Christmas 2009

After being told she had to wait until Daddy was up!

Opening her Kai-lan figurines to be used in her dollhouse

Entranced at the Hershey Chocolate Tour

Hailey and Lily opening Christmas gifts together

Hailey in mid-flight - shock of all shocks Lily is waiting patiently :)

Disclaimer: Battery really did die, so I don't have many pics to choose from. I relied on my mom and dad's camera for pics of Christmas with them.

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Let me start off with a deep apology! I will have a few pics to share this evening, but I didn't charge the battery to our little point and shoot camera before we left for CT. We got a few pics before the battery died. Lily's nap is about up and I won't get the ones we have uploaded before she awakes.

Can a trip be quick and long at the same time. We were gone only 84 hours, but 23 of those hours were spent traveling with 18-24 sleeping. We really only had about 37-40 hours with family. Lily really enjoyed spending time with her cousins and grandparents - aunt and uncles too!

Lots of fun and games and gifts to be had by all. We had an outing to a local McDs for some playtime the day after Christmas. We attempted ice-skating with Lily again. It was a covered outdoor rink. I think she really would have enjoyed herself, EXCEPT . . .

About an hour before we were to leave for the rink, she took a tumble down a flight of stairs. She seemed fine at the time and is fine now, but at the rink she was complaining on her head hurting. I asked L what happened and this is what I got: "I fell down the steps. (pause - possibly for dramatics?) Backwards, mommy."

We debated what to do, because she got sick after returning home from the rink. All the medical training in the world (PA school and dealing with concussions in athletes - for Steve) doesn't prepare you to deal with your own child. After some quick research, we decided it was best for all just to monitor her at the house. We woke her several times in the night and she was coherent enough to tell us in NO UNCERTAIN TERMS "LEAVE ME ALONE!"

She has a couple small bumps and bruises, but by the next morning she was back to her normal self. What is Christmas without some drama?

BTW, I wouldn't suggest traveling that far by car in your third trimester to anyone :) It wasn't bad just a lot more uncomfortable than usual. But I suppose, it was still easier than the same trip would've been with an infant!

I still have several more things to get done before L gets up and I am pushing my luck at this point!

Christmas Oops!

How many of you have stories like this one:

Child wakes up at 10:30 to use restroom. Sees Dollhouse Daddy just finished putting together. Said child is out of it, but NOT enough to NOT notice. Child points and stumbles into Living Room mumbling something. Parent makes out only "dollhouse." Parent gets child turned around and headed to bathroom, but child trips over self b/c said child is out of it. Child cries as child hits the floor. Eventually makes it to the restroom still mumbling about a dollhouse. Parent ignores comments and rushes child back to bed hoping beyond all hope that child will NOT remember any of this tomorrow morning. Parents are doubtful that they will be SO lucky! Especially since Daddy saw a big grin on Child's face as child headed back to bed.

Couldn't be us could it?

Snow!

"Mowing the lawn"

Well, if you aren't on facebook or talked to us in a few days. You probably don't know that we are experiencing some "big time" winter weather - at least for this area. They are seriously NOT prepared to deal with this type of weather. I joked on FB with a couple friends about "plow school" and how they need to go back to it. Yikes!

Our street just got plowed today and it is seriously no different than it was 24 hours ago. Lily has enjoyed the snow though. I have let Steve handle the snow play this year. I don't really have the clothing, etc to participate and just didn't feel like doing so.

Pictures coming tomorrow. Having to organize them and get them onto the computer tonight.

Christmas Program 2009

Photo and video editing at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Christmas

Lily had her Christmas program last night for pre-school. I will get get pics uploaded as soon as I get the rest from my mom. She took most of the pics and I took the video.

Lily is starting to be more aware of the Christmas season. We are thankful that she hasn't started asking for things, but she is admiring the lights and talking much about Jesus.

