Waiting for Chloe Grace: 2008

Monday, December 29, 2008

Six Months....how can that be???

June 29, 2008 - the day we first met - about to embark on a new life

November 2008 - 5 months later - we've all come so far

Wow....I just can't believe Chloe Grace has been with us for 6 months. In many ways these past six months have flown by. The first couple of months are a blur, actually. But in many other ways, it seems like we've always been together. She's grown 2 1/2 inches taller & gained 2 pounds since we've been home. She's grown in other ways, too. She's learning that she can trust us. She knows that when I run to the store, I'll be back in a little while. When we first came home, I took her everywhere with me. The first few times I left her home with Steve and the other kiddos, she had huge meltdowns. She was terrified, I'm sure, that I would leave and not return. At one point that was her reality...it just breaks my heart that she's known the pain she's had to endure. But now she's home, where she belongs...always.

Thursday, December 18, 2008

Seeing things through new eyes

Chloe Grace putting the first ornament on our tree

The finished tree...Steve and I put on the ribbon and beads (it's a pre-lit tree) and the kids do all the ornaments.

Their so proud of their finished product!

There are so many things this holiday season that we're seeing differently as we approach our first Christmas with Chloe Grace. She loves all the lights and decorations. I get so busy and wrapped up in my to-do list that sometimes I barely notice them. Then I hear "Oh, mommy look. That so pretty." from the back seat. When we put the tree up to decorate, Chloe Grace said, "Tree no inside, tree outside." It's all obviously very new for her. She talks about Mama Wang, her foster mom in China quite a bit now. Chloe Grace and I were snuggling on the couch one morning after the older kids were off to school. As we were admiring the tree I asked her if Mama Wang ever had a tree like this at her house. Chloe Grace said, "No, Mama Wang have tree outside and Mama Wang no have presents." She's in awe of the gifts under the tree and so, so anxious to get to open them! She often looks under there to make sure there are still some with her name on them. She loves the decorations and enjoyed putting things around the house after we finished the tree. We are all thrilled to be spending this holiday season with her, not just in our hearts, but in our home.

Happy Holidays to you all!

Tuesday, December 9, 2008

Finally, a new family photo

While we were in Dallas over Thanksgiving we finally had our family portrait done. We met with our most favorite photographers ever (shout out to Brad & Elana at B&E Photography) and they really worked their mojo on our crazy family.

The six of us

My sweet Chloe Grace. She is smart and funny and loving. She continues to amaze me.

Jarod, my oldest...I can't believe we're on the verge of middle school - say it ain't so!! He's very responsible, trustworthy and funny. Steve said this about Jarod, and I think it's true...his quick wit probably keeps him out of as much trouble as it gets him in.

Jason, my soft hearted boy, will celebrate his 8th birthday next week. He often leaps before he looks, but is so very loving.

Madison, my dear, is an amazing girl. She loves to shop like her Mama! She is and always has been a girly-girl. She's sweet and thoughtful and fun!

My girls...Madison couldn't wait to have a sister. The girls are so great together.

Tuesday, December 2, 2008

Is it really December already???

I can't believe November is over! I've meant to update the blog, but just couldn't seem to find the time. And here it is December! So, in one post I'll try to catch you all up on our crazy blur of a month!

Madison and I started November off by making funnel cake. We've never made them at home before. Usually that's our treat at Six Flags. But I found a recipe by Alton Brown that really was as easy as he made it look (you can find it here). Here's a picture of our finished product:

Three of the kiddos and I then headed to Dallas for a quilt square shower a few of my girlfriends gave for Chloe Grace. We had so much fun! Everything was beautiful and the cake was really delicious! We had a blast...thanks girls!

About 5 years ago we started a new Thanksgiving tradition with our children. We decided we would start seeing a family movie at the theater on Thanksgiving day. With four children it gets pretty pricey to go to the theater, so it doesn't happen very often. In fact, this was Chloe Grace's first visit to the movie theater. We saw Bolt, which was good. We also had buttered popcorn, candy and cokes first think in the morning!

