Big News

This might not be big news for many but for us this is very big news.  Today for the first time ever I was able to tell the boys that I was going to the bathroom and would be back to check on them without them getting upset.  For the last 3 months someone has had to lay with them until they fell asleep.  I checked on them a couple of times and told them to go nite nite.  Before too long they were fast asleep. This means I will now have about an hour every afternoon to get our house back in order.  They take very short naps so there was very little time without the boys to clean up.  So excited we are at this point. Hoping it goes this easy tonight when we put them to bed.

August 25 marked 3 months home for the boys.  All week I have been thinking that they had really made a lot of progress.  Both boys are talking so much more.  Caleb is still very difficult to understand but at least he is trying.  Caleb out of the blue last weekend said "I love you!"  Then he preceded to say everyone's name in the van and tell them many many times.  It was so cute!  He seems to really know what it means.  Jacob is saying it now too.

Alyssa seems to be doing much better with the boys.  She still tries to seek attention wherever we go but at home she is better.  We still can't leave her alone with a boy for fear of her pushing, hitting, etc. to them but we do see progress.  She is trying to engage them in play a little especially Caleb.  She will give them kisses and let them kiss her.  Next week she starts preschool 2 days a week.  We think this will really help her.  She will have time of her own and feel like a big girl.  She is very excited.  She started gymnastics a few weeks ago and loves it.

I may add more to this post later or just start a new one.  I want to tell more about the boys' accomplishments but my 3 year olds are now up and raring to go.  

Here is one photo from the beach.  I hope to eventually hope to post more.

Myrtle Beach

We slipped away to Myrtle Beach for 4 days. It was absolutely the most fun we have had in awhile. Definitely a lot of work with three 3 year olds but so worth it! We spent most of the time at the beach or pool.

The last full day was the best of all the days. We never left the resort...beach, pool, dinner, beach, pool. I could feel my mom with me. It was the kind of day she loved. No schedule just relaxing in the sun.

Jacob was so happy. For the last month his first question of the day is "Pool today?" Everyday this past week his wish came true. Caleb doesn't ask but he was just as pleased.

Pictures coming soon... Learning to use Lightroom so it is taking awhile to edit them.

Busted Lip

Last Friday Julia came running into the room saying Jacob was bleeding. Blood was pouring out of his lip. There was a huge cut. We think he fell. There is a question if Alyssa was involved. She was having a tantrum in her room.

It was 4:10 so still time to call our pediatrician. The reception said they were booked but transferred us to the nurse. Thank goodness she said to come now and they would see him. Love our pediatricians.

Unfortunately it was determined he needed stitches. It was now 5:30. It looked like the Emergency room was our only option. Thank goodness the nurse worked some magic. She called a plastic surgeon who had left for the day but was willing to come back in a couple of hours to fix Jacob's lip.

Jacob did pretty good getting his 4 stitches. Took two of us to hold him down but once done he was fine.

It was the first time Jacob had his mom and dad all to himself. He was so funny. He talked nonstop and was so sweet. We need to try and take one of them at a time more often.

Before and after photo follows. I know they aren't the best but it was what I got with my phone. The before photo does not show how bad his lip really looked.

The Littles

Love this photo of the littles!

What's Next?

What's next?  This is the question I keep asking myself.  While I would love to adopt two more girls( born in 2006,2007,or 2008) it isn't in the cards right now.  We are emotionally, financially, and physically spent at the moment.

I feel like I need to be doing something.  I wish I could just figure out what that something was.  There are so many orphans in China.  So many that need help.  I dream of going back on a mission trip.  The faces I have seen haunt me.  The need is so great.  I am constantly asking myself "What can I do?"  I need to find an organization that works in China I can volunteer my time at home.  I used to work with one and I have missed it immensely. Time to find another one and at least be doing something.

Also been thinking about switching to a family blog.  Maybe just updating this one occasionally.   I wish I was a great writer and people flocked to my blog to read my inspirational posts.  That just isn't me.  Writing is not one of my gifts but I like having a document of our lives.  I enjoy the writing part too.  Many times I don't post things on this blog because it isn't related to the boys.  The more I think about it the more I think I will start a family blog.... Is Eight Enough?

Neurosurgeon Appointment and Beach Photos

The boys' appointment with the neurosurgeon was today.  Caleb has complete absence of the corpus collosum and Jacob has partial absence of the corpus callosum.  We really don't know what this means for the boys.  We just wait and see how they develop.   Caleb's does have fluid on the ventricles but we found out this is perfectly normal with his absence of the corpus callosum.  Best news is there no need for any surgery.

Now for the long awaited beach photos.

              The boys walking on the beach.  Their balance wasn't good on the sand.

                                    Jacob was more of an observer.

                                        Caleb loved playing in the sand.

                                       Bye Bye Beach!  Hope to visit again soon.

Two Months

Two months ago today the boys became US citizens in San Francisco. Two months ago they met their Dad, Kristopher, Nicholas, Julia, Grace, and Alyssa for the first time.

Since my post a couple of weeks ago the boys have had some new experiences. I am going to use bullets again just because I like them.

- First overnight trip since China. They both did okay. Sleeping was interesting since there were 10 of us.

- First trip to Ikea. They weren't that impressed.

- First trip to the beach. We just went late in the afternoon for a few hours. Neither walked well on the beach. Dallas likes to say they walk like old men. I think this is due to their brain issues. It can cause problems with balance. Caleb took to the beach much quicker than Jacob. No surprise there. Jacob sat on a boogie board checking things out for a long time. All in all they had a good time. Looking forward to our longer trip to the beach in August.

I'll add some photos tomorrow.  Too tired tonight.