We had a lovely Christmas celebration. Up early with excited little ones. We had a happy houseful with all of us regulars and some family who came all the way from MS to share in Gates's first Christmas home!
Breakfast was buffet style with bagels, cinnamon rolls, fresh fruit and juices. We just carried our paper plates into the living room here and there, very casual and the gift opening and battery searches continued. Both of the little Boys got that Hess Race Car with the other car inside and they also each received light up remote control cars than can flip, bump, twirl and spin. So, we've seen a lot of flashy vehicle driving around the house these past few days! Mr. and Mrs. Bob in MI sent Red Wings Ball Caps which have been a big hit with them as well.
After awhile we relocated to Chari & Brian's for a delicious dinner and a bike ride for the boys too. Next, we drove out to the country where Karrie's cousin Sheri and her husband hosted the extended family of our Grandmother and all connected aunts, uncles and cousins who were local this year. It was very nice and the boys enjoyed playing with outside toys and running free.
Once we got home we all relaxed and ate and relaxed and ate some more. Gates and Bridger both did a great job remembering their manners and gift receiving protocol. We had a blast with them all day!
Tuesday, December 29, 2009
Monday, December 21, 2009
We had a wonderful time on our night light drive. Seven of us filled up the van and we headed out to see the offerings of fellow citizens who have dedicated hours of their time to celebrate in lights and sharing with the communitty. It was really fun. We looked up the best local lighting displays and programmed them into the Granstra's Garmin. We had decided on Cape Coral and if you know Cape Coral then you know why we saved hours of searching this way:-)
The boys had enjoyed a nice long bike ride through Lakes Park after a wonderful time with the church earlier in the day. Side note; Gates's little sense of humor is blooming. We've been wondering if he has just been tripping into perfect comedic timing for some of his comments, but it seems he is intentionally choosing his moment. Case in point. While we were singing Christmas songs that Gates loves to sing, he wasn't joining in. We coaxed and reminded him of the words and he shook his head and weaved his fingers through Mamma's hair the whole time singing continued.
While we were walking out Bridger started singing, "We wish you a Merry Christmas."
and Gates stated, "I don't know that one." Yes, he does know that one. Then as we are driving toward home to change into play clothes for the park I mentioned to Paul quietly, "Gates just wasn't in the singing mood. Too bad he won't share his talents outside the house yet." Daddy said, "Gates do you want to sing in the car with us? You start a song." Silence then, "No." as we pull away from an intersection Gates bursts into song, "Happy Kwanzaa! Happy Kwanzaa!" (Thanks Barney's Christmas Star Video.) Bridger counters with "I have a little Dreidle." and we're all laughing. Smart aleck:-) Wit is very much appreciated in our family.
So, back to the light drive, The boys' nap ran a little over and when Brian and Chari arrived we had tacos and talked loud with the NFL on to help them wake up. It took awhile, but they did. Nothing like a long bike ride on a breezy day to make a little guy tired. Their enthusiasm awoke quickly though. They chose a fave pillow and blankie (yes it's 57 degrees here at night and we tropical
fruits have to be well covered!) I can hear the chuckles of my northern friends and family from here.
Mom sat between the boys in the far back seat, which was wonderful because I got to hear every little sound of admiration and response. The lights were fun and we shared over and over again that Jesus is the light of the world and how those who follow him will not walk in darkness. The long dark streets followed by brilliant lights really helped them receive this truth easily. Light is better and more beautiful. Merry Christmas.
The boys had enjoyed a nice long bike ride through Lakes Park after a wonderful time with the church earlier in the day. Side note; Gates's little sense of humor is blooming. We've been wondering if he has just been tripping into perfect comedic timing for some of his comments, but it seems he is intentionally choosing his moment. Case in point. While we were singing Christmas songs that Gates loves to sing, he wasn't joining in. We coaxed and reminded him of the words and he shook his head and weaved his fingers through Mamma's hair the whole time singing continued.
While we were walking out Bridger started singing, "We wish you a Merry Christmas."
and Gates stated, "I don't know that one." Yes, he does know that one. Then as we are driving toward home to change into play clothes for the park I mentioned to Paul quietly, "Gates just wasn't in the singing mood. Too bad he won't share his talents outside the house yet." Daddy said, "Gates do you want to sing in the car with us? You start a song." Silence then, "No." as we pull away from an intersection Gates bursts into song, "Happy Kwanzaa! Happy Kwanzaa!" (Thanks Barney's Christmas Star Video.) Bridger counters with "I have a little Dreidle." and we're all laughing. Smart aleck:-) Wit is very much appreciated in our family.
So, back to the light drive, The boys' nap ran a little over and when Brian and Chari arrived we had tacos and talked loud with the NFL on to help them wake up. It took awhile, but they did. Nothing like a long bike ride on a breezy day to make a little guy tired. Their enthusiasm awoke quickly though. They chose a fave pillow and blankie (yes it's 57 degrees here at night and we tropical
fruits have to be well covered!) I can hear the chuckles of my northern friends and family from here.
Mom sat between the boys in the far back seat, which was wonderful because I got to hear every little sound of admiration and response. The lights were fun and we shared over and over again that Jesus is the light of the world and how those who follow him will not walk in darkness. The long dark streets followed by brilliant lights really helped them receive this truth easily. Light is better and more beautiful. Merry Christmas.
Saturday, December 19, 2009
My head has been such a whirlwind environment lately that I've had a difficult time bringing my thoughts and experiences into a communicable format. Too much to write about I suppose. I'll just put one word after another and we'll see where we end up 'kay?
Gates is progressing so well. He is just such a precious little person. I don't think I could ever convey the hundreds of ways I see him changing. His movements have become more fluid and graceful. His personality is developing as he gradually begins to embrace the idea of independent thought and action. He was very threatened by this at first. He ate when Brother ate (not so unusual), went to the bathroom at the same time and played with toys, watched a video, read a book, climbed on Dad at the same time.It doesn't seem that strange in type but when you watch a child read a book and wait for his brother to turn the page so that he can, or have a meltdown because Brother wants to play with monster trucks and he is still enjoying his puzzle as if it requires him to surrrender his puzzle time and play monster trucks because B. did... it's a little unusual. Gates's constant scrutiny annoys B occasionally, "Stop copying me."
It's really ingenius in a way though. Like any older child in his circumstances he learns the language and routines in this new world by mimicing and imitation. On the other hand, he is still institutionally programmed to move from activity to activity en masse with other children. No time or tolerance for independant actions. I am amazed by his tenacity and determination to plow through each day. He is just as strong as we all imagined him to be and yet still so very infant like and fragile.
Bridger is five and he is... well, Bridger. By no means is Bridge insensitive, quite the opposite, but he isn't the most patient guy in the house. Let's just say, the boys are learning from each other. Gates is still learning how to play. He does the 'work' of play and he will copy B's play actions like driving a matchbox car around on the floor while B. does it. But he doesn't engage in play yet. He will still aquire toys many times a day, grabbing them from his brother's hand while poising his hand and fingers as if threatening to scratch him but he doesn't know what to do with the toy once he has it, he'll look at it and toss it on the ground. Nowadays Bridger just holds onto the toy and shouts, "Drop it. I'm playing with it. A little help here?"
The moment a grown up says, "Gates play nice. Get another toy from the box." He shouts,"No."
and throws himself to the floor and begins the rocking behaivor and moans or whines. Then he gets ups and engages in a familiar activity like re folding all of the clothes in his dresser. We're not clear on whether he starts doing chores as a self comforting reflex or as an attempt to earn back the favor he thinks he lost with whatever caused him to be corrected. I know that all children work from the time they can walk in the orphanage. Gates folds clothes better than I do and watching him take his recently discarded play clothes from the bathroom floor and rinse and ring them out in his bathwater after he's done is impressive... but we remain positive that Gates will enter childhood any day now.
Gates is progressing so well. He is just such a precious little person. I don't think I could ever convey the hundreds of ways I see him changing. His movements have become more fluid and graceful. His personality is developing as he gradually begins to embrace the idea of independent thought and action. He was very threatened by this at first. He ate when Brother ate (not so unusual), went to the bathroom at the same time and played with toys, watched a video, read a book, climbed on Dad at the same time.It doesn't seem that strange in type but when you watch a child read a book and wait for his brother to turn the page so that he can, or have a meltdown because Brother wants to play with monster trucks and he is still enjoying his puzzle as if it requires him to surrrender his puzzle time and play monster trucks because B. did... it's a little unusual. Gates's constant scrutiny annoys B occasionally, "Stop copying me."
It's really ingenius in a way though. Like any older child in his circumstances he learns the language and routines in this new world by mimicing and imitation. On the other hand, he is still institutionally programmed to move from activity to activity en masse with other children. No time or tolerance for independant actions. I am amazed by his tenacity and determination to plow through each day. He is just as strong as we all imagined him to be and yet still so very infant like and fragile.
Bridger is five and he is... well, Bridger. By no means is Bridge insensitive, quite the opposite, but he isn't the most patient guy in the house. Let's just say, the boys are learning from each other. Gates is still learning how to play. He does the 'work' of play and he will copy B's play actions like driving a matchbox car around on the floor while B. does it. But he doesn't engage in play yet. He will still aquire toys many times a day, grabbing them from his brother's hand while poising his hand and fingers as if threatening to scratch him but he doesn't know what to do with the toy once he has it, he'll look at it and toss it on the ground. Nowadays Bridger just holds onto the toy and shouts, "Drop it. I'm playing with it. A little help here?"
The moment a grown up says, "Gates play nice. Get another toy from the box." He shouts,"No."
and throws himself to the floor and begins the rocking behaivor and moans or whines. Then he gets ups and engages in a familiar activity like re folding all of the clothes in his dresser. We're not clear on whether he starts doing chores as a self comforting reflex or as an attempt to earn back the favor he thinks he lost with whatever caused him to be corrected. I know that all children work from the time they can walk in the orphanage. Gates folds clothes better than I do and watching him take his recently discarded play clothes from the bathroom floor and rinse and ring them out in his bathwater after he's done is impressive... but we remain positive that Gates will enter childhood any day now.
