tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-65691734454016372012024-03-13T06:35:47.675-07:00ELLISON ESCAPADESA "look see" into the life of a super sized familyStefanihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13752548157803647281noreply@blogger.comBlogger78125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6569173445401637201.post-89190432068180282772012-10-07T18:05:00.002-07:002012-10-07T18:08:21.053-07:00The Odd Life....<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We took our children to see The Odd Life of Timothy Green. I did not understand before we went how much this would be OUR story. Our children too are "something unexpected, our little miracles". We got a great laugh out of Timothy asking the other children, "So you all came from your mother's bellies? How was that?" There was plenty to make us smile.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">There was much to make us brave. You see, Timothy has legs that are different. At first his parents felt that different was something to be ashamed of and to hide. Thankfully, he teaches all around him that different is just, well, different. By the middle of the movie Jaeya was begging for us to buy it. She fully grasped the message that our bodies don't make us who we are and what we can give. Jaeya's body is very different.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">We clearly saw Ammon like qualities in little Timothy as he raised his hands in the air to breathe in the middle of a soccer game. While it was "definitely not normal" it was still a very good thing.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">But as is true life, there was so much to make us cry. Sitting next to Meisyn and holding her hand, I gasped as little Timonthy's leaves started to change. His literal autumn was coming. Just as I have been dreading ours. I quickly guessed what was to happen and it brought such sorrow to my heart anticipating the end. Meisyn would pat my hand assurring me that it would be okay. As we saw where Timothy gifted all his leaves I wondered where Meisyn would gift hers? Ammon? While those leaves couldn't be pasted back onto the trees from which they fell, they could be touched and treasured as the timeless influence of brave Timothy.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"></span><br />
<a href="http://disney.go.com/the-odd-life-of-timothy-green/">http://disney.go.com/the-odd-life-of-timothy-green/</a><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pWKlk9Htxtc/UHInfFKnRqI/AAAAAAAACFk/z09GQCzjsUc/s1600/The+Odd+Life+Of+Timothy+Green.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="227" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pWKlk9Htxtc/UHInfFKnRqI/AAAAAAAACFk/z09GQCzjsUc/s320/The+Odd+Life+Of+Timothy+Green.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Stefanihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13752548157803647281noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6569173445401637201.post-79629442399554030672012-10-07T17:43:00.002-07:002012-10-07T17:43:50.521-07:00Shaolan Turns 11...<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Forever our sweet Shaolan. She came to us in a round about way. We weren't looking for her but she made sure we knew that she was ours.</span> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Never a day goes by that we don't count our blessings that she is an Ellison. She is growing up so quickly. We love you Lan Lan. You have come from an incredibly shy toddler to a confident and crazy funny tweener. If we hadn't witnessed the transformation we would have never believed it.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-N5OscwhSSgk/UHIhBQaJcsI/AAAAAAAACEQ/_o2tG6QNqdw/s1600/Shaolan+birthday+11+presents.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-N5OscwhSSgk/UHIhBQaJcsI/AAAAAAAACEQ/_o2tG6QNqdw/s320/Shaolan+birthday+11+presents.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-76Bo3KihfVA/UHIhHslTyZI/AAAAAAAACEg/TcBPe8_ZBkM/s1600/Shaolan+referral+standing.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-76Bo3KihfVA/UHIhHslTyZI/AAAAAAAACEg/TcBPe8_ZBkM/s320/Shaolan+referral+standing.jpg" width="224" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-58RtWaJdksg/UHIhJuUORGI/AAAAAAAACEo/WksxfyG29Gw/s1600/Shaolan+referral.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-58RtWaJdksg/UHIhJuUORGI/AAAAAAAACEo/WksxfyG29Gw/s320/Shaolan+referral.jpg" width="225" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-f8vXWY_zZQM/UHIhEndi5LI/AAAAAAAACEY/NJlrkJD73Tc/s1600/Shaolan+cake.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-f8vXWY_zZQM/UHIhEndi5LI/AAAAAAAACEY/NJlrkJD73Tc/s320/Shaolan+cake.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--G4TjhBrQhA/UHIg-OQTfGI/AAAAAAAACEI/PJkcxR5Zlu8/s1600/Shaolan+bday+party.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--G4TjhBrQhA/UHIg-OQTfGI/AAAAAAAACEI/PJkcxR5Zlu8/s320/Shaolan+bday+party.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Stefanihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13752548157803647281noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6569173445401637201.post-61002504509400563492012-09-23T13:01:00.001-07:002012-09-23T20:41:31.280-07:00Falling....<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Typically autumn has been my favorite time of year. The visual change in the living preparing for winter slumber, the crispness of the air cooling my cheeks, the coming of early dark, all give me comfort and make me want to burrow in and create of place of coziness.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Not this year. As each leaf changes its color, in the garden of serenity I have planted and nurtured through the late frosts of spring and the blazing desert heat, I am filled with panic. I have an overwhelming desire to collect each leaf and blossom that falls and return it to its perch. I am not ready for winter. In place of the joy and feeling of abundance I usually feel this time of year, I feel dread. I am not ready for winter. Even with the knowledge that...spring WILL come...the cycle of life will continue...joy will return. I am not ready for winter.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Why?? Why this overwhelming meloncholy? Perhaps it is a symbol of my tremendous struggle with Meisyn's condition. I am not ready for her body's winter. I am not ready for her earthly slumber, for the coldness of her cheeks, for the darkness of the huge hole that will nearly collapse my heart.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XMhU5Gj2STY/UF9nwNp_v1I/AAAAAAAACAk/0cgmDAmkjCc/s1600/Meisyn+in+swing.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XMhU5Gj2STY/UF9nwNp_v1I/AAAAAAAACAk/0cgmDAmkjCc/s320/Meisyn+in+swing.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I am not ready for the princess crowns that will be exchanged for angel wings.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WoNcgj01ojY/UF_GfDy9PSI/AAAAAAAACCA/zycE3olt1hI/s1600/meisyn+with+princess+crown.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WoNcgj01ojY/UF_GfDy9PSI/AAAAAAAACCA/zycE3olt1hI/s320/meisyn+with+princess+crown.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BFGiHbP2w1I/UF9nyvvPTqI/AAAAAAAACAs/ZHUzH57KYCo/s1600/meisyn+with+princess+crown.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a> </div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Its so much for me to carry. I thought I had worked through all this conflict as I traveled the grieving process for Ammon's path. But, I clearly see I am not ready for his quirky, love filled soul to leave me either. I am not ready for the storms that must preceed my rainbows. I am not ready for winter.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wLzhqPy1uks/UF9nzQlPqrI/AAAAAAAACA0/eXT7LBUd7QQ/s1600/ammon+and+lan+hugging.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wLzhqPy1uks/UF9nzQlPqrI/AAAAAAAACA0/eXT7LBUd7QQ/s320/ammon+and+lan+hugging.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The other day huge rain clouds gathered and the thunder roared and shook the house. Meisyn shrieked out with anxiety. Ammon quickly comforted, "Otay Meisyn. Wainbow comin'". Where is my faith that the rainbows ARE coming? All I can feel is the foreboding of the devastating storm.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I follow another mother's blog who travels the same broken road that I am on. I will borrow from a post she shared this week. I am trying to get to this point but I am having such a struggle.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"Why would I want to allow the enemy to steal joy from today through my fears of
tomorrow? God will already be there when and IF I arrive! If I carry tomorrow's
burden of pain today, will it make the burden lighter tomorrow? Obviously not!
But Christ will be there tomorrow to help me carry it! So, for today.... I
will choose JOY instead!</span> "<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-f2ZsFRBZbcU/UF_JC2_tlYI/AAAAAAAACC8/HN85-tt8-lo/s1600/family+on+rails+silly+face+caden.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-f2ZsFRBZbcU/UF_JC2_tlYI/AAAAAAAACC8/HN85-tt8-lo/s320/family+on+rails+silly+face+caden.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qUCKXAiJTws/UF_JD_VCPWI/AAAAAAAACDE/X4-kxdfBIng/s1600/family+with+mom+in+pasture.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="293" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qUCKXAiJTws/UF_JD_VCPWI/AAAAAAAACDE/X4-kxdfBIng/s320/family+with+mom+in+pasture.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pQMTH1nl-h4/UF_JGhbqYhI/AAAAAAAACDM/vxeN5-kPzb8/s1600/girls+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pQMTH1nl-h4/UF_JGhbqYhI/AAAAAAAACDM/vxeN5-kPzb8/s320/girls+2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Stefani</span><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Stefanihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13752548157803647281noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6569173445401637201.post-8036017616382671722012-09-15T12:55:00.002-07:002012-09-15T12:55:28.557-07:00SHE WAS HEREI feel sad. Yesterday I was talking to a woman who just lost her beloved 20 year old niece. The child was never able to walk or talk. She had epilepsy too. A respiratory illness took this child. As you can imagine with what Ammie and Meisyn face this really haunts me.<br /><br />Speaking with aunt she shared how much joy this child has brought into their lives and that while they should be glad that she is no longer suffering, they will miss her so very, very much. Today is the funeral. <br />
<br />
While I was out this morning running errands I overhead a group of women I didn't know who were talking about this.<br />
<br />
Woman 1: Oh such a blessing really. What a pitiful life for this child.<br /> Woman 2: Yes a blessing. Such a burden for her family.<br /><br />If I could actually talk about Ammon and Meisyn without sobbing I would have shared what a bright star this child was in the lives of those who knew her. What a gift she gave to all those who shared her life. To this new angel and her family I give my honor and share my sorrow. This child mattered. This life changed the world in such a blessed way. SHE WAS HERE.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i41qWJ6QjPI">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i41qWJ6QjPI</a>Stefanihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13752548157803647281noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6569173445401637201.post-67314926545357864682012-09-06T18:56:00.004-07:002012-09-23T19:28:05.678-07:00Iron County Fair timeWhile the fair is just TOO EXPENSIVE for a large family to do everything they want, we did get to play and have a fun time. Then it was off to Auntie Kim-michelle and Uncle Scott's house for the Labor Day BBQ.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zDcqqTF98OI/UElTwyqLi0I/AAAAAAAAB-0/IsyaSIhmg7M/s1600/jae+and+mei+treasure+hunting.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zDcqqTF98OI/UElTwyqLi0I/AAAAAAAAB-0/IsyaSIhmg7M/s320/jae+and+mei+treasure+hunting.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-waaiI7w_EZc/UElTyEDpFsI/AAAAAAAAB-8/pHLT1n8xtNo/s1600/ammon+and+caden+on+swings.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-waaiI7w_EZc/UElTyEDpFsI/AAAAAAAAB-8/pHLT1n8xtNo/s320/ammon+and+caden+on+swings.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9S2qlUyjMaM/UElTy4TyiUI/AAAAAAAAB_E/gvvyiaq-1pY/s1600/ammon+in+ball.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9S2qlUyjMaM/UElTy4TyiUI/AAAAAAAAB_E/gvvyiaq-1pY/s320/ammon+in+ball.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Nut_ASxHcas/UElUDyXkgJI/AAAAAAAAB_k/lUVdxCbqgJo/s1600/ellison+kids+in+swimming+pool+Labor+Day+2012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a> <a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Q4MOAiquQf8/UElUN3sGQvI/AAAAAAAAB_s/hWeedELAKS8/s1600/makayla+in+ball.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Q4MOAiquQf8/UElUN3sGQvI/AAAAAAAAB_s/hWeedELAKS8/s320/makayla+in+ball.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wxrHU6SlFnI/UF_FJIujFCI/AAAAAAAACBw/uWLpbNyM8aw/s1600/meisyn+with+sheep.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wxrHU6SlFnI/UF_FJIujFCI/AAAAAAAACBw/uWLpbNyM8aw/s320/meisyn+with+sheep.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dhUuWrXfovg/UElT8a1w5QI/AAAAAAAAB_U/wNfdS6NXbQ0/s1600/meisyn+with+sheep.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jJJPDmVJl_w/UElT--pwPDI/AAAAAAAAB_c/gbaEW3x0kJY/s1600/lans+dragonfly.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jJJPDmVJl_w/UElT--pwPDI/AAAAAAAAB_c/gbaEW3x0kJY/s320/lans+dragonfly.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Nut_ASxHcas/UElUDyXkgJI/AAAAAAAAB_k/lUVdxCbqgJo/s1600/ellison+kids+in+swimming+pool+Labor+Day+2012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Nut_ASxHcas/UElUDyXkgJI/AAAAAAAAB_k/lUVdxCbqgJo/s320/ellison+kids+in+swimming+pool+Labor+Day+2012.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
Stefanihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13752548157803647281noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6569173445401637201.post-12330704867417838862012-09-06T18:40:00.002-07:002012-09-23T19:32:49.185-07:00Meisyn Medical StatusWe had our big evaluations with the neuromuscular specialist.<br />
<br />
Meisyn was her usual delightful self. It was just Mama and Meisyn and we had
alot of fun. We still have many things we want to do. I had a chuckle at my
concerns over the darling dimple in Meisyn's left cheek. No worries. She is
just getting FAT! She has gained another 2 pounds in the past 7 weeks. This
explains the fatigue too. She is not used to having to drag all this weight
around and it tuckers her out sometimes. She tips the scales at a whopping 33
lbs now. WAHOO. The specialists would like to see her at the 10% level on the
growth chart. We will have a long way to go to get there.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oyzVZAJ7OvM/UElPe3m_3sI/AAAAAAAAB9k/RDK_7RtF9Gw/s1600/Meisyn+lost+top+tooth+8+25+2012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oyzVZAJ7OvM/UElPe3m_3sI/AAAAAAAAB9k/RDK_7RtF9Gw/s320/Meisyn+lost+top+tooth+8+25+2012.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Severe. I
have learned through the years that hearing this from a doctor is never good.
