12/30/08 My own Compooter!

I am posting out of order - but I thought these were too cute to wait on. Lacie and Paul got laptop computers for Christmas from MawMaw Edith and PawPaw Scott. They are so excited about them. Lacie has been wanting a computer for a long time and asks us often, "can I write my name" on our laptop. Her computer is still a challenge to her so she prefers Paul's at this time but she will grow into it. It is the Disney Princess laptop. It has a QWERTY keyboard which was important for me (not many for her age group had a QWERTY keyboard). Anyway - here are some pics:

Lacie dancing with excitement over getting her own compooter.


They love playing with their compooters.



Coming soon - a slide show of our multiple Christmases!

Happy New Year!

12/27/2008 Preparing for Christmas

I have thought all along that we were going to have five Christmases - but I forgot the one we had on Christmas morning. So, in total - we are having six Christmases. Anyway, we have five Christmases down and one to go. But in the interim, here is a video/slideshow of some of the Christmas preparations - watch/listen for Paul's giggles. He is so funny. And Euitag is the best big brother!


Blessings!

Vonda

12/26/2008 Christmas morning

Ahhhh what a great morning and day we had. We have lots to share and I hope to put together video/slide show of our multiple Christmas gatherings. Until then I wanted to share a little of our morning.

Lacie did sleep well. She wanted to sleep in. But she was definitely not so shook up that she could not sleep. Mommy and Daddy helped Santa unload from the porch. Santa ate his cookies and drank his milk (on the porch of course) and John and I were left to set it all up. (There was not much for we went very minimal this year - I mean really - it is not about us anyway, right?)

Christmas morning Paul got up early and the first thing he did was put on his "flight jacket" he got from my aunt and he was on fire. I sent him to be with daddy. That lasted no time and he was back with me and Lacie. So, I got up and changed him and gave him a bottle. Who was on fire that it was Christmas morning though? Daddy!

John wanted to wake Lacie. He did. He wanted to wake Euitag. He did. He was so excited about Christmas it was cute. So, finally Euitag got up (keep in mind it was still early) and then we went into the living room to do Santa presents. We read the letter from Santa to Lacie and then let them have their presents. (Lacie got a doll house and Paul got a little people garage.) Euitag got house-shoes. Euitags mom sent our family a gift of the most wonderful scarves. Each of us got a scarf and the kids a hat. Euitag got me a beautiful necklace that he got in Korea. I love it. Anyway, it was all good - our fun morning - then we opened stockings. Everyone had little toys and play things in their stockings. ENOUGH blabbing - here are some pics - just a few till I can work on a slide show of our entire Christmas fun!

Blessings to all!






AND at the end of the day - we could not wake Lacie for the world.

MERRY CHRISTmas!

Merry CHRISTmas to our friends and family everywhere! We have been on a whirlwind and finally Santa finished with his preparations and Mr. Santa is in bed and Mrs Santa is blogging at 2:27 a.m.

Lacie left a note for Santa asking him to leave her presents on the back porch because she is scared of him. She said: Dear Santa: Please leave my presents on the back porch. We left you cookies and milk there. If you have an extra Cinderella doll, please leave one for me. I love you to draw. Love Lacie.

Santa responded:
Dear Lacie, I got your note and left your presents on the back porch. You have been such a good girl. I hope you like your doll house. I saw you asked for a Cinderella doll. I know you already have one and thought you might like a Sleeping Beauty instead. I hope you have a Merry Christmas. Remember that if it were not for Jesus birthday there would be no Christmas. Love, Santa and Mrs Claus and all the Reindeer.

By the way - mommy and daddy carried the presents in and set them up for Santa.

We will have pictures and videos coming - hopefully tomorrow. Mrs Santa MUST get to bed!

Much love to our friends and family everywhere, including China and Korea!

Vonda

12/07/2008 Paul update

Well, lots of Paul updates! This last week was a very busy week for our boy. Of course, as already reported, Tuesday was our adoption finalization. After we celebrated with a yummy brunch he came home with me (Lacie went to my moms for the rest of the day) and we had mommy-son time together. It was fun. In the afternoon a speech pathologist came to our home to evaluate him, which was very interesting.

On Wednesday, we took Paul back to the international adoption pediatrician for a six-month follow up. (Yes, it had been more than six months since he has come home.)

