Well, I am going to give it a go. By no means am I a computer person however over the next couple weeks our blog will be under construction. This will be a DIY job. So bare with me as the changes come and surely go.
Hope you had a Merry Christmas.
~~T~~
Sunday, December 27, 2009
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
Ms.sunshine
This afternoon Ms.Sunshine will join Henry and I at the pokey for a bit. She will be getting her third set of tubes. Hopefully Henry will nap while she is in surgery.
She was so good at pre-op.
Fix-a -heart week
SO far so great. What an amazing little guy Henry is. Wow, truth be told I did not think he would get to have surgery Monday. Mid week mmy husband came down with a cold.. then another child then another... well I was just sure Monday am we would wake up and Henry would be then next to drop but praise be to God once again he just smiled as usual.
He was first up for surgery on Mon which wsa great I think both Maggie and Peter ended up having to wait hours beyond hteir scheduled time and oh the screaming and crying form hunger. Maggie was the worst she likes her food more then the boys do.
Henry was given some Versaid.. a litle pre happy juice. In ten minutes it did the job. They took him to surgery where his little body performed beautifully. They kept him sedated until Tues then slowly weined him from the sleepy juice.
Took him off the vent and at that point my almost always happy little fellow turned not on us. He flailed and cried best he could, he actully flipped over at one point.. He was regretful immediatly. That little move cost him his freedom at that point we put the cuffs on him. He did not really calm down but because he was doing so well they took his Art line out, those scanners that were on his head and kidneys area. Then he was even allowed to tinkle like the bigger boys you know in his diaper instead of through a tube.. At this point it was like well THANK YOU PEOPLE.. basically his eyes rolled back in his head and he was out. He knew that was an out hole not an in hole..... See he is sooo smart. 
Through last eve and the night he has had five ounces of formula. So progressing. He really is just plain out of it. I did get him to crack a smile last eve and he talked to me just a bit. He is a trooper.. he stick that lip out when he is displeased but overall he is just so pleasent.
Thanks so much for all your prayers... when you spend much time here you daily become more and more greatful for the little things.. You become very aware that although you only got half your Christmas cards done before surgery it's ok. If you did not get the teachers gifts done to send with the kids.. that's ok. Yes everyone is still appreciated and thought of. Just the tangible items will be well perhaps given out at Valentines day... Yeah that's it..
Ok anyway..when you see the what if's and the could have's and the if we had only's come to be here. Well your thoughts change..Hopefully for a long time.. but sadly for some just for a bit. For that time anyway.. you appreciate time more.. you appreciate people..you are closer to God. It is good to come here.
Merry Christmas
Tiffany
He was first up for surgery on Mon which wsa great I think both Maggie and Peter ended up having to wait hours beyond hteir scheduled time and oh the screaming and crying form hunger. Maggie was the worst she likes her food more then the boys do.
Henry was given some Versaid.. a litle pre happy juice. In ten minutes it did the job. They took him to surgery where his little body performed beautifully. They kept him sedated until Tues then slowly weined him from the sleepy juice.
Took him off the vent and at that point my almost always happy little fellow turned not on us. He flailed and cried best he could, he actully flipped over at one point.. He was regretful immediatly. That little move cost him his freedom at that point we put the cuffs on him. He did not really calm down but because he was doing so well they took his Art line out, those scanners that were on his head and kidneys area. Then he was even allowed to tinkle like the bigger boys you know in his diaper instead of through a tube.. At this point it was like well THANK YOU PEOPLE.. basically his eyes rolled back in his head and he was out. He knew that was an out hole not an in hole..... See he is sooo smart. 
Through last eve and the night he has had five ounces of formula. So progressing. He really is just plain out of it. I did get him to crack a smile last eve and he talked to me just a bit. He is a trooper.. he stick that lip out when he is displeased but overall he is just so pleasent.
Thanks so much for all your prayers... when you spend much time here you daily become more and more greatful for the little things.. You become very aware that although you only got half your Christmas cards done before surgery it's ok. If you did not get the teachers gifts done to send with the kids.. that's ok. Yes everyone is still appreciated and thought of. Just the tangible items will be well perhaps given out at Valentines day... Yeah that's it..
Ok anyway..when you see the what if's and the could have's and the if we had only's come to be here. Well your thoughts change..Hopefully for a long time.. but sadly for some just for a bit. For that time anyway.. you appreciate time more.. you appreciate people..you are closer to God. It is good to come here.
Merry Christmas
Tiffany
Saturday, December 12, 2009
Little update
God is good and always greatly to be praised. If you say or think this enough.. Satan has a tendancy to see if you really mean it. So you have to say it more. Amen!
We had an interesting week. We always have stuff. you know check ups at the ENT, Cardio, therapy, just stuff. We do not do a lot of activites.. Afterall we are an activity. I do not believe that if my childen are not enrolled in activities by age three I will have short changed them of their lifes calling. So often we just hang out here together. With the Llamas and this week puppies.
However this week, has been a little different. I do not have permission from my daughter to go into detail so I will be brieg and hopefully she will approve pictures. Two of my children were in a roll over and make your truck fly accident this week. I did not realize the magnatude of the fact that they walked away until I saw the pictures of the truck the next day. Yes I made it to the scene but was in the ambulance with the girls so I missed it. They walked away,, because God said they could. He showed grace and mercy to them. For his purpose... Amen? Some have tried to get me to be saddened by this.. Yes I have perspective..yes I knwo they would have died, been taken to the hospital be bed ridden. Yet when you say God is good and greatly to be praised you must say it in everything.
Like when the five year old comes to you and says I cold not get the lightbulb to work so I put it in my moouth as blood leaks down his chin.. Ok this one I just made a plain old weird face. WHY?? This is a smart kid.. Ok but little water spit it out rinse, repeat. all good and again God is good and greatly to be praised.
Then there is today. All is well yes it's only 645am so there is still time. :):)
Actually we don't normally have such things happen. Since Henry and Camille have been home we have had a bit "more' then normal for us. That's ok.. we can handle it.
On Monday we will have Fix-A-Heart day. Finally Henry will have his heart repaired. Yesterday he and I went and did the prelimanary three hours of testing that precedes Open Heart. As of yet no call backs so first thing Monday am. he's up.
We will be spending the next couple days getting it together best we can. There is really no sign of Christmas inside the house. Gary did put up a tree in the front yard... What isn't that where you put your Christmas tree. Oh I will let him know..
This am for a treat we are having muffins and some kids will even get frosting.. Ok make fun but this is a big deal around here. I am a germ a phobe and a "that kid doesnt' need sugar queen".
We have taken literally three hunderd pictures of the kids trying to get that perfect Christmas card picture. Let me just give the disclaimer before the card goes out today. It did not happen..
Here are some samples..
Everyone enjoy hte rest of this season it is so brief. Jesus is the reason we have this season. On Christmas, have the biggest Birthday Party you can have. Don't forget gifts for the King.
Merry Christmas everyone.
~~Tiffany~~
http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/henryninemire
We had an interesting week. We always have stuff. you know check ups at the ENT, Cardio, therapy, just stuff. We do not do a lot of activites.. Afterall we are an activity. I do not believe that if my childen are not enrolled in activities by age three I will have short changed them of their lifes calling. So often we just hang out here together. With the Llamas and this week puppies.
However this week, has been a little different. I do not have permission from my daughter to go into detail so I will be brieg and hopefully she will approve pictures. Two of my children were in a roll over and make your truck fly accident this week. I did not realize the magnatude of the fact that they walked away until I saw the pictures of the truck the next day. Yes I made it to the scene but was in the ambulance with the girls so I missed it. They walked away,, because God said they could. He showed grace and mercy to them. For his purpose... Amen? Some have tried to get me to be saddened by this.. Yes I have perspective..yes I knwo they would have died, been taken to the hospital be bed ridden. Yet when you say God is good and greatly to be praised you must say it in everything.
Like when the five year old comes to you and says I cold not get the lightbulb to work so I put it in my moouth as blood leaks down his chin.. Ok this one I just made a plain old weird face. WHY?? This is a smart kid.. Ok but little water spit it out rinse, repeat. all good and again God is good and greatly to be praised.
Then there is today. All is well yes it's only 645am so there is still time. :):)
Actually we don't normally have such things happen. Since Henry and Camille have been home we have had a bit "more' then normal for us. That's ok.. we can handle it.
On Monday we will have Fix-A-Heart day. Finally Henry will have his heart repaired. Yesterday he and I went and did the prelimanary three hours of testing that precedes Open Heart. As of yet no call backs so first thing Monday am. he's up.
We will be spending the next couple days getting it together best we can. There is really no sign of Christmas inside the house. Gary did put up a tree in the front yard... What isn't that where you put your Christmas tree. Oh I will let him know..
This am for a treat we are having muffins and some kids will even get frosting.. Ok make fun but this is a big deal around here. I am a germ a phobe and a "that kid doesnt' need sugar queen".
We have taken literally three hunderd pictures of the kids trying to get that perfect Christmas card picture. Let me just give the disclaimer before the card goes out today. It did not happen..
Here are some samples..
Everyone enjoy hte rest of this season it is so brief. Jesus is the reason we have this season. On Christmas, have the biggest Birthday Party you can have. Don't forget gifts for the King.
Merry Christmas everyone.
~~Tiffany~~
http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/henryninemire
Sunday, December 6, 2009
Nine Years
A few weeks ago I took my two year old to his pace maker/Cardio appt. When we go it is very laid back, our Cardio clinic is great. This time Peter was not so receptive to all the little probes and clips placed upon his chest. While the pacemaker was being checked the Cardio Dr and I visited about Peter which was minimal because overall he is in good shape since his repair. So we chatted about Henry... who I can not even imagine taking to the Hospital sess pool at all before his surgery. The Dr agreed he should not be out and I was thankful for that validation. The Dr and I were still talking when the pacemaker checker (she's not a Dr so i am not sure what to call her) she leaned in and said everything looks good he has nine years of battery left on his pacemaker and that was all. On the way home that hit me. NINE YEARS!!!!!!!!!!!!! Now I know what that means is that in nine years if his heart has not returned to beating completely on it's own then Peter at roughly around age 11 will need to have surgery to replace his pacemaker. They do not just change out the batteries they replace the whole pacemaker. Now that said... just to let you know this post now becomes controversial. Changing the pacemaker alone should not be a big deal. I am not afraid to have one of my children undergo the knife! It did cause my mind to wander to the "first" proposed Health Bill. It took my mind to socialized medicine. It took my mind to a conversation I have had with many ... when a person proposes that the new "health care plan" would be a gift to us all.... yes some rally believe this. Then my question to those people is WHY??? If you place my beautiful son with Down Syndrome and in need of a NEW pacemaker in front of the "benifits board" to deceide if he should get a pacemaker why would a system wtih socialized medicine replace that pacemaker????? Now I know how much the first pacemaker cost. I assume it will be a bit more in another 10+ years. So far the only answer I have gotten is well because he is human. Now that may have suffices them but not me. Nor should it suffice others. Do not be fooled into thinking that our children with special needs that we love so much will have health care taylor made just for them if the Health Bill as is passes. They surely will not. If they are allowed to bog down the system it wil be at the Goverments discression. Did you know the all so common Strabismus is a "Non-Covered" item in the current health bill? Look deeply there is so much more. How many of you use supplements? Guess what you will need a script to get these for your children from a Dr. That of course agrees with why you have not vaccinated your child and why you are giving them supplemts instead of going to a Dr. No more Gummi vitamins for the kids. Nope Nope Nope.
Because I believe in an Awesome God that loves Peter and the rest of my children so, so much more then I could ever begin to imagine I am comforted slightly. Afterall no parent under any circumstances wants to see their child denied anything that will allow them to prosper in their lives.
It is my prayer that the eyes of the American people will be opened. That we will all stand up for what so many fought and died for in war. Our rights and our freedoms. As of today this is the United States of America The Land of the Free and the Home of the Brave. I for one want to see it stay that way.
How is God to protect us if we do not ask him. We need but take the time to pray, ask God for direction for protection. Yes how is God to protect ua and give us direction if we fail to ask, or if by our life choices we loose our ability to listen. We are such a blessed nation even in our bad economic times, we are so much more blessed then other nations in their best economics times.
Please be in prayer for those who are in charge of our nations health plan. Pray their eyes will be open to all people not just those who "fit the mold." That they will actually do what is BEST for the people.
Those of you who have children with Special Needs know that our what our children teach us is of more value then many will ever see. Maggie taught me more in her first two months of life then I could have gotten out of college in a year I am sure. And it has been my honor to be her student.
Unite in Prayer for our country.
~~~There is none as blind as one who refuses to see~~~
~~T~~
Because I believe in an Awesome God that loves Peter and the rest of my children so, so much more then I could ever begin to imagine I am comforted slightly. Afterall no parent under any circumstances wants to see their child denied anything that will allow them to prosper in their lives.
It is my prayer that the eyes of the American people will be opened. That we will all stand up for what so many fought and died for in war. Our rights and our freedoms. As of today this is the United States of America The Land of the Free and the Home of the Brave. I for one want to see it stay that way.
How is God to protect us if we do not ask him. We need but take the time to pray, ask God for direction for protection. Yes how is God to protect ua and give us direction if we fail to ask, or if by our life choices we loose our ability to listen. We are such a blessed nation even in our bad economic times, we are so much more blessed then other nations in their best economics times.
Please be in prayer for those who are in charge of our nations health plan. Pray their eyes will be open to all people not just those who "fit the mold." That they will actually do what is BEST for the people.
Those of you who have children with Special Needs know that our what our children teach us is of more value then many will ever see. Maggie taught me more in her first two months of life then I could have gotten out of college in a year I am sure. And it has been my honor to be her student.
Unite in Prayer for our country.
~~~There is none as blind as one who refuses to see~~~
~~T~~
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
The Lesson of the Leper.
