ONE Year of "Lily Bug Bliss"

What can I say that I haven't said already about our life with Lily & the boys?  I don't know...I'm like that annoying teenager in love that can't stop talking about her boyfriend or something.  I'm glowing like I'm pregnant (but I"M NOT! ;)  Ha ha!  This ole' lady can't be pregnant ...but I am beaming in love with my family!  They amaze me  everyday!!  It's been 1 year since finally getting to hold our little girl!!!  I'll never forget that day!

This photo was taken within a few minutes of receiving our beautiful daughter...LILY

I love this picture!  Proud "Ba Ba" and his angelic daughter!

This is a few hours later after we got one layer (her coat) off of her.  She was sweating profusely!   Funny thing...she would not let go of the package of crackers that the orphan caretakers gave her since before receiving her into our arms.  I don't blame her.  Can you imagine the fear & confusion?  She needed at least one thing to cling to.

My favorite family photo!

I know I've posted how we came to the decision to adopt (see post:  "Lily's story" dated 7/20/14).
However, there is a "back story" to that too.  I'm writing this so that I can keep myself accountable to get the courage to write it and post it.  It's a difficult story of getting over fear and coming to the freedom of forgiveness.  I think about this today because...well, if I had not faced my fears, worked through them and come into freedom of it...we would not be celebrating our little girl.  We would not have adopted.  We would not have our blessing of this God miracle!   Ok...that's all I can give you on that right now.  ;0  But that is my promise to write on this next.  It's important to face our fears.  We all have them.  If you don't face them, you don't find the blessings behind them.  We are blind to them.  I like to call them "blind blessings." :)

Today I had the absolute honor to meet with a lovely lady, Kristine, who is adopting for the first time.  I was  giddy to tell her all the wonderful, exciting, beautiful news on adoption.  And I'm always honest about all the ups and downs too.  It's like labor pains in a way...but they last longer!  But it's all worth it!  It was interesting because I told her that I was blogging about fear.  I confided to her that if I hadn't confronted it, worked through it and prayed about it ... then I would not have grown in my trust, nor my faith to take that leap that God had in store for our family.  We would have missed our tremendous blessing.   Kristine will be a new mom soon.  This adoption will be their first child.  She and her husband, Brian, tried to have children for many years but it just did not happen.  Adoption has been in her and her husband's hearts for some time.  However, Kristine confided that fear prolonged it for her.  Fear kept bringing up all those "what ifs" about parenting and about the child.  Fear prolonged it for many years.   I get that.  I felt that.  Then one night, after researching more on adoption and bringing more concerns and questions to her husband, Brian said to her... "Kris, are you going to let fear stop you from doing something you have wanted for so long?"  Seems so simple right?  However,  hearing those words from your husband is powerful & encouraging!  I love that!  Words like that stop fear and it's buddy, "doubt", right in their tracks!

• 2 Timothy 1:7 (NKJV) For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind

  
  

  You may (or may not) feel called to adopt or foster a child.  Not everyone can or is able.  But there is a way to help.  A new friend of ours is part of an amazing initiative that is happening in our own "backyard!"  Our friend, Jason, is a part of "The Forgotten Initiative."  Keep reading...because this is something for everyone!   Did you know that around 250,000 children enter the US foster system EVERY year?   The Forgotten Initiative helps the fostering community in our country ...the children, the caseworkers, the fostering family and the agencies that place the children.  Whether you can financially help, pray, mentor, pack a backpack  or even help with a project...it's all HUGE for these precious children whom are going through a very traumatic time.  Jason explained that they even remodel the room children wait in ...to be placed.  They paint the room and warm it up with bright toys.  Even these little touches make a difference!  Please check out their website and feel free to contact them.  The "Get involved" tab is very helpful and informative!  It's a great organization and the website is VERY easy to navigate!
  http://www.theforgotteninitiative.org
  

  Quote from Website:

  "I am so inspired by the work of TFI!  Whether yours is a call to take in a foster child, pack a backpack, or paint and remodel rooms at your local county office, there’s a place for you in this powerful ministry." -Susie Larson – Radio Host, Author, Speaker

  • Here's one last photo to make anyone smile!  Thanks Kris for accessorizing my little girl!  She can't get enough of the goody bag you gave her!  
    
    
    HAPPY ANNIVERSARY LILY AND US! :))
    
    
    
    
    

Lily & her brothers fly West...Rocky mountains baby!

So it was Lily's first visit to her brothers' birthplace...COLORADO!  It has become a family tradition to go to Colorado once a year to ski down some mountains!  Well, Lily did not ski (but will try it next year!), but her brothers did (their 3rd year!).  We had a blast at Steamboat Springs this year.  Thus far, we have changed up the mountains each year.  The first year was Beaver Creek CO...the second year was Telluride and now Steamboat.  Lily did great with the altitude and she had a blast playing with her brothers and family friends!

Here is Lily on the plane with one of her BFF's, Miss. Di!  Happy as a clam (especially when she is eating snacks!).

The boys skiing (Noah in red and Jake in black).  Our family friends kiddos...Maddy, Grace and Emily are in turquoise ski pants.  These shots are night skiing with fireworks!

