The Wonder of the Season

Christmas has pretty much always been my favorite time of the year.  But this year is especially great.  Faith is so full of wonder and excitement about Christmas, or "Christmas tree" as she calls it. (Christmas is always followed by the word tree)

Growing up in India, she was aware of Christmas.  They even had Santa come and give gifts to the children at the orphanage.  However, as I'm sure you can imagine, she has never experienced anything like Christmas in America.  All the lights, the decorations, the music, the decadence of the whole holiday season are completely new to her.  She is so wide-eyed and full of anticipation.  I'm sure the pile of gifts for her under the tree don't hurt that any. 

Most of all, I love that we get to share the real meaning and joy of Christmas with her for the first time.  We get to share with her that Christmas is the celebration of Jesus birth, the day God sent his only son into this world as a tiny baby to save us all from ourselves.  The reason we all celebrate and give gifts to our loved ones this time of the year is because we remember that on the very first Christmas, God gave us the most precious gift of all.  Not because we were on His list of good boys and girls, but because He loves us even though we often choose naughty over nice.

Does Faith understand all of this?  Not really.  She's very captured by Santa Claus, Rudolph, Frosty the Snowman and candy, candy, candy.  But she is listening and taking it all in.  She does understand that we're celebrating Jesus Birthday.  I hope that someday she will come to understand the true meaning of Christmas, and celebrate out of joy for the birth of our savior. 

N. Korean Refugee Adoption Act

I don't usually copy posts from other blogs, but this video merits being passed along.  I had no idea this bill even existed, but I think it is a very important one.

I often think about the children of North Korea, since my own daughter was born less than an hour from the border.  I sometimes wonder what her life would have been like had she been born there instead of in Seoul.  Would she even have survived her first 24 hours? 

There is hope for some orphan children who have fled N. Korea.  They are currently living as refugees in other nations.  Although they are free, they struggle to survive, and they live in fear of being sent back.  There is a bill in congress that would make it possible for these children to be adopted by American citizens.  Please watch the following video and take action if you feel moved to do so, and pass it on.

First Week of School

Faith started Kindergarten this Tuesday, Nov 1st.  We had originally planned to start her after Christmas break, but she's been begging to go to school since 2 weeks after she came home.  I finally caved in and took her last week for a Kindergarten screening, and she did really well.  So well that we decided to start her in school right away.  Although the district has full day kindergarten classes, Faith is allowed to only attend half days to start until we're comfortable with full days.  This will still allow us with plenty of time in the afternoons to bond while giving her the opportunity to go to school and make some new friends. 

The first day, I took Faith in early to meet her teacher before the other kids started filing in.  She did really well until it was time for me to go, then she got nervous and started to cry a bit.  Another teacher escorted me out, and I'm told Faith was just fine after a few minutes.  Eliza and I had lunch with her at the school before we went home that day, and she was all smiles.  She was pointing out all her new friends at the lunch table.  "This my friend, and this my friend, and this my friend..."  Then one little girl sitting near us piped up "I'm your friend too.  Remember I helped you.".  It was so sweet.  I'm so happy she's making friends, and all the other kids seem to be very eager to help her fit in.

The next day, I took her to school at the regular time, and she lined up with her classmates who were waiting to go to class.  She just gave me a hug and said "Bye, Mom", then turned to talk to one of her new friends.  No tears, just smiles.

Yesterday, I just dropped her and her brother off at the carpool lane.  They both hopped out, and I barely got a wave before she was off and running toward the school.  Sigh.  This is definitely harder on me than it is her.

Today there was no school, and she was kinda disappointed.  She's doing so much better than I could have imagined.  I'm so glad she had a great first week, and I hope she continues to love her teacher and her new friends.

I love you

Seven weeks, One day...the amount of time between meeting Faith and getting to hear those three little words from her for the first time.  Today we were just sitting at home, when she crawled up in my lap and whispered "I love you" to me.  I was totally caught by surprise, and I actually asked her "did you just say 'I love you?'".  To which she replied "yes!", and gave me a huge hug.  Yay!  I love you too, precious daughter.

Indian Princesses

My 2 gorgeous girls in the beautiful dresses we got for them in India.  I love playing dress up. 

Miss Faith really likes to strike a pose

Look!  Look!  They're holding hands!

