Swimming!

Isaac L-O-V-E-S swimming. I mean with whip cream and a cherry on top-loves swimming.  We are in our second term of Parent-Tot swimming and he absolutely cannot get enough of the water...he literally licks it. Licks...the water....with his tongue.  In fact, our first evening back in the pool he smiled SO HARD I thought his face would crack. That's some serious swimming pool lovin'! 

Happy to be in the water!

 

Giving Momma some (unexpected) splashes!

 

 

Talking to the fish in the ocen ie, blowing bubbles

 

Chronologically, Isaac is the oldest in the class, but developmentally he fits right in; he still needs Momma near by to help follow directions. But because he's not afraid of the water like the little ones, Teacher Justin helps Isaac 'swim' under water, which Isaac is MORE than willing to do...as long as he gets a high-five after. *wink* If I could translate the look on my son's face as he comes out of the water it would be nothing short of "People!  Do you understand that I just defied DEATH?! I am A-L-I-V-E! Slip me some serious skin!"

I have GREAT memories of swim lessons growing up and I'm thrilled to pieces that Isaac is enjoying them so much. We'll spend lots of time in the water this summer and I know he'll soak up every minute of it. (soak it up...get it?!)

Joy!

(This is our May post for No Hands But Ours!)

Overwhelmingly, the number one word used to describe my son and the majority of those rocking an extra chromosome like him is...HAPPY.This is seriously not a bad reputation to have! In fact, there is a great YouTube video going around with groups of people with Down syndrome gleefully shaking what God gave them to the hit song Happy. You can't help but tap your toes and grin ear to ear. Who wouldn't?! (I wish I could dance like that!!)

 

But the more I hear the word 'happy' being used to describe children & adults with Down syndrome, the more I don't like it. Not in a weird, over sensitive I'm-a-mom-of-a-child-with-special-needs-and-I-need-to-defend-him-from-the-world kind of way. (We all know those types!) But, I think I have two pretty solid reasons to not totally love the word in describing my boy:

 

 

First, I believe it robs my son, and those like him, the opportunity to be human. It is true, overall, Isaac is a pretty happy kid...except when he is not. *wink* (This is usually my semi-flippant response when people coo over 'what a happy boy he is!') My son is human. He has good days. He has bad days. Some days he is just plain mad, I mean truly & royally NOT happy. And he deserves the right to feel those emotions and learn how to react to them appropriately. He gets selfish and jealous and rebellious and frustrated and angry. He is a toddler for Pete's sake; his emotions are ALL over the place--it's like beta testing for puberty! And, just like you & me, he is a sinful creature of this broken earth in need of God's grace. It's my job as his parent to teach him to both acknowledge how he is feeling and be accountable for how he responds to his emotions--happiness, anger and everything equally in between. It's not about just being happy, it's about the Fruits of the Spirit.
 

Second, I simply don't think 'happy' is an accurate word. In my mind, what people describe as happy is really misinterpreted JOY. Happiness is a fleeting emotion, but joy is a gift of character, given by our Creator to enjoy His presence and ALL that is in it. "My joy in you will make your joy complete" (John 15:11). People feel happiness but ARE joyous, even with the occasional bad day.  This is why dancing with your whole person to a catchy tune in the middle of the street isn't happy...it's joyful! Feeling it from your toes, moving, breathing & finding your being in Christ (Acts 17:28).  The Psalmist said "You fill me with JOY in your presence" (Psalms 16:10). David would know...he danced for joy before the Lord...naked! There is no anxiety in joy because true joy grows out of faith, hope, thankfulness & love; it is aware of the abundance of Grace in our lives and delights in serving others. Joy is simple and born out of a deep response to our Maker. I honestly don' t know if the Lord knit this gift into my son via his extra chromosome or the simplicity of my son's heart isn't hindered in receiving what has been readily given to us all. Either way, THIS is what I believe people are seeing in Isaac and all of his chromosomal buddies. A contagious, I-want-some-of-what-he's-got JOY in the Lord!

 

Makes you want to turn up the music and see what happens, doesn't it?!

This

Growing and learning and figuring out new tricks is fun UNTIL...

This...

...becomes a 2 am personal light show. *yawn*


So this...

Then this...

And finally THIS...

was the solution to get this...

