October Update

"For the vision still has its time, presses on to fulfillment and will not disappoint; if it delays, wait for it, it will surely come, it will not be late."--Habakkuk 2:3

We received an update on Alayna on October 23rd.  The pictures and video were taken on September 27th, so she was almost three months old.  At that time, she weighed 11.9 pounds and is 21.65 inches long.  (If you really like measurements her head circumference is 14.9 inches and her chest was 14.17 inches.)  She continues to drink 4 ounces every four hours.  It must be enough, because although our princess is small, she is continuing to grow. 

Alayna turned 3 months on October 2nd and would have been moved from the baby hospital to her foster mother’s home.  We pray the transition was smooth for her.  Tom and I feel confident (and grateful) she is being well taken care of until we are able to bring her home.

We also know that our first court hearing was scheduled for October, 7th.  From that date, it will take the judge 1-3 months to issue his/her first ruling.  We were told by our agency that “no news is good news”.  So far no news!  While the TWCA (Taiwan Women and Children’s Agency) has power of attorney for us, Pei-Shan’s birth mother would have appeared in court.  I pray she is at peace with her decision.   She would have been given information from our dossier, I am hopeful that she came away knowing her daughter will be loved and well-cared for always.

 

On the Home Front:

While we have been “impatiently” waiting for Alayna, we have been busy.  Amelia keeps us on our toes always.  We have had a beautiful fall with near daily opportunities to run around outside.  (We definitely will need to find winter activities for her!)

I sponsored a client appreciation day at Plymouth Orchards Cider Mill, and Tom and the kids were able to hang out while I worked.  Nick is not much of a sweet eater, but Amelia discovered that she likes donuts…the more powdered sugar, the better.  I tried to get her to try a sip of cider, to which she responded, “No, it make me sick!”  Don’t know where she got that from.  Last year I didn’t let her try it since it’s not pasteurized, and I thought she may have been too young.  Oh well, we don’t want to make you sick, princess.  She then went on a hayride with daddy and Nick and came home with two pumpkins.  All in all, a successful work/family day!   (By the way a few days later, Amelia talked Grandma and Grandpa into taking her to the petting zoo at Mayberry State Park and then a quick trip to Northville Cider Mill.  Guess what she had?  Donuts!  That’s my girl.)

The Detroit Zoo has what they call Zoo Boo on weekends leading up to Halloween.  Tom, Amelia and I went with our friends the Vanderveens and Fowlers to practice for Halloween.  The kids dressed up and trick or treated among awesome Halloween displays at the zoo.  It was a little rainy, but the kids didn’t mind.  They came back and ate popcorn while watching Nemo.  Nick babysat and us big kids went out for a quick bite to eat.  Fun had by all….except maybe, Nick.

Tom and I are extremely proud of Nick.  He ended his first card marking with making “Gabriel Richard”; Catholic Central’s highest honors roll.  He also found out he will be admitted to the National Honor Society this winter.    Way to go, Nick!  Academically, we are very pleased, as are his teachers.  However…we were enlightened at parent-teacher conferences that he is a tad “social” in class sometimes.  He is working on that this card marking.  Here is where mom says, “That’s my boy!” Yikes, I’m sure I had the same issue in high school.

Finally, we were able to see some out of town family this month.  Aunt Chrissy, Uncle Chuck, Sophia and Isabella were in town from Memphis.  It wasn’t the best of circumstances, as the girls lost their Grandma Frankie, but we were happy to be able to spend some time with them.  Many prayers go out to the Scoggins family.

Uncle Rick was in town from Reno to take out the dock, boat, and hoists.  He also got the cabin ready for winter.  What an awesome brother he is.  Amelia baked him some cookies to say thank you.  Actually, she will bake for any reason whatsoever!  I was also able to get Rick to baby-sit for a little while so I could take Nick downtown to a concert.  She was excited to see Uncle Rick and the green machine.  (His BRIGHT green truck--you can see him coming for miles.) 

Until next month…please continue to keep Alayna in your prayers and for the judge to issue a speedy first ruling.  We would love to have her home soon!

 

Do you think Amelia is enjoying her donut at the Cider Mill?

Baking Cupcakes

Do I look cute in my Halloween shirt?

Amelia likes going to library hour with Grandma and her friend Katie and Katie's Grandma, Linda.

Nick looking good for Ladywood's homecoming. Is this number 3, Nick?

Amelia playing in the leaves.

It was a little rainy at Zoo Boo.

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