Grand Haven Getaway

This summer has been one of waiting.  We are nearing the end of the adoption process, but have had many delays along the way.  We have all become weary with waiting.  Liam also commented to me that he felt like he got less attention when we first brought Lilly home from China.  She did require a great deal of attention and he had been an only child for three years.  We wanted to reassure him that despite the amount of attention his brother will get when he comes home, we will always have time for him.  It was great to get away and reconnect as a family.
We spent time climbing dunes, playing at the beach, shopping, and trying out the local restaurants and ice cream parlors.  We had no agenda or schedule and just went where we felt like going.  It was great!  It was a bit cool by the water and the there was a high wave warning.  The kids were apprehensive about going in the water at first, but eventually braved the cool water.
When we got home to Fort Wayne, we didn't want the fun to end, so we went to the zoo.  Sunday evenings are the perfect time to go... small crowd & active animals.

Update on Liam's Heart

Back Story... When Liam was about 18 months old, his pediatrician noticed he had a heart murmur.  He suggested that we see a pediatric cardiologist.  We started getting an echocardiogram every 6 months and then when things looked stable, we started going once a year.  That has been the case for a while (about 6 years). There have been 3 areas of concern with Liam's heart.  Today we learned of a 4th, so we are back to the 6 month visits with echocardiograms.  I'll explain in more detail below.

Side Note... Dave and I have spent a lot of time in hospitals with Liam and Lilly (Lilly more than Liam).  Despite the frequent surgeries, procedures and tests, it is really hard for me to see my kids in a hospital bed.  I always seem to get a lump in my throat, even though I know the tests are for the best.  The fragility of life is always on my mind in hospitals.  But, my kids are brave and strong and they make an impact on everyone they meet.  All the nurses today commented on how well behaved and polite the kids were.  Liam's cardiologist said, "Liam I know you have a kind heart.  I'm not just saying that because I've looked inside it (doctor humor).  I know you are special and you will do amazing and great things for good.  Thank you for letting me be part of your life."  (cue tears)  Dave and I say that all the time, but to hear it from his cardiologist was so reaffirming.  Who knows how God will use this hardship in his life for His glory?

OK, back to the heart...

Heart Problem #1 - Narrowed Aorta - 

Liam's aorta is narrowed which makes flow difficult.  The change has been minimal from last time, but it is actually a little more open.  The narrowing is minimal enough that the doctor is not concerned at this point in time.  We will continue to monitor it. 

Heart Problem #2 - Hole between 2 Upper Chambers -

Most children are born with a hole in their heart and it corrects itself by the age of 4.  For some reason, Liam's is taking longer to heal.  It may never close completely.  It has gone down in size.  It is small enough that if it never closes, it shouldn't cause any concerns.

Heart Problem #3 - Bicuspid Aortic Valve -

This is the problem that causes the murmur sound.  There is a valve between the chamber and the aorta.  It should have 3 parts.  Liam's has 2 parts that are fused together, so he has leakage and the heart has to work harder to pump blood.  The valve hasn't changed.  However, the effects of this valve have created problem #4.

Heart Problem #4 - (Don't really know the name for it) Aorta right above the valve is stretching -

The valve is working really hard to pump blood because of its defect.  It is pushing the blood hard enough that it is stretching the aorta right above the valve.  At last year's appointment, it measured at a 2.6.  This year it is at a 2.8.  3.2 is considered a grown-up size.  At 4.0 surgery is needed.  This is what we need monitor most.  If it is at 3.0 in 6 months it is time to start Beta-Blockers.  This medicine will slow the progression of the aorta stretching.  As Liam grows (which he does a lot) parts of the heart grow and stretch - not always together.  We need to monitor to make sure his heart is not over exerting itself.  Liam has been getting head-aches which the doctor believes are due to low blood pressure.  We need to monitor his blood pressure and make a head-ache journal.  Beta-Blockers will bring the blood pressure down even further, so we need to know what to expect.  

We have 6 months to review the information about each medication, so we are ready with our game plan when the time comes.  We are adding antibiotics to all dental and orthodontic appointments.  His heart can't handle an infection.  We are also evaluating all his extra activities.  He is not allowed to play any high contact sports.  The good news is that surgery has never been mentioned as an immediate need.  We can still monitor things and hopefully keep things stable with medicine.

50th Anniversary of Apollo 11 (Moon Landing)

Yes, we are a day early celebrating this monumental event.  Tomorrow, we have plans, so we had to fit in the "missions" today.

The kids woke up to find their suits laid out with a letter.

Mission #1 - Find the Missing Astronauts (in the bean box)

Mission #2 - Make a Saturn V Rocket & Moon Lunar Module

Mission #3 - Science Experiment - Making Moon Dough (Homemade Playdough)  They did all the measuring and mixing themselves - I just supervised.

Mission #4 - phases of the moon with Oreos

Mission #5 - Reading Comprehension packet

Mission #6 - LEGOs

Lunch

rocket grilled cheese sandwiches

the kids also tried astronaut ice cream - they were not thrilled

Adoption Update!

After delays and more delays, we finally got the news we have been longing to hear... we have been submitted to court!  We have another wait ahead, but this wait ends with a trip to Korea to meet our son and go to court.  We also learned that our son received his passport and will have his Visa medical check today.  Although those are baby steps, they are necessary steps to bring him home.  

It seems that every step of this process (once on the Korea track) has had hiccups and delays.  We started this process so well and received our referral so quickly, we assumed the rest of the process would follow the same pattern.  We have had to learn a great deal of patience and trust.  Every time there has been a delay, it has been out of our control.  Even though out of our control, its has always been in God's control. For reasons we don't understand now (and may never understand) we have had to wait.  He knows our son and when it is best for him to join our family.  We pray that time is coming soon.  We are doing the best we can to keep busy while we wait.  We are starting to let ourselves get excited.  Please join us in prayer that the court process goes smoothly with no complications.