She's A Dream Come True...Our Little Emily Grace

Look How Emily Grace has grown!!

2010-01-30T13:46:00.000-05:00

Christmas Tea at the Ritz with EG's best friends

2010-01-03T17:22:00.001-05:00

Oops!!

2009-09-29T22:14:00.003-05:00

I have had several people tell me that they are disappointed that we have stopped updating the blog. I plan to update like crazy in the next few days!! I will admit that after I started posting on facebook that I totally neglected the blog. I promise to update :o)
Stay tuned!! There will be tons of pics and quick dialogue to tell you all that you have missed :o)
Thank you in advance for tuning in and caring what we are doing in our family with our sweet Emily Grace!!

June Update

2009-06-10T22:06:00.003-05:00

We just returned from Las Vegas where I acted as Matron of Honor as well as honored family member to "give away" my friend Ursula Galosson as she married her best friend Dr. John Spence. What a fun and exhausting four days it was!! The whole weekend was full of fun, fabulous food, wine, great weather, a great beach like pool and ridiculously fun entertaining friends of the couple!! We did arrive home safely but with David sick as a dog. He has an upper respiratory infection with the early stages of bronchitis. Geeze...Poor David, he was ER sick the last time we were in Vegas...needless to say...David has decided that he hates Vegas. All of the pics were taken by a traveling photographer ( I plan to get copies) Now we are trying to calm down, get well and prepare for our week long trip to Walt Disney World coming all too soon. I hope that I have time to do the laundry before packing again. This is too fast paced for even me Lol!!! :o) Pics of both are coming soon!!!

Happy Mother's Day

2009-05-12T06:47:00.002-05:00

What a sweet day!!! Emily Grace made the most precious gift with her hand prints. I will cherish it forever!!! David then took us out to Vining's Inn for brunch. How sweet!! I am very thankful for my lil' angel!! I couldn't be more in love!! I would have loved seeing my mother today, but she is at the beach. Miss you Mom!! We did visit David's mother and grandmother with gifts in tow, but they wouldn't allow any pictures. It was very nice spending the afternoon with them, though. David's father, a chef by hobby, prepared a fabulous dinner. We had a very nice day!!

Pre-Dance Recital Pictures

2009-05-02T10:57:00.002-05:00

Emily Grace had to have her dance recital pictures made today. I decided to take some pics of my very own as well. She felt like a little princess. I think that she was most excited about wearing lipgloss. How cute is that? I can't believe my little baby girl looks so grown up now!!

Happy Easter Everyone!!!

2009-04-10T19:10:00.001-05:00

Emily Grace and Briana Light Up The Dance Floor

2009-04-08T06:34:00.001-05:00

We recently went out to dinner with Doug, Lisa and their beautiful Briana. There was live music and our little beauties just had to get out on the floor and put on a show. It was simply adorable if I do say so myself. They were a hit as you can imagine :o)
We all had a great time together and we look forward to doing it again!!

My New Found Favorite Hobby

2009-04-07T06:11:00.002-05:00

I have just begun to paint. I had always wanted to try it, but I had always been reluctant since I can't even draw a stick figure that is worth anything. :o) Here are my very first four paintings ever!! I just love painting!! It is so therapeutic!! There is an art studio right by my house where you can just drop in for a class, paint and go home...no commitment. I love that idea. I would paint more if it were cheaper. I have plans to go again this month.

Happy Gotcha Day to Emily Grace's Gotcha Day Sisters!

2009-04-03T04:21:00.003-05:00

Here is pic of all of Emily Graces' "Gotcha Day" sisters at the 1st year reunion!! They were all roughly 2 years old. It was tough trying to get them to smile all at once. (If you are not sure which beautiful baby is Emily Grace, she is the one with pigtails) They are all roughly 3 years old now. I would love to see them all together at this age.

Today is the 2nd Anniversary of our Gotcha Day

2009-04-02T06:11:00.001-05:00

Two years ago, was the most precious day of my life!!! It was the day that Emily Grace became ours!! Here are few pics of that special day!!

50's Style Father/Daughter Dance

2009-03-29T08:01:00.003-05:00

Emily Grace and David participated in their very first Father/Daughter dance. It was held at her Dance Studio with a 50's theme. The two of them were so cute in their costumes. Apparently, I wasn't the only one who thought so. I am proud to announce that Emily Grace and David won 1st place in the Best Dressed Category!! I was so proud!! David didn't have a camera with him so we don't any pictures of the contest or the dance just yet. I am going to put an all call out at the studio for any pics of them. I did stop in for a sec before it started. Moms weren't allowed :o) (I did snap one pic) The place was decorated so nicely. David said that the night was so sweet. He also said that it was in the top 5 best things that he has ever experienced in his life. He told me he has waited his whole life to have experiences like that one. Of course, I cried. How darn sweet huh?

The Results from the Post Opt appointment

2009-03-26T19:36:00.005-05:00

The doctor told us today that Emily Grace's eyes are responding perfectly from the surgery!!! He also said that 75% of children who respond perfectly never have another problem and 25% of those respond well at first and then their eyes reverse on the own. Of course they would need another surgery and sometimes two more. We are praying that she is of the first 75%!! We will have another appointment in 9 months to see what the prognosis is at that point. Also more good news is that her depth perception is already up to a normal scale!! We are grateful for that too!! We also learned that she is a slight bit near-sided which technically means that her actual eyes are long in shape and just like one's foot grows long as he/she ages so does the eye. The longer her eye becomes, the more near-sided she may become. There is no need for glasses yet, but maybe by 1st grade or so. (I am near-sided too, and it was my daughter's eye doctor that actually explained why that is... Hmmm. Did you all out there in cyber space know what it really meant to be near-sided or far-sided? Well, we all learn something new everyday!!!
I don't have to tell that I will be sleeping well tonight!!! :o)

Planting Flowers on a Beautiful Day!!

2009-03-23T06:51:00.002-05:00

Today, was so beautiful so Emily Grace and I planted flowers. Notice the pint size garden gloves, kneeling knee pad, and shovel. She just loved planting the flowers...some of the flowers lost their heads due to the toddler handling, but I feel sure that they will grow back :o) She is recovering well and we will find out how successful the surgery was this week. Keep your fingers crossed!!

Happy St. Patrick's Day!!

2009-03-17T06:06:00.002-05:00

Almost a week after surgery...her "whites" are still pretty red!! But she is back to her self!! Hooray!! We will find out if the surgery was a success on March 26th

Recovering

2009-03-13T10:46:00.004-05:00

Emily Grace is recovering from her surgery pretty well I guess. She has very blood red "whites" of her eyes (she even had some bloody tears in the beginning) but she doesn't complain much. I think that the redness is even more red today than right after the surgery. When it hurts (which apparently isn't often) she runs to me and says "Hurry Momma, I need my tylenol." I get it for her and that is all I hear of it. She has been spending most of her time in her favorite past time...The world of pretend role playing and putting together her jigsaw puzzles...one after another. She LOVES puzzles!! She will probably be ready to go back to Miss Kim's on Wednesday of next week and very ready to get back to her little friends, but I do worry how they will treat her with her blood red "whites" of her eyes. Although, she has only been surrounded by family and only positive words have been said, she is self conscience of it a little bit. I just wish that I could "love" the redness away and make her well :o) We will not know if the surgery was a success for another two weeks. It takes that long for the brain to decide what to do with what the doctors have done. I AM PRAYING that it was a success the first time. Some children with strabismus require 2-3 surgeries. My heart needs this one surgery to be the only one :o}
BTW: WANNA LAUGH? You will love that Emily Grace thought that since there was make up smudged on the inside of my phone that she would wash it in the sink. It is very clean but no longer works. :o) Ahhhh....Life with a 3 year old. So if you haven't heard from me or can't reach me...this is why. :o)

Emily Grace's Surgery

2009-03-11T13:08:00.006-05:00

First let me thank all of you for your prayers and support!! You will never really know how much it meant to us!! Emily Grace's surgery WAS this morning around 10am. It was very successful!!! God is so Good!!! Emily Grace asked to wear her scrubs and doctor's coat to the surgery so of course I let her :o) She was extremely cooperative for all of the nurses and doctors and THEN it was time for the procedure to begin and she clung to me out of utter fear and wouldn't let go. THEY TOOK her from me and put the anesthesia mask on her face and she just looked at me with the most helpless pitiful eyes and looked at me like I was betraying her since I was helping them. I was as strong as I could be until she fell asleep and then I just broke down. I just felt awful!! There is no way to prepare you for that one...THey only let one of us go back there. Now I know why. It is just too awful for two to have to be consoled. Finally, she was returned to us still groggy, but feeling pretty well. The Doc said that everything went well and that it will be about two weeks before the redness disappears and before the brain completely registers the new eye alignment. He said that her weak eye may go in or out while adjusting. (Glad he prepared me for that one :o) Now that it is over, I can finally breath!!! Here is a couple of before pics and one after to see just how her eyes look post surgery.