Birth Mother's Day

Today is Birth Mother's Day and we continued our tradition of bringing two roses--one red, one yellow---to the Chinese Pagoda near our home to honor Isaac's birth mother & foster mother. I'll admit, I felt a little silly leaving flowers behind in a public park while other families are chasing their children around, but it is the only tangible offering of love I have for the two amazing women who mothered my child first.

 

 

 

I was in no way prepared for the grief I would feel for Birth Momma in bringing Isaac home. It took me nearly the entirety of our first year as a family to not to spend some moment of every day weeping for her. She made a decision I could NEVER make. Whether her motivation was fear or love, her actions were courageous. I know I couldn't do what she did...and I love her SO. VERY. MUCH because of it. Tears and roses will never be enough...

 

 

We learned recently that the foster care network in Isaac's province has been 'taken over' by the house churches in that area. (Chinese Christians stepping forward to physically care for the orphan & the widow...how awesome is that?!) Which means, there is a very real possibility that Foster Momma knew the Lord.  I can't tell you what a blessing that is to my heart! The arms that rocked my boy to sleep for 15months also raised them to praise our Heavenly Father. This new knowledge makes our "unexpected" meeting on Gotchya Day all the more miraculous.  It would be like God to do that, wouldn't it? Rearrange an entire governmental social welfare system so two women from across the planet could meet under His banner?  "This child is Mine and I've given him to you BOTH to speak My Word into his heart." Was that the Peace the Lord was whispering to us as she looked deep into my eyes and let me kiss her on the forehead?  Boy, do I hope so! 

 

 

So this weekend we celebrate God's perfect plan in placing children into families and setting mothers over them...be it one, two, or three!

 

 

 

 

 

 

Bamboo Update Five: Boys

When I started down the Adoption Road I repeatedly refused to mark 'prefered gender' box on all the paperwork. I simply wasn't going to make that decision: God would determine the gender of my child during a natural pregnancy, He could certainly do the same during a paper pregnancy. I didn't have a real preference, but I did assume the Lord would give me a daughter.  All children adopted from China are girls, right??? In fact, I went as far as to order a stunning porcelain doll of a Chinese girl to put in the nursery. My daughter would love it! (Someday. After she wasn't allowed to touch it for many years *wink*). The day it arrived in the mail my heart KNEW I wouldn't have a daughter. It would be several more weeks before I would matched with Isaac, but at that moment, tearing open a package in the driveway, the doll just made no sense; I was to prepare my heart for a SON. 

 

The thought of raising a boy made me a bit nervous at the beginning. Cutesy nursery decorations declaring: "Boys are noise with dirt on them" didn't help the cause. But let me tell you, having a son is AWESOME. You can totally get away with things that you couldn't do if you were busy braiding hair or playing tea party! Wrestling and jumping and throwing and yelling loud in the backyard (not in the house-that's not OK). There is eating dirt and collecting rocks and apparently, bodily noises, which I really haven't gotten into yet, but that's what uncles are for, right? The point is, I can't imagine my life without my tiny little man in the house. And as he grows and we have conversations about becoming a strong man of integrity that loves the Lord, I get to be a part of my son learning to listen to the Holy Spirit's leading, and seeking opportunities to serve others, and protecting those vulnerable around him. That is what is REALLY awesome.

 

Historically, the greatest number of children waiting for their families in China has been young girls. I'm sure we've all heard of the cultural bias toward healthy boys in a single-child family home. It is heart breaking, but also changing. (Hallelujah!) But, as the heart of China is turning towards their daughters, the statistics are rapidly shifting towards more boys than girls needing forever homes. Even the tiniest of 'defects' can place a little boy into the orphan category: nystagmus (crossed eyes), cleft palate, poor weight gain, hypospadius (crooked plumbing), repairable heart defects, Down syndrome. These sweet boys aren't given the chance to collect rocks and wrestle or to hear about the Lord's incredible love for them. God has a Son. He LOVES sons and has incredible plans for them!

 

There are five handsome sweet boys remaining in the Bamboo Project. Five precious hearts ready to love and to be loved by their forever family. Five perfect little guys that NEED to build towers and to kick balls and to burp really loud right in the middle prayer at church. (...it happens...)

Please continue to pray for these sweet boys:

• For their continued health & physical/emotional safety.
• For wisdom and tenderness to be given to their caregivers.
• For each of their forever families to step out in faith in bringing their SON home...forever.

Please continue to share this information. There may be a heart in your circle of friends ripe for God's prompting through an email or post or water cooler conversation.

