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The doc, Isaac Temesgen’s FIRST playdate…AND the babies bond and THEY tell you all about it!

07.21.2010

Warning…long post and lots of pics…these last 2 days have to be documented for our “blog to book” for later;)

Today has been a some what uneventful day! Isaac Temesgen has been fever free ALL day–so the antibiotics are doing their thing. YAY! Just remembered I took a few pictures on my iPhone from Isaac Temesgen’s first hospital visit here in the U.S.! 5 long hours in the ER…and we were bound to take a nap…And just when you think you can’t love someone ANY more than you already do—you catch yourself longing for him to just be happy again…you stare at him…pray for him…and then you realize you do—you love him even more.

And one thing that just baffles me about this resilent little guy–is that he felt like the absolute pits yesterday–yet when mommy started peek-a-boo…he still couldn’t help but smile and play. LOVE him!

And the good news–is that “Miss I can do everything myself and I don’t need any help…thank you for asking though” is now asking for help when she needs it. Yes, this is a break through…and it’s good for me. And yes, right now–I need help. And that’s ok:). SO…I called my precious babysitter Ali–we we could just gobble up to pieces–and she came over from 2-6 today. BUT before she came over–my PRECIOUS friend Melissa swung by to bring us dinner AND stayed for a playdate. Love dear friends—and especially love dear old friends! Melissa and I go back…WAY back. IF you’ve been reading my blog for awhile then you already know we were roommates in East Asia with Campus Crusade…we both went to Auburn together (War Eagle!)…we were in one another’s weddings…and NOW we both have babies from Africa—her sweet one is waiting in Uganda–and hopefully he’ll be home in a couple of months. SO…our boys like to play dress up—and Frank and Mary Taylor are the SAME age (born the SAME month) so they usually play too…and Laney is the mommy. Today was Isaac’s FIRST playdate…and it was so much fun to have it with this special family!!! We ALWAYS take a pic at each playdate–and it’s fun to watch our babies grow!
Isaac wasn’t sure what to think of Henry/Batman! And where’s FRANK you ask??? He is on a tight clock–and he goes down at 12:30…so we lost him to his nap just before we thought of a pic!

Don’t you just LOVE kids?! I do!!! This next moment CRACKED me up b/c I told Henry/Batman to “lean in to the picture”…Nice Henry. Nice. Gotta love that kid.

Tried for one more…but smiles are hard to come by when they WANT to be playing instead of taking pictures!(I think Mary Taylor likes Parker…don’t you;)?!)

SO…after our playdate left–our ALI came over and got Parker and Laney! Isaac and I went and snoozed together (much needed!) and then after nap-time…it was PLAY time with the BABIES! Ahhh…these just make me melt! But you don’t really want to hear from ME do you…after all—they are so much more fun to hear from!

“Hi guys. It’s me. Frank. Now, before we get rollin’–let me get ONE thing straight. I–am NOT–a Bama fan. My Papa, however, IS and he thought it would be funny on my last visit a couple of weekends ago to send me back in this shirt for my Aubur Tiger mommy and my Georgia Bulldog Daddy to gawk at. Were they not so sleep deprived–they might have taken it right off me…but instead they just laugh–and I only got to wear it today because it was the only clean shirt in my drawer.;) Okay–so now that we have that clear…let’s roll…no pun intended;).

“Okay…I know some of you were worried about me when you saw how I reacted in a previous post to my little bro takin’ over the high chair…but times are changing people–not only am I OKAY with givin’ it up–I’m even sharing my snacks now…”
“Now those of you who KNOW me—I know what you are thinking, ‘FRANK YOUNG–SHARING HIS SNACK?!’ I’m tellin’ ya—we’ve come a long way baby.”

“I mean…come on–I feel sorry for this new kid…I get Rice Krispie treats with sprinkles–and what does he get? FORMULA…poor guy…”

“Whoa…kiddo–watch out little man! You aren’t QUITE ready for this big boy stuff!”

