We had a small celebration this afternoon with baking cookies. I'm pretty sure I'll be sweeping up sprinkles for days to come.
Wednesday, December 18, 2013
Happy birthday Cambree Jade
Today my Cambree Jade turns two years old! We might have missed your first birthday but we are thrilled to have you here this year to celebrate. Although we don't know your exact date of birth, today is the day we celebrate your life. We are so thankful that two years ago a young girl chose life for you - Loved you enough to carry you for 9 months - Even loved you enough to leave you in a place that was busy, knowing someone would quickly find you. So today we have so much to celebrate!
We had a small celebration this afternoon with baking cookies. I'm pretty sure I'll be sweeping up sprinkles for days to come.
We had a small celebration this afternoon with baking cookies. I'm pretty sure I'll be sweeping up sprinkles for days to come.
.jpg)
Thursday, June 27, 2013
Three Month Update
It's been three months since Gotcha Day! I had great intentions to update my blog sooner, however I've been a little busy. With three kids (two of which are practically twins) there hasn't been much time to rest.
Three months ago as of this past Tuesday we held our sweet baby girl for the first time. I cannot believe how perfect she just fits right in with the group. Caden has proven yet again to be an amazing big brother. He really is great with her and she loves him. I'm not sure I could make it without his help.
Callie is my almost 2 year old going on 10 years old. She wants so bad to keep her hands on Cambree all the time....however, Cambree isn't much into being hugged, kissed, sat on, drug by her feet, pet like a dog, nor does she like the occasional shove across the room. Poor Callie is just rough and tough and still has yet to understand the meaning of "gentle".
Cambree will soon learn to hold her own....or for now let out one of her window breaking screams that will make you wish you were deaf.
In such a short time Cambree has learned more than I thought she would know in a year. When we picked her up she wasn't walking, spoke no words (in Chinese or English), was still on the bottle, and ate very little table foods (so they said...not sure how you get thighs like that on some milk and porridge). She is now running, can say just about anything she needs for you to know, repeats everything the other kids say, can understand everything you say to her, only drinks from her cup, and will eat anything you can imagine (much why she has gained a few pounds in 3 months). She has amazed us at how quickly she has caught on.
It has been so miraculous to watch her come out of her little shell. When we picked her up she was very quiet, didn't give us many smiles, and seemed a little scared most of the time. It breaks my heart to remember the fear in her eyes in those early days. Now she is a happy little thing that goes with the flow was we run all around.
She is really into everything, but her favorite place is in the kitchen pantry. I'm pretty sure we shoulde invest in cabinet locks to keep her out of the snacks.....and boxes of cereal. Sweeping the floor becomes a full time job because of her.
She loves to play outside. My little South China baby has landed in the middle of the country. Barefoot, dirt and laying in the grass is how we roll out here in deliverance.
Everything for her is a new experiement. Playing in the bathtub (loves), swimming in the pool (fearless), walking across the grass with no shoes (hates), a playroom full of new toys.....and all the daily activities that have always been apart of the other two kids lives....these are things that are new for Cambree. Things that could freak her out, and in the early days would bring out that look of fear in her eyes, she now loves! Each new experiment she faces with such bravery.
Not only did she gain parents and two siblings all at the same time, she also gained a few cousins that love her to pieces. I'm convinced that all the little kids are not sure who lives at what house. She has not only gained a family, but lifelong play mates.
People often say how we have changed her life forever. I can only say that she has changed our lives forever! We love you Cambree Jade.
Three months ago as of this past Tuesday we held our sweet baby girl for the first time. I cannot believe how perfect she just fits right in with the group. Caden has proven yet again to be an amazing big brother. He really is great with her and she loves him. I'm not sure I could make it without his help.
Callie is my almost 2 year old going on 10 years old. She wants so bad to keep her hands on Cambree all the time....however, Cambree isn't much into being hugged, kissed, sat on, drug by her feet, pet like a dog, nor does she like the occasional shove across the room. Poor Callie is just rough and tough and still has yet to understand the meaning of "gentle".
In such a short time Cambree has learned more than I thought she would know in a year. When we picked her up she wasn't walking, spoke no words (in Chinese or English), was still on the bottle, and ate very little table foods (so they said...not sure how you get thighs like that on some milk and porridge). She is now running, can say just about anything she needs for you to know, repeats everything the other kids say, can understand everything you say to her, only drinks from her cup, and will eat anything you can imagine (much why she has gained a few pounds in 3 months). She has amazed us at how quickly she has caught on.
