Our Family

Princess with at Tat...

2011-07-02T12:04:00.000-05:00

Every Princess needs some great body art to show off...LOL!

MAJOR News! MAJOR!

2011-06-08T17:02:00.000-05:00

Okay, I had said in the last post that I was going to have MAJOR news in July...and, I already knew what that "news" was, I just didn't know how or "when" I was going to be free to share it. But, we have had an AMAZING development within our adoption story!

We have discovered that Taryn actually has a twin sister! Yes, you heard me correctly, A TWIN SISTER! We have had the girls DNA tested and the test came back %99.98 positive that they are twins! We are still trying to digest all of this information!

So, I KNOW your next question is going to be..."well, how did you find that out..." and, you KNOW I am going to tell you! :) We actually traveled with this couple. We met on line way before we traveled because we knew we were going to travel together. "Weird" things kept happening to us in China- our paperwork would get switched with theirs (this happened more than several times!); officials and orphanage workers not being able to tell the girls apart; our guide questioning whether or not the girls were twins and even calling the orphanage to ask if they could possibly be sisters. So, all of that together left small red-flags in our minds as to whether or not these girls were in fact related.

Well, we really LOVED this particular family (which is a great convenience!) and we have kept in touch over the years off and on throughout the week via email and FB. We have ALWAYS noticed the girls looked alike, but as they have grown, it has become more and more obvious. To the point that you could frame "ML" (that is how I will refer to Taryn's sister for now) and call her Taryn! So, in light of this we decided to go ahead and test the girls. This decision was not made lightly. We discussed doing it for over a year before we actually did it! Well, the results came back in less than 2 weeks...TWINS!

Can you BELIEVE IT! We are still in shock and awe at how God works in our lives. And now we are FIRM believers in the legend of the Red Thread-FIRM BELIEVERS!

So, your next question is "what are we going to do about it?" Right? We are set to meet the family for the first time since China in July (which is why I originally said July!). We are going to meet in Orlando and go to Disney with the girls...how perfect is that! I promise to take lots of video and pics. But, we have also started another blog for the girls, which, for now, is public. You can check it out above.

So, I have already gone on too long. Keep watching both blogs for updates and I am sure I will have more to say about it as the days go on! I told you! MAJOR NEWS! :)

Not all of these beautiful faces are Taryn! This is a composite of both girls!

First Day At The Pool!

2011-06-06T18:43:00.000-05:00

We went to the pool for the first time on Saturday! Fun was had by all...except me cuz' I LOATHE wearing a bathing suit (anyone with me on that one?). Anyway, I took a lot of great pics...here are just a few! Enjoy your summer everyone! R.

Testing, Testing, 1,2,3...

2011-06-04T08:34:00.000-05:00

okay, blogger has changed how they do things which requires a test run from me...that is what this is. I am even misspelling words to see if I can figure out how to use everything! hehe...I am so computer illiterate...R.

Beginnings and Ends...

2011-06-03T09:55:00.006-05:00

Taryn turns 3!

Taryn and "Miss Cole"...

Wesley getting one of his awards at 5th grade graduation!

Garrett getting one of his awards...he looks thrilled doesn't he!

We have had some major things happen here lately!

Taryn turned 3! Yes, she finally got to have her own party! She was so cute in her birthday outfit...she even bowed after we sang to her and she blew out her candles. She has been watching her cousins have birthdays all year...and it was finally her turn!

We also "lost" our speech therapist "Miss Cole". First Steps only goes through the age of 3 and Taryn starts Preschool in the Fall...so, it was time to say goodbye to someone who has had an integral part in Taryn's speech development for 2 whole years! It was hard...I even got teary when it was time! I don't know how speech therapists do it over and over again...say goodbye to "their" kids like they do! It would be hard for me!

Wesley graduated 5th grade into Middle School this week! He was "honored" in Math and Computer (something he does NOT get from his Mother!). Garrett graduated from 3rd to 4th grade and was honored in Math and Art (he uses both sides of his brain!). We are proud of both of them and are looking forward (well, kind of ) to this new chapter in our lives. I have to say that Middle School is a little scary though! Wesley is starting to "change" into a pre-teen...YIKES! It is scary and rough at times...I am sure you will hear me blog about it at some point!

I also have some MAJOR news to share but can't really do that until July! I know, I know, that isn't really fair...but it is MAJOR and really exciting for our family! So, check back in July and you will see what it is I am so excited about...MAJOR! :)

Okay, that is it...short and sweet! I have actually blogged this same post 3 times now. Blogger has changed and it kept "erasing" on me! So, if this post gets erased again I think I might scream and throw my computer off the deck! I can't keep writing the same thing! It has gotten shorter each time though! I am lucky to get this posted!

Peace...R.

Easter 2011!

2011-04-24T18:46:00.003-05:00

Okay, okay, I KNOW it has been a bazillion days since I have updated this blog! I am so sorry about my less than stellar blogging skills! But, here I am, Easter Sunday finding myself with time to update a little!

How has everyone been? Our lives have been so hectic lately. I HATE when we are so busy that we don't even have time to breath! That is where we are right now! The boys are in music and 4H clubs. Taryn is now in a Mother's Morning Out program (WHOOT! WHOOT!) which has been wonderful for both of us! Gives her time to play with others and me time to go shopping or whatever, by myself! LIFESAVER!

Today is Easter and we spent it with family. Right where we wanted to be...hectic or not! The weather here in Ky. has been Tornadic now for 3 days! Our egg hunt was canceled at our church yesterday due to weather so we had one today in Grandaddy's back yard. This was Taryn's first egg hunt...she got the hang of it very quickly though (as you can see by the pics). The boys had like a "ninja" egg hunt. :) We tried to hide the eggs in the hardest of places for them (cuz' that is the kind of parents we are!) and the harder the better according to them!

Anyway, I just wanted to stop in and say Happy Easter to everyone! Hope your day was filled with family and friends and that you took time to remember the reason for the day...the gift of Resurrection and eternal life granted to us by our Lord! Amen, and until next time...(which hopefully will not be too long!)...

Gotcha Day #2!

2011-03-02T08:35:00.004-06:00

Taryn showing the book she recieved for Gotcha Day!

The girls!

Awe! I love this one!

I can't believe it has been 2 years! 2 wonderful, fast years since we brought Taryn daughter into our family. I know that celebrating "Gotcha Day" is a controversial subject in the adoption world. But, for our family, we have chosen to celebrate this special day! I bought 18 gifts in China while we were there to give her one special gift a year from her country. We DID eat Chinese food last night, but I decided (after the plans were already made) that eating Chinese food specifically on Gotcha Day is a little "hokey", so we might not be doing this one anymore! We will let her pick the restaurant from now on I think! However, we DID enjoy the Chinese food with the wonderful family we traveled to China with! This little girl and Taryn were in the orphanage together so we have a special "bond" with this family. Fortunately, they live close by so we can see them every once in a while. The girls are very cute together, at least I think so!
2 Years! 2 Years! It is just so hard to believe!
Until next time...

