How food should be enjoyed

mmmmm... sour cream... yes, we eat that and salsa with a spoon and shovel it in.

This morning's conversation with J went something like this...

E - "Did you have a good night's sleep?"
J - "No"
E - "Were you up all night?"
J - "yeah"
E- "oh my goodness, why didn't you tell Mommy you were up?"
J - blank stare

Doctor, doctor give me the news...

Yesterday J had his 2 year appointment and completely enjoyed himself. No shots - thank goodness. Outside of our annual flu shot, he won't need anything until 4 or 5. He's been growing and we're in the 75th percentile for height. I was surprised.

If I spend anytime thinking about it, I am completely blown away by the changes in J over the last 18 months. He was so quiet and observed everything when he came home. He still observes everything but he's not exactly quiet. He's grown by leaps and bounds and it definitely one of the most joyful kids I know.

His speech is exploding. I spent the afternoon Friday at daycare - we made sock puppets and had a party for two kids who were moving on to pre-school. He comprehends, responds, follows directions and talks in Spanish. He already knows to switch to English when he talks to me. He loves his Wilwee (Willie) and Mamah (Mama) - we say night night and bye to the dogs. We now have the "oh so critical P" when we say the word help. He used to leave it off and I figure if anyone is going to teach my son to swear it should be me ;-) We had a few weeks of hell mommy, hell whenever we wanted something.

He now enjoys talking to Grandma and Grandpa on the phone and can answer their questions. I wish they could see his expression because he usually has an ear to ear grin while talking to them. He's changed so much from that shy tiny boy to my wonderfully loud, full of life, full tilt boy. Can't wait to see what the next year brings.

JC Penny Catalog male model in the making

Playdate

Sunday was wonderful fun. We met Elizabeth and her mom at a local park and then ended up coming back to our house...it was just a tad bit warm. She is adorable. I know they don't remember each other but Jayden was all too excited to have a new buddy.

Apparently we had a complete role reversal. During my visit trip when Jayden was 4 months, we heard that his foster sister was very rambuctios and he was super quiet. Yesterday, she watched him and he was his full tilt self.

We're going to get together again soon. It's so much fun that they live so close.


Potty training - I am following Claudia's (daycare) lead on this one. She said he was ready and apparently is doing pretty well for her. For me...absolutely no interest. This coming weekend will be the big push from me. I have to slow our weekends down just a bit for us to have a shot at it. I figured out I need to talk about it a lot more. He defintely gets "el bano" but "potty" may be a different story.

Life Decisions

Last week, a life decision for Jayden before me, I had to make a choice. I was torn, not completely knowing what to do.

I stood at the display at the Carter's outlet.

Briefs or boxer-briefs?

We've begun potty training and I went to purchase the post-success necessities. We've got a ways to go but we're prepared.

For the record...I got a package of each... he'll have to choose.

Meeting a very special person

This Sunday afternoon, we have a very exciting playdate planned. I know the significance of it will be lost on Jayden, but I am so completely excited fot this particular playdate because I have wanted it to happen since before Jayden came home.

In Guatemala, a foster mom can have two babies at a time. When Mom and I went to visit Jayden in October of 2005. We heard about his foster sister and how spunky she was. She kept their foster mom busy. Her name is Elizabeth. Agencies are very protective of their clients information. I asked if there were any way to find out where Elizabeth was going or if they would contact her family on my behalf. As a matter of policy, both families have to contact the agency completely unsolicited, releases must be signed, etc.

Due to set of circumstances, I'll expound on a different post. Both Elizabeth's family and I contacted the agency at the same time. I was suspicious that they would contact the agency so I asked that they give my information to them. That day I received an email from Elizabeth's mom.

She and her mom live within a mile or two of my office !??!?!!? We set up a playdate for this Sunday. I know Jayden won't remember her, but I can't wait to meet them. It never ceases to amaze me how God arranges things.

the "other" kids

It's been a busy couple weeks with the "other kids" in the household. This is actually an older picture of Mama while she was recovering from surgery 2 years ago. She's been a little under the weather these past two weeks and gave me a little bit of a scare that I would be making a "decision" regarding both dogs at the same time. She is almost 12 and Willie is 14 1/2 so it wasn't out of the question.