It has been so miraculous to watch her come out of her little shell. When we picked her up she was very quiet, didn't give us many smiles, and seemed a little scared most of the time. It breaks my heart to remember the fear in her eyes in those early days. Now she is a happy little thing that goes with the flow was we run all around.
She is really into everything, but her favorite place is in the kitchen pantry. I'm pretty sure we shoulde invest in cabinet locks to keep her out of the snacks.....and boxes of cereal. Sweeping the floor becomes a full time job because of her.
She loves to play outside. My little South China baby has landed in the middle of the country. Barefoot, dirt and laying in the grass is how we roll out here in deliverance.
Everything for her is a new experiement. Playing in the bathtub (loves), swimming in the pool (fearless), walking across the grass with no shoes (hates), a playroom full of new toys.....and all the daily activities that have always been apart of the other two kids lives....these are things that are new for Cambree. Things that could freak her out, and in the early days would bring out that look of fear in her eyes, she now loves! Each new experiment she faces with such bravery.
Not only did she gain parents and two siblings all at the same time, she also gained a few cousins that love her to pieces. I'm convinced that all the little kids are not sure who lives at what house. She has not only gained a family, but lifelong play mates.
People often say how we have changed her life forever. I can only say that she has changed our lives forever! We love you Cambree Jade.
Friday, April 5, 2013
Home sweet home
I'm not sure what day it is or what time zone we are in, but I do know that we are HOME. I have never been so happy to see my kids before in my life. The sweet smiles, tears, hugs and kisses were priceless.
Cambree took her second plane ride as we left Guangzhou China and landed in Los Angeles. It was a long 15 hour flight that started off a little rocky. She had a major meltdown for the first 2 hours of the flight. My favorite part is when the Chinese airline attendent send us a note asking if we needed help with our baby. I'm not sure what she thought she could do, but it took all I had to not take her up on the offer, put on my headphones and sleep for the next 15 hours. However, she finally gave up the fight, went to sleep and the rest of the flight was great. The following 4 hour flight to ATL she also slept the whole time. So, overall not too bad!
Right now things are a little.....difficult. With extreme jet lag, time zone issues, and learning to divide our time between three very needy kids we are a hot mess. Yesterday I'm pretty sure we could have all fit into a shoe box because that is how close we were all day. She kids didn't move off of me all day. I cannot wait to see things in a few.....ok probably months.
Our first few hours at home at the living room was chaos. We had a blanket down, and nobody moved off the blanket all day.
So, our first night at home, Cambree wasn't sure what time it was. So, we had a small party with chocolate chip cookies and milk from 1am - 3am.
Cambree and Callie are still trying to figure each other out. Well, actually Callie has Cambree figured out....that is "her baby". I think I have heard (in a very loud pitch voice) about a million times Callie saying "hey baby" "hey baby" "hey baby".
It started early this morning with Cambree trying to figure out what was up with Callie's morning hair! She just kept looking at it...thinking what is up with that!
Cambree isn't sure why she keeps kissing on her.
I think Callie heard she was in the special needs program of China, so she decided that Cambree needed a complete physical with her play stethoscope.
And when Cambree tried to get away, Callie decided to jump on top of her.
Regardless of how crazy things are right now, I'm happy to have all my babies together. I know that God will make something beautiful of our mess.
Cambree took her second plane ride as we left Guangzhou China and landed in Los Angeles. It was a long 15 hour flight that started off a little rocky. She had a major meltdown for the first 2 hours of the flight. My favorite part is when the Chinese airline attendent send us a note asking if we needed help with our baby. I'm not sure what she thought she could do, but it took all I had to not take her up on the offer, put on my headphones and sleep for the next 15 hours. However, she finally gave up the fight, went to sleep and the rest of the flight was great. The following 4 hour flight to ATL she also slept the whole time. So, overall not too bad!
Right now things are a little.....difficult. With extreme jet lag, time zone issues, and learning to divide our time between three very needy kids we are a hot mess. Yesterday I'm pretty sure we could have all fit into a shoe box because that is how close we were all day. She kids didn't move off of me all day. I cannot wait to see things in a few.....ok probably months.
