Team Neal

Random Acts of Christmas Kindness

2011-11-16T23:43:00.002-05:00

I discovered this awesome site....Pinterest! I still can't pronounce it, but that doesn't matter. I came across this awesome idea. So, I quickly put our design team (Dan) to work! Here are our Random acts of christmas kindness cards. If you have any ideas of what our family could do during the 25 days of RACK, please comment! Happy RACK'ing!!!!

15, really??

2011-09-16T13:45:00.004-04:00

How is it possible that we have a 15 year old? Seriously, can anyone 'splain that to me?? This girl is straight up goodness! She is such a giving, helpful soul! She is the best big sister any kid could ask for.We are blessed. Kenz took drivers training this summer. She's not too bad. She is working hard to save up money towards the purchase of a car. She's a hard worker and a great saver! Watch out world. This girl's on her way!!

Lame-Momma Summer

2011-09-16T13:33:00.004-04:00

Bubba helped build a tower to the ceiling! A HUGE hit!
The best smile - EVER!
Silas with his buddy, Tess.

I was such a bad photo taker all summer. I have a few, but not nearly enough. Especially considering that in order to remember what we've done, I have to go through pictures. Oh well.

A short summer recap:

Spent one weekend at Camp Dearborn, where we very quickly discovered that Silas is too young for us to go to Camp Dearborn. Watch out next summer. We're all over that.
Spent Labor Day at a great lake house up north (thanks Mom and Dad!!). We quickly discovered (apparently long weekends are very eye-opening) that we can be excellent parents if we don't have to work, cook, or clean. It was a relaxing weekend all around. There was a beautiful porch with an incredible swing. It was the perfect amount of outside for me. I could get a cup of coffee and sit outside. Perfection!!
Spent lots of time playing referee. The boys have come SO far in their squabbles. They are starting to become friends and play together. We are seeing the light at the end of the tunnel.
Silas is talking a TON. He's got a great sense of humor. He cracks Micah up all the time. He has this stern face that he makes at Micah when they are in their car seats. It's hilarious. I've tried to catch it on my phone several times, but I am trying to drive and all!

Perhaps Fall will afford us more time for pictures and blogging. I'm just sure of it.

Dancer girl

2011-06-28T20:51:00.002-04:00

Sophie had her first dance recital ever last weekend. She was beyond excited. We were challenged by the request of her teacher to get her hair into this bun!! But, we did it! Sophie had a huge, cheesy, proud grin on her face through her entire dance. We were so proud of her and happy to see her enjoy herself so much!!

Quitting the FB

2011-06-28T20:31:00.003-04:00

I've decided (again) to quit Facebook. I've been noticing that a couple things are happening for me:

1. I blog a lot less. I have my blog linked to FB, I blog and then wait to see if anyone will "like" it or what comments they might have. It becomes too narcissistic for me. I originally set up my blog as a "memory keeper" for me. I can't remember anything. So, I really want my blog to be something that I keep current and don't write for anyone else. To be fair, I keep it public because I really, really enjoy reading other people's blogs and being part of their world (or at least what they share on their blogs)

2. I read someone's post on someone else's wall and think...Wow, they are such good friends. Do I have relationships like that? and then the dangerous step...and does the world know it??

3. I read someone else's status about what they are doing for the Lord or in their ministry and I think - What am I doing? I wish I could be doing more.

So, I think I will save time and spend it thanking the Lord for where I am now and what He has called me to be doing.

One month home

2011-06-23T21:29:00.005-04:00

We've been home from China for one month (bet the title didn't give that away, huh?). It's been a whirlwind, really. I'm amazed at how well this little man has adjusted and become a part of the family. It is A LOT of work with these two little kids. Micah at 2 1/2 has a lot of energy and is a very sensitive soul. He cries alot. About everything. I love that little mug though. Silas is a crazy, dare devil with a large piece of accident prone thrown in there. We are pretty much constantly parenting one of the two of them. Silas is still getting rocked to sleep for nap and bedtime with a bottle. We aren't ready to cry it out just yet. He doesn't let Dan rock him to sleep yet. Dan isn't giving up though. He keeps trying. Silas keeps winning. I'm sure his day is coming. We are challenged with trying to make sure everyone is getting what they need. But we are still standing. That's something, right??

Choose your title

2011-05-18T02:43:00.004-04:00

The no go horrible, good for nothing day
Are you FAAA-REAKING kidding me
Taking out the weakest member
and lastly...Mom's quote "This is why I didn't want to come!"