Living Cinderella...

2011-02-03T16:16:00.002-06:00

Lately my days have been the same. Wake up, get the boys off to school and then wake up Cinderella. Yes, I said Cinderella...our beautiful Asian Princess has taken a fascination lately with the beautiful, blond Icon...Cinderella! I have to admit, she IS my favorite. So, when I bought the movie for her this Christmas I had no idea that I would be starting such a phase! She wears her Princess gear EVERY day! I mean EVERY day! No breaks...except for when we go out in public! I probably wouldn't care if she did wear it in public, except it is getting a little stinky! She tops off the ensemble with a tiara and heels...it is very cute! We have also taken to dancing like I am the Prince while singing "so this is love..." now THAT is a sight I tell you! ;) I am hoping though, that soon we will branch off into other Princesses...Belle, Ariel, Tiana, Sleeping Beauty...just for a variety! So, for now I live with a Princess...but, don't we all?

Christmas Time Is Here!

2010-12-21T23:13:00.003-06:00

It has been way too long since I have posted and pretty much feel like a non-blogger right now! But, here I am ready to redeem myself! Wow! Has this season not flown by! It seems like just last week was Thanksgiving and now we are embarking on Christmas! This is the FIRST year I have actually been "ready" for Christmas in time. Meaning, I have bought and wrapped ALL of the gifts already...no last minute shopping for me! Can you believe it? I sure can't...usually I am wrapping or doing something crazy like that Christmas Eve night! Anyway...yay me! :) The boys are beside themselves excited and Taryn is just along for the ride with it all! I don't think she really understands yet. It is so hard to know how much she actually does understand because of her speech delay. I would say she knows that "Christmas" is something special and that some of the presents under the tree are for her...but, that might be all she gets out of it.
She is STILL so delayed in her speech. She is talking on an 18 month old level (she is 2.5 yo!). We had her hearing checked again in the beginning of December and everything came back okay...again! So, it definitely is NOT her hearing! She is just not "getting" it when it comes to talking. She IS getting better though. She is saying 2 word phrases "I do...", "I can..." etc... So, that helps her get her point across most of the time. And she is right on age level appropriate in every other level of functioning...just not the speech! I will have to record when she starts talking and post it on the blog...because it will be a HUGE deal when it happens!
Well, I hope everyone has a blessed and Merry Christmas! Remember the reason for the season and that adoption is the center of the whole Christmas story. Maybe you and your family could help a child this year by giving them a forever family. Or maybe you are waiting to bring your child home and it feels like just another lonely Christmas without him/her...Take heart and know that YOUR CHILD IS OUT THERE! She is (or he!)...I promise and hopefully this will be your last Christmas without them. God bless....
Rebecca

Adoption Sunday...Coming Up!

2010-10-25T09:53:00.003-05:00

We go to a really BIG church (10,000 members!) and there are a fair amount of adoptive families involved in our church. We all took pictures of our families, along with short summary's of what adoption meant to us for adoption Sunday. They were taken by a gentleman (photographer!) in our church who is compiling pics for an adoption book. He also has a great blog that I posted on my blog list. The blog highlights different adoption experiences from every angle...from the birth mother/father to the adopted child...check it out! Anyway, here are our pics...happy Fall Y'all (from Ky!)

Days of Color...

2010-09-21T07:31:00.004-05:00

At first I couldn't believe there were pumpkins at the orchard already! We had gone to pick apples and there were pumpkins everywhere. Then, my husband pointed out that the first official day of fall is Wednesday (only 2 days away!)...so, since we were there picking apples I went ahead and took all of our "fall" pics as well! Why not? Of course, the kids were dressed for picking apples (i.e. dirty play clothes), but when an opportunity arises...we take it...right?

Can you believe it is Fall! The year has passed by so quickly...too quickly if you ask me! Our oldest is in 5th grade...his last year in elementary school! It breaks my heart to see him turning into a preteen...seriously! I love him so much and I really don't want the teenage "drama" to begin with him! I know it changes them completely. Morphing them into overgrown 2 year olds almost overnight. I am not ready for that! Not that any parent ever is! And then, to have a 2 year old on top of a preteen...wow! That is enough to make you feel like an "old" mother! :)

We are all doing great though! The boys are well into the school year by now. Taryn and I are still getting used to each other. It is hard to be her soul source of entertainment during the day! I have her on a waiting list for a mother's morning out program...but, she has been on the list now for 2 months with no calls regarding openings! So, until then, we are together ALL OF THE TIME! Can you tell I am getting a tad "burnt out" with parenting! I need a good break...maybe a vaca with the hubby by ourselves...HA! A girl can dream...right?

We have some friends whose LID is the NEXT TO BE CALLED! Yeah! I love it! I love seeing a long wait come to an end...don't you? Adoption has been such a blessing for us...I would do it again in a heartbeat if the wait wasn't 7 years now and the cost wasn't through the roof! But, to those of you still in the process I have to say-it is SO WORTH IT! Hang in there people!

Until next time...

Better Late Then Never!

2010-09-03T17:46:00.003-05:00

It took a while, but we finally got Taryn's 2 yo pictures taken! She is only almost 2 1/2! Look how cute our little Princess is! I will be back to blog later! Enjoy!

First Day of School!

2010-08-11T07:20:00.003-05:00

Our 5th Grader...Obviously, NOT too happy about the 1st day!

The "big" 3rd Grader...a little more smile than his brother! ;)

Princess T getting in on the action!

The "throne" sits empty for now!

I can't believe it, but summer is gone! Over! That is so hard to grasp even as I was driving my kids to school today! Now, the house seems too quiet and poor Taryn is watching TV...alone! :( Wesley, as you can tell by the picture, was NOT impressed with going back to school. Garrett was at least "bribe able" to take a good picture (I don't know if that is a word...made it up!). Taryn had to get in on the action. Poor thing doesn't understand why she has lost her two best friends! And, to top it off, they wouldn't let me walk them in this year! Yeah, that's right, I was "booted" out of the first day of school! They are in 5th and 3rd grade and apparently to "old" for there Mom to walk them in! That makes me sad!

Anyway, for those of you that have been waiting with baited breath on me to report potty training news...I haven't done that, BECAUSE THERE IS NO NEWS! That's right, our potty training, as brief as it was, didn't quiet work out! I tried...for two days...and she, all of a sudden, acted like she wasn't going to have anything to do with it! Yeah, she peed on the carpet one too many times for my liking as well! So, even though she wants to change her own diaper (seriously?) she isn't acting like she wants to use the big girl potty at all! So, as soon as there is news I will report it...I promise!

To those of you waiting for your little one to still arrive and you are "chomping" at the bit to hold her/him...I haven't forgotten you! The wait is excruciating...I remember! I pray your little ones will be in your arms soon! It will happen sooner than you know!

Until next time...R.

Not all "happy, happy" this time!