 

The first of the matched Bamboo families will be traveling soon to bring their sweet ones HOME. (Isn't that exciting?!) I know they covet your continued prayer & financial support. As always you can find more information or give directly to the Bamboo Project families via china@bethany.org

 

“Bring my sons from afar and my daughters from the ends of the earth”

Isaiah 43:6

THAT Good

Sometimes to truly enjoy your food, it needs to be a full body experience!

I'm kind of sad I've never had yogurt THAT good...

Adoption Cousins

(This is our April post at No Hands But Ours!)

 

"Where are you from?
What do you do?
What church do you go to?"

     These are the socially acceptable questions everyone asks when meeting someone new. The answers define who the person is standing in front of you and the kind of relationship you may have with them.  But, since starting down the Adoption Road, there is an entirely new group of people in my life that I love and consider dear friends but in the traditional sense, I know nothing about them!

 

     I'm thinking specifically of our adoption travel group. Eight families that didn't meet until in a Beijing hotel lobby, jet lagged, sweaty & a bit nervous. (Clearly at our finest!)  We identified each other across the room & quickly started pulling out photos and sharing our adoption stories. I was shocked to hear MY testimony coming from the lips of these strangers; the same miracles, the same provision, the same calling for this sweet one they've only held in their heart.  The same God.

     Truly, we spent very little time with each other while in China. Three days in Beijing desperate to get to our kids and a week in Guangzhou equally desperate to get our kids back home. Yet 20 months later, through the magic of the Internet, we still post pictures, share stories & prayer requests and celebrate adoption. But I don't know what they do (someone is a teacher, right?!), how long they've been married or even what church/denomination they belong to. (Gasp!). Not once have we discussed theological nuances, church politics or who is pre-trib, mid-trib, or post-trib. It just doesn't matter. In fact, I probably love them more because of the conversations we haven't had. Not that we have purposely avoided any church-life landmines, but none of that triviality defines the relationship we have with each other or our relationship with OUR Heavenly Father. What binds us together is the overwhelming awareness of God's adoption gospel in our lives. As a group of strangers from across the nation, we share the same story of emptying our bank accounts and flying across the planet to bring our children home & into our families. And in that precious moment on that excruciatingly hot August day in China when our children were finally placed in our arms, we didn't say a word, we didn't have to say it...we GOT it...Jesus DIED to get us home & into His family; and in all of the love (& tears!) that burst from our hearts for our new children on that day, how MUCH OVERWHELMINGLY MORE does our Lord love us?! This beautiful shared revelation, this Gospel thread that knits our families together, is really the only thing that matters. Together we are the forever children of the Most High and our children...are Adoption Cousins.

August 2012. Guangzhou, China

     The Apostle Paul clearly had the same experience in his travels through the early Church. People who GOT it: an intimate understanding that only in Christ is real unity of purpose and joy possible. We partake of the same Grace! Zip codes, salaries & church order don't diminish one ounce of that Truth. And if we don't see each other again on this earth, I am, like Paul says, 'confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in each of us & our new children will complete it until the day of Christ's return' (Phil 1:6). I am also confident we will be MUCH less jet lagged, sweaty & nervous!

     So to our Adoption Cousins, the Bamboo Families, and all the precious people we've met on this Adoption Road...

"I thank my God up on EVERY remembrance of you, always in every prayer of mine making request for you all with JOY for your fellowship in the gospel from the first day until now..." (Phil 1:2-5)

 



The Night Before Easter

Our new favorite book this week...

The True Night Before Easter
By Timothy Penland

'Twas the night before Easter
Peter lay in his bed
He just couldn't sleep
For the thoughts in his head.

So much had happened
In the last several days.
Now it all ran together,
It seemed like a maze.

He met this man--Jesus
Through Andrew his brother
Jesus traveled the country
Along with his mother.

Some called Him the Christ

Some thought He was lazy,

Some said He was wise

Others said, "That man's crazy."

 

Wherever He went

Folks crowded the street,

When He stopped anywhere

Children flocked to his feet.

 

Most everyone liked Him

And thought He was good,

But a few got so mad

They'd kill if they could.

 

He healed many sick

Raised some that were dead,

Said, "Don't hate each other--

Love others instead!"

 

Then a few days ago

As He rode into town,

Many came out to greet Him,

Some even bowed down.

 

People laid down palm branches

Children sang joyful songs,

But the leaders were angry

They were scared of the throngs.

