Heard Today

"Nee-nah; nee-nah..."  This is G's version of singing the "Clean up; clean up" song.  He began singing as soon as he went into our front room and saw Joseph's study zone.

"After"

This is almost the "After."  Apparently, there is still more to come, but I couldn't wait to show you all.

Amy spent last Saturday with us (with my fabulous goddaughter La!).  Amy said she'd do some work around my yard, and had me take her all around the house, pointing out what I liked & didn't like.

On Monday after work I found out that she had been at my house, working all day in the 90 degree heat!  The results were beautiful!  And then she came back Tuesday!  And Wednesday!  And Thursday!  No joke.  I think she may be planning to come back yet again.  It has been a stunning gift.  She even remembered me saying that I wanted, some day, to plant a lilac outside my bedroom window so I could enjoy the fragrance in my room.  She bought & planted my lilac.  Seriously unreal.

So here's how it looks now...

(the brown bag is hiding our last name & our house #)

My lilac:

Has anyone else ever received a gift this awesome?

Another First!

I know you're thinking that I just baked chicken for the first time.  But no - not yet for that.  See the wristband?...

Today was G's first trip to the Emergency Room!  Didn't take long for that.  Although, at the rate he has accidents, I'm sure it's not too surprising.

The 3 of us were outside.  G was mostly standing around because he still doesn't really "get" independent imaginative play.  Joseph was cutting branches and I was bagging them.  Suddenly G started SCREAMING & rubbing at his eye, which he would not open. 

(Skipping the boring middle of the story)

We end up in the ER, G with his eye numbed.  The doc has the eyelid flipped, and he finds the "foreign body therein!"  It was a speck.  Seriously, a speck.  The size of a period.  Crazy to see how much trouble a speck can cause.

Soon we'll see how crazy the cost of speck-removal is.

Being in that hospital in our cozy suburb is weird to me.  It's so much like (I imagine) a luxury spa would be.  Tranquil environment, plenty of staff there to serve you, polite capability everywhere.  Today, being there with G, made the experience even more weird.  Do you know that when someone goes to a hospital in Haiti they'd better have a friend there to take care of them?  Assuming that they are seen, the friend will be responsible for providing any food & water.  They need to bring their own medical supplies for any treatment that's done.  I've heard this information from multiple sources and believe it to be true.. before the earthquake.  I don't know what it's like now.  I know that the people of Haiti still desperately need help. 

And I know I'm very glad that G is home, safe.

Using Your Head

Every night G chooses some books to take into my room for reading before bed.  Sometimes he tries to carry them in on his head.  Sometimes he really wants me to carry them in on my head. 
It is always disappointing and hilarious when I fail.

"Before"

Assuming that you all are completely fascinated by what's happening with my (lack of) landscaping....

I hate to leave you hanging with just the "before" photo, but....

2 Timothy 2

I'm liking verses 3 & 4:

"Endure suffering along with me, as a good soldier of Christ Jesus.  And as Christ's soldier, do not let yourself become tied up in the affairs of this life, for then you cannot satisfy the one who has enlisted you in his army."

Plenty of applications for that - eh?

Tadpoles: A Nature Experience

... I mean "A Nature Experience: Suburban-style."  Because I really want my child to experience wading for tadpoles... surrounded by 10,000 other children in the beautiful man-made pond.  The perfectly-smooth stepping stones were treated with a non-slip surface.  jk  What can I say?  It works for me.

And - btw - I don't think I'd ever seen tadpoles before.  They're pretty cool - little black swishy things.  Not at all like the textbooks show.  The Morton Arboretum - I'd recommend it.

Housekeeping Tip

"Avoid smearing red lip gloss on your clothes.

It doesn't come out."

How did I become such a wealth of Housekeeping wisdom, you ask?  Well, it's just possible that one day when I arrived to pick G up from day care, I noticed that he had a huge wet puddle all around his mouth (think: Bozo the Clown).  I noticed a bottle of apple juice nearby, and was a little frustrated that I was picking up Juicy Boy when we were supposed to be going out to dinner.  As my sweet son reached out his hands to hug me, I noticed something in his hand.. a broken-open girl's red lip gloss.  This realization happened at the same time as his glossy fingers connected with my work clothes and his sweet neck pulled up against my face.  You know - his neck which contained a 3 inch swath of lip gloss, including the 6 oz of gloss that were tucked into the chunky folds of his neck.  Bonus tip: It is very difficult to remove lip gloss from neck folds.  Mercy.

Big Happenings

This morning we had G's full school evaluation!  We met with the school psychologist, speech therapist, occupational therapist, physical therapist, and an intern.  They apologized that the social worker couldn't make it - !  So far, I'm impressed with the team.  They seem knowledgeable, caring, and professional.  I was hoping G would at least qualify for speech therapy.  They think he'll qualify for the whole morning special preschool program.  Unfortunately we won't know for sure until late August.  That'll make for interesting daycare arrangements.