Thursday and Friday we were back to school.

Speech eval and speech update: The speech pathologist was very impressed with Paul’s gross and fine motor skills, his strength, his ability to do something only after having been shown once. She said he seemed to be older than his stated age – with the exception of his speech. His receptive language is awesome. He does minimal babbling. He grunts, growls and uses sign language for communication. He can sign: more, eat, drink, banana, cracker, bottle, sit, sit here, please, thank you, bath, brush teeth, help, daddy, hat, ball, book, blankie, all done, shoes, socks, get out (of the tub, chair, etc), bird, and I am sure several more. I am constantly surprised how many signs he has picked up on. I will show him a sign and he will ignore it until several days later and he needs it – than low and behold, he knows it. It amazes me. Anyway – she said that although his signs are his only true form of communication, she thinks that he does not need to use words to express himself. She recommended that we begin to ask him to use spoken words along with his signs – to point to our lips and say, “use words – say ball”, etc. She said she believes he will understand what we are asking of him.

In addition to his language delays, he would not (upon request) point to his nose, eyes, ears, etc as children his age should. But he will look at his toes if asked where they are, and will go get items in the house if asked. So, it is not that he does not understand. He is very perceptive. Anyway –

Since Tuesday, he has said, “ball” (sounds more like “ba”). He also has said “no.” As a matter of fact, he is beginning to love to hear himself say “no.” I never dreamed that I would be excited to hear my child tell me “no.” He will also point to Elmo and said “Momo.” AND believe it or not, has begun to point to his nose, head, teeth, ears, tummy, hands and toes. Where did that all come from out of the blue? I have been very surprised.

We are supposed to get his hearing tested in the next week or so – and then I guess begin speech therapy.

Many people think that due to the language differences that is why he is delayed, and I agree that it does carry a lot of weight – but all children should be at a certain place in speech development – babbling certain sounds, etc. And the speech pathologist agrees that the language difference would not keep him from certain sounds and babbling. Besides, he will not qualify for the state assistance after the age 3 – so we may as well take advantage.

RE: the 6 month (really 8 month) follow up appointment with the international adoption pediatrician – Paul has grown again (of course.) According to his 18 month measurements at the end of September, Paul was 23.2 lbs and was 32.12 inches tall. In just two months he is measuring at: 24.4 lbs and 33.5 inches. This puts him at 20% weight and 70% height. The rest of his visit with the pediatrician went well. There is no reason to return unless something else comes up.

Paul is a happy boy. He is rowdy and loves to wrestle with his dad and sister. He loves to eat. He loves to snuggle and cuddle. With passion, he will take my face in his hands and squeeze it and put his face in my face. He also hugs and pats our backs. He loves hugging his sister too. He loves to dress himself (or at least make the attempt.) He is somewhat successful with his pants, socks and shoes. He is beginning to like books and is mastering some puzzles. He still loves to help clean up the kitchen and do laundry. He is my special little baby boy – and we are continually blessed each day we have him in our lives.

Blessings -

12/2/2008 He is officially ours!

So, while in our hearts he has been ours from March 31st, today marks the day that he is officially and legally our special little boy. Now he is ALL Ours - ok and God's too. For God is the one who gave him to us. Paul Joshua is his new legal name. It is sort of bittersweet though as his name is officially changed. I felt the same changing Lacie's name.

We met our attorney and Paul's attorney at the courthouse at 8:25 a.m. Paul's attorney, the court appointed guardian ad litem, said that Paul is his youngest client yet. I honestly hope that Paul never needs a lawyer again, of course unless it is for a good reason, like an adoption.

There was one case in front of ours and they were running a bit behind. There were many people standing around the lobby outside the court room - but no chaos. When it was our turn to sit before the judge, the sheriff came out and announced our name, "BLOGSINGER!" Lacie yelled in reply, as she began to run in his direction, "We're coming!" There was a bit of a chuckle by many as we walked by. Even the Sheriff seemed to appreciate her enthusiasm.

When we were sworn in, Lacie also held up her right hand and said, "I do/I will." We have been so proud of her.

The proceedings went very fast - they asked us questions like where we live, if we were married, will we love and treat Paul as if our own biological child, etc. BY THE WAY - I do not know if I could love my children any more if they were my biological children. I do know that they are definitely "MY OWN." And it was declared by the judge as official - he granted the adoption.

