We have been there, fought the masses, found great deals. We have sorted and itemized. And now, it is time to look forward to the holiday season.
Christmas is a wonderful time. A time that we enjoy as a family, and yet there are some sad minutes as we remember those we hold dear to our heart who are not home with us. As we put up Max's Sponge Bob, Monsters Inc, and Buzz Ligthyear ornaments on the tree, we are a bit saddened to not know where he is and be able to be an encouragement in his life.
There are so many kiddos out there who need the love of a family. All they really want for Christmas is a family. A chance to be loved. A life outside of a bed. I realize not everyone is called to adopt a child in another country. Even if you are not called to adopt a child, you could most definitely pray for an orphan. You could donate to a child's fund, to help a child find a forever family.
As the holiday season approaches, I encourage you to take time and find what Christmas really means to you. To me, it isn't about the stuff. Christmas is about love.--about a Child who humbled himself to being born in a stable--a cold, dark barn, surrounded by animals. Christmas is about family. Jesus loved us so much that he gave his life so that we might live. My wish this Christmas season is to give my life to children in need of homes; families so that more children can live outside the walls of an orphanage, an institution.
Click on the link below to see just a few of these precious faces that are waiting for forever families.
http://www.onetruemedia.com/shared?p=9eaecafa2d473a9e95f292&skin_id=1901
Friday, November 27, 2009
Friday, November 20, 2009
Our days
Mila has started to chatter up a storm. She repeats a lot of final words in someone's sentences, but in the last week or so, she is independently saying words and sometimes putting two words together so we get her message loud and clear! Tonight at dinner, she said "more drink" and then later she said "more" and I went to grab her cup again, and she said "no (a long pause) more bite". She asks for toys, which typically means she wants to be put IN her toy bin to touch and feel, and throw her toys out of the bin. She is saying "more" and "no" consistently, and this week the new word is "help", and she uses it correctly.
Mila has had a tough week. Because she isn't completely verbal, we aren't sure what is causing her to be so upset, but we have had many days filled with tears. She has cried going to the sitter's, coming home from the sitter's, going to school, and leaving school. I think the anxiety revolves around transitions, but the transitions have been the same since September, so I'm not sure why we are having so many issues.
We've had some unseasonably warm days here in Ohio, so the girls have enjoyed time outside. Hannah always enjoys riding in her car; which she sometimes calls her minivan. Someday she'll decide driving a minivan isn't so cool, but for now, it's comical. We put Mila on the little Power Wheels 4-Wheeler and she seemed to enjoy that with some help to push the button and steady her body.
Friday (the 13th) was Hannah's adoption day. She wanted to eat at Red Robin and see Red Robin, but he is only int he restaurant on Tuesdays and Thursdays, so instead we went to a hotel for the night to swim. She wanted to sleep with Papa that night (her choice for her special day) so Mama and Mila slept in the other bed. Mama and Mila slept like babies. Doug, on the other hand, said he had several short conversations in the middle of the night with Hannah ("Papa, what ya doing?" "Are you sleeping?" "Is it wake up morning time yet?") in addition to her being in all positions in the bed!
Adoption day is a day full of mixed emotions. We feel truly blessed to have Hannah in our lives. This day also reminds me of the one we left behind. So in a way it is a happy day because we love Hannah so much, yet I am also also constantly wondering where Max is, what he's doing, and if he still knows how much we love him. Going through teenage years with loving parents is one thing, being left at an orphanage (on two different occasions) is another. When he was home, we had a way to communicate with him. Now, we have heard where he might be, but we have no connections at the moment, so we have no way to reach out to him. I miss Max. Hannah asks about him. I know he would love our girls (his sisters) and he would be great help with them. Maybe someday our paths will meet again. Until that day, I will continue to pray.
Mila has had a tough week. Because she isn't completely verbal, we aren't sure what is causing her to be so upset, but we have had many days filled with tears. She has cried going to the sitter's, coming home from the sitter's, going to school, and leaving school. I think the anxiety revolves around transitions, but the transitions have been the same since September, so I'm not sure why we are having so many issues.
