tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-48616982233429561802024-03-12T19:53:03.580-05:00Layers of Life...Chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13953264748445346381noreply@blogger.comBlogger359125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4861698223342956180.post-34013263508000778522016-05-23T21:08:00.000-05:002016-05-23T23:28:34.184-05:00This kid.....it's his birthday!Yeah, yeah....<br />
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<br />
I know he isn't a kid anymore.<br />
<br />
He's (gulp) a grown man.<br />
<br />
A grown married man.<br />
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But the thing is....<br />
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He's still my boy.<br />
<br />
My baby, if you will.<br />
<br />
And this baby?<br />
<br />
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<br />
Well.<br />
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Pretty much a miracle.<br />
<br />
<b>All</b> babies are miracles. But this kid, this second child of mine? He beat the odds. He overcame obstacles even before he was born.....<br />
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Twenty-nine years ago when I was just 10 weeks pregnant with Scott, I got the chicken pox. Yep. already had them once when I was a kid. (But you know, getting them twice is what the cool kids do.) And one more interesting little fact....I got these "fun little pox" from my (then) one year old son. So, yeah. Scott's older brother was already giving him a hard time in utero. ;)<br />
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<span id="goog_1150888694"></span><br />
Several doctors advised us to "terminate the pregnancy".<br />
<br />
Ummm, what?<br />
<br />
Why?<br />
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Apparently, "<b><i>the</i></b> fetus" a.k.a. my precious baby, could have been born with some severe birth defects. Needless to say, it was scary for this mom who was only 24 at the time. It was scary for my husband as well.<br />
<br />
Doctors were telling us to do something that we would never consider.<br />
Doctors were telling us that the birth defects would be too hard for us.<br />
<i>For us.</i><br />
For us???<br />
What in the world????<br />
<br />
We found a doctor who supported our decision <b>not </b>to "terminate the pregnancy".<br />
<br />
Our new doctor told us there was a chance that our baby would not be affected by the chicken pox virus. Our doctor also asked us if we believed in miracles. Yes, we do kind sir!<br />
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Regardless, our baby <i>simply</i> was our baby. Period.<br />
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<b>We trusted God no matter the outcome.</b><br />
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And our son?<br />
<br />
Scott?<br />
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<br />
He was born healthy.<br />
<br />
A miracle. <i>Thank you, Jesus!</i><br />
<br />
Can't even imagine life without him.<br />
<br />
Can't. Even.<br />
<br />
This kid who always rooted (and still does) for the underdog.<br />
This kid who is passionate, loving, kind, and generous.<br />
This kid who is the truest of the true, loyal, hard-working, and dependable.<br />
This kid who grew into an amazing man of God.<br />
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He's twenty-nine years old today!!!<br />
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Happy Birthday Miracle Boy!<br />
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Love you more than you will ever know!<br />
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<br />Chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13953264748445346381noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4861698223342956180.post-63436238155321651712016-04-17T09:54:00.000-05:002016-04-23T09:56:35.136-05:00The Big 4!My littlest one is four!<br />
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<br />
Not sure how <i>that</i> happened.<br />
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It seems like yesterday, we were just bringing him home from China....<br />
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And now.<br />
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He's four.<br />
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And this little one?<br />
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He's into Diggers and Dump Trucks...and all things "construction"!<br />
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Can you tell?<br />
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He was enthralled with his cake.<br />
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Quite frankly, so were we!<br />
It <i>was</i> super yummy.<br />
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Blowing out the candles is some serious business.<br />
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Gotta really strategize.<br />
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<br />
Four candles.<br />
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Gotta get 'er done.<br />
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And that last one?<br />
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Super hard to get.<br />
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But finally.<br />
<br />
This.<br />
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What really makes this day special??<br />
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How about celebrating with Dad?<br />
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It's Daddy's birthday too!<br />
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<br />
Daddy got his own cake as well.<br />
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We are so blessed to celebrate with family.....<br />
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<br />
But.<br />
<br />
All good things must come to an end.<br />
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<br />
<br />
Birthdays.<br />
<br />
And picture taking. Ahem.<br />
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There are only so many pictures one little four year old boy can take.<br />
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<br />Chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13953264748445346381noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4861698223342956180.post-87621477407967055552015-06-11T21:02:00.000-05:002015-06-11T21:02:02.265-05:00Hanging at the library.<br />
The kids love going to the library.<br />
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<br />
<br />
Today it was hopping. <br />
Maybe it had something to do with the fact that it was a cold and rainy day in June????<br />
There is always so to do.<br />
<br />
Trucks.<br />
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<br />
Dinosaurs.<br />
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Puppet play.<br />
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The "Bathtub". Every library has one, right?</div>
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Oh yeah.</div>
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And the books!</div>
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Can't forget about the books!!</div>