2010-07-30T13:52:00.003-05:00

Right off, this is NOT a happy post! This is an "I need a place to vent" post! My coping place...if you don't like it...really sorry, but just skip this one then! I just have to ask...what is up with sibling fights? Does anyone else have to deal with this? My boys fight ALL OF THE TIME...Seriously, ALL OF THE TIME! I don't know what to do about it. It makes me feel like a horrible mother. I can't get them to stop and the more I try the harder they seem to fight! Today has been the worst yet! They are getting sick of each other this summer and it is escalating into fights every other hour. I don't remember fighting like this with my sister at all...I mean, don't get me wrong, I remember fighting with her... just not all of the time. So, what do I do? Do I butt in? Do I stay out? Do I take them to counseling? Seriously, I can't hardly stand it anymore! They are constantly saying they "hate" each other...which breaks my heart! Brothers aren't supposed to "hate" each other...are they?
Okay, see, now I feel a little better! Just getting that off of my chest! See, it isn't "happy happy" ALL of the time around here! Just in case you were thinking that! :)

Gotta love that Dolly!

2010-07-17T18:48:00.005-05:00

The brothers were very sweet about riding the "baby" rides with Taryn!

Wesley is "making fun" of the baby ride and it's "mad speed"! :)

Wesley at Nascar Speedway!

Taryn on the Merry-go-round...she didn't "love" it but she didn't hate it either!

Hope everyone is having a wonderful summer! It is going by WAY to quickly if you ask me! I mean, school will be starting back in several weeks! That is crazy! We just got back from our vaca to Gatlinburg TN. It was SO nice to get away and to spend time together as a family. It was the first vaca Taryn has been on with us since bringing her home. She did fabulous! She slept in that uncomfortable port-a-crib every night w/o complaints...maybe because she was worn out from the days activities! I took all kinds of pics and not a one of the beautiful cabin we stayed in...go figure. I just kept thinking I would get around to it and never did...I have been having those "senior" moments a lot lately! :)
Enjoy the pics of us at Dollywood and enjoy the rest of your summer! God bless...

AHH Picnic

2010-06-26T16:13:00.004-05:00

Our families...We traveled with this couple to China!

Taryn is fearless!

Taryn and Emmali eating lunch...

How sweet are they! Holding hands! :

Fun in the sand!

Playing on the swing and getting used to each other!

Every year our adoption agency hosts a picnic for all of the families that have adopted through them. This year it was held at a local orchard that also has an area set up for the kids to play. We met with one of the six families we traveled with. It was really great to catch up with them and to see the progress their daughter was making. Steve and the boys were unable to come r/t a long planned camping trip...so, it was just Taryn and I having all of the fun! Taryn and Emmali were very cute together. It was such a joy to see hundreds of children playing and laughing...all given a family through adoption. Enjoy the pictures!

To train or not to train...this is the question!

2010-06-19T10:43:00.006-05:00

Peek-a-boo!

Taryn and her friend Sylvia!

Don't worry...all parents were right there...just not in the picture!

We have a picture similar to this of them in the orphanage together! Too cute!

Taryn and her new cousin Lola!

Regressing...

So far our summer is off to a good start. We have had picnics and play dates...with still more to come! But, that isn't what I am going to write about today! No, let's talk potty training.
Now, I know the pictures are all "fun and games"...play dates etc...but, let me tell you-Taryn is going to potty train herself if I keep putting it off! My intention (and it is still this!) is to wait until after vaca the first of July. I am off from work alot in July and just think it will be the best time. In the mean time, my poor daughter is SCREAMING to be potty trained! She is bringing me a diaper and saying "poo poo" (doesn't usually say but like 5 words and she is saying "poo poo"!). She is even trying to put on her own diaper! I know, I know, I should get it over with! But our vaca is only in 2 weeks and to be potty training during this time would be so hard. I am sure millions of stronger Mommy's than me would totally disagree and call me selfish. But, hey, I never claimed to be the best Mommy in the world...good, but not perfect! So, hopefully after I update on our vaca I will have a positive potty training post for everyone. In the mean time, Taryn might just get 'er done herself!
On a different note, we have some work friends who are traveling to China to get their beautiful baby girl this month. We are so excited for them and always happy to see another baby find a forever family! I pray that you too will get to experience this joy very soon...hang in there please...she is waiting out there for you!
Until next time...

The Wedding!

2010-05-29T20:20:00.002-05:00

It was a huge production just getting all three of them ready...but in the end it was well worth it! Just to see my little ones dressed up together for once was so great! Here are a few pics from our nieces wedding this weekend!

Princess Taryn turns 2!

2010-05-27T11:41:00.005-05:00

Out on the town in her new Cozy Coup!

Princess Shoes!

"Mom, seriously, stop with the pictures!"

Yummy Cake!

Saying "hi" to her people!

Blowing out her candles like a professional!

Her Dora Cake! Yes, I made it...don't judge! :)

Yummy!

Princess Taryn!

Taryn turned two yesterday! It doesn't seem like she should be two yet. Especially with the delay in speech, which makes her seem younger. But, indeed, she is two! We didn't have a huge party...I have been "burned out" on those for years (since the boys were at least 4!). Typically, with the boys, I let them pick a place and then pay that particular place to have the party for me! :) Don't judge! But, since Taryn is so little I am forced to still have them at the house! So, we just invited family over for cake and ice cream. She had a Dora cake and her Papaw got her a Dora dress to wear. Even with just the cousins here it seemed chaotic! She got so many great presents. She LOVES, LOVES, LOVES to dress up, and she received lots of dress up clothes. Her favorite gift was her new Princess Cozy Coup. Steve and I got it for her...she loves it! We couldn't hardly get her out of it once we brought it out for her! She definitely seemed like a birthday professional...she even blew out her candles right off without being shown what to do! It was so fun to see her having such a great time! We love her SO much...words can't even begin to describe how happy we are to have her as a daughter. Happy Birthday Taryn Joy!

Bad Hair Day...

2010-05-03T18:36:00.004-05:00

Steve and the boys were going to get their hair cut at a local "cheaper" hair cutting place (won't name the chain...even though I REALLY want too!). I was too lazy to go so I sent a note with Steve to get Taryn's hair cut. I know, I know, but I really thought a note would be the same thing as me standing there saying do this and that. Apparently there are different ideas of "bobs". Taryn's hair was down to her shoulders before the hair cut and is now up to her ears! I was REALLY disappointed at first but am now getting used to it. I am even starting to think it is cute...short, but cute! Moral of the story: Don't send a note, go in person AND spend a little bit more and go to a hair salon or something! :)

Shortcomings...

2010-04-21T10:40:00.003-05:00

How cute is she! Even with food on her face!

Nobody loves their "sissy" more than this big brother!

