Sneezing Noodles

Lily sneezes noodles.  That's right.  You read correctly.  She literally sneezes noodles.  Sometimes we get a surprise and she sneezes CheeseIts.  So...yeah....we need to get that fixed.  If you haven't already read on a prior post...Lily has Cleft Palate.  She was born with cleft lip too but it fortunately got fixed when she was 4 months old.  She actually does an excellent job at eating.  Many of these cases result in food coming out of the mouth and nose.  But, Lily keeps it down really well.  The first time we witnessed the noodle sneezing was in China.  I wish I had a picture because honestly...it was so stinkin' funny!  It was an entire long noodle that shot out of Lily's nose with the tail end just hanging on inside of her nose and the rest just hanging.   For the first several seconds...Dale and I were in "shock & awe."  We just stared at this seeming phenomenon.  It was.....for lack of better words... so cool!  Cute now...but later Lily may find it "socially unacceptable."
Lily's cleft palate is a good 1.5cm wide and goes from the front to the back of the mouth.  It's like a long trench.  This makes everything out of whack.  Hence, she can't form words because think of how much you use the roof of your mouth (i.e.: DaDa).  You use your tongue on the roof to say those words.  She will need speech therapy to help her engage those muscles and catch up.  She will need orthodontia for sure.  Her teeth are way off because her gum lines are so off from the cleft.  She will need additional surgery when her adult teeth come in which entails taking bone from her hip to build in the mouth.  And she may need more surgery when she is 14/15 years of age because her nostrils may need adjustments to be more in balance with each other.  Since her cleft lip surgery, her left nostril is quite smaller than her right.

Lily did fantastic during our consults!  The first appointment on Thursday lasted 3 hours.  She was perfect!  She had many looking and prodding in her mouth and even had a fun hearing test inside a booth.

And Friday's appointment went great as well and we took in a lot of excellent information!  We loved the surgeon too!

We had a lot of time ...so we looked in the mirror... and found that Lily loves herself too! :))

Yep... double the fun!!!

But for now, we are setting up surgery for mid-May to close up that cleft palate.  We met with two different surgeons at two different hospitals.  Both surgeons are excellent and we know that we could not go wrong with either.  But, there was a difference in old school philosophy vs modern thinking.  And based on that...we are headed down the modern path that we believe is best for Lily.
Lily will also need tubes for her ears.  Based on her hearing test, she has hearing loss but should get it back with the tubes in place.

Recovery will not be fun for Lily.  Based on swelling of the mouth, she could be in the hospital anywhere from 24 hours to 72 hours.  Eating and drinking will be tough for her for about 10 days.  She is supposed to wear splints for her arms (for a week) so she does not damage her mouth.  I don't think Lily will have anything to do with that!  Scabbing should be much better by 2 weeks.  And by 3 weeks, she should be back to eating and drinking normally.

Thank you for the prayers!  We get to enjoy 6 more weeks of sneezing noodles and quite frankly...we love it!  We will keep you posted.  I have a very interesting story to write and hope to get to that in next few days.  Let's just say... it all comes down to God working in amazing ways.  We have complete peace of mind with Lily and her pending surgeries.  We are so thankful!

Happy sneezing!  And God Bless you!  Love, D&N

The Love of Lily

The emotions of it all is catching up to me.  So much of what I have talked about and written about on Lily is how much we love her and have loved her for so long...even before we knew her or her identity.   But now...I can truly write about Lily and her love for us.  It is AMAZING and to us...a miracle.  All this time, we prayed for this little baby girl.  We prayed that she would be well taken care of at the orphanage...and she was.  We prayed she would even be loved at the orphanage...and she was.  We prayed that she would be stimulated...physically with toys and learning with her brain...and she was.  It all came true.  Our prayers were answered ...and that truly is amazing because that is very rare at orphanages.  And then we prayed that she would love us instantly... a long shot...right?  I mean...who loves you instantly?  Am I right?  It's like a dream.  An incredible dream.  We prayed for a smooth transition with the boys and all our family.  And YES, it all came true.  The pictures you see below...are all of her hugging and loving our family and friends.  In a matter of a few minutes, she is smiling, laughing and hugging them...all on her own.  This is a baby girl from across the world who knew only Chinese, who only saw the same kids, the same nannies, the same walls...and rarely got outside.

It is not possible to put into words the beautiful light that shines so bright inside Lily.  Her eyes are so full of life...and it's so infectious!  I can't put it into words...but if you look at everyones faces...you'll understand.

Lily has A LOT of love to give.  Again, I'm amazed.  How is it possible for this baby girl who has lived in an orphanage her entire life...to have such tremendous love?  It's day 16.  Sixteen days Lily has physically been in our arms...and she has changed us.  And our boys...our precious boys LOVE their sister.  It melts my heart how excited they are to see her in the mornings and after school.  Jake and Noah will sit by her bed and quietly wait for her to wake up.  I'm beyond proud of them.  I'm honored to be their mom.  

