Baptism

Today was Lila's baptism. It was also confirmation at our church. It was a busy happy service with lots to celebrate! We waited until now for the baptism so my sister, Becky, could be here. Her kids have all week off school so they were able to fly up for Lila's special day. 2 of my sisters, Becky and Jennifer, are Lila's godparents. Our whole family joined us at home for brunch following the service.

Grace had a rough week. A week ago today her fever returned and went up to 104 degreess. I called the doctor Monday morning. He was able to see her late in the day. He was concerened about her, even saying he "was a little freaked out" because her fever was gone for a couple days then returned. He did a chest xray and some bloodwork. It was the beginning of pneumonia so shot in the little butt and 10 days of antibiotics have her on the mend. She returned to Kindergarten on Friday feeling much more like her normal self.

Lila's next surgery is scheduled for December 8. We check into the hospital on the 7th and will stay about 3 days. I hope they have wireless internet!

Update

This was one of those weeks.

Grace had to stay home from school 4 days with a fever. She went to the doctor, they thought it might be strep but it wasn't so they think it was viral. They never said H1N1 but I'm guessing that's what it was.

Meanwhile Lila had surgery on Tuesday. It was a biopsy that confirmed that she has a condition called Hirschprung's Disease in which part of the colon does not have the nerve cells required for normal function. She will have 2 for sure, possibly 3 surgeries in the next 6-8 months. The first will be after Thanksgiving, probably early December.

My babies are sick! Luckily we have a big fat cat to keep them warm. Isn't Oscar the sweetest little guy to take care of his Grace when she's sick on the couch?

BOOOOO

Scooby and the Fuzzy Pink Unicorn waiting for the trick-0r-treaters to arrive!

Fall Slide Show

Make a Smilebox slideshow

Just some pictures (for Aunt Becky especially)

Note to Travel Group

Here's a note I sent to our travel group. I thought I would share it here too to bring my blog buddies up to date.

I am glad to hear from everyone too. I have been following the few blogs that I know, Jadyn is one of those so I have been seeing all of her great pictures. Melissa and Alyssa both look very healthy and happy. I can tell they have both gained weight and their hair is growing out! I can finally get a little ponytail holder in Lila's to attach a bow so it will stay in.

Lila is doing really well. People keep commenting on how well adjusted she seems. She STILL wants Daddy when she's tired or scared but she knows she has to put up with me too! We really have a great bond now. She's funny and goofy and we were just saying again how she's the perfect match for us.

Gerry's still on family leave, he goes back next Monday. That will be a big change for all of us but we're ready.

Lila and Grace are sisters so we have a lot of drama but a lot of love, hugs, and giggles too.

We had x-rays of her colon on Friday, it was awful. They strapped her to a board so they could position her during the process so she was terrified. I can only imagine the memories of having the same x-rays done in China coming back to her. I was so thankful that I was there with her this time so she didn't have to go through it alone. They said our next step in the diagnostic/treatment process will be a biopsy of the lining of her colon. I have to talk to the doctor's office in a couple days about that.

TTYS
Chrissy

One giant leap...

The tiny things are so important in this adoption journey. She came running to me today with her arms up to be picked up. I was filled with joy that she has come so far from the scared child in China who only wanted Gerry. I looked at her today and said "Lila" she then put her hand on her chest and said "yiya". She said her name! She has only said mama and tai jien up to this point. She also said "yummy" this week when it was time to eat. This all sounds like normal developmental steps for children but when you've only been together only 8 weeks you are struck with each little moment how amazing this little person is.