And to end the month, we traveled back up to Dallas to celebrate Thanksgiving with our family. The kids were out of school all week, so we arrived Friday night and stayed until the following Saturday night. Wednesday we finally had our family portrait made. I haven't been able to see the proofs yet...I can't wait! Thursday we had dinner with Steve's dad & stepmom. Friday we had lunch with Steve's mom and stepdad. We also got to see his grandmother whom we haven't seen in quite some time. Friday night my brother arrived with his wife and 4 children. We hadn't seen them since last Thanksgiving. Saturday we had lunch at my parents house where we all were staying. It was nice to all be together. My parents only have 2 children, my brother and I. They have 8 grandchildren - 5 boys and 3 girls. They are 13, 12, 11, 9, 8, 7, 5 and 18 months. Since they are all so close together in age, they get along well. This is the first picture of all 8 grandkids:

Chloe Grace loved my oldest nephew, Dominic. She just couldn't get enough of him! She constantly wanted him to hold her and play with her. And he was very sweet about it.

So, that was our November. December is shaping up to be just as busy. I hope you all had an amazing Thanksgiving!

Monday, November 3, 2008

Chickens, troopers, vampires & burglars

My fabulous four:

Jarod as a burglar, Madison as a vampire princess, Jason as Boba Fett, and Chloe Grace as a chicken.

This is the costume I expected Chloe Grace to wear....Sleeping Beauty. This picture is from our Fall Fest at school the week before Halloween.

All Chloe Grace could talk about for weeks was wearing her Sleeping Beauty dress. Finally, it was time for the Fall Fest at school where the kids dress up, eat a hot dog, trunk or treat & go on a hay ride. She loved every second of it. On Friday when it was time to get dressed in her costume for trick or treating on Halloween, she says "I no want to wear Sleeping Beauty dress." When Jason was in preschool I found a chicken costume at Old Navy that I just fell in love with. I bought it and got it home, where he quickly informs me that he wants to be Batman. So, the chicken costume has been in the closet since then. I just couldn't part with it, I so loved that thing! So, when Chloe Grace declare Sleeping Beauty was out, I quickly said, "Would you like to be a chicken????" She loved it! She walked around clucking in between "trick or treats". She and the boys had a great night. Madison, unfortunately, was grounded and not allowed to trick or treat. I absolutely hated having to play that card with her, but she needed to see that I meant business about some attitude adjustments she needed to make. And, I'm happy to say she served her punishment well. She didn't complain or pout. She and I actually enjoyed our evening together. When Jarod, Jason and Chloe Grace got home from trick or treating they all shared some of their candy with Madison. And, although daddy planted the idea with the kids before they got back home, they were all glad to share & it was very sweet.

Monday, October 27, 2008

Carving Pumpkins

After all the kids' games this weekend, we went to the grocery store to pick out our pumpkins. We started carving after dinner. It was a big mess, but lots of fun! Here are some pictures of our evening!

Jarod wanted to fling his pumpkin seeds at everyone else. Thankfully, he restrained himself.

Jason was really grossed out at scooping out his pumpkin.

Chloe Grace in her glow-in-the-dark vampire teeth.

Madison obviously loved scooping out her pumpkin as well.

Playing in the mess.

Now for the finished products:

Jarod's Goofy pumpkin

Jason's Alien pumpkin

Madison's Cat pumpkin

Chloe Grace's Dora the Explorer pumpkin

My Minnie Mouse pumpkin

Thursday, October 16, 2008

Lab results

I just got a call from the vet with Lucy's lab results. She did not have rabies, which is what we expected to hear. While I’m so relieved and thankful that I don’t have to put my family through the painful series of shots as treatment, I’m frustrated that we are left with no answers.

Wednesday, October 15, 2008

Lucy

We lost our sweet kitten, Lucy, last night. She got very sick early Monday morning. Over the next 24 hours I took her to 3 different vets. The first two couldn't find the cause of the illness and just treated her symptoms. By the time I got her to the third guy, it was too late. He said she was displaying severe neurological damage and he had never seen an animal in that condition rebound. I called Steve and he brought the kids up to see her one last time. It was so sad. They are sending her tissue to be tested for rabies. Please pray that she tests negative. If she tests positive, our entire family will have to undergo treatment. We should know the test results by the end of the week. None of the other tests run at any of the vets we visited told anything about what made our poor kitty so sick. So, our house has been sad today. I wasn't sure if Chloe Grace really understood what was going on last night at the office. She pet Lucy and said, "Lucy not feel better?" I told her that Lucy didn't feel better and couldn't come home. Jarod, Madison and Jason were devastated. Thankfully, I got all my crying out before they arrived and was able to be there for them without being a wreck. I emailed the lady we bought Lucy from and told her what happened. She's as heart broken as we are. She offered to have more kittens if we wanted another one. I told her I wasn't ready to decide that. Right now, we just miss our Lucy.