We are getting to leave for the surgery

2009-03-11T04:42:00.002-05:00

I am up and getting us ready for the surgery. We have to be in at 8am and with morning traffic, we will have to leave around 6:45am. The actual procedure begins at 9:30am. I am letting Emily Grace sleep as long as she can. She did ask me if she could wear her doctor's scrubs and white coat to see the doctors. So, last night, I washed and pressed this cute little outfit for this morning. WE APPRECIATE THE PRAYERS so very much and WE request that the prayers continue until she is out of surgery and the healing of her eyes has occurred. I hope this isn't too much to ask, but it is for our sweet amazing baby, Emily Grace.
God Bless all of you who have been so supportive during all of this!!!
I will post a pic of her all dressed up to meet the docs later.

Please Pray For Emily Grace

2009-03-09T20:37:00.002-05:00

Emily Grace's surgery is scheduled for 9:30am Wednesday March 11th. At times, I deal with the idea well and at times (more than the other) I am a complete mess and every time I look at her, I have to say a mental prayer for the success of this surgery and her complete well being. I don't know what is wrong with me. I understand all Moms deal with the first time their baby has surgery are filled with tons of anxiety, but I think that I am abnormal :0} I am so in love with this baby and she is more than I had ever imagined we would have in a baby ... AND we waited forever for her...I just don't want to rock the boat. Does that make any sense? PLEASE SAY A PRAYER FOR EMILY GRACE...not in a minute and not later for fear that your life will distract you and you may forget, please take a minute and pray for her well being before you click away from this blog!!!
I thank you in advance for your prayers!!!
God Bless you,
Amy :o)

Emily Grace's 3rd Birthday Party

2009-03-02T13:13:00.003-05:00

Yesterday, we celebrated Emily Grace's 3rd birthday (today is her birthday) at Gymboree. Of all the days to get snow in Georgia, we received it yesterday. It literally snowed little slush balls from 10:45am till about 4:00pm. Everything was covered except the roads. It was beautiful, but slushy. I would have a picture to show, but I was too busy with the party. In spite of the weather, we still had a great turn out for the party. This is a little surprising because most everything stops for the slightest snow in Georgia. The party was a HUGE SUCESS!! Emily Grace practically had a smile on her face for the entire 1 1/2 hours. She just loved sharing her birthday with so many of her friends and cousins. Every few minutes she would run to David or me and give us a big heart felt hug and then run right back to what she was doing. She also pretty much hopped from place to place, she was so happy. I would have shed tears of joy if I had had any time to just watch, I am sure. I was running just about as much as she. It was a wonderful joy filled day and our little family is so very thankful :o)

Emily Grace's Surgery

2009-02-23T19:48:00.002-05:00

Emily Grace has to have surgery to correct her strabismus (her left eye occasionally turns out when focusing on an object far away in her visual distance. If left untreated, she could lose the vision in her left eye altogether and the eye would permanently remain turning outward) This surgery requires that the good eye be cut on as well. The plan is to attach a muscle from the weak eye to the strong to always keep them aligned. I have to say that I am EXTREMELY uneasy about relinquishing my daughter to be put to sleep and to have both of her eyes cut on..especially after seeing the possible risks from the surgery on the papers that we are required to sign. I promise you that I will need some sort of valium to go through with it. Currently, the surgery is scheduled for March 11th. May I please ask all of you for your prayers during scary but necessary time for us??!!! Please pray that Emily Grace emerges healthy, whole and with a successful surgery behind her without any complications. Please also pray that I am strong enough for her during this time!!!!!
I thank you in advance for the much needed prayers!!
Amy

Valentine's Day

2009-02-22T09:41:00.003-05:00

After giving our sweet little Valentine her gift on Valentine's morning, we made cup cakes together for her to give all four grandparents as their gift. She was so excited!! Check out her first hair cut pics below as well!

Emily Grace's First Hair Cut

2009-02-22T09:19:00.003-05:00

Just before Emily Grace's 3rd birthday, she finally had her first hair cut. Bless her heart, she was still pretty much bald at 13 months and it took forever for her to have enough hair for a bow let along enough hair to cut. Well recently, she had enough to put in two thin pigtails, but there was still quite a bit in the back of her hair that was not long enough to go up in the pigtails. So during craft time, a little girl at her baby sitter's house decided to cut a CHUNK of that remaining hair (that we waiting to grow in) so we had to cut all of her hair to make it look normal. She had to have about 2 1/2 inches cut from her length to even it out. Emily Grace was worried that she wouldn't have enough hair for her bows. I promised her that we would figure out how to wear her bows and not to worry.

To follow the adoption journey, click on archived journals from 2007

2009-01-31T06:41:00.002-05:00

Emily Grace's First Symphony

2009-01-31T06:09:00.004-05:00

Last weekend, we took Emily Grace to her very first Symphony. We just had to. She has this obsession with the violin. When I was girl, I always thought that I would have my children take piano lessons. Now that I have a child, I realize that they think for themselves. :-D Imagine that! She loves classical music and when there is violin in the piece of music, she gets so excited and says "Mommy, I hear the violin" and begins to play her invisible violin. It is too adorable. This orchestra had a "instrument petting zoo" before the show and Emily Grace was overly thrilled to be able to hold a violin and actually use the bow (is that what you refer to it as)? I feel sure that there are Violin lessons in the near future

We Came in 4th place in the Photo Contest

2009-01-11T20:03:00.016-05:00

Please check out the following website and see a pic of our family that came in 4th place in a Photography contest. Once you have seen our unique pic, please look back at the top of the website. The pics change and there are about 3 of Emily Grace being shown. We aren't proud of our lil' beauty or anything :-)
photosite

Christmas Morning with gifts from Santa Claus

2009-01-02T23:38:00.002-05:00

PIctures from Various Houses on Christmas

2009-01-02T17:31:00.002-05:00

Here are pics from the various Houses. In a little while I post pics from Christmas Morning after Santa came to visit!! I have to organize those..you know how it is :-)

Our Favorite Christmas Yet!!

2009-01-02T17:02:00.002-05:00

What a wonderful Christmas we had this year!!! It was filled with family, love and especially filled with a wide eyed 2 year old full of excitement about all of it. It all started with a journey to the North Georgia Mountains where we spent a Christmas celebration with my extended family in Cabins (12/19-12/21) We then spent Christmas Eve with my nuclear family at my brother John and his wife Chris' house. Christmas morning was spent here with both sets of Grandparents watching the thrill of Santa Claus and a big breakfast. We then had a Christmas Day dinner at my brother Michael and his wife Sydney's house. The following day we had another entire Christmas Day with all of David's family and finally New Year's Eve we had a family party here at our house and New Year's Day, we had a big extended family dinner at my parent's house. All of it was joyously fun and filled with wonderful food and gifts!! We are so blessed!!!!
Here are a few pics and mostly of Emily Grace and her Santa gifts. She received a much wanted bitty baby with all of its accessories, a doctor's outfit and a sushi set along with countless wonderful big gifts from grandparents and family.
Hope yours was as wonderful!!!

