony to know what life was like for this boy for so many years. Awful! Judd was so full of sores and scars when his parents got to him...
Today...all gone! He is healing in every way, is healthy, and is such a delighful little boy. Redemption has come to him too.
And then there's one of my best friend's daughter, Lily. I remember standing in the airport just 18 months ago waiting to see Lily come home. Lily was born with a very complicated and life threatening heart condition. She was given very little hope of survival in her birth country. By the time Rachel and Chris reached Lily, she was blue from lack of oxygen and hanging on for dear life. She too was admitted into the hospital as soon as she got home.
Lily is a walking miracle. She has amazed us all with how far she has come. Her heart condition is still very serious, but Lily has been given the best of care from top heart doctors and she is finally at a point in her growth and health where open heart surgery can be done. I know her family would greatly appreciate your prayers as they journey toward Lily's heart surgery soon.
How well she has done!
And finally, there's our own miracle girl. Adopted 21 months ago. Hailee weighed 14 pounds the day I finally got to her in the orphanage. She was almost five years old. She spent her entire life in a crib--rocking endlessly, biting her fingers, hitting her head on the bars of the crib until the sores bled, grinding her teeth until all that remained were stumps, drugged with an adult tranquilizer to make her sleep, and was fed a diet of only broth. Hailee lived in what's known as a "laying room"--a place for the neediest of special-needs children.
Words cannot even describe what a blessing this little lovie has been to our family. As she heads toward her seventh birthday, she is now weighing 27 pounds and is doing well. She is learning, growing, and making us smile each and every day.
People often comment on how fortunate Hailee was to be rescued. And yes, she was, for she would surely have died if they had transferred her to a mental institution around her fifth birthday. But the greatest blessing of all has been for US, her family. We simply cannot imagine life without Hailee in it.
And so I ask you...is anything impossible for the Lord God Almighty? Anything at all? Is there any life which He cannot redeem and turn into something so wonderful, so glorious?
No!
I believe that every single child deserves a family to call their own! Even the ones such as these--the ones so often hidden away in dark places and forgotten about. Each one of these children's lives displays the Father's glory--His ability to reach down from heaven and redeem. His miracle-working power in their lives is so tangible, so absolutely magnificent.
HE IS MIGHTY TO SAVE THE ORPHAN!
Saturday, February 25, 2012
Christmas Card Outtakes
With Captions. Because they make me laugh...
And finally, through all this we settled on this one...
 |
| "Hey mom, look at dat bird!" |
 |
| "When you say for me to smile, do you mean make a face kinda like dis?" |
 |
| "Pssst, before we take dis picture, I gonna tell you a little secret..." |
 |
| "Yeah, I is lookin' dat way mom, but all I still see is da same camera..." |
 |
| "Now guys, look at me an' not da camera! It will be awesome!" |
 |
| "Dada, you look good, but I is gonna take a quick snack break. Dis lemon will be perfect!" |
And finally, through all this we settled on this one...
 | ||
| "Dis is da best we could do, Mewwy Christmas!" |
Thursday, February 23, 2012
Do you love coffee?
Do you ever wish you could help a child in need, but would rather just buy coffee? I hear ya!
Have you ever had trouble falling asleep at night because you were too excited to wake up and drink coffee in the morning?
Have you ever wish you could drink yummy coffee such as these?
You can buy these coffees, and then, while you're drinking them and loving it, you'll remember that actually you already DID help a child in need. "Wow, I am so helpful and productive right now," you'll mention to yourself.
Just Love Coffee let's you help Maya come home by doing something you're going to do anyway!
Here's our "storefront." I've heard it's really good coffee, really good. Do you have some spring birthdays coming up, pick up a couple bags while you're at it!
Spread the word! Drinking coffee never felt so good!
Have you ever had trouble falling asleep at night because you were too excited to wake up and drink coffee in the morning?
Have you ever wish you could drink yummy coffee such as these?
Just Love Coffee let's you help Maya come home by doing something you're going to do anyway!
Here's our "storefront." I've heard it's really good coffee, really good. Do you have some spring birthdays coming up, pick up a couple bags while you're at it!
