I have a confession!

Don't trust me to tell you if you have enough gas to get from point A to point B. Steve asked me that very question just before we crossed into the US on our return trip last Wednesday. I said "ABSOLUTELY!" Well, I am sure you can tell where this is going!

We ended up about 8 miles shy of our appointed refueling spot. A little over 2 hours, $35 for a jump start, 1 mile walk, ride to and back from a gas station, borrowed fuel can, and a stop at Advanced Auto to test the battery; we were on our way again.

Lily amazed me at how well she handled everything. We hung out in the car while Daddy did the dirty work. A NY state trooper came up behind us and kept his lights (so no one would run into us) until we were underway again.

The guy at Advanced suggested we drive w/o heat or lights for about an hour, so the battery could build it's charge back up! We stopped counting at 6-7 people who were trying their best to persuade us to turn our lights on. (It was at the point where having your lights on doesn't help you see - it really just helps others see you)

Thanks Steve for keeping your cool. I know it was my fault and you didn't rub it in. BTW, you can trust me now about whether to get gas or not. I will always say stop and get it from now on!

What's in a name?

I'll post more about our trip in the next couple of days, but for the big announcement . . .

We're going to be Aunt and Uncle to yet another Robey come the end of June!

Can't wait to meet him or her. Kim posted to her blog a picture of their family with an anonymous baby's face and question mark over it asking for name submissions. Very cute!

"Shoes"

Lily insisted on putting on the "shoes" you see in the picture. Yes, they are our stockings. SHe has been calling them shoes since I put them in the window. Her shopping cart and "shoes" kept her busy while we unloaded the car after we arrived home on Thursday.

First Toboggan Ride

We took Lily out for her first sled ride on Christmas Eve in Canada. It was very icy, cold, and WINDY. She didn't seem upset, but wasn't very excited either. I think it was a tad too cold and icy . . . The wind caught the plastic garbage can lid that I was carrying up the hill. It whacked me in the eye. I had a sore eye and nose for 24 hours. Fortunately, I didn't end up with the black eye that I thought I might get!

Milkshakes

We stopped at a Chick-fil-a for Lily to play in the indoor play area. I felt kind of bad about bringing in our own food, but you know me cheapskate! We bought a milkshake on the way out to help ease my mind. I do believe that Lily ended up eating at least a third of the huge milkshake. I took a couple of pics of her gulping down the milkshake in the carseat, but I don't have anyway of uploading them right now. I will do that as soon as I can (maybe not until we return home on Thursday).

Clepto (sp?)

Yes, we have a daughter who was trying to take motor oil (of all things) last night. We had stopped at a Sheetz for gas and got out Lily's push toy. We've done this a couple of times on our trips and it helps get her energy out.

Gas stations usually have displays of windshield washer fluid, oil, etc. Lily's toy has a compartment under the seat to store things. After passing the oil several times, she stopped, lifted the lid, and proceeded to start putting a quart of motor oil in the compartment. We were laughing so hard. Wish we had video of the whole experience. After she put a second quart in her push toy, mommy made her put them both back. She dropped them several time as she couldn't seem to get a grip on them.

Christmas Spirit

People seem to always talk about the "Christmas spirit" around this time of year, but it is especially nice when you get to experience it for yourself.

Yesterday morning we went to McDs for a cheap breakfast. We got their 2 for $2. I asked Steve if he wanted OJ or if pop was okay (free refills on pop that we could share). Just trying to save a little money. The cashier must have over heard me ask. After we sat down, she brought us a free OJ and said, "I have three kids."

Then I stopped at the Post Office to see if a pkg had arrived (present that we needed to take on our trip to Canada). They couldn't find it and I resigned myself to going to Canada w/o it. As I was pulling out of the parking space, the mail lady came running out of the post office with the package! She almost missed us.

When we reached the Canadian border last night about 11:45 pm, we had NO wait. Not a single car in front of us. The border patrol has never been rude, but not always the most friendly. Last night, we had the sweetest man who actually engaged us in an albeit short conversation that had nothing to do with the typical border questions! He was kind and made us smile and laugh!

