Happy 11th Birthday, Joshua

How did eleven years pass since I had Joshua? Some ways it seems like FOREVER ago, but it other ways, it seems like just yesterday when Josh was Ellie's size.

I remember the day he was born so well. About this time (7:30 a.m.) they began the induction and I was in labor for 10 long hours before the doctor came in and decided he needed to be "vacuumed" out. 15 minutes later at 5:43 p.m., Joshua was born. Poor fellow has lived through us learning as we go since that time.

I remember someone telling me later that my daddy told them that if I would quit talking I could have that baby. *ha* I was most certainly NOT engaging in intelligent dialogue during that process.

In the eleven years since Joshua has been born, we have grown and changed as a family and many of the reasons we are a better family than before are because of Joshua. He has blessed our family in so many ways and I cannot imagine my life without him. He is certainly our gift from God.

I gave him a few gifts a few days ago (I can't wait -- it's horrible). He got some new shirts and Ni*ke sweats, and a Vi*kings Mono*poly game. This morning, I had a cake and card waiting for him when he came down. I had planned to take him to see Bo*lt tonight, but he has a basketball scrimmage he wants to go to, so we may have to postpone that. His true gift is his trip to Florida next week for the football tournament.

I love you so much, Josh. You will always be my "little man". Stop growing up so fast, ok?

Thanksgiving with Grandmother

Last night was the Thanksgiving dinner for the residents at my grandmother's nursing home. Mama, Ellie and I attended with Grandmother. Ellie was a HUGE hit as Grandmother had been talking about her to everyone. She seemed to have a great time with both her MeeMee and great-grandmother.

After dinner, we went to Grandmother's room to change her diaper before leaving. Now, Grandmother has a wig. I think every woman of her age probably has one. I suspect if I make it to 80 I'll have me several. *smile* Anyway, it was laying on the bed, and MEAN that I am, I put it on Ellie and took pictures. I thought I'd share them here. One day, she will hate me for this. She was surely cute in it though -- she'd be cute in a potato sack.

We had a nice time last night!

Sponge Cookies

This week, Kevin and I were working at my mom's house, painting her bedroom. I went to pick up the kids from school and brought them back there. As is typical, as soon as they hit the door, they needed a snack. Josh knows exactly where the snacks are at MeeMee's house and went to investigate. Yesterday mama told me about the ensuing conversation where Josh came to her to ask if he could have a "sponge cookie". She told him she didn't have a clue what he was talking about. He said, "You know, a sponge cookie." She still didn't know, so he said, "The kind with marshmallow in the middle." She finally figured out what he meant ....

Anyone cared to take a guess?

A Moon Pie. For any of you who might not KNOW what a Moon Pie is, it's two cookies with marshmallow in the middle and covered with a coating like chocolate or banana flavoring. Here's a photo.

Mama said she didn't laugh at him because she didn't want to hurt his feelings, but she thought it was funny that he called them sponge cookies!

AND, speaking of "pies", if Elizabeth is reading this -- WHOOPIE PIES are in the mail, right? *smile*

Growth!

Ellie has been particularly fussy the last couple of days and we had a doctor's appointment on Thursday to talk about her reflux, so I just moved it on up until yesterday afternoon.

Turns out, he thinks she just has a virus, loosy poopy, stuffy nose, general funk -- the same thing everyone else I know has, including Josh and Kevin who are battling sinus troubles.

She was weighed (for the first time since our last doctor's appointment) and now weighs .... 14 pounds -- ta da!!! She has gained 1 pound, 14 ounces in just three weeks!!! The doctor was very pleased with her weight gain. She is almost on the chart for her weight now. *smile* In other words, she is still a little peanut.

She is now sitting on her own. Granted, I wouldn't leave her because you just never know when she'll topple, but she can sit for long periods of time on her own. This has just come in the last few days.

He gave her meds to start taking for reflux and we will start those today. Fingers crossed that this will improve things for her.

He was not concerned at all that she was waking up every four hours (because he doesn't have to get up with her, eh?? *smile*), but said that after she's home about two months and has bonded well, we'll start working on teaching her better sleeping skills. Yay.

Here are some new photos of her and Josh.

Girl has found her voice!!

Ellie LOVES to scream. She has found her voice and will just shriek for no reason, all the while laughing and smiling. She also has discovered she can jump in her exersaucer and sounds like she is tearing that thing down. We are CERTAIN she is saying, "Hi", but maybe we are just proud parents. She's also very ticklish and cackles when you tickle her!!

