Great News!

The doctor appointment went very well.  The girls have each grown about 1 1/2 inches since early March.  They calculate that to be about 6cm per year.  At that growth rate, we hope they will each reach 5 ft tall and we shouldn't need to discuss growth hormone testing.  I am so glad I followed my instinct (God) and asked them on our first appointment to delay growth hormone testing.  I asked them to give her time in her forever home to see if it makes a difference and it definitely has helped.

 Haylee has always been about 1 1/2 inches taller than Hannah, so she will probably end up a little taller.  Hannah has caught her in weight.  Hannah was 47 inches and 47 pounds.  Haylee was 48 1/2 inches tall and 48 pounds.  I am very proud of how they are doing.  We focus a lot on how they eat.  We always make sure they have a protein of some sort.  They exercise plenty between dance and swim team.  We always try to make sure they get plenty of "good" sleep.  Hannah struggles with this more than Haylee because of her nightmares.  She told me to continue having them drink Carn*ation Instant Break*fast in the mornings with their milk.  She said that is actually what their nutritionist recommends. 

Also, we don't have to see her again for a year.  They will probably redo the bone growth x-ray at that point.  They will just be turning eleven and may be getting close to puberty based on their bone age. 

God is so good!!

Also, I think I passed day one even with traveling and going to the doctor.  One daughter even exclaimed at dinner, "That's not fair!!!" and I kept my cool!  I was pretty pleased with myself.

Doctor Appt

Our doctor appointment went well last Friday. The girls saw the geneticist. He had seen them last August, so it had been about 10 months.


He said a few interesting things.


One of the first things he asked was if people often tell me that they look like me. I told him they do. He came in and had me read over his report from our last visit. It stated the genetic abnormalities we are dealing with. He then had began just talking with them and evaluating their conversation skills. He asked about their academics. I continued to tell him their strengths and weaknesses. The weaknesses are what he expected. I did tell him that they made "box" brownies the other day with little assistance. They big exciting part is that together they measured 2/3 and 1/4 without me. I just told them they were correct. Other than Hannah wanting to pour the batter in the dish with egg still floating on top, they did much better. It was a happy dance day!!


Anyway, back to the doctor. He was very pleased with how well the girls spoke this time. He said last time they couldn't carry a conversation. He also said last time they didn't use expression when they talked. This time their facial expressions went with what they were talking about. I had never thought about that before, but that has improved. They were also very shy the last time we were there. He didn't see that this time. They had more confidence. He also commented that they looked healthier. They are more fuller looking in the face. I had noticed this before. My friends have also noted this to me.


Haylee had grown 2 inches in ten months and Hannah had grown 1 inch. I hope Hannah has another growth spurt soon. I really don't want her to have growth hormone shots if we can avoid it. Time to step up the growth prayers again!!


He said to keep doing what we are and to come back in 2-3 years. We may or may not go back. He said the truth about the chromosome abnormalities need to be explained to them when they get to child bearing age. It can effect their children. Ugh. I don't don't how we will handle this. It will depend on their mental maturity. The growth doctor said they are about 1 year and 7 months behind in physical growth. The are late bloomers. Hopefully puberty will be the same way.


All in all, it was a good visit. I am very proud of how much they have learned in one year!

A Day with Morgan

I needed to go to the city one hour away and run some errands. Morgan needed new shoes and some things for camp this summer. She asked first thing Friday morning if she could go. Neither of the other girls asked to go with us. Hannah didn't mention going and Haylee didn't until we were walking out the door. Hannah may not have asked because I usually only take one child with me when I go out of town for the day. Haylee and Hannah both had school left to complete. Hannah was in a tizzy because she had rushed through her school and had many corrections to make. Haylee was taking her sweet time as always.

Morgan and I left about 11:30. I felt really guilty for the first thirty minutes or so of the drive. I decided I really needed a break from the girls and special alone time with Morgan. We worked on the last item she had for school while we traveled. We went to a restaurant that is usually pretty fast and it took forever. The blessing is we had a great time visiting.