Christmas Then and Now

2008-12-28T13:43:00.005-05:00

Compare Emily Grace's pics from 2008(33 months) and 2007(21 months)

Emily Grace's visit with Santa Claus

2008-12-18T22:18:00.002-05:00

Last year, Emily Grace called Santa Claus "Ho Ho." She seemed interested in having her picture made with him so we stood in line and watched all of the other children have their pictures made and when it was our turn, she clutched onto me for life and screamed "NO NO HO HO" so we left and I just had to laugh. This year in preparation of the event, I showed her pictures of myself and of David and her age with Santa Claus and we began watching classic movies and such. I began talkin' up the fellow like I was on his publicity crew. This year, she was so excited that she nearly pushed the little fellow in front of her off of Santa's lap just so she could get on. She was so excited that she smiled right away and they snapped the picture before I could "pose her or straighten our her dress." It was so cute, she began telling him all that she had planned to tell him about what she wanted for Christmas and even told him what a "good little girl" she had been ... yeah, let me tell you that it sure hasn't been every day :-) My favorite, though, was when she asked him to say "Ho Ho Ho". He did and then he hugged her. David held me close and I cried during the whole thing thinking about how we had dreamed of this very moment. We couldn't believe that our dream was truly a reality!!!! I love Christmas!! I definitely KNOW the reason for the season!! Thank you Jesus for our amazing daughter!!! She is everything and more that we dreamed of and prayed for!!!

A more recent update is soon to come

2008-12-17T23:08:00.002-05:00

On December 5th, my family lost a very cherished member. My uncle Thomas Shrewsbury, affectionately known as "Budgie", lost his battle to cancer. He was one heck of a good man with a true character and stern faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and a fantastic sense of humor. On one of his last days here on earth, it is noted that he called many of those that he was closest to and asked if they were definite that they knew the Lord Jesus Christ as their savior because he wanted to be sure that he would meet them later in Heaven. It was just like him to worry about everyone else when he himself was taking his last breath. He will surely be missed!! I went north for his funeral among the ice and snow for four days. When I returned home, David told me that he had a new found respect for all that I do with Emily Grace and he said that I HAD to TEACH him how to use those elastic ties to put her hair in pig tails. Too funny to me!! I came home on Tuesday night and by Friday evening, my students and I put on a show for close to 300 guests complete with Gladiatorial combat, War drums, Dancers, Roman Cuisine even a Roman wedding took place. We had spent weeks on this production and it went very well!! I was very proud. However, it was soooo much work that I have decided that it will be my last one. I have been running nonstop. From both of those events, I am so far behind in every aspect of my life. I hope that you all will receive our Christmas cards before Christmas. I wont bore you with the details of the rest of my life but I can hardly stay awake during my days and there is so much to do at night trying to get caught up that I never get any sleep. Eventually, I will put the pics of Emily Grace meeting Santa Claus on the blog. What a wonderful happy moment it was for all of us. She was in utter heaven!! She is a BIG FAN of the jolly ole fat guy in the red suit.
Stay tuned... :-)

Emily Grace Plays Soccer

2008-11-16T08:20:00.004-05:00

Emily Grace played Soccer on a "Sporties for Shorties" Soccer team for a few weeks. It was just for 2 1/2 - 3 year olds. It was so cute and so much fun to watch. Those kids had absolutely no idea what was going on and at least one parent of every child was out on the field to help "coach." That was funny in and of itself. David was so excited to share this with Emily Grace. She just loved being out there running with Daddy, regardless of what they were doing. Of course, snack time was her favorite part.

Between the Hedges at an UGA GAME!!!

2008-11-16T07:51:00.005-05:00

In September, David and I went to a home UGA game and David scored some V.I.P passes from work so that we could go onto the field 45 minutes before the game began. This gave us an opportunity to get up close and personal with what goes on there. We met UGA, Hairy Dawg, some Cheerleaders and Sonny Seiler (famous for caring for many generations of UGA dawgs) We were able to watch The Players drill before the game. It was surreal to be between the hedges and look out into the stands of cheering people and the game had not even begun. I can't imagine what it must be like for those guys during a game. It was too much fun.

More Pics from the Halloween Party

2008-10-26T17:02:00.000-05:00

Emily Grace's 1st Costume Party

2008-10-26T16:30:00.010-05:00

We attended the GaWait Halloween Costume Party. Emily Grace had such a great time with the other little ones. It was just too cute. Enjoy the pics. I know that she is "in cognito" but she is the wee lil' Minnie Mouse:-)

Our "Pumpkin" among Pumpkins

2008-10-19T06:24:00.005-05:00

Here is our lil' Pumpkin searching for Halloween pumpkins. She is just the light of our life!! She is in a new stage right now, that I just think is too cute. She asks WHY about everything. She will ask "Why" about something I tell her and then ask why to my answer and then why to that response and so on and finally after about 25 "whys" she will say "oh" like she really understood and absorbed all of it. We are just having too much fun with her. We are also posting last year's pumpkin pics at the end of the slide show to show just how much Emily Grace has grown

Our Little Ballerina

2008-10-12T08:06:00.003-05:00

Emily Grace took an intro to Ballet/Tap class this past summer for tots. She LOVED it and she followed directions well enough that she was invited to enroll in the 3-5 year old class this school year. Emily Grace turned 2 1/2 in September. I thought that she was a little young, but we enrolled her since she loved it so much. She is by far the smallest girl in the class, but she is still loving it. Here are a few pics of our little ballerina.

Test Results have arrived!!!!!

2008-10-01T16:22:00.002-05:00

The doctor FINALLY called this afternoon with the results from my Voidance Systogram, which took place on September 18th!! The results indicate that the radiologists were originally wrong about what they saw in the earlier tests....or maybe not....Prayers do work!!!!! God is good!!!! My doctor seems to think that maybe what they originally saw was evidence of earlier trauma. My one and only kidney functions as if I had two. It has developed the ability to function well enough to do "double duty." Thank God!!!!
I am so relieved!! I am so appreciative of the love, support, prayers, thoughts and concern from all of you, my family and friends!!! It is a happy day. If you didn't get the chance to read about how this bizarre test was done, read the earlier post. It is a bit humorous!! Hopefully, this week, I can go back to updating about my precious Emily Grace. Until then.....:-)
God Is Good!!!

Test has taken place

2008-09-28T07:01:00.004-05:00

Ok, Sometimes you just have to find humor in the challenges that life has given you. Ok, I endured the most bizarre test that I have ever taken when I went in to determine what is going on with me. I am going to tell the details of this test so beware...if you are squeamish then don't proceed :-) I knew that I was having some sort of test called a "Voidance Systogram" or something. I knew that it was at the lab, but they failed to tell me exactly what that meant. The last time that I went in, they placed dye intravenously so that they could follow in detail what my kidney was doing. Although, it hurt, it wasn't too weird. I assumed "this test" would be similar...I was so wrong. When I arrived, they informed that I would be catheterized (tube placed into urethra) then, they proceeded to send dye colored fluid up into my bladder in order to fill it up to see of any of it would shoot up into my kidney. If that wasn't weird enough, the radiologist and myself could watch my bladder fill up like a balloon. They told me that they wanted to put so much fluid in that I would be dying to let it go, but to endure it. What?!! Well, it took almost two bottles to do that (she said that normally most people only need 1/2-1 bottle. So why do I always have to go if I have a super bladder? :-) Anyway, there it was, my bladder filled to the brim on the big screen. Now you know, you, too, would like the privilege to watch your own bladder grow. Who knew how big it really could get? Then the BEST PART came when they informed me that now it was time to let it out. They removed the catheter and showed me a boat shaped bowl with a bag attached and said that they need me to urinate into in front of ALL of THEM and on the monitor. What?!?! They electronically moved the bed from a lying position to a standing position, handed me the bowl/bag thing and said go ahead. SO I place this awkward thing you know where and then with the fullest bladder you can imagine, I tried to go. This is the type of full bladder that most people are crossing their legs to prevent the flow, mind you....it was hurting, but try as I might, I couldn't do it. I had stage fright or something. For goodness sakes, they were staring at me.
Finally, they moved behind my vision and turned on water for me (lol) to get me do something. Talk about losing all modesty. I thought that I lost all of it during the first hospital stay I had. Apparently, I was wrong. I lost it on that day. When it finally began, they rushed back in to tell my not to stop the flow but to physically turn my body to left for x-ray pics, then to the right. I had never tried walking, holding something firmly between my legs and peeing at the same time...all I could do was laugh and pray that the little bag attached to the bowl could hold almost two bottles worth. I couldn't believe what I was doing, but it was the first time that I had any humor about my circumstance. With my bizarre mission complete, I was told it would be 3-7 days before, I would receive the results, I finally called yesterday and was told, that would next week before, they knew anything. I am trying to stay very hopeful. Thank you so much for your thoughts prayers!! I will post as soon as I know!! Finding some humor in this thing gives me a new meaning to the saying "When life gives you lemons, make lemonade"