Spread the word! Drinking coffee never felt so good!
"Thank you!" -Maya
Thank you!
WOW! Someone just donated $175 to our adoption fund! THANK YOU! You so totally rock, I don't know who you are, but just know that you could have used that money to buy something for yourself, but instead you are changing the life of a little girl forever!
A last few pieces of paperwork is all we need to finish up this homestudy! PLEASE pray they are quick!
A last few pieces of paperwork is all we need to finish up this homestudy! PLEASE pray they are quick!
Monday, February 20, 2012
I love Washington and Lincoln!
HAPPY PRESIDENTS DAY!
I am so happy about this day, I could dance!
It's official, February is the busiest month of our lives. We have been out of town, hosting large groups, baby showers, adoption paperwork, dear friends coming into town, etc.
I think I have mastered the art of feeding a crowd for less than $2 each (shhh, they don't know. Thank my crock pot)
Finley loves Hawea, they even went on a beach date together. Then that night, shhh, don't tell but they had their first kiss. Hawea's mom told Hawea to give Finley a kiss, and as soon as Finley heard the word kiss, he perked his face up and leaned in at the same moment. It was so sweet!
Before we moved in December, we had a sweet neighbor named Stuart who is a recent widower. We met him at the mail box and chatted over baseball. "We'll have to have you over for dinner, Stuart!" Andrew told him. As soon as Andrew walked home, he called him on the phone and asked about Thursday, "Well, you sure are prompt!" Stuart said when he got the message. We have been close friends ever since. When we moved, he moved to North Carolina, and this weekend he was in town and spent the whole day of Sunday with us. He brought Finley two Richard Scarry books, and I have never seen Finley take to a book so well. He adored those books.
My parents joined us for dinner, and it was just recently my dad's 69th birthday, so I made cupcakes and got him some gardening supplies, because he is a gifted gardner, but hasn't gardened in 10 years! Now's the time!
Well, goodbye for now! I am thinking about doing a painting today and seeing if it will sell as an adoption fundraiser, what do you think?
I am so happy about this day, I could dance!
It's official, February is the busiest month of our lives. We have been out of town, hosting large groups, baby showers, adoption paperwork, dear friends coming into town, etc.
I think I have mastered the art of feeding a crowd for less than $2 each (shhh, they don't know. Thank my crock pot)
 |
| Or have a make your own pizza night, where people bring their own fixins! |
 |
| This was their beach date together with their papa's while mama's were at a sweet baby shower for little Cameron. |
Before we moved in December, we had a sweet neighbor named Stuart who is a recent widower. We met him at the mail box and chatted over baseball. "We'll have to have you over for dinner, Stuart!" Andrew told him. As soon as Andrew walked home, he called him on the phone and asked about Thursday, "Well, you sure are prompt!" Stuart said when he got the message. We have been close friends ever since. When we moved, he moved to North Carolina, and this weekend he was in town and spent the whole day of Sunday with us. He brought Finley two Richard Scarry books, and I have never seen Finley take to a book so well. He adored those books.
My parents joined us for dinner, and it was just recently my dad's 69th birthday, so I made cupcakes and got him some gardening supplies, because he is a gifted gardner, but hasn't gardened in 10 years! Now's the time!
Well, goodbye for now! I am thinking about doing a painting today and seeing if it will sell as an adoption fundraiser, what do you think?
Friday, February 17, 2012
Check, check!
...Medicals, CHECK!
...TB tests passed!
Homestudy, knockin' 'em down one by one!
We're coming sweet girl! We love you!
You have to join us in our family fun.
Baby brother and papa are getting the yard all set up for you! Last night we had friends over, and your papa made his specialty for the girls, hot cocoa with a peppermint in it, it was SO good! He'll make you some when you're home.
Not long now, little one!
...TB tests passed!
Homestudy, knockin' 'em down one by one!
We're coming sweet girl! We love you!
You have to join us in our family fun.
Not long now, little one!
Diapering News Flash!
We interrupt this adoption blog...
...to bring you some cloth diaper breaking news!! Some AMAZING NEWS!