I have over 200 pictures like these but just too many to post.  We are so thankful...so blessed.  We could not have dreamed for a better transition.  She is a gift...a God-given gift.  And she loves.  Lily loves...without boundaries.  

So tomorrow we see our first surgeon and the cleft/palate team at Lutheran General.  In fact...we will meet Oliver's surgeon (Lily's cousin ;).  Ollie had major surgery on his head (ear to ear) about 14 months ago.  And come to find out from my sister in law, Kelly, that this surgeon is one of the top surgeons for cleft/palate.  Well...say no more ;)  Just look at Ollie now.  He is 2 months younger than Lily.  Yep...his melon and physique look quite healthy indeed! ;)  Love this boy!  We were trying to get him to hug Lily but ...he would just slightly touch her on the shoulder.  So stinkin' cute!

On Friday...we meet a surgeon and team at Lurie Children's for consult.

These meetings can take up to 3 hours.  Sooooooo...yeah, little worried about Lily-cakes.  She may not be so sweet by the end of that.  And it takes an hour each way to get to these hospitals.

AND, next week we have to get blood drawn for a series of tests.

Don't give up on me.  I'm still going to keep up the blog :))  I will try to update at least every other day.  Next blog shall be titled..."Sneezing Noodles."  I got your curiosity right?  

Ok...now it's clean up time.  Lily can't be partying all the time ya know.  She's gotta pull her weight around here ;) he he

We will keep you posted on the surgery consults.  Thank you for the continued prayers!!!  much love, D&N

Welcome HOME Lily!

Well, I'm up.  Still up because I'm off on my sleep.  But that's Ok... I just gotta tell you about our trip home and Lily's debut to our boys and grandparents!
So...it all started at 4:45 am China time;)  We got ready and out by 6am.  Lily is not a morning babe.  I get her.  So I slowly woke her up to reality.  We made it to the Guangzhou airport in 40 minutes and got checked in.  The airports in Guangzhou and Beijing are HUGE.  I felt like we walked for miles!  Beijing's airport has got to be one of the world's largest.  They built it for the 2008 Olympics.  Anyway...I'm getting off track here.  Our plane going to Beijing was HUGE too!  It was a double decker and the 2nd level went all the way (front to back).  So it was a nice ride and faster ...2 1/2 hours.  Lily was great!  We were worried because sometimes she flips out and is inconsolable.  We are just still getting to know her and how she ticks.  And sometimes she is a "time bomb." ;)  But mostly she is so stink'in cute and funny as all get out!  She was great and did fantastic!  So...first hurdle- done!
At Beijing, we had to get our bags then find the bus to go to Terminal 2 for International flights.  That's when the "bomb" went off.  Lily must have had some gas or stomach issues.  She was climbing me like a kids jungle gym on the bus.  Chinese people are all staring at me ...and they are all quiet.  I'm a sweaty mess trying to console this little Tasmanian devil.  I'm mean...she was nuts.  She calmed down for a minute after we got off but then started back up when we were checking bags.  Dale finally got her calm.  We got some lunch...something that resembled a club sandwich but with foreign lunch meat.  Literally ;)  Dale had a burger that looked questionable and of course we got a bowl of noodles for Lily.  Those were the best.  You gotta stick with what works with where you are.  lol.
Anyway...we got through 5 hours of waiting and Lily fell asleep for about 1 of those hours.  We boarded our plane and it was an awesome ride!  Come to find out, Lily DID have a stomach issue from the stinky results of her diaper.  So we were glad her "ticking time bomb" episode had a good reason and that it happened outside of an airplane;)  We had dinner and played with Lily for about the first 3-4 hours and then tried to get her to sleep but she wanted to play more!  She would squawk like a bird and thought that was just so funny!   I sang to her a little and finally got her to settle.  We slept about 8 hours!  It was on and off for me because she flips and flops like a fish.  But hey, we slept!  Then when we got up, they served us breakfast and we were on our decent into O'hare!
We got off the plane and was told that customs can take hours to get through.  But, when we got to the line...a woman ushered us to the front and they got us through in easily 20 minutes.  It was amazing!
Thank you for all your prayers because I can't imagine it going any smoother!  We were so happy!  And Lily is so happy too.
When we got through the custom doors, Lily's Gamma And Gampa were waiting.  Here is Lily's first meeting with them.

Lily had that "what is going on?" face for most of the car ride home.  We thought she would cry because she's in this carseat that she has never ever even seen before.  They don't have carseats in China!   She was just soaking it in and processing.  Here's the look...

They boys were outside waiting for us when we pulled up!  They were soooooo excited!  And so cute.  Noah gave me the biggest hug.  He nearly jumped in my arms.  For a kid that doesn't hug or kiss much, he sure took it all in tonight!  And Jake said I could make up 16 days worth of hugs to him ;) (but not the kisses).  I still get away with the kisses with him!