This is when I look at my children and think: How much they depend on adults to make right and correct decisions for them. They really have no say in their own lives. They do not ask to be in the position to be adopted and/or leave their own birth countries. They are just innocent little children - it is our duty to make sure that the privilege we have to raise them is always just that - a privilege. It is not a right.

OK - then we took photos and got certified copies of our petition to adopt and the judgment. We were done. My mom was there to help with the kids and to take pictures. She then treated us to brunch. What a special day it is today. Here are some photos of our morning:

In the Lobby waiting for our turn with the judge:
Can you tell that she LOVES her brother?

With the judge:


After the hearing with the attorneys:



Today Paul also had a speech evaluation - since his only spoken word is still Mama. More on that later - but I will say that he has had a HUGE Day!

Blessings!

Vonda, John, Lacie and Paul

11/30/2008 Thanksgiving and more

Ok OK - I am several days late in wishing a Happy Thanksgiving. SO - HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

We have been on a whirlwind of a holiday. For my readers/friends/family who have called and written - (you know who you are) - I am so sorry that I have not been better at responding. AND for my readers and friends who have written and stay in touch regularly - I promise to be in touch soon. These past few months have been very hectic. The only time I get to even do a blog update is late late at night.

OK - poor excuses I know. However, here are two beautiful excuses for who I am grateful:



We had an awesome Thanksgiving. We visited with lots of family. We had three Thanksgiving dinners and visited four families. On Thanksgiving day we were at my dad and stepmom's. Saturday we were at John's mom's home and today we celebrated with John's dad and stepmom. We saw siblings and cousins. We ate tons of food that included turkey, dressing, mashed potatoes and ALL the other fixins. Lacie and Paul got to spend time with their cousins and enjoyed their time. Lacie began to wonder whose house we were visiting now?

We are also thankful for our wonderful church. We so love being a part of a growing congregation and - Lacie gets excited EVERY Saturday evening when I tell her where we are going the next day. Thank God for that.

Tonight while we were watching a show - a character referred to some steps as "stairs." Lacie asked, "why did she say they were stairs. I thought they were steps." I told her that they were basically the same thing - stairs and steps. Lacie responded with, "Like God and Jesus?" Me: Well, yes Lacie - like God and Jesus." Lacie: "They are the same but different, right mommy?" me: Yes Lacie - You know, it is still a little for me to even grasp as an adult at times. So - I am amazed that she is working on it herself like she is.

A cute Lacie-ism: When she was getting ready to get in the bath I said, "I love your little bottom Lacie." Lacie responded, "I love your big bottom mommy." Gee - thanks Lace!

Here is a pic of my nephew with my kids - we hardly get to visit with Jonathan. He is 16 like Euitag - and they are both VERY smart boys.


Blessings to all!

Vonda

10/24/2008 Baptism and Heaven

Lacie’s best friend Ava’s mom got baptized last night. Our church celebrated 3 baptisms. AND since we are a church plant and meet at a local middle school and had no baptism facilities, we utilized the pool of a local hotel. After the baptisms, we had a huge chili supper and enjoyed our new friends/family from our church. I talked to Lacie about Kristie getting baptized. I told her that people get baptized when they ask Jesus to come and live in their hearts. Somehow the conversation let to my saying that “then we get to go to heaven.”

She said, “I do not want to go to heaven.” AND then she said, “I do not want you to go to heaven. I do not want you to leave me. If you go to heaven, who will be with me?” That kind of broke my heart.

Ahhh my sweet angel, there is so much for her to understand – and not understand. I do not want her to be scared of heaven – but I understand her fears. I remember feeling afraid of losing my mom with I was a little girl. Heck, I am afraid of losing my mom now. Anyway –

Right during the time of the baptisms, Lacie said – “I want to be baptized.” And I told her that only people who ask Jesus into their heart can be baptized. Then she said, I want my mommy to be baptized. I told her I had already been baptized and that I did not need to do it again. So, maybe witnessing Kristie getting baptized and seeing that she has still not gone to heaven - she realized that we just do not “leave” when baptized.

Oh, if anyone has recommendations on books for this topic and for 4 year olds – please share.