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
Home and Away for the Holidays... Thanksgiving that is.
I decided to leave our Thanksgiving family vaca personal. Suffice to say it was beautiful, significant and much more relaxing than expected. We enjoyed every minute. The little ones traveled very well and our hotel/condominium was just wonderful.
On the way back to Ft. Myers we stopped near Bradenton and had a visit with friends. Ethan (whom you will remember shared a homecoming plane ride with Bridger from Korea five years ago?)got both an older sister and a little brother this past eight months and we hadn't met them in person yet. T. is an adorable little girl who was in need of a safe and stable home, she found that with her grandparents/now Mamma and Daddy. She is around six. Little E. was already on the way when T's needs were presented so of course Ethan's parents continued on their journey to bring home a tiny tot on the other side of the world who has some big needs, the biggest of course was a loving family to grow up in. Little E hails from a tropical island like environment and loves fruit! He was munching a banana in his high chair when I last saw him, but I understand mangoes are high on his list of delectables as well. Sweet T. brought her treasures to me and shared some things she had crafted with Mom. Her room is as pink as it gets. We're all so glad that these wonderful children are all three home for Christmas!
On the way back to Ft. Myers we stopped near Bradenton and had a visit with friends. Ethan (whom you will remember shared a homecoming plane ride with Bridger from Korea five years ago?)got both an older sister and a little brother this past eight months and we hadn't met them in person yet. T. is an adorable little girl who was in need of a safe and stable home, she found that with her grandparents/now Mamma and Daddy. She is around six. Little E. was already on the way when T's needs were presented so of course Ethan's parents continued on their journey to bring home a tiny tot on the other side of the world who has some big needs, the biggest of course was a loving family to grow up in. Little E hails from a tropical island like environment and loves fruit! He was munching a banana in his high chair when I last saw him, but I understand mangoes are high on his list of delectables as well. Sweet T. brought her treasures to me and shared some things she had crafted with Mom. Her room is as pink as it gets. We're all so glad that these wonderful children are all three home for Christmas!
Monday, December 7, 2009
All Purpose Flour Power!
"Hang on sweet boy, we are doing all we can to raise the money to complete the adoption and come and pick you up! God is gonna bridge the ocean just like He did with your big brother Noah! Until I get there sweetie catch my kisses in the wind!"
The above was written by a lovely Mommy I know who is pouring her heart and every ounce of energy into fundraising to save the life and future of her Taiwan born Son. Jeremiah has severe C.P. and without attentive expert care he his hopeless.
Our Family was blessed very recently by the investment of a local group of believers toward our ministry in special need orphan rescue. We are thankful for the chance to impact Jeremiah's adoption and will continue to make this journey alongside this precious family.
While you are doing your Christmas baking, would you consider throwing in an extra pumpkin bread, dozen cookies or plate of fudge... whatever you enjoy with your family at Christmas... for our "Can't Wait" Christmas Bake Sale? Just call or email us and we can pick up your offering of love toward Jeremiah's survival... and homecoming. One of us would be happy to pick it up. If your work friends or neighborhood group/bible study would like to join in this one time opportunity. We will be selling baked goods and candies Dec.18 on our front lawn off McGregor Blvd. Two adorable cookie chefs will be waiting for you to drop off last minute baked goods or purchase from them. The love of other children was instrumental in bringing our joyful boys home at last and the circle of love continues in Him who first loved us.
The above was written by a lovely Mommy I know who is pouring her heart and every ounce of energy into fundraising to save the life and future of her Taiwan born Son. Jeremiah has severe C.P. and without attentive expert care he his hopeless.
Our Family was blessed very recently by the investment of a local group of believers toward our ministry in special need orphan rescue. We are thankful for the chance to impact Jeremiah's adoption and will continue to make this journey alongside this precious family.
While you are doing your Christmas baking, would you consider throwing in an extra pumpkin bread, dozen cookies or plate of fudge... whatever you enjoy with your family at Christmas... for our "Can't Wait" Christmas Bake Sale? Just call or email us and we can pick up your offering of love toward Jeremiah's survival... and homecoming. One of us would be happy to pick it up. If your work friends or neighborhood group/bible study would like to join in this one time opportunity. We will be selling baked goods and candies Dec.18 on our front lawn off McGregor Blvd. Two adorable cookie chefs will be waiting for you to drop off last minute baked goods or purchase from them. The love of other children was instrumental in bringing our joyful boys home at last and the circle of love continues in Him who first loved us.
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
Keller Williams Inspirational Breakfast.
I wanted to share about a recent opportunity for us to enjoy the company of our faithful Keller Williams friends at their first annual inspirational breakfast on Nov.19. We were invited to share the victory of Gates's story. We gratefully accepted. November being National Adoption Month we hoped for an advocacy opportunity or two.
Everyone made a valiant effort to be up early enough. Bridger and Aimee also joined us. Once we arrived, Bridger's presence and obvious familiarity with the limelight seemed to ease Gates's tension somewhat although the room full of white dress shirts, ties and slacks seemed to give him China flashbacks and he withdrew alarmingly into himself at first. Paul of course was the one to point out the sea of white shirts and aknowledge that as the source for Gates's obvious fear response. It didn't make it easier that we were to share our table with four gentlemen clad in such a way. Gates wouldn't touch his juice or food and seemed convinced that we were going to hand him over any minute. Poor baby.
We saw a familiar face in Cindy G. and others who had worked so tirelessly in helping bring Gates home. Although Gates hasn't had much opportunity to get to know them, the rest of us were thrilled. Cindy G., who had joined hand in hand with the Lord as he moved mountains and men on behalf of this child. She pleaded for donations and prayed for guidance with Gates's triumphant home coming already a reality in her heart and mind. She always called me and prayed with me on some of my hardest days as if she knew. Tom who had sweated over a hibachi in ninety degree heat every Thursday to facilitate hot dog lunch fundraising by provided five dollar hot dog, soda and chips to employees of KW and their visitors. On the day Gates came home, Tom was at the airport and he came up to me beaming and said, "I think I am as excited as you are." I believed him too. Joan whose office dissappeared beneath a pile of donations for Gates's community sale... for weeks, was there. She and Cindy and Tom had all stood there with us on that rainy day watching our first car wash fundraiser wash out. We were lined up along that 7-11 sidewalk flinching from the lightning together. I knew that day that they were really taking on the trials and challenges of rescuing this child alongside us. Faithful friends indeed.
Bridger began playing with a hot wheels car that he had brought to the table and he chatted easily with the Teen Challenge guys. Just like his Daddy, in a five year old kind of way. He asked one of the guys how old he was and he offered the part of his muffin where he hadn't bitten yet to another guy. Suave and direct. That's our Bridger. Gates started relaxing more as he and Bridger made a place to play under Mom and Dad's feet on the carpet. We were delighted to see our Pastor Mike there as well! I have a picture of Mike holding Bridger the week he came home five years ago. They hit it off even back then.
Before we knew it Paul and I were at the microphone. We took turns speaking and finished up with a hug from Cindy G. and courteous applause. Other speakers sharing their stories about how their lives were impacted by realtor volunteers followed. One lovely lady held up pictures drawn by her kindergarten class from a very poor school because Keller Williams Cares had provided for crayons and other supplies. Teen Challenge sang beautifully a capella, one of their guys shared God's glory in delivering him from addiction and positioning him to now lead others to the freedom he now has in Christ. Pastor Mike, who thankfully didn't wear a white collared shirt, spoke for the occasion. He shared the story of Joseph from the Bible. Joseph had done right and received wrong and throughout his most miserable days God's favor sustained him and brought him from last to first... and from failure to victory! Our Boys each got one of Mike's signature hugs to their delight and we left for home.
note: Gates was hopping and chatting after Sister Aimee had distracted him with a slide show of recent fun times on the viewer of her digital camera, while Paul and I were speaking. It was like he realized our speech was the reason for us being there and it wasn't related to him directly because when we came back to the table he was grinning all over himself. We were all inspired with the impact each of us can make individually and corporately when we put someone else ahead of ourselves.
Everyone made a valiant effort to be up early enough. Bridger and Aimee also joined us. Once we arrived, Bridger's presence and obvious familiarity with the limelight seemed to ease Gates's tension somewhat although the room full of white dress shirts, ties and slacks seemed to give him China flashbacks and he withdrew alarmingly into himself at first. Paul of course was the one to point out the sea of white shirts and aknowledge that as the source for Gates's obvious fear response. It didn't make it easier that we were to share our table with four gentlemen clad in such a way. Gates wouldn't touch his juice or food and seemed convinced that we were going to hand him over any minute. Poor baby.
We saw a familiar face in Cindy G. and others who had worked so tirelessly in helping bring Gates home. Although Gates hasn't had much opportunity to get to know them, the rest of us were thrilled. Cindy G., who had joined hand in hand with the Lord as he moved mountains and men on behalf of this child. She pleaded for donations and prayed for guidance with Gates's triumphant home coming already a reality in her heart and mind. She always called me and prayed with me on some of my hardest days as if she knew. Tom who had sweated over a hibachi in ninety degree heat every Thursday to facilitate hot dog lunch fundraising by provided five dollar hot dog, soda and chips to employees of KW and their visitors. On the day Gates came home, Tom was at the airport and he came up to me beaming and said, "I think I am as excited as you are." I believed him too. Joan whose office dissappeared beneath a pile of donations for Gates's community sale... for weeks, was there. She and Cindy and Tom had all stood there with us on that rainy day watching our first car wash fundraiser wash out. We were lined up along that 7-11 sidewalk flinching from the lightning together. I knew that day that they were really taking on the trials and challenges of rescuing this child alongside us. Faithful friends indeed.