Meisyn still has many tests to pin down exactly what is going on with her but
she has too many unique things happening that suggest she might have a nerve
disease AND the muscular disease. We won't know for a while yet but it
doesn't really matter as both end the same way. They are both on the same
road but we aren't sure what exit we will be getting off. I asked if it
is possible that Meisyn has just a nerve disease. It is possible
though unlikely and the end result is the same....and whatever it turns out
she has, she is a severe case already.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0ZUdP2nsdw0/UElPc2IeOUI/AAAAAAAAB9c/fST2CLjCcDY/s1600/meisyn+sleep+pose.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0ZUdP2nsdw0/UElPc2IeOUI/AAAAAAAAB9c/fST2CLjCcDY/s320/meisyn+sleep+pose.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pwMMB29blHw/UF_F48xtoAI/AAAAAAAACB4/v729_e6Lyfw/s1600/Meisyn+after+doctor+smoothie+8+23+2012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pwMMB29blHw/UF_F48xtoAI/AAAAAAAACB4/v729_e6Lyfw/s320/Meisyn+after+doctor+smoothie+8+23+2012.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oyzVZAJ7OvM/UElPe3m_3sI/AAAAAAAAB9k/RDK_7RtF9Gw/s1600/Meisyn+lost+top+tooth+8+25+2012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a> </div>
<br />
There will be overall
deterioraton and weakness with Meisyn's body. The flu or a respiratory
illness is<br />
going to be her nemeis by overwhelming her respiratory system. She
is considered medically fragile and if she goes more than 12 hours
without food or drink she needs to be admitted to the hospital and
be administered amino acids directly into her muscles. The
pulmonologist will be seen next and she wll get nightly oxygen set up for
nighttime.<br />
<br />
The specialist would like us to consider again the surgery
for her scoliosis as that bending spine will continue to limit her
lung capacity. Shriners prefers to keep her comfortable and not do
the surgery, let her enjoy the time that she has. I don't know yet what
we will do.<br />
<br />
We will make every day count. We have more princess
dresses to buy. Today she told me she needed a crown. But of course! She told
me on the ride home that she loves America because she can wear dresses
and have long hair. The simple dreams fulfilled of pure hearted little
girl.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5MdhsURiUUg/UElPQaTziHI/AAAAAAAAB9U/PQPnm1WQLmg/s1600/Meisyn+is+always+a+princess+8+22+2012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5MdhsURiUUg/UElPQaTziHI/AAAAAAAAB9U/PQPnm1WQLmg/s320/Meisyn+is+always+a+princess+8+22+2012.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AC185q_FZyc/UElQKbZs5EI/AAAAAAAAB90/c31jjS0ne_E/s1600/Meisyn+swimming+Labor+Day+2012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AC185q_FZyc/UElQKbZs5EI/AAAAAAAAB90/c31jjS0ne_E/s320/Meisyn+swimming+Labor+Day+2012.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cYN68R9adUg/UElQLtnLHDI/AAAAAAAAB98/VmQ4I0d_Ngk/s1600/Meisyn+gets+a+purse+from+cousin+Kasie+9+2+2012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cYN68R9adUg/UElQLtnLHDI/AAAAAAAAB98/VmQ4I0d_Ngk/s320/Meisyn+gets+a+purse+from+cousin+Kasie+9+2+2012.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
<br />Stefanihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13752548157803647281noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6569173445401637201.post-72514348227434125072012-09-06T18:12:00.001-07:002012-09-06T18:32:58.746-07:00So Behind...so very, very behindHow about we catch up in pictures. You can guess what is going on!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xHrC6EhNZZY/UElIgBEX1vI/AAAAAAAAB68/AgQ0geYbupI/s1600/Tai+18+bday.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xHrC6EhNZZY/UElIgBEX1vI/AAAAAAAAB68/AgQ0geYbupI/s320/Tai+18+bday.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7iVkp_-b_vc/UElIl234lqI/AAAAAAAAB7E/GRVZjTIP_vQ/s1600/Lagoon+group.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7iVkp_-b_vc/UElIl234lqI/AAAAAAAAB7E/GRVZjTIP_vQ/s320/Lagoon+group.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-X7CsoKU_6bI/UElInnn8GQI/AAAAAAAAB7M/lZE3cnro6BQ/s1600/Lagoon+roller+coaster.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-X7CsoKU_6bI/UElInnn8GQI/AAAAAAAAB7M/lZE3cnro6BQ/s320/Lagoon+roller+coaster.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EdLbIIvfrV8/UElIsNX_xdI/AAAAAAAAB7U/pZTKKdJpjhQ/s1600/liyah+atv.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="242" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EdLbIIvfrV8/UElIsNX_xdI/AAAAAAAAB7U/pZTKKdJpjhQ/s320/liyah+atv.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hPq5FyDPN48/UElIt3_7zRI/AAAAAAAAB7c/0jFJL8OYWKQ/s1600/ammon+and+lan+on+rock+atv.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hPq5FyDPN48/UElIt3_7zRI/AAAAAAAAB7c/0jFJL8OYWKQ/s320/ammon+and+lan+on+rock+atv.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Then wheelchair fitting....scheduled for pickup Nov 12, 2012<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ryvy4B5GSfA/UElJFARDBAI/AAAAAAAAB7k/bddmTHsn1mY/s1600/jaeya+in+wheelchair+fitting.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ryvy4B5GSfA/UElJFARDBAI/AAAAAAAAB7k/bddmTHsn1mY/s320/jaeya+in+wheelchair+fitting.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PkvvwLuaktY/UElJISp5wcI/AAAAAAAAB7s/QZAgkY1QFE8/s1600/meisyn+wheelchair+fitting.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PkvvwLuaktY/UElJISp5wcI/AAAAAAAAB7s/QZAgkY1QFE8/s320/meisyn+wheelchair+fitting.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kgk-oDJhCmU/UElJKA1GKsI/AAAAAAAAB70/50Pf924D3bQ/s1600/ellison+girls+wheelchair+fitting.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kgk-oDJhCmU/UElJKA1GKsI/AAAAAAAAB70/50Pf924D3bQ/s320/ellison+girls+wheelchair+fitting.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
School starts...Taisha leaves the nest and we MISS HER!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LSCXjuGQasU/UElJTI8XIqI/AAAAAAAAB78/23YvLGFZtMs/s1600/kids+first+day+of+school.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LSCXjuGQasU/UElJTI8XIqI/AAAAAAAAB78/23YvLGFZtMs/s320/kids+first+day+of+school.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9V0yYuTTPM0/UElJjNlW86I/AAAAAAAAB8E/bF5FNYTxTPY/s1600/Tai+goes+to+school.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9V0yYuTTPM0/UElJjNlW86I/AAAAAAAAB8E/bF5FNYTxTPY/s320/Tai+goes+to+school.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Gotta get ready for flu season<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nDxqFQHupQc/UElJ1ta8E_I/AAAAAAAAB8M/3Rhxi1tcQiE/s1600/flu+shots.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nDxqFQHupQc/UElJ1ta8E_I/AAAAAAAAB8M/3Rhxi1tcQiE/s320/flu+shots.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Amd Aaron breaks his wrist. Goodbye football season after one game....</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RiqjUFC-wn0/UElONJEiMSI/AAAAAAAAB9E/mRKEs8-NtVE/s1600/aaron+broken+wrist.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RiqjUFC-wn0/UElONJEiMSI/AAAAAAAAB9E/mRKEs8-NtVE/s320/aaron+broken+wrist.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--89szH9QKz8/UElONpyo52I/AAAAAAAAB9M/n7z1ZqtbZZU/s1600/aaron+sedation.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--89szH9QKz8/UElONpyo52I/AAAAAAAAB9M/n7z1ZqtbZZU/s320/aaron+sedation.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
Stefanihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13752548157803647281noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6569173445401637201.post-77096873027191110092012-07-26T14:48:00.001-07:002012-07-26T14:50:32.935-07:00What? Hospital again??<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Yes, stressful is the way to describe last week. I guess I am recovered enough to finally post about it.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Jaeya and Meisyn spent the week at Shriner's Resort, er, Hospital for Children. We are immensely blessed to be cared for by the kind and generous people of Shriner's. My children adore them as do I.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Jaebird had her first IV pamidronate infusion. We were kept overnight Thursday as it is not uncommon for children on their first dose to spike a fever. Jaebird did great and on Friday late afternoon we were released. By the time we finished Grandma Carol's penny auction and bbq Jae was wilting. She didn't look so good. By Saturday morning she started a fever. Good thing we were prepared. No problem!</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bmiCrUCvP0U/UBG6H7QilSI/AAAAAAAAB2o/WWrhHz3BZ7k/s1600/jae+feeling+blue.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="234" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bmiCrUCvP0U/UBG6H7QilSI/AAAAAAAAB2o/WWrhHz3BZ7k/s320/jae+feeling+blue.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">It was time to go to Grandpa Keith's 80th birthday bash and she had to stay at Grandma's. She didn't feel up to the festivities. We decided to drive home at 8 PM as Jaebird just wanted her own bed after a week away at the hospital. We arrived home at 1 AM. At 3:30 she started projectile vomiting. Again at 5 AM. I was holding her in my lap at about 10:30 AM and she started bobbing her head. Stephen exclaimed, "Stef, she's seizing!" Sure enough Jaebird fell into a full blown grand mal seizure. We had Ammie's diastat handy and administered a dose. On the way to the ER she started vomiting old blood.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Jaeya ended up being admitted to the hospital after having a CT scan and many more blood tests.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fpMVlXDaCvU/UBG6JNXBFgI/AAAAAAAAB2w/hA4I-vvEGSo/s1600/jae+at+ER.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fpMVlXDaCvU/UBG6JNXBFgI/AAAAAAAAB2w/hA4I-vvEGSo/s320/jae+at+ER.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-a5eCIWojBro/UBG6KeHN3AI/AAAAAAAAB24/fZnDMja1XBA/s1600/jaeya+in+hospital.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-a5eCIWojBro/UBG6KeHN3AI/AAAAAAAAB24/fZnDMja1XBA/s320/jaeya+in+hospital.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It is unknown what exactly caused her seizure but it was likely a reaction to the pamidronate. When I told Jaeya today that we go back to Shriner's in 5 more days she whined and hid her arm behind her back. NO MORE IV's! Nope, I assured her. This time she and Meisyn are going to be fitted for their new POWER CHAIRS. Daytona better watch out.</span>Stefanihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13752548157803647281noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6569173445401637201.post-67766645659306619602012-07-10T20:40:00.000-07:002012-07-10T20:55:52.300-07:00Who knew we would be so lucky with Meisyn's care?<div id="division">
As we walk Meisyn's medical maze we see that while we did not know, did not have an inkling of what her medical issues would involve, there was direction in where Meisyn landed in a family.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
We had more specialists to visit today. We will also get to visit a pulmonologist. Meisyn's muscles around her lungs aren't so spectacular. She starts her training with an occupational therapist on Thursday. She and Jaeya both had 4 vials of blood drawn for more tests than I can remember. You can see from their pictures how brave they tried to be. What warrior girls!</div>
