'Happybirfffdaytoyou'!

Salomae is four today!

We celebrated with the usual--dinner chosen by the Princess, presents, cake and ice cream. Dinner, eaten al fresco, consisted of hot dogs (Princess avoided them after the pleading for them), macaroni and cheese (or FASTA as Princess calls it), and baked beans (also avoided by Princess). She picked 'Fanta' as the beverage of choice for her birthday meal.

A little table dance by older brother as dinner entertainment. Quickly stopped (after photo was taken) as the three other Bangles were ready to join in.
Lacking time (and sitters), I had to take all five kids to Toys 'R Us to buy Salomae's gifts. We picked up a new kitchen (the wooden set was ruined in 'the flood') for a bargain. Since it was cheap, cheap, cheap, I also let her pick out a new doll. She's got an opinion on just about anything and I knew that if I picked out the baby she may not like it. She chose a Cabbage Patch that eats an ice cream cone. I can't honestly say if I swayed her or not in the choice. I think I may have. It came with a few free items (I guess ice cream eating dolls aren't the hit they should be). So I may have steered her in that direction. But the big, fat, kind of scary because-they-look-so-real babies were on clearance and I tried to interest her in one of those but she wouldn't even look at them (thankfully). The real question is whether I steered her to the brown skinned doll or not. When she opened the doll she looked happy, but sort of confused. She knew she was getting it and kept asking about it, but I think she wondered why we wrapped it up. The other items were a surprise and we are saving the kitchen for Monday when Rara and Popop (Seth's parents) are in town. Sad to say, she was clueless about the kitchen until I forgot about it in the back of the van and she caught a peek. I don't think she knew what it was even after seeing it (so hopefully I didn't ruin the surprise). A birthday isn't complete unless there's a little gift envy going on. Ella didn't partake in the "helping you unwrap" frenzy. She sat back and sucked her tongue (coping mechanism leftover from Ukraine) just watching. Then she silently got up and disappeared for a while. When she came back outside she had her favorite baby doll.
All three kids made Sally cards for her birthday. Eli (the sweet kid that he is, takes after his mom) put one dollar from his allowance in the card he made. I wanted to give him another dollar just because it was so kind. Here he is offering advice on how to ride a scooter, "Push with your feet." Salomae replies, "You push me!"
Sally still didn't eat cake or ice cream, though I slathered the cake with fresh strawberries and bought strawberry ice cream. While chopping the strawberries I started wondering why in the world I was TRYING to get her to eat sweets.

The Zoo

When we moved to the Midwest three years ago, I had to say good-bye to my weekly trips with girlfriends to the beach. We had a set date, time, and place we would all meet with our troops, towels, and coolers. The van doors would open and the three of us would just laugh and soak up the sun until late in the afternoon.

Oh, I loved it. On a bad day I would yell out to the kids, "Put your suits on!" I'd grab the beach bag and we would be on our way. Life is easier while sitting in the sand. The roaring waves drown out the bickering of the kids. Definite bonus.

What to do when stressed in the middle of the Rust Belt? Seth started his new job and I took the kids to the zoo. The zoo can't hold a candle to the Gulf Coast. The only thing the beach and zoo have in common is that they are unpleasant places to be 'in season'. Crowds stink.

I bought a wagon on the way there and a family membership once we arrived. That first trip was a little stressful because I didn't realize that the wagon was 'assembly required'. I had no hammer for mounting the wheels so I pulled Ella's prosthetic leg off and used that. Imagine the stares I got in the zoo parking lot using a leg to bang down wheels on a wagon. Who brings an unassembled wagon to the zoo, anyway?

The same kind of lady who brings five children to the zoo by herself.

Today is Salomae's fourth birthday (I'll do a birthday post later). Our plans for the day changed. I hate changing plans on the kids because they just. don't. understand. They usually blame me. So last night I just didn't tell Sal that the plans had changed. Then, she prayed and told God that "'kumorrow' see elephants, cake, ice cream...happybirthdaytoyou." I knew that I would have to brave the zoo on my own.

I brought the double jogger and the sling. We packed a lunch, got the camera, and pulled out of the driveway. Then pulled back in so that Everett and Sally could go potty. Then had to pump up the tires on the stroller. Then we were off. I was already tired.

The kiddos really are good or I wouldn't dare to do the zoo. They really were excited or I wouldn't do it either. Before we left, Sally kept chanting, "See the elephants!" I knew that deciding to go was the right decision. She is the princess today, after all.

Don't be deceived, that's just a picture of an elephant.

We saw the elephants, then added other animals as my the kid's energy level allowed. We managed 3 hours of zoo-filled fun. By the time we left, I had two kids in the stroller and Josiah in the sling. I was 'dewy' when we made it to the van. In my saturated state, I noticed how many people were gaping at us. The kids are oblivious, but I'm not. I generally just smile. One lady approached me and said, "That's a lot of kids, are you by yourself?"

I said, "Why? Are you trying to find someone to help you with your unruly child?"

Only kidding.

I said, "Yep. All five are mine, I'm used to being alone with them. They are pretty good or we wouldn't be here." I smiled. Because that is the kind and appropriate thing to do.

Then she said, "That sure is a lot of kids for one mom."

