The Denis Family

Gung Hay Fat Choy!

2012-01-28T19:47:00.000-08:00

The dates for the Chinese New Year coincides with the lunar calendar and the Chinese New Year will always fall somewhere between late January and mid-February.

The Chinese Astrology signs are the rat, ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, sheep, monkey, rooster, dog and pig. Similar to western Astrology, every Chinese Birth Sign has a particular character and qualities. People born in a specific year are believed to take on the character and qualities of the animal after which the year is named.

Occupying the 5th position in the Chinese Zodiac, the Dragon is the mightiest of the signs. Dragons symbolize such character traits as dominance and ambition. Dragons prefer to live by their own rules and if left on their own, are usually successful. They’re driven, unafraid of challenges, and willing to take risks. They’re passionate in all they do and they do things in grand fashion.

Our first born Mackenzie was born in the year of the Dragon. While we do not believe in the Chinese Zodiac, it is fun to read what they write about each year. Drew and I were both born in the year of the Pig and from what we have read pigs should always stay away from other pigs. We had a good laugh over that one. Miah was also born in the year of the pig. Madison is a sheep.

To celebrate Chiense New Years we had lunch with our special friends Sylvie & Mary,then went to dinner with the Wong family. Needless to say...we did a lot of eating!!!

Gung Hay Fat Choy!

Christmas 2011

2011-12-27T16:27:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas to all our friends and family!

2011-12-19T20:12:00.001-08:00

Christmas Productions

2011-12-17T11:17:00.000-08:00

Whew! We made it through a busy three weeks. If we were not at a Christmas dance recital, we were watching the girls in their Christmas musicals, at school and at church. Add in there a Preschool Christmas performance, Singing at the Mall, a Staff Christmas Party and Mackenzie's term end Musical Theatre performance. This afternoon Mackenzie and I are taking in the Annie production that is here in town and then we are calling it a wrap of Christmas Productions!

Madison and her best friend Erin sang a duet in our church's Presentation of "Christmas in Reverse." They were dressed as butterflies as they were also in a dance number that took place in the Garden of Eden.

Mackenzie was one of four Narrators in the production and made us proud once again. This kid loves the spotlight.

Miah was a sheep again in this year's performance. Her Preschool group came in and sang two songs in the Production. She was so proud and happy to be on the stage.

Singing at the Mall

Preschool Sunday School Class Performance. The preschoolers went up on stage to sing one song during the Sunday morning services. For the first service, Miah dressed up as Mary, and the second she chose to be an angel.

Halloween Fun

2011-11-02T18:26:00.000-07:00

Halloween in our household seems to be the "fit in" event in our lives...last minute costume ideas (usually the day of Halloween), rushing home from work and dance class with kids already in our driveway looking for handouts! The quick change where everyone is in a panic to find lipstick and out they go...and every year I think I will be more organized next year....

...Or maybe it was because we have already participated in trick-or-treating this year in Disneyland. If you are ever in Disneyland in October, this is the must do event! Of course it does require the cost of a separate ticket. Disney does pretty good financially on those days I think...they require the people who have a day pass ticket leave the park at 7:00 and then charge an additional 56.00 per person to attend after 7:00. But that being said, the entertainment is awesome, the fireworks are pretty cool (if you like the effect of ghosts flying through the air instead of Tinkerbell), many characters are out that you would not normally see and there were so many treat stations we didn't get to them all. Each of us (yes even the adults are included in the fun) had a full bags of candy...I'm surprised our plane home could actually take off with all that extra weight.

Adoption Awareness Month

2011-10-31T20:18:00.000-07:00

November is adoption awareness month. A friend of mine posted this beautiful article written by her mother in law. It was too beautiful not to share! What a great question...Is everyone here?

Is everyone here?
by Charlotte Riegel

In 2007, a girl was born in a country that did not value girls. Being unable to access necessary medical attention for her daughter, the mother chose to abandon her child on the steps of a busy library knowing she would be given the chance at life she could not provide. The baby was taken to a medical facility and later placed into a foster home as an orphan.

Halfway around the world, a couple with four children of their own, began the arduous task of completing a mound of paperwork for adopting a girl, on the very day this orphan was born. The wait for a placement was agony.

After many months without the girl they were praying for, the hopeful parents amended their application to include a child with minor disability. Soon after, they were contacted about this little girl who was born with a craniofacial cleft. They eagerly accepted the challenge.
Lilah did not choose the life she was born into nor the family she was placed with shortly after birth. Neither did she choose the lifestyle and love of family she now enjoys in a Canadian home. Adoption is God’s plan and it is not a new concept.

Moses, Esther, and Jesus were all adopted. They were nurtured and educated by someone who had not given them physical life. The Egyptian Princess, Mordecai, and Joseph had no idea of the role they were playing in God’s bigger picture, but they were willing to love a child that was not born of their flesh and blood. Are you?

November is Adoption Awareness Month. There are millions of children around the world, including some living in Canada, who need what most of us take for granted – the love and nurture of a parent.

Wendy Robinson of Christian Adoption Services says, “Every child we parent provides one more space in an orphanage for a child in need of a safe place. In many countries the orphanages are full and regularly turn away infants and children, only to find them abandoned on the steps of the orphanage. Mothers, who are starving, know their child will die and the only hope they have is placing them in orphanage care.”

If children are not adopted and grow up in an orphanage, during their teen years they are forced to leave and survive on their own in whatever way they are able. Many become trapped in the sex trade or illegal drug industry.

Though not everyone can adopt internationally, some can help locally by caring for a child needing temporary care. If the child is unable to return to their birth family, foster parents may choose to adopt him or her. Many of the adoptions in this province are by foster families adopting the child in their care.

Look around your dinner table, asking yourself and God, “Is everyone here?”
“Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans...in their distress...” – James 1:27

Christian Adoption Services (http://http://www.christianadoption.ab.ca//) would be happy to answer your questions and help guide you through this God honouring journey.

Charlotte Riegel is a Calgary based freelance writer with two internationally adopted grand- children.
This article was published in City Light Magazine. It can be found here.

Disneyland 2011

2011-10-29T15:48:00.000-07:00

We just returned from 9 days in Sunny (and HOT) California! We had a great time as a family and visited Disneyland, Legoland and Universal Studios Hollywood. While we were there Madison celebrated her 8th birthday! She got a makeover at the Bibbity Bobbity Boutique and we made mini birthday cakes at the Plaza with Mr Pat-E-Cake!

The highlight of the trip was spending the day with Miah's friend
Tian from her orphanage in China. We have seen them once before, about 18 months ago. It is amazing to see how these girls just pick up from the last visit and carry on. They seem to have such a strong bond. They can be found holding hands, hugging and just being plain goofy and carefree with one another. They crack us up! Tian kept her given Chinese name and when she heard us calling Miah, she was quick to inform us that Miah's name was not Miah, but Fu Ni. I'm positive that they have memories of each other from China. They are two peas in a pod and I hope that they will stay life long friends with each other! We hope to see you all soon again! Come to Canada! (It's not that cold)

Back to School

2011-09-14T13:40:00.000-07:00

Today Miah had her first day back to preschool. She was so excited to go back and has been asking me for weeks when she gets to go. When I took her in another child was crying as her mother left. Miah looked very concerned and we talked about how I would be going shortly too. I suggested that she need not cry herself and her reply was " I might, you will have to wait and see." She did great though! She got busy playing with playdough and was starting her second craft activity when she permitted me to leave. No tears at all!

What we have been up to this summer...

2011-08-30T20:04:00.000-07:00

A little surgery to keep things interesting...

Spending time with friends at the lake

Miah got her ear's pierced! She was so proud of herself!