Our neighbr decorates her house every year. L has commented on it every time we we drive up/down our street in the dark. The one night this past week she asked to do our whole house the same way. I told her to wait for Daddy to get home. We'll see what they get done today.

My Dad cut down and brought our tree to us (that we tagged two weeks ago) on Thursday. We came into the house and it was dark, so she didn't see it. I didn't tell her either that Grandpa was bringing it, because I wanted it to be a surprise. I wish I had been prepared with the camera when I turned the lights on. She has asked incessantly since then to decorate it. That is on the docket for this afternoon as well.

I have 4 1/2 teaching days left until I get a two week break! WooHoo! I NEED it - the kids NEED it. When I return to school, I will only be 6 wks shy of my due date. Then - 9 wks off!!!! Then 6 wks until the end of the school year!

Keep praying us through!

Classwork done!

If you are on facebook, please send Steve (Steve Woof) a congrats! He probably won't be checking his e-mail much, so FB is the best way to reach him for now.

He has finished the coursework for his PA program. He is waiting on only one grade - the exam he took Friday. Otherwise, he passed with no remediation! I am so PROUD of him. Now for rotations that start Jan. 4th!

I passed!

I passed my glucose screening test. You blood sugar is supposed to be under 139 and mine was 120. Now - as for the syrup - it wasn't that bad. . . If you chug it! I did feel a little queasy, because of the sugary syrup just sitting in my tummy. But otherwise, I came out unscathed!

My check-up with the doc was good too. Both #2 and I are right where we are supposed to be. Can you believe I am in my third trimester? 12 weeks to go!

We Got It!

I just got home from my first Black Friday experience. Steve and I are in agreement - we will probably never do it again. We got in line at Toys-r-us at just after 10 pm. We got out ticket for Steve's I-touch (needed it/something like it for his rotations starting in January) and then proceeded into the store at midnight. We ended up leaving the store at 1:48. Yikes - I'm going to bed.

Oh, Lily!

We have commented to each other that Lily is really growing up. She's always growing, but I suppose it is more maturing than growing we are seeing now. She is starting to really pick up on things. She is starting to ask before doing something. She is also recognizing more (before I say anything) and asking forgiveness when she says or does something that is wrong.

In the bathroom with lots of lotion on her hands -
L: May I have some of this?
Me: I guess so since we can't put it back :)

One the way home from Old Navy after coloring a hippo at their coloring table while we shopped for a belt for Daddy -
L: Once upon a time, the hippopotamus scared the sheep. Oh no! The potamus knocked the sheep over. The End

At the dinner table, after being told to be careful to listen and obey by finishing her breakfast. She has a habit of talking, playing, and taking FOREVER to eat even when she is hungry.
L: Let's pray to Jesus. Thank you Jesus. You please help me to listen and obey! Thank you for mommy and daddy. Thank you for the food.

While I was driving-
L: Be careful mommy. Don't knock the motorcycle over. He's my best friend!

This morning when she noticed Steve's pillow had a yellow mark on it (crayon that went through the dryer) -
L: Your pillow is colored on. Our baby did it.
S: What?
L: Our baby did it.
S: Who?
L: (exasperated) Baby sissy!!!!!
Me: You are already blaming your sister and she isn't even here yet!

Don't know why the formatting appears different. It was typed the same way. ARGH! My perfectionism is irritated by that!

Lilyisms

"Mommy, look at the pretty sky. It isn't fire. It's bootiful." As the sun was setting today.

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Picked up her dirty socks without prompting and took them to the laundry basket. She had to walk into a dark bedroom to do that though. I heard her say, "Jesus, Help me, please. Thanks." Lately, she has started being more aware of the dark and possible monsters. I have been telling her to pray and ask Jesus for help. I guess it is starting to sink in."

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"Fire-lance" - her new word combining fire engine and ambulance

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"Honor Father and Mother"

"Jesus use stories to teach them many things"

"Great is the Lord and MIGHTY in POWER!!!!!!!"