I smiled again at her and wondered if she plans on encouraging her husband to marry a second wife when their family grows. So she can have some help. I'm pretty sure polygamy is illegal, right? Probably should have told her that.

Jojo and I in all of our sweaty glory.

The rest of the clan obviously enjoying our last few minutes at the zoo. Don't the three littles look like I FORCED them to come on this excursion?

Links

There are four AWAA families in Ethiopia right now. I wanted to share their blogs so you who are stalkers could check them out and pray for them. The Gibson's (password Kiki) had an error during court and are facing another 1-2 week stay in Ethiopia while paperwork gets corrected. We met the Raymer's boys at Kid's Care. I have pictures of Seth and their son doing a little shoe dance together. It's such a wonderful feeling to see these children united with their families.



When I posted about Salomae's back a few weeks ago, one of you kind readers gave me a link to another mom who has a daughter with Pott's disease (spinal TB's other name). I just read on her blog about a mom and her son who went into surgery this week to correct his spine. Go over there and read what her past two days have been like and start praying for her son Isaac.



I'm terrified of what Salomae's next year may hold. We visited the orthopedic surgeon today. He said that the brace is helping her to straighten up, but anticipates surgery before the 6 months on medication. Please pray for Salomae's health--that the medication would be effective and her back would be strong enough for us to wait until after the 6 month mark for corrective surgery.



On a much happier note--Josiah is 9 months old today! He's the wiggliest baby and trying to crawl (with extended family cheering him on). I discourage any crawling or pulling up that I see. It will only make my life more complicated. Maybe he can start crawling at about 2 years of age? Doubtful. He pulled up in the crib two days ago. Dear me.

Vacation

You know that feeling on the way home from a week away? When you've been in the huge van with SIX kids for 14 hours? Climbing over seats to reach kids with drinks, snacks, books, dvds...for FOURTEEN hours. The anguish as an older child laughs loudly at a movie immediately after the baby has fallen asleep. The wonderment at your nephew's rare bowels that act up only on car trips, requiring that you toss his undies into the trashcan at the rest area and squeeze him into a diaper. The sheer joy at seeing the five older children running around trees at the rest area; enjoying themselves. They collapse at the picnic table as you are examining an unknown dark sticky substance on the baby's clothes. And your clothes. And you touch it and realize that his diaper exploded. Moments later you look down at three of the breathless children and spot dog poo on their shoes and ankles. Oh, the joy of excrement. And traveling in the midst of it.

Maybe you haven't had that feeling. Pulling into the driveway after a week away and a very long trip home. Still so much work left to do before we can truly relax, but we are home.

Home sweet home. Where the cats decide to use the bathroom mat for a litter box. And one of them thought it would be fun to try the armchair in the living room.

Home sweet home where the basement flooded while we were gone. And the cats couldn't use their boxes because they are in the basement. And the water saturated the precious schoolbooks we used this year for the little kids. Expensive, lovely books.

Dear friends come to our rescue that night with dinner and a shop vac. Tracy stayed until 10:30 helping.

Our mothers are in a car the next day. We must sound desperate. They come to hold the baby and scrub the floors with bleach. They do a wonderful job. Baby is content and floors are now clean. But we can't save the books.

Though we try with crazy schemes. They were all laid out on the deck when a storm blew in complete with tornado sirens. We grabbed the books shortly before we headed to the (now clean) basement. We've frozen them, baked them, and stuffed them with paper towels. It's unsure as to how any of that will work. So far, about 2 trash bags of books have been tossed. The fate of 30 is still undecided.

Biopsy Success

I'm a little late with this post. Seth and I spent Thursday at the hospital with Salomae. At the pre-op area we were informed that we weren't as informed beforehand as we thought. If that makes any sense. Instead of the two procedures that we thought she was having, Sally was having four procedures. They did bone marrow biopsies, got a stomach juice sample, and biopsied the mass in her back. We thought they were going to do only the bone biopsy in her back, but the doctor told us that they would 'try' to get to the mass and get some of that instead. An hour after we left her in radiology, the doctor came out and (with a big smile) said, "We got a syringe full of pus."

Delightful. As nasty as that sounds, it's good news. We can hope that over the next few months some of the TB bacteria will grow so that we can be sure it isn't the strain that's resistant to medication. The hematologist called me Friday to let me know that the bone marrow came back fine. As far as she's concerned, Salomae is as healthy as can be (not even anemic!).

We started medication on Friday. The nurse came over as the kids were waking up and Seth was getting home. She made a big display of helping me to dispense the medications. It's not that difficult. Four suspensions, four gulps by the little girl, four times Mommy counts and coerces. With the nurse present, she called the pharmacy to make sure we were doing the right doses, all the kids came streaming out into the living room to watch, Seth had to pepper the nurse with questions (mostly related to whether she was required to be there), and the whole thing just seemed more complicated. We left town that afternoon and I've managed to give her the medicine (on vacation) without fanfare for three days now. She's getting smart about it and yesterday I had to give her a swallow of coke to help her get them down.

Thank you for all of your emails and comments before the procedure and since then. Sorry I've been so late in posting about the day.

Just another day

If I pepper the 'update' posts with pictures, will they be more easily digested? Today I took Salomae, Ella, and Josiah to see the pediatric hematologist. The IDS (see post from a few days ago for that acronym) discovered that Salomae is anemic. Compared to major medical issues at the forefront, anemia isn't a main concern right now. Neither is the hernia that the surgeon discovered a few weeks ago. Did I forget to mention those little 'issues'? Whoops. Insert photo montage of children now.

