wHAITIng for our daughter

Seven

2011-12-17T03:46:00.000-08:00

1. In the past seven years, he has managed to: spray paint one of our cars red, stick florescent pink "floam" to the ceiling of our kitchen, flour the entire first floor of our house, get lost at a triathlon, leave our house before any one was awake on a Sunday morning and knock on a neighbor's front door (who we don't even know), spill dish soap all over both family room couches, and get hit square in the face with a lacrosse ball.

2. He has many knick names: P, Mr. P, Peanut, Peanut Butter, Preshy P, Presto

3. He has a heart of gold and adores his family, especially his older brother.

4. He would like to dress like a gangster, but we don't allow it.

5. His favorite food is anything that is a dessert. He would never eat a fruit or vegetable if he had his way.

6. He is brilliant in school, and is an amazing reader. So far he has read over 40 AR books just since September.

7. There is no one else in the world like Mr. P. and there are no words to describe how much we love this boy.

Happy Birthday, Peanut!

Back to the Blog

2011-09-27T04:41:00.000-07:00

Some of our NY friends!

Fun afternoon with our NY cousins

Enjoying one of the last days of summer
Ave's first day of preschool

Boys start the first and fifth grades

Beautiful Hunting Island State Park, SC
Boys love their skim boards

Sneak preview to Dolphin Tale for turning 10!

P starts tumbling and Ave tries out dance

So I fell off the edge of the blogging world for the entire summer. Mike asked yesterday, "What happened to the blog?" Oops, I honestly had been so busy I completely forgot about it for the past couple months. Of course, he could keep up the blog too...but dont' hold your breath on that one.

We did have a great summer, and like always, it flew by much too fast. Spent a lot of time at the pool, as it's really to hot to do anything else. However, I am so thankful my job gives me the summer off so we can spend time together. We visited NY like we always do, kids love going to Granny's. We tried to new beach location this year and went to Harbor Island, SC which was gorgeous but beyond infested with mosquitoes. Did a short trip over Labor Day to Ocean Isle, which still holds the top place on our favorite beaches list. If I could move to the beach, I would...so playing the lottery weekly. Again, not holding my breath on that one either. I contemplated homeschooling, moving to the beach and having boogie boarding class everyday at 9am but not sure that would be the best education for the kids. Of course, they thought it sounded awesome. I am still undecided.

Boys started the first and fifth grades and are loving it. Avery is now in preschool just two mornings a week and seems to be doing well (or let's say I haven't heard otherwise!) What you don't know, can't hurt you, right? :)

Caden turned the big double digits and Avery turned four, which she was thrilled about! She is already got her list of what she wants for her NEXT birthday! Mike made an adorable video, and I'll upload that soon!

Missed the Month of May

2011-06-12T08:28:00.000-07:00

Oops, didn't manage to make a single post during the month of May. We were busy and with school winding down didn't even give it much thought. Anyway, to summarize May:

-Caden's been playing in weekend lax tournaments, mostly in town. This weekend he is in Greensboro. Sitting at lax tournaments in 95 degree heat is not my idea of fun, but he loves it. Preston has been tagging along with Cade and Mike at lax practices. He loves to hang out with is big brother (if only the feeling was mutual.)

-Preston now officially a first grader and is Mr. Smarty-Pants. Or, at least that's my evaluation of him! :) He is now reading chapter books and scored in the 98th percentile for the stardardized testing at the end of the year. He told me that he didn't get any questions wrong, and he was darn close. He missed 2 questions on the entire test over four days of testing. This is the same kid who spray painted our car red, dumped two bags of flour over the entire first floor of the house and got lost at a triathlon. He has come a long way! :)

-Avery is growing taller by the second and soon will be towering over all of us I am afraid. She is lanky, thin, and muscular. Her language is coming along, little by little. We did get her signed up for preschool two days a week for the fall.

We have been doing lots of boating. Papa bought a pontoon boat and all the kids LOVE it. So we go out at least one day over a weekend if not both. The lake water is already like bath water though, so that's a bummer. Not refreshing at all.

Up for June:

More lax, Preston's starts gymnamstics, and spending our days at the pool. Might make a zoo trip this week since it's supposed to drop below 90 for the first time in weeks. Might squeeze in a trip to the Atlanta aquarium as well...and maybe visit our friends in Asheville.

That's the May update...a month late! :)

Happy Easter

2011-04-24T13:38:00.000-07:00

A beautiful 85 degree day today! We all managed to make it to Mass at 7:15am, then a boat outing and hopefully planting a small garden in a bit. Lake water was a chilly 67 degrees, so no one really made it in for a swim. But it was great to be out on the water, courtesy of Papa's Pontoon! Hope everyone is having a wonderful Easter!

Government = One Big Mind Boggling Mess

2011-04-20T13:56:00.000-07:00

Set out today to get Avery's Social Security number. Our USCIS agent said once her greencard arrived to just take it to SS office and she'll get a SS number. Now, I am not naive enough to believe it would be THAT easy, but now that she has a greencard what else can they need? Right? WRONG.

So I set out with:
-Adoption decree, birth certificate, greencard, medical records, etc.
Basically, I packed up the filing cabinet and brought it with me. We get called relatively quickly which thrilled all three kids because we were heading to the Nature Museum next to see the butterfly release after we finished. NOT.

As soon as I sit down, I can tell that not only does this lady mean business, but that she is not going to make any small talk. She asks for the application, check. Greencard, check. My driver's license, check. Adoption decree (Haiti), check. Which leads to our first roadblock. We have an emailed adoption decree both Haitian/translated to English. She wants, you guessed it, an original. I explained to her, it went down in the rubble (I don't know if it did or didn't but we'll probably never know) So, she then proceeds to tell me my "email" copy must get certified. Okay, but by WHOM do you recommend "certify" it? She said the man who signed it in Haiti. I tell her he did not survive earthquake for one, and two, how does she think I am getting anyone's John Hancock in Haiti? Seriously. So then she says get it certified by my attorney. Ummm, what attorney? UGH.

So, she gets her manager. The manager agrees, that is nonsense. So, she'll accept medical records instead. GREAT, I am so relieved I brought those. Wrong. Second road block. Although the records are all signed, and dated, she wants an original signature and a "stamp." Now I am getting pissed, I say like a postage stamp? HAHA. Anyway, she wants a stamp that has the doctors office name on it. Can anyone spell A-N-N-O-Y-I-N-G. Can these people be making up any more rules as they go?

I cry and slam my papers around a bit and off we go, back up I-77N to get doc's INK signature (next to his signature that is already on there) and a "stamp." I said, stamp every page, stamp the heck out of that paperwork. Doctor asks if they also need his retina scan :)

Anyway, can our goverment make getting these adopted kids US citizens any more difficult. Honestly, it's so rediculous it's hard to put into words. And to top the afternoon off, the kids missed the butterfly release and now everyone is ANNOYED!

Caden's Letter

2011-03-13T21:44:00.000-07:00

Dear Family and Friends,
This is Caden and I am walking again this year in the JDRF “Walk to Cure Diabetes.” I am now 9 ½ years old which means I have had diabetes for about eight years of my life. I don’t remember life without diabetes but it seems like it would be fun to not have diabetes. None of my really close friends have diabetes so sometimes I wish I was like them. My friends are really nice about it and never make fun of me, but sometimes kids that don’t know me well stare or ask a lot of questions.

My mom calculated that I have pricked my fingers close to 20,000 times since I have been diagnosed. The tips of my fingers are bruised and I don’t have feeling in some of the tips from being pricked so many times. I wear an insulin pump and we have to change the site (a needle under the skin) every other day. So, my parents have put the needle in my skin about 600 times. I ice my skin for a long time so it’s numb before we put the needle in but sometimes it still hurts.

I am hoping to be cured soon, and my doctor said there is an “artificial pancreas” that is very close to being perfected. This would be a device just like my pump, except it would do everything for me without finger pricks! It would be like having a healthy pancreas but I just would be wearing on the outside of my body. My mom would really like me to have this before I go to college and I hope to go to Duke. I would like to play soccer and lacrosse there. Go Blue Devils!

I have an online JDRF fundraising page if you would like to donate to my walk team. My mom has posted it a few times on Face Book so if you already donated, THANK YOU! I am trying to raise $5000 this year and so far I have $2000 raised. My walk is on April 9th and I will walk with my family and also my lacrosse team, since my teammate has diabetes too.

My team page online: http://www2.jdrf.org/goto/Caden

Thank you to everyone who wants to help my team raise money to find a cure!!!

Love,
Caden

Bad Blogger

2011-02-28T15:32:00.000-08:00

I am pondering shutting down the blog....just don't have time to keep it going (or enough creative juices flowing in my mind to think of things to write about!) We have had a pretty routine couple of weeks and now that spring is here (it was 80 degrees yesterday) the boys are well-underway with sports, sports and more sports. Caden had four soccer games back to back on Saturday and he rarely gets a sub. So needless to say he got his workout for the day. Preston had lax and Mike had lax practice for the team (or one of the many teams) he coaches. Sunday was more lax for both Mike and Cade. We're always out and about on the weekends it seems but it's hard to deny kids activities they love so for now we make it work.

Off topic...any advice on where to bring a 3 year old with bad behavior? Miss Avery only listens to me. If I am around she is abnormally good. If I not around, she is abnormally bad. Whines, talks back, won't share, has a temper tantrum, puts her fingers in her mouth, squirms all over the floor, runs/jumps all over the house, etc. If I ask her why, she just responds with "I want to be good, or I don't want to be bad." She has had these behaviors since she came home over a year ago and there really hasn't been much change. Any advice on what to do or who might be able to help? Is it a child psychologist? A behavioral therapist? Both? Are they covered by insurance? Is she too young to get help with her behavior?

I have tried everything. Not making a big deal out of bad behavior, making a big deal, sitting on her bed, chair, or standing in the corner. Nothing sinks in. She fidgets, squirms, makes some strange noises (on and off), copies everything anyone says (but I think this is part of her learning the language) but needless to say these behaviors are wearing us out. So, if anyone has ANY ideas...please feel free to share! :)

The Apparent Project: The Un-orphanage

2011-02-07T10:40:00.000-08:00

Please check out the post written by my neighbor and blogger, Laurie. She found this great site that is selling awesome jewelry made out of recycled materials all in an effort to employ Haitians and allow them to make a living to support their own families. Enough to allow them to raise their own children and not have to drop them off at an orphanage just because they don't have enough money to feed them. Many Haitian orphans are not from deceased, ill or missing parents, but from LIVING PARENTS who just can't provide for their own children. Please, take a peek at Laurie's blog and check out the APPARENT PROJECT: The Un-Orphanage!

So Proud of this Boy

2011-02-01T05:23:00.001-08:00

This year we are committing to JDRF again, after taking a couple years off. Caden's school has traditionally raised (50K!!!) for the American Diabetes Association each year for the past five years or more. We let Caden walk with his school and raise money for ADA so he felt included in this huge school event. However, JDRF is the research foundation focuses primarily on finding a CURE for diabets, especially type I. Type I diabetes is not in the person's control, is not related to the person's diet or lifestyle, like Type II usually is. Type I affects kids usually, who can be affected before they can even speak. Caden was diagnosed as a 22 month old baby and although we do want a cure for all diabetes, we are especially passionate about Type I.

And even better, Caden's school is thinking of making the change from ADA to JDRF next year which means 50K directly to research a cure! YEAH!

What's really exciting is some of the new areas of research which would make Caden's life WAY easier and improve his likelihood of living a long and healthy life. One, is the bioartificial pancreas. This would be a device implanted into the body which would act just as a healthy pancreas does, therefore, no more blood sugar worries. Some other things on the horizon are: inhaled insulin, beta cell therapy and a closed loop pump (i.e. the pump would automatically know what to do and would make adjustments on its own!)

So it's very exciting to see that our dollars raised are working!!! Our dream is that one of the breakthroughs mentioned above will be available for Caden before he is off to college. Also, as many of you know the longer you have diabetes the greater the chances for complications (eye problems, kidney failure, etc.) and Caden has had it his entire life. So the sooner the better!

Thank you for considering our cause. If you would like to donate to his walk fund his personal page is listed here!

Happy Gotcha Day, Avery!

2011-01-25T15:39:00.000-08:00

One year ago today, we were recovering from what may have been the most stressful 3 days of our lives. It started with chaos (the earthquake) and for the next 2 weeks we were on the worst rollercoaster ride ever. From one hour to the next, we didn't know what would be thrown at us. We went from thinking we would have to start the adoption process over, to almost getting on a plane heading to the wrong city, to turning back home, to heading to Orlando, and sitting for 3 straight days with NO sleep AT ALL. Waiting, waiting and waiting some more. I have NEVER experienced any thing like it and nor do I hope to again. I really can say I felt absolutely delirious by the end.

However, that was one year ago and we have come a long way. Avery has settled in well and continues to grow and progress each day. Life is not perfect (whose is?) but everything is finally starting to feel like normal again. It took such a long time to recover from her unexpected arrival and the rediculous experience at the Sanford International Airport. Adoption is not easy but adding all that to the experience made it that much more difficult. Plus, my university classes had already begun so the day after we returned home from the AWFUL place (Sanford) I was back at work FT. That equals stress.

I must say I am so glad it's all behind us now and we can continue to grow as a family. Oh yes, and NEVER return to that airport again. I am also so thankful that she is young enough to not remember any of it!

Happy Gotcha Day, Avery! We love you!

Even Pongo is a JETS fan!

2011-01-23T07:46:00.000-08:00

Boys are taking care of Caden's class pet this weekend. Pongo, a hampster, is also a JETS fan! Who knew! Looking forward to the game later! GO JETS!!!

And, we are implementing a new reward system for the boys. They can accumulate marbles in a jar (got this idea from another adoption family) if they do good deeds, don't argue with each other, etc. They have to get 100 marbles for to earn a reward. Right now, they want to earn their own hampster (to share) and they plan to name him Mark Sanchez.

GOOOOO JETS!

One year

2011-01-13T04:09:00.000-08:00

It's now been exactly one year since the earthquake struck Haiti. I remember exactly where I was when I got the news. I was sitting on the couch working on my computer when the phone rang. Mike had called to say his boss had told him an earthquake hit Haiti. To be honest, I didn't really think all that much of it at first. I figured it was probably small and the chances it hit right where Avery lived was slim. It probably hit way out in the mountains/countryside. But as I turned on the news channels, I quickly realized it was much bigger than I ever imagined. I immediately thought two things. One, wonder if she is stuck, hurt or didn't survive? Two, our adoption paperwork is in ruins. We will have to start over, which I really couldn't stomach the thought. We had been 2 years into what was turning into a 4 year process and the thought of starting over made me sick both for her and us.

As the days passed, everything was so confusing. We heard rumors the kids might get flown to US only for the next hour to bring a completely different rumor. This rollercoaster ride went on for almost 2 weeks. We had minimal sleep, numerous cancelled flights, and the feeling of complete chaos and uncertainty. There were moments of elation, scurrying to get her room ready mixed with moments of doubt and the feeling she would really never get home.