I have been wanting to share this pic for over a month now. I think I mentioned we had a busy October? Here is a picture of some of Lacie’s friends from her China play group. They are just all too precious. Can you tell which one is Lacie?

OK, since they do tend to favor each other, I will share: Lacie is the one on the bottom row, far left.

Blessings!

11/23/2008 Our October in review

We had such a busy month in October. There are even events not included in this, like Lacie's birthday - I still need to put something else together for that. Anyway - here is our October - and this does not do it justice to even begin to explain how busy our month was.

Love to all!

11/21/2008 More Lacie-isms

Lacie has been full of it lately – full of what I call “Lacie-isms.”

1. During dinner I often ask Euitag about life in Korea and/or life with his family. Tonight I asked him if people lived with their parents in Korea until they got married. Lacie heard this conversation and said, “Married? Married? Boys don’t get married!” I told her that boys do get married. “who do you think the girls marry?” AND I told her that daddy married mommy and daddy is a boy. She said, “oh.”

2. We are getting together with our china friends (Lacie’s play group) and also the international adoption father/son playgroup to play at the same place tomorrow. I told her that her friend Noah and his new brother Mikah were going to be there. Lacie said, Mikah? I said yes, remember Noah has a baby brother who just came home from China. (Mikah has albinism). Lacie said, “mommy he can’t be from China.” I said, “why?” fully expecting to hear, “because he is white.” But instead she said, “because, he is a boy.” Ahhhhh – oh my dear daughter – she thinks only girls come from China.

3. Paul has a tendency when he gets mad to throw himself back and knock his head on whatever is behind him. If he does it to a person and gets their head we call it “head butting.” Since we are still co-sleeping, sometimes in the middle of the night I wake up to him “head butting” me. It is a very rude awakening – it hurts pretty bad. I was sharing the story with John in front of Lacie and when I said that Paul “head butted me,” she responded with “Ewwwww YUK! I think she thought Paul was putting his “butt” on my head.

4. Lately she has been real curious as to where she and Paul have come from – and I do not mean China or Korea. But she has on two separate occasions informed me that either she or her brother came from my belly. I keep reminding her that they both have a birth mom and they came from her belly. God brought mommy and daddy to China and Korea to adopt Lacie and Paul so we could all be a forever family. So, tonight I was a bit surprised when Lacie asked me while reading a story about baby Jesus – how he got out of his mommy’s belly. “how did he get out of her belly mommy?” I just told her that God made a special place and we would talk about that another day.

Our Thanksgiving holiday is coming up. We have so much to be thankful for.

11/17/2008 Adoption Finalization scheduled

Ahhhhh in almost two weeks, our adoption of Paul will be final. China and Korea are very different. With Lacie our adoption was final in China, and her name was officially changed there and she became a U.S. citizen the day we arrived back in the U.S. WE did not have to do a readoption in state court.

With Paul, it has not been final. I do not know when it was final for Korea, but for the U.S. and state laws - it has not been final and we had to have three follow up home study visits, and then petition to adopt him in state court. That was filed last week and the agencies have worked in a timely manner to get the homestudies written, approved and a court report written and filed. We have hired an experienced adoption attorney who knows the courts, system and judges and guardian ad litems. Since I work with attorneys I thought I would save money and utilize one of my awesome attorneys but with the end of the year approaching we thought it best to go with someone who knows the ins and outs - and since we do not have time for mistakes. I do not mind mistakes, but we do not have time for them.

Anyway, we are overjoyed to announce that he is going to be OURS officially, legally and all the other 'ly's there are. He has definitely been OURS in our hearts and minds since 3/31/08 but it will feel good to get it all finalized. We have so much to be thankful this season - two beautiful children and so much more.



If anyone in the family or any of our dear friends are interested in being with us on our adoption finalization day - let us know. Details won't be posted here of course.

Blessings to all -- for we are truly blessed!

Vonda

Time Outs

Our primary form of discipline is time outs. To this day Lacie does not do them well. I have gotten to the point that I have to just put her in the chair, and walk away. If she gets up than I have to ignore her. If not, than it becomes a very exhausting wrestling match as I try to get her back into time out. She is a strong little bug - that if for sure. One day a few weeks ago she was not staying in time out so I just shut the gate that separates the kitchen from the family room. John and Euitag were in the family room and I went in the back of the house to do something. I kept hearing Euitag and John laugh harder and harder. I thought they were laughing because Paul did something funny. When I entered the room, this is what I saw:

Lacie hanging on the gate. She knew that she should not come over it so she just hung on it crying, "get me out of here." Well, while it looks pitiful - she even laughs about it now.