Bridger began playing with a hot wheels car that he had brought to the table and he chatted easily with the Teen Challenge guys. Just like his Daddy, in a five year old kind of way. He asked one of the guys how old he was and he offered the part of his muffin where he hadn't bitten yet to another guy. Suave and direct. That's our Bridger. Gates started relaxing more as he and Bridger made a place to play under Mom and Dad's feet on the carpet. We were delighted to see our Pastor Mike there as well! I have a picture of Mike holding Bridger the week he came home five years ago. They hit it off even back then.
Before we knew it Paul and I were at the microphone. We took turns speaking and finished up with a hug from Cindy G. and courteous applause. Other speakers sharing their stories about how their lives were impacted by realtor volunteers followed. One lovely lady held up pictures drawn by her kindergarten class from a very poor school because Keller Williams Cares had provided for crayons and other supplies. Teen Challenge sang beautifully a capella, one of their guys shared God's glory in delivering him from addiction and positioning him to now lead others to the freedom he now has in Christ. Pastor Mike, who thankfully didn't wear a white collared shirt, spoke for the occasion. He shared the story of Joseph from the Bible. Joseph had done right and received wrong and throughout his most miserable days God's favor sustained him and brought him from last to first... and from failure to victory! Our Boys each got one of Mike's signature hugs to their delight and we left for home.
note: Gates was hopping and chatting after Sister Aimee had distracted him with a slide show of recent fun times on the viewer of her digital camera, while Paul and I were speaking. It was like he realized our speech was the reason for us being there and it wasn't related to him directly because when we came back to the table he was grinning all over himself. We were all inspired with the impact each of us can make individually and corporately when we put someone else ahead of ourselves.
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
The boys are playing happily together on the floor at my feet. I'm relaxing in a chair with the mini laptop we got for Paul to skype in China. We started cooking some of the Thanksgiving foods today that will be heated through again on Thursday... in ORLANDO!
It's been a wild and crazy few months and everybody was in the mood to bust loose together and goof off for a couple of days... where better than Orlando? We will be leaving Ft.Myers on Thanksgiving after about the first hour of the Macy's parade on tv (Karrie NEVER misses it). Paul has to drive the night before and won't get home until 9am or later Thanksgiving morning. We will be stopping by Nana's for a hug or two and then making our way north. We will staying in a lovely suite with a couple of bedrooms which my talented and adorable Son in Law got us for a song. It has a full kitchen and a dining room table that seats six. We'll shimmy one of the patio chairs in there and get all seven of us comfortably positioned for a feast of celebration!
We are doing an off the beaten path week end of experiences. There will be a tour of the Disney Resort Christmas Decorations, including the giant gingerbread house at the Grand Floridian!
The Rudd clan will not be doing a theme park but we will be living it up for two days window shopping in downtown Disney, playing Disney Miniature Golf, enjoying a long anticipated boat ride on the lake and a picnic or two. Gates will be having his first boat ride, carosel ride, visit to Lego land and the opportunity to set the table with his big brother for his very first Thanksgiving!
We are all very excited. I hope you enjoy your Thanksgiving. Some will be quiet and reflective and others boisterous and over crowded but in the spirit of gratitude I pray that each of you will have time to pull up a chair and talk to God about how very thankful we are for his presence in our lives. We love you!
It's been a wild and crazy few months and everybody was in the mood to bust loose together and goof off for a couple of days... where better than Orlando? We will be leaving Ft.Myers on Thanksgiving after about the first hour of the Macy's parade on tv (Karrie NEVER misses it). Paul has to drive the night before and won't get home until 9am or later Thanksgiving morning. We will be stopping by Nana's for a hug or two and then making our way north. We will staying in a lovely suite with a couple of bedrooms which my talented and adorable Son in Law got us for a song. It has a full kitchen and a dining room table that seats six. We'll shimmy one of the patio chairs in there and get all seven of us comfortably positioned for a feast of celebration!
We are doing an off the beaten path week end of experiences. There will be a tour of the Disney Resort Christmas Decorations, including the giant gingerbread house at the Grand Floridian!
The Rudd clan will not be doing a theme park but we will be living it up for two days window shopping in downtown Disney, playing Disney Miniature Golf, enjoying a long anticipated boat ride on the lake and a picnic or two. Gates will be having his first boat ride, carosel ride, visit to Lego land and the opportunity to set the table with his big brother for his very first Thanksgiving!
We are all very excited. I hope you enjoy your Thanksgiving. Some will be quiet and reflective and others boisterous and over crowded but in the spirit of gratitude I pray that each of you will have time to pull up a chair and talk to God about how very thankful we are for his presence in our lives. We love you!
Friday, November 20, 2009
KW Breakfast Blessings
Our family was invited to attend the Keller Williams first annual inspirational breakfast this past Thursday. We were lovingly welcomed by many fans of little Gates and a room filled with realtors from around Ft. Myers and a large representation from Teen Challenge. Gates was very uncomfortable at first (Paul thought so many men in white shirts, ties and dark slacks, China uniform of choice). Bridger was so relaxed as the only other child in the room that at one point I looked down where the boys were pushing matchbox cars next to our table on the carpet and Bridger had unbuttoned his jeans because, 'the muffins in my tummy need more room'. Bridger usually says what is on his mind. That can be impressive or somewhat embarassing. After the third or fourth person bent down to try to get Gates's hesitant attention, Bridger piped up loudly, "That's okay, I know I'm not invisible." Not sure who he was talking to exactly. I think it was just one of his general announcements. Like when we go into the Ladies Room and he shares, "I'm in here. Nobody use the hand dryer it hurts my ears."
Paul and I were given four minutes to fill at the microphone and Bringing Gates Home was our topic.
Aimee brought Gates up at the end and the applause was warm and generous toward us all. Pastor Mike from Next Level Church who is also our personal friend was invited to offer a motivational message to those in attendance and he talked about keeping the dream in your heart alive even when all the input in your current circumstances leads you to hopelessness. He used the story of Joseph's captivity and deliverance as his example of triumph in adversity. It was wonderful!
Gates warmed up after Aimee handed him her digital camera so that he could review some recent pictures on it's screen. People sitting close by were able to hear his little voice at last, "Bridger Look! Monster Truck!" (Bass Pro Shop Pictures). As we were leaving, I shook hands with a very young man from the teen challenge drug recovery program and he offered, "I was adopted when I was two." I responded, "Your parents must be so thrilled to have you for their Son." He smiled and received my compliment humbly, but with a smile of consideration making me think that he was aware of his parents' love for him. May God bless our little boys with a knowledge of our devotion and His that will saturate their hearts and motivate them to wholeness in in this often very broken world.
Paul and I were given four minutes to fill at the microphone and Bringing Gates Home was our topic.
Aimee brought Gates up at the end and the applause was warm and generous toward us all. Pastor Mike from Next Level Church who is also our personal friend was invited to offer a motivational message to those in attendance and he talked about keeping the dream in your heart alive even when all the input in your current circumstances leads you to hopelessness. He used the story of Joseph's captivity and deliverance as his example of triumph in adversity. It was wonderful!
Gates warmed up after Aimee handed him her digital camera so that he could review some recent pictures on it's screen. People sitting close by were able to hear his little voice at last, "Bridger Look! Monster Truck!" (Bass Pro Shop Pictures). As we were leaving, I shook hands with a very young man from the teen challenge drug recovery program and he offered, "I was adopted when I was two." I responded, "Your parents must be so thrilled to have you for their Son." He smiled and received my compliment humbly, but with a smile of consideration making me think that he was aware of his parents' love for him. May God bless our little boys with a knowledge of our devotion and His that will saturate their hearts and motivate them to wholeness in in this often very broken world.
Monday, November 16, 2009
Long awaited pictures!
Just a few fall ish pictures for you all. Computer time is at a premium. Mom's doing double duty, poor Daddy is still working nights and needs to sleep in the day time. Poor boys are still miserable about that but we have some awesome week ends! Enjoy!
Friday, October 9, 2009
Gates's Ortho Evaluation.
Paul and I woke up with tremendous burden for Gates and a fleshly awareness of the difficulties that today's x-rays may present for him as a post traumatized child as well as what the results of these x-rays might tell us lies ahead for him. We are thankful that he doesn't have to face any of this alone... and equally thankful that we don't either. God's peace surpasses human understanding.
The prayers of our loving family in God and name provided a forcefield for us and we knew that God had gone before us in providing this opportunity for Gates with an orthopedic surgeon who has had his eye on Gates since we first received his paperwork. Our little Marie, cherished of God was our link to this Christ following professional and we are so grateful for the opportunities that continue to flow throughout our lives and the lives of our children as the result of God's loving us with other people.
While I was playing with Gates this morning I started to talk to him about x-ray pictures. I held my hand in different positions and used the Chinese words for don't move and laughed saying "Smile hand". Then we pretended to take xrays of feet and legs and my nose. We always counted to five before I moved. I knew once the drama began to unfold was no time to try to communicate this to Gates and restraints just are not an option for him. We continued to pray that God would cocoon Gates's budding trust in us so that he did not close off on us as "one of them", those who couldn't be trusted and who would ultimately hurt him. This is a very likely phenomenon with PTSD and neglected/abused kids. Some advisors felt that we should wait another three months but his growth made it needful for us to seek professional opinion before a window of opportunity such as casting or bracing rather than additional surgeries could close for him. We believed that with the 'checking in' call that came two weeks ago from Dr.s office that
we were being directed to go forward.
Our precious Marie Popkin works in this office and she arranged for lollipops and nixed the white coats for us, arranging Gates to be seen after all other patients had left and arranging with the radiologist to linger on Gates's behalf.
When we arrived the radiologist allowed me in with Gates and left the door open so that Daddy could stand closely by. I was able to cradle Gates with his head resting on my arm so that he never heard that 'crinkly' pillow and the hand that held his knees, his feet and hips were Mammas. There is a certain 'risk' in this as children may do one of two things depending on where they are in the healing process. He might have received comfort with my presence (even at just 12 weeks home, unexpected by the social workers) or he might have disconnected and shut me out causing him further emotional pain and a sense of 'aloneness' that is not easily recovered to 'felt safety' within the relationship. I spoke to him softy in both Chinese and English, he nodded. I counted in the same way as when we were playing slowly to five as we took pictures of his feet and legs then came the part Paul was dreading, lying him back on the table. Paul had witnessed Gates almost dislocating his own shoulder to get away from the scale in China, big equipment is big drama for him. Our social workers said that for children who have been where Gates has been it's like a torture victim returning to the scene of the torture. There is no reasoning with someone that afraid.
