Friday, May 21, 2010
The "Things" go to a Birthday Party!
Well, I may have missed some of the "firsts" in Sienna's life, but Lord willing I will not miss anymore! Today, the girls were invited to a birthday party for a little girl in their class. Sienna was supposed to have her doctor's appointment today (more on that later) so I thought she would have to miss Jordan's party. But, we saw Dr. Nelson on Wednesday, so I was excited that she could attend too... While the girls were playing this morning I went upstairs to straighten up... When I walked into their room the photo above is what I saw... They had picked out what they were going to wear for Jordan's party.. It just made me smile thinking how far they have come together!Here was my dialogue as I tried to explain to Sienna (and Ruby too) about the day...
"This is Jordan's party! Not your birthday party.. You need to watch while Jordan opens her presents, they are for her! It is important to say "Happy Birthday" when you greet your friend. And, when you leave to say, "thank you for inviting me." You also need to listen to Jordan's Mommy, she is in charge! And, please take care of each other, and no fighting at Jordan's party! :) All of this was received with an "Ok Mommy" along with standard head nod! I ended this party conversation with, don't forget to use your very best manners!" Again, "Ok Mommy..." So, here they are ready to take on Jordan's birthday with style and grace...
Do you like the shoes they chose?
I love how excited she is!
Here they are walking into Jordan's house.... And, I can happily report that each of my precious girls greeted Jordan at the door and said "Happy Birthday Jordan" and handed off their presents!!!! At least part of my pep talk sunk in!!! A great start...This is a big day for Sienna, and I hope she is having fun as a guest at her first birthday party in the U.S!! I can't wait to hear how it goes!! And for me, I am just thankful to be here one step behind them documenting their journey of friendship, sisterhood, and a red thread that will never be broken!
Monday, May 17, 2010
Cabin Fun!
Guess who did not like being splashed in the above photo?
Yes, legally Sienna should be behind her Daddy.. They weren't moving... yet!
I love these early morning fishing shots...
The Pearl wanted to get in the water so bad... But, the 54 degrees was a little chilly!
A Daddy & Daughter First... The line goes in...
They crack me up...
The SeaDoo Adventures began here...
Sienna Grace has her first S'More with her Sisters!
Waiting for Daddy!
Roasting marshmallows is serious business at our cabin!
Some days I wish I knew what Sienna was really thinking... How does she process her new life with us. Do I think she is happy? Yes! She tells me so. But, really at the end of the day does she wonder how she got from there to here? This past weekend we were at the cabin and the weather was gorgeous... I think our newest child is going to be our adventurous one, as long as there are no bugs involved... She definitely does not like those.. And, the mosquitoes have not even introduced themselves yet.... The highlight was watching the huge smile on her face when she was on the SeaDoo with her Daddy. She LOVED it! Perhaps she too has a need for speed. When the water warms up a bit we will break out the Inter-Tubes... We will see what she thinks about the Big Mabel, and the rest of the water toys...
As for fishing... she seemed to get it from the start... But unfortunately no fish took a nibble on the newest pink fishing pole line... The male in our family was the only one who reeled a few in... Not even a bite for the Pearl and the Rubies... Soon they will be swarming the dock and I will be running from the house to take photos of their first catches of the year.
Have a great week!
P.S: Go to Pearl River.. Sweet Madison needs a sponsor!
Thursday, May 13, 2010
Thankful Thursday!
I have not spent much time here talking about Sienna's health. At some point I will be more specific. Thalassemia is complicated, and I want to make sure I have the time to give it the respect it deserves...But today I want to focus on how WELL Sienna Grace is doing. When we received her file from China along with updated information we were told that she was getting blood transfusions consistently on a quarterly basis. Her last transfusion was January 13, 2010. That is exactly FOUR months ago.... So, today I am thankful that Sienna has not needed to be transfused since coming home. We have seen her wonderful Hematologist monthly since her return and her Hemoglobin levels have remained constant! (Her next appointment is on the 21st.) This is truly answered prayer. We do know at some point she will be transfused, but the longer we can wait between treatments the better for her long term health!
Sienna will be having dental surgery on July 22nd. Since she runs on an overall lower Hb level than most children her age, she will need to be transfused for this procedure. I am praying we can hold out until then! It's possible!!
I am so thankful that Sienna came to us with a love for protein, and green vegetables!!!! I have been filling this girl with folic acid!!!! Yes, she loves spinach, broccoli, asparagus, etc... I think her body craves it!! Thank you Lord!
Sienna's diagnosis is Alpha Thalassemia, Hemoglobin H Disease. For any of you out there that may review files of children with this chronic illness, I want to encourage you! This disorder is manageable! If I didn't know it to be true, I would never think Sienna is ill. She is as active as her little sister in every way!
Lastly, I have a prayer request for Sienna. Her spleen is very large. When she came to us it was almost 10cm from end to end... Our prayer is for this to shrink on it's own.. Most likely she will be facing having her spleen removed. Perhaps even in the next year. But, if we can shrink the size of it, her surgery will be less invasive, and recovery so much easier.
One other miracle about Sienna to share.. We found out when her first blood was analyzed that she was NEVER vaccinated for Hep A nor Hep B. This child has survived 4 years of quarterly blood transfusions IN China without getting a serious disease from tainted blood! We know God has protected her since she was born, and we are so very thankful.
So for now, we will continue to pray for Sienna's Hb levels to remain steady or for them to miraculously increase... And, for her spleen to shrink on it's own... The only answer then, will be God.. Because these two things will not happen on their own and no medication exists to make it happen.
We are so thankful that we felt the nudge to seriously review the file of a little girl with Alpha Thalassemia! She was born to be here!
Blessings,
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
The Pearl's First Speech!!
Ainsley had her first Public Speech last week. The assignment was to to speak for 3-5 minutes on someone famous. Ainsley chose Princess Diana. Jeff and I were even invited to come and listen to her talk about the "People's Princess!" She new her subject, and she did a great job! She practiced so much with Sienna and Ruby as her audience that even Ruby can tell you where Lady Di is from, and what her sister's names are!!!Today she received her grade... 21/21! = A+ in my grade book!!! Way to go Ainsley! Your hard work paid off and we are so proud of you! We look forward to more public speaking appearances in your future.
Monday, May 10, 2010
Mothers Day Tea!
Last week I received two formal invitations to a very special tea party. It was at pre-school with my two youngest daughters... I am not sure who was more excited for 2:15... me or them! As I peeked in their room I saw all the work they had put into this precious day. Tablecloths, special gifts, cupcakes... Sienna greeted me first, and escorted me by the hand to my seat.. Ruby joined her and they told me exactly where to sit. Smack dab in the middle of my two little gems.. At that point it hit me... I was completely overwhelmed by my tiny blessings... As they closed their eyes and prayed before we could have our treats, I heard their sweet voices giving thanks for their many blessings.... Need I say more... It was a very special day for this Mom!
I hope that all of you Mom's that inspire me so, had a very special Mother's Day! And, a very special thank you to my beautiful Mother for teaching me how important it is to teach, love and train my girls in the way they should go... The most important job in the world!
Blessings,
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