This summer we discovered Geocaching. What fun that has been for the girls. It has made hiking lots of fun and Miah gets so excited to "look for treasure." The above photo is a cache that we found in Washington state that was in the shape of a hand. The girls laughed so hard when they found it, screaming "It's a hand!" I think it took them a moment or two to realize that it was not a real hand, but a cache container.

First horseback riding lesson

We spent a weekend in Seattle and met up with some friends at the aquarium. We had a great time and then walked to Pike Place Market to do a little shopping. It was very busy as a very large cruise ship was docked for the afternoon. We managed to find a pretty new Chinese dress for Miah for Chinese New Years and took in the fun at the Pike Place Fish Market. The girls thought it was fun watching the fish fly through the air.

In August, Mackenzie performed with the Bumbershoot Children's Theatre. She had a blast. They practiced for only 5 weeks and put on an amazing show! She has high hopes of acting again this fall with another local theatre group.

Happy 4th Birthday Miah

2011-08-26T20:28:00.001-07:00

Today we celebrated Miah's 4th birthday with a Hello Kitty party. She was so excited this morning that her big day had finally arrived. I am still shocked that she is already four years old! Happy Birthday Miss Miah! We love you very much!

Green Bay Bible Camp

2011-08-23T17:06:00.000-07:00

This weekend we had our first ever family camp experience at Green Bay Bible camp here on Okanagan Lake. The weather was a bit cool, but the kids still had so much fun! Miah loves the water! Mackenzie was super excited to try "surfing"...well as close as she will get for sometime. She has great aspirations after watching the movie Soul Surfer.

Painting Ceramics in the Pottery studio.

PandaMania Kids Day Camp

2011-07-21T18:57:00.000-07:00

This week we are busy helping with PandaMania at our church! More photos to come...as soon as I can stay awake long enough....

Happy Two Year Gotcha Day!

2011-07-13T20:55:00.001-07:00

Tonight we celebrated Miah's two year Gotcha Day Anniversary! I can't believe that this sweet girl has been with us two years! Two years ago today, Drew and his parents were in Nanjing China meeting Miah at the civil affairs office, while back at home Mommy and her sisters eagerly waited to meet her via Skype. What an amazing day that was and what an amazing little girl we have been blessed with!

Summer Vacation

2011-07-12T20:49:00.000-07:00

This summer we are staying close to home and looking for fun things to do with the girls to keep them busy. Today they went horseback riding! Miah did great! she said she was not scared at all! She is always so eager to try new things.

Tonight they are having a 'sisters sleepover'...I wonder how long that will last?

New Look

2011-07-10T18:11:00.000-07:00

Yesterday Miah got her hair cut...here she is sporting her new look with bangs. We had grown them out this past year, but her hair just always looked messy, so we thought we would go back to her previous look! Much neater!And as cute as ever!

Wordless Wednesday

2011-07-06T20:28:00.000-07:00

Surgery Complete

2011-06-30T09:56:00.001-07:00

We are home after a very long day yesterday at the hospital. And seemed for the most part to be one confusing situation after another.

At our last plastic surgeon appointment we were told to call as soon as we woke up yesterday to let them know if she still had the infection. I called the office at 7 am and left them a message. I waited until just after nine and called them again as they had not called me back. The receptionist told me that I should have called before nine as the surgeon was now in the OR and could not be reached. I stated that I did call much earlier and left her a message, and she replied by saying she did not check her messages yet for the day. She then proceeded to tell me that she would try to leave him a message and get back to be around noon. As I had arranged for a babysitter to come for 10 am, I quickly called and asked her to come for noon instead.

At 11 am the surgeon's office called back with instructions for me to get to the hospital by noon as they would be fitting us in before 3 pm. I called the babysitter back and she graciously jumped in her car and came over. We arrived at the hospital right at noon, but when we arrived at the admitting desk they had no record that we were supposed to be there and would not admit us. They asked us to sit in the main lobby area while they tried to contact the surgeon (who was in the OR). After an hour of waiting I called the surgeon's office myself and they were shocked that we were not yet admitted and told me that they had faxed the request to the hospital earlier in the day. I relayed that info to the 'friendly' admitting staff and they again told me that they had no such request. After three calls on my cell phone to the surgeon's office a fax finally surfaced at the admitting desk but on it the surgeon's request that we be moved to wait in ambulatory care wing until this mess was resolved was misunderstood in that now they thought Miah was being admitted as an ambulatory care patient and not as a surgical patient. The reason for the request to move us to a different waiting area was that Miah was fasting and the main general lobby is home to a small cafe and everyone was coming to eat their lunch in the seats beside her. Needless to say we did not get permission to move and sat in the lobby for 3 hours!!! Not fun with a child who is tired and hungry and now really grouchy! There was a vending machine and she kept asking me if she could just go over to it and look at the food!

Finally at 3 pm there was a shift change at the admitting desk and the 'friendly' staff went home and a very nice young girl arrived asking why we were waiting. I tried to explain as best I could without bursting into tears and she states "I have your fax over here. It has been here for while now." So at that point she got us registered and sent us to the surgical waiting area.

Much better in this waiting room as there was a TV and no one is allowed to eat in this area. Again there was a little confusion as to who we were and why we were there. The nurse didn't know about putting emla cream on her hand for the IV and looked at me like I was speaking another language when I asked. She also did not give her Tylenol as in our other experiences, but I didn't even question that one. I changed Miah into her hospital jammies and we waited some more. Finally at 5:45 the anesthetist came in to get her. Of course the way the day was going, I was thinking our luck would be to get the only guy in town that does not let the parents escort their child in and guess what...we did! So, I had to explain to Miah that I could not come with her this time and she started crying, clinging to my leg. The surgeon arrived at that time to get me to sign some papers and I was able to convince her that she could walk in with him. She was OK with that....so off they went.

Surgery lasted 45 minutes and Dr. W was able to remove the nasty undissolved stitch that was giving her trouble, clean out the wound and stitch it back up again. He did say he left a bit of a hole so that this time it can drain if it needs to. I was sent to the pediatric ward to wait for her to be brought from recovery. When I arrived, I told them that my daughter was being sent up from the OR. Again I got blank stares and they said they had no idea that they were receiving a patient. OK, I should have seen that one coming. Miah was finally brought to me around 7:15 and we spent the next 2 hours eating ice cream and Popsicles...that's why you go to the hospital right?

She is doing well. She didn't sleep great last night, lots of bad dreams I think, but she doesn't seem to be in much pain. She ate a big breakfast and is currently enjoying snack two of the morning. I think she is making up for yesterday! Thank you all for your prayers! We're praying for no more infections!

Back to the Operating Room?

2011-06-28T17:52:00.000-07:00

For the last couple of weeks Miah has been struggling with an infection in her incision line. The surgeon says he is pretty sure it is the knot where he tied off the stitch during the lip revision four weeks ago. We have tried a course of antibiotics, but it still seems to flare up and then ooze. Some days it looks pretty good as we are hopeful that things are on the mend, but then it seems to just flare up again over night. We have gone back twice now to the surgeon and he thinks that the undissolved knot needs to be removed.

So, tomorrow, with no booked OR time we are supposed to show up at the hospital and wait to see the surgeon. He will then assess the situation and make a decision regarding surgery. He predicts that she could get into the OR sometime late afternoon or around dinner time. Not fun to wait with a toddler who is fasting....and did I mention that I can't find the power charger for the DVD player? Hopefully they will at least give her a bed to wait in and not just have her hanging out in the waiting room. That could be painful!