We've had some unseasonably warm days here in Ohio, so the girls have enjoyed time outside. Hannah always enjoys riding in her car; which she sometimes calls her minivan. Someday she'll decide driving a minivan isn't so cool, but for now, it's comical. We put Mila on the little Power Wheels 4-Wheeler and she seemed to enjoy that with some help to push the button and steady her body.
Friday (the 13th) was Hannah's adoption day. She wanted to eat at Red Robin and see Red Robin, but he is only int he restaurant on Tuesdays and Thursdays, so instead we went to a hotel for the night to swim. She wanted to sleep with Papa that night (her choice for her special day) so Mama and Mila slept in the other bed. Mama and Mila slept like babies. Doug, on the other hand, said he had several short conversations in the middle of the night with Hannah ("Papa, what ya doing?" "Are you sleeping?" "Is it wake up morning time yet?") in addition to her being in all positions in the bed!
Adoption day is a day full of mixed emotions. We feel truly blessed to have Hannah in our lives. This day also reminds me of the one we left behind. So in a way it is a happy day because we love Hannah so much, yet I am also also constantly wondering where Max is, what he's doing, and if he still knows how much we love him. Going through teenage years with loving parents is one thing, being left at an orphanage (on two different occasions) is another. When he was home, we had a way to communicate with him. Now, we have heard where he might be, but we have no connections at the moment, so we have no way to reach out to him. I miss Max. Hannah asks about him. I know he would love our girls (his sisters) and he would be great help with them. Maybe someday our paths will meet again. Until that day, I will continue to pray.
Sunday, November 1, 2009
Reeces Rainbow Angel Tree
We feel truly blessed to have a wonderful organization that helped us during our first adoption and guided, answered countless questions, and helped us every step of the way through our second adoption. Reece's Rainbow was established by Andrea Roberts in 2004. In five years, Reece's Rainbow has helped find loving homes for over 225 children with disabilities.
Starting today (November 1) through December 31, Reece's Rainbow has a fundraiser--Christmas Angel Tree. This fundraiser is typically corresponds to the highest number of children finding their "forever families". A typical adoption is $20,000, and sometimes over that amount. Reece's Rainbow currently has over 200 children with disabilities waiting for a "forever home".
Our family is asking all of you to join me in raising awareness about the hundreds of children waiting for a family to come and love them. Please take time and visit the Reece's Rainbow Angel Tree. The reality is that each child on this page living in an orphanage or institution somewhere in the world. At some point, though the age might be different depending on the country, all of those children will be moved out of children's homes and into institutions, where they will live the rest of their lives never knowing the love of a family.
We are not asking you to adopt one of these children, though I can tell say from experience that you would be wonderfully blessed beyond your wildest dreams if you did decide to adopt. Even if adoption isn't in the plan for your family, you can still give that child an bit of hope. By donating the smallest amount (for example, skip that dinner out and donate the money you would have spent towards dinner on of these kiddos) you are giving a family that wants to adopt a child a ray of hope. The harsh reality is that adoption is expensive. Every penny donated to one of these children increases their change of finding a family. Your donation just may help a child become part of a loving family.
Our family is advocating for two little boys this season. Sterling and Zhenya are both in orphanages in Eastern Europe.
We pray for Sterling each day. We are part of a great community for Reece's Rainbow called Prayer Warriors. I am responsible for praying for Sterling each and every day until he has reached up to the arms of his Mama and Papa and is at home with his forever family.
Look at his big brown eyes. Wouldn't it be great to snuggle him up in your lap and listen to him say "Mama"?
When we began our second adoption, we had to prayerfully consider many little faces that so desperately needed a home. One of the little guys we prayed a lot about was Zhenya. After much prayer we decided that a second girl was best for our family at the time. Later, we found that Zhenya still had some contact with his family and for several months he was not on Reece's Rainbow list. In the last few months, Zhenya has become available for adoption.