All said on the way home from church.

Finally!

I went for my 24 week appt. and they re-scanned me, since the DVD didn't work from the 20 wk ultrasound. She is still a girl. Everything looks good. I personally loved the pics of her legs and her feet. She is crossing her feet at her ankles. Trying to be modest I suppose!

Misc stuff and a package

Yes, I know my posts have been few and far between. But . . . I thought I would take advantage of a blow-off day (I haven't done any school work). Enjoy the posts and pics. I am making up for lost time. We all need a day to blow-off every once in awhile. I really haven't had a day like that since school started.

Have I mentioned we are just a few short days away from being 1/3 of the way through the entire school year (60 days). I will be missing about 40 days with maternity leave. Add those together and I only have 80ish more days to teach until the summer starts for me!

Thanks to G-ma W we received our first outfit for #2! Can't remember exactly what day it arrived this week, but Lily and I really enjoyed opening it. Lily received a new outfit perfect for winter too. Steve and I weren't left out either. Hope to get pics taken of both outfits soon!

"New Clothes"

My mom picked Lily up from school yesterday for some G-ma time. I came home to find the above. Jill, one of the other Kindergarten teachers at school, had given me some clothes to go though for #2. Lily is wearing a top and bottom of a 6-9 mth outfit. Yes, it is a tad small. She doesn't need safety pins to keep the pants up.

The video is of Lily complaining (with a mouthful of Tootsie Rolls) that Daddy took all her chocolate away.

LFCN Trunk or Treat

Lily's first shot at trick-or-treating this year at our church this past Wednesday. She was Chip from Beauty and the Beast. Kudos to G'ma R for her bargain hunting the uncovering this steal of a costume YEARS ago! Lily enjoyed the hayride too! She was fine wearing the teacup while she was going from trunk to trunk, but once we were done with that part . . . I think it was a tad heavy for her. BTW, I really don't like the pic of me, but I'm trying to keep it real :)

H-burg Visit

I started this post last weekend and never finished it. Here's the rest:

Lily came up to the other Burg to visit Steve yesterday afternoon. We enjoyed dinner and a wonderful walk around Shenandoah Lake. The Welty's home is all but right on the lake. The leaf colors are at their peak. The weather was beautiful after a rainy drive from one Burg to another. I didn't take the camera on the walk kinda on purpose. I wanted to really soak in this, albeit brief, time as a family. Lily trapsed around the lake and would occasionally chack back when she couldn't see us anymore. She is growing up so fast! Thank You God for a wonderful visit.

Then Lily and I headed to Gordonsville, VA for a short visit with some friends, the Adams family, from Indiana. They were vacationing at Shanandoah Crossing. The visit was a double-edged sword. I really enjoyed seeing them again, but it made me miss them and our other friends from IN even more! No pics there either.

Cease Striving

I will try to make this quick as time seems to be something I do not have enough of!

Yesterday I had a REALLY bad day. I yelled at Lily when I should have remained composed and the day was one of those days to begin with. My mom came over and she offered support and let me vent. I woke up with high hopes and a relatively relaxing slow morning today.

I read Ps 46:10 (God basically laid it in front of me)- Most people who know that verse know it as the "Be Still and know" verse. I read it in another version this morning and it said, "Cease striving and know that I am God." This just seemed to click for me.

I intended to think on it/meditate while driving to work. I arrived at Branches to drop off Lily and realized I didn't have her lunch. To keep this short, I nearly started bawling. Felt like it was too far to go home, but HAD to.

Started home, checked by bag for my cell phone and it wasn't there. I was pretty sure it was at home. In checking though, I grabbed MY lunch box. It occured to me that I could leave it for her instead of heading home. I could charge lunch at school.

After I got on the road, I felt like God was clearly telling me that this morning was a perfect example of how I was striving to have everything perfect and in line. I need to let God be God and not let my emotions get the better of me.

