Finally Done!

Update on Makenna...we are finally finished with her medication.  WOO HOO!!!!!!  For those who don't know or remember, Makenna got admitted to the hospital almost a year ago with an unknown infection in her right leg.  The first diagnosis was a broken leg and the final diagnosis was an infection which she received in Ethiopia.  Since last late January/early February, Makenna had been taking 3 different medications every day.  These meds are very nasty so for Makenna to tolerate them for as long as she did is just amazing.  To top it off, she rarely refused and took them like a champ.  I couldn't be more proud of her.

We are incredibly blessed to have a healthy little girl again who is loving life.  Makenna is such a character and is a natural comedian.  She makes us laugh on a regular basis.  

So here is to a quiet and event free holiday!

Thanks everyone for the love and support during this time.  

Happy Monday!

How can you not have a great Monday when you see this grin?  

Fall Festival

Yesterday we took the girls to the local fall festival and met up with our friends Kimberly, Greg, and their children Abygail and Caleb.  I am so thankful we were meeting them or Dave would have kept on driving.  It was obviously beautiful out as every family in town was there today.  Dave doesn't particularly enjoy going to these type of events as it means him chasing the kids while I visit (yes, it is true.  I like to visit).  Once we found a place to park and walked a block to the event, we quickly realized this may have been a mistake.  The lines for everything were a mile long.  We stayed though as we were meeting friends and we had already promised the girls a pony ride.  I ended up standing in line for almost 40 minutes while Dave and the girls bought wrist bands, said hello to the clown, played at the jungle gym, and watched the ponies give rides to other boys and girls.  Finally it was Maya and Makenna's turn and they loved their pony ride!

 After our long wait and fun pony ride, the kids lead us to the barn where they could decorate a small pumpkin and a cookie.  We then hit the jumpers and the barrel train.  The girls had a blast!

 On our way to the front entrance, we had to visit the pets and go through the hay maze.  Maya really loved the bunny and even got to hold her. 

 Here our attempt at a family picture.  It seems really impossible to get a great photo with the two kids.  Either one is looking or they just refuse to smile.  Trust me, they had a great time!

Hey Friends!

Hello friends, family, and fellow bloggers.  It has been way too long since my last post.  I wish I could blame it on our crazy busy life but I have to admit, I just wasn't into blogging.  I used to have a big passion for it and I really enjoyed putting my random thoughts and updates about my family on my blog.  It was nice to share pieces of our family with all of you as well as give me an outlet to share some of my struggles, fears, etc.  I would love to have that passion again and thankfully I can feel it coming back (I hope).

It has been tough for me to share my world on the computer.  I am a very open person and willing to share almost anything but I found it hard when I would hear the words "I read it on your blog".  I realized that no one was really asking me how I was doing, what was new in our world, how were the girls, etc. because they felt they knew it all from reading my blog.  You see, I did blog about most things but not everything.  I'd love to have someone ask me about my world without referring to my blog.  Maybe that doesn't make any sense.

I will tell you that we have been busy with family and work plus enjoying the time we had left of warm sunny days. Maya has been busy with soccer, dance, and Sunday school.  She loves them and is really enjoying her new activities.  Makenna is playing any sports right now but our plan is to enroll her in parent/toddler gymnastics after the holidays.  Makenna has incredible upper body strength and loads of energy so I think gymnastics may be perfect for her.  Until then, she gets to tag along to Maya's activities and also to Dave's weekly soccer games.

Both girls have recently transition to a new daycare.  We had to make a tough call but in the end we decided to switch as our new daycare has more to offer.  Plus it will give Maya a new experience before she heads off to Kindergarten next fall.  The girls really are enjoying it and have met some new friends.  We like it too.

I have also been styling the girls' hair more which has been really fun.  

Last but not least, today is our referral day for Makenna.  Two years ago I left work in a hurry to meet Dave at home so we can call our adoption agency and get the exciting news.  What was even more special is we hadn't told anyone we were growing our family.  Can't believe it has already been two years.  Happy Referral Day to us!