Test has been scheduled

2008-09-15T19:42:00.002-05:00

I will be having the scary test on Thursday morning roughly at 9:15 am. When finished and reported, we should know if I need the surgery on my kidney. This surgery would be to have an implant surgically placed into my kidney to prevent "kidney reflux". From what I understand, this could be a very invasive surgery since I have so much scar tissue on the inside of my body from the various initial surgeries. I keep praying that the test will determine that all is fine and that there is no need for surgery!!! Please Please help me with this prayer!! I have already endured my share and about 10 other people's share of surgeries in past years!! Hopefully my next report will be a great one!!!

Medical Update

2008-09-07T08:11:00.002-05:00

First, let me begin with words of gratitude to ALL of you for your comments, prayers, emails, phone calls, letters and cards!!!!!!!
I appreciate all of it so very much!! It is so nice to know that I have such wonderful family, friends and support. I have finally found a minute to update my blog (not really, I have an amazing baby girl in my lap anxiously waiting to have me play with her in her "kitchen") Nonetheless, I wanted to give an update. I had not posted as of yet, because I didn't have an update to post. Since I last wrote, I learned that my doctor didn't want to proceed with the tests until I actually had my menses. Apparently, the test procedure is very dangerous to a fetus and they don't allow a woman to continue with tests until they are definite that she isn't pregnant. Since we are ALWAYS trying (to no avail) they asked me to wait until we knew for sure. I am assuming that I will have the test this week. I don't know yet when the test will be or how long it will take to receive the results, but I am praying that it will not only report that I do not need surgery, but that their first tests must have been mistaken and that my remaining kidney is very healthy!!!!!
Thank you so much for your continued thoughts, prayers and support!!!! It means the world to me!!!
Amy

Amy's Medical Concern

2008-08-24T10:13:00.006-05:00

If you were not aware already, I suffered a near death accident when I was a teenager. I worked at a day camp in the summer and we had a "gator" (ATV) to move equipment. A long long story later, a couple of the counselors lured me into riding in the back of it. I really didn't want to ride in it. (teenage peer pressure at its worst) They wrecked it trying to scare me. It flipped over and landed on top of me (no one else was hurt) I was in serious shape. I ended up losing a kidney, my spleen, broke all of my ribs, collapsed both lungs, seriously damaged my pancreas, seriously bruised my liver and jolted my heart. My family was told to expect the worst. Later, I was told that I had been given about a 3% chance to survive. If I did survive, there was no guarantee that I would ever walk again since a 1,500 pound machine fell on my spine. I was in intensive care for 3 months and in and out of the hospital for another year and I had to relearn to walk again....but I did survive :-) However, I have been left with hypertension (due to the one kidney which was only functioning at 40%) I was plagued by pericarditis (terribly painful inflammation of the lining of the heart) for years and years and years. Since then, I have recovered from the pericarditis, but never the hypertension. My kidney did increase its function to nearly a 100%. I know this because I have very routine checks annually. So about 3 weeks ago, I had another, only this time, there was very frightening news. I was told that I may have a blockage. OMG!!!!! That means that we have to act quickly to determine the situation. A blockage can VERY QUICKLY kill an organ....very serious when you only have one. I was sent to various specialists to have a myriad of tests done and with each one, my concern grew worse. I kept thinking how will handle the long and arduous wait for a new kidney, undergo a transplant surgery and recovery time all while trying to give a 100% to my baby girl. I waited so long for her that I couldn't imagine being robbed of quality time with her. I will cry, now, thinking about it. All of this was occurring simultaneously with the advent of School. I couldn't even go to work for all of the tests, let alone think of preparing lesson plans. With all of the uncertainty, school began anyway and the most recent test came back that I do not have a blockage YEAH!!! but that I may have kidney reflux....what the heck is that? Apparently, it is when some of the toxins actually get backed up into the kidney although it continues to function. I have yet another test to determine if I do, and if so, I will need surgery to place some implant into the kidney to prevent it. Well heck, that is terrifying too!!! So, I haven't updated my blog lately, nor have I had the emotional clarity to return emails or phone calls. Eventually, I will do all three. Please be thinking/praying for me and/or send positive vibes my way. I am afraid. The ironic thing about all of it is that the anniversary of my accident was August 8th. I usually celebrate that I am still alive on that day, this year, I was overwhelmed with concern. I just want to be healthy.

Emily Grace is using the potty!!!

2008-07-27T14:52:00.003-05:00

As of July 11th, I am proud to say that Emily Grace is using the potty!!!! O.k. she is only going number 1, but she is still doing it, nonetheless!!!! She did it all for a couple of MMs and a piece of trident gum each time of course, but whatever works we will do. She is very aware that she isn't to go in her panties, so she has asked me if she could wear diapers for nap time and during the night. Of course, I obliged. I just want to keep her doing it. So during the day when she is ready to go number 2, she will ask if she can wear her diaper for a little while. So that it what we do. I laugh each time. She isn't the least bit interested in using the potty for number 2, but I am encouraged that we will get there some time soon. I am so proud of her!!!! I found this great fold up and go potty seat for public use from "One step ahead." As of yesterday, we got over the "public potty hump." I can't say that I blame her for only wanting to go at home :-)

Play Date at Dac Kids July 7th

2008-07-24T16:08:00.006-05:00

I am always behind in the blogging world. We came right home from Nashville and had a play date planned with some of the GaWait members: Lisa and Briana, Kathy and Chani, and Deb and Li Li. It was great fun for Emily Grace, but the trip had tired her so much that we had to go home for a nap before the group even went to lunch.

Check out my Slide Show!

2008-07-08T12:26:00.001-05:00

Leaving Nashville from the Reunion

2008-07-08T12:04:00.003-05:00

On our way home from the reunion, we stopped at the Land Opry Hotel. It is beautiful with tons of flowers, waterfalls and pathways. We also went to Opry Mills and Emily Grace rode on her very first Carrousel. She absolutely loved it. She had to ride it several times before leaving. After a while, we just stayed on it over and over and over again. :-) I just kept thinking how all of Emily Grace's Gotcha Day Sisters would have loved it as well. What a fantastic photo opportunity!! We also took a nice leisurely boat ride in the river that runs through the hotel. We really enjoyed ourselves before we started on our 4 1/2 journey home.

Check out my Slide Show!

2008-07-07T19:56:00.001-05:00

4th of July gathering at the Fisher's

2008-07-07T19:36:00.001-05:00

The Reunion officially started at Betsy Fisher's home. It was wonderful. We had great food, activities and fellowship.

Check out my Slide Show!

