AND we are HOME!

Home Sweet Home!

Bright and early this morning the first doctor made his rounds.

He was satisfied with her progress and mentioned if all went well the rest of the day we would be going home!

YEAH!

The main doctor, Dr. F arrived a bit later and was happy with Elizabeth's progress as well.  She was taking less med's and had transitioned to oral medicine easily -- which is AMAZING for her.

He said we would be going home if all the equipment arrival and training was complete!

Elizabeth was so excited.  

Although, she wanted to know when and continued to ask about the time all day!  She made a BIG step and actually RESPONDED and TALKED to the nurse.  

Daddy had to go home for a bit.  Plus, he had to get some of the WRONG equipment that was brought to our house so it could get exchanged for the RIGHT equipment.  

She got dressed, bathroomed, hair done, ate and moved into a wheelchair.  She really wanted to go 'touring!'

Ready for a ride.  Her shirt says, 'CREATE HAPPINESS'

Unfortunately, that took longer than both her and I wanted as the harness (for the car) trainer arrived.  REALLY, I had to be trained to use it -- it is a PAIN!  

ALTHOUGH, I was thankful as the way the doctor's office explained how Elizabeth would be in the car was WRONG.  We were able to plan a bit better.

Finally, we got out for a spin :)

One of our favorite spots, a BIG window on the 7th flour.  You can see all over the city!  The sun was shining on us this morning!

We visited the gift shop where we found an AWESOME pair of sparkly slippers.  Unfortunately, because of swelling in her foot she cannot wear the one pair of slippers she brought. 

SO -- we just HAD to find something fun AND warm to wear for her to get home ;)

Back to the room -- look at those cute slippers!

We came back to the room and chilled a bit.  Actually, we turned on a movie and she fell asleep -- and I did, too!  She woke first and informed me I missed my phone ringing -- which was right in my lap!

She thought that was pretty funny!  YEP, I'm tired.

She finally ate lunch. She took another nap.  I went to get my lunch but when I got back I dozed again!

Finally, I ate AND she decided we were going to go for another little tour -- 

this would be our last.

She said, 'Dad should be coming!  We are going home SOON!'

Sure enough Dad arrived WITH My Darling!  YEAH!

They finished our training and discharge orders.

We got the harness on for the car.  This was CRAZY!  

The equipment company arrived for the exchange.

We loaded up and went to the van.

She's ready!  You can see that the harness is already on her.

Putting her in the van --- well, that was interesting.

4 adults took 10 minutes to get her in and adjusted properly.

Neither of our vehicles make transporting her easily.  Well, I'm not sure many would!  We just won't be able to places very often.  AND we won't all be riding in the same vehicle as we just won't fit.  SO -- 2 vehicles everywhere we go -- boo!

We got all of our STUFF loaded and OFF!

Elizabeth was pretty uncomfortable but decided to just fall asleep. 

She's in -- it's not very comfortable, though!

The ride was CLEAR!!!  No snow -- nice roads -- traffic, YES!  But we made the ride quickly!

OH -- nothing is better than home!

My mom left chili simmering on the stove.  The boys helped get Elizabeth in.  We unloaded.

AND

ALL collapsed on the bean bag.  Elizabeth LOVED being on her tummy.  We all layed around her and crashed for a bit.

Dinner, visitors, a movie -- part way through she wanted to go to bed.  

 No problem.  I got her ready and she fell asleep IMMEDIATELY!

BLESSINGS!

1.  HOME!  We are HOME!

2.  Pain is under control.

3.  Her spirits are up.

4.  She is TALKING a bit.

5.  All the kids are helpful with everything that needs to be done.

6.  I have a strong and willing son!  The lifting is going to get me!

PRAYER REQUESTS:

1.  Continued pain control

2.  HEALTH -- for the ENTIRE family.  MD is not feeling well.

3.  REST -- for all but especially for Matt and I.

4.  This pace our life has to be now -- slower -- is a hard adjustment for the kids AND me!

5.  Continued good attitudes by all!

YES, it is work to CHOOSE JOY through all circumstances.  God did NOT promised ease!  BUT we are going to do this with help from HIM, others and LOTS of prayer!  

Thank-you for praying for our family!  

PLEASE continue!  We could not do this without it!

The Day After

The day AFTER surgery

Well, it came in like a LION and left us like a lamb!!!

