Hello Friends and Family~
Let me first start by giving a huge, heartfelt "THANK YOU" for all of the wonderful scripture and encouragement that you have been sending us. Wow! What a difference it makes knowing that others understand and support what is going on in your life. And feeling the powers of prayer and God's provision and grace, mercy and healing. We are so in love with our God!!!
Next........drumroll please.......Claire has gained 2 pounds!!!!!!! That's with poops and everything!!!! She is doing great!! She is starting to really brighten up when she sees us or when we play with her, and she's really taken off with playing with toys. She is just a joy! She smiles quite a bit now, and even teases us a little bit. We know that this is still a long road ahead of us, but what a gift to see improvement so quickly!
Our friends little boy is doing great. They were able to drain the infection and clean the area then he sat for three hours two days in a row to get iv antibiotics, and he is all done now! He is SUCH a good, happy, smart boy! They are in for the joy of a lifetime with him! We just love our new friends!
Well, we leave here, this horrible province, in a few mins, and none too soon. We will go down and have breakfast then leave for the airport, about and hour ride, then a two and a half hour flight to Gounzghou. Yay!!! I'm a little scared about the flights and new rooms and all that...its more than she can understand. But, it is what it is. Also, not sure how or why the typing looks like this, sorry.
We bought Claire some shoes, as all of the shoes I brought her are way too big. She can walk if you hold her fingers and she can stand up against the bed for long periods of time. She seems to know what walking is. We feel that she will walk before too long, she just never had the energy or ability to practice to do so. She may have even signed "more" to me yesterday! I have been teachig her signs, and when I took her juice bottle she threw a little fit and then did what looked like the sign for "more"! She's brilliant!! :-) :-) :-)
Love, many thanks, and hugs to all,
Chris and Leslie
I KNEW IT!!! She is brilliant.....ah hem takes after her Aunt Bambi!!! :)
ReplyDeleteWe are praying, preparing, shopping, praying, and praying some more for you all, Claire and her arrival. EEEKS!!! We can't wait. We snagged Jack a treat today so that he feels special when Claire arrives. GUESS WHAT COLOR IT IS.....Yep....you guessed it...Y*E*L*L*OW! Mimi is doing such an awesome job filling in for you while you're gone. (No surprise to you, I know. :)) We found some MUSICAL toys and got some girly bottles today. Many items (some very secretive..shhhhh) have been and are being delivered to your house as we await the arrival of the sweet lil princess. PLease know Les n Chris, you are not alone. We love you all and are in this....for the long haul. This adoption journey has and will take many kinds of support........ We pray that we can offer friendship, prayers, laughs, and anything else you may need along the way...forever and ever..AMEN! Get home fast! CLAIRE WE LOVE YOU TO THE MOON N BACK SWEETHEART!!! Muahhhhhh! Bambi and the CrAzY Rockhold gang
Dear friends, I pray that your week in Gounzghou goes very quickly and you continue to see more of God's blessings each day. I am in awe as I watch from day to day the difference your love is making in precious Claire Jia. Who would have ever known what God had in store when we met! Wouldn't trade watching this experience or being a part of your family for the WHOLE world. God bless you and keep you. I miss you my sweet sister. Love to all of you in Blue Springs and China! Angel
DeleteHi there, I'm a friend of Julie Dotson's and she shared your blog a few days ago. I have read the whole thing and have caught up to today. Claire is a beautiful little girl!
ReplyDeleteI wanted to share a story I read in my Momology book I got from my MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) group last year. When I read Claire's story, I thought of this story. The author of the book has two daughters who were adopted. The youngest little girl spent her first 2 years of her life in multiple homes (relatives, foster, children's homes), and from age 2-5 she was in the care of the author as a foster daughter. When they first visited the pediatrician with her as a foster, she was way off the charts below "normal." All testing revealed no reason for her lack of growth and when the little girl was almost 5, growth hormone therapy was considered. The pediatrician said to come back in 3 months and they would start the hormone therapy program. At that visit 3 months later, the little girl had grown more than 2 inches with no change in routine or diet and the doctor was puzzled. The author states that "The only change, is that we were given permission to adopt her right after our last visit." They told the little girl right away and had almost every day since. The doctor's response was "That's it then, she's finally found a safe place to grow."
You mentioned Claire's weight gain already, and I fully believe she will continue to grow and flourish in your care as she already has proven in the short time she's been safe to grow with you. I look forward to continuing to follow Claire's journey and wish you all many more blessings! Praying for safe travels for the rest of your journey.
-Angela Bentley
Of course she is brilliant! Love the new shoes. WOW 2 pounds! See I knew you could do this. LOL She is going to be just fine, now momma try to relax and enjoy the rest of your trip. We serve a mighty big GOD. 2 pounds and a giggle is nothing for him. Wait till you see what else HE has in store for you all.
ReplyDeleteIf you feel like making a pit stop in Hunan please grap a certin 2 kiddos for me!
Glad to hear your friends little guy is doing so well now. We will continue to pray for bonding and saftey.