Sisters

At last the girls are getting along.  They are playing together.  They are sharing toys and me (sometimes).  I think they're even starting to like each other.  The other night when I was putting Eliza to bed, she actually whispered to me, "Mommy, I love my sister." Good thing it was dark, so she couldn't see my tears of joy.

Adjusting at home

Faith is continuing to adjust well to her new family. She is such a sweet, happy child. She's very outgoing, very opinionated,very affectionate, and very vocal (but you gotta be loud to be heard in my house). Sure she has some moments of frustration or sadness, but they are fewer and fewer every day. 
Faith and Eliza are still having some sibling rivalry issues, but I'd say they are now at an almost normal sibling level. No more clawing at each other for Mommy's attention. They are even playing together and sharing (sometimes). I think they fight over toys more now than they do me, so that is a huge improvement.

I have been able to get away a few times to go to the store or to work for a few hours, which has been really great for my sanity. I think is has been good for Faith too, as she seems to be starting to understand that we always come home.

We also celebrated Eliza's 3rd Birthday in the past few weeks.  I can't believe my baby girl is 3 already.  She loves playing dress up rather it is princess dresses or a knight with a sword.  Her favorite movie is Tangled. She prefers Diego over Dora.  She thinks the Power Rangers are awesome (me, not so much- thanks brothers).  Oh, and she is a climbing machine.  I may have to get this girl in a gymnastics class.

 Eliza getting a collection of princess dresses for her 3rd birthday. 

 Faith, Ian, Eliza, and Isaac

Faith playing princess with Eliza (who refused to be photgraphed in her princess dress)

Mommy and Daddy and Eliza (photo taken by Faith - she's really proud of this one)

One Week Home

We have been home for 7 days now,and things are going pretty well.  Jet lag is hitting us hard, as our sweet daughter is waking at 3am every morning ready for breakfast.  The house is a mess, laundry is way behind, and we're tired, but we are surviving this transition. 

We have officially decided to name our newest princess Faith Vishakha Bledsoe.  We've been calling her by both names since we've been home, and she is now responding to both names.

Today we had our first doctor visit, and it went well.  She only had to get one shot, so that was better than expected.  We did have to go to the lab for a few tests, but nothing terrible.  Next we go to the children's physical therapy specialist to determine what kinds of therapies and orthotics she needs.

Faith has taken to our home, the boys, and the extended family very well.  Eliza is another story.  Both girls have decided they want to be mommy's one and only princess.  We spent a good part of our first few days with the girls sitting on my lap clawing at each other and screaming "My Mommy!".  We are making progress, but slowly.  I don't think they are going to be besties any time soon, but maybe someday.  They are at least tolerating each other for the most part the past two days.

Faith has been good to try new foods, but hasn't liked much of what she's tried.  She does like peanut butter, pancakes, fish sticks and whole grain bread with butter.  She would eat a whole bunch of bananas in one sitting if we let her.  She has quite the sweet tooth, and asks for ice cream and chocolate frequently.  I have attempted to make some of the recipes that she ate at BSSK, but she has not been at all interested in eating them so far. 

She loves the TV, like most kids, and we have admittedly been letting the cartoons babysit more than usual in our exhausted state.  She really enjoys Dora the Explorer and the Power Rangers.  Seems like a strange combination to me, but that's what she likes.

Here is Faith playing with her new brothers.  What a happy bunch.  Sorry no photos of her and Eliza screaming at each other.  I think those are memories I'd rather not save.  Hopefully happy sister pics will follow soon.

India Day 10

Today was our last day in India.  In a few hours we will be headed for the airport for our long journey home. While we have enjoyed our time in India, we are very eager to be home and see the rest of our family.

There are a few things I will miss about India, and a few things I will not miss.  I will miss the delicious food, mango ice cream, being able to travel across town for a dollar, the very kind people and the beautifully intricate architecture.  I will not be missing the unsafe drinking water, the sometimes frightening bathrooms (using a squat toilet on a moving train is not so much fun), and haggling over the price of everything.

The children of BSSK have a special place in my heart.  I will carry their smiles and laughter with me always.  I am so grateful that Vishakha was able to live in such a loving environment while she waited for a family.