“Alright Isaac—you know you can’t eat this…let’s keep our hands off my Krispie treat…here, put your hands RIGHT down here…”

“Now…LISTEN very closely…I’ll tell ya how’s it’s done. Now, you’ll be “ONE” in a few weeks–and you’ll have some new priviledges…and some time you are gonna have try this good stuff…”…

“…You just put it in your mouth…put your lips together–and chomp it right on up…are you getting THIS?”

“Ok…really, the only way to really explain this to you–is for you to just TRY it…”

“Alright man, open up.”

“Okay. This won’t work if you don’t open up.”

“I don’t care what he says. I’m not giving into big brother pressure. I’m NOT opening up.”

“But OH MAN…am I hungry…what is a boy to do?!”

“Dude. You KNOW I look up to you. But…I’m just not ready for the Big Krispy. But I’m hungry man…”

“Awww…little bro–if you aren’t ready—you aren’t ready. Your time will come…I have just what YOU need…”

“You know I will always take care of you baby brother…man, I’m here for you.”

“Man, I am so thankful for big brother—and for my full tummy! Thanks big Frank!”

“NO problem dude. Now…you mind if I take a spin in your jump-a-roo???”

“Go for it man–it’s all yours!”

“SWEET!”

“Lemme teach you a few more tricks…like how to get in here by yourself!”

“Mommy, please stop him–this never turns out good.”

In the mean time…big brother and sister came home…

“That just never turns out how I want it to…”

“Oh Frank—don’t be so hard on yourself…you know me, your big bro Parker is here for you too! That’s what big brothers do!”

“Okay people—that’s the LAST time I try to get in that thing by myself. I’m taking a lesson from mommy–and I’m going to start asking for help when I need it!”

Hope you all are having a good week…we are so thankful for our crew–and even with no sleep…we are having so much fun and we are so grateful for the life the Lord has blessed us with!

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Jennifer - July 21, 2010 - 10:47 pm

Andrea…..Abby’s PASSPORT is at the orphanage! I am loving MKI….even their name, “Maximum Kingdom Impact”…they are talking my language! Turns out Craig is moving, he passed my name on to Mike and MIKE LIVES HERE IN THE CITIES! He is working on tickets as I type. One scenerio has us leaving Sat…..so I better get packing!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Thanks for the prayers!
Jenny

natali - July 21, 2010 - 11:04 pm

how do you manage to make me both laugh and cry in the same post, andrea?! haha! you’re cracking me up and then frank hands isaac the bottle. tear jerker. the “i’ll always be here for you”. the little “big” brother helping the little “little” brother 🙂 happy sigh.

april - July 21, 2010 - 11:09 pm

i want your photography skills so bad so I can take amazing pics like that of my isaac! Your kids are so blessed to be able to look back at these amazing pics when they are older! :0)

Jenny - July 21, 2010 - 11:24 pm

haha!! love it! Frank has quite the personality;) Glad to see he’s getting use to baby brother. They’ll be quick friends and will be SO close. It will be quite the journey:)

Alison - July 21, 2010 - 11:32 pm

Love hearing the boys’ conversations!! They are so cute and funny! 🙂 So glad that Isaac is feeling better!

Jenny - July 21, 2010 - 11:47 pm

Oh this gave me a good laugh before heading to bed! What sweet, sweet boys with a very funny mama! 🙂 Frank trying to “share” that rice krispie treat is too much!!!

Melanie Strobel - July 22, 2010 - 12:05 am

You are too much dear friend and I have to tell you that I absolutely love Frank’s bald head even with a boo-boo. Thanks for the commentary and glad to hear that Isaac is back to himself and enjoying brother Frank.

Megan - July 22, 2010 - 12:11 am

Hahaha…love the kiddo conversation! =) So glad to see that Frank is adjusting to his role as BIG brother and that Isaac is feeling better – what an answer to prayer!

missy - July 22, 2010 - 6:37 am

been on vacation and just now catching up on blogs. love all the pics. glad to hear that isaac is feeling better now.