Whew, that was the quickest three months of my life. Yes our Ethiopian beauties have been with us just a few days short of three months. Wow has the time gone by. Probably spending a whole month sick and two weeks of that bed ridden did help the time go by. Samantha is doing great and as I predicted tomorrow will be my first yellow free day. Hippie... By afternoon I am beat though not that it matters my title is Mom is it not?!?!?!
We have tried to have a good attitude about our illness and creepy crawlies we have killed over the past months and see the positives in it. Knowing that even before we commited to Henry God knew we would also commit to a daughter, that Camille would be that daughter that they would bring us Hep A and that Samantha and I woudl get it helps tremendously.That all knowing thing.Can bring you great peace if you let it. And yes I have to apologize to the Mexican restraunt I blamed for the Hep. Sorry Mexican Restraunt..
However I got an unexpected lesson and I truly was not even going to say anything, then in the inbox was a great missionary letter sharing that today is National Aids day. Hmmmm of course I think Africa. It's a county close to my heart with a astronomical death rate due to aides. Ok so how is this the lesson of the leper? As I read the story about Naomi who has three little children one being a five week old little girl. She told the misisonary who was there to teach Aids awerness and to test those who wanted to be, that her husband goes away on business often and seems distant. Hmm well Naomi had the missionary test her and her test came back positive. Three little ones to care for and in her community as in so many community's, when they find out you are HIV positive or you have a difference of almost any preportion you are shunned. See they are ignorant of how you get HIV. Until someone teaches them they don't know. So in turn they might think you can catch Aides from a handshake, or a hug. Nope that's not how. My point is they are ignorant and so they are afraid.
Since we began doing foster care then adopting children with Down Syndrome we have come across a lot of people who just don't understand the why's. Sadly most don't bother to ask any questions. So they stay in the dark about the answers. Sad for everyone. Knowledge is power you know?!.
So what was my lesson. Well every Dec I attend a function. This is sooo my favorite "adult lady" function well typically the only "adult lady" function I attend all year. Well many of you have it figured out already. You got it I got a call and was asked not to attend because there were others who just could not "risk" being around me. They just could not "risk" being around me because being around me automatically makes them a candidate for catching Hep. Hmmm I thought. Wow I thought. In the past I have called this function MY FAMILY REUNION. Because the function is with most of the women who watched me go from an unsaved insecure little girl to a born again, slightly more secure women. I explain this only to help you understand how fwd I look to this day. When I hung up the phone I thought this is what it feel like to have Aids. To be a leper. To have a disability that people just do not understand so you are excluded because of fear.
Did I feel bad ya.. for a bit. Then I remembered what I just wrote. It's just because of fear and ignorance. They don't know so they are acting out of fear. Hey I'm a germaphobe so I kind of understand yet becuase I am a germaphobe I also know how you get Hep A so at the same time I don't understand. It's ok, I'm not angry I should not even be sharing so as to not make anyone feel bad or angry this is so not my point.
The Irony of the whole thing is with Hep A you are most contagious the week before you even realize you have it. That week my daughter was at the church most all these women attend clueless she was even sick along with many many strangers at a judgement house. (like a haunted house just Christian)
It really is ok if I don't go after all Henry is to have his surgery that next Monday and I really should not have planned to go in the first place. Now I have that Saturday free to be with my family. So another reason to Praise God. The lesson of the leper does not have to be a bad lesson. How many of you woul pay for a free day this time of year??? :):):)
So do me a favor next time you don't understand a disability a disease or illness just ask the person if they would mind telling you about it? The worst that will happen is that they will tell you they don't want to talk about it. More often then not you will find most are happy that someone cared enough to ask and then listen while the explanation is given. Time is a commodity you know.
On the light side Henry and Camille are doing wonderful. They have both gained a whopping four pounds each. They sure have added much to our lives since they have been here. To watch then smile laugh,love and be loved by our other children is worth Hep A at least once a year....
Enjoy this season and remember Jesus is the only reason we have this month to celebrate.
And if you have any questions about Hep A. Feel free to ask.
To read Naomi's story go to http://www.sim.org/index.php/content/world-aids-day-inspiration
Blessings Tiffany
We have tried to have a good attitude about our illness and creepy crawlies we have killed over the past months and see the positives in it. Knowing that even before we commited to Henry God knew we would also commit to a daughter, that Camille would be that daughter that they would bring us Hep A and that Samantha and I woudl get it helps tremendously.That all knowing thing.Can bring you great peace if you let it. And yes I have to apologize to the Mexican restraunt I blamed for the Hep. Sorry Mexican Restraunt..
However I got an unexpected lesson and I truly was not even going to say anything, then in the inbox was a great missionary letter sharing that today is National Aids day. Hmmmm of course I think Africa. It's a county close to my heart with a astronomical death rate due to aides. Ok so how is this the lesson of the leper? As I read the story about Naomi who has three little children one being a five week old little girl. She told the misisonary who was there to teach Aids awerness and to test those who wanted to be, that her husband goes away on business often and seems distant. Hmm well Naomi had the missionary test her and her test came back positive. Three little ones to care for and in her community as in so many community's, when they find out you are HIV positive or you have a difference of almost any preportion you are shunned. See they are ignorant of how you get HIV. Until someone teaches them they don't know. So in turn they might think you can catch Aides from a handshake, or a hug. Nope that's not how. My point is they are ignorant and so they are afraid.
Since we began doing foster care then adopting children with Down Syndrome we have come across a lot of people who just don't understand the why's. Sadly most don't bother to ask any questions. So they stay in the dark about the answers. Sad for everyone. Knowledge is power you know?!.
So what was my lesson. Well every Dec I attend a function. This is sooo my favorite "adult lady" function well typically the only "adult lady" function I attend all year. Well many of you have it figured out already. You got it I got a call and was asked not to attend because there were others who just could not "risk" being around me. They just could not "risk" being around me because being around me automatically makes them a candidate for catching Hep. Hmmm I thought. Wow I thought. In the past I have called this function MY FAMILY REUNION. Because the function is with most of the women who watched me go from an unsaved insecure little girl to a born again, slightly more secure women. I explain this only to help you understand how fwd I look to this day. When I hung up the phone I thought this is what it feel like to have Aids. To be a leper. To have a disability that people just do not understand so you are excluded because of fear.
Did I feel bad ya.. for a bit. Then I remembered what I just wrote. It's just because of fear and ignorance. They don't know so they are acting out of fear. Hey I'm a germaphobe so I kind of understand yet becuase I am a germaphobe I also know how you get Hep A so at the same time I don't understand. It's ok, I'm not angry I should not even be sharing so as to not make anyone feel bad or angry this is so not my point.
The Irony of the whole thing is with Hep A you are most contagious the week before you even realize you have it. That week my daughter was at the church most all these women attend clueless she was even sick along with many many strangers at a judgement house. (like a haunted house just Christian)
It really is ok if I don't go after all Henry is to have his surgery that next Monday and I really should not have planned to go in the first place. Now I have that Saturday free to be with my family. So another reason to Praise God. The lesson of the leper does not have to be a bad lesson. How many of you woul pay for a free day this time of year??? :):):)
So do me a favor next time you don't understand a disability a disease or illness just ask the person if they would mind telling you about it? The worst that will happen is that they will tell you they don't want to talk about it. More often then not you will find most are happy that someone cared enough to ask and then listen while the explanation is given. Time is a commodity you know.
On the light side Henry and Camille are doing wonderful. They have both gained a whopping four pounds each. They sure have added much to our lives since they have been here. To watch then smile laugh,love and be loved by our other children is worth Hep A at least once a year....
Enjoy this season and remember Jesus is the only reason we have this month to celebrate.
And if you have any questions about Hep A. Feel free to ask.
To read Naomi's story go to http://www.sim.org/index.php/content/world-aids-day-inspiration
Blessings Tiffany
Thursday, November 19, 2009
Reality
Good Evening,
Thank you for all the well wishes. It has been requested that I blog more. The reality is I can't. My energy level is returning at a slower then snail rate. It is frustrating. My family is handling it well. My SIL and MIL are sharing a couple of my beautiful children for a couple days which helps with the noise/need/stress level in the house. It is allowing Morgan to regroup a bit. Today was my target date for getting better. Not happening. I did take a good nap today. We have not gotten the results of Henry or Camille Hep A test back yet. We are eager to get those back. Overall everyone is good here. Cabin fever has been tolerable so that is good.
Please continue to pray for those doing my job. And that whomever is supposed to be learning a lesson from this learn it so I can get better.
T
Thank you for all the well wishes. It has been requested that I blog more. The reality is I can't. My energy level is returning at a slower then snail rate. It is frustrating. My family is handling it well. My SIL and MIL are sharing a couple of my beautiful children for a couple days which helps with the noise/need/stress level in the house. It is allowing Morgan to regroup a bit. Today was my target date for getting better. Not happening. I did take a good nap today. We have not gotten the results of Henry or Camille Hep A test back yet. We are eager to get those back. Overall everyone is good here. Cabin fever has been tolerable so that is good.
Please continue to pray for those doing my job. And that whomever is supposed to be learning a lesson from this learn it so I can get better.
T
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
Yup it's true.
Shortly after my last post. I thought I had pulled something in my back. Couple days on the couch little ibuprophen and well it was tolerable. My oldest Samantha was in bed for that time as well.. truly in bed.....sleeping close to 20 hours a day. She had a sleeping sickness a few years ago so I really thought not a lot of it. So for the next week (as mothers do) it was an up and down sort of thing. I even took a trip to the Chiropractor thinking that would help. By the next Sunday Samantha and I were basically eating and drinking nothing. Our abdominal areas were so tender to breath, touch, cough, nausea and dizziness when standing was the norm then Morgan noticed a yellow sheen about us. Uh oh!!!
The Friday before I had made an Dr. apt for Samantha hoping that would jinx her well, Mon am I made one for myself. We had(as Dr's love) already self diagnosed before we got to the Dr. Hep A was our diagnosis. The Dr said with the jaundice it surely was just which kind. So mother/daughter went to the lab and back home to bed Oh the bonding. The next day the Dr's called to say that Samantha's levels were off the charts and that mine were double hers. So the suggestion was made that she and I go to the Hospital our Dr's work with and do labs. This did not please me because they had said I might need to be admitted and this is not a Hospital you would "choose" to go to. However the Dr assured me she would send her own daughter to this hospital(should have asked her if she liked her daughter) and that is was just for labs after all. So we reluctantly went. They did labs.. assured me I needed fluids I agreed because I was drinking and eating nothing and really wanted the magical effect that fluids seem to have on my little ones. So I gowned up and layed waiting for my magic treatment. Samantha was drinking water fast as she could to escape the same fate. My hesitancy for this hospital was proven shortly after they ran the fourth bag of fluid into my body in a very short period of time. After using the facilities man did I feel SO MUCH WORSE... so what do I hear them say from the galley "Admit her" NOOOOOO I think.. not here... So I calmly prayed that God would make it clear to me why I would need to stay there, I prayed he had someone for me to talk to about Christ, Down Syndrome whatever just a good reason.(He did) The hospital stay was so unsettling I broke out the next day although I would have really benefited from another day. I kept pretending I was in Africa and in the lap of luxury. :)
To come to date.. Samantha was up most of the day yesterday.. today, I am able to blog then perhaps a nap.:) Samantha has less and less of a glow each day.. we keep saying I am a couple days behind her. I pray.. All this said God is great and greatly to be praised. He always is isn't he? Amen!!
Now to clear up some of the where did you get it?
Initially it was thought a local Mexican restaurant that I took Samantha to the day after her birthday she and I had a quick lunch and are the only two with Hep. It was my understanding that Henry and Camille had been checked for this when I took them to the adoption clinic. However I was wrong. They have now been tested so we will see if one of them is the carrier. The Health dept has been out to give those who needed immunized the IG shot. Not the Hep A vaccine as it is grown in aborted fetal tissue. www.cogforlife.com
No this has not been a fun two and a half weeks. Morgan has had almost full duty since Gary works and is now in charge of running us all around to do labs and see Dr's. Our friends have been amazing and my fridge runneth over. What peace of mind this gives a Mom to know her family is eating wonderful food, even though she cannot:):):):) Samantha and I can basically eat bread without angering our livers.We like bread so it's ok. However the meals brought in look so good.
And NO I am not sorry to have brought Henry and Camille into our home. Perhaps I should spend more time in prayer for the binding of Satan against my family. Yet Henry and Camille are still gifts from God.. the scabies,ring worm, Hep A, Impentigo, all just bonus learning experience. It's how you handle it that counts. With each child in our home birth or adopted..there are not mistakes....human error has certainly caused their stories to be "off society's norm book" the uniqueness that brought each child to our home makes me so proud to be a part of. How one could look into the face of a child knowing we are ALL created in the image of God and say whew you are to much trouble, you are really not worth it. Well I am a diamond that has taken many many years of polishing and I am just starting to shine a little Oh how grateful I am that Jesus has never looked at me and said " Tiffany you, you are just to much trouble." Sorry I'm not going to be there for you anymore.
Praise God for his Faithfulness, Praise God for his Mercy, Praise God for his Grace.
Then remember Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the plans I have for you declares the Lord. Plans to prosper you and not to harm you.... Then Praise God again.