2008-07-07T19:22:00.001-05:00

Earlier that day

2008-07-07T18:57:00.001-05:00

Earlier on the last full day of our reunion, we all met at Cheekwood Gardens just outside Nashville for a pictures. Enjoy!

Check out my Slide Show!

2008-07-07T18:56:00.001-05:00

Gotcha Day Sister Reunion 2008

2008-07-07T18:31:00.005-05:00

We spent the 4th of July with all 7 of Emily Grace's "Gotcha Day Sisters and their respective families." It was a wonderful fun filled weekend. Best of all, this weekend allowed us to see how wonderfully each baby has blossomed in their forever families. Every lil' girl was so beautiful, happy and very well adjusted!! Praise God!!! Emily Grace played with each and every "sister." She loved it. Each morning she would say "I wanna see my friends" and at the end of the day she would say "I want 'more' friends." It was easy to get her to go to bed, we would just tell her that as soon as she woke up she could play with her friends. She readily went to bed. :-) We end with the last day of our reunion at an authentic TN restaurant with a Blue Grass Band. We were joined by the wonderful Morgan family who adopted AnnaLyn a week after we received Emily Grace. ( She is the baby on the far left in the "red bench" pic) It was nice to finally meet them. Historically, these "red bench" pics are the only ones with all of Emily Grace's Gotcha Day Sisters in one picture. A whole year later Neat Huh? What a nice way to say good-bye to everyone! We extend our farewells until next year!!!

Check out my Slide Show!

2008-04-01T21:04:00.001-05:00

Our Gotcha Day Anniversary

2008-04-01T20:55:00.002-05:00

April 2nd marks our 1st full year with our amazing little angel!! At this very moment, an entire year ago, our hearts were all a flutter anticipating the meeting of our new daughter. I was eager and fearful all at the same time. Was I really prepared? Had I read enough parenting information? Would I know what to do? The moment they placed this little miracle in my arms, I was calm and I felt absolutely sure that I knew everything that I needed to know to love and care for her!! It was a very blessed moment. I have tears in my eyes as I write this. I absolutely believe in my heart she was destined to be our daughter from the first moment she was created! Thank you God for our precious gift. We praise you for the opportunity to be her parents!!

Check out my Slide Show!

2008-03-30T22:30:00.001-05:00

Huge Update

2008-03-30T22:04:00.002-05:00

Here it is, almost a complete year since we were blessed with the most amazing little angel in the world. We can't even believe how quickly this year has flown by and although we have been out of blog touch (not intentionally) we are back with so much to tell. Emily has recently had the most amazing Christmas where she has learned to cook in her new kitchen, she has turned 2 and learned to ride a tricycle, become the most aggressive Easter egg hunter in the neighborhood and unfortunately has been diagnosed with Intermittent Exotropia Strabismus (momentarily drifting eye that could result in loss of sight if left untreated) It was recommended that she have surgery. We scheduled it for April 9th...this never sat well with me. After lengthy hours of research and prayer, I have come to decision to post-pone the surgery and try alternative medicine...Vision Therapy. If it doesn't work, we have time to permit surgery, but I honestly feel in my heart that this will work. Enjoy some new pics of Emily Grace and please keep her in your prayers as we begin this journey.

Happy St. Patrick's Day

2008-03-17T12:25:00.002-05:00

We have almost completely resolved our computer issue so there will be plenty of updated pictures of Emily Grace coming to you this week. Stay tuned!!
By the way, She turned 2 years old on March 2nd. My amazing baby is turning into an amazing little girl!! :-)

Emily Grace's Photo Session

2008-01-27T12:00:00.000-05:00

We are still having issues with our Computer. We hope to resolve it soon, but until then, Copy and the paste the link below to see new pics of Emily Grace (some of the best are at the end in a white dress) Once you have found the page, click on "Venn" then click on any picture to see it large or go through them with the arrow button. There are more pics than just the first few on the first page. Please comment on your favorite pics :-)

http://paulwendl.morephotos.com/mp_client/pictures.asp?eventid=0&eventstatus=0&categories=no&keywords2=no&groupid=%201137&bw=false&sep=false

Happy New Year!!!!

2008-01-01T10:33:00.001-05:00

New Posts and Pictures will come when I resolve my computer issue!!
Wishing you a fantastic 2008!!!

Check out my Slide Show!

2007-12-01T23:32:00.001-05:00

Our 8 month Anniversary!!

2007-12-01T22:16:00.000-05:00

December 2nd makes our 8 month Anniversary and is also Emily Grace's 21st month birthday. We are so grateful for our sweet angel. Emily Grace makes us smile every day. She has such a personality and is so intelligent that I am stunned almost daily by something she says or does. Emily loves music and her new thing is to do her rendition of "ballet" each time she hears a classical piece of music. It is too cute. Also, she loves to sing along with songs. She knows some of the words and she makes up the rest. It is too funny. She also loves to clap and say "yay" at the end of everything that she loves. She is a big fan jigsaw puzzles, word flash cards (both English and Chinese) and books...a Teacher's dream ha ha.

Thanksgiving

2007-12-01T22:07:00.000-05:00

We had an amazing Thanksgiving this year. We are so incredibly grateful to have spent this holiday with our daughter, Emily Grace. In fact, I couldn't even make it through the "Thanksgiving grace" without crying tears of joy for our amazing lil' asian angel. We are so blessed. Emily Grace is everything that we ever wanted and more.

Question

2007-11-22T08:47:00.000-05:00

Before I post one more post with pictures...would someone please tell how to correct our problem with silde.com?
Once upon a time our pics were just posted and remained posted, now sometimes they are there and sometimes they are small or black and one has to click the "x" button to get them to appear. Any suggestions as to how I can correct this issue? Does anyone know a better uploading site?
Thanks-a-million!!!

Chinese Lessons for Emily

2007-11-11T11:00:00.000-05:00

It is nice to post that Emily has been cooperating very well with wearing her eye patch each day. Also, recently Emily has begun to take Chinese language classes. I read some where that a baby begins to lose his/her first language after having been separated from it for 6 months or longer. After having Emily for 6 months, I discovered that we had a Chinese language teacher living in our neighborhood. After having discussed private lessons with her, she came to visit Emily. I found out that Emily still remembered Chinese. She responded to simple commands and could say some Chinese words and phrases. I also discovered that what I thought was baby babble turned out to be Chinese. Early on, when I would play music, Emily would say a word that I thought was babble, but found it interesting that she would frequently say it each time. I learned that she was saying the Chinese word for "dance." On the day of Emily's first lesson, the teacher told Emily good-bye in Chinese and Emily responed a full sentence. She said "see you next week." The teacher was surprised and so was I. I have a ton of other examples. I learn more and more about Emily Grace every day. :-) The Chinese lessons have been fun and we both are learning a lot. Oh yeah, we are still interviewing Nannies. Ughhhh. Wish us luck!!!!!

So Much To Tell!!

2007-11-06T20:29:00.000-05:00

Yes, we have been out of cyber touch for a while. A lot has happened. We have had to change nannies, we have had to begin therapy on Emily's eye, not to mention Halloween and birthday parties. Yes, we had to begin therapy on Emily's left eye. About two months ago, we noticed that Emily's left eye would occassionally turn outward while the right one remained focused. This usually only occurred when she was tired. We took her to a Ped. eye doc (what a haneous experience!!!) Emily couldn't understand why so many people were in her face touching her eyes and such. She became so upset that she had to be restrained and they had to use metal bicep things to pry her eyes open. I had never heard her scream quite like that....not even on "gotcha day." I cried along with her. When it was over, we were told that she had stribismus (sp?) (Apparently, she has been seeing double for some time now) It ruins her depth perception. I had noticed that she would begin to step up on a step before she actually came close enough to it. Now, she has to wear a patch over her good eye for an hour each day. I feared that she wouldn't cooperate based on her eye exam, so I explained it to her like I really believed I could convince her to cooperate. Something must have worked because she wears it each day without fuss. Phew!!! What a relief!! If all goes well, this therapy should correct the issue. Our nanny, Jeannie, had to say good-bye last week. We appreciated all that she did for Emily and for us. We have been running around interviewing new ones and checking out "in-home" daycares and such. It has been a trying time. In addition to that we went to Maisie Shanahan's 2nd birthday party. She is also from China. It was a nice party. We also experienced Emily's first Halloween. She did very well. She had never had candy prior to that night, but some how she knew it was edible. She was more excited about giving it out to the other children then to actually knock on doors to seek it out for herself. Her costume was cute, but we had to add a t-shirt to keep her from getting too cold.

