I got him a stool so he can get up to the sink to brush his teeth. He LOVES it and runs for it any opportunity he has...
12/20/2006
12/19/2006
12/18/2006
Celebrating being home for a year
The little guy was under the weather when we came home last year. He was suffering from blow outs and we wore all our outfits in the carry on while getting through customs and immigration in Houston. His blow outs were so stellar that I threw out his clothes because I really wasn't up for carrying them home. All that is to say that Jayden arrived home in NC wearing a santa cap, sweater and a diaper! Thank goodness Grandma brought the snowsuit since it was 20 degrees.
Jayden is a true Stenner. He actually takes after his grandmother in many ways. He loves Jeapardy and Wheel of Fortune (lots of hand clapping) and he stands just like Grandma with his arms behind his back, grasping his hands. We're just waiting for him to point with his left hand when he's trying to make a point...some of you remember how Ruth makes a point.
Anyways not to be out done the previous year, Jayden picked his own way of celebrating his year at home. He's got a lovely habit of exploring the back of his throat and gagging himself. I am told this is perfectly normal. It has stopped for a few months but Friday afternoon after picking the dog up from the vet, he explored the back of his throat on the way home. Hmmm, mommy is not so thrilled and tells him to stop.
Friday night, we're off to bed. He's groggy and lays down. Mommy hears baby Tad over the monitory. Mommy hears him gagging over the monitor. Mommy yells upstairs to knock it off. Mommy hears giggling. Upstairs I go. I discover one little boy who had unloaded the contents of his stomach all over himself, his crib and the floor. He is jumping up and down, laughing. Let's just say Mommy really doesn't want our annual homecoming celebration to involve a blowout of one end or the other.
Oh and yeah I took pictures but chose not to post them. He was just so happy with himself.
Jayden is a true Stenner. He actually takes after his grandmother in many ways. He loves Jeapardy and Wheel of Fortune (lots of hand clapping) and he stands just like Grandma with his arms behind his back, grasping his hands. We're just waiting for him to point with his left hand when he's trying to make a point...some of you remember how Ruth makes a point.
Anyways not to be out done the previous year, Jayden picked his own way of celebrating his year at home. He's got a lovely habit of exploring the back of his throat and gagging himself. I am told this is perfectly normal. It has stopped for a few months but Friday afternoon after picking the dog up from the vet, he explored the back of his throat on the way home. Hmmm, mommy is not so thrilled and tells him to stop.
Friday night, we're off to bed. He's groggy and lays down. Mommy hears baby Tad over the monitory. Mommy hears him gagging over the monitor. Mommy yells upstairs to knock it off. Mommy hears giggling. Upstairs I go. I discover one little boy who had unloaded the contents of his stomach all over himself, his crib and the floor. He is jumping up and down, laughing. Let's just say Mommy really doesn't want our annual homecoming celebration to involve a blowout of one end or the other.
Oh and yeah I took pictures but chose not to post them. He was just so happy with himself.
12/13/2006
50%, 75%, 50%
Everytime we go to the pediatrician, we find out what J's percentile is on the growth chart.
First observation... when we came home, he was 5%, 10%, 10%... a year later we've made 50%, 75% and 50%. 5o% on height...mommy's NBA dreams are dashed, but we still have soccer. 75% weight... I think it's in his cheeks, but having suffered from the same condition as a child, I can relate. 50% head circumference... I demand a remeasure...it fits through neck holes very tightly.
Second observation... I think we as adults are missing an opportunity here. I think we should start using our percentiles as compared to the rest of the population. I think I would be 50,75,100 - because we all know I have a big head!
First observation... when we came home, he was 5%, 10%, 10%... a year later we've made 50%, 75% and 50%. 5o% on height...mommy's NBA dreams are dashed, but we still have soccer. 75% weight... I think it's in his cheeks, but having suffered from the same condition as a child, I can relate. 50% head circumference... I demand a remeasure...it fits through neck holes very tightly.