I awoke after only a few hours of sleep this morning to a sobbing child!

She was in so much pain.

Really, I could not understand with the amount of medicine that had been ordered how she  not could still have pain ----

UNTIL

I found out they had not been giving her one of the meds. because she had not asked for any!

WHAT?????

EVEN after the Dr. (and I) said to give it to her around the clock BECAUSE she WILL NOT ask.

This has ALWAYS been a problem with both girls.  

The fear in their eyes when asking about pain -- well, when they admit weakness, the fear of what USED to happen before adoption is there!

We are so thankful Dr. F and Dr. M understand this!

Dr. F called in at the end of one shift and talked about her care -- and found out that she had not had any big meds since 10 pm the night before.  Oh, my -- he laid it down what was suppose to happen.

AND

The day nurse was AWESOME!!!

We worked hard to get a good med. control and stay on top of it!!

THANKFULLY, 

This continued with the next shift as well!!!

YEAH!!!

So, once the pain was limited ---

She went to the bathroom.

She went for a ride around the floor.

She got dressed (by daddy and mommy)

She ate -- 

Just a'wheeling around!

At times today, it seemed we had our 'normal' Elizabeth 

JUST in a BIG cast.

All dressed for the day -- smiling we her daddy!

Other times I had a very subdued, withdrawn little girl.

She slept, lots!

She would NOT talk to ANYONE but me and sometimes dad.  

ALTHOUGH, most of the time she would just blink and shake her head to me to answer -- NOTHING to anyone else.

She watched a movie after lunch and slept after for over 2 1/2 hours.  

She was slow to wake-up BUT we got her going again.

I did not want her to lay and be 'down' all evening.

So, we got her in the wheelchair and went for a spin!

She perked right up!!!

Came back went to the bathroom AND then went downstairs to find some ice cream and wheel around in a 'new' environment.

Superman Ice Cream -- her favorite!  She ate about 1/2 of it -- pretty good!

 We even stopped to read the book -- "What makes you happy!"

Kisses AND presents make Elizabeth happy!

She ate ok for dinner -- not lots but ok.  She watched Polar Express -- 

She finally got to talk to her siblings.

YES, both her and the girls WANTED to talk.  Both were upset it did not work out last night.

All 4 of the kids at home wanted to talk to her!  It was the sweetest thing ever!

They were so genuinely happy for the good things that happened to her today!

She was a bit perplexed when JM said, "Did you go to the bathroom today?"

Elizabeth's response in a very sassy tone, "Umm... Why do you want to know that?  YOU ARE A BOY!!!"

Well, she could not understand why he would be praying for that!!!

She was so funny talking to them!

It was great to hear HER come out again!

After the phone call -- well, she went to sleep!

She has been very peaceful ever since.

AND

The medicine routine is going well.  We added an oral -- so the BIG ones could start to be weened.  And I'm happy to say we are just about off of the morphine!

This is one step closer to home!

The hospital has been great about making sure we have everything AND are trained with everything before we go home.   Both physical therapy and patient advocate/coordinators are working with us to have a smooth transition.

They did figure out that the wrong wheelchair was delivered to our house so, that gets changed out tomorrow along with the training for the vest/harness style car belt.   

My dear Elizabeth did ask when she could go home.

Matt and I told her the steps that had to be done before we could go.  

She was totally ok with them.

ALTHOUGH,

she informed her sisters she was probably going to be able to go home at the end of the day on Friday.

Yep, she thinks she will have all that needs to be accomplished DONE -- so she can go home.

We are praying for this!!!

As the day ends -- thankfully, the blessings outweighed the challenges. 

BLESSINGS!!!

1.  PAIN MANAGEMENT!!!!

2.  She got out of bed and into a wheelchair.

3.  She held down food!

4.  She wanted to get dressed and 'tour.'

5.  People that care for us -- not just the hospital staff!  Many texts, fb messaged, calls and a visit really helped today!

6.  Elizabeth is taking the oral medicine with NO ISSUES -- this is new to us ;)  

PRAYER REQUESTS:

1.  Continued pain management

2.  Elizabeth is well enough to be able to go home -- ultimately being the right decision to go home!  NOT FORCED!

3.  Complete healing during this ordeal.  INCLUDING having her joyful attitude intact!

4.  She remains healthy and does not have any other 'issues.'

5.  For the other 4 kids -- just comfort.  It is hard on them when we are gone.  It is very hard on the girls being apart.  My Darling and BaJabs care about Elizabeth so much -- they want to be assured she is ok.  They really want her home so they can help take care of her!!