Friday, October 10, 2008

"Not Me!" Monday, take 3

Well, this week turned out to be more eventful than I expected! Check out MckMama for more "Not Me!" Monday blogs.

I did not get in the car after church services only to realize I had my skirt on inside out!

I did not get my hair all tangled up in the garage door opener that was attached to my visor in the van....I still don't know how I actually managed that one.

I did not forget to pick up my kids at school when they had early release one day this week.

I did not cut the toe off a sock and stuff my little kitten inside the sock to keep her from pulling at her stitches.

I hope this week is a little less adventurous!

Meeting Week

This week has been our fall Gospel meeting. It's been so encouraging. The theme for the week has been "Keeping our spiritual focus while living in an out of focus world." And our world is so out of focus. I would love to put my children in a bubble. They shouldn't have to hear other people use some of the words they use. I should be able to take my children with me to the grocery store without seeing people dressed the way some people dress - tops too low in the front, pants too low in the back & shirts, shorts and skirts that are way too short and leave too much exposed. I should be able to sit down with my kids at 6 or 7 in the evening and turn on the television without worry that something inappropriate will be playing. But that's not the world we're living in and that's not the world we are raising our children in. I can't put them in a bubble. We have to raise our children well in spite of all these worldly influences.

Chloe Grace has done well for the most part - it's the first meeting week since we've been home and at first she looked at me like "church services again, we were just there." She's been well-behaved, but now it's the end of the week and she's tired. Getting into bed late every evening took it's toll yesterday when I had to wake her up to take Jarod, Madison and Jason to school. She was a grump! I made her lay back down when we got home, but she didn't fall back asleep like I had hoped.

Yesterday marked three months since we arrived home with Chloe Grace. It sounds like such a short amount of time and in some ways has flown by, but in other ways it has seemed like forever. Yes, we've had some things to work out. But for the most part, she has slipped effortlessly into our lives. She loves Sleeping Beauty and chicken nuggets with french fries. She looks forward to reading a book before bed. She still wants me to lay with her while she falls asleep. She's learning English by leaps and bounds. She's playful and funny. And she's ours. She fits our family like I couldn't have imagined she would have. She belongs here. Life is good.

Monday, October 6, 2008

It's another "Not me!" Monday

Again, inspired by MckMama, here goes another "Not me!" Monday...

I didn't wonder all day what in the world I hadn't done that was actually blog-worthy.

I didn't laugh hysterically when my 5 year old daughter proclaimed, "I not Chinese!" For the record, I don't think she actually knows what that means at this point. She was just being argumentative, she's 5, that's her job.

I didn't get excited when I found my favorite candy bar in the bag with the milk I asked my sweetie to stop for on the way home from work.

I haven't busted into the Halloween candy already. Who was I kidding??? I should've known not to buy Halloween candy until the 31st!

And again, I certainly did not lay next to that sweet 5 year old girl, who absolutely is Chinese, until she was fast asleep in dream land.

Apparently, I also did not wait too long to compose this post & now I can't add it to the list of all the other "Not me!" Monday blogs on MckMama's page. Oh well. I guess I'll have to make sure to do less next week!

Tuesday, September 30, 2008

We've come so far

Exactly 3 months ago we officially became the parents of this stunning little girl. The first few weeks were tough. There were times I wondered what I had done! But now, a little further down the road, things are going so well. We're so blessed! Chloe Grace is still a mama's girl, but is realizing daddy's not so bad. I worked at school again today, and while she wasn't thrilled with the idea, there were no tears. She hugged me goodbye and ran off to color. Her English is growing by leaps and bounds every day. She understands almost everything we say to her and can usually communicate her thoughts in broken English back to us. She's sweet and obedient for the most part. Now that she's understanding us so well, we've entered a new phase of behavior. When I tell Chloe Grace to do something, if she doesn't want to do it she stands there and just looks at me, grinning. I'll repeat what I've asked her to do and she continues to stand there smiling. After two chances, I start counting to three. She knows if I get to three she's in trouble. Usually by the time I get to 2 she runs to do whatever it is she's been asked to do, saying "I'm sorry, I'm sorry" as she's running. So, I know it's not a comprehension issue, it's a testing the boundaries issue.

Two weeks ago we added a new kitten to our family. She's in the picture with Chloe Grace. Her name is Lucy and she doesn't get a moment's peace from any of the kids! She's a Persian Selkirk, so she has long black curly hair. In the picture you can't really tell it's curly, but it is. It's especially curly around her ears, on her tummy and on her legs. She's so cute and very tolerant and mild mannered with the kids. Our other cat, Meca, is 15 and very grumpy about a kitten being around. She hasn't been aggressive toward Lucy & usually just keeps her distance and wants nothing to do with her.