Becca Harley - July 22, 2010 - 7:32 am

I love waking up and seeing that you posted:) thanks for the pictures – your kids are incredible! so thankful that IT is feeling better. when we get our daughter you are going to have to make a trip to ny to take some pics for me:)

Karen Smith - July 22, 2010 - 9:05 am

Loved this narrative! Made me laugh….and I need that today! So glad Isaac is doing better. And so glad that you asked for helpwhen you needed it; I’ might have to try that sometime, too, since it worked for you 🙂

Dawn - July 22, 2010 - 5:43 pm

So good to know he is doing better, and those pics – too cute!

Kim - July 23, 2010 - 12:17 pm

I have finally tapped into a wireless network at the beach. I have been having serious blog (Isaac) withdrawals. Lovin all these precious pics and cute stories of brothers bonding!
Love & Blessings,
Kim

Dawn - July 24, 2010 - 5:58 pm

I LOVED the story!! 😀

Thankful to see God in the details…

07.20.2010

After a couple of long nights…added on top of 3 weeks of long nights…ITY started running a 103 fever. We thought we could make it through the night…not so much. I’ll spare you all the details–but we finally went in to Children’s ER at 5am. We returned home at 11am. Long night…long morning and long afternoon. After x rays, ultrasounds, tests and more tests—the good news is that ITY does NOT have malaria or other crazy disease. YAY God! The bummer news is that he has an UTI and we will spend tomorrow back at the doctor and more tests later in the week to determine if he has kidney reflux. After he got an antiobiotic shot–he started perking up a bit–and we’re rotating Motrin and Tylenol until the UTI goes away. He was a trouper…and once again today—I am reminded how much God loves him…and millions others who need this kind of treatment and care all over the world.

Praises..

-God brought our baby home in His perfect timing. Were he still in Ethiopia—this would NOT be the same experience for him. He is NOW napping, comfortable and even laughed at Frank over lunch:)

-God kept his fever just at 103…not more which would have been harder…but just high enough to cause us to take him to the ER and put us with an amazing team of doctors who were quick to check his kidneys…and even test for malaria…and make this momma at peace.

-We just HAPPENED to be given a nurse who just HAPPENED to be a believer…who just HAPPENED to be leaving for Uganda in a few weeks and was more than compassionate and loving to our son. A nurse with a heart for Africa. Sad to see this nurse off her shift and wait for her to be replaced. BUT her replacement? Just HAPPENED to be my bestfriend’s neighbor who KNEW we were already there before she even got to work and ran straight to our room to care for us. To say we received the best service and treatment is an understatement…our nurse even brought this momma who hadn’t had breakfast (the LAST thing I was worried about!) blueberry scones and Dunkin’ Donuts coffee. Wow…God really knows how to hook you up;).

Seriously–I’m tired…but what a JOY to get to be here with my son and not to fret that he is any longer a world away. Amazing how the Lord gives you strength as you follow Him on every path…and I’m so thankful for the life we are choosing. To think the country club, vacations and cute clothes used to be on our daily radars–and they are no longer important. Rich looked at me the other night and once again wooed my heart. He said, “Ang, this is just what our life is going to be about—can we get that straight right now?” ABSOLUTELY. I’m in love with him! I’m in love with that precious baby sleeping upstairs. In love with Frank who so sweetly shares his binky with his bud when I tell him not too;). And so thankful for two older kids who gave us hugs and prayers as we jetted out at 5am this morning. Seriously…our son is the BEST thing that has ever happened to us…and I’m so thankful!!!

Now…to make it through the rest of the day—a little Ethiopian coffee and a good hat;)…and of course a rockin’ Gigi that came over to play model magic with the older two while the babies nap!

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mitzi - July 20, 2010 - 1:07 pm

I love this post… Hate that you went through this… We had a similar experience with E and how it’s crazy to think how his life would have been in Ethiopia without asthma treatment… amazing how God puts the kids in our lives that we need and need us… love to you guys!

Kim Jewett - July 20, 2010 - 1:17 pm

So glad ITY is feeling some better
…and YAY! for the things of this world becomming dimmer and dimmer and dimmer…

Nina - July 20, 2010 - 1:22 pm

Seriously, how do you do it? How do you have this beautiful and busy family life, and keep up with your blog? You are AWEsome! 🙂 I just love readying your posts, and am SO blessed by them every day. Thank you for sharing your heart on a continual basis. It truly does make a difference in the lives of others!

