AWANA, Pittsburgh, and Our One Year Post-Placement

My initial idea of blogging weekly seems to have fallen by the wayside. There simply are not enough hours in the week for me to get it all done. 

Last Sunday was Mother's Day. What a special day that was for me. My husband makes sure the kids give me a special day. I had breakfast in bed on Saturday since Jeremy leaves so early on Sunday mornings. It was perfect! A bagel, sliced apple, and a glass of orange juice. I know I mention this a lot but I sure am blessed to have these five blessings in my life. God will always be first, Jeremy is second, and my kids are third. How they make me laugh!!!

We finally had some warmer weather this week and the kids enjoyed much more free-time. For the most part they finished school. There are always a few math lessons, and reading to be done but they are done well before lunch. Becca has been keeping a watchful eye on a robin's nest. One of the babies was out of the nest but still not taking to flight yet. Becca was thrilled to see this bird up close.

Wednesday was our closing ceremony for AWANA. I was so proud of all of my kids. Micah earned the Timothy Award this year. This means he memorized every verse of every section of every AWANA book! This was not easy and he was grinning as he was awarded his trophy. Becca finished her book and much of the extra credit sections too! Benjamin also finished his first Truth in Training book as well. It was a great evening.

This year was Kyle's second year to help in AWANA. He assists Jeremy with game time. He loves it and Jeremy enjoys seeing Kyle with the kids! Kyle had a companion in the pew as well. This marked Jeremy's 14th year serving in the AWANA ministry. He truly loves kids!

We got up bright and early Thursday morning and headed to Pittsburgh at 7am for a second opinion for Mariah. After reading countless websites and having conversations with other moms, I have known for a long time that our beloved endocrinologist was not exactly a great fit for Mariah.

We arrived at my parent's house at 10:30am and the kids went straight out to the yard to play. Let's just say we were glad to arrive. Mariah still is not a good traveler. 

While the kids enjoyed "playing", Jeremy and I headed to Pittsburgh with Mariah. We crossed the Fortieth Street Bridge and were there in about 40 minutes.

What an amazing facility. This hospital is new and WOW!!!! We know it since Ben also goes here. Our appointment was for 1pm.......Mariah's naptime!

After spending an hour with two endocrinologists and another 45 minutes with a nurse practitioner, we were sent to a nurse educator down the hall. This is when it all caught up with Mariah. I noticed her swaying on the gurney. Sure enough, she was asleep!

So I helped her lie down. Poor thing was so tired!

Here we met with a urologist (they have a team approach to Mariah's care). We had no idea we had this appointment with the urologist. It just so happened to be Ben's urologist! What a blessing! 

I have an appointment with Mariah at the pediatrician's office this week. I need to see if our pediatrician will write a letter to our insurance stating that it is medically necessary for Mariah to be seen out of state. 

These doctors were amazing. They lowered her medication and told us it was just too strong. This may be the reason for elevated blood pressures. We were taught many things. We were told the safest place for Mariah is at home in the case of an illness. Unfortunately, we know more about her condition than most health care providers, including doctors. That was a little humbling. We would love to switch to Pittsburgh. This new endocrinologist also said she would be happy to see Ben there as well.

While at the hospital, this is what was happening at my parents' home:

Yes, my dad taught Kyle how to drive a stick shift! He only had trouble finding third gear.

Micah was thrilled to drive the new quad. Becca and Ben were riding the go-carts. (Sorry Ben, no picture! Not sure how that happened. Maybe Jeremy took a picture on mom's camera.)

It was safe to say that Mariah did not like the quad or any thing else that was noisy. She often ran when she heard them come near.

The hospital was terrific and gave us so much information! I wish we had this information months ago. I knew a lot since I have researched almost every night for months. But wow!!! Impressed would be a gross understatement!

Mariah loved the train/trolley exhibits!

And the Lego replica of Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh.

She made the doctors and nurse a little anxious with her stunts! She just wanted to jump off of the stool. That is what it is for, right?

We walked back in the door of our house at 11:45pm. It was a very long day. Her appointments took 4 1/2 hours. 