Jarod, Madison and Jason are doing well. School and sports keep all three of them busy. Jarod is playing soccer again this season. Madison and Jason are both playing baseball. Everyone practices on Tuesday and Thursday evenings, so those nights are very hectic. Saturdays are busy too - all three kids have a game every weekend. Occasionally Jarod will play on Sunday afternoons instead of Saturday, but not always. Last weekend Jarod and Madison both played at 2:00, so Steve took Jarod and I took Madison. Hopefully we won't have very many games that overlap like that.

In August Chloe Grace saw the cardiologist. Everything went well and our doctor was very pleased with the repair China performed. Chloe Grace will have to have another surgery at some point, but if things go like the cardiologist expects, that won't be necessary until her late teens or early adult years. We'll have annual monitoring, but at this point everything looks very good. We've also been to the dentist twice and will go again next week. There was so much plaque and tartar built up under Chloe Grace's gums that our dentist split the cleaning up into three visits. Her top front teeth are already a little bit loose. Jason will be 8 in December and still hasn't lost any of his baby teeth. He'll just be a wreck if Chloe Grace loses a tooth before he does!

So, all things considered, we're doing very well. In some ways it seems like Chloe Grace has always been here. She's silly and funny and spunky. She just fits our family. I'm so thankful for her and for Jarod, Madison and Jason. They've turned me into someone I couldn't have been without them in my life.

Sunday, September 28, 2008

Not Me Monday

One of the blogs I often read has started "Not me!" Mondays. So many of MckMama's "Not Me's" could have happened at our house - I thought I'd give you a few of the things I didn't do this week:

I did not grab a handful of ice out of Jarod's empty tea glass after dinner and put it in CG's cup because she wanted more ice. I mean, let's face it, that would just be lazy. Nope, didn't do that.

I did not take CG to McD's after her dentist appt last week and let her eat ice cream instead of lunch.

No way did I send CG up to brush her teeth alone so I could eat a Twix bar without sharing. Especially since I want my children to share...so, nope - I didn't do that...twice!

I did not have popcorn and a Pepsi for dinner tonight.

I did not require my kiddos to only bathe twice last week because that would just be gross!

Last, I most certainly did not give in when CG wanted me to stay with her while she fell asleep. I told her she needed to go to sleep without me in there every night, and I meant it! No way did I cave and lay next to her until she was asleep. And just for the record, I absolutely have not been letting that sweet girl fall asleep next to me every single night since we've been home from China!

Tuesday, September 9, 2008

Amazed by her...

My sweet Chloe Grace

Wow - I can't believe we came home with Chloe Grace just two months ago today. We've had some really long days, but over all the time has flown by. Our days are so good now. She's happy and loving and fun. Sometimes I just sit and watch her play or swim or sing. I'm constantly overwhelmed by her. To think of all she's been through it her short little life and yet to see how truly happy and joyful she is...it's by God's grace that she can be this way. Right this very moment she's sitting next to me on the floor as I type, coloring a dinosaur and singing in Mandarin. I have no clue what she's saying, but it sounds happy :) Her English is growing by leaps and bounds. One day last week I was in the kitchen doing the dishes & she came up to me and said "Mama, Lady drink all gone." Sure enough, Lady's water bowl was bone dry. Today was the first day I have worked since Chloe Grace has been home. Steve worked from home today to stay with her. I sat Chloe Grace down last night and explained to her that when Jarod, Madison and Jason went to school in the morning I would be going with them and she'd be staying home with daddy. Her little eyes welled up with tears and she said "Mama no school, no home daddy, home mama." It was so sad. But I knew it would be good for her and Steve to spend the day together and for her to see that when I leave, I always come back. I called during my lunch time to check on them & Steve said she cried for about half an hour or so, but after that was fine. He ordered her pizza for lunch, which I heard all about when I got home.

The other kids are so great with Chloe Grace. Jarod has especially surprised Steve and I with his affection for her. They all are extremely helpful and loving toward her. It's so sweet to see.

I'm sure our adjustment to this new life will continue to have it's peaks and valleys. For now, things are going well. We've all come so far. We're so grateful and so blessed.

Monday, August 25, 2008

First day of school

Body art....this is what happened one day last week when I sat down to answer an email.

Jarod, Jason and Madison - ready for the first day of school!