Part 2 of yesterday's update

2007-10-21T11:08:00.000-05:00

Going along with yesterday's post, here are a few pics from Emily Grace's debut at the Family Reunion.

Update from the last month

2007-10-20T08:42:00.000-05:00

Wow! What a severly busy time for us. Emily was 13 months old when we finally met her. This means that we missed her first birthday. Every baby should have a "first birthday." We recently had a belated first birthday party for Emily (just imediate family, since her 2nd birthday is in 6 months) I cooked and cooked....mental note: I will have her second birthday catered. Cooking=Work!! We traveled up north for a family reunion and Emily Grace's debut. We participated in a highschool "toga football game" with my students. Emily wore her first toga as we cheered in Latin for the Mustangs. She just looked at us like we were crazy. We visited the Apple orchard and apple festival in Elijay with my parents. (Didn't feel like fall, it was about 90') On that day, Emily tried apple cider for the first time. She looked up rubbed her belly and said "mmmm..goood" We had never heard her say that before. It was too cute. Now, she says it all the time for foods that she likes. We bought Emily a Leap Frog alphabet fridge phonics for her faux birthday and she loves it. She will say words and will tell you the beginning letter. Ie: Rain and rain begins with "R" I was stunned the first time, now we play word games. Right now, I am having a hard time updating because Emily wants to have a "tea party" again. I have had a lot of imaginary tea lately. :-)

Sixth Month Anniversary!! Tempus Fugit

2007-10-02T20:23:00.000-05:00

It is hard to believe that the day that we were blessed with Emily Grace was 6 months ago today. In some ways it seems longer and in other ways, just like yesterday. She has progressed and grown so very much in 6 months that it is like we clearly have a different daughter. She has grown so much and is so independent that it is clear that we no longer have a baby but a little girl. I am thrilled and saddened all at once. She is everything that we had ever dreamed and more. We are so blessed and we thank God everyday. She may have been born in China but this little girl was definitely meant to be ours. She fits with our famiy so well, she might as well share our genes. We are so in love...can you tell? :-) Her five new teeth have pretty much sprung and her newest favorite thing to say is "NO." She replaced her most recent word which was "Yellow." She must love the color or the sound of the word or both...she runs around spotting everything that is yellow and points it out while yelling the most sourthern form of the word.."Yallo" ..I love it. She also tells David and me "I love you" often. I melt each and every time...no kidding. Here are few pics of Emily on "Gotcha Day" and some pics taken recently. What a big difference!!

STRESS...Who needs it??!!

2007-09-22T07:01:00.000-05:00

Well, I have been out of touch this week. Our family had a terrible scare. David was in the ER this week for Chest pain that radiated into his left arm. His left hand even began to go numb and he was beginning to black out. He had a BP of 170/96 and an extremely high pulse rate. I was notified at school at 11:30 am and I was in my car by 11:32 am. They were sure he was having a heart attack?!?! What?!?! David is far too young, too healthy and in-shape for that one. He doesn't nor has he ever smoked and there isn't any heart issues in his family!! Turns out that his very stressfull job and the one hour commute to work and one hour commute home in terrible Atlanta traffic was the culprate. He rarely complains. He is one to keep it all inside. He did appear to have inflamation of the lungs (a condition that is clearly brought on by stress and mimics the symptoms of a heart attack) He still has pain....It will go away with time, but he is fine. Do you know that I couldn't even get him to stay home from work? It all becomes clear as to why this happened to him. So I have spent this week trying to make his life more pleasant when he is at home. So glad to have him when he is home :-) Oh how I love my David!!

September 11 Comment/Reality

2007-09-16T21:38:00.000-05:00

I am a high school Latin Teacher. On September 11, I went into work thinking as many of us were, where I was when the tragedy occurred? I remembered that I was teaching in a Latin I class. We were about to have a quiz. So on 9/11/2007, I, absent mindedly, asked the students where they were when it happened.....Most of my students commented on how they didn't remember it happening!!! what!!??!! They don't remember??!!?? They proceeded to tell me how they knew what it meant, but that they didn't recall the event. My seniors were in the 6th grade (They could recall a bit), but my sophomores were in the 4th grade and my freshmen, well they were in the third grade....OMG... I AM SO OLD!!!! They began to tell me how their parents (rightly so) kept them from the horror of this event...That isn't my issue...my issue is that they DON'T REMEMBER!!! It shocks me that I actually have students who truly DO NOT REMEMBER SEPTEMBER 11th 2001. Where did the time go? It feels like yesterday. I still feel the pain from that day!! May we never forget!!!

GO BRAVES!!!

2007-09-09T21:29:00.000-05:00

Emily Grace went to her first Braves game today!! We had a great time, although I think Emily was more interested in her "Cracker Jacks" than anything else!! It was a lovely day and we had fantastic seats in the shade, which is important in Hot 'Lanta.

Our Amazing Emily Grace

2007-09-05T21:04:00.000-05:00

On September 2nd, Emily Grace became 18 months old and it was also the the 5th month anniversary from the date we held her for the first time. Wow!! Tempus Fugit!! Apparently, someone must have mentioned to Emily that baby girls really begin talking at 18 months old. She litterally woke up Sunday morning and began talking away. In fact, she has pretty much replaced all of her baby signs with words. I was completely floored, stunned, or whatever. My mouth fell open and hit the floor. Some of her words are a bit difficult to catch unless you are mommy or daddy, I guess...but I clearly know what she is saying. I am proud and sad all at the same time...just like the day she began to walk. Also, I checked her mouth today, and she is also currently cutting 4 molars and an eye tooth. SLOW DOWN!!! Look at this sweet picture...she still looks like such a baby here and not a fast growing toddler.

Back to work :-(

2007-08-31T20:28:00.000-05:00

A lot has transpired since I blogged last. I am a Latin teacher and school started back on August 6th. I had to hire a nanny for Emily and prepare emotionally to go back to work and to leave her. I think that she has acclimated better than I have. I have probably cried more than she for sure. I haven't worked since mid March. I have a nice situation though, I work across the street from our neighborhood and I don't have to be at work until 10am and Emily's nanny cares for her here. All seemed well in the beginning, but when school started I ended up with a really bad cold. I even missed the first Friday of school with the students. Eventuallly, David and Emily both had it as well. We were all sick and have been trying to drudge along with our daily obligations while recuperating. I have fallen behind on so much that being on the computer for anything other than updating grades has fallen to the bottom of priority list for sure. Oh yeah, during that whole issue, David and I had our wedding anniversary. We tried to celebrate, but even dinner out wore us out. We were ready for bed far too early :-(
In the mean time, I took the UGA cheerleader pics and posted them....the only energy I actually had. I do have some of Emily as a princess. She was so enamored with my earings that we had to get her a pair. These incidentally came with a princess crown. Take a look at our princess.

Gearing up for Georgia Football!!

2007-08-18T09:46:00.000-05:00

Here is Emily showing off her new University of Georgia cheerleading outfit...Go DAWGS!!!

Summer Fun with Emily Grace

2007-08-10T01:47:00.000-05:00

Here are some cute pics of Emily eating her ice cream. She gets so focused on it ;-) The others are just some cute pics of Emily playing and learning to say "Cheese" for the camera.