Look at that face! He looks ornery! I can just imagine the giggle that must resonate in a room when someone tickles him! He just needs a chance to be loved by a family!
Our world has been enriched by two little girls from Eastern European countries that we feel blessed to call our daughters. Two years ago (today) we met Hannah for the very first time. During that initial meeting, I thought she might need hip surgery, never walk, and only talk by using sign. We gave her the greatest gift--a family that loves her, and look at how she has thrived! Her smile and hearing the words "Mama I love you" is the greatest gift I could ever ask for.
Starting today (November 1) through December 31, Reece's Rainbow has a fundraiser--Christmas Angel Tree. This fundraiser is typically corresponds to the highest number of children finding their "forever families". A typical adoption is $20,000, and sometimes over that amount. Reece's Rainbow currently has over 200 children with disabilities waiting for a "forever home".
Our family is asking all of you to join me in raising awareness about the hundreds of children waiting for a family to come and love them. Please take time and visit the Reece's Rainbow Angel Tree. The reality is that each child on this page living in an orphanage or institution somewhere in the world. At some point, though the age might be different depending on the country, all of those children will be moved out of children's homes and into institutions, where they will live the rest of their lives never knowing the love of a family.
We are not asking you to adopt one of these children, though I can tell say from experience that you would be wonderfully blessed beyond your wildest dreams if you did decide to adopt. Even if adoption isn't in the plan for your family, you can still give that child an bit of hope. By donating the smallest amount (for example, skip that dinner out and donate the money you would have spent towards dinner on of these kiddos) you are giving a family that wants to adopt a child a ray of hope. The harsh reality is that adoption is expensive. Every penny donated to one of these children increases their change of finding a family. Your donation just may help a child become part of a loving family.
Our family is advocating for two little boys this season. Sterling and Zhenya are both in orphanages in Eastern Europe.
We pray for Sterling each day. We are part of a great community for Reece's Rainbow called Prayer Warriors. I am responsible for praying for Sterling each and every day until he has reached up to the arms of his Mama and Papa and is at home with his forever family.
Look at his big brown eyes. Wouldn't it be great to snuggle him up in your lap and listen to him say "Mama"?
When we began our second adoption, we had to prayerfully consider many little faces that so desperately needed a home. One of the little guys we prayed a lot about was Zhenya. After much prayer we decided that a second girl was best for our family at the time. Later, we found that Zhenya still had some contact with his family and for several months he was not on Reece's Rainbow list. In the last few months, Zhenya has become available for adoption.
Look at that face! He looks ornery! I can just imagine the giggle that must resonate in a room when someone tickles him! He just needs a chance to be loved by a family!
Our world has been enriched by two little girls from Eastern European countries that we feel blessed to call our daughters. Two years ago (today) we met Hannah for the very first time. During that initial meeting, I thought she might need hip surgery, never walk, and only talk by using sign. We gave her the greatest gift--a family that loves her, and look at how she has thrived! Her smile and hearing the words "Mama I love you" is the greatest gift I could ever ask for.
Saturday, October 31, 2009
Fun Fall Days
Yesterday in Central Ohio was a true blessing. The weather was like a warm spring day, so we took advantage of the sunshine and warm breeze and headed to the park to play with friends. Jacob and Kyle met us at the park with their Mommy (by "bestest" friend) and her mom and grandmother. It is always fun to see people who you don't see very often and for them to be able to see your children. Marie gave me the best gift yesterday, by commenting on how much progress Hannah has made since she last saw her and how beautiful Mila was. (Thanks Marie!) Doug and I know that Hannah has made great progress, but when you see your own child daily, I think we miss the "big picture" sometimes. It takes a person, like Marie; who saw Hannah for the first time in December of 2007 (weeks after arriving home), then again in the summer of 2008, Christmas of 2008, and in October of 2009. Marie was amazed with the progress Hannah has made, and enjoyed watching her (sometimes with worry) as she cruised the accessible playground with her walker. (Hannah loves to 'Superman' down the ramps on her walker!) Hannah doesn't miss a beat and loves to try to keep up with the boys!
