We are stepping towards a new family rhythm, and enjoying the chaos of the season we find ourselves in. Everyone asks how Lena is doing, and all we seem to be able to muster in the moment is something akin to “really well”. As we made a point to not take anything for granted before we had her home, we are so thankful for so much that we have discovered about her; and we love to continue to get to know her deeper and sow seeds of love into every corner of her that was devoid of this luxury until now. So, here’s a little more than really well, but not all of it either- as I assume you didn’t stop by to read a book long post.
Lena loves baths, hugs from her siblings and any edible fruit that is mashed to a pulp. She cannot currently chew and has had soft, watered-down meals for her entire life. Meals at the orphanage were about efficiency, as giant spoons ladled heaping piles of mushy who-knows-what into her open mouth. All that she was ever asked to do was to open wide while craning her neck back and using gravity to do the rest. So, it’s a work in process, but Ginny tackles each meal and snack with the fervor of a linebacker and Lena has really made strides in the eating and drinking department.
We’re not sure how well she sleeps. Since she does not make much of a peep when she is awake- another commonality of orphanages- we have found her wide awake and quiet multiple times in the darkness of a night when we had assumed sleep was occurring. She sleeps in a crib as this is the safest option for her and similar to what she has known. Of course, she looks a bit funny as she is almost tall enough to dunk, but the crib is working for now. We swaddle her tightly when she goes down as this is the only way to avoid her reverting to what I lovingly refer to as her “isms”- her institutional mannerisms and habits.
She seems to have a hard time going back to sleep if awakened, and the days where she has been up since 3am do tend to make everything else a bit more difficult, as she is tired and not wanting to work with us. Oh, and she doesn’t currently sleep in the daytime- no matter how sleepy you might think she is or should be. Apparently, she’s decided that nighttime is the apt time for beauty rest, and she’s quite unwilling to discuss the benefits of a nap. She does go down for a daily “nap”, but it’s really to allow her to rest from all the stimulation rather than out of any expectancy of sleeping.
Her wonderful therapists are continuing to get to know her and push her. She used a walker for the first time last week, and rocked it. We are headed to a neurology specialist in Kansas City next week as we seek a diagnosis and path forward for her medical needs.
As for Hazel and Anders, they have flip-flopped roles whereby Hazel is the gentle lover and Anders is the one to steer clear of if you were hoping for anything in the ballpark of a peaceful day. He is all boy. He is all two. And at this pace of eating and breaking stuff in our house, I am going to need an additional part-time job. More importantly, both of them have surprised me with the love that they have poured on Lena. It’s a post unto itself, and I can only say that it is an obvious answer to prayer in a way I have rarely known. It is so fun to be surprised by your children and their capacity to love.
Well, there’s a little more than really well, but I have not really scratched the surface. As for Ginny and I- we are in love and figuring out how to keep it that way with precious few conversations nor time to focus on the other.
It’s wild.
It’s atypical.
I never would have never plotted this course.
Yet I can already see crusty-old me describing the days I now occupy as the best days of my life.
2,597 Comments
We are stepping towards a new family rhythm, and enjoying the chaos of the season we find ourselves in. Everyone asks how Lena is doing, and all we seem to be able to muster in the moment is something akin to “really well”. As we made a point to not take anything for granted before we had her home, we are so thankful for so much that we have discovered about her; and we love to continue to get to know her deeper and sow seeds of love into every corner of her that was devoid of this luxury until now. So, here’s a little more than really well, but not all of it either- as I assume you didn’t stop by to read a book long post.
Lena loves baths, hugs from her siblings and any edible fruit that is mashed to a pulp. She cannot currently chew and has had soft, watered-down meals for her entire life. Meals at the orphanage were about efficiency, as giant spoons ladled heaping piles of mushy who-knows-what into her open mouth. All that she was ever asked to do was to open wide while craning her neck back and using gravity to do the rest. So, it’s a work in process, but Ginny tackles each meal and snack with the fervor of a linebacker and Lena has really made strides in the eating and drinking department.
We’re not sure how well she sleeps. Since she does not make much of a peep when she is awake- another commonality of orphanages- we have found her wide awake and quiet multiple times in the darkness of a night when we had assumed sleep was occurring. She sleeps in a crib as this is the safest option for her and similar to what she has known. Of course, she looks a bit funny as she is almost tall enough to dunk, but the crib is working for now. We swaddle her tightly when she goes down as this is the only way to avoid her reverting to what I lovingly refer to as her “isms”- her institutional mannerisms and habits.
She seems to have a hard time going back to sleep if awakened, and the days where she has been up since 3am do tend to make everything else a bit more difficult, as she is tired and not wanting to work with us. Oh, and she doesn’t currently sleep in the daytime- no matter how sleepy you might think she is or should be. Apparently, she’s decided that nighttime is the apt time for beauty rest, and she’s quite unwilling to discuss the benefits of a nap. She does go down for a daily “nap”, but it’s really to allow her to rest from all the stimulation rather than out of any expectancy of sleeping.
Her wonderful therapists are continuing to get to know her and push her. She used a walker for the first time last week, and rocked it. We are headed to a neurology specialist in Kansas City next week as we seek a diagnosis and path forward for her medical needs.
As for Hazel and Anders, they have flip-flopped roles whereby Hazel is the gentle lover and Anders is the one to steer clear of if you were hoping for anything in the ballpark of a peaceful day. He is all boy. He is all two. And at this pace of eating and breaking stuff in our house, I am going to need an additional part-time job. More importantly, both of them have surprised me with the love that they have poured on Lena. It’s a post unto itself, and I can only say that it is an obvious answer to prayer in a way I have rarely known. It is so fun to be surprised by your children and their capacity to love.