Here are a few more photos from our time in Agra, and some from today.  USA here we come.

Taj Mahal from Agra Fort

At Agra Fort

At Fatepur Sikri

 At India Gate

India Day 9

Visa in hand!  Today we went back to the doctor to have Vishakha's TB test read, and get her medical report.  We had to have the medical report to get her US visa.  Then we went to the US Embassy for her visa interview. It all went very smoothly.  We were there for less than an hour, then we were able to come back a few hours later and pick up her visa.  That was the last thing we needed to do.  What a relief it is to have everything in order.

Our sweet daughter is doing better and better every day.  I can't wait for everyone to meat her.  I think you'll all fall in love as we have.  She is such a spunky, happy little girl.  She really loves her sweets.  There is one thing she keeps asking for, and we had the hardest time trying to understand what it was.  Finally we figured out she was saying cadburry...as in chocolate.  She asks for chocolate about 20 times a day, also gum, candy,

Sorry nothing exciting to photograph today.  I am hoping to be able to post tomorrow before we catch our long flight home

We miss you all very much. Can't wait to see you in a few days.

India Day 7 & 8

Monday was our Medical appt. for Vishakha's visa.  It went well. Then we did hours of shopping at Cottage Industries. 

Today we took the train to Agra to see the Taj Mahal, Agra Fort and Fatepur Sikri.  It was an amazing but very long day beginning at 5am and ending around midnight.  I'll post more later, since I'm exhausted.  For now, here are a few pictures.

India Day 6

Today was a very busy and hectic day.  We began the day trying to prove to the hotel staff that we had already prepaid for our room through a travel website.  They presented us with a bill for a HUGE amount of money.  It had someone else's name on it, but they kept insisting that it was our room number, so the name must be an error.  Then Ken realized that the date on the invoice was for a stay in 2009.  Anyway, after about 45 minutes of disputing the bill, we finally arrived at an agreeable amount.  All the time our cab for the airport was waiting outside the building.  What a fun start to the day.

Next on to the airport where our flight to Delhi was delayed an hour.  Thankfully the airplane ride went fine.  Vishakha wasn't too excited about keeping her seat belt on, but she didn't fuss about it too much.  She was really excited to see all the airplanes at the airport, and did very well. 

When we arrived in Delhi, we had a driver waiting for us to take us to our bed and breakfast.  It is a very nice place.  Vishakha was a bit upset, probably about being in yet another unfamiliar place.  I can't imagine how her little 6 yr old mind is making sense of all this.  It's a little overwhelming for me to take it all in. 

The language barrier is a frustration for her and for us.  I am at least able to communicate with Ken and Phillip.  She can communicate some, and her English is way better than our Marathi, but she still gets frustrated.  It is amazing how quickly she is picking things up already, but we have a long way to go.

Vishakha's first airplane ride

 Khankhanna's Tomb (just across the street from our B&B)

India Day 5

Rain.  Lots and lots of rain today.  We were confined to our hotel until about 7pm when it finally let up enough for us to get out and walk around a little and get some ice cream.  Why do they not have mango ice cream where I live?  It's a crime.  Oh well, I suppose that wouldn't do anything for my diet anyway.

We played play-doh, colored, watched tv and there was lots and lots of tickling.  I will never tire of hearing my sweet girl laugh.  Not only was she being tickled, but she was also tickling all of us as well.  She also has decided that I am her personal jungle gym.  She loves to climb up my legs and do flips in the air while I hold her hands.  After several times of this, I told her she was climbing like a little monkey, and she thought that was so funny.  Then she started coming up to me with arms stretched up and saying "Monkey, Mommy!".  Who needs to go to the gym with this girl around - what a workout!

We were able to catch some of the festivities tonight on our walk.  One of them had a little puppet show for the kids, so that was really cool.  Apparently it was hilarious, because all the kids were laughing like crazy. 

Tomorrow we fly to Delhi.

India Day 4

Another good day in Pune.  Vishakha continues to open up to us.  She is starting to talk a lot more, and trying to imitate our English. She is such a sweet, affectionate child.  Today she was all about the hugs and cuddling.  She even surprised us with a few kisses.  This child melts my heart.  Even though she is going through such a traumatic experience, she manages to be so full of joy.