Here's a family photo.  Lily is still "processing"

THEN..... within 30 minutes, Lily OWNED the place!  She was playing with the boys, hugging the grandparents and just loving her new "digs."  

Gamma got a hug!

Jake's first hug with Lily

AND...She's down...

AND...She's back UP again!

 Gampa is in love with his Granddaughter

Noah & Jake were so wonderful with Lily!

It's like she's always been here with us.  And really...she has...in our hearts.  Now, we call ourselves..."Kalman, party of 5".  We are truly blessed.  Thank you all for your support and prayers and mostly...your love.  I'll keep you posted on Lily's surgeon appointments next week.  Most likely, she will need multiple surgeries...but I do hope they tell us otherwise.  Please keep her in your prayers.  So thrilled to be home!  love, D&N

COMING HOME

We depart the hotel in 9 hours!  It's going to be a LONG one!  Our flight to Beijing got canceled.  So now we have an even earlier one! It's a 3 hour flight to Beijing.   Then we are sitting at the Beijing airport for 6 hours until our flight to Chicago (14 hour flight).  We are looking at a 25 hour day from leaving hotel.  So yes...please pray for all of us.  We need strength, endurance, patience and rest (to name a few ;).  And I just pray Lily will be OK through it all.  Confined spaces are not her friend but mostly I just want her to be comfortable, no belly or ear pains and to get sleep.

This was our last Skype this morning with the boys.  Skype has been rather frustrating overseas.  So for any of you traveling in the future, you may want to check out the issues online.  It worked for us a couple times but the big issue 95% of the time was that the boys could not hear us (they could see us) but we could hear and see them.  Come to find out...this has been a common problem for many.   We tested our side...they tested their side.  It was definitely a Skype problem.   Anyway, I was thankful just to be able to see and hear my sweet boys.  Look at those sweet faces!

Today, Lily's Visa was issued to us.  That was the last item to wait on...so we are ready to rock and roll!

Bags are packed!  Homeward Bound!  Can't wait to get home and squeeze our boys, family and friends!  AND introduce LILY in person!! Thanks again for all your comments on the blog.  Dale and I have thoroughly enjoyed reading them all and it encouraged us through the 16 days away!  

I will continue to blog as much as possible when we get home and adjust.  What's ahead of us is a tremendous hurdle... surgery for Lily's cleft palate.  Looking back, the last 1 1/2 years of paperwork and process to finally have Lily in our arms seems like a piece of cake compared to what is ahead for her surgery.  I've read some on it and honestly, it makes me nervous to say the least.  I don't want my baby in pain.  But I know God will get us through.  

Love to you all!  D&N

Day 10: God Bless America! Lily visits the US Consulate

This morning we were up bright and early for our visit to the US Consulate.  Here is Lily wearing her red, white and blue!

We were not allowed to bring any cameras, phones or electronics of any kind.  So we could not take pics there.  We took an oath and finalized her Visa for her entry into the U.S.!!  Every now and then I have a huge frog in my throat.  I get so choked up that we are so blessed to have her as our daughter.  Then I think about our boys and how they actually have this beautiful girl as their sister and she's so blessed to have these big brothers that are going to love and protect her for life.

We had our own special area at the US Consulate for adopting parents so we did not have to stand in some huge line which was very nice!  I looked around at several other Americans that were getting Visa's for their adopted children and again...got choked up.  These beautiful children were playing...all with "special needs" and they were given up, left...either because the parents could not care for them OR they were not accepted.  Two children had dwarfism.  Another little boy had a misshaped ear.   But let me tell you...God's love was there and present.  These amazing parents look past the surface and see the bright, beautiful light within these children.  Sadly, some lights are dim in the beginning but once love is showered on those precious ones...you witness those lights gleam to to the brilliance of warm sunshine.

I look at Lily and the other babies / toddlers in our family group and it's amazing how they all have blossomed in just a few short days of being held and loved by their new forever families.  They all have more color in their faces and their eyes twinkle with vibrant life.  Lily kisses me and hugs me tight.  The first couple days we had her...she could not even look me in the eye.  Now she sits on my hip like she has always been mine.   Below is a pic of her in a traditional Chinese dress...waving her American flag.

Here's a pic with her "Ba Ba".  She loves him so much!!!

And here are pictures of all the adopted children in our group on the hotel couch.  And there's Lily...the stinker that does not want to sit.  And ALLLLL the little sweet children are looking at her and waiting patiently.  THEN.....

Poor little John ...on the right of Lily is just looking at her like...

"Really?...can you get it together already?"   DrrrrrrAMA!  