However, as you can see from the photo, it all worked out in the end for our family. I often wonder what Avery's birthparents are doing. Are they alive? Do they wonder where she is? I wish there was a way we could tell them how well she is doing. Her smile is the biggest smile I have ever seen. She is so loving and adores her family. She has her moments like any toddler does, but overall she is what I would describe as radiant. I would not want to relive last year again...but I so thankful for the outcome and giving our little girl an extra tight hug today!

Also,yesterday, HULU starting showing the Adopting Haiti documentary. Avery is right around the 2:40 mark yawning, wearing a striped dress sitting next to her nanny. I didn't really catch a glimpse of her much after that, but I'll have to watch it again. It was a good documentary, but it was so much more intense actually living the experience. I thought they should have captured the anguish parents lived through for 2 1/2 days at the Sanford International Airport. But, that could have been a movie all on it's own I guess. We ordered a copy of the video for Avery since she is so young so doesn't remember any of it. It will be amazing for her to learn someday what she lived through and overcame at such a young age.

SNOW DAY

2011-01-11T06:29:00.000-08:00

The annual NC winter storm hit a couple weeks earlier than it did in 2010. Last year we got a pretty good snow fall the same week Avery arrived from Haiti and she was in climate shock. This year, she enjoyed it a little, but she is still not a huge fan of snow or cold. Can't really blame her, after being away from upstate NY for the past 12 years, I must say I am no longer a fan either. But, the great part is, when snow falls in NC we're assured at least a couple snow days. Today is our second one in a row and we may go for the hat-trick tomorrow. Worked out well for me since this week was my return back to work! I got to milk a few more days of vacation out of this wintery weather!

Last (but not least!)

2011-01-06T08:31:00.000-08:00

M's 2011 Resolutions

1. Spend less time worrying about work and more time with family
(hence the reason why my list is last)

2. To get in shape both physically and mentally…for real!
(I’m almost friggin’ 40 years old)

3. Help more with bath duty, reading & tucking in

4. Spend more time outside with the kids

5. Run a half marathon

6. Read directions

7. Stretch

8. Don’t worry about the future

9. Travel

10. Last but not least, cherish every moment with T!

Caden's 2011 "Resolutions"

2011-01-06T02:36:00.000-08:00

1. To go scuba diving at the Great Barrier Reef, Australia.

I cut him off right then and there and said he needed to think of 5 things that would improve himself or help other people. And if there were places he wanted to visit....they need be within driving distance. Needless to say, he's still working on his list.

Preston's 2011 Resolutions

2011-01-05T16:21:00.000-08:00

1. To go camping
2. To be nicer to my brother and sister
3. To help mom clean the house
4. To go to Bob Evans for breakfast
5. Play more board games with my family

Family Resolutions

2011-01-03T05:24:00.000-08:00

So this year I am trying something new. Each family member is going to list 5 things they want to do or accomplish in the New Year. I'll take my turn first, so no one else has made their list just yet.

1. Break my addiction to Haagen-Dazs Chocolate PB ice cream. I did somehow manage to lose about 20 pounds this past year (it was 20 of the 35 I had gained over the past 6 years) so I am still not back to where I want to be. I have plateaued for the past 3 months, most likely do to this perfect mix of rich chocolate with creamy peanut butter. I can not tell you how many little pints of this stuff I have eaten, and I won't venture to guess, but it's embarrassing. If there was a world record for the most PB ice cream eaten, I am sure I would have broken it.

2. Get back into Tri's. I haven't figured out when I'll train, with 3 kiddos and a FT job (many laugh that I call my job FT) it pretty much leaves me working out at 5am (YUCK) or late at night when I have lost all motivation to do so. So today is Jan 3rd and I need to get this figured out today or else it will be June and I'll still be sitting around thinking about it.

3. Have more patience with my kids and read to them more. These I lump together because I find listening to my 6 year old read out loud to be slow and painful torture. Listening "patiently" as he sounds out words drives me nuts but I know he loves to and it's good for him to do it daily.

4. Getting more organized. Especially with meals, money/bills, and laundry. Need I say more?

5. Spending more quality time with Mike. We have tried to make an effort the past 6 months to do stuff alone and I think we've done pretty well. We went to a winery (boring), Atlanta, and out for New Year's Eve. This weekend we're heading to the mountains for his birthday. I hate having to rely on my mom or anyone to watch the kids because I know watching kids is not always fun...so we try to go away only a few times a year.

6. I am going to add on one more for good measure! To do more outdoor activities with the kids. To take day trips biking, fishing, hiking or a weekend camping (I HATE CAMPING.) The boys have reached an age where I think they'll really enjoy all these activities and now's the time to get out there and do it!

WELCOME 2011!!!

2011-01-01T20:29:00.000-08:00

As bad as this might sound, I am so happy 2010 is over. I know life is short and I shouldn't be wishing time (or an entire year) away, but I am glad to see it come to an end.

We were blessed by the arrival of our third child (albeit a bit unexpectedly due to the sudden earthquake.) That whirlwind began way back in January and seemed to last well into the Fall. For one, we waited for over 40 hours in an airport food court, spend 1000's of dollars on cancelled flights and felt completely exhausted when the government finally released her. We didn't prepare as well as we could of (can anyone really prepare?) for the arrival of a little girl who had never really seen the world outside of her concrete walls. And although she did unbelievably well given the circumstances, it was overwhelming for Mike and myself.

Our boys had to welcome to a new sibling, who arrived very untraditionally, who couldn't speak or communicate with them. Life as they new it as a family of four, was now permanently changed and they each dealt with it in their own way. I believe it impacted our 6 year old the most as he moved from the baby to the middle child, and he is living up to that title very well lately! :) But, I think everyone is starting to really settle in to what is finally starting to feel like normalcy. And, arriving at that feeling of a new norm took much longer than I thought it would.

Aside from that major event, we called 911 for the first time for Caden this summer. I made a mistake with his insulin (which I thought was completely life threatening) and I had a migraine for two days following. He was fine and got a firetruck silly band from the EMS crew out of it.

Preston started Kindergarten and that has gone perfectly. He hasn't had one issue at school (not that I expected any) and I am so happy that he is enjoying school so much. He LOVES art, PE, recess...the typical things that most kids love at school. He lives for dress down day, and I love seeing his face light up when I pick him up.

We are excited about the New Year and what it holds for our family. Caden is trying out for a travel team in lacrosse and playing soccer. Preston is going to play lacrosse and Avery might try soccer! We hope to travel to new places and spend time together as a family bike riding and possibly "try" camping. And, above all, we hope to get Avery US Citizenship which is another story all on it's own...so we're still working on that!

Overall, we had so many positive changes in 2010, I can't believe I am glad that year is behind us. But, honestly, huge life changes whether good or bad, can be so overwhelming and exhausting.

Here's to hoping that 2011 is slightly less exciting that 2010! :)

Preston is 6

2010-12-18T17:45:00.000-08:00

A little late posting (it's that time of year!) He had a nice 6th birthday on Wednesday. We were supposed to hit the Great Wolf Lodge on Thursday night and the kids were going to skip school Friday, but Mike hurt his back so we had to reschedule to January. Preston did pick out his candy cane cake, opened gifts and we ordered Outback for dinner. His favorite present was Orbeez. Caden loves Orbeez too. Not sure what the fascination is with these things, but it keeps them busy for a while!

This photo is to blame

2010-12-05T18:02:00.000-08:00

I am almost positive this beach photo is to blame for the rash decision to remove the locs. I just ordered it from our photographer and it came in the mail this week. Seeing it reminded me how much I miss her afro/headband style! Hopefully, after getting these locs out, she'll have some hair left on her head for an afro!

Four hours in...

2010-12-05T17:38:00.000-08:00

And only 15 locs out. About 200 left. Yes, I am taking Avery's Sisterlocs out. I know, what a waste of time, and as my husband likes to frequently remind me (MONEY!) but I really thought I would love these. They ARE so convenient. I haven't had to lay a finger on her hair since we got them put in. We went for one re-tightening session and that was also very uneventful and easy.

But, from day one I was not in love at all with how they looked on her. I thought after a few months time they would grow a little, and therefore grow on me, but they haven't. (They have grown a little....but haven't grown on me!) I miss her afro poof hair, pig-tails and fancy beads. And, until the locs grow for another 1-2 years there was really nothing I could do with them. Nothing at all.

So, we spend four hours today trying to work those little locs out. WHAT A PAIN but they are coming out little by little. I would guess it takes 5-10 minutes per loc and we have at least 200 more to get out. I plan on doing 5-10 each day, so yes, we should be done by the time she can drive.

Anyway, I think she just looks more like "Avery" with her hair the way it used to be. My husband thinks I have lost my mind but he is used to my antics. So, he gave me a fuss for just a little while. So I am praying.....

1. That I can get them all out
2. I won't want them put back in as soon as I am finshed! :)

So that battle with hair continues...and Monique (our hair girl) is SOOO not going to be happy.

What happened between 8 and 9?

2010-11-30T11:17:00.000-08:00

Last year, Caden was 8 years old and was SO into the Elf on the Shelf. We do Elf on the Shelf "against the rules" at our house as I let the kids (GASP!) touch and hold their elves. They sleep with them, carry them around, etc. Preston even brought his to school today (Yes, all the other parents will soon hate me.) Anyway, last year every morning both boys BELIEVED in the magical elves and were so excited to see where they were hiding each morning.

Fast forward to this year, Caden is convinced I am the one hiding the elves. The elves are not magical, and he is going to prove it. He is planning on hiding his own elf, where I can't find it. That way he'll know if the elf doesn't hide again, it's because I have not been able to find it.

He also no longer believes in Santa. I'll take some of the blame for that one. He asked me if Santa Claus was real. I said, "Yes he's real!" and Caden said he knew I was lying and that he was well aware Santa was not real. So he said, just tell me the truth. I want you to tell me the truth about Santa because all my friends already know that Santa isn't real. So I said, "Fine, you're right, Santa isn't real." He started to cry. So, I quickly said, "Just kidding, he's real!" as I felt so bad he was upset to hear that Santa was indeed pretend. But, seems there is no going back as he still insists Santa does not exist because "I" told him so!

Why was last year so simple and this year so complicated!? What happens in a boy's brain between 8-9 years old? UGH!!!!!!!!!

List of Averyisms

2010-11-19T17:23:00.000-08:00

So a few months ago, Avery could barely put two words together. Honestly, from January 2010 until October 2010, we saw very little improvement in her language. It was really starting to stress us and for lack of a better word, it got a little annoying. Not that she could help it, but day in and day out, she would babble and it got so frustrating having no way of understanding her.

Well, the past couple weeks I have noticed a pretty big improvement. Mind you, at least 30% of what she says, even I can't understand. But here is a list of phrases that she uses regularly that "I" can understand. Not sure most people could, but I am starting to learn the language of Avery I guess.

"Mine"
"I like that" or "I want that"
"Why?"
"I have to go pee pee"
"Avery nite nite"
"Preston stop"
"No hitting" and "no whining"
"Grandma loves you ---which means Grandma loves me (Avery)"
"Mommy loves you" "Daddy loves you"
"Where's Papa? Work?"
"I'm three"
"Mommy nice" "Daddy nice"
"Drink please"
"Put that away"
"Can you read this?"
"Can you help me?"
"Wash hands"
"Yummmmmmmm"--her response to all food commercials
"I went"---her response to anything I tell her to go do
"Who me?"----her new favorite phrase
"Avery eat!"----the first words out of her mouth when she gets up in the morning
"Mommy running"
"Baby crying"
"I hungry"
"Pizza"---her response to what's her favorite food
"Haiti"---her response to where are you from
"Love you mom"---my favorite

Proud Mom even if it has to do with Duke

2010-11-19T14:06:00.000-08:00

So, at the risk of sounding like an annoying bragging Mom, I need to post how PROUD I am of our 9 year old. He received a letter home from the principal yesterday that he was selected for the Duke University Gifted and Talented Program (which I have never heard of.) It was funny because as he was rushing off to school this morning, he said oh here....here's something my teacher gave me yesterday. I opened it up and said, Cade, this is a big deal! Do you know what this is? He said not really! So I proceeded to explain it too him and he said, oh cool.

I would have to agree...cool, very cool.

Anyway, I know some day he'll read this blog and I want him to know how proud we all are of him. He works VERY hard on his school work and we are happy for him that his time/effort is paying off. Oh yeah, and we're Big East Fans and Big East Fans are NOT Duke fans. College basketball season is upon us and Duke is ranked #1 (BLAGH)....However, Duke may be growing on me just a little! :)

DMB in Buckhead

2010-11-18T05:41:00.000-08:00

I didn't figure out the surprise trip ahead of time and it turned out GREAT! We ended up at the Dave Matthews Band Concert in Buckhead, Georgia. Mike had to attend a work related meeting there so it worked out to combine the concert into that. On the way there, he hinted at where we were going. I said, "I sure hope we are not heading to a concert!" as I had pictured myself lounging by a pool sipping on a margarita at a spa all day. A concert didn't sound at all relaxing (I have nightmares of attending a Van Halen Concert with him and not getting my hearing back for a week.) But, once it sunk in I was really looking forward to it. Especially since we hadn't been to a DMB concert since college and he is not touring next year.

We ate dinner at Dante's Down the Hatch which has an old pirate ship interior complete with a real crocodile swimming around the tables. The food is fondue style which is my favorite. It was good, a little overpriced, but that's how those fondue places are. We could walk there from our hotel (the Ritz-Carlton....more on that in a second) and also walk to the MARTA which we took to the concert.

So, when we checked into our original hotel, they asked us if we would move 2 blocks down the road because they had overbooked. At first we said, naaa, don't think so as we were already running a bit late and wanted to get settled in. But as the manager explained it would be a free night and at the Ritz-Carlton. Oh, well, now that's different! So we easily accepted that offer. Now, he did fail to mention just parking our car at the Ritz was $32 a night and ordering a hamburger and side salad would cost $43, but at least our room was FREE. I had no idea what it costs to stay there but I looked it up online and the rates are $389-$2700 per night. It is a five diamond place. I personally thought our room smelled weird, but supposedly it's one of top 25 hotels in the entire country. I wouldn't ever pay $389 to stay there but apparently someone does.

It was awesome to get away for the night (thanks again to Grandma) and she said the boys had perfect behavior. Avery was probably Avery, but she is only 3 so she can get away with it for now! :) Came home to Preston wiping out down our neighbor's driveway on his bike. Back to reality in a hurry!

Sports and Super Heros

2010-11-12T12:19:00.001-08:00

Christmas lists reveal a lot about our kids. We have one sports (soccer) fanatic, one super hero fan and one who wants every toy on TV!

Caden's Christmas List

Ronaldo Soccer Jersey

New Soccer Cleats

Indoor Soccer Shoes

Soccer Ball

Lacrosse Stick and Head

Phiten Tornado Necklace

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Preston's Christmas List

Star Wars Footed Pajamas

Star Wars Wii Game

Batman Shirt

Iron Man Suit of Armor

Lightsabor

Nerf Gun

Black Converse Sneakers

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Avery's Christmas List

Every toy on the shelf ("I want that!")

Where are we going?