I am convinced that God prompted me to check for my phone and gave me the idea to leave my lunch for her.

Now for just a few Lily stories . . .

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One the way to church tonight, Lily was talking about "the king." I thought she was talking about a book we have been reading, so I asked her who was king. Lily responded, "Jesus!"

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On the way home from daycare, Lily was banging her drum she had made at school. I asked her what song she wanted to sing while banging her drum. She started singing "Jesus Loves Me."

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We stopped for gas after church this evening. I left the radio on while I pumped gas. I got back into the car, because it was so cold and found this. Sorry, my voice is so loud on the video. I took it on my cell.




If you haven't guessed, we seem to spend quite a bit of time in the car!

It's a . . . .

Girl!!!

Here _______ Is!

Well, that was the planned title of my post for Woof #2. I also planned to post a picture (although not a "revealing" picture). We got the news, but are having trouble with the DVD that the Dr.'s office gave us. First off, I assumed there would be pics along with the video. Not so. We'll have to ask for those. Secondly, none of the files will play on our computer.

Do you want to know what we are having? You'll have to ask Lily! How's that for suspense? Although, I am not sure that you will get the correct response. On the way to dinner last night, she kept insisting that the baby was the opposite of what we told her! The tech printed L her very own picture to carry with her.

Bye for now!

p.s. We aren't hiding the info. Just being playful! Any guesses out there?

She fell asleep WHERE?

I can hardly believe that I am taking time to write a fun post. The days are going by so quickly and I feel like I am missing/forgetting so much of my precious daughter's life.

This past week L has really made me laugh on several occasions.

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The first was last Thursday, I think. My days run together, so I am not sure. I picked her up from "school" and the afternoon helper told me she fell asleep just before nap -- are you ready for this? ON the toilet! They have been letting her be the last one to use the restroom lately to try and help with making it through nap. Her teacher said that she had been in there awhile and thought she better go check on her. She was asleep sitting on their toddler-sized toilet! Her feet can reach the floor, so I suppose she got REAL comfortable. I told her on the way home that she will NEVER live that down. L said, "Uh-uh. Yes I will." Regardless, we will talk about that day long after she has her own children, Lord-willing!

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We have been trying to make adoption language and being born in China a part of our everyday language. Obviously, by this incident, we haven't done a very successful job!I was asking her if she was from China. L kept say, "No, I'm from ksadjfdklsjf. Baby is from China (her Asian doll)." I asked her to repeat to several times, but just couldn't decipher it. She was starting to get exasperated with me, as she often does when I can't understand her. I asked one last time and I heard, "sdfsdf-burg." The light came on.

I said, "Lynchburg?" She smiled SO big and nodded a BIG yes! I have never told her that she is from Lynchburg or that we live in Lynchburg, but we do use the name a bit. Especially, since I work in another town and G-ma G-pa R live in another town. Now, I am not one of those dreamy moms who think their child is THE genius . . . But I was so proud of her figuring that one out on her own!

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Lately, she has take to using some words/phrases that just melt my heart. She saw me with a new shirt on this morning and told me, "That's cute." Much is cute these days. She also started telling me more about how she is feeling. She has verbalized for awhile when she is mad or sad, but lately it is - "I'm happy" or "You make me happy" or "You make me laugh."

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One the baby front, I am 18 weeks tomorrow starting into my 5th - can you believe it - 5th month. That is half way! Right now, time seems to be flying! There are days when I forget that I am pregnant. I remember when I lift something that is a little too heavy or a couple days after a melt down. I think - oh yeah - I am pregnant. Just the other day, I read that generally most expectant moms have felt their baby for the first time by the end of the fifth month. My mom asked me just a couple hours after I read that if I had felt the baby yet. I told her that I hadn't and wasn't expecting to for several more weeks at the earliest.

