There's been a lot of both around here today. So I'll start with eating. I almost hesitate to mention it so soon into the day, but DANIEL ATE EGGS AND AVOCADO!!! I scrambled the eggs then pureed a mixture of about 1/3 egg, milk, a spoon full of avocado, and a half of banana, one pouch of fruit and veggies, and about a tablespoon of rice cereal. Between breakfast and lunch he ate it! In addition, he's had two bottles. That may not be where he needs to be, but to me it's miraculous. Please continue to pray little man will eat. I can't tell you how good it felt to know that he was eating pretty much the same things as Joshua today just pureed.
Again, please continue to pray over his diet.
Today I've tried to do as much with the boys independently as possible since Nathan goes back to work Wednesday. It's so good to have him home. He's so good with the boys, but I think more than anything I'm going to miss him so badly. I think cocooning is difficult for lots of reasons but the biggest is the isolation on our part. For Daniel it is so good for him I have no doubt. Joshua could stand to get out more, but at the same time it's good to establish our routine with Joshua too since naturally it's changed with two little boys. I miss family. I miss getting out of the house. But it's a season. It's not forever. And I think it will pay off in the end.
Joshua is used to having me completely to himself. I was telling Nathan earlier today, for his entire life I've been a few feet away from him at all times. I'm constantly his entertainment. He's always had my lap. So this is a big adjustment for him to say the least. I'm still with him, but he has to get used to taking turns with me. It's going to take time, practice, routine, effort to get used to playing with his brother. It's going to take the Lord working in his heart creating a bond with Daniel. Today, while we're adjusting (I'm claiming this is not going to be forever) he whined every time I went to Daniel, picked up Daniel, or initiated play.
Prayers please.
But altogether it's been a good day so far.
Daniel woke up at 6:00 (bottle and mommy-time)
Joshua woke up at 7:00 (they both ate breakfast)
We played
Ate snack at 10
Played
Ate lunch at 12
Daniel went down for a nap at 1:00 (he falls asleep rocking with a bottle of formula)
Joshua and I played and had story time
Joshua went down for a nap at 2:00 (he and Daniel share a room...so I pat Joshua's back until he's asleep)
The rest of the day, we'll see how it goes, but I'm thinking this wouldn't be a bad routine.
I'm going to throw this out there because the last time I did I received good advice. Any words of wisdom regarding the transition from only child to having a sibling?
Monday, July 7, 2014
Sunday, July 6, 2014
Church
Joshua and I went to church this morning while Nathan and Daniel stayed home. It was so good to be at church! It was so good to see dear friends. We're a part of a young married Sunday school class. Most of us have small children. Our class just merged with another class. It's such a good fit! I'm so excited about getting to know new friends, but am so glad we'll still be with our familiar ones. Pat taught today (I just met him today). He mentioned some of the upcoming events the class has planned and said "and we'll have childcare. Most of us have teenagers so we'll always have childcare ;)" Yes!
Main point from our sermon this morning: "Stay the Course: pursue the goal regardless of circumstances or criticism." Of course, our ultimate goal is to become more and more like Jesus. Tim preached from 2 Chron. about King Asa. He started out so godly, and slipped into faithlessness. Of course he finished his sermon with encouragement and teaching about how to not do that.
We came home to Daniel and Nathan playing in the playroom. Daniel has this determination about him. For example: we have a set of clip clop horses (toy horse that climb down a ramp). I showed them to him yesterday and he would just laugh every time a horse climbed downward. Today we could tell he was trying to send the horses down the ramp (it was very obvious). He just doesn't know what to do with toys besides throw them. So he would throw the horses at the ramp.
He's pulling up well. He does this thing where he pulls up with my hands and then comes to me for a hug. He's giving good hugs now. He tries to kiss too. He opens his mouth and comes towards your face with a smile. It's very sweet.