Philly - Post #1

Almost a year ago we decided to visit our good friends in Philly over the 4th of July.  It was a perfect time to go as Makenna can fly as a lap child and we had extra time off from work.  Plus it worked out great for our friends Steve, Amy, and their 4 year old daughter Bailey.

Bailey and Maya go way back.  They were together in Ethiopia at the same care center.  Since coming home, we have made a point to stay in touch.  Amy and Steve have flown back twice to attend the EKC Mehaber and now it was our turn to visit them.  We love these guys very much and couldn't imagine our lives without them.  I just wish we lived closer!

We had a great time while visiting.  The first day we just hung out, relaxed, and visited.  The next day we took off to the Jersey Shore in the city of Sea Isle.  Steve's parents have a fabulous place a block from the ocean which made our trip so easy.  We have the lakes and they have the ocean.  So different and so very cool!

Makenna is excited for the trip!

 Maya got to have slumber party with Bailey.  Aren't they precious?

 Maya at the shore

 Makenna LOVED the water!

 Amy and me - love her!

 Makenna's favorite moment on the entire trip was riding the horsie.  Late at night on the way home from the shore, Makenna said out of the blue "I rode horsie".  She was so proud and really loved it.  This made me so happy knowing my girls had a terrific time. 

 Maya had a great time at the mini amusement park.  I think she rode on every single ride and would have kept going if we didn't force her to leave.  Look at that smile!

 Bailey's grandpa took one for the team and took the girls on the Tilt-a-whirl.  This ride makes me sick to my stomach so I was glad to be the one taking the picture.

Stay tuned for more of our trip...I especially wanted to blog about it as it was a terrific vacation for our family.  I also want to remember it well and have it included in our family blog.

Family Weekend

Well we survived a 20 hour car drive weekend with both kids.  I have to say they both did pretty well considering.  Makenna actually did great except when she was beyond tired.  At that point she just had to cry until she feel asleep as there was nothing we could do for her. 

This weekend we visited Dave's family in Iowa. It was a short visit but we did manage to see Dave's two sisters, his mother, and their families.  I am so glad they got to meet Makenna again and see what a beautiful child she has grown into. 

 Maya with Grandma Linda in front of a scary bear!

 too cute if you ask me

 Thanks Linda for taking a great picture!  I love this one.

 Maya loved spending time with cousin Alicia

 Dave with his mother Linda

This picture might just be my favorite one from the weekend.  Maya is with her Aunt Judy at Judy's baby shower.



Makenna's Adoption Finalized - YIPPEE!!!

The final piece of Makenna's adoption is officially complete.  Yippee!  For those who do not understand what this means or do not understand adoption in general, it means the state we live in recognizes our adoption. 

Why do we have to do re-finalize and go to court?  Well here are 3 reasons:

1. It erases any procedural flaws or irregularities in the foreign adoption
2. It enables us to get a birth certificate for Makenna from our state
3. It places our Ethiopian born girls on equal footing with any biologically children we have (which we don't) or any children we have adopted in the USA (which we don't have).

To celebrate our family being a foursome, Dave and I took the day off and kept the girls home from daycare.  We had hoped to do something fun in the morning but it quickly vanished.  Amazing how quick a morning can go when you are busy with breakfast, getting dressed, etc.  Dave did make pancakes and eggs for breakfast and we had one of Makenna's favorites meals, Erberts and Gerberts. 

Court was at 1:30 CST and took all of 10 minutes.  The judge was our down the street neighbor and was very sweet to us and to our girls.  Maya and Makenna did the best they could under the circumstance - no nap which they are doing as I type.  Once nap is over, we plan to spend some quality time as a family outside!

On that note - congratulations to us!  YIPPEE!

Prayers Requested - Updated

***UPDATE***

We are home!  Just arrived and Makenna is taking a much needed nap.  Per the doctor, Makenna did great and everything went smoothly.  Makenna has a few stitches and a splint on her leg which she will have for awhile.  Unfotunately we still have to figure out when our follow-up appointment with our "bone" doctor.  Kind of frustrating to always having to track things down, etc.  They also tried giving her a med to help with pain but they didn't check to see how it played with the other meds she is currently on.  Ugh.  It gets really frustrating at times but thankfully we are on top of things.  Thanks again for all the prayers and support.  I really think it helped Makenna today.  It feels good to have a great support system.