Everyone had a great first day! I wasn't sure how Chloe Grace would do with the other kids gone all day, but she did great! Last night I explained to her as best I could that the kids would be at school all day and daddy would be at work and it would be just Chloe Grace and Mama. She said "Yahoo!" I think she got it :)

Today Jarod started 5th grade, Madison started 4th grade and Jason started 2nd grade. I just can't believe it...where has the time gone??? I'm so not ready to have a middle schooler next year! But whether I'm ready or not, it will happen - so I guess I have this year to get ready!

And just as an update - Chloe Grace has started out the night in her bed every night for the past week. Some nights she's still climbed in with us at some point in the middle of the night, but it's a huge step in the right direction!

Tuesday, August 19, 2008

Battle of the beds - Rounds 1 & 2

As I've mentioned before, after about two weeks of being home, Chloe Grace has refused to sleep in her bed. Sunday night I decided to try to put her in her own bed at bedtime and see what kind of fight I was in for. I'd say that night was a tie. Although she did eventually fall asleep in her bed, she woke up and climbed in bed next to me around 4 am. Last night the score would have to go to me. She went to sleep in her bed (of course I stayed there with her until she fell asleep) and she stayed in her own bed all night long. I'm hopeful that this will continue!

Otherwise she's doing extremely well. She has her cardio checkup next Wednesday. Then she sees our family doctor again the beginning of September for another round of shots. She's speaking more and more English every day - it's amazing!

Jarod, Madison and Jason start back to school on Monday. I'm curious to see how Chloe Grace will do without them home all day. They've been out of school since she came home, so I'm sure it will be an adjustment for her. I'm sure it will be fine - I think she'll enjoy the one on one time with mom.

Wednesday, July 30, 2008

Has it been a month already??

Chloe Grace - June 29th, the day we first met

One short month later....an entirely different girl

Wow, I can't believe today marks one month since Chloe Grace officially joined our family. We've had hard days, but I think we've turned a corner.

When we arrived home with Chloe Grace 3 weeks ago today, I wasn't sure things would ever seem back to normal. I was tired & Chloe Grace was cranky...and so was I! I was struggling with how to discipline my new daughter and she was trying to figure out her place within our family. She was prone to fits like I couldn't believe. When she was told "no" about something or I had to correct her, she ran to her room, laid out on the floor, kicked & hit & screamed - all the while rolling around, usually ending up under the bed. She wasn't easily consolable. After letting her do her thing for a few minutes I'd go and get her and hold her and try to soothe her, without much success. I'd eventually find something that would peak her interest and distract her from whatever it was she was upset about. In between fits, she was pretty much stuck to me. I understand her need for that, but it was draining. Through it all she's been very affectionate and loving. Still, I wondered what in the world I'd gotten myself into. By bedtime we were both physically and emotionally exhausted.

A week ago we seemed to make a breakthrough. Maybe Chloe Grace's emotions were heightened because she didn't feel well, I'm not sure. But over the last week, each day has gotten better. Her fits are exponentially less severe and not near as often. She is understanding more and more English every day. She's able to play for short periods of time alone or with the other kids without needing me right there. She still checks on me through out the day - I expect that will go on for quite a while. We still have some bedtime things to work out, but things are coming along.

And let's not forget, that in the midst of all this there are 3 other amazing kiddos that belong here. Jarod, Madison and Jason have all been so great during this past month. They've been patient and loving and kind (most of the time) to their new sister. They have been more helpful to me than I would've predicted. Of course, there have been times when we've had some sibling issues to work out, both among the three of them and with Chloe Grace. But over all, they've just done extremely well.

Chloe Grace is a bright, funny girl. She fits our family like I couldn't have imagined. I can't even begin to understand exactly how God works providentially in our lives today, but I know that He does and this little girl is evidence of that. She is the child I was meant to have. Even before we knew each other, I was meant to be her mother and she was meant to be my daughter. The long, hard road she had to travel to get to me is unimaginable. The pain and agony this little girl has suffered in her short life is more than anyone should have to endure. But I'm grateful for it all, because here we are. I get to see that beautiful smile more times than I can count each day. I hear "I lub ya toooo" almost every time I proclaim my love for her. She gives amazing hugs and out of nowhere will bust out with "Mama lubs ya". You bet I do, sweet girl....you bet I do.

Friday, July 25, 2008

The sky is clearing...

We've had several good days in a row. I say that, realizing I run the risk of jinxing it all! But I know there are those who love us that read this blog and want to know how things are going.