While none of this really are a big deal to most people, they made my VERY long day yesterday brighter and much more pleasant!

Santa and Tears!

Well, Steve and I took Lily to the mall this morning to see Santa and ride the train. Unfortunately, we got no pictures of her with Santa. She wouldn't stay on his lap! I had to sit next to Santa and hold her.

A friend and I walk at the mall every morning and she smiles and waves at him. I thought with as social as she is that she would at least sit for a picture. No luck!

Overalls and a Scarf

Today I found some overalls in one of the many boxes of clothing that we have in the attic. She looks soooooo cute in them. Of course, both of the straps never seem to stay up. One of the two is always falling off her shoulder! The scarf she is wearing was made by Miss Tabitha. She had fun running behind the couch with her scarf!

Malnutrition caused Brea's heart to fail!

Some of you might remember little Brea from a year ago. Her heart started failing about a year ago after being home from China for a few short months. Her transplant took place while we were in the air flying to China to get Lily. Here is an update from her mom:

I've held onto this information for a couple of weeks now and didn't know if it was something I wanted to share or not because I didn't want to scare anyone or prevent someone from taking the leap of faith that adoption requires. I have finally decided that I MUST share this with other adoptive families because it could POSSIBLY save a life. When Brea was admitted to the hospital it was thought that she was in congestive heart failure due to a virus that attacked her heart.

Well, all of the results are in now and they have tested her old heart for over 60 viruses and no virus was found! It is totally possible that there was a virus and by the time she was admitted to the hospital it was gone but the damage was already done. One other cause of dilated cardiomyopathy is MALNUTRITION! It is not seen here in this country because even the poorest of poor have access to infant formula through government programs BUT Brea was not on infant formula. She was on powdered milk (only 2 bottles a day). It IS often seen in third world countries. Brea was tested for the specific vitamin leval (Sorry, I cannot recall the name) and her levels were low.

It is thought that her malnutrition was the main cause of her dilated cardiomyopathy! Her body was simply too weak to fight any type of illness and IF there was a virus, the virus simply took over and caused her little heart to fail. PLEASE, PLEASE discuss with your pediatrician giving vitamin supplements to your newly adopted children if you think they are malnourished. This is rare but if this information can save another family from going through what we have been through then it will be worth the effort. Don't get me wrong. I KNOW without a doubt that this was ALL in God's plan for our lives.

God has big plans for Brea and someday she will share her testimony with others and hopefully lead others to Christ. I have learned so much about myself, God's grace, the kindness of strangers, the love of family and friends and my daughter and I have been forever changed by all that we have been through. I am not bitter or angry but I am filled with a passion to share Brea's story and educate others about malnutrition, organ donation, the power of prayer and a host of other things. It is my prayer that another child's heart can be spared by me sharing this information. Thank you for listening and please encourage any international adoptive family that you know to discuss malnutrition with their doctor.

It might just save a life!

Blessings, Mary W.

Presents

I wrapped a few presents this morning. Lily really was into helping at first. She would sit on the paper as I tried to measure it out. She REALLY wanted to use the scissors. Yikes! She helped put tape on a few things. After I got a small present wrapped for a friend of mine, she proceeded to climb on the couch, sit down with it, and try to open it. I also caught her with the scissors after I was finished. She had them open, ready to use, and was trying to cut a present that was already wrapped!

Snow Boots and 20 mths!

Tonight we had Lily try on a pair of snow boots that were given to us as we are heading to the Great White North in less than a week. They really are too big, but will work! Steve snapped a few pics. BTW, Lily is now 20 mths old! I can't hardly believe it. She is growing up tooooo fast!

Gotcha!

Well, today I finally had some time to work on editing the video from China. We've ONLY been home 8 months! Where has all the time gone?

Hallelujah!

I know I haven't posted in awhile. I have been busy working on my final project for the class I am taking. I only needed 50 of 100 points on the project to get an A in the class. I just say that because I did the best I could. I would've spent two more nights editing and trying to make it better, but I decided to be DONE! I spellchecked and briefly read through it. Now I should be licensed to teach for another five years.