2010-11-11T14:51:00.001-08:00

Below are three hints I have been given as to where Mike is taking me overnight next week. I have searched the internet and can not figure out where we are headed. Which is fine, I love surprises...but there is also something in me that loves the challenge of figuring out surprises too! I hope I don't solve it because I am the hardest person to surprise and I hate it. I LOVE surprises but it's rare that anyone can pull one off. But, we'll see if I get this one figured out by Tuesday. Oh, and it must be within driving distance and for only 1 night because of Caden's insulin pump (we can not be too far away....)

Avery's 1st Halloween

2010-11-02T04:53:00.000-07:00

Dressed as a bumble bee, Avery got really into it and went trick-or-treating to as many houses as her brothers did. Which was 2 hours worth and she walked the entire time lugging her heavy candy bucket . She didn't quite get the fact that she couldn't eat the candy from each house right there on the spot. She didn't want to keep it for later. She also didn't understand why she had to go to house after house...."I WENT" was her response when I said let's go to another house!

The boys were supposed to be bugs too, but Preston messed that plan up and had to be a punk rocker. He was hilariously funny at a costume contest they entered at the Renaissance Festival. The director said, show everyone what a rocker does...and Preston says "Rock on Peeps" with his hands making those rocker signs up in the air (see photos.) The crowd cracked up. We thought for sure he won a prize, but they ended up giving almost all the prizes to adults which we thought was rediculous. Why are adults entering a children's costume contest?

I must say I am more than OVER Halloween at this point. Preston wore his costume for four days (and nights) straight and I am really sick of monitoring candy intake. They did set aside about 3/4 of their candy to send to the troops at Operation Gratitude...but that still leaves a good amount to hide from them and hope they forget about. They got really into packaging up the candy for the troops. Caden wrote a letter to put in the box and Preston colored some pictures of fish and octopus (random) and put those in as well. Caden is hoping to get a response, but I am thinking it's probably unlikely.

Hope everyone had a safe and fun Halloween. Up next...Thanksgiving! Is it really already November?

4th grade ain't what it used to be

2010-10-22T19:06:00.000-07:00

Every year as Caden advances to the next grade in school, I am always suprised at what they cover (in comparison to what we did WAY back when.) They seem to be covering topics at least 1-2 years earlier than when I was in school. I remember in Kindergarten, he was introduced to fractions. And now in the forth grade, he is on to writing papers that 4-6 paragraphs long, using confusing vocabulary words, and college level math! :) Really, many of my juniors in college would not be able to solve his math problems. This week, he was working on a math superstars sheet. Math Superstars is an optional program that we choose to participate in. One of the rules is parents can not help the student solve the problems. Well, Caden had left one problem with three parts to it completely blank. I can't stand him turing in unanswered questions...so I "thought" I would discreetly steer him in the right direction to just get him started. One hour later (and I am an Ivy League graduate!) I was still solving the problem myself...set aside finding a way to explain it to him!

His spelling words this week included: Resounded, Lingered, Inspecting....not hard to spell, but he had to use them in a sentence as part of his homework. As I checked his work I giggled a little after reading his attempt at using these words correctly. "I was not INSPECTING to get a dog for Christmas." and "My voice was RESOUNDED in music class." Made me laugh, and I didn't even try to correct him. I mean really, does it matter if a 9 year old can use the word resounded correctly?

Anyway, it's only October, so I can only imagine what he'll be doing by the end of the year...I feel like I am back in school again too!!!

The Reality

2010-10-21T18:38:00.000-07:00

This blog has focused mainly on Avery and bringing her home from Haiti. It was a way that I could feel like some sort of progress was being made when our adoption stood still for 2 years. Posting updated photos we occassionally received from her orphanage, or posting the smallest tidbit of news, made all the difference when we continued to wait and wait.

Suddenly, she literally flew into our world without but a weeks warning after the earthquake hit Haiti. Everything was a whirlwind, and to some extent continues to be. And, through that chaos the boys have remained calm, loving and my rocks. They accepted Avery as their sister from the moment she stepped her little toe into our home. I expected some sort of reaction like "she doesn't seem like our sister" or "we just met her, so how can she be our sister?" but we never got any of that. And, much to my surprise, we continually heard "I love Avery" and "Avery is the cutest little girl in the world!" Now, that time has passed, and she has found ways to press their buttons, I am not hearing those statements as often, but the love that is there is stronger than I imagined it to be at this point.

Adopting has not been easy. Accepting a stranger (I had only met Avery once for 3 days and Mike never) as our own was definitely something neither of us had ever experienced before. The love was different than it was (as expected) after giving birth to our boys, and we both struggled (or still struggle) with how it felt or feels "different." I think we were both caught off guard about how we felt once Avery was here, and we felt overwhelmed with all that had changed in our family. Adopting is not easy and admitting that is not easy either, it's hard to do. Sometimes I feel like people are thinking "Well...you're the ones that signed up for this!" and therefore we might be reluctant to express the reality of adoption. I am sure it's easier for some families than others, but I will venture to say that all families go through adjustments they couldn't predict until they were in the midst of the experience.

As the months have passed, Avery has become a part of our family. Are we still adjusting? Yes, of course. It's like when you bring a new born baby home and all you picture are cuddles, cooing and cute baby booties. And, no one talks about how you feel when you're sleep deprived, when your baby is screaming for hours on end, and how much your lives will be completely changed forever. Same thing goes for adoption. There have been days, where I think "did we do the right thing?" It was so easy before as a family of four. Having a toddler arrive unexpectedly from a third world country, who doesn't speak any language, requires lots of extra attention, takes a ton of patience (still working on that!) is very overwhelming.

Anyway, not really sure where I am going with this post....but one thing I do know is how the children, our children, have come through this experience seemingly unscathed. All three...Avery, Caden, and Preston. Have they had to make adjustments, had lows/highs, argued and cried? Yes. But overall, the three of them relate to one another as if they had have been siblings for years. The boys never go to bed without first going to Avery's room and kissing her goodnight. If Avery looks sad, they are not going to rest without asking her what's wrong. Big brother Caden likes to protect her, and Preston likes to tell on her....typical sibling stuff.

I guess it's just so interesting to watch their relationship grow and learn from how well children adapt to new situations. I find myself easily stressed out and distracted by the little things, over analyzing everything, when really I should take a deep breath and just look at those 3 beautiful faces and know that everything is just as it should be.

The Sisterlocks Experience

2010-10-14T14:05:00.000-07:00

An experience it was. First of all, we had to be there at 8am. So we rushed to get there on time, and I had forgo my Starbuck's because we had no time to stop. (And, I had to go empty the ATM on the way as they only take cash.) Monique was running late, (I could of gotten my coffee afterall) and as soon as we got there I realized I forgotten to bring something for me to read or do. UGH. I thought I would sit and read for 5 hours while Avery got her hair done. So I was madder than mad that I showed up empty handed. Yeah right. I didn't sit down for the entire 5 hour appt. I got to stand in one spot and hold Avery's head still (or try to) for five hours straight. My lower back started to ache, my arm started to shake (and will be sore tomorrow) and we had Dora blaring on the TV. Not exactly what I had in mind.

First three hours went well, although slow going. I kept eyeing the clock and looking at the progress and it seemed as if we would not finish by 1pm. Those locks take FOREVER to put in. You can read more them here. Avery sat somewhat still although I had to entertain her and/or feed her constantly. She ate 3 lollipops, 1 pack chewies (not only did we spend a lot of money on hair, I was also gearing up for spending a bunch of money on filling her cavities), 1 banana, 1/2 PB sandwich, 1 cereal bar and 1/2 Egg McMuffin. She played with books, her toy computer, silly bands, stickers, and my phone. All of which completely failed to interest her after the 4th hour. But, still, pretty darn good for a three year old.

Avery showed the stylists some Iphone photos of her with bead/braids in that I did in the past. Let's just say they had no comment. Even the lady next to us who was getting her hair re-tightened giggled a little.

I also learned we have to treat her locks/scalp with Seabreeze. This suprised me so I asked "The stuff you wipe on your face?" And yes, that's the stuff. Strange! We also bought some special spray they use at the salon and we can't wash her hair or get it wet until we go back around Thanksgiving! By next summer, her hair will be able to get wet. Not sure why it can't get wet now, but I didn't want to ask too many more stupid questions.

All in all I am pleased with the results. I knew what they would look like beforehand because we did our research online and Monique (the stylist) has Sisterlocks. Personally, I am not in love with the look of Sisterlocks (in comparison to her Afro poof hair) but it's much more practical and healthier for her hair. It will not break or get damaged and once it grows we can pull it up in pigtails, braid it, put beads on, etc. For now, it just looks a little crazy and free, but she's only 3 and it looks cute and quirky. Or, as Preston says "She looks like she has a bunch of noodles on her head!"

Avery's Hair---The Night before Sisterlocks

2010-10-13T18:23:00.000-07:00

Just washed, conditioned, detangled and combed Avery's hair for what might be the LAST time for a while if all goes as planned! Not that I dislike combing her hair (okay maybe a little), it will only do something after it's been washed/conditioned. And, everyone says you can't wash her hair more than 1 time per week or not even that often. So for the remaining days of the week, it is a big knotted mess. We tried yarn braids, getting braids at a salon, puffs, etc. and nothing lasts longer than a dayor two. Her hair immediately looks fuzzy and messy. The ladies at the salon said with the type of hair she has, that's just the way it's going to be.

So, they recommended Sisterlocks. I have to admit, never heard of them and I am still not completely sure I love they way they look. But, there is minimal upkeep, they protect the hair, and allow the hair to grow. Although, you can't take out Sisterlocks, so once they're in they're in (unless you chot them off!) So, I pray we like them and we like them A LOT! Because they sure aren't cheap, and they take HOURS to put in. The hair stylist is estimating 5 hours for Avery's hair and that's because she is a child with very short hair. I have read online for some people it took 3 days to put them in.

Anyway, I going to miss her natural "afro" hair with headband, but that style is just not realistic for her. It requires multiple comb-outs per day which results in lots of breakage (and we have tried every tons of products, combs, silk wraps, etc.), and her whimpering through the process.

Hopefully, I'll be able to bribe her with enough lollipops tomorrow to get her through a 5 hour span...and if so, we'll post photos when we're finished!

What are Sisterlocks?
Sisterlocks are tiny uniform locks that are the result of a precision parting grid, and the use of a specialized tool that places the hair into its locking formation. The Sisterlocks method does not require the use of waxes or jells. The small size and parting grid form a lock that is easily styled.

Caden's Application to Children's Congress 2011

2010-10-05T05:46:00.000-07:00

What is Children's Congress?

Every two years, JDRF International Chairman Mary Tyler Moore and over a hundred children with type 1 diabetes gather in Washington, D. C. to meet face-to-face with some of the top decision-makers in the U.S. government. The children, ages 4 to 17, represent all 50 states and the District of Columbia. As participants in JDRF's Children's Congress, they have a unique and empowering opportunity to help Members of Congress understand what life with type 1 diabetes is like and why research to find the cure for diabetes and its complications is so critical.

Children's Congress will take place on June 20-22, 2011 in Washington, D.C.

Caden (with help from Mom) sent in a his application yesterday. He won't find out until early 2011 if he is selected. Here is his letter.

Dear Member of Congress:
Hello. My name is Caden and I am 9 years old. I have had Type I diabetes for over 7 years, as I was diagnosed with diabetes before I turned 2 years old. I have a 5 year old brother, Preston, and a 3 year old sister, Avery. They are really lucky because they don’t have diabetes like I do. They get to eat more desserts than I get to, and sometimes I don’t mind. But, sometimes I do mind and it feels unfair.

When I got diabetes, my parents said I started to lose weight, was drinking way too much and my diapers kept falling onto the ground. My mom took me to the doctor and they sent me straight to the hospital. My mom said the doctor was crying when she said I had Type I diabetes. I don’t remember being diagnosed, or spending the night in the hospital, but I do know my mom said she was very scared. I am lucky because my mom is a dietitian and she knows a lot about how to take care of me. I am also very lucky because this year a new student started at my school with Type I diabetes and we get to walk the nurse’s office together. We also get to sit together in class and we play together after school. I don’t remember what life was like without diabetes but I am sure it was a lot of fun not having to worry about my blood sugar levels all day. Sometimes I get really mad and sad at the same time because it’s not fair that I have diabetes and almost all my friends don’t. I don’t get to go to sleepovers and I need to visit the school nurse 2-3 times a day. Sometimes I miss out on important things in class if I don’t feel well.

My life is different than most kids my age. I check my blood sugar every few hours and sometimes I don’t feel well if my sugar goes too low or too high. This summer when we were out of town, my pump broke. Then my mom accidentally gave me too much insulin in a shot and 911 was called. The ambulance crew came but I was fine. I got to drink a lot of juice and the crew gave me a fire truck Silly Band! I was really scared and my mom looked really panicked and she was crying and running around in circles. This made me even more scared and my stomach started to hurt really bad. It all turned out ok. I do wear an insulin pump but sometimes it doesn’t work right and it’s not the same as a cure. Sometimes kids ask me how I got diabetes and if I ate too much candy or junk food. They don’t understand that Type I diabetes is out of my control and I didn’t do anything to get it. It’s hard to explain to other kids how I got diabetes because I don’t really understand how or why I got it either.

I have tried each year to raise money for a Cure for Diabetes. The first walk I completed was in 2004, when I was two years old and I raised more than $5000. My school raises a lot of money for diabetes every year and I always walk with my class around our school track to help raise money for kids to attend diabetes camps. I have gone to a diabetes camp every summer for the past four summers. It’s my favorite camp because everyone there is just like me. And the doctors make us really great food which is all nutritious. Plus, we swim, climb a rock wall, and make kites.

A cure needs to be found for Type I diabetes. I have had it my whole life and I might have health problems that come from having diabetes for so many years. I am scared about that. I would love to live part of my life not attached to a pump and know what it’s like to be free of diabetes. I hope you’ll read my story and do what you can to help find a CURE for kids like me. I am a really well-behaved boy, and I love school. I try my hardest every day to do my best at whatever it is I am doing. Someday I want to be a marine biologist or a professional soccer player. I deserve a CURE. I deserve a chance to be just like everyone else!

Thank you, Ms. Congressman, for reading my story and doing everything you can to help find a cure for me and others who have diabetes.

Blowing Rock

2010-10-04T05:02:00.000-07:00

This weekend the weather was just perfect. Sunny, high in the 70's, fall has finally arrived. After a miserably hot, humid summer we have been trying to spend more time outside. This past summer was basically useless as far as outdoor activities are concerned (other than the pool.)

Saturday, Caden had two soccer games which were 3 hours apart. The first game they lost, so we were hoping for a better second game. After waiting it out for the second game to start, the other team no showed. Ugh. Very annoying. Could of headed to the mountains a whole lot earlier!

Granny and Aunt Kathy came for a weekend visit so we took them to Blowing Rock, our favorite mountain town. Unfortunately, the leaves haven't even started to change yet, but it is always a beautiful ride. Our kids love it there. It was Art in the Park weekend, so the line for Kilwin's Ice Cream was out the door, down the sidewalk to the next corner. And yes, we still waited!