During the eval, I was shocked to see how much G has learned in the past 2 months since his 1st eval.  He can do so much more - language, behavior, strength, coordination, comprehension - it's unbelievable.  My favorite moment was when one lady asked about his ability to identify body parts.  I told her that "nose" was the only guarantee, with "eyes" sometimes making the list.  G correctly did "nose" and "eyes"!  And then "mouth", "foot", "ear", and "head"!  Yee-haw!  He couldn't do elbow, but who really needs to know "elbow" anyway?

Also today was G's preschool graduation.  Yep, after 3 weeks in school he's earned his diploma.  I'm expecting he'll be finished with college by September.

The children did a "performance" for the parents before the diplomas were handed out.  They had been practicing their songs all year.  Of course, you couldn't hear much because several of the children were freaking out screaming - first, because they wanted to sit with their parents; and then, because they're 2.  The parts of the performance that we could hear were approx. 8 different children's songs sung solo by the teacher because not one child would sing with her.  It was well worth the hour of vacation time that I had to use in order to attend.

After the "performance" there was a "party," where the children all sat around the table & ate tons of snacks.  (Yes, all right before dinnertime.)  Some of the parents hovered over their children.  Other parents mingled.  And one parent chose to drill me with bizarre-ness.  Observe:

- After confirming that G belonged to me: "His hair is so soft."  Sharing this news with me was apparently the reason she approached me.  I wasn't sure how to respond.  I considered: "Huh, I haven't analyzed your child's hair yet" or "Please don't pet my child."  But I think I settled for "uh-huh." 

- Undeterred, she carried on, asking me where G was from.  She asked: "So, how do you pick your child?  Do you get to go there and say (pointing) 'I like that one?'"

- She also needed to know if I'd adopt again and if I'd do "one like him again" or I could "get a Chinese."

All the time, I'm getting better at fielding & avoiding personal questions, but I would have to say that I lost this particular skirmish.  At least I've been able to ponder some wonderful new responses for next time.

What a day.

Reasons to Adopt

Some day I'll compose a serious list.  But for today, let me just highlight a few fun Reasons:

1.  The Food.  Ok, this may not be an adoption-agency-approved Reason, but I assure you that it is a real benefit!  Today we had another friend make a meal for us.  Homemade eggplant parmesan.. with a salad... and bread.  And would you believe that yet another friend stopped by to offer a meal.  No joke.  Joseph has never eaten this well in his life.  And me - I'm just in heaven.  It has been truly amazing.

2.  Brothers.  Every time I see my sons together, my heart melts.  Their bedtime ritual especially kills me.

3.  Joy.  Today when I picked G up from day care, he saw me & ran to me smiling, arms outstretched.  That was a first.  So sweet.  Earlier today, I couldn't find his brown pants.  I looked all over, and then told G that I was going to the car to check the diaper bag.  That's where they were, so I returned to the house with them.  G greeted me with a thrilled: "YAY Mama!"  Too funny.  There's always something with him.






(G has the weird expression in the food photo because a DOG had just barked outside.)

Dinner Is Served

This was Week Three of my amazing gift of meals from my co-workers.  Corn & salad & jambalaya & cake.  Oh my!

.

(Yeah. The boy REALLY wanted "mo" cake.)

Weekend Fun

A "Must Have"

If your house does not contain a Spiderman Ice Pack, I don't know how you're getting by.  G got one in his Easter basket... thank goodness!  We NEED to use it multiple times a day, whenever any part of his body is jarred.  How we survived before Easter is a mystery.

Some News

Last time I wrote that I wasn't inspired to post.  Since then, I've thought of a million things I want to tell you.. but Joseph has been married to the computer, working on a thesis paper.  Finally, I again have access.  I'm glad you didn't give up on me.  Here's some news...

Joseph had TWO band concerts and a band practice last week.  Doesn't that seem a bit extreme?  G's ability/inclination to sit still is improving; I got to enjoy a couple of the songs.  The last concert was Joseph's last concert since he's not taking band next year.  Another chapter finished.

A common occurence while driving is to hear this exclamation from the backseat: "AHBUHZ MAMA, AHBUHZ!"  The boy likes to spot "a bus", for sure.

Pockets

I'm not feeling very inspired to post lately.  I'm back in the grind all day.  Night is rushing home, feeding the boys, driving Joseph around, bathing G, and bedtime.  G is very clingy and is pushing boundaries all the time.  He's refusing all kinds of food... even our old stand-bys.  For cryin' out loud, he even rejected YOGURT.  So, what's the fun of posting any of that?

This might be worth your time, though... G has discovered his pockets and they're GREAT.  Nothing like wandering around the house with hands crammed down deep.  Pretty cute...