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It was such a long line to check out books.....</div>
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Thus the "face'.</div>
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Library.</div>
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Always a good time!</div>
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Chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13953264748445346381noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4861698223342956180.post-36666595977541400882015-05-26T13:34:00.000-05:002015-05-26T13:36:09.001-05:00An Uncle and A Nephew<br />
....who are only 3 months apart.<br />
<br />
Yep.<br />
<br />
Jude is Archer's Uncle.<br />
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However, this Uncle and Nephew combo are also pretty good friends.<br />
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<br />
They play and fight together.<br />
The share and grab toys from each other.<br />
The hug and push each other down.<br />
They laugh together.<br />
They cry together.<br />
They also like to make very loud noises together!!!<br />
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<br />
Picture taking???<br />
They get antsy.<br />
Quickly.<br />
<br />
"Dude, tell your mom to stop taking pictures."<br />
<br />
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<br />
Yep, they are done with the picture taking thing!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVq59UYAkZMl5RS0osPuS0KjmTSYSm9Z1CCAm9gX-Tmhx1iYmvAl85kJF1u4ecu9VjDDV_8j3tURsYRA5e6pmUSX04RUJyNua_5UwSRn63ASlG15Jh_2oQwcqPbYagG526Pz0Pr82FHOU/s1600/IMG_0418.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVq59UYAkZMl5RS0osPuS0KjmTSYSm9Z1CCAm9gX-Tmhx1iYmvAl85kJF1u4ecu9VjDDV_8j3tURsYRA5e6pmUSX04RUJyNua_5UwSRn63ASlG15Jh_2oQwcqPbYagG526Pz0Pr82FHOU/s400/IMG_0418.JPG" width="362" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
So yeah, my family is a little unconventional.....<br />
<br />
But, as a mom <i>and</i> a mimi, I couldn't be more blessed!<br />
Love these two boys to the moon and back!<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13953264748445346381noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4861698223342956180.post-8968725825367555502015-04-29T14:00:00.003-05:002015-04-29T14:00:50.046-05:00Wordless Wednesday {this is how we play}<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />Chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13953264748445346381noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4861698223342956180.post-59081360515298056492015-04-22T17:25:00.000-05:002015-05-25T17:26:07.933-05:00Finally.....we can go outside and play!<br />
Up here in the north....<br />
It takes a while, a l-o-n-g while before it's warm enough to hang out at our local playground.<br />
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Finally.<br />
A nice day.<br />
Playground here we come!<br />
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What is it about a playground?<br />
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It's just fun.<br />
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Simple fun.<br />
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No bells and whistles.<br />
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Just kids having a good time and making memories!<br />
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<br />Chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13953264748445346381noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4861698223342956180.post-13901019973313948482015-04-19T15:13:00.000-05:002015-05-25T17:05:51.307-05:00Birthday Buddies<br />
Jude's birthday is on April 17th.<br />
Dave's birthday is on April 18th.<br />
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What fun!<br />
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Daddy and Jude celebrating birthdays together!<br />
How special is that?<br />
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"Someone" was super duper excited!!<br />
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Blowing out the candles.....<br />
Easy-peasy when you're three!<br />
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And we tried to make it real easy and for the "person" who wasn't three. (wink-wink)<br />
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Birthday Buddies!!<br />
What a blessing!<br />
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<br />Chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13953264748445346381noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4861698223342956180.post-40675817792696223672015-04-19T08:33:00.000-05:002015-05-17T15:14:51.613-05:00Jude's is three!!!<br />
Our little guy is three!!<br />
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THIS is our FIRST birthday celebration with him!<br />
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My heart swells with love for him.<br />
We are so blessed to have Jude as our son.....forever!<br />
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All though we weren't able to celebrate his first and second birthdays with him......<br />
We certainly are thrilled to be celebrating Jude's third birthday as a family!<br />
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This kid.<br />
Such joy.<br />
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So much love!!!!<br />
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Oh, precious boy.....<br />
How we love you!<br />
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<br />
Happy Third Birthday, Jude!<br />
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<br />Chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13953264748445346381noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4861698223342956180.post-52138970385110476452014-11-17T17:59:00.000-06:002014-11-17T18:11:41.871-06:00{His} smile......<br />
<br />
Jude had his lip repaired on October 29th.<br />
<br />
Look at his wonderful "new" smile!!!<br />
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I'm amazed.<br />
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I'm thankful.<br />
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<br />
It's beautiful.<br />
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<br />
<br />
BUT.<br />
<br />
I do miss his "first" smile.<br />
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<br />
<br />
Pure joy!<br />
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<br />
<br />
His big wide, adorable smile.<br />
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<br />
LOVE, LOVE, LOVE!!!!!! And I MISS, MISS, MISS it!<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
And you know what?<br />
<br />
I must confess, I was nervous, afraid of his "first" smile.<br />
<br />
I worried about his "first" smile for months before I met him.<br />
<br />
I didn't know what to expect. I didn't want people to stare...to judge...to...oh, I don't know.....<br />
<br />
I.Don't.Know.<br />
I just don't know.....<br />
What in the world was I so afraid of?????<br />
<br />
THEN.<br />
I.<br />
MET.<br />
HIM.<br />
<br />
And EVERYTHING changed.<br />
No fear.<br />
Only love!<br />
<br />
Those first - tentative "first" smiles.....while we were in China.....<br />
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<br />
<br />
Oh my!<br />
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<br />