Dear children took out their aggressions today with fun noodles. Much better results than earlier usage of light sabers. Yes, that would be two older brothers beating the little-sister-who-wears-a-back-brace-to-keep-from-being-paralyzed. And I'm taking pictures. Fun noodle beating is likened to tapping a friend with a feather. Not that I've ever actually been hit by a fun noodle. Perhaps tomorrow...

It looks like they are having a wonderful time together. Real good quality time, taking out aggressions in a healthy way. I'm such a good mom. It's bound to happen though. The big brother gets cocky with his noodley skills. He looses control of his body and lands on the smaller brother. He's got moves and I've got great shutter speed on my new camera.
The after effects of the genius lunge-swing-fly noodle move. "I think my arm muscle got broke."
Once the drama dies down, I notice that the sweet silent baby is quiet because 1-he's mesmerized by the action and 2-he's snacking on clover. This is his, "Don't think about telling ME not to eat grass" look. He's 75 stuck in an 8 month old body. The sheer torture.

We started off the morning by racing around to be timely to our 9 am appointment with the blood specialist (aka pediatric hematologist). I followed the directions to perfection but somehow we end up in the pediatric oncology wing. Assuming that I'm mistaken I asked the receptionist where I should be. Oddly enough, we were at the right place. Because, I guess, when your blood tests come back like Salomae's did a few weeks ago...the doctors think you might have leukemia. If that doesn't beat all the rest of the happenings. Nice of them to let me hear that from the specialist while sitting there with the children. I'll insert another picture now.

Thankfully, the hematologist had mercy on me and only let a few hours pass before she called with the results from today. Salomae's blood work was normal. Still waiting on the anemia thing to be cleared up. Probably still having bone marrow drawn on Thursday, just because. After talking to the Health Department, two doctors, and two pharmacies; I think we are set for getting Salomae's medications started on Friday. Nice that the Health department sends a dear soul over to the house to help me dose my child. I may be incapable of making her drink the four liquids that are required. Daily. I'm wondering if they think we will have to hold her down. Maybe she can help with some housework after we do the medicine. Or maybe she can do the medicine while I get a load of laundry going.

By mid-afternoon things were not looking good at our house. We were trying to ride bikes to the library, but Josiah kept puking on me. I changed him, then me. Then him, then me. Then wondered if we would really smell all that bad if we just kept the pukey clothes on. Then changed him and me. We made it out and back alive. Then Salomae locked herself in the bathroom. It had to be the kid who doesn't speak English. While I was cooking dinner and talking to the husband who is enjoying calmness in a hotel room. Did I mention that? He's out of town. Fish sticks all around, followed by popsicles outside. Here's one sane second of the day. No one flipped off of the hammock or threw another child off in the taking of this photo.

It's a perfect end to a very. Long. Day.

Nine Years Ago...

Nine years ago I was on my honeymoon. I had just graduated from college. Seth and I had aspirations to enjoy wedded bliss flying by the seat of our pants. We got married on June 20, moved in August, and Seth started seminary shortly thereafter. He was working on his master's degree and we were planning on moving to Africa as missionaries. We didn't have a job or insurance or a really good plan. I was clueless. So was Seth. We just picked out something that sounded good and went with it. Almost like we were picking a video rental, but it was our future. Kids were NOT part of the bargain.

What a surprise when we found out that our first child was expected shortly after our first anniversary! Everything changed quickly. No more seminary, no more Africa, no more living sans insurance. We quickly tried to become "responsible". Even after the birth of our little piece of heaven; we knew that God couldn't possibly bless us with another beautiful, perfect child. So we figured we'd be one of those "only child" families. Then Elijah came along. By the time he was born, I kind of liked kids. When we briefly talked about a third; our discussion centered on adoption. That was weird to many people since we could "have our own" kids. Pretty soon Ella showed up. It was only 2 years later that the bug hit again and paperwork was being sent here and there.

It seems like only yesterday...

Now nine years later with five children and insurance, but still just as irresponsible as ever. We are obviously in dire need of a family portrait!

We have a date

A post several months ago shared this title, but it was a celebratory post. We have a date next week for Salomae's biopsy. We just got the anticipated phone call yesterday. I've been holding my breath waiting for this. Not unlike our adoption, this medical diagnosis has been on a 'hurry up and wait' timeline. The professionals freak out and frantically yelp. Then they don't call me the next day or the next or the day after that...we don't hear anything until I call the nurses and bug them. I spoke with the infectious disease specialist last week and got her email address. She's been very good about answering questions and trying to get this biopsy done. I guess she worked some magic or all the ducks got in their assigned rows. The pediatric surgeon will be on vacation so we will have to use one of his partners.

Yeah, nevermind.
I finished that last sentence and my cell phone rang. It was our infectious disease specialist (from here on out she will be known as IDS, to ease the burden on my fingers). She met the surgeon today and he told her that he wasn't going to do the surgery. He felt it was too dangerous. So we are going to have a procedure done Tuesday to try and get some fluid from her lungs. Perhaps there will be a bit'o'bacteria that can be cultured.