6.  Physical strength and health for me!  This is actually a physically demanding ordeal.  Please pray that my body holds up with the demands.

Thank-you for your prayers!  Please continue.

We are continuing to strive to CHOOSE JOY through this 'lemon' time in our life -- EVEN try to make some lemonade :)

We are reminded again -- God is GOOD -- yes, ALL of the time!

Surgery

The day has arrived!

Surgery -- 

Of course it was snowing and yucky when we left this morning -- that just always happens!  I'm so thankful for a husband who is a fearless calm driver.  

We actually arrived a little late due to the weather.

Elizabeth was cold and a tad hungry but was a sure trooper.

Of course, they did all the 'normal' routine in our room.  It was calm and easy.  All she cared about was watching a movie.

THEN .......

All the doctors and nurses who were going to be working on her started coming in --

and I have to say, "IT WAS OVERWHELMING!"

I know she was VERY overwhelmed!

They left and the anesthesiologist came in.  He was a tad loud and talked fast.  He finished talking -- and said, 'Let's go."  

'WHAT? Like to surgery?'

'Yes.'

'WOW!'

Well, our pastor quickly asked to pray FIRST.  

When he finished and we opened our eyes our dear Elizabeth was in tears.

Oh, it just broke my heart.  Her tears kept rolling down her cheeks faster than she could wipe them away :(

This was the first time an anesthesiologist did not give her meds BEFORE taking her.  She was a bit scared.  It was not the way I like to leave her.  

It took about an hour to prep her. They let us know when they started the actual surgery.

After 3 hours and no word, I finally went and asked :)

Originally, Dr. M said the hand surgery was going to be quicker than Dr. F working on the hip.

BUT

The hand/fingers was much more work than expected due to a few complications/flaws from her surgeries in China.

Hip surgery went as planned!

AND THANKFULLY,

They were in the casting mode and would be out soon.

Sure enough in about 15 minutes the first doctor appeared -- 15 more minutes and the second doc appeared.

Elizabeth did well!!  

She got her wish -- 

A red GLITTER cast for the body and a green GLITTER cast for the hand/arm.

Unfortunately,

The green cast had to go 3 inches past her elbow.  WOW -- we were expecting something very short.

BUT -- since they had to do more work and it had to stay put with NO movement -- Well that equals a high cast.

THANKFULLY, only 2-3 weeks with the green cast.

Although, still 6 weeks with the red one.

It was about another 25 minutes before we were called back to the recovery area.

She is very slow when waking up.

AND

she again PROVED that :)

There was lots of pain :(

They finally got it under control -- and we were off to a permanent room.

The rest of the day she slept a lot.  When she woke-up she whined about the pain and her tummy.  We really tried to stay on top of the pain but could not get rid of the tummy issues.

On top of being uncomfortable she would/will not talk OR much open her eyes/make eye contact when ANYONE comes into the room.

My sweetie is so modest -- and she does not want ANYONE but me to take care of any private needs or see anything.

My sweetie does NOT like to talk to anyone.  Her trust level for the nurses is low.  She even gave Dr. F the cold shoulder.  WOW!!!

I do feel by LATE evening the pain was controllable.  She slept LOTS!

She still kept having a icky tummy.  She really needed to go potty but she just could not -- and she hates how she has to go -- but oh, well -- she has to get over that :(

Finally, around 1:30 am she woke me up and had to go!!!

AND 

after soooo many attempts this time -- she went.

RELIEF!!!

YET

Well, for me 

THAT WAS A LOT OF WORK!

She will not be able to help at all -- the cast is VERY awkward and heavy.

Pray for me, too :)

After we put on her FROZEN music she immediately fell back to sleep.

Today was definitely a day of challenges AND blessings!

  

BLESSINGS:

1.  The hip went EXACTLY as planned.  It was FIXED!

2.  GLITTER -- and LOTS of it :)

3.  The best doctors ever!  They LOVE our daughter and they love adoption/orphans.  Dr. M has a heart for orphans that has really touched me!