The Friday before I had made an Dr. apt for Samantha hoping that would jinx her well, Mon am I made one for myself. We had(as Dr's love) already self diagnosed before we got to the Dr. Hep A was our diagnosis. The Dr said with the jaundice it surely was just which kind. So mother/daughter went to the lab and back home to bed Oh the bonding. The next day the Dr's called to say that Samantha's levels were off the charts and that mine were double hers. So the suggestion was made that she and I go to the Hospital our Dr's work with and do labs. This did not please me because they had said I might need to be admitted and this is not a Hospital you would "choose" to go to. However the Dr assured me she would send her own daughter to this hospital(should have asked her if she liked her daughter) and that is was just for labs after all. So we reluctantly went. They did labs.. assured me I needed fluids I agreed because I was drinking and eating nothing and really wanted the magical effect that fluids seem to have on my little ones. So I gowned up and layed waiting for my magic treatment. Samantha was drinking water fast as she could to escape the same fate. My hesitancy for this hospital was proven shortly after they ran the fourth bag of fluid into my body in a very short period of time. After using the facilities man did I feel SO MUCH WORSE... so what do I hear them say from the galley "Admit her" NOOOOOO I think.. not here... So I calmly prayed that God would make it clear to me why I would need to stay there, I prayed he had someone for me to talk to about Christ, Down Syndrome whatever just a good reason.(He did) The hospital stay was so unsettling I broke out the next day although I would have really benefited from another day. I kept pretending I was in Africa and in the lap of luxury. :)
To come to date.. Samantha was up most of the day yesterday.. today, I am able to blog then perhaps a nap.:) Samantha has less and less of a glow each day.. we keep saying I am a couple days behind her. I pray.. All this said God is great and greatly to be praised. He always is isn't he? Amen!!
Now to clear up some of the where did you get it?
Initially it was thought a local Mexican restaurant that I took Samantha to the day after her birthday she and I had a quick lunch and are the only two with Hep. It was my understanding that Henry and Camille had been checked for this when I took them to the adoption clinic. However I was wrong. They have now been tested so we will see if one of them is the carrier. The Health dept has been out to give those who needed immunized the IG shot. Not the Hep A vaccine as it is grown in aborted fetal tissue. www.cogforlife.com
No this has not been a fun two and a half weeks. Morgan has had almost full duty since Gary works and is now in charge of running us all around to do labs and see Dr's. Our friends have been amazing and my fridge runneth over. What peace of mind this gives a Mom to know her family is eating wonderful food, even though she cannot:):):):) Samantha and I can basically eat bread without angering our livers.We like bread so it's ok. However the meals brought in look so good.
And NO I am not sorry to have brought Henry and Camille into our home. Perhaps I should spend more time in prayer for the binding of Satan against my family. Yet Henry and Camille are still gifts from God.. the scabies,ring worm, Hep A, Impentigo, all just bonus learning experience. It's how you handle it that counts. With each child in our home birth or adopted..there are not mistakes....human error has certainly caused their stories to be "off society's norm book" the uniqueness that brought each child to our home makes me so proud to be a part of. How one could look into the face of a child knowing we are ALL created in the image of God and say whew you are to much trouble, you are really not worth it. Well I am a diamond that has taken many many years of polishing and I am just starting to shine a little Oh how grateful I am that Jesus has never looked at me and said " Tiffany you, you are just to much trouble." Sorry I'm not going to be there for you anymore.
Praise God for his Faithfulness, Praise God for his Mercy, Praise God for his Grace.
Then remember Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the plans I have for you declares the Lord. Plans to prosper you and not to harm you.... Then Praise God again.
Saturday, October 31, 2009
Seven weeks
Good Morning,,
Wow! It has been seven weeks since Gary and Morgan made their way with many other couples to Addis, Ababa to pick up our precious Henry and Camille. It has been an honor to be a part of their coming to the USA. Boy does time fly when you are changing diapers, wiping faces, feeding bottles, going to Dr appts. over and over and over and over.... Their are so many who helped.. there are those who prayed, those who had soup supper/bake sale/auctions for us, and those who chose to give a monetary gift. Each day and especially when I look into those beautiful little faces, I am thankful for all who helped and supported us on this adventure. In truth so many are still supporting us. Meet and Greats, Baby showers, surprise gifts arriving in the mail and one women who just handed money to Gary as he walked past her at church. Wow we have been so blessed by everyone. Thank you so much..
So how are the kids doing? They are great. Henry is off O2. PTL!!! He is still a little wet towel.. he just has NO muscle's or tone. He has only gained a half pound since getting here. I know he has been sick but I really expected he would tank it on a bit faster then he is. We tank him full of high calorie food all day and night. Really this just validates that he needs his heart repair. We have scheduled his surgery for December 14th. So little Henry will be enjoying the holiday season from the confines of his own home and the rest of us will be going out as little as possible, in hopes of keeping him well. This means our church family who has been SOOO supportive may not see him in person until after his repair. It was initially discussed that he would have his repair the week before Thanksgiving, the change come because the surgeon is taking several weeks off around that time. So Dec 14th it is. Henry is still very personable.. he is very smart as well. The other day I was holding him and cracked a joke.. he rolled his eyes and chuckeled. So I asked him if he was really four or five to that he again looked at me an chuckeled.. so who knows what my floppy boys DOB really is. For spending all his days in a baby bed he has attached very well and seems to realize at least that I am the head lady in charge and not just any old nanny.
How is Camille? She is also great. Camille is a little rougher around the edges then Henry. Last night my husband took the older five to our friends home they have a Dairy farm and each year have a Fall Festival. That left me with the younger four. So we hunkered down in the Living room and played.. Camille who is short, stalky yet a solid muscle(she must have Henry's tone also) she crawled up the couch then down, up the toddler picnic table that is in the LR for just such a reason then down the other side.. under the picnic table up to Dad's recliner over the side.. ok this might not seem like a big deal to a lot of you, those of you with children that have DS well you will understand. Remember it has been 5 years since I had a plain ol regular kid and well her development just blows me away. Camille is taking longer to feel comfortable.. I do think she thinks I am just another nanny even if she calls me mama. Ocassinally she calls Morgan mama also we agree in her mind we are all just nannies. Last Saturday we did spend the day outside in the sun it seemed to really put her in a better mood. That said I am ready for spring.:):):):):) Or to move to South Carolina!!!!
Overall we are doing well, keeping our heads up anyway.. I am well behind the "proper" timeline in getting my thankyou's out.. sorry... we are busy mainly doing those everyday things.. just in mass quantity.
Have a wonderful weekend.. turn your clocks back and enjoy the season...
Tiffany
Wow! It has been seven weeks since Gary and Morgan made their way with many other couples to Addis, Ababa to pick up our precious Henry and Camille. It has been an honor to be a part of their coming to the USA. Boy does time fly when you are changing diapers, wiping faces, feeding bottles, going to Dr appts. over and over and over and over.... Their are so many who helped.. there are those who prayed, those who had soup supper/bake sale/auctions for us, and those who chose to give a monetary gift. Each day and especially when I look into those beautiful little faces, I am thankful for all who helped and supported us on this adventure. In truth so many are still supporting us. Meet and Greats, Baby showers, surprise gifts arriving in the mail and one women who just handed money to Gary as he walked past her at church. Wow we have been so blessed by everyone. Thank you so much..
So how are the kids doing? They are great. Henry is off O2. PTL!!! He is still a little wet towel.. he just has NO muscle's or tone. He has only gained a half pound since getting here. I know he has been sick but I really expected he would tank it on a bit faster then he is. We tank him full of high calorie food all day and night. Really this just validates that he needs his heart repair. We have scheduled his surgery for December 14th. So little Henry will be enjoying the holiday season from the confines of his own home and the rest of us will be going out as little as possible, in hopes of keeping him well. This means our church family who has been SOOO supportive may not see him in person until after his repair. It was initially discussed that he would have his repair the week before Thanksgiving, the change come because the surgeon is taking several weeks off around that time. So Dec 14th it is. Henry is still very personable.. he is very smart as well. The other day I was holding him and cracked a joke.. he rolled his eyes and chuckeled. So I asked him if he was really four or five to that he again looked at me an chuckeled.. so who knows what my floppy boys DOB really is. For spending all his days in a baby bed he has attached very well and seems to realize at least that I am the head lady in charge and not just any old nanny.
How is Camille? She is also great. Camille is a little rougher around the edges then Henry. Last night my husband took the older five to our friends home they have a Dairy farm and each year have a Fall Festival. That left me with the younger four. So we hunkered down in the Living room and played.. Camille who is short, stalky yet a solid muscle(she must have Henry's tone also) she crawled up the couch then down, up the toddler picnic table that is in the LR for just such a reason then down the other side.. under the picnic table up to Dad's recliner over the side.. ok this might not seem like a big deal to a lot of you, those of you with children that have DS well you will understand. Remember it has been 5 years since I had a plain ol regular kid and well her development just blows me away. Camille is taking longer to feel comfortable.. I do think she thinks I am just another nanny even if she calls me mama. Ocassinally she calls Morgan mama also we agree in her mind we are all just nannies. Last Saturday we did spend the day outside in the sun it seemed to really put her in a better mood. That said I am ready for spring.:):):):):) Or to move to South Carolina!!!!
Overall we are doing well, keeping our heads up anyway.. I am well behind the "proper" timeline in getting my thankyou's out.. sorry... we are busy mainly doing those everyday things.. just in mass quantity.
Have a wonderful weekend.. turn your clocks back and enjoy the season...
Tiffany
Thursday, October 15, 2009
Monday, October 12, 2009
The rest of the story.. a day late... :o)
So here we are at the Tokoul orphanage waiting(could we possibly wait any longer.
There was laundry hanging on the lines, lots of laundry the poor ladies who must wash all those clothes by hand.:( We stood there ready to take the children in our arms as soon as they appeared. Then it happened three nannies with three babies whose were they?? The Waits got there twin girls so cute and the Peobles' little girl were the first to arrive, what a beautiful moment seeing families united after such a long wait. Two more nannies two more babies would they be ours, no the two precious little girls went into Ms. Moore's waiting arms. The Peobles and Ms. Moore went into the little visiting room while the Waits and ourselves hung out outside. Where were Henry and Camille???
They came and asked us again what our children's names were we told them Metesabia and Meskerem. One of the Waits little girls was also named Meskerem and they pointed to her and said this is Meskerem. Well the girls were obviously twins, that wasn't our girl. The nannies went back inside when they came out a few minutes later they told us we could go in. We walked past the laundry lines to the back door to the building Dad had his video camera out but they asked us to turn it off because of the other children. On the left side of the hallway we could see babies and toddlers in the different rooms.
A small room on the right side of the hallway is where we were told to wait. They closed the door when they left and I was praying they would open it any minute and there would be our kids. A minute later the Waits came in to feed there babies(the nannies had brought them bottles). The nannies and Tesfaye(our driver) came in again asking for Henry and Camile's numbers, thankfully we had been told we would need the numbers so Dad had them ready, then we were left to wait again. I was dying inside could they be at another orphanage, could they have already been adopted, Where were they?!?!?!
Then the door opened and there they were Camille was given to Dad and Henry was placed in my arms, as I held him I thought I never want to let him go. I looked into his beautiful eyes and stroked his soft hair, as my fingers touched his forehead he looked up and smiled. He was beautiful his smile made all that waiting worth it. How could we have lived without him? The Waits were very kind and took some picture for us even though they too had there hands full. I then had to give Henry up though it was only to Dad. Camille looked at us like who are you and what is going on here. Poor thing her face was swollen and she had just had the chickenpox so she still has scabs all over her.:( She didn't seem to impressed with me, but she did like the bubbles Mrs. Waits had brought. While we were holding Henry and Camille it started to rain OK pour outside. I felt so bad for the poor nannies as they ran to get the laundry off the line, all that work.:(
Our time with the kids seemed to fly by(unlike all the waiting before)I didn't want to give them back, but I knew though i would miss them and couldn't wait to see them again they were happy because this was their home. So i kissed them goodbye and gave them back to their loving nannies.
On the drive home we all talked about the kids, how old they were how beautiful they were and of course how we couldn't wait to go back tomorrow. Back at the guesthouse we had dinner and headed up to our rooms. I repacked my diaper bag though I knew we wouldn't be checking them out for a few more days, I was just so excited. I was in another country in a beautiful city with beautiful people and now the children we had been waiting for for so long were real and not too far away. As I laid in bed and prayed for my family close to me and across the world I just couldn't believe how blessed I was. What a wonderful first day in Ethiopia.
Morgan
There was laundry hanging on the lines, lots of laundry the poor ladies who must wash all those clothes by hand.:( We stood there ready to take the children in our arms as soon as they appeared. Then it happened three nannies with three babies whose were they?? The Waits got there twin girls so cute and the Peobles' little girl were the first to arrive, what a beautiful moment seeing families united after such a long wait. Two more nannies two more babies would they be ours, no the two precious little girls went into Ms. Moore's waiting arms. The Peobles and Ms. Moore went into the little visiting room while the Waits and ourselves hung out outside. Where were Henry and Camille???
They came and asked us again what our children's names were we told them Metesabia and Meskerem. One of the Waits little girls was also named Meskerem and they pointed to her and said this is Meskerem. Well the girls were obviously twins, that wasn't our girl. The nannies went back inside when they came out a few minutes later they told us we could go in. We walked past the laundry lines to the back door to the building Dad had his video camera out but they asked us to turn it off because of the other children. On the left side of the hallway we could see babies and toddlers in the different rooms.
A small room on the right side of the hallway is where we were told to wait. They closed the door when they left and I was praying they would open it any minute and there would be our kids. A minute later the Waits came in to feed there babies(the nannies had brought them bottles). The nannies and Tesfaye(our driver) came in again asking for Henry and Camile's numbers, thankfully we had been told we would need the numbers so Dad had them ready, then we were left to wait again. I was dying inside could they be at another orphanage, could they have already been adopted, Where were they?!?!?!
Then the door opened and there they were Camille was given to Dad and Henry was placed in my arms, as I held him I thought I never want to let him go. I looked into his beautiful eyes and stroked his soft hair, as my fingers touched his forehead he looked up and smiled. He was beautiful his smile made all that waiting worth it. How could we have lived without him? The Waits were very kind and took some picture for us even though they too had there hands full. I then had to give Henry up though it was only to Dad. Camille looked at us like who are you and what is going on here. Poor thing her face was swollen and she had just had the chickenpox so she still has scabs all over her.:( She didn't seem to impressed with me, but she did like the bubbles Mrs. Waits had brought. While we were holding Henry and Camille it started to rain OK pour outside. I felt so bad for the poor nannies as they ran to get the laundry off the line, all that work.:(
Our time with the kids seemed to fly by(unlike all the waiting before)I didn't want to give them back, but I knew though i would miss them and couldn't wait to see them again they were happy because this was their home. So i kissed them goodbye and gave them back to their loving nannies.