Main point from our sermon this morning: "Stay the Course: pursue the goal regardless of circumstances or criticism." Of course, our ultimate goal is to become more and more like Jesus. Tim preached from 2 Chron. about King Asa. He started out so godly, and slipped into faithlessness. Of course he finished his sermon with encouragement and teaching about how to not do that.
We came home to Daniel and Nathan playing in the playroom. Daniel has this determination about him. For example: we have a set of clip clop horses (toy horse that climb down a ramp). I showed them to him yesterday and he would just laugh every time a horse climbed downward. Today we could tell he was trying to send the horses down the ramp (it was very obvious). He just doesn't know what to do with toys besides throw them. So he would throw the horses at the ramp.
He's pulling up well. He does this thing where he pulls up with my hands and then comes to me for a hug. He's giving good hugs now. He tries to kiss too. He opens his mouth and comes towards your face with a smile. It's very sweet.
Saturday, July 5, 2014
Parenting Two
Today has felt pretty "normal." Joshua's sleeping is back on schedule. He slept through the night and woke up at 7:00. Daniel is still somewhere between China time and Georgia time. He went to bed well and woke up at 4:00. He made it until 11:30 going down for a nap and Joshua successfully woke him up at 2:00. ;) While that wasn't fun, I'm hoping it will help him sleep later tomorrow. Then, he and Joshua can go down for a nap at the same time, which is what I want to happen.
Sound like I'm obsessed with sleep? I am. I really am. I love that break in the afternoon and evening. I love sleeping through the night myself.
The great thing is we are sleeping and our challenges moment have not been with making Daniel feel at home but with just learning how to parent two. These two really have been great. We're working on respecting personal space. They aren't allowed to touch each other without me or Nathan. They can't pull toys out of each other's hands. Normal parenting two challenges.
We're working on taking turns with my lap and a story. Well really, I'm working on this with Joshua. He'd sit in my lap for hours and read stories, which I love! But my concern is that Daniel will be wondering around the room with no attention and I'll sit with Joshua and read like I always have. It's good that Daniel can entertain himself, but it's important that I pursue that interaction. Joshua did much better today with me reading a story to him and then going over to Daniel (sometimes he'd sit in my lap and sometimes not) and read him a story. Daniel likes books with textures. He tries to find the fuzz or ridges in board books that have no special texture.
When I was playing with him before daybreak this morning he walked using a baby walker. I helped him a little bit. then he let go and came to me. It was about six inches. He took one step without the walker and then fell into my arms. I'll take it! Him giving me a hug. Him standing without help. I love seeing it. He hasn't done it since so I guess there are perks to being up way too early with your little one. ;)
Friday, July 4, 2014
Updates Through Blogging
I'm going to try to do this: post daily. I'm not going to worry about how random every sentence is or even worry about complete sentences. Eventually I hope to update everything on here, but we're taking baby steps.
Jet lag is a fierce beast! We're tired around here: all four of us. This is our second day home. Daniel woke up at 3:30 ready to face the day. And he played pretty hard until he crashed at 10:30. He's been sleeping since. Probably not the best way to get into a routine, but he is overly exhausted. He woke up at 11:45 and I thought "great that's his morning nap and he'll take an afternoon nap and be ready for bed. He was screaming so hard (we think because he is tired) I took him back into the bedroom and put him down again. I'm sure too that he is over stimulated and needs sleep. We were told in Beijing our first day of touring that it was his first day outside. Can you imagine all he's attempting to process!
I'm excited about taking the first steps in providing for his needs. He has a comprehensive physical with our pediatrician on the 14th. We've contacted Babies Can't Wait and are waiting for them to call us back to schedule appointments. My understanding is that our pediatrician, Babies Can't Wait, and Children's Healthcare Atl will integrate their work to help form a service plan for our little man.
My understanding is that our ped will test his eyesight and hearing as well as evaluate his development plus much more (I just can't think of what right now) ;). Babies Can't Wait should help us provide him with physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech (I'm not sure if now or down the road with speech). Children's healthcare will help us care for his cleft palate (there will be surgeries...we don't know the details yet) amongst other medical needs.