God led me gently. I slid the paper pillow further away on the table and I rested Gates's head onto the crook of my arm and I said, "Buie Teng, Bi Dong, I love you." (No hurt. Don't move) then "One. Two. Three." His eyes fixed on mine and there was only one word to describe what I saw in his watery eyes... trust. My heart stopped and God froze time for the two of us. Mother and Son... at last. I kissed his face as she said, "All done." and I said to Gates as I swooped him up, "The end!" he rubbed his face and we grabbed his stuffed puppy and headed for the waiting room. The Dr. came out to us after a few minutes, looked closely at Gates feet and checked circulation and all. We walked him around some and we were told that he is in wonderful condition. He needs no referral to pediatric surgeon or braces or casts. He has a flat foot deformity on the left foot and although his xrays show an 'abnormal' foot (clubbed side) there is no improving the precious working model God provided for him at the hands of some Brother or Sister who donated their time with Love Without Boundaries in providing this one well done procedure to a tiny orphan who needed surgery to be added to the 'hopefuls for families' baby group. Thank you Jesus please bless these awesome people who spend their vacations in developing countries saving lives and futures! Heroes every one of them. So are the people who donated funds to make it possible for these surgeries to take place.
Precious ones, the news is that there are no worries about Gates's growth creating new problems for him. Simply stated, "Gates is free to grow!" We'll see the Dr. again in a year!
Enjoy your week end. I know we will!
The prayers of our loving family in God and name provided a forcefield for us and we knew that God had gone before us in providing this opportunity for Gates with an orthopedic surgeon who has had his eye on Gates since we first received his paperwork. Our little Marie, cherished of God was our link to this Christ following professional and we are so grateful for the opportunities that continue to flow throughout our lives and the lives of our children as the result of God's loving us with other people.
While I was playing with Gates this morning I started to talk to him about x-ray pictures. I held my hand in different positions and used the Chinese words for don't move and laughed saying "Smile hand". Then we pretended to take xrays of feet and legs and my nose. We always counted to five before I moved. I knew once the drama began to unfold was no time to try to communicate this to Gates and restraints just are not an option for him. We continued to pray that God would cocoon Gates's budding trust in us so that he did not close off on us as "one of them", those who couldn't be trusted and who would ultimately hurt him. This is a very likely phenomenon with PTSD and neglected/abused kids. Some advisors felt that we should wait another three months but his growth made it needful for us to seek professional opinion before a window of opportunity such as casting or bracing rather than additional surgeries could close for him. We believed that with the 'checking in' call that came two weeks ago from Dr.s office that
we were being directed to go forward.
Our precious Marie Popkin works in this office and she arranged for lollipops and nixed the white coats for us, arranging Gates to be seen after all other patients had left and arranging with the radiologist to linger on Gates's behalf.
When we arrived the radiologist allowed me in with Gates and left the door open so that Daddy could stand closely by. I was able to cradle Gates with his head resting on my arm so that he never heard that 'crinkly' pillow and the hand that held his knees, his feet and hips were Mammas. There is a certain 'risk' in this as children may do one of two things depending on where they are in the healing process. He might have received comfort with my presence (even at just 12 weeks home, unexpected by the social workers) or he might have disconnected and shut me out causing him further emotional pain and a sense of 'aloneness' that is not easily recovered to 'felt safety' within the relationship. I spoke to him softy in both Chinese and English, he nodded. I counted in the same way as when we were playing slowly to five as we took pictures of his feet and legs then came the part Paul was dreading, lying him back on the table. Paul had witnessed Gates almost dislocating his own shoulder to get away from the scale in China, big equipment is big drama for him. Our social workers said that for children who have been where Gates has been it's like a torture victim returning to the scene of the torture. There is no reasoning with someone that afraid.
God led me gently. I slid the paper pillow further away on the table and I rested Gates's head onto the crook of my arm and I said, "Buie Teng, Bi Dong, I love you." (No hurt. Don't move) then "One. Two. Three." His eyes fixed on mine and there was only one word to describe what I saw in his watery eyes... trust. My heart stopped and God froze time for the two of us. Mother and Son... at last. I kissed his face as she said, "All done." and I said to Gates as I swooped him up, "The end!" he rubbed his face and we grabbed his stuffed puppy and headed for the waiting room. The Dr. came out to us after a few minutes, looked closely at Gates feet and checked circulation and all. We walked him around some and we were told that he is in wonderful condition. He needs no referral to pediatric surgeon or braces or casts. He has a flat foot deformity on the left foot and although his xrays show an 'abnormal' foot (clubbed side) there is no improving the precious working model God provided for him at the hands of some Brother or Sister who donated their time with Love Without Boundaries in providing this one well done procedure to a tiny orphan who needed surgery to be added to the 'hopefuls for families' baby group. Thank you Jesus please bless these awesome people who spend their vacations in developing countries saving lives and futures! Heroes every one of them. So are the people who donated funds to make it possible for these surgeries to take place.
Precious ones, the news is that there are no worries about Gates's growth creating new problems for him. Simply stated, "Gates is free to grow!" We'll see the Dr. again in a year!
Enjoy your week end. I know we will!
Thursday, October 8, 2009
Gates of Iron.
Gates has an evaluation scheduled for tomorrow and I'll update as to what's recommended for his next step, orthopedic ally speaking. If casting or braces are in his future it's going to be a challenge for him as he can't leave a band-aid for five seconds. (smile). Whatever is ahead God is already there!
Gates woke up this morning, dressed himself as always (he loves his clothes) and came to me with this comment. "Outside Now." Amused, I asked him, "With pajama pants on and your shirt on backwards?" He patted his pants with that frown I love and asked, "What's Mamma pants?" I pretended to sleep with the folded hand thing and said, "You wear these when you sleep at night."
He said, "Oh." He changed and we had a lovely time pulling weeds outside. Gates mostly followed me around with the wagon but only after I promised to hose it out when we were done. He's protective of the wagon. Such a little manager our Gates. Paul said while in China that day he and Gates went to the zoo in Lanzhou someone commented that Gates was too bold when demanding that the tag in his shirt be removed as it was poking him. Paul said, "It's good he is
bold. His strength helped him live. He will be a strong man." Now after three months Daddy
is still having a hard time getting the reins out of Gates's hands. He is trusting us more though and maybe one day he will give us more control willingly. Our amazing little fighter! He is adored and so very sweet.
Gates woke up this morning, dressed himself as always (he loves his clothes) and came to me with this comment. "Outside Now." Amused, I asked him, "With pajama pants on and your shirt on backwards?" He patted his pants with that frown I love and asked, "What's Mamma pants?" I pretended to sleep with the folded hand thing and said, "You wear these when you sleep at night."
He said, "Oh." He changed and we had a lovely time pulling weeds outside. Gates mostly followed me around with the wagon but only after I promised to hose it out when we were done. He's protective of the wagon. Such a little manager our Gates. Paul said while in China that day he and Gates went to the zoo in Lanzhou someone commented that Gates was too bold when demanding that the tag in his shirt be removed as it was poking him. Paul said, "It's good he is
bold. His strength helped him live. He will be a strong man." Now after three months Daddy
is still having a hard time getting the reins out of Gates's hands. He is trusting us more though and maybe one day he will give us more control willingly. Our amazing little fighter! He is adored and so very sweet.
Saturday, October 3, 2009
Gates at Three Months Home
Hi all,
Gates continues to do very well. After three months home he is really blooming! He is sleeping better, eating better, laughing more and he has stopped hiding food in his clothes! He has grown
nearly two inches and his weight has changed from 21lbs to 27lbs. He is better hydrated and his dry skin is healing nicely. He has a healthy glow and the raspyness in his voice has resolved along with the rickets sweats. With the addition couple of inches of growth he has begun to draw in his right foot a little (which is the clubbed one). We have an appointment with the ortho eval team next week.
Gates can sing all of "Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star" He loves singing to himself. He sings about brushing his teeth or putting on his shoes or having bananas in his cereal. Too cute.
If he gets bumped into or pinches his finger when he crashes two cars together while playing he will run to me for comfort. This is so healthy for him! He is also a little clothes horse. He loves to choose from his dresser full of clothes. He will shake his head to my suggestions and say something like, "Mamma, Cars Movie" which means he wants the applicable shirt. Or he may say he wants Elmo underwear rather than Thomas the Train etc. I never thought about that before he came home... that he may be crazy about his new clothes. Still in 18 to 24 months clothes but his taste is more grown up. Very sweet.
Gates is very sensitive and also very compassionate. If I slip with the hot pad in the kitchen and yelp Gates will rush in from the living room and shout, "What Happin Mamma?!"
Gates LOVES Mickey Mouse and can sing "Mickey Mouse Clubhouse". He LOVES books. All kinds of books and music. Gates mimics our language by repeating a lot of the things his brother says verbatim. Bridger says, "Mamma I'm thirsty. " Gates says, "Mamma I'm thirsty." We call him the little mocking bird and he is asounding us with his ability to learn so quickly.
Thanks for being there for us. We love y'all!
Gates continues to do very well. After three months home he is really blooming! He is sleeping better, eating better, laughing more and he has stopped hiding food in his clothes! He has grown
nearly two inches and his weight has changed from 21lbs to 27lbs. He is better hydrated and his dry skin is healing nicely. He has a healthy glow and the raspyness in his voice has resolved along with the rickets sweats. With the addition couple of inches of growth he has begun to draw in his right foot a little (which is the clubbed one). We have an appointment with the ortho eval team next week.
Gates can sing all of "Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star" He loves singing to himself. He sings about brushing his teeth or putting on his shoes or having bananas in his cereal. Too cute.