I can't believe that I started this post four days ago (today is June 23).
The scoop as of this very moment (subject to change)...Salomae is having a bone biopsy done on Thursday (since the lung juice was probably not going to work out so well). Hopefully, Friday she will start medications for TB. We saw a pediatric hematologist this morning who is concerned and wants to get some bone marrow from Salomae on Thursday while she's knocked out.

I'm going to post this right now before things change again!

Happy Father's Day!

Happy Father's Day to all the dads out there! Not that very many dads read my blog...but...it's the sentiment, right?

I'm really posting because yesterday the Fed Ex truck came. I danced around singing, "Happy Anniversary-Birthday-Late Mother's Day tooo me!"

I got a new camera. I'm thrilled. I LOVED my old camera. I really miss it. The charger that I blew up in Ethiopia was for that camera. Once I priced a new charger and priced selling my camera, I decided it was time for an upgrade. I will have to admit I was a bit nervous. After all, I don't buy stuff new. Nothing. Ever. So, I didn't get to handle the camera in a store and press all the shiny buttons. I got to read about it late at night on epinions.com. Then I bid on it late at night on ebay and got a really good price. Or so I think (determined by my late night comparisions). So I've had this camera attached to my eyeball since yesterday afternoon.

You've got to know what's coming. Pictures!! Loads and loads of wonderful pictures. Not wonderful because I'm a great photographer. Wonderful because I've had tons of mommy guilt about missing photo ops since we got home. I'm making up for lost time.

We had dinner yesterday with friends who have been blessed with a child-sized mudhole. Bliss.

When I should have been eating breafast before church, I was taking pictures. Much to Seth's dismay; he equates tardiness with a slap in the face. I'm usually pretty good about staying on task, but this IS a special occasion. The kids started yelling and I ran for the camera so I could capture this:

Ahhh, take a closer look! Eli was screaming, "There's an ant carrying a piece of bacon in here!"

The kids today after church today.

The girls in their dresses that my mom made for them. Popsicles and no naps equal sillies.

Josiah's hand. I'm trying to figure things out with the camera-and who better to experiment on than a chubby baby? So stinking cute.

By the numbers

Sometimes life is overwhelming. It's not bad, just more than you expected at one time. I'm thankful that when I woke up on Monday; I didn't know what the rest of the week would hold. I certainly can't tell you about our entire week. Wednesday alone could fill 4 or 5 posts (since I'm so long winded).

Our week by the numbers:

7- Doctor's appointments this week.
6- Doctor's appointments (out of 7) with all five children in tow.
6- Times I've been told by nurses that my kids are very well behaved and get along so well.
20- Pounds that Josiah weighed at his well baby check-up.
1- Shot that the doc convinced me to give him today.
2- Times we were caught going into doctor's offices during a downpour.
4- Times I've been asked if I run a daycare (just this week).
10- Minutes I was stuck outside of the Sunoco restroom with 5 children as I spoke to the beer delivery man about me not running a daycare. Then about which kids were mine. Then about where they came from. Then about whether I was married and if my husband had a really good job. Then about Sally's hair and who would do it later, because "she's probably going to need treatments." Evidently, this particular beer man also runs a salon downtown.
4- Times that my "limp home mode" light came on in my van.
6,000- Miles it's been since I last had my oil changed. Whoops.
4- Hours it took to get my oil changed today. We left the van after I heard the wait time.
3- Blocks from the oil changing guy to our house.
21- Pounds of strawberries we picked with our friends on Wednesday.
9- Pounds of strawberries we brought home. Salomae and I cut and washed all 9 pounds last night.
266-My initial tab at the grocery store Wednesday; it was a record setter. After coupons I spent merely $250.
1.60- My savings per gallon the next time I fill Moby up because of the expensive grocery bill.
3- Visits to the Orthodics office for him to get Salomae's brace 'just right'.
1- Little yellow-Dumbo-covered back brace that now sits in the girl's bedroom alongside a prosthetic leg.
2.52- My total today at the "Old Tyme Candy Shoppe" after allowing each kid to pick out 10 pieces of candy from the bins. Does it seem quaint because two words are misspelled? It was the hot pink exterior and the sign saying "2 cent candy" that drew me in. And the fact that we would be walking past the Longhorn Saloon on our way there. I just adore the smell of urine on a hot, muggy day. Life lessons abound during weeks like this.
30- Minutes in the candy store. Average time spent picking out each individual piece of candy= 3 minutes. That's a long time to hold a 20 pound wiggling baby in small aisles with colorful jars stacked on rickety shelves.

5- Mornings I have managed to get up before everyone else and be alone with God. He's the only reason I made it through the past five days without injuring someone.

The scoop

I have a page of hastily scribbled notes from the doctor's phone call yesterday. They are almost worthless, stating things like: "no bike or hammock", "brace-clam shell", and "surgery with gen surgeon." It was a gut wrenching phone call. I can't say our worst fears have been confirmed, because I can't even think about my worst fears. Though what I'm about to write may seem absolutely terrifying; I hung up the phone and thanked God for watching over my daughter.