I am working tirelessly to get unpacked and into a routine. Both of our kiddos need that as do Nathan and I. Speaking of Nathan, I can't imagine life without him. He's a good man. And a good dad. And have I mentioned he has an amazing boss and job? He's off until next Wednesday. This time is really helping us achieve our new normal.
Joshua is happy to be home. He is talking more and more and is so precious playing with his toys. Daniel and Joshua are not interested in the same toys right now. Praise the Lord! So their little parallel play makes it easier to jump back and forth between the two of them.
One thing I did this morning was take the boys outside. You know Jman is all about the outdoors as are his parents. Daniel has never been outside except for touring in China (and that was exhausting). So today I dressed them and took them out (feeling good about that accomplishment)...Daniel was terrified of the grass. I think I pushed him too hard. He calmed down in my lap and we spent the rest of our time outside with Daniel in my lap and Joshua playing with his toys. Albeit one of the times I set him in the grass was because Joshua's cozy coup fell over in the grass with him in it. He needed me and I knew Daniel would be alright, but I had two crying boys for a minute. Joshua was fine after "-o-ee iss it" (Mommy kiss it) and Daniel stopped crying once in my lap again. But they did go for a ride in the wagon so Joshua could pick blueberries. Daniel wasn't smiling but he wasn't crying either and of course Joshua is happy outside.
Babysteps in all things. I looked around and prayed that Daniel would be able to take in God's glorious creation one day. The flowers, the grass, the sunshine, the trees, the sounds of birds and bugs. I'm pretty sure that this day will come, but I'm also pretty sure that we will help him not just through nurture (though that's vital). We'll need professional help as well.
There's a song by Sara Groves "Eye on the Prize." I've hummed it over and over. "The way is slow and we've so far to go...Keep your eyes on the prize...hold on." I feel very close to the Lord right now. Even in the exhaustion. I know that I have two blessing asleep in their bed. I steward blessings for a career. And if suffering comes with the blessing then it's partaking in Christ's suffering which will produce fruit. It's a good life. The Lord will provide for what these boys need. I have to believe that! And I do.
Jet lag is a fierce beast! We're tired around here: all four of us. This is our second day home. Daniel woke up at 3:30 ready to face the day. And he played pretty hard until he crashed at 10:30. He's been sleeping since. Probably not the best way to get into a routine, but he is overly exhausted. He woke up at 11:45 and I thought "great that's his morning nap and he'll take an afternoon nap and be ready for bed. He was screaming so hard (we think because he is tired) I took him back into the bedroom and put him down again. I'm sure too that he is over stimulated and needs sleep. We were told in Beijing our first day of touring that it was his first day outside. Can you imagine all he's attempting to process!
I'm excited about taking the first steps in providing for his needs. He has a comprehensive physical with our pediatrician on the 14th. We've contacted Babies Can't Wait and are waiting for them to call us back to schedule appointments. My understanding is that our pediatrician, Babies Can't Wait, and Children's Healthcare Atl will integrate their work to help form a service plan for our little man.
My understanding is that our ped will test his eyesight and hearing as well as evaluate his development plus much more (I just can't think of what right now) ;). Babies Can't Wait should help us provide him with physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech (I'm not sure if now or down the road with speech). Children's healthcare will help us care for his cleft palate (there will be surgeries...we don't know the details yet) amongst other medical needs.
I am working tirelessly to get unpacked and into a routine. Both of our kiddos need that as do Nathan and I. Speaking of Nathan, I can't imagine life without him. He's a good man. And a good dad. And have I mentioned he has an amazing boss and job? He's off until next Wednesday. This time is really helping us achieve our new normal.
Joshua is happy to be home. He is talking more and more and is so precious playing with his toys. Daniel and Joshua are not interested in the same toys right now. Praise the Lord! So their little parallel play makes it easier to jump back and forth between the two of them.