If he gets bumped into or pinches his finger when he crashes two cars together while playing he will run to me for comfort. This is so healthy for him! He is also a little clothes horse. He loves to choose from his dresser full of clothes. He will shake his head to my suggestions and say something like, "Mamma, Cars Movie" which means he wants the applicable shirt. Or he may say he wants Elmo underwear rather than Thomas the Train etc. I never thought about that before he came home... that he may be crazy about his new clothes. Still in 18 to 24 months clothes but his taste is more grown up. Very sweet.
Gates is very sensitive and also very compassionate. If I slip with the hot pad in the kitchen and yelp Gates will rush in from the living room and shout, "What Happin Mamma?!"
Gates LOVES Mickey Mouse and can sing "Mickey Mouse Clubhouse". He LOVES books. All kinds of books and music. Gates mimics our language by repeating a lot of the things his brother says verbatim. Bridger says, "Mamma I'm thirsty. " Gates says, "Mamma I'm thirsty." We call him the little mocking bird and he is asounding us with his ability to learn so quickly.
Thanks for being there for us. We love y'all!
Thursday, October 1, 2009
Have a fun day!
Happy first day of October!
Gates has made some new discoveries this week:
The button in the fridge that makes the light go off and on.
The best way to get to the top shelf of the toy cabinet is not the ottoman.
Daddy always wakes up when you try to feed him something.
Gates giggles and laughs when he's not folding his arms and grunting at me. He says, "I love.." in front of everything right now.
Bridger says, "Can we get the mail with you?" Gates says "I love get the mail with you." then he'll say,"What's the mail?"
Gates has made some new discoveries this week:
The button in the fridge that makes the light go off and on.
The best way to get to the top shelf of the toy cabinet is not the ottoman.
Daddy always wakes up when you try to feed him something.
Gates giggles and laughs when he's not folding his arms and grunting at me. He says, "I love.." in front of everything right now.
Bridger says, "Can we get the mail with you?" Gates says "I love get the mail with you." then he'll say,"What's the mail?"
Thursday, September 24, 2009
Popsicles and pinky toes.
What does true compassion look like?
I believe it's just responding to the need in front of you. It's love in action. Love can be so many wonderful things... it's amazing how we limit that word.
Living a life of effective compassion doesn't have to be dramatic to be radical. A deep rooted empathy and a sense of personal responsibility enables profound change in someone's circumstances every day. I am thrilled to watch my adult children live this out and my little children taking hold of their significant roles in God's action plan of love in this world.
Basic thoughtfulness shines like a beacon of hope in the environment of discouragement that surround us. People take notice of consideration that was once expected: Holding a door for the person behind you, offering to lift heavy groceries for an elderly stranger, paying for someone else's lunch with your own lunch money when you see a hard working guy without enough on his debit card to pay for his subway.
We've had some awesome opportunities to witness huge mountains crumble before the power of God's love for the lonely and suffering. We've also seen him move mountains a pebble at a time.
As I often remind myself, "He's God. He has all day." The pebble stuff isn't less signifigant. It actually has a wider impact so it's equally critical.
My beautiful five year old exemplified this for me today and inspired me to encourage you.
I'd avoided the cat but major-ly stubbed my toe on a table leg. Bridger went running from the room and returned with a familiar white wrapper housing a popsicle. "Here Mamma. You can use it for a cold-ie and when your toe feels better you can eat it!" (the popsicle of course). lol
My husband donated his blood for me when I needed a transfusion last year. My Chari took me to my first lunch at Moe's when I was miserable with the wait for Gates. My friend Trish lugged her gorgeous virtual triplets, three and under, all the way to the airport to welcome Gates home.
My little friend Marie from Haiti who has graced my life with her bravery rushed over to hug us and sit on our picnic blanket with us even though she hadn't seen us in months. It's the love that every good gift is held together with. It's the motar for the bricks of every great work... and yet, it's so EASY! I know it's not always easy, but it can be and a life lived in effective compassion is filled with the micro moves and awesome acts blended together.
We've all go something to offer. If you look around and you want to do something... do anything.
You'll feel better.
I believe it's just responding to the need in front of you. It's love in action. Love can be so many wonderful things... it's amazing how we limit that word.
Living a life of effective compassion doesn't have to be dramatic to be radical. A deep rooted empathy and a sense of personal responsibility enables profound change in someone's circumstances every day. I am thrilled to watch my adult children live this out and my little children taking hold of their significant roles in God's action plan of love in this world.
Basic thoughtfulness shines like a beacon of hope in the environment of discouragement that surround us. People take notice of consideration that was once expected: Holding a door for the person behind you, offering to lift heavy groceries for an elderly stranger, paying for someone else's lunch with your own lunch money when you see a hard working guy without enough on his debit card to pay for his subway.
We've had some awesome opportunities to witness huge mountains crumble before the power of God's love for the lonely and suffering. We've also seen him move mountains a pebble at a time.
As I often remind myself, "He's God. He has all day." The pebble stuff isn't less signifigant. It actually has a wider impact so it's equally critical.
My beautiful five year old exemplified this for me today and inspired me to encourage you.
I'd avoided the cat but major-ly stubbed my toe on a table leg. Bridger went running from the room and returned with a familiar white wrapper housing a popsicle. "Here Mamma. You can use it for a cold-ie and when your toe feels better you can eat it!" (the popsicle of course). lol
My husband donated his blood for me when I needed a transfusion last year. My Chari took me to my first lunch at Moe's when I was miserable with the wait for Gates. My friend Trish lugged her gorgeous virtual triplets, three and under, all the way to the airport to welcome Gates home.
My little friend Marie from Haiti who has graced my life with her bravery rushed over to hug us and sit on our picnic blanket with us even though she hadn't seen us in months. It's the love that every good gift is held together with. It's the motar for the bricks of every great work... and yet, it's so EASY! I know it's not always easy, but it can be and a life lived in effective compassion is filled with the micro moves and awesome acts blended together.
We've all go something to offer. If you look around and you want to do something... do anything.
You'll feel better.
Monday, September 21, 2009
Chasing Calm.
Hi all,
The message of the day in my heart is, "Seek peace and pursue it." In the midst of this hurried and over taxed (all over the place) world we are invited by the Creator of the Universe to 'relax'. I've been so thrilled to witness the calming of my Gates's heart in recent weeks. His 'fight or flight' rapid eye shifting constant motion door and window watching ways have occasionally given place to stretching out next to Dad during a football game on the sofa or swirling his markers over a page rather than the tight fist- ed manic scribbling he used to do. The fear is intermingled with looking for comfort outside of himself rather than the rocking and head banging so common among under stimulated institutionalized children.
It amazes me how alike we all really are. I was straightening up in the boys room recently and as they 'helped' me (constantly being distracted by yet another plaything) I mentioned in that motherly way, "If you all would return the toys to the place where you got them, you would be able to find them again easily and you wouldn't need to dump everything out too look for the one they needed hence the need to spend twenty minutes picking up and sorting again. Please do it the way I tell them to and it's better for everybody... yada yada. (smile). Instantly I heard in the deeper parts of me "Ditto."
I recognized his voice and I was reminded of the biblical phrase from young Samuel, "Say on Lord, your servant is listening." I considered if I was in a good 'place' for God to show me something, (like it's up to me). I braced myself emotinally and mentally squared my shoulders in preparation, then I said aloud. "Please show me what you want me to see Lord. Please tell me what you want me to know." God being God he blessed me with sharing his heart with me.
Jesus being Jesus he spent the rest of the day confronting me.
Not with the correction, direction and instruction my human mind expected... but with His love for me. Sounds just like Him doesn't it? My heart swelled with his gentle comfort. My mind became quiet as I considered His total acceptance of me. God snuggled with my spirit and held me to him for hours like a child in the arms of her Father whose holding a ten inch thick bedtime story book. He seemed to be saying, "Relax, we're going to be here awhile. I'm all yours Honey.
How can something so perfect and wonderful make you afraid? It doesn't. But my own humanity makes me afraid. The same way Gates is afraid. "What if I get lost in this love? What if I really let go of myself? What if I give up on self protection and struggling for control?" The unspoken question of our hearts is really, "What if this moment stops and I'm alone again?" God continued to pour a glimpse of his devotion toward me into my soul. He knew what I could take and he knew when I would distract myself. But amazingly He was still there when I looked back at Him.
He loves you in exactly the same way. Right in the middle of your day! Stretch out with your Dad and relax. He's faithful.
Love, K
The message of the day in my heart is, "Seek peace and pursue it." In the midst of this hurried and over taxed (all over the place) world we are invited by the Creator of the Universe to 'relax'. I've been so thrilled to witness the calming of my Gates's heart in recent weeks. His 'fight or flight' rapid eye shifting constant motion door and window watching ways have occasionally given place to stretching out next to Dad during a football game on the sofa or swirling his markers over a page rather than the tight fist- ed manic scribbling he used to do. The fear is intermingled with looking for comfort outside of himself rather than the rocking and head banging so common among under stimulated institutionalized children.
It amazes me how alike we all really are. I was straightening up in the boys room recently and as they 'helped' me (constantly being distracted by yet another plaything) I mentioned in that motherly way, "If you all would return the toys to the place where you got them, you would be able to find them again easily and you wouldn't need to dump everything out too look for the one they needed hence the need to spend twenty minutes picking up and sorting again. Please do it the way I tell them to and it's better for everybody... yada yada. (smile). Instantly I heard in the deeper parts of me "Ditto."
I recognized his voice and I was reminded of the biblical phrase from young Samuel, "Say on Lord, your servant is listening." I considered if I was in a good 'place' for God to show me something, (like it's up to me). I braced myself emotinally and mentally squared my shoulders in preparation, then I said aloud. "Please show me what you want me to see Lord. Please tell me what you want me to know." God being God he blessed me with sharing his heart with me.
Jesus being Jesus he spent the rest of the day confronting me.