We went to tour a Buddist temple today...yada yada yada. Nothing much reportable. We then went to a factory where they make a lot of the traditional items from Inner Mongolia. We shopped for quite a while. Silas was a trooper! A lama at the temple had given him a small loaf of bread and he happily sat in the stroller (spoiler alert) eating his bread. We got some souvenirs and headed back to the hotel. We discovered that our room hadn't been cleaned, and when you live in a hotel room 24/7, it needs a good cleaning. We asked to have it cleaned and decided to take a walk to the store to get some chocolate, I mean milk for Silas...it was all about Silas.

We got our milk and put Silas back in the stroller. We haven't been buckling him in because he loves to ride in it and we are stupid. HE FELL OUT OF THE STROLLER. ON HIS HEAD. He had a huge gaping, bleeding, meatly looking cut. The store owners came out and told us (I think) to come back in and got us kleenexes. The man signaled for me to follow him with Silas. We walked into what looked like a clinic or pharmacy. He couldn't find what he was looking for so we went into another building. In my head, I had a vision of them stitching up my kid in a foreign country and just decided to head back to the hotel for help. We asked the other American family at the hotel what they thought we should do. We all decided that stitches might be in order under normal circumstances, but that the trauma and uncertainty involved wasn't worth the possible trauma involved. We pulled out the medical kit that I brought and tried to put together some sort of workable solution.

We prayed. Mom went to the lobby and asked if they had a medical kit. The concierge came up with a big metal box with some stuff in it. I asked him if he was trained. "Me? No.First time." He applied betadine and this medicine and wrapped it up. It was just a horrible, horrible feeling. I didn't know how to comfort him well enough. This kid has experienced so much in a few days and it was just traumatic. It was also a bit scary because we are just vulnerable without language skills. So, when you see Silas with a huge scab or scar on his forehead, just know that happened on my watch.

Hohhot Day 1 and 2

2011-05-17T01:35:00.003-04:00

We arrived at Hohhot without incident. Well, we don't do much without incident, but we arrived all in one piece.

I had been taking Ambien to help with the jet lag and sleeping issues and am certain that I was dealing with some pretty intense side effects. I was having really intense feelings of desperation and worry. It really was completely illogical. Anyway, that resulted in me not being able to sleep for more than about 15 mins of our first night here. Thank God, my Mom was feeling better and was able to carry the load for my sleep deprived self.

We met our guide at 9 am to do paperwork and make Silas officially ours. I had to do a short interview where I promised that Dan and I were going to care for him and not neglect or abandon him. Done!!

My mom and I decided to venture out with a map to try to find the "mall" where we could get some snacks. Those of you who know me and my directionally challenged tendencies should rest assured that is not a genetic trait! In spite of my mom's good map skills. We didn't take into account that there are no street signs and NO ONE speaks English. We did end up at the mall, which was 7 stories high and we had no idea where the groceries were located. We did find McDonald's! As a good American mom, I introduced Silas to his first happy meal. I ordered chicken nuggets with milk. The lady who spoke a little English said "you don't want milk, it's cold. I will give you a hot chocolate for him." I replied, "Milk is fine." She repeated. I repeated. She gave me chicken nuggets and a hot chocolate. My mom when up and exchanged the hot chocolate for milk. It was room temperature. Our guide told us that kids don't drink anything that is not hot. Silas liked the milk : ).

We had a restless night sleep. Silas slept like a champ. My mom and I would sleep a couple hours at most. We'd wake up watch a movie, read a book or listen to music and fall back asleep. Pretty sure our bodies just think it's a nap.

We went to the passport office today. Got some cute pics of Silas for his passport and stopped at the grocery store. Found some chocolate bars that might be our saving grace!

Silas at Shepherd's Field

2011-05-15T00:13:00.004-04:00

It feels like we’ve lived a life time in the last 12 hours. Pretty sure that has to do with the lack of sleep. Silas went to bed around 9 and slept through the night (relatively) until 5 am. I was already up and Skyping with Dan and the kids when he woke up. We have spent more time in bed than out of it, but not nearly enough of that time asleep. Silas and my mom are napping now. Pray for my mom, if you think of it. She is having some stomach issues and seems to be hit pretty hard with jet lag.