After a big round of testing, she is going on long term medication and an all new diet. She should be with us for a while now. Phew...wasn't prepared to lose the Diva this soon. She is starting to feel better...her Diva dial is back on high. I know this because Needy Hour is back on in our home.

What is Needy hour? Needy hour starts promptly at 7 and usually lasts until 8/8:30. This is when everyone in the house needs something. Jayden gets his bath, jammies, snack and then is heading off to bed. The pups want some attention and usually get in the middle of the happenings. Several nights a week, the cat will chime in as well. I think their coordination in their efforts to demand something all at the same time should be appaulded... how often do a two year old, two dogs and a cat coordinate their efforts? It's chaos but it's our chaos. Needy Hour...we embrace you!

Get a Frosty for Dad

There are more than 150,000 foster children waiting to be adopted in NorthAmerica.

This Father's Day Weekend (June 16 and 17), you can help foster childrenfind permanent homes. All weekend, participating Wendy's restaurantsacross North America will donate a minimum of 50 cents from every Frostyproduct sold to the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption.The goal is to raise $1 million to support the work of the Foundation'ssignature program, Wendy's Wonderful Kids, and you can help!

Click on theweb address below to watch Rockin' Frosty and then forward this email toyour friends and family to spread the word about Father's Day FrostyWeekend.You can also cut and paste this url in your browser's address bar:http://www.davethomasfoundation.org/frostyIt's a Frosty you'll never forget!

Best regards,Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption
800-ASK-DTFA

Two is rough...

Saturday was Jay's party. It was a great time. What you see above is Jay being faux upset. He'd been in there about an hour when it was time to come in to eat.

Two has brought some changes... his insistence on wearing a watch and his new found love of sleeping in his shoes. Attempting to remove said shoes usually is grounds for show casing new features in the tantrum arena. The latest features include new high levels of pitch and increased memory of the offense...i.e. out of sight, out of mind doesn't work anymore...it used to be you could bait and switch and he would forget and stop crying. No more. He is on the tenacious side, but as I remind him, I AM more stubborn.

He also is holding me accountable to be polite. Some of his first words were "thank you". I would hand him something and tell him to say thank you. Once we got the thank you part, and he does it without being reminded most times, I added the "you're welcome". Now he will say thank you repeatedly until he hears "you're welcome" or "de nada". He also is getting "please" down as well. That used to be pointing and adament "thank you"s in succession until you figured out what to hand to him.

He's quite the little boy and watching him change is so much fun.

Hello Two

Jayden had a fun day all in all. Saturday is his birthday party and several of his buddies are coming over for cake and playtime in the pool. It should be a wild time.

Terrible Two's

Today Jayden turns two. No one informed me that the terrible twos start promptly at two...to be more specific the morning he turned two. He woke up in a really bad mood...maybe it was because he woke up to a flash camera in his face. I'll post pictures later.

He was grouchy all the way to school (daycare) and when I dropped him off. They have big day planned - the kids are going to bake a cake together to celebrate and there are all sorts of fun party favors and sidewalk chalk that Mommy brought in.

Grumpy, grouchy pictures to follow....

Apparently he's embraced the E in extrovert

Hanging with friends (David and Matthew) at the Animal Planet Expo...we had a great time hanging with the crowd and introducing ourselves to other people waiting in line.

There are two women behind J in this picture. What I didn't catch on film was his multiple visits to pop his head in between theirs to say hi. He must have walked up behind them about 4 or 5 times put a hand on each shoulder, leaned in and said hi. I thought my friend knew them and I kept letting them know if he bothered them, I'd grab him. Turns out they were COMPLETE strangers and my friend didn't know them, but thankfully they thought he was hysterical.