Second observation... I think we as adults are missing an opportunity here. I think we should start using our percentiles as compared to the rest of the population. I think I would be 50,75,100 - because we all know I have a big head!
12/10/2006
It's been a year...
December 11 at 6 am, my dad and I boarded a plane to go to Guatemala to get Jayden. It was only 3 days before that I got the call that we had an appointment in 5 days with the embassy. It was very whirlwind, but we arrived in Guatmala around 11:30am.
Okay... not going to be able to write this evening. My silent boy from a year ago has found his voice, added a little drama to it and is using a loud volumes in his room. It's that faux drama cry to... so I'll post a picture or two and run for him.
The picture of he and I is just prior to heading off to the embassy. The picture of him is probably evening two...before the diaper explosions started. I'll share more about that later.
11/17/2006
thank you Aunt Danielle
Danielle made a wonderful scrapbook for Jayden when he came home. He is very much a book "reader"...yes at 17 months he'll sit with books for 15 minutes at a time and study them. Last night I decided he was old enough to not try and tear apart his scrapbook from Aunt Danielle. He LOVES looking at pictures of himself and sat for a while studying the pages.
11/13/2006
A new blog to read
I heard Kerry speak this weekend and was definitely impacted by what the Lord spoke through her. I wanted to share the link to her blog and will post more on this past weekend soon. For now... a teaser...
http://voiceoftheorphan.typepad.com/
Kerry's Bio
For more than a decade, Kerry Hasenbalg has worked on behalf of abused, neglected and vulnerable children. Kerry is co-founder and former Executive Director of the Congressional Coalition on Adoption Institute (CCAI), which serves as an informational and educational source to members of the United States Congress concerning adoption and the needs of orphans and foster children.
Well known in the child welfare community as a gifted speaker and teacher, Kerry has spoken on social welfare topics at such notable locations as C-Span live, Capitol Hill, JCICS, NCFA, National Council for Faith-Based Youth, Moody Broadcasting, Family Life, Focus on the Family, and in churches around the nation. She has traveled to over 30 countries and met with many presidents, prime ministers, and various leaders of government regarding the welfare of orphans, including nations such as China, India, Russia, Romania, Guatemala, and Uganda.
Mrs. Hasenbalg is married to Scott Hasenbalg, the Executive Director of Shaohannah’s Hope. Kerry invests her time supporting Scott and the Shaohannah’s Hope team on a volunteer basis while writing and speaking on occasion, but most importantly, being a mother to their two children.
Read Kerry's Blog! >
http://voiceoftheorphan.typepad.com/
Kerry's Bio
For more than a decade, Kerry Hasenbalg has worked on behalf of abused, neglected and vulnerable children. Kerry is co-founder and former Executive Director of the Congressional Coalition on Adoption Institute (CCAI), which serves as an informational and educational source to members of the United States Congress concerning adoption and the needs of orphans and foster children.
Well known in the child welfare community as a gifted speaker and teacher, Kerry has spoken on social welfare topics at such notable locations as C-Span live, Capitol Hill, JCICS, NCFA, National Council for Faith-Based Youth, Moody Broadcasting, Family Life, Focus on the Family, and in churches around the nation. She has traveled to over 30 countries and met with many presidents, prime ministers, and various leaders of government regarding the welfare of orphans, including nations such as China, India, Russia, Romania, Guatemala, and Uganda.
Mrs. Hasenbalg is married to Scott Hasenbalg, the Executive Director of Shaohannah’s Hope. Kerry invests her time supporting Scott and the Shaohannah’s Hope team on a volunteer basis while writing and speaking on occasion, but most importantly, being a mother to their two children.
