Much to Celebrate.....
This past week has brought so much joy to our family. Joel has had several days off work, our kids have been healthy, our Christmas presents were bought, wrapped and enjoyed by all, we spent lots of time with our families, eaten LOTS of yummy food (too much, if you know what I mean), and had lots of down time as a family of 4. Our first Christmas with Naomi has been so much fun. She has really enjoyed, well to be honest, the wrapping paper....that's right. I wish we could say she has loved all her presents but really, the wrapping has kept her more happy....but to watch her and Nate on Christmas morning was a lot of fun. Though we both had cameras in front of us (me - digital, Joel - video), it brought back the kids in us....seeing their happiness.
As we look forward to the new year, 2009 (cannot believe I am typing those numbers, where have the years gone?) we are praising the Lord for all HE did for is in 2008 and giving HIM glory for all HE will do in 2009. Jan 1 of 2008 we had no idea Naomi would be home by the end of the year. What a great gift and perfect timing!! We are very thankful and count our blessings.
We are starting a prayer basket and if there is a way we can pray for you and your family in 2009, please let us know and we will add you to the basket.
Happy New Year!!!
Merry Christmas!!!
To see our pictures, go to:
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=47038&l=8e371&id=605614827
May Jesus be more real and alive to you today than ever before........
Merry Christmas!!!!
Nate
Having some fun before bedtime tonight!!!
Today I took Naomi down to Kosair Hospital for some testing our pediatrician ordered. Since Naomi is an international adoptee, there are a battery of tests that they have done to make sure she is healthy. They took 6 viles of blood, which is the maximum her weight could handle. They almost opted to bring her back in a few days to finish because of the amount needed, but they decided one visit was OK. And, after having to hold her down for what felt like forever while they took it, I am glad they made that decision. They also did a few other tests, and we will get the results in a week or so. We assume she is healthy and don't anticipate for any of the tests to come back negative. While we were there, I saw several children (not as many as I expected, but today is yucky weather here in Louisville) and really became humble and grateful for how healthy my 2 are. Some of these parents have to visit the hospital often with their sick little ones. Another gift I am thankful for as we celebrate our Jesus this Christmas.
Looking forward to Thursday as we get to go to Nate's preschool and see him (and his cousin Noah) in a Christmas Program!!! He has been practicing...which you can hear if you call and get our answering machine.
Have a blessed day!!!
Heart Cath Update
We heard from Naomi's cardiologist today and he has opted to wait on her heart cath/balloon procedure. The plan is to have another Ecocardiogram done in February and then compare those results to the one done in November (when we got home). Also, this procedure is inpatient and the doctor mentioned concern over placing her in the hospital during flu season.....so we are thankful and counting our blessings that, for now, we can continue to bond and let her thrive as she is now.
We had a 12 month well check up yesterday and Naomi, despite not liking any part of it, endured....she is in the 50% across the board in height, weight and head size. Her physical stamina and abilites are delayed but we are opting to give her another month or so before we seek any intervention (physical and speech therapy). She is thriving everyday right now. It is amazing to see the difference a month can make in the life of a little girl. Her ears still have fluid in them but she has another 4 days of antibiotic so we are hopeful they are clearing up and on their way to healing!! She seems to be feeling better. She also got 4 shots!!! Bless her heart.....she was a trooper. Glad that visit is over, for her and me.
Nate is doing great!! He is settling into the big brother roll very well. He has another week and a half of school, then a Christmas break! We register him for kindergarten in January!!! Where has the time gone?? We think we have decided on public school. There is a wonderful school only 2 blocks from our house and we feel very comfortable sending him there. So, unless the Lord intervenes by closing that door, we plan to register him there.
Christmas is only 15 days away!!!! WOW....and boy do I (santa) have a lot to do!!! So looking forward to watching our kids enjoy the celebration of the birth of Jesus!
2 Weeks home....
We have been home 2 weeks now and all seem to be feeling back to normal for the most part. Jet lag is now behind us and sleep has returned!! WOW, what a difference a good night's sleep can make.....I underestimated the effect this trip and adding Naomi to the family would have on Nate. He has had the hardest time of any of us adjusting to the time change and having a little sister. We are so proud of him for enduring such a trip and know this season will last only a short while. He loves and adores Naomi, in fact, he loves to show her off at school when I pick him up. Our little guy has not had to share us with anyone and now he shares us with his precious sister. We are planning a date day with him on Saturday, to spend special time with him...movies, rock climbing, you name it.
Naomi has not been feeling too well these past 3 or 4 days so we took her into our (wonderful) pediatrician and he diagnosed her with an ear infection, so she is now on antibiotics and Motrin and slept 11 hours straight lastnight!!!! Today she still seems like she does not feel all that well, but we need to give the medicine a few days to start working.
Joel has gone back to work, actually this is his 2nd week back. I must say I miss him dearly at home! Having him all to ourselves for 2 weeks was so nice, and now I am on my own....we look forward to 5pm everyday!!
I am doing well...a little sleep deprived and, at times, more stressed than I want to admit, but it is getting less each day and the sleep will come again soon. We are so blessed!!! Naomi is happy and outgoing and affectionate and adjusts quickly and loves US....Praise Jesus for answered prayers. So many of you have and are praying for us and we are so grateful!!!
These pictures I took today, on a whim. I gave Naomi a sucker, cause I felt bad for her being sick. She was the happiest little girl!! I could not resist grabbing the camera.