The MRI showed that Salomae's infectious mass is only in front of her vertebrae (this is good news). Her spinal cord is draped over the mass, and her vertebrae are in a precarious position (very bad news). The doctor then informed me that most children under the age of 5 who have this are paraplegic. Since they are in developing countries, their parents don't get them medical help when the lump on their back shows up. Their bones deteriorate until one morning they can't move their legs, or perhaps they fall and injure themselves. When he said this, I stopped my note taking and sat their for half a second thinking about all of the bike accidents, sliding headfirst down the slide, flying off the hammock...and I almost wept because any of those things could have paralyzed Salomae. We are getting a brace for her back that will protect her from causing permanent injury to her spine. Until then, no physical kid activities because one fall at just the right angle would mean she spends the rest of her life in a wheelchair.

The doctor was hanging up with me to consult a general surgeon about our case. They had scheduled an appointment for us at 2:00 with this surgeon, "Can you make it?" Uh, yeah. I tried not to think about the madness that would ensue in order to leave the house in 45 minutes (I had gone for a run and was still sitting in my sweaty clothes, no lunch, baby on my lap having a bottle). Thankfully, I have a friend who is able (and willing) to watch my four children.

This surgeon will perform the biopsy that we need in order to successfully diagnose Salomae's infection. Most likely, it's tuberculosis. I know, freak out. We already did. Fast forward to our appointment at 2, which turned into 3:15...This doctor comes from the Big City only once a week. He expressed how lucky we are that there are two fantastic pediatric orthopedic surgeons at the hospital (who we already saw). Otherwise, we'd be traveling an hour or more to a children's hospital for these appointments. This doctor immediately put me at ease as he reminded me of the pastor who married Seth and I. He is a kind, straightforward doctor and explained things in a very clear way.

**Only read further if you want the nitty, gritty details**
We have three stages ahead of us. First, diagnosis (requiring a biopsy). Second, medication and then, surgeries to 'fix' her back. The biopsy is presenting him with a little difficulty. The mass is unapproachable from her back, so he will have to get it from her chest. He could try a needle, but perhaps won't get enough tissue for diagnosis. He could do it laproscopically, but same issue-not enough tissue. Perhaps even complications because of internal bleeding. Third option is to slice into her chest, pull back her ribs and access the stinky glob of infection from there. He said that would be the safest bet. Which seems weird to me. At any rate, he's trying to weigh everything to make sure we do what is best. She has a lot of major surgeries ahead of her, we'd like to have the least invasive procedure, maximize the amount of tissue for biopsy and culture, and keep her safe. He's consulting with a radiologist, pathologist, and the orthopedic surgeon. Then, he will call me today with a plan.

We should be visiting the brace-man today for measurements to order the back brace. I've been taking my older daughter there for 3 years for a prosthetic leg. Now the leg-man is the brace-man, too. I needed to talk to them about a new foot anyway, killing two birds with one stone is so nice.

I hope I don't sound lackadaisical about the dire situation that my daughter is in. The only thing I can do is thank God for his provision this far and pray that He continues to keep her safe. Beyond that, I don't know what to do except follow my notes that say, "no bike or hammock". Please pray that she stays safe and the doctors have wisdom in determining treatments and surgery.

How's this for a teaser: we heard today about the MRI. I'm too tired to type about it right now. Don't fret--I'm sure after a good night's sleep I'll be rejuvenated and ready to write. Except, I haven't had a good night's sleep in 6 weeks. However, I think I'll manage. It's not bad news, just reality. In this case, reality is a little ugly. Maybe a lot ugly.

Instead of the long story of my day--I'll give you this poignant post from Mary, her sister is currently volunteering at a hospital in Ethiopia. I couldn't help but imagine MY baby as the one she wrote about.

Travelers

Just a quickie--five families from AW are traveling to Ethiopia TODAY. I'm a little jealous, which seems weird. I was so anxious to get home, but would jump at the chance to go back (only if I took all 5 children). People told me that before I left, and I didn't believe them. Now I do. Since I'm not planning on spending college funds on a trip to ET anytime soon (I think the airfare would total about...$15,000), we can all live vicariously through these families.

As long as they blog. I'll amend that--as long as they blog better than I did while WE were there and don't blow up any cameras or lose memory cards.

Visit the Kidds, Cordells, Gardners, and Wests! Pray for them as you read about their week.

Driving around Addis

While we were in Ethiopia, I kept having these 'I wish the kids were here' moments. I wanted to transport our experience home with us. So I asked the cameraman (lovingly dubbed Seth) to record everything we did. He was pretty annoyed.

Riding around town was an experience that my kids would have loved. I would have been a ball of nerves...no carseats, seatbelts, or even traffic lanes. I kept harping on Seth to "RECORD this!" When I was at the hospital yesterday, I put this together while I waited (3 long hours) for Fetya's MRI to be done. The kids got a kick out of it and I thought I'd share it with you.

One Month

We have been home for one month. I'm a little late in posting this, but these pictures were taken this weekend, one month after getting home.

Today we have Fetya's MRI at 3:15. She is going under general anesthesia for the procedure. We are praying that this reveals something to the doctor's and sometime THIS week she can get the biopsy done. Thank you for your prayers regarding her health!

Bedtime

The bedding situation at the transition home was...luxurious. Downy comforters, pillows, a stuffed animal or two...which makes for a cozy, warm, soft environment for sleeping babies. Here, we worry about suffocation. So, I have lovingly placed my baby in the sterile pack and play.