Paul on the other hand takes time out like a true man. His offenses are when he hits Lacie out of anger. If he gets mad at anything, he hits. He hits me, Lacie, the dog, the couch - etc. If I am fast enough I will grab his hands gently and tell him "no hit." That is typically enough to stop the impulse. But - sometimes I am not fast enough. So, then he has to go to time out. He only has to sit there a minute. That is long enough for a little guy. Then he has to go say he is sorry to the person or thing he hit. He is so sweet. Since his only spoken word is still Mamma, he will walk over to Lacie and just put his sweet little arms around her and hug her. That is acceptable to me.
Here is Paul in time out:

Amazing the difference, huh? Time out is effective for Paul - it gives him a moment to distract and then he is over his temper. I think hitting is a normal toddler response to things - I hope he grows out of it soon though. We were so spoiled with Lacie. She never hit, bit, kicked, or did anything aggressive. (ok she bit my mom once, but it was not out of meanness - it was just a love bite I think.)

Have a good weekend - we will be very busy. More to blog about - if I can ever get caught up.

Vonda

11/4/2008 Growing up

My sweet four year old had her annual check up/physical today. This was the very first time she did not kick, fight, scream and argue with me about going or during her examination. She has grown up so much in the last six months. I was not surprised when she accepted the fact that she was going to see the doctor. She asked if they were going to put a "stick in her throat." This after having several rounds of strep well over a year ago.

Then she was so big to get on the scales by herself for her height and weight. She is still at 25% for both. She walked by herself into the examination room. She announced to the nurse, "I am going to be very good. I am coming to the doctor today so I don't get sick. Just like I go to the dentist to keep my teeth well." (Ok - she has preventative medicine down). She asked the nurse, "you won't put a stick in my throat, right?"

Then the doctor came in. We love her. She spends quality time with the moms and dads. She talked to Lacie too - recommending more milk, etc. Lacie checked out very healthy (as expected) and let the doctor look at her - ears and all. I told the doctor that I had yet to tell Lacie about getting her 4 year immunizations. Not only did she need 4 shots, but she also needed to pee in a cup, get her finger pricked for labs and get the flu mist squirted up her nose. About that time she looked at the doctor and said, "I love you Doctor R. I like coming to the doctor." EEEKKKKK! That is about the time Dr. R told her that she was going to get five "owies" in her arms and legs and that it is to help her stay well so she does not have to come back to the doctor. Lacie said, "OTay" with enthusiasm. (mommy was beginning to feel REAL guilty.)

She first received the flu mist and she was so so brave for she hates even saline spray during a cold. Then the nurse prep'd her finger for the prick - she took a deep breath as instructed and was stunned to see her finger dripping blood. But she was so interested in the collection of the blood that she did not seem phased - and then said - "I am being very brave. I am being a good girl."

THEN IT WAS TIME - time for the shots. The first shot went well. Lacie seemed stunned but took it very well. Shot 2 made her whimper and shot 3 hit her REAL hard. She began to cry - it did hurt for sure. As she cried she said, "I don't like this doctor anymore. I don't want to come here again." Don't you know I really felt bad then. She got her last shot in her leg - she cried the whole time. She then witnessed my flu shot and asked me why I did not cry. She told me I was so brave. That is when I told her over and over again how brave she was, how good she was and that mommy was so proud of her for being a big girl. I have told her over and over and over again all day long. My girl is growing up! It is bittersweet.

Here she is:


And here is one of the boy - I can't leave him out of the photos -


Blessings

Vonda

11/ 4/ 2008 - I knew he would be a gentleman

The man I voted for today is not president elect. However, his concession speech is exactly what I expected - very kind, respectful and honorable. Otherwise, I am not in a place to share anymore feelings on this at this time.

GOD bless America!

10/31/2008 Happy Halloween!

Here is a page from a slide show at my office - where the kiddos can come and trick-or-treat safely. They only got candy from two floors and their bag and bucket was FULL!