Not with the correction, direction and instruction my human mind expected... but with His love for me. Sounds just like Him doesn't it? My heart swelled with his gentle comfort. My mind became quiet as I considered His total acceptance of me. God snuggled with my spirit and held me to him for hours like a child in the arms of her Father whose holding a ten inch thick bedtime story book. He seemed to be saying, "Relax, we're going to be here awhile. I'm all yours Honey.
How can something so perfect and wonderful make you afraid? It doesn't. But my own humanity makes me afraid. The same way Gates is afraid. "What if I get lost in this love? What if I really let go of myself? What if I give up on self protection and struggling for control?" The unspoken question of our hearts is really, "What if this moment stops and I'm alone again?" God continued to pour a glimpse of his devotion toward me into my soul. He knew what I could take and he knew when I would distract myself. But amazingly He was still there when I looked back at Him.
He loves you in exactly the same way. Right in the middle of your day! Stretch out with your Dad and relax. He's faithful.
Love, K
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
Love never fails to inspire us.
Hi to everybody. I'm not online much during the week and I'm inconveniently having writer's block when I am.
Things are progressing well with the family in the precious eyes of our Savior. The view from my eyes is a little blurred at the moment... but you know, life is like that. It's good to know that although in this world the only constant is change... our God never changes and He is unphased by the world. His faithfulness in leading and encouraging us through rough waters and uneven terrain sustains and inspires us beyond our own feelings and fears for the future. I have tremendous hope for what lies ahead and beyond... my hope is alive and his name is Jesus.
We are celebrating some wonderful victories this week and look forward to more next week!
Beautiful Little Marie had her first day of school yesterday... ever. Miraculous that our merciful God made a way for her to enjoy the opportunity of a formal education in the hands of uniquely trained/experienced professionals in an exceptional learning program here in Lee Co. for the remainder of her stay in the U.S. We are all just so thrilled for her.
Bridger had a wonderful birthday time! He was delighted with his gifts and the outpouring of love in his mailbox. He saved every card in the top drawer of his dresser and gets them out to admire them each day.
He continues to grow in the truth of God's plan for his life. Bridger has asked for Jesus to be his Lord and his Savior from sin and eternal seperation from his Creator. Even after decades of ministry to children I am completely in awe of the journey of a child to the one who loved him first. God leads and I am blessed to follow. Bridger was lying down for his afternoon nap, I was reading a magazine nearby and he asked aloud, "Mamma, why did Jesus have to die?" I was unaware that the gospel of Christ had been shared with him although he daily hears of his ministry and sustaining love in our lives. Somewhere along the way he had heard God's still small voice and his heart was responding to God's sweet call to join him on his lap. God chose to draw Bridger to himself without a Bible lesson and was unhindered by my being way too distracted in the past year with goings on rather than being as attentive as I should have been to the growing spiritual awareness of my first born Son.
I answered the questions on Bridger's heart and watched with barely restrained emotion as he accepted the truth. "Mamma it's like Jesus took my punnishment when I was bad on purpose. Like if Gates was in trouble 'cause he hit me and scratched me again and I said that you should put me in time out 'stead of him. Is that right?" "Yes, that's right. Jesus took the punnishment but he did no wrong. He loves us that much." His brown eyes reflected the weight of this injustice to Jesus and in tears he shouted, "That's not FAIR!" Within seconds he was thanking Jesus and praying his own precious prayer of devotion to the first real Hero he ever met. God honored me with the gift of witnessing this intimate moment between the two of them. I stand in awe of God's gentle and irrestistable love.
I will tell you that when a five year old boy becomes a Christian, he's not much different than grown ups. The very next day, he messed up big time and looked at me unashamed and said,
"Jesus already took my punnishment." We prayed for forgiveness and wisdom together. But no, he didn't get in trouble that time:-) I'll save the scripture, "Should sin abound so that grace can more abound? God forbid." for a later time. God means his word for a mirror in our own lives not for a magnifying glass in the hands of others observing us. Thanks Jesus, I'm so grateful for the mirror of your word and for the way you keep it between us what I see.
Things are progressing well with the family in the precious eyes of our Savior. The view from my eyes is a little blurred at the moment... but you know, life is like that. It's good to know that although in this world the only constant is change... our God never changes and He is unphased by the world. His faithfulness in leading and encouraging us through rough waters and uneven terrain sustains and inspires us beyond our own feelings and fears for the future. I have tremendous hope for what lies ahead and beyond... my hope is alive and his name is Jesus.
We are celebrating some wonderful victories this week and look forward to more next week!
Beautiful Little Marie had her first day of school yesterday... ever. Miraculous that our merciful God made a way for her to enjoy the opportunity of a formal education in the hands of uniquely trained/experienced professionals in an exceptional learning program here in Lee Co. for the remainder of her stay in the U.S. We are all just so thrilled for her.
Bridger had a wonderful birthday time! He was delighted with his gifts and the outpouring of love in his mailbox. He saved every card in the top drawer of his dresser and gets them out to admire them each day.
He continues to grow in the truth of God's plan for his life. Bridger has asked for Jesus to be his Lord and his Savior from sin and eternal seperation from his Creator. Even after decades of ministry to children I am completely in awe of the journey of a child to the one who loved him first. God leads and I am blessed to follow. Bridger was lying down for his afternoon nap, I was reading a magazine nearby and he asked aloud, "Mamma, why did Jesus have to die?" I was unaware that the gospel of Christ had been shared with him although he daily hears of his ministry and sustaining love in our lives. Somewhere along the way he had heard God's still small voice and his heart was responding to God's sweet call to join him on his lap. God chose to draw Bridger to himself without a Bible lesson and was unhindered by my being way too distracted in the past year with goings on rather than being as attentive as I should have been to the growing spiritual awareness of my first born Son.
I answered the questions on Bridger's heart and watched with barely restrained emotion as he accepted the truth. "Mamma it's like Jesus took my punnishment when I was bad on purpose. Like if Gates was in trouble 'cause he hit me and scratched me again and I said that you should put me in time out 'stead of him. Is that right?" "Yes, that's right. Jesus took the punnishment but he did no wrong. He loves us that much." His brown eyes reflected the weight of this injustice to Jesus and in tears he shouted, "That's not FAIR!" Within seconds he was thanking Jesus and praying his own precious prayer of devotion to the first real Hero he ever met. God honored me with the gift of witnessing this intimate moment between the two of them. I stand in awe of God's gentle and irrestistable love.
I will tell you that when a five year old boy becomes a Christian, he's not much different than grown ups. The very next day, he messed up big time and looked at me unashamed and said,
"Jesus already took my punnishment." We prayed for forgiveness and wisdom together. But no, he didn't get in trouble that time:-) I'll save the scripture, "Should sin abound so that grace can more abound? God forbid." for a later time. God means his word for a mirror in our own lives not for a magnifying glass in the hands of others observing us. Thanks Jesus, I'm so grateful for the mirror of your word and for the way you keep it between us what I see.
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
Birthday Boy Bridger and Mamma Love
Five years ago I was praying for my baby boy in Korea. I didn't know yet if he'd been born but I knew he existed 'somewhere' and I thought of him constantly. I wondered if he had the hands of a musician, the heart of a poet... he was born into the hands of God on August 20, 2005 we learned of him on Oct. 5, 2005.
The first time we ever saw his beautiful face we were immediately in love. As I recall just waiting for the social worker to arrive at the restaurant in Bradenton with the Fed Ex from Korea we were overwhelmed, one of the girls was near fainting as the precious drama unfolded. The anticipation after fifteen months in process and then waiting for our child to be born was beyond description.
When Tracy Brady LCSW finally slid those photos across the table, (She had to go over the other paperwork details first because she said no one listens once they have the pictures... they're gone) we beheld the face of our firstborn Son. His serious little expression, the depth of his stare, the length of his fingers... it all soaked in. The next seven months waiting for his plane was beyond painful. At sixteen weeks, he had his first Christmas and we missed him so as we wrapped his gifts and put them under the tree in love. His Baby's First Valentines Day card and then finally, his Easter Basket were prepared in hopes that he would be home to open them. He made it home one week before Easter 2005.
In the past five years we've enjoyed making 'buebewry nuffins', countless fingerpaintings and playdough sculptures. I've received boquets of tiny flowers in the back yard from the grubbly little hand of a sweaty faced urchin who owns me heart and soul. I've wiped his face with a cool washcloth as he wimpered, "Mamma, help me" through the stomach flu. When he hurts I hurt, when he laughs he makes the music that I always knew he would and as for poetry? How's this?
"Mamma my deepest heart inside feels like your face is in it."
He will be five tomorrow. He will be delighted with his gifts and much to his eldest Sisters chagrin he will have a pink cake. He likes strawberry cake with strawberry icing and the ice cream too will be strawberry. I'm going to try to find a red truck for the top of it to "Man it Up" a little for the pictures. lol He really is a man's man and all about the trucks, sports and adventure but hey, "Strawberries are good." I'm glad he's too little to care if it's pink or not. At least for one more year.
Love y'all. Please pray for Birthday Blessings and a lifetime of favor for our "Bridger the Bold" tomorrow. Thank you Jesus!
The first time we ever saw his beautiful face we were immediately in love. As I recall just waiting for the social worker to arrive at the restaurant in Bradenton with the Fed Ex from Korea we were overwhelmed, one of the girls was near fainting as the precious drama unfolded. The anticipation after fifteen months in process and then waiting for our child to be born was beyond description.
When Tracy Brady LCSW finally slid those photos across the table, (She had to go over the other paperwork details first because she said no one listens once they have the pictures... they're gone) we beheld the face of our firstborn Son. His serious little expression, the depth of his stare, the length of his fingers... it all soaked in. The next seven months waiting for his plane was beyond painful. At sixteen weeks, he had his first Christmas and we missed him so as we wrapped his gifts and put them under the tree in love. His Baby's First Valentines Day card and then finally, his Easter Basket were prepared in hopes that he would be home to open them. He made it home one week before Easter 2005.