Friday morning was our one year post-placement report for Mariah's adoption. Our social worker came at 11 and left about 12:30pm. Hard to believe it is almost a year!

Trumpet lessons were at 2pm and our day was slow after that! 

I need a vacation! I get weary from the phone calls about insurance, labs, appointments, and just generally people not doing their job. Why do I have to get involved? Sometimes it feels like we are fighting the world. Then I have a wake-up call and realize that this is what I am called to do. I am meant to advocate for our children. God put me in this exact place at this exact time for a reason. I need to find the joy in these circumstances. Our kids depend on me for this reason. 

The phone calls are non-stop and the paperwork is never-ending. But the love I receive from those five blessings is more than worth it all. I love serving the Lord with all my heart! I love being Jeremy's wife. I love being a mom. 

Lord, help me when I fail. Help me to seek your face every minute of every day. Help me to seek wisdom from you and none other. Help me to be a better wife, mother, daughter, sister, and friend. 

School and Ladies' Spring Banquet

I guess it has been a couple of weeks since I updated our lives. It has been somewhat eventful. But isn't that normal for a house full of five kids?

We are still going full speed ahead on our schooling. Check out the newest student. Kyle was watching the introduction to his newest math chapter. Steve Demme would be proud to see his likely youngest Algebra student!

Did you notice how close she sits next to the television? We constantly remind her to move back. She enjoyed it for the entire time.

I am hoping to wrap up my part of home schooling this week! I am a tad excited!!! The kids still have a few more weeks worth of math and Kyle needs to finish up his science.

We also received an exciting piece of mail. Kyle received his very first passport. He is just about ready to head out on his mission trip to Mexico. 

We desperately needed to get out and work on some of our landscaping. Mariah loves to be outside so she decided to explore little.

All of the kids helped out. Kyle was cleaning up the ornamental grass that we cut back.

Micah was our rake man! He worked on the clean-up detail.

Becca was happy to work on weeding detail.

Ben also weeded.....and played.......and weeded.........and played!

The girls got showers and it was cute to see them in matching nightgowns.

Yesterday was Mariah's first time to attend Sunday School. Mrs. Janice is such a sweet teacher. She reminds me so much of my mom. I needed to make sure everyone was comfortable with Mariah in that class knowing the necessary urgency to contact me or Jeremy in case of emergency. Mrs. Janice was happy to receive her. What a blessing Mrs. Janice is!

Then today Kyle went upstairs to get Mariah up from her nap. Like I have said before, she is a great sleeper! He brought her downstairs to the kitchen and asked me if this is what she had on when I put her down for her nap. Notice anything a little different?

She was able to reach a stack of clothes on a chair beside her crib and decided to dress herself, again. I think she did a great job! Even though the shirt is backwards and inside out, she got it on.

Mariah is beginning to want independence. It is a little amazing to me to watch her with a washcloth in the tub. She really scrubs well! 

I wish I would have remembered to take my camera to our Ladies' Spring Banquet at the church. Notice the beautiful flowers in the foreground of this picture.....I won those flowers.

It was amazing! Our ladies did a fantastic job. I was overwhelmed with the sheer beauty and organization of the entire event. Not a single detail was overlooked.

Two hundred thirty women attended this banquet. The guest speaker was Geraldine and Ricky. Geraldine Reagan is a ventriloquist with her dummy "Ricky". We had such a wonderful time.

Many of the men from the church served the food that was prepared by Diane, Sandy, and Carla. The food was delicious!

Not a single picture from me. That is so unlike me.  

Special Visitors and the Coming of Spring

Our silly girl was thrilled to have company here at the house this past week. We were too! Uncle Jeff had planned a trip to visit and at last minute Grandma decided to tag along. I'm glad Grandma did not feel she needed to wait to speak to us to see if it was okay. I tell our family all the time, "Please know that you have a standing open invitation to come visit us. I don't need a phone call. You just get to see us how we really live.......a little messy!" 

The picture above is of Daddy and our silly girl. Uncle Jeff and Grandma treated us to supper out. We do not get to do that very often. It was such a treat. The awesome aquarium was an attraction for sure.