Read Kerry's Blog! >
11/08/2006
Voice of the Orphan
Nov 08 Special Alert
A special message from FamilyLife, Focus on the Family, and Shaohannah's HopeAn Orphan's Voice...What is it like to be 9 years old with no parents, nothing to call your own, and no hope for a better future? Katya knows. After her parents died from alcohol abuse, she entered a state-run orphanage in Russia in 1998. Suffering from cerebral palsy and needing surgery on both of her legs and back, there was little chance anyone would adopt her. She faced a lifetime of loneliness, pain, and sorrow.But Katya was blessed. Someone cared. In 2000, Jan in Arkansas discovered Katya's picture on a "waiting child" Internet site, and amazingly all she could think was, "Sign me up!" Nine months later, Katya landed in the warm embrace of her new family and was determined to live her life for other children like her, who faced a life without hope.Today, Katya is in the 11th grade, has raised over $5000 for the US Waiting Child Fund, and in 2005 was named Youth Humanitarian for the State of Arkansas. "I'm grateful that I was adopted," Katya says. "Now I have a chance to be happy, and to make my life whatever I want it to be. I hope that at the end of my life I will be remembered for doing my best with the second chance that I was given." The Orphan CrisisThe United Nations counts 143 million kids worldwide as orphans — 143 million children like Katya.
143 million children worldwide have lost one or both parents … … from AIDS, war, ethnic cleansing, natural disasters … … and now many are condemned to lives of crime, prostitution, and killing in order to survive.
Why This MattersThe world's orphans are — waiting for love, waiting for family, waiting for someone to care.Many wait in vain. And the world pays a terrible price.Orphaned girls are often recruited into brothels … orphaned boys, as young as 5, are recruited into gangs, armies, and terrorist groups.
In the U.S., the consequences of neglecting our waiting children are horrifying.
30% of all the homeless adults in the United States spent time in foster care.
One in three youth who turn 18 and leave foster care resort to stealing, prostitution, or selling drugs. One in four spend time in jail or prison.
The children wait. Does anyone care?What We're DoingThe Bible is clear. God cares deeply. And because of God's special concern for these vulnerable children, we care, as well. That's why FamilyLife, Focus on the Family and Shaohannah's Hope have joined together to launch a long-term, nationwide campaign called Voice of the Orphan. This campaign seeks to raise awareness of the orphan crisis and spur fellow Christians to action.What You Can DoTogether, we are helping to educate concerned Christians worldwide regarding this important crisis, and we offer practical and effective ideas on how every Christian can get involved in caring for the world’s orphans. We invite you to join us — and learn more about God's heart and what you can do for these special children.
Here's How You Can Help
Learn about the issue — Tune into the broadcastsFind a station Get a reminder
Find ways to help orphansat www.voiceoftheorphan.org
Inform your family and friends by forwarding this message
Family Life and Focus on the Family Broadcasts
November 13th - 17thFeatured guests:
Dr. Dobson & Jim Daly
Dennis & Barbara Rainey
Steven Curtis Chapman
Stephanie Fast
Family Life Broadcast Schedule
Focus on the Family Broadcast Schedule
… You are the defender of orphans … LORD, you know the hopes of the helpless. Surely you will listen to their cries and comfort them. You will bring justice to the orphans and the oppressed, so people can no longer terrify them.— Psalm 10:14, 17-18
www.voiceoftheorphan.org
A special message from FamilyLife, Focus on the Family, and Shaohannah's HopeAn Orphan's Voice...What is it like to be 9 years old with no parents, nothing to call your own, and no hope for a better future? Katya knows. After her parents died from alcohol abuse, she entered a state-run orphanage in Russia in 1998. Suffering from cerebral palsy and needing surgery on both of her legs and back, there was little chance anyone would adopt her. She faced a lifetime of loneliness, pain, and sorrow.But Katya was blessed. Someone cared. In 2000, Jan in Arkansas discovered Katya's picture on a "waiting child" Internet site, and amazingly all she could think was, "Sign me up!" Nine months later, Katya landed in the warm embrace of her new family and was determined to live her life for other children like her, who faced a life without hope.Today, Katya is in the 11th grade, has raised over $5000 for the US Waiting Child Fund, and in 2005 was named Youth Humanitarian for the State of Arkansas. "I'm grateful that I was adopted," Katya says. "Now I have a chance to be happy, and to make my life whatever I want it to be. I hope that at the end of my life I will be remembered for doing my best with the second chance that I was given." The Orphan CrisisThe United Nations counts 143 million kids worldwide as orphans — 143 million children like Katya.