In the past five years we've enjoyed making 'buebewry nuffins', countless fingerpaintings and playdough sculptures. I've received boquets of tiny flowers in the back yard from the grubbly little hand of a sweaty faced urchin who owns me heart and soul. I've wiped his face with a cool washcloth as he wimpered, "Mamma, help me" through the stomach flu. When he hurts I hurt, when he laughs he makes the music that I always knew he would and as for poetry? How's this?
"Mamma my deepest heart inside feels like your face is in it."
He will be five tomorrow. He will be delighted with his gifts and much to his eldest Sisters chagrin he will have a pink cake. He likes strawberry cake with strawberry icing and the ice cream too will be strawberry. I'm going to try to find a red truck for the top of it to "Man it Up" a little for the pictures. lol He really is a man's man and all about the trucks, sports and adventure but hey, "Strawberries are good." I'm glad he's too little to care if it's pink or not. At least for one more year.
Love y'all. Please pray for Birthday Blessings and a lifetime of favor for our "Bridger the Bold" tomorrow. Thank you Jesus!
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
Chari Granstra here
Hi all,
My mom asked me to write a few words for the blog, as the internet in their house is temporarily down.
Things are going well, the boys are having a lot of fun together. Whenever Brian and I go to the house for dinner or to stop by and say hi, there is a lot of running, car sounds and bike riding going on. Gates is a little monkey, he likes to swing upside down and hang all over me, I ask him ''are you a monkey?'' he nods and nuzzles his cheek next to mine, saying ''monkey!'' He's the cutest little thing, always smiling... always running! Bridger is a great big brother, he is always keeping his eye on Gates. Just the other day, he was building a kitchen chair/sheet tent in the living room, making sure to leave a 'sky light' gap so that he could poke his head out and ''check on Gates'' as he was sitting on the couch, playing with one of those little hand held alphabet toys for babies, that say the sounds of the letters when you push them. - Gates is speaking many English words, he makes cute little faces and jumps up and down in excitement... all the time. : )
My little baby brother will be 5 next Thursday! What?!? I can't believe it! Well, yes I can. He is actually acting very '5' right now. The other day, we had 'Chari and Bridger day'... where we went to Bass Pro Shops and out to lunch... it was awesome. Anyway, when he got in my car, he said ''let's hit the road... because Bass Pro Shops is my name, and hitting the road is my game!'' lol, how can you respond to that? Once we got there, he was talking the whole time, and at one point I was like ''Bridger, I am tired of telling you to watch where you're going.'' He looked at me and sweetly said ''I'm tired of you telling me to watch where I'm going too.'' lol. At least we're on the same page!
I hope all is well with your families too, life's fun!
Chari Granstra
for Karrie Rudd
My mom asked me to write a few words for the blog, as the internet in their house is temporarily down.
Things are going well, the boys are having a lot of fun together. Whenever Brian and I go to the house for dinner or to stop by and say hi, there is a lot of running, car sounds and bike riding going on. Gates is a little monkey, he likes to swing upside down and hang all over me, I ask him ''are you a monkey?'' he nods and nuzzles his cheek next to mine, saying ''monkey!'' He's the cutest little thing, always smiling... always running! Bridger is a great big brother, he is always keeping his eye on Gates. Just the other day, he was building a kitchen chair/sheet tent in the living room, making sure to leave a 'sky light' gap so that he could poke his head out and ''check on Gates'' as he was sitting on the couch, playing with one of those little hand held alphabet toys for babies, that say the sounds of the letters when you push them. - Gates is speaking many English words, he makes cute little faces and jumps up and down in excitement... all the time. : )
My little baby brother will be 5 next Thursday! What?!? I can't believe it! Well, yes I can. He is actually acting very '5' right now. The other day, we had 'Chari and Bridger day'... where we went to Bass Pro Shops and out to lunch... it was awesome. Anyway, when he got in my car, he said ''let's hit the road... because Bass Pro Shops is my name, and hitting the road is my game!'' lol, how can you respond to that? Once we got there, he was talking the whole time, and at one point I was like ''Bridger, I am tired of telling you to watch where you're going.'' He looked at me and sweetly said ''I'm tired of you telling me to watch where I'm going too.'' lol. At least we're on the same page!
I hope all is well with your families too, life's fun!
Chari Granstra
for Karrie Rudd
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
Cuteness and Attitude!
Cute Stuff:
Before rolling over to sleep at nap time today the boys 'clinked' their sippy cups and said, "Sippy Cup Cheers!"
When Gates had a beetle on his shirt outside Bridger shouted, "Mom save my Brother he has a bug on him!"(NOT a bug guy our Bridger)
While playing with playdough together Bridger made an "Ace of Cakes" three tier cake and put a playdough star on top of it. He said, "Look Gates!" and Gates responded with genuine appreciation, "Wow."
Gates playfully ran into Bridger from behind and Gates shouted, "He pushed me!" I guess he figured since Bridger yelled it everytime that it was part of the game. What a great addition to his first few sentences! lol
Gates can call Bridger's puppy, Hendrick. He will call out the back door like a farmers wife, "Heeennn Driiiick!"
When Bridger was having trouble with patience this morning he walked over to me and asked, "Mamma? Can you go into the bedroom with me and talk about God?" He was ready for some divine intervention.
I'm crazy about these kids ya know?
Before rolling over to sleep at nap time today the boys 'clinked' their sippy cups and said, "Sippy Cup Cheers!"
When Gates had a beetle on his shirt outside Bridger shouted, "Mom save my Brother he has a bug on him!"(NOT a bug guy our Bridger)
While playing with playdough together Bridger made an "Ace of Cakes" three tier cake and put a playdough star on top of it. He said, "Look Gates!" and Gates responded with genuine appreciation, "Wow."
Gates playfully ran into Bridger from behind and Gates shouted, "He pushed me!" I guess he figured since Bridger yelled it everytime that it was part of the game. What a great addition to his first few sentences! lol
Gates can call Bridger's puppy, Hendrick. He will call out the back door like a farmers wife, "Heeennn Driiiick!"
When Bridger was having trouble with patience this morning he walked over to me and asked, "Mamma? Can you go into the bedroom with me and talk about God?" He was ready for some divine intervention.
I'm crazy about these kids ya know?
Tuesday, August 4, 2009
Funny Guys.
It's raining and the boys are napping. It's a great time for me to visit with you all. We're all doing really well. Gates is back up at night but much eaiser to comfort, no night terrors like with Bridger thankfully, such awful suffering our baby B. went through with those. Lasted over two years almost nightly. He sleeps like a rock now though:-)
Gates is using a lot more English with his "la la language." as we call it. He will just point and say, "La la la la la la la!" I nod and follow him so he can't see me laughing. I wonder if he thinks we made up the English so he will just make up something too? Oh well, by the time he can explain it he won't remember what we're talking about. (smile).
Bridger set up a great construction site outside this morning. He set up caution cones (were originally bought as soccer goals) and he outlined a patch of dirt in the 'quarry' with strips of wood Daddy gives him after he saws something, then he proceeded to dig a hole in the middle of it. Pretty cute. as so often workers dig the hole first and then have to do all of that other stuff when their arms are already tired. My genius.
You can really hear the five year old on the horizon in Bridger lately. He likes to establish rules for others, he tells creative and long winded stories. He takes his role playing very seriously.
Bridger made me think of Chari so much earlier today when Gates kept pushing the wrong button on an electronic learning toy that teaches the alphabet, the voice was prompting "Can you find the letter G?" Gates would push button after button after button and it would say, "Oops. Try again. " over and over until Bridger walked over to him and pushed the button for him saying in a less than patient tone, "Push the 'G'!". He couldn't take it anymore. When Chari was little she couldn't watch someone else struggle with something she could do either. Aimee and I think it's funny because Gates can now say, "Oops. Try again." Yes, of course I've played it with Gates but he gets annoyed by unrequested help. Often. (Laugh).
One of the rewards for good choices that has been very effective with Gates is a small gumball from one of those little gum ball machines children sometimes get as gifts. (Thanks Uncle Dave and fam). I usually initiate this as a reward when I observe a positive response in him. Gates is a very fast learner, now Gates will come to me and say, "Bubble Gum Please." and pull my hand to get up. Then I ask him, "Did you make a good choice?" at that, he looks around for something to do. He might pick up a toy or walk over and pet the dog nicely or something like that. This afternoon he looked around and shrugged his shoulders with his hands palm up and just said it louder. "BUBBLE GUM PLEASE!"
Gates is using a lot more English with his "la la language." as we call it. He will just point and say, "La la la la la la la!" I nod and follow him so he can't see me laughing. I wonder if he thinks we made up the English so he will just make up something too? Oh well, by the time he can explain it he won't remember what we're talking about. (smile).
Bridger set up a great construction site outside this morning. He set up caution cones (were originally bought as soccer goals) and he outlined a patch of dirt in the 'quarry' with strips of wood Daddy gives him after he saws something, then he proceeded to dig a hole in the middle of it. Pretty cute. as so often workers dig the hole first and then have to do all of that other stuff when their arms are already tired. My genius.
You can really hear the five year old on the horizon in Bridger lately. He likes to establish rules for others, he tells creative and long winded stories. He takes his role playing very seriously.
Bridger made me think of Chari so much earlier today when Gates kept pushing the wrong button on an electronic learning toy that teaches the alphabet, the voice was prompting "Can you find the letter G?" Gates would push button after button after button and it would say, "Oops. Try again. " over and over until Bridger walked over to him and pushed the button for him saying in a less than patient tone, "Push the 'G'!". He couldn't take it anymore. When Chari was little she couldn't watch someone else struggle with something she could do either. Aimee and I think it's funny because Gates can now say, "Oops. Try again." Yes, of course I've played it with Gates but he gets annoyed by unrequested help. Often. (Laugh).