She has grown up so much in a year. I forget sometimes how much more tense I am with all three girls with me. We had a wonderful day!! I didn't have to remind her to check for cars, stay with me in a store, don't touch, etc. She is ten and acted ten. I was able to let my guard down and enjoy the day. It was a very nice break for both of us. I love all of my girls, but it was nice to have a break from the twins. I had forgotten how much work they are to take places.

Our lives have really changed in a year. I am glad we followed God's plan and adopted our girls, but it is definitely not the easy path. However, it is our path. I must continue to have the trips with only Morgan. We both need them. I do struggle with the guilt at times. I must accept that it is okay to not take all of them everywhere. Our day reminded me so much of days I spent with my mother at the same age. I loved shopping with my mother (and I still do). They are very special memories and I hope to have them with all of my girls.

Also, by leaving them with my husband he understands more of my struggles. Some days when I discuss things about the twins, I think he thinks I am just whining. After he is with them for any length of time, he can relate. I am thankful for my husband and that he gave me a much needed break.

1/2 mile for the girls!!

The kids are all participating in a swim a thon to raise money for our swim team. Haylee and Hannah thought they would have a hard time reaching their goal of 1/2 mile or 825 yards or 33 laps. Well, Haylee and Hannah swam today and did wonderful!! (They had a few issues about getting to the pool with their swimsuits, but once they had their suits, they did well.)

They each swam the 33 laps with very little problem. Haylee did really well as this is the time she has a lot of energy because she is transitioning off her medication.

Tucker, Alex and Morgan will swim tomorrow. Tucker is swimming 3 1/2 miles or 231 laps. Alex is swimming 165 laps or 2 1/2 miles and Morgan will be swimming 1 1/2 miles. They will all enjoy pizza after the swimming tomorrow.

We saw the pediatrician today. It is official since May of 2010 they have each grown 2 inches. Haylee is 48 inches and Hannah is 46 1/2 inches. They are still small for their age, but growing. I was relieved that the meds do not seem to have slowed Haylee's growth. They have stayed about 1 1/2 inches apart since they joined our family. Yeah!!

They are growing!!

The girls are all growing!! All three of them!! I am thrilled that we have this problem, because the girls are under treatment for growth issues. I am hoping they continue to grow so we don't have to enter the world of growth hormones. We are continuing to pray that God will remove the entire issue by them continuing to grow. We think Hannah is growing a little faster than Haylee, which is good because was shorter than Haylee. My husband says she has grown over two inches since May. Wonderful!!

Due to the growing, we are having to shift jeans around so everyone will have jeans long enough. I am excited that we are having this problem, but that also means I have to buy more jeans. Ugh! Morgan is very slim. Morgan had been squeezing into some 7 slim jeans and finally we said no more. (Morgan is having a hard time passing her clothes down to her sisters. I guess once again she is having to share everything.) She has a pair of eight slims that fit her well, so that is what we will purchase for her. However, Haylee and Hannah are small but not as thin as Morgan. The 7 slim pants that Morgan was squeezing into fit Haylee, barely. The length was good, but she had to work to button them. I think they will be okay. I guess Hannah and Haylee will be regulars and not slims. Oh well, no big deal. They can almost wear the same size jeans eventhough they are shaped differently. Haylee's little best friend is shaped like Morgan and can wear her old jeans if Haylee can't.

What a boring post, but it is our life and drama today!!

Have a wonderful and joyous day!!