Let's discuss my shoddy blogging! I mean, seriously, sometimes I wonder about this blog...I enjoy writing about myself...lol! But, does anyone really enjoy reading it? So many times I talk myself out of updating the blog because I don't know if I really have anything important to say! On that note, how is everyone in blogger land doing? We are plugging away at life here. Taryn is doing so well. She is starting to act just like a 2 year old should act...minus saying any words! She is throwing some serious fits and does manage to say "no" quiet often...which is very "2 year oldish" if you ask me.

And since we are on the subject of her talking...I don't know whether to be worried or not! She is still getting speech therapy but says only like 7 words! She babbles a lot but that is it. She understands EVERYTHING we say to her and we understand EVERYTHING she wants. This is accomplished by her pointing and grunting or making a yes or no head movement....not by using words! Mostly I think she will talk eventually, lots of kids don't talk until later. Then there is the other part of me that is thinking...should I be worried? Other than the language issues we don't have very many other issues...well the attitude thing! :)

The boys are the same...sweet 1/2 of the time and sassy the rest of the time. They only get along like 50% of the time...I am the referee when it comes to them. Holler if you hear me on this one!

So, on a different note entirely, I just saw on Rumor Queen (yes, I am still interested in what people are up to in the waiting world!) that they are just now processing April 2006 LID's...that is CRAZY! Ours was March 3 2006...we have had Taryn a year now and they are only into April! AGHHHH...I really feel for those of you waiting to bring your little ones home. That is SO HARD- I know! If you can trust me at all, I can tell you with much assurance that IT WILL HAPPEN! Patience is so hard but so worth it in the end...and there WILL be an end-I promise!
Until next time...

Easter Eggs with our little bunnies!

2010-03-31T15:41:00.004-05:00

The finished product...

I let them have a piece of the Easter candy I had bought for the baskets...

She is so proud of her eggs!

Working very hard...

I don't know what possessed me to think that coloring Easter eggs with a 1 1/2 year old would be a good idea...but, that is exactly what I did! I only let her have 3 eggs...but that was enough to make me realize the error of my ways! :)

I honestly thought that the boys would have outgrown coloring eggs by now, but they REALLY wanted to do it...thus, the Easter egg conundrum!

We are on Spring Break right now and I don't know if any of us will survive! Luckily the weather is perfect so we can have a lot of outside time. But the boys are fighting constantly and the little one is whining because her allergies are kicking in. I might just have to go on my "own" spring break before it is all over with!

Enjoy the pics and have a blessed Easter!

Gotcha Day Anniversary!

2010-03-08T16:29:00.002-06:00

Taryn, one year later!

This was our first attempt at getting a pic of the two of them!

The girls!

This was the best we could do...and even in this one you can tell Taryn is getting ready to run!

Okay, sorry for the week long delay. I misplaced my camera cord and have spent this whole week looking for it! Finally, I have found it and here are the few pics we were able to get! We went out to eat with one of the families we traveled with...of course, Chinese food! It was so much fun and the girls had fun playing together. Of course, trying to get pics out of them was a whole other story! They are definitely both toddlers. I can't believe it has been a year since we were in China. This time last year we were still in China! I have felt so nostalgic about China, our trip and Taryn in general this week. Basically, I feel blessed to have our first year with her. To have been able to travel on a once in a lifetime trip to China. And to now be on the other side of the adoption process. Our one year visit with our SW is over...the process is now FINISHED! This leaves me feeling so happy...and I suppose relieved.I still have such a heart for those of you waiting and in the process. I have heard that the wait for China NSN is up to 6.5 years! I pray that this fact doesn't discourage those of you with a heart to adopt from China. I know for a fact that there is a child at the end of the wait. A child chosen just for you and your family. Please hang in there and know this!Until next time...

One Year Ago Today...

2010-02-26T10:35:00.002-06:00

Lately I have found myself saying those words..."One year ago today..." and applying it to our adoption journey. Today is particularly sweet...it was the day we left for China. Yes, in just 2 days it will be our Gotcha Day! I am overwhelmed with emotion pertaining to these days. I feel totally nostalgic about China and our trip. I can't believe it has been a year...it seems like only a few months! Because it is all so hard to put into words I put together the video below to "commemorate" our first year. I hope you enjoy it! If you are in the same place as we are you might just watch it an reminisce. If you are waiting, I pray you watch it and take heart that it will be you sooner than you think...I promise! In just 2 days I will have Gotcha Day pics up to post! Enjoy...

My Montage 2/16/10 at OneTrueMedia.com

2010-02-26T10:22:00.001-06:00

Make photo slide shows at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Happy Valentines Day and Stuff!

2010-02-15T08:22:00.004-06:00

The boys dressed Taryn up as Indiana Jones!

She is such a "girl" with her purse and her cell phone inside! She goes everywhere with her purse.

Garrett and his Valentine Candy!

Taryn and her Valentine Suckers!

Yummy!

We are buried under snow here in KY! Nothing like those in NY or WA, but we are having more snow here than I have seen in awhile. The boys are having a blast. Poor Taryn, however, is not getting out in it much because it requires one parent to go with her...and Mama doesn't like cold! :) So, she hasn't gotten to play in it as much as her brothers.
I can't believe it is February already. We have already been contacted by our SW for our 1 year follow up! OUR ONE YEAR FOLLOW UP! It will be one year in March! Can you even believe it? It feels like it was just yesterday (or at the least a few months ago!) that we were in China! I will have to let everyone know how our follow up goes...as well as our 1st Gotcha Day! We have already made plans to get with one of our traveling couples and go eat Chinese Food with the girls! So, enjoy the few pictures from Valentines Day...until next time!

Snow Days!

2010-01-08T08:58:00.002-06:00

Yes! Taryn's brothers took her sledding...!

I guess they are having fun...hopefully!

Snow bunny!

The Chinese would be very pleased with the "bundleing"! :)

Beginnings...

2010-01-01T15:21:00.004-06:00

Taryn and our niece, Eva, playing in the water area ...

Taryn and Wesley playing in the bubble room of the Museum...

Wesley...pretending to walk on the moon!

"Beam me up Scotty..."

1st haircut!

Playing a game on Christmas Eve!

Her new "baby"...

How cute is this Santa?

Our Family...

I can't help but reflect to where we were this time last year. We had just gotten our referral and were so darn happy to be getting ready to travel. Fast forward 10 months and we are still so "darn" happy to be alive and to be the parents of our newest daughter from China...Taryn Joy. This was the time of year for many "firsts". It was Taryn's first Christmas, her first hair cut and her first time at the Children's Museum. All of these "firsts" happened within one week so I combined as many pictures as I could of these events!
I hope the New Year is nothing but joyful for all of you. I pray that those of you waiting to receive your child from China (or any other country!) will hear good news this year. I pray for all of the little ones who will not be placed into a family this year...that they will somehow be protected and kept safe until their family comes. I especially wish all of the new additions to many new families this year, nothing but the very best. It is still hard to believe she is home with us! Thank God for her, and for our family...Happy 2010 everyone!

Reflections...