We all enjoyed dinner at Canyon's and came home to watch Invictus, which I thought was incredibly boring.

Now it's back the Monday morning routine, and I just realized I am out of coffee filters. UGH!

Tooth Fairy makes a visit!

2010-09-28T05:20:00.000-07:00

The tooth fairy made an early morning visit to Preston today. He lost he first tooth last night, age 5 3/4. Caden was almost 8 years old when he lost his first one, so Preston seemed super young to me to be losing a tooth. BUT, when I volunteered in his classroom last week I noticed some kids had many of their permanent teeth already in and this is in kindergarten! So guess he wasn't so early after all. Caden must have just been super late.

Anyway, Preston got $2.00 which didn't thrill him in the least. But I told him later today we can go buy TWO packs of gum and that made his day (he loves to buy gum.)

Here he is showing off the new little gap in his mouth!

Bummed

2010-09-27T14:38:00.000-07:00

Mike and I got to go overnight to a winery this past weekend. I wanted it to be an extra great time since we only go overnight once or twice a year at the most. Saturday morning we decided to watch Caden's soccer games and it was about 100 degrees out. So, already I was a bit grumpy, knowing I am leaving drenched in sweat. We got a late start after having lunch and running a couple errands, and didn't get to the winery until late afternoon. Still sweating we didn't have time to shower, because the winery closes around 5:30pm. We wandered around aimlessly for about 20 min before figuring out what or where we were supposed to be. We tasted 5 wines each (which took about 10 minutes) and then didn't know what else to do. We weren't really interested in doing a tour as we just wanted to just sit and drink wine and relax. But, there was only a spot to do that outside (where it was 90degrees and infested with mosquitos.) We stayed at a "fancy" Hampton Inn, but it wasn't as nice as some I have stayed and it overlooked I-77. Two cool things did happen that day (I am really getting desperate here..) Heard our wedding song on the radio that morning, and considering it's from '91, we never hear it on the radio anymore. And, on the picnic table at the winery, there was a heart with Tracy & Michael carved on it.

So anyway, so much for that. Sometimes things don't go as planned but we're over it. Hopefully we'll go another weekend and this time go somewhere with a bit more to do, or somewhere that is more relaxing. It poured rain all the way home, just to top it all off!

This weekend we are hoping to head to Blowing Rock (one of our favorite mountain towns.) Granny and Aunt Kathy are coming to town from NY, so hopefully soccer will end early enough on Saturday that we can head up for some cool mountain weather. Supposed to only be in the 70's here this weekend, so that means 60's in the mountains...Love it!!!

This week...

2010-09-23T18:41:00.000-07:00

Both boys are absolutely loving school this year. I would say for Caden, it's been his favorite grade so far. I am not exactly sure why. He has a planner and a folding binder thing for all his assignments arranged by subject (all students have this) so I think he enjoys the responsibility of staying organized. This is surprising to me, because he is not usually very organized or neat but this year he is taking it all very seriously. The other day in class, he thought he lost an assignment, and he said his stomach sank to the ground. Poor guy...he gets so uptight about the little things.

Caden also had a Esophagogastroduodenoscopy done earlier this week. He has had stomach pain on and off for at least 6 months so we're trying to get to the bottom of it. It is possible he has celiac disease (very common in Type I diabetics) so we'll have to deal with that should that be the problem. The doctor took biopsies of his stomach and intestine, and we'll get those results next week. He did get put to sleep for the procedure and he did great. Woke up a little groggy, but other than that he felt fine. Here he is after the procedure enjoying some hospital pancakes. The worst part about the whole thing was we had to be in the city by 5:30am, which meant waking up at 4:30am...

Preston is enjoying kindergarten, although he always saying how annoying some kids are, etc. I keep telling him, kids are kids, and kindergarters act silly sometimes, but he doesn't seem to get that. He is his big brother's clone. The are both like little grumpy old men sometimes. Also he gets a little bent outta shape if he is quiet in line and the teacher doesn't notice, but she notices someone else being quiet. Again, I have to keep reminding him to just keep behaving and she'll notice because she only has 2 eyes and can't see everyone at once. I think he is still adjusting to having 25 kids in one room and still sorting through all the various personalities. And of course, his favorite things about school so far are: recess, lunch and PE. So typical!

Avery is having a good week, and I feel like she is growing an inch a day. I am 100% sure she will be taller than any of us. She is talking a little more each week and going to speech therapy once per week. I am stressing out about everything we have left to do to not only complete her adoption but also to get her US citizenship. There are a billion forms we need to fill out, some hefty fees involved, and a visit to a Civil Surgeon? I just need to get this all sorted out. But its just so overwhelming I keep putting it aside.

This weekend, Grandma is in charge as Mike and I are getting away for 1 night. We haven't been away from these kids much at all since the New Year, and well, we are in need of a break. So we are heading to a winery not too far away for some peace and quiet! I haven't posted much to this point about the ups and downs of adopting, and I won't get into it now... But, it's definitely challenging at times, I think we both have realized we need to make sure we find time away from it all occassionally!

Thank God for Grandma's! :)

ABC's

2010-09-16T10:15:00.000-07:00

Much better than the version we posted a few months ago! Yeah Avery!

That Smile

2010-09-16T08:28:00.001-07:00

Avery Turns 3!

2010-09-14T07:20:00.000-07:00

One day late on blogging, our Avery turned 3 yesterday! She was really excited, although a bit overwhelmed when everyone sang to her. I have video of it, I'll post later, she looked like she was going to burst into tears at any second when we sang "Happy Birthday!" When she gets nervous she plays with her fingers, so I could tell she was slightly overwhelmed. Of course, she LOVED her cupcakes and opening gifts. Every gift she opened, she would say "MINE!" She does not want to part or share any of her new toys, which is understandable. She never had an official birthday before! Everything right now is "Mine, mine, mine!"

She has been home almost 8 months. In many ways she has come so far. The ONLY concern we have right now is her language skills. Comparing her to other 3 year olds she is light years behind. BUT, comparing her to where she was 8 months ago, she has improved leaps and bounds. When she arrived here in January, she said not one word. NOTHING. She didn't even speak Creole. She never even made a peep unless she was mad, then she would scream. She was either completely silent or screaming. There was no middle ground. Now, she will talk all day long, but her words are very hard to understand. She'll put words together, like "Look at me!" or "Where's Preston?" It's usually just 2-3 words in a row, and no more. She will tell us when she's hungry, thirsty, has to go potty, etc.

She is ALWAYS smiling. I have never seen a child as happy as she is. In her own way, she is so appreciative of everything. Anything I give her (like a cracker) she says "Thank you, Mom!"

She says "I love you, Mom" at least 20 times a day and her absolute favorite thing to do is cuddle. If I say, "I love you too, Avery!" she says, "Thank you." So sweet.

She loves to be held, loves to be played with, loves to be read to. She shows NO signs of attachment issues (maybe these will show up as she gets older?), except she can be a little overly friendly with strangers. When Mike comes home from work, she yells "Daddy home!" and runs to the door and about plows him over with a huge hug. Basically, she LOVES to be LOVED and LOVES to give LOVE. It really does seem like she is making up for the years she didn't get the love she needed.

She is VERY easy child at home, but of course, around other kids her age she will fight over toys with the best of 'em. She also will copy what other kids do (good or bad) and she can get really hyper around other kids....again, not surprising. She tends to listen to me better than anyone else. When she gets hurt or gets her feelings hurt, she can be very dramatic and carry on for longer than is appropriate. However, she doesn't carry on as long as she did when she first got here.

She loves to push her doll babies in their stroller, brush their hair and feed them, play with her laptop toy, look at books, and carry her blankie around. She also loves to EAT and EAT and EAT. When she first got here she ate NOTHING. For at least a month she would only eat oatmeal and goldfish crackers. NOTHING else. Now she will eat ANYTHING and EVERYTHING. She can eat more than anyone in this house. I don't know where she puts it all! My boys will only eat a 1/2 sandwich at lunch, and Avery would like 2-3 sandwiches! Her favorite thing to say is "I Hungry!" or "Avery hungry!" She is tall and we are wondering just how tall she is going to be! Which is sort of comical because our boys are below average height. One day....we are picturing Avery looking down on her "big" brothers!

She also loves to tattle-tail on her brothers. She likes to fight with Preston about who gets to sit next to me on the couch. She loves to ride bikes with her brothers and swing at the playground. Her abosolute favorite activies are swimming and putting on everyone else's shoes! She LOVES to go to bed and sleeps like a dream from 7:30pm-7:30am. She sleeps so soundly I think we could throw a party in her room and she wouldn't even flinch.

She doesn't like green beans, iced tea (I am really grasping for something she doesn't like!), milk, and isn't crazy about cookies...but I am sure that will change. Oh, and she does not like going to the doctor! :)

Overall, we could not be happier with how she is doing. Her smile just lights up the room and her positive, upbeat attitude is so amazing given all she has been through!

Yarn Braids

2010-09-09T08:52:00.000-07:00

Kayla over at Our Mixed Blessings, gave me the idea of trying yarn braids on Avery's hair. Avery's hair is thin and breaks so easily, it's seems like it never grows any longer and I was getting frustrated. I was hesitant to try yarn braids (basically hair extensions using yarn) because I think it makes her look way older than her age. But, after battling her hair all week, I decided it was worth a try.

So after searching at 3 different stores for plain black yarn (who knew Hancock Fabrics doesn't sell yarn? and the local knitting store doesn't carry plain black?) we gave it a shot. Took 5 hours to get them in. Avery is such a good girl when she gets her hair done. She sat and played with toys from 5-10p. We did take a couple stretch breaks. And I think she ate 15 popcicles.

Instead of leaving her hair down, I pulled the extensions up into 4 pig tails. Overall, they came out pretty good. I have been putting a silk scarf on her head at night to limit the fuzziness in the morning, but I am already seeing a little bit starting after day 2. I am hoping to at least leave them in for 2 weeks. Avery seems to enjoy all the beads in her hair and the noises they make when she walks!

School Update First Week

2010-09-02T05:26:00.000-07:00

Boys have just completed their first week of school and so far everything is going great. Both boys are eager to get up in the morning, which I'll give about another couple weeks before I have to drag them out of bed.

Caden is in 4th grade and so far he is absolutely loving it. His teacher has a fish tank, so that really put the icing on the cake. Right now they are working on bar graphs, line graphs, math facts (multiplication and division review) and writing short stories. He mentioned yesterday how much fun it is to write stories, which is interesting because usually he hates writing. Today he has his first religion test and tomorrow is a spelling/vocab test. I thought the religion stuff looked pretty difficult, so we'll see how that turns out! As I was reviewing it with him, I was glad it's him taking the test and not me!

Preston is enjoying kindergarten, although yesterday he got in the car and said "Could everyone please stop talking?" "I have heard talking for the past 8 hours and I am sick of it!" He especially dislikes carpool, which does get loud as kids wait in the gym to be picked up. His favorite part so far is buying milk and/or ice cream at lunch. Although yesterday he didn't have time to eat his applesauce, but managed to have plenty of time to finish his popcicle.

This weekend both boys start lacrosse. Preston is playing on the peanut lacrosse team, and Caden U11. We are hoping Preston loves it because so far every sport he has tried, he has not taken a liking to. So we're keeping our fingers crossed. I asked him if he wanted to play soccer again, and he said "No, why would I want to run around and get out of breath?" Not sure what he thinks will happen during lacrosse?

Avery is doing well. Her behavior when Grandma is watching her has improved quite a bit. She still whines when she doesn't get her own way, but not nearly as bad as a couple weeks ago. Speech therapy has started, and she seems to be saying more and more each day. Most is very hard to understand, but you have to start somewhere. Her hair continues to challenge me. It doesn't seem to be growing much, and even seems to have thinned quite a bit. So, not sure what is going on with it. I put coconut oil in it last night, and made her sleep with a silk cap on her head....she still woke up with it all flattened to her head and tangled up.

That's the scoop for now! Looking forward to a long weekend!

Caden Turns 9

2010-08-26T20:14:00.001-07:00

Some (okay a lot!) of my favorite photos over the past 9 years. Unfortunately, the baby photos need to be scanned into the computer as it must have been before the days of us having a digital camera.

Our oldest boy has been through a lot, being a diabetic since before his second birthday he doesn't remember life before it. He is responsible, trustworthy, very brave, and sometimes questions why he has to deal with diabetes and his friends don't. He loves soccer, is learning to play piano and clarinet, and has always had an interest in fish/oceanlife. He can be shy and reserved when he first meets someone new, and is rarely ever in trouble. Actually, he has never even had a warning at school from K-4th grade. Not one! (However, I am wondering if his little sister might more than make up for this when she goes to school!) He loves his school, enjoys learning and we are very proud of all he has accomplished!

He dislikes loud noises, playing outside alone, sleeping in the dark and keeping his room clean. And, unless the book is about fish or dolphins, he thinks reading is a bore.

Can't believe our little boy is already nine! Happy Birthday, Cakers!

We are so proud of you!

First Day of Kingergarten...or not!

2010-08-24T07:49:00.000-07:00

Poor Preston has been looking forward to starting K all summer, but had to miss today due to the Hand Foot and Mouth disease. He came down with it Friday and five days later he is still getting over it. He had a pretty bad case of it (mainly in his mouth) and didn't eat any food or been able to speak a word from Friday afternoon until Monday morning. He is starting to come around and hopes to have his "first" day of K on Thursday.

Caden was VERY excited for school, woke up on his own at 6:30 got dressed and ready to go. He does really enjoy school but I think he was most excited to look at his teacher's fish tank all day. He absolutely loves fish and it's funny he got put in the only 4th grade classroom with a fish tank. Both kids teachers are super sweet and I think they are going to have a great year. A new student just moved here from out of state with Type I diabetes and they get to sit next to each other in the same class. So I am hoping that is a friendship in the making since Caden has really started to think he is the only boy his age with diabetes. This little boy also has two younger siblings with diabetes! I can't even imagine.

Avery is doing well, started speech therapy last week. She is over a year behind in speech, and for the past 6 months has made minimal progress. She just doesn't pronounce words using the correct sounds 90% of the time. For example, "I have to go Pee Pee" is "De de Tee tee" or something like that. Cup is "da", book is "dut" or something really hard to understand, and Avery is "Adee". She absolutely shows favortism towards the letter "d" and "t". She has trouble with many beginning sounds and rarely ever finishes a word with the correct sound. But, hopefully with some work we can overcome this by the time she goes to preschool next fall.

Two more days until Caden's 9th bday which really means 2 more days of convincing him of something other than what he has asked for: a saltwater fish tank. I am hoping he loves his teachers tank so much he changes his mind (quickly) to a freshwater one!

A few more beach photos

2010-08-13T07:43:00.001-07:00

These shots were taken by my brother-in-law. He takes amazing shots!

The Lost Photo

2010-08-09T10:19:00.000-07:00

This was one of my favorite photos of the summer, and I accidentally erased it. Thanks to Rob, he recovered it for me! The photo is from Granny's camp, Avery and Preston swinging on her swing in the yard.