Be still my heart!<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Now.<br />
<br />
He has THIS smile....<br />
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<br />
<br />
A sweet "new" smile.<br />
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<br />
A smile I can hardly resist.<br />
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<br />
<br />
<br />
That "first" smile.....it melted my heart.<br />
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<br />
<br />
This "new" smile?<br />
Melts my heart FOREVER!<br />
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<br />Chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13953264748445346381noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4861698223342956180.post-66083918906273177372014-08-27T21:18:00.001-05:002014-08-27T21:18:16.315-05:00First Day of School<br />
Yep, it's another 'first day of school'......<br />
<br />
I'm filled with all kinds of emotions.<br />
<br />
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Like:<br />
<br />
<i>*Wow, summer is over???? Wait, how did that happen?</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>*Finally. School has started. </i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>*I'm going to miss our lazy, unscheduled days of just doing whatever, whenever.</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>*The girls really need some structure. (I really need some structure!)</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i><br /></i>
Sigh.<br />
<br />
My little girlies are growing up on me.<br />
<br />
They didn't even want to have their backpacks in their "first day of school" picture.<br />
What is this world coming to?<br />
I love their backpacks!<br />
<br />
Shea is in 4th grade this year.<br />
She scampered off to her class and didn't even need me to help her......with anything! For shame!<br />
At least she let me take a picture of her.<br />
As you can tell she wasn't thrilled with the idea.<br />
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<br />
Avery is in third grade.<br />
She gladly accepted my help!<br />
Made this momma happy.<br />
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<br />
My second round of kiddos seems to be growing up on me. (How does that keep happening???)<br />
I really missed them today.<br />
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<br />
Good thing I have "round three" to keep my days filled.<br />
My grandson and my youngest son.<br />
2 two year olds.<br />
Yep.<br />
They keep me hopping.<br />
And I love it!<br />
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By the way, these two little bubbas are NOT growing up.<br />
Just saying....<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13953264748445346381noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4861698223342956180.post-59110649778027964112014-07-20T15:00:00.000-05:002015-05-25T17:06:16.134-05:00These Two!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />
<br />
These Two.... Oh, the joy they bring me!<br />
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<br />
It's the simple things.....<br />
Like their "after lunch Lolli-pops". Or as Archer calls them: Suckuuuurs.<br />
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<br />
My grand-baby, Archer and my sweet baby boy, Jude.....<br />
<br />
Uncle and nephew. <br />
Pals. <br />
Fearsome Twosome.<br />
Conspirators.<br />
<br />
Friends forever!<br />
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This Mommy/Mimi thinks These Two are priceless!<br />
<br />Chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13953264748445346381noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4861698223342956180.post-3746028502171892432014-07-13T20:38:00.000-05:002014-07-13T20:38:33.046-05:00A little swim time.....<br />
<br />
<i>*Forgot to post this. Lately, that is how I roll</i>. <i>Our "swim time" happened in June. Since then, it has been literally too cold to go swimming.</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<br />
It was finally warm enough *kinda* to visit our local swimming pool.<br />
<br />
We like to go after dinner, the crowd usually thins out at this time of the day.<br />
<br />
We pretty much get the whole pool to ourselves!<br />
<br />
Jude LOVES to take a bath so I was hoping he would enjoy the big ole "bathtub" outside.<br />
<br />
And yep. He certainly enjoyed himself.<br />
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Then he got cold!<br />
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Time to wrap up and get warm....<br />
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Love my little penguin!<br />
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<br />Chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13953264748445346381noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4861698223342956180.post-36689552946391600822014-06-17T17:30:00.000-05:002014-07-13T17:31:18.186-05:00Playing at the Mall<br />
<br />
We went to the mall the other day.<br />
<br />
Faith (my oldest daughter) and Archer (her son).<br />
Shea, Avery, Jude and me.<br />
<br />
Just did a little shopping.....a little eating.....and a little playing!<br />
<br />
Our mall has a small play area. Faith suggested that we let the kids, mainly boys play there for a bit.<br />
I wasn't so sure..... Jude had only been home a few weeks......<br />
<br />
What the heck. Let's have a go at it.<br />
<br />
This was the first time that Archer and Jude would actually "play" together, hmmmmm???<br />
<br />
And y'all know that Jude is only a few months older than my grandson, right? <br />
Jude is Archer's uncle.<br />
Interesting to say the least. ;)<br />
<br />
Archer is a whirlwind. He is fast on his feet. He is confident. He is so stinking cute!<br />
<br />
Jude (for now) is very tentative. Kinda wobbles when he walks. He is cautious and careful. He, too, is so stinking cute!<br />
<br />
And off they went!<br />
<br />
Fearless Archer followed by shaky Jude.<br />
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<br />
This may have been Jude's first time going down a slide.<br />
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C'mon Dude, I'll wait for you.....<br />
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But only for a second.....<br />
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<br />
Left in the dust again.<br />
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<br />
It was so much fun watching these two run, climb, and play!<br />
<br />
I think Jude had a ball!<br />
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I am one blessed Mommy/Mimi!!!Chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13953264748445346381noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4861698223342956180.post-6776530663209154012014-06-14T07:48:00.003-05:002014-06-14T07:48:25.518-05:00A day of 'firsts"<br />
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<br />
Jude had his <i>first</i> clinic appointment with Cleft Lip/Palate team last week Friday.<br />
This is where he sees about five specialists and then they determine the best course of action for him.<br />
<br />
The appointment went fine. He was a trooper. The doctors, nurses, social worker, and speech pathologist were all wonderful.<br />
<br />