When he got tired of that, I started laying him on his side. The side thing alone was the solution for about a day. One night, he kept waking up. No, that sentence isn't strong enough.

He...KEPT...waking...up!!

Every single stinkin' time I let my hand off of his back. He would flop his arm over and his eyes would fly open. Argh, the frustration! I've got things to do (like dishes, reading books to the older four, laundry...), I can't stand all night long with my hand on his back. Frantically, I looked around the room. What could I possibly do to keep him asleep?

I saw the answer--a teddy bear that sits on my dresser. It was perfect. Within arms reach and big enough to fake Josiah out. I know, "Teddy bear on her dresser? I underestimated your flaky factor, Apryl."

This isn't just any old bear.
My grandpa died almost three years ago. He had the opportunity to love on each one of my older three kids. We brought Ella home shortly before he got sick. The first time he met her; he was in the hospital. He never knew of our decision to adopt again. He was a very distinctive man; a full-time farmer with a law degree. I remember him in a button down blue shirt working on the farm (or watching the news). The shirts were soft and thin from wear. A woman from hospice told my grandma that she would make her some bears from his old shirts. My grandma took her up on the offer, and the one she gave me sat on my dresser.

Tonight, Josiah woke up, rolled over, and looked up at me. Then, just as I was about to pick him up, he reached out and patted the bear's head until he fell asleep.

What you hoped to see a month ago

I've been fiddling with this for a little while. I think it may have been therapeutic. I spent a week after we got home scanning the faces of every child so I could send updated pictures to waiting families. I became pretty familiar with the photos. Afterwards, I decided I'd paste the pictures from our trip into the pictureless blog entries. Then I changed my mind and just did this. And I'm done. I could mess and tweak and add more. But, honestly, it conveys our trip in a not-so-true-to-life-but-the-best-you-can-do-in-four-minutes sort of way. So here we go folks...

The non-Scoop

The doctor's visit was a bust. We learned very little, but not because of the doctor. She seems to be the perfect individual for dealing with what we may have going on.

I'll tell you what we do know:

Salomae has a pretty bad case of kyphosis.

The x-rays show that 4 of her vertebrae have been affected.

They are being "eaten up" from the inside out and currently resemble wedges instead of the nice cubes that they should be.

She hunches over a little as a result and has a visible lump in her back.

According to what we know of her past 9 months, the kyphosis only became apparent in the past 3 months. Which means her situation is digressing rather quickly.

So, the plan:

The pediatric orthopedic surgeon that we saw last week is going to do a biopsy to see what we are dealing with. Salomae will have to go under general anesthesia for the procedure, because he's inserting a large needle into the middle of her back. She's also going to have an mri done relatively soon so we can see how close the deterioration is to her spinal cord. The specialist was surprised that she wasn't suffering any neurological deficit as a result. After yesterday's appointment, her case has been put on the fast track.

Thank you for all of your prayers regarding her health. She's indeed a very healthy kid (serious medical issues aside). I'll keep you updated as we learn more. Wish I had more to tell you, but once again don't want to tell you one thing and it end up being something else. Praying that we get the ball rolling as soon as possible.

Is once a week enough?

I wish I could rattle off a list of things I've been doing over the past week as an excuse for not blogging. I can't! In my on and off blogging I've probably reduced readers down to my sister and my addicted friend in Mobile (you know who you are). I do appreciate you two!

We are maintaining a level of sanity, cleanliness (unless you count yesterday), and happiness that I wasn't expecting before we came home. By the end of the day all of the maintainance on my part has me totally worn out. Then, evening comes and I get to wake up twice to keep the chunky monkey...well...chunky. Occasionally, one of the older four children will do the muscial bed routine with Seth and me. It's pleasant--three bodies crammed into the double bed. Real cozy. Josiah wants to sleep with us, and usually he gets his wish at about 3 am. My mommy mind is so groggy that I...just...want...sleep. He sleeps with his legs and arms spread eagle, by the way. I kick the older child out of bed to make room for the baby. Does it sound like it's nuts? If you saw me you would probably say I look tired. I am tired.

I'm also happy. All of the kiddos are doing well. Today, Salomae and Eli had a true brother-sister moment. They fought. It was so sweet. They are becoming best buddies (though a lot of what I say is sarcastic, this really isn't, Eli is the favored sibling). Which is completely unexpected. That said, this afternoon, we put up bunkbeds in the girls' bedroom and that become serious bonding time. Ella and Salomae were dancing around the room singing, "We got bunkbeds!" Oh, happy day! They have been in bed for 2 hours and they are probably still awake with giddiness.

On the medical front: we will see a specialist tomorrow for Salomae. I'm planning on posting afterward to give everyone the full scoop on what we are dealing with. I haven't wanted to go into detail and have to recant what I said. So I've waited. Sorry, I think most of you have wondered and worried since the situation seems to be shrouded in mystery. It's not exciting. It's not communicable. Hopefully, prayerfully, it's not as bad as we are expecting.

I think, honestly, I've been lax in posting because I still can't get my mind around everything we saw in Ethiopia. I'm busy, but three weeks later, I still find my mind reeling from our experience there. I keep looking at our kids with disbelief. I don't remember having these moments with the older three kids. Poor Josiah, I can hardly keep myself from covering him in kisses everytime I hold him. He laughs and laughs.

