Birthday weekend continued today as Crosse was treated to a shopping spree at the Asian market and a friend gave him some gifts from NASA. Thanks Jin!
Sunday, May 1, 2016
Crosse - Happy 1st and 15th
April brought cause for Crosse to celebrate and remember. He arrived in the U.S. last April and soon celebrated his 14th birthday. Since then, he has had many firsts. Just to list a few - he has:
wrestled alligators,
been up close and personal while feeding the cows,
rode his first 4-wheeler,
met the China Girls,
made many new friends while participating in school sports to include football, basketball and track,
learned to be a team player,
and survived (and quite enjoyed) his first blizzard. Just to name a few first.
For his birthday, Crosse had a friend over for the day. A serious game of badminton ensued. After burgers, hotdogs and birthday cake, they were off to see the Superman / Batman face-off.
Birthday weekend continued today as Crosse was treated to a shopping spree at the Asian market and a friend gave him some gifts from NASA. Thanks Jin!
Happy 1st and 15th Crosse!
Birthday weekend continued today as Crosse was treated to a shopping spree at the Asian market and a friend gave him some gifts from NASA. Thanks Jin!
Tuesday, April 26, 2016
Happy Birthday Mom - ASL Version
Me today:
On this birthday, I was treated to a quiet day at home. It was election day here in Maryland and schools were closed. Well, county schools were closed. Crosse still had school. While Lin-Ley and Tru treated me to quiet time for my birthday nap and Dallas gave me a beautiful watch, Crosse sent me the following message as he and his friends were driving back from track practice this evening. (Crosse is seated in the center.) The video is a little dark (had to turn off the lights to see it), but the sentiment and their obvious planning and practice shine through.
Their message:
"Happy Birthday Mom, Happy Birthday Mom, Good Night."
On this birthday, I was treated to a quiet day at home. It was election day here in Maryland and schools were closed. Well, county schools were closed. Crosse still had school. While Lin-Ley and Tru treated me to quiet time for my birthday nap and Dallas gave me a beautiful watch, Crosse sent me the following message as he and his friends were driving back from track practice this evening. (Crosse is seated in the center.) The video is a little dark (had to turn off the lights to see it), but the sentiment and their obvious planning and practice shine through.
Their message:
"Happy Birthday Mom, Happy Birthday Mom, Good Night."
Wednesday, March 2, 2016
13 Years of Loving Lin-Ley
13 years ago we held
this chubby-cheeked baby girl for the first time. I still can't stop kissing
those cheeks!
Look at this young
group of new parents. What a crew! We were tired. We were hungry. We were
homesick. However, we were happy! We had our baby girls and we made a lasting
bond that still ties us today. Love you all!
Happy Gotcha Day to our unicorn, candy, puppy, candy, animal, candy, book loving Spicy China Girl. We love you soooooo much!! (More than candy!) xox
Sunday, November 22, 2015
Monday, August 24, 2015
First Day of School - TLC
Met, by the subjects, with much dismay.
**Disclaimer - All children choice their own wardrobe....
**Side Note - not sure why the boys are standing at attention.
Thursday, August 20, 2015
Tru's New Leg (#9) !
Wednesday, July 29, 2015
8 Years Of Tru Love
Tuesday, June 30, 2015
Lin-Ley is 13!
Our Spicy Girl has become a Spicy Teen! Happy Birthday Lin-Ley!!
For her birthday, she made the tough decision to get her ears pierced. After almost backing out at the last minute - she got her "diamonds".
Afterward, the anxiety remained...
The next day.
And since we were in Louisiana, she decided to wrestle a gator.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TOOTS!
Saturday, May 23, 2015
Dear Library,
Dear Library,
Thank you for making one of my wishes come true. Let it be know, at this moment in time, all three of our kids are in their rooms quietly reading. (Apparently Tru is also taking notes.)
Ahhhh.......
Yours Sincerely, Mom
Thank you for making one of my wishes come true. Let it be know, at this moment in time, all three of our kids are in their rooms quietly reading. (Apparently Tru is also taking notes.)
Ahhhh.......
Yours Sincerely, Mom
Sunday, May 17, 2015
With A Grateful Heart
Since returning from China, with Crosse, our family has been so blessed!
To back-track, throughout the entire adoption process our friends and family were incredibly supportive. There were countless prayers and words of kindness and encouragement offered almost daily.
Once Tru was home with us, and his emergent medical needs were met, we knew our family was complete. Family of four.
That all changed in January of last year. Many have inquired as to why, or how, we came to chose this road - to adopt a teenage boy. That is easy to answer.
On that cold, January, Friday night, we happened upon a website which explained the "aging out" process. We learned that in Chinese orphanages, if the children reach the age of 14, they would no longer be eligible for adoption. They would not have a forever family. At 14 their future became a potential unknown. 14!