I would appreciate your prayers as Drew is out of town on a business trip and the big girls are going to be with a babysitter for the day. Hopefully all will go well and we will not have to spend the night. (the photo is her goofy look from our photo shoot last month)

2 Weeks Post Op

2011-06-16T16:12:00.000-07:00

It has been two weeks since Miah's surgery. She is back to her energetic self and it is getting harder to make sure she does not bump her nose. Over the past few days it has appeared to us that she has more and more scar tissue building up at the top of her incision line close to her nostril. This morning it was even more prominent and now we are leaning on the side that perhaps she has an infection in that area. I called the plastic surgeon and we will be able to see him tomorrow afternoon. Hopefully it is something that we can treat with oral antibiotics and not something that has to be opened up. She has also been saying more often that her nose hurts, so perhaps there is something going on.

6 Days Post Surgery

2011-06-07T14:17:00.000-07:00

It will be one week tomorrow that Miah had her lip/nose revision surgery done. I can't believe how fast this week has flown by and how well she is doing. Yesterday she had the packing taken out of her left nostril. She was very happy to be able to breathe easier. She was very brave while they removed it and only jumped a bit as the surgeon pulled it out. He rewarded her by giving her a Yo-Yo. He's on her list of people she likes again :)

Today her incision line is less red than yesterday. It is amazing what even 24 hours can do to the healing process. The only struggle that we are having is that this experience seems to have brought back to the surface her obsession with food. We were finally at a point where food did not seem to be an issue anymore. She ate happily at meal time and stopped when she was full. Maybe it was the pureed food for the first few days that has set her back into this obsession to know when every meal time and snack time will be. She has been asking to eat every 1/2 hour and gets upset when I tell her it is not time. Hopefully this will pass soon enough.

She is sleeping great though! Last time after surgery she would wake up many times in the night crying and I was worried about that happening this time too. So far so good!!!

Surgery Update

2011-06-03T12:43:00.000-07:00

This past Wednesday Miah had a nose/lip revision done. Initially they were also going to close a fistula that she has, but since then a lovely adult tooth has come down right into the fistula. Good news, is that it is blocking the hole, but bad news is that they will have to repair it at a later date (yet another surgery). The thought being that the tooth will stimulate more bone growth in that area. Kids born with clefts do not have a lot of bone in the affected area and many require bone grafting. The doctors like to encourage as much bone growth as possible in order to minimize the need for a large bone graft. This is a surgery Miah will have in a few years. They will take bone from her hip at this time to build up her gumline.

I was so happy that I was allowed to accompany Miah into the OR at 9:00 am. She was so brave, although I could tell that she was really nervous. We laid her on the table and she only whimpered a bit when they put the IV in. I was able to talk and pray with her while she went to sleep. The surgery took just over 2 1/2 hours. This was a bit longer than they anticipated so Mommy was getting a little worried around the 2 hour mark.

At noon we were able to meet Miah in her room and cuddle her. She was a trooper. She did not cry the whole time we were there, just the occasional moan. She kept pointing to her nose and asking me to "take it off." Her one reconstructed nostril has packing in it and it is sutured in place with a bolster stitch (you can see the gauze on the bridge of her nose.) It must feel like something is on her face. That has been most bothersome for her. The Doctor will remove that gauze next week. The surgeon also said he got a really good repair of her muscles in her upper lip area. Hopefully this will help her with her speech.

She was in good spirits while we were in hospital. She enjoyed been fed bits of broken Popsicles and ice cream. If we were playing she would say to me "I can't smile or laugh. If I am happy I will say Hee Hee and you will know I am happy." She is so darn cute.

I am little disappointed with how her nostril is currently looking. To me it looks like it will end up being larger than her left. When I asked the surgeon about this he said that there was not a lot of cartilage left to work with and it will require another surgery at some point to add cartilage from another area on her body. I almost cried when he pointed out yet another surgery in her future. I sure hope they can start to piggyback some of them.

Day One
Day Two

688 Days

2011-05-31T18:30:00.000-07:00

Today we celebrated "Equal Day" Today marks the day that Miah has finally been with us for as long as she spent in China. Professionals say that this is a pivotal point as many kids finally start to settle in to their new families and lives at this point. We are blessed with the gift of this child and feel that we have established a very strong bond with Miah and that she trusts us to look after her needs. She looks for us for snuggles and comfort when distressed and has started to express her love for us without being asked how she feels. We love this girl so much and I am so blessed to be her Momma!

Tomorrow Miah goes in for her nose/lip revision surgery....so with tonight being a "celebration," we let Miah go to town eating things she won't be able to enjoy for a while....like chicken drumsticks and corn on the cob! We check into the hospital bright and early tomorrow morning. Her surgery time is 9:00. We'll try to update when we can!

Family Photo Shoot

2011-05-25T13:40:00.001-07:00

This past weekend we did a family photo shoot with local photographer April Martin . It was the most quick and painless session we have ever had! The girls were great and we were done in less than 30 minutes. We received a "sneak peek" of the photos that she took. They are amazing! April we love them so much! We had one small moment when Miah refused to cooperate and gave us the frown with folded arms routine when she was asked to sit on a bench and her oldest sister was asked to stand behind the bench. She thought standing would be better than sitting I guess. Later that night I asked her why she had gotten upset and her answer was "I was just so mad!" Too funny.

Dance

2011-05-20T14:05:00.000-07:00

This past weekend Miah had her last dance class of the season. All the parents and siblings were invited in to watch the girls participate in the last half of their class. It was so fun to watch Miah and her friend Sylvie participate in a class together. I don't often get to sit back and watch her engage with her peers. It is a very eye-opening experience. I think the highlight for Miah was that her sisters were watching her. It is usually the other way around, but this was her moment to perform for them! Have I mentioned how much I love this girl?

Happy I Love You Day

2011-05-10T17:17:00.000-07:00

Today in Miah's preschool class, all the special ladies in the kids lives were invited for a special 'I love you day tea'. Miah presented me with a hand painted flower pot. She was so proud of her creation. For the rest of the day she kept telling me "Happy I love you day Mom." The teacher read out the children's answer to the question "Why do you love your mom?" Miah's response was "I love my mom because she plays Dora games and puzzles with me."

Happy Birthmother's Day

2011-05-07T18:44:00.000-07:00

I didn't know this before today, but the Saturday before Mother's Day is recognized as Birthmother's Day. A day to remember and give thanks to the women around the world who so unselfishly give their children the most wonderful gift of all...a family that can care for them. It originated in 1990 by a group of birthmothers in Seattle, Washington. Most birthmothers will agree that Mother's Day is a very painful holiday and these women wanted to create something that would honor their birthmotherhood.

I often think about Miah's birthmother. Part of me would love to know her, to meet her face to face, to thank her and acknowledge the great sacrifice she made.

I can speculate on the events surrounding Miah's birth and abandonment, but the truth is,I will never know anything for sure. What I do know, is that I'm am so thankful she decided to carry her baby to term, give birth, and abandon her in a safe place where she was found quickly. The idea of a mother being forced to make that choice is still too much for my human mind to comprehend, and my heart still aches for her.

She has blessed me with a wonderful gift. But for us to have received this gift, meant heartbreak on her part, that I am certain. I wish I could thank her for the sacrifice she has made. Because of this unselfish act, her baby now has such a bright future. Miah has a family who adores her and loves her 'to the moon and back', she has access to the kind of medical care she needs, more toys and clothes than one girl really needs, is learning about and experiencing the love of Jesus, and her future holds many opportunities.

So today, I stop to remember this woman and I pray that she feels a sense of peace somehow in knowing that her baby is well loved and cared for.

Mother's Day Gift

2011-05-06T15:21:00.001-07:00

This is my mother's day gift from my family. A hand crafted charm with Miah's Chinese name on it. It was made in Beijing which makes it extra special for me. I can't wait to wear it and one day pass it on to Miah so she can have a lasting remembrance of her heritage.

We ordered this charm through Jiayin Designs. Kelly, the founder and adoptive parent states that "in an effort to allow other families the same treasure and to provide some extra financial support to a Chinese couple doing significant work in China who actually go and have the charms made and then ship them to me, I built a basic website using the name Jiayin--meaning literally good and beautiful news but also the word used in Revelation in Chinese Bible for the phrase the mystery of God."