Have an awesome and spooky weekend - just do not spook my daughter!

Blessings!

10/28/2008 More about Autumn Moon Festival

Back to the Autumn Moon Festival celebrated by and with Families with Children from China AND some families who have adopted from Korea. One of the activities we do with our children is to have them write a note to their birth family and tie the note to helium RED balloon and together we let the balloons go into the air. This is a time to show honor and respect to birth families and/or birth countries, etc. It really is moving to see all the red balloons in the air. Lacie’s note to her birth mom: “Thank you for giving me life. Thank you for giving me to my other mommy. Love Lacie” As the “other mommy” I have to say I am very proud of her.

The red dots in the photo are balloons.

Then we were part of a lantern parade – each child carrying their own lighted lantern. Ours were a bit heavy this year:

And Paul choosing to hold Euitag’s hand while parading.

One more Lacie story:

I asked her to make her bed yesterday a.m. (specifically to throw the blanket up over the pillow). She said, “I tan’t. I’m not strong enough. Daddy is strong. AND Jesus is strong.”

This is a huge promotion than her comparison earlier in the year when she said that Daddy was “almost as strong as Jordan” – her preschool friend.

Love to all

10/24/08 Partial update . . .

I am so behind on my blog updates. I will try and give the short abridged version of the last few weeks.

At the end of September/early October, we celebrated the Chinese Autumn Moon (Lantern) Festival at a nearby farm. We were able to pick pumpkins from a real pumpkin patch and almost four weeks later, finally carved (or painted by Lacie) the pumpkins this evening. Euitag had never had his hands in a pumpkin before, let alone carved one. It was fun. Photos of the carving to come later as well as more from our Autumn moon festival. But here is a sampling:

Before we went, we had to prepare by making lighted lanterns for the lantern parade:

More of our month:

Euitag got his first mid term grades – he did awesome. He has great grades and we are very proud. He got an A+ in calculus and got A’s in US history and English. I think he got one “B”. He did not feel he was challenged enough so he dropped P.E. and took up Chemistry. I can only hope that at least one of my kids will study as hard as Euitag. Lacie is like me and John though – she talks “to much.” While she is very very smart, I do not know if her social life will take precedence over studies. We will see. I am still trying to figure out Paul – but I do know he is a quick study as we only have to show him something once and he remembers.

Paul is still only saying “Mama.” But his sign language is increasing all the time. That is if I know the word to tell him. He loves to wear shoes and can put them on and take them off. He can also put on his socks (sometimes with help.) Paul is also making attempts at dressing himself – and sometimes he is successful – but often times his pants end up on his head and his t-shirts around his waist. But at least he wants to do it. Since he wants to do most of what Lacie does, it does not surprise me that he wants to dress himself. Paul is a comforter – i.e. one day when Lacie was having a bad day and she was crying, he went over to her and embraced her and began to pat her back. It was just so sweet. I do have sweet kiddos. He is just overall a sweet sweet boy. He does have a wild side to him and I have scars to show for it – but I will brag about my scars someday – Tee Hee.

Lacie understands that she is from China. She has understood this for a while. It became more concrete as we prepared to get Paul from Korea. She was able to understand how we left to go to China to get her like we are going to Korea to get Paul. She knows that both countries are near each other and both are in Asia. However, there is no doubt in her mind that she is “from China and Paul and Euitag are from Kre-a.” The other day John and Euitag were putting Seaweed flakes in their rice. Lacie asked what that was and I told her it was seaweed. I told her that Korean’s eat seaweed in their rice and it is very good. I then asked he if she wanted some in her rice. She responded with, “But mommy, I am not Korean, I am Chinese.” Euitag laughed and I did too. It was priceless and I am proud that she really seems to have it. Ok Lacie that is a good reason not to eat seaweed in your rice. Tee Hee.

Lacie asks often if she can “keep” me, or John or Paul. We talk very often about how we are a forever family and that she will always be our baby girl – no matter what. Even during the weekend of her birthday we prayed for her birth mom, and we talk ALL the time about us going to China to get Lacie. So, last week, Lacie asked again, are you going to be my mommy forever? I said, “yes, forever.” She then said, “But what happens when another mommy comes along?” Hmmmm – “well, then that mommy is going to have to go find her own little girl because Lacie is my little girl and daddy’s little girl – forever, even when she is a big girl like mommy.” I wonder if this is just a question that adopted children have or if other kids wonder about how life fits together.

