Merry Christmas!

From our family to yours.

Praying your Christmas is filled with love, joy, and BLESSINGS!

We are so grateful to God for all the blessings he has given us this year. And like my oldest son Max said, "Zeb was definitely the highlight of the year!"

So Sweet

Zeb is doing great and I have a post coming about him, but I couldn't resist telling you about my recent conversation with Eli.

My sister had her baby this morning. She called me before the kids were up to come for the delivery. The labor and delivery were beautiful and Ginger delivered a healthy baby boy. When I came home, all the kids greeted me as if I had been gone for weeks! But Eli looked confused when he asked, "Where's the baby?" I reminded him that Aunt Ginger had her baby, but my baby was still growing in my tummy.

Later this afternoon, the baby was very active and I grabbed my abdomen after a big kick. Eli said, "Is that your baby?" I told him, yes, the baby is kicking me. To which he said, "The baby is kicking you and hitting you!" He thought that was so funny.

But then tonight, on the way home from Bible study, Eli said, "Mommy your baby isn't kicking you. He's kissing you. That's wonderful!"

Oh, how I adore that boy.

And. . . . . let's just say, when the baby kisses, he/she kisses with all he's got! And that's wonderful!

Just for Fun

Borscht!

I loved the Borscht in Russia. I ate it twice in our favorite cafe on the first floor of our apartment. Our facilitator told me it is very easy to make and basically how to make it. So, last night I made Borscht for dinner!

The kids were a little skeptical at first, but they all liked it. Their least favorite part was the cabbage, but they each enjoyed the beets - much to my surprise.

Zeb thought it was wonderful. We're pretty sure the flavor profile was extremely familiar to him. He ate two bowls full. His, though, was blended since he still doesn't really know how to chew properly.

Scarfing it down:

Borscht covered face:

Here is the recipe that I used. I didn't use the beef broth, just water. I think it may need maybe half broth, half water just for added flavor, but all broth would be way to high in sodium for my taste.

It was very simple to prepare. I will definitely be making it again.

Mike even gave me a high five for a well prepared, delicious Russian dinner.

Aren't you proud of me Marina?

It IS a rescue!

So many people wonder WHY anyone would want to adopt a special needs child.

WHY would anyone fundraise to bring a child into their family that might be a burden?

WHY would anyone travel to the other side of the world to adopt a child who may not ever leave their home?

WHY?????

Here's the current stats of a beautiful little girl who is being rescued.

And, yes, it IS a rescue. There is no other word for it.

Katie is 9 1/2 years old. YEARS, not months. Her parents will be bringing her home , by the grace of God, this weekend. They expect to take her directly from the plane to the hospital.

Her stats:

Weight – 10 pounds, 9 ounces

Length – 29 inches

Head circumference – 16 3/4 inches

Waist – 12 inches

Leg, hip to heel – 12 inches

Foot – almost 4 inches

Upper thigh circumference – 5 inches

Ankle circumference – 3 inches

Arm, shoulder to fingertip – 10 inches

Upper arm circumference – 3 1/4 inches

Wrist circumference – 2 3/4 inches

Reading that just now was the only reminder I needed to beg again for the children on the other side of the world that I love.

They all need families.

They all DESERVE families.

Please visit Reece's Rainbow and find out how you can help RESCUE a child.

These precious blessings are still waiting:

Tyler: 12 years old

Marcus: 8 years old

Bridget: 5 years old

Langley: 4 years old

You can get to any of these children's information through the links on their pictures on the left side of my blog.

Please, also, pray for Katie.

The Gift of Vision

(the brown frames were temporary until the gray ones came in)

Ok, thanks to a couple of nice people who pointed out how long it has been since I posted anything here, I decided to come back and update you. So much has been going on that I haven't had time to post. Not to mention, I keep wearing myself out and ending up sick. But, I'm on the mend now and ready to share our little Zeb with you again.

Zeb got his glasses a couple of weeks ago. The change wasn't instantaneous, but very noticeable nontheless. He did NOT want to keep his glasses on the first few days. It was a constant battle. Literally, every few minutes you would hear, "Zeb, where are your glasses?" "Zeb, you have to keep your glasses on!" "Zeb, don't take your glasses off!" It was challenging. But between Ainsley, Max, Lillian and me, we persevered and now we don't have to fight him about his glasses. In his own (nonverbal) way, he asks for them when he wakes up. Although, he still doesn't like to wear them in the car and we also have to wash them about forty times a day. Oh well. It'll get better eventually. Right?

The most obvious change since getting the glasses is his walking. Zeb has almost quit crawling completely. He is still pretty unsteady, but he stays on his feet. He is not a quitter. No matter how many times he falls down, he will always stand back up and walk some more.

Less obvious, but still definite changes are sitting still for Signing Time and actually looking at books.

Five more weeks until his evaluation with the Neurodevelopmentalist. I'm counting down the days!

The Tradition Continues

It all started more than 60 years ago, when my granddad was playing with his son (my Daddy).

We have a picture that shows just how it happened.

Unfortunately, the tradition was delayed a little because girls (my sister and I) are just too cautious.

But when Max was little, we carried on the tradition, both with his Daddy and his granddaddy.

All of our kids have joined in the fun.