This was at a Durham Bulls game on Friday night. The first hour was spent with Mommy chasing/walking him all over the stadium as he joyfully ran up to people to say hi. He settled down and enjoyed yelling and cheering with the crowd for an hour. He gets into sporting events so we'll keep going to them.

Bear with me...

Okay I got the dreaded spam posting over the weekend. I was warned, but in my efforts to prevent it, I put up the Fort Knox of security. I'm working on it and hopefully will find a happy medium at some point.

Today we are one week from two...so hard to believe. He is so full of life and pretty much runs full tilt from morning to night, but I wouldn't have it any other way.

Salsa anyone?

The yellow band really should be going over the top of his head...there is a little boom mike to take orders, but he chooses to wear it this way a lot. For the record, plastic tacos really are a stale comparison of the real thing, but J insists that either I or one of the dogs try a sample often.

Sandwich Manor is going up

We went to take pictures and walk through but they were working on it...hence the strange angle. The gapping hole is the dining room. Sunday we went to visit and Jayden walked up to the window leaned out and said "oh no".

This is from the next cul-de-sac. Mine is the one on the right. All three houses pictures should have move in dates within a month of each other which will be fun.

The two window area will be Jayden's room. The double wide window can be yours, if you come visit. All the trees you see, well, they will meet their demise in the near future for more homes.

Please pray the current home sells soon. With the collapse of 20% of the mortgage market things slowed down.

Stolmit school of parenting

Many of you have no idea but I ascribe to the Mitchell Stout school of parenting. I would even venture to guess that Mitch doesn't know he has a school of parenting, but he does.

See parenting is a lot like drama training. The blocking is all the basics... how to behave, learning, boundries, etc. But the real spice of any drama or of life, is to get the character to come out. Remember...if it feels stupid and is big so everyone can see it, you're doing it right (I paraphrase and am taking some liberties with the curriculum).

Jay is definitely developing his character. He is so full of life and joy. At just shy of 2, this boy is definitely entertaining and is developing quite a sense of humor. He is starting to use phrases and words to get reactions (it works). The current favorite this week is "oh no", but he says it like he is from Minnesota. He says "bye" like he's from Alabama. If I knew Spanish well enough I bet I would pick out phrases that sounded like they were from Guatamala and others that made him sound like he was from Columbia.

Separation Anxiety

We had a party this past weekend for Matthew's Mama, Berna. It was a great time and the boys were able to play together which is always highly entertaining.

This week I had to leave my munchkin for a business trip. Thank goodness Grandma is willing to come and stay. They have a great time together and it makes mommy feel much more at ease, but I still miss the big guy.

Sandwich Manor

I am a member of the Sandwich generation. As part of my roles and responsibilities of this generation, I find it necessary to remind the generation above of my membership. We have lots of running jokes about this. As part of my recognition of being in this generation, I have dubbed the new house "Sandwich Manor". My mother, however, has dubbed it "Club Sandwich" because it sounds more fun.

Sandwich Manor it is. I figure if I have to pay for it, I get to name it. It's sort of like a college dormitory but without the plaque (although I may have to get one and put something it on their room door - there is a bedroom that I refer to as their room, but who knows if they really will occupy it permanently). Anyways, Sandwich Manor was "pinned" this past weekend. Basically they clear the lot and put flags at the corner of the house so you can see where it fits in the lot. Poor Mama (the dog), she is going from a yard she can run in, to one she sulk in. We'll have to visit the dog park to stretch her legs. I think she'll be the only one disappointed with the new digs.

Hopefully, the current homestead will be sold soon. I am ready for the quick commute and more time with Jayden and being closer to all our friends.

First Class Voice

For those of you who are big "inside voice" instructors, I hope what I have done with this concept does not offend. I just have been amused since I hear parents use this terminology with children too young to get the concept. I have put my own twist on it, however.

Jayden is often reminded to use his "First Class voice". He is pictured above using his "Economy Class voice". Oops must go... apparently he is using his "what-do-you-mean-there-is-no-room-left-in-the-overhead-bin" voice and needs some attention.

the Gang

Matthew, Carmen, David and Jayden got together this past weekend for storytime, crafts and snacks. They all had a great time and enjoyed coloring themselves as much as the paper.