143 million children worldwide have lost one or both parents … … from AIDS, war, ethnic cleansing, natural disasters … … and now many are condemned to lives of crime, prostitution, and killing in order to survive.
Why This MattersThe world's orphans are — waiting for love, waiting for family, waiting for someone to care.Many wait in vain. And the world pays a terrible price.Orphaned girls are often recruited into brothels … orphaned boys, as young as 5, are recruited into gangs, armies, and terrorist groups.
In the U.S., the consequences of neglecting our waiting children are horrifying.
30% of all the homeless adults in the United States spent time in foster care.
One in three youth who turn 18 and leave foster care resort to stealing, prostitution, or selling drugs. One in four spend time in jail or prison.
The children wait. Does anyone care?What We're DoingThe Bible is clear. God cares deeply. And because of God's special concern for these vulnerable children, we care, as well. That's why FamilyLife, Focus on the Family and Shaohannah's Hope have joined together to launch a long-term, nationwide campaign called Voice of the Orphan. This campaign seeks to raise awareness of the orphan crisis and spur fellow Christians to action.What You Can DoTogether, we are helping to educate concerned Christians worldwide regarding this important crisis, and we offer practical and effective ideas on how every Christian can get involved in caring for the world’s orphans. We invite you to join us — and learn more about God's heart and what you can do for these special children.
Here's How You Can Help
Learn about the issue — Tune into the broadcastsFind a station Get a reminder
Find ways to help orphansat www.voiceoftheorphan.org
Inform your family and friends by forwarding this message
Family Life and Focus on the Family Broadcasts
November 13th - 17thFeatured guests:
Dr. Dobson & Jim Daly
Dennis & Barbara Rainey
Steven Curtis Chapman
Stephanie Fast
Family Life Broadcast Schedule
Focus on the Family Broadcast Schedule
… You are the defender of orphans … LORD, you know the hopes of the helpless. Surely you will listen to their cries and comfort them. You will bring justice to the orphans and the oppressed, so people can no longer terrify them.— Psalm 10:14, 17-18
www.voiceoftheorphan.org
11/07/2006
wild couple weeks
So I realized that it's been a couple weeks since I posted, although I've been good about keeping up with everyone else's blog. It's just been a little wild with transition in our house.
After returning from TX, it became very obvious that it was time to find a new daycare for Jayden. I called Grandma who agreed to come down for a couple weeks while a new daycare was found. Grandma and Jayden had a great time together these past two weeks.
Miraculously I found another Spanish immersion daycare. She still had me on the waiting list since last January so technically I was at the top of the list. There were 8 families behind me so during the interview I was very nervous we wouldn't get in.
Yesterday was his first day. It was a tearful goodbye. It was a tearful pickup and for the first 10 minutes an angry trip home. This morning was another tearful goodbye, but I think he is getting the gist of the change and is adapting. There is a little girl, Alison, who is six months older and is making sure Jayden is doing okay.
He did well last night and apparently forgave me by the time we got home.
After returning from TX, it became very obvious that it was time to find a new daycare for Jayden. I called Grandma who agreed to come down for a couple weeks while a new daycare was found. Grandma and Jayden had a great time together these past two weeks.
Miraculously I found another Spanish immersion daycare. She still had me on the waiting list since last January so technically I was at the top of the list. There were 8 families behind me so during the interview I was very nervous we wouldn't get in.
Yesterday was his first day. It was a tearful goodbye. It was a tearful pickup and for the first 10 minutes an angry trip home. This morning was another tearful goodbye, but I think he is getting the gist of the change and is adapting. There is a little girl, Alison, who is six months older and is making sure Jayden is doing okay.
He did well last night and apparently forgave me by the time we got home.