1. Bum Genius came out with their world's best diapers ever. We love it so much.
2. We found the BEST diaper cream, that is cheaper than anything else out there...
HURRRRRAY!!
1. On black Friday, we found a huge mega sale on cloth diapers, so we ordered 6 of the new, "Free Time BumGenius" diapers. Free time? Why not.
Well, apparently they were back ordered because we only JUST got our 2 weeks ago...from black Friday. And they are the BEST! There is no need to stuff the inserts into the pockets, because two inserts are sewn on the inside as flaps. No need to take them out of a soiled diaper, just put them in the pail. I LOVE them. I wish they had these when we first bought our lot.
Ok, so if you are looking to get some more cloth diapers, try these, you will not be dissappointed. Or, if you are thinking about trying cloth diapering for the first time, now there is NO excuse about thinking it's too hard. I would venture to say...I would get these kind ONLY instead of pockets.
2. Ok, we have found the world's best diaper rash cream, and trust me, we've tried them all. For the most part, they have all been expensive, sticky, smelly, hard to spread and there was a danger of leaving thicky, sticky white spots on The Tiny's clothes after I changed him....until.
We tried Crisco. I know, I know, weird, right? But on. my.gooooodnesss. It's amazing.
1. It's SO much cheaper than a big jar of diaper cream, but it goes so much further because it spreads so well.
2. It's clear so when you're done, no mess.
3. It's not super sticky and gross.
4. Finley's little hiney hasn't looked to good for so long in forever. I love this stuff, I think it's good for his skin, at least that's what it looks like.
5. It is shortening so it spreads over skin really well.
Andrew and I love that we discovered it so much. I think our jar of Crisco will last until he's potty trained, meaning goodbye cost of diaper rash cream ever again!
Try it, you'll love it!
I love these two things because they cut down the cost of monthly living, which helps even more to bring big sister home! In fact, I have been finding many ways to pinch every penny, I'll share them with you if anyone else likes that kinda thing!
Have a wonderful weekend!
xoxo
...to bring you some cloth diaper breaking news!! Some AMAZING NEWS!
1. Bum Genius came out with their world's best diapers ever. We love it so much.
2. We found the BEST diaper cream, that is cheaper than anything else out there...
HURRRRRAY!!
1. On black Friday, we found a huge mega sale on cloth diapers, so we ordered 6 of the new, "Free Time BumGenius" diapers. Free time? Why not.
Well, apparently they were back ordered because we only JUST got our 2 weeks ago...from black Friday. And they are the BEST! There is no need to stuff the inserts into the pockets, because two inserts are sewn on the inside as flaps. No need to take them out of a soiled diaper, just put them in the pail. I LOVE them. I wish they had these when we first bought our lot.
2. Ok, we have found the world's best diaper rash cream, and trust me, we've tried them all. For the most part, they have all been expensive, sticky, smelly, hard to spread and there was a danger of leaving thicky, sticky white spots on The Tiny's clothes after I changed him....until.
We tried Crisco. I know, I know, weird, right? But on. my.gooooodnesss. It's amazing.
1. It's SO much cheaper than a big jar of diaper cream, but it goes so much further because it spreads so well.
2. It's clear so when you're done, no mess.
3. It's not super sticky and gross.
4. Finley's little hiney hasn't looked to good for so long in forever. I love this stuff, I think it's good for his skin, at least that's what it looks like.
5. It is shortening so it spreads over skin really well.
Andrew and I love that we discovered it so much. I think our jar of Crisco will last until he's potty trained, meaning goodbye cost of diaper rash cream ever again!
Try it, you'll love it!
Have a wonderful weekend!
xoxo
Monday, February 13, 2012
The night we told my parents about Maya...
We had just committed to Maya on Reece's Rainbow. Our family page wasn't up, but she was no longer listed as a 'waiting child.' It was exciting, it was surreal, so many pieces had come together in crazy ways.
The next day we knew we should tell my parents, in person before they found out via an email or from someone else...but I was nervous. Even though I am grown and have a family of my own, the support of your family is huge. No matter what, we were adopting Maya, but I knew my family's opinion was stronger than I even wanted to admit as an adult. What if they told us we were too young, that she was too old, that that that...our list stretched on.