Dale & I had some fun ski time too!

Family photos:  Filipiak Family

The Filipiaks share the love of mountains and skiing with us :)) 

Next year Lily will be on skis right beside the boys!

The hot tub at the condo was a hit!  I forgot to get a pic of that but you can imagine all 6 kids (including Lily!) in there having a ball!

In 3 weeks...we will be at the 1 year anniversary of the day we finally got to hold our little girl for the first time.  I can't tell you the overflowing, tear flooding JOY (and "Happy Ugly Cry") moment that was!  I can NOT believe it has already been 1 year.  If you missed that blog of "Gotcha day"... look at "Introducing Lily Ann Grace" in March of 2014.

I look at this little girl who has grown sooooo much in ALL ways in just one year.  The love that we shower on her is off the charts.  Yet... the love that gleams from her is mind blowing.  My mom said it best..."what did we ever do without her?"  Well, honestly...we had it good before Lily.  We had the boys and our family life was great.  BUT, even when you think your family is complete and happy and cozy and perfect...you can feel a tug.  For me & Dale, it was a tug from God.  We were called to adopt.  As scary as the thought is of bringing home a complete stranger...and the daunting task of filling out the paperwork...and the rather impersonal tasks that it all entails... there IS a child on the other side.  There is a beautiful, amazing, perfect child that needs a family.  And this child was hand picked by God.  He has a plan always!  I know that.  Dale & I have lived it.  And the only reason we have lived it is by simply opening our hearts and minds and just asking God..."What do you want us to do?  What is your will for us?...show us."  Maybe adoption is something you are contemplating.  Perhaps your friends are thinking about it.  Whatever it may be...I would be happy to share our experiences...our story.  Surround yourself with encouraging friends & family.  And more than anything...present your requests, questions, concerns, etc to God.  Trust me...when we did...He answered.  It only takes an open heart and open mind.

I can't help to think about 2 years ago when we went to Beaver Creek.  We were in the waiting stage of adopting our little girl.  We had not been matched yet.  We did not have a picture of her face or name.  And I struggled.  I struggled with if or when this will happen.  I was strapped with fear.  I just wanted God to give me encouragement.  So I asked for it.  And HE answered.  Please see the blog dated: February 14, 2015,   Titled:  "CONFIRMATION" ...for the full story.  It's one of my favorite confirmations and encouragement from God that Dale and I were on the right path...the path he chose for us.

I know God has a plan for everyone.  It may or may not have to do with adoption but HE has a plan for you.  WE are all HIS children.  Have faith like a child...innocent and pure.    Just ask...and you shall receive.

"So I say to you: Keep asking, and it will be given you. Keep searching, and you will find. Keep knocking, and the door will be opened for you, "  Luke 11:9  (International Standard version)

Lily flies South Ya'll!!!!

It was time to introduce Lily to the South!  We took our family to TX to spend time with my brother and his family.  My sister-n-law, niece and nephew had not met Lily yet so it was time to fly south! :)

The boys were ready for lift off!

 Lily happily played on her Nabi with her "Ba Ba"

It was a beautiful, smooth flight and we actually arrived 50 minutes early.  

The winds were with us :))

Lily did fantastic!

 Lily and Noah at DFW baggage claim.

It was 65 degrees and full sunshine when we got there and the next couple days the temp climbed to 71 degrees.  It was all sunshine from the moment we arrived until the moment we left.  

It was WONDERFUL. 

There was lots of play outside of course!  We had a blast!

The playground was one highlight... 

 Slides...

FREEZE TAG!  So much fun!  Catching cousin Chase was nearly impossible but Noah got him~!

Jake was quite the contender too!

Uncle Price and Noah

Swings - a favorite for Lily

Lily had the best time with her cousins Chelsea and Chase.  She loved them instantly!

Lily spent much time being held and hugged by Aunt Pemb Pemb.  She loved cuddling with Aunt Pemb Pemb and grabbing her face to kiss her.  

In fact...it was hard to pry her away from Aunt Pemb Pemb!  

Lily loves to look at pictures (of herself!) and Uncle Price showed her all 1,000 he took of her and the entire family on his computer ;)

More outside play!

Look!  No hands No  hands!!!  Lily meets the skateboard for the first time.

And here we go...another gray hair for momma!  Had to check all fingers and toes and limbs to make sure they were still intact! ;0

 Cousin Chase and his sidekicks!

 No...Lily didn't really kick her cousin;) but it looks that way!  Chase always keeps us in "stitches" ...laughing constantly!

Grandma (aka: "Mommoo / Mima") and her two eldest grandchildren :)

Texas Cousins...love them so much!   

Great memories made on this trip!  Frisbee games kept the boys running outside (and climbing ladders to get the frisbees off of roofs and neighbor back yards ;).  Sitting in the rocking chairs on the back patio watching the action (and comedy) and soaking in the sun with some iced down "sweeeeet tea" was my heaven.  I enjoyed every second!