Phillip was feeling better today, and he found us a place to play glow-in-the-dark miniature golf. Vishakha had a blast.  It's a shame it was too dark for good pictures.  After that, we walked to a nearby mall. 

 The rest of the afternoon was spent in our room, because we were just too tired for much else.  We went out for dinner, and Vishakha ate her meal, which is a first.  She also enjoyed a chocolate milkshake.  She took one little sip, then as the taste sunk in, her eyes got wide and a big grin came across her face.  I asked her if she liked it, and I got an extremely exaggerated head bob (meaning - Yes!).

We were able to skype with my mom and our kids at home tonight, and Vishakha even said "hello" to each of her siblings.  She smiled so big as each of them called her name.  She's been watching lots of videos of them on my computer.  She laughs so hard at some of them.  I can't wait to have all my children together.

India Day 3

Vishakha continues to do well.  She slept all night without waking, and she was in good spirits this morning.  We got out and did some shopping, which was fun.  Hmm...could be that she really likes it when we buy her stuff.  We may need to reign this in.

She really enjoys riding in the auto rickshaws.  We do have to be careful not to let her stick her hand out the window though.  There should seriously be one of those amusement park ride announcements when you board an auto rickshaw.  "For your safety, keep your arms, legs, head, and anything else you don't want to be clipped by another vehicle inside the rickshaw at all times."

After lunch at McDonalds, which I have to say India Micky D's beats US Micky D's hands down.  It was really good.  Vishakha loved the french fries, and we were glad she was eating something.  So far we've only gotten her to eat plain yogurt, sweets, and french fries.  I know she ate well before, so I'm sure this will pass, and she'll start eating well again soon.

I am feeling much better today, but Phillip started feeling bad this afternoon, and we ended up spending the rest of the day in our room while he slept.  We hope he feels better tomorrow, poor guy. 

Today was the start of the 11 day Ganesh festival, and Indians are not shy about celebrating.  We were hoping to venture out to see some of the festivities, but with Phillip sick, we just watched  procession from our hotel balcony.  There was hours of music, drums beating, shouting, bells ringing, and dancing all to be seen or heard from our hotel room.  I tried to catch some video, but it was too dark outside to pick it up.  Maybe tomorrow we will get in a little closer to the action, but for tonight observing from a distance was perfect. 

Vishakha LOVES the music.  Somehow, I only have one bollywood song on my phone (Jai Ho from Slumdog Millionaire).  I must remedy that.  Anyway, Vishakha listened to that song over and over today, and she was singing along and bobbing her head to the beat.  It was adorable. 

She also really likes to color. A LOT.  We already went through the 2 coloring books BSSK sent home with her.  We only brought one other one with us, so coloring books was on the shopping list for today. 

Sorry not too many pics today.  Just a few of my son and daughter coloring together.  Phillip is such a great big brother.  I am so proud of him.  He wants to be a teacher someday, and it really shows. 

Gotcha Day

Today is the day we've been waiting for.  This morning we arrived to BSSK to the warmest possible welcome from Vishakha.  As soon as she saw us enter the gate, she came racing towards us.  With a huge smile, she wrapped her arms around my leg and said "Mommy!", then she hugged Phillip, then "Daddy!"  We spent the day there observing her routine, playing with the children, and eating lunch with the staff.  It was a truly amazing day.....then we left BSSK. 

Since our hotel is only a few blocks away, and their driver was on holiday today, we decided to walk to the hotel from BSSK.  Vishakha happily held our hands and walked for about 1/2 block, then I think she realized that she was not going back to the place she knew as home, and the people she knew.  She just stopped in the middle of the road.  Then she started sobbing uncontrollably. 

This lasted all the way back to the hotel, and for several more hours, with a few small breaks to catch some air.  She would not take off her backpack, and kept trying to escape, screaming the Marathi word for "no" over and over.  It was heart wrenching.  The hotel staff came and talked to her for a little while in Marathi, and that calmed her down, but only for a few minutes.  Ken finally decided to take her for a walk, and I think that did the trick.  When they came back she was much calmer, but still anxious to go out.