The surgeon feels it is best to repair his palate<i> first, </i>then his lip. I wasn't expecting that recommendation. Repairing the palate first will give Jude the ability to talk. As of now, he really can't form any words. His surgeon doesn't want Jude to fall behind any further than he already has concerning his speech. We are planning for surgery this month. Then in about three months he will be re-evaluated by the speech pathologist. And she will determine if our next course of action.<br />
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Jude is trying to talk. He really is. I see that he is beginning to get frustrated when we don't understand him. We have started to learn sign language at our house. It is really fun, and Jude is responding well to it. But man, if he can actually begin to talk after his palate repair that would be wonderful!<br />
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Our clinic appointment wrapped up around noon.<br />
It is about a two hour drive to get home.<br />
Shea and Avery were so good and patient during Jude's morning of appointments so we thought we would take the kids to the area's local FREE zoo.<br />
<br />
Why not?<br />
Another <i>first </i>for Jude.<br />
<br />
The afternoon was perfect.<br />
Sunny.<br />
Pleasant temperature.<br />
Good moods all the way around.<br />
<br />
The zoo was very nice. It's small, but has a lot of the animals that kids (and adults) love to see.<br />
<br />
We saw.....<br />
Seals<br />
A Rhino<br />
Giraffes<br />
A Lion<br />
A Tiger<br />
Monkeys<br />
A Peacock<br />
Camels<br />
Penguins<br />
Alpacas<br />
<br />
Then IT happened.<br />
Twice!<br />
The one thing I knew would eventually happen....<br />
The one thing that I dreaded.<br />
The one thing that I wasn't sure I could handle well or properly or with grace....<br />
<br />
While we were exiting the Primate house....<br />
A boy who was about 9 years old.....<br />
Stopped.<br />
Stared.<br />
Pointed.<br />
Made a horrifying face....<br />
At my sweet Jude.<br />
<br />
My heart stopped.<br />
<br />
It was so crowed.<br />
It happened so quickly.<br />
The girls saw what this boy was doing.<br />
<br />
I had to say something.<br />
<br />
I asked the boy to stop pointing.<br />
I told him that my baby simply had a cleft lip.<br />
No biggie.<br />
And please stop making that face.<br />
<br />
And swoosh, we were out of that Primate House.<br />
The boy's face lingered in my mind.....<br />
<br />
My husband was waiting for us on a bench.<br />
I told him what happened and what I said.<br />
The end.<br />
<br />
I know the boy probably has never seen an un-repaired cleft lip before....but THAT.FACE.HE.MADE.????<br />
<br />
Really???<br />
<br />
Time to go home.<br />
<br />
Then IT happened AGAIN.<br />
<br />
As we were walking to our car, we passed a group of school kiddos who seemed to be either kindergarteners or first graders.<br />
<br />
One little boy came rushing up to the stroller....<br />
<br />
He wanted to know if Jude got hurt.<br />
Why was his lip like that?<br />
What was wrong with his lip?<br />
This boy was truly concerned.<br />
<br />
My heart softened.....<br />
<br />
I told the boy there was nothing wrong with Jude's lip.<br />
I explained that Jude's lip was just different.<br />
He will have surgery to repair his lip.<br />
<br />
The boy still seemed confused and concerned.<br />
<br />
The boy looked at his teacher and asked her why was Jude's lip different?<br />
The teacher reiterated what I had just said with compassion and love.<br />
She gently put her arm around the boy and told him that Jude is just fine.<br />
<br />
The other teacher can right up to Jude and told him he was darling and "oh, so cute".<br />
<br />
His teachers were angels!<br />
Truly wonderful.<br />
<br />
We continued to walk to our car.<br />
We were all processing what had just occurred.<br />
<br />
My Shea, my sweet out spoken matter of fact ain't no body gonna say anything about my baby brother, daughter was so ANGRY!!!<br />
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She said with her arms folded across her chest:<br />
<b>Why can't people think before they speak??</b><br />
<b>This is ridiculous!</b><br />
<br />
She too is cleft affected.<br />
Her lip was repaired while she was in China, but she has had quite a few surgeries to repair her palate and has quite a few surgeries coming up.<br />
When she was younger, kids had asked her why her lip looks different.<br />
She boldly told them why.<br />
However, she is older now.<br />
She is very self-conscious of her lip and nose.<br />
She just wants to blend in and not talk about her 'different' lip and nose.<br />
<br />
*sigh*<br />
<br />
All three kids fell asleep in the car as we traveled home.<br />
<br />
Dave and I talked about what happened.<br />
It does hurt.<br />
I just want to protect my kids.<br />
Jude doesn't have a clue.<br />
Shea and Avery do.<br />
<br />
God in His wisdom is teaching us so much through Jude.<br />
Jude is precious.<br />
He is simply perfect.<br />
He is God's amazing child.<br />
He is sweet and gently and happy.<br />
<br />
We are all learning FIRST HAND that what God has created IS majestic, wonderful, and perfect.<br />
That appearances are not what makes us who we are.<br />
<br />
It is HOW we are....<br />
It is HOW we live our lives.<br />
It is our HEARTS and LOVE for others that define us.<br />
<br />
Our family can see beyond Jude's lip.<br />
He is so much more than that little lip.<br />
He is already teaching us so much.<br />
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And isn't it interesting that our surgeon will be repairing his palate first?<br />
Here we thought it was going to be his lip.<br />
We wanted his lip to be repaired ASAP.<br />
We thought that would be best for him.<br />
<br />
Funny how things work out......<br />
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<br />Chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13953264748445346381noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4861698223342956180.post-38563044097796652682014-05-27T04:23:00.000-05:002014-05-27T04:23:03.333-05:00Jude Is Coming Home ~ Day 11 {consulate appointment}<br />
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Finally!<br />
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Today marks the day that all our adoption paperwork is complete!<br />
<br />
We went to the American Embassy to submit paper work for Jude's visa. This allows him to come into the USA! We also took an oath that all the paperwork we have done and submitted is truthful and honest to the best of our ability and knowledge. Jude will acquire US citizenship when we land on US soil.....that will be in Chicago!!! Woot-woot to the Windy City!<br />
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Later, we went to Shamian Island for lunch and shopping.<br />
<br />
We stopped at the famous Lucy's. It is still good as ever!<br />
The hamburgers and french fries were amazing!<br />
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We shopped at Jenny's and A Gift from China....plus a few others local shops.<br />
<br />
We bought all the typical things:<br />
Squeaky Shoes (oh, yes I did!)<br />
Traditional Chinese Outfits<br />
Chopsticks<br />
Purses<br />
Etc.<br />
<br />
We had some coffee and dessert at Starbucks with our wonderful travel group. <br />