"Please Lord, let it be good. Help the conversation to go well..." we prayed, not knowing God had set the scene, and already preparing hearts in ways I couldn't have known to ask for.
That day, I got pink eye. I know, nasty...I blame the teaching profession. Andrew called the doctor and got me an appointment for that very night at 6pm. "Oh man!" I lamented against this sweet act of service provided by my dear, responsible husband. "I don't want to go to the doctor toniiiiiiiiight," I whined.
On the way to the doctor, which is in the same city that my parents live, about 20 minutes away, my mom calls and asks what I'm up to. "Oh, we're just driving towards you, actually, I have pink eye and have to go to the doctor." "Gross, pink eye!" she said. "Do you want me to come meet you guys, I am right by there and then I can hold Finley while your in your appointment?' This proposition took me off guard. "Oh, sure," I said. "Then maybe we can go to dinner after?" she asked.
"Um....sounds great," I said. This is not super common. After I hung up, I told Andrew and he said what I already knew: it was the time.
Let's pray, I begged. So we did as we drove.
We parked, handed Finley to my mom, went in, waited, filled out paperwork, got my drops and was out. "I already called dad and he;s on his way to meet us for dinner too," she told us. Perfect, right? Sheesh.
It was just getting to be Finley's bedtime, but he was feeling happy and chipper. We sat down and started to look at the menus filled with brightly colored food, and my mom said, "So I just met this mom who has 3 daughters and recently adopted a toddler from China, and she just LOVES her little Chinese baby so much, she wishes she didn't have to work part time because she only wants to be with her little baby! She's just so in love," she told us.
Oh really?
I segwayed in, "Wow!!! What a lucky little GIRL! I mean, think about her life! Coming from an institution with no family, to now be IN a family here--I mean, her life will be forever changed for the better!" I said, laying it on as thick as I could, searching their eyes for a reaction.
"Oh absolutely, institutions are no places for children," my dad added.
How is this going so well, and we haven't even started yet? How did we even all get together for dinner!?
"Well....along those lines," I cleared my throat and I quickly pulled up her picture on my phone. No matter their reaction, they couldn't argue with the fact that's she is dang cute, I told myself.
"...along those lines, we're adopting...And here she is!" as I quickly placed my phone in their hands.
"WHAT!? You are!!?!? THAT'S AWESOME!" said my dad. "Wow, incredible, how exciting!"
"This is her?" my mom asked, a little more suspicious sounding. "How old is she?"
"uuuuuhhhmmm, so she's actually 9...
"I know it sounds kind of crazy, why couldn't we adopt a baby, right? I mean, we even looked into it, but we just feel like it's her. In fact, we feel like God was specifically leading us to her multiple times." And we shared with them some of the details. (Which I will share here too one day)
My dad looked at us and said the sweetest blessing to us in that moment. "Even though she is older, you two are so mature and gifted in helping kids. You guys were made for this, and this little girl's life is going to be forever changed for the better. I couldn't think of anything better, plus she's a real cutie"
Wow. We were not expecting this. "Wow, thank you, that really is so nice to hear. We actually feel so happy to talk to you guys about this!"
And this is when it gets good...
"What city is she in?" my dad asked.
"Um, I'm not sure, it starts with a V and is on a very far eastern side, it's a port city, I guess I never took the time to sound it out."
"A PORT CITY! Is it V_____________?"(I'm not saying the city for privacy reasons, (nothing a little google search won't satiate) but just know he knew the exact city and pronunciation.)
"Um, why yes, it is V______________. Why do you seem so excited?" I asked.
"V____ is one of THE top places in Russia to visit, full of history and culture. In fact it was THE port city for years to asia! It is just incredible."
Wow, right? Were not expecting that were you? Us either!
"Wow, dad, I had no idea! You sound so excited about it, maybe you should come with us on one of our trips, we have to go there so many times!" I told him.