That weighed on us heavily. We talked about it. Prayed about it. Talked to the kids about it. As a family, we decided that we wanted to adopt one of the oldest children. Along came Crosse's photo and a video of him signing. We had another discussion and knew that we could learn ASL (American Sign Language). A week later - our application was approved and the paperwork (goose chase!) began.
We have had many ask how we met or came to know Crosse. Again, that is a simple answer. We met him the day of his adoption. Only about 45 days ago! Therefore, we can all understand his apprehension when he met his "new family" and was expected to leave with them/us.
Here we are, back in America for the past five weeks. Three of those weeks, Crosse has been in school. He is attending a school for the deaf and he is already thriving. Smart boy! We had no doubt we would catch-on to ASL quickly as he already knew Chinese Sign Language.
Yes - Chinese and American sign language are different!
Crosse (and our entire family) has been shown one kindness after another - cash gifts, gift cards, clothing, hand made cards, a huge birthday cake, a bilingual Bible, toys, balloons, fruit, chestnuts (which he loved - the rest of us... not so much :). And the food! It just keeps coming. Home made Chinese treats - noodles, dumplings, and a variety of other foods including a special soup purchased from a restaurant with a chef from Crosse's home province in China.
Above all, we continue to receive daily prayers by so many. So many people care about Crosse and his well being. It is truly touching. There simply are not words enough to express our gratitude. The generosity and kindness to our family during this time of transition has left us awed and inspired. Thank you! Thank you all so much!
We are truly....
To back-track, throughout the entire adoption process our friends and family were incredibly supportive. There were countless prayers and words of kindness and encouragement offered almost daily.
Once Tru was home with us, and his emergent medical needs were met, we knew our family was complete. Family of four.
That all changed in January of last year. Many have inquired as to why, or how, we came to chose this road - to adopt a teenage boy. That is easy to answer.
On that cold, January, Friday night, we happened upon a website which explained the "aging out" process. We learned that in Chinese orphanages, if the children reach the age of 14, they would no longer be eligible for adoption. They would not have a forever family. At 14 their future became a potential unknown. 14!
That weighed on us heavily. We talked about it. Prayed about it. Talked to the kids about it. As a family, we decided that we wanted to adopt one of the oldest children. Along came Crosse's photo and a video of him signing. We had another discussion and knew that we could learn ASL (American Sign Language). A week later - our application was approved and the paperwork (goose chase!) began.
We have had many ask how we met or came to know Crosse. Again, that is a simple answer. We met him the day of his adoption. Only about 45 days ago! Therefore, we can all understand his apprehension when he met his "new family" and was expected to leave with them/us.
Here we are, back in America for the past five weeks. Three of those weeks, Crosse has been in school. He is attending a school for the deaf and he is already thriving. Smart boy! We had no doubt we would catch-on to ASL quickly as he already knew Chinese Sign Language.
Yes - Chinese and American sign language are different!
Crosse (and our entire family) has been shown one kindness after another - cash gifts, gift cards, clothing, hand made cards, a huge birthday cake, a bilingual Bible, toys, balloons, fruit, chestnuts (which he loved - the rest of us... not so much :). And the food! It just keeps coming. Home made Chinese treats - noodles, dumplings, and a variety of other foods including a special soup purchased from a restaurant with a chef from Crosse's home province in China.
Above all, we continue to receive daily prayers by so many. So many people care about Crosse and his well being. It is truly touching. There simply are not words enough to express our gratitude. The generosity and kindness to our family during this time of transition has left us awed and inspired. Thank you! Thank you all so much!
We are truly....
Wednesday, April 29, 2015
Crosse is 14 (Already)!
Who has been waiting to see a genuine smile from our guy? Well, here you go!
Today, exactly one month since his Gotcha Day, is Crosse's 14th birthday.
For dinner - dumplings. Chinese dumplings (just in case you were wondering). (Thank you Mrs. Jin and Charissa!!) Birthday cake - chocolate. Gift - remote control helicopter. And the helicopter prompted the first, unprompted, "thank you" from Crosse. Proud parent moment.
The helicopter spooked Crosse and it soon hit the floor. It may not be working properly at the moment.... Dad is going to try to exchange it tomorrow. School is still going well. Crosse is taking great pride is learning new words quickly. He has been practicing writing them and fingerspelling them. He is a quick study as we predicted/knew.
Here are the smiles:
Happy Birthday Crosse!
Today, exactly one month since his Gotcha Day, is Crosse's 14th birthday.
For dinner - dumplings. Chinese dumplings (just in case you were wondering). (Thank you Mrs. Jin and Charissa!!) Birthday cake - chocolate. Gift - remote control helicopter. And the helicopter prompted the first, unprompted, "thank you" from Crosse. Proud parent moment.