10/26/2006
Baby's first segments...
Proud mommy has to brag... Jayden earned his first segments and towards status on US Airways.
MR JAYDEN STENNER
Dividend Miles Number
XXXXXXX
Balance
2,499
Preferred Status
Earned Toward Future Preferred Status
2499 miles and 3 segments
Such a proud moment...sniffle, sniffle... and he'll earn four more segments in November. He actually is a much better flier than his mommy. He'll sit and "read" his books or sleep once the plane takes off.
A few weeks ago, we flew to Dallas. Our second leg was in a commuter jet so I had to get his car seat up over the seats to get down the aisle. As we landed in Dallas, my little guy finally passed out. He slept through the actual touch down and taxi. He slept through me slinging him and his car seat up over the seats to get down the aisle. He slept through me converting the car seat into a stroller and wheeling him to baggage claim. He slept through mommy visiting the handicap stall and flushing. He slept through getting the luggage and going down to wait for the rental car bus. He slept through the ride on the rental car bus. He slept up to the point that we got to the car. I was amazed... I am not the most delicated stroller driver especially with luggage, a laptop and a diaper bag to boot. He's such a good trooper and so patient during those times. I think he settles into the adventure and just enjoys himself.
I have a great traveler on my hands.
MR JAYDEN STENNER
Dividend Miles Number
XXXXXXX
Balance
2,499
Preferred Status
Earned Toward Future Preferred Status
2499 miles and 3 segments
Such a proud moment...sniffle, sniffle... and he'll earn four more segments in November. He actually is a much better flier than his mommy. He'll sit and "read" his books or sleep once the plane takes off.
A few weeks ago, we flew to Dallas. Our second leg was in a commuter jet so I had to get his car seat up over the seats to get down the aisle. As we landed in Dallas, my little guy finally passed out. He slept through the actual touch down and taxi. He slept through me slinging him and his car seat up over the seats to get down the aisle. He slept through me converting the car seat into a stroller and wheeling him to baggage claim. He slept through mommy visiting the handicap stall and flushing. He slept through getting the luggage and going down to wait for the rental car bus. He slept through the ride on the rental car bus. He slept up to the point that we got to the car. I was amazed... I am not the most delicated stroller driver especially with luggage, a laptop and a diaper bag to boot. He's such a good trooper and so patient during those times. I think he settles into the adventure and just enjoys himself.
I have a great traveler on my hands.
10/11/2006
Da Boys
Jayden, David and Matthew in their costumes... we did portraits of our boys (Margaret, Berna and I) this past Sunday afternoon.
10/08/2006
the boys...one year ago today
Jayden and Matthew one year ago today. This picture was taken during our visit trip. It is so amazing to see how much they have changed/grown. They are about 4 months old here and as you can tell they are swimming in their 3-6 month clothes. I don't think Jayden made a noise the first couple days, maybe some grunts. Matthew, on the otherhand, was very verbal and had no problem voicing his opinion until you figured it out.
Matthew at 15 months has all of his teeth...molars and all. Jayden grew hair, Matthew went for teeth. I used to ask Berna...do you want a man with teeth or a man with hair... hands down, no matter who you ask, teeth wins out.
10/03/2006
A year this weekend...
This time last year, I was preparing to meet my Mom in Philadelphia for the flight down to Guatemala City to meet Jayden for the first time.
The original game plan was to spend 3 days with him and then a tour day or two. That was thrown out the window and all our time was spent with him.
It was an undescribeable time and there really isn't a polite way to say this, but it really sucked to have to leave him behind.
I'll post pictures of Matthew and Berna soon (I'm on the wrong computer). I met Berna in one our adoption classes. Matthew is six days younger than Jayden. Berna met us down there for the weekend to visit Matthew and the 5 of us had quite the adventurous weekend.
It is surreal that it has been a year since holding Jayden for the first time.
First Slumber Party
Molly came over Friday night for a slumber party. She had a good time except for missing Mom and Dad, but she handled it really well for 17 months.