I received quite the surprise this morning in church! I truly believe that I felt him/her. I have heard that it feels like a "quickening" or "butterflies." Not really knowing what "quickening" meant - I just thought it would be quite some time before I felt the baby. I felt it and thought - wait a minute. Then I started asking myself questions. Was I bloated? Nope - quite comfy actually. Was I hungry? Nope - GREAT snacks in Sunday school/life group! Then I started doubting myself and started to put it out of my mind. Then it happened several more times. All in all 4-5 times. I am sure that is what it was!

BTW, did you know the baby is beginning to react to sound now. Pastor Stephen was preaching on fasting. Maybe he/she wanted me to know he/she was there, so I wouldn't attempt that right now!

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Not to leave anything out . . . God really blessed us with something really special today. Someone from church randomly brought us a casserole for me to put in the oven! We really didn't NEED it, but I was just thinking this morning that I needed to head to the store YET AGAIN for something to finish the cooking for the week. More cooking yet to be done and I was just tired. It wasn't even a complaint - really. Just a sigh of - oh well. Here we go again. Thank you God and church and friends for listening to the Lord's nudges! It MADE my day and I think maybe my week!

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I finally got the battery charged for the camera, so here a couple from - I think - yesterday morning. Lily had gotten into the lotion in the bathroom. I love her smile in the more clear one, but the one that is slightly out of focus shows more of the lotion! The pictures don't do the situation justice. She had it all over her legs too!

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Gotta run! I wish I could keep track of all the amazing and funny things that Lily does. She is growing and changing so much! Just about the time I thought I might be close to being done with diapers for awhile . . .

Wasted Time and More

Last night I was wiped and wanted to just veg at the computer for a little bit. Haven't done that in a little bit. Blogging about our life isn't vegging - too much thinking involved. I read a few blogs and sites, but this was just after dinner. Lily kept asking to go outside.

When we finally made it outside, I felt really guilty. It was a beautiful evening and I missed most of it! I let her stay up a little later than normal. We played outside, I pushed her in the swing, we had a tad bit of ice cream on the front porch (me rocking in my chair and L in hers), and sang a few songs while I rocked her.

Thank you God for redeeming my wasted evening and giving me a few special moments with my daughter who is growing up WAY too quickly.

We slept in about 45 minutes, watched some Kai-lan, and made french toast for breakfast. I had a family friend come over to watch Lily during my accountability group this morning. L and Kelly had a great time. That was yet another amazingly refreshing good morning. Kelly, I cannot thank you enough for your generous use of your time!

This afternoon when she wakes, we drive to H-burg to have dinner with Steve, and get a pumpkin with said Daddy(according to L this is the most important part of the trip). All to return to L-burg this evening.

No pics yet. I have misplaced our battery charger for the camera battery. I know ti is here somewhere, but haven't the time to find it.

Pregnancy is going well/normally according to doc. We find out the gender of the baby on October 9th! I am enjoying having Steve in the midst of his Women's Health class. I know he would rather be done with class, but it's fun to watch/listen to his excitement (as excited as he gets) as he is learning about what I/we are going through! One night he called me back after we talked just to ask me about what the docs had said about pain relievers. He was relieved himself to hear that the dos had told told me NO aspirin/No NSAIDS for pain. Here is why he was so concerned.

School is starting out much better than last year. Lots of reasons, I guess. Lots of changes for the school, new kids, etc. BUT, I am convinced evermore that GOD knows how much I can handle an he is giving me grace for this season. God is indeed in control. I am NOT and the sooner, I learn to live my life with that in mind - the better!

Okay this is WAY longer than I intended, so I guess I will close and rest before L decides to wake and we head to H-burg. Continue your prayers that are felt and valued!

Word of God Speak!

I really shouldn't be doing this, BUT I really HAVE to! Every spare moment (literally) since my last post has been spent getting ready for school, lesson plans, etc. On that front just PRAY!