Wishing all the moms out there a very Happy Mother's Day!

Surgery Date-June 1st

2011-05-01T16:27:00.000-07:00

We finally have a set date for Miah's next surgery-June 1st. 4 weeks from today. We are still not exactly sure what all will be done, but we do know that it will include a nose revision, some touch ups on her palate and possibly replacing the tubes in her ears. For the next two weeks we are pretty much booked solid with visits to the plastic surgeon, orthodontist, ENT, a hearing test, speech therapy and a pre-op hospital appointment.

I'm sure this round of surgery will bring with it anxiety on Miah's part. She is fully aware that the possibility of needles exist and that sometimes doctors make owies in her mouth. I pray that they let me bring her into the OR again. But maybe now that she is older, I might not be invited in. Please be praying that this next stage in her surgery plan will go smoothly and that she will bounce back to her normal self quickly.

Happy Easter!

2011-04-24T16:20:00.000-07:00

There in the ground His body lay
Light of the world by darkness slain
Then bursting forth in glorious Day
Up from the grave he rose again!
And as He stands in victory
Sin's curse has lost its grip on me

This morning started with an early morning egg hunt in the backyard. Why is it that no one can get out of bed on time on a school day, but on Sunday they are up at the crack of dawn!

An amazing family

2011-04-13T19:09:00.000-07:00

See how you can help a family bring home two precious blessings from China!! Click on the button below to find out more...

Happy 11th Birthday Mackenzie

2011-04-12T13:56:00.000-07:00

11 years ago today I became a mother for the first time. This morning I was at our ladies bible study and was again reminded of God's faithfulness and that He is in control of everything. He certainly was 11 years ago when Mackenzie entered the world.

I was 36 weeks pregnant and went to my regular weekly checkup. The Dr checked her heart rate and it was low...very low. She was really good at not panicking me. She phoned ahead to the hospital telling them she was sending me over, while meanwhile telling me not to worry, she just had to use the 'scary language' to get me in quicker. I left the office and tried calling Drew at work. Of course he was not expecting that I would be having this baby anytime soon, since we were not at my due date. I could not contact him as he was in a meeting, but his receptionist assured me that she would locate him. I think she then went on to say that all would be ok and it didn't really hurt that bad to deliver a baby...I think that was when I hung up. Seriously?

We went to the hospital, not even stopping to get our well thought out and carefully packed delivery bag. We didn't think we would be staying. They hooked me up to a monitor and for the first hour her heart rate was great. The nurses joked that our Dr must have made a mistake and they were just about to take me off the monitor and send me home when it happened again. Her heart rate dropped well below any normal numbers. Within minutes our quiet room became filled with all sorts of medical personnel all discussing what to do. They told us that they needed to get the baby out soon and induced me shortly after. I labored for 12 hours and finally her heart could take it no more. I was rushed into the operating room and Mackenzie was born via c-section.

Mackenzie had wrapped herself in the cord. It was tightly wrapped around her neck and chest. Any amount of wiggling done by this little baby was enough to clamp the cord. She came out a very dark color. Looking back now I would say she was a dark reddish grey. Red they tell me as I must have had gestational diabetes and not known it. I only got to see her for a few minutes and they whisked her away. After that she spent 3 days in the special care nursery with some of the tiniest babies I have even seen.

Our Dr. spoke with me a week later and said "I don't know what you believe in, but someone was definitely watching over this baby. She should not have been ok." She shared that just the fact that she detected the low heart rate during her quick exam was a miracle in itself. At the hospital, they watched for over an hour and nothing was a miss and they almost sent me home. She also shared with me that she believed that the baby could not have gone on for four more weeks in the situation she was in and not be born without some problems.

We are blessed and thankful for having a God who watches over us and is in control of everything. I can't wait to see what His plans are for Mackenzie's life. She has grown into such a beautiful, smart and caring young lady. She loves Jesus and has a heart for orphans. If only I could have a peek into the future....Happy Birthday Mackenzie. Love Mom

1st Day of Ballet

2011-04-09T13:29:00.000-07:00

Today was Miah's first dance class. Her big sisters have been dancing for many years and now it is her turn. What made this extra exciting was that her friend Sylvie is taking the same class.

Miah was so excited this morning to get all dressed and when we pulled into the parking lot she had the biggest smile on her face. However when the teacher came out to get her sweet little class, Miah put the brakes on and almost cried, shaking her head saying no. I walked her in and told her that she needed to listen to the teacher and quickly retreated. No tears and I think she actually enjoyed herself. She is currently napping still in her dance wear.

You my Mommy?

2011-03-18T17:37:00.000-07:00

Lately, this is the question Miah asks me almost daily. "You my Mommy?" I answer- Yes, I am your mommy for always. Today her questioning went a little further...

Miah-"You my Mommy?"

Mommy-"Yes, I am your Mommy"

Miah-" when I was little in China I was in your tummy?"

Mommy-"No, when you were in China God made you in your Chinese Mommy's tummy"

Miah-pauses to think..."What's her name?"

Mommy-"I don't know her name"

Miah-pauses to think again..."I don't know her name either. I forgot"

Then she carried about her day...I hope I am handling these types of questions right. Any suggestions?

There are not always smiles...

2011-02-27T15:16:00.001-08:00

This was the reaction I got this morning when I told Miah that I would be teaching in her Sunday School class today. Not quite what I expected, but ladies who teach, thank you...you have made a great impact on my daughter's life...and well...Mommy's heart can take it....

"No...I don't want you be my teacher"

Chinese New Year 2011

2011-02-06T14:32:00.000-08:00

Today we gathered with other adoptive families from Kelowna and celebrated Chinese New Year with our kids. Miah was not a fan of the Lion Dancers with their drums and burst out into tears and held her fingers in her ears. Once they were finished however, she got brave and went up and touched and even kissed the costumes.

新年快乐

2011-02-03T15:08:00.001-08:00

Happy Chinese New Year!

Today Miah was thrilled to be able to take "Chinese Cookies" to Preschool to share with her friends. She has watched her sisters take cupcakes to school on their birthdays, but because Miah has a summer birthday I thought this a great day that she too could take a treat to share with her class.

This weekend we get the opportunity to participate in a couple of Chinese New Years events. Friday night is a celebration put on by the international students at the local college and on Sunday we are attending a special luncheon with other adoptive families in the area.

'East Meets West' Fortune Cookies

2011-02-02T19:37:00.001-08:00

Tonight Miah and Mommy had some fun decorating fortune cookies that she can take to share with her friends at Preschool to celebrate Chinese New Years tomorrow. She was so excited and kept saying "Happy Chinese New Years Mommy" and then proceeded to tell me "You not Chinese Mommy." I think that was her way of letting me know that the cookies are all hers!

Getting Ready for Chinese New Year

2011-01-30T20:40:00.001-08:00

Today we pulled out the modge podge, tissue paper and cut up napkins from last year and turned some glass jars into beautiful Chinese lanterns. They looked very pretty on the table with some tea lights in them. Miah had a great time with the paint brush and was so proud of her creation.

Yes...her hair is red from a Rock Star birthday party she went to on Friday night....

Tomorrow's Project...

18 Months

2011-01-14T18:26:00.000-08:00

It is hard to believe that Miah has been home for 18 months. Sometimes it seems like the last year and half have gone fast, and other times it feels like she has been a part of our family for much longer. She has still not been with us as long as she has lived in China. Many adoption/attachment experts state that a child is not truly settled into a family until that time. She has blossomed so much in the past 18 months. Her use of the English language has come so far, she is enjoying making friends and attending Preschool, she shows us affection daily and tells us that she loves us, she has melted the heart of her Daddy, developed a strong relationship with her sisters, and continues to be such a blessing to our family.