 

They said, "This man's evil"

They thought He should die,

They had a fake trial

And paid some men to lie.

 

Then they sent Him to Pilate

Saying, "Kill Him for us"

"It's you we will follow,

 It's you that we trust."

 

"Don't hurt this good man,"

Pilate heard from his wife.

So he tried to find some way

To save Jesus' life.

 

But the Chief Priest and scribes

Had started a riot.

The people were shouting

And would not be quiet.

 

They screamed, "Just kill Jesus

That's what you should do

You can blame it on us,

He's no King of the Jews."

 

Pilate finally gave in

He sent Jesus to die.

He'd be nailed to a cross

That was raised to the sky.

 

Jesus died on that day

And was laid in a tomb.

As Peter remembered

His heart filled with gloom.

 

He also recalled

That Jesus had said,

He would die for our sins

But he would not stay dead.

 

He said he was dying

To pay for our sin

And, that if He was right

They'd see Him again.

 

Now three days had passed,

Peter was there when He died.

And he started to wonder

If Jesus had lied.

 

Then just before dawn

He heard someone outside.

He wanted to see

But he thought he should hide.

 

When he went to the door

There stood his friend Mary

She was screaming & yelling

The story was scary.

 

She had been to the tomb

She shared what she found

The stone had been moved,

There was no one around.

 

Peter stood there bewildered

By what Mary said,

Then John yelled, "Let's see!"

And he took off ahead.

 

When they got to the tom

Both men went inside,

Jesus' body was gone

That could not be denied.

 

Mary also came back

To the garden grave

She was crying & sad

As she looked in the cave.

 

Then she noticed a man

A gardener she thought

She went to tell him

It was Jesus she sought.

 

The man looked at Mary

"Please help me!" she said

Then He whispered her name

And she lifted her head.

 

Could it really be Jesus?

Was He standing this close?

She just fell at His feet.

He's alive!  He arose!

 

He has risen! He has risen!

The disciples soon heard

And they told everyone

This glorious word!

 

Jesus died for our sins

But then he arose

He was really God's Son

Now everyone knows.

 

His promise is simple

His message is true

The tomb now is empty

He's alive just for you!

Happy Easter from us!

 

Tiny Tots

     It is a rare moment in our day when there isn't some sort of music playing in the house, the car, at church.  Isaac responds wonderfully to music--singing, dancing, worshiping, listening. He soaks it up. So much so that I've figured out ways to manipulate...I mean parent Isaac *wink* through music: "The Isaac at the table eats his food, eats his food, eats his food. The Isaac at the table eats his food, then he can play" (Thank you Wheels-On-The-Bus, inc.!) What can I say?  He eats. He plays. It works.

 

Day 3 as a family in China & he already was helping me with the ipod.

 

     We continue to attend Tiny Tots at the Seattle Symphony every other month. We are so blessed to be near such a creative early childhood music education program!  The fact that they integrate sign language with the music is icing on the cake. And it's a good opportunity to have a little date; get dressed up for an afternoon at the symphony and get a treat afterwards.

 



 

Still too small to keep the seat from eating him up!

 

     This month was Goldie Hands & the Three Bows: Goldie plays the piano and helps Papa Bow (string bass), Mama Bow (cello), and Baby Bow (violin) find the missing pieces to Vivaldi's Four Seasons. Good stuff!

Totally enthralled

     After the performance, Isaac sized up the three bows and marched right up to the string bass...and signaled for his photo to be taken! Goldie Hands ain't got nothing on my boy!

"Just me hanging with the string bass..."

 

The gracious musician let Isaac give him a few tips.

 

    I love seeing his face light up when he is experiencing something new he enjoys. I love it even more that he 'tells' me about it for days afterwards...he has been signing 'spring', 'summer', 'autumn', and 'winter' repeatedly at bedtime for nearly a week :)  And I am so very thankful that music is a language that  speaks to my boy's heart. Methinks piano lessons might be in our future!



 

The Happiest Place On Earth!

     We went to Disneyland! Again.  :)  I know, I know, we've been a family for 19months and we've been to The Happiest Place On Earth twice.  But I say, why the heck not? I had another work conference in Anaheim, Gramma had the time off, and Isaac's social calendar was free (that kid is particularly popular!) so we traded cold & rainy Seattle for warm & sunny SoCal for a few days. And had a GREAT time!