I have been tagged....Five things MeMe

2007-08-04T09:21:00.000-05:00

Five things MeMe

I have been tagged by Jennifer at My three sons and a little China girl : http://baseballstobows.blogspot.com/

Five things that I was doing 10 years ago.

1. Planning the last details for my wedding and Honeymoon (My anniversary is August 9th,)
2. Having tons of Fun with our new Golden Retriever Puppy, Bailey
3. Making my house a home
4. Planning my first day and year as a Latin teacher (School started later then :)
5. Becoming a Latin Teacher to high school students …Yikes! The first day was a bit scary.

Five of My Favorite Snack Foods:
1. Dark Chocolate
2. Freshly Made chunky Salsa and tortilla chips
3. Fire Roasted Hummus and Pita Chips
4. Fresh Hot French Bread and Dipped in Olive Oil and Spices
5. Strawberries Dipped in Dark Chocolate with a side of Champagne (is that two?:)

Five Songs of which I know all the lyrics:
1. Happy Together…The Turtles (such a happy song)
2. Green Eyes…Coldplay
3. Girls just want to have fun..Cyndi Lauper
4. Here with me…Dido (Really anything by Dido)
5. American Baby….Dave Matthews Band

Five things that I would do with a Million Dollars:
1. Try to usurp the system and adopt another baby from China without the LONG wait ☺
2. Give to the Scottish Rite Children’s Hospital to help those families who definitely needed it.
3. I would definitely go back to Italy and rent a Villa in Tuscany with our family (grandparents, siblings nieces and nephews) for a week. I love Italy!!
4. Buy a new house with decent closet space...or I could just buy less stuff to store Ha
5. I ran out of money already…I need another million :)

Five Bad Habits that I have:
1. Sleeping in my contacts too often
2. Spending too much money on photography and scrapbooking.
3. Not getting enough sleep…. I might miss something Ha ha
4. Not updating my blog often enough.
5. Not cooking real meals enough… I hate to cook and I love to go out to dinner.

Five things that I like to do.
1. Spend time with family and friends
2. Travel to new places
3. Photography
4. Scrapbooking
5. Hiking and just being among nature

Five things I will never wear again:
I can’t make that promise. I love fashion and if it looks good, I
will wear it again. :)

Five people I have tagged: Phil, Julia, Kathy, Georgia and Mick

Emily Grace is 17th months old today!! Aug 2nd

2007-08-02T06:49:00.000-05:00

Happy 17th months, sweet Emily Grace!! She is so busy and loves to explore. Nothing is safe, I mean nothing Ha Ha. She is so smart...All moms think that about their baby, but it is TRUE for mine :-) I only started her potty training at 16 months because she will lie down in front of me and do the "change my diaper" sign when it truly was time to do so. She can use baby sign language to communicate just about anything to me. It is amazing. She picks them up so fast. She comprehends English really well now and it has only been 4 months. She does whatever I ask her to do..ie: "Pick up your socks and shoes that you just took off and put them away" and she will. She can put on her own shoes (sometimes it is the wrong foot, but she can do it, though) She is beginning to talk, but still uses her signs more. She does say "cheese." Every time that she signs that she wants to eat. She says "cheese" and then signs "please." Too cute, she doesn't understand that pasta and cheese do not constitute a balanced diet. She may be Chinese but her tummy is definitely Italian. :-)

Emily Grace's New Potty

2007-07-26T14:21:00.000-05:00

On July 23rd, Emily tinkled in her potty for the first time!! We were so proud of her and she was pretty proud of herself too. Now that she has associated tinkling with the word "potty" I can't even say the word without her "going" right at the sound of it or even at the sight of it. This of course means that she isn't always "hitting the target" so to speak. That's alright, we will get there...I am still so proud of her. Obviously these pics were taken while she was playing and not trying to tinkle. :-)

Asian Cultural Experience Festival

2007-07-23T12:07:00.000-05:00

We went to the Atlanta Asian Cultural Experience Festival. It was very nice, but very HOT!!! There was great food, dancing and shows. We enjoyed our selves very much and Emily Grace looked ever so cute in her native Chinese silks.

Fun With Sunglasses!!

2007-07-16T16:03:00.000-05:00

All I wanted to do is get one great picture of Emily wearing her sunglasses! It took forever, but we had fun!! She litterally rips them away from her face as quickly as I can put them on her. She just looks adorable so I had to keep trying! ;-)

What a fun filled week with friends!!

2007-07-09T09:32:00.000-05:00

We really enjoyed our visit with our friends: Phil, Julia and Dora. We visited the children's museum, centennial park, Tanglewood minature animal petting zoo and of course watched the fireworks display on the 4th of July. The following are pics from all the events in no particular order. Also, on the 4th of July, another family who went to China along with us came for a visit with their sweet baby. Lizzie. We had a great time and now we are just worn out ;-)

Chinese by birth...Southern by the Grace of God!! :)

2007-07-02T13:29:00.000-05:00

While waiting for our friends to arrive, Emily Grace enjoyed her grits!! She just loves grits. So I tease and say "Chinese by birth, but Southern by the Grace of God!! Mmmm...Grits!! Emily says "Come on and try them, you might just find out that you love them." :-)

China Travel buddies coming for a visit!

2007-06-27T08:46:00.000-05:00

Our friends, Phil, Julie and Dora are coming the week of the fourth to visit!! We can't wait!! They are coming all the way from Madison Wisconson. We met them in the Beijing airport and all though that was our first meeting; we "new" each other well. We were meeting a couple who had been through the "adoption ringer" for the last two years exactly as we had. This is the couple with whom we ventured into the city to see REAL China. Julie is the brave one who ate chicken feet..Yummy! Dora is precious and we can't wait to see how she has progressed as well. Follow their story: http://www.ourdogsnewowner.com/

Happy 1st Father's Day Daddy!!

2007-06-18T07:59:00.000-05:00

Yesterday was David's first father's day and Emily and I wanted to make it special. We prepared him a very special breakfast at home with all of his favorites. We made nutmeg and cinnamon french toast sprinkled with powdered sugar, mixed berries and drizzled with real maple syrup. Yum! We also had mimosa with strawberries and a bowl of mixed tropical fruit. He has also been waiting for the "University of Georgia vault" to be published. It finally has but it is on back order every where so now he has one coming in July. Emily also picked out a father's day card for him. It was a lot harder to take a walking toddler into a card store than I thought it would be. She wanted to pull EVERY card out of its slot. Just due to sheer exhaustion and confusion, I ended up buying a David a cheesy father's day card and he laughed and laughed. Oh well. Life with a toddler is never boring. We celebrated with David's parents on Saturday. It was really nice and my parents are out of town AGAIN. Must be nice to be retired!!

A REAL Emily Grace update

2007-06-15T00:41:00.001-05:00

Wow! We have been so busy just enjoying our daughter that we haven't really updated the blog. We have been home for two months now and our little angel has progressed so quickly that she isn't even the same baby whom we met in China. She has so much personality that I am entertained all day with her. She smiles, laughs and sings constantly. She is ever so busy too. She NEVER stops. She literally moves from one thing to the next. She, however, will stay focused on one item for a matter of time before moving on. I began baby sign language with her in China, but it was a while before I saw her use it, but THE DAY that she decided to use her signs, she began to use ALL of them (sometimes, she would use two at a time) I was shocked and so impressed. She knows and uses signs for the following: milk, more, eat, finished, wait, cracker, change my diaper, water, drink, please and thank you. It is so helpful to actually be able to communicate with her and know what she wants. Also, Emily had never had any "floor time" before we got her, but in no time, she was crawling on her feet and hands (too cute) then, she moved onto pulling herself up and walking along edges. Soon, she was walking a few steps at at time, but this week, she decided that she was just going to walk and she is walking EVERY WHERE. I am so proud of her, but I cried and cried. We just received our BABY and now she is a toddler. I just want this time to slow down a bit. Of course, the same day that Emily began walking ever where was the same day that she decided that she wanted to run. It all happens so quickly. HERE ARE PICS OF EMILY STAGES FROM HER CRAWL TO WALKING! So fast.