I said in the "to-do list" blog that I didn't think Chloe Grace felt well. I was right. That night she spiked a 103.5 fever. I took her to the doctor the next day and she was diagnosed with a urinary tract infection. No wonder she was irritable - the poor girl had to feel awful! So, we've been on the antibiotic for 3 days now and what a change I've seen in my girl! Her fits have subsided and she seems genuinely happy most of the time. Don't get me wrong, she still doesn't like being told "no", but she's handling it better. She's not running off to cry and pout like she was.

Something new that's developed over the last week is bed-wetting. She hadn't wet the bed a single time, and in the last week she's done it twice. Maybe it's the UTI...I'm not sure. And the strange thing is she doesn't wake up when she wets the bed, I discover it when she gets up the next morning. My other kids always woke up when they wet the bed, even if it was the middle of the night. I've not made an issue about it, I've just been sticking her in the tub when she gets up wet and changing the bed. If it keeps up, we may go back to pull-ups at night. I used them in China just because we weren't in a situation where I could change the bed easily in the middle of the night, although she always woke up dry. We'll see how the next few nights go.

I think I've been doing laundry since we returned home from China - I just can't get it caught up! Part of the problem is just that it's summer...the kids are swimming a lot, so I have more towels & swimsuits that aren't the norm the rest of the year. I need to put a clothes line outside so they can hang their towels and suits to dry and use them again before I wash them. Right now they just dump it all in the bath tub where it waits until laundry day (which lately is every day!!). I keep thinking "today's the day, I'll catch it up today." So far, it hasn't happened. I'm trying hard to be ok with that. Maybe today....

In the morning we're going to check out a farmers' market in Austin. It's about 40 minutes from here. I hope we come home with some great fruits & veggies! Hope you all are doing well!!

Wednesday, July 23, 2008

My To-Do List

My girls - one with a face full of jam!

I'm a list maker. I'm task-oriented. I get some strange satisfaction in marking tasks off my ever-growing to-do list. I've even been known to add something to the list that wasn't there before just so I could check it off. Weird, I know. Anyway, lately my list is getting longer and longer and the things I can mark through as completed are fewer and fewer. I knew to expect Chloe Grace to need me. I went into this planning to hold her when she needs holding and to just be there when she needs me. I've done that, at the expense of my list. I'm coming to terms with that. Several adoptive moms have said when you adopt an older child, you can't base your days on the chronological age of your child. It's like having a newborn. She's only been home with us for 2 weeks. I'm told to expect this phase to last 4-6 months. I've tried to remember those days from when my older kids were newborns. Nothing was done...laundry piled up (once Steve's mom even took our laundry to her house and worked on it for me), dishes stayed in the sink for days, stuff piled up everywhere. With each of my older kids, my mom came and stayed for 2 weeks after I'd had a baby. She took care of everything and all I had to do is take care of myself and the new baby. I can't imagine not having her there. Knowing we were bringing home a child that was almost 5, I didn't expect to be back in that place...yet here I am. So, I'll share with you my revised to-do list.

Breakfast - check (does toast with jam and potato chips count as an adequate breakfast? If not, I'm in trouble!)

Dress kids - check (as long as they don't have to be dressed before lunch)

Lunch - check

Dinner - check (most nights, anyway. We have ordered in more than usual. I have a roast in the crock pot this morning. We may be having just meat tonight!)

Dishes - not usually done until the next morning. I keep hoping the kitchen elf will come during the night and I'll wake up to a spic-n-span kitchen. So far, that hasn't happened. Where's Dobby when you need him??

Laundry - Maybe the kitchen elf can bring the laundry elf with him???

Bathe kids - check (although I only have to bathe one, the others are pretty self sufficient in the tub)

Bedtime - not on time, but at some point it happens. The past few nights Chloe Grace has cried at bedtime and that's a new thing. Last night I don't think she felt well. This too shall pass!

So, as you can see, my bathrooms haven't been cleaned, my floors haven't been vacuumed and I just got my suitcases unpacked from our trip to China. But I've stopped whatever I was doing to hold Chloe Grace when she needs me and I know that's what is important right now. I'll have lots of time to clean house and do laundry when my kids decide they're too cool to be around me...and I have a feeling that's going to happen much sooner than I'd like.