Well, and just two days ago, while at my office trick-or-treating Lacie met a co-worker who is pregnant. We talked about the baby in my co-workers belly. A little while later Lacie said to me, “well, I grew in your belly mommy.” Oh dear – while I feel like I carried her, I did not. So, I said, “no, you grew in your birth-mommy’s belly and then mommy and daddy came to China to get you.” I still need to remind her too that she grew in my heart, which is a very special place to grow.

I knew that questions and comments would eventually come – and so far so good – but what happens when she asked me something I just can’t answer? Ugh!

Ok – I am not really very caught up but this is a start . . . More blogging to go.

Vonda

10/23/2008 Where have we been?

So, where have we been? I promise I have been blogging - but on another blog. We have friends who just arrived home today from China with their beautiful little BOY! Who would have thought that I, Vonda would get all excited about a BOY! I NEVER really wanted a boy. My siblings gave me plenty of nephews - all who are special to me and I love so much. BUT, I would have been personally happy with a house full of girls. But God had other plans and gave me a husband who wanted a BOY! So, I obliged after we brought Lacie home from China - some day we will ask to adopt a boy. WELLLLL - who would have thought that I would now say that I would take on a house full of BOYS?!?. Before Paul, I would not have wanted to have a male exchange student. And we have Euitag and we love him. He is a joy.

Anyway - this really is not about me - it is about WHY I have not blogged - a beautiful BOY came home today from China with his mommy and daddy. AND I had the privilege these last two weeks to help keep their blog updated. I got to upload pictures for them, copy an email and photos to their blog and OH it has been fun. Anyway, now Lacie has her best friend Noah and Bette and Mike have brought Mikah home to be a best friend to Paul.



I have a lot of updating to do and a lot of photos to share - and hope to do the updating this weekend. Stay tuned for multiple posts back to back -

Love to all - Vonda

10/13/2008 Big Birthday Weekend

We celebrated Lacie's birthday this weekend. She celebrated all weekend long. She is now 4 years old and she is so excited that she is such a big girl. Tonight she wanted to say prayers before dinner and she was very sincere: "Dear Jesus, we thank you for your love and blessings. Thank you that we can eat and go poopy." Oh yes she did. Somewhere in there she thanked God for protecting us and keeping us safe. Then John finished off praying for Lacie and the most wonderful blessing that she is in our lives.

Saturday we celebrated with friends and family at the gymnastics gym - it was a gymnastics party. It was so much fun. We had an awesome friend and photographer take pictures for us so John and I could just enjoy the party. I will post pics in the near future. Lacie's friends and cousins were very generous with their time and gifts. We are so blessed to have such wonderful family and friends.

Saturday evening we went to eat Chinese and Lacie was celebrated again. The restaurant gave her a cake with a candle, some chop sticks in a plastic holder, and sang to her.

Sunday we celebrated with my sister. Lacie and Robin have birthdays only one day apart. For the last six months or so Lacie has been convinced that she will have her birthday party and then have Aunt Robie's birthday cake the next day. So Aunt Robin came to visit all the way from Chicago-land to celebrate with Lacie. Lacie loves her so much.


We celebrated again tonight with just our immediate family. We ordered pizza and had another cupcake with a candle. So, Lacie has been well celebrated. She is very proud of being four years old!

Tonight when we prayed before bed we prayed again for Lacie's birth mom. And we talked some about how four years ago a special woman gave birth to a very beautiful baby. And that woman, Lacie's birth mom, loved her enough to choose life for her. AND she made a hard decision to let her baby go. Daddy and I have been so blessed to be able to be Lacie's mommy and daddy and will always be her forever family. We talked about how Lacie's birthmom is probably funny like Lacie and she is probably very smart like Lacie. Lacie just smiled. She has not ever asked questions, but maybe because we just talk about it at random and we make it open all the time. She also knows how much we respect her birthmom and admire her for making a very tough decision.

Anyway - I thought it would be a very short entry -but I an just so sentimental right now - and the blessings we feel of having our two beautiful babies - it is indescribable.

Blessings!

Vonda