I’m still alive:). Hey guys!!! I’m still here…I’m just slowin’ down a bit as this season is already busy enough!!! We laid low for the rest of the week last week–and as of Friday we are seeing an attachment counselor What IS attachment counseling you ask??? An attachment counselor helps you see areas you can help your child develop a more secure emotional attachment to caregivers/parents. Through healthy attachment there is greater healing on psychological, emotional, and behavioral levels that often develop as a result of the parent-child disruption and/or early trauma. In case you are wondering–we are not seeing in BIG issues–but it is inevitable that EVERY adopted family who brings home a child that is not a newborn will see different behaviors that are due to attachment or rather detachment. We want to be pro-active and make sure we are doing everything we can to help encourage healthy attachment.
For us…right now–that means lots of holding…responding quickly to every cry…lots of reassuring where we see fears…speaking truth constantly into our little one (We love you…We are here…God loves you)…co-sleeping when the dark is too scarey…mommy and daddy being the ones to meet needs consistently…lots of hugs and kisses…and even lots of down time (during this season–yikes…but we’re determined:) I’ll update here and there tidbits of what we are learning–but the exciting thing for you 225 mommies coming the retreat is our attachment counselor will be there to answer your questions and offer strategies, ideas and advice during Attachment 101. It’s wild when you learn what happens chemically in the brain during change–but it’s also so HOPEFUL and AMAZING to know and learn how LOVE HEALS!!!
And remember–it’s NEVER too late…and God is ABLE to do all things!!! He who calls you will equip you!!!
Hope you all have a fun weekend…we have some really funny pictures to share from ours later!!!
oh, this post brought tears to my eyes. I want to be there. My heart longs to have those experiences one day. I think the picture at the bottom is what put me over the edge. I LOVE it. I want my own. 🙂
How did you find an attachment counselor? Do you know if they would be able to recommend one in my area? We brought home 5 month old twin girls and we notice a lot more fears/insecurities in one of our daughters. We are trying to be really proactive, but after 8 months home, we sometimes notice huge steps back…
Blessings,
Amy G. http://www.jonandamyg.blogspot.com
Much of my being tired and needing to slow down is due to the fact we grew our family this year through adoption and we have added LOTS of extras to our plate. But lemme tell ya this. It. Is. Worth. It. Imagine this. Me and Isaac…we slow-danced today…just me and my little guy to this today…
As we danced and I looked at him…as he giggled and giggled…and giggled some more…I thought about that plane ride with Richard. How badly I wanted my husband to say YES–but I knew I had to trust my husband and follow his lead…but OH how my heart wanted to say yes—yes to the list of unknowns…yes to our agency saying “he is 8 months and can barely lift his head…but he smiles”…say yes because I knew in my heart that this baby deserved a mommy who would fight for him. Well—we have fought this year…and now we dance. And he giggles…and giggles…and giggles. And–the hard parts…the tired parts…the oh-my-gosh-can-we-do-this-parts…YES–they are all worth it.
May the leaps of faith you take trusting the Lord in the big and in the small result in moments like these…where you sit back, shake your head…wipe away a tear realizing how good God’s plans really are! And then–may you also dance. Off to bed folks…this momma thinks she’s hanging up her hat to the days of being a night owl. Need to be rested for my bunch. Love to you all! And watch that first video again–and praise God for every face you see!!! These are the faces of 2010–children who are NO LONGER orphans…but dearly loved children…children with mommies and daddies who love them, who fight for them, who make them giggle…and of course…dance with them. Oh how good it is to be a mom to one of those! Praying for ALL of you mommas who are bringing home the ONE LESS faces of 2011!!! IT’S WORTH THE RIDE FRIENDS…hang tight…and you’ll be dancing before you know it!
LOVE this, Andrea! I so needed this encouragement tonight as we begin this journey in 2011! I am trusting that maybe this time next year we will be dancing with our little girl, and she will be ONE LESS! Love you, my sweet friend!
Loved seeing your pic in the video 🙂
Also…..this passed week in Sunday School we talked about Faith being sure of what you believe!!! It is something you are sure of because you have studied God’s Word, you have that relationship, and you KNOW IT TO BE TRUE!!!! Love this 🙂
I have watched that video so many times. I love it and can’t wait until our daughter’s face is among the many adorable ones who are no longer orphans. Thank you for reminding me that it will be worth it. Today was just one of those days, where I needed a reminder.
Hey! I found your blog through a friend a few weeks ago and I keep coming back. I love your heart for the Lord and your children. I am in tears watching that video and am also that wife who would love for her husband to say yes! Thanks for allowing us all a glimpse into your life.