The helicopter spooked Crosse and it soon hit the floor. It may not be working properly at the moment.... Dad is going to try to exchange it tomorrow. School is still going well. Crosse is taking great pride is learning new words quickly. He has been practicing writing them and fingerspelling them. He is a quick study as we predicted/knew.
Here are the smiles:
Monday, April 27, 2015
Finally, Crosse Goes To School
Today was Crosse's first day of school. Finally! He has had no routine for the past two weeks. Now, he will have a routine. A purpose for waking each morning. (Well, let's not get carried away...)
This morning he understood where we were going but he was clearly nervous. That is perfectly understandable! I assured him many times that I would be back at 3:00 to pick him up and bring him home.
For the past week we have tried to leave no questions unanswered - even if he did not ask the questions. We went over the school cafeteria menu (in great detail), agreed he would bring a supplementary snack of his choosing, picked out his clothes for his first day (mom clearly still does not understand his style preferences) and discussed tomorrow's events again and again. And again.
When I did return to get him, his teacher wanted to know if he enjoyed school. I asked him and he said "no". Once we were home, I ask what he did at school. His answer, "nothing". Typical answers for any kid.
Later he told us school was "good". He has not said he did not want to go back, so we will take that as a positive!
Today was my first day home alone. Alone. I may have done nothing (quite a bit) today. Shhhh!
(I could get used to this Family Leave.)
I could not get a photo of Crosse on his first day of school. Asking him to stand in front of his new school, in a new country with his new red backpack would have been asking a little too much of our Crosse. Instead, a photo opportunity was delivered to our home today. We received a beautiful Edible Arrangements. The card states, "Congratulations on the new addition to your family." The sender is currently a mystery. So, whoever was kind enough to send this gift to our family, we Thank You!
Behold - Crosse's "First Day of School" photo:
This morning he understood where we were going but he was clearly nervous. That is perfectly understandable! I assured him many times that I would be back at 3:00 to pick him up and bring him home.
For the past week we have tried to leave no questions unanswered - even if he did not ask the questions. We went over the school cafeteria menu (in great detail), agreed he would bring a supplementary snack of his choosing, picked out his clothes for his first day (mom clearly still does not understand his style preferences) and discussed tomorrow's events again and again. And again.
When I did return to get him, his teacher wanted to know if he enjoyed school. I asked him and he said "no". Once we were home, I ask what he did at school. His answer, "nothing". Typical answers for any kid.
Later he told us school was "good". He has not said he did not want to go back, so we will take that as a positive!
Today was my first day home alone. Alone. I may have done nothing (quite a bit) today. Shhhh!
(I could get used to this Family Leave.)
I could not get a photo of Crosse on his first day of school. Asking him to stand in front of his new school, in a new country with his new red backpack would have been asking a little too much of our Crosse. Instead, a photo opportunity was delivered to our home today. We received a beautiful Edible Arrangements. The card states, "Congratulations on the new addition to your family." The sender is currently a mystery. So, whoever was kind enough to send this gift to our family, we Thank You!
Behold - Crosse's "First Day of School" photo:
Monday, April 20, 2015
One Week Home
We have been home for one week.
It. Has. Been. A. Long. Week.
We arrived home in the wee hours of last Sunday morning. Somehow, at 2:00AM, I was convinced to make everyone philly chicken sandwiches. We were all in the bed by 3AM. Lin-Ley had us up at 5:30AM. !!! We were up for the day – no naps – because Lin-Ley and Tru had school the next day.
First order of business, Crosse had his first driving lesson.
Slowly, I am pulling Crosse out of his Kindle Coma. The time difference between the U.S. and China has been a challenge for him to understand. However, he still manages to connect with his friends. Somehow, it seems that the children in his orphanage have an infinite amount of time and opportunity to use electronics. Unfortunately for Crosse, now he has a Mommy that limits his time. Even more unfortunately, his Mommy requires him to follow the rules about time limits on the Kindle which has resulted is his losing the Kindle on multiple occasions. Already.
Crosse has had many firsts since he has been with us:
Using a toilet
Taking a shower
Using a shower curtain (We were not precise enough with those instructions!)
Using a fork and spoon
Using a hand towel after washing his hands (rather than flinging the water on the floor)
Unfortunately,
Dallas had to leave several days ago to be with his mother who suddenly became
very ill. We love you MaMa Linda!
So, Fun
Daddy left Crosse with Serious Mommy.
Crosse has asked daily when dad would return.
The kids are spending a good deal of time together and still trying to find common interests. Lin-Ley and Crosse both love to run. Tru and Crosse both enjoy playing with Legos. One minute they get along great – the next….