2009-12-10T15:54:00.002-06:00

Below is a December post (well, one of them!) that I posted this time last year. It still rings true today and I felt it deserved mentioning again. As you can see, if you read it, we had not yet recieved our "gift"...Taryn. One year later, all of the "heartache" of waiting is behind us and our gift is growing and learning to love and be loved every day. I hope this Holiday season finds everyone well and I pray that your gifts are delivered safe and sound and QUICKLY! Merry Christmas!

Returning to an older post...

2009-12-09T10:21:00.006-06:00

Steve and I just finished watching The Nativity Story for the first time. It went straight to my heart, for many reasons. The people that make up this story are all very different and very crucial to the coming of Christ. Mary, Joseph, Zachariah, Elizabeth, John, the Three Wisemen, the lowly shepards...even King Herrod! I am in amazement that God sent his son to earth in the form of a baby! And what about the humble people chosen for the ENORMOUS task of raising Christ into a man!
That is what struck my heart the most....Out of all of the people in the nativity story, Joseph was one of my favorites! He rose above prejudice from others against his unwed, pregnant, soon to be wife. He made the choice to not only marry Mary but to raise Jesus as his own son.
Isn't that the choice so many of us have made with our adoptions? We have chosen to take a child, birthed by someone we probably will never know...and raise it as our own. The essence of adoption is, to the core, a spiritual decision. In order for God to adopt all of us as his own children, Joseph had to adopt Jesus as his son here on earth,
To adopt a child is to love a child in your heart instead of your womb. To know that you know, that the child you are adopting has been chosen for you and your family by God...just as biological children are chosen. Our adopted child is destined to fulfill a glorious purpose, as we all are! Those of us parenting any children, adopted or not, have the same awesome responsibility as Mary and Joseph were given...to raise our children to glorify God!
When Taryn comes...and I am back to saying when instead of if...she will be loved no differently than our boys. She has been growing in our hearts for almost 4 years now. Through all of this heartache with our adoption...and it has been a literal "ache" in my heart...I have been made aware of the fact that she is so very much loved-already!
So, just like Joseph, and following God's example, we are perservering through this challange of adoption! Not that we thought otherwise, but it has been such an uphill battle! I am thankful for the example shown in both of these stories...and I am especially aware of it this time of year. The birth of Jesus! The adoption of Jesus by Joseph...the chance for our salvation through the adoption into Gods family...
Merry Christmas to all of you...and especially to all of the waiting families...may God bring our gifts home soon! 2 comments

Trick-Or-Treat!

2009-11-01T17:08:00.002-06:00

I can't believe I am posting so close to the actual event...but, I am not going to argue with "non-procrastination" (is that a word?)! So, Halloween is over for '09, but it was fun as usual. As everyone probably already knows, it was the Princesses first Halloween. What else could she have been BUT a lady bug? Duh!
The boys were Ben 10 (we got a lot of "so what are you..." to that one!) and Joba Fett from Star Wars. Everyone had fun...but it was especially fun to see Taryn trick-or-treating for the first time!
I hope there will be some "treats" in the form of referrals for many this November! Can't wait to see pictures of all the new ones!
Enjoy the pics and hope everyone had a Happy Halloween!

I'm Back!

2009-10-26T09:09:00.003-05:00

OMG! I can't believe I have let this go as long as I have! I am so not a great blogger...is anyone out there? We have been SO busy...as I am sure everyone has been. And, when we aren't busy we have been sick ...one at a time. Anyway, we are all fine and healthy now and enjoying the fall! Taryn is taking off! Walking, trying to run, she is doing so well! We are still getting Speech Tx with her. She isn't saying much, but I don't really know a lot of 16 mo that do! Our 6 month SW appointment came and went with no hitches. I don't know why I worry...something about a SW in my home that causes me to worry! :)
The boys are plugging away at school. They are both obsessively worried about how much Halloween Candy they will get Saturday! We are going to have a Ben10, a Storm Trooper and a little Lady Bug (of course!). I will try to get pics posted ASAP after Halloween. In the mean time, how are all the waiting parents out there doing? Gosh, I haven't checked RQ in a while. Every time I do I am instantly transformed back to our waiting days and realize how happy I am to have that behind us. I pray that for you all as well...to have it quickly behind you and to have your precious China baby in your arms!
Until next time...Happy Fall Ya'll!

Catchin' Up!

2009-09-03T10:49:00.005-05:00

Our 3 blessings!

This is Taryn and my niece (Guatemala) and my nephew...look at Taryn trying to smile and pose!

Okay, this is probably dangerous...however, she did it and I had to take a pic!

This was G's interpretation of a great 1st day of school pic!

Wesley was not as happy about the 1st day as Garrett was!

It has almost been a month since my last post. So I figured everyone needed to see pics of my beautiful children...right? Well, if not, sorry! That is what I have for you! School has started back so we are slowly but surely adjusting to the new schedule. Taryn seems "lost" without her "Bubbies". She is very happy when they come home in the afternoons! Of course, they play with her and I guess Mommy is boring. Taryn is doing wonderful! I couldn't have asked for a better transition with this little baby. I have read and heard so many stories regarding attachment D/O and other post-adoption issues. But, we have not experienced any of this and I thank God every day for that...and for her. She has been nothing but a joy...now a busy into everything joy...but a joy none the less! Hang in there you waiting parents...soon your joy will be here as well! Enjoy the pictures!

What I did with....

2009-08-11T09:19:00.004-05:00

I have had several requests to see pics of what I did with the two outfits Taryn had in China. One of the outfits (obviously the dressier of the two) was her red couch outfit. And the other was the outfit she had on when given to us on Gotcha Day. I have to say that the latter one means so much more to me than the first. All three of the babies in our group from this particular orphanage had the same outfit on (over several other layers of clothes!) and I will always get all "mushy" feeling when I see it! So, I have brought them out into the open so to speak, and put them in Shadow Boxes. I attached them with hidden pearl pins, and I think they look pretty darn good if I do say so myself! Taryn's room holds the Red Couch dress because it matches her room perfectly. And, my "special" Gotcha Day outfit I put in my craft room where I scrapbook and exercises. I get to look at it every day! Hope you get some ideas to use for your special outfits...don't just keep them tucked away! Get them out to share!

The Tongue Update!

2009-08-03T19:14:00.004-05:00

The Kiddo's At The Arboretum...

Our "Kitchen" Band!

Hiking At Raven's Run With Daddy and Mommy...

Taryn's "Latest" Skill...Stair Climbing....Greeeeaaaaatttt!

I felt obligated to come back and give a quick update on Princess T and her "tongue" issue. It is healing rather nicely. There is still some gross scar tissue left...I will spare everyone a picture! But, it is as if it never happened! She IS more cautious when trying to walk and the coffee tables have been removed from the premises for now! But, she is doing better! Thank you to everyone for there kind words and for all of the Mommy's who "worried" with me! I am including "happier" pics this time!

Warning...Pictures Are Gross!

2009-07-27T07:37:00.003-05:00

If you look really close you can see her "tongue" injury!

