Family Cookie Night

The Annual Woller Family Cookie Making Night!

We make gingerbread men and classic Christmas cut-out cookies.  We share them between our 5 families AND make them to deliver to some of the neighbors.

Tonight was Elizabeth's first time out of the house.

She was actually a bit nervous about it BUT did well.

She was so joyful while we were out.

Elizabeth decorating cookies.

All 13 grandkids were in attendance tonight!

The kids are all growing up so much --

They did the rolling out

The cookie cutting

AND

The decorating!

 Decorating the Christmas cut-out cookies in the kitchen.

Decorating the gingerbread men in the dining room.

It was a bit of a mess -- but yummy and fun!

Lots of hands make the job easy!

1 Week DOWN!!!

1 Week DOWN!!!

We've been home 4 days, now

and it's been OK.

Elizabeth, thankfully, is so easy going.  

She quit taking any pain medicine Saturday evening, she sleeps well at night, she smiles away and really just wants to relax.

She is not eating much.  She has not GONE to the bathroom.  She is VERY concerned about how I am doing.  

I just LOVE this girl to pieces.  She loves to feel like a princess and we have done lots of pampering the last few days so she feels that way!

The two of us are Hallmark Christmas Junkies!!!

She is all made up to be a princess -- yes, even make-up ;)

I have to be honest that I look at her at times -- like when she is sleeping -- and I get tears.  She looks so very uncomfortable.  

BUT yet, it does NOT matter to her.  She constantly tells me, 'Ma, I OK.'

She cares more about the 'look' of her finger/toe nails AND the style of her hair for the day!

Here she is laying on the beanbag.

There is just one thing she misses ---

TEARS here ..............

'Momma, I miss our cuddles.'

Oh, I try.  We rub cheeks.  I rub her back and kiss her BUT we cannot cuddle.

She told me I HAVE to take time off of work when she is better, too.

'Ma, what fun is it to take time off of work if you cannot cuddle with me?'  

Hmmmm...... she does have a point!  BUT unfortunately, my work doesn't work that way.  BUT we will still have cuddles!

I found the two together in bed DURING rest time.  There were lots of giggles and stuff!

Yes, my back is still bad.  Thankfully, when I have to lift or move her it holds out.  I am VERY careful.  BUT it works each and every time.  I go to bed with it sore, wake up a bit sore BUT then it feels better during the day.

All I can say is ..... 'THANK-YOU, LORD!'

Please continue to pray for her and our family!

Our Princess -- Choosing JOY

Violin Recital

Another night of music!

Tonight was My Darlings violin recital.

This group has really grown.  AND the talent is growing as well!

My Darling has taken violin for 2 years.  She is very blessed to have a good ear for the music.  She plays by ear most of the time BUT can also read the music.  

All music has to be memorized, anyway!

She enjoys private lessons -- she loves her teacher.

BUT

When it comes to the recital ----

Well, she is SOOOOO serious!

She tells me that she shakes in her seat.

Right before the recital -- she said she is shaking here :)

The group played some fun music!  They even played some of the fiddling music they learned as a group back in November.

Very focused!

She had a solo -- Minuet #1 by Bach

She played well --

She was angled towards the pianist so we could not see her face.

Although, she missed 2 notes in the middle BUT was able to find her spot and get right back on.  

Well, she was a bit disappointed with herself 

AND 

it took her a little bit to get over it -- after the recital ended!

After the recital.

She did great!  Each time it gets easier.  

We got her a violin necklace with her birthstone.  She LOVED it!

We were very thankful that Lauren was able to come and stay with Elizabeth and BaJabs so that Matt and I could go to the recital.

AND our new normal begins!

Our NEW and temporary normal has begun!!

EVERYONE is happy to be home.  

The girls are very close and having two at home and one at the hospital -- well, it was hard on all of them.

My Darling is such a caretaker.  She wants to help Elizabeth do anything and everything.  She is into entertaining her -- legos, reading a book to her, kindle time, movies, games, etc.

My Darling and Elizabeth playing Legos during 'tummy time.'

The boys -- they are happy we are all home. 

They are willing to help if needed 

BUT

you know -- they are boys and they have other things going on -- 

LIFE -- well, for them it just keeps going.  They take all of this in stride.

Yes, we still have other children AND we still have things to do with them.  Yes, they will still do their activities.  AND yes, this mommy has to be organized because I have to find people to come here.  Thankfully, this is doable!!

Are we prepared???

We do have all the equipment that is needed -- even though we had to exchange the wheelchair for a bigger one, we have it, NOW.