We decided that we'd all go out, as it was getting close to dinner time, and we needed a few things from the store. (such as a hairdryer, because of course mine broke this morning)  The more we walked, the more comfortable she became.  I think buying her chocolate and a Dora the Explorer watch while we were out might have helped too.  She quickly picked up on that and started pointing at every toy we walked by, like she wanted us to buy it for her.  Oh boy! 

After shopping, we had a nice dinner, then came back to the hotel.  She wasn't here 5 minutes, when she pointed toward the bedroom.  I tucked her in, and sang her a song, and she was asleep in about 2 minutes.  I breathe a sigh of relief as I head off to bed.  It's been an exhausting day, but a good one.

Destination INDIA

Tomorrow afternoon Ken and I along with Phillip will begin our voyage to India to finally meet our precious daughter.   It has been such a long year, and there have been so many delays.  I can hardly believe we will be meeting her in just a few days.  It will take us over 27 hours (20 hrs of actual flight time) to get from Kansas City to Pune, India.  We will be in Pune for 5 days, then we will journey to New Delhi for 4  days, and finally return home on Friday, September 9th.  I am relieved, excited and nervous all at the same time. 

If you're a praying person, you can pray for our safe journey, for our meeting with Vishakha Faith, for our 4 youngest children who will be staying at home with grandparents - especially Eliza, who is really gonna miss mommy (and vise-vera), for the sanity of their grandparents, and that this trip will be an excellent experience for Phillip.

Now for some last minute packing, then off to bed.  My next post will be from India!

An orphan no more

I'm taking a break from all the travel posting to share some totally unrelated, but very awesome news with you.  The little boy in Korea I posted about a few weeks ago has a family! His new family inquired about him after reading his story on this blog, and they found their son.  I can hardly believe it.  You mean people actually read this thing?  Today they were officially matched, and they will hopefully bring him home this year.  Thanks God, for prompting me to write a short blog post about him.  At the time I had no idea why I was doing it (other than the fact that I love kids and want them all to have loving families), but God knew.  To Him be the Glory.

6 Days & Counting

This Sunday afternoon our adventure begins.  We will board an airplane, spend a day and a half in the air and in airports, then finally arrive Tuesday morning in Pune, India.  We are super busy packing, making travel arrangements, and trying to take care of all the last minute things here before we leave.  Today I did a TON of laundry, sorted through luggage, sprayed our clothing with permethrin (an insect repellent treatment for clothing), booked our hotels, emailed the US embassy, emailed teachers, and made lists of all the important stuff for the grandparents who will be staying here with our 4 youngest.  Am I ready yet???  Not even close, but making progress.

Darling little boy needs a home

This sweet boy from Korea is 5 years old and needs a family to love him.  He had some medical issues when he was an infant, but they have now resolved.  I believe he is only waiting now because he is an older child, and most people prefer to adopt infants.  Speaking from LOTS of experience, I think 5 year old boys are about the sweetest thing ever.  Won't you pray with me that this precious child gets a family of his own very soon. 

India Update

We have received Vishakha's passport, but there was a slight delay in getting the final document we need, the ICPC.  This is basically an agreement between our state and the state our agency is in to place the child with us.  It normally takes less time than the passport, so it doesn't cause any delays, but not true for us.  In any case, I think all the snags are taken care of now, and we should be getting the ICPC very soon.  Then we can finally book our flights and hotels and make appointments at the embassy in Delhi.  We are now hoping to leave a week later, on the 28th of August and meet our daughter on Sept 2nd.  Actually pushing our dates back a week seems to work better for childcare arrangements etc. anyway, so it is a good thing.  Please pray that we are able to book our trip soon, and that there be no further delays.  Vishakha now knows she has a family, so this wait is effecting her too.  Hold on sweet daughter, your family is coming soon, and we can't wait to finally meet you.

Birthday Party

Today we had a birthday party at the local bowling alley for Nathan and Ian.  Nathan turned 10 last week, and Ian will be 9 on the 14th.  They had a blast hurling (I think this word most acurately discribes the universal technique used by the boys and their friends) the bowling ball, eating pizza, and having cupcakes. 

Written Court Order Recieved!

We have received the written court order for guradianship of Vishakha.  The application for her passport to America has been submitted and we should have it in 2-4 weeks.  We are looking at leaving for India August 21st, taking custody on August 26th, and returning home on September 2nd (which just happens to be our 16th wedding anniversary). 