<div>
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MrCBbL_QCUI/T_zxZTMc32I/AAAAAAAAB2U/oSkPx3pJq9Q/s1600/meisyn+blood+draw.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MrCBbL_QCUI/T_zxZTMc32I/AAAAAAAAB2U/oSkPx3pJq9Q/s320/meisyn+blood+draw.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NANpT2cjKe0/T_zxacm35uI/AAAAAAAAB2c/3RcbczWh-5M/s1600/jaeya+blood+draw.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NANpT2cjKe0/T_zxacm35uI/AAAAAAAAB2c/3RcbczWh-5M/s320/jaeya+blood+draw.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
Meisyn also will have to have a muscle strength test done under sedation at Primary Children's Medical Center. They will at the same time pull her 5 rotten teeth out. With her lungs the way they are, sedation is more dangerous for her than for other children.<br />
</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
Collagen IV myopathies are not common...and yet....and yet....we have learned that one of the leading researchers and experts in this specific field....is...in....our...backyard. I have pasted his bio below. Dr. Butterfield is going to be a most important person in our journey. "His current efforts are in characterization of genotype/phenotype relationships and molecular pathogenesis in collagen VI myopathies. He has an interest in all types of neurogenetic and neuromuscular disorders with an emphasis on muscular dystrophies of childhood onset."<br />
</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
How did a child with rare collagen VI muscular dystrophy end up in UTAH with an expert in this field as her doctor???? One of those tender mercies that confirm our Meisyn is meant to be here.<br />
</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
Jaeya sees the geneticist, nutritionist, audiologist, and OI specialist again tomorrow. Then she begins her first pamidronate IV treatment on Thursday. Caden will be infused in one day but because Jaeya is so tiny she will take two days. They prefer to do it over a three day period but as we live 4 hours from the hospital have shortened it to two. She also has a referral to the endocronologist. <br />
</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
Upon finishing day one of our four day medical treatment marathon, Jaeya declared, "Oh my goodness! Too much doctor! Jaeya no like so much doctor!" It got even better when she finally understood that the 5 vials we brought home are for her stool specimens. She wrinkled her face and said, "Really?? Really, really? Why doctor want? Doctor eat it???? Oh my goodness, oh my goodness. That disussing! (disgusting)" She just cracks me up. At the blood draw the nurse made a big deal of Meisyn being such a big girl and not crying. Jaeya was her typical anxiety ridden self and worried it would be "oooochy". When the nurse asked, "Are you going to be a big girl too?" Jaeya promptly replied, "NO! Jaeya no big. Jaeya velly, velly small girl". But she ended up doing awesome and didn't cry. The worry always eats her up more than the reality.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
So tomorrow we shall see what day 2 brings us.</div>
<div id="content">
<h1>
Russell Butterfield, MD, PhD</h1>
<div id="breadcrumb">
<a href="http://medicine.utah.edu/neurology/index.htm">Neurology Home</a><a href="http://medicine.utah.edu/neurology/faculty/index.htm">Faculty & Staff</a>Russell Butterfield, MD, PhD</div>
<style type="text/css">
/*<![CDATA[*/
/*]]>*/
</style>
<style type="text/css">
/*<![CDATA[*/
/*]]>*/
</style>
<br />
<h2>
Instructor, Departments of Neurology and Pediatrics</h2>
<br />
<b><img align="right" alt="butterfield" hspace="5" src="http://medicine.utah.edu/neurology/images/Butterfieldweb.jpg" />Education</b><br />
<ul>
<li>BS (Microbiology), Brigham Young University</li>
<li>MD (Medicine), University of Illinois</li>
<li>PhD (Genetics), University of Illinois</li>
<li>Residency-Pediatrics; University of Utah, School of Medicine</li>
<li>Residency-Child Neurology; University of Utah, School of Medicine</li>
</ul>
<b>Clinical Interests</b><br />
Pediatric neurology, neuromuscular disorders, neurogenetics, metabolic and mitochondrial disorders<br />
<b>Research Interests</b><br />
Genetic aspects of disorders of muscle including myopathies and muscular dystrophies, with particular interest in collagen VI myopathies (Ullrich congenital muscular dystrophy and Bethlem myopathy)<br />
<b>Biography</b><br />
Dr. Russell Butterfield is an Instructor in the Departments of Pediatrics and Neurology at the University Of Utah School Of Medicine. After receiving his B.S. in Microbiology from Brigham Young University, he joined the Medical Scholars Program at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. He completed his PhD training in mammalian genetics, studying genetic aspects of organ-specific autoimmunity. After completion of medical school he moved west to the University of Utah, School of Medicine where he completed training in Pediatrics and Child Neurology. <br />
<br />
Dr. Butterfield is a Muscular Dystrophy Association Fellow under the Clinical Research Training Grant, supporting his study of neuromuscular disorders. His current efforts are in characterization of genotype/phenotype relationships and molecular pathogenesis in collagen VI myopathies. He has an interest in all types of neurogenetic and neuromuscular disorders with an emphasis on muscular dystrophies of childhood onset.</div>Stefanihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13752548157803647281noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6569173445401637201.post-22907955756980163472012-07-05T18:52:00.000-07:002012-07-05T19:06:43.615-07:00Citizens Red, White and Blue<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jqg_mgJuAOo/T_Y_kONXGxI/AAAAAAAAB08/dXJBHn26MCc/s1600/citizenship+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="246" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jqg_mgJuAOo/T_Y_kONXGxI/AAAAAAAAB08/dXJBHn26MCc/s320/citizenship+2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">"Dear Fellow American:</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> </span> <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">You now share in a great experiment: a nation dedicated to the ideal that all of us are created equal, a nation with profound respect for individual rights. the United States is a land of unparalleled natural beauty, vast opportunity, and freedom. It is home to people who have been drawn to our shores from all over the world and who share a common love for life and liberty.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> Please join me in devoting your hopes, your prayers, your energies, and your labor to our common good and to the future of this wonderful country. Together we must strive to safeguard the freedoms we hold so dear, not only for ourselves but for future generations." </span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8uyxuxV0eJE/T_Y_vsRlJMI/AAAAAAAAB1Y/aGCwr8mR6DA/s1600/meisyn+with+flag.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8uyxuxV0eJE/T_Y_vsRlJMI/AAAAAAAAB1Y/aGCwr8mR6DA/s320/meisyn+with+flag.jpg" width="258" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Our newest American Ellisons celebrated their first Independence Day with stars, stripes, and sparkles. No sparklers, too dry and fire danger is too high. So the sparkles and glitter took their place. Jaeya and Meisyn still aren't quite sure what it all means but they will. May God continue to shed his grace on America, land that we LOVE and HONOR.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kCpOMbgUXWo/T_Y_oHtHlRI/AAAAAAAAB1E/08ZxUB1v4Ns/s1600/jaeya+moms+fav.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="243" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kCpOMbgUXWo/T_Y_oHtHlRI/AAAAAAAAB1E/08ZxUB1v4Ns/s320/jaeya+moms+fav.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LQtuPzy74_Q/T_Y_sJJkI5I/AAAAAAAAB1M/1tUTXnltsAM/s1600/jaeya+on+rock.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="319" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LQtuPzy74_Q/T_Y_sJJkI5I/AAAAAAAAB1M/1tUTXnltsAM/s320/jaeya+on+rock.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_IceWmFvVeU/T_Y_bjR8LoI/AAAAAAAAB0s/LOScHWKnJ3c/s1600/SANY0274.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_IceWmFvVeU/T_Y_bjR8LoI/AAAAAAAAB0s/LOScHWKnJ3c/s320/SANY0274.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FUBtU4Z0siw/T_Y_eOJrnBI/AAAAAAAAB00/HIOS09ZTl_g/s1600/SANY0293.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FUBtU4Z0siw/T_Y_eOJrnBI/AAAAAAAAB00/HIOS09ZTl_g/s320/SANY0293.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YbV5ooUTXjk/T_Y_z0pYb5I/AAAAAAAAB1g/Y2yqDco5r8U/s1600/on+bench+perfect.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YbV5ooUTXjk/T_Y_z0pYb5I/AAAAAAAAB1g/Y2yqDco5r8U/s320/on+bench+perfect.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tIAmwf3b1YU/T_ZH_OZ7gNI/AAAAAAAAB14/nIutksZ5R_8/s1600/meisyn+huge+smile.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tIAmwf3b1YU/T_ZH_OZ7gNI/AAAAAAAAB14/nIutksZ5R_8/s320/meisyn+huge+smile.jpg" width="271" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LA6tov72Jjw/T_ZICaP4u8I/AAAAAAAAB2A/A_w0Csf4JWs/s1600/meisyn+on+rocks+closeup.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LA6tov72Jjw/T_ZICaP4u8I/AAAAAAAAB2A/A_w0Csf4JWs/s320/meisyn+on+rocks+closeup.jpg" width="243" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-v7vC7hlSI0A/T_ZIGahZB4I/AAAAAAAAB2I/CQWnyrru43Q/s1600/usa+cake.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-v7vC7hlSI0A/T_ZIGahZB4I/AAAAAAAAB2I/CQWnyrru43Q/s320/usa+cake.jpg" width="317" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />Stefanihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13752548157803647281noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6569173445401637201.post-12673637629249838142012-07-03T15:56:00.000-07:002012-07-03T16:19:53.897-07:00CADEN TURNS 12 :)<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">He has a birthday shout hooray!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">We're gonna sing to you today!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">One day older and wiser too</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Happy Birthday, to YOU!</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Caden reached his long awaited 12th birthday on July 2. Why does 12 seem so much older than 11? He joins our 7 children between 12-19 years old who, along with their friends and the "littler siblings", keep our home filled and pantry empty. What fun we have at our house.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4BFC6-sSpFU/T_N3sQEA9lI/AAAAAAAAB0E/Ke_IRAH8LaQ/s1600/caden+12+bday.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4BFC6-sSpFU/T_N3sQEA9lI/AAAAAAAAB0E/Ke_IRAH8LaQ/s320/caden+12+bday.jpg" width="302" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-I3TbmA3wsIM/T_N3yql_fVI/AAAAAAAAB0U/Qqr0XCNtaLQ/s1600/caden+blowing+out+candles.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-I3TbmA3wsIM/T_N3yql_fVI/AAAAAAAAB0U/Qqr0XCNtaLQ/s320/caden+blowing+out+candles.jpg" width="205" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">We are so proud of our Caden. He is kind, compassionate, FUN, devoted, curious, and baby Liyah's very favorite playmate. We are thanking our lucky stars that he found his way into our family. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Caden doesn't like cake so this year we improvised and made an ice cream pyramid with ice cream sandwiches. The kids helped roll them in sprinkles and topped them with candles. Handed them out and had nothing to clean up. SWEEEEEEET!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9crct5jHvXg/T_N3vXlq6kI/AAAAAAAAB0M/GDx4HuhRRu0/s1600/caden+bday+cake.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="268" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9crct5jHvXg/T_N3vXlq6kI/AAAAAAAAB0M/GDx4HuhRRu0/s320/caden+bday+cake.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></span>Stefanihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13752548157803647281noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6569173445401637201.post-5293527478945247782012-06-15T22:39:00.000-07:002012-06-16T10:38:54.762-07:00JAEYA'S ORTHOPEDIC EVALUATION<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Jaeya had her full exam with our trusted and long time orthopedic doctors Santora and Pond.</span> <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">They have been with us since Lan came home in 2004 and treat Caden. Dr. Santora was the one to repair his frightfully broken femur last August. He also did Lan's amputation. We adore him.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Jaeya had twelve x-rays and has every part of her body on film and in the Shriner's computer. She was her typically worried self and at the repositioning of each shot had to be assured <br />THIS POSE would not be ouchy. Each time a new doctor or part of the team walked in she had to also be comforted that this person would not hurt her. So, to get a picture of her smiling like this with Dr. Pond is so telling of her relief and trust in him.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-syFLUjdzXgE/T9wWXDND_OI/AAAAAAAABzE/MJsrp8hrIuE/s1600/jaeya+smiling+with+doctor+pond.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-syFLUjdzXgE/T9wWXDND_OI/AAAAAAAABzE/MJsrp8hrIuE/s400/jaeya+smiling+with+doctor+pond.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FudojrVNDd4/T9wWhK9WU8I/AAAAAAAABzM/TA8w8fmX8v0/s1600/jaeya+full+body+shot.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FudojrVNDd4/T9wWhK9WU8I/AAAAAAAABzM/TA8w8fmX8v0/s320/jaeya+full+body+shot.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--JJo9jtAoQ8/T9wW_3dWF1I/AAAAAAAABzc/Zd_UnRSyPt8/s1600/jaeya+xray+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TYqM_zhrAEw/T9wWlPyDw9I/AAAAAAAABzU/xXdgMkjex-o/s320/jayea+not+ouchy.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">We found that Jaebird has gained 2 lbs since her adoption physical in Guangzhou on March 31. WHOOOOWEE! She now tips the scales at 29 lbs. Meisyn was truly delighted to find that she is 30 lbs and bigger than Jaeya. Older sister was not at all impressed with this.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Jaeya likely has Type III osteo-genesis imperfecta (OI) which is the most deforming and debilitating after Type II which is lethal before, during, or shortly after birth. We will know for certain when the test results come back. That did not come as a surprise. We suspected that before her adoption. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">These are the markers for Type III </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span><strong><em>Type III</em></strong></span></span><br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span>Bones fracture easily. Fractures often present at birth, and x-rays may reveal healed fractures that occurred before birth.</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span>Short stature.</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span>Sclera have a blue, purple, or gray tint.</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span>Loose joints and poor muscle development in arms and legs.</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span>Barrel-shaped rib cage.</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span>Triangular face. </span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span>Spinal curvature.</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span>Respiratory problems possible.</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span>Bone deformity, often severe.</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span>Brittle teeth possible.</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span>Hearing loss possible.</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span>Collagen improperly formed.</span></span></li>
</ul>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Jaeya's knee caps are on the sides of her knees. Uh, that is not so good for bending. Her knees cannot extend more than 45 degrees. Her right arm is much shorter than her left due to a previous fracture. Her elbows do not extend. They are permanently bent at 90 degrees. She has scoliosis.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Jaeya has significant bowing of all her limbs. Before or during birth she appears to have broken her pelvis and it has never been repaired. Her muscles have been contracted for so long that it has caused permanent damage. It was our hope that through rodding surgeries and extensive PT that Jaeya would be able to walk independently.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--jo2bu3390s/T9wfwpjEwzI/AAAAAAAABzw/eMW7ljF-s-s/s1600/jaeya+xray+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--jo2bu3390s/T9wfwpjEwzI/AAAAAAAABzw/eMW7ljF-s-s/s320/jaeya+xray+1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">After manipulating Jaeya's limbs and reviewing her xrays the specialists feel that putting her through all the pain of the countless surgeries that would be required for a minimal chance to be able to walk "would be folly". The amount of pain for minimal gain is likely not worth it. The muscles have been contracted for so long that messing with them could cause nerve damage that can result in paralysis or constant and significant pain. My husband deals with neuropathy and we don't want to see her go through that.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">So, the plan for Jaeya is to have pamidronate IV treatments. She will have titanium rods implanted only after a serious break not as a preventative measure. She will be fitted for a power chair so that she can remain safe, comfortable, and mobile.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> </span><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9wzMhMUH8bM/T9wfyCaoUAI/AAAAAAAABz4/LReZB4BcKQE/s1600/jaeya+xray+sitting+up.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9wzMhMUH8bM/T9wfyCaoUAI/AAAAAAAABz4/LReZB4BcKQE/s320/jaeya+xray+sitting+up.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">It was disheartening to hear that Jaeya will likely need a wheelchair for the rest of her life. She has been tremendously worried about being in pain from surgery and the doctors "breaking" her. We don't want to put her through the trauma if the results will be minimal. I do have to smile to think of her zipping around in her power chair. Watch out world. Jaeya wants to experience you!</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Perspective is a funny thing. As I entered Shriners I would have been so disappointed to know the prognosis that was given to us just hours later. But, by then we had Meisyn's tentative diagnosis. Jaeya may not walk, but, SHE WILL LIVE. </span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>Stefanihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13752548157803647281noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6569173445401637201.post-6949354982568477882012-06-15T22:01:00.003-07:002012-06-15T22:05:37.370-07:00BLING...can never have enough<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Meisyn has bling. Permanent bling. She got her ears pierced and can now wear ear pretties. This sealed the deal for her love of America. She told me that in China only big people can have pierced ears. America is good, good, GOOD!</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZT9mLCVUS58/T9wShfGZgvI/AAAAAAAAByw/WhcFEuGqpFM/s1600/meisyn+ears+pierced.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZT9mLCVUS58/T9wShfGZgvI/AAAAAAAAByw/WhcFEuGqpFM/s320/meisyn+ears+pierced.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Meisyn apparently has terrible eyesight we have learned. She picked out purple frames with colorful butterflies on the sides. Imagine, LOL! As we left the office and entered the world she was full of oooooohs and whoaaaaaas as there was a world she could define!</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OgsfuSQtuCg/T9wS36xXawI/AAAAAAAABy4/jAiEszOuSqE/s1600/meisyn+new+glasses.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OgsfuSQtuCg/T9wS36xXawI/AAAAAAAABy4/jAiEszOuSqE/s320/meisyn+new+glasses.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Now she has her very first loose tooth. She assures me she is leaving babyhood behind. Don't grow up so fast my dear girl.</span>Stefanihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13752548157803647281noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6569173445401637201.post-85241897193154608282012-06-10T17:21:00.000-07:002012-06-10T18:08:54.217-07:00PIERCED<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0Emid1Bk5Jw/T9VFFty1ZGI/AAAAAAAAByk/upIHiBD-1Tg/s1600/meisyn+and+makayla.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0Emid1Bk5Jw/T9VFFty1ZGI/AAAAAAAAByk/upIHiBD-1Tg/s320/meisyn+and+makayla.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">We have the summer calendar cleared. We were ready for months of surgeries, castings, recovery and physical therapy. Suddenly we now have an eerily empty schedule and I am utterly lost and unprepared.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RF3tYRelvkM/T9U7YzROABI/AAAAAAAABxw/Xsapjf1frmk/s1600/meisyn+and+dr+pond.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RF3tYRelvkM/T9U7YzROABI/AAAAAAAABxw/Xsapjf1frmk/s320/meisyn+and+dr+pond.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">We took Jaeya and Meisyn to our long awaited Shriner's Hospital appointment to finally get their evaluations along with the medical plan for their futures. It sounds so strange to be devastatingly disappointed that there will be no surgery for Meisyn to repair her dislocated hips. There will be no spica body cast to keep those hips in place as she recovers. There will be no leg braces to support legs for walking. There will be no back brace to keep her crooked spine straight. There will be none of this. Instead there will be priority given to three things:</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">1. Her comfort</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">2. Her safety</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">3. Her mobility</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">For Meisyn this will mean that she will be fitted for a motorized wheelchair. Won't she adore having the ability to zoom herself around? She will LOVE that chair. It will take me some time but I will get to the point that I will love that chair too. But right now, it symbolizes to me overwhelming sadness and loss. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I want to plead, "Tell me she has severe scoliosis. Please say that I will need to find a way to lug Meisyn around in her cumbersome spica cast. Tell me that she even has an enclosed form of spina bifida. But don't repeatedly pull her skin and let me hear you tell the other doctor that you suspect she has Collagen 6.</span>"<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">That is how it went. When I heard Dr. Pond tell the other attending doctor that he believes she has Collagen 6, I blurted out, "I don't want it to be Collagen 6". Dr. Pond looked up surprised and questioned, "You know about Collagen 6?" I replied that another little girl from China had just been diagnosed with Collegen 6 about 4 weeks ago and I have been in communication with her mother. Collagen 6 is a rare form of muscular dystrophy. These are the markers:</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">1. Congenital muscle weakness</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">2. proximal joint contractures</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">3. hyperextensible limbs</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">4. scoliosis</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">5. hip dislocation </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">6. protruded heel bones</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">7. Low weight and height</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">8. normal intelligence </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Meisyn has all the markers. Each one. And the prognosis?</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">"Repiratory failure in the first and second decade of life is a common cause of death. Most die of respiratory failure in their first decade. No individuals with this form of muscular dystrophy have been known to reproduce."</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">It will take some time to have the muscle biopsies back the metabolic tests completed but in my heart I feel this is the answer. This is what my precious baby girl has been born with and will ultimately die from. Our Shriners doctors stated, "It is possible that Meisyn has a metabolic disorder or a myopathy but it is likely muscular dystrophy. Unless the tests come back to conclusively prove the contrary, she is considered to have muscular dystrophy." Makayla refuses to consider any such diagnosis until the tests prove it.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I have decided to allow myself to grieve now and if by some miracle the tests come back showing something else less devastating, then I can rejoice. For me, I can't put myself through months of hoping, hoping, hoping it is not Collagen 6 to have my hopes shattered if it is.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">We have decided to live every minute with a fun list at hand. We spent the weekend swimming, shopping, going to her first movie, freezing our behinds off at the summer parade, and even adopted a shelter dog that I DO NOT NEED but that Meisyn adores. Right this minute Makayla has taken Meisyn to get her ear pretties she has longed for since the minute she saw Makayla's sparkly earrings. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Meisyn heard me crying at the computer as she approached my office. Soon I could hear her sobbing. She knew Mommy was sad and it made her sad too. She doesn't understand why I am crying. Her sweet, compassionate heart just wanted me not to cry. But if I had too she would join me. Makayla scooped her up for me and she and Shayna have gone to get her ears pierced. I am certain it will hurt a whole lot less than the piercing in my heart.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">We know we will lose Ammon far too soon. And now we must likely do the same with Meisyn. How much can a heart take? I am afraid I will have to find out.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-I_Lkpt4A00g/T9U7bwbYuYI/AAAAAAAABx4/XMUZQQnm-a4/s1600/kids+at+temple.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-I_Lkpt4A00g/T9U7bwbYuYI/AAAAAAAABx4/XMUZQQnm-a4/s320/kids+at+temple.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ihIqMeSyZrA/T9U7qQY_tAI/AAAAAAAAByA/vZkrh18B3Pw/s1600/city+creek+fountain.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ihIqMeSyZrA/T9U7qQY_tAI/AAAAAAAAByA/vZkrh18B3Pw/s320/city+creek+fountain.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tan7gvW2E2k/T9U7sly7K6I/AAAAAAAAByI/TAT7a5SHox4/s1600/kids+at+reflecting+pool.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tan7gvW2E2k/T9U7sly7K6I/AAAAAAAAByI/TAT7a5SHox4/s320/kids+at+reflecting+pool.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Or3GFlm9f2o/T9U7vVLfbWI/AAAAAAAAByQ/t9fs3kHwhMw/s1600/parade+in+bag.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Or3GFlm9f2o/T9U7vVLfbWI/AAAAAAAAByQ/t9fs3kHwhMw/s320/parade+in+bag.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BNVgsosiJbw/T9U71PHNyNI/AAAAAAAAByY/jXoGESblCag/s1600/summer+parade.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BNVgsosiJbw/T9U71PHNyNI/AAAAAAAAByY/jXoGESblCag/s320/summer+parade.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Stefanihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13752548157803647281noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6569173445401637201.post-76033795477234457142012-05-30T12:37:00.000-07:002012-05-30T13:12:53.898-07:00A Girl And A ChairThere was a girl who had a chair. The chair supported her as she watched the world go by. Year after year she sat in the background and waited.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-a5boSuOzEa8/T8Z0uBlmpEI/AAAAAAAABww/j9vly2Bi1SQ/s1600/jaeya+alone+on+chair.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-a5boSuOzEa8/T8Z0uBlmpEI/AAAAAAAABww/j9vly2Bi1SQ/s1600/jaeya+alone+on+chair.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1VaJPQ4vS8w/T8Z_Ll4Mu-I/AAAAAAAABxk/E-7qf-wQ1UQ/s1600/Age+9+big+smiles+in+the+courtyard.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1VaJPQ4vS8w/T8Z_Ll4Mu-I/AAAAAAAABxk/E-7qf-wQ1UQ/s320/Age+9+big+smiles+in+the+courtyard.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zkJoPqS1lPk/T8Z00LnvlUI/AAAAAAAABw4/aua9GxyQDmE/s1600/jeaya+closeup+2006.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zkJoPqS1lPk/T8Z00LnvlUI/AAAAAAAABw4/aua9GxyQDmE/s320/jeaya+closeup+2006.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Then an amazing thing happened. She was adopted!! Now her beloved family and gentle new friends support her. Life has opened and she is free to experience the joys of the world. Still a girl and a chair, but not the same girl. No, not the same at all.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2e8AiBQOC2w/T8Z2jyWavmI/AAAAAAAABxA/hk9Uq5UegwU/s1600/jaeya+wet+at+field+day+big+smile.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2e8AiBQOC2w/T8Z2jyWavmI/AAAAAAAABxA/hk9Uq5UegwU/s320/jaeya+wet+at+field+day+big+smile.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yB3W9MW89ro/T8Z4UvC3aNI/AAAAAAAABxQ/-4jFkgb17ZU/s1600/jaeya+wet+girl+and+her+chair.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yB3W9MW89ro/T8Z4UvC3aNI/AAAAAAAABxQ/-4jFkgb17ZU/s320/jaeya+wet+girl+and+her+chair.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PJzkNmYj9sI/T8Z-_Oz8MbI/AAAAAAAABxc/XZPSaqrQyoQ/s1600/jaeya+in+wheelchair.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PJzkNmYj9sI/T8Z-_Oz8MbI/AAAAAAAABxc/XZPSaqrQyoQ/s320/jaeya+in+wheelchair.jpg" width="210" /></a></div>
<br />Stefanihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13752548157803647281noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6569173445401637201.post-63401250262993173732012-05-28T10:07:00.000-07:002012-05-28T10:07:51.195-07:00Thank you Brandon!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ux2IXF4aaf4/T8OwgvdZgHI/AAAAAAAABwk/bq25iS_EUCQ/s1600/brandon+military.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ux2IXF4aaf4/T8OwgvdZgHI/AAAAAAAABwk/bq25iS_EUCQ/s1600/brandon+military.jpg" /></a></div><h6 class="uiStreamMessage" data-ft="{"type":1,"tn":"K"}" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3}">The Ellison's wish to extend our deepest gratitude to all the service personnel who sacrifice so much so that we are free. Through their dedication we have the choices to build our family. We have the hugely blessed life we lead today. </span></span></h6><h6 class="uiStreamMessage" data-ft="{"type":1,"tn":"K"}" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3}"> We especially shout out to BRANDON ELLISON, the eldest Ellison child, who has shown through the past 13 years as a professional army man what it is to be brave and loyal. Brandon has been deployed numerous times in the Special Forces and has been in dangerous situations. We are grateful he has remained safe. Thank you for keeping us safe too Brandon!! </span></span></h6><h6 class="uiStreamMessage" data-ft="{"type":1,"tn":"K"}" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3}">May you continue jump out of airplanes and soar with the eagles.</span></span></h6>Stefanihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13752548157803647281noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6569173445401637201.post-35225875015751979402012-05-25T17:16:00.001-07:002012-05-25T17:32:26.773-07:00We have a graduate!!<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
Back when I knew everything (before parenting a teenager) I took it for granted that graduating from high school was just a given. I have learned that this achievement needs to truly be celebrated. So, I whole heartedly applaud my daughter Taisha who graduated with academic honors from Cedar High School last night. That is a major accomplishment for anyone but particularly one who is hard of hearing.</div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dPWjtXDG-n0/T8AfJFcY_II/AAAAAAAABwI/LEmYnB0gT4g/s1600/grad+tai.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="318" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dPWjtXDG-n0/T8AfJFcY_II/AAAAAAAABwI/LEmYnB0gT4g/s320/grad+tai.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sDfBvT8KAew/T8AfDfGGFHI/AAAAAAAABv4/Pzhxe-9pIhQ/s1600/grad+grandma.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sDfBvT8KAew/T8AfDfGGFHI/AAAAAAAABv4/Pzhxe-9pIhQ/s320/grad+grandma.jpg" width="320" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-I-ZoHqhfnG8/T8AfCPYjtNI/AAAAAAAABvw/3RRXA1yA5R0/s1600/grad+family.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-I-ZoHqhfnG8/T8AfCPYjtNI/AAAAAAAABvw/3RRXA1yA5R0/s320/grad+family.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Lucida Sans Unicode"; font-size: 9.5pt;">Taisha
first entered our family 16 years ago and has continued to bloom into a gentle hearted but iron willed young woman. She stands up for the weak, for the lonely,
for the people who others may not notice.
The little girl who was once labeled unable to speak has found her voice
and uses it to make the world a more fair and honest place. Because she has trouble hearing she has had
to learn to listen very carefully and watch the world. She sees so many things
the rest of us miss. She may have
trouble hearing but she can truly listen.