We are being required to use a format that takes me anywhere from 10-15 hours a week just to type up my plans to turn in (writing them in the same format would take even longer). I have 25-28 pages of lesson plans EVERY week. That doesn't count taking the time to actually prepare and gather materials, etc. Gone are the days of the plan book where you can see all of your plans for the week in two facing pages!

Enough of that, because that is not what this post is about. This morning things were going relatively well for a morning around this house. Lily was finishing up breakfast and we were ahead of schedule by about 10 minutes - Can you believe it? I have started playing our local Christian radio station, Spirit FM, constantly in the last few days. I was checking my e-mail quickly while Lily finished up and "Word of God Speak" came on the radio.

I thought Lily started talking and started to fuss at her for not eating when she said this: "I'm singing mommy!" I checked my spirit and breathed out and thought - school can wait. THIS is TOO important! We "sang" the rest of the song together. I asked her if she liked that song. She smiled and grinned while nodding her head.

I'm finding myself at a loss for words
And the funny thing is it's okay
The last thing I need is to be heard
But to hear what You would say

[CHORUS]
Word of God speak
Would You pour down like rain
Washing my eyes to see
Your majesty
To be still and know
That You're in this place
Please let me stay and rest
In Your holiness
Word of God speak

I'm finding myself in the midst of You
Beyond the music, beyond the noise
All that I need is to be with You
And in the quiet hear Your voice

[REPEAT CHORUS 2x]

I'm finding myself at a loss for words
And the funny thing is it's okay

Thank you God for a sweet beginning to my day (especially after last evening's pity party)!

Sorry for the lack of pictures. I haven't taken any since Steve left for Canada. IF you happen to read this tonight, pray especially hard. It is nearly 9:30 and I could work until midnight and still not be done with plans. Pray for focus, perseverance, and wisdom (on when to stop) considering my alarm will be going on before 6 AM.

Rest of the story - part 2

If you haven't read "The rest of the story - part 1" scroll down.

Well what do you know? God certainly has a sense of humor. I should have learned by now that you do NOT tell God what YOU want or do not want to do. Less than a month later we were pregnant. I have never followed my cycle much since we got the news in 2004 and especially not since Steve started school and we are hardly are in the same city for more than 12-24 hours at a time 2-3 times a month.

I had NO suspicions until I was already at least 6 weeks pregnant and then I started to wonder. I was in denial putting off getting a home test for 4-5 days. At one point a few weeks before, I thought maye I was PMSing (if that is a word), but alas I was not! I was not even the least bit sick until the day after the home test!

To be perfectly honest and transparent, I was NOT a happy camper at first! I have always and will always be adamently PRO-life and PRO-child. But . . . Those first two weeks, I had to deal with all of the emotions that come with an unplanned, poorly timed (I thought) pregnancy. There are upsides to the timing that I can see now.

Baby will be born when I am 34 1/2. Had the baby been born a year later (after Steve was done with school), the docs would have considered me high-risk soley due to my age. "JMU" is being very sympathetic at this point. He has been told that he will be allowed to set-up up to 3 rotations here in Lynchburg in addition to his research month which can also be done here. That means he could be "working" locally for 4 of his 11 months! They are even giving the students a 10-day break in July!

In case you didn't catch the due date, it is Feb. 22, 2010. I am hoping to take 9 weeks off give or take some. Fortunately, Spring Break is one of those weeks (yet another timing plus). I will have to take 5 of those weeks without pay as I don't have much sick time saved up yet. We both feel for my health and baby's health that I need to take more than 6 wks, but 12 wks doesn't seem wise financially.