Obnoxious toy recommendation: Lucky Ducks...it's loud, has may parts and it's loud. This is a current favorite and quacking can be heard for most of the evening.

the new digs

I took a picture of the lot but it's still on my camera...this is the brochure picture of J and my new digs. Hopefully the old digs will sell very soon. Ours will be a slate grey color and the garage is a little different but this at least gives you the idea.

It's been a busy couple weeks. The little guy isn't so little. He's over 33lbs at this point and my back can prove it! He's really starting to talk and sing.

On a side note... my brother's birthday is this Friday and he greatly enjoyed the Mary-kate and Ashley e-card I sent him.

Such a ham

This past weekend we had an egg hunt at the house. Six kids under 2 and 1 that's 3 1/2...it was chaotic but a ton of fun. I am on the road this week but J is hanging with Grandma. He's scored big points by calling her Grandma and telling her "I do" instead of letting her feed him. This boy is a complete hoot. Below are a couple pictures of J and friends...

Blogging Double Standard

Just so everyone who reads this knows... I do have a blogging double standard. I expect each and everyone of you to update your blogs regularly, a.k.a. daily, as I check them that often. I do not, however, hold myself to this same standard. Okay... I admit it...I'm bad about keeping the updates coming.

On Monday the house goes on the market. Yes, in total family tradition the bigger the decision the more spontaneous it seems to be. I've actually been researching it for quite some time. I'm moving to the other side of town... near the office, daycare and where most of our life seems to happen. We're scaling down a bit which is a good thing and I think the new place will be a better use of space for us. We just have to sell the current house and hopefully that will go quick and painless.

Painting is done, staging is most of the way done so it should show well on line. We're all going to miss this house and I think Mama will miss it most...part of the scaling down involves the yard. I've tried to explain it to her, but she's doesn't communicate well.

It only took the stomach flu

My brother came up to deliver sprite and soup because I got a beautiful case of the stomach flu. During his visit, I mentioned that the "cricket" needed to be dealt with. He seemed a little less excited about resolving my problem when I mentioned that it was really a frog. He did remove the decompossed carcass and clorox'd all utentsils and the door jam.

Danielle, for the record, the decapitated Indian mouse was so less gross. Although I am not volunteering to take care of anyone's mouse issues. Oh and black widows are less toxic than brown recluse so I am considering myself lucky to only have black widows. I did manage to kill the first one I found. She didn't go easy. It took at least half a can of bug killer. I know it was a she...after an extensive search online, only the females have the red hourglass shape on their bellies.

Well I hope each and everyone has a gross-free weekend!

who will come and help?? who???

Do you ever make one of those discoveries that just completely grosses you out to the point, you really don't/can't deal with it so you just leave your discovery? I can't be alone in this. Well today I made a discovery...apparently I caused the death of one of God's creatures. I know it was me...I'm the only one opening and closing the door.

At first I thought I discovered a cricket that was closed into the door jam. It has obviously been there for some time. I hate crickets. They gross me out. Orkin receives a call from me when I see one in my kitchen. I was brave for a while but then the black widow appeared outside my door. The straw broke...apparently crickets bring the spiders...great to know but neither are welcome. Orkin is now on a regular visitation plan. They just leave their invoice on my doorknob.

Today I made a discovery...a smashed cricket in my door jam. The Orkin man has let me down. I took a picture because I like to share certain traumas that happen in my life. Upon downloading the image to my computer, I noticed something about the cricket. The cricket appeared to have a round jaw and a fairly wide head. This was even more disgusting, we hit a new gross level in my book. It was a frog!!! It was at eye level in my door jam. I never want to use that door again which is not practical unless I want to run the dogs around the house into the fenced yard. Of course, when the weather gets warmer that means never going out after dark because the frogs are out.