Questions

Last night as I helped Ann and Beth pack for our Disney trip, they began asking questions. Questions like, will we be able to see our BM and BD again?, Why can't we go see them?, Why can't they know where we are?, Why can't Aunt *** and Uncle *** know where we are?, They told us we were going to live with them forever. They also told me about another person that said they were going to adopt them and didn't. These questions break my heart. They wanted to know why their birth parents couldn't keep them. Why did they want alcohol instead of them? They told me about finding a lot of alcohol in the kitchen closet. The alcohol scares them. They were surprised they never hurt them when they were drunk. I told them I was very thankful that they hadn't. Beth wants see them again. I told them about the time they graduate from high school they could find their parents if they wanted. They asked if they could write them a letter. Beth wanted to tell them to follow Jesus and to stop drinking. They said if they have pictures of Jesus in their house and a Bible why do they still drink? I answered the questions the best I could. When we started the adoption process, we never imagined adopting eight year olds. I always pictured younger kids. These girls remember their past, the good, the bad, and the ugly. It breaks my heart. They miss their friends from their old school. They want to invite them to their birthday party. Ann has received letters back from her friend, but not Beth. It is sad for her.

We are trying to show them the love of Jesus. I pray that God will help me love them as He loves us. I have to say, it is getting easier. This may sound crazy, but Ann testing has helped improve my relationship with Beth. I think it is because she sees the same rules apply to all of the kids. I am very proud of how far my girls have come in five months. They are really doing well considering their past. I believe God is healing their hearts and minds. I believe it will take a long time. We will get there only by following God.

I am praying for guidance regarding the treatment of Ann's ADD this week. I want the path to very clear.

Papers!!!

Our county social worker is bringing papers to our house at 2pm tomorrow. I am going to get them to my attorney afterwards. He isn't available to finish our paperwork until early next week. I am glad he told me that because I am very anxious for a court date. Hopefully he will get a date next week for us. I hope we are able to finalize in the next month or so.

The girls have a birthday in October. They can't agree on what they want to have as a theme. I am fine having two cakes, but not two parties. Suggestions?

We have doctor appointments this week. Beth is being seen for growth hormone testing again. I believe she has grown, but I don't think it is enough. Her hands and feet are so tiny. I have always thought Morgan was tiny, but not anymore. Morgan looks giant next to Beth. Beth is nervous because they will put in an IV and draw blood every thirty minutes for 3-4 hours. Ugh!! I am not looking forward to this either. I pray she does okay...and me as well.

Next week we are going to Disney. The girls are very excited because they have never been. I will get more excited after we get through these doctor appointments on Wednesday and Thursday. We are having to travel to the big city about three hours from here. We will be there two nights. I am excited because my parents are going to keep the girls and I am getting my hair cut and highlighted on Wednesday morning before the appointment. I always feel better after getting my hair done.

Ready or not, a new week is here. I have my skates on and I am ready to roll...

Doctor visits and growth

We spent our entire morning at the doctor's office. Morgan had a follow up at 7:50 for her stomach issues. They haven't found a resolution yet. The doctor doesn't believe it is reflux, so she is no longer taking that medicine. They treated her for a bacteria they found in her stool for five days. The symptoms were better for a day or so then returned again. They are checking the stool again. I really hope they find the root issue. She has spells of nausea, stomach cramps and headaches. It is miserable for her.

Later in the morning, I took the four other children. Tucker and one twin have swimmer's ear. Alex had to get 2 eleven year old shots. He had to have a check-up first because it had been over a year since he had been seen for a check-up. (Twelve and 1/2 months to be exact...ugh.) He also has what I call cradle cap in babies. It is strange. Anyway, all went well.

The BEST news of all is that the shorter twin, that is being considered for growth hormones, has grown 1 inch since May 4th. Yeah!! Praise God!! We felt like a forever home with stability and security would produce better sleeping, which helps growth. We are also making sure she eats properly and exercises. We are so excited! One inch in a about 2 1/2 months. The other twin grew 3/4 inch. We are so happy for both of them. I don't know if she will still need the hormones or not. She has an appt again in early September. We are praying for God to guide us in our decision.