Our TLC.
One week down. A lifetime to go.
Slowly, I am pulling Crosse out of his Kindle Coma. The time difference between the U.S. and China has been a challenge for him to understand. However, he still manages to connect with his friends. Somehow, it seems that the children in his orphanage have an infinite amount of time and opportunity to use electronics. Unfortunately for Crosse, now he has a Mommy that limits his time. Even more unfortunately, his Mommy requires him to follow the rules about time limits on the Kindle which has resulted is his losing the Kindle on multiple occasions. Already.
Crosse has had many firsts since he has been with us:
Using a toilet
Taking a shower
Using a shower curtain (We were not precise enough with those instructions!)
Using a fork and spoon
Using a hand towel after washing his hands (rather than flinging the water on the floor)
Today’s
discovery – As I was collecting the trash around the house, I discovered at
least half a roll of toilet paper in the boys’ trashcan. I went to Crosse and asked him about it. At first he acted as if he knew nothing about
it. Then he told me he used it one night
to dry off after his shower.
Again,
clearly, we are not being precise enough about the shower procedures.
The problem
at this point is that Crosse is bored.
He has not started school yet.
Last week,
must to his chagrin, Crosse was seen at his new school for audiology testing as
well as to begin the official application process. It was found that he does have some hearing
in both ears. However, the hearing loss
is considered severe to profound. We
will follow up that testing with his primary care physician and (many) specialists
in the near future. Friday, Crosse was
officially accepted to his new school.
Now, we continue to wait until they set-up the intake meeting.
There is one
thing that Crosse does not like – perhaps above all other things he does not
like – waiting!!
I am with
him on this one. He needs to be in
school. Now.
During dad’s
absence, Crosse has been stuck with mom all day, every day. We have made some progress with American Sign
Language and he is catching on very quickly as I was sure he would. He is taking pride in showing me what he
remembers and he is writing his American name very well.
One week down. A lifetime to go.
Friday, April 10, 2015
Packed And (SOOOOOOO) Ready To Go Home
We have Crosse's U.S. visa.
Hallelujah! Hallelujah!! Hallelujah!!!
Our bags are packed.
Clothes are ready for the AM.
To say we are ready would be an understatement.
We just had our last meal in China. I am ready for a big bowl of cereal with ice cold milk. My next meal will be a peanut butter and jelly sandwich with a glass of ice cold milk. Ice water - yes, ice water. Anything with ice.
Side Note:
To my Chinese friends - If anyone knows how to make this bread and can give me the recipe - you will be my hero. It is one of my most favorite things I have eaten here.
Things we are thankful for:
A loving God who has seen us through our journey to Crosse.
Finally having Crosse with us.
Many, many friends and family who have prayed for our journey.
Other than the need to use Tru's asthma medicine in Xi'an, we have all been well throughout the trip.
Dr. Jin and her medical expertise including a express shipment of more asthma medication.
Papa Bill for taking care of our home and Five-O (our dog) while we were away.
The ability to stay in contact during this journey thanks to technology (and wifi when we could get it).
The many FaceBook posts, texts and emails offering words of encouragement.
The people of China including our competent guides and drivers.
We check out of our hotel at 7:30 AM tomorrow morning. In only 27 short hours, we will land in Washington, D.C. Then an hour drive home. Then we crash.
Please pray for the final leg of our journey and Crosse's continued understanding and acceptance of his new family and home.
Hallelujah! Hallelujah!! Hallelujah!!!
Our bags are packed.
Clothes are ready for the AM.
To say we are ready would be an understatement.
We just had our last meal in China. I am ready for a big bowl of cereal with ice cold milk. My next meal will be a peanut butter and jelly sandwich with a glass of ice cold milk. Ice water - yes, ice water. Anything with ice.
To my Chinese friends - If anyone knows how to make this bread and can give me the recipe - you will be my hero. It is one of my most favorite things I have eaten here.
Things we are thankful for:
A loving God who has seen us through our journey to Crosse.
Finally having Crosse with us.
Many, many friends and family who have prayed for our journey.
Other than the need to use Tru's asthma medicine in Xi'an, we have all been well throughout the trip.
Dr. Jin and her medical expertise including a express shipment of more asthma medication.
Papa Bill for taking care of our home and Five-O (our dog) while we were away.
The ability to stay in contact during this journey thanks to technology (and wifi when we could get it).
The many FaceBook posts, texts and emails offering words of encouragement.
The people of China including our competent guides and drivers.
We check out of our hotel at 7:30 AM tomorrow morning. In only 27 short hours, we will land in Washington, D.C. Then an hour drive home. Then we crash.
Please pray for the final leg of our journey and Crosse's continued understanding and acceptance of his new family and home.
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