Happy Mother's Day

A month to go

My new little niece or nephew is trying to set a record for "biggest bump on the smallest mommy"!

A Miracle

I haven't cried.

Not even when I looked out at the perfect sunshine and remembered afternoon walks to the park with G.

"I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances."

Phil 4:11b

For a long time I've been striving to learn that lesson.  Maybe I'm finally getting there!

Ok.  Paul was imprisoned when he wrote that, and I'm just spending a few hours at work, so it's possible that I still have some lessons to learn.  But still.  I know it's a miracle.

Thanks for your prayers.

Pizza Picnic

A backyard party for just the three of us - me, G, and.. this butterfly!

Are you thinking like I was: "What a beautiful butterfly"? 

Or are you thinking like G was: "An insect?! KILL KILL KILL KILL!"

I managed to convince G that we could co-exist with the butterfly.  Even after its near-death experience, it liked us.  It spent over 20 minutes on & around our blanket.  Daredevil butterfly.

Our sweet neighbor came and hung out with us... and took this photo.  Thanks, Jenn!

(And yes, Kirstin, that IS an Aurelios box.  Because 'round here we can get good stuff like that.)

Soccer Boy

Yesterday I wanted to include the photo of the soccer-playing boy, but I couldn't find it anywhere.  I still can't, but here (Martin Vielma) is a photo from the same game.  I got to be part of making sure that boy had a ball to cream that day.

I believe that small things do make a difference.

I want to do more of those things.

Celebrating!

Do you know that a group of churches, including mine, partners with a group of churches in Haiti, sending mission trips a couple of times each year?  And do you know that I'm responsible for obtaining/purchasing all the medicines that the group will take? 

On one trip we were able to treat (and love on) 900 orphans!  On our last - February - trip, we were able to expand and start meeting the needs of adults in the community.  We even were able to assist in a local hospital.  I love that I don't have to travel, but I can still be part of something so important.

So - I do get a bit nervous before placing an order.  Have I chosen the right items?  Will I be able to get the physician's approval?  Will my funding request be approved?  Will the church receive sufficient donations to cover the expense?  Will I get the order placed in time to receive it on time?  on & on

But tonight I think it's ready to go!

I've seen photos of children covered everywhere with scabies.. until we were able to partner with their orphanage in treating them.  AND - I learned that on our next trip, those children were still scabies-free!

Once the team planned a sports camp.  I added the soccer balls to the shipment.  Later I saw a photo showing a young boy with ripped shorts & no shoes flying in to kick one of my balls.

Joy.

All You Can Eat Pasta

Oh my!  My fabulous co-workers have given me a fabulous gift.  Once a week for the next NINE WEEKS, someone is bringing a dinner for my family!  Soooooo wonderful!!!

Tonight was pasta - two kinds - with bread - and slaw - and cookies.

Not only was it beyond delicious, but it saved my life.

Rush from work to get G, rush home & warm dinner for Joseph, rush Joseph to band, rush home to feed G.  G & I said "Ah-ya-yee-ah" throughout the whole meal!

I miss days with G at the park.  And the evenings are way too short - just enough time to drive Joseph around, feed & bathe G & get him to bed (then wake him up to go & get Joseph - ugh).


BUT - we both survived Day One.
I'm thankful to have a job, a good job.  I'm thankful for every minute I do get to spend with G.  G seems happy.  He did well again with day care.  No tears.  He super-clings to me when I pick him up, though.  And he about killed me with his nasty-wet kisses on my mouth.  [Yes, he has a cold - and, yes, I accepted the kisses anyway.]

So, thanks for praying.  The transition is going as well as I could imagine.  I'm so grateful.

I'm tired...

Laugh from the weekend

Please note: When G says "Joseph" it sounds like "DaDesh" or sometimes "DaDa."

Side note: The latter pronounciation exponentially increases the stares my family receives when we are out & about.

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If you look closely in the above photo (taken surreptitiously for you), you will see my neighbors.  My new neighbors who I haven't yet met.

On Sunday, in a desperate move for 10 seconds of child-free time, I exclaimed to Gavenson: "Joseph is coming home soon!  Go look out the window!!  See if you see him!"

In 5 seconds I gratefully accomplished 500 tasks, and returned to find this:

... That would be my child, half-dressed, with the door open, repeatedly YELLING "Ay! Ay!  DaDa!  Ay!...," while gesturing quite adamently in a get-over-here kind of motion.  As I moved to get him, he carried on out onto the porch, demanding that "DaDa" leave their group & get home now!  And, yes, they were all frozen & staring. 

I smiled, waved, and retreated.  What else was there to do?

I love

watching G sleep - right here, in our house,

and

hearing his little voice call "Mama?" - making sure I'm here before he goes back to sleep.