"Yes, I think I might! That might be great! We could see the city, I could help you with Finley if you need, and then Maya could meet her grandfather, which could be very important for her."
WHAT? Is this a real story? Yes. The END.
So all to say, it went well. As it turns out, maybe getting pink eye was all part of God's plan, I mean right? I mean, how many people have said that before? I couldn't have asked for a better receiving of our news, our Maya girl sure is lucky to be getting the 4 grandparents she is, that's for sure!
To end, how did my dad know about that CITY!? Hahahahha, I LOVE it
The next day we knew we should tell my parents, in person before they found out via an email or from someone else...but I was nervous. Even though I am grown and have a family of my own, the support of your family is huge. No matter what, we were adopting Maya, but I knew my family's opinion was stronger than I even wanted to admit as an adult. What if they told us we were too young, that she was too old, that that that...our list stretched on.
"Please Lord, let it be good. Help the conversation to go well..." we prayed, not knowing God had set the scene, and already preparing hearts in ways I couldn't have known to ask for.
That day, I got pink eye. I know, nasty...I blame the teaching profession. Andrew called the doctor and got me an appointment for that very night at 6pm. "Oh man!" I lamented against this sweet act of service provided by my dear, responsible husband. "I don't want to go to the doctor toniiiiiiiiight," I whined.
On the way to the doctor, which is in the same city that my parents live, about 20 minutes away, my mom calls and asks what I'm up to. "Oh, we're just driving towards you, actually, I have pink eye and have to go to the doctor." "Gross, pink eye!" she said. "Do you want me to come meet you guys, I am right by there and then I can hold Finley while your in your appointment?' This proposition took me off guard. "Oh, sure," I said. "Then maybe we can go to dinner after?" she asked.
"Um....sounds great," I said. This is not super common. After I hung up, I told Andrew and he said what I already knew: it was the time.
Let's pray, I begged. So we did as we drove.
We parked, handed Finley to my mom, went in, waited, filled out paperwork, got my drops and was out. "I already called dad and he;s on his way to meet us for dinner too," she told us. Perfect, right? Sheesh.
It was just getting to be Finley's bedtime, but he was feeling happy and chipper. We sat down and started to look at the menus filled with brightly colored food, and my mom said, "So I just met this mom who has 3 daughters and recently adopted a toddler from China, and she just LOVES her little Chinese baby so much, she wishes she didn't have to work part time because she only wants to be with her little baby! She's just so in love," she told us.
Oh really?
I segwayed in, "Wow!!! What a lucky little GIRL! I mean, think about her life! Coming from an institution with no family, to now be IN a family here--I mean, her life will be forever changed for the better!" I said, laying it on as thick as I could, searching their eyes for a reaction.
"Oh absolutely, institutions are no places for children," my dad added.
How is this going so well, and we haven't even started yet? How did we even all get together for dinner!?
"Well....along those lines," I cleared my throat and I quickly pulled up her picture on my phone. No matter their reaction, they couldn't argue with the fact that's she is dang cute, I told myself.
"...along those lines, we're adopting...And here she is!" as I quickly placed my phone in their hands.
"WHAT!? You are!!?!? THAT'S AWESOME!" said my dad. "Wow, incredible, how exciting!"
"This is her?" my mom asked, a little more suspicious sounding. "How old is she?"
"uuuuuhhhmmm, so she's actually 9...
"I know it sounds kind of crazy, why couldn't we adopt a baby, right? I mean, we even looked into it, but we just feel like it's her. In fact, we feel like God was specifically leading us to her multiple times." And we shared with them some of the details. (Which I will share here too one day)
My dad looked at us and said the sweetest blessing to us in that moment. "Even though she is older, you two are so mature and gifted in helping kids. You guys were made for this, and this little girl's life is going to be forever changed for the better. I couldn't think of anything better, plus she's a real cutie"
Wow. We were not expecting this. "Wow, thank you, that really is so nice to hear. We actually feel so happy to talk to you guys about this!"
And this is when it gets good...
"What city is she in?" my dad asked.
"Um, I'm not sure, it starts with a V and is on a very far eastern side, it's a port city, I guess I never took the time to sound it out."