We have yet to see all the great changes in the world she will continue
to make. She has an academic scholarship
waiting for her at the university. A
child whose feet once padded along the rural banks of the river Yangtze now
will walk the halls of academia. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Lucida Sans Unicode"; font-size: 9.5pt;">Why did
destiny require that she leave her native China and be grafted from one family
tree to another? We don’t know. What we do know is that she is a child of two
great cultures. She carries the gifts
that came from the countless generations of Mandarin ancestors before her and
shares them at this time with the world when those gifts are sorely needed.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1hhjChwb96Q/T8AfGrB_4gI/AAAAAAAABwA/OYMmFDPAsiE/s1600/grad+snow+bunnies.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="228" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1hhjChwb96Q/T8AfGrB_4gI/AAAAAAAABwA/OYMmFDPAsiE/s320/grad+snow+bunnies.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IBouI-ohaFM/T8Aba1iJZAI/AAAAAAAABvU/QS2kjVYqOAc/s1600/SANY0030.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IBouI-ohaFM/T8Aba1iJZAI/AAAAAAAABvU/QS2kjVYqOAc/s320/SANY0030.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6kyHXbQ_enM/T8AfnvVk_II/AAAAAAAABwQ/k08ukU8Tz78/s1600/grad+mom.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="280" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6kyHXbQ_enM/T8AfnvVk_II/AAAAAAAABwQ/k08ukU8Tz78/s320/grad+mom.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
We adore and admire you Miss Taisha. The very first night she was with us in a hotel room in Wuhan, China, she grabbed onto Daddy's t-shirt and held on all night. She wouldn't let go. Now it is our time to let her go and we don't know how we are going to do that. She is going to create a spectacular life.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-a3ByD5n1F00/T8Afp5Vqi6I/AAAAAAAABwY/cw75ljJK91A/s1600/grad+rob.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-a3ByD5n1F00/T8Afp5Vqi6I/AAAAAAAABwY/cw75ljJK91A/s320/grad+rob.jpg" width="201" /></a></div>
<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
Robert is the next "graduate in waiting". We are counting on you to get us to the next graduation ceremony Robbie.</div>Stefanihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13752548157803647281noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6569173445401637201.post-87286599342875568222012-05-22T15:00:00.002-07:002012-05-22T15:02:19.345-07:00MRI results.....We got the call from the neurologist this morning about Meisyn's sedated brain and spine MRI taken taken last week. Much to everyone's surprise it is basically NORMAL. There is a retina/brain concern that comes out of left field. We have been referred to our pediatric opthomologist who has put glasses on most of the Ellison children already. Jaeya needs to go too because she goes cross eyed...ALOT.<br />
<br />
There is also Meisyn's severe scoliosis that shows up on the MRI but we already knew that was there.<br />
<br />
So, it is now Shriner's turn to figure out what may be the reason for MEISYN's complete floppiness from the waist down as well the contracture of her hands. We see Shriners on 6/7. I am so grateful that it doesn't appear to be any degenerative muscle or brain issue but we are still absolutely stumped by our little Meisyn's medical needs.<br />
<br />
I am very anxious to see Jaeya's full body x-rays. The outside clearly shows years of broken bones. The inside will be stunningly revealing I believe.Stefanihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13752548157803647281noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6569173445401637201.post-65056841101664567622012-05-15T13:15:00.001-07:002012-05-15T13:15:23.735-07:00Meisyn has her MRIWe don't know why Meisyn has no muscle strength from the trunk down. We don't know why her floppy legs are always cold and bluish. We don't know why her hands are contracted. We aren't sure what is causing her severe scoliosis. We had an MRI to see if we can find some answers. We are waiting for the results.<br />
<br />
What I DO know is that God is good. Meisyn shouldn't be continent and able to toilet herself. I know that there are opposites to all things. As horrendous as Ammon is with an MRI, Meisyn is angelic. She was trusting and the model patient. I was shocked by her compliancy. So were the nurses. Meisyn is so positive of her exquisiteness that when I explained she was going to the doctor so he could take pictures of her insides with a special camera, she squealed and told me the doctor would certainly think her insides were PRETTY.<br />
<br />
I couldn't help but get emotional as she came into recovery. I am blessed to be her mother but I couldn't help but feel the loss that it should be her birth parents that had this gift. I can take my child to the hospital and have insurance and payment plans help me AFTER the fact. In China, all the money needs to be paid upfront before you are able to go in the door. Its just so sad. The circumstances of her abandonment tells my heart that this was the only choice they felt they could make. I will do all I can to make sure our child gets the best of medical options.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BDEEwviOkV4/T7K5EBPXn4I/AAAAAAAABuY/qhE0WcLowq0/s1600/ready+for+MRI.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BDEEwviOkV4/T7K5EBPXn4I/AAAAAAAABuY/qhE0WcLowq0/s320/ready+for+MRI.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-K-sTuUzuM-k/T7K5GnJGEMI/AAAAAAAABug/hdpqgo0oIh8/s1600/meisyn+getting+sleepy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-K-sTuUzuM-k/T7K5GnJGEMI/AAAAAAAABug/hdpqgo0oIh8/s320/meisyn+getting+sleepy.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-afrHlmUy9j8/T7K5KJ9CZpI/AAAAAAAABuo/bCo0wf3-icM/s1600/meisyn+entering+MRI,jpg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-afrHlmUy9j8/T7K5KJ9CZpI/AAAAAAAABuo/bCo0wf3-icM/s320/meisyn+entering+MRI,jpg.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-81nwLUCacM0/T7K5Lg39sLI/AAAAAAAABuw/JZvWqAgalQ4/s1600/meisyn+in+mri.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="242" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-81nwLUCacM0/T7K5Lg39sLI/AAAAAAAABuw/JZvWqAgalQ4/s320/meisyn+in+mri.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-baNdoP4r7qc/T7K5OSpOgPI/AAAAAAAABu4/FcaG4T_SlDM/s1600/meisyn+mri+control+room.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-baNdoP4r7qc/T7K5OSpOgPI/AAAAAAAABu4/FcaG4T_SlDM/s320/meisyn+mri+control+room.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QsEVullXtiE/T7K5QMRA5AI/AAAAAAAABvA/XGAg6-NtOE0/s1600/meisyn+done+with+mri.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QsEVullXtiE/T7K5QMRA5AI/AAAAAAAABvA/XGAg6-NtOE0/s320/meisyn+done+with+mri.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />Stefanihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13752548157803647281noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6569173445401637201.post-29516315438015745212012-05-15T12:59:00.000-07:002012-05-15T12:59:33.100-07:00Mother's DayMy older daughters took some pictures. It reminds me that I am blessed to have 8 girls in the house.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bwopc-w-fy8/T7K080HeeII/AAAAAAAABtk/S4TZol21vm0/s1600/DSCF2091.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bwopc-w-fy8/T7K080HeeII/AAAAAAAABtk/S4TZol21vm0/s320/DSCF2091.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sMrvyUgI3M8/T7K1E0g1lHI/AAAAAAAABts/rtYgASdaj9Y/s1600/DSCF2126.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sMrvyUgI3M8/T7K1E0g1lHI/AAAAAAAABts/rtYgASdaj9Y/s320/DSCF2126.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iUEK8suLcRc/T7K1IwjcfTI/AAAAAAAABt0/sgNKkrk6rcM/s1600/kara.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iUEK8suLcRc/T7K1IwjcfTI/AAAAAAAABt0/sgNKkrk6rcM/s320/kara.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1wUtchaTQ9I/T7K1TlWlKuI/AAAAAAAABt8/HA0iuPm6VsA/s1600/DSCF2064.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1wUtchaTQ9I/T7K1TlWlKuI/AAAAAAAABt8/HA0iuPm6VsA/s320/DSCF2064.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9q5SZ-W5qr0/T7K1bbVgkVI/AAAAAAAABuE/H8-ri-NmTBM/s1600/DSCF2068.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9q5SZ-W5qr0/T7K1bbVgkVI/AAAAAAAABuE/H8-ri-NmTBM/s320/DSCF2068.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pk8BnOpO5Pc/T7K1gozZU6I/AAAAAAAABuM/L-t8I8ML0Sc/s1600/shay+and+aaliyah.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pk8BnOpO5Pc/T7K1gozZU6I/AAAAAAAABuM/L-t8I8ML0Sc/s320/shay+and+aaliyah.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>Stefanihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13752548157803647281noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6569173445401637201.post-68272988286143068032012-04-28T21:50:00.000-07:002012-04-28T22:01:52.380-07:00FREEDOM on wheels and waterOur dear neighbors have a little dune buggy that they let a covetous and highly intrigued Jaeya DRIVE. Can I just say that this was likely one of THE MOST exciting and liberating moments of her life. Of her own free will and direction, she was able to take herself where she wanted to go without depending on another person. She can't even get to the toilet herself. But in that hotrod she could FLY.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-V9sB45t9kb4/T5zFkh97c5I/AAAAAAAABq4/5qJ57uoYQ6w/s1600/dune+buggy+joyful+jaeya.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-V9sB45t9kb4/T5zFkh97c5I/AAAAAAAABq4/5qJ57uoYQ6w/s320/dune+buggy+joyful+jaeya.jpg" width="283" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hEvAyMbYJXE/T5zFlPriyEI/AAAAAAAABrA/HjQjNiEEx8A/s1600/dune+buggy+mark+set+go.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="186" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hEvAyMbYJXE/T5zFlPriyEI/AAAAAAAABrA/HjQjNiEEx8A/s320/dune+buggy+mark+set+go.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TiHtblRnsjU/T5zFlk4n4pI/AAAAAAAABrI/6xTw3W3jbYE/s1600/dune+buggy+three.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TiHtblRnsjU/T5zFlk4n4pI/AAAAAAAABrI/6xTw3W3jbYE/s320/dune+buggy+three.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Jaeya got to giggling so hard I thought she might pass out. She begged for us to go inside and get Meisyn so she could have a ride too. Caden did the honors of teaching her how to drive. Thank you neighbors! You gave my girls a night they will remember ALL THEIR LIVES.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BN8aqCPCJus/T5zHRWI_N1I/AAAAAAAABsw/aNTXF_rDZog/s1600/Jaeya+feels+brave+and+swims.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BN8aqCPCJus/T5zHRWI_N1I/AAAAAAAABsw/aNTXF_rDZog/s320/Jaeya+feels+brave+and+swims.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iOTyjJhg2BI/T5zHSBBn1_I/AAAAAAAABs4/QpeOSyMNAx0/s1600/jaeya+not+sure+about+the+water.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iOTyjJhg2BI/T5zHSBBn1_I/AAAAAAAABs4/QpeOSyMNAx0/s320/jaeya+not+sure+about+the+water.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2gDJZp5muM4/T5zHY-zN1SI/AAAAAAAABtA/kSG-ujoNdLo/s1600/Meisyn+at+slide.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2gDJZp5muM4/T5zHY-zN1SI/AAAAAAAABtA/kSG-ujoNdLo/s320/Meisyn+at+slide.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-e5DsblEv2e8/T5zHe_yVbhI/AAAAAAAABtI/4ZdPEqAyUzg/s1600/meisyn+swim.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-e5DsblEv2e8/T5zHe_yVbhI/AAAAAAAABtI/4ZdPEqAyUzg/s320/meisyn+swim.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kjnw0Dnjl98/T5zHqMo2vkI/AAAAAAAABtQ/9ADyoy6IcVM/s1600/meisyn+the+swimmer.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kjnw0Dnjl98/T5zHqMo2vkI/AAAAAAAABtQ/9ADyoy6IcVM/s320/meisyn+the+swimmer.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5jS0uS7geJ4/T5zHqhiXlMI/AAAAAAAABtY/pi47_CNw21Y/s1600/swimming+ellisons.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5jS0uS7geJ4/T5zHqhiXlMI/AAAAAAAABtY/pi47_CNw21Y/s320/swimming+ellisons.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