For those of you reading my blog, thank you.  As you can see I haven't been so good at keeping it up.  You see, I have been having some very tough days lately.  I have found it very challenging to get through each day with my daily stuff that I have nothing else to give and that means no blogging.

Tomorrow Makenna goes in for a second surgery.  The "bone" doctor needs to clean out her incision on her leg.  It really should be an easy surgery and Makenna should come home.  But...based on everything that has happened over the past two months, I am still worried and concerned.  Hence I am asking you to say a prayer for Makenna (and for us).  Please pray everything will go smoothly and she'll be able to come home.  Makenna's surgery is bright and early so if you would please say a prayer when you wake up in the morning.  We'd really appreciate it.

For those of you who reach out to me via text, facebook, and email, thank you!  Again, I haven't had the strength to respond but I have read them.  I can't express how grateful I am for all the kind words.  Thank you from the bottom of my heart.

Game

Two weekends ago we hit up a college men's basketball game with the two kids.  Surprisingly, they both did wonderful even considering how late it was!  We did have one tiny little fit over the gummy worms which I thought would be a good idea (Dave quickly informed me it wasn't a good idea and shall not be repeated again especially because of sticky fingers).  Minus the gummy shapes of any kind, I think we will use our tickets later in the month and attend one more game.  It seems we have two more basketball fans living in the house!

I tried taking a few pictures of the kids while at the game but instead I got silly Maya and a picture of a gummy worm sticking out of Maya's mouth.  I did however get this one picture of Makenna - isn't she precious?

 Rest of the photos didn't turn out so hot but you gotta love the gummy worm sticking out of Maya's mouth and the sassy pose which is unfortunately becoming Maya's signature pose (insert eye roll).  

Another Makenna Update...the latest on Makenna

I have been asked for several people about what is going on with Makenna.  I have blogged about it in a few recent blog posts but here is a quick summary.

The week of Christmas we had to admit Makenna to the hospital where she spent the week getting all sorts of tests done and having surgery on her right leg.  The orthopedic surgeon took a piece of Makenna's bone from her leg so they could culture it in hopes to find whatever it is that is causing her pain and to limp.  Well after many weeks later, we have a good idea of what it is and are now starting to treat it.

Last Thursday we took Makenna in to see the orthopedic surgeon for a follow-up.  Everything was looking good and the bone was healing nicely.  Friday when we picked Makenna up from daycare, her leg was bleeding and she had some white "stuff" coming out of the incision.  We decided it was best to take her to the walk-in to have it checked out as it clearly looked infected.  Dave took her and called me to inform me the pediatric doctor wanted to admit her to the hospital again.  Not only was Makenna's incision infected but she also had a high fever.

Of course the tears start to fall as I had officially reached my breaking point.  I could not believe we had to admit our baby girl again.  We already had a babysitter coming as we were going to attend Dave's work holiday party.  Our babysitter came and we headed up to the hospital.  At that point Makenna was checked in, blood work taken, IV inserted, x-rays, and constant monitoring.  Thankfully her fever broke early on Friday night and all her test came back normal.  Saturday we were given the green light to head on home.  

This week Makenna started on her antibiotics to kick that infection to the curb.  Makenna is expected to make a full recovery.

Again, thank you to everyone who has prayed for us, visited us in the hospital, and helped us out with Maya.  We really do appreciate all the love and support.  Makenna's journey is not over yet but we feel we are one step closer to a recovery.


While in the hospital this last time, Makenna had very good spirits.  I of course had to take a few photos.  

Maya absolutely loves the iPad and enjoys playing Miss Spider games which kept her amused & out of trouble.  Makenna clearly wants in on the action.

Just hanging out...

She slept fairly well considering - how sweet is she?

Wordless Wednesday - Love These Girls

Wordless Wednesday - Oh Makenna

Happy Forever Home Anniversary Makenna!

Today marks our one year anniversary of being home as a family of 4. Last year today, friends and family gathered at the airport to welcome us home and to meet the newest member of the family. I remember walking off the plane in pure exhaustion as well as being anxious to see Maya. I couldn't wait to give Maya a big hug and lots of kisses. It was an emotional day for me to be home and be surrounded by so many people who love us and supported our adoption process.