Disneyland 2014

Day 1:

I continue to be impressed with what a fantastic traveler Isaac is. I thought maybe having to be buckled into his own plane seat this time would be an issue. Nope. He had his pirate's booty, his new backpack from Gramma, and a plane full of people to wave to. No problemo.

Holding on in the airport tram

All buckled in & ready to fly!

 

 After being strapped to a plane, a bus, and his stroller for most of the day, I let him run loose a little through Downtown Disney. I'm sure whomever was manning the security cameras back at Disney HQ got a kick out of the gramma pushing an empty stroller chasing a frantic mother with a camera chasing a three year old weaving through foot traffic like a loose leaf in a windstorm!  But he got his energy out, worked on some projects at the Lego store, and sat through a great dinner with friends at the Rainforest Cafe.

Running through Downtown Disney

Seriously...ALL legos.

 



Outdoor lego tables...couldn't get any better.



Day 2:

Breakfast with Minnie & Friends on Main Street in Disneyland!  Last year, he wasn't too fond of the giant stuffed animals bugging him while he was eating. This year, he remained a little cautious until Cap'n Hook tickled him with his hook!  Crazy Cap'n Hook. 

Breakfast with Minnie & Friends
(Not too sure about the giant mouse)

 

Who doesn't love Mikey-shaped waffles??
 

Apparently, Cap'n Hook is a tickle monster

 

I have no idea who this character is, but high-fives are his speciality.

 

Um, Mom....

It was a short morning because of my conference, but we hung around Story Book Land riding the boat and the train. His preference was the train (less waiting time too), and gave a notable & gleeful WHOA when the train went up and over a (very tiny) hill. I may have a future roller coaster-rider on my hands!

 

 

 

 

One of the highlights of the morning...Isaac got to ride up front with the driver of the horse-drawn carriage down Main Street. VERY cool!!

 

 

What a view!

We came back in the evening after my conference with reservations at Big Thunder Ranch. We had visited the goats in the petting zoo last year; apparently, Isaac remembered them--he stormed right in and stooped to look each goat in the eye as if to say "hey guys! remember me?!"

 

Jessie!

 

Hi goats!

 

I swear to you, he posed for this picture.
Walked up to the goat, placed his arm and waited for me to get the camera.
Cheeky kid!

 

 

Farley the Fiddle-dude let Isaac play Wheels on the Bus on his fiddle!

Dinner entertainment at Big Thunder Ranch

Day 3:

Good morning Disneyland!

We are one of the first people on the Jungle Cruise. Isaac was enthralled with the animals but took the recommendation to remain seated at all times very seriously. I am  NOT going to stand up to look at the hippos or elephants that are six inches from the boat, thank you very much, I can see them just fine while I'm sitting down looking through the mesh MOTHER.  Alright. Alright. 

We also got on our first real ride...The Adventures of Winnie the Pooh!  If  you've never been on that ride, it's pretty overstimulating with a 60's psychedelic theme, but he seemed to enjoy it!

Riding on King Arthur's Carousel.
We are BIG fans of carousels. :)

The afternoon parade was the highlight of the day--as it was last year. One of the dancing Chimney Sweeps from Mary Poppins came up and said hello to Isaac...I thought he was going to absolute faint with joy! I can only imagine that little experience was the front page of his mental scrapbook!

Waiting for the parade with my boy

Hi Mickey!

 

 

Mom-here they come!!

We ended the day with a 5.3 earthquake and a few aftershocks.  Thankfully, Isaac slept through it, but it took Gramma & I a while to relax again. I much prefer my planet to go roundy-roundy and not shakey-shakey.

 

Day 4:

Its our last day in paradise. Toon town called our name as did a showing of Mickey's Magical Map--both were great, Isaac konked out in classic toddler-at-Disneyland-style. :)

Rocking out on Goofy's crazy piano
(Wasn't such a good share-er on this toy)

Chilaxing

My sweet boy all konked out

Sleeping piggies

I asked a friend of mine, who has basically raised her kids at Disneyland, the best age to experience the happiest place on earth. She said "every age is the best age! You get to see it differently each time from their perspective.". That statement convinced me that, when possible, we will be frequent Disneyland-ers. Last year I saw Disney on the open water rides only with an apprehensive twp tear old, this year I saw it through the eyes of a toddler enthralled with teeney-tiny hills on a kid train and awestruck during parades; through people watching on Main Street and mingling with goats...and it was awesome. Already looking forward to next time!

Happy boy!