Lest you think I’m the energizer bunny and never run out of energy–I finally did…today. And it’s such a good reminder for me to slow down during this busy season. Christmas is my favorite season, but if I’m not careful I turn into party mom, taxi mom, craft mom, and even burned out mom. Some times I have to step back and remind myself that I have 4 kids ages 6 and under–and it’s okay to feel tired. I woke up this morning at 4am to Isaac needing some Tylenol from the day before–and I realized I had officially hit a wall…going almost 5 months on little sleep and so many added things to our plates that we never planned for. So, I had to hand our littlest guy to Richard this morning and my fatigue had made me physically sick. I spent today in the bed (when I wasn’t hugging the toilet) and I’m not sure if I picked up a virus at the hospital OR if it was just 5 months of over doing it…but really not having much of a choice as when little ones need care–it’s us mommies who are there to provide it.
So…this morning–Richard cancelled his travel plans to make a presentation out of state for work, Isaac skipped physical therapy, and mommy hibernated sleeping the day away catching up for the last 5 months. I’m feeling like I want to go back into the cocoon we were in for the first few months we were home. Richard and I were just talking last night how there is no way to really prepare for the needs a new one brings to your plates–and we know a year from now, things will be much different and even easier. I’ve never been more thankful for the support system we have in friends and family!
We’ve made the official decision that some how, we just have to slow down. (Not easy for this momma!) BUT much needed. Please keep us in your prayers as we continue to pour into our little ones and our new ones needs–and that the Lord will give us rest and strength. So…here’s to hoping for more days and nights with less hustle and bustle and coming up with more things to do…and more nights of just sitting together, resting and enjoying family and friends.
Okay…so laughing at how we are tracking together! I just hit a wall last week! Things were busy and Abby was doing so much better and I found myself getting back into the “norm” and what I normally could do. However, I kept dropping the ball on things. It started piling up and then I melted! Realized that the Lord was calling me to just “be” in this season and slow down again. My boys have picked up so many things going to school this year and it has been one illness after another (yes fishing the retainer out of the toilet when Sam unexpectedly got sick was my BREAKING POINT..GROSS!). Okay…so back into a semi-cacoon we go too!!! 🙂 Jenny
Awwwh, 🙁 feel better soon … I know, I was there this time last week; I feel your pain. Rest up!
Tiffini -December 9, 2010 - 7:34 am
I gotta tell you that I’m relieved to hear you are slowing down. I know that is definitely from the Lord. You concern me, girl, with all that you do! You are such a blessing to so many, don’t get me wrong. But there is a time for rest.
I hit the wall a few weeks ago and I got sick two weeks in a row – sick like I could not get out of bed. That never happens to me! God will force us to rest when we don’t do it ourselves. Get better, rest, and enjoy your family, my friend.
I am always so amazed by all you do but am glad to know you are indeed human. (I always wonder how you do it all). Praying for rest and peace for you. Enjoy your breather.
From one mom that like sot “go go go” to another…take the time you need to rest up. All the activity will be there waiting for you when/if you want to pick it back up later. Some people need motivation to get going and some need motivation to take a break…thinking God knew you needed a little R&R (too bad it was spent in the bathroom!!) Praying for a quick recovery and slow week!
oh andrea…i’m so sorry and so glad your hubby is staying home so you can catch up on some rest! Last night I was praying for strength too b/c Isaac is still waking up twice every night to eat and its starting to wear on me with getting little sleep but thankfully he gave mommy a good nap this morning! I cannot imagine how you do it with four but I long for the day when Isaac (my isaac) might have little brothers and sisters running around with him too! :0)
Sandi H. -December 9, 2010 - 10:48 am
Last night we saw a Children’s Christmas play & a little girl with Down’s syndrome stole the entire show. She played one of the shepherds & every time the kids sang she would run to the front of the stage, throw her hands up, raise her face to the sky, and sing her heart out. Her face literally glowed with pure JOY! Though she didn’t get all of the words right, & sang out of tune at the top of her voice, it was breathtaking! As I watched this little angel, holding my 5 yr old & 6 yr old boys on my lap with tears streaming down my face, I was thanking God. It was an amazing reminder that it really is all about HIM. We decided to lighten our calendar & put the focus on worshiping God with that same joy. We will be praying for some rest, peace, & JOY for you all!