4.  Finally getting on top of the pain. 

PRAYER REQUESTS:

1.  Stay on top of the pain.  My prayer has been that the GREAT PHYSICIAN would be merciful and take away all her pain! 

2.  Elizabeth needs to start eating/holding down liquids -- she ate NOTHING today and only drank 4 sips of water and 2 sips of a green slushie.

3.  She needs to be 'regular'

4.  She needs to use her words with me AND people who help.  I can read her most of the time and question her BUT it would help all of us if she would speak.  I know she is scared and uncomfortable.

Her 'sassy' little attitude did show at times today -- AND yes, I was thankful to see it :)

Yes, I did get a few of those BIG famous Elizabeth smiles later in the evening.

Yes, her daddy has been able to tease her a bit and she rolls her eyes and has something to say back!

BUT prayer #5 is that she would have her joyful -- roll with the punches attitude!  AND that no depression will set in!

Yep, we have a LONG road.  

We will be at the hospital until at least Friday.

Our other 4 children are all being taken care of AND loved on!  My mom is staying with them and taking over duties at home!  She is wonderful!

Some others have offered and are helping in other ways -- THANK-YOU!

My Darling and BaJabs are very concerned about Elizabeth and it is hard for them when she is down here at the hospital -- Thank-you Aunt Sara for praying with My Darling -- it really meant a lot to her.  She was very nervous for Elizabeth.

Thank-you all for your prayers -- PLEASE continue!

We TRUST that God has this!  HE will get us through this!  We will CHOOSE JOY though this time.  

BECAUSE 

God is GOOD ALL of the time!

Ready or NOT here IT comes!!!

The time has come!!!

The equipment is here ---

Hospital bed, wheel chair, car harness, and commode.

 This seems HUGE!!! And it is heavy!  Elizabeth says it is comfortable. Hmmm.....we'll see what she says after the surgery ;)

The hospital bed in our bedroom.  We are trying to make it seem 'normal.'

Most of the new clothes are ready -- leg warmers/little slippers made to match AND velcro added with cuts and alterations made -- thanks mom!

We had to size up 2 sizes on all of her clothes -- YIPEE!!  All the skorts have to have velcro in between the legs as she will have a rod from knee to knee.  Her panties needed to have velcro up each side.  Her short leg will not be completely covered in a cast so we made cute leg warmers to keep it warm with matching slipper for the foot that will be uncovered on her long leg.  

My School work prepped and ready to go!

Christmas presents bought -- well, all but a few.

Christmas cards --- DONE and in the mail.

Schedule done for the next week.

Packed!

Ok --- all the 'stuff' is ready!

BUT

ARE WE READY??!!

I can at least say, 'As ready as I know to be!'

I've prayed!  Asked MANY to pray!  Begged God to change this! Prayed more!  Organized, scheduled, cleaned and prepped --- while still praying!

Her new shirt, 'I can do all things through Christ who gives us strength!'

I'm TRUSTING God has this for us!

We are ready for what HE has planned NEXT for us!

PLEASE pray at 8:30 in the morning!

There are 2 doctors involved.

Dr. F will be working on her hip.

Dr. M will be working on her hand.

BOTH Drs. need to have steady hands and great skills to do these surgeries.  Both of the doctors need a couple of hours or so to do the surgery.  PLUS the cast takes about an hour to put on.  

Pray she adjusts easily to the cast.  Pray the pain is tolerable and we can get 'on top' of it quickly!

Pray for our family to continually TRUST God through all of this and to continue to CHOOSE JOY!  We truly want to be a light to all that come in contact with us BUT we cannot do this without prayer.

I will update on facebook periodically through the day AND I will TRY to update nightly on the blog.  I usually blog LATE at night after everything else in my life is settled :)

My Aunt Susan sent a box of fun for Elizabeth -- candy, stickers, cards, and this crown so she could be a princess during this time!  SHE LOVES IT!!! She packed it for the hospital!

Fun family night!

We decided our family needed to have a 'date' BEFORE Elizabeth's surgery next week.

We know our life is crazy AND will get even crazier with this surgery and all of the recovery. So, a fun night out was exactly what we needed!

The vote was in ..... Frozen at the Grand Haven theater ---- BECAUSE this is where the BEST popcorn is :)

WITH

Bernios for dinner.

