Sick on his 2nd Birthday

Oh bummer, Jud's got a yucky bug. On his 2nd birthday too! Oh well, good thing it was a laid back birthday, and he doesn't really know. We'll celebrate another day!

In other news, I canceled Emma's surgery for tomorrow. This great Dr whom I took Emma to see, at an International Adoption Clinic, called me on Sat and asked me some good questions regarding the surgery. All of which I didn't have good answers too. So, in the end, I'm taking Emma to see a different hand guy, an orthopedic hand surgeon on Friday April 8th, and have rescheduled the surgery for April 27th in case I want to go through with it. Thanks for praying and asking!

I've also scheduled surgery for Emma's eyes(to unclog her tear ducts) on the April 20th. Both are outpatient. Pray for wisdom for us and for me to rest in God's great control as life seems very out of control!

Friday Update

Who needs a gate when you can put a child in a box and keep them from each other and from harm? Just throw a few books and toys in there and get a good 15 minutes of freedom.

Oh my goodness, you need to watch this video.

On the serious side we took Emma to a hand specialist yesterday and he right away knew that he wanted to separate her 2 fingers. She has all the bones for 2 fingers, actually she has a few extra bones in those fingers, but they are webbed together a term called, "syndactyly". Her 2 middle toes are also webbed a bit. Anyway, due to our moving this summer, and to just get it done, Emma will have surgery next Wed. It is outpatient, but she will be put under. Ask me for more details if you want, otherwise, I'll just ask you to pray for her and for me. Have a good weekend!

For E

Well, my friend E called me today. And because I love her and because she is going through chemo right now, and because she busted my chops about not posting lately(ok, she really didn't bust my chops, but I like to say that even though I don't know what that means). She gently nudged me to update. So this ones for you friend! And in no order, why is it so difficult to arrange photos on this here blog thing? Oh well, enjoy the out of order pics. I'm too tired to work hard to get them in order. Does that give you a clue about how I'm adjusting to 4? Emma is doing so well. I on the other hand, am doing, "ok". Life is busy. I'm working to figure out the new "normal". I'm refereeing mostof the day with the older 2 and younger 2. I should take a class on refereeing, I could use some help.

Judson gently(or not) nudging Emma to get closer to the neighbor's dogs. She actually was not scared at all. When they would bark she would jump a little but not move.
Emma can hold a snack trap with her right hand! How about that! We have seen a few dr's the last few weeks. They all say that she is doing really well and that she is really small. We are going to see a hand surgeon in April, but the dr's don't think that anything will be done because her right hand is pretty functional.
She can say "cheese". Have I mentioned that she is a total ham and loves a camera? Grandma Susan is here to visit for a few days!
Judson and his belly.
In case you think I've forgotten my 2nd born. He loves to dip oreos.

Emma loves her new found oreo's too.
Trying to read to the little ones.
I now like my bath!! Daddy taught me!
Big and small.
Sharing a blanket.
Sunglasses.


She warmed up to Papu.
Our friend Sandra stayed with us a few days as she prepared to move.
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Who needs toys when you have a recycling bin?

Home at last

The plane ride home was uneventful! Caroline and Emma slept like champs, which was great, but on my legs, which was a bit uncomfortable! We were delayed in Chicago and like walking zombies. At one point I went to the bathroom with the girls and came back to a sleeping Mark while sitting up. No one stole anything:)

Just getting home at 1:30 am. Mom made it special with balloons!
I woke up hearing Judson yelling, "jie jie" which means big sister in Chinese! He missed her!Happy reunion with the boys!!We had to wake Emma up at 8:30. She actually was up in the night for the first three nights, around 4 am. But has been sleeping thru the night the last 2 nights!! She is sharing Caroline's room. This is Judson finally meeting Emma. Notice my anxious face:) He is pretty rough with her, but she is a champ. It seems like she finds him interesting. She just looks at him and hardly ever cries at his roughness. Lawrence is the sweetest big brother. He is so gentle with her and brings her toys and tries to calm her when she cries! My little boy is growing up!

This is me feeling overwhelmed that first morning. What? 4 kids?

Emma likes the train.

The "twins" sitting by the garbage can. Judson is 6 months older than Emma. And 16 pounds heavier.

2 thumb suckers. They have to share momma's lap and generally won't let the other one sit there alone.

All in all its been such a great adjusting time. That is much due to my serving parents who are still here. I've talked them into staying another week(actually they had already planned on it). Its such a blessing that they are so willing to serve me and our family. I've taken Emma to mulitple dr appts already and couldn't have done it without their help. I wouldn't have any clean house or laundry without them either. Thanks mom and dad!!

Emma is doing great. She is eating solids well. Just ate her first peanut butter sandwich today and has moved on to whole milk! She is sleeping for one nap and through the night. She tools around the house and finds things to play with. She is playing with the kids and the grandparents. We are so blessed to have her and for the ease with which she is blending into our family.

Thanks for your prayers and encouragement!!