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Lisa really wanted to take a picture of Jude with the statue kids.....<br />
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LOVE THIS!<br />
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Shamian Island is such a lovely place.<br />
I really miss spending time here.<br />
<br />
Our bus was waiting for us.....pretty nice, huh?<br />
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<br />
Back to the hotel room.<br />
Jude really needed a nap.<br />
<br />
This will be our last night here in Guangzhou.<br />
(so many mixed emotions......I will be writing a blog post about this in the near future.)<br />
We will travel to Hong Kong as soon as our guide, Aron, arrives with Jude's passport and visa.<br />
It will take about three hours by van.<br />
<br />
On Thursday morning, we will be boarding our flight to Chicago at 11:40AM!!! Woo-hoo!!!<br />
<br />
I can NOT wait to see my family. I miss them so much. I also can not wait for them to meet Jude!!!<br />
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It's been an amazing 14 days, but this momma is ready to <b>be</b> home and begin living our <i><b>new</b></i> normal.Chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13953264748445346381noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4861698223342956180.post-656772809197345982014-05-26T10:34:00.000-05:002014-05-26T17:35:01.673-05:00Jude Is Coming Home ~ Day 10, part 2 {Pearl River Cruise}<br />
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This is our third adoption, and my first time going on the "well-known" Pearl River Cruise. This is something <i>most</i> adoptive parents do sometime during their second week in China.<br />
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It was a fun evening.<br />
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Here are Jude and Linnea as we wait to board the boat.<br />
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Sweet Linnea is the daughter of our friends Dave and Rhonda. He is our pediatrician. How cool is that???<br />
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Lisa, Jude, and I getting ready to eat.....<br />
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The food wasn't too bad at all.<br />
<br />
I had noodles and rice and steam buns.....<br />
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My friend Lori's husband had this!!!!<br />
For real!<br />
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Lisa heard that there was shrimp at the buffet.<br />
She brought some of these back to our table.<br />
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Eyes?<br />
And whisker-y things??<br />
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NO THANK YOU!<br />
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After dinner, we went outside on the deck of the boat.<br />
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The scenery was very pretty.<br />
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<br />
And we got to hang out with some of our new friends.<br />
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<br />
<br />
<br />
The night ended with a very unique kind of a show.....<br />
A lady juggling balls and knives to songs by Ricky Martin. <br />
She was very energetic and entertaining to watch!<br />
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<br />
Then she went around the room letting most of the kids spin a ball on their finger.<br />
Jude got a turn!<br />
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<br />
It was a fun show!<br />
It was a fun night!<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
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<br />Chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13953264748445346381noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4861698223342956180.post-17632565559453358722014-05-26T02:13:00.000-05:002014-05-26T02:16:15.541-05:00Jude Is Coming Home ~ Day 10, part 1 {I Love You}<br />
<br class="Apple-interchange-newline" />
Jude!<br />
<br />
Oh my sweet Jude!<br />
<br />
It's only been a week since we have met.....<br />
<br />
That is so hard to wrap my head around.<br />
<br />
It feels like he has always been with me.<br />
<br />
<br />
And now this:<br />
<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dywBE6tsS9ObxFhQg7wCwe7nx-pSkuWzWzrvXSC5C5U-sE0dNsZbTgHPezPzqUXTCsAz2Oy_s-K7h9tr3TgBA' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
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Melt me heart!Chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13953264748445346381noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4861698223342956180.post-7303298611538330472014-05-25T11:33:00.000-05:002014-05-26T01:39:41.526-05:00Jude Is Coming Home ~ Day 9 {hot and sticky with a little throw-up}<br />
<br />
What a morning!<br />
<br />
I was in full momma-mode......and then some!<br />
<br />
We started out our day like every other day here in Guangzhou.<br />
<br />
Breakfast at 8ish.<br />
<br />
Chit chat with new friends.<br />
<br />
Meet with group at 9:30AM.<br />
<br />
We were headed to the Jade and Pearl Market and then the Chen Family Temple.<br />
<br />
Sounds like fun, right?<br />
<br />
Oh, did I mention that it was HOT, HOT, HOT today?<br />
<br />
Sticky hot???<br />
<br />
We got on the bus, a very nice bus I might add.<br />
<br />
Jude and I sat toward the back, Lisa sat up front with our guide.<br />
<br />
We were about ten minutes into the drive when Jude threw up.<br />
<br />
Good thing he was facing out, right?<br />
<br />
Throw up went down his shirt, onto his shorts and my skirt, then down my leg.<br />
<br />
I was slightly stunned....totally was NOT expecting THAT.<br />
<br />
Jude seemed fine. No crying, no fussing....just throwing up-ing.<br />
<br />
Lisa came back to help me clean up.....<br />
<br />
Everyone on the bus was very sweet and helpful.<br />
<br />
I was kinda thinking that Jude had a little motion sickness.<br />
<br />
We moved to the front of the bus.<br />
<br />
Jude was all snuggled in.....FACING toward me.<br />
<br />
All "seemed" well.<br />
<br />
Within minutes, he threw up again.<br />
<br />
Yep.<br />
<br />
This time down the front of my shirt, skirt, and legs.<br />
<br />
Once again, we got ourselves cleaned up.<br />
<br />
We were minutes away from the Pearl and Jade market.<br />
<br />
I had no extra clothes for him or me.<br />
<br />
Sooooooooooooooo......<br />
<br />
We went with it......<br />
Shopping with wet, smelly, and very sweaty clothes.<br />
<br />
Of course, Jude did not want to be in his stroller, he just wanted me....<br />
<br />
TO.CARRY.HIM.ALL.MORNING.LONG.<br />
<br />
Did I mention we were hot, sweaty, wet, sticky, and smelly?????<br />
<br />
Fun times for sure.<br />
<br />
Well, it was fun.<br />
<br />
Jude is a the sweetest little boy.<br />
<br />
He was so happy and smiley.<br />
<br />
It was a bonding kind of a morning.<br />
<br />
The only problem?<br />
I did not want to get too close to any of the sales people....I was very self-conscience of our interesting "aroma". Nevertheless, we did some shopping and got some deals.<br />
<br />
Next stop, the Chen Family Temple.<br />
<br />
Bus ride was uneventful. In other words, "no one" threw up. ;)<br />
