Wyatt starts preschool

Today Wyatt started preschool. I have been preparing him for this for months. Honestly being concerned by him not behaving and having a meltdown in the parking lot going to be my prediction.

So what if his back pack is bigger than 

than him... He loves it because his name is on it! 

So the day was a success. Lucy and I laughed because it was so smooth and easy and he was so happy! What a blessing.

Tonight at dinner he told us his favorite part of school was getting to pee in these really little baby toilets. He is hilarious!

The best part is that I got it all on video.

Minnesota friends:)

Three and a half years ago Brad, Michelle and their son Jackson Wiger from Minnesota boarded a plane for China to adopt their son Joshua. We met them in Beijing with several other families. Instantly we connected with these complete strangers. Funny how a little word called adoption brings a common bond that no one can explain.

The trip was a success and we said our goodbyes. All 7-8 families departed Hong Kong back to america with their children. It has been so fun following FB and blogs seeing what progress a little love can do in the life of an orphan. And deep down I am sure all families want to  have a reunion one day.

A few weeks ago Michelle contacted me stating their family was relocating to North Carolina and that they were passing thru our part of Ohio. Instantly I got excited to see them again and an invite was extended.

What is kind of special that I never got to share with Brad or Michelle until now is that from the moment I met Joshua I instantly was drawn to him. Something back then spoke to my heart about wanting a son. Who knew this bucket head would be a result of that

This Saturday night they arrived at our house. My kids along with her two boys ran thru our yard roasting marshmallows, playing football, fishing and blowing bubbles like they have known each other forever!

We can't wait to see them on our way to Florida. My kids already miss them!

I loved every minute of my time catching up. So so fun. Here are a few photos of the visit!

Ear

I wouldn't normally share such personal info but I have felt led to , just so others may be encouraged to dive in.

Almost 4 years ago we reviewed and accepted a referral of a beautiful 2 and 1/2 year old girl named You Meng Ke. When we considered a special needs child we actually had a check list of medical issues to either accept or refuse. I remember reading it and the things that bothered me didn't remotely bother john and vise versa. Hours and possibly days it took us to get through it. When Microtia an ear deformity came up we agreed to accepting a minor outer ear issue but nothing more. I felt a bit uncomfortable thinking we were like ordering Girl Scout cookies or something! 

As most of you know our understanding of you Meng Ke was that she could hear normally out of her small special ear. To me it looks like a tootsie roll:) I love it. There is not a day that goes by that I don't tell her that God made her special. To which her response is almost always, " I know mom"!!

Fast forward You Meng Ke is now Lucy Brown and while getting her kindergarten  physical she fails a basic hearing test. With some question to weather or not she hears there is no question in my mind that she does and perfectly. No speech problems, doesn't speak loud and certainly after 3 years of preschool has never had a concern. In addition, she loves to wear ear phones and listen to music on my iPhone.

So last week a referral to the ENT, then after kinda passing but failing her testing we are sent to find out for sure by getting a CAT scan.

Verdict is in and yesterday he reports that she does NOT hear,she has no ear drum.

Hmm. Gulp! Sick? Want to cry...

As I humbly drove home I questioned Lucy to how she was doing. Her response was so eye opening. She literally didn't understand that anything was wrong. Then it dawned on me that she doesn't know any different and surly doesn't feel sorry for herself.

I drove home in silence. Questioned God and wondered what good could come of this news. What Joy?

Then just as the days sun, the answer. If we knew she couldn't hear on the referral report we most likely wouldn't have accepted her file. That's the honest truth.

There is not a doubt in my mind that God 's plan was perfect. Lucy is our daughter and what could be more beautiful than us loving her just the way that she is. Wow! We would have missed out on her beauty, her gentle way of bringing so much joy to our marriage and our home. In addition, we only pursued Wyatt because of Lucy and the positive experience we had.  God knew and had that planned and in that I am filled to the top with Joy!

This Monday is her 6th Birthday. Naturally every year this week I think of her Birth mom. I think of how brave she was to chose life and follow through with giving this child away. I wish there was a way she could know that she is safe, loved and part of our family. What a gift. We are so fortunate, so blessed and surly  grateful!