The movie was FABULOUS!  We already downloaded the music on our iPODS.  EVERYONE loved it ---even the boys!!!  It had a great story line, lots of emotion, great music and lots of laughs!

Of course, Bernios for pizza .... Well, that is simply the BEST!

Wednesday is getting closer :)  We are gearing up ---- and close to being READY!!!

The beginning of the Christmas Season

Christmas!

The most WONDERFUL time of the year!!

Yes, I LOVE Christmas!

I love the excitement and fun, the decorations and traditions --

BUT

I especially LOVE the reason for the season --

JESUS!!!

The very first Christmas item that I get out is my LOVED nativity!

AND NEXT,

The little nativity the girls love!

This season I figured I would have to do things a bit different because of Elizabeth's big surgery coming up!  I thought I would not put out as much STUFF!!

BUT

When I told the kids about this......

Well, they were NOT happy!!

SO

I decided I'd better put up ALL of the trees ......

YEP, all 6 of them!!!

1 for each of the kids -- artificial trees.

and 1 REAL tree for me that the kids pick out!

I help each child decorate their tree with the ornaments that have been given to them or made by them over the years.  Most of the ornaments have memories of THAT year embedded in them.  It is such a fun time remembering those special times in their lives.

Finally, the kids go and pick out a tree for me -- without me with them!!

They come home and set it up for me.

I did ask for a smaller tree this year --

Well, it is about 10 feet --- BUT oh, so beautiful!

This year the special ornaments are:

MD -- a BIG fish catching a little fish.

This was an especially fun memory for MD -- charter fishing this summer and catching many BIG fish!

JM -- his favorite teams!

This kid is a sport fanatic.  He knows the stats and info on all of these teams PLUS!!!

Yes, missing picture :)  COMING SOON!

My Darling -- a purple owl.

Both her and I got on the 'owl' craze this past year --- and of course, purple is the best color!!

Elizabeth -- A nativity bulb that the stars light up and twinkle.

E. has gain so much 'language' this past year and this is the perfect time to be teaching her about the REAL reason for the season.

BaJabs --- a peacock

The girls and I just love the colors!  MANY of the clothes the girls picked out this year have peacocks and yep, it's another one of those animals we seemed to be crazy over!

I even tackled a different way to do my mantle --

I really like the way that it turned out!

Unknown to many of YOU -- but I did put out less than other years!!!

BUT

Thankfully, it still turned out beautiful!

Our family also sends out a yearly Christmas card.  Everyone pulled together and helped to make this happen this year -- EARLY for me :)

Stuffing the envelopes! 

We also love to make candy -- specifically seafoam.  I LOVE it!!!!
Well, I started.  Once batch completed.  It was NOT my best.  And we will be dipping in chocolate soon!  YUMMY!

Stirring and Stirring!

Thankfully, even with this surgery coming our family has still been able to do many of the special traditions.  There are many more coming in the weeks ahead.  We may not be able to do all of them BUT we certainly are treasuring the ones we can do, together!

I encourage each of you to make time creating traditions with family.  It does not have to be big and fancy.  Family members LOVE our time.  The memories, love and connections these traditions make are priceless!

SNOW!!!

SNOW!!!

Well, one would say, "You live in Michigan???  You must just LOVE the snow?!"

NO -- NO -- NO!!!

I do NOT love the snow!!!

It is cold, and slippery!  You have to wear TOO many clothes!!!

BUT ----

I do have to admit ....

It is soooooo BEAUTIFUL!!!!

AND

It does provide for some pretty awesome SNOW DAYS -- with 

NO SCHOOL!!!!

My children LOVE it!!!

  She loves this 'stuff!'

Yes, they love to go outside and play.

I LOVE this picture!  They make it look like such FUN!! It reminds me of being a kid!

They play together so well outside!

 Yes, I let my kids wind up and SPIN!!!  It is just plain FUN!

I'm so thankful for that.

They don't mind being crazy -- 

YEAH!!!

OR

Working at something!

An igloo they worked on for at least an hour!

They just have fun in this crazy cold white stuff ..... 

Elizabeth just sits and plays in it -- moving it, TRYING to make stuff in it ... whatever!

ALTHOUGH, they do HATE wearing all of these warm clothes :)

I GUESS ------ I will have to learn to live with this 'STUFF' and make the best of this time of year!

Obviously, my kids have!