<br />
Jude still wanted me to carry him........<br />
We were getting hotter, and stickier, and sweatier, and smellier by the minute.<br />
<br />
About an hour and a half later, we were headed back to the bus!<br />
<br />
Jude fell asleep on the way home.<br />
<br />
I peeled him off of me when we got to the hotel.<br />
<br />
We got cleaned up.<br />
<br />
Fresh clothes.<br />
Fresh smelling.<br />
Cool.<br />
Awwwwwwwwwwwww........<br />
<br />
And all this by 1PM.<br />
<br />
Rest of the day went rather smoothly.<br />
<br />
Look at this little stinker.<br />
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi97UiVRl8O8eMUBPaZIKIg49lTn4KHsC1F0pTGHN5sOLkmlVCoj-8LqIGyIAhZtFRvgw5_9Xc87BiztoBENeWry0cFEsCU662S1YpEM4gG9YEalvDVjeAYMm3t1-pMXuv-nxAHnDR1iIA/s1600/IMG_2744.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi97UiVRl8O8eMUBPaZIKIg49lTn4KHsC1F0pTGHN5sOLkmlVCoj-8LqIGyIAhZtFRvgw5_9Xc87BiztoBENeWry0cFEsCU662S1YpEM4gG9YEalvDVjeAYMm3t1-pMXuv-nxAHnDR1iIA/s1600/IMG_2744.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
Love him!!!<br />
Completely!<br />
Forever!!<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13953264748445346381noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4861698223342956180.post-63086127380861719062014-05-24T11:36:00.003-05:002014-05-24T11:36:50.291-05:00Jude Is Coming Home ~ Day 8 {medical examination day}<br />
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<br />
<br />
*sigh*<br />
<br />
This is never a fun day.<br />
<br />
NEVER!<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
It is a long morning.<br />
<br />
Lots of adoptive parents.<br />
Lots of kiddos.<br />
Lots of noise.<br />
Lots of tears.<br />
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And paperwork, of course!<br />
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It is a necessary step in the adoption process.<br />
<br />
We all <strike>have to</strike> take our kids to the medical clinic for the required check up and TB test.<br />
<br />
There are several stations that we dutifully go to.....<br />
<br />
*weight and height and temperature<br />
*general examination<br />
*TB test<br />
<br />
<br />
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<br />
The doctors and nurses are very sweet.<br />
It's just noisy and hot and the kids just plain get overwhelmed!<br />
<br />
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<br />
Let's take a walk down "Memory Lane", shall we??<br />
<br />
Feb. 2007<br />
Shea's medical exam:<br />
Tears!<br />
<br />
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<br />
January 2010<br />
Avery's medical exam:<br />
Tears!<br />
<br />
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May 2014</div>
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Jude's medical exam:</div>
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Tears!</div>
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Oh my poor babies!</div>
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They were all simply scared.</div>
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BUT, once they are cleared, we are cleared to leave China.</div>
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One step closer to home!</div>
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Chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13953264748445346381noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4861698223342956180.post-90882217159627685402014-05-23T11:59:00.000-05:002014-05-23T11:59:52.533-05:00Jude Is Coming Home ~ Day 7 {starbucks}<br />
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There is nothing like going to Starbucks while in China!<br />
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It's a little bit of home and a whole lotta comfort!<br />
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I've been meaning to get there sooner, but just couldn't fit it into the schedule.<br />
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Since Jude took an extra long nap, we thought we would stop by after dinner.<br />
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All I can say is: awwwwwwwwwww<br />
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Nothing like a latte and a blueberry muffin to make you feel like "home"!<br />
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It's funny, but I usually do not get a latte or a blueberry muffin at our local Starbucks.<br />
I most often get a Blonde coffee and a low-fat something or another.<br />
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However, the latte and muffin bring back such fond memories of when we were in China adopting Shea and Avery.<br />
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We went to Starbucks quite often with the girls and they loved the blueberry muffins.<br />
Naturally, I had to do the same thing with Jude!<br />
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He loved the muffin!<br />
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Don't worry little guy, we will be going back!<br />
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China + Starbucks = a GOOD TIME!<br />
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<br />Chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13953264748445346381noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4861698223342956180.post-31756434797297657812014-05-22T11:24:00.001-05:002014-05-22T11:24:35.703-05:00Jude Is Coming Home ~ Day 6 {just a normal day in China}<br />
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It's always surreal when our days in China start to become, ummmm, routine?????<br />
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"regular"???<br />
"normal"???<br />
"predictable"???<br />
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It's not a bad thing at all......It's just surreal.<br />
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Our Routine:<br />
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~wake up at around 6:30ish<br />
~wake up Jude at around 7:30ish<br />
~give Jude a special Chinese cracker-cookie thing<br />
~get dressed, etc<br />
~get Jude dressed<br />
~face time with family<br />
~go to the AMAZING buffet breakfast hopefully by 8 or 8:15<br />
~eat, chat and hang out with other families for a l-o-n-g time....LOVE THIS!<br />
~tours, shopping, adoption paperwork/appts<br />
~feed Jude lunch<br />
~can NOT eat anything for lunch because I over ate at breakfast (YOU China families know exactly what I am talking about here.)<br />
~play with Jude for a bit<br />
~put Jude down for a nap<br />
~{brave}Lisa goes exploring<br />
~I take a nap with Jude<br />
~meet for dinner with new friends at 5<br />
~eat, talk, laugh, walk around<br />
~stop at the 7-11 for ice cream, water, snacks, etc<br />
~play with Jude<br />
~face time with family<br />
~bath and bed for Jude at around 8ish<br />
~bedtime routine lasts for about an hour or so<br />
~chit chat with Lisa for a while, watch TV, relax<br />
~Lisa goes to bed at around 11ish<br />
~get caught up with FB and begin blogging<br />
~do some messaging with my oldest daughter....gotta check up on my grandson!<br />
~do some messaging with friends<br />
~finish bloggin<br />
~talk to Jesus, thank Him for all his blessings<br />
~take some melatonin and try to get some sleep<br />