Shannon - July 20, 2010 - 1:45 pm

We just went through this test with T. And my Nephew has had it done before about a hundred times. As he was diagnossed with it in utero. Remember. You can NOT do the test. They push it now as it is a new protocol when boys get uti’s on the FIRST time. But they can not do anything about it until he is 3 years old. So even if they find out it is reflux (likely just not emptying bladder- which was my guys situation) they can’t do any thing for a while. My guy is 3 so they could have done something. But for the life of me I can’t figure out why they kept insisting on VCUG testing every six months.. just to see?!?!?!

That said.. the hardest part is getting an IV. And getting the nurses to be able to place an IV on a little guy. Oy. Once that was in- he didn’t balk at all and I could hold him the whole time and be with him during the test. I hope you have a similar situation.

Likely it is the bladder not emptying. And had they told me that was the other option- I would not have had the test- as I KNOW his bladder doesn’t empty when he “goes”. Our guys with history of severe malnutrition- it takes a good year for all the organs and muscle and connective tissue that surround the organs (including bladder) to get up to speed. Good Luck if you go through with the test. It really wasn’t a bad thing. Ours used Propofal IV sedation. It is quick down and quick up and best for Ped’s – especially with this procedure. The only thing was my guy was WIRED x 10 the whole day after. 🙂 And it hurts like H E double hockey sticks for them to pee for the rest of the day.. really bad and scary hurt. But my guy only ‘complained’ twice about it. My nephew will hold it for days knowing that its going to hurt Ok- that’s probably TMI- but seriously- not such a big deal as far as the procedure- it’s the IV and after ward that is screaming induced.

Heather - July 20, 2010 - 2:05 pm

my hubs and i are seriously considering adopting from ethiopia. i love your blog…it’s so helpful. this one is awesome in how u see god’s timing and his complete working it out for the good of those who love him and are called according to his purpose. i love how he took care of you guys w/ the nurses. he’s good to us like that!

emily - July 20, 2010 - 2:10 pm

God is in the details is one of my favorite sayings. Sorry about little buddy, but thankful he is ok. Just love that we have such a loving, intimate, gracious Father that reveals himself in coffee, nurses and so many other details!

Liv - July 20, 2010 - 2:43 pm

Praise God for His faithfulness in the details!!

I have had a lot of experience with kidney issues, reflux, UTIs, etc with both of my bio daughters, so if you have any questions, PLEASE feel free to ask!

Praying for a speedy recovery!

Amber - July 20, 2010 - 3:35 pm

God IS in the details! And I just love how you give Him all the credit! Praising God that ITY is feeling better, and will pray for his continued health.

Dawn - July 20, 2010 - 6:16 pm

AMAZING!!! So happy that God had it all along 🙂 Those pics make me smile 🙂

Vicki - July 20, 2010 - 7:49 pm

Our little girl had a UTI at 9mo. and was diagnosed with grade II reflux. We are supposed to do low dose antibiotics. I didn’t do it for the first year and she was tested again and still has it so I am doing it now. The test wasn’t bad for her. Just catheter insertion and at 9 mo. she was over it quick. I had our anxious 5 year old tested for similar symptoms and did nitrous oxide which worked great. So no IVs, no sedation, she just didn’t care and she forgot a lot. Praying for your babe.

Karen Smith - July 20, 2010 - 11:33 pm

Andrea, we are praying for Isaac and agree with you….so glad he is there with you now, so glad God has everything planned out, so glad that Isaac has alrady overcome so much! Piece of cake, Isaac! You are a trooper and so loved by your family. They’ve got your back! And God is in the details! Prayer coming your way for tomorrow.

Christy - July 21, 2010 - 6:58 am

Oh, I’m so glad he’s ok! Still praying for you guys!