After a week of practicing swimming in the tub, Jaeya was finally ready to challenge the P O O L. She did it! She is now officially a water baby. The Ellison children are truly one of a kind and I am tremendously proud of their ability to welcome others into our family and help them feel like they belong.Stefanihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13752548157803647281noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6569173445401637201.post-89394606133959812262012-04-22T21:05:00.000-07:002012-04-23T12:06:53.950-07:00Our Burst of FirstsWe have been home from China for two weeks. All that has occurred in only two weeks makes my head spin. May I say that I believe our two new daughters are usually adaptive. They were excellently prepared for adoption. They were tremendously loved and cared for before they entered our family. They are astoundingly strong and resilient.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0GHUtPg-MlM/T5TRNJPJQTI/AAAAAAAABnc/vZodD8wR_Ck/s1600/first+church+day+in+pretty+dresses.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0GHUtPg-MlM/T5TRNJPJQTI/AAAAAAAABnc/vZodD8wR_Ck/s320/first+church+day+in+pretty+dresses.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
However, adoption is stressful stuff. Adding children into a family under every circumstance is hard. As we adoptive families transition into a new unit there are moments that we feel we may break. We want to pull the covers over our heads and forget about the roller coaster ride we are strapped in to.<br />
<br />
I have adopted thirteen children. I work as an adoption professional and have done so for the past 17 years. I have hundreds of hours of education training credits. AND I AM STRUGGLING. MY FAMILY IS STRUGGLING. We are finding our footing with our family's new normal. I want to make sure that every family knows they can honestly share that the post adoption transition is a challenge for all of us. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SabnC2w8oXQ/T5TRaAJc01I/AAAAAAAABnk/dLXnch6b0Lw/s1600/ellison+an+crooks+family.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SabnC2w8oXQ/T5TRaAJc01I/AAAAAAAABnk/dLXnch6b0Lw/s320/ellison+an+crooks+family.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
The first 2 months after adoption are mainly just trying to make it through each day. We have at least 6 weeks to go to get our "land legs" back. And while we do this we have so many exciting new firsts to witness, encourage, and embrace. Here are some of our firsts...<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Jpr6lhY2-fE/T5TSDC9FBMI/AAAAAAAABns/FxgHAwR3Trg/s1600/jaeya+first+swing.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Jpr6lhY2-fE/T5TSDC9FBMI/AAAAAAAABns/FxgHAwR3Trg/s320/jaeya+first+swing.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-H2LY-l2Pd-w/T5TSHlyxYcI/AAAAAAAABn0/9G0PQpRAKNU/s1600/meisyn+first+swing.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-H2LY-l2Pd-w/T5TSHlyxYcI/AAAAAAAABn0/9G0PQpRAKNU/s320/meisyn+first+swing.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<object class="BLOGGER-picasa-video" classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" codebase="http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=6,0,40,0" data-thumbnail-src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-Y2VzU9_oGEg/T5TdQ4i1XZI/AAAAAAAABqU/vLX9f4tDLaI/s1600/china%2Btrip%2Bfoster%2Bfamily%2Band%2Bvideos%2Bof%2Bothers%2B1112.mov" height="266" width="320"><param name="movie" value="http://video.google.com/googleplayer.swf?videoUrl=http%3A%2F%2Fv23.nonxt7.googlevideo.com%2Fvideoplayback%3Fid%3D24db991a86cd95c2%26itag%3D18%26source%3Dpicasa%26ip%3D0.0.0.0%26ipbits%3D0%26expire%3D1335177635%26sparams%3Did%2Citag%2Csource%2Cip%2Cipbits%2Cexpire%26signature%3DB62D632CEC144F879CA2810CCA01D109ADFBD633.4376B964F71AC0FE7BA53989A91BFA66CD76FE3F%26key%3Dlh1" />
<param name="bgcolor" value="#FFFFFF" />
<embed width="320" height="266" src="http://video.google.com/googleplayer.swf?videoUrl=http%3A%2F%2Fv23.nonxt7.googlevideo.com%2Fvideoplayback%3Fid%3D24db991a86cd95c2%26itag%3D18%26source%3Dpicasa%26ip%3D0.0.0.0%26ipbits%3D0%26expire%3D1335177635%26sparams%3Did%2Citag%2Csource%2Cip%2Cipbits%2Cexpire%26signature%3DB62D632CEC144F879CA2810CCA01D109ADFBD633.4376B964F71AC0FE7BA53989A91BFA66CD76FE3F%26key%3Dlh1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash"></embed></object></div>
<br />
First time on a swing. Oh the joy of motion in bodies that have not had a chance to experience it before.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-L1ktadEhrAc/T5TSoA_w7UI/AAAAAAAABn8/E4MMx1ZHi5E/s1600/jaeya+first+homework.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-L1ktadEhrAc/T5TSoA_w7UI/AAAAAAAABn8/E4MMx1ZHi5E/s320/jaeya+first+homework.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-emyL1DgYonQ/T5TSpsFcmWI/AAAAAAAABoE/cd3z7wQw46s/s1600/jaeya+first+homework+completed.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-emyL1DgYonQ/T5TSpsFcmWI/AAAAAAAABoE/cd3z7wQw46s/s320/jaeya+first+homework+completed.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
A very first homework assignment. Completed with deep satisfaction and pride.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KnOJriLVm_c/T5TS8iSbpnI/AAAAAAAABoM/j0OZIYVIDR8/s1600/meisyn+first+church.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="276" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KnOJriLVm_c/T5TS8iSbpnI/AAAAAAAABoM/j0OZIYVIDR8/s320/meisyn+first+church.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
A first trip to church. NOT the highlight of their week...LOL!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ue63Oqk2dmc/T5TTPo-2N1I/AAAAAAAABok/vSJBAeYIWYY/s1600/meisyn+first+swim+w+makayla.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="260" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ue63Oqk2dmc/T5TTPo-2N1I/AAAAAAAABok/vSJBAeYIWYY/s320/meisyn+first+swim+w+makayla.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VFjvCXnwv9c/T5TTax5DHAI/AAAAAAAABo0/p0d_ElgdRc4/s1600/meisyn+first+swimming.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="304" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VFjvCXnwv9c/T5TTax5DHAI/AAAAAAAABo0/p0d_ElgdRc4/s320/meisyn+first+swimming.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
First swim in a pool! Jaeya was just a bit too anxious to try so we have been talking about it all week and practicing with our swimsuits in the bathtub for tomorrow's D Day. (Do It Day) Meisyn was ready to jump in after about 5 minutes of watching the other children.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5HCDLwzMibM/T5TUUu3-DCI/AAAAAAAABo8/n1Zk-JikcIc/s1600/meisyn+black+striped+dress.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5HCDLwzMibM/T5TUUu3-DCI/AAAAAAAABo8/n1Zk-JikcIc/s320/meisyn+black+striped+dress.jpg" width="239" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Meisyn has also learned that holding things out an open car window can result in losing it, like a precious Strawberry Shortcake sticker book. Bye bye Strawberry. :(<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iJqVFhw5M2Y/T5TW3WRJaxI/AAAAAAAABpM/jU5OKwLiyc4/s1600/china+trip+foster+family+and+videos+of+others+1045.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iJqVFhw5M2Y/T5TW3WRJaxI/AAAAAAAABpM/jU5OKwLiyc4/s320/china+trip+foster+family+and+videos+of+others+1045.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BsfIjQpb-Pw/T5TW7aTenBI/AAAAAAAABpU/PS0y_4mpPMs/s1600/china+trip+foster+family+and+videos+of+others+1046.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BsfIjQpb-Pw/T5TW7aTenBI/AAAAAAAABpU/PS0y_4mpPMs/s320/china+trip+foster+family+and+videos+of+others+1046.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
First Easter Egg coloring. Why on earth they were doing this, they had no clue but they thought it was fun.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EpsyAyFZ_DE/T5TXX8hvMcI/AAAAAAAABpc/941yxKLgK3c/s1600/china+trip+foster+family+and+videos+of+others+1140.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EpsyAyFZ_DE/T5TXX8hvMcI/AAAAAAAABpc/941yxKLgK3c/s320/china+trip+foster+family+and+videos+of+others+1140.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iKrzTRcgz28/T5TXavLkz-I/AAAAAAAABpk/m4IJxNBEkxE/s1600/china+trip+foster+family+and+videos+of+others+1141.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iKrzTRcgz28/T5TXavLkz-I/AAAAAAAABpk/m4IJxNBEkxE/s320/china+trip+foster+family+and+videos+of+others+1141.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HSQJtElbE3Q/T5TXdBgKTUI/AAAAAAAABps/9boH1NEL7j4/s1600/china+trip+foster+family+and+videos+of+others+1142.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HSQJtElbE3Q/T5TXdBgKTUI/AAAAAAAABps/9boH1NEL7j4/s320/china+trip+foster+family+and+videos+of+others+1142.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
First water play. A huge hit!! So, off to the Lake On The Hill we go...about five minutes from our house. We live in such a cool city!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FzZQZuJA7lI/T5WnsIlXBiI/AAAAAAAABqY/ij0nmNW51eY/s1600/china+trip+foster+family+and+videos+of+others+003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FzZQZuJA7lI/T5WnsIlXBiI/AAAAAAAABqY/ij0nmNW51eY/s320/china+trip+foster+family+and+videos+of+others+003.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tzxQt76aklo/T5Wnvm3LMuI/AAAAAAAABqg/icezvs7lnt8/s1600/china+trip+foster+family+and+videos+of+others+005.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tzxQt76aklo/T5Wnvm3LMuI/AAAAAAAABqg/icezvs7lnt8/s320/china+trip+foster+family+and+videos+of+others+005.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Little arms aren't supposed to bend that way.... but no denying that sweet smile!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Vnd7ICh6YeA/T5WnyA1laGI/AAAAAAAABqo/2nYxDw-6pn0/s1600/china+trip+foster+family+and+videos+of+others+007.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Vnd7ICh6YeA/T5WnyA1laGI/AAAAAAAABqo/2nYxDw-6pn0/s320/china+trip+foster+family+and+videos+of+others+007.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ozrmc10YEJg/T5Wn1DZe-VI/AAAAAAAABqw/0itLeOWbUtM/s1600/china+trip+foster+family+and+videos+of+others+008.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ozrmc10YEJg/T5Wn1DZe-VI/AAAAAAAABqw/0itLeOWbUtM/s320/china+trip+foster+family+and+videos+of+others+008.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lWtmVnsatsU/T5TX4jqMHhI/AAAAAAAABp0/SvKMGwbwRF8/s1600/china+trip+foster+family+and+videos+of+others+1107.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lWtmVnsatsU/T5TX4jqMHhI/AAAAAAAABp0/SvKMGwbwRF8/s320/china+trip+foster+family+and+videos+of+others+1107.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
First Tinkerbell jammies. Meisyn was very committed to wearing them to school but alas, Mommy said no darn it! These little legs just shouldn't be flopping around like this. Darn whatever is causing this floppiness.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
And the finale would be little Meisyn conquering the stairs. At the top of the stairs is a playhouse of the most motivating kind. Without demanding attention from anyone, Miss Meisyn scootched her bottom up one stair and then would reach down and drag her legs up to her. She would swing her bottom up to the next step and again take her hands and draw her legs up to that stair. 15 times she did this until she had made it to the very top. By then the whole family had gathered to cheer her on. Then mommy had to move to the sink to busy herself in dishes so that her determined little Meisyn could not see that tears were dripping down Mommy's chin and plopping into the sink. Oh sweet child. Your courage profoundly touches me.</div>
<br />
<br />Stefanihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13752548157803647281noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6569173445401637201.post-49519982775897851722012-04-12T14:01:00.001-07:002012-04-12T14:21:31.435-07:00Going from unknowns to knowns then more unknownsThe girls are spending their first day at school! What a significant day in their lives. Jaeya has had such fear of the big unknown entity called SCHOOL. Her whole life she was told she couldn't go to school because she would break her bones. She begged me not to make her ever go to school because she would break. The fear of this unknown was beginning to consume her. I knew we needed to conquer it before it ate her up.<br />
<br />
So, I told Miss Jaeya that she was going with me to take Meisyn to school yesterday to give them the enrollment papers and visit Meisyn's teacher. Jaeya made sure I knew she was NOT going to school herself or would end up broken in half. (This gesture of breaking in half was very clear!) I wish I had a video of her and Meisyn as they entered the school. Their eyes about bulged out of their heads. This place looked FUN not scary. Jaeya would look around and repeat in an unbelieving voice, "School?" I would nod my head and ensure her that indeed this was school.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wH1iH2hCk78/T4c_2JAASgI/AAAAAAAABiM/AA8ZAHtXwNw/s1600/Jaeya+and+Meisyn+first+day+at+school.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wH1iH2hCk78/T4c_2JAASgI/AAAAAAAABiM/AA8ZAHtXwNw/s320/Jaeya+and+Meisyn+first+day+at+school.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ra-UEINCZxI/T4c_-WuAH4I/AAAAAAAABiU/wbxu-r3s5sU/s1600/meisyn+learning+abc.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ra-UEINCZxI/T4c_-WuAH4I/AAAAAAAABiU/wbxu-r3s5sU/s320/meisyn+learning+abc.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<br />