18 months ago...Grandpa took me for a walk on the Great Wall!

Ladybug Dress

2011-01-09T17:29:00.000-08:00

Thanks Grandma for my new dress! I love it!

Merry Christmas!

2010-12-25T20:46:00.000-08:00

Wishing all our family and friends a very Merry Christmas!

Visit with Santa

2010-12-21T20:24:00.000-08:00

Sunday School Presentation

2010-12-19T07:50:00.000-08:00

Miah was an angel in our church's annual Nativity Photo Shoot.

Baa Baa Baby Jesus

2010-12-13T12:01:00.000-08:00

2010-12-12T21:53:00.000-08:00

This weekend our church presented the musical "The Present is the Future." Mackenzie had an acting role, Madison sang a duet and Miah was a sheep. She was so proud of herself....and so was Mommy!

100 Good Wishes Quilt

2010-12-07T19:33:00.001-08:00

Today a very special friend of mine presented Miah and I with her completed 100 Good Wishes Quilt. It is beautiful! Cheryl you spoil us! This will be such a treasured keepsake for Miah to have as she grows.

We had fun tonight talking about who contributed each piece of fabric. I thought she might be too young to understand the significance, but I think she actually got it. She kept pointing to the different squares asking "who buy it?"...then I would tell her and she would answer "for me?"...when I would tell her yes for her, she would squeal in delight and have a huge smile on her face.....each square actually received quite a few kisses as well. This is definitely a blanket full of love.

You can see by the expression on her face just how much she loves her new blanket.

Thanks Cheryl! We love it!!!!!

Dear Tooth Fairy

2010-11-26T13:37:00.001-08:00

Today while I was making Madison's bed I came across this letter to the Tooth Fairy. She has quite a few loose teeth that she is looking forward to loosing...I guess she can't wait.

Dear Tooth Fairy
My teeth will not fall wot (out)
Ples get me sum manee (some money)
like 5 bucs
and son (soon) my teeth will fall awot (out)

The Photo NOT making it on a Christmas card this year...

2010-11-12T18:15:00.001-08:00

Happy Halloween

2010-10-31T20:02:00.000-07:00

Tonight we had some great friends over for dinner and the girls all hit the streets in hopes of filling pillowcases full of candy. Miah was so excited to dress up as a elephant and went to a few houses, but then decided that she wanted to "go home now." She was full of awe as she emptied her bucket full of a few treats and polished off most of them while she helped mom answer the door. I think she had more fun handing out the candy then going out herself. When I put her to bed she told me trick or treating was a "little bit scary." However she did say "do it another day"...so it must have had its high points.

Madi's 7th Birthday

2010-10-16T19:30:00.000-07:00

Today we celebrated Madison's 7th birthday. She decided that she wanted a glamour girl fashion show party. The girls had fun dressing up and took a few turns on the cat walk.

Miah got into the fun by getting her nails painted by Grandma, putting on makeup and even dressing up and performing for the girls.

Show and Tell

2010-10-14T14:31:00.000-07:00

Today was Miah's first show and tell day at Preschool. She was asked to bring something that starts with the letter "P." Guess what she brought???? And of course a Panda dress to complete the day!

Pumpkin Patch

2010-10-08T16:18:00.000-07:00

The girls have a five day weekend so today was "Sister Fun Day!"

I love my sister!

Corn kernels instead of sand...what fun!

School Photo Day

2010-10-05T12:56:00.000-07:00

Today Miah had her very first school photos taken. She was very excited to wear her new dress and have her hair curled. However, on the way to school she told us that she was NOT going to smile. Her words were "No big smile." We did a little pre-photo shoot at home just in case.....

Her teacher told us that she was a little hesitant to sit on the stool, but after they gave her a stuffed Panda to hold she cooperated. I can hardly wait to see her and her new stuffed friend. I guess if there is a stuffed Panda to be found, Miah will find it.

Nativity Photo Shoot

2010-10-02T18:21:00.000-07:00

Every year our church gathers up the preschool families and heads to the park to take some photos of the preschoolers dressed up in the various roles of the Nativity story. This year, Miah was promoted to an angel (last year she was a sheep)....see the progression? These photos will then be put together in a video with a narration and shown to the congregation in December. It always turns out to be super cute!

Notice our sweet angel trying to steal the gift the Wise Man has brought (left side)I didn't even notice this until I downloaded these photos!

No there is not a hold up in progress....this little angel is praising God!

Sweetness! Our hearts are so full of love for our dear angel!

How much difference a year can make....This was our little sheep last year!

A Wedding

2010-09-21T12:56:00.000-07:00

This past weekend we had the privilege of attending our friend's daughter's wedding. This sweet girl was our Candle lighter at our wedding 11 years ago...how on earth can she be old enough to be married...or better question...are we really that old?

I was reminded of just how fast time goes by and only how much longer our girls will be little.

One stop we made on the way to the wedding was Build-A-Bear. The girls had been wanting to go for some time and show Miah how to build her own bear....of course she picked the Panda. Once she saw the Panda there was no showing her any other options.

The new additions to our family

Some "Firsts" this week

2010-09-16T14:18:00.000-07:00

First Toothless Grin

Madison's First day of Sparks

First Official Day of Preschool

Preschool Orientation

2010-09-09T19:21:00.000-07:00

Tonight was Miah's Preschool Orientation. We played together in the classroom for about 30 minutes and then the parents sat in one area of the room and had a meeting while the kids played with the other teachers. Miah did great...she only came over to check on my whereabouts one time and went back to playing. Of course, the worried Adoptive Mother in me wonders if this is a sign of a healthy attachment, or lack of a good attachment....how are we ever to know for sure????

She had so much fun and it was wonderful to observe her in a classroom setting. The last few days I had been praying that there might, just maybe, be one other Asian child in her class...well, it was not to be...ALL the other kids were Caucasian. I know that the odds are not in her favor here in our town, but I was really hoping. When I left tonight I was surprised as to how much that really bothered me. Will she always be the only Asian girl in her peer group? How will she respond to this? What can we do as her family to make her not feel different than her peers? Will she feel different? All those questions we answered so confidently during the Home Study process now have a new reality to them....I wish I could answer confidently now.

Seriously mom? Are you gonna follow me around with that camera?

Making pizza

Matching Chocolates

Painting! She was so excited about this station...boo hoo...all those cute Gymboree outfits I was going to send her in...

The first day of school

2010-09-08T13:01:00.000-07:00

Two of our girls headed back to school yesterday. I have to admit I was much too tired to post last night. I think it might take me a few days to get back into the swing of things. Mackenzie started grade 5 and Madison grade 1. They were both so eager to get going and woke up early, got themselves dressed and happily ate breakfast...however, things were not so smooth this morning.

Yearly photo on the front steps...and yes, that is the best smile Mack could find for me... she thinks it is high time Mom put that camera away.....sorry honey, no such luck!

Madison's First Desk

There are some really lovely girls in class with Madison this year. The teacher let them choose where they wanted to sit in the class. It was cute...all the girls took the front rows and all the boys high tailed it to the back...

Tomorrow Miah goes for her fist orientation for Preschool, then starts next week two mornings a week. While I am excited for her and think it will be good for her, I am having a hard time letting go...didn't she just come home? It was cute to see her name on the bulletin board outside her class...the title read "Look who Popped into Preschool"

Panda Party

2010-08-25T21:04:00.001-07:00

Happy 3rd Birthday Miss Miah! We love you very much

Pre-Party Photo Shoot

2010-08-24T15:13:00.000-07:00

Today I took Miah out for a mini pre-party photo shoot....you know the one where you get some cute photos without the cake and ice cream dripped all over the pretty dress...