Isaac not only did great before, during and after surgery today–but he was also a hit at the hospital. Hopefully, this will put an end to his repeat UTIs—and he will just be all smiles…not that he isn’t all smiles anyway. Here is our big man before going back…(daddy is spotting him here just before he and Frankie baby scooted away…)
One of the nurses looked at me and said, “I just want to put him on a piece of bread and gobble him right up!” Well, that’s not one I’ve heard before–but I’ll agree with her. He is just scrumptious! After surgery, I met Richard to exchange baby Frank who he was keeping at his office for me (I’m sure he got a lot of work done this morning with Frankie-baby’s help!). Frank got in the car, looked at Isaac and started whimpering like HE was hurt. He put one hand over toward Isaac and teared up. I assured Frank that his Isaac was okay and not to worry one bit. That kid is so funny because next I said, “Oh Frankie, don’t cry—can momma get Frankie baby something?” He gave me his serious look and shook his head and said, “DOUGH NAUGH!” The little rascal! Trying to take advantage of baby brother’s recovery by asking for a doughnut. Well, it worked. We had doughnuts on the way home…and then nap-time. Which this momma very much needed!
Thank you guys for praying for our little man! Now…off to address our Christmas cards—is it just me or is anyone else with lots of little ones having the hardest time making time to sit down and do that?! I’m so thankful to send this year’s card out—it just feels so complete this year!!! Love to you all and hope you all have a wonderful day. Stay warm!!!
love what the lady at the hospital said…how cute! I totally get ya when you said how it feels “complete” this year with the christmas card…i feel the same! :0)
What a great big brother Isaac has in Frank. A blessing they are so close in age and will have this bond that no one else will have with either one – seems like it will be that way. =) Happy nap time. Thankful for a good surgery.
So happy to hear he did so well! I was praying for him in the wee hours of the morning when I was up with a sick one. Hope you got to enjoy some quiet, down time.
So happy to hear that all went well! Don’t worry, Jeff and I don’t have children (yet!) and we are struggling to get our Christmas cards done too! Ha! Here’s to no more UTIs!
I am back from a mission trip to Cambodia. Feeling blessed and broken … not to mention very behind in the land of blog!
Love & Blessings from Hong Kong,
Kim
FIRST and most important…guess who made ANOTHER milestone?! Our little man!!! He has been home 5 months. We arrived back in the U.S. on July 2nd–5 months ago and he was 11 months old. In FIVE (5!) months, Isaac has learned to sit independently, eat babyfoods (he couldn’t do textures or any solids when we brought him home), eat fingerfoods, CRAWL!!!, say: mama, dada, bird (isn’t that funny that those are his words…BIRD of all things…but you all know how I feel about birds!), and LAST week he did this for the FIRST time!! He is a rockstar now at his NEW milestone and we are SO PROUD!!! AT 16 months old…he can…(drum roll please!!!)
Isn’t he getting so strong!! (excuse the diaper…I had been trying to catch this on film for days and I got it…so there ya go!) AND he is making the “s” sound, “t” sounds and “l” sound!!! AND he works on the Vtech computer:). He is a GENIOUS!!!! (On a serious, mommy brag note–our pediatrician really does think he is SUCH a bright little man–and I agree!!! He has this momma ALL figured out too…he knows if he cries out an any hour–he has a momma with a weakness who will come running to his bedside–and usually plop him right beside her at night!) There isn’t a day that I am not SO humbled and thankful that GOD WOULD CHOOSE US to raise yet another one of His precious children.
Please say a prayer on Tuesday at 9am (EST) as Isaac goes under anesthesia for a minor surgery with our urgologist. Please pray for a speedy recovery. He really is doing GREAT–and we are most thankful for an incredible homeopathic doctor we found that helped us learn that Isaac doesn’t have asthma or half of the other things we were unsure about. After finding this new doctor several months ago, our sick visits are no more–and we are finally finding our new grove and just enjoying our sweet family of 6! Yes, we are crazy…things are usually messy…but we are loving life—and mommy even has time and energy for crafts again!!! (Along with planning the adoption retreat and monthly fun meetings for our local African Family Fellowship!!!) ALSO on the prayer list–please pray for one of my bestfriends Melissa who is in Uganda RIGHT NOW going through the court process to bring home her beautiful son who just turned 2 years old. Melissa and Dee were brave and took their 4 year old Henry and 2 year old Mary Taylor WITH THEM to Uganda! Please keep their family, travel, health and safety in your prayers!!! I hope to have some sweet airport home-coming pictures to share with you all in January if everything goes as planned the next few weeks and over the Christmas holidays. Dee will return next week with their son, while Melissa stays in Uganda with both 2 year olds while things are finalized. PLEASE keep this momma in your prayers!!!
Isaac also made his debut on the big screen at church this morning! He waved at the camera and was a HAM while daddy tried to keep him quiet and mommy shared about Wiphan to our church’s congregation. Our church is really helping us spread the word–and we are so thankful. If you would ever like to join us in being a voice–and sharing with others in your church about Wiphan–please let me know and I’ll send you information how you can do this through media, flyers and a short slideshow about Wiphan Care Ministry!