One thing I did this morning was take the boys outside. You know Jman is all about the outdoors as are his parents. Daniel has never been outside except for touring in China (and that was exhausting). So today I dressed them and took them out (feeling good about that accomplishment)...Daniel was terrified of the grass. I think I pushed him too hard. He calmed down in my lap and we spent the rest of our time outside with Daniel in my lap and Joshua playing with his toys. Albeit one of the times I set him in the grass was because Joshua's cozy coup fell over in the grass with him in it. He needed me and I knew Daniel would be alright, but I had two crying boys for a minute. Joshua was fine after "-o-ee iss it" (Mommy kiss it) and Daniel stopped crying once in my lap again. But they did go for a ride in the wagon so Joshua could pick blueberries. Daniel wasn't smiling but he wasn't crying either and of course Joshua is happy outside.
Babysteps in all things. I looked around and prayed that Daniel would be able to take in God's glorious creation one day. The flowers, the grass, the sunshine, the trees, the sounds of birds and bugs. I'm pretty sure that this day will come, but I'm also pretty sure that we will help him not just through nurture (though that's vital). We'll need professional help as well.
There's a song by Sara Groves "Eye on the Prize." I've hummed it over and over. "The way is slow and we've so far to go...Keep your eyes on the prize...hold on." I feel very close to the Lord right now. Even in the exhaustion. I know that I have two blessing asleep in their bed. I steward blessings for a career. And if suffering comes with the blessing then it's partaking in Christ's suffering which will produce fruit. It's a good life. The Lord will provide for what these boys need. I have to believe that! And I do.
Friday, June 13, 2014
We Leave In Four Days!
And it feels so good to say that! Our bags are pretty well packed. House-sitting is covered. Thank You Lord for bringing us to this point! I don't think I'll have access to our blog or facebook while we're gone, but we are able to use Instagram. This is the conversation I have daily with Joshua:
Me: What are we going to do next week?
Joshua: "ide air-pane get dan-el"
Me: That's right. In four days Daddy, Mommy, and Joshua are going to ride in an airplane to China.
Joshua: air-pane goes up up up...den down down down. Josh-u hug dan-el.
Me: That's sweet, Joshua. "Thank You Jesus for giving Mommy and Daddy Joshua and Dan-el
Joshua: nods yes
I wish I had the ability to see what he's thinking about all of this. He says our suitcases are for China. We packed our "iddle Bible" instead of our "big story Bible." We talk about the adventure that we're going to have over the next two weeks.
God has brought us to this point. It's been two years and nine months since we began working towards and praying over adopting Daniel. We've seen his picture now for six months. We received pictures of him three times over the past six months. We're going to hold him in person in less than a week from now. We are seeing our dreams become reality. The Author and Perfecter of our faith is writing a great story. We're thankful to be a part. And in six days these two brothers will meet. These two we have prayed over for so long. Whether easy or difficult, this brotherhood will be a miracle. It will be just as it should be. We're so glad Joshua gets to go and that the four of us will be together.
We meet Daniel one day after arriving in China, and he will be ours on that day! I'm grateful for this because he will be with us for our entire time in China...touring and everything. I cannot wait to hold him! I can't wait to get to know his little personality. I am so grateful he'll be with us the whole time. I plan on taking tons of pictures (we'll see how that goes ;).
We're scheduled to see:
Me: What are we going to do next week?
Joshua: "ide air-pane get dan-el"
Me: That's right. In four days Daddy, Mommy, and Joshua are going to ride in an airplane to China.
Joshua: air-pane goes up up up...den down down down. Josh-u hug dan-el.
Me: That's sweet, Joshua. "Thank You Jesus for giving Mommy and Daddy Joshua and Dan-el
Joshua: nods yes
I wish I had the ability to see what he's thinking about all of this. He says our suitcases are for China. We packed our "iddle Bible" instead of our "big story Bible." We talk about the adventure that we're going to have over the next two weeks.