Our friend Evan took our first family photo and framed it for us which is still on my shelve in my family room. Although it isn't the best picture considering Dave and I hadn't slept much or showered for almost 30 hours, it is our first family picture which I very much treasure.

I have to admit that I have been struggling with the fact Dave just recently traveled to Ethiopia without me and had an experience without me. I feel incredibly jealous and feel that whenever Dave thinks of Ethiopia, he thinks of his recent trip versus the two trips we shared together. I never thought I would ever feel this way and it has been very hard. Thankfully Dave and I have been able to talk through this and he assures me this last trip has not replaced the other two but it was simply a different trip with different experiences.

Today we plan to spend time together as a family. We plan to celebrate our blessings and enjoy each other.

Happy Forever Home Anniversary Makenna! We love you to pieces.

One Year Ago Today

Sunday will be our 1 year forever anniversary of being a family of 4. Crazy to think Makenna has been home for almost 1 full year. Wow time goes by so fast! This year we had experienced so much and we have so much to be thankful for. Each day that comes and goes, I feel incredibly blessed and very lucky to be mom to my two girls. I know I have many not so great moments and some really bad days but I never forget how blessed I am.

This past year we have learned how to be a family of 4 which isn’t so easy at times. Makenna had to adjust to being with us as we did with her. The attachment piece didn’t happen overnight but instead over a course of months. We got there though and trust me Makenna is very much attached!

Today I took a moment to reflect back to last year on this very day. At this time last year, we spent much of the day visiting the Alert Hospital and Korah. It was truly an amazing experience that wrecked us even further. It is really hard to even put words to this experience as it tore my heart to pieces but at the same time gave me some joy as I got to spend time with such wonderful people. These people have gone through so much and have so little but yet managed to make us feel welcomed. Dave did a beautiful job blogging about our visit there so feel free to read it here.

Dave and the group he traveled with had the pleasure of visiting these amazing people at the Alert Hospital. While looking at pictures, I recognized many faces. They same group of individuals have continued to work hard and I assume will continue as long as they need to in order to provide for their families. Dave and the group provided them with much needed supplies so they can continue to make their crafts and sell them in the gift store. God is good!

Here are just a few pictures from that day. 

Favorite Pictures from Christmas

Since Dave will be taking blogging about his trip to Ethiopia this week, I thought I'd share a few favorite Christmas pictures.  I actually didn't take too many on my camera as I found my sister's fancy camera way more fun :)  Here are some favorites (raw version without editing).

My sister and I accident wore identical color outfits.

New family tradition thanks to HGTV, a photo of the girls (and me)

coming down the stairs on Christmas morning. 

Santa brought Maya her TinkerBell

Makenna finally awake to open some gifts

Santa was good to the girls this year! 

Makenna Update

Merry Christmas everyone!  I hope you are all having a wonderful day!

I wanted to give you a quick update on Makenna.  From my previous post, Makenna had been admitted to the hospital last Monday for an infection in her leg.  On Thursday night we spoke with the "bone" doctor who said everything is looking good to him and that he is giving us a green light to go home on Friday (yesterday).  Obviously it is the news I wanted to hear.

Fast forward to Friday morning...the hospital peds doctor came to visit Makenna and said he wanted to make a call to the infectious disease doctor from another hospital to talk over Makenna's case.  He did and told me we would have to stay through the weekend.  Um no.  Not going to happen.  I expressed my concerns and opinions which made the doctor have to think (yep he told me he had to think).  Well he left the room, checked a few more things, and came back to tell me the original plan would stay in place which meant we could go home!!!!  As you can imagine, I was so relieved. 

We got home shy of 2pm yesterday in time for Makenna to take a nap, me to take a hot shower, and all of us to get ready for church. God is good!  I am so happy Makenna is home and can celebrate her first Christmas at home with family.

Thank you for all of your prayers.  We are not out the woods yet and have a few follow up appointments but I feel like we are on the right road for recovery. 

P.S.  Thank you to Aunt Cherrie for the beautiful dresses!