Back from the beach, back to work, back to school...

2010-08-09T09:57:00.001-07:00

Can't believe summer is almost over. My first day back to work is a week from today, although I am theoretically taking a 12 week leave I will still be in and out teaching one course a week, etc. I am looking forward to it and the idea of getting the family back into some sort of routine. Avery will probably start speech therapy, Preston starts kindergarten and Cade is off to the 4th grade. YIKES!

Atlantic Beach was great fun and the kids had a blast at the beach, pool and playing on all Uncle Rob's video gaming systems. My kids don't have DS's or anything like that, so they LOVE to hang out with Uncle Rob! Avery was surprisingly scared of the ocean waves. She is really a good swimmer and not afraid of much of anything, but I think the sounds combined with the salty taste did her in. She did enjoy laying, digging and making a sanding mess in her hair.

The highlight of the trip was the day we spent at Shackleford Banks. So beautiful and quiet. I love beaches that are empty and this one was uncroweded and the waves very calm. Kids searched for shells, caught minnows in their nets, and looked for the wild ponies that live there. Definitely recommend visiting that island (have to arrive by boat) if you're ever near the Crystal Coast area of NC.

So, now unpacking and re-grouping for the next few weeks as we all adjust to new schedules. Kids start school the week of the 24th, fall soccer starts tomorrow, and Preston wants to sign up for gymnastics? Hmm....not sure about that one. Both boys started piano lessons (thanks Aunt Mere!) a few weeks ago and love it. Caden is also taking up the clarinet this fall at school and joining the school band. He has always been such a sports nut, I had no clue he was so into music! Of course, like anything else....we'll see how long this new found enthusiasm lasts!

Overall we had a VERY busy summer but it was great to see a lot of new places we hadn't before. But with 97 degrees forecasted for everyday this week, the arrival of Fall is just fine with me!

Roadtrips

2010-07-26T18:27:00.000-07:00

This summer has been so hectic, it seems like it's just begun but it's back to school in less than a month already. We have been able to accomplish a lot of the fun stuff on our list but I am about ready for fall to arrive. Summer is EXHAUSTING and the endless 98 degree heat isn't helping.

The kids, Grandma and I decided to take a random road trip to Greenville, SC. I had been there once, and thought it was a really nice city. The kids LOVED it there, so much we stayed an extra night. The city is gorgeous and the park, waterfalls and fountains are really beautiful. We went to two waterparks, Otter Creek and Ship Wreck Cove. The kids also enjoyed the Balloon Pirate so much we had to hunt him down through the city the second night and wait in line an hour for a balloon.

This weekend we visited my great friend, Lauren and her family in Asheville. Kids swam, enjoyed the Western Carolina Nature Center and all was going along just perfectly. UNTIL...Caden's insulin pump died. Why does the pump always seem to malfunction when we're away? Especially in a small mountain town? Anyway, thought I would be ultra prepared so I brought along a syringe and long acting insulin just in case. I paged the endocrinologist on call and she instructed me to give him 7 units of this long acting insulin via injection. Well, at the same time, Mike is on the phone having trouble getting through to the thick headed Medtronic Help Person (which put us on hold for 1 hour) and I somehow grabbed the wrong insulin. So, I immediately realized my mistake and my head began to spin. I couldn't even talk I was so panicked. I thought within 15 min, Caden would pass out from too much insulin and I was certain I had just made a life threatening mistake. I had given him 7 units of FAST acting insulin, 6-7 times his normal amount and he hadn't eaten in hours.

I called 911 for the first time in my life and they arrived very quickly. I then re-paged the MD and she informs me it is not as life threatening as I assumed and he'll be fine. Apparently this type of mistake happens all the time. Go figure...for the last 7 years I have NEVER done anything remotely close to this. We gave him about 3 cups of straight cola and he was really enjoying the whole thing. He hever gets Coke and the EMS guy gave him a firetruck silly band. Preston stayed fast asleep on the other couch and didn't even realize there were half a dozen EMS personel in the living room. It was really quite a nerve wracking experience, however it could have been drastically more serious if I didn't realize my mistake right away and sent him off to bed. I don't even want to think about that. Anyway, I wonder if we'll be invited back to visit my friends next year?

So this week we are laying low, enjoying the pool, hitting a free movie and packing for our favorite place...the beach! This year, we are heading to Atlantic Beach and the kids are really looking forward to wake boarding, fishing and playing in the sand. Can't wait to see how Avery enjoys the beach! By the way, she now swims WITHOUT floaties on! Granted it's only about 10 feet but she is swimming farther each day. Pretty good for a 2 year old! Today she went down the large waterslide (have to be able to touch or swim to go down it) and she swam to the stairs all by herself without any floatation device! She is very daring (to a fault) and she is just so determined to do exactly what her big brothers are doing!

Our week in NY

2010-07-12T08:41:00.000-07:00

Just got back from a week in upstate NY. First few days we spent at Granny's cabin and the weather was perfect. Sunny, breezy, high in the low 80's. We were outside 24/7 and the kids had the best time fishing, swimming and making smores. Caden was Mr. Fisherman and caught 16 fish in one day (mind you it was probably the same sunfish he was re-catching 16 times...) and Preston and Avery played in the sand and water all day long. The both "swam" out to the dock! Avery LOVES to swim but still chokes/swallows the water all the time. Plus, the water temp up there was a little chillier than here so she started shivering in no time at all.

We went to visit one of my very best friends, Lori, and her family. She has 6 year old triplets and a 2 year old! :) So it's always a very fun place to visit because they have more toys than any household I have ever seen. They live on almost 3 acres of land (unheard of where we live) so my kids love to run free in their yard and on their trails through the tall grass. We also spent some time at Poppy's grave, watered the flowers and visited for a while.

Of course, we had to hit some of our favorite eateries...Heid's and Rudy's. When the weather turned hot (by hot...it was nearly 100 degrees and tied the heat record) we went to the MOST science center and Thunder Island Water Park.

Surprisingly, Avery decided to master her potty training on the long car ride (13 hours...each way and not one accident) and throughout the entire vacation! Since she was accident free all week, I put her in the hotel pool to swim without a swim diaper (we didn't use one all week.) As luck would have it, she pooped. Yes, right in the hotel pool and Mommy was not happy. I knew she was up to something as she was floating very quietly in the pool, with that "look" of no good on her face. Sure enough...a big mess. Since then, she has been accident free (except at night.)

All in all it was great to spend time with Granny, visit friends and let Avery meet Uncle John for the first time! Now the fun part...unpacking! Why is unpacking so much worse that packing?! Shouldn't it just be packing in reverse? Sure doesn't seem that way.

Potty Training Dilemma

2010-06-28T05:42:00.000-07:00

I started potty training Avery a few weeks ago. At first, she really seemed to get it, and did really well. Although she never really "told" me when she had to use the potty, it seemed as if she would hold it for a while until I asked her if she needed to go. She went a few days keeping her diaper clean, maybe only an accident here or there. Fast forward about 3 weeks. We have made no progress, and if anything have gone backwards. She rarely ever tells me she has to "go", and every time I ask her if she needs to go she says no. If I put her on the potty anyway, she does go every time.

Do I just give up for now and re-visit in a month or two? Or just keep asking her, putting her on the potty every hour or two and hope she catches on? She seems to understand what I am telling her, but it seems she doesn't realize (until its too late) when she has gone in her diaper. I tried the training pull-ups that turn cold when they are wet, but that hasn't made a difference. Anyway, just looking for advice. My boys trained in a day or so, without any major bumps along the way, so I have no idea what to do at this point.

By the way, she'll be 3 years old in September...

Little Swimmer

2010-06-23T06:30:00.000-07:00

Life is precious...

2010-06-22T20:47:00.000-07:00

Ellie Update

Written by her mom, Amy:

I have never known any child was capable to fight this hard to cling onto life. I am exhausted watching her body heave up and down for air. She has bubbles in her throat and wheezing... But still trying to talk as she goes in and out of her morphine sleep. Thank God she seems comfortable.

Earlier as she struggled, she woke in a daze to see me crying next to her. She was barely audible, but I understood she wanted the anointing oil. This is from Lourdes. I handed it to her...

Our Ellie anointed my forehead with the cross and said, "Mommy it is ok. I am ok.". This child is an angel who specializes in kindness till the end.

Please pray for our Ellie to let go and fly.

UPDATE: Ellie got her angel wings at 11:35am. Prayers and love to the Potvin Family

Please "Lift Up Ellie" in your prayers

2010-06-16T04:27:00.000-07:00

This link will take you to the journal of Ellie Potvin. A little 8 year old (twin) from our area, who is fighting cancer and has only about 2 weeks to live. She is fighting to breathe, in pain, and needs everyone's prayers right now that she will not continue to suffer. Please "Lift Up Ellie" in your thoughts and prayers as no child deserves to suffer from this awful disease.

http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/elliepotvin

We love the mountains!

2010-06-14T05:29:00.000-07:00

Just got back from a 3 day weekend in the Blue Ridge Mountains. LOVE IT. The mountains are about 1 1/2-2 hours from our house and the temperature difference is about 10-15 degrees cooler there. We enjoyed upper 70's and when we got out of the van here it was 95! YUCK.

We stayed in a little cabin on at Springmaid Mountain. It was a cute place, lots of beautiful scenery. There were 6 fishing ponds, unfortunately, didn't seem to have many fish in them. Boys had a great time gem mining at Emerald Village in Little Switzerland, NC. Not sure they struck it rich, but they had fun trying to! Avery unfortunately had a stomach virus or something all day, so she was definitely not herself. But, we brought supplies and she came along (basically slept in her stroller) so the whole day wasn't wasted. She was so quiet and slept all day I don't think she muttered a word until later that night. She had a pretty high fever too. Poor thing.

Why do kids always wait until a vacation to get sick?

We also visited Linville Caverns, Grandfather Mountain, and ate at Pizzart. Preston cried last night because he wants to live there. I have to agree, what a great place it is! We'll definitely go back again soon next time to fit in some river rafting!

Check out my new do!

2010-06-03T09:48:00.000-07:00

Thank you Daddy for all the new beads! (Daddy bought the beads...Mommy did the hair!) Box braids are all I can figure out how to do at the moment. Can't get her hair into corn rows for the life of me.

Summer is almost here!

2010-06-01T09:21:00.000-07:00

Preston officially graduated from preschool last week and I didn't shed a tear! I am excited for him to move on to kindergarten as he is more than ready and looking forward to being in "big" school with Caden. Although, this means double tuition payments starting this month...yikes. I asked Caden the other day if he would rather stay at his school (private) or go to another school and have more spending money for trips and "stuff." He said, he rather stay right where he is because he loves it.

One more week and Caden is officially a 4th grader. We have so many plans this summer, I am hoping we don't over book ourselves so the summer will no longer relaxing. First stop is a surprise Father's Day trip next weekend. Can't post where to, because it's a suprise. I think Mike and Papa will have a great time...and the kids will too!

Next, we will travel to upstate NY in June/July and Atlantic Beach, NC in August which means visiting the NC Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores. In between those trips, we want to visit a few museums, nature centers and aquariums... but we'll see how much time we have. Caden is doing "Kick it" 3 vs. 3 soccer league, soccer camp, diabetes camp and two lacrosse camps...which is why I talked him OUT of summer swim team. As an ex-swimmer, I couldn't bare to spend half my summer at those long, boring meets. He did it the past few years, but enough was enough already. I have no idea how my parents withstood that for so many years! Preston is just going to Safety Town Camp!

Avery will be along for the ride. She loves to swim and we have been to the neighborhood pool a few times. She shivers in seconds (she has no body fat!) but she enjoys it thoroughly! Today we are attempting potty training using a little bribing with goldfish crackers. So far, no accidents...but the day is young!

The Alphabet Dance

2010-05-24T05:09:00.000-07:00

Avery shaking her bootie to the alphabet is her new favorite activity. Not really sure what to make of her dancing style! It's cute and funny that every song she dances to, she just stands in one spot and shakes her little butt! Also, don't mind her hairstyle...had just taken out her braids and were taking a break!

My current favorite photo(s)

2010-05-22T21:03:00.001-07:00

Didn't want to leave biggest brother out!

To blog or not to blog

2010-05-20T06:53:00.000-07:00

It's been so long since I posted, I am thinking blogging may not be in my future much longer! Things are so busy now with 3 kids and blogging is not ranking very high on the to do list. Luckily I am on summer break now, and only teaching one class this fall, so I "should" have more time to post!

Avery is doing spectacular! She can be a little rambunctious at times, but nothing major. Her speech has not really progressed as quickly as we had hoped, so looks like speech therapy will be in her future. She tries to tell us things, but everything sounds exactly the same. And it's not creole...it's just the same sound over and over.

She is eating pretty much anything and everything now, such a change from the first few weeks home. Her bathroom issues (weird stinky poop) still exist, but I have heard from other families it may not ever go away. This summer I am hoping to get her potty trained, and if not, definitely this fall.

Avery loves to play, laugh, run (FAST!!), jump, yell, and snuggle. She also loves to say "NO!" However, she will hug us over and over through out the day. She loves her bed and sleeps on her belly with her arms up above her head like she is flying. It's so cute. She is such a sound sleeper, nothing wakes her up. She asks to go to her bed at night and has a huge smile when she gets tucked in. So far there are only a few things we have found she doesn't like...ice cream, milk, fruits/veggies, riding on elevators, and going to the doctor! :)

I was lucky enough to hit the beach for a few days with my co-workers this past weekend. She stayed home with Daddy and brothers which worked out really well! I didn't think I would be able to make the trip this year, but she is doing so well it was really a non-issue.

I'll post some updated photos later today...the cord I need to download photos is among the missing.

Found the cord...
Here are a few photos from the past month or so!

Interesting...

2010-04-22T16:15:00.001-07:00

This was an email from our agency. Really makes you think. I have never considered carring that Humanitarian Parole Card with me on a daily basis. But, after reading this, maybe we should. However, the other part of me says, I don't need to "prove" anything to anyone who is so quick to make assumptions...and so far, haven't had anything like this happen to us. However, I have heard of similar situations happening to some of the other adoptive families as of lately.

One of our families told me about an incident they had at McDonald's when the family took their child out of the restaurant because the child was having a fit. Someone in the restaurant thought this parent was kidnapping the child! Followed the parent out to the car insisting the child be let go, even opened the car door from the other side, went in the restaurant to see if any black couple were missing their child, etc. This was one of the humaritarian paroled children. Of course this could happen to anyone with an tranracially adopted child.

Avery-Home 3 months

2010-04-22T15:27:00.000-07:00

Or close enough...will be 3 months home in just a few days.

Avery is 26 pounds and 35 1/2 inches (she has gained a pound and grown and inch.) She is eating much better than she was just a month ago. She has added bananas, pasta, and a few other foods to her short list. Overall, she is doing really well. The exception continues to be speech. Obviously, she is going to need some professional help in this area, but I just want to give her time to adjust before being thrust full-force into speech therapy. Honestly, her speech issues are so severe, I can't really imagine her ever talking normally (I know she will...it just seems so far from where she is now.) EVERYTHING she says sounds EXACTLY the same. Preston is dede. Caden is dede. Dada is dede. Doggie is dede. And if it's not dede is uhuh. Yes is uhuh. No is uhuh. Cracker is uhuh. So I am not sure how a speech therapist will tackle this one. The one exception is Mommy...which is Nonny!