Adoption Contract

I have just finished compiling a rough draft of the letter to go to our state social worker with items requested to be put into our adoption contract. I really am not sure how all of this works. I have struggled with this task because I am having to deal with labels of this world. I believe in my heart that my girls don't have to live under these labels. God can heal my girls of everything!! I explained at church tonight during bible study that I am having to face so many wordly things that I am losing focus of the healing power of God. I am ready for this to be final so I can focus on parenting and loving these girls as the Father has taught us to love. Don't misunderstand me, we have been loving and training these girls since they have been with us. However, I always had the finalization process in my mind and what needs to be documented in their file with the state, in case we have problems later. I begin encountering many fears when I start thinking of the "what if's". I am ready for this step to be behind us. I will be able to conquer issues as they arise daily instead of preparing for 2 years down the road and what our life may be like. Only God knows what our life will be like. I firmly believe the wounds my girls have can be healed and they can live happy fulfilling lives!

Morgan is still dealing with stomach issues. The girls seem to be getting along better everyday. I believe my two strong willed girls are learning to give more each day. My cousin sent them some neat purses. Of course, they all wanted the pink one. One girl really loves lime green so she chose that one. The other two wanted pink. Morgan decided to be a good big sister and let her have the pink and she took the blue purse. I was proud of Morgan for making that decision on her own.

Connections are being made

We eat a lot of "blue box" mac and cheese at our house. All five kids love it and I love it because they can make it without help. Well, the older three kids can. The new girls often with difficulty with processing math problems. I use every opportunity for a teaching moment. Well, tonight the girls wanted to make the mac and cheese. The boys are in Canada and Morgan was doing something else, so they wanted to cook the mac and cheese. Elliott had them sitting waiting for the water to boil. One girl called and said "Uh-oh, I poured the milk and don't know how much I need." She had a two cup measuring cup with milk in it. We started by pouring the milk back into the jug. I had them read the directions on the box. They couldn't read 1/4 cup. They didn't know what that was or meant. I started with how many quarters in a dollar, how many quarters in a football game with no connection. I asked if they had a piece of paper and I wanted 1/4 of it how many pieces would you give me. It connected. One girl said one. When I asked how many in all, she said 4. I was so happy. We talked about 4 quarters in a dollar. I told them to read the box again. We couldn't do it. I explained again. She was finally able to read the box after I repeated it a few times. I asked if they could see 1/4 on the measuring cup and they couldn't. I got out a 1 cup measuring cup. One girl told me she needed the 1/4 line. Yeah!! We have been praying for breakthrough in life skills. They can do simple calculations, but not apply them. She poured it and realized she had too much and corrected it. The other big occurance is that she is started to remember and think through the steps in making mac and cheese. She finally remembers that you must drain the noodles before putting in the milk, cheese, and butter. She is showing signs of comprehending the steps!! Before, she just couldn't get it. I am always trying to answer their questions with a word problem where possible to help them apply their math.

I am sorry this is long drawn out, but we were very excited tonight when things started "clicking" with her. The other girls hasn't quite got it yet, but it will come with time.

When we look back over the almost three months with our girls, they are improving little by little. It is exciting to see the changes. It is also exciting to see my husband rising to the challenge of raising three girls. We can see in our two girls what happens when a strong father figure doesn't exist in a little girls life. They have obsessions about unhealthy things, among many other things. The one twin is learning to play more and more each day. She is trying hard to let go of control. She still gets angry at times. Well, they all do.

It is nice to see visible improvement.

We are growing!!

The girls have slow growth patterns as a result of choices by their birth mother when she was pregnant. One daughter saw the endocronoligist in April. They wanted to begin growth testing and hormone therapy. We requested to wait a few months to see how she does after she has been in our home for a few months. The doctor agreed to wait until September. This morning she came in and said her night gown was getting too short. We measured her and I believe she has grown an inch since being in our home for two months!! We are so excited!!! We have all been praying for growth!! We measured the other twin and she has also grown about an inch! I am going to show my husband when he gets home to make sure I am not messing up somehow.

Praise God!!!