In the hustle and bustle of life, I had to take the time to watch our silly girl enjoy blossoms for the first time. This is her first spring outside of an orphanage. In that orphanage she spent 20 hours a day confined to this crib...

So please understand when people ask why we chose China, my response is simple......why not? Can you imagine her life before coming home? She spent 20 hours a day here trying to comfort herself......entertain herself........ standing for hours at a time and being fed on a strict schedule. And now look at this......

We traded those sterile metal bars for some decorative wooden spindles that have been gnawed on by her four older siblings. And look how peaceful she is lying here! Our sweet, silly girl. She has changed our lives. Her impact is nothing short of powerful. And I just went off on a rabbit trail. 

Anyhow, while we were outside observing the weeping cherry tree, Kyle and Mariah somehow managed to fit in a sword fight. Actually, Mariah is using the scabbard to fight Kyle! I dare you to tell her that girls don't fight.

We still have a few institutional behaviors we are working on. Notice her shirt is up a little? She is scratching her tummy. Anxiety over new or exciting things causes her to scratch. Don't you love the camo bike helmet? For some reason (insert smirk) we never got rid of the toddler helmet we had from Ben. Here is why she was wearing a helmet.....

Yet another reason why our girls are not all that frilly. I'm okay with it though. This is Becca's Green Machine! She got this for Christmas and loves it. So do the neighbor kids.

Just look at that sweet, cute, ornery face! She LOVES her new shirt. We found her a Minnie Mouse shirt that she loves. She literally gasped when I held it up to show her. It's the small things.

Then all got quiet and I went on a search. She made herself comfy on our couch and was playing with my phone. This is not allowed but it was awfully cute!

She looks guilty here but all was good. She seems so serious!

We are still going strong with school work. Kyle is working on a science experiment in the picture above. He was using a balloon to produce static electricity that was then transferred to a metal paperclip which had aluminum foil hanging from the paperclip. He was to watch the foil move......you know....energy transference. It worked!

This evening I took a few minutes to sit down at my piano and play for pure enjoyment. I love my piano. Thank you Jeremy for that wonderful gift 2 years ago. Music is such a passion of mine. This time I was playing a duet. This duet is like one you have never heard.  Do you see all of those buttons above the keys? Yes.....Mariah saw them too. I was playing just an ordinary piano setting then trumpet, harp, organ, strings, choir, and flute. You get the idea. It was pretty horrendous and beautiful at the same time. Giggling galore from the both of us!

Money cannot buy this happiness. Why the Lord chose to bless us with this life is beyond my comprehension. I do not deserve these blessings. Our five kids have filled our lives with laughter every single day. I love the man that God intended to be mine. Not many people can say those things and honestly mean them. 

I don't mean for you to think it is easy for us. Because honestly, it is amazingly difficult. The work hours are long. The appointments are never-ending. The schoolwork is just plain tough. As great as my kids are, they are just kids. Attitudes are adjusted daily. For some reason, we cannot seem to understand the difference between perimeter and area. Arguing happens just out of earshot...or so they think. Medication dosing takes place four times a day and every three hours when Mariah is sick. Poor choices are made and good choices are highly encouraged. Money never goes as far as we would like. It is tough. I constantly run out of enough hours in the day to get the jobs done. 

Dinner is often late on the table. But dinner is together around our table. The meals are not glorious like Paula Dean. However, we are all around the table listening to the funny stories of our day. Admittedly, sometimes I don't understand what the kids are attempting to explain. But we laugh and enjoy the time without interruptions.

We pray that we are making as much of an impact on our children as they are making on us. 

Our air conditioner has been running for a few weeks now. We never open the windows. Kids with horrible asthma and allergies do not allow us that pleasure. It just means summer is on it's way. 

Jeremy and Kyle are preparing for a mission trip to Merida, Mexico. We can't wait to get Mariah in the pool for the first time! Another niece graduates from high school. And you probably guessed......more appointments.