Yes, that "smarts" doesn't it! There is the added chicken as well...sorry folks!

Don't say I didn't warn you all! If you have a "soft" stomach this has probably totally freaked you out! BTW, that is a piece of chicken in her mouth in one of the pictures! So you also get the added "gross out" factor of chewed up food...SORRY!

Yes, it's true, we have had our first (and hopefully only!) ER visit. In an attempt to walk, Taryn fell and hit the coffee table and bit through her tongue! OUCH! Mouth injury's are ALWAYS extra bloody too...that was frightening to all of us involved. Apparently, it was a bad one because a lot of tongue injury's they just let heal on their own...of course, OUR tongue injury required 2 stitches! It was so hard to watch! It took 5 people to "hold" her down...can you imagine the way she must have felt? I am just praying this didn't hinder any "trust" issues she may or may not have right now! She already doesn't like medical personal (even with a Nurse for a Mommy!)... but now, she will most definitely have fear of them! And, in case you were wondering, NO we are not "freak" parent's because we took pictures...we did that because I was at work at the time and Steve wasn't sure if it warranted an ER visit, so he emailed me pics to make the final "judgement" call on it!

The good news is that today...she looks great! She ate breakfast without a fuss. She doesn't seem to be talking much though (or, I should say "babbling" much!)...which I am sure has something to do with pain... But, it only takes 12 hours or so for mouth wounds to heal (isn't that amazing!) so her tongue already looks halfway "normal" and the stitches are almost gone! It is like "Super-Healing"! :)

Otherwise, we are all fine! I have EVERY intention of posting more...but wanted to share this "drama" right away! I sure hope others don't go through this with their little ones!

And what about the LONG, DRAWN OUT, wait for some of you soon to be China parents! I just checked Rumor Queen and it still looks the same...hang in there! Soon you will be teaching your little ones to walk as well...hopefully with less drama and more results!
Take care...Peace...

Happy July 4th!

2009-07-06T08:41:00.007-05:00

Our little "Angels"...

"I pledge allegiance...." Hehe! I KNOW you are thinkin' that people!

I hope everyone had a great July 4th! Ours was pretty much rained out...even the fireworks show! The boys were NOT happy to say the least! We even tried a cook-out with family and ended up "huddling" together under a covered porch! Oh well...there is always next year! Here are the few pictures I did manage to take of the kids. My mom bought Taryn's dress at Cracker Barrel...it makes you want to stand up and say the Pledge of Allegiance or something! LOL! Whatever, it was her first July 4th so she HAD to wear a cute, but "gaudy" July 4th dress...right?
An interesting bit of information for those interested...Steven Curtis Chapman is in China right now opening an Orphanage/Children's Home in honor of his late daughter Maria...you can see it on his blog...AustinMann.com/trek
It is very interesting and fun to watch!
Have a great week...Hang in there "waiters"! :)

"Time keeps on slippin', slippin', slippin'..."

2009-06-30T06:45:00.007-05:00

Here are the "majority" of the kids...can you see Taryn? Hint...she is Chinese! :)

VERY Hot Brother and Sister...they don't look as if they are having much fun!

EVENTUALLY, she came to terms with the situation...

This was how she was most of the excursion....

Doesn't she look like she is thinking "WT?" are you all doing with me?

Getting ready to get onto the paddle boats at Jacobson Park...

Oh yeah, were crawling! Yipee!

She loves her baby pool!

Her "bubbys" had fun getting in to play...they really didn't fit though!

Father's Day...one blessed Daddy!

Who sang that song anyway? Was it in the 70's? Wow, I am getting old! And, yes, where has the time gone this summer? I have NOT kept up with my "once a week" goal of blogging. I guess I just feel like I really don't have much to blog about! Anyway, here I am, a month later ready and willing to blog...
I hope everyone had a GREAT Father's Day! It thrills me to think of all the "new" Daddy's out there that got to hold their China (or respective country!) child for the first time! Wow...it was special I am sure. And, as usual, let's not forget the "Dad's in waiting"...they deserve props as well...because, if they aren't "losing it" during this wait, they are certainly keeping their wives from losing it during the wait! True?
We went to our adoption agency's annual "Reunion Picnic" this past weekend. OMG! I am so glad we did! I debated on whether or not to go, because our travel group is scattered out everywhere in the US but here in KY (there are two families here in KY..) so I was thinking "why...?" But, how cool was it to see hundreds of adoptive families and their ADORABLE children! It was amazing! Taryn appeared to be the youngest, which would make since seeing as the wait has climbed so much... which made her very "popular" to say the least. I was able to meet with one couple who are LID October 26, 2006...so they have about 2 more years waiting (AGGGGHHHHH!). I was so happy they came because I could never do that during our wait...it was just too painful. Anyway, after a few uncertain minutes, Taryn let them hold her! I would have given my right arm to hold a China baby while I was waiting! They even teared up...I was so happy Taryn "consented" because I saw how much it meant to them...hang in there waiting people...hang in there!
One last thing...WE ARE CRAWLING! Finally, jeez, I was starting to wonder! So, all we have left to "Master" is walking...I so love to see her crawl though, I selfishly want it to last a little longer! :)
So, I am going to post a few of the pics from Fathers Day, The AHH Picnic and "Summer"...enjoy! Until next time...

Ode' To Our Teachers!

2009-06-06T11:09:00.005-05:00

Wesley and his 3rd grade Teacher...

Garrett and his 1st grade Teacher...

We will miss our sweet teachers! A good teacher is hard to come by these days :).

The End AND The Beginning...

2009-06-03T15:35:00.006-05:00

End of the year Ice Cream Party!

Garrett reading his book: "How to make a Build-a-Bear"

Garrett dedicated his book to his "baby sister Taryn".

G's Awards!

So we have come to the close of yet another school year. It went by really fast! I am happy, for now, to have the boys home...check back in with me in a few weeks and see if I am still singin' the same tune! ;) Anyway, I (well Taryn and I) have been at the boys school every day this week doing different "end of the year" activities.

They had their annual awards ceremony yesterday and our G won "Best in Physical Education" and an "award" for doing all of his reading and then some extra. He is so proud of himself! However, our Wesley is green with jealousy. He didn't get any awards this year...him and about half of the kids...he is an A+ student and very well behaved (in school...not always at home!). Last year he received a few so it wasn't as big of a deal as it was today, when his kid brother got to bring home the goods! I actually think that every kid should get something...I mean, Wesley is not too upset...but, I saw a few kids crying because they didn't get anything and it made me think that surely they could come up with something positive to give those kids who didn't "stand out" in a particular area. But, that is why I am NOT a teacher, so that is all I am going to offer in way of an opinion on that subject!

Garrett had a last "author" reading today...dedicating his book to Taryn...VERY SWEET! He is our "star"...he LOVES to be the center of attention. So, getting the awards and the author reading are right up his alley...the more people staring at him the better as far as he is concerned!