I got the CD from my mom. Here are a couple more "teaser" photos as I'm off to mom's to help her a little while. More later of her and Josh!

Apparently Possums Like Tortilla Chips

If I weren't faced with cleaning it up tomorrow, this story would be funny.

I was about to go to bed when I noticed the cat leaned up against the front door window staring intently outside. I went over, flipped on the light and almost had a heart attack. There was a possum.

I had set a bag of trash out before I left this morning, planning on having Kevin take it to the dump today. Usually, I put it in the back of the pick up truck on my way by, but it was raining and I was trying to get Ellie's carseat in the car and get to Josh's football game. When we got home, it was late and dark and I never thought about it. MISTAKE.

The possum has ripped the bag open, removed the bag of tortilla chips -- well, crumbs were what was really left -- and proceeded to have a picnic on the front porch. After watching him nose through the rest of the bag, I cracked the door open and told him to skeedaddle, which he did (for now). I suspect he'll be back later on tonight to see if he missed anything. YUK.

So, tomorrow morning, before church, I suppose I'll be cleaning up "post-possum".

Baby Shower Photos

As promised, here are the photos from last night's WONDERFUL baby shower. We've been so incredibly busy lately and my body has been SO tired, that much as I tried to get ready for church this morning, my body continued to rebel and said, "Go to sleep!!". Finally, I gave in and hit the bed again at 8:00 and didn't wake up until noon. Now, if I could have five or six days in a row like THAT, man I'd be in business.

But, I'm off topic, the photos .... We are so thankful to each family who played a part in this wonderful event celebrating Ellie's arrival, but particularly to Mr. Ronnie and Mrs. Sandy who offered their home and went above and beyond to make things special for us. Sadly, they had just spent the night before in the emergency room with their grandson who had been in a car accident and had to be life-flighted there. Fortunately, he was not seriously injured, but prayers are needed for him and his family at this time.

Bear with the photos of all the presents -- they are for my mom who wanted to know what gifts Ellie received. *smile* Plus, they are a nice reminder for Ellie one day of her presents.we left.

Ellie's shower cake

Dalton and Ellie

Ms. Terri and Ellie

Morgan and Ellie

Our gracious hosts, Mr. Ronnie and Mrs. Sandy

The "kids" table. I was so glad that kids were there; it makes it all the more interesting.

Visiting around the table.

The other table of guests.

Mr. J.D. and Ellie

Ellie's presents

Mrs. Sandra has a knack with babies. Ellie fell right asleep in her arms and slept from the end of gift time until we left.

Sweet little angel ornament, and teddy bear lovey from the Myers.

Dress, turtleneck onesie and a COOL V-tech Move and Crawl ball (it moves along on it's own and plays music and songs!!) from the Garretts.

The CUTEST lovey doll (Ellie likes playing with her hair!) and a really neat outfit for winter. The shirt has a hood with ears!! From the Laws.
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V-tech Smart Key toy that makes noise (which will THRILL Ellie), a really cool Polka-Dot Dress with tights (the dress can also double as a swing top with the pink leggings included) AND, to Josh's joy, a gift card for him! From the Williams.

And, as if hosting a party was not enough, the above is from our SS teachers: an "Ellie-phant" pink and grey onesie (that I'd already been eyeing at the Cracker Barrel), a Baby Einstein CD of lullabies, a crystal "Ellie-phant" statue, a handmade "Ellie-phant" (adorable!!), a pink and white soft cordurouy dress, a pack of washclothes, three hooded towels (I almost wept with joy when I got hom and saw them because we have one), a set of three burp clothes (a definite need with the Princess' eating issues), an "Ellie-phant" pink and brown polka-dot blanket, a Fisher Price Press and Go Animal Parade toy (of course, with an "Ellie-phant") and a play toy attached to the gift bag. WHEW!! Too much but very, very much appreciated!!

And last, but certainly not least, another "overboard" present from the Martins (my sweet prayer partner, Maggie, supported me so much during this process -- more than she will ever know!!). Two pair of Nike booties, a crocheted pair of shoes, an "I'm a Little Princess" onesie, some "Fairy Princess" blue jeans and a blue jean jacket (ADORABLE!!), two pair of socks, a basketball rattle (to shake at Big Brother Josh's basketball games), a burgundy jumper with a pink turtleneck (sported to church today) and TWO three piece outfit sets (a onesie, pants and a sleeper in each set). WOW!!