Last but not least—a craft. EVERY now and then…I’ll take on Martha Stewart. Her crafts are usually too intense for me. BUT when I saw this one and realized it’d cost me $3 at most to pull it off—I decided to go for it! I’m still not done. I need to do the top of the stair way and attach ribbons where they touch the top of the rail…but here is my work in progress! (Won’t the ribbons hanging down make a pretty finishing touch!)The only thing I had to pay for was silver spraypaint. Martha used glue and mica–which sounded too messy to me. I opted for a can of silver spray paint. Parker gathered the magnolia leaves from the yard, Rico Suave spraypainted, and I hotglued them to little cardboard arches. You can see how Martha did hers here. Kuddos to Martha for thinking to break down the cardboard stock. And don’t waste your money on cardboard stock–just take apart some boxes as things arrive in the mail. This is really super easy–and super cheap. The way I like my crafts:).
Okay guys I’ll probably be MIA some this week helping my little man recover…hopefully he will have no more UTIs afterwards. My goal this week is to also get my Christmas cards addressed and in the mail! Isn’t it the most fun to get cards in the mail each day!!! Hope you all have a GREAT day!!!
That is incredible!! Praising God with you as you and your family celebrate another milestone. I have followed your blog for a long time now, but I’ve never commented before. I’ve been a lurker. 🙂 My husband and I are just beginning the process of adopting our first child from Uganda and I can’t tell you how much of an encouragement your blog has been to me. Thank you so much for sharing your story!
BLESSINGS to you and Isaac! May the surgery go wonderfully and the post-surgical healing go quickly!…….and may he be spared any more UTIs!!!!! :o) Great garland! Go girl! And WOW!!! Your friend is a brave soul, keeping her two children with her while she stays in Uganda and visits her son! Sending Prayers all around! :o)
just have to say that i am soooo proud of ITY and so proud of you all! God is so good!
SleepyMom -December 6, 2010 - 9:01 am
Praying everything involved with the surgery goes smoothly. My little guy had a urological surgery when he was one too. He did so much better than I ever could have imagined. We were so nervous but he was even a champ about not getting to eat or drink anything before hand (which we honestly thought would lead to one very long meltdown). He was wanting to play and eat within 30min of waking up from the anasthesia and mostly wanting them to take that IV out of his foot!
Good luck and God bless tomorrow.
look at that adorable behind of his…he is scrumptious and such a miracle! so happy to see him hit another milestone!
Kristin -December 6, 2010 - 11:26 am
Sweet baby! Melt my heart why don’t ya!
Sandi -December 6, 2010 - 11:50 am
We will be praying for health for all, skilled hands to do the surgery, & a miraculous recovery. God placed orphans heavily on my heart & even though my hubby is not quite ready to adopt, I have you to thank for making me aware of Wiphan. It feels so good to know that we are supporting such an amazing cause. I would like donate my wedding dress for them to auction off but I’m not sure how to make that happen. I was saving it for my adopted daughter but feel like it would be special to have the proceeds go to Wiphan to help not one child but many. Thank you for sharing your journey. It touches my heart as I wait for my hubby to say yes to adopt!
OK so seriously when I saw the video I started to tear up!!! Because I still remember his referral….and praying….knowing that it might not have turned out this way- BUT GOD!!!!! BUT GOD said- I have heard all of your cries and am using this AMAZING little boy to do the impossible!!!! Oh I am getting goosebumps 🙂 LOVE IT!!!
Super cute! The mica would be pretty…but yes, messy (and expensive…we focked 6 giganto trees for our December wedding 7 years ago and the cost was up there…even buying in bulk).
Feel better mr ITY!
molly White -December 10, 2010 - 7:49 am
HUGE tears shot out of my eyes when I watched this video! So awesome!!! I am so proud of this little guy! Merry Christmas!
by admin
oh, this post brought tears to my eyes. I want to be there. My heart longs to have those experiences one day. I think the picture at the bottom is what put me over the edge. I LOVE it. I want my own. 🙂
Oh my … that photo says it all!
Love & Blessings from Hong Kong,
Kim
Hi! I love your pictures!
How did you find an attachment counselor? Do you know if they would be able to recommend one in my area? We brought home 5 month old twin girls and we notice a lot more fears/insecurities in one of our daughters. We are trying to be really proactive, but after 8 months home, we sometimes notice huge steps back…
Blessings,
Amy G.
http://www.jonandamyg.blogspot.com