On the drive home we all talked about the kids, how old they were how beautiful they were and of course how we couldn't wait to go back tomorrow. Back at the guesthouse we had dinner and headed up to our rooms. I repacked my diaper bag though I knew we wouldn't be checking them out for a few more days, I was just so excited. I was in another country in a beautiful city with beautiful people and now the children we had been waiting for for so long were real and not too far away. As I laid in bed and prayed for my family close to me and across the world I just couldn't believe how blessed I was. What a wonderful first day in Ethiopia.
Morgan
Saturday, October 10, 2009
Morgan is back..
O+ where did I leave off, yes we were at the Guest house and had another three hours to wait till we would be driven to the orphanage. Oh what would we do, how could we wait... So after being told repeatedly Do NOT eat fresh vegtables or fruits. We went downstairs and what did they serve us for lunch??? SALAD.. and bread..What do you do? They were watching us.. Over and over in our paperwork it warns travelers against this. So we ate it.. (then ran upstairs and had probiotics and prayed)
After lunch we hung out a bit and then our driver Tesfaye (TesfI) took us to the Toukoul Orphanage. It was about a 15 minute drive on the way there we saw lots of people it was amazing the difference in the Ethiopian people alone there were people dressed in jeans and tshirts, suit coats, tattered clothes and traditional Ethiopian garb. All walking the streets together.. some with somewhere to go, some with nowhere to go. Many of the billboards were in English. This is because there are a lot of tourists. Along with the people there were cattle, donkey's, and lots of goats. The goats were obviously unaware that they would be dinner come Thursday which was he Ethiopian New Year.Do you know what year it is there? There were many tarps laid on the ground people were selling anything and everything. books, banana's, meat. The streets in the city were made of asphalt, the road to the orphanage was mud. There are no street lights and many lanes of trafic. There was really no guides for driving you just did. The drivers used there horns to communicate not to just say get out of my way.. kind of like saying I'm over here with your horn. Our driver Tesfaye said everyone gets in about five to ten fender benders a year. However you just move on no insurance calls, no police, no anger no it's your fault you just move on. As we turned onto the mud road and saw the Blue gates of the Toukoul orphanage I could hardly wait to hold Henry and Camille. We know that some wait much longer then we have but when it's your turn... well it's your turn. The man opened the gates, we parked all got out out of the van not really knowing what to do. There were some french people waiting, after about five minutes their children were brought out. There was one couple who got a little boy about two.. he was just clueless that this was his mommy and that she had come to get him and take him to his forever home. He kept looking back at the nanny's for guidence.
It was a good to have this to watch while we waited for our little ones. The question is where are our little ones???????
Unless Henry goes to the Hospital I'll see you tomorrow for The Rest of the Story.
Dictated by Morgan typed by her Mom
After lunch we hung out a bit and then our driver Tesfaye (TesfI) took us to the Toukoul Orphanage. It was about a 15 minute drive on the way there we saw lots of people it was amazing the difference in the Ethiopian people alone there were people dressed in jeans and tshirts, suit coats, tattered clothes and traditional Ethiopian garb. All walking the streets together.. some with somewhere to go, some with nowhere to go. Many of the billboards were in English. This is because there are a lot of tourists. Along with the people there were cattle, donkey's, and lots of goats. The goats were obviously unaware that they would be dinner come Thursday which was he Ethiopian New Year.Do you know what year it is there? There were many tarps laid on the ground people were selling anything and everything. books, banana's, meat. The streets in the city were made of asphalt, the road to the orphanage was mud. There are no street lights and many lanes of trafic. There was really no guides for driving you just did. The drivers used there horns to communicate not to just say get out of my way.. kind of like saying I'm over here with your horn. Our driver Tesfaye said everyone gets in about five to ten fender benders a year. However you just move on no insurance calls, no police, no anger no it's your fault you just move on. As we turned onto the mud road and saw the Blue gates of the Toukoul orphanage I could hardly wait to hold Henry and Camille. We know that some wait much longer then we have but when it's your turn... well it's your turn. The man opened the gates, we parked all got out out of the van not really knowing what to do. There were some french people waiting, after about five minutes their children were brought out. There was one couple who got a little boy about two.. he was just clueless that this was his mommy and that she had come to get him and take him to his forever home. He kept looking back at the nanny's for guidence.
It was a good to have this to watch while we waited for our little ones. The question is where are our little ones???????
Unless Henry goes to the Hospital I'll see you tomorrow for The Rest of the Story.
Dictated by Morgan typed by her Mom
Friday, October 9, 2009
How's it goin?
Well to most it would be hectic, to much work and we have even had a couple people insinuate that it is not worth it...WHAT!?!?!? not worth it.. Oh my my my, what some people miss out on .. Now I must be honest the one thing I prayed to not get was those little scabies.. and oh did we get them.. along with ringworm, Giardia, ear infections, colds, a short hospital stay, a little girl that wants to be held every second of the day (yes we do hold her) and a little boy on Oxygen. Nope would not trade it for the world.. my comment is often "What else would I be doing?" and I mean it. My next response is, always better to obey God then to not.. (learned this the hard way) do I get an Amen??
It has been a lot of work so far. Somedays I wonder if we should have gotten an older little girl, but then we left it up to the Lord to choose out daughter so no worries.. Just a few more diapers.
They are both wonderful last night we were all in the living room, this is where we spend a lot of time, especially since little Henry only has fourteen feet of tubing for his O2. Henry was in his bumbo and Maggie had her hands on his cheeks just talking so sweet to him. When Camille cries (which I must say is kind of often) she pats her and says it ok baby it ok baby... She is such great big sister. Praise The Lord...
One special treat I received when Henry and I came home from the hospital. Was a particular little man I love soooo much stood up and walked over to me.. My little Peter is a very cautious little guy so walking well is just to edgy for him. He is doing a great job and although he does not walk full time yet.. he is getting there. To be honest I am grateful to have one boy that is not all dare devil..
Back to Henry, I am not pleased with his breathing. since coming home instead of weaning him from his O2 we have actually bumped him up a bit. There has not been much time in the last three weeks to look over his medicals from the orphanage , so yesterday was the day, after looking them over it appears he has spent a fair amount of his life on oxygen. Not sure how this affects us at this point however I am a bit unhappy that the Dr did not tell this to Gary especially since he was on oxygen just a few days and possibly up to the day Gary and Morgan met him. That is not nice and really the only complaint I have about the whole process.
Today Peter goes to the Dr (ear infection/low grade fever) I am taking Henry with me.. you know slip him in.. Dr's love that don't they?? Just for a second opinion. Better go get breakfast just gave Henry is bottle, Peter is looking like if he does not get a cheerio he might fly away
Have a great weekend
Tiffany
It has been a lot of work so far. Somedays I wonder if we should have gotten an older little girl, but then we left it up to the Lord to choose out daughter so no worries.. Just a few more diapers.
They are both wonderful last night we were all in the living room, this is where we spend a lot of time, especially since little Henry only has fourteen feet of tubing for his O2. Henry was in his bumbo and Maggie had her hands on his cheeks just talking so sweet to him. When Camille cries (which I must say is kind of often) she pats her and says it ok baby it ok baby... She is such great big sister. Praise The Lord...
One special treat I received when Henry and I came home from the hospital. Was a particular little man I love soooo much stood up and walked over to me.. My little Peter is a very cautious little guy so walking well is just to edgy for him. He is doing a great job and although he does not walk full time yet.. he is getting there. To be honest I am grateful to have one boy that is not all dare devil..
Back to Henry, I am not pleased with his breathing. since coming home instead of weaning him from his O2 we have actually bumped him up a bit. There has not been much time in the last three weeks to look over his medicals from the orphanage , so yesterday was the day, after looking them over it appears he has spent a fair amount of his life on oxygen. Not sure how this affects us at this point however I am a bit unhappy that the Dr did not tell this to Gary especially since he was on oxygen just a few days and possibly up to the day Gary and Morgan met him. That is not nice and really the only complaint I have about the whole process.
Today Peter goes to the Dr (ear infection/low grade fever) I am taking Henry with me.. you know slip him in.. Dr's love that don't they?? Just for a second opinion. Better go get breakfast just gave Henry is bottle, Peter is looking like if he does not get a cheerio he might fly away
Have a great weekend
Tiffany
Sunday, October 4, 2009
New news
Well first let me say that Morgan is waiting patiently to continue her Note from Morgan column, however, Henry's Pneumonia has got the best of him so she is at home doing I am sure a better job of being me then I do most days.
Yes Henry has had his first Ambulance ride.. I think for his second birthday we will take him for a train ride then he will have covered several methods of transport by a young age.
Henry has been on antibiotics for a couple weeks and breathing treatments several times a day. However it's just not cutting it so Sat am I guess his tiny body had enough and when checked had a temp of 103.5 so the Dr said take him in.. There is a frustrating story that finally got him downtown but I will share that later.. the hospital is so full we are actually in the original wing so I have come down to the Ronald McDonald room to shower. So my Henry is waiting for me.
Please pray for complete healing for Henry's lungs. and any and all bugs we have inside and out..
Happy Lords day,, Praise God he is in America where there is a hospital for him to go to...
Tiffany
Yes Henry has had his first Ambulance ride.. I think for his second birthday we will take him for a train ride then he will have covered several methods of transport by a young age.
Henry has been on antibiotics for a couple weeks and breathing treatments several times a day. However it's just not cutting it so Sat am I guess his tiny body had enough and when checked had a temp of 103.5 so the Dr said take him in.. There is a frustrating story that finally got him downtown but I will share that later.. the hospital is so full we are actually in the original wing so I have come down to the Ronald McDonald room to shower. So my Henry is waiting for me.
Please pray for complete healing for Henry's lungs. and any and all bugs we have inside and out..
Happy Lords day,, Praise God he is in America where there is a hospital for him to go to...
Tiffany
Friday, October 2, 2009
Technical Dificulty
Just a little not to say that Morgan has run into technical difficulty... which trasnslates as we were at the Dr's all afternoon and our wonderful friend had a get togther for us and some of our friends so the could meet Henry and Camille tonight. By the time we got home... all the kiddo's were out so Morgan went on to bed. So Morgan's post today will be post-poned to tomorrow.
Goodnight
Morgans Mom.......
Goodnight
Morgans Mom.......
Thursday, October 1, 2009
Today's post from Morgan
We have been home for a few weeks now and they have been wonderful. Yes I said wonderful even with the scabies, ear infections, ringworm, and pneumonia. It's great to be home, seeing Mom with Henry and Camille..... that's wonderful.
Our trip really was an eye opening experience. The beauty of Addis and the Ethiopian people, yet the devastation and trials they endure. On the plane ride to Ethiopia there was an aire of excitement, people going to visit family, people going home, and people like us going to pick up the new special member or members of their family's. We met several families who were also adopting on the plane one of which was with our agency, the Waits. We also met a couple named Travis and Shannon who were adopting a 10 month old little boy, they were with a different agency. Shannon was wonderful to talk with and I was very disappointed that we would not get to have the joy of spending the week getting to know them better.
When the plane landed people clapped, it made me wonder how much louder the clapping would be when we landed in the U.S. after the long flight with babies.
We then went through the airport and got our visas, next they looked at our passports and we went to claim our luggage. Dad left me by one of the luggage carousels with our carry-on luggage while he went to find our checked bags and a cart to carry them. While he was away three of our four bags showed up, I hurried to pull them off the carousel before they disappeared. The last bag didn't show up thankfully until Dad came back , we then got them on the cart and headed for customs. there were three long lines so we picked one and were set to wait but then a security guard asked us if we had any valuables Dad showed him his Camera and he let us go around the people in line. I'm not sure why we got to go around but I am thankful.
We entered the terminal and started searching for the sign with our name [which it turns out they didn't have]. We were standing in the terminal thinking we would just wait until it cleared out a little bit when someone asked if we needed to call a taxi we told him not yet. As soon as he walked away a man came up and asked if we were Americans coming to adopt. When we said yes he pointed to a group standing a ways off to our left, the Waits were in it so we knew it was the right group.:)
We headed out to the parking lot and loaded the bags into the two vans that were waiting. The guest house was just a few minutes away. When we got to the guest house the "guards" and drivers carried our bags to our rooms. We were on the fourth floor and by the time I reached our room I was out of breath( I think it was the elevation not my being out of shape.) :):):)
We had to wait until 3:30 to go visit the kids because that is when they would be up from their rest. The next three and a half hours seemed to take longer than the plane ride, we were so close yet we couldn't get to our little ones fast enough. Tick Tock Tick Tock..... I'll be back tomorrow.....
Morgan
Our trip really was an eye opening experience. The beauty of Addis and the Ethiopian people, yet the devastation and trials they endure. On the plane ride to Ethiopia there was an aire of excitement, people going to visit family, people going home, and people like us going to pick up the new special member or members of their family's. We met several families who were also adopting on the plane one of which was with our agency, the Waits. We also met a couple named Travis and Shannon who were adopting a 10 month old little boy, they were with a different agency. Shannon was wonderful to talk with and I was very disappointed that we would not get to have the joy of spending the week getting to know them better.
When the plane landed people clapped, it made me wonder how much louder the clapping would be when we landed in the U.S. after the long flight with babies.
We then went through the airport and got our visas, next they looked at our passports and we went to claim our luggage. Dad left me by one of the luggage carousels with our carry-on luggage while he went to find our checked bags and a cart to carry them. While he was away three of our four bags showed up, I hurried to pull them off the carousel before they disappeared. The last bag didn't show up thankfully until Dad came back , we then got them on the cart and headed for customs. there were three long lines so we picked one and were set to wait but then a security guard asked us if we had any valuables Dad showed him his Camera and he let us go around the people in line. I'm not sure why we got to go around but I am thankful.