Everything else is going well. She can be a little rambunctious, but its only once and a while and really only when other kids get her going. When she is with older kids or us, she is just fine. She does prefer to run rather than walk, and yell rather than whisper, but again, not unexpected given her previous living conditions. And, she never sits still!

She still is our dream sleeper, but it's a little sad knowing the real reasons she stays put so well in her bed. She was so used to having no one to comfort her at night, she doesn't even bother to get up or call out. She would sit on her bed all day long if we didn't go in and get her. She never makes a sound from 7:30pm when she goes to bed until we get her in the morning. Even when she had a little stomach bug in the middle of the night, she didn't make a peep.

We are battling the Haitian poop issues still and starting our third round of Flagyl and some other drug tomorrow. Last lab report said all parasites were gone, but there HAS to be something in there causing that smell! :) Saw the infectious disease doc for the second time yesterday, and we are treating for some parasites that Avery tested negative for, but are commonly seen in Haiti.

Only a few more weeks of work left for me before I am off for summer. So it will be nice to finally spend some quality time working on some of these issues. And, the boys are doing great! Caden is finishing up soccer and Preston is as well. Both are looking forward to summer which will be here before we know it!!!

Our First Easter as a Family of Five

2010-04-04T19:31:00.000-07:00

Today was Avery's first visit from the Easter bunny and well, she could really care less about her basket or anything in it...except her new Hello Kitty toothbrush. She LOVES to brush her teeth!!! By the way, are we lame parents for giving our kids toothbrushes in their baskets and hardly any candy? We gave each child 1 peanut butter egg, 1 ring pop, and 2 packs of sugarless gum and the rest was other stuff (like a frisbee, Batman Underoos, hair bows, etc.) They seem to know the routine and don't expect lots of candy.

Anyway, it was a beautiful day, although a little on the warm side. It's been over 80 degrees for the past week and our downstairs air conditioning died. We enjoyed the day at my sister's house, had brunch, egg hunt, kids played in the sprinkler and played. Avery wasn't a fan of the sprinkler, and I can't blame her. The water was icy cold. She did enjoy hunting for eggs and riding on her cousins pink Harley motorcycle.

All in all it was a good day. Happy Easter to all!

Our Girly-girl Tomboy

2010-03-28T09:02:00.001-07:00

Avery is growing up with 2 older brothers so she is getting quickly introduced to all sorts of boys stuff: Race tracks, sports, cars, trucks, etc. This weekend, she tagged along to soccer games, lacrosse games and attended her first drag race at Lowes Motor Speedway. She shows early signs of being quite an athlete herself...she can run very fast (probably faster than her 5 year old brother---shhh!), she can just about bend herself into a pretzel and climb anything. She is super flexible, which obviously she didn't get from our family! :)

These are a couple photos of her enjoying the view of her first drag race...and notice this "Tomboy" didn't leave home without her all of her glittery princess jewerly on!

Update Two Months home:

Avery continues to do well at home. We rarely have any issues with her behavior at all. She doesn't like to share with her 2 year old cousin, but I don't think her 2 year old cousin likes to share with her all the time either! :) So it's typical two year old stuff. She also doesn't appreciate anyone taking food out of her hand or off her plate, and given her prior exeriences that makes sense. She sleeps VERY well, so well, I think it's a tad strange. I can put her on her bed any time of day and she will sit and/or lay there and not make a peep until I tell her she can get up. If I want to run for 30 minutes on the treadmill at 4:00 in the afternoon, I'll put her on her bed and she will just wait there patiently until I finish. I give her a couple toys to play with and she is content to stay as long as need be. I find this strange. None of my other kids would ever stay put like that in an empty bedroom while awake. But, maybe she likes the quiet time, or her comfy bed. I haven't figured it out yet.

She never seems to rock back and forth anymore (she did this here and there when she was upset.) She does cry loudly, and sometimes can carry-on for a few minutes longer than seems appropriate...but these episodes are few and far between.

Her speech is not really improving as quickly as I thought it might. However, she understands almost everything we tell her. If I tell her to go upstairs and get her pink shoes off of her bench in her bedroom, she will do just that. If I tell her to go downstairs and get her cup, she will come back up with her cup. So right now, she understands about 80% of what we tell her but can only say about 10%. We are hoping her speech will come around as she continues to process things around her.

Eating has gotten better but still just hit or miss with what she'll eat. One day she'll eat pasta and the next day she wants nothing to do with it. So we are flexible and just let her eat what she wants. I think she has gained 1 pound in 2 months, which isn't much, but given how picky she was at meal time for the first month...I am not surprised. She is of average height for her age and a little below average for weight but very much on the growth chart! If there were a growth chart for feet size...she would be off the chart! She almost wears the same size shoe as our five year old!

Some of her favorite things: Nutrigrain bars, brushing her teeth, pushing her doll stroller, singing/babbling in the car with the radio, playing on playgrounds, and bedtime! :)

Caden

2010-03-21T15:54:00.000-07:00

Caden has been diabetic for 6 1/2 of the 8 years of his life. Since he was diagnosed our family has raised thousands of dollars for Junvenile Diabetes Research and we are still very passionate about this organization. Currently, we are caught in the middle because his school was #1 in the nation last year for the amount of money raised for the American Diabetes Association. We don't "dislike" ADA, but we have always felt a stronger connection to JDRF given our son has Junvenile diabetes (which is out of his control) and not Type II diabetes. Either way, the past couple years he has chosen to raise money with his school which is understandable, so we are supporting his decision. Plus, our school does ear mark the money for children to attend summer camps (diabetes camp) which is a great cause and Caden LOVES going to diabetes camp each year.

If you're at all interested in donating (even a dollar is super exciting for him!) here is his personal URL that will allow you to donate online: http://main.diabetes.org/goto/cadenb

His school gets VERY into this cause and last year raised about $50,000 which put St. Mark as the top school in the nation. Thanks in advance!!!

Adopted kids and speech

2010-03-13T16:54:00.000-08:00

So, we are making great strides with Avery over the past week. Her diet which basically consisted of oatmeal and goldfish crackers now includes: soup, mashed potatoes, spaghetti, meatloaf, peanut butter sandwiches and yogurt! The other day she even ate rice with broccoli! She is really starting to try all sorts of foods and that is a HUGE relief. When we were away in NY she literally only ate goldfish and NOTHING else for the 2 days we were there. So I was starting to panic. Since we returned home, each day she is eating really well so we are hoping this trend continues.

Her tantrums are few and far between. I haven't really seen any this week. I know she has a few during the day when I am at work as she and my 2 year old niece attempt to "share" toys! :) But, other than that, she is behaving VERY well.

Our main concern right now is speech/language development. I am not concerned enough just yet to start any formal therapy, but I do see that in the near future. Just curious how many others with toddlers home from Haiti are experiencing the same thing. Avery tries to repeat almost everything we say, which is great. However, everything she says sounds the same. For example, love you is da do. Thank you is ta tu. Doggie is da da. Papa is da da. Please is dee. Pretty much everything she says is starts with the "da" sound. The only exception is Mommy which she says Nonny. It seems like she can only make a handful of sounds and can not make most sounds at all. Anyone else out there experiencing this? Honestly, she prefers to get through the day by pointing and saying "da". I correct her and tell her what to say, and she tries, but it doesn't even come close to sounding like the right word. Just wondering if this is normal/beginning to learn a new language stuff or sounds more like a major problem that needs intervention sooner rather than later.

Any input or advice?

Avery - Home 6 weeks

2010-03-10T14:50:00.000-08:00

Can't believe it's already been 6 weeks since Avery came home! I guess because we have been so busy with work and doctors appts, time just flew right on by. Today we had another doctor appt for Avery's first round of immunizations. We got lucky and she only got one shot today. She is now limping around as her little leg must be sore. She will barely put any weight on it and she whines every now and then if she does.

She is 35 inches and up to 26 pounds. So even though she is not a big eater, she did gain a pound. Yesterday she ate lasagna, and today soup, so things are looking up! Even more exciting, she sleeps in her own bed for 11 hours and never wakes! A very sound sleeper! We are still dealing with poop issues...right now she is positive for C. Diff. and being dewormed and treated with some other meds (like Flagyl.) I sure hope these issues get resolved and don't end up hanging around forever. This week we are collecting stool samples and turning them into the state lab to see what else they find lurking in there.

She is attemping English but has a severe problem with pronunciation of most everything. For example, Mommy is "Nonny", Papa is "Tata", and shoe is "to", etc. There are some sounds she just can't make at all.

This past weekend, she and I flew to NY to visit Mike's mom and to attend a party for Avery. She did GREAT on the plane, no problems at all. She behaved just as well in NY and we escaped the weekend without a single meltdown or tantrum. I was shocked! :) She received so many nice things, and this girl has enough clothes to wear a new outfit everyday until next year! One of Granny's bestfriends made Avery a teddy bear out of Poppy's old shirt, so she'll always have him close even though she never got to meet him since he passed last June. She also got an embroidered blanket that says "Avery: A little lady from Haiti" So cute!

Overall, although she can be quite hyperactive, she is doing super. Way better than I ever imagined

That's the latest!

Best Friends

2010-02-28T13:36:00.000-08:00

Some of my best friends in the world gave us a shower today. It was amazing!! They always do it up right!!

Avery had a great time, only had one "mini" meltdown. Avery got a couple pairs of sandals, sneakers, cute dresses, lots of bedding and some toys! Brenda and Amy gave us a kids collection of Haitian music which is going to be great for her to listen to. We are so thankful for our friends, family and the generousity that so many people have shown us over the past month.

She continues to adjust wonderfully (with the exception of her eating issues.) We have resigned to letting her eat or not eat, and to stop stressing out about it so much. Today she has eaten well so I think there are good days and bad days. Overall, she is a super happy little girl and we are looking forward to our trip to NY on Friday!!!

Home One Month

2010-02-23T04:35:00.000-08:00

Things are going well for little Avery. She is enjoying her new home and playing with her big brother and cousins. She seems to be adapting well, but she is VERY attached to me. Literally she has to be touching me when I am nearby. She doesn't go near strangers and loves to cuddle only with us or her brothers which I guess are all good signs she is realizing who her immediate family is. Grandma has been a trooper watching her and my two nieces while I am working. I have been back to work FT since the day after she got here, so Grandma is a lifesaver! Since I couldn't dump my teaching responsibilities on my coworkers, I am planning on taking my FMLA for the fall semster. So if all goes as planned, I'll be home with Avery from May until next Jan 2011.

As far as her appetite, she is still only eating apple sauce, oatmeal, bread, peanut butter and yogurt. Hasn't really brancheed out in the food area at all. She will not drink milk (even chocolate milk.)

We have moved her into her own room on a twin bed. She stays put for about 11 hours which is nice! When she wakes, she stands in the doorway until we come get her. Usually she wakes around 715, but this morning it was 630. All in all we are not complaining for a second about how well she sleeps. Actually my five year old wakes me up many more times in the night than she does.

We are still working on "sharing" as right now if we take anything out of her hand, that turns into a temper tantrum. Although, it does seem to be getting shorter in duration! I think it will help greatly when she understands what we are saying. Right now I show her how to share and she looks at me like I have two heads. I tried to speak Creole to her, but she doesn't seem to understand that either. I haven't heard her say any words in Creole. She does attempt English, but it's not understandable. For example, the word CUP is "Da". Most everything sounds like Da. She does say "Mom" well. I am wondering at what point we should look into speech therapy if she doesn't pronounce most sounds. She does a lot of pointing, but not much speaking so far.

Hair... all I have been able to have her sit still for (barely) is little pig tails. And honestly, after we take her shirt on and off just once, her hair is all ratty looking. Haven't figured out how to make it last longer, or how to get her to sit for longer than 2 minutes.

Next weekend, she and I are flying to NY for a shower and to visit Granny (Mike's mom) and I think the boys are looking forward to some quiet time with Daddy. That is one thing my boys have noticed, the noise level has tripled since she arrived! But they also follow that up with they don't mind and they're getting used to it! They absolutely adore her! But, she sure is loud when she puts her mind to it!

So that's how we are doing so far. Sorry about the blurring cell phone photos! Haven't had time to upload the good ones from the real camera!

We are the World-Haiti

2010-02-13T12:58:00.000-08:00

Avery loves to watch this video and was shouting HAITI after it was over!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Glny4jSciVI

Struggling

2010-02-07T09:14:00.000-08:00

Any one else struggling with meal time?

I am shocked to find out how picky an eater Avery is. She will only eat about 4 foods. Rice/beans, yogurt (as long as there is no fruit in it), oatmeal, and veggie burgers. She won't even try most anything else. If I do "force" her to try anything else she spits it right out. This includes milk, cheese, ALL meats, ALL fruits, ALL vegetables, pasta, and eggs. She even spits out mashed potatoes.

Should I just keep feeding her those same 4 foods over and over? Keep reintroducing these others? Any ideas?

Hanging in there

2010-02-05T09:19:00.000-08:00

Well after a very busy week, we are still hanging in there. Avery is adjusting well, but I think I underestimated the discipline issues in a 2 1/2 year old who doesn't speak English who has spent her whole life in an orphanage.

Most the time she is mild mannered and sweet but when she doesn't get her own way, WATCH OUT. She will throw a temper tantrum and scream VERY LOUDLY. My boys HATE loud noises, so I can tell this upsets them when she does it. I tell her to stop and try to calm her down, but most the time this only makes the screaming louder. I am counting the days to when she can understand what I am saying and I can reason with her somewhat. Definitely takes A LOT of patience and persistance. If anyone has tips for these screaming fits in a 2 year old who doesn't understand what I am saying, I would appreciate it! :)

She is very attached to me which is good (I think) and not quite as attached to Mike or anyone else in the family. Hopefully with time, she'll feel more comfortable with them and won't have to be "my shadow" when I am around. I keep reminding myself it has only been 10 days since she got to our country so all of this will soon be in the past.

She did get her blood drawn (more screaming) and the only concern was elevated lead levels. Most all the kids at the O have elevated lead levels and these should come down over time. Not sure what exactly this will mean for her development/behavior, guess only time will tell. She had no other issues as far as labs were concerned except for the cooties growing in her intestines. She tested positive for C.Diff (bacteria) and some other protozoa thing so far. Her samples have also been passed on to the NC state lab for further testing. So far, we are treating with Flagyl and her poo issues are getting a lot better already.

She loves yogurt more than any food so far and also loves Morningstar Veggie Patties. She also enjoys flavored oatmeal each and every morning. She HATES cheese, chicken, meat, vegetables, and most fruits...hopefully her tastes will change over time so we can feed her more than 3 foods.

She also will not drink milk or soy milk. Thought for sure vanilla soy milk would go over well, but no luck.

So that's where we are at so far! Taking it one day at a time!

Thank you to EVERYONE who has sent money/clothes. It has really helped us greatly, especially with all the flights I had to cancel last week (airlines were NOT understanding at all.) We appreciate everything!!!