Well, I think that wraps things up for now. I continue to feel pretty good - at least compared to the horror stories I have heard. We will be finding out the sex of the baby when possible. There are too many other unknowns for me at this point! Here is list of things that you can specifically be praying for (in no particular order of importance - my pregnancy brain is definitely not that organized):

1. Easy pregnancy (no :) time off before birth)
2. Endurance for Steve (last semester of class)
3. Preparation for Lily
4. Trusting God (financial provision)
5. Healthy baby
6. Rest (I am waking up 2-3 times a night)
7. Endurance for me (start school today)
8. Wisdom
9. Peace
10. People will see and accept and know God's power, love, and provision through us

The rest of the story - part 1

I had this all typed out and realized how incredibly long it was, so you are getting it in two installments. Check back later tomorrow for the rest! If you haven't seen "Somethin' to talk about Saturday," scroll down for the pics!

I thought I would give people the surprise yesterday without any explanation, but wanted to share a little more today. Many people are aware of why this was such a surprise, but others are not. Especially those who have met us recently.

Before Steve and I were ever at the place of beginning a family, we talked about infertility and adoption. Neither one of us had any issues that we were aware of. I think it was just a God thing. We decided as a couple that if it came to that, we would only pursue infertility treatments as far as insurance would pay. At that point, we would pursue adoption.

We (I more so that Steve initally) felt a calling to adopt a little girl from China. We had a attended a Steven Curtis Chapman concert in the fall of 2002. Wow, has it really been nearly 7 years since that concert? I just knew at that very moment that we would have a daughter from China. Then came the following debate:

Do we adopt first when "we can afford it" before we have a biological family? or Do we "try" first? The answer came in early June 2004. It was harder for Steve to process than me, but we worked through the news relatively smoothly. I believe that God prompted us to have that conversation about infertility early in our marriage to prepare us for that moment.

Fast forward to May 2009! I was watching a birth on TLC at Steve's apartment. I made it very clear in no uncertain terms that a baby was gross at birth and that if I ever (Ha Ha Ha) gave birth they would have to clean it up before I would hold it. On this particular episode, they put the baby immediately on the mother's abdomen (BTW, I still think that is still a little yucky).

Steve had just finished up his second semester of Pathophysiology, so that launched us into a discussion about my higher risks with certain cancers due to not ever being pregnant - let alone carrying a child to term. We also talked about how we enjoyed our family and we were VERY settled into being a transracially adoptive family. I was adament that I was happy with our life and that I had NO, NONE, NADA desire to EVER be pregnant!

Somethin' to talk about Saturday

Stay Tuned!

Heads up for those who actually read our blog. Look for an update Saturday morning. If you haven't registered your e-mail address with blogger, you may want to re-visit my post here on how to leave a comment.

Interested yet?

Too Quiet!

We were eating breakfast this morning when Lily asked to use the bathroom. I knew she had just gone about 10 minutes before that, but she had two accidents yesterday right in succession. I didn't want to risk not sending her.

It was too quiet and I asked her what she was doing. She answered, but I couldn't hear her well. I thought I had better check in out. This is what I found:






I was having a difficult time not laughing. I told her that she was not to ask to use the restroom and then start playing. I cleaned her up, we finished breakfast, and then we painted our nails for real:

Nothing new

There is nothing new to report here. Just that Steve's school continues 1 hr 45 min away from us. I am thankful that it isn't further. Lily has had a good, easy Sunday for once (we went to the early service and were home shortly after 11 instead of almost 1).

God is still good and he is blessing us beyond what I could imagine (more on that at a later time). Life is still hard. I start school a week from tomorrow officially. Steve wraps up finals Thursday, then heads up North with Lily on Friday.

For those of you who are praying for us, please don't stop! God will continue to be faithful.

Oh, Lily . . .

Me: "Lily, will you help mommy find her keys?"
L: "Yeah! Lulu, we need you (Lulu is a character on Kai-lan that helps them at different times). Come here keys. Here keys."

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L: "I want my promise to be shoes."

We received some shoes in the last couple of days that are WAY too big for Lily right now. She has been using them to "dress-up" in. It occurred to me after her comment that she was referring to dress-up shoes. We have a book based on the song, "I am a Promise." There is a girl in it that dresses up to be all sorts of things and says, "I'm a promise to be."