"A PORT CITY! Is it V_____________?"(I'm not saying the city for privacy reasons, (nothing a little google search won't satiate) but just know he knew the exact city and pronunciation.)
"Um, why yes, it is V______________. Why do you seem so excited?" I asked.
"V____ is one of THE top places in Russia to visit, full of history and culture. In fact it was THE port city for years to asia! It is just incredible."
Wow, right? Were not expecting that were you? Us either!
"Wow, dad, I had no idea! You sound so excited about it, maybe you should come with us on one of our trips, we have to go there so many times!" I told him.
"Yes, I think I might! That might be great! We could see the city, I could help you with Finley if you need, and then Maya could meet her grandfather, which could be very important for her."
WHAT? Is this a real story? Yes. The END.
So all to say, it went well. As it turns out, maybe getting pink eye was all part of God's plan, I mean right? I mean, how many people have said that before? I couldn't have asked for a better receiving of our news, our Maya girl sure is lucky to be getting the 4 grandparents she is, that's for sure!
To end, how did my dad know about that CITY!? Hahahahha, I LOVE it
Wednesday, February 8, 2012
"The Social Worker Will Be Here In 30 Minutes..."
Yesterday while teaching, I got a text that said, "Our social worker is coming over at 11 today!!" as I told my students to never have cell phones out. It was 10am, and I get off work at 10:20am, and she wasn't supposed to come until Thursday, my day off!
All I could think was, I hope they're cleaning up our house!
I rushed home, and lovely enough the house was all picked up. "Oh thank you honey!" I said. "WAIT! Why is Finley still in his jammies! We have to look like we are capable parents and it's almost 11!" I said when I saw the Elmo flannel pants.
"She's not going to care," Andrew said.
"Yeah, you're probably right." But I changed him anyway.
She came at 11:10 and thanked us for letting her come early since she was in the area anyway. We told her how quickly we cleaned before she came over, and she said she didn't care. We toured around, showed her the rooms. We told her that we have done NOTHING to our place because now we have an adoption to pay for, but are kind of happy about that.
We said our goodbyes, and she said she would have our report written up right away once the last few pieces of paperwork come in (Medicals which will be in a week, CPA report and our reference letters. Thank you to our amazing friends who wrote them :)
Our agency just sent us a HUGE packet of papers to go through, and once we do and pay a HUGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGEEEEEEEEEE fee............ (Seriously, don't even think about it)
We can get the date for our first trip....SOOOOOOON! Oh Happy DAY! I can't wait to meet my sweet girl! Andrew and I are counting down the minutes. Isn't that funny since we have never met her?? I just want her to KNOW that we're coming. Just to know how loved she is! We'll have to come home after and wait for a couple months for court before we pick her up, but while we wait, she'll know!
I am sure, because of her age, she may feel shy or awkward in some ways when first meeting us as opposed to the little ones who are just happy and rush in. Luckily, Andrew and I can handle awkward situations and youth like it were brushin' our teeth. Chalk it up to a lot of time spent with junior highers. A lot--we love it.
I want to make a picture book to leave with her of our home and family and friends. Maybe Lucy and Piper will have to have their own page...sheesh--those cats.
I love our homestudy agency. Any San Diegans who need a good recommendation, let me know.
In the meantime, we are taking our 'on-line adoption classes.' I know it sounds like a drag, but it's seriously not bad, almost fun. Sometimes is hard reading what happens to kids in poor environments, but more than anything it lights a fire for us for adoption even more.
I'll leave you with a couple recent pics:
All I could think was, I hope they're cleaning up our house!
I rushed home, and lovely enough the house was all picked up. "Oh thank you honey!" I said. "WAIT! Why is Finley still in his jammies! We have to look like we are capable parents and it's almost 11!" I said when I saw the Elmo flannel pants.
"She's not going to care," Andrew said.
"Yeah, you're probably right." But I changed him anyway.
She came at 11:10 and thanked us for letting her come early since she was in the area anyway. We told her how quickly we cleaned before she came over, and she said she didn't care. We toured around, showed her the rooms. We told her that we have done NOTHING to our place because now we have an adoption to pay for, but are kind of happy about that.