Our first few hours at home at the living room was chaos. We had a blanket down, and nobody moved off the blanket all day.
So, our first night at home, Cambree wasn't sure what time it was. So, we had a small party with chocolate chip cookies and milk from 1am - 3am.
Cambree and Callie are still trying to figure each other out. Well, actually Callie has Cambree figured out....that is "her baby". I think I have heard (in a very loud pitch voice) about a million times Callie saying "hey baby" "hey baby" "hey baby".
It started early this morning with Cambree trying to figure out what was up with Callie's morning hair! She just kept looking at it...thinking what is up with that!
Cambree isn't sure why she keeps kissing on her.
I think Callie heard she was in the special needs program of China, so she decided that Cambree needed a complete physical with her play stethoscope.
And when Cambree tried to get away, Callie decided to jump on top of her.
Caden has actually been the only one other than myself and Chad that she has allowed to pick her up. She has laughed at him, which most of us do. He is doing great with her.
Regardless of how crazy things are right now, I'm happy to have all my babies together. I know that God will make something beautiful of our mess.
Monday, April 1, 2013
Proud to be an American!
Today we had out appointment with the Consulate General of the USA for Cambree to get her VISA. Now, as soon as she lands on US soil she will officially be an American!
The longer we stay here the more I am proud to be an American. If I could have carried a giant American flag I would have. I almost started singing "God Bless American" in the office.
There are many things that I miss about America......and my home.... People understand what I am saying (most of the time), I know what I am eating at all times, and my favorite right now is that I won't be doing laundry in the bathtub and sink.
Where we saw many animals......and all she wanted was to sit in her daddy's lap and eat goldfish.
Had no interest in the amimals.
There are many things that I miss about America......and my home.... People understand what I am saying (most of the time), I know what I am eating at all times, and my favorite right now is that I won't be doing laundry in the bathtub and sink.
I will be so happy to see my Whirlpool washer and dryer!
Yesterday we visited the local zoo.
Had no interest in the amimals.
I'm starting to get worried for two reasons.....1) Daddy must return to work soon, then I'm not sure what she will do and 2) we must find another way to make her happy other than snacks.
Good news....she does like the stroller. Which Chad likes better than the large flower carrier.
I'm pretty sure when we arrived this outfit was a long top and pants. Now it is as snug as can be and the pants are tight capri leggings.....because we are still eating.
Friday, March 29, 2013
On the Road Again...
When we arrived in China we went to the Province where Cambree was living to pick her up and get her passport. Her city was called Kunming. There in Kunming we met a few other families who were picking up their babies. Not only did we love the city of Kunming but these families have been great to be with.
When we have not been sitting at the Civil Affairs office doing paperwork, we have been able to tour the city a little.
Love to see the cool looking buildings.
And animals walking down the street.
I have realized there are many reasons why we are the only fat people in China. First, there cannot be that many calories in rice and noodles. Second, is because you finally give up after a while of trying to use chop stick to pick up slick noodles. Third, is because you walk everywhere you go. During the first 4 days when Cambree would scream if I touched her, Chad had to do everything. So, the first few days he remained cool, and carried her around in his arms. Then decided the big flower baby carrier was an amazing idea!
So, here we are on the last leg of our trip in Guangzhou. This morning she had her medical appointment to do a quick screaning of her health, and to have a TB test done. Good news.....we didn't have to do the TB test because she was under age. Then the doctor gave us even better news. Developmentally she was right on target and looked great and the doctors could not hear any signs of her heart murmur. Praise the Lord! We will still have a cardiologist see her once we get home, but the doctor here thinks everything is gone.
She was a champ!
Back in our room for some floor play time before something else comes up on the agenda!
When we have not been sitting at the Civil Affairs office doing paperwork, we have been able to tour the city a little.
Love to see the cool looking buildings.
And animals walking down the street.
I have realized there are many reasons why we are the only fat people in China. First, there cannot be that many calories in rice and noodles. Second, is because you finally give up after a while of trying to use chop stick to pick up slick noodles. Third, is because you walk everywhere you go. During the first 4 days when Cambree would scream if I touched her, Chad had to do everything. So, the first few days he remained cool, and carried her around in his arms. Then decided the big flower baby carrier was an amazing idea!