Kameron Shadrick - July 21, 2010 - 10:43 am

So THANKFUL that God brought him home with you at the perfect time and that he is getting the love and care he needs – praise God. Thank you for this praise report. We must recognized and remember that God is GOOD, and He loves us, and He is in the details! Blessings!

missy - July 22, 2010 - 7:28 am

how beautiful to see god’s care for you and for your isaac. so glad he is HOME to be cared for by you.

What’s cookin’ good lookin’

07.19.2010

This weekend brought on all kinds of fun at the Young house! One of my bestfriends is getting married in Nashville in September…the very weekend that we officially “break” the cocoon;). Of course we’ll break ‘er slowly…but Isaac Temesgen will be making a short appearance in the back of the church while mommy walks down the aisle. I had to slip away for just a few to help host her shower here in Georgia—and it was my first time away from little ITY…I thought it better for him to stay with daddy than to be gobbled up by a bunch of ladies at the shower…because we ALL know he is a ladies man! He is also bound to be quite the cook as he did help me in the kitchen! While I bolted from mixer to oven, he made music and of course cookin’ took longer because I couldn’t help but join him on the floor and capture my cutie in action…Seriously…there were moments that I literally just held my breath as I am overwhelmed with thankfulness that God would choose US to be this precious ones parents!!! Oh my—I’m just SMITTEN and IN LOVE!Rico Suave was at church with the other 3 while we cooked…and it’s a wonder I got anything done with his cuteness!And WHAT exactly were we cookin? WELL…lemme tell ya! We made the most DELISH dip-dip you have EVER tasted! Oh my! Vidalia onions, mayo, cream cheese, bacon…YUM…And then we whipped up my friend Carla’s quick recipe with sausage…the secret’s in the sauce my friends…We had PLENTY left over from the shower so Rich and the kiddos got to enjoy too…and we’re still munchin’ on the peach cobbler we whipped out last week…YUM…NOW…I KNOW you’d love these recipes??? RIGHT?! Well…they happen to ALL be in the Wiphan Cookbook!

I’ve gotten several emails over the weekend from folks wanting ideas how they can better serve widows. THIS IS ONE! Wiphan Care purchased about 600 cookbooks and we need to sell them ALL! They are ONLY $25 each—and these would make incredible gifts…so if you order 1—just go ahead and order a few more and you’ll end up saving money on shipping…because I know when you see it you’ll want more! The cool thing about these is that not only are there AMAZING recipes–but when you put this on your counter I have no doubts your guests will inquire about Wiphan. AND it’ll be an easy opportunity for YOU to share about orphans and widows to guests! AND in the beginning of EACH section there is a highlight on one of our orphans or widows. Wiphan Care REALLY needs to sell these cookbooks to enable more people to go over to train the widows and staff…and of course love on the 450 orphans that attend the program. Will you consider purchasing 1 or 2 or 3…or even 4?! You can learn more at www.wiphan.org or go directly HERE to purchase a cookbook! (It’s seriously my new favorite as it’s full of yummy, easy recipes!)

After our cookin’ session—I OF COURSE had to take Isaac Temesgen in my front room full of yummy natural light. I know, I know…I’m once again pushing it putting a boy in smocked—but all my boys had to endure this and I am a Southern momma! And I did get clearance from Momma Nisia which that is all that matters;) HOW SWEET is that face?!Why do the BOYS always get the eyelashes?!

And last but NOT least…as you know we are limiting guests during our cocoon phase—and we had the joy and pleasure of welcoming a family from Nashville into our cocoon while they were in town…another AGCI family–the Galbreath family! They are on the waitlist for up to THREE siblings between the ages 0-6 (their youngest is 6!) LOVE this family and it was so refreshing to be with another family who “gets it” and is making room in their home and hearts!!! Thank you for coming to see us Candi and crew…and can’t WAIT to watch your beautiful journey unfold!

NOW…to recover from our weekend of no sleep! Isaac Temesgen has decided that sleep at night isn’t that important. Thankfully, I bought a lot of coffee while in Ethiopia and it’s really good:). Thankfully, last night instead of crying we were bonding singing together—I make a little tone and he repeats it while cuddled up together…much better than crying. We’re getting there slowly but surely…and one day—I’ll even miss him waking me in the middle of the night…right;)?!