We entered the terminal and started searching for the sign with our name [which it turns out they didn't have]. We were standing in the terminal thinking we would just wait until it cleared out a little bit when someone asked if we needed to call a taxi we told him not yet. As soon as he walked away a man came up and asked if we were Americans coming to adopt. When we said yes he pointed to a group standing a ways off to our left, the Waits were in it so we knew it was the right group.:)
We headed out to the parking lot and loaded the bags into the two vans that were waiting. The guest house was just a few minutes away. When we got to the guest house the "guards" and drivers carried our bags to our rooms. We were on the fourth floor and by the time I reached our room I was out of breath( I think it was the elevation not my being out of shape.) :):):)
We had to wait until 3:30 to go visit the kids because that is when they would be up from their rest. The next three and a half hours seemed to take longer than the plane ride, we were so close yet we couldn't get to our little ones fast enough. Tick Tock Tick Tock..... I'll be back tomorrow.....
Morgan
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Progress...... I think!!!
Well it has been what almost three weeks since Gary and Morgan returned home from Africa with our two newest additions.. I say newest because we have learned never to say "last" additions. Gary said they had a conversation with many on the plane... everyone agreed you don't say "this is IT" on the plane ride home or soon after getting home. (Good plan) Gary will be the first to admit you should not ever say things like, "We are NOT getting a little boy with Down Syndrome!" that just may not be God's plan and your next son will be blessed with Down Syndrome... His name is Peter... :):):):) Then you should also not say "We are NOT going all the way to another country and spending all that time and money to get another child" comments like that will get you TWO children from another country... (right Mike?)
So those of you reading this, well you should just smile and say yes that's right... it would be best not to pause to long on the thought or go to www.reecesrainbow.com and look at all the beautiful children (especially those blessed with DS) who need forever homes...
Ok the adoption plug has been made now... an update on the kids.. Oh my Camille is getting more beautiful everyday.. perhaps because all he pox scabs are about gone so we are able to get a comb through her hair. Her ears must be getting better because she is starting to sing and smile more and more each day. She is quite the opinionated little one.. (she'll fit right in) she is on the verge of walking. We have a little song we sing to her and in a very concrete stand she bounces up and down on her knees. Then falls down but she gets back up and bounces some more. Yesterday Maggie patted her on the shoulder and said Maggie's sister...... that was very nice... Peter also is able to pat them or touch them and smile now. He has been having his own battle with allergies lately so is not 100% either. Then there is little Mr. Henry.. he has now been on 6 days of antibiotics and every four hour breathing treatments.. he still sounds like he smokes and today his fever played bouncy ball with me and would be up then not then up then not. We will go to the pedi on Fri and get an xray to see if his lungs look better. If not it would seem to me that a little trip to the kid pokey to get some IV meds would be in order.. he is still so happy though.. wow so happy..
My battery is running out so bye for now'
Blessings to you all
Tiffany
So those of you reading this, well you should just smile and say yes that's right... it would be best not to pause to long on the thought or go to www.reecesrainbow.com and look at all the beautiful children (especially those blessed with DS) who need forever homes...
Ok the adoption plug has been made now... an update on the kids.. Oh my Camille is getting more beautiful everyday.. perhaps because all he pox scabs are about gone so we are able to get a comb through her hair. Her ears must be getting better because she is starting to sing and smile more and more each day. She is quite the opinionated little one.. (she'll fit right in) she is on the verge of walking. We have a little song we sing to her and in a very concrete stand she bounces up and down on her knees. Then falls down but she gets back up and bounces some more. Yesterday Maggie patted her on the shoulder and said Maggie's sister...... that was very nice... Peter also is able to pat them or touch them and smile now. He has been having his own battle with allergies lately so is not 100% either. Then there is little Mr. Henry.. he has now been on 6 days of antibiotics and every four hour breathing treatments.. he still sounds like he smokes and today his fever played bouncy ball with me and would be up then not then up then not. We will go to the pedi on Fri and get an xray to see if his lungs look better. If not it would seem to me that a little trip to the kid pokey to get some IV meds would be in order.. he is still so happy though.. wow so happy..
My battery is running out so bye for now'
Blessings to you all
Tiffany
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
Having a go at it....
Well I am sure many of you are aware of a service called Caringbridge. Although we have enjoyed keeping updated on many through this service, we have never used it ourselves. Actually for some reason I did not know it exsisted while Maggie and Peter had their surgery's.
We have created a Caringbridge http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/henryninemire site for Henry and hope this will help keep you, our friends and family updated on Henry's story.
If you want you can sign up for Journal updates then each time we update Henry's story you will be notified via email.
Hope you all had as wonderful of a weekend as we did.
The kids are so wonderful, Maggie is still pleased as punch with her new sibs and Peter is coming around slowly but surely. He can even say Henry with a smile.
Blessings ~~Tiffany~~
We have created a Caringbridge http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/henryninemire site for Henry and hope this will help keep you, our friends and family updated on Henry's story.
If you want you can sign up for Journal updates then each time we update Henry's story you will be notified via email.
Hope you all had as wonderful of a weekend as we did.
The kids are so wonderful, Maggie is still pleased as punch with her new sibs and Peter is coming around slowly but surely. He can even say Henry with a smile.
Blessings ~~Tiffany~~
Friday, September 25, 2009
Second opinion
Good afternoon,
Just a little update to say that when you feel as a mother that a Dr has not listened to you.. it is always good to get a second opinion. Long story short that nice Dr. on Monday from the International clinic we saw that thought perhaps Henry had swine flu and although he was concerned about the large welts on her scalp said nothing really about them. He was a nice guy however it turns out that Henry has a significant case of Pneumonia in both lobes. Camille still has a double ear infection and either scabies in her scalp ( we could not see them initially because of her pox scabs) or she has had an allergic reaction to the last antibiotic she had. So Henry got a nice shot of antibiotics at the Dr's a couple breathing treatments, that we will continue for several days and a nice 10 day antibiotic to take at home. Hopefully he will respond well to this treatment. Camille also has a new script that we hope will take care of her ears and has had her bath in that nice insecticide cream.. yes that means more laundry.. however I have learned that it is true if scabies were as contagious as my OCD believes they are we would all be covered.Praise God for OCD!!!!
That is what we are up to I must say despite how Henry must feel with 7 days of fever , bad breathing and constant coughing he still smiles every time you look at him..
Can't wait to see how the little ones are next week it will be like having different children.
~~Blessings~~
Tiffany
Just a little update to say that when you feel as a mother that a Dr has not listened to you.. it is always good to get a second opinion. Long story short that nice Dr. on Monday from the International clinic we saw that thought perhaps Henry had swine flu and although he was concerned about the large welts on her scalp said nothing really about them. He was a nice guy however it turns out that Henry has a significant case of Pneumonia in both lobes. Camille still has a double ear infection and either scabies in her scalp ( we could not see them initially because of her pox scabs) or she has had an allergic reaction to the last antibiotic she had. So Henry got a nice shot of antibiotics at the Dr's a couple breathing treatments, that we will continue for several days and a nice 10 day antibiotic to take at home. Hopefully he will respond well to this treatment. Camille also has a new script that we hope will take care of her ears and has had her bath in that nice insecticide cream.. yes that means more laundry.. however I have learned that it is true if scabies were as contagious as my OCD believes they are we would all be covered.Praise God for OCD!!!!
That is what we are up to I must say despite how Henry must feel with 7 days of fever , bad breathing and constant coughing he still smiles every time you look at him..
Can't wait to see how the little ones are next week it will be like having different children.
~~Blessings~~
Tiffany
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
The whole gang
Here is a picture we quickly clicked at the airport right before taking off to the Dr's. This might be as good of a picture as we can get without going to our favorite photographer Brandi. She just has a way with us all.
Just thought I would share.
Tiffany
Sunday, September 20, 2009
Camille
Little Camille. She is so beautiful and a wonderful snuggeler. Camille is so tiny yet so capable. She seems cognitively right on. Yeah!! We expect her to walk on her own anytime. Camille is a bit clingy. She certainly expects to be help when she wants to be held. So in turn she is held a lot. Can't remember if I have already said this but, there ability to attach is amazing and a total credit to the wonderful Nannies at Toukoul Orphanage. Morgan said Camille had three Nannies and after they had given Camille to she and Gary one came and took her back kissed and talked to her some more then they passed her around again all telling her goodbye and kissing her. What wonderful women they are to nurture our children for us until they come home. Camille is now eating solid foods and is none to picky. She sits in her bumbo with her hands resting on the sides looking at you thinking keep it comin keep it comin.... Oh she is also sleeping through the night with one great nap during the day. Praise God for this. She is still very congested and has a bad runny nose. Surely we will get that taken care of tomorrow at clinic. This will be her first outing.!! Her next outing will not be until Oct 2nd when a friend is having a little meet and greet for Henry and Camille. We are hoping to collect some shoes to send back with friends to the children of Toukoul. I am hoping when Gary feels better and Morgan and I are done doing laundry they will post about their time in Addis Ababa.. They both enjoyed their time there very much.
Until then
Tiffany
Henry
Ok so maybe this is not the best picture however it does capture his honery personality. Henry could be the poster child for Down Syndrome. You know when people say those Downs kids they are so loving,,,,, then I say you don't know anyone with Down Syndrome do you?? Because we all know they can be just as if not more strong willed then those plain ol regular kids. However those with Down Syndrome do have what I say is the purest closest to Jesus Love I believe you can find here on earth. They love most people regardless of age, size, race, social status.. if they are going to like you they are going to love you. Henry is just that he smiles and flirts with you so you must smile back at him. He does not like his bath however as soon as you put the towel around him he just smiles at you all forgiving. His skin looks so much better,, have you ever slathered your child with Olive oil? It makes them soooo soft. Henry is holding his head up a bit better now. He also rolls pretty around pretty good. We are working on eating solid foods. Even with milk he tends to push some out with his tongue. Making for a messy meal time. It also takes him about an hour to finish a bottle... any suggestions anyone??? Peter is still trying to get someone to return these beauties. Overall I think what ticks him off the most is that he wants their bottles. He is a lover of the bottle. Henry is a joy. Every once in awhile I look at him and just say.........WOW your the boy in the picture... Amazing.~~~Tiffany~~~
Thursday, September 17, 2009
A bit of an update....
Well, I know it is about time and sadly I just want to go to sleep so I am going to try to be brief...
We have had a great week. As of Saturday we will be repasting on the insectiside to all those who need it. Just to make sure any little guys working on hatching do not succeed. Yuck! Last count we are at 38 loads of laundry this week. (just to make sure they are all dead) you can't see them you know?? If you know me well you know this kind of thing makes me a bit OCD.
The kids are great. Henry is the most laid back little guy I have ever met. Not sure if this will be long term or just until he realized he can ask for stuff. He is already doing much better at holding his head up. The bumbo is his friend. Took him to the Cardiologist yesterday. His Cardio says he has a little hypertension.... is that like he has a little Down syndrome? So reality is that he needs his heart fixed sooner would be better then later however we are going to snuggle him a bit longer and try to fatten him up. Thought we were doing pretty good at that, then last night he started in with the water poo. So as it goes in,, it also comes out no ground gained. We do go to the International Adoption clinic next week so we will check for internal creepy crawlies.....aughh....Henry is very popular at our house even with water poo. :)
Little Camille, she does have the most beautiful voice it is high pitched but not fingernail on chalkboard high. Just a beautiful sound when she babbles... she is tiny however just on the edge of walking. It will be so cute to see her take off at her size. Canille will still not eat solid foods. She will go to the Pedi tomorrow because she has the worst wheezy cough. She is not as laid back as Henry and knows how not only to ask for stuff but to demand a bit as well. The voice is not so cute at these times. She is a smart little cookie and has even said a few words.. like mama..YES!!! It has been a long time since I have had a plain ol regular little one, It different but good. We are so pleased God led us to bring her home along side Henry. Camille has taken to her big brother Timothy very well. When she is being demanding I put a front pack on him and he walks her around the yard naming things trees, fence, dog ect. It's nice for us all.
Many have asked how Maggie and Peter are taking to their new siblings. Well Maggie is good, she likes them and is very nurturing. Peter has been going around to different people asking for help finding the receipt for them.. he is pretty sure it is around here and would like to find it so he can return them both. I did get him to greet them both with a handshake yesterday .. that was it one smile, one hand shake one nod of the head for each he was giving them no more.
Gary and Morgan are still a bit run down and it will be nice when they are up to par. This week was kind of a wash with the scabies, ear infections and the time change. We are hoping in the next couple weeks to fall into a better routine. At this time Henry is waking up once at night for a bottle then goes right back to sleep. Camille also wakes up once anywhere between 3:00 and 4:45 for a bottle however she then STAYS UP!!!!!!!!!!! This does not float my boat but we get to snuggle together alone and that is nice. And God has honored me this week by giving me several extra helpings of energy.
We will be keeping Henry and Camille home and away from people for another couple weeks, they can't wait to meet all their new friends and realitives . Again we thank you all for your support and especially your prayers. God has been faithful in ways we don't even know and we praise him for it..
Thank you Lord for all you have entrusted us with may we be pleasing to you in all that we do... Amen.
~~~~Tiffany~~~~
We have had a great week. As of Saturday we will be repasting on the insectiside to all those who need it. Just to make sure any little guys working on hatching do not succeed. Yuck! Last count we are at 38 loads of laundry this week. (just to make sure they are all dead) you can't see them you know?? If you know me well you know this kind of thing makes me a bit OCD.