We said our goodbyes, and she said she would have our report written up right away once the last few pieces of paperwork come in (Medicals which will be in a week, CPA report and our reference letters. Thank you to our amazing friends who wrote them :)
Our agency just sent us a HUGE packet of papers to go through, and once we do and pay a HUGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGEEEEEEEEEE fee............ (Seriously, don't even think about it)
We can get the date for our first trip....SOOOOOOON! Oh Happy DAY! I can't wait to meet my sweet girl! Andrew and I are counting down the minutes. Isn't that funny since we have never met her?? I just want her to KNOW that we're coming. Just to know how loved she is! We'll have to come home after and wait for a couple months for court before we pick her up, but while we wait, she'll know!
I am sure, because of her age, she may feel shy or awkward in some ways when first meeting us as opposed to the little ones who are just happy and rush in. Luckily, Andrew and I can handle awkward situations and youth like it were brushin' our teeth. Chalk it up to a lot of time spent with junior highers. A lot--we love it.
I want to make a picture book to leave with her of our home and family and friends. Maybe Lucy and Piper will have to have their own page...sheesh--those cats.
I love our homestudy agency. Any San Diegans who need a good recommendation, let me know.
In the meantime, we are taking our 'on-line adoption classes.' I know it sounds like a drag, but it's seriously not bad, almost fun. Sometimes is hard reading what happens to kids in poor environments, but more than anything it lights a fire for us for adoption even more.
I'll leave you with a couple recent pics:
 |
| Little boy boy! (Don't dis our dresser in the background! It's Andrew's from when he grew up) |
 |
| 'Boy time' with Uncle Matty |
 |
| A Sunny Dandilion |
 |
| S'MORES AT CHURCH!!!!! Best night of church EVER! I mean, right? |
Sunday, February 5, 2012
wow
Thank you to each person supporting us in this adoption of our sweet Maya. We can never thank you enough.
I want to dedicate this video to each person who prayed, shared and donated to us. We love you.
Orphan Sunday 2011 from Christian Alliance for Orphans on Vimeo.
I want to dedicate this video to each person who prayed, shared and donated to us. We love you.
Orphan Sunday 2011 from Christian Alliance for Orphans on Vimeo.
Wednesday, February 1, 2012
Finley's going to be a little brother!
We're adopting, and here she is:
**SORRYY NO PICS**
Precious, right? I know.
I just started a post where I started writing out the whole process of finding and seeking her out, our questions, our journey, but I saved it for another day.
I am such a better 'in person' explainer. I am at a loss for the magnitude for words to desrcibe the joy, fear, the excitment and questions we've had about this little girl. The peace we have now, the tangible miracles God has shown us, and our crazy journey of faith.
This little girl has already altered and affected our lives for the better and we haven't even met her yet. Each day I am learning new things about faith, sacrifice and love. We have at times shrunk to fear of what others might think, hearing voices of, "once they know you are adopting her, they'll think you're crazy. No one will really want you to, people will be upset, you'll lose people you love." But how could we ignore what we knew at that point to be a clear leading?
But. As it turns out.
We have been blessed beyond measure for those heart pumping, quick moments of telling close family and friends; "So, we're adopting. And it's a little girl, well, she's 9."
"WOW! THAT'S AMAZING! WHAT A LUCKY LITTLE GIRL!" was what we heard the first time, and we sat spell bound. Stunned silence, then a swell of relief, followed by heart soaring joy. "Wow, it's truly, really feels so good to talk about this, to have your support!"
As the weeks go by, I will type Maya's story here, bit by bit. Some for her to read one day, some to remind myself that God is a powerful, loving God and that very few things matter more to him than his children, and that seeking Him truly is best. (Despite my arguing at first)
In the meantime, we hope to this year become a family of 4. In fact, we are doing everything humanly possible to bring Maya home bye late summer.
A couple people have asked me (actually a literal couple; 2, so this is for you ;) what they can do to help--which makes me tear up actually just for the support, and also that you believe that adoption is a good thing. That maybe you might love Maya a little but too.