We were able to go visit the “house” at Shepherd’s Field , where Silas lived. It is a big compound with gates around it with buildings that house different kids, offices, therapy center, dining hall and guest house (I am fully aware that something is grammatically incorrect with that sentence, I lack the wherewithal to discover what – if it makes it to the blog without Dan correcting it, it will be a miracle).

note from Dan: now why did she have to go there : )

Anyway… we walked into the house and all the ayis (nannies) start clambering and yelling for him. He was so cute and pulled at his shirt to show them that he had new clothes on. The ayis continued to compete for his attention and try to get him to come to them for quite a while. We saw the crib that he slept in. Note to Sophie (she’s a faithful reader, ya know): One of the ayi’s pulled out the blue bear that you sent to Silas so he can bring it back home to you! I will sleep with it every night : ) . I mentioned to the ayis that he hadn’t eaten lunch. They were happy to feed him some congee. I got to see his personality a little more over there, where he is more comfortable. He is very personable and perhaps a bit demanding – don’t get me wrong, that is celebrated by me. He will need that where he’s going : ). All the kids in the house were trying to hold him and play with him. It was reassuring to know that he won’t be overwhelmed by any of the goings on at our house. We are leaving here at 5:30pm Sunday night (5:30 am back home on Saturday) to drive the hour back to the airport and head to Hohhot, where bright and early tomorrow morning we will get the wheels rolling to bring this baby home. I’d do a countdown, but I am WAY too confused about what day it is there vs here and how many days till I come home. You’d be amazed at the brain power I use up trying to figure that out.

Aimee's First (proxy) Post

2011-05-14T21:30:00.000-04:00

...and by that, I mean she authored it ; )

Flight & Day One:

The flight was pretty uneventful for the most part. Mom and I both tried to take some Ambien to be able to sleep for a chunk of time. No go. We were both just really tired, but couldn’t sleep sitting up. It was a rough landing. But, all in all, it wasn’t horrible.

We went through customs without incident, got our bags and met our driver, who would take us to the Shepherds Field (the orphanage where Silas’ lives). The driver spoke no English at all, so we had no idea how long it would take to get to the orphanage. It took about an hour. When we did finally arrive, Silas was standing in the courtyard waiting for us. I pictured us pulling up and going to find him where he was busy engaging in everyday activity and observing him in his element for a while - didn’t go down that way. Sara, the coordinator, held him for about 5 minutes and then said, “okay, I’m gonna hand him over to you. There is a crib in your room.” So, there you have it. He cried for a very few minutes and then was pretty quiet, but not crying. He slept great. Mom and I were up every couple hours, but managed to make it until 5ish before I got up to try to get in touch with Dan and the kids. We were able to Skype this morning once before Silas got up and then again when he could join the fun. We’ve had a few smiles and some good interactions this morning already. He will come to me and put his hands up for me to hold him, which is good.

I’m still feeling pretty weepy and emotional about being here without my family. Praying that I can be in the moment and just enjoy here now and at the same time praying it goes by really fast!

The First Pic!!!

2011-05-14T19:43:00.000-04:00

I figured I would put this one here. The rest of the pics will be on dropshots.com/sophiemei.

The whole family got to Skype with Aimee before dinner (about 5:30am there). She was obviously up early, but Silas was still sleeping. Then she "called" us back about 6:00 and he was awake. I'm not sure he knew what to think. Sophie just kept making silly faces and "performing". He did crack a few smiles - he thought Micah was pretty funny.

Can't wait to talk to them again...technology is amazing!

We're Here!

2011-05-14T08:43:00.000-04:00

Email from Aimee at 7:45am on Saturday:

We are at shepherds field. Silas was waiting at the gate for us when we got here. The co-ordinator handed him to me about 5 mins after that and said he is ours to care for : )

Letter of Approval

2011-03-08T20:11:00.000-05:00

We are officially approved by China to adopt Mr. Silas!! We were thrilled. Our approval came faster than they normally do! We are hoping for a speedy travel approval (prayerfully, we will have him in our arms by June at the latest) and then on to meet this adorable mug!! Those cheeks!!!

Sacrifice

2011-03-05T21:36:00.000-05:00

Sometimes I have moments where I can fall into the feeling that I've forced my older kids to sacrifice by adding little kids to our family. There are many things that we choose not to do in order to have a larger family. Disney isn't really in the budget. Quiet isn't in our near future. They are required to contribute more to household chores.

And then... there are moments like these...