So any ideas on how to remove frog carcass (petrified) from the door jam? Any volunteers to come do it for me? Please...

Concert Goer

This was a jam packed weekend for Jay. Saturday morning we saw Carlos, who was involved with J's adoption on the Guatemala side. He is in the States looking at schools. We had a great time seeing him again and catching up with Matthew, Carmen and Isabelle. David was contagious and couldn't join us...I'll post pictures of all the fun.

In the evening, we were invited to a meet and greet for Shaohannah's Hope. Jay and I got our picture with the Chapmans. Shaohannah's Hope is an amazing organization. I really appreciate the spirit and heart of the Chapmans and this organization. It was a little warm where we were, hence the bright red face of yours truly.

We weren't able to stay for the whole concert but we did see part of it. My child completely embraced the concert experience...any 13 year old girl would have had some stiff competetion in the screaming, whooping and hollaring that came out of my child. He danced, screamed, clapped and thoroughly enjoyed himself.

It's Super Bowl Time

Moving again

Some of you who see this title and know me are thinking..."yeah, it's about time for Eli to have that itch". Okay so I am not really moving (yet), just thinking about it. It'll definitely happen within the next 3 years as Mr J enters school.

Believe it or not I've been on a nationwide search as to where to educate my little guy. My goal is to find a top notch dual language program. There are actually two programs in our area. The next county over (which is "the" county to be educated in) has two different dual language programs. The first, which is Spanish, requires you to live in their school's district. The other, which is Mandarin, just requires you to live within the entire school district. So for another 100K and the loss of 1000 square feet, I can put J in the Spanish program.

In our county, there is an elementary school with a dual language program. It's very close to my office and his current daycare, but would require the jump to the other side of town. If I go with this option then the big question is when to make the jump. Yes, I get that J is only 20 months old but I've never been one to plan tomorrow when you can dream about the future.

In terms of the nationwide search, we have Washington D.C. area and Chicago that have active programs. The housing prices are obviously even more interesting.

Ultimately, I'll keep looking and try to hold off on a decision until J's around 4 and I have actually visited some of these programs. As much as there are lots of options for educating your child, there are also lots of limits...just don't want my little knowledge seeker to miss out on the adventure of learning.

Bread bags and winter

Look closely at his feet...those of you over 20 or so should immediately recognize and then cringe at what I have done to my child - yes those are plastic bags on his feet. How many of you used to put bread bags on your feet before strapping on your boots to go out in the snow? It was the only way to keep your feet dry while you were sledding...remember this was before gortex and all those high tech materials.

We had a "snow event" here in NC. This means wide spread panic ensued and everything was shut down. You are looking at the total accumulation but it was J's first "snow event" so we had to go outside.

He really seemed to enjoy the snow...he loves to be outside so I wasn't completely surprised he liked it. He's a boy after my heart...loving snow.

GQ...strike a pose

David, Matthew and Jay got together this past weekend for a time of fun and roller coaster riding. They wore each other out playing and having fun but it was so good to see how much they've grown, changed and started becoming boys.

Hi Maria! I just saw your address and will send an email soon. Seen any bears at the circus lately?

It's another girl!

Follow the link to pictures of my newest neice...no decision on a name but they are leaning towards Greta. She was born this morning at 8:28am. She is 8lbs 9ozs and 20 3/4 inches long.

Mom and Dad are doing really well. Big sister, Molly, is staying with J and I.


http://picasaweb.google.com/guatekids/We_think_theyRe_calling_her_Greta

Safe TV Viewing only in our house

I'll write more soon but thought I would post a couple pictures in the meantime.

Getting ready to brush his teeth...

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...

Don't want to disappoint the fans...

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.

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!

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.

Men working

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.

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! >

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

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.

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.

Da Boys

Jayden, David and Matthew in their costumes... we did portraits of our boys (Margaret, Berna and I) this past Sunday afternoon.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Sick day...

Yesterday we were a little under the weather. Here we are enjoying Jonah the movie, laying low until we feel better.

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...

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.

15 Months Today

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.