1. Please pray. God has been leading, but there has also been a small amount of what might be spiritual warfare.
Please pray for Maya that her heart will be prepared for a family. It may not be an easy adjustment right away to have two people suddenly very invested in your life when you were once alone, all while you learn a new language.
Also, we have paperwork out the wazoo (<---why did I say that word, what is it 1996?)
2. The biggest thing standing in the space between Maya and us is her ransom money. I truly believe that that is what the cost of adoption is, ransom for a life. So, if you have any good ideas for a fundraiser, send them my way. I feel so hesitant to do a fundraiser, like I don't want to bug people or take up their time....hmmm, I don't know--I think I'll have to get over it.
Also, Reece's Rainbow has set up a Family Sponsorship page just for us! (They are the best) You can actually donate tax deductible money to help us bring Maya home. Today, someone donated $5 to her fund! WHAAAAAAAAAT?!?!?!? That's so cool!
Again, like I said, we're adopting. Her name is Maya. She's a little girl, and we love her, and no we aren't nieve or dumb (well, who's to say) but we can't wait!
Three cheers for a family of 4!!!!
LOVE,
Amy, Andrew and Finley
**SORRYY NO PICS**
Precious, right? I know.
I just started a post where I started writing out the whole process of finding and seeking her out, our questions, our journey, but I saved it for another day.
I am such a better 'in person' explainer. I am at a loss for the magnitude for words to desrcibe the joy, fear, the excitment and questions we've had about this little girl. The peace we have now, the tangible miracles God has shown us, and our crazy journey of faith.
This little girl has already altered and affected our lives for the better and we haven't even met her yet. Each day I am learning new things about faith, sacrifice and love. We have at times shrunk to fear of what others might think, hearing voices of, "once they know you are adopting her, they'll think you're crazy. No one will really want you to, people will be upset, you'll lose people you love." But how could we ignore what we knew at that point to be a clear leading?
But. As it turns out.
We have been blessed beyond measure for those heart pumping, quick moments of telling close family and friends; "So, we're adopting. And it's a little girl, well, she's 9."
"WOW! THAT'S AMAZING! WHAT A LUCKY LITTLE GIRL!" was what we heard the first time, and we sat spell bound. Stunned silence, then a swell of relief, followed by heart soaring joy. "Wow, it's truly, really feels so good to talk about this, to have your support!"
As the weeks go by, I will type Maya's story here, bit by bit. Some for her to read one day, some to remind myself that God is a powerful, loving God and that very few things matter more to him than his children, and that seeking Him truly is best. (Despite my arguing at first)
In the meantime, we hope to this year become a family of 4. In fact, we are doing everything humanly possible to bring Maya home bye late summer.
A couple people have asked me (actually a literal couple; 2, so this is for you ;) what they can do to help--which makes me tear up actually just for the support, and also that you believe that adoption is a good thing. That maybe you might love Maya a little but too.
1. Please pray. God has been leading, but there has also been a small amount of what might be spiritual warfare.
Please pray for Maya that her heart will be prepared for a family. It may not be an easy adjustment right away to have two people suddenly very invested in your life when you were once alone, all while you learn a new language.
Also, we have paperwork out the wazoo (<---why did I say that word, what is it 1996?)
2. The biggest thing standing in the space between Maya and us is her ransom money. I truly believe that that is what the cost of adoption is, ransom for a life. So, if you have any good ideas for a fundraiser, send them my way. I feel so hesitant to do a fundraiser, like I don't want to bug people or take up their time....hmmm, I don't know--I think I'll have to get over it.
Also, Reece's Rainbow has set up a Family Sponsorship page just for us! (They are the best) You can actually donate tax deductible money to help us bring Maya home. Today, someone donated $5 to her fund! WHAAAAAAAAAT?!?!?!? That's so cool!
Again, like I said, we're adopting. Her name is Maya. She's a little girl, and we love her, and no we aren't nieve or dumb (well, who's to say) but we can't wait!
Three cheers for a family of 4!!!!
LOVE,
Amy, Andrew and Finley
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