A Little Retail Therapy

2010-08-15T16:45:00.000-07:00

There is a family fundraising for funds to adopt a precious girl from China. Last month I bought a very fun looking camera strap for my new camera and yesterday I purchased a cute dress for Miah to wear on her first day of Preschool. If you are interested, you can look at the other items she has for auction here and of course take a peek at the sweet baby they are bringing home.

I also ordered Miah another cute dress online from Red Thread Stitches for Miah to wear to Preschool. I could spend a lot of money at this store! They too are "sewing their way" to their little one in China.

I have to wonder if my husband would rather me spend time looking at & buying clothes online for the girls or looking through the photolistings of little ones who still need a family....I just might have found a way to get permission for online shopping!

Water Fun

2010-08-12T18:19:00.001-07:00

I am amazed at how much time the girls have spent on the slip and slide this year. They have now realized that if you ride inflatables down the slide you go much faster.

*Question for my photography friends...how can I better capture the fast movement of the kids, but not get as much "frozen" water droplets in the photos? I do like the effect of the water, but some of the photos are more water than kids!

Planning a Party

2010-07-29T19:50:00.000-07:00

Can you guess the theme of a certain soon to be 3 year old's party? It is still three weeks away....but I thought I should get the invitations in the mail....I love Birthday Parties!

A Successful Step...

2010-07-25T19:50:00.001-07:00

Today was the first day we were successful leaving Miah in the church Sunday School class. She has been going to this class each week for a year now, but one of us has always stayed with her. We have tried on a few occasions to leave, but the tears quickly developed and we were paged to return to the class after about 10 minutes.

We have left her a couple of times with Grandma and Grandpa, which was fine and once with a babysitter (her sisters were with her so she felt comfortable). I started talking yesterday about how she would stay in the class by herself and that mommy would come back when she was finished playing. It was the first thing she talked about this morning and seemed pretty keen on the idea of going "my self." However, when it was time for me to leave the changed her mind and started crying that "Mommy stay." I told her I would be back, passed her over to the volunteer and then left the room. There is a one way window into the class so I was able to observe her. She cried for about 5 minutes and then slowly made her way over to where the action was and then actively participated! She stayed by herself for 45 minutes! I was so proud of her!

I do hope that this is a sign that we are on the right track in regards to attachment. I hope and pray that she is starting to trust us and feels confident that we will come back to get her. I think somedays she is torn between being a typical (almost ) three year old who wants to gain Independence and "do it myself" and the scared child who worries about people leaving her never to be seen again.

Miah is loving her backyard play pool. She is not afraid of the water (making Mommy nervous) and dives right in.

A Blessing Beyond Measure

2010-07-13T20:30:00.001-07:00

Today is Miah's 1st Gotcha Day Anniversary. She has blessed our family in so many ways. We didn't even know how much we needed her until she came home. But God knew. She blesses us daily with her kisses, smiles, hugs and charm. I love to look into those dark eyes that captivate me and fall deeper in love with her everyday.

Tonight we went out for "China noodles" as Miah would say and had coconut ice cream for dessert. Miah thought it was great to eat ice cream with chop sticks...not all that successful, but apparently fun to try.

Almost 1 year

2010-07-12T19:45:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow will be our one year anniversary of Gotcha Day. Tomorrow I will post a one year update, but for tonight I thought I would re-post Miah adoption video to remind us of where we have been....and how far Miah has come.

Summer Fun

2010-07-08T19:48:00.000-07:00

Happy Canada Day

2010-07-01T16:29:00.000-07:00

Today was special for us as we got to celebrate our first Canada Day with Miah as a new Canadian citizen! We headed off to Vernon to meet up at the park with Grandma and Papa. The girls had fun getting their faces painted, bouncing in the bounce house, making crafts and eating some treats along the way! Miah even attracted the attention of the local news crew...lets just say I hope their footage doesn't get aired tonight on the nightly news. I am really not the ideal candidate for unexpected interview.

Summer is Here!

2010-06-24T14:29:00.001-07:00

The girls had their last day of school on Friday. I can't believe my sweet Madi has finished Kindergarten and will be heading off for first grade in just a couple of months. Mackenzie finished up grade four and made the Worth Ethic and Principals List. We are so proud of her. And come Fall Miss Miah too will head off to Preschool. This year sure has passed quickly.

We had our first visitors of the Summer. My long time friend from Arizona came up with her five year old twins. We braved the cool temperatures and headed out to the beach. The kids had fun looking for clues to prove the Ogopogo's existence. They came home with a bucket full of green scales (leaves) and other scientific proof!

Brrrrrr....I barely could stand to get my toes wet! This girl is crazy!

FINAL Post Placement Report

2010-06-13T19:33:00.000-07:00

Today we had our final visit with our Social Worker regarding Miah's adoption. China requires that we send in post placement reports at the 6 and 12th month mark of being home. They also require us to send them family photos and photos of Miah. After today, we will not be required to update them any further and her file in China will be marked "Closed."

Something about the word "Final" brought up mixed emotions in me. Happy and relieved because she is all ours but a bit sad that she no longer has any connection to China. Her file is to be closed, put on a shelf and never looked at again. Finished, Final...complete. I do hope that we will be able to instill a love for her country and its people and that she will in time feel a complete belonging here in her new country and our family. How I love this girl!

"I Lub You Mommy"

2010-06-09T18:13:00.001-07:00

This week Miah has started to tell us that she loves us. What can be sweeter?

Portraits

2010-06-05T19:10:00.000-07:00

We took Miah to get some photos done. I was feeling bad that there were so many photos of her sisters on the wall, but none of her. Well...I am happy to say she now has a spot on the wall.

GIVEAWAY: JIAYIN DESIGNS

2010-05-22T14:36:00.000-07:00

My friend Kelly is working with one of her friends in China to create some very beautiful Chinese Character Charms at Jiayin Designs. She is currently doing a giveaway for one of these charms. Just stop by her blog and make a comment to be entered in the draw. It is free and all you have to do is think up a Chinese character/word you would like on the charm. Something that has meaning to you or your child. Kelly had one made with her adoptive daughter's name written on it and wore it while she waited to bring her Lydia home from China. These charms are all unique and handmade.

Big Conversation

2010-05-18T19:32:00.000-07:00

Today Miah engaged in a big conversation for a two and a half year old. It went something like this:

Miah- Pointing to her scrapbook "China Mommy. Stay China"

Me-"Yes your China Mommy is in China"

Miah- Pointing to me " Miah Mommy Stay"

Me-"Yes Mommy will stay with Miah"

Miah-"Mommy stay Miah" Points to scrapbook "China Mommy. Stay China"

It breaks my heart that a two year old has to even think about such things and that she feels the need at such a young age to confirm that her Mommy is staying with her. I tell her everyday that mommy will come back when I need to go out without her. I pray that soon she will have the secure assurance that I will not leave her and that soon her biggest worry in life will be no more than how to make a good mud pie or how to not get caught stealing the last cookie!

Did I mention that I cannot wait until this child is potty trained?

Circus Day!

2010-05-02T07:23:00.000-07:00

Each year the Kindergartens and the Preschool kids have Circus Day together as a way for the Preschoolers to meet the Kindergarten teachers. This is the 6th Circus day in our family...thank goodness for dance recital costumes.

Madi is on the top right in her Raggedy wig. She wanted the tear drop because she wanted to be a sad clown. She also says her favorite color is black and she wants all black clothes...should I be worried?

The blessing of a friend

2010-04-27T16:52:00.000-07:00

Last week we have to opportunity to travel down to California and while we were there we were able to connect with a family who adopted Miah's friend from the orphanage last June. This was the child that the nannies told Drew Miah(Fu Ni) was close to. These girls share so much.