Are You Number 50,000???

Check the counter, I'm 7 away from 50,000. Let me know if you are 50,000. No prizes, but I still remember that my friend Mayme was one of my "special numbers". Granted, I can't remember WHICH one, but I remember it was her. :-)

Photos Galore - Part II

It's the never-ending drama. Today Kevin was supposed to stop by to get a replacement CD of the photos mom took on Friday. He forgot. I was going to run by after we picked up a refrigerator, but time ran out.

My mom has sent me several via email and I'll post just a couple here (more teasers, you know), but I will DEFINITELY be picking up the CD tomorrow as I pass by her house twice while taking the kids and picking them up from school.

Ellie's Citizenship Papers Have Arrived

Today we received Ellie's certificate of citizenship, along with a nice letter from the President. Josh got a cool postcard/letter from The Clintons celebrating his birth back when he was born, so it's extra nice to get a letter from George W. Bush celebrating Ellie's citizenship.

Next step? File for a social security card.

What an Awesome Baby Shower/Dinner

Our Sunday school class planned us a baby shower for when we returned home with Ellie. Tonight was "THE" night. We were really excited -- not for the shower so much as to be able to go to our teachers' house and to get to spend time with our classmates. We never have enough time in Sunday school to "socialize". And, in typical Southern fashion, I knew there was going to be lots of good food.

We were not disappointed as Ms. Sandy had gone out of her way, decorated unbelievably and she and the class had a spread of food that was incredible.

We have been so blessed by this class in so many ways and tonight was another blessing. There was food at our house when we came home with Ellie, and now a PARTY for her. The presents were phenomenal; these folks went WAY above and beyond in the gift department. I know Ellie will love them all as much as we do. The hard part is deciding which cute outfit gets worn first!!! Tomorrow after church we'll have a lot of fun playing with all her new toys as well.

I have tons of great photos of Ellie visiting around (what a ham she was tonight -- smiling for everyone!) along with photos of the food, party and presents. I will post them tomorrow as I am too tired tonight to upload them.

Tomorrow should be a huge photo day.

Photos Galore

Today we went to my mom's house for pictures of Ellie and Josh. THREE and a HALF HOURS later, we were all exhausted and quit. My mom had taken 324 photos. Granted, when you are photographing a baby that moves as quickly as Ellie does, it takes that many.


I burned a CD, but it won't fully read so I can't post any photos today, but they are just STINKING cute. *smile* Mom or Dad one has burned me a new CD so I'll try to get by there tomorrow to pick it up so I can share.

Let me just offer a teaser by saying, the pictures of Ellie are "Tutu" cute and Josh looks like a champ!!

Mylicon Recall

For those of you who have and use Mylicon, please note the following recall information.

JOHNSON & JOHNSON • MERCK CONSUMER PHARMACEUTICALS COMPANY ANNOUNCES URGENT VOLUNTARY NATIONWIDE RECALL OF INFANTS' MYLICON® GAS RELIEF DYE FREE DROPS (SIMETHICONE-ANTIGAS) NON-STAINING DUE TO POSSIBLE METAL FRAGMENTS
Fort Washington, PA (November 10, 2008) – Johnson & Johnson • Merck Consumer Pharmaceuticals Company (JJMCP) is voluntarily recalling approximately 12,000 units of Infants’ MYLICON® GAS RELIEF DYE FREE drops (simethicone-antigas) non-staining sold in 1 oz. plastic bottles that were distributed after October 5, 2008 nationwide. The company is taking this action in consultation with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Although the potential for serious medical events is low, the company is implementing this recall to the consumer level as a precaution after determining that some bottles could include metal fragments that were generated during the manufacturing process. If any medical events were to occur, most are expected to be temporary and resolve without medical treatment. Parents who have given the product to their infant and are concerned should contact their health care provider immediately.
The two lots of Infants’ MYLICON® GAS RELIEF DYE FREE drops non-staining 1 oz. bottles included in the recall are:
Product Code # Lot # Exp Product
71683791111-1
SMF007
09/10
Infants’ MYLICON® Gas Relief Dye Free Non-Staining Drops 1 oz.
71683791111-1
SMF008
09/10
Infants’ MYLICON® Gas Relief Dye Free Non-Staining Drops 1 oz.
Consumers can find the lot numbers on the bottom of the box containing the product and also on the lower left side of the sticker on the product bottle.