Not only did she not scream, she even fell asleep on the tour.
Had our picture made with some beautiful ladies.
So Friday we had to leave our little city of Kunming, and go to the city of Guangzhou where the US Embassy is located. It is there we can get her VISA to get her back into the USA. On Friday afternoon, Cambree boarded her first flight. I was pretty sure that during the first 20 minutes there would be an emergency landing and we would be kicked off the plane. I have never heard screaming that loud before in my life. She kicked, screamed, threw her back back, arched her back and had an all out meltdown that I thought would never end. Right before I started to ask for a bottle of oil to lay hands on her, she finally fell asleep....or passed out from exhaustion. So, here we are on the last leg of our trip in Guangzhou. This morning she had her medical appointment to do a quick screaning of her health, and to have a TB test done. Good news.....we didn't have to do the TB test because she was under age. Then the doctor gave us even better news. Developmentally she was right on target and looked great and the doctors could not hear any signs of her heart murmur. Praise the Lord! We will still have a cardiologist see her once we get home, but the doctor here thinks everything is gone.
She was a champ!
Back in our room for some floor play time before something else comes up on the agenda!
Wednesday, March 27, 2013
Beauty from Ashes
After an extremely emotional day yesterday, I'm so thankful for this Bible Study.
Isaish 63:3
To those who have sorrow in Zion I will give them a crown of beauty instead of ashes. I will give them the oil of joy instead of sorrow, and a spirit of praise instead of a spirit of no hope. Then they will be called oaks that are right with God, planted by the Lord, that He may be honored.
The Bible says He will give us beauty from ashes.
Scriptures say He will take your difficult, disgusting, depressing and horrible situation and give you beauty. He will pick you up out of the ash pile of life and make something beautiful out of you.
God knew that we would be burnt by life's experiences. But He also knew He could replace that burnt out mess with something beautiful.
Something beautiful Something good
All my confusion Jesus understood
All I have to offer Him is brokenness and strife
But He made something beautiful out of my life
Ecclesiastes 3:11
He hath made everything beautiful in His time
Zechariah 13:9
I will put into the fire, I will refine them like silver, and test them like gold. They will call on my name and I will answer them. I will say "they are my people" and they will say "The Lord is our God".
As followers of Christ He is refining us through the fire and making ashes. I have to take comfort in knowing that God's story never ends with ashes.
Praying right now that God specifically turns Cambree's ashes into beauty. That He will give her a spirit of joy instead of no hope, turn her difficult, depressing and horrible past into beauty.
Make something beautiful of her life.
Orphanage Visit
Day Three
The Orphanage visit and her finding spot
Today was the hardest day so far. There have been lots of tears....from everyone. She has great times and then there are those moments....or tonight those hours of uncontrollable screaming. My heart breaks to see her in so much pain and she will not let you touch her or console her at all.
Today we had an opportunity to see into Cambree's past. When you see where she came from you can understand the fear.....insecurities....and.......brokeness.
Our first stop was her finding spot. The spot where her mom dropped her off and abandoned her. This is a really nice hotel in the city. The local newspaper from that day read that she was left on the front sidwalk going into this hotel.
So today we stood on the steps of the facility for one last picture of the orphanage as we said our goodbyes.
We are thankful for the local people of Kunming for finding her, thankful for the orphanage workers for providing for her and thankful for a nanny to love her until our arrival. Today we are thankful for one more smile from our beautiful baby girl.
The Orphanage visit and her finding spot
Today was the hardest day so far. There have been lots of tears....from everyone. She has great times and then there are those moments....or tonight those hours of uncontrollable screaming. My heart breaks to see her in so much pain and she will not let you touch her or console her at all.
Today we had an opportunity to see into Cambree's past. When you see where she came from you can understand the fear.....insecurities....and.......brokeness.
Our first stop was her finding spot. The spot where her mom dropped her off and abandoned her. This is a really nice hotel in the city. The local newspaper from that day read that she was left on the front sidwalk going into this hotel.
After Cambree was found on the sidewalk, she was taken to the local orphanage which was Kunming City Children's Welfare Institute. I had so much mixed emotions on whether we should visit. I'm so thankful that we did.
As we walked back down those same halls where she lived, the ladies called out her name. We saw the room where she stayed while there.