They were both found in the same city (Kris, I looked at Miah's paperwork again and she was found in Jingjiang)

They are five months apart and spent the first two years of their lives together at the orphanage.

I think it is a huge blessing that she will have a friend who has the same "story" as she does. I hope that these two girls grow up to be close friends and have a very special relationship that only they can understand. Who knows...maybe one day they will want to travel to China together to see where they came from.

We Are Off To See The Mouse!

2010-04-15T18:55:00.001-07:00

Tomorrow we are taking the girls on a surprise trip to Disneyland. They think we are going to Vancouver for the week, but we have other plans for them. I did share the secret with Miah and she is very good at keeping secrets from her sisters! I tried a Snow White dress on her to see if it fit and then hung it in her closet, now everytime she walks by she points to the dress, puts her finger to her lips and says "Shhhh." Of course she has no idea what it all means, but it is a fun game.

While we are there we are going to spend the day with an adoptive family who adopted Miah's friend Tian from China. They were friends in the orphanage. You can see Tian in this photo. She is the dolly with the striped sleeves. Miah is in red. Tian came home a couple of months before Miah. It will be so fun to see the two of them together again. I wonder if they will recognize each other...I can hardly wait.

Photo taken April 2009, Taizhou Social Welfare Center

Birthday Girl

2010-04-12T13:32:00.000-07:00

Today my oldest daughter is 10! Amazing...where did the years go? Mackenzie is my joy, the one who still loves to cuddle with her mom. She is an amazing gift and I cannot wait to see what God has in store for her...OK, I can wait...she is growing up way to fast. She loves Jesus and those around her. She already talks about doing Missions work and telling others about God. She also talks about working in an orphanage one day...maybe that is something we can experience together one day.

I remember pretty much everything about being pregnant, and I feel very blessed to have experienced it twice. I remember the morning sickness (YUCK), being tired, my back aching, and feet swelling...but what I remember the most was the hopes and dreams I had for my unborn child. I imagined what she would look like, what she would smell like, and even how her voice would sound and my excitement grew as her due date grew closer. I wondered what she would be when she grew up, and dreamed of her future. I waited with anticipation to see the face that I had dreamed of seeing for 9 months. When she was born I sat for hours holding her and taking note of each of her physical features. I held her tiny hands and prayed I would be the mother she needed me to be. I remember it all like yesterday. I also remember being moved to tears at the thought that one day someone might hurt her feelings and that I wouldn't be there to protect her.

Now with the same anticipation, I wonder what the next 10 years will bring as God molds her into the young woman he intends her to be.

As I recall all these things, I can't help but think about Miah.

I did not know in a physical way what it was like to carry her inside my body. I did not get to survey her physical feature's upon birth. But in China, there is a woman that does remember. I can only imagine she felt the same things when she was pregnant with Miah as I felt with my two pregnancies. I am sure she rubbed her belly with anticipation to see the face of this child she was carrying. I am sure she wondered what she would look like and how her voice would sound. I can't begin to imagine how she felt the day Miah was born. Did she look at this sweet baby girl and realize that she had to make a choice? Did she search for another way? Did her heartbreak? I can't imagine it any other way. I am sure she studied her little body and took note of each feature, knowing all too well that their time was limited. I can imagine that she held her tight to her chest, and tried to remember everything about her. I feel connected to this woman...the one who gave me the gift of a daughter. My heart breaks for her. However, I believe that God has called me to pray for this woman throughout the coming years as we will forever share the gift of a child.

Happy Easter

2010-04-05T13:56:00.000-07:00

Yesterday we spent the day with family, went to church, had an egg hunt and enjoyed a turkey dinner. It is always so much fun to watch Miah discover new things. Her eyes light up with anticipation of something good and off she goes eager to try everything! Her word of the day was "andy"...any idea what she was talking about? Let's see...it begins with a "C".

Olympic Spirit

2010-03-24T16:57:00.001-07:00

This past week we took the girls to Vancouver and Whistler to see the Olympic sights and attend a paralympic skiing event. We had the opportunity to visit with good friends and celebrate Drew's Dad's 72nd Birthday. Miah did pretty good considering we missed her naps on all but one of the days we were away. It is amazing to think that 8 months ago she was sitting in an orphanage and last week she was watching an Olympic event. God is good!

Dancing with Grandpa!

8 Months

2010-03-12T19:31:00.000-08:00

Today marks the eighth month since Miah became part of our family. I can't say enough how blessed we are to have her as our daughter. She is such a sweet loving little girl. Tonight as I was putting her to bed I held her and rocked her as she cuddled right in with her head on my shoulder...just like it is the most natural thing in the world. I missed so much during her first two years of life, but still the bond and connection between us is something far greater than I will ever understand. It makes me sad to think of her birth mother. What a sacrifice she made. Sometimes I feel a twinge of guilt over what her loss has meant for us. I pray that she has a peace about her decision.

First taste of ice cream at a DQ in China. When I look back at these photos it is amazing how much she has grown over the past eight months!

Spring is here!

2010-03-10T15:03:00.000-08:00

Finally it is warm enough to head to the park for a few hours...however it is still a good idea to bring some gloves! This morning we met some friends at the Kettle Valley Playground and Miah had a great time. She even went down the biggest slides there! No fear in that girl! She's all about adventure!

And just so you can appreciate the attitude of a two year old....

If I only had the money....

2010-03-02T18:38:00.000-08:00

I can't count how many times I have heard people say that they would love to adopt but they don't have the money...actually we said it too...and sometimes we use it as an excuse not to adopt again. I read this post today on another adoptive family's blog and it is a MUST READ! I hope you enjoy it as much as I did. God certainly got my attention!

Miah Live!

2010-02-21T18:32:00.000-08:00

I realized that I have not posted any video of Miah on this Blog. So...for your viewing pleasure...I introduce Miss Miah Montana! Hmmmm...does Hannah Montana wear a grass skirt?

Miah loves gymnastics. We go once a week with her friend Sylvie and jumping on the trampoline is by far her favorite part.

The Year of the Golden Tiger

2010-02-14T16:34:00.000-08:00

The year of the tiger will start today, February 14, 2010 and will end on February 2, 2011. The Tiger (associated with good fortune, power, and royalty), is viewed with both fear and respect; hence, their protection and wisdom is sought after. Many people believe the tiger, and not the lion, is the true king of beasts. According to Chinese thinking people born in this year have the following abilities: agile natural leaders, alert, energetic, independent, far-sighted, charming, friendly, well-liked, loyal, intelligent, confident, courageous, powerful, strong, self-reliant, sacrificing, optimistic, relentlessly competitive, good strategists and tacticians and because of this they will have great careers in Music, Acting, Writing, Advertising, Management, Aviation, Travel, Entrepreneur, Politics.

Today we celebrated with some of the other adoptive families in Kelowna. There were just over 85 people in our group at the restaurant. So fun to see everyone's children! Our girls were so excited to finally wear the Chinese dresses they got for Christmas. Thanks Uncle Dale and Auntie Serena!
Happy Chinese New Year!

Surgery # 3

2010-02-11T14:46:00.001-08:00

Miah has had three surgeries so far and we are learning that she pulls through like a trooper. The first was her lip surgery in China, the second two months ago to close her palate.

She is very compliant with all the Doctors and even gives them a high five when all is said and done. She is not the happiest girl when she comes out of the anesthetic, but today after a two hour nap she is almost back to normal. This morning's surgery involved capping her two front teeth as they were very decayed as well as removing a grape sized granuloma from her palate. I was disappointed as I was not permitted to carry her into the OR. They did give her some "happy juice" 15 minutes prior to surgery so she was a bit of a goofy girl for a few minutes. She didn't cry when I passed her to the nurse, but did keep calling for Mama until she was fully asleep. That blesses my heart and breaks it at the same time.

