when east meets south
I’d like to introduce y’all to someone kinda special. Meet Miss Magnolia Jane, our daughter. I know, I can hardly stand it. Seriously. Now for the story, because I’m guessing you’re probably curious. And the truth is, it’s a story worth telling because it’s not our story. It’s His. I’m not going to share it all today, but I want… Read More
When we reviewed Clementine’s medical, it was pretty boring. In a really good way. Down syndrome, a minor heart issue and developing relatively well. Once we’d committed and were well into the wait, we got word of her breathing issues. Asthma? Pneumonia? Bronchitis? She was hospitalized for the entire month of April. Then in September we got the news that… Read More
I am so. excited. This project has been in the *dream* stage for a long time. But with a website overhaul pending, and realizing our need for more organizational and informational supports to make No Hands But Ours all it can be, the time to turn this dream into reality is now. Joining me on this adventure are Rebecca, Liberty,… Read More
She was the subject of my very first Sunday Snapshot. Over three years ago. And today seemed a perfect day to do it again. Because there is much to celebrate. Isabelle’s teacher called me on Friday. With some news. Evidently, Isabelle’s reading level was recently tested. At the end of the year last year, Isabelle was reading at a level… Read More
This picture, at first glance, looks like a child’s scribble. And it is. But it is so. much. more. Y’all probably know this, but for those of you who might not, Poppy’s special need is missing fingers on her left hand, also known as symbrachydactyly. It’s pretty much a non-issue in our day-to-day existence. In fact, I’ve found myself completely… Read More
He in surgery. All has gone well, so far. They gave him the “goofy juice” and he proceeded to get very, very goofy. Then they wheeled him back to surgery. And I held his hand until he fell asleep. Then I walked out, down the hallway, and proceeded to bawl like a baby. Many here enduring surgeries for reasons so… Read More
Today marks the beginning of Jude’s treatment to correct his relapsing clubfoot. He’ll get his first of two casts to prepare his foot for surgery. He is, in fact, at his appointment right now with his dad and a few of his siblings. But I am here. At home. Holding down the fort with the other kiddos. Wishing I could… Read More
*update: Jude did great in the MRI. no results until our docs have a look, but so glad this is behind us now. Thank you so much for your prayers.* Jude came home from China five years ago. He was 16 months and had bilateral, unrepaired clubfoot. We took him to Iowa for casting and we followed the bracing protocol… Read More
or organizing… or cleaning. I thought it would be the perfect time for some fun. Instead. You ready? How about a really-fun-super-fanastic quiz? I thought it would be fun to compile some answers to the following questions about your China adoption travel experience. After I asked y’all for help with special needs blogs links a few weeks ago (and y’all… Read More
We have travel dates. April 8 – Arrive in Wuhan April 9 – GOTCHA DAY April 10 – ADOPTION DAY April 11 – Fly to Guangzhou April 12 – Medical April 14 – Medical/TB skin test read April 16 – CA April 17 – Get Visa April 18 – Fly HOME Can not wait to squeeze you, little one.