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That is pretty much it, give or take a little depending on the day.<br />
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This gives Jude and I plenty of time for bonding. It's a very slow and comfortable pace, which is good for Jude.....and me......and Lisa.<br />
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Even though this is definitely not a vacation, it is still a wonderful time. It is a time to get to know your brand new child. It's a time to reflect on all that is good in your life. It is a time absorb the Chinese culture as much as possible so that later, when your child asks about his/her birthplace you can actually talk to them about it.<br />
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Today was a fun day with Jude.<br />
I heard him laugh, like <i>really</i> laugh today in the bathtub. I so wanted to catch it on video, but I didn't want to miss all his giggling and laughing.<br />
Splashing makes him laugh!<br />
Splashing Momma makes him laugh harder!!!<br />
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I'm also discovering that he is an organizer. (Move over Shea, I think you may have met your match!)<br />
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Shoes and cereal puffs.<br />
Each shoe received several puffs.<br />
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Looks like he is pleased with himself.<br />
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Later, he discovered himself in the mirror.<br />
Who is that handsome boy?<br />
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Why, it's me!<br />
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Love this kid!<br />
Look at those thighs!<br />
They are chunk-a-licious!!!<br />
I just can't get enough of him.<br />
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We went out to dinner tonight at a restaurant called The Banana Leaf with our new friends from Georgia. It was Thai food and it was YUMMY! I highly recommend it by the way.<br />
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The best part was when the waitress brought out the high chair for Jude.<br />
It was very tall and very regal.<br />
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I believe that Emperor Jude was in his element.<br />
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And then I got this look.....<br />
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"MOM, I do NOT like it when you take pictures of me!!!"<br />
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Just a "normal" day in China! Chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13953264748445346381noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4861698223342956180.post-91676651729269627822014-05-22T00:44:00.001-05:002014-05-22T00:44:52.965-05:00Jude Is Coming Home ~ Day 5 {playing}<br />
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Playing.<br />
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So simple, yet so profound.<br />
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He has ignored most of his toys.<br />
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Every once in a while, we were able to get him semi-interested in playing with the various toys that Lisa and I brought for him.<br />
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Mostly, he just stared at them while we made fools of ourselves trying to get him engaged.<br />
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But, today....<br />
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Everything changed.<br />
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Today, Jude played!<br />
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Cereal puffs and stacking cups!<br />
Sorting and dumping.<br />
So much fun for my little guy!<br />
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So many little things.....such BIG accomplishments for Jude.<br />
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He is starting to trust us.<br />
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<br />
He is starting to open open up and reveal glimpses of who he is and what he is capable of.<br />
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<br />
He is attaching. I *think* he is starting to see me as his momma! Thank you, Jesus!!<br />
<br />
It's so exciting.<br />
<br />
So heart-warming.<br />
<br />
Truly a miracle.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
The "little" things:<br />
~licking a lollipop<br />
~SMILING<br />
~holding his own bottle<br />
~SMILING<br />
~choosing what he wants to eat<br />
~SMILING<br />
~saying uh-oh<br />
~SMILING<br />
~waving to bye-bye to his daddy and sisters on Facetime<br />
~SMILING<br />
~playing with his toys<br />
~Oh, did I mention that Jude smiled today???<br />
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<br />
Lastly, my boy had a slight temper tantrum.<br />
I know I'm gonna regret saying this, but it was kinda cute.<br />
<br />
He was not happy when "we" had to put away his toys and get ready for bed.<br />
<br />
I'm glad he is letting me know how he feels.....<br />
It's a 'little" thing....no wait, it's actually a big thing......<br />
He is not in shut down mode anymore!!!!<br />
<br />
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<br />
He "tantrumed" for about a minute or so.<br />
I was trying so hard not to scoop him up!<br />
I just continued to make his bottle.<br />
He soon stopped and toddled over to me.<br />
Smiling and reaching up for me.<br />
It was now "cuddle" time!<br />
<br />
Oh, how I love this kid!<br />
<br />
I am one blessed momma!!<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #37404e; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #37404e; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;">Today was a day of milestones for THE JUDESTER! We got smiles! He played with toys! He cried! He expressed displeasure! He licked a lollipop! He said "uh oh!" He held his bottle! These are small, simple things but HUGE for </span><span class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: white; color: #37404e; display: inline; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;">him at this point in the attachment process to his new mommy. So far I have completely stayed away from him so that he would only bond to Chris. And you have no idea how hard this has been!!! But he is getting it! We are so proud and happy for him!! <i class="_4-k1 img sp_IAa2ktb_meE sx_7a4a9a" style="background-image: url(https://fbstatic-a.akamaihd.net/rsrc.php/v2/yR/r/e_o94TChQjQ.png); background-position: -102px -946px; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; background-size: auto; display: inline-block; height: 16px; vertical-align: -3px; width: 16px;"></i></span>Chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13953264748445346381noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4861698223342956180.post-37603239165202767122014-05-20T22:29:00.001-05:002014-05-21T09:50:09.582-05:00Jude Is Coming Home ~ Day 4 {bath time}<br />
<br />
We have been in China four days.<br />
<br />
Today is our second day with Jude.<br />
<br />
*sigh*<br />
<br />
He has been a trooper....to say the least.<br />
<br />
His little world has been turned upside down.<br />
Everything he knows, is now different.<br />