Haven't decided, but . . . I am toying with the idea of whether I should just let my certification lapse. In order to keep my license, I have to take 6 college credits every 5 years. The last time I let my Indiana license lapse (I was living in Ohio at the time), I just had to submit the 6 credits to get in reinstated. The license that they sent me was valid for 5 years from the date of submission of the credits not 5 years from when it had lapsed. Anyway . . . I am going to have a bowl of ice cream!

Record High

I know there is always somewhere that is hotter or colder than where you live, but . . . Today we reached our record high in L-burg of 69F by 10 AM. It is now 75F at 12:30 PM. It will start to cool down this afternoon, but the temperature is forecasted to not drop below 60F until 8 PM. We'll probably go to the park this afternoon.

God's blessings

It is amazing how God really gives you what you need when you need it. I was a little nervous about today, because Lily has been teething and cranky off and on the last week. With Steve, working the track meet, I was going to be with Lily from Lily-up to Lily-down. I know there are those of you out there who do this everyday, but Saturdays are especially hard when Steve isn't around at all. During the week, I walk in the mornings, have story-time, etc. Things to keep me busy and not always having to entertain and keep Lily busy. Saturdays are kept low-key for the sake of Steve and him being able to spend time with Lily.

Well, Lily had a great day and God has given me a cuddly day. I am thankful for that close time with Lily. I even feel pretty productive. We finished our cookie baking for the neighbors, postman, finished some Christmas shopping, etc. Now, Lily is enjoying some time with the G-parents as I type in peace. What a nice break!

May each of you feel God's smile and blessing this Christmas season!

Bye, Bye Momma!

Today Stephen was busy with a high school track meet, so Lily and I had dinner with my parents. As soon as I drove in the driveway, She started saying Grandma, Grandma! It actually comes out "bum-ma" right now. Mom took her out on the porch to swing until Grandpa (bum-pa) got home from hunting. I was helping mom get ready for dinner while she sat with Lily. I stuck my head out several times to either tell Mom something or ask a question. Each time I did, Lily would wave and say "bye-bye, bye-bye." Evidently, she wanted her "bum-ma" time.

First Snow

If you can call it a snow?!?! Not very long and it didn't stick. Lily thought the falling snow was really neat!

Night, night

I caught Lily stroking the back of our Christmas frog today and saying Night, night!

Massive Cookie Recipe

I found a rather large recipe for Monster Cookies, basically peanut butter oatmeal with choc chips and M&Ms. I swear I followed the recipe. There are a few things that I had trouble with. I bought light butter and it said not recommended for baking. Now, I believe them.

I also had problems creaming the butter, peanut butter, and, sugar: 1 lb butter, 36 oz. pnut butter, 4 c sugar, 2 lbs brown sugar. My stand mixer wasn't big enough. I knew I would need a bigger bowl to add the oatmeal and chips, etc. I was hoping I could at least get the butter and sugar creamed.

Now, I know why I don't bake and give cookies away. Way too much trouble. I mixed them with Lily under foot. 8 eggs ended up on the kitchen floor. I was able to salvage most of them, but they were VERY cracked and we had quite the mess.

The batter is made and I will be baking them over the next couple of days. They taste great. They just don't look like what I had envisioned!

PS. The big canister of oatmeal says it has 15 cups of oatmeal, but nope. I measured it out and only got 10. Glad I had another. I needed 18 cups of oatmeal.

I am heading to bead. I need to sleep after all that MESS!

New Uses for Words

Lily has learned a couple new uses or combinations for her words.

She told Daddy "bye, bye" when she wanted to be left alone and not told no anymore. He told her no and moved her and she told him "bye, bye." As soon as he walked away, she started again to mess with what he told her no for messing with.

I had to take something away from her when I was getting her out of the car. She said, "No, mine." Yikes!

8 Months

Today is the 8 month annivesary of receiving Lily! Can you believe it? Where has the time gone? She is growing up into a little girl. Yikes, they aren't supposed to grow up this fast.