I am literally frozen in my tracks...watching this bond. Her growing, maturing. Him being loved, taught, nurtured. Me - humbled. Sometimes (most times) the challenge provides growth.

How it starts

2011-02-22T17:20:00.000-05:00

I found this in my gmail archives the other day...I found it really funny, because, well...it was just about saving money....

and...the control we had over the timing...yeah, not so much : )

1:48 PM me: mary anne from whfc just sent me an email

if we get paper work post marked by tomorrow it saves us $400 over the course of the adoption. I am willing to work on it today

do you think it's worth it?

1:49 PM Dan: is there money involved in doing that?

1:50 PM me: $1600

Dan: whoa!

me: or $1750 after tomorrow

Dan: good to save money

me: then the next fee goes up a couple hundred too

1:51 PM Dan: originally, i thought it couldn't hurt to update the home study while audrey would be there because that would save money and would still give us the option to move forward

this will be a commitment that we're definitely in

not saying no...just now it's for real

1:52 PM me: ummmm

yeah

it's been real for me though

are you not there?

Dan: i was definitely getting there, but up until now, it seemed like i didn't need to "be there"

all the way

1:53 PM i want to do it

me: we still have control over the timing

we don't have to submit paperwork until we are ready

meaning home study

and CIS

1:54 PM Dan: do we need to send the $1600 in tomorrow?

me: ye[

yep

Dan: can we post date the check :)

is this thing on?

1:55 PM i just flew in from vegas and boy are my arms tired

try the veal?

me: what is happening?

was that your way of saying that was a joke?

Dan: i put a :) after the post date comment

1:56 PM me: uh huh but then you did a stand up routine

1:57 PM Dan: because you didn't respond and then i said "is this thing on"...you know, like a comedian that doesn't get a laugh

me: you didn't even give me a minute to respond

Dan: how much work do you need to do on the paperwork?

is it an application?

me: okay anyway sounds like waiting is what you want to do

yes

Dan: not necessarily

1:58 PM $1600 was just a little shock and like i said made it a firm commitment vs. let's keep going with little investment

1:59 PM can you get what you need done by tomorrow?

would i need to sign anything before work so it gets postmarked tomorrow?

2:02 PM me: i will have to print it

i haven't looked at it yet

10 minutes

2:13 PM me: you are cute

its mostly just signing your life away

and then there were 5

2011-02-21T19:21:00.000-05:00

I have no idea why I haven't blogged about this yet, but, it's time!

I spend (and have for quite some time) looking at special needs lists and advocate blogs. We were in the process of doing paper work for a special needs China adoption. Our agency had a policy that they don't match you with a child until you have a LID (log-in-date) in China. I was fully on board with this policy - it translates to less time waiting for a specific child and more time just general waiting. The hard, hard waiting is when you are looking at a picture of an adorable child. This was the plan. Until....

I saw this face!

I first saw this adorable face on a blog where a lady was advocating for some kids in China. This sweet boy shares a birthday with me. I just felt connected to him somehow. We switched agencies to pursue this little man. This is only the very beginning of the story though...more later.

Hearing Him

2011-02-10T17:27:00.000-05:00

I was able to attend Created For Care in Georgia this weekend. Such a great time! One of the speakers talked about teaching our kids to hear from the Lord the way Samuel did. It's as simple as asking them to listen for what God is telling them when you read a Bible story. Our conversations have been a little abstract to say the least, but it's a great exercise for kids to know that God speak through His word.

My sister-in-law had back surgery a few weeks ago, so we've been able to have some extra hang time with cousins. So fun all snuggled up and reading together. We are reading the Jesus Story Book Bible for the second time through with Sophie. Every story points to Jesus and refers to Him as "the rescuer". I love this Bible! Micah just saw the picture of the Bible on Amazon and says "Bible. Bible. Daddy read Bible." That kid is awesome!

*It was clearly bedtime. The bags under my eyes speak for themselves.

Congratulations to our "Squares" Winners and a BIG thank you to everyone who played

2011-02-07T11:20:00.001-05:00

Thanks again to everyone who played the Super Bowl squares game and contributed to the adoption fund. We are really blessed to have such great friends and family.

Below are the winners if anyone was curious.

Completed Squares

2011-02-06T13:33:00.001-05:00

Thanks everyone for playing. Below are the completed squares.

Good luck!

SQUARES...this time it's SUPER!!!