We have decided to seek a second opinion for Mariah. I have researched late into the night and read a few books on her adrenal insufficiency. I am not convinced her doctor is treating her appropriately. I hope I'm wrong because we love her endocrinologist. We have been at his office every three months for eight years. Ben has this doctor for his "short stature" aka....growth hormone deficiency. He is so good to our family.

After much research, I emailed a doctor recommended to me. I received a reply within 20 minutes. The next morning, her secretary called me to set up an appointment. 

I made an appointment and had to call our pediatrician's office to have them make the referral. They were convinced there was no way I could have made an appointment without the referral from them. Well, I did. I've been around the block a few times. I sometimes know how to work the system. Jeremy probably thinks I could somehow get the codes to nuclear warheads!

Now we will be making a trip to Pittsburgh Children's Hospital. I guess we just like to tour all of the Children's Hospitals withing a 7 hour radius. We have used four others. But we will do anything for any of our kids. That appointment is coming up pretty soon. Hopefully we can get to the bottom of her elevated blood pressure and excessive growth. 

Spring Break

I know it has been a while since I last posted. For very good reason......life got very busy. I have come to realize this is our new normal. So instead of complaining, I'll enjoy my kids a little more. That may mean I blog a little less. 

We had a really sweet Easter. It was Mariah's first. We try to make Easter special to the kids. We always emphasize that we are celebrating the Resurrection of Jesus. This ultimate sacrifice is what gives us the gift of eternal life if only we humble ourselves enough to accept this gift. Our older four children are all saved. We are praying that Mariah one day will understand and accept this gift as well.

We gave the kids the day off school for Good Friday. We just enjoyed the day and did a little cleaning and grocery shopping. Note to self, "Never grocery shop on Good Friday!" I was preparing for the next day. 

Saturday before Easter we colored Easter eggs............

Held an Easter egg hunt for the kids............

.......Mariah not too sure.

I then finished preparing our Easter dinner. Yes, a day early. Sunday's are too crazy busy for us to try and squeeze in an Easter meal before heading back to the church service in the evening.

Sunday included Easter Sunday Service then home to hunt for their baskets. We don't get much for the kids for Easter but it is fun to have a little chocolate and hunt for those baskets. We are running out of hiding places but we hid them pretty well. The kids know there is no Easter Bunny but it is fun to hide the baskets.

M's was behind the curtain. She didn't know what to do. It took a little coaxing.

Here she took Ben's sunglasses and was being silly.

The Sunday evening service was really nice. Our choir had a cantata and part way through, the music quit. The choir seamlessly continued the rest of the song. Even through a tough key change. It really was beautiful!

This past Tuesday an adoption friend made her way here to visit from North Carolina. She and her sweet little girl came and spent a few days with our family. Here is Beth's sweet daughter. She was adopted two months after Mariah.

This little one melted our hearts. Check out one of my older boys with her.

She also was a special needs girl. Let me tell you what a shame it is that she waited in an orphanage for 6 years waiting for a family. Be still my heart! She does not walk and has her own tiny wheelchair and walker. I love this child! She also told her mom that she was not leaving. Do you think all of this attention (like what is pictured above) had anything at all to do with her statement?

I have to share that I overheard her speaking with her Daddy on the phone. He was ending the conversation and he made a special point to stop and get her attention. He proceeded to tell her that she was special. Without missing a beat she denied that and said, "No! Baba's special!" Baba is Chinese for Daddy. What a blessed family to have her and I know Jim and Beth are a blessing to her. This is the face of adoption. There are real children waiting for a family.

Here are two of those children whose lives are forever changed.

We were a little surprised to see the girls playing together. This was the first time. Another suspicion we had was confirmed. Mariah is a bully. We have some work to do. I think it is survival from orphanage life. It is pretty safe to say that she will not be bullied herself. Like I said, we have some work to do.

Beth packed up and left on Saturday around lunchtime. We had such a sweet time together. She was an easy house guest! Beth was so sweet. We stayed up late each night talking. 

Please keep her sweet daughter in prayer as she will be having hip surgery in June. It is a difficult surgery and she will be in a spica cast following surgery.  

Proverbs 17:17    A friend loveth at all times.......