Friday, July 18, 2008

The honeymoon is over

When we were in China, I bragged on Chloe Grace to everyone who would listen..."Fits? Why, no. She's just happy and delightful!" While I do still believe that, now that we're home things aren't quite as hunky-dory. Real life is setting in. The newness is wearing off for the other kids. Chloe Grace is testing boundaries. It's a hard place to be right now - I'm not sure how to discipline her. How do I distinguish between communication barriers and defiance? Obviously, sometimes she makes her defiance very clear. But other times, I think she's as frustrated as we are. I know it just takes time. I know we aren't the only family to be going through this right now. I knew to expect this transitional period for our family. But none of that makes these days easier.

A lot of people ask how we're doing. I always say we're doing well, and I believe we are. Things are certainly going better than I ever expected, having met Chloe Grace less than 3 weeks ago. But I also want to be real about our days and not paint a picture that's inaccurate. It's hard. Chloe Grace cries - often. She's not easily consolable. She's 5 and wants her way all the time.

Last night at bed time she had a royal fit. She didn't want to go to bed. I took her to the bathroom, offered her a snack and a drink. None of that interested her, she just didn't want to go to bed. She laid in bed and cried. I had some laundry to fold & planned to go in and sit with her when I was finished. She got out of bed before then, so I went on in her room. She clung to me like I had been away for days. I couldn't have peeled her off if I tried. So we sat and I held her and rocked her and she did finally settle down. Once she was asleep, I felt bad for letting her cry for as long as she did (it really wasn't long, maybe 5 minutes). She's trying to figure out if she can depend on me to meet her needs and I felt like I had failed her.

She is happy a lot - I don't want to leave the impression that she's miserable all day long. She loves to jump on the trampoline and swim in the pool. She spends at least a third of her waking hours chasing around the dog and/or the cat. She likes to write and color. Often throughout the day she finds me just to give me a hug and a kiss and make sure I'm still here. I've got news for you, sweet girl....I'm in for the long haul. I'm not going anywhere. I'll always be right here, ready to cover you in hugs and kisses, rain or shine!

Tuesday, July 15, 2008

Chloe Grace turns 5

Chloe Grace's birthday dinner

Chocolate Cake Face

Opening her gift

A new doll for her birthday

Today my sweet Chloe Grace turned 5. I made beef & stir fried vegetables for dinner. She loved it & ate 2 platefuls! Next came cake & singing "Happy Birthday"...she passed on the ice cream (Jarod and I sure didn't pass on the ice cream!). She ended up with chocolate icing all over her mouth. It was too cute to not preserve in pictures. Madison gave her the gift bag with her present in it. She picked up the bag and started to walk off. Madison tried to show her she needed to take out the tissue paper to get to the gift, but she just wasn't getting it. Finally, Madison showed her a peek of the box under the paper & Chloe Grace ripped it out so fast - there was no stopping her then! She seemed to like her new doll.

I've learned over the past few days that a temper tantrum from a 5 year old pretty much looks the same no matter where you're from. Now that we're home, Chloe Grace is becoming very comfortable - which is a good thing. With that comes testing boundaries and seeing what mom's going to let her get away with. Any time I tell her "no" about something (which I try not to do a lot at this point, but sometimes it's unavoidable) she starts that long, drawn out, whiny cry and runs up to her room, shuts the door, lays on the floor & rolls around kicking and hitting until she ends up under the bed. It's a sight to behold, let me tell you! I usually let her spend a few minutes getting it out of her system & then I go get her and sit with her until she calms down. That hasn't been happening very quickly, I think partly due to our communication barrier right now. Usually I have to find something else to peak her interest for the crying to stop. I hope we can figure this out quickly...I'm pretty sure that whiny cry she does could be used to coerce a confession from a criminal!!

Over all, though, we've had fairly good days. She loves playing with Jarod, Madison and Jason. Jarod had a friend over for a bit today & they played hide & seek with Chloe Grace. Somehow Chloe Grace ended up being "it" the entire time, but she didn't seem to mind. When she found them she'd yell "I gotcha, I gotcha, I gotcha!" It was too cute!

We sat and looked at some picture flash cards for a while this afternoon. By the end she remembered hat, goat and girl. Except when she saw the girl picture, every time she'd say "good girl". It was funny.

Our neighbor across the street came over to visit for a few minutes and brought Chloe Grace a blanket she made. It was so sweet of her to think of us. Everyone has been so amazing with offers of help. So far we're doing ok. Chloe Grace has slept all night for the past 3 nights, so I think she's over the jet lag. I'm still not sleeping well. I hope I can work it out soon - it makes for a very tired mommy during the day! Otherwise, we really couldn't ask for things to be going any better. This sweet girl just amazes me more each day - I'm looking forward to celebrating a lifetime of birthdays with her!