Tomorrow is the last full day...field day. We will NOT be there tomorrow because the Princess has to get her 2nd round of shots! That ought to prove interesting to say the least!
So, Friday, is officially the last day. They only go half of a day and then...the two sweet angel's ;) are home with me for 2.5 months! Brace yourselves mothers...it is gonna get hairy!

For my "adoption note"...I want to send a Congratulations out to my Internet friend Teresa and her family...THEY LEAVE TOMORROW FOR CHINA! I can't wait to follow her journey...their blog is under my lists of blogs (the first one for now!). So, all of you waiting Mommy's and Daddy's check it out and take notes cuz' your turn is a comin'! And, those of us that are on the flip side of it all can smile and feel nostalgic about our trip!

Until next time...

Birthday Party Pics!

2009-05-27T05:51:00.006-05:00

Strawberry Ladybug Cake...Yum!

Singing "Happy Birthday"...she danced! It was very cute!

She did a "so-so" job on her cake...she didn't seem that interested!

Garrett and Wesley "decorated" for the party...thus, the sign behind her!

Her brother's and cousin's had to help open the presents!

Looking at all of her gifts!

This one (from Granny!) was one of her favorites!

A letter to Taryn on her 1st Birthday

2009-05-26T07:13:00.003-05:00

Taryn, I can't even express how happy we feel since you have joined our family. Everyone always comments on how "lucky" you are that we adopted you...well, what they don't understand is that WE are the lucky ones! There hasn't been a day that has gone by that we haven't felt blessed by you. On this day I am reminded that across the world there is a woman who gave birth to you and then secretly left you on the courthouse steps in Jiangxi China. She did this so you could have a forever family. Something that, for whatever reason, she couldn't give to you. In this one selfless act, she provided you with a forever family...but, she also gave us one of the dearest gifts we will ever receive...you! I pray for her today. I don't know where she is, or what she is doing...but I DO know she will think of you today and wonder what became of you. Oh how I wish I could hug her and tell her you are more than okay! We love you our sweet Birthday Girl...we love you!

Birthday Girl Cuteness!

2009-05-24T07:41:00.000-05:00

Our Little Nest...

2009-05-17T18:12:00.005-05:00

"What U Talkin' Bout Willis.."

Okay...She got into my eye-liner...oops!

Baby Beethoven!

Mozart and Beethoven

Swingin' with my Bubby's!

"My Hero!"

How Cute Is This!

Today was just a beautiful day! It was COLD in the middle of May...but sunny, so we were able to work outside. I am so pleased to say that Taryn is coming along beautifully. Every day is a new surprise with her. She seems to be adjusting so well, and most all of her "past" seems to be forgotten (hopefully...how does one really know with an 11mo!). The other day when I went in to pick her up out of her crib after her nap...she squealed and clapped! That went straight to my heart! It was like she KNEW I was her Mommy and better yet, she LOVED me! I know that sounds silly...but, so many things about this transition have been a mystery! Especially her feelings and thoughts on the whole process! We are constantly wondering about what she remembers, is she bonding correctly, does she feel like a part of the family, etc... When you bring a newborn home from the hospital you have time to grow into all of these questions...and they are really not even "questions" by this point! But, with an adoption, there is just an element of wonder... I guess only another adoptive parent would be able to understand that and not think I am "crazy"!
I do have to say that she does seem very happy with us! She adores her brothers (and they her!) and she lights up when her Dada comes home from work...and, well, I already told how she squeals for me! Right now I couldn't be happier with our little family!
I hope everyone had a wonderful Mother's Day. I pray for all of the Mother's that are carrying babies in their hearts right now... I pray you feel blessed and at peace knowing that the baby God has planned for you is out there waiting!
Enjoy the pictures!

These are the Days of Our Lives...

2009-05-03T09:31:00.007-05:00

OMG! I can' believe how long it has been since my last post! Not that anyone is waiting with baited breath for me to post...but, seriously, time just slips away before you realize that the things you love to do have gone by the wayside!
So, much has been going on lately! Taryn is now enrolled in first steps...of course, the minute they make the first appointment over the phone she starts "army" crawling all over the house...and pulling herself up on the coffee table AND the couch! That is ALWAYS how it works right? Your child could be running a temp of 103.0, coughing up a lung, and lethargic...but, take them to the Doctor and they are all smiles and giggles! At least, that has been my experience with the boys! So, hopefully, by the time First Steps comes in she will be running and (this is what I want the most...) saying "mama"!
I took the kids to get there professional pictures taken. It had been about 3 or 4 years since I had taken the boys...I just got to where I started doing it myself! I was really pleased with them! It took Taryn until the end of the session to "warm" up to it all...but, they are still cute!
We also took her to the Cardiologist...I don't know if I mentioned it before...but, she has a heart murmur. And, as a Peds Nurse...you KNOW I had to check that out! He said it was "fine" and a "normal" heart murmur...didn't know heart murmurs could be normal...but, whatever! I was just glad to hear it...and we don't have to see him any longer! Yeah!
Another "biggie", I went back to work yesterday! I am fortunate enough to work part-time and the hours I do work, Steve is home with the kids. So, it really isn't that bad! I think I had like 10 calls from co-workers and friends "checking" on my emotional state yesterday! I WAS FINE! It really wasn't as bad as I thought it was going to be! I think, just maybe, I am the one with "separation anxiety" NOT my daughter! Hmmmmm.....
So, I know all of this is extremely boring...but, I had to get everyone "caught up" on what is going on in our household! We are not that "interesting" anyway...but, for some reason, I must think we are to want to "blog" about it!
I pray everyone is "hanging" in there while waiting for their little ones to come home from China! My heart has not stopped "hurting" and sympathizing in the very least with you! In fact, it has grown into such a "passion" of mine to encourage those waiting to bring their babies home! So much so, that I have felt compelled to always end with a note of encouragement to those of you who have been "called" to carry a child in your heart. All while waiting for what seems like an eternity to bring them home! Peace...

Chinese Friends!!! Yeah!!!

2009-04-24T09:05:00.006-05:00

Little Sylvia learning to walk! No delays there!

This is Landyn...OMG! Is she not the cutest!

Sylvia and Taryn "catching up" on things since our trip!

Taryn, pick-pocketing through Sylvia's purse!