Well, there’s a little more than really well, but I have not really scratched the surface. As for Ginny and I- we are in love and figuring out how to keep it that way with precious few conversations nor time to focus on the other.
It’s wild.
It’s atypical.
I never would have never plotted this course.
Yet I can already see crusty-old me describing the days I now occupy as the best days of my life.
2,597 Comments
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on February 23, 2012 at 2:02 pm
I love this picture of Lena. She is such a cutie and so blessed to have such special parents. I hope I get to meet her soon.
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on February 23, 2012 at 3:46 pm
Thanks for sharing. As a potential Adoptive Mama myself it is so helpful to get a realistic glimpse into what your transition has looked like. The Lord often brings you to mind and when He does, I most certainly pray-for your family, for Lena, and for clarity for the doctors. A long road but the journey is worth it.
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on February 24, 2012 at 6:01 am
This post was beautiful. It’s great to hear more about Lena & more in depth. Your last paragraph made me want to cry! You & Ginny are just amazing!
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on February 25, 2012 at 7:55 am
I have followed your life from afar for a long time. I am on a very long road myself. I am so proud of you guys (a good sort of proud) that you are loving and serving the King of Kings everyday and in every moment. Someday you will hear the words you long to hear from the Only One who is Able, but until that day…”good job” from me…Lena looks great in that smile!!!
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on February 25, 2012 at 8:17 am
Beautiful
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on February 25, 2012 at 1:04 pm
As you may recall, i have been following your blogs since Elliott was only a few weeks old. I am so happy to see the path that you and Ginny have taken and feel so blessed to have “known” you both. Your amazing.
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on March 18, 2012 at 9:09 pm
Erin!! Yes, we know. Of course we know. Thanks for coming by and dropping a comment. We like that. Let’s make it a habit how ’bout it?
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on February 27, 2012 at 10:25 am
I laughed when I read the part about your children flip flopping. In one week’s time I saw my oldest “Pass the baton” of crankiness to his younger brother! Best wishes and prayers for your family!
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on February 27, 2012 at 7:30 pm
Hello from Reece’s Rainbow! How are things going for you guys? And have you joined our After the Rainbow group yet? If not, please email me and I’ll get you connected. Adoption is an amazing thing but it also brings its challenges! Sometimes it helps to talk to someone who has “been there”. Please feel free to email me if you ever have questions or just need to talk. We can also plan a time to talk by phone if that’s easier for you.
~Rachel Whitmire
Post-Adoption Care Coordinator
Reece’s Rainbow Down Syndrome Adoption Ministry
http://www.reecesrainbow.org
Rachel@reecesrainbow.org
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Thanks for the info Rachel!
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on March 10, 2012 at 5:53 pm
Your youtube about Eliot has meant so much to me. God has used it in profound ways in my life. Not it-God has used Eliot in my life ( a complete stranger’s life.)
I have no words to express what it is– profound gratitude for the life God has given me-however many days God gives to me.
My struggles have taken on a whole new dimension and I praise God for them and what He will do through them.
Thank you for sharing Eliot’s story.
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Nancy,
Thank you so much for your kind words and encouragement. This means so much to us and we are honored to know.Matt & Ginny
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I love this picture of Lena. She is such a cutie and so blessed to have such special parents. I hope I get to meet her soon.
Thanks for sharing. As a potential Adoptive Mama myself it is so helpful to get a realistic glimpse into what your transition has looked like. The Lord often brings you to mind and when He does, I most certainly pray-for your family, for Lena, and for clarity for the doctors. A long road but the journey is worth it.
This post was beautiful. It’s great to hear more about Lena & more in depth. Your last paragraph made me want to cry! You & Ginny are just amazing!
I have followed your life from afar for a long time. I am on a very long road myself. I am so proud of you guys (a good sort of proud) that you are loving and serving the King of Kings everyday and in every moment. Someday you will hear the words you long to hear from the Only One who is Able, but until that day…”good job” from me…Lena looks great in that smile!!!
Beautiful
As you may recall, i have been following your blogs since Elliott was only a few weeks old. I am so happy to see the path that you and Ginny have taken and feel so blessed to have “known” you both. Your amazing.
Erin!! Yes, we know. Of course we know. Thanks for coming by and dropping a comment. We like that. Let’s make it a habit how ’bout it?
I laughed when I read the part about your children flip flopping. In one week’s time I saw my oldest “Pass the baton” of crankiness to his younger brother! Best wishes and prayers for your family!
Hello from Reece’s Rainbow! How are things going for you guys? And have you joined our After the Rainbow group yet? If not, please email me and I’ll get you connected. Adoption is an amazing thing but it also brings its challenges! Sometimes it helps to talk to someone who has “been there”. Please feel free to email me if you ever have questions or just need to talk. We can also plan a time to talk by phone if that’s easier for you.
~Rachel Whitmire
Post-Adoption Care Coordinator
Reece’s Rainbow Down Syndrome Adoption Ministry
http://www.reecesrainbow.org
Rachel@reecesrainbow.org
Thanks for the info Rachel!
Your youtube about Eliot has meant so much to me. God has used it in profound ways in my life. Not it-God has used Eliot in my life ( a complete stranger’s life.)
I have no words to express what it is– profound gratitude for the life God has given me-however many days God gives to me.
My struggles have taken on a whole new dimension and I praise God for them and what He will do through them.
Thank you for sharing Eliot’s story.
Nancy,
Thank you so much for your kind words and encouragement. This means so much to us and we are honored to know.
Matt & Ginny