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Sallee Couch - July 19, 2010 - 8:54 am

Okay…those dishes looked yummy…just bought a cookbook… and will probably be back for gifts!!
Just LOVE seeing your sweet boy!!

admin - July 19, 2010 - 9:04 am

YAY! Thank you Sallee! You are the BEST!

Kristin - July 19, 2010 - 1:52 pm

Love my Wiphan cookbook (and t-shirt)! Love seeing pics of your beautiful baby boy! Love that we have such a wonderful “family” in AGCI!

Christy - July 19, 2010 - 2:20 pm

Just got my cookbook! 🙂

Rebecca Harley - July 19, 2010 - 9:00 pm

oh, i love my wiphan cookbook too:). and i love your boy’s smiles – cannot get enough – keep posting those pics:)

Megan - July 20, 2010 - 2:06 am

So you skip church too while you are cocooning, or is it just this wk b/c of the shower. I have such mixed feelings over doing that (and this is for OUR family, not judging yours, of course…I admire you so much!)…b/c on one hand yes, I want our baby to have that attatchment period, but the other part of me wonders…will church really harm her that much? I would be “wearing” her at all times and such if we did…I just think it would be bad for us as parents not to go?!?! Anyway…would love your imput on that since I know at this point you have done far more research on the subject than I have.
BTW – yes Isaac is simply adorable and yes those cheeks are kissable and yes those eyes melt my heart! =) Keep sharin’ the pics, I love ’em!

Tiffany - July 20, 2010 - 10:03 am

Love the cookbook Andrea! I bought one for myself and a bunch of extras for gifts!!! My kiddos were asking about t-shirts…will have to do that next.

Bobi Bobbitt - July 21, 2010 - 10:25 pm

Hi Andrea! What a cutie pie Isaac and your other children are!!! So precious!!!! I would like to order a cookbook, how do I do that?? Thanks so much! Bobi Bobbitt

Inside the cocoon…

07.17.2010

I’ve had several questions about our little family “cocoon”…so I thought I would share the philosophy and OF COURSE a few recent pics of what is happening inside ours;)…

When a baby enters the world–they are given the immediate gift of a mother’s arms–feeling their security and understanding quickly that it is this person who not only nutures but helps sustain them through feedings. Trust is quickly developed…newborns recognize the mother’s heartbeat, scent and voice…after all–for 9 months they have literally grown to hear and feel them as if they were his own. Many of you might remember what it felt like when someone asked to hold your child–and how it felt like part of your very HEART was seperated from you…and you might remember how it even comforted you as your baby began to cry and no one else could calm him…and the moment he was placed back in your arms…PEACE…

For many different reasons, the beauty of this scene doesn’t get to last for every child. And no matter how young or old the child is–a baby does sense being seperated from his mother…and trust is broken. The younger the baby is—of course the easier it is to reconnect to a care-giver. Best case scenerio a baby gets to meet his/her new mommy quickly after birth and a forever, consistent connection is made. Many times however, the next care-giver comes in the form of a foster parent or orphanage staff worker—and while trust is rebuilt and attachment happens—when a new caregiver comes into the picture trust will continue to be broken over and over UNTIL a forever parent comes into the picture. Depending on the ages of the child and how many changes they have experienced, reconnecting, trusting a new caregiver again and learning that THIS new caregiver is not only a caregiver…but here to STAY…obviously will require an extra effort and commitment during the reattachment phase—and THIS is what you hear called in the adoption world as cocooning.

Cocooning will look different for every family, but most adoption resources recommend a cocooning duration of 3 months. Babies and children who attach to a parent and form a healthy, strong connection will have a better chance in forming healthy relationships with others later in life.

One thing I noticed about Isaac Temesgen early on was how he would reach out for men during our time in Ethiopia. While some would see this as an out-going personality, it is also a red-flag to developing an attachment disorder later. I knew he would need to develop a healthy understanding of who his parents are verses who strangers are—and it was important for him to connect with his family before connecting with the outside world. Before going to Ethiopia, we had spent much time and prayer about how we would cocoon and help Isaac Temesgen form healthy attachment to our family–and we posted our plan both on our blog as well as sent out a letter via email to our friends and family. (Some one shared that letter with us and we customized it for our ITY…so feel free to use it as well.)