ONE WEEK

2010-02-01T03:38:00.000-08:00

Have a moment to post before the day begins...

Today marks one week since Avery joined our families and she fits us like a glove! We are so proud to be her parents and her brothers adore her as well!

All kids (and myself) are off from school today because of the snow (which is strange to us New Yorkers...it hasn't snowed since Saturday!) However, I have another consulting project at a race team I must go to for 1/2 the day today. Would have been awesome to just stay in all day...

Bless my mom who will be watching my nieces (10 months and 2) and my 3 kiddos. Snow days are the opposite of a day off for her.

Here's a photo of big brother Caden enjoying his new little sis!

One week tomorrow....

2010-01-31T16:46:00.000-08:00

Too busy to post tomorrow!

Can't believe she has been here one week already!!! Avery is totally out of her shell and tons of fun (and a handful.) But, for the most part she has an easy going personality and enjoys to just be in the company of her family. When she gets excited she is really really over the top with excitment. Sometimes she throws toys or hits and thinks it's funny. And when we tell her know she giggles. I don't think the orphanage staff told these kids no very often...or if they did, she sure didn't listen! And she has a second wind/wild streak in her every night between 5-8pm. It's like the witching hour in a newborn...she just goes crazy during those couple of hours.

She is already looking super healthy and is eating really well. Her favorite foods so far are oatmeal, veggie burgers and yogurt. She doesn't really like meat or cheese.

We did manage to get her blood drawn on Friday which went just about as well as getting her hair done today(SCREAMED the entire time.) She had a small infection on her head that has healed and her cold/cough are gone as well.

All in all she is looking and acting like a totally different little girl than just 1 week ago. Can't wait to see what the next week holds for Avery!

Avery's Journey

2010-01-28T18:49:00.000-08:00

The C-17 (or C-5?) that brought the kids over from Haiti.

Landed at 4:30 pm Jan 23, 2010 at the Sanford International Airport.

Close up of the tail of the jet. Already at hour 3 of waiting (plane was late)

Hour 5 of waiting:

First sign it was going to be a long day... we heard not all the kids made it on

the plane, but no one would tell us who. So a news crew had footage of kids

exiting the plane and we were all trying to figure out whose kids made it and

whose did not. So nerve wracking. Avery was taken off the plane in a wheel

chair (to save time) with her head buried under a blanket.

Hour 22:

This is when things turned from worse to ugly. This guy on the right

made the rest of our day a living nightmare. Parents/press asking

what his problem is. He worked for HHS (Health and Human

Services)

Hour 23-30: We meet with the jerk in the tie. He was making everything so

difficult it is hard to describe. He was trying to make up things as he went

but nothing he said made sense. And to parent who have been awake for

2 days straight, we were done with his antics. We got the Florida government

to come to our rescue and the result is next!

Hour 31: Finally they let parents back to the holding room to meet

their kids! First photo, Avery in the room where she was cared for

by the Red Cross.

Hour 31: She is happy to see Mommy!

Hour 34:

It's official....we can go back to the room and pick up our kids for good.

Notice I had been crying all day and had no sleep~ and my photo

reflects that! :)

Hour 34-37:

We wait and wait for immigration to get the paperwork in order. Not

sure what took so long...but at that point I was happy to wait.

Next day:

Charlotte airport...Mike's face in the background says it all.

Teddy bear from cousin Cammie!

Outside the aiport waiting to go! Cousins Harper, Campbell and Big Brothers

Preston and Caden

How she is doing so far...

2010-01-28T08:20:00.000-08:00

We are amazed at how well Avery is adjusting to life here in NC! I am almost afraid to type it in fear it might take a 360 degree turn after I do. But, we have had really NO major issues so far. She is still beyond terrified of the dog, but did manage to walk by the cat this morning without crying. She is sleeping pretty well and naps during the day. She will eat most anything we put in front of her, except meat. She absolutely loves to play with other kids and loves to play catch with daddy or her brothers.

The only thing we are concerned about right now is her speech, or lack thereof. But, from what I am understanding this is quite normal and will come over time. She will laugh and imitate noises, but we haven't really heard her say any real words for the most part. She was also deathly afraid of the doctor's office...screamed through xrays, etc. Can't imagine how vaccinations are going to get done.

We already turned in our "stool" collection kit (I won't elaborate on how I had to collect the sample) and dropped it off to the doctor. So we are awaiting news of what cooties are living in her belly. The wound or sore on her head is almost all gone already and so is her cold! She hasn't itched at all, so I am assuming she doesn't have scabies right now. She had them when I visitied in Haiti but it was so obvious she scratched herself non-stop.

Avery loves to look at books, comb her babydoll's hair with a plastic spoon (I know, we need to get her a baby brush) and wear sunglasses.

So that's where we are at right now. I am hoping she stays on this course and continues to be the happy little girl we are enjoying so much!

Hoping to post photos this weekend! From what I am hearing, we might actaully have some "Avery in her first snowfall" photos! :)

WE ARE HOME

2010-01-27T10:34:00.000-08:00

After about a 40 hour wait at the Sanford/Orlando Airport, I was finally united with Avery. It was the WORST (I can not emphasize WORST enough) couple days of my entire life. But it did luckily have a happy ending.

I'll post more about details later, but as you may have heard, some families were not as lucky. Some kids have been kept in Haiti and the border is closed. Some kids are in Refugee Camps in the US, and not home with their adoptive families as they should be. Please continue to not only pray for the return of these kids to their families but call congressmen, the state department, etc. to keep the pressure on to bring these kids home where they belong.

Much of the above problems are directly a result of UNICEF sticking these $0.02 into the situation. UNICEF, if you're not aware, is Anti-Adoption and one of the reasons adoptions from Haiti take so long in the first place. I didn't know this until we got into the process and I was education on UNICEF's views.

We are doing well at home and Avery is adjusting to her new surroundings. Here are a couple photos, until I can get a chance to download more.

Thank you all for your thoughts, prayers and support!!! It really got us through the disasterous weekend we had trying to gain her custody.

No Go for today either

2010-01-22T16:55:00.000-08:00

Word was tonight was the night. My senator even saw our orphanage listed on the flight plan for a flight out of PAP to Miami at 6:40p.

Morning started early with me canceling class again, so I could scurry around and get a money order, last minute paperwork notarized and pack a few last minute things. I checked email at least 500 times checking for instructions on whether to fly to Miami or another airport. I was 99% confident I would be on a plane by lunch time.

Around 2p, I grew impatient and thought about flying to Miami to make sure I was there in time to meet Avery at the gate. Glad I didn't.

Received an update around 5p. Said some kids are approved to leave Haiti, others are not. No word as to which group we are in. Also notified the approved kids will fly somewhere (no clue as to where) tonight.

We head to airport, so as soon as we know where the plane is going, we can get on the next flight out....

Got about 5 miles from home, checked my email from phone...receive a message with the subject line: NOT COMING NOW

Didn't even have to read the email to know what that meant. We turned the car around and now I am back home.

When will this chaos end. I know most of this is out of everyone's control, but this is really getting rediculous.

Anyway, it doesn't help that I am stressed out and tired.

So...as I said it yesterday (and the day before, and day before that...) Maybe tomorrow???

Tomorrow??

2010-01-21T19:11:00.000-08:00

A Difficult Day... A Race Against Time
Blocked roads, heat and missing paperwork complicate orphans departure

(Port-au-Prince, Haiti) Because of State Department procedural requirements, on the morning of January 21, 2010, 114 children left the Maison des Enfants de Dieu (Children of the House of God) orphanage for the U.S. Embassy. Of the 114 children, 111 were the orphans eligible for humanitarian parole to the United States and three were orphans who have Canadian/Argentinean adoptive parents and may also qualify for evacuation. Eighty-seven toddlers and children traveled in a bus and twenty-seven infants traveled in a van, accompanied by orphanage staff, representatives from the U.S. ministry, For His Glory Adoption Outreach (FHG), and members of the press. Dead bodies, debris and abandoned vehicles in the roads made movement very difficult. Temperatures inside the vehicles became extreme and began to make the younger children sick. After 2 hours of little progress, the difficult decision was made to return to the orphanage.

After returning the children to the orphanage, staff members returned to the U.S. Embassy and received permission to process the children's paperwork without the children being physically present. Humanitarian paroles for some of the orphans have been completed, however additional documentation was needed for others. The United States Customs and Immigration Service has pledged to work through the night with FHG staff to ensure that all required documentation will be available Friday in sufficient time to allow all 114 orphans to depart Haiti for the United States. Air Transportation from Haiti is being arranged for the evening of January 22, 2010.

Kim Harmon, President of FHG, stated she is "overwhelmed and amazed by the dedication and willingness of individuals within the U.S. Government to assist in meeting Friday's deadline." She continued to call for "everyone to pray, especially for the health of the children."

Press Release

2010-01-20T03:11:00.000-08:00

(Port-au-Prince, Haiti) On January 20, 2010, 133 orphans from the Maison des Enfants de Dieu (Children of the House of God) orphanage will begin the difficult process outlined by the U.S. Department of State for humanitarian parole and onward transportation to the United States. In accordance with instructions received from the State Department, as relayed by the Joint Council on International Children's Services (JCICS) at 8 p.m. today, orphans along with orphanage staff members have been instructed to arrive at the U.S. Embassy as early as possible on Wednesday morning. JCICS warned that no food, water or facilities would be available for the children while processing at the U.S. Embassy Port-au-Prince.

JCICS further relayed that orphanage requests to the U.S. Embassy for security and transportation for the children have been denied by the State Department. The U.S. ministry associated with this orphanage, For His Glory Adoption Outreach (FHG), was also asked to stop requesting security, transportation or even water at the orphanage location. Following discussions with staff and board members in Port-au-Prince, the difficult decision was made that all 133 children, including approximately 60 children under the age of 3, will begin early in the morning of January 20th to walk the over 2 kilometers to the U.S. Embassy Port-au-Prince. This decision was made due to the limited staff available and the increasingly dangerous security situation at the orphanage in Port-au-Prince. The staff will carry as much water, food and baby formula as possible with them for the orphans while processing at the U.S. Embassy. JCICS relayed that once processing is completed, the orphans will travel to the United States on "cargo jets to locations that are not often known until an hour or so before the flight leaves."

Kim Harmon, President of FHG, acknowledged that "this arrangement is far from ideal for the safety and well-being of the children. We are calling to all who care about these precious children to pray earnestly for their safety tomorrow."

I am so embarrassed by our Government

2010-01-19T18:04:00.001-08:00

UPDATE: Haiti

It is once again my job to be the barrier of bad news. Another day come and gone and no change. Despite extensive Congressional support and all of your calls to your Members of Congress we have hit roadblock after roadblock. At this point we respectfully ask that you stop contacting your Members of Congress requesting their assistance with obtaining security, transportation, and water for the location. The Department of State has not and apparently will not provide the small assistance that we have requested.

Given the current circumstances, at this point we are recommending that someone from each orphanage escort the children who qualify for humanitarian parole or adoption visas to the U.S. Embassy in Port-A-Prince. We recommend that the orphanage staff arrive with the children and any adoption paperwork that has not been destroyed as early as possible in the morning in order to attempt to obtain visas or parole for the children. Please understand that this option may not be considered safe and that the U.S. Embassy did not allow some orphanages onto the premises today. Additionally, please note that it has been reported that there is no food, water or facilities for the children to use while at the Embassy. As noted during our conference call earlier today, these are our recommendations only and should not be used to replace your or your orphanage director's good judgement.

It is our understanding that any children processed by USCIS in Port-A-Prince are leaving on U.S. cargo jets to locations that are not often know until a hour or so before the flight leaves. At times children have left Haiti without the knowledge of their adoptive parents.

This is currently the worst case scenario for the children's well-being and safety but at the moment there are no other options.

This is really getting rediculous...

2010-01-19T08:00:00.001-08:00

This is from the President of our orphanage at 11am Tuesday Jan 19th.

We need you all to act again on behalf of all our children. Currently, we have two families from Argentina and one from Canada adopting. Our governments are not cooperating and working together to get all our kids out, they are dragging their feet. We are going to start losing babies due to dehydration if we do not evacuate these children quickly to the U.S. and then process them here. We do not have time for a one by one assessment of the state of their adoption process and issuance of visas prior to evacuation.
Please, begin contacting your governors and continue to pressure your senators and congressmen to get a plan in place, quickly, to evacuate the children to the U.S. The Argentinean and Canadian Governments could then work with the U.S. to bring their children home from the U.S. Time is of the essence. This is not going to look good for the U.S., the State Department, the other world governments or the United Nations if our children, who survived the earthquake, begin to perish because the governments and agencies would not work together to quickly evacuate all the children in the orphanages.
This needs to be a united effort. PLEASE CALL YOUR GOVERNORS, SENATORS AND CONGRESSMEN AS SOON AS YOU RECEIVE THIS MESSAGE.
We have confirmed reports that Governor Ed Rendell form Pennsylvania went to Haiti and has brought back 54 children to Pennsylvania from an orphanage. If this can happen for them, it needs to happen for all the orphans that are suffering in orphanages with little supplies, starting to experience diarrhea and sicknesses due to the conditions.
PLEASE ACT NOW ON BEHALF OF OUR BABIES AND CHILDREN.

Thank you,
Kim Harmon,
President

Still waiting

2010-01-19T05:17:00.000-08:00

So the title of our blog is holding true today, unfortunately. We are still waiting for word on when the kids are being evacuated and where they will be flown to. There is a conference call today to explain to families what the Humanitarian Parole means, etc. I am not sure what else the call is about. I am not sure if the US has given official clearance for the kids to come to the US or not. I am confused and it seems a lot of people are as well. I see a few kids being brought to Pittsburgh and Florida on CNN but not sure if they are kids whose families that were farther along in the process than us or not. Avery's orphanage continues to be featured on CNN and Fox News all day but we have yet to catch a glimpse of our little girl.

Maybe I'll know something after the call at 10am. I teach at a University and I keep going back and forth with cancelling and "uncancelling" class since I don't know when anything is going to happen. My students probably think I have lost my mind with all the emails they have received in the past couple days....living in limbo makes it difficult to carry on with every day obligations!

We had the media here again last night, and the newspaper is calling at 9am. This is so exhausting. Woke up with a headache...wonder why!?

Logistics

2010-01-18T10:19:00.000-08:00

Seems like it's a matter of logistics, which is not at all surprising. Can't imagine the task at hand, getting over 100 orphans safely to the airport in a completely destructed city. We had trouble getting around on the roads when I was there last year. Can't even imagine this now...

For more, check out this blog about our Orphanage:

http://liveshots.blogs.foxnews.com/2010/01/17/the-house-of-gods-children/

Also, our orphanage will be on CNN again tonight, from 8-10pm.