God has brought us to this point. It's been two years and nine months since we began working towards and praying over adopting Daniel. We've seen his picture now for six months. We received pictures of him three times over the past six months. We're going to hold him in person in less than a week from now. We are seeing our dreams become reality. The Author and Perfecter of our faith is writing a great story. We're thankful to be a part. And in six days these two brothers will meet. These two we have prayed over for so long. Whether easy or difficult, this brotherhood will be a miracle. It will be just as it should be. We're so glad Joshua gets to go and that the four of us will be together.
We meet Daniel one day after arriving in China, and he will be ours on that day! I'm grateful for this because he will be with us for our entire time in China...touring and everything. I cannot wait to hold him! I can't wait to get to know his little personality. I am so grateful he'll be with us the whole time. I plan on taking tons of pictures (we'll see how that goes ;).
We're scheduled to see:
- The Great Wall
- The Forbidden City
- Tiananmen Square
- Hutong Tour
- An Acrobatic show
Once in Guangzhou (we're we have an appointment with US consulate), we'll continue touring:
- White Cloud
- Park Guangzhou Zoo (This is actually scheduled on Joshua's birthday! So, yay for a birthday zoo trip in China with brother!)
- Shamian Island
We W
We spend one night in Hong Kong, then we're headed home. Though I don't know what communication will be like while gone, I have high hopes of blogging about some of the trip once we're home.
The next picture on this blog will be a family of four! (Also, it is very possible that Joshua thinks we're riding in one of these to go to China. While these are cool and all, praise the Lord for modern transportation!)
The next picture on this blog will be a family of four! (Also, it is very possible that Joshua thinks we're riding in one of these to go to China. While these are cool and all, praise the Lord for modern transportation!)
Praise God from Whom all blessings flow!
Thursday, May 29, 2014
Daniel Charles Qiumeng Thompson
My precious Daniel, here is some of your story on this side of the world. All the days ordained for you were written in His book before one of them came to be.
In September 2011, your Daddy looked at me in the car and said, "What do you think about beginning the process now?" He already knew my answer to that question was yes.
We watched our Heavenly Father over the past two and a half years provide everything needed to bring you home. So many people rallied around us to help...because you are so very loved.
On October 24, 2011, I found out I was pregnant. This too is a part of your story.
It was that year God tapped your heartbeat into existence and has sung melodies over you ever since. (Zephaniah 3:17) Now within three short weeks we will be holding you in our arms.
The day we found out you had a brother, we prayed for you. I wore my necklace with two Chinese symbols that special friends gave me: window to China and the Chinese symbol for mother.
December 5, 2013, we received the call from Bethany Christian Services telling us we have a son. There aren't words to describe the awesomeness of that moment.
Daniel Charles Qiumeng Thompson
We love you, Daniel with a never-stopping, never-giving-up, always and forever love.
Thursday, April 24, 2014
Stand firm...Waiting
Ephesians 6:10-13 "Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might. Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore, take up the full armor of God, so that you will be able to resist in the evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm."
Stand...firm.
This is hard. It's a different kind of hard. This kind of waiting that is. My third trimester with Joshua has nothing on this. I was uncomfortable but my little guy was pressing himself tightly against me. I carried him everywhere I went, and I knew it! There was also a due date (something I will never, ever take for granted again...) Sometimes we could see the imprint of his leg through my belly. This kind of waiting is a unique kind of hard too. It's not a sad kind of hard but exciting and yet very emotional.
We are the parents...we are the advocates...of our precious child who presently is on the other side of the world. And we love him more than words can describe. And it could be months before we travel.
Here's a quote from our portal message today: "Families can expect to travel to China within 6-12 weeks of the DS-260 delivery date, assuming that the process is seamless and no holidays impact or delay travel."
The thought of it being months is hard. I'm hanging onto the hope that it could be sooner because it is possible. It's impossible for me to not hope for sooner.
