Lots going on....

Morgan's horseback riding instructor was hurt during a fall off her horse last week, so lessons were cancelled for this week.  She is doing okay, just really sore with 32 stitches in her leg.  On Monday we headed out to the barn so Morgan could get some riding in but that meant me and the kids had to hang out there while she rode.  They always have a good time out there so it wasn't too bad.

After bathing the dog outside the other day the kids had fun splashing in the puddles!

Lily goes to the orthodontist on Thursday to see if there is anything he can do at this point with her teeth.  Liam will be admitted to the hospital next Wednesday so that they can get him cleaned out for his biopsy on his colon.  Hoping to only be there one night.

On a positive note, the ministry that I am honored to be co-founder of  (www.oaksofrighteousness.info) is putting on our first women's retreat this weekend.  I am looking forward to seeing what God is going to do and the way He is going to move this weekend.  Expecting great things!!!

First Haircut & Carousel Ride

Liam had his first haircut on Thursday.  He sat so patiently and still.  Unlike any of my other children.  Lily meanwhile was bouncing off the walls. 
Before:

 After:

After the haircut I had to take a trip to the mall to pick up some Easter goodies.  The little ones were so cooperative that they totally deserved a carousel ride!  Lily absolutely loves the carousel and I usually have to try to avoid that area while in the mall, but today was an exception.  Liam was digging it as well.  Both pictures of Lily are blurred because she doesn't sit still for a minute, but they show so much joy that I just had to share.

Update on Liam & Lily

First Lily:Lily had a follow up appointment with her surgeon on Tuesday and after 4 months of tubes in her nose, they are GONE!!!  Yes, we are rejoicing in this house!  However, on the flipside, I thought we were done with doctors for a year, but that is not the case.  Lily will follow up with her orthodontist next Thursday to see if there is anything that he needs to do now.
And for Liam:
Liam had is barium enema today.  He did fabulous going in and coming out.  He was put under for this procedure but he did really great with the anesthesia.  They took him back around 9 and we left by 10:45, so it wasn't too bad.  The radiologist came in and talked with us after he was done.  Unfortunately, he was not able to see where the dialation was.  There are several things that can cause this.  So, I left not knowing anything more than I did going in.  He will send the results to Liam's GI doctor and she will be in contact with us as to the next step to take.  They may want to do a biopsy to confirm the results found in China or they may want to do another test where we will have to empty the colon first.  Here are some pictures from the hospital before Liam went back.  He was feeling pretty good by then.

Liam's Birthday Party

Sunday was an exciting day for us.  We celebrated Liam's 2nd birthday with family and friends by our side.  He is such an amazing little boy with such a sweet spirit about him.  Mischevious, yes...strong willed, most definately... but oh such a sweet heart.  I am learning so much more about him each day.  Happy Birthday Liam....I love you so much!

Spring has Sprung!

We had beautiful weather yesterday with temperatures close to 80 degrees.  I can't believe the mild winter we have had and with temperatures like this in early March it is just so weird.  I am not complaining by any stretch.  I love getting outside with the kiddos!  Suppose to have more of the same for the next few days!!

Poems - Just had to share!

To my sweetest Lily and Liam:

“I didn’t give you the gift of life,
But in my heart I know.
The love I feel is deep and real,
As if it had been so.
For us to have each other
Is like a dream come true.
No, I didn’t give you the gift of life,
Life gave me the gift of you”
--Unknown

And................

 

Legacy of an adopted child

Once there were two women who never knew each other
One you do not remember, the other you call mother.

... Two different lives shaped to make yours one
One became your guiding star, the other became your sun.

The first gave you life, the second taught you to live it
The first gave you a need for Love, the second was there to give it.

One gave you a nationality, the other gave you a name
One gave you the seed for talent, the other gave you an aim.
One gave you emotions, the other calmed your fears
One saw your first smile, the other dried your tears.

One made a plan, it was all that she could do
The other prayed for a child and was led straight to you.

Now which of these two women, are you the product of?
Both, my darling, both, just two different kinds of love.

Update on Liam

We had Liam's urology appointment on Wednesday to check the condition of his kidneys.  Liam had surgery in China in August of 2010 to repair an obstruction in the ureter.  Upon our visit to the urologist we found out that one, the surgery they did was great and two although there was some damage to the right kidney, it is functioning properly and looks good.  He should not have any issues with his kidneys in his lifetime. 
Today we made our way to the GI doctor to find out what is going on with Liam's colon.  According to the pathology report that was done in China, Liam was diagnosed with Hirschsprung's Disease.  We will have a barium enema done on the 21st to see how much of his colon is affected.  With hirschsprung's disease there is part of the intestine that is missing ganglion cysts which help the intestines push out the stool.  Without these ganglion cysts, the intestine is unable to properly move stool through the body and therefore causes a backup and constipation.  Liam does have what I would consider normal bowel movements and does not appear to be constipated, so we are hoping that he has a very mild case.  Regardless, he will have to have surgery to repair the part of the colon that is not functioning properly. 
I have to say that after the doctor's appointment on Wednesday I thought we would not have surgery in our future for our little guy.  His kidneys were really my biggest concern.  It breaks my heart to have another one of my children have to have surgery, but I know it is what is best for him.  I know that God has him covered and He already knows the outcome, so I will rest in that and hold onto His promises.  Please keep us in your prayers on the 21st and that we get some positive results.

March 4th.....

Came and went like most days, but this day was special to me because it was my BIRTHDAY! I celebrated with dinner out with my girls, Kim, Ashton, & Elizabeth on Friday night. And once again we brought my big day in with sushi at my very favorite place Nikko in Charlotte. 

Today, my sister and mom took me to lunch for my birthday.  And once again it was at our favorite Tuesday lunch spot, Asian Cafe.  My sister and I always take our little ones there after gymnastics class on Tuesdays.  Today was Olivia's first class and Liam's second class.  They did so well!!!  It is entertaining just watching my sister and I juggle our kiddos. 

And finally on Friday night Fred and I will hit the town, or should I say grab some dinner, in the final celebration for my birthday!  I can't think of a better way to say farewell to 42 then spending it with my hubby!

The Moment We Have All Been Waiting For....

Well the moment I have been waiting for at least.  It has been a long two weeks without my sister and best friend.  However I knew the moment she arrived home would be priceless!

I can't even explain to you the emotion that comes over you when your sister returns from China (without you this time) with her 5 year old daughter that she has only known for 2 short weeks.  I can't say enough about her.  She is beautiful, sweet and has a smile that will melt your heart. 

I can't wait to get to know you Miss Olivia.  I promise to love you, help your mommy and daddy raise you up to love God with all your heart and spoil you rotten.  I can say it was much to my surprise when she let me and Morgan hold her.  I took in every minute of it!

And I can't post about all of this without saying how much we missed our little spitfire Grace.  Lily missed her little sidekick and I think she was happy to be home too!

So, welcome home Olivia....welcome home!  We love you so.