So…is our “cocoon” time and our heart behind it working??? We definitely see more and more progress and deeper connections with one another EVERY day. Honestly, I can see how beneficial it is for the other children as well. And for a daddy and son who didn’t get to meet in Ethiopia…I think these two are connecting beautifully…

I even love how Parker is looking on in these pictures…just as happy for this sweet bond…

Some incredible resources about adoption and attachment that I have enjoyed are: Focus on the Family’s Handbook on Thriving as an Adoptive Family, Dr.Karyn Purvis’s The Connected Child, and Cogen’s Parenting Your Internationally Adopted Child.

Last but NOT least;). I get the funniest emails and comments about Frank–so I thought Frank fans;) would really think this was hilarious! So…those sweet images up top…the moment lasted for awhile—until…something else got their attention…

I know…I know…those of you who KNOW Frank’s CRAZY self can only imagine what he is doing THIS time…right? SO—THIS is what they are looking at…

Yes, he was being crazy.

Yes, he has icing all over his mouth…from a cupcake.

BUT…it didn’t get there like you would think. NOW…if YOU were FRANK—HOW do you think you would eat a cupcake???

Like THIS of course!!!

A word from Frankie-baby…

“Oh yeah…baby! You know I’m funny! It’s the ONLY way to eat a cupcake. Try it next time you have one…seriously—not only will your family think you are a nut…but you will crack YOURSELF up…and what’s more fun in life than being able to laugh at yourself?!”
See that eye shiner??? He took a spin around the living room yesterday and hit a corner…and he didn’t even cry! Love this kid…and so excited for his growing connection with his little brother…

When we break the coccoon once and for all—I’m totally taking these two on a boys outing to Krispy Kreme:) Aren’t they just yummy?! And Krispy Kreme donuts aren’t so bad either;)

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Debb - July 17, 2010 - 3:39 pm

WOW! Your blog is such an inspiration, and your family ~ oh, so BEAUTIFUL!!!! My husband and I are nearing the end of our paper chase for Ethiopia adoption, and I find your blog so precious, yet so informative! THANK YOU for blessing so many via your blog!

BTW, we just launched our T-Shirt Giveaway, if you are at all interested in entering! Please feel welcome but certainly not obligated! Blessings ~

april - July 17, 2010 - 4:09 pm

love this post andrea! Love all the explanations and for those who have not adopted..i am sure it will be beneficial to them and to help them understand! 🙂

Jenny - July 17, 2010 - 5:51 pm

wonderful post!!! I’m sure I’ll look back on it a few times before we bring Joleigh home. Love the pics of daddy and Isaac:) SO adorable and little Parker is such a cutie pie in them, too!

Mandy - July 17, 2010 - 7:19 pm

I have read your blog for so long but have never left a comment! Today I had my mom watch your “gotcha day” video and we both cried together! It’s so great to see other families that love and spread the word about adoption! Thanks for being an adoptive advocate!!

JonesEthiopia - July 17, 2010 - 8:59 pm

Cocooning was excellent for both our girls. They both needed it so much but for different reasons. It looks to me like Isaac is is getting stronger and feeling more secure every day!

Rebecca Harley - July 17, 2010 - 9:07 pm

oh, I love your new pictures! and what a great post on cocooning – something that we are still wondering how to tell our families about:) I will definitely be using Cris’ letter too!

kelly - July 17, 2010 - 10:29 pm

Looks and sounds like everyone is benefiting from this special family time! What a blessing these two little ones will be to each other and the rest of the family, as well. My older two so enjoy just watching the younger play and interact…You have so many sweet times ahead. Thank you for sharing and keeping it real!!

Megan - July 18, 2010 - 2:43 am

That picture of Frank and Isaac melts my heart!!! Praying it continues to improve! Thanks for sharing all the wonderful insides of cacooning…just now in my researching phase and look forard to checking some of those books out!