Mila is making great progress. She has a tub of toys that she loves to "play" with. She actually just enjoys sitting next to the box and touching all the toys or taking them out and tossing them. We have had her in her bumbo chair in front of the tub, had her sitting criss-cross on the floor in front of the box, and today decided to put her in the box! She loves her toys! Mila is also enjoying sitting on a stool (with some assistance from Mama) in Hannah's kitchen and having Hannah cook her a meal! Mila is also working on standing (again with some assistance) at the counter of the play kitchen...and tossing pots, pans, or whatever she can get her hands on! (Hannah told her yesterday--"Mila, I just cleaned my kitchen, now I have to do it again!")
Mila is using more and more words spontaneously. Her favorite of the week is "No". The word is not in a defiant manner, but rather that I think she finally understands she has a choice and by golly, she is gonna have one. She does occasionally say "yes" as well! Today she attempted to drink out of a sippy cup by herself! YEA Mila!
Mila is making great progress. She has a tub of toys that she loves to "play" with. She actually just enjoys sitting next to the box and touching all the toys or taking them out and tossing them. We have had her in her bumbo chair in front of the tub, had her sitting criss-cross on the floor in front of the box, and today decided to put her in the box! She loves her toys! Mila is also enjoying sitting on a stool (with some assistance from Mama) in Hannah's kitchen and having Hannah cook her a meal! Mila is also working on standing (again with some assistance) at the counter of the play kitchen...and tossing pots, pans, or whatever she can get her hands on! (Hannah told her yesterday--"Mila, I just cleaned my kitchen, now I have to do it again!")
Mila is using more and more words spontaneously. Her favorite of the week is "No". The word is not in a defiant manner, but rather that I think she finally understands she has a choice and by golly, she is gonna have one. She does occasionally say "yes" as well! Today she attempted to drink out of a sippy cup by herself! YEA Mila!
Friday, October 23, 2009
The Girls
The girls are wonderful...learning new things everyday!
Mila is gaining more head control and when she doesn't realize it (like when she is watching tv) she is working on those trunk muscles while sitting in a bumbo seat! She now has AFOs, which we are all adjusting to, so hopefully soon she will be up and making some attempts to stand/move! her biggest accomplishment is verbalization. When we wrote her IEP in early September, we said she had 4-6 independently spoken words (Mama, Papa, Hannah, Daisy), but now she says all kinds of things. Sometimes it is her own approximation of a word (honey for hungry), but they are steps in the right direction. I love to watch he watch Dora & Diego on TV. She now says backpack, map, and "oh man" at appropriate times and claps her hands when they ask! Too cool!
Hannah turned 5 and got a new "yittle big girl bike" for her birthday. She wanted one so much to be just like cousin Nathan, but now I think she would rather ride Nathan's bike than her new one!! :) Such a stinker! She told me the other day, "Mama, I'm five years, but I'm not old!" (Five years old!)
Mila is gaining more head control and when she doesn't realize it (like when she is watching tv) she is working on those trunk muscles while sitting in a bumbo seat! She now has AFOs, which we are all adjusting to, so hopefully soon she will be up and making some attempts to stand/move! her biggest accomplishment is verbalization. When we wrote her IEP in early September, we said she had 4-6 independently spoken words (Mama, Papa, Hannah, Daisy), but now she says all kinds of things. Sometimes it is her own approximation of a word (honey for hungry), but they are steps in the right direction. I love to watch he watch Dora & Diego on TV. She now says backpack, map, and "oh man" at appropriate times and claps her hands when they ask! Too cool!
Hannah turned 5 and got a new "yittle big girl bike" for her birthday. She wanted one so much to be just like cousin Nathan, but now I think she would rather ride Nathan's bike than her new one!! :) Such a stinker! She told me the other day, "Mama, I'm five years, but I'm not old!" (Five years old!)
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