More Pics at the beach

2007-06-14T16:41:00.000-05:00

Here are a few more pics of us all at the beach!

Emily Grace's first time to the beach

2007-05-29T19:41:00.000-05:00

We went to the beach this weekend with my brothers and their families. We discovered that a few of cousins were going to be there as well. We decided to have some "family beach" pictures made while there. While the actual photographer was taking pictures, my lovely cousin Shelly stood behind him and captured a few herself. His will not be ready for weeks, but hers are good and are ready now :-) The pics of Emily standing on the beach are pics of her actual first time standing in the water of the ocean. Her expression is real and it was too much fun!! We have other pics that we will include and they are to come soon.

My very 1st Mother's Day

2007-05-24T09:38:00.001-05:00

This was my very 1st Mother's day and it was a very nice day. David and Emily Grace took my out to brunch and gave me a beautiful new ring. It is an Aqua Marine (Emily's birthstone) and diamond ring. We then visited David's mother to give her flowers and her "mimi" house slippers from Emily Grace. My mother was in Florida, so I sent her flowers to her and Emily gave her "grandma" slippers when she came home. It was a lovely Mother's day!!

NEW PICTURES OF OUR EMILY GRACE!!!

2007-05-16T07:40:00.000-05:00

Finally a NEW POST

2007-05-14T08:31:00.000-05:00

Hi to all of our avid blog readers: we have been having some technical issues and we have finally resolved one and we have someone coming tomorrow to resolve the other!! When it happens, I will post and post and post. Please continue to watch Emily Grace Mei Venn grow!!!! We have been very busy since we have come home and I will share oh so much very soon!!!
Please continue to tune into our blog!!!

The Swan Coach House in Atlanta

2007-04-22T08:54:00.000-05:00

Emily went to her first ladies' tea luncheon. My mother, Emily and I were invited to join my mother's cousins and sister for a nice ladies' luncheon at the Swan Coach House in Atlanta. Emily did very well. She was such a good baby. She was very excited about the fresh muffins and playing with the spoons to make us all laugh.

Home with Emily

2007-04-22T08:20:00.000-05:00

We are getting adjusted and Emily Grace is finally go over her ear infection and she feels so much better now. We all had our nights and days mixed up for a while, but we finally got it together. She probably thinks our lives are boring, now, since we aren't in an airport flying somewhere every other day or touring some beautiful sight. Oh well, that's life. Ha I think that she likes her room and is amazed by all of her toys and such. She sings and talks all of the time (just like her mommy) She loves trying to walk and wants to do it ALL of the time. My parents have come each day to help since David went back to work and I worry about Poppy's back because he is the one that walks her all over the house. He is determined to teach her how to walk and I keep thinking that it is ok if it takes her a while because I know once she starts, I will be chasing her all over the house from that point further. (The upside is that it will be my new exercise routine) Ha Emily Grace is silly and loves to entertain others and make them laugh. Everyday more of her little personality comes out and We are totally in love with this little Angel!!

Flight Home

2007-04-22T08:05:00.000-05:00

Our flight home was approximately 17 hours. I have to say that it wasn't so bad. I found the secret to traveling that far with an infant. Those of you getting ready to travel to China, be sure to pay attention :-) Ask for the "bulk head seating" and request the infant basinette (sp?) Emily was able to stand and play between our legs and the wall of the "bulk head seating" and the basinette attached to the wall and left us with decent leg room and allowed Emily to stretch out and sleep comfortably. It was our saving grace. I could then get up and move around while the baby slept!! I strongly urge those of you traveling to do this on your way home from China. For this reason, Emily remained content and never cried during the entire flight home!!! What a blessing for us and everyone around us. :-)

Hong Kong

2007-04-22T07:38:00.000-05:00

As I mentioned earlier, The US was having some computer problems issuing all the visas for the babies. This problem affected about 1/2 of the families in our group, but David and I were the only ones that had to reschedule our flight for a day later. This created several issues for us. First, David spent tons of time trying to find us an available flight for that week and also we were trying to decide if we should stay and take it easy in Guanzhou with the other adopting families (the later group) or go it alone and head into Hong Kong and spend a day and night there. We wanted to see Hong Kong anyway so we decided on the latter at the last minute. David and I seem to never chose the easier route. :-) For this reason, we packed in such a hurry that we forgot several things and for that I will always be sorry. However, we really did enjoy Hong Kong. We arrived during "tea time." It was so different from China there. Everyone was so dressed up and everyone spoke with a beautiful British accent alone with their Cantonese. Their names were Agnes, Esther, and Angus and such. It was so interesting to be a part of world that seemed so similar to the last one we were in, but in fact, was soooo different. We were starving when we arrived and ALL of the restaurants were serving tea and tiny sandwiches or cake. So we had tea in tiny ornate cups with several several sandwiches. It was fun. The city was beautiful and it was actually warm/hot (except for the wind) We loved it there.

Update: We are home!!

2007-04-18T19:45:00.000-05:00

I still need to upload our pictures from Hong Kong and I will. The website that I use to load our pictures is having issues. If the slideshow is showing up very tiny, just scroll down a bit and click on "view all images" and you can see a larger version of the pictures. Aslo, please keep checking because I will continue to post new pictures of our little Emily Grace Mei!!

Families and their new babies

2007-04-16T06:29:00.000-05:00

Here are the idividual families with their babies. Not every family participated in the photo shoot.

Last night in Guanzhou

2007-04-16T06:08:00.000-05:00

On our last day in Guanzhou, we discovered that the US did not have our visa for Emily due to some kind of computer hang up. This happened to about half of the families in our group, but it really only delayed David and I from leaving on the day that we were scheduled. We did receive her Visa the following morning, but it was too late for our flight. For this reason, David and I decided to spend a day and night in Hong Kong. We were due to fly out of Hong Kong anyway, so we just stayed there a little longer than scheduled. It proved to be better for Emily. She had been suffering from an ear infection and I thought that the extra day of healing with antibiotics would be easier on her ears rather than jump on a 17 hour flight home with an aching ear.
Nonetheless, on the last day we dresses our babies in their traditional dress and took pictures. Emily didn't feel well and wasn't quite up for a photo shoot.

Guanzhou

2007-04-16T05:37:00.000-05:00

Guanzhou is a city in the Guandong province. This is where we were scheduled to meet with the Chinese Consulate and where we were to receive Emily's visa to go the US. This is also where most families stay at the White Swan Hotel. We did not. We stayed at the Mariotte Apartments. Literally, they were apartments that were serviced by a hotel. They said that it would give us more room. It did. We had several rooms and a full kitchen, but no pots and pans. Ha This is where Emily visited the doctor and this is also where we visited Shaiman Island. The island was beautiful. It looked like Savannah Georgia. That island is where David's credit cards caught on fire because there was great shopping to be had there. That is where we bought Emily's squeaky shoes. They literally squeak with every step. She laughs out loud with each step. It is too cute!!!

More about the village

2007-04-16T04:38:00.000-05:00

Mary, our guide, was the one who thought that it would be beneficial for us all to see a village similar to one from which our daughters came. She told us her heart-felt story. She, herself, came from "the village" and in her words...she made it out. She was the only one in her village to ever go to college. She said that it is so hard for a child born inside "the village" to find the resources to go to college or to ever have any guidance to do so for that matter. She also told about how hard it was for the families in the village to deal with the one child rule in China. I had heard that the rule had been lifted to help encourage families to keep their daughters, but she said that the rule continues. She also said that families in the rural area that had tried to ignore the rule and couldn't afford to pay the tax required to keep a second child had their homes taken from them. She said that they have reluctantly complied with this rule. Most babies that are abandoned in China come from the rural areas since they need males to help on the farm. She expressed her gratitude to us for traveling half way around the world to aquire these sweet babies to give them a future. She talked highly about their chances for a quality education. It was very moving.