Kimberly - July 18, 2010 - 4:56 am

Hi 🙂

My family and I are just starting the process for either Ethiopia or Rwanda and planning to use AGCI. I wanted to know how you felt about their ethics- I’ve heard some really concerning things about other agencies and ethics and I want to make sure we glorify God in all things and use an agency that is ethical.

We are in a unique situation as a family currently living in China (starting our 4th year here at an international Christian school). We are praying for His will in all of this to be done. You inspire us so much!

Jennifer - July 18, 2010 - 7:40 am

Blogs are funny. Some just stand out in our mind. Yesterday I was going on and on about Frank, the playground pic, Frank jumping in his baby “thingy” and the rest of your post to my mother on the phone who is 80 and has probably never turned on a computer. I was trying to describe Frank, and I said I can kind of see what he will look like when he is 80. 😉 Frank cracks me up with his love of food, and Isaac is just adorable. Even in the photo where everyone is looking at Frank, Isaac’s eyes just stand out. You have got such a cute family!

Dawn - July 18, 2010 - 8:38 pm

Too CUTE!!! Love the pics 🙂

Kris - July 18, 2010 - 10:52 pm

I’ve been lurking here for a few weeks on Kelley B’s recommendation. I have 3 kids(ages 5, 3, and 14 mo) and I am gathering initial paperwork for our Ethiopian adoption. Just wanted to say thanks for your blog – it has been so helpful to me as I explore and research! Looking forward to following how life goes post-placement with 4 little ones!

Christina Anderson - July 18, 2010 - 10:56 pm

Thanks SOOOO much for posting about your helpful resources! I can’t wait to read more helps about bonding with our adopted baby girl as parents and as a family! We still have around a year before she will arrive with us, but I’m SO ready to study up and prepare! I was going to ask for your 2 cents as your plan seemed very studied and purposed……I knew you had to have tapped into some awesome resources somewhere or that you were just walking awesomeness yourself (which I’m not doubting either) 🙂 Ummm…..and enjoy a cupcake for this encouraged reader!

Tiffany - July 20, 2010 - 9:14 am

I think this is something that I am most looking forward to. I really appreciate you sharing the details of your cocooning.

Take my breath AWAY…

07.16.2010

Wanna know the ONE other thing that melts my heart besides the heart of orphan?

The heart of the widow.

I do believe you will read in scripture—that these two melt the heart of our God too.

My friend, Shannon, is in Zambia right now loving on both orphans and widows. This post from Sunday MELTS me…you can read it here. If you think your heart has been broken for orphans—I challenge you to spend some time with widows. WOW. Go over to my friend Shannon’s blog—and just stare at them. Soak in their beauty. There is nothing MORE beautiful than seeing these widows…who are broken, poor, hungry, husbandless, and some times even dying…WORSHIP.

Who am *I* going to chose to live for?

If it’s for the LORD—then it’s serving people like these…read another of Shannon’s post from this past week here at what life is REALLY like in Ndola, Zambia.

My—*I* have SO much to learn from them…and I want my hands to be open how we might also bless them.

It’s crazy how we can get so DISTRACTED by silly things here in America. Material things. Social activities. Family or friend quarrels. And all the while–they are hungry…yet they worship. Oh Lord Jesus–help us not get distracted with the things of this world but to love the things you love–and to get caught up in where You already are…what You are ALREADY doing. Help us stay FOCUSED on You and Your plan for our lives. Draw us closer to You O LORD…and change us…how I want to be changed!

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Elle J - July 17, 2010 - 12:09 am

Completely ~ takes your breath away and makes answers so simple. Beautiful people with amazing spirit. Learning from them is vital.

april - July 17, 2010 - 12:20 am

Yes! Yes! Yes! Thanks so much for reminding me of this today! I loved your friends post…those pictures are well…no words!

Christy - July 17, 2010 - 6:53 am

I have been wondering what some of the ways are that we can reach out to widows and follow the Gospel here in the U.S. It’s not as talked about but I know there are hands on ways that we can show love. Would love to hear from you if you have a list of these.