With that said, a good friend counseled me to be patient with God's timing and not miss the present. So the Scripture above is what I'm claiming to help me do just that. Stand firm. We've done everything folks. There is no more paperwork on our end. Here's what has to take place between now and GOTCHA DAY!
Presently our DS260 (documents for his visa) are in Guanzhou!
We can stand firm and intercede for him. We can trust our sovereign Lord Jesus. We can thank Him for the beauty in today and ask for beauty in Daniel's day. Let me share a little of the beauty now...
We talk to Joshua all of the time about Daniel. When people ask us if he understands that he has a brother, we reply with a kind of "I don't really know." But recently, he's acted more and more like he understands (I mean as much as a 22 month old can). He's shown us on more than one occasion that he understands the relationship between photographs of people and actual people. He even tells me about memories with people when he sees a photo of them.
He carries the little homemade book above and tells us "dis...an-el (Daniel)." He knows which items are his and which are Daniel's. Today when I laid him down for a nap, he pointed to the other crib and again said "dat an-el's bed." I told him, "You're right. Dear Jesus we pray for Daniel right now. Amen. And when Daniel comes home, y'all are going to sleep in here together."
I am now the happy driver of a minivan! I love it! It has the stow-and-go seats which makes for tons of storage space, which obviously I've already used.
Here is a picture of our new favorite...the Bob-da-bidder-ent.
Thank you Lord for today and that every sunrise brings us one day closer.
Stand...firm.
This is hard. It's a different kind of hard. This kind of waiting that is. My third trimester with Joshua has nothing on this. I was uncomfortable but my little guy was pressing himself tightly against me. I carried him everywhere I went, and I knew it! There was also a due date (something I will never, ever take for granted again...) Sometimes we could see the imprint of his leg through my belly. This kind of waiting is a unique kind of hard too. It's not a sad kind of hard but exciting and yet very emotional.
We are the parents...we are the advocates...of our precious child who presently is on the other side of the world. And we love him more than words can describe. And it could be months before we travel.
Here's a quote from our portal message today: "Families can expect to travel to China within 6-12 weeks of the DS-260 delivery date, assuming that the process is seamless and no holidays impact or delay travel."
The thought of it being months is hard. I'm hanging onto the hope that it could be sooner because it is possible. It's impossible for me to not hope for sooner.
With that said, a good friend counseled me to be patient with God's timing and not miss the present. So the Scripture above is what I'm claiming to help me do just that. Stand firm. We've done everything folks. There is no more paperwork on our end. Here's what has to take place between now and GOTCHA DAY!
Presently our DS260 (documents for his visa) are in Guanzhou!
- We await for our Article 5 to be issued to the China Center for Children's Welfare and Adoption
- at which point we await the issuance of the Travel Invitation (TI)
- AND THEN WE TRAVEL!
We can stand firm and intercede for him. We can trust our sovereign Lord Jesus. We can thank Him for the beauty in today and ask for beauty in Daniel's day. Let me share a little of the beauty now...
We talk to Joshua all of the time about Daniel. When people ask us if he understands that he has a brother, we reply with a kind of "I don't really know." But recently, he's acted more and more like he understands (I mean as much as a 22 month old can). He's shown us on more than one occasion that he understands the relationship between photographs of people and actual people. He even tells me about memories with people when he sees a photo of them.
He carries the little homemade book above and tells us "dis...an-el (Daniel)." He knows which items are his and which are Daniel's. Today when I laid him down for a nap, he pointed to the other crib and again said "dat an-el's bed." I told him, "You're right. Dear Jesus we pray for Daniel right now. Amen. And when Daniel comes home, y'all are going to sleep in here together."
I am now the happy driver of a minivan! I love it! It has the stow-and-go seats which makes for tons of storage space, which obviously I've already used.
Here is a picture of our new favorite...the Bob-da-bidder-ent.
Thank you Lord for today and that every sunrise brings us one day closer.
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