For more information, visit the site: http://www.mylicon.com/page.jhtml?id=mylicon/press_release.inc

Feeling Better

Thanks for all the kind words. Antibiotics are a great thing and I'm feeling better today.

And, more than that, thanks for the tips for Ellie's sleeping problems. We truly think that it is reflux and have made some adjustments for her. We have propped her bed up, added cereal to her formula to thicken it up, are giving her Mylicon before each bottle, burping more frequently during feedings and sitting her up for 10-15 minutes after each bottle. We also got the "bad parents of the year" award today when we let her nap on her stomach. *smile* I spoke with her pediatrician's office today who confirmed that it sounded like reflux and provided some tips to help out and said they would be glad to see us if needed. We decided to try all our "tips" and then decide.

I'm happy to report the screaming and back arching appear to be significantly better. Tonight, she wasn't really interested in sleeping -- mainly because she wanted to play -- but the going to sleep process was much better with no screaming or crying.

I did talk to the doctor's office about the amount of time she is sleeping, which we both agree is just not enough. She feels like she should at least be sleeping a six-hour stretch, instead of a four. We are hopeful that the measures we are trying will help her feel comfortable enough to sleep longer.

Kevin's mom is here for a few days and I'm very thankful. Her "job" is to hold, love and play with Ellie while Kevin and I get some things in order around the house. She's doing a fantastic job so far!

Tomorrow after school we are going to Mee Mee's to do some photos of Ellie and Josh's 11-year-old photos.

Yuck - Sick Again

Apparently my immune system is shot. I awoke this morning with a sore throat and suspected a fever, but didn't bother to take my temperature. I pressed on through the day and after I picked the kids up, I called the doctor's office to see if they could work me in for a strep test.

I happened to look in my throat on the way there and YUCK. The doc even said it was "Nasty looking in there." Yay. So, apparently I have strep and fluid behind both ears. *sigh* I do have a fever, which is making me a bit tired as well. But, once again, I have a round of antibiotics and a decongestant/antihistamine (which is great for sleeping, by the way) for the next 10 days.

This just HAS to end. I don't "do" sick well. *smile*

We continue to engage in sleep wars with Ellie -- we want to and she doesn't. *big smile*. I've finally reached the end of my resources having tried every trick in the book and sent emails out to the two adoption yahoo groups I belong to, asking for advice -- specifically for children from the orphanage where she is from and specifically for preemies. Turns out that there are several preemies who have experienced reflux. This would explain her spitting up (daily), why she can sleep fabulously in the car seat, why she prefers to go to sleep "upright" and maybe why she awakens from a dead sleep, screaming. So, I'm calling her pediatrician tomorrow to talk to him about it or make an appointment. It's worth a shot as not only are we not sleeping well -- neither is she. In the meantime, I have elevated her crib mattress by putting a rolled up large blanket under it. She now has an incline to help in case it is reflux.

Sorry, no new photos. I am planning to go to my mom's (she's a photographer) on Friday afternoon to do photos of Josh in his football uniform for his 11 year old photos and try to get some photos of the two of them together and a photo of Ellie in her tiny pink tutu. Stay tuned to see how far we get in this process.

Morning's Coming

In the last few weeks, there have been some difficult times in our family and on one particular day when things were tough, Kevin said to me, "It's always darkest just before dawn." To which I quickly replied, "Well, it must be midnight then."

I was reading some blogs tonight and hearing and sensing the despair in the posts of friends who have been so supportive of me during our adoption. As they wait with uncertainty about how things are changing in Kyrgyzstan, the frustration and fear are evidenced in their writings. I continue to pray for each of them, their children and that those children will be able to come home to their forever families very soon.

But, it brought to mind what Kevin said to me about it being darkest just before dawn and that reminded me of a song by some of my favorite artists, Jeff and Sheri Easter. While searching for the lyrics, I read that Sheri Easter has been battling cancer. For those who are interested in reading more about that, I've added a link to their website by clicking their name. I looked for lyrics to the song and was unable to find them, but found this YouTube video of them performing the song and took a moment to transcribe the lyrics because I think they are so inspirational for those who are going through a difficult time in their lives. I hope it is as much a blessing to you as it has been to me in the past.




Blessings, friends.

Morning's Coming
Jeff and Sheri Easter

The closer I get to God
seems the more I face.
Circumstances always seem
to get right in my way.
But in my hour of desperation
He's always by my side.
If I keep my eyes on Him
I can overcome the night.