And today -

Zeb participated in the family tradition.

I am so THRILLED to have this picture!

A Perfect Night for a Party!

Thursday was Zeb's third birthday. So, last night we had a big party in the park. Our family and closest friends came to celebrate a life that was almost forgotten. But the pictures show just how loved and adored our boy actually is.

Zeb had a great time! He was held and played with every minute. He smiled. He giggled. He even proved he was meant to be a Texan, as he ate TWO platesfuls of pulled pork and baked beans.

He LOVED everyone singing "Happy Birthday" while he danced and then applauded.

He wasn't sure about the presents, but quickly found out how fun it is to rip off paper and see what's inside.

Then he had to play peek-a-boo in the gift bag!

We found a treasure when we found "Wilson" on Reece's Rainbow. And we enjoyed doting on him and celebrating his life last night. Every day is a blessing. I pray I don't ever take that for granted.

We Love You, Zebadiah!

Happy Birthday!

Doctors and Dentists and More - Oh My!

Our days seem to lead from one appointment to another. We saw our family doctor the week we got home. Zeb is healthy and his heart sounds great! He obviously needs to gain weight, which I'm pretty sure he is doing. We'll go back again in March.

Last week, we had an appointment with the dentist. We were immediately referred to a pediatric dentist since his mouth is so full of dental problems. Sounds like we are facing oral surgery to fill cavities and possibly extract some teeth. We'll know more after our visit next Tuesday.

Today, we went to the opthamologist. Zeb was wonderful and had no trouble with the eye drops. We have a prescription for glasses and I will post a pic of his new frames as soon as we get them.

Now we are just waiting on our Neurodevelopmentalist to call us to schedule an evaluation. I can't wait to get him started with some therapy. He seems much closer to walking on his own. I'm hoping his new glasses will help his balance some. Also, he just this morning started saying "Bye-bye" while waving goodbye to people.

Have I mentioned how much we all adore this boy? He makes everyone around him smile. He's such a blessing!

We Saved One

What about the others?

When we first started our adoption process, we knew we had room in our house and in our hearts for more than one child. So, we planned to adopt "Wilson" and another little boy from the same region. But a very short time into the journey, God made it very clear that we were only to get one. I struggled with that. I said, "But God we are willing to get two." And His reply every single time was, "I'm only asking you to save one."

I didn't understand then and honestly, I don't understand now. But clearly, God has a plan for the one we left behind. I KNOW he was in the same orphanage with Zeb. We didn't ever see him, even though I kept my eyes peeled for him. I just wanted one glimpse. And yet, God probably knew I wouldn't handle it very well.

So, I just wanted to take today to re-introduce you to "Langley".

He will be 4 this month. Unfortunately, that means his time in the baby house is drawing to a close. Please pray for Langley with me. Pray that his family finds him soon. I don't want the day to come when his profile reads, "Help! I've already been transferred!"

Zeb is such a HUGE blessing to our family. "Langley" will be a HUGE blessing to his family too.

Perfect Timing

Today is the first day of Down Syndrome Awareness month. And although I would love to sign up to be one of the bloggers who will blog every day this month, I know myself too well. I am going to try to keep up, but the pressure would have me failing for sure!

Anyway, I thought the best way to start out the month would be to post a story that warmed my heart. We all want our kids to be accepted, to make friends, and to feel included. That holds especially true for our children with designer genes.

This story is about a girl who achieved all of these things in a very public way.

Watch:

http://www.wfaa.com/news/local/Azle-senior-with-Down-syndrome-wins-Homecoming-Queen-130894983.html

And a standing ovation to follow:

An Update - with pictures!

Man, I really thought I would be blogging all the time once we were home. Guess I should have paid more attention to those parents who don't. Who knew being a pregnant homeschooling mommy of five, including three preschoolers, would be so time consuming. Ha ha!

Things are still going great! Zeb has learned the rules of the house quite rapidly. He no longer tries to get into everything. He doesn't throw nearly as many fits about food and a simple, "No fits!" from me will get him quiet in no time. AND - he chewed last night! The magic food? Maple Pecan Cake! (no pecans for him though) He enjoyed it very much!

Last Friday we went to the zoo. I wouldn't say he loved it, but he did have a good time. I'm not convinced he saw many animals. We're having his eyes checked in two weeks. And he did NOT like the carousel. Scared the poor boy to death. You should have seen how white his knuckles got clinging to the pole and grabbing me around the neck trying to climb off. Oh well, he had fun dancing to the music while the other kids rode.

Zeb seems to be verbalizing more and more. No words still, but he mouthed "Ma Ma" last night for Mike. When I ask him to try it he just laughs at me. He's so cruel.

Zeb had most all eyes on him at church Sunday morning. Our little congregation got a real kick out of him "praising" to the music. He waves his hands around and tries to dance. The boy loves music. I guess that's no surprise.

We have many adventures planned over the next several weeks. I'll try to take LOTS of pictures.

Here's our most recent adventures:

Brothers!

Zeb and Lillian

Falling asleep on Ainsley

Enjoying the ride

The other four

Strong boys

Petting the goat

Checking out the weasels

Sisters!

Not so sure about this.

That fish may be as big as Zeb.

Clinging to Nealy!

Feeding himself.

Super cool!