Friday, September 30, 2011
The Mei Mei T-Shirts!!!!
After I posted pictures of Emme Jade in this adorable "Mei Mei" shirt, I received many inquiries about where to find one.... Unfortunately, at the time I didn't know where it came from because it was a gift. But, I am happy to report, the creator of this adorable shirt found me!! Sharon from "Bloom Child Bloom" emailed me last week to introduce herself!!! And, to let me know, she was re-launching her business to raise money for her own adoption!!
I told Sharon I would love to post about her shirts here! So, if you are waiting, or have a friend who is traveling soon to bring home a Mei Mei, get those orders in!!!! The "Jie Jie" shirts are adorable too!!!!
Sharon is graciously offering free shipping for items from her store! Just enter 1Pearl3Rubies for your coupon code when you check out!
Check out her adorable back packs and totes too! I just gave the black & white polk-a-dot lunchbox as a gift! It is adorable!!!!
Have fun shopping!!
Thursday, September 29, 2011
Our Tiny Dancer!
Inspired by two of my favorite sisters, TeaCup and Gracie Joy, I decided to see if our sweet dance school here had room in a morning class for Emme Jade to try ballet. I didn't plan a lot for her before she came home because I wasn't sure how she would do with separation. Once again she surprised me... She was a little hesitant at first, but once she got into the studio she was all smiles.. Every time I peaked in she was doing exactly what the teacher asked her to do... I am so proud of our Little Bean! If she keeps enjoying it, she will be on the big stage in June! I can't wait!!
*Check out our Pearl River blog today... Our kiddos are updated!
Tuesday, September 27, 2011
Volley Ball for Ainsley!
Ainsley is playing volleyball for her school this fall! She is loving it!!! And, we are loving watching their team improve!! They are working hard and winning matches! Inspired by our friend Anna who plays volleyball as a freshman for Ohio State, Ainsley has seen what hard work and perseverance can do! She is wearing the same number that Anna wore in high school, #8!
One thing is for sure.. Jeff and I are enjoying this season in Ainsley's life as she starts to put the gifts God has given her in to action!! It's so fun to see her in the blue uniform on the court again!
Sunday, September 25, 2011
Our Little Viking!
As promised Daddy took Sienna to her first Vikings game today! We thought she was going to be their good luck charm until they lost by 3 points in overtime... Jeff said she did great. The first time she asked how much longer was late into the third quarter!!! I love the photos Jeff took.. As you can see she looks terrified with the "Purple Pimps" that sit in our section!! These dates are so important for our girls.. Last weekend Ainsley went with Jeff.. October 9th, Ruby gets to go! I am wondering when it's my turn?!!
Sienna's First "Dome Dog!"
"The Purple Pimps!"
Thursday, September 22, 2011
Sienna - A Special Anniversary!!!
One year ago on September 24th, Sienna Grace had an emergency blood transfusion. Her Hemoglobin level was at an all time low and she needed "good blood." I posted that day here. That transfusion was followed by her splenectomy one week later. It was a time of facing the unknown as parents for our new daughter. It was also a time of trusting that God had protected Sienna thus far, and that He would continue to provide for her. He placed some great doctors in our path that guided us through this time. Their hope was that Sienna's Hbg levels would get to a new baseline of 9.0 or greater.
I am thankful and humbled to report that it has been one year since our brave and beautiful daughter has needed any "good blood." She has been transfusion free as of Saturday for one year!!! And as of a few weeks ago her Hbg level was stable at 10.4!!!! We never expected for Sienna to hover around the "normal" line for this benchmark. Her other numbers look great too. Especially the retic that tells it's own positive story. Sienna is now on a twice a year visit to her Hematologist. I expect that may become an annual visit next year. Truly amazing!
We knew when we adopted Sienna Grace that we could provide wonderful medical care, and a family that would always be there for her, no matter what. We were comforted in knowing she would never again face her medical challenges alone. But, seeing what God has done to heal her body has been amazing. Is Sienna cured of Thalassemia? The answer is no... There may be a day when she is transfusion dependent again. But for now, we can rest in this break knowing she is growing, (almost 4" in one year) and thriving!
Miracles happen every day... Witnessing them in the stories and the lives of your children is a privilege and a gift!
I look forward to the day when Sienna really understands the testimony that she has been given to share.. For now, I will do my best to scribe it for her...
Thank you to all of you who have lifted up Sienna Grace during these times where she has needed it.. We are thankful for how God has answered our prayers!
So, what is Sienna doing to celebrate? Going to her first Vikings Game with her Daddy!!
Emme's Medical Update
Let me say this is the FIRST photo I have taken of Emme since we came home from China where she has been a willing participant.. This adorable dress is from the "Wesleigh Jane Collection!" Thanks TeaCup!
Many of you have asked how Emme's health is.. We have now seen a few of our favorite doctors.. The Pediatrician, Pediatric Surgeon, and Pediatric Cardiologist. Overall, Emme's health looks very good! Praise God! But, she does have a few things that we will be addressing in the next month. She will be having surgery on October 26th to repair three things. We are thankful for the relationship we established with her surgeon, Dr Steve last year when he removed Sienna's spleen! She is going to be in very good hands. He has already promised this Mama he will take care of her just like his own little 4 year old...
As for Emme Jade's heart.. It's even more special than we already knew! She came to us with a repaired PDA, VSD and PFO... But, on Monday through an echo-cardogram we found out she also has "Bicuspid Aortic Valve." While we were disappointed to hear this, the good news is that we caught it, and there is no murmur! So, we will have regular echo's to make sure she is stable.
One thing is for sure.. Emme Jade is not a big fan of doctors, nurses, or anything medical. Poor baby... She is the first to say "bye bye" when an appointment is over!!! Even mid-appointment on a few occasions!