The babies were precious. Some so tiny. I am so thankful that her time spent there was limited. Although the facility was beautiful and the ladies all so sweet, I am thankful that she was with a foster nanny that could give more love and attention.So today we stood on the steps of the facility for one last picture of the orphanage as we said our goodbyes.
We are thankful for the local people of Kunming for finding her, thankful for the orphanage workers for providing for her and thankful for a nanny to love her until our arrival. Today we are thankful for one more smile from our beautiful baby girl.
Tuesday, March 26, 2013
Signed, Sealed Delivered - She's Ours!
Day Two with Cambree.
Signed...Sealed....Delivered....She's Ours!
Today we got up early and headed back to the Civil Affairs office where we met Cambree yesterday. This is the same couch we found her on less than 12 hours ago. After a bath....after a change of clothes...lots of cherrios and puffs....and a hairbow!
As we started the final paperwork, the director said this is very serious. You must understand that there is no turning back if you sign these papers. Then she ask me the worse question I have ever heard..."would you like to give her back to the orphanage director today or do you want to keep her"? Are you serious?? Please, where do I sign to get this thing finalized??
So, we quickly signed the paperwork and sealed it with her foot print in red ink.
We finally got a sweet smile that made our heart rejoice!
Signed...Sealed....Delivered....She's Ours!
Today we got up early and headed back to the Civil Affairs office where we met Cambree yesterday. This is the same couch we found her on less than 12 hours ago. After a bath....after a change of clothes...lots of cherrios and puffs....and a hairbow!
As we started the final paperwork, the director said this is very serious. You must understand that there is no turning back if you sign these papers. Then she ask me the worse question I have ever heard..."would you like to give her back to the orphanage director today or do you want to keep her"? Are you serious?? Please, where do I sign to get this thing finalized??
So, we quickly signed the paperwork and sealed it with her foot print in red ink.
Look at those little fat feet! Love it.
We finally got a sweet smile that made our heart rejoice!
Monday, March 25, 2013
Gotcha Day!
Day one
Gotcha Day!
This morning I woke up as a mom to two wonderful babies. However within a few hours I would be a mom of three.
As we sat there and waited I'm was overcome with excitement and anxiety. I cannot believe we finally get to meet her today. Our appointment at the Civil Affairs office was not until 3:00 pm. So all day we just had to wait.... Wait... And watch the clock.
Finally it was time. We made the 30 minute trip in the worst traffic ever. As we finally entered the building I heard a baby screaming.
There she was Wu, Guo Yun.
So things started off a little rocky.....
Then I introduced her to puffs! She likes to eat about 5000 times per day so this made her very happy.
Then she met the love of her life Baba ( daddy) and would rather I leave her alone. Don't worry I'm winning over her heart with snacks!
So after the whirlwind of paperwork was over the lades turned her over to us. These ladies were from the Kunming City Orphanage and one was the director.
We finally get to leave the Civil Affairs office.
So after a long hard day we took a bath and headed off for bed.
Today this little angel,started off as Wu, Guo Yun belonging to the Kunming City Orphanage......and now goes to bed tonight as Cambree Jade Condra belonging to her forever family.
Gotcha Day!
This morning I woke up as a mom to two wonderful babies. However within a few hours I would be a mom of three.
As we sat there and waited I'm was overcome with excitement and anxiety. I cannot believe we finally get to meet her today. Our appointment at the Civil Affairs office was not until 3:00 pm. So all day we just had to wait.... Wait... And watch the clock.
Finally it was time. We made the 30 minute trip in the worst traffic ever. As we finally entered the building I heard a baby screaming.
There she was Wu, Guo Yun.
So things started off a little rocky.....
Then I introduced her to puffs! She likes to eat about 5000 times per day so this made her very happy.
Then she met the love of her life Baba ( daddy) and would rather I leave her alone. Don't worry I'm winning over her heart with snacks!
So after the whirlwind of paperwork was over the lades turned her over to us. These ladies were from the Kunming City Orphanage and one was the director.
We finally get to leave the Civil Affairs office.
So after a long hard day we took a bath and headed off for bed.
Today this little angel,started off as Wu, Guo Yun belonging to the Kunming City Orphanage......and now goes to bed tonight as Cambree Jade Condra belonging to her forever family.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)