She will have at least two more surgeries in her future. One when she is 4 to touch up her palate and an otoplasty (pinning her ears back). Then at 9 she will have a piece of her hip bone taken out and used to rebuild the cleft in her gumline. I am sure there may be some more dental surgeries at some point as well...but maybe she will get lucky and have great adult teeth!

P.S. I know she needs a hair cut, but I am still debating if I should give her bangs or let it grow...

Personality Plus!

2010-02-10T12:28:00.000-08:00

Miah is full of curiosity, energy and has an eagerness to try anything! She is NOT a shy girl and boy can she be LOUD! She loves to make us laugh and everything has to be done with some kind of added flair. She even makes potty training fashionable!

Project Chosen

2010-01-31T20:29:00.001-08:00

A fellow adoptive Mom has embarked on a journey to share adoption stories with others in hopes that God will use these stories to open more hearts for orphans. She will highlight an adoptive family's story each day in February. Miah's story will be told on February 9th. She writes:

"I would ask that as you come back each day to read the remarkable stories of these “chosen” children, you would pray and ask the Lord how He would have you respond.

Maybe you are being called to specifically pray for orphaned children in a specific country. Maybe you are called to sponsor a child who is living in an orphanage or foster home. Or perhaps maybe, you are feeling a gentle tug on your heart that has opened up a desire to give an orphan child a forever family through adoption.

What ever the outcome, I pray that you will be encouraged and inspired by the beautiful stories of love, faithfulness, endurance and unspeakable joy. May God be glorified as you witness the families that He has designed and created for His good purpose and pleasure!"

I encourage you to visit her blog daily at http://threadsoffaithfulness.blogspot.com

Sunday School

2010-01-26T19:21:00.001-08:00

Miah has been enjoying going to church and playing with her friends. We are not able to leave her yet, but she is getting braver each week. It is so fun to watch her interact with other children and play with the toys. We have learned that she loves puzzles and will engage in a game of pass the ball with another child. She seems to be getting a grasp of turn taking, which seems earlier than our other two children. I wonder if growing up with 40 other kids teaches you to take turns earlier?

Why China?

2010-01-22T17:45:00.001-08:00

This is a question I get asked frequently. The answer is simple. Because when God called us to get our daughter, that’s where she was. And we went.

6 Fabulous Months

2010-01-14T15:30:00.000-08:00

Photo taken July 2009 in China

Miah has now been at home for 6 months! What an amazing blessing she has been to all of us. Mackenzie and Madison are showering their little sister with love and Miah returns the favor to us all. It has become quite the ritual to say goodbye for school or if Mommy or Daddy have to go out for a bit. Miah wants both cheeks kissed and then plants a few slobbery kisses on each of us....and don't forget the hugs. Miah loves to give big bear hugs.

In the past 6 months she has:

*Developed almost a complete understanding of the English spoken at home
*Had her cleft palate surgery and pulled through like a trooper
*Says clearly "No," "Up," "Hello," "More," "bow," "Me," "My," "Jello" and "Ma Ma"
*Knows and uses the signs for Milk, all done, thank you, apple, drink, and eat
*Has enjoyed swimming lessons. She loves the water!
*Has started gymnastics. Jumping on the trampoline is her favorite part!
*Experienced her first Christmas celebration

We are still struggling with the whole food/time to eat concept. She tantrums at least once daily and always about the issue of food. She would like to eat all day long and will stand at the door of the fridge or pantry and cry. When I tell her that it is not snack time she will crumble to the floor, kicking and screaming. I am sure that they did not have an open door policy on the orphanage kitchen, but here she knows where the food is and thinks she should be able to access it whenever she wants. She out eats us all at breakfast, has a morning snack, lunch by 11:30, then a snack after her nap, then dinner and sometimes yet another snack before bed...so you can see we are clearly not starving her. We are trying to stick to the routine in hopes that she will develop an understanding of when it is time to eat.

I love this photo. It was taken at the silk market in Beijing. It is so precious how all the employees gathered around her. Something very cute about a lil' lady looking for her first Chinese dress. We are looking forward to Chinese New Year this year and have all the silk dresses ready to go!

Panda Dress

2010-01-11T15:13:00.000-08:00

Miah got this Panda dress for Christmas from Grandma. She loves it. She walks around all day pointing to the pandas and showing anyone who will look at them. Pandas are a huge hit in our house right now!

2009

2010-01-02T13:45:00.000-08:00

1997…The year I met Drew

1998 The year Drew and I got engaged

1999…The year Drew and I married

2000…The year I became a mom for the first time to my sweet Mackenzie

2003…The year Madison came into our life and brought with her joy and laughter

2007…The year God put a burning desire in our hearts to adopt a daughter from China

2009…The year God answered all of those prayers and Miah Fu Ni became our daughter!

I thought I’d look back on the past year and highlight how the Lord has blessed us, brought us joy, carried us through pain and always continued to be faithful.

March was a bittersweet month as my grandfather went home to be with the Lord. It is still hard to believe that he is gone and never got a chance to meet Miah. She would have made him laugh...

...a week later we received a very important phone call and saw our daughter's face for the first time

April Mackenzie turned 9 and we received Pre-Approval from China to adopt Miah
May Drew and I celebrated our 10th wedding anniversary
July Drew travelled to China and brought Miah home

August We celebrated Miah's 2nd birthday
September Mackenzie started grade 4 and Madison started Kindergarten

October We celebrated Madison's 6th Birthday!
December Miah had her palate surgery and we celebrated Miah's first Christmas with family and friends.

We look forward to see what God has in store for us in 2010!

Happy New Year!

Digital Scrapbooking

2009-12-30T20:28:00.000-08:00

I have been trying something new the past year-digital scrapbooking. I am enjoying being creative with my photos without the mess of paper, scissors, tape being all over my dining room table for weeks! I am currently doing the photos from China for Miah's lifebook. Here are a few I have done this past week.

Merry Christmas

2009-12-25T21:04:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas! Miah enjoyed her day...the highlight being the Candy Cane she stole off the tree before breakfast and her new bike! It is so much fun to watch her discover new things and enjoy first experiences. Last Christmas at this time we did not know who or where Miah was and I was so hoping she would be with us this year to celebrate. What a gift she is to us! We feel so blessed to call her our daughter! What a privilege it is!

Meeting Santa

2009-12-19T12:57:00.001-08:00

This morning I braved the mall and took the girls to see Santa. I thought Miah would probably cry and that there was no way Madi would get near him, but they all ended up on Santa's knee. The clincher for Madi was that she had brought "Sparkles" the class mascot and wanted to have her photo with Santa to show the class. Miah was so excited about the candy cane she got until she tasted it. She made a face of disgust and tossed it in the nearest garbage can. Not a fan of mint I guess.

Cuteness

2009-12-16T20:11:00.001-08:00

First Snow

2009-12-14T14:07:00.000-08:00

Today Miah ventured outside for the first time in the snow. It was -12 and she kept signing to us that it was cold...yes baby...Canada can be cold! Welcome home!

Caroling at the mall

2009-12-09T10:38:00.000-08:00

Last weekend the girls church choir got to carol at the mall. They had a great time. This coming Friday and Saturday night they will be presenting "Christmas Shop around the Corner." It will be great free entertainment for the whole family. Come and join us if you can. Mission Creek Alliance Church. Showtimes are 6:30 Friday and 3:30 on Saturday!

She's Home!

2009-12-05T16:06:00.000-08:00

Miah was released this afternoon. Now the fun begins. She needs to keep her arm restraints on, keep her fingers away from her mouth, she cannot be too active, cannot eat anything other than strained baby food for a few days and we need to keep control of the pain. After 7 days we can introduce some thicker foods, but nothing thicker than mashed potatoes for at least 3 weeks. Mommy needs to get creative in the kitchen!