Salomae probably thinks I'm weird. She starts jabbering all the English she knows at me, "Daddy, ciao, work? Fettie, banana? Juice? Mommy? Shoes? Jacket? Bye, bye, church?" It lasts a while, because she returns to the beginning of the routine and just starts over.

I just stare at her as she talks. I'm astounded at her ability to overcome all she's been through. Occasionally, I find myself with my hands on her cheeks. Just because she's here.

My baby is growing SO fast

This weekend Josiah got his first tooth. He's a trooper, I hauled him all the way to North Carolina and he was an angel the entire weekend. I didn't realize that I had such a flirtacious boy on my hands until he had three women on the airplane going bonkers over him.


Today, I was rocking him before his nap and was struck by how much he has changed in the past month. I don't want to bore you with a list of all the incredible baby things he's doing right now. So, I'll just give you some cutie-patootie pictures of our ever-changing boy.

Mealtime is number one priority. It takes a lot to maintain that physique! In the first photos, he's so pleased about sitting in his little seat. Little does he realize he's about to taste green beans for the first time. Didn't go over so well. I discovered that (like big brother Eli) Josiah will eat any table food I put in front of him. Baby food...why bother? Probably shouldn't have fed him that portion of garlic mashed potatoes at the wedding reception. Good thing he missed my dress and only lightly splattered the floor and stroller.

Before green beans:

After green beans (trusting Mommy a little less now):

Blessings

I've been meaning to write something along these lines for at least a week. Other things came up...mainly parenting five children. And that last post. Yuck. I'm leaving tomorrow with Josiah, and I can't bear to think of that being the post that sticks around all weekend. So I'll leave you with this.

Thank you! From the deepest depths of my heart, thank you. We have been blessed in so many ways over the past few months by you. You have prayed for us and encouraged us. I sat in a hotel room in Ethiopia crying over the words you wrote as an encouragement to Seth and I during a hard few days. It was a blessing to know that so many of our friends and family were lifting us up to God during a trying time.

We were able to pour out blessings on orphans in Ethiopia because of the generosity of many of you. I wish I could adequately describe what we saw and each person we met while there. Thank you for enabling us to bless those dear children.

You have cooked for us. Oh, the sweet sound of the doorbell at dinnertime! Thank you! I've felt bad accepting meals, but it was such a blessing. I came home to a lasagne in the fridge and flowers on the porch (thank you, my friend!).

We've been showered with gifts for our new kids (and our already home kids). It's been wonderful to open the boys' closet and grab another package of diapers. I think we may be set through the end of the year in that department (thanks, Lida and Da). Oh, the sweet sound of the doorbell as dear friends staged a "Gift and Run". The mastermind behind that one was obviously once a youth pastor. I had to take a picture of that one! The kids were thrilled, go and check out his blog to see an adorable photo of all of them at the park last weekend.

I can't say it enough--Thank you! I've tried, poorly, to personally thank each of you. I know I've fallen short; especially since we came home. I've thanked God for your charity and for using each of you to encourage and help us along the way.

Have I gushed enough? One last time--Thank you!

All before noon

My morning started early today. Jo woke up and fussed around. Then Eli woke up...and fussed around. I got Jo to sleep, then laid Eli down. Then Jo woke up, but Eli was asleep. I took a minute to check my emails and saw a foreboding message from the Heinrichs (we travelled with them to ET). She wanted to know if we ended up with any bugs. They did. It took a week for the little buggers to show themselves. Flippantly, I replied and told her that we had checked and checked. Still in the clear. Then the girls woke up and greeted me. So sweet, as I hugged Fetya I noticed a little bug on her shoulder. Odd looking little bug, kind of like a tiny spider, or ant?

With Alice's message in my mind, I went to the leftover medical stuff from our trip and pulled out the lice comb. Without too much thought I quickly ran it through Fetya's hair along her ear and came out with...bugs. Lots and lots of bugs. Some BIG nasty looking bugs, and some little nasty looking bugs. Definitely an infestation.

I checked all the kids. I was a bit frantic, I may add. Jo and I are leaving in two days to go to a very good friend's wedding. I pictured myself showing up with buggy hair. Then I pictured my in laws coming on Saturday and possibly taking home some travelers. They are coming to help Seth with the four big kids while I'm away. What a way to say 'Thank You'!

Everyone came out clear. Even me, I dug through my hair with the comb. I'm the one who has cuddled and slept with Fetya...for almost two weeks. I can't imagine those little guys not crawling over to my tempting scalp. So far so good. I slipped into serious mode and barked out orders to the kids. Completely forgetting that Fetya doesn't understand, "Quick, go strip your bed!" After beds were stripped and linens in the basement, I scrambled to the bathroom. All four kids stripped down then scrubbed their heads with the lice shampoo. Still not sure if this is lice, but it's the best guess I have. Then I sat down, still in jammies, and picked through Fetya's hair. Everett documented a good part of the morning.

Here we are, spending some good quality time together--chimp style. Nothing says lovin' like having your mom pick bugs out of your hair. Oh, and the baby, gotta have him in there. He CERTAINLY wouldn't be pleased if he wasn't a part of the bug removal process.

Nit removing is SO relaxing. Any of you moms who have kiddos that won't go down for a nap? Try this!