Update from JSCIS

2010-01-18T08:57:00.000-08:00

UPDATE: Haiti

Things are developing very quickly so please understand that we will get information to you as quickly as possible. It is our understanding that some of the orphanages have sent children to the U.S. Embassy for possible processing of their immigration. You may see reports of this and other activity, such as children leaving Haiti in the press, please remember that this is an extremely fluid situation with little confirmed information available. Please note that hundreds of children outside the U.S. Embassy waiting to be processed could be a very unsafe situation. Throughout last night and into this morning we continue to meet with NGO's in U.S., NGO's on the ground in Haiti, and the U.S. government. All attempts are being made to establish humanitarian parole and to conduct that in a manner with provides safety to the children.

CALL CALL CALL

2010-01-18T08:24:00.000-08:00

We are SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO close now . The kids got have their visas...just need the final OK from Hilary. Please read the following:

URGENT! The children all have parole visas in hand. However, in addition to the parole visas, the Department of State must give clearance and that has not been done....(202) 647-9572 is the number listed for Hillary Clinton on the State Department's alphabetical phone list at http://www.state.gov/m/a/gps/directory/

Today is a holiday so not sure if that is possibly slowing down this final decision, but lets flood her office with calls!!!

THANK YOU!

Almost there!

2010-01-17T20:31:00.001-08:00

I NEVER would have imagined in my wildest dreams, that Avery would be home by this summer. I knew our paperwork was just chugging along, barely. But, now, in a matter of one maybe two days she will have a family to love her, hold her and care for her. This really feels like a dream because adopting from Haiti, is ALMOST IMPOSSIBLE. Many many people have questioned our decision to adopt from Haiti because of the painful process, to the point where at times I felt foolish for thinking she would ever come home.

But, we were patient. We didn't give up. We continued to have faith in our decision and believe in our hearts that she was meant to be with us.

And, now, in less than maybe 48 hours, I'll be picking up our daughter (not sure from where yet...minor detail we still need figured out) and bringing her home!

Again, our friends and family have been so wonderful we can't tell you what your support has meant to us. Adopting a child is not easy and we are going to need your continued support as Avery adapts to her new family and home.

If you don't believe in miracles, may be you will now...because I honestly can say that Avery coming home from Haiti is a miracle!

Getting ready

2010-01-17T07:28:00.000-08:00

Looks like Avery in the orange shirt.

We are gathering paperwork and submitting it to our Agency, as they are forwarding it on to the lawyers in Pittsburgh who will be adovating for our children's visas. It is still unclear how long this will take and when/how the children will be evacuated from Haiti.

Above are some photos from the orphanage. They are living outside for the most part in tents as the building is unsafe. We haven't received many updates since yesterday on whether or not they have been able to find water and more supplies.

Thank you to everyone who has been keeping our family and others in their thoughts and prayers. We all very much appreciate it and we are all hopeful that the children will be in the safety of their adoptive families within the next few days/week.

The latest...

2010-01-16T11:56:00.001-08:00

The latest from our Adoption Agency Director : A Pitsburgh Law Firm has been hired (by who I am not 100% sure) to help get the kids in the Orphanages "Humanitarian Parole" And, they are hopeful this will be the answer to getting them home!

Things continue to change here on an hour to hour basis. I am supposed to leave here in 45 minutes to have dinner at a friends and I am sure when I return things will have changed again!

I can't believe it is possible Avery could be home soon...dare I say days?? weeks?? We have NOTHING ready... I mean NOTHING! Before the earthquake, we were on track to have her home most likely 2011. Not next week!!! But all those things are so unimportant, we just want her here...whether we are at all ready or not!!!

She is 2, we have no 2 year old toys, no crib put together, no 2 year old winter clothes...time to get organized!!!! This is so exciting it doesn't seem real and to be honest, I am trying to assume she won't be here in days so I don't get my heart broken should that not happen.

Continuing to pray for the safety of the orphans.

Life Right now in Haiti

2010-01-16T10:24:00.001-08:00

To get just a glimpse of what life is like in Haiti today, visit the Livesay's Family Blog.

JCiCS Update

2010-01-16T10:17:00.000-08:00

Just receieved this email.....things are changing by the hour around here.

Humanitarian Parole
It is the position of Joint Council that the U.S. government should immediately grant humanitarian parole to all Haitian children being adopted by a U.S. family. At present, Joint Council is appealing with the U.S. government, specifically the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), to issue humanitarian paroles for any child that has been referred to an American family. If DHS issues humanitarian paroles, the children would not need a visa to enter the U.S. and be united with you. This would minimize the paperwork and possibly eliminate the need to find documents, which have been destroyed in the earthquake. Given the urgent needs of the children and the fact that they have you, we believe that humanitarian parole is the most humane solution. We will continue to work this weekend and into next week to achieve this goal. Again, please remember that at this time, we do not have confirmation from the Department of Homeland Security regarding humanitarian parole, but we are working towards that goal.

From our many, many meetings with Members of Congress, the Department of State and the Department of Homeland Security, we feel that you should know that your government is working very hard to find a solution which will help get your children into the safe, permanent and loving setting of your family.

Another update...Desperation is setting in.

2010-01-16T09:30:00.000-08:00

This is from a fellow adoptive parent, who was recently given this message...

The O needs prayers NOW!

Pierre is in DESPERATE NEED of CASH on hand. He cannot access the money through donations since banks are destroyed/closed.

O is either out of (or will be soon) of:
DRINKING WATER
FOOD
FORMULA
MEDICINES
CHARCOAL
IV FLUIDS
DIESEL

There is a sign out to alert the military helicopters that are flying over that it is an orphanage that needs help. Apparently the 82nd Airborne is not there.

1 nanny has died (we don't know know which one); another nanny has lost her own child (not at the orphanage).

They are working on getting paperwork together to identify each child and where they belong (possibly to whom they belong) in case of evacuation. There is no evacuation plan yet.

Please don't call Kim at this time (this isn't coming from Kim), but she is inundated and is trying to contact who she can.

Please pray!!! Pray for what they have to miraculously multiply supplies like Elisha and the oil!!! Pray God sends SOMEONE who can help!

I think the O is at #32 Delmas 31, Port-au-Prince.

The NEWEST UPDATE...not a rumor!

2010-01-15T15:38:00.000-08:00

Some families are getting VISAS for their children as I type this!!!!! Those familes have "Adoption Decrees" for their chidlren which is one of the last steps of Haiti adoptions. That is such great great news!!!! Those adoption decrees were already issued before the earthquake took place.

However, this leaves the majority of us out. After two years in the process, we weren't that far along. So we are still all praying, hoping, pleading for a solution that includes all matched families.

Stay tuned for more updates....

Rumors

2010-01-15T12:33:00.000-08:00

Found out that most the info from my last post was rumors...there was not a State Meeting at 10am today and there have been no visas issued for any Orphanages as of yet.

Makes you wonder who is starting these rumors, ugh.

We did find out that Kiki, who processes the adoption paperwork at our orphanage was found alive. So that was obviously very welcoming news. Everyone was starting to fear for his life after we hadn't heard of his whereabouts in a few days.

If anything new comes about, I am going to be very careful in posting without first verifying its accuracy. Still waiting to hear an update on how Haitian adoptions will be handled. Hopefully we'll know something soon....

On the brink of a miracle

2010-01-14T21:02:00.001-08:00

I have been on email and facebook ALL NIGHT! I can't sleep.

There are so many messages, stories, and signs that a miracle is going to happen for the children of Haiti...some have already started! Every adoptive parent I know has been writing, emailing, getting inviewed on the news, to spread the need for the kids to come home. They'll be safe here and there will be so many more (so unfortunate) orphans that will need a place to stay.

We have gotten word that an ENTIRE orphange has permission to fly their kids to the US, they are just working out the logistics. Not our orphanage, but still....so exciting.

Another family got visas for their four Haitian children and the kids will travel to US tomorrow with a mission group that was already in Haiti. Amazing!

The thought that maybe, just maybe our little girl (and many many others) "might" be home soon is really unbelievable. I am trying not to get my hopes up but it sure is hard not to dream of the possibilities after hear of these two stories tonight!

Can't wait to see what news we hear tomorrow!! We are more than ready (well, we need to buy a few things...like a matress for her bed!) for our little girl to come home!!!! PLEASE!!!!!

No words

2010-01-12T15:55:00.001-08:00

My head is spinning thinking about what the people of Haiti must be going through as I type this. It is night time there now, no power, aftershocks, people screaming, kids crying, hospital collapsed, roads are not passable. No words to describe our concern for the entire situation.

There are several of us scheduled to travel there in 10 days or so. I can't imagine our Avery going through this without parents there to console her. I can't imagine us being there, and what worry that would have caused our children here back in the US.

The only news we have so far is a nanny has been injured and the director sustained an eye injury. The building has been damaged, and I am not sure kids can even get back in their rooms. It has to be pure choas.

Please keep all the millions of people affected by this earthquake in your thoughts and prayers. Thank you.

The Good and the Bad

2010-01-11T03:14:00.000-08:00

The Good: Our file has entered Parquet, which I didn't think was possible until AFTER we go to Haiti to sign the notebook. So although it's again, just one small step of many, we are elated to have our file moving forward.

The Bad: I got this off the GLA web site. This will sort of explain why adoptions take so long in Haiti. There are so many steps, I honestly don't even understand them all, and I really don't attempt to try to!

"In IBESR we need 4 signatures before the dossier is finished. In Parquet, we need signatures from different people BEFORE the dossier enters Parquet , a signature from the lawyer in charge of adoptions, and then a stamp after Parquet. In the civil courts, the head judge for adoptions must sign, the greffier must sign, the judge must sign again to legalize the signature of the greffier, and then the Parquet legalization department must sign. Now if the legalization department finds errors in wording, such as MANDATAIRE (Power of Attorney), on the document which was supposed to be removed, they send it back to the court clerk for correction. In Attestation, a clerk must type the form, another clerk must check the signature against the one on file, and then only the director of Archives can sign that the signature is a good one. For MOI, the dossiers must travel through 2 different offices and all of the documents are studied before it is signed. In Immigration, we turn the dossier into the receiving office, from their it goes to many different sections before it is returned to us as a passport! i believe there is 5 different offices that touch the dossier before it is given to us as a passport!

This does not take into consideration the Justice and Foreign Affaires offices that legalize all of the paperwork! We lose more paperwork in the Justice Legalization department than any where else in the system! We then have to ask the judge to remake paperwork that they have lost! When we turn paperwork into Legalization, it is no longer attached to the dossier but has to be taken out and individual papers given to Legalization."

MAKE SENSE???? Didn't think so! :)

2010

2010-01-04T12:14:00.000-08:00

We are welcoming 2010 with open arms! Hoping this will be a year full of great things. Will this be the year Avery comes home? Only time will tell! It is very unlikely, but for the first time I truly believe it "could" be a possibility. We'll get a much better idea of that possibility once we see how long we "hang out " in Parquet, where our file is now (I think?)

To help keep the process moving in the right direction we are heading to Haiti in exactly 20 days to sign the notebook before the judge and visit a little with our daughter whom I haven't seen in over a year and Mike has never met. It is an exciting time but I must admit I have mixed feelings knowing how difficult it is to hand her back over to the Orphanage staff once again. I know I'll be shocked at how much she has grown over the past year.

Also, I must say the past couple weeks went by way to fast. Kids are back to school already and we are slowly putting all the Christmas decorations back in the attic. We had a nice Christmas, low-key and relaxed. Granny (Mike's mom) came to visit for a week from NY and the kids had fun keeping her entertained.

We found time to see the movie "Princess and the Frog" which the boys liked (didn't love it...too girly I think.) We also painted pottery at Meg-Art and visited a nearby science museum. Most importantly, we discovered the game of Balderdash. Seriously, it is the most fun I have had in a while. If you haven't played, it's will keep you entertained for hours on end. Says ages 12 and up but Caden (8) played it just fine and loved it! I am amazed this game remained unknown to me for so long!

Here's to a very Happy New Year to everyone!

Starting over...AGAIN

2009-12-13T13:23:00.001-08:00

For the third year in a row, I have managed to do something I have said each year I wouldn't never do again. I swore this year, I would not do it. But I have.

I have officially not worked out since summer and now I am starting over....AGAIN. UGHHHH! Once classes start back, it's like I am running in circles (well, I need to be running in circles) and I can't seem to stay on my workout routine what-so-ever. This is how the last three years have played out...

End of summer: Clothes are starting to fit, sort of, and I am feeling in pretty good shape. I even did a triathlon just 3 short months ago and now I couldn't even finish.

Fall: Classes start, I hit the couch permanently and grade papers each night. If I am not grading I am to exhausted to do anything but sit, like a big couch potato.

Winter: Clothes tight, or don't fit. Feeling like a big, huge slug. Tired, BLAH!

Spring: Start to work out here and there...feeling the pressure of swim suit season upon me.

Summer: Crank the workouts into full force, and workout every day. I even joined the masters swim team, which I have not attended since August.

Fall: Classes start...the laziness begins again.

So, why I am writing about this?! Well, maybe if I put this out there on my blog, I'll stick to some sort of workout routine. Can someone out there in blog world hold me accountable? PLEASE??? I have a wardrobe of clothes that have been hanging in my closet that want to be worn!

So, instead of starting at the New Year, I am going to start today. I am going to workout everyday if it kills me. I feel sooooo much better after I exercise, so why is it so darn hard to find the time? No more excuses...and as Tiger says "Just do it"
Well...he did...but let's not go there.

Video from Kathy's Trip to Haiti

2009-12-08T11:40:00.000-08:00

Our little Avery isn't so little anymore. She is now running across the room! Last time I saw her (one year ago) she could barely sit up on her own! You can see her run into the video with pink pants and a white t-shirt (that is hanging off her shoulder.) Can't wait to see those little feet in action next month when we make our trip to visit her!

My Handsome Fellas

2009-12-06T08:33:00.000-08:00

Aren't they a good lookin' crew? Last night we headed out to the Snowland Holiday Party at the Great Wolf Lodge. What an AMAZING place. It felt a lot like Disney, which is strange given the fact its only 20 minutes from our house. The water park is like no other indoor water park we have every seen. There are plenty of water slides, a huge wave pool and little jet skis kids can ride on. We didn't get to use the water park last night, but we will be in a couple weeks when we go on a "mini vacation" to the lodge for Preston's 5th Birthday. We'll be staying 2 nights, and the kids will be sleeping in camping bunks/tents with their own TV! They are super excited! They can wear pajamas or their swim suit for 2 days straight, so they'll be in their glory. The best part is to use most the water slides kids have to be 48" tall and FINALLY Caden meets the requirement! He was thrilled to learn he won't have to sit out for height reasons for once! :)

Hopefully our next stay will go a little better than last night did. We sat down for the buffet and Caden's blood sugar was 554 (shouldn't be over 150.) Then we noticed insulin was leaking out of his pump and there was a hole in his tubing. But we had already sat to down to eat, and poor kid only got to eat protein. No pasta, no bread, no dessert. Talk about a tricky situation with a huge buffet of food staring him right in the face. He handled it well and we stayed just long enough for the boys to sit on Santa's lap and experience the fake snow (soap bubbles) that fell from the ceiling. After that, we had to high-tail it out of there before Caden got sick. By the time we got home, he was not feeling too well, so I am glad we left when we did. When we go back next time, we'll be sure to bring all his supplies with us!