Tonight, Lily finally ventured outside our hotel room and walked everywhere!  She is so adorable!  And of course...she had to take the Pringles can with her :))  

And to end the night...bathtime.  She loves it!  Good night sweet Lily.

We are on the final countdown until departure from this hotel.  We leave in about 36 hours.  

Praying Lily will be comfortable with no ear or gas pains.  When she is uncomfortable or in pain...she squirms and is inconsolable.  Please pray for her and our safety.  Thank you all !  We love you! D&N

Day 9: Lily goes Pearl shopping

Today was a day off from appointments.  It was nice to sleep in!  Lily is doing fantastic on her naps and sleeping.  The girl doesn't like to go to bed...but once she is in it...she sleeps and sleeps well!  Thank you Lord!  This is a girl after my own heart because I need my sleep for sure!

Lily-kins likes to shop!   We went with our group to the Pearl market today.  It's crazy there with all the different shops, offering all the same things.  Our rep knows the quality ones so she took us to them.  We bought Lily a nice string of pearls.  Someone please help me to remember to give those to her on her graduation day ;) he he.  Some of you know how bad my memory is!

Here are some quick highlights:

Lily is making friends!  We've spent  2 weeks now with 3 other families.  This is Alivia.  She is 3 years old, beautiful and a spitfire!  We love her!  She has adapted with her forever family beautifully!  Alivia is sharing her snack with Lily.

There's Mc'D's in background :)

This is on the river cruise last night.  It was hard to get decent pics.  But the bridges were all lit up with different colors and the buildings are very unique here.  

This is tallest building in Guangzhou

Lily is standing and walking ALL around the room now!  She won't walk for you in a big space ...like  the hotel lobby.  Although she did briefly this morning...a few steps.  All the families clapped for her! :)

LILY has substituted the TV remote for a phone.  Maybe someday we will talk on and switch channels with our TV remotes.  Life would be simpler ;)  Lily is a GENIUS! ;)

I've been trying to upload an 8 sec video of her walking.  But this blogger thingy keeps saying it fails.    Technology does not like me!  It's a cute video!  I'll keep trying!  I will win over Blogger!  My competitive side is coming out! ;0

Tonight we are going to a Mexican restaurant.  Can you believe that?  Never thought we'd find that here.  We heard it is good.  Please pray for my intestines;) ha ha

Tomorrow is BIG day!  We get up EARLY and head to the US Consulate!  We will do whatever paperwork...then take oath.  Miss Lily Ann Grace will become an AMERICAN CITIZEN as soon as she walks through the U.S. threshold :))  She will wear her red, white and blue and wave a little American flag (that her Mima gave her).  

Love to all and big hugs and kisses to our boyz!  We MISS them so much!  We Skype nearly everyday but I just need to get my hands on them and squeeze them tight!  They were so cute this morning making funny faces to Lily.  She smiled, laughed and pointed at them.  

xoxo

Day 8 with little LiL

It's Day 8 with our Lily-pop.  This morning was our medical visit appointment.  She was checked out by doctors and nurses.  We breezed right through.  She wasn't too happy about it but really it was rather quick and painless.  She was mostly scared :(  The good news is she is under 2 so she did not have to get a TB shot here.

AND....here's her picture for her Visa.  Nope...not happy.

Afterward, the families got together to go to Shamain Island.  It's a really pretty area with fun shopping.  The architecture actually reminded us of New Orleans.  BUT before shopping, we first had to go to a greasy American food restaurant called Lucy's so we could get a burger & fry fix!  It was excellent!  And we all successfully clogged our arteries.

Let's just say...Dale was "done" shopping.  That's his "DONE" face. :))

Tonight we get on a Pearl River Cruise with all the families.   We are ordering Papa Johns pizza to take with us!  YES! They have Papa Johns!  SO happy!!!! I'm noodled out here!!

And check this out...we found a swwweeeeeeeet find!  I'd like to dedicate this to the "Merl family...Party of 6."  Yes...that's right....it's a wine vending machine! 

And... Lily already commands the TV remote!

Yep...she's just like Daddy.

We are thrilled that we are on the "final countdown" to coming home!  4 days til departure!

Prayers have been answered on sooooo many levels!  This mission is almost accomplished!  God has been present in all ways here!  I'm so thankful that we've stayed healthy.  God strengthened us and in numerous situations gave us an extra dose of grace ;)  I feel like I could climb a mountain with how much endurance He's given us.  AND,  Lily is such a blessing!  And everything having to do with Lily...the process to get her....the paperwork...everything has been smooth.  Please continue those prayers.  We will need them to get home.  And when we get home...it will be a huge adjustment for everyone (including our boys).  I will continue the blog even after we get home.  It's been important to us to communicate and document all of this.  But when we get home...she has a whole new set of challenges such as surgeries to repair her cleft palate.  This entails a lot including ENT, Dental, speech, etc.  Lots of love!  Dale & Nancy