The kids are great. Henry is the most laid back little guy I have ever met. Not sure if this will be long term or just until he realized he can ask for stuff. He is already doing much better at holding his head up. The bumbo is his friend. Took him to the Cardiologist yesterday. His Cardio says he has a little hypertension.... is that like he has a little Down syndrome? So reality is that he needs his heart fixed sooner would be better then later however we are going to snuggle him a bit longer and try to fatten him up. Thought we were doing pretty good at that, then last night he started in with the water poo. So as it goes in,, it also comes out no ground gained. We do go to the International Adoption clinic next week so we will check for internal creepy crawlies.....aughh....Henry is very popular at our house even with water poo. :)
Little Camille, she does have the most beautiful voice it is high pitched but not fingernail on chalkboard high. Just a beautiful sound when she babbles... she is tiny however just on the edge of walking. It will be so cute to see her take off at her size. Canille will still not eat solid foods. She will go to the Pedi tomorrow because she has the worst wheezy cough. She is not as laid back as Henry and knows how not only to ask for stuff but to demand a bit as well. The voice is not so cute at these times. She is a smart little cookie and has even said a few words.. like mama..YES!!! It has been a long time since I have had a plain ol regular little one, It different but good. We are so pleased God led us to bring her home along side Henry. Camille has taken to her big brother Timothy very well. When she is being demanding I put a front pack on him and he walks her around the yard naming things trees, fence, dog ect. It's nice for us all.
Many have asked how Maggie and Peter are taking to their new siblings. Well Maggie is good, she likes them and is very nurturing. Peter has been going around to different people asking for help finding the receipt for them.. he is pretty sure it is around here and would like to find it so he can return them both. I did get him to greet them both with a handshake yesterday .. that was it one smile, one hand shake one nod of the head for each he was giving them no more.
Gary and Morgan are still a bit run down and it will be nice when they are up to par. This week was kind of a wash with the scabies, ear infections and the time change. We are hoping in the next couple weeks to fall into a better routine. At this time Henry is waking up once at night for a bottle then goes right back to sleep. Camille also wakes up once anywhere between 3:00 and 4:45 for a bottle however she then STAYS UP!!!!!!!!!!! This does not float my boat but we get to snuggle together alone and that is nice. And God has honored me this week by giving me several extra helpings of energy.
We will be keeping Henry and Camille home and away from people for another couple weeks, they can't wait to meet all their new friends and realitives . Again we thank you all for your support and especially your prayers. God has been faithful in ways we don't even know and we praise him for it..
Thank you Lord for all you have entrusted us with may we be pleasing to you in all that we do... Amen.
~~~~Tiffany~~~~
Sunday, September 13, 2009
600mph poopie diaper!
From the beginning, bringing home two unfamiliar infants half way across the world seemed to be the most concerning part of our adventure... and it was. Every day of our trip seemed to be a big day or a big step toward our end goal. Just getting there and finding our ride to our guesthouse/hotel; getting to see our new kids for the first time; meeting with our Ethiopian lawyer to go over the multiple forms and documents to file with the Embassy; filing our papers with the Embassy and paying our fees; singing out our kids from the orphanage and seeing thier cribs and meeting their nannays; actually recieving our kids visas and passports; celebrating the Ethiopian new year; packing up and preparing for the long arduious flight home.
My dredded fears confirmed - the ride home was no fun at all. Camille has been on antibiotics which cause very runny stools. She also can't eat solids for some reason and tends to gag and vomit - put those ingredients in a metal tube with 180 of my fellow humans going 600 mph at 36,000 feet - yeeeha - an experience I shall not soon forget. 5 poopie blowouts between Addis Ababa and Washington DC - thanks to a plastic liner - no clothes had to be disposed of. Camille was not a happy child. She did not sleep more than 15 minutes at a time before she had to change positions in my lap. My knees were up aginst the seat in front of me and the older woman next to me had a terrible cough. They wouldn't let Morgan and I set together due to some 'rule' that a row can't hold more than 1 lap infant at a time - she was only 2 seats away however. I counted 52 hours between sleeping in a bed. with only 15 minute naps between... Exhausted! Then we had to clear customs, immigration and reclaim our luggage - a bueracratic ordeal. Our flight out of DC was delayed 2 hours to add to the fun - that made a 9 hour layover in Dulles airport - but they do have a Chipotle and a Duncan Donuts - I think I could live there for a while. One step at a time and we made it! Camille and Henry are here in America - quite a first birthday for Camille! It was sooo good to see my family at the airport to greet us - Little Maggie went crazy about seeing her morgan once again.
An unexpected joy of the week was meeting some fellow adoptive parents from across the nation with the same hearts for kids - truly some wonderful people - Tom and Annie from Colorado, Travis and Shannon from Michigan, and even from just up our road, the Peoples form Lawrence Kansas.
And now the easy part is over. On to helping our kids to blossom into the Christ centered, serving people they were ment to be.
None of our adventure could have been possible without the help and prayers of so many of you
out there. From the unknown lady in Dulles airport who I talked with and who prayed for my family, to my friends who prayed and supported us, to organizations like Shohanna's Hope foundation and woods chappel church, and Reeces Rainbow, and many many many other folks out there who also have a heart for orphans. I can't thank you all enough - America is full of very good people who care. We took over 3 full suitcases of donations - 135 lbs of items such as ziplock bags, medicine, clothes, toys,vitamens and school supplies. The orphanage workers were so amazed how much we were able to bring over - thank you all!!!! You have made a difference.
There are so many sights and experiences which have changed my preception of our world. How can you not be changed by watching a man butt scoot down the sidewalk in tattered clothes because he is crippled. Men uriniting in public because there are no facilities. People begging for our protien bars through our van windows, goats, sheep and cattle marching down the street in this country's capitol, major intersections without working streetlights, hords of people walking the streets - everywhere... YET the people of Ethiopia are tough and mostly very polite and kind. Our guesthouse staff were great! I did not loose any weight thanks to our Italian trained chef 'Wendy'. The country is not a desert, yet a beautiful country of palm trees, exotic birds, and mild tempratures. I would have loved to stay longer to see some more of the countryside and some of the beginnings of civilization on this earth - now this is the old part of the world. It is my dream to see Camille and perhaps Henry to go back to their homeland and serve the people of Ethiopia and experience the world from which they have come.
I am still Exhausted but excited for the future
May God bless you as he has blessed our country and my family...
Big Dad
My dredded fears confirmed - the ride home was no fun at all. Camille has been on antibiotics which cause very runny stools. She also can't eat solids for some reason and tends to gag and vomit - put those ingredients in a metal tube with 180 of my fellow humans going 600 mph at 36,000 feet - yeeeha - an experience I shall not soon forget. 5 poopie blowouts between Addis Ababa and Washington DC - thanks to a plastic liner - no clothes had to be disposed of. Camille was not a happy child. She did not sleep more than 15 minutes at a time before she had to change positions in my lap. My knees were up aginst the seat in front of me and the older woman next to me had a terrible cough. They wouldn't let Morgan and I set together due to some 'rule' that a row can't hold more than 1 lap infant at a time - she was only 2 seats away however. I counted 52 hours between sleeping in a bed. with only 15 minute naps between... Exhausted! Then we had to clear customs, immigration and reclaim our luggage - a bueracratic ordeal. Our flight out of DC was delayed 2 hours to add to the fun - that made a 9 hour layover in Dulles airport - but they do have a Chipotle and a Duncan Donuts - I think I could live there for a while. One step at a time and we made it! Camille and Henry are here in America - quite a first birthday for Camille! It was sooo good to see my family at the airport to greet us - Little Maggie went crazy about seeing her morgan once again.
An unexpected joy of the week was meeting some fellow adoptive parents from across the nation with the same hearts for kids - truly some wonderful people - Tom and Annie from Colorado, Travis and Shannon from Michigan, and even from just up our road, the Peoples form Lawrence Kansas.
And now the easy part is over. On to helping our kids to blossom into the Christ centered, serving people they were ment to be.
None of our adventure could have been possible without the help and prayers of so many of you
out there. From the unknown lady in Dulles airport who I talked with and who prayed for my family, to my friends who prayed and supported us, to organizations like Shohanna's Hope foundation and woods chappel church, and Reeces Rainbow, and many many many other folks out there who also have a heart for orphans. I can't thank you all enough - America is full of very good people who care. We took over 3 full suitcases of donations - 135 lbs of items such as ziplock bags, medicine, clothes, toys,vitamens and school supplies. The orphanage workers were so amazed how much we were able to bring over - thank you all!!!! You have made a difference.
There are so many sights and experiences which have changed my preception of our world. How can you not be changed by watching a man butt scoot down the sidewalk in tattered clothes because he is crippled. Men uriniting in public because there are no facilities. People begging for our protien bars through our van windows, goats, sheep and cattle marching down the street in this country's capitol, major intersections without working streetlights, hords of people walking the streets - everywhere... YET the people of Ethiopia are tough and mostly very polite and kind. Our guesthouse staff were great! I did not loose any weight thanks to our Italian trained chef 'Wendy'. The country is not a desert, yet a beautiful country of palm trees, exotic birds, and mild tempratures. I would have loved to stay longer to see some more of the countryside and some of the beginnings of civilization on this earth - now this is the old part of the world. It is my dream to see Camille and perhaps Henry to go back to their homeland and serve the people of Ethiopia and experience the world from which they have come.
I am still Exhausted but excited for the future
May God bless you as he has blessed our country and my family...
Big Dad
Home at last.....
First we want to just Praise God for his guidance and watch care over Gary, Morgan, Henry and Camille. Also for not allowing any "major" issues here at home while they were gone for the eleven days. God is good and greatly to be praised...
Then to re-cap a bit. My younger children got up at 6:30ish asking if it was time to go to the Airport? So we talked a bit about time. Then we went out for lunch, drove really slow the hour to Grandma's so they can all take a nap in the car. Took Grandma out for ice cream for her Birthday!!! Went past a friends house to pick up something (this next sentence is supposed to be then off to the airport) BUT NO, Gary calls and lets us know there is a two hour delay. At this point they have been traveling about 25 hours. So we hang out at my friends house, go across the street to the school play on the swings ect, a squirrel falls out of a tree in front of my teenage son who scoops it up and starts asking can I keep it pleeeeease...? So he did. Stopped by the store to get sandwich fixins.. to eat in the car on the way to the airport, now at this point my incredibly coordinated nicely dressed children.. intended to match the precious little outfits sent to Africa for their new siblings are not lookin so good. Oh well we head to the Airport. We get there when we are supposed to, but hey there is no one getting their luggage,,, so we think hmm not here yet and as I look to my right there they are "already" here with bags and waiting. Good grief... it was wonderful though there was my handsome husband was with his front pack on looking all dashing with his new little brown daughter. To the right was my beautiful second born with her front pack with her new little brown brother. Maggie realized it was her mogen.... and hollered as she ran to her. The children are beautiful... we chatted a bit hugged passed around the babies, called the Dr. to let her know we were on our way, clicked a quick picture of all the sibs and were off.
Now the goods on the kids.. I will start with Camille.. she is a beautiful, capable typical little girl. Today is her Birthday so she spent her first birthday traveling to the USA. She is not the 20 pounds that her med report said but a petite 16. She does have an ear infection and such water poo that I am sure the antibiotic she will take for her ear could not possibly make it any worse:)
Then little Henry... yes he is covered in Scabies. He does not crawl like the med report said, and he certainly only weighs 22 pounds with a wet diaper and several sleepers on.. tonight he weighed in at 14 pounds. His lower body looks like that of a newborn... his waist is sooo tiny.
However we fixed the no eating problem with a change of bottle/nipple. The big advice when going to Ethiopia is take the Playtex bottles with the disposable liners..great thinking then you don't have to worry about washing them so much. Well Henry obviously does not care for the Playtex nipple. Thus refusing to eat, even when starving. Oh those strong willed little people.
He ate 7 ounces at the Dr and another 7 three hours later at home. PTL Morgan was just beside herself with guilt. I should feel bad I am the mother and should have known to send more then one kind of bottle but really I assumed the orphanage used a mishmash of bottles you know whatever was donated so figured they would just eat. Well lesson learned. So Henry eats has no water poo and is as is the whole rest of the household fast asleep.
I had better hit it as well, tomorrow we all get to treat ourselves for scabies and wash ALL the bedding.. Count it all Joy right??? Oh and they both grind their teeth.. what's up with that?
We keep looking at Henry saying hey you are the little boy from the picture.. In my living room...
Anyone else know the feeling???
~~all is well tiffany~~
Then to re-cap a bit. My younger children got up at 6:30ish asking if it was time to go to the Airport? So we talked a bit about time. Then we went out for lunch, drove really slow the hour to Grandma's so they can all take a nap in the car. Took Grandma out for ice cream for her Birthday!!! Went past a friends house to pick up something (this next sentence is supposed to be then off to the airport) BUT NO, Gary calls and lets us know there is a two hour delay. At this point they have been traveling about 25 hours. So we hang out at my friends house, go across the street to the school play on the swings ect, a squirrel falls out of a tree in front of my teenage son who scoops it up and starts asking can I keep it pleeeeease...? So he did. Stopped by the store to get sandwich fixins.. to eat in the car on the way to the airport, now at this point my incredibly coordinated nicely dressed children.. intended to match the precious little outfits sent to Africa for their new siblings are not lookin so good. Oh well we head to the Airport. We get there when we are supposed to, but hey there is no one getting their luggage,,, so we think hmm not here yet and as I look to my right there they are "already" here with bags and waiting. Good grief... it was wonderful though there was my handsome husband was with his front pack on looking all dashing with his new little brown daughter. To the right was my beautiful second born with her front pack with her new little brown brother. Maggie realized it was her mogen.... and hollered as she ran to her. The children are beautiful... we chatted a bit hugged passed around the babies, called the Dr. to let her know we were on our way, clicked a quick picture of all the sibs and were off.