Morning's coming;
it's just in sight
Every fear and doubt
will surrender to the light.
Morning's coming;
hold on tight
If I just trust in Him,
I'll make it through the night
Morning's coming.

If you're facing a trial
like you've never faced before
If you feel like you just
can't take it anymore
Just remember
that He won't allow
more than you can bear.
You're not alone.
You're entertaining angels unaware.

Morning's coming
Just in sight
Morning's coming
Hold on tight.
If you just trust in Him
You'll make it through the night.
Morning's coming.

When you get discouraged
and the night seems so long
Remember the darkest hour is just before the dawn.

Morning's coming;
just in sight
Every fear and doubt
will surrender to the light
Morning's coming;
hold on tight
If you just trust in Him,
you'll make it through the night.
Morning's coming.


May each of your mornings be just around the corner.

Weekend Update - Super Bowl Champs!!

Well, it has happened. I've become too busy to be a regular blogger. It's driving me nuts as I LOVE to blog. So, I'm going to combine events from Friday - Sunday in one post. Forgive me until I can improve!!

Friday I stayed home with Ellie and worked on paperwork. She had fun playing in her exersaucer, playing with her music toy, taking a short nap and going to pick up Josh from school.

After school, I took Ellie (and Josh, of course) over to meet her great-grandmother. Grandmother was very excited to finally get to meet Ellie as she's been waiting a long time for her too. Here are some cute photos of them together. Ellie loved Grandmother's beads. I love the photo of them "checking each other out". They look as if they are sizing each other up.

After we left Grandmother's on the way home, Josh made the comment that he was going home and going to bed. I asked why and he said, "Because the quicker I get to bed, the quicker tomorrow comes." He was so excited about playing in the Super Bowl on Saturday.

He's become the great brother that I knew he would. He lets Ellie sit on him, wants to carry her around everywhere, wants to dress her and tries really hard to soothe her if she gets upset. It's very sweet.

Saturday came quickly and we all had lots to do. Because I had a wedding to photograph, I was only able to see the departure of the boys from the park. Our team's sponsor, Baker Home Improvement, paid for the boys to take a limo to the Super Bowl. It was a cool yellow Hummer, and the boys had a great time. All the families decorated their cars and caravaned from Joelton over to South Cheatham to the game.

After the team left, I headed home to get ready for the wedding. During the wedding, Kevin and I were texting back and forth to get me updates on the game. Imagine my joy when right in the middle of the wedding I got the final text that the Joelton Vikings won the Super Bowl with a score of 14-13. ONE POINT!!! How incredible. I can't wait to watch the video Kevin made.

After the wedding and Super Bowl, Josh had a basketball game. Unfortunately, his team lost that game.

After all the sports, we came home to clean up and then Josh and I went to see High School Musical 3. It was, ok, I guess, but not great.

Sunday rolled around and we've had church, a visit from our friend Iris, a visit from our neighbors Tom and Kathy, a visit to see "Aunt Jennifer" and her family. It was good to see Ellie and Jennifer back together again.

Here are a couple of photos from before church this morning. The hat was funny!! I said she looks like a little old lady going to church in her big hat!

We've heard from her blood test results and all tests came back normal, so she is "all clear". On our visit in December, we will begin her immunizations. I think she has gained weight, although we haven't weighed her since her doctor's visit. She is doing much better in large groups and in going to other people without a fuss -- as long as we are there and she can continue to see us and make sure we aren't leaving her. This bodes well, I think, in the attachment department as she is constantly reassuring herself that one of us is around. She has begun, ever so slightly, to lay her head down on our shoulder as she gets tired. It doesn't stay there long and she doesn't go to sleep that way, but it's a small movement to more security for her. Today in church, she was trying to sleep and got a little fussy so I took her out and she fell asleep very quickly while I rocked her. She's making progress in that area as well. We are still not pushing solid foods quite so much as she just doesn't seem to be interested yet. We try almost every day, and quit when she begins to arch her back.

We are ever so slightly moving into our "new" normal. It's beginning to feel more "right" and easier. She is sleeping better at night, but still wants to play from about 5-6:30 a.m. It would be really nice if she could sleep on until 5:30 - 6:00, which is when we get up. I'm sure it will come. She is truly a happy baby most of the time and seems to like her new life. We certainly like having her here with us.