Many laughs, stories and made up question games were held at the dinner table.   There's nothing like breaking bread with family.  I love when we hold hands in prayer before we eat.  I love when we eat to our bellies are about to explode.  And I love when we make a bad decision and cram our "dessert pockets" with cookie dough ice-cream!  Its the best!

Thank you to our family down South!  Love Ya'll!

NEW POST for the NEW YEAR 2015 !

Oh my word!  Where have I been?  I feel SOOOOO lost without writing!  In fact, I just looked back at the last blog and I thought I had posted the final update to Lily's finger but I didn't!!!!  I've LOST my mind!  I'm sooooo sorry!  The Fall and the Holidays just blew past me.  I think I just saw my life fly by before my eyes (I looked dazed and confused ;0 like I always do!)!  It's been soooooo busy!  We all get that way don't we?!!

I'm at least dedicating one day a week to posting a blog.  That is my RESOLUTION to anyone that wants to read it and even to myself.  I feel so free when I write.  I feel my best when I write!  And apparently... I'm a little more SANE when I write!  I think it keeps me a little more alert and "together".  To give you a glimpse of my insanity, when I ask Dale "have you seen my keys?" (which is every other day!) ... he always says with a smirk, "have you checked the freezer? because you left them there last time."  That's right... that is a good taste of "the crazy" I reside in!

So it has been 10 months exactly from the day we got our hands on Lily!  March 11th is our 1 year anniversary!~  I can't believe it.  It feels like we have had her always!~  She is the most joyful child I have ever met!  And she is so smart!  So playful! And a bit of a tease!

First, I want to share with you what I already thought I shared (b/c I'm nuts!)... the final pics of her finger.

So when they took the final cast off... this is what it looked like

(this is top view obviously;)  You can see a little bit of the dark dead flesh.

Here is bottom view.  Does not looks good right?  Well...keep scrolling down.

Her finger had grown back so much...it was time to cut off the dead flesh.

So the doc did.  Now look at the top view and bottom view.  Amazing right!?!!!!

 

And a week later...with no cast and exposed to the fresh air...it looked even better!~

It was such a relief!  A huge relief!  And it was fun to see her start using her hand.  It took her a few days.  She would hold her arm like it was in a cast.  

She would run...pumping one arm.  It was stink in' cute!  

And it was quite lovely to watch her sleep with no cast.

Here's a glimpse of her sleeping habits;0

Happily coloring:)

 And Tub time is the BEST!  Fully submerged and lovin' every second of it!

A QUICK glimpse of  FALL/WINTER in Review:
Obviously, I'm so behind... but here Lily is as a Ladybug for Halloween.  I call her "Lily-Bug" so it was appropriate.  She loved wearing the costume!  She wore it several times...including her MDO (Mother's Day out) class parade, the boy's schools for their parades and Halloween itself.

The boys were Ninja's which is appropriate b/c they are SO protective of her!  Love it!

Here she is as a Elf at Christmas with her wonderful Big brothers.

She was part of a Christmas program at her school.  It took her a few minutes to get into it.  It was funny.  I know they practiced a lot and of course when you practice...it is in front of empty seats.  So I could see in her eyes...she's thinking, "what are these people doing here?  why are they staring at us?"

She goes from THIS...

Toooooo THIS :)

Here she is at one of her speech therapy sessions.  She really has gotten into it.  In the first 3-4 sessions she was not cooperating.  But now...she thrives and really tries to imitate what is being worked on.  We are working hard on pronunciating "b's and p's."  When she closes her nose with her fingers, it comes out better and more forceful from her lips, otherwise, she is used to using her nasal passage as she always did before since there was a palate hole from birth.

She has the "n" sound down now.  Oh yeah, you guessed it!  Everything is "no!"  In fact, it's not just "no"...she says, "no no no" and waves her finger back and forth 3 times as she says it!  I never thought I'd feel so thrilled to hear "no" from a child.  It is a HUGE deal for her to find out that she can press her tongue to the roof of her mouth and make a sound.  So, now I'm trying to get her say a different "n" sounding word.

Considering her hearing tests were still rather inconclusive, I took the loner hearing aides back.  I'm not convinced (nor is anyone who works with Lily or see's her on a consistent basis) that she needs aides.  We will test again soon but for now, she is thriving without them.

Here a few fun moments since the last blog.

Jake turned 10!  I can't believe my baby is a decade old!~  ahhhhhhhh!

And Noah turned 7!  We had a wonderful overnight trip into Chicago to do the boys favorite things... going to the lego store, eating out, watching movies in the hotel room, swimming,  bday party and pizza, and Zoo lights!  So fun!

The cousins joined us in the hotel room for Noah's bday party!

 Zoo lights!

And here is Christmas Eve... at Gamma and Gampa's.  

The cousins eagerly await for present opening time!  

Kissing cousins! ha!  Ollie and Lily adore each other;)

 It was a wonderful 1st Christmas as a family of 5.  

2014 was a life changer for us.  We are grateful for all that we had to endure to finally get this little girl in our hands.  Lily was meant for us and we were meant for her.  God knows what's He's doing for sure.  I hope and pray 2015 is an incredible life changing blessing for you all.  Thank you family and friends for being a part of ours!  Love to you all!