One of the rewards for good choices that has been very effective with Gates is a small gumball from one of those little gum ball machines children sometimes get as gifts. (Thanks Uncle Dave and fam). I usually initiate this as a reward when I observe a positive response in him. Gates is a very fast learner, now Gates will come to me and say, "Bubble Gum Please." and pull my hand to get up. Then I ask him, "Did you make a good choice?" at that, he looks around for something to do. He might pick up a toy or walk over and pet the dog nicely or something like that. This afternoon he looked around and shrugged his shoulders with his hands palm up and just said it louder. "BUBBLE GUM PLEASE!"
Families not Barriers.
http://www.gopetiti on.com/petitions /build-families- not-barriers. html
Families are being delayed in-country due to the confused implementation of new tb requirement. This does nothing to 'protect' anybody as business people and tourists travel all over and never have to be bothered with these 'checks'. These little ones are no threat. Even after children have been treated and recovered, even after U.S. Pediatricians guarantee in writing that the child in question is not contagious after two weeks on medication... the uscis says it will take them SIX MONTHS to process the paperwork for the children to come home! Meanwhile, adoption is final in China and family has family, job and other children back home and cannot leave their newly adopted child alone in country... it's devastating for adopting families and absolutley short sightned/misinformed government spaghetti! So many little one's like Gates will lose their hope of a family and life and a future because people will abandon the abandoned feeling helpless to navigate the 'risks' created by the U. S. Government alone!
Please go to the link above and read the petition for the sake of the children this barrier must be removed!
Families are being delayed in-country due to the confused implementation of new tb requirement. This does nothing to 'protect' anybody as business people and tourists travel all over and never have to be bothered with these 'checks'. These little ones are no threat. Even after children have been treated and recovered, even after U.S. Pediatricians guarantee in writing that the child in question is not contagious after two weeks on medication... the uscis says it will take them SIX MONTHS to process the paperwork for the children to come home! Meanwhile, adoption is final in China and family has family, job and other children back home and cannot leave their newly adopted child alone in country... it's devastating for adopting families and absolutley short sightned/misinformed government spaghetti! So many little one's like Gates will lose their hope of a family and life and a future because people will abandon the abandoned feeling helpless to navigate the 'risks' created by the U. S. Government alone!
Please go to the link above and read the petition for the sake of the children this barrier must be removed!
Monday, August 3, 2009
Happy Monday!
We are very happy to report that Mr. William Gates Rudd just received his Certificate of Citizenship in the mail. Next step Social Security Number and Updated Passport(mostly for ID purposes).
We're having a good day and after some heart to heart time with Jesus, Mamma is encouraged that we can go the distance. Adjustment stage is work and wonderful, wonderful and work. I am so thankful to be so relevant in Christ. Anytime I start seeing my nothingness bigger in the window than My God's all sufficiency I get tired. When I refocus on His ability and sovereign Lordship in my life and in the lives of our precious family I am rejuvenated.
Bridger is doing beautifully and his patience is evident and abundant in regards to his new brother. Gates has woken up without nightmares and hours of whimpering the past few times. Once he came out of a bad dream wake up fog yesterday after naps it was as if he accepted that he is far away from what he fears. He started chattering like a little squirrel and smiling all over the place. He is hugging and snuggling again and seems as if a weight has lifted from his tiny shoulders. I am hopeful that he has turned a corner!
We're having a good day and after some heart to heart time with Jesus, Mamma is encouraged that we can go the distance. Adjustment stage is work and wonderful, wonderful and work. I am so thankful to be so relevant in Christ. Anytime I start seeing my nothingness bigger in the window than My God's all sufficiency I get tired. When I refocus on His ability and sovereign Lordship in my life and in the lives of our precious family I am rejuvenated.
Bridger is doing beautifully and his patience is evident and abundant in regards to his new brother. Gates has woken up without nightmares and hours of whimpering the past few times. Once he came out of a bad dream wake up fog yesterday after naps it was as if he accepted that he is far away from what he fears. He started chattering like a little squirrel and smiling all over the place. He is hugging and snuggling again and seems as if a weight has lifted from his tiny shoulders. I am hopeful that he has turned a corner!
Saturday, August 1, 2009
Busy Saturday of chores and home improvements. Gates was running full speed outside as usual and after getting good and sweaty/moderately dirty he enjoyed a long soaking tubby with his toys and I washed his hair. His hair isn't really 'growing' per se but it seems to be filling in a little more. A wash rag and a teaspoon of kids shampoo/conditioner still does the job. Boy does he get annoyed about it though. This is my fourth child and I watched my Mom raise three I'm really swift and efficient when it comes to hair washing, little muss lotta fuss with Gates. Maybe his previous experiences with this chore didn't come with the blessings of a dry wash rag over his forehead and no more tears shampoo. Anyway, he smells better and he liked brushing his hair afterward.
He's sitting next to me now with a push button sound effects book. We only have two or three of these (some inherited from yard sale fundraiser left overs) because it's not really reading to my Kipling-Twain-Silverstein mind. He really likes playing with them though so toy or book... who cares? His feet are barely visible with the book in his lap but he's tapping them adorably to the clinky sounding music. We took both of the little ones out to run errands this morning and Gates saw a woman walk by with a cart full of preschool toys in it and he flipped out into full two year old meltdown mode wanting them. His developmental milestone skill gaps are filling in nicely too. Sometimes he responds like an infant and another time like a two year old and another time right on target developmentally. This is exactly what is expected and normal as he was so deprived during early neurological growth networking. It's wonderful that Paul and I can share in the victory of these moments. During Gates's toy tantrum Dad said, "Isn't that great? That's the first time he has cried because he was upset emotionally!" It's good to see them cry at anything as they often introvert such feelings so effectively beginning in infancy in orphanage.
Gates weighs twenty six pounds now and still in twelve months clothes but the eighteen months don't fall to his feet anymore so we're seeing some change there. In early July he was skin and bones only but we can clearly see that the plastic wrap look to his skin clinging to his bones is being replaced with smoother skin and maybe some subcutaneous body fat. We are very blessed.
Anyway, the little ones are wearing their backpacks and bike helmets in the house. Bridger is on a rescue mission of some kind and Gates is his enthusiastic sidekick! Paul is out in this sweltering heat trying to complete the siding installation. I'm going to go fix him something cold to drink and let the boys 'rescue' Daddy from thirst.
He's sitting next to me now with a push button sound effects book. We only have two or three of these (some inherited from yard sale fundraiser left overs) because it's not really reading to my Kipling-Twain-Silverstein mind. He really likes playing with them though so toy or book... who cares? His feet are barely visible with the book in his lap but he's tapping them adorably to the clinky sounding music. We took both of the little ones out to run errands this morning and Gates saw a woman walk by with a cart full of preschool toys in it and he flipped out into full two year old meltdown mode wanting them. His developmental milestone skill gaps are filling in nicely too. Sometimes he responds like an infant and another time like a two year old and another time right on target developmentally. This is exactly what is expected and normal as he was so deprived during early neurological growth networking. It's wonderful that Paul and I can share in the victory of these moments. During Gates's toy tantrum Dad said, "Isn't that great? That's the first time he has cried because he was upset emotionally!" It's good to see them cry at anything as they often introvert such feelings so effectively beginning in infancy in orphanage.
Gates weighs twenty six pounds now and still in twelve months clothes but the eighteen months don't fall to his feet anymore so we're seeing some change there. In early July he was skin and bones only but we can clearly see that the plastic wrap look to his skin clinging to his bones is being replaced with smoother skin and maybe some subcutaneous body fat. We are very blessed.
Anyway, the little ones are wearing their backpacks and bike helmets in the house. Bridger is on a rescue mission of some kind and Gates is his enthusiastic sidekick! Paul is out in this sweltering heat trying to complete the siding installation. I'm going to go fix him something cold to drink and let the boys 'rescue' Daddy from thirst.
Friday, July 31, 2009
Boyful Noise.
I've been parenting for a quarter of a century! I've got the routine and flexible enough schedule down but there is no way to really control a family 'rewire' you just love the kid in front of you and do your best one scenario at a time until you collapse onto your pillow at night (for a little while anyway). God will never leave us.
Gates is having a 'one step back' day today. Hitting and scratching again after more than a week of not doing that. He's rocking himself again and he's throwing every toy he picks up. His older brother gently put him in 'time in' next to Mamma this morning for slugging him in the back. I was really glad Bridger didn't retaliate but kept his cool. I had to laugh seeing him hoist Gates phsyically into the 'time in' chair, then he would check the second hand on the clock in the kitchen calling out, "Okay Gates you have one more minute."
They are napping late today (long night) but I am not waking them up. No way. I'll take what I can get. Two little boys in a small house gets L O U D! Paul called to check in and he said, "What are they DOING?" I said, "Playing rock and roll guys!" (that's what B. calls it) they pretend a tennis racket and Gates's little pop up ball in the dome walking toy are guitars.
They were having fun together so I let it be. Noise is breath to little boys and they have to exhale sometimes! lol
Love, Karrie
Gates is having a 'one step back' day today. Hitting and scratching again after more than a week of not doing that. He's rocking himself again and he's throwing every toy he picks up. His older brother gently put him in 'time in' next to Mamma this morning for slugging him in the back. I was really glad Bridger didn't retaliate but kept his cool. I had to laugh seeing him hoist Gates phsyically into the 'time in' chair, then he would check the second hand on the clock in the kitchen calling out, "Okay Gates you have one more minute."
They are napping late today (long night) but I am not waking them up. No way. I'll take what I can get. Two little boys in a small house gets L O U D! Paul called to check in and he said, "What are they DOING?" I said, "Playing rock and roll guys!" (that's what B. calls it) they pretend a tennis racket and Gates's little pop up ball in the dome walking toy are guitars.
They were having fun together so I let it be. Noise is breath to little boys and they have to exhale sometimes! lol
Love, Karrie
Welcome Friends of Gates Waits.
Here we are. I will be posting a couple of times a week and sharing pictures with you too! If you came to us here at ruddpeeps from gateswaits we welcome you with open arms. I hope that God's continued work of quilting our family together in love for his purposes continues to be an encouragement to you. I hope you enjoy our visits.
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