As you can likely guess, we did end up visiting both Meisyn and Jaeya's classes and the girls did not want to leave. We had to leave for the doctor during the middle of Jaeya's music class where they were listening to Stravinsky and making a huge firebird.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Iaha2_zZAKQ/T4dAD48BYlI/AAAAAAAABic/6fSm8Q7vs34/s1600/jaeya+making+art+at+school.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Iaha2_zZAKQ/T4dAD48BYlI/AAAAAAAABic/6fSm8Q7vs34/s320/jaeya+making+art+at+school.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<br />
Today the girls were up at 6 am and counting each minute until they got to go. Jaeya only teared up and mentioned China ONE time last night. HUGE PROGRESS. Meisyn is in the kindergarten so doesn't go until noon. Big bummer. But I took Jaeya as Lan and Caden escorted her to her classroom filled with classmates that treat her like a diva. Uh, no better way to delight Jaeya. They may regret that at some point, LOL! With a big smile on her face she motioned me to leave so I did. My kids are in a Montessori school so Lan, Caden and Jaeya are in the same class. That really helped.<br />
<br />
At noon I took Meisyn to her class where she was enthralled by the teacher who sat with her and helped her with letters and sounds. She was in heaven. I then peeked in on Jaeya and when she saw me she broke into a great grin....and then sudden anxiety. She quickly said, "No school all done!" I assured her that school was not done. I was just visiting after dropping off Meisyn.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6z0vmi2YQko/T4dANhp73UI/AAAAAAAABik/dBtcfabgthc/s1600/Meisyn+at+school.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6z0vmi2YQko/T4dANhp73UI/AAAAAAAABik/dBtcfabgthc/s320/Meisyn+at+school.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hN9w34f3CKY/T4dAOkJCjAI/AAAAAAAABis/tcMjx3MUvvQ/s1600/Meisyn+with+teacher.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hN9w34f3CKY/T4dAOkJCjAI/AAAAAAAABis/tcMjx3MUvvQ/s320/Meisyn+with+teacher.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<br />
My dear friends. This adoption stuff is hard. It is so exhausting financially, emotionally, and particularly in my case physically as I have to carry my girls everywhere. I am so grateful for children who can just get to and sit on the toilet themselves. That is a blessing we don't have with Jaeya and Meisyn. Seeing my daughters as they embarked upon their first day at a real school made every single annoyance and hardship appreciated. Giving them the chance to go to school like other children is priceless. Just this one day has made everything worth the work and the worry.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-c-HUkuo7ycA/T4dAbqCRA5I/AAAAAAAABi0/r2FTRg2Jv9I/s1600/Jaeya+with+doctor+Bunker.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-c-HUkuo7ycA/T4dAbqCRA5I/AAAAAAAABi0/r2FTRg2Jv9I/s320/Jaeya+with+doctor+Bunker.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<br />
I need to share about our visit to the doctor. Dr. Bunker has been with us through some scary things with the kids and with my near death experience. He is able to be frank and open with me about things that aren't pleasant to think about.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aj9wojx5neU/T4dAs3YFREI/AAAAAAAABi8/kl48RDUnx74/s1600/Meisyn+with+doctor+Bunker.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aj9wojx5neU/T4dAs3YFREI/AAAAAAAABi8/kl48RDUnx74/s320/Meisyn+with+doctor+Bunker.jpg" width="287" /></a></div><br />
<br />
I put Meisyn on the exam table and showed him her floppy body and the big scoliosis and kyphosis of her back. At adoption we knew she didn't walk and that she had been diagnosed with bilateral hip dysplasia and rickets. There is so much more than this I fear. I told him I prayed he would tell me he thinks Meisyn has had polio. I don't want it to be the alternative that I am suspecting it may be. He just gave me a sympathetic look and replied that he was too young to know much about polio although it may be. The doctor has never seen such a floppy child such as her in his 20 year practice. Her legs can be contorted to put her feet behind her neck. Dr. Bunker requested an emergency referral to the neurology department at Primary Children's Medical Center. These are Ammie's docs. It is very possible that our dear, amazing, gentle, smart Meisyn has some form of muscular dystrophy as she has severe neuro-muscular dysplasias. All forms of MD are inevitably terminal. We know that Ammie may leave us too soon but his will be a sudden leaving. A seizure will come that sends him into cardiac arrest. With MD we would have to watch Meisyn waste away until she could no longer breath on her own.<br />
<br />
I am waiting for the neurology department to call with an appointment time. I'm trying not to get ahead of myself and worry until we know for sure but I know my doctor well and could tell he was worried. However, I can say with complete confidence and assurance that our Meisyn is a blessing and we are privileged to have her in our forever family. No matter what happens and how long she has to be on this earth she will LIVE a full life. Should she leave us far too soon everything we have done to bring her into our family will be worth it. We are completely smitten with our Meisyn.Stefanihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13752548157803647281noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6569173445401637201.post-77274367564301042442012-04-11T01:40:00.003-07:002012-04-12T18:25:56.914-07:00Deep in the transition trenchesWe arrived home physically but we are long from being "home" emotionally. It was no small task getting back but that is all for another post, or two, or three!<br />
<br />
Sweet Meisyn is six years old and she is just as delightful and even tempered as the day is long. She is sleeping off a stomach bug right now but is transitioning relatively peacefully. I don't know how we were so blessed twice but Meisyn is so very much like our Taisha. I am confident that she will continue flourishing with a happy heart.<br />
<br />
Divine Jaeya is having an extremely challenging transition. While her body may be teeny everything else about her is HUGE. She is all personality, chatter, curiousity, and charm. But it also means that her grief, sadness, confusion and frustration are almost overwhelming. She is also endowed with great courage, determination and a desire for companionship. This will see her through but we have to survive and find a way out of this trench first.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CVW75JGdN_Q/T4eAlVQXhfI/AAAAAAAABjE/AxEuelBLFDc/s1600/china+trip+1039.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CVW75JGdN_Q/T4eAlVQXhfI/AAAAAAAABjE/AxEuelBLFDc/s320/china+trip+1039.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div> (We are driving home from the Las Vegas airport and Jaeya sleeps with a picture of her China Mama tucked in the window. The desert may as well have been the scarred pockets of the moon to this scared child.)<br />
<br />
It didn't help that the night before we left China she rolled off the bed and injured her leg and arm. While her body hurt, the apprehension of leaving China was the biggest source of pain. The guides were wonderful with her treated her with such kindness. We have had phone calls with her beloved China Mama at the SWI. Many parts of the days and most of the nights since our arrival have been sob filled pleadings of "Mommy, lets go China mintian" (Mommy lets go back to China tomorrow.) We are wearied beyond words. We are in the deepest of the trenches right now. The only thing we can do is to get through it. And we will.<br />
<br />
It is terribly difficult to watch your children suffer so much and not be able to take away the pain. We are here at her side but wish that we could do the grieving for her. We can't. We can only do it with her.Stefanihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13752548157803647281noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6569173445401637201.post-22562000578464350872012-04-09T12:12:00.009-07:002012-04-11T01:38:44.020-07:00This is so messed up! The trip home.This day deserves much more attention than I can give it tonight. I will absolutely write about it after I get the pictures posted to the pages. We took no pictures of the truly digusting part of the trip as there were no pictures needed. The trauma is burned into my brain and the smell into my memory. We will never forget that....EVER.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GvChuPW6Awg/T4U8Lep9fJI/AAAAAAAABZw/h-vpvd47QoI/s1600/china+trip+754.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GvChuPW6Awg/T4U8Lep9fJI/AAAAAAAABZw/h-vpvd47QoI/s320/china+trip+754.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WyWjWtEd-9s/T4U8h-L0vcI/AAAAAAAABZ4/ven9mwyHMpY/s1600/china+trip+770.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WyWjWtEd-9s/T4U8h-L0vcI/AAAAAAAABZ4/ven9mwyHMpY/s320/china+trip+770.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tYle7avjIe4/T4U8kCuK7aI/AAAAAAAABaA/84xlCZtT4MA/s1600/china+trip+772.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tYle7avjIe4/T4U8kCuK7aI/AAAAAAAABaA/84xlCZtT4MA/s320/china+trip+772.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Yed5_u-JrKg/T4U8mCmn15I/AAAAAAAABaI/z6R0FRtLIKQ/s1600/china+trip+773.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Yed5_u-JrKg/T4U8mCmn15I/AAAAAAAABaI/z6R0FRtLIKQ/s320/china+trip+773.jpg" width="320" /> </a></td><td style="text-align: center;"></td><td style="text-align: center;"></td><td style="text-align: center;"></td><td style="text-align: center;"></td><td style="text-align: center;"></td><td style="text-align: center;"></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Goodbye picnic<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KHfNbLzTSig/T4U_wvXRgtI/AAAAAAAABcA/LAavLsY7QU0/s1600/china+trip+953.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KHfNbLzTSig/T4U_wvXRgtI/AAAAAAAABcA/LAavLsY7QU0/s320/china+trip+953.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>The most messed up van ride of my life!!! May there never be another. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9pwJ8OncO6I/T4U_zektgAI/AAAAAAAABcI/q2DoO--wJOU/s1600/china+trip+954.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9pwJ8OncO6I/T4U_zektgAI/AAAAAAAABcI/q2DoO--wJOU/s320/china+trip+954.jpg" width="320" /></a></div></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XerTz719hMo/T4U9kcCp8wI/AAAAAAAABaY/WPx0KmquNMo/s1600/china+trip+1031.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XerTz719hMo/T4U9kcCp8wI/AAAAAAAABaY/WPx0KmquNMo/s320/china+trip+1031.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tzX8Sq6zB2M/T4U9mmlZ4mI/AAAAAAAABag/66g1af-ttY0/s1600/china+trip+1032.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tzX8Sq6zB2M/T4U9mmlZ4mI/AAAAAAAABag/66g1af-ttY0/s320/china+trip+1032.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-h7EMRVUkVvo/T4U9oURvVXI/AAAAAAAABao/hB27dZOMFOo/s1600/china+trip+1033.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-h7EMRVUkVvo/T4U9oURvVXI/AAAAAAAABao/hB27dZOMFOo/s320/china+trip+1033.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SDVFK8kJ6wY/T4U9qo8d62I/AAAAAAAABaw/ka3eZdGadgg/s1600/china+trip+1034.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SDVFK8kJ6wY/T4U9qo8d62I/AAAAAAAABaw/ka3eZdGadgg/s320/china+trip+1034.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IZBJdBdRIds/T4U9stkQFbI/AAAAAAAABa4/k4m1y_CmEc4/s1600/china+trip+1035.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IZBJdBdRIds/T4U9stkQFbI/AAAAAAAABa4/k4m1y_CmEc4/s320/china+trip+1035.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ew7vvU5lwmQ/T4U9usXYCNI/AAAAAAAABbA/qPNJOZc8b1Q/s1600/china+trip+1036.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ew7vvU5lwmQ/T4U9usXYCNI/AAAAAAAABbA/qPNJOZc8b1Q/s320/china+trip+1036.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Txs1i2aLT84/T4U91YO6YeI/AAAAAAAABbg/806YW0VVYuI/s1600/china+trip+956.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> </a></div>Stefanihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13752548157803647281noreply@blogger.com0