Clothing was all ready -- and EVERYTHING fits!!!

My mom just finished the rest of the leg warmers.  

Thanks, mom!

Our home I thought was pretty handicap accessible -- well, it's NOT!

We will make due BUT if this was a LONG or FOREVER way of life -- well, things would have to change.

Our physical and mental well being :)

Matt and I knew this would be work.  We tried to prepare for the worst case scenario.  

I think it IS hard.  Not terrible -- or impossible BUT it is hard.

BECAUSE ----

Elizabeth is totally immobile.  She does need to have her position changed every few hours.  She cannot lift herself at all.  She cannot go to the bathroom on her own.  She cannot dress herself or even help.  She cannot wash herself OR even get in the bath -- washing hair is even an issue (although we have solved for a bit with spray in shampoo for DRY hair!)

Elizabeth is 50 pounds with a 10 pound cast.  Yes, I can lift it -- 

BUT

She is awkward.  The legs are spread and one is up and over.  It is just hard to maneuver.  

YET, each time she needs something it works.  Either Matt is here OR I have the strength to do it.  

All in all though -- this girl SMILES!!  She jokes with us most of the time.

She bops Matt on the head with her cast almost every time he picks her up AND giggles.

Yes, there has been some tears -- more out of fear or a wrong movement to the hip.  BUT few!

Laying in the beanbag -- watching Christmas movies with mom.

More Legos during tummy time!

She was off of pain medicine by Saturday evening. 

She is really AMAZING!!!

Bedtime -- She LOVES that her bed is in our room.  She loves her new panda -- thanks Kayla.  

Sunday the girls had their Christmas program at church.

I had a sweet friend and her daughter come and stay with Elizabeth.

They came early and helped me get the girls ready, brought dinner and entertained Elizabeth.

Patty curling Elizabeth's hair!  This was VERY important to Elizabeth -- to have curly hair.

They painted nails, curled her hair, played games, watched a movie and snacked.

Elizabeth did fine -- BUT she really wanted me to be home to go to the bathroom ;)

The girls did GREAT in their program.  

 My Darling and BaJabs at the beginning of the program titled -- We Three Spies

 My Darling during her solo -- she sang loud and perfectly.

 My Darling with her host of angels -- singing.

BaJabs singing in the choir.

This was a fun musical!

Matt and I were so thankful that Patty and her daughter blessed our family with their gift of time (and thoughtful gifts).

Today -- This was a RELAX day!!

Daddy even brought Elizabeth a donut after he dropped the girls off at school

She has figured a way to eat a bit on her own.

Yes, we do help her!  

  She loves my iPAD and her kindle.

We watched Hallmark Christmas movies.

At lunch today we listed things we are thankful for -- 

Elizabeth's thankful list:

'Daddy got me a donut'

'Patty and Kayla came to our house a played games'

'Patty curled my hair'

'I'm at home!'

'We don't have to go to school' --- mommy agreed with this one!

She has not asked ONE time --- 'How much longer?' When considering her full body cast.  She just accepts it.  

She did ask about the time for the hand/arm cast.  She's thrilled it is only 2-3 weeks.  When the arm cast comes off it will allow for more flexibility and freedom.

I think it is obvious all the Blessings that have occurred!

Ultimately, after reading this entry a BIG blessing is Elizabeth's attitude.  

It really has been AMAZING!

Just a GREAT picture of our AMAZING Elizabeth -- BEFORE surgery :)

PRAYER REQUESTS:

1.  She needs to go to the bathroom -- REALLY GO! and SOON!

2.  Continued good and flexible attitude for ALL of us!

3.  My back -- it is VERY sore.  She knows it -- and asks me every time I pick her up.  BUT each time it holds.  

4.  Her body to heal properly!

5.  There is one thing BOTH her and I miss --- CUDDLES!  This is very hard in the cast she is in.  We rub our cheeks together and I rub her back or her stub BUT a good cuddle is impossible.  She MISSES it already.  Pray that she can feel loved through this ordeal.  She informed me we need weeks off together when this cast comes off JUST TO CUDDLE :)

Thank-you for praying!!!

AND

Thank-you to all my students and friends at SMS --

The card is great and both Elizabeth and I felt special.  

We were amazed at how many signed and wrote notes!!

Elizabeth with the card from all of the students at SMS.

SO -- our NEW and TEMPORARY normal --

Well, it's not horrible.  Yep, it's a change and yep, it's been difficult at times 

BUT

With God's help and all YOUR prayers our family will rise to the occasion and DO THIS while trying to CHOOSE JOY!

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!