Molly is Jayden's cousin and is about 6 weeks older. Derek and Alison are expecting again in January. We've started practicing sleeping over at our house for when her little sister comes.
I forgot to send that Elmo toy home with Molly. It has a loud and louder volume control setting and I felt it would be better suited if Elmo lived in South Durham with Molly.
9/28/2006
Carmen
I was emailed pictures today from a family that just came home forever. It turns out their son has the same foster mom as Jayden. Her name is Carmen and she took wonderful care of Jayden and loved him. Seeing the pictures of another baby coming home were amazing and it brought back a lot of memories about what a wonderful, dedicated and loving woman Carmen is.
She is genuinely attached to the kids she's entrusted with.
How do you thank or even express what she and her family have done for Jayden?
We think and pray for Carmen often.
9/25/2006
Oh so boy...
The "boy" is starting to show in my boy.
I pull out dinner tonight which involves pasta wheels, leftovers that he inhaled last night. Today, however, coming out of the fridge they are cold. I popped one in his mouth and he gave me that "you just gave me vinegar look" but proceeded to chew on it. He walked/crawled over to his highchair and spit it on in tiny bits on the floor. Not atypical for my little man, but the surprise came when he decided to step in it and grind it into the floor. I had no idea he knew how to do that.
I picked him up, set him in his highchair and pulled his shoes off. I showed him the soles of each...one was full of bits of pasta and apparently very funny. I have a deepening suspicision that it's only just beginning what I'll find in the soles of his shoes.
I pull out dinner tonight which involves pasta wheels, leftovers that he inhaled last night. Today, however, coming out of the fridge they are cold. I popped one in his mouth and he gave me that "you just gave me vinegar look" but proceeded to chew on it. He walked/crawled over to his highchair and spit it on in tiny bits on the floor. Not atypical for my little man, but the surprise came when he decided to step in it and grind it into the floor. I had no idea he knew how to do that.
I picked him up, set him in his highchair and pulled his shoes off. I showed him the soles of each...one was full of bits of pasta and apparently very funny. I have a deepening suspicision that it's only just beginning what I'll find in the soles of his shoes.
9/22/2006
Allegiance
What do you get when you have a sick day, a banana tree, an inflatable boat and several toys... ahh the mind goes wild and we stage the opening scene to Allegiance.
9/18/2006
Sick day...
Yesterday we were a little under the weather. Here we are enjoying Jonah the movie, laying low until we feel better.
9/13/2006
Fingerpainting
Jayden finger painted (or handpainted as is really the case) for the first time yesterday at daycare. Of course, we'll be framing the masterpieces he made.
I must admit I completely shocked there is no green on his face or in his teeth...
9/09/2006
Wisdom from Willie...and Mama too...
Some of you may remember the days of Wisdom from Willie. I still learn tidbits from my four-legged buddy. He's such a great dog and I dread the day he passes away. Since we have 14 year minimum agreements with all pets in our home, I've got some more time before I have to worry.
He is 13 1/2 now. He's lost his hearing but still has that same gentle, loyal spirit who just wants to be with you and please you. Right now he is at my feet. There is no more singing to Jeopardy, but in a stroke of irony Jeopardy is a favorite of Jayden's. I have no idea why he likes the show but he loves to clap with everyone.
Jayden loves Willie. They have a mutually beneficial relationship (at least that's how they would describe it). Since Jayden has started eating, Willie has gained 4 pounds. 4 pounds he really didn't need. In return, Willie is very patient as he is being wrestled by Jayden.
The white one is Mama...she's the greyhound (and came with that name). She enjoys Jayden too but tends to leave the room when he comes to close and wants to climb on her. She's a little less rugged in terms of the climbing but brings great joy to Jayden as he watches her race around the yard. She raced a pretty amazing career and running brings her great joy... yes, she actually smiles - a nice teethy smile. That's another picture and post...it's a little scary looking if you don't see the tail wagging full speed at the same time.