The girls: Lexi (I couldn't get one of her alone cuz' she is a fast little booger!);Landyn;Sylvia; and Taryn

Since we have been home it has been hard to find a "group" of families with Chinese kids! I have looked on-line and it appears that there is NO FCC GROUP IN LEXINGTON!!! There was at one point, but now the contact person is "not available"! So, I have been kind of "disappointed" because I KNOW there are tons of families in this area! Luckily, I know someone, who knows someone (and so on and so forth...) and I was able to go to a "play group" yesterday with 4 girls from Jiangxi Provence...one being our travel buddy (Amy and Sylvia) and the other two traveled last year but the girls all came from the same Provence and orphanage! It was so darn cute and I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE being with other adoptive families. Even if our personalities are like polar opposites...it doesn't matter! We are all bonded under the same love of adoption and that our babies all came from the same country! I love that! So, I am posting a few pictures of our time together...I hope you enjoy them! These girls are so darn cute you can just "eat em' up" (as I like to say!). If you haven't received your referral or gone to pick up your new child from China...IT WILL HAPPEN! And you too will someday have cute play date pictures to post! Yeah!!
On a different note...we have "First Steps" coming this afternoon to work with Taryn. I knew she seemed "delayed" in her motor skills (not going to the sit position alone, not crawling, etc...). And, frankly, wasn't surprised that she was referred! She is functioning on a 8 month level (she is 11 months this weekend!) as far as motor development. Let me assure you that her brain functioning is definitely on an 11mo level! So, I will have to post what the PT says today later, but just thought those of you that have returned and are facing the same "issues" might be interested to know that you are not alone!!!!

New Beginnings...

2009-04-15T13:58:00.006-05:00

Wesley answering questions about China, Himself and his "sissy"...
The kids lining up to say "hi" to Taryn

Major Egg Hunt
The Lady Bug "Easter Dress"
..."Uh...what do I do with this stuff?"
Garrett loves his Webkinz!
A Robot Bug! How did the Easter Bunny know!

It was Taryn's first Easter with our Family. I don't think she really cared...but she looked cute anyway! You would have thought that it was Christmas the way the boys were so excited about the Easter Baskets! We had a Easter egg hunt at my sister's house...and Taryn just sat around looking cute in her lady-bug dress!
Last week Wesley had Taryn come for his "show and tell"...hilarious! He wanted to talk about China and his new sister! All of the third graders wanted to "touch" her and say "hi"...can we say Purell??? I would NEVER have taken Wesley (our first) to a class full of "touchy" 3rd graders! I guess a lot has changed in the last 9 years! It was funny to see all of the kids (all 24 of them!) lined up to say "hello" to Taryn (once again, AFTER using hand sanitizer!). Wesley than sat and held her in front of the class while they asked questions. The highlight was when she started making "raspberry" noises for everyone! Of course the kids loved that. He also liked showing off her "squeaky" shoes...(BTW, those of you going to China, get as many of these as you can in different sizes...they are only like $2 American dollars a pair and they are SO DARN CUTE! You won't be able to find them as cheap here in the States...). It was heartwarming to see him so proud of her!
I hope everyone had a great Easter! I hope that this time next year many of you have your new little China baby to celebrate with...I truly mean that!
Blessings and enjoy the pictures!

Princess T debuts at her first public event...

2009-04-07T09:39:00.011-05:00

Garrett and Taryn trying out one of her gifts from our shower!

One of my friends feeding her cake! Busted!

Taryn "socializing" with the guests...

Yes, she is holding celery...but, she can't "eat" it!

Wesley and Steve "helping" me open presents! A lot has happened since the last post a week ago! I really could do two separate posts, but will combine it all into one...lucky you! We had our second out of three showers last Sunday. Most of my friends wanted Taryn to be there...which worried me a tad, only because I didn't know how she would respond to ton's of people! She did FABULOUS! As long as I can assure her I am right there she does okay. She doesn't "go" to people (just me, Steve, and the boys :) which I really LOVE!), but she does let people hold her. When she tries to come right back to me, I just move in closer and touch her and assure her I am right there and won't leave. So far, that has worked perfectly...hopefully, it will only get better from here! She looked adorable in her "red couch" dress (slightly biased opinion!). It was a great shower and I am, once again, so thankful to have so many wonderful people in my life! I truly believe that friends are a gift from God...and it is VERY hard to make them...so I want to keep all of my wonderful friends around as long as they will have me!!! Anyway, off the shower and on to the first Dr.'s visit! Wow...talk about a long, drawn out appointment! We actually have an "adoption clinic" here in Lexington that is run by a Pediatrician specializing in post adoptions! This is such a blessing, that not very many people have... So, our first appointment consisted of an OT appointment to see where Taryn falls as far as development. Then, of course, the physical assessment by the Dr. which consists of about 100 questions and looking her over. Then, my favorite part, (I say that as I am rolling my eyes!) the blood tests. OMG...be prepared waiting parents! We are talking massive amounts of blood being drawn from a baby! I have been a Pediatric RN for 14 years and have NEVER seen this much blood being taken out of a baby! Apparently, this is "normal", or so I have been told! I also have a few friends who have had the same experience...THANK GOD THAT IS OVER! I also FORGOT MY CAMERA...not that I would have taken bloody pics or anything...it just would have been nice to document her first visit! She ended up having a DOUBLE EAR INFECTIONS (nice Pediatric Nurse Mommy-huh!). I never would have known! She had NO FEVER. I guess the only signs would have been her fussiness at night and the inability to settle down...Anyhoo, we are on 10 days of Antibiotics. We also will be using "First Steps"...an OT program used for developmentally "delayed" children. The Dr. said she was delayed by about 3 months...which,we knew. We also know she will catch up very easily! I think she has made incredible strides in her Development (aside from the above information!). She adores the boys, and visa-versa. She reaches for all of us. She is rolling all over the place and loves to stand...I do believe she may skip crawling all together, the way she loves to stand and "pretend" walk while we are holding her. She is feeding herself "bites" now (we have 2 teeth!)...so, all in all, I am very pleased with her progress! The boys are bringing her in to school (well, I am bringing her in and they are going to take the credit for it!) for "Show and Tell" Friday. They both want to talk about "China" and their new sister...it is very cute...I have just one word to describe my thoughts on it...PURELL! Do you think they make a "Purell Spray" for instances like these? Until next time...

Rockin' Out At Home...

2009-03-29T08:04:00.003-05:00

Welcome! To our "Family Page"! I believe some of you new mom's can identify with me that when a new baby is brought into your life...you tend to become "hyper-focused" on that child. I realized this was happening...and decided it was time to include EVERYONE into my blogging! It is just that when you spend 24 hours changing, feeding, bathing, staying awake with, etc... the new little one, well, your life becomes one tracked! And, don't get me wrong, I REALIZE this is not ideal...that my sweet boys and husband are also #1's in my life...but, I am just being honest as usual...and you can't expect anything less from me!
So, it is Spring Break here...and, frankly, our one vacation this year was China! So, our boys are "stuck here in this boring house..." for a week. What's worse is that I am not as "free" as I have been in the past to take them out. So, we are having to be as "creative" as possible. Movies, Bowling, Gatti-Town, and Cousins spending the night are the closest thing we can give them to a Spring Break!
Yesterday, obviously spurred on by boredom, the boys decided to include Taryn in their Guitar Hero battle. They even gave her a complimentary Mohawk...nice!!!
So, our sweet little, innocent Princess now very well might be able to play "Welcome to the Jungle" by Guns and Roses before the age of two!
Enjoy the pics!

2009-02-11T06:18:00.000-06:00

We will begin posting in our family section when we return with our sweet little Taryn!