Saturday, July 12, 2008

Visits from family and friends

Jumping with Jason

Chloe Grace loves jumping on the trampoline!

Sitting with my uncle

front (l-r) - Daniel (our kids' cousin), Chloe Grace, Madison & Jason
back - Jarod

Chloe Grace & Conrad - a family friend

We've had a busy few days. Each night Chloe Grace sleeps a little more. In China she slept almost 12 hours straight through each night from the first night she was with us. Wednesday, our first night home, I finally got her to bed a little before 11 pm. She was up at 2 am, ready to face the world! I was not! I stayed up with her until 5, then Steve took over for a bit. She finally did sleep a couple more hours. Thursday night she went to bed a little after 8 pm and was up at 4:30. She didn't eat much dinner on Thursday & woke up hungry. She ate an apple and then laid back down with me, but after about half an hour it was clear neither of us would be going back to sleep. Last night Steve's mom, step dad and nephew came in, so we were up late. It was 11 pm again before she went to bed. She got up at 6:30 & climbed into bed with me and we slept until 8:30. So, each day is getting a little better.

We had some dear friends visit from Dallas for a while today. Their boys and our 2 oldest kids were all at the same summer camp last week & this morning was pick up. After we rounded up our kids, we visited at our house for a bit and then went to lunch before they went home. One of the boys, Conrad, really hit it off with Chloe Grace. It was really sweet. He was so thoughtful and helpful toward her and she obviously adored him.

Now that all 4 kids are home, we'll start settling into our daily routine...I hope! I've spent the last 2 days catching up laundry. We had our laundry done in Guangzhou before we left China. It's so humid there that quite a bit of it stayed damp & I had no choice but to pack it that way. So I spent yesterday re-washing it all. I should've just saved the money and planned to wash it at home in the first place!

Our trip home was long. Chloe Grace is an excellent traveller. She didn't like having to keep on her seat belt, but otherwise did great. Our flight was late leaving Guangzhou because it was raining. By the time we landed in Tokyo we had less than an hour until our connection to Minneapolis was due to leave. Chloe Grace and I visited the ladies room before we went through security, which put us toward the end of the line. By the time we got through security it was 3:05 and our flight was at 3:25. We found the monitor with the gates listed and our flight was on final call! Steve grabbed the carry on bag & I picked up Chloe Grace and we made a run for it!! We were on the plane less than 5 minutes before we left the gate. That was a little too close for comfort! In Minneapolis we had plenty of time between flights. The first thing I did was get a big drink with lots of ice! We loaded the plane on time. Then the pilot says there's a minor mechanical difficulty and we'll be leaving in a few minutes. About half an hour later he says it's a bigger problem than they first realized, we needed to get off the plane, switch gates & wait for a new plane that was due to land from Dallas in 10 minutes. So, we were about an hour late leaving Minneapolis than scheduled. At least we didn't have another connection to make.

My mom, my uncle and Jason (our youngest son) were all at the airport to greet us. Our bags came off quickly and we headed home. We stopped for dinner at Texas Land & Cattle. We had nachos, steak & salad. It was so nice to have a large glass and all the refills we wanted!

The kids have done great together. Chloe Grace adores them all. She follows them around and does everything they do. The first night we were home she spent about half an hour chasing the dog around the house. Thankfully, our dog is very patient and great with kids! Our cat has also been hauled around more than she would like in the past 3 days. I'm sure they're hopeful the newness will wear off soon!

I'm not sure at this point how often I'll continue to update the blog. We are doing so much better than I ever dared to hope in such a short time. It's definitely an answered prayer. I'm sure we'll still have hurdles to cross, but for now, things are good. Thank you all for being so supportive. Your comments on the blog were so encouraging while we were so far from home.

Wednesday, July 9, 2008

We made it!

We're home, safe and sound. The trip went well. I'll post more once I get some sleep!

Tuesday, July 8, 2008

Tuesday - Last Post from China

This afternoon we went to the US Consulate to pick up Chloe Grace's visa. We also had to swear that all the information we provided was true and accurate.

We leave China first thing in the morning. I hope when Chloe Grace is older we'll be able to bring her back to see where she was born. I've thought a lot about Chloe Grace's birth mother today. She has to wonder what happened to that toddler she left behind. I wish she knew how much we love this sweet girl. And that though she was such a very sick baby back then, she's thriving now. We are the lucky ones. We get the privilege of watching this amazing little girl grow up.

Next stop...home. I can't wait!