There's a lot of chaos in the home, but none of us would have it any other way.
9/06/2006
Our Last Swim of the Season
This was a couple week's ago at a friend's second birthday party. Jayden won't be able to go swimming for a while as he got tubes put in his ears last week. I don't think he'll be too disappointed. He is not a big fan of water in the face.
Daycare
Jayden loves going to "school" (okay daycare, but we call it school). It's a Spanish immersion so he hears Spanish all day every day. Gloria and Rodrigo are wonderful to him. They really enjoy him and he is very attached to Rodrigo. It's been a real blessing as he is one of five kids and two others are Guatemala adoptees.
It's been good for me too. I am slowly picking up more Spanish.
Jayden is genuinely happy to go and I know he is learning a lot and having a good time. He is getting a gift that I could not give him there...he's learning the Spanish language and will be able to develop a love for Latin culture.
It's been good for me too. I am slowly picking up more Spanish.
Jayden is genuinely happy to go and I know he is learning a lot and having a good time. He is getting a gift that I could not give him there...he's learning the Spanish language and will be able to develop a love for Latin culture.
8/04/2006
Jayden’s first journey…
Jayden, which means “God has Heard”, was born June 6, 2005 in Guatemala City. He was 5 lbs, 6 oz and 18 and ½ inches long. I even got his APGAR scores which is really rare in international adoptions.
July 18, 2005, I received “THE CALL”. The referral call is when you are given a referral for a child and about 24 hours to accept or not. It was overwhelming and somewhat surreal because at the point the call takes place, you haven’t received pictures or any information (that comes right after). I got the pictures and knew without a doubt that he was my boy.
The waiting…and the waiting….
In Guatemalan adoptions, you have the option of visiting your child. It is suggested you wait until after DNA testing. Will explain why in another posting. So in October of 2005, my mom and I flew to Guatemala City. My friend Berna, who I met in an adoption seminar found an amazing deal at the last minute and met us down there for the weekend. So we were all hanging out in the Marriot with our boys.
Of course it is an unexplainable experience meeting your son for the first time. Jayden was four months old at the time. Matthew, Berna’s son, is just 8 days younger than Jayden. He is quite an amazing boy too and I am the proudest godmother around.
It goes without mention that leaving Jayden behind was sheer torture. I had no idea what the timing would be when we left. It could be a month or it could be months.
The waiting…much harder… the waiting…much harder…
I got a call end of day on Wednesday, December 7, 2005. We got PINK SLIP!!! This is basically a pink (and yes it was pink) piece of paper with your embassy appointment. The appointment was for December 13 at 7:15 am.
Dad and I went back and forth on tickets. His airline won out because he could get mileage seats. Mom and Dad drove to Durham on Saturday. Dad and I boarded a plane Sunday morning at 6am.
Sunday while in line to get check in at the hotel. Jayden’s foster family came with him. He had grown a ton! We spent a couple hours with them and our lawyer’s family (more to follow on my excellent lawyer and her team). The afternoon and evening was spent hanging out in the hotel. Mom fighting Grandpa about who got to hold him.
Two days later we went to the embassy. The day after that we picked up the visa, passport and immigration package. Thursday afternoon we were on a plane back to the States.
You don’t really relax until you get past the interview when you land in the States. Jayden slept through the interview and the officer was wonderful. Full pace run through Houston to get to the flight home. Jayden also was sick and had managed to soil the two extra outfits I had in our carry on. So his big arrival into Raleigh was in a sweater and a diaper…with record cold here.
Grandma had received the call to bring an extra round so we were all good.
Jayden was home forever December 15, 2005.
7/30/2006
Peer Pressure
I have recently been out looking at a few friends blog spots and realized there are many old friends who are avid bloggers and it is great to read what they are up to. Feeling the pressure to blog based on all there great sites... I jumped in and here it is.
This past December 15, Jayden Christopher came home forever. It was quite an adventure. He has changed so much in the last six months. More to come on his story but here is a picture of my guy.
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