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L: "Can I wear my twoh-suhs (Mandarin from Kai-lan)?"
Me: "No, it is too hot for slippers right now."

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L: "I love you. We a family."

Lily's Bible

A few days ago, Lily was reading her picture bible on the kitchen floor while I worked on a few things. She was telling about each picture, then I heard her say this:

"For my Bible says so!"

I think she was singing "Jesus loves me."

The Carnival

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On the spur of the moment, Lily and I took in a local carnival. It only cost a dollar to get in which is all I intended to pay for, but the unlimited rides for Lily were only $12. The carnival raises money for a local volunteer fire department, so I threw caution to the wind.

Lily rode everything by herself. I paid for one ride for myself, because I wasn't sure if Lily would go do the big slide by herself. We went once together and then she rode it twice by herself. I think carting the burlap sack up the stairs was the hardest part for her.

She had a great time and ended up riding everything her size three times each. Loads of fun. All the video and pics are from my camera phone. I did say it was SPUR of the moment!

Swimming and other fun

Lily was trying so hard to get the float out of the pool.

Babies!

Lily found the infant carrier we used to use for her and wanted to use it herself:

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Cheese!

I brought home some magnetic blocks from school for the summer. Lily used them yesterday to create a camera. She used it the better part of the morning and evening. She would tell me to go stand somewhere and say, "Chka, chka." Once she even told our sweet lab, Cassie, to stand next to me. Cassie actually listened to Lily. That was a first!

Yikes!

I was scooping the yard, because I was tired of having to watch where I stepped. I headed for a medium sized pile with my makeshift gloves . . .

Need I say more?

Recent Conversations

In the midst of checking my e-mail with Lily by my side one morning. She drew me a picture. I asked her what it was a picture of.

Lily: "God made heaven in my heart. Jesus died on the cross."

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Our church had a potato drop a couple weeks ago on a Saturday. They dropped 40,000 lbs of sweet potatoes. We bagged and distributed them to area food banks and those in need. We went as a family. Lily and I didn't help a whole lot until lunch time, but it was a smelly fun time. The next morning this transpired:

Me: "Do you still smell that?"
Steve: "A little, but they cleaned up pretty well."
Lily: " I smell sweet potatoes!"

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Lily: "I love you, Mommy."
Me: "I love you, too."
Lily: "I'm so proud of you!"
Me: "Thank you."

Not sure what she was proud of, but that has become one of her recent phrases.

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I laid my forehead on my hands while she finished lunch today at the table.

Lily: "What's wrong, Mommy?"
Me: "Mommy's just a little tired."
Lily: "It's okay. You can lay your head here on the table (proceeds to move my hands and rub the back of my neck."

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I was laying in bed one morning not really wanting to get up. Lily was ready to go, so I took her night-time diaper off, told her to throw it away, go potty, and get dressed.

Lily: "This okay (holding up an outfit)?"
Me: "Yes."

Lily dresses herself and goes to play in her room. She comes back a few minutes later.

Lily: "I checks on you."

Pats my back and goes back to playing.

Camera Phone Pics

Salsa at Qdobas


Enjoying the pond


Turtle at the JMU arboretum.


Running off some steam at the arboretum at lunchtime.


Sitting on Daddy's head

Lily and Luke - adoring cousins (most of the time)


I pushed Hannah in the big stroller while H pushed L in the small stoller!

I know I have been lacking in posting and pics lately, so I thought I would post some pics I took with the camera phone. They aren't the best quality, but they upload quickly. Our internet isn't the best and it has me avoiding uploads of any kind.

The first six are from the last couple of days. I forgot our real Camera when we heading to H-burg to spend a couple days with Daddy. Lily and I stayed busy during the day. We met Steve for lunch twice and mostly had our evenings together (Steve still had studying and class - yuck!).

The last two are from our KS trip.