Other than a few necessary vaccinations, our little girl looks great! We continue to be impressed with the care she received in Yangzhou and the accuracy of her file.
She continues to thrive, and love school, and her routine here. I need to get her on video talking.. It's pretty cute!
Thanks for your concern about Emme Jade. We think she is doing beautifully!
Monday, September 19, 2011
Purplelicious!!
The "Kinders" are having so much fun with their color day themes at school. Today as you can see they kicked off the week with "Purple Day!" They are taking this homework assignment very seriously.. As you can see the famous Christmas Pillow Pet went to school with Ruby today too! And, of course one of their favorite books did too, "PurpleLicious!" I think this has been my favorite day so far! I love what they picked to wear! And, I love that they still like to match! I wonder when that will change!?
Wednesday, September 14, 2011
We are Thankful!
Emme's Pre-School Verse is so fitting today!
"I praise you because of the wonderful way your created me.
Everything you do is marvelous!" ~Psalm 139:14
Today, Emme Jade has been home one month!!!! She has done so well.. We are truly amazed and so very very thankful!! And, so darn proud of her! We have watched for the red flags... But, so far she is thriving.. She is attaching so well! She will not go to anyone unless it is one of us to be held... (Unless it is Aunt Bop with frosting!) She gives the best hugs, and kisses, and she loves to cuddle... Clearly, Emme learned these behaviors in Yangzhou.. They loved her, so they could let her go... We will always be grateful for that!
Over the weekend, we saw the switch flip in Emme's language.. We had a birthday party here for Aunt Bop and another friend of ours.. Clearly Emme loves parties!!! She was talking non- stop to my sister in Chinese.. She was so animated it was adorable to watch!! And, she hasn't stopped talking since! She is also starting to understand a lot of what we say to her.. Yesterday I asked her to get a diaper out of my purse, and she walked over and got it! She is repeating words and saying a few short sentences. My favorite is, "Mama... where are you!?" She also said "happy" yesterday!
As for school.. She will go back to pre-school this morning. My guess is she will be excited.. She pulled out her school bag to show everyone at the party! And, she grabbed it when we were going to church on Sunday!!
Tuesday, we went to BSF.. Again, I wasn't sure if we would stay.. But, the minute she saw her classroom (and her nametag) she hugged me and said "bye bye!" She ran into play and blew me a kiss!!!! This child melts my heart! When I came down the hall to pick her up I heard her talking up a storm in Chinese. She was playing in the kitchen! :)
To keep it real, Emme Jade IS just three!!! She is no push over. If she doesn't get her way we hear about it... Those pigtails are pretty cute when she is stomping her tiny feet!!!! But, overall Emme is tender and sweet... She has traveled great distances in a very short time! We are very thankful that God called us back to China for #4.. She is one joy filled little girl!
"For I know the plans I have for you declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." ~Jeremiah 29:11
Monday, September 12, 2011
Pinkilicious!!!
The "Middles" decided to take time from their busy schedule to take a few photos yesterday! They are practicing for Katie and Mike's wedding! I am happy to report that they love Kindergarten! Next week they have pink day.. I think I can guess what they are going to wear!!
Friday, September 9, 2011
Emme Started Pre-School Today!!
Today was a very special day! I watched my precious daughter who has only been home for three weeks confidently and happily walk into her new pre-school class. She hugged me tight, gave me a hug and said "bye bye!" And, that was it.. She walked in, hung up her school bag and went off to play. I wanted to weep I was so proud of her!
Jeff unfortunately had a business meeting, so he was not able to join me for drop off. But, the sisters made sure that Emme had a proper first day of school send off.. We all sang, "Emme's going to school today!" which produced the biggest smiles out of our Little Bean.. She knew it was her special day! Yesterday, we went to the open house at pre-school so I could get a sense of how she would do. It was evident she was comfortable in the classroom.. Her favorite activity, the sensory table which was filled with rice to play with! I left her for 40 minutes yesterday, and she did great. The teachers were so sweet with her!
Emme is so excited to have her own school bag.. I love how this bag is almost bigger than she is!! Ainsley carried this same bag seven years ago!!
Even though she looks a little nervous here, you would never have guessed it 2 minutes later when she sent me off so she could go to school!
When I went it to pick her up she was sitting with her class. The teacher waved me over and said that she was amazed at how well she did!!!! She said she was repeating words, following directions, helping, etc.. I think she was as proud of her as I was!!
I walked out of the school with my sweet pre-schooler and guess who was in the parking lot? Her awesome Baba!!! She ran up to him and started talking very excitedly in Chinese, pointing to her school!!!! She gave Jeff a big squeeze and a kiss on the cheek!!! Then she got down, grabbed both of our hands, and walked to the car with a smile on her sweet face! It was a perfect first day of pre-school!!
Thursday, September 8, 2011
The Cabin!
As you can see Emme is in her life jacket with a smile on her face!!!!! It was a great weekend with "The Little Bean" and her sisters!!! Beautiful weather with a taste of fall in the air. Lots of playing, bon fires, fishing, scootering, big wheeling, four wheeling, and a little boating! Emme learned what it feels like to have sand on her feet, to eat a s'more, to jump on the trampoline and to eat fresh walleye!! I think she loved it!!!! We have a little work to do on that car seat for two hours.. She is adapting to this northern girl lifestyle with ease!!! It's so fun to watch her try new things... And, to see her run around with her sisters was precious!!! The girls caught enough fish for a delicious fish fry on Sunday! Mr. Handsome even caught that great big Bass living under our dock... On all accounts, it was a wonderful Labor Day!!!! I can't believe it is already Friday tomorrow... Time flies when you have a toddler!!
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