2011-01-28T14:09:00.000-05:00

It's the Big Game...the Super Showdown...the Fund-raising Phenom!

Super Bowl XLV. The Steelers going for their record setting 7th Championship vs. the Packers, the second oldest team in the NFL going for their 4th Super Bowl win.

The adoption of baby Silas is getting closer (hopefully around this summer). While we're excited, we also need to finalize the financial portion of the adoption. We had so much fun doing the Michigan vs. Michigan State Squares fund raiser, and we had a lot of great feedback on it as well. Most of all, we were so blessed by the funds that it raised to help with the adoption expenses. Here is a fun way to help raise funds, add a little extra interest to the game, and have a chance to win up to $500.

For those who don't know what "squares" is... It's simple really...and yet a little hard to explain. We will create a grid with 100 squares. Across the top, will be the Pittsburgh Steelers and 10 columns numbered 0-9 (randomly selected). Down the left side, will be the Green Bay Packers and 10 rows numbered 0-9 (randomly selected). For every $25 donation, your name will be randomly assigned to a square. That square will have a corresponding number at the top for the Steelers, and a corresponding number on the left for the Packers. See the grid below with the example names of Joe, Sue, Bob and Mary:
Based on the score at the end of each quarter of regulation time (for those non-football fans, there are 4 quarters in football), we will determine a winner for that quarter. That winner will receive $125, and will still have the chance to win in subsequent quarters - up to $500.

Looking at the above example, if the score at the end of the first quarter was Steelers 3 - Packers 0, Mary would be the winner because the Steelers score ended with 3 and the Packers ended with 0. Moving on, if the score at the end of the second quarter was Packers 7 - Steelers 3, Sue would win $125. If the score at the end of the third quarter was Steelers 10 - Packers 7, Bob would win $125. Finally, if the score at the end of the 4th quarter was Steelers 13 - Packers 7, Sue would actually win another $125.

Hopefully that makes sense. If you're ready for the fun, click the PayPal link below and donate $25 for every square you would like to purchase.

Enough

2010-11-27T22:39:00.001-05:00

I am struck by this FACT...

It is a worthy enough cause to raise children who love the Lord their God, who show Him to the world and who are secure in being His.

It is enough and also so much. What an overwhelming task to bring little (and big) people continually to the cross while trying to remain there myself. Each and every day, I fail. Multiple times. The hope is in getting back up and doing it all again tomorrow. The monumental task ever in the front of my mind. Enjoying the moments and the journey. They are a worthy task. Housework, Facebook, committees, meetings, sleep...all else can fall away. Staying in the moment and enjoying the moment will be my focus and joy this Christmas...daily renewal my saving Grace!

Quotes of the day

2010-11-22T15:39:00.001-05:00

Me: Seth, do you not like the Puffins cereal?

Seth: I do. It's just that you need molars to eat that. I don't have any right now.

Up next...a more intense adoption discussion

Sophie: I miss my mom

Me: ummm, I'm right here

S: No, my China mom

Me: Ohhh, well that's understandable (this is her first mention of her China mom)

S: What's her name?

Me: I don't know

S: Oh, only I know her name?

Me: I don't think so

S: I do. It is Rainbow Flower China Lady (a beautiful name to be sure)

2 years

2010-11-07T20:03:00.000-05:00

Two years ago I gazed on this face for the first time ever. I'm not gonna lie. My first thought was -- wow! that kid has some HUGE eyes! My life has changed so much since I looked at this face. My life is much, much louder. Micah has not let his three siblings overshadow him. I have an uber (my first time using that term - what do you think?) crush on this little MAN (his initials are MAN). Is there a maximum number of parentheses allowable in a sentence? I hope not. Micah is such a smart, usually happy kid. He is a lover. He is a hugger, kisser and a talker. He likes to repeat the last word of every sentence that everyone says. I got my first "I wuv you" from Micah the other day. Nothing will melt a mom's heart more.

Adoption is a funny beast sometimes. Some parents say that they fall in love with the child just looking at the picture. That wasn't really the case for me with either of my kids. It was a process of getting to know them and falling in love with their strength of character, their ability to make it through more in their short lives than some of us will in our entire lives.

I can't imagine my life without this loud, adorable, hilarious man!