He is not around anything or anyone familiar.<br />
<br />
HIS.WORLD.HAS.CHANGED.<br />
And he just has to accept it.<br />
<br />
Yes, you and I know that he now has a family.<br />
He will be loved forever!<br />
He will be well-taken care of.<br />
He will have all that he needs.<br />
<br />
BUT.<br />
He doesn't know that or understand what has really occurred.<br />
He just has to go with it.<br />
<br />
Bless his heart.<br />
<br />
He is so brave.<br />
<br />
He just goes with it.....well, kind of.<br />
<br />
Since yesterday, he will shut down whenever things get too much for him.<br />
<br />
He doesn't cry.<br />
He hasn't had a meltdown.<br />
<br />
He just looks downward.<br />
He won't look at me.<br />
He just averts his eyes.<br />
<br />
That is my signal to back off.<br />
<br />
Yesterday, he wouldn't walk. At all.<br />
Today, he is walking! <br />
He is even following me around....a little.<br />
<br />
Yesterday, he didn't really drink his bottle.<br />
Today, he drank most of it.<br />
<br />
Yesterday, when I tried to play with him.....he just sat and stared.<br />
Today, he seemed to enjoy himself.<br />
I *think* he even smiled when we were blowing bubbles.<br />
He also starting smacking things around. I know that sounds weird, but at least he was doing SOMETHING!<br />
<br />
He is so complacent.<br />
He doesn't fight me at all.<br />
He lets me dress him.<br />
Change his diaper.<br />
Feed him noodles or congee.<br />
<br />
But he has very little emotion about anything.<br />
<br />
However.....<br />
He does like to snuggle.<br />
He does like to be near me.<br />
He lets me kiss him.<br />
<br />
I was very hesitant about giving him a bath today.<br />
I wanted him to enjoy it.<br />
I didn't just want to force it on him.<br />
<br />
I ran the water. Put some bubbles in it.<br />
He was watching everything.<br />
<br />
I cautiously put him in the tub.<br />
He liked it!<br />
<br />
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<br />
A yellow plastic bowl.<br />
That is what he liked best!<br />
<br />
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<br />
It's the little things that make this momma smile.<br />
<br />
He helped me put lotion on his legs and arms.<br />
Again, I *think* I saw a smile.<br />
(I might just catch that smile in a picture someday.)<br />
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Reading a book together before bed was an unexpected treasure!<br />
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<br />
But, the best moment???<br />
<br />
Me, catching him reading <i>Goodnight Moon!!!</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
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<br />Chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13953264748445346381noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4861698223342956180.post-73873702027235796252014-05-19T12:16:00.001-05:002014-05-19T12:16:28.908-05:00Jude Is Coming Home ~ Day 3 {simply Jude}<br />
<br />
What a day!<br />
<br />
I mean really.....WHAT.A.DAY.<br />
<br />
<br />
We started out our day with the amazing and wonderful breakfast buffet at the hotel! Of course! <br />
<br />
Around 2 o'clock we headed to the Civil Affairs office with two other families.<br />
<br />
We had our paperwork.<br />
Gifts for the orphanage people.<br />
Toys and snacks for Jude.<br />
<br />
The butterflies in my tummy were abundant and wild! lol<br />
<br />
Even though this is our third adoption, I still get an array of crazed emotions!<br />
<br />
Will he cry?<br />
Will he shut down?<br />
Will he like me?<br />
Can I win him over?<br />
<br />
WHAT IS GOING TO HAPPEN?<br />
<br />
HOW CAN I HELP CALM HIS FEARS?<br />
<br />
HOW CAN ADOPTION BE SO BEAUTIFUL AND YET SO BRUTAL???<br />
<br />
Oh Lord, fill Jude with peace. Let him know that I love him. Only You can calm his fears!<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
We only waited about 15 minutes.....<br />
<br />
Then I saw him.<br />
<br />
My son!<br />
<br />
Love!<br />
<br />
So much LOVE!<br />
<br />
<br />
He cried.<br />
He was so scared.<br />
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<br />
I comforted him.....the best I could.<br />
<br />
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<br />
He is from Maoming Social Welfare Institute.<br />
It was a five hour drive.<br />
<br />
The head nanny said he didn't sleep, eat, or drink anything!<br />
My poor baby.<br />
<br />
So we fed him.<br />
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<br />
All was well.....<br />
As well as it could be under these circumstances.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
At the hotel, he allowed me to put some new clothes on him.<br />
<br />
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And he seemed interested in his puppy and his car.<br />
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<br />
The rest of the evening went pretty smoothly.....tentatively......carefully.<br />
<br />
The best part of this day????<br />
<br />
Jude fell asleep in my arms!<br />
<br />
Now he rests close by to my bed. Like very close.<br />
<br />
I hear his precious sleeping sounds and sighs as he lies in his crib.<br />
<br />
Sweetest sounds EVER!<br />
<br />
I am blessed!<br />
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Lord, thank you for giving Jude the peace he needed and for letting him know that I love him. <br />
You calmed his fears!<br />
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All glory and praise to God, our Father!<br />
<br />Chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13953264748445346381noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4861698223342956180.post-45973083810683630652014-05-18T11:24:00.000-05:002014-05-18T11:24:24.570-05:00Jude Is Coming Home ~ Day 2 {getting ready}<br />
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This.Is.Really.Happening.<br />
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There are two other families with us who will be in Guangzhou for two weeks.<br />
On Friday, the other four families will arrive with their children and we all will be together until the end of the second week.<br />
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Today we had our first adoption meeting with our wonderful guide, Aron.<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>*We have been working with Lifeline and it has been an incredible experience all the way around!</i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i><br /></i></span>
We went shopping at a four level grocery/children's/appliance store. I was really impressed.<br />
We bought diapers, formula, cereal, noodles, and snacks for Jude!<br />
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Wow!<br />
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I'm doing this baby thing......AGAIN! ;) <br />
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LOVING IT!!!<br />
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Crib. Check.<br />
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Toys, books, bubbles, etc. Check.<br />
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Stuffy and blanket. Check.<br />
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Now, all we need is Jude!Chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13953264748445346381noreply@blogger.com3