Now the goods on the kids.. I will start with Camille.. she is a beautiful, capable typical little girl. Today is her Birthday so she spent her first birthday traveling to the USA. She is not the 20 pounds that her med report said but a petite 16. She does have an ear infection and such water poo that I am sure the antibiotic she will take for her ear could not possibly make it any worse:)
Then little Henry... yes he is covered in Scabies. He does not crawl like the med report said, and he certainly only weighs 22 pounds with a wet diaper and several sleepers on.. tonight he weighed in at 14 pounds. His lower body looks like that of a newborn... his waist is sooo tiny.
However we fixed the no eating problem with a change of bottle/nipple. The big advice when going to Ethiopia is take the Playtex bottles with the disposable liners..great thinking then you don't have to worry about washing them so much. Well Henry obviously does not care for the Playtex nipple. Thus refusing to eat, even when starving. Oh those strong willed little people.
He ate 7 ounces at the Dr and another 7 three hours later at home. PTL Morgan was just beside herself with guilt. I should feel bad I am the mother and should have known to send more then one kind of bottle but really I assumed the orphanage used a mishmash of bottles you know whatever was donated so figured they would just eat. Well lesson learned. So Henry eats has no water poo and is as is the whole rest of the household fast asleep.
I had better hit it as well, tomorrow we all get to treat ourselves for scabies and wash ALL the bedding.. Count it all Joy right??? Oh and they both grind their teeth.. what's up with that?
We keep looking at Henry saying hey you are the little boy from the picture.. In my living room...
Anyone else know the feeling???
~~all is well tiffany~~
Saturday, September 12, 2009
Almost Home
Well, I just talked to my not so happy travelers a bit ago. Whew what a flight...without doing any quick adding I believe their flight form Ethiopia to Rome to Washington was 18 hours long.. 18 hours with two little ones (although Morgan said there were 20 on the plane under two. WOW
Anyway neither one ate on the flight..Gary slept a bit. Camille is no longer puking however was very restless on the plane and still has water poo. Henry on the other hand has not eaten at all since being in Ethiopia. Not good. So all this said I do praise God for their safe travels so far and trust he will bring them the rest of the way home safe as well. Morgan says both she and Henry have red dots on their skin.. so is this creepy crawlies or are they getting the Ethiopian Chicken Poxs.???? Morgan has already had the American Poxs ... we will see.
Thank you to all who were going to come help us welcome them to America at the airport today, and thank you for understanding that instead we will be doing a very quick exit to our favorite Pediatrician who will be having Saturday eve hours just for us... God is good. She never saw this coming when we became her patients I bet :):):):):)
I am sure Gary will be a great blogger after he gets some sleep.
In Christ
Tiffany~~~~~~~~~~~~
Anyway neither one ate on the flight..Gary slept a bit. Camille is no longer puking however was very restless on the plane and still has water poo. Henry on the other hand has not eaten at all since being in Ethiopia. Not good. So all this said I do praise God for their safe travels so far and trust he will bring them the rest of the way home safe as well. Morgan says both she and Henry have red dots on their skin.. so is this creepy crawlies or are they getting the Ethiopian Chicken Poxs.???? Morgan has already had the American Poxs ... we will see.
Thank you to all who were going to come help us welcome them to America at the airport today, and thank you for understanding that instead we will be doing a very quick exit to our favorite Pediatrician who will be having Saturday eve hours just for us... God is good. She never saw this coming when we became her patients I bet :):):):):)
I am sure Gary will be a great blogger after he gets some sleep.
In Christ
Tiffany~~~~~~~~~~~~
Friday, September 11, 2009
9/11 Tribute
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LxJiiWo0JbE
For we said we would never forget.. so let's not..........
For we said we would never forget.. so let's not..........
Ethiopian New Year!!
Yes today is the Ethiopian New Years Day! I am not really sure what that means other then a lot of goats and sheep will loose their lives today and their will be bonfires all over the city. Wonder if they have to get a permit???(not)
I have spoken with the travelers a couple times since my last post. I called on Wed am because I was sure I had solved the Camille puking problem. Figured it was what ther were feeding her. However Gary let me know that when they took her from the Orphanage after lunch for the last time as they walked out the door again,, poor Morgan got covered. So the nannies took Camille back in the Orphanage and changed her.. thus the new jacket we had gotten her (you know to match Maggie) Gone....Oh well maybe I will one day see someone else's child in it on their blog.
Gary said the ceremony at the Orphanage was short and informal. The kids each got an Authentic Ethiopian outfit and a hand made backpack. Neat... Then Gary informs me that they left Henry at the Orphanage..WHAT they left him... Henry was to get an injection that eve. So they did not pick him up until Thurs at 10am. (a potassium shot he could have done without) Anyway he says Camille is not able to keep any solid foods down and very little of anything else. Last I heard Henry was not eating for them either. Gary also says he is very congested in his chest. Typical for kids from Ethiopia. Then to add a bit of humor to the pot.. as I lay down last night to pray for Camille to stop vomiting, safe travels, for Henry to eat. for them to have enough clothes. Oh that' s the other thing.. they are washing the barf covered clothes int he sink and hanging them out to dry but remember it's the rainy season. So they are taking two days to dry..So if you are going to Ethiopia buck up the extra for the bigger adapter and take a hair dryer. Could be handy. Ok back to my story.. keeping up? As I begin to pray last night what do I hear from down the hall no I think,, really Lord..?? SERIOUSLY....Peter is in there throwing up so from 10pm to about 3am about every 20 minutes he barfed... Not to worry he just does that sometimes.. about every 5 weeks or so.. No good reason No residual affects he gets up at the same time as usual wants to eat breakfast and never really wakes up during the night. But remember he is special:):):):)I would not trade him for the world.
So all that said, Their plane leaves from Addis at 2pm our time which is 10pm Addis time they arrive in Washington 7am Washington time. Then after a small 7 hour layover they arrive home at 5pm. All the kids especially Maggie are very eager for them to be home. Now will the little ones be so excited to see their new sibs... well that's another post isn't it?
Today may we remember this 9/11 those who died needlessly, those who lost their daddy's and mommy's, daughters, sons, brothers and sisters. For those babies born that never met their daddy's because of selfishness,hate and bitterness. Rember them today.
~~Tiffany~~
I have spoken with the travelers a couple times since my last post. I called on Wed am because I was sure I had solved the Camille puking problem. Figured it was what ther were feeding her. However Gary let me know that when they took her from the Orphanage after lunch for the last time as they walked out the door again,, poor Morgan got covered. So the nannies took Camille back in the Orphanage and changed her.. thus the new jacket we had gotten her (you know to match Maggie) Gone....Oh well maybe I will one day see someone else's child in it on their blog.
Gary said the ceremony at the Orphanage was short and informal. The kids each got an Authentic Ethiopian outfit and a hand made backpack. Neat... Then Gary informs me that they left Henry at the Orphanage..WHAT they left him... Henry was to get an injection that eve. So they did not pick him up until Thurs at 10am. (a potassium shot he could have done without) Anyway he says Camille is not able to keep any solid foods down and very little of anything else. Last I heard Henry was not eating for them either. Gary also says he is very congested in his chest. Typical for kids from Ethiopia. Then to add a bit of humor to the pot.. as I lay down last night to pray for Camille to stop vomiting, safe travels, for Henry to eat. for them to have enough clothes. Oh that' s the other thing.. they are washing the barf covered clothes int he sink and hanging them out to dry but remember it's the rainy season. So they are taking two days to dry..So if you are going to Ethiopia buck up the extra for the bigger adapter and take a hair dryer. Could be handy. Ok back to my story.. keeping up? As I begin to pray last night what do I hear from down the hall no I think,, really Lord..?? SERIOUSLY....Peter is in there throwing up so from 10pm to about 3am about every 20 minutes he barfed... Not to worry he just does that sometimes.. about every 5 weeks or so.. No good reason No residual affects he gets up at the same time as usual wants to eat breakfast and never really wakes up during the night. But remember he is special:):):):)I would not trade him for the world.
So all that said, Their plane leaves from Addis at 2pm our time which is 10pm Addis time they arrive in Washington 7am Washington time. Then after a small 7 hour layover they arrive home at 5pm. All the kids especially Maggie are very eager for them to be home. Now will the little ones be so excited to see their new sibs... well that's another post isn't it?
Today may we remember this 9/11 those who died needlessly, those who lost their daddy's and mommy's, daughters, sons, brothers and sisters. For those babies born that never met their daddy's because of selfishness,hate and bitterness. Rember them today.
~~Tiffany~~
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
Spud
Just thought I would share with all the photo that started our African Adventure. At this time we could not pronounce his real name so Gary always refered to hin as Spud. He has grown much as you can see from the picture below of He and Morgan taken Sept 5Th. We are told that he is around two months in this picture. This is the only picture we had for about five months. We ended up with a four different pictures of Henry while waiting. It was both neat and sad to watch him grow in photo's. However four photos and as many medical updates is so much more then many get. We are very thankful to those at the orphanage that sent the reports they were always so exciting to receive. I will share our first photo of Camille soon. ~~t~~
American Embassy
Yesterday am Gary Morgan and three other couples set out to do their final paperwork at the American Embassy. It is the rainy season in Addis Ababa so it was yes raining when they arrived. As soon as the van door opened a whole bunch of little street boys popped up with umbrellas to keep everyone dry. So Morgan was handing out money to them while another lady was handing out snacks. I cannot wait for Gary to get home and post about some of what they are seeing it is so hard to even believe.
So at the Embassy a nice English speaking man did clear up the extra fee misunderstanding for Gary. He did have to pay the fee because they are non-related siblings. Gary was overly prepared in the area of paperwork and did not need many of the notarized documents he had. Paperwork wise it all went very smoothly so Gary's trip to the Embassy was both positive and satisfying.
Morgan on the other hand will not remember the Embassy so fondly. As they got into the Embassy Camille oh beautiful Camille decided to unload.. yes she puked then blew out some of that fine water poo I have herd so much about. So there was Morgan cleaning it all up while Gary was in doing paperwork. Bless her heart. I am praying that Camille was just a bit car sick.. Oh please Lord.
Out of the four couples there Gary and Morgan were the only ones that sent their children back to the Orphanage. I am sure Morgan felt bad but Gary says Henry was not eating for them. Gary also says it is very noisey so it is hard to get much sleep at night.
So prayers for firm poo, no vomiting and for Henry to eat.
Have a wonderful day... If all goes well they will be back on Saturday.. I can't wait.
Tiffany
So at the Embassy a nice English speaking man did clear up the extra fee misunderstanding for Gary. He did have to pay the fee because they are non-related siblings. Gary was overly prepared in the area of paperwork and did not need many of the notarized documents he had. Paperwork wise it all went very smoothly so Gary's trip to the Embassy was both positive and satisfying.
Morgan on the other hand will not remember the Embassy so fondly. As they got into the Embassy Camille oh beautiful Camille decided to unload.. yes she puked then blew out some of that fine water poo I have herd so much about. So there was Morgan cleaning it all up while Gary was in doing paperwork. Bless her heart. I am praying that Camille was just a bit car sick.. Oh please Lord.
Out of the four couples there Gary and Morgan were the only ones that sent their children back to the Orphanage. I am sure Morgan felt bad but Gary says Henry was not eating for them. Gary also says it is very noisey so it is hard to get much sleep at night.
So prayers for firm poo, no vomiting and for Henry to eat.
Have a wonderful day... If all goes well they will be back on Saturday.. I can't wait.
Tiffany
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
Just a little catch up note.
Well I am still sleeping with the laptop.. because I figure every am I should wake to a new picture and an update. WRONG! They did call again yesterday. Sunday they visited with the kids again at the Toukoul Orphanage. Same for Monday Morgan says Henry has the most beautiful smile. When you run your fingers through his soft hair he just smiles so big she says. Gary spent most of his time playing peek a boo with Camille. She really like him. They say her poxs are almost gone so this is good. (still praying no poxs for Henry)
They had their first glitch yesterday when the attorney our agency is using asked him to pay about 700$ more for Embassy fees then we were told they would be. We have some trusted friends in Ethiopia that were going to call Gary at the guest house and help him sort this out. By the time I post this it will all be taken care of. Their Embassy appointment was this am at 8:30am. (they are eight hours ahead)
They will check the kids out of the orphanage for the day today. They will take them back to the guest house and be a family for the day. Tomorrow they will go to the orphanage where a ceremony will be performed (can't wait to hear about this) and they will check them out for good.
Everyone can have a silent chuckle about Gary being half way around the world with a baby to care for. He told Morgan she gets to take care of the fussy one. Nice guy.... He has never claimed to be a "baby" guy. Isn't it funny that the man that said after Christy we were not adopting any more children is over in AFRICA picking up his TWO infant children. Oh does God have a sense of humor or what? Let this be a lesson to those of you who actually believe you are in control of your life. NEVER Say NEVER!!!! That is your lesson for today.
Thank you all for you prayers it is obvious that God is keeping them safe/healthy as they travel
~~Tiffany~~
They had their first glitch yesterday when the attorney our agency is using asked him to pay about 700$ more for Embassy fees then we were told they would be. We have some trusted friends in Ethiopia that were going to call Gary at the guest house and help him sort this out. By the time I post this it will all be taken care of. Their Embassy appointment was this am at 8:30am. (they are eight hours ahead)
They will check the kids out of the orphanage for the day today. They will take them back to the guest house and be a family for the day. Tomorrow they will go to the orphanage where a ceremony will be performed (can't wait to hear about this) and they will check them out for good.
Everyone can have a silent chuckle about Gary being half way around the world with a baby to care for. He told Morgan she gets to take care of the fussy one. Nice guy.... He has never claimed to be a "baby" guy. Isn't it funny that the man that said after Christy we were not adopting any more children is over in AFRICA picking up his TWO infant children. Oh does God have a sense of humor or what? Let this be a lesson to those of you who actually believe you are in control of your life. NEVER Say NEVER!!!! That is your lesson for today.
Thank you all for you prayers it is obvious that God is keeping them safe/healthy as they travel
~~Tiffany~~
Sunday, September 6, 2009
A boy and his sister!!!