Now that everything is official, it is my pleasure to introduce you all to my daughter, Vishakha Faith...

Awesome News!!!!!!

Praise the LORD!! The courts in India have granted us Verbal Guardianship!!!

This is a HUGE milestone. What it means is that we are officially Vishakha's guardians.  It will take about 2 weeks to get the official written court order. At that time Vishakha will be told she has a family.  Then the orphanage will apply for Vishakha's passport to the USA, which will take another couple weeks. Then we go to INDIA!!! So I'd guess about 4-6 weeks and we'll have an official travel date.

The whole earth is filled with awe at your wonders; Where morning dawns, where evening fades, you call forth songs of joy. Psalm 65:8

Welcome

Welcome to the new address! Thanks for following.

"Someday"

The posts from Holt's blog are often moving to me, but I am especially moved by the posts from the Waiting Child staff. Maybe because both of our girls were waiting children. Everytime I read about a featured child, I want so desperatly to find that child a home. How many times I have heard people say how wonderful they think adoption is, or how they'd "really like to do that "someday". I wonder if maybe you're reading this blog, and thinking that very thing. I think that is great. However, there are children around the world and right here in the USA waiting for "someday". I was moved today by the story of a 13 year old girl from China. If a family does not come forward to adopt her very soon, she may never have her "someday". She will age out of the adoption system at age 14. I hope you will take the time to read her story (click on the link below) and pass it along to any friends who have talked about adopting an older child "someday".

All She Hopes for is a Family

Summer Fun

Sorry I've been away for so long. Mostly, my boys have been hogging my computer all summer, and I haven't had much time to post. I kicked them outside for a while, so I could have a turn.

We've had quite the fun summer so far. We started it off with a trip to Phoenix, Arizona to visit Ken's sister, her husband, and my new baby niece.

Eliza is a Huge fan of baby cousin

All the kids together and smiling. It may never happen again.

Oh the baby love.

The Chocolate Factory - Yummmmy

Making Chocolate Pizzas

We've been swimming and slip-n-siding.

And celebrating Independence Day.

Good News!

We received word today that our dossier has been approved by CARA, and the NOC has been issued! Thank you for all that prayed this week for our adoption progress. We are now one step closer to briniging our little girl home. I am over the moon today.

The next step is for our case to go to court. Please pray for a quick court process. Once the courts grant us guardianship, we can travel!!! We are getting close.

Prayers for Progress

Tonight I am writing to ask you all to please pray for progress in our adoption process. I have attempted to be patient these long 9 months, but I must admit, I am very weary of this wait. I am so ready to meet and hold and love on my little girl. And to see her playing and laughing with her brothers and sister.

We have hit a small road block in the process. About a month ago, the suitability of our family was called into question. This is primarily due to the size of our family, and I am told it is fairly common for this to happen to large families. We had to send in extra documentation and explanation as to why we are a good family for Vishakha. We are still waiting to hear that we've been approved, and that our NOC (non-objection certificate) has been issued. Once we have that NOC, our case can be submitted to the courts, so we can be granted guardianship. Then we can travel to India and bring Vishakha home.

The courts in India have been shut down for the past several weeks for the summer recess, but they will reopen on June 6th. My hope is that we will have our approval prior to the courts reopenning to avoid any additional delay in our case.

Would you please pray with me that the people examining our documents will recognize how much we love Vishakha, that they would agree that we will be an excellent family for her, and that the NOC will be issued.

Thank you so much.

Easter in St. Louis

This year we spent Easter with Ken's family in St. Louis. We attended a very interesting Easter eve service. The church was narrowly missed the night before by the same tornado that hit the St. Louis airport, and the power was out. They had several generators running minimal lights and sound equipment. It was very humid inside, but there were still many families there to celebrate our risen savior. I actually missed most of the service, because Eliza was running around, getting overheated, and eventually puking all over the carpet in a dimly lit hallway. (Every bit as much fun as it sounds).

Easter morning, we had yummies from the local Korean bakery, followed by smiling children eating WAY too much candy. Then we were off to spend the day at Grandma Bev's family's winery. The kids had a blast exploring the 60 acre farm, feeding horses, egg hunting, and eating lots of yummy food. It was so much fun!