Jo slept only long enough for me to throw in laundry load number three and mop the kitchen. After that he was ready for some more bug eradication. Here we are enjoying some time together vacuuming up any leftover buggies. I feel so much better drinking calorie loaded frappucino and eating Kisses after the vacuum workout. I get to do this at least twice a day!

I finally sat down to answer the phone. Load number 5 is in the washer. I still have at least 2 more loads to go. It was dear hubby on the phone. He was calling to inform me that he's going to be late...very late. So, I'm taking a break. Enjoyed sharing my morning with you--I think I hear the dryer buzzing, back to work!

Happy Mother's Day!

I was stopped the other day on my way into the store by a high school girl. She was conducting a parenting survey and wanted to know if I was a parent. She's asking me that as I'm pulling a child out of the monster van we call Moby. Seemed obvious to me. After many intrusive questions (that I answered because she promised us chips and a soda), she asked some parenting questions. One of them sort of baffled me: What do you most like about being a parent?

I couldn't answer. As cheesy as it sounds, I couldn't narrow it down. So I gave her an incredibly lame answer, after doing my famous "uhhhh" for a full 5 seconds. I said, "Oh, lots of things." Then I watched her write that down and thought about how stupid it sounded. It bugged me. Really bugged me. So, today, while feeding Jo, I had a smidge of time to think about a few of the things I love about parenting. Since it's Mother's Day it seems appropriate to share them with you. I know that many of you are wanting deep, introspective things to be posted, but I don't have the fortitude or time for it now. I promise--coming soon! As a tide-me-over, check out the picture of the kids. I lined them up in order (excluding Josiah, since he's obviously not older than Everett) so you could see how Fetya actually is 3 year old size. Planning to just keep her birthday as given--she will be 4 in July.

Josiah (7 months), Everett (7 years), Ella (6 years), Elijah (5 years), Fetya (3 years)

And now for my top 5 "I'm lovin' parenting when..."

1-I can sit and watch my kids play and love on each other. My heart is full to bursting when I watch them enjoy each other. Not to say that I don't get my fair share of playing WITH them, but that is a wee bit different.

2-I catch (on the sly) one of my children making the right decision when the wrong one is soooo enticing. I usually have to fess up on seeing them and I always say, "You bless my heart!" Eli sometimes comes up to me and asks me, "Did I bless your heart then?" Love it!

3-A lightbulb goes off for one of them and they finally 'get' something that they have been struggling with. Learning is really cool; especially when you watch it happen for someone else. I'm a total nerd, I know.

4-I see how much my kids adore Seth. And I see how much he adores them. Don't be misguided and think our house is all just giggles and kisses. We have our fair share of grabbing and smacking, too.

5-Bedtime. I LOVE spending time with each of my children. I honestly enjoy them. Really, I feel like I need to convince everyone of that. I'm not at home because I'm being punished. I like these little people! But, they wear me out. Now that there are 5 of them, they really wear me out. That said, there is immense satisfaction in knowing that each one of the kids is happily tucked into bed. Then I sit and catch up with Seth and peek in on them so cute and cuddly in their jammies. Love it!

Okay, I have to add a number 6. I really love to hear my kids pray. We pray at mealtime as a family. We also pray before bed. We listen to each one of them pray and I'm always astounded at what they have going on in their minds. Fetya caught onto our prayer time already (they pray before each meal at Kids Care) and the past few nights she has repeated everything I've said as I'm praying (lots of 'Thank you for...'). Which works. Tonight was better though--she prayed in Amharic by herself after I prayed. I caught some "Mommy, Daddy, Jojo" in there. I didn't understand anything else she said, but I was in awe of this little girl who can adapt so well, so quickly. Here she is talking to God about her family. I love listening to each of my children as they lift each other up to God.

I hope everyone has a wonderful Mother's Day! I will work on posting about Fetya's health and the recent not-so-many answers we've gotten regarding that.

Happy Birthday to Seth!

What more could a guy ask for?

He's also got a great wife who surprised him with a jersey from Ethiopia. Incidentally--he asked Robel if he could buy a jersey, but Robel was already buying one for me so he told Seth that he was only allowed to purchase one at a time. Seth said he thought it was an awfully strange rule, but just shrugged it off.

Flying Solo...day 1

Seth had one day off from work once we got home. Tuesday was my big debut as mommy of five. It went well. Exhausting, but well. I was pleasantly surprised astounded! I know, we are probably doing the honeymoon thing, but I'll take what I can get. Here's the rundown of our day:

Fetya found Ella's tea set and made coffee for everyone. "Buna, okay?"

Upon discovering mud in the backyard the coffee ceremony went outdoors. Making coffee became very involved--dandilions, dirt, water, and (sadly) foliage from some of the emerging bulbs.

Blissful naptime! The big kids haven't taken naps for a while, but wanted to be with their sister. I was overjoyed.


Within half an hour of the three kids falling asleep, Josiah woke up. I should have expected that. Just enough time to do a quick run through the house, but not enough time to actually relax. Everett saved the day. He 'begged' to have some quiet time with his baby brother. I, of course, relented.Fetya has fit in so well. When the kids started dressing up, she jumped right in. Considering her affinity for blue jeans, it was surprising to see her don the Tinkerbell costume. Take notice of the matching green jelly shoes (on the wrong feet with mismatched socks).