Overwhelmed

2010-10-28T11:46:00.001-04:00

It's easy for me to get bogged down with all the hurt in the world. I can't stand to see a child in pain. My facebook is crowded with social justice messages. I am "friends" in real life and on facebook with many advocates. It's good for me to keep immersed in what life really looks like for people who are struggling with so much more than first world problems. My heart hurts for all that's wrong in the world. We are waiting to see what our answer to that call will be. In, the meantime...I am remembering...

Psalm 72:12-13

For he will deliver the needy who cry out,

the afflicted who have no one to help.

He will take pity on the weak and the needy

and save the needy from death.

He will rescue them from oppression and violence,

for precious is their blood in his sight.

Sophie is 5

2010-10-25T09:26:00.001-04:00

Please pretend to ignore the fact that is almost month after her birthday. We had a great party (by my super low standards). Sophie wanted a surprise birthday party. She planned it all out. She knew every detail of the party, but wanted everyone to yell "surprise" when she walked in. Major stager that one. We had a movie party a few days after her birthday with popcorn, candy and cupcakes. Super fun!

On the actual day of her birthday, Dan asks Sophie at dinner how her day went. Her reply was "It was mostly good, but Mom said one really mean thing to me." I wasn't quick to deny anything...it wasn't out of the question, but I didn't remember any altercations - which doesn't mean anything. Dan asked what the mean words were. Sophie's reply "She said - "let's get out of the car birthday pants." Super offensive. Point taken.

Excited to present....

2010-10-14T14:34:00.001-04:00

click on image above to enlarge

Our China-baby adoption shirts. We really struggled with what to put on a shirt. Dan and I are both well clothed in adoption/advocate garb. So, we've seen a lot of them. I really wanted this shirt to represent our hearts for the orphan. I wanted it to represent more than just adoption though. I wanted it to represent the fact that we are all called to Defend the Orphan. This will look different for all of us. But, it is a very real command.

Defend the cause of the weak and fatherless;
maintain the rights of the poor and oppressed.

Psalm 82:3

So, here are our shirts. We are doing pre-orders now. We will order on October 28th.

Please specify size, womens/mens cut and color of background (blue or pink) in the comments.

The Squares Are In!

2010-10-08T23:27:00.000-04:00

Thank you soooo much to everyone who participated in our fundraiser. We cannot thank you enough for being a part of this.

Winners are highlighted in red.

Click the grid to expand and find your name

Michigan vs. Michigan State "squares" adoption fundraiser

2010-09-29T21:57:00.000-04:00

If you're into college football, October 9th is one of the biggest games around, and one of the biggest rivalries in college football...the battle of 2 unbeaten teams...#17 vs. #18 . If you're not into college football, it's a fun way for a chance to win a little money (a $20 donation gets you 4 chances to win $100 - up to $400). Either way, it's an opportunity to pitch in and help raise some money for the Neal's latest addition.

What is "squares", and how does it work? It's simple really...and yet a little hard to explain. We will create a grid with 100 squares. Across the top, will be Michigan State and 10 columns numbered 0-9. Down the left side, will be Michigan and 10 rows numbered 0-9. For every $20 donation, your name will be randomly assigned to a square. That square will have a corresponding number at the top for Michigan State, and a corresponding number on the left for Michigan. See the grid below with the example names of Joe, Sue, Bob and Mary:
Based on the score at the end of each quarter of regulation time (for those non-football fans, there are 4 quarters in football), we will determine a winner for that quarter. That winner will receive $100, and will still have the chance to win in subsequent quarters.

Looking at the above example, if the score at the end of the first quarter was Michigan State 3 - Michigan 0, Mary would be the winner because Michigan State's score ended with 3 and Michigan's ended with 0. Moving on, if the score at the end of the second quarter was Michigan 7 - Michigan State 3, Sue would win $100. If the score at the end of the third quarter was Michigan State 10 - Michigan 7, Bob would win $100. Finally, if the score at the end of the 4th quarter was Michigan State 13 - Michigan 7, Sue would actually win another $100.

Hopefully that makes sense. If you're ready for the fun, click the PayPal link below and donate $20 for every square you would like to purchase.

Two!!

2010-09-20T04:13:00.000-04:00

This adorable boy turns two today. He is out on a date with Grammy right now. He affectionately calls her "Minga" (I have no idea). She is returning the favor. So, it's like their pet name for each other. Micah is a big fan of direct address, so if he says your name once, he says it a million times. Cute to hear him say "Minga" a hundred times.