Does she look proud or what? Morgan emailed me and shared that Henry is not as developmentally ahead of the game as our medical records state. She says he does not have very good head control. The med records stated he could crawl he must crawl while draggin his head. Must have been thinking of another kid. However as you can see he is very much a snuggle bug. She also says he has a beautiful smile.Not to worry Henry we have some of the best just waiting to help you become so much more then many think you can be!!!!!
Can't wait to hold him myself. However for now he is in great hands... Morgan is the best.
Have a great Lords day..
From A very Beaming Mother~~~~
A little girl and her Daddy
Here she is Poxs and all. Oh she is much more beautiful then her last picture shows. When Gary and Morgan arrived at the Orphanage all three other couples had their kids but no kids for Gary and Morgan. They told them what the kids names were and they told him our Camille was gone... That she had a twin and was with someone else. Oops... Well after about a half and hour they brought Henry and Camille into the room with Gary/Morgan and Camille had been found.A nice couple let Gary use their laptop..today technology is wonderful..
~~T9~~
Note from Morgan and Gary
We are at the hilton in Ethiopia AFRICA!!!! We had a couple of wonderful days in DC. We saw as much as we could in a day and a half. We saw all the big memorials, and especially enjoyed the Holocaust museum. Our flights were smooth, yet crowded. It truly is another world here. So many people on the streets - selling shoeshines, banannas, books on tarps, repairing cars in the street, urinating wherever, diesel fumes, well dressed folks walking next to those with no shoes. There are modern office buildings with mirrored glass next to shanties built of sticks and rusty metal held together with ropes and wire. We had no electricity for several hours yesterday. But the treat was seeing and holding our newest members of my family - Camille and Henry! Camille has chicken pox and Henry is cute as a bug. Camille snuggles up nicely and Henery has the biggest eyes. The food is plentiful and cooked with spices - very good so far. I did see a donut shop today - so I think I could live here... The office people will be at the orphanage tomorrow so we can present them with our 3 suitcases of donations - Thank you all! They really will use them to their fullest. We are all doing great and have met up with 3 other families here and it is comforting to have some fellow "ferenge" - white forigners to hang with.Try and talk to you all laterG9 and Morgan
Pitcures are coming........
Pitcures are coming........
Saturday, September 5, 2009
And the two became four....
Gary and Morgan just called.. they have become four!!! They were able to see and hold our newest family members...there was a bit of a scare. There were three other couples and they all their children had been brought out to them... Where were Henry and Camille?? Gary finally gave him his paperwork...and another half hour later they brought in Henry and Camille. Morgan says Henry is adorable... does not have a ton of head control but we will work on it.
Camille also adorable is a bit of a spit fire.. was already testing the boundaries and she has Chicken Poxs... They say they are pretty scabbed over so hopefully it will not interfere with their return home.... They were able to hold the kids for about an hour and will go back tomorrow. They will try to send pictures tomorrow. I will post as soon as I get them.
I do not know when they will call again today's call was about 70$ and we did not talk that long. 12 minutes.....or so..
The trip over was smooth... they have their Borax... and all is well. :)
thank you for your prayerful support...
Selam...(peace)
tiffany
Camille also adorable is a bit of a spit fire.. was already testing the boundaries and she has Chicken Poxs... They say they are pretty scabbed over so hopefully it will not interfere with their return home.... They were able to hold the kids for about an hour and will go back tomorrow. They will try to send pictures tomorrow. I will post as soon as I get them.
I do not know when they will call again today's call was about 70$ and we did not talk that long. 12 minutes.....or so..
The trip over was smooth... they have their Borax... and all is well. :)
thank you for your prayerful support...
Selam...(peace)
tiffany
Thursday, September 3, 2009
Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow.......
Well yesterday we were all out of the house by 730am dropped Christy off at school, stopped at the store to get Borax (I'll explain in a bit) then dropped Maggie, Peter off at school (therapy) Timothy stayed to oversee. Then while Gary drove to the airport to get there by 10am I spooned Borax into baggies..... to line their luggage with. Hmm think that's gonna fly?!?!? I guess soaking in a warm bath of Borax kills creepy crawlies. But really baggies of white powder. No arrests yet... I did write laundry soap on the baggie so surely it will be fine. :-0
Today they are in Washington, they just called after going to a Holocaust Museum.. Morgan was explaining to me what they saw... it is all very difficult to hear however listening to her explain what was done to the "mentally challenged" was horrid especially since my beautiful Maggie Sunshine was in my arms...During Morgans explanation of the museum I did manage not to throw up . When they called they were at the Thomas Jefferson Monument when we hung up they were going into the Museum of American history.
Tomorrow am they will board a plane and off to Rome then Ethiopia to touch, hold and look into the faces of our son and daughter.
They are both very excited to be in Washington but they are even more excited to head to Ethiopia.
~~Tiffany~~
Today they are in Washington, they just called after going to a Holocaust Museum.. Morgan was explaining to me what they saw... it is all very difficult to hear however listening to her explain what was done to the "mentally challenged" was horrid especially since my beautiful Maggie Sunshine was in my arms...During Morgans explanation of the museum I did manage not to throw up . When they called they were at the Thomas Jefferson Monument when we hung up they were going into the Museum of American history.
Tomorrow am they will board a plane and off to Rome then Ethiopia to touch, hold and look into the faces of our son and daughter.
They are both very excited to be in Washington but they are even more excited to head to Ethiopia.
~~Tiffany~~
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
Cholrea alert
I am up well past what I should be..getting ready to be a single mother for a time.... :) Not to worry I can handle it.. We have joined a new yahoo group affiliated with our agency..Very nice however I am now even more panicked about water poo and creepy crawlies... Oh I am itching already. They truly have all they can take in their suitcases,and all the two of them can carry, or I certainly would send more bug killing stuff. Morgan is tough but two 50 pound suitcases one 16 pound carry on and a back pack. Hope she has ant strength she will be definitely be carrying more then she weighs. Also our agency just TODAY sent us a nice email stating there is a Cholera outbreak in Addis.. probably always is but for some reason they felt need to tell us today this afternoon.. I went out and found Pedialyte strips. Sent extra foprmula got rice cereal with yogart in it??? and probiotics for everyone. We have thought of everything we could dream up.
Please pray that God has protected Henry and Camille from the bugs that go bump in Africa. Both inside the body and out. I am not worried... just no longer ignorant... about many things.
Through this adventure we have definately had our eyes opened to so much...The two taking the trip are about to become very, very wide eyed... gratefully so... it makes for more work but it is oh so worth it.....Praise be to God in all things.....yes in all things, even creepy crawlies and water poo.
We will keep you updated to the best of our ability.
~~~itchy Tiffany~~~
Please pray that God has protected Henry and Camille from the bugs that go bump in Africa. Both inside the body and out. I am not worried... just no longer ignorant... about many things.
Through this adventure we have definately had our eyes opened to so much...The two taking the trip are about to become very, very wide eyed... gratefully so... it makes for more work but it is oh so worth it.....Praise be to God in all things.....yes in all things, even creepy crawlies and water poo.
We will keep you updated to the best of our ability.
~~~itchy Tiffany~~~
To pack it or not to pack it??/Prayer is key.
Well this is the main question around our house. Gary is known for his overpacking,,, Morgan and I are not. Really if you are traveling with Gary there is no need to pack much of anything over basics. If you need it he probably packed it!!
At the airport they may check four suitcases. I am proud (in an appropriate way) to say that 3 and a half of these are filled with orphanage donations. We are touched by all who wanted to help in this way. Even the "school" where Maggie and Peter receive therapy put out some suitcases to collect goodies. This really helps on the what to pack or not question. Due to so much kindness in giving there is not much room left.(good problem) What a blessing all these items will be to the children of Toukoul Orphanage.
They leave tomorrow for Washington were they will spend a day and a half sight seeing the Fri am early they are off to Addis. They should arrive at 8am Addis time(which is 7 hours ahead of us) Their Embassy visit is on Tues the 8th. They leave Addis Fri night to make it back Saturday Sept 12th which happens to be Camille's first Birthday. Kinda cool..
Donations are wonderful but we all know this trip is only possible with and outpouring of God's straight and Grace. If you would join us in prayer for our two travelers that will quickly become four. We would be most appreciative of this gift to our family.
Peace be with you...
~~Tiffany~~
At the airport they may check four suitcases. I am proud (in an appropriate way) to say that 3 and a half of these are filled with orphanage donations. We are touched by all who wanted to help in this way. Even the "school" where Maggie and Peter receive therapy put out some suitcases to collect goodies. This really helps on the what to pack or not question. Due to so much kindness in giving there is not much room left.(good problem) What a blessing all these items will be to the children of Toukoul Orphanage.
They leave tomorrow for Washington were they will spend a day and a half sight seeing the Fri am early they are off to Addis. They should arrive at 8am Addis time(which is 7 hours ahead of us) Their Embassy visit is on Tues the 8th. They leave Addis Fri night to make it back Saturday Sept 12th which happens to be Camille's first Birthday. Kinda cool..
Donations are wonderful but we all know this trip is only possible with and outpouring of God's straight and Grace. If you would join us in prayer for our two travelers that will quickly become four. We would be most appreciative of this gift to our family.
Peace be with you...
~~Tiffany~~
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
Worshiping with new friends!
Sunday a few of the kids and I (tiffany) hopped in the car as we do most Sunday's to go Worship our one true God (that's a song you know?) anyway , we have some friends that are Native Ethiopians. Morgan and I have enjoyed making friends with Selam and Tesh the have a beautiful daughter also adopted from Ethiopia. They have been so kind giving their time to teach us some Amharic so we can communicate not only in Addis but to the kids a bit as well. I should also tell you that when you go to the home of someone from Ethiopia unlike here you are able to drop in un anounced which we have done a couple times. They also feed you something each time you stop by. Whatever they have will do however we have had many wonderful authentic Ethiopian meals. But back to the church.... we thought since Gary and Morgan would be leaving in LESS THEN TWO WEEKS we would go to the Ethiopian Christian Church in Olathe. Their service was wonderful. We had to wear earphones and a nice guy interpreted for us the whole service and some songs. It actually was very nice to listen to his smooth calm voice tell us that Jesus Loves us, that there is no other God but him, that we are a possession of the Lord and he has a plan for your life. If you close your eyes and even say those words to yourself out loud they have a wonderful calming effect. After service which by the way started at 10am and did not get out until 12:30ish. No little 45 minute sermon here folks. Oh before the sermone started it was so wonderful to see each person walk into the sanctuary greet their neighbor and then personally bow ones head and pray to right their own hearts before the Lord and before the service began. There were also many people who raised their hands to God even shed tears as they heard of God's wonderful Love and Jesus's ultimate selfless act. It was refreshing to see that they could be open with their emotions before their friends and family with no concern of being stared at laughed at. it made me wonder how much closer each one of us might be if we were able to be completely open with our emotions before the Lord. It was a wonderful experience and yes we were the only light skinned people there. After worship there were trays of bread with Cayenne pepper rolled in and cinnamon tea that was wonderful while you ate and drank you of course had fellowship no worries and no one hurried to make it to a restaurant. They just had fellowship We were greeted and treated like an old friends. Next time we go we'll let you know, maybe you would like to join us.
Blessings........ Tiffany
Blessings........ Tiffany
Saturday, August 22, 2009
Amasegnaloue.Thank you..
Wow we are vey busy with school starting, therapist coming back to see what progress has been made throughout our summer and help us to achieve some more milestones. Christy hopes to learn cursive this year. Samantha and Morgan are looking fwd to graduating. I get to have Timothy and Garrett home with me this year for schooling. We are looking fwd to Maggie Progressing in speech, Peter to walk and well we will see what wonders Henry and Camille bring.
Sorry starting to ramble... we wanted to thank everyone for their donations to the Toukoul Orphanage. At this time we have 28 bottles of Childrens Vitamins, 60 baby sleeper, hmm 40 or so baby onsies. Many hats, bibs and some cloth diapers. There are a few mini magnadoodles,toothpaste,school supplies and I am sure I am missing something. We also have some great medical supplies or did I say a bag of urine cups and at least a thousand Ziplock bagies. Thank you so much to everyone who has given because we live in the USA we will never know how much they will appreciate every single item we take over. We still have one more suitcase to fill. We would love to take over some water soxs any size any color, hair pretties, combs and size, hair grease found in your local ethnic section. Yes walmart has one. New socks and underwear. Really anything will be appreciated. They are only allowed to take four suitcases and two carry on bags. We are going to use all four suitcases for donations. What that means is Gary and Morgan will most likely have the same outfits on in every picture taken during their week in Ethiopia. The need is so great over there you just cannot justify not taking all the donations you can. They leave on Sept 2ND. If you have donations just let us know we will be happy to pick them up.
Have a wonderful weekend. ~~Tiffany~~
Sorry starting to ramble... we wanted to thank everyone for their donations to the Toukoul Orphanage. At this time we have 28 bottles of Childrens Vitamins, 60 baby sleeper, hmm 40 or so baby onsies. Many hats, bibs and some cloth diapers. There are a few mini magnadoodles,toothpaste,school supplies and I am sure I am missing something. We also have some great medical supplies or did I say a bag of urine cups and at least a thousand Ziplock bagies. Thank you so much to everyone who has given because we live in the USA we will never know how much they will appreciate every single item we take over. We still have one more suitcase to fill. We would love to take over some water soxs any size any color, hair pretties, combs and size, hair grease found in your local ethnic section. Yes walmart has one. New socks and underwear. Really anything will be appreciated. They are only allowed to take four suitcases and two carry on bags. We are going to use all four suitcases for donations. What that means is Gary and Morgan will most likely have the same outfits on in every picture taken during their week in Ethiopia. The need is so great over there you just cannot justify not taking all the donations you can. They leave on Sept 2ND. If you have donations just let us know we will be happy to pick them up.
Have a wonderful weekend. ~~Tiffany~~
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