Crazy thing about adoption...or at least me and adoption...when we first looked at Micah's pictures in the orphanage I thought "Yeah, he's cute. I've seen cuter." But, since we've been home with him and his personality buds and grows, so does my perception of his cuteness. This boy is intense! When he is happy, all is well. When he is mad...Look out world! Luckily for us, the happy is beginning out to win out over the sad. It hasn't been that way until now.

We aren't doing much to celebrate. It seems like we should be having a big party, but the truth be told...Micah would hate that. He's not a fan of crowds, even crowds of people he loves. So, we are staying low key. Seth's idea of a birthday treat for Micah was to give him straight juice. Not watered down. Now, that's really living it up!!!

My mind can't help but wander to what two years ago today looked like for Micah's birth mom. I wish she could see how he has grown and what an incredible boy he is. Such a bittersweet thing.

Happy birthday sweet boy!

What I would've missed...

2010-09-18T14:21:00.000-04:00

A friend told me about a conversation she had with another friend regarding our third adoption this week. The conversation was questioning if we had room in our "small house" for another child. This question is ridiculous on a lot of levels. First, I wish this person would bring their concerns directly to me so that I could address the issue myself. Secondly, this is the typical home in Ethiopia (or at least the region Micah is from). Not huge. I don't think we are doing him any harm.

Or, an orphanage in China. Is this a great place for a child to grow up?

But, most of all, I think about what I would've missed out on if I would have let my "small house" dictate my decisions. If I would've missed what God called me to. Look at these faces...do they look like they are missing out on a big mansion somewhere? No thanks. I will take my little house and my happy kids. You can keep your comfort and I'll keep the kids.

Footnote to my rant: I know full well that not everyone is called to adopt. That's not what I'm trying to say. Also, living in a big house isn't wrong. It's just the insinuation that I need to that is objectionable

cute kids

2010-09-15T13:41:00.000-04:00

Micah reading a little Greek mythology -- we home school. It's how we roll.
Sophie has this crazy need to look like a Chinese tourist for every picture. She is working it!
Micah seems to be settling down the insanity a little bit. As his language grows, his temper flares less. Thank God!!!

The balance

2010-09-09T10:05:00.000-04:00

He said to them, "Go into all the world and preach the good news to all creation.

For a while now, this has been my heart. To go into the world...abroad...global and find Jesus in the people there. Maybe it's naive to think that I really would just pack my belongings into storage, hop on a plane and go. But, that really is my instinct. Obviously, I have some "baggage" that I would bring with me (namely, four kids and a husband). So, for now, we are here. In a country filled with too much stuff, too much pride, too much entitlement. It begs the question, where am I finding Jesus here? I know He is here, just buried much deeper? Still looking.

Regularity:

2010-09-07T21:36:00.000-04:00

Regularity:

consistent or habitual in action
recurring at set times or functioning in a normal way
conforming to a standard or to a generally accepted rule or mode of conduct

I have never been, nor will I likely ever be called...regular. I am not consistent. I have very few habits. I don't do anything at a set time or for that matter function in a normal way. I don't really like standards. I don't conduct myself in a generally accepted manner.

All this to say...I am planning on blogging with some regularity. I want this to be a journal for my kids. So, I am committed to doing it with more regularity.

Let's see how this goes.

Happy Birthday!

2010-08-17T23:08:00.000-04:00

Makenzie turned 14 on Sunday. To say the time has flown by is a dramatic understatement. This girl is incredible! Not a day goes by when she doesn't ask "Can I do anything to help you?" She has such a caring heart and is such a gift to our family!! We love you, Makenzie Joy Neal!!

This girl

2010-08-11T09:33:00.001-04:00

Remember this? We had a visit to the neurosurgeon last week because Makenzie was having some pain in her back. Apparently there is a "spot" in the spinal column that they have been "watching". I am thankful that the Dr's didn't inform me that they were watching said spot. We've had a worry free couple of years. We go every six months for MRI's. December's scan showed the spot growing a bit. So, we go in on Monday afternoon for another scan to see if there has been significant growth. Makenzie turns 14 on Sunday. Nothing like a MRI post birthday bash. The Dr. doesn't think the tumor is the cause of the pain. He will likely refer us to an orthopedist after he evaluates the tumor. This girl will amaze and impress you. She had a moment of teary questioning on our way home from the appointment. We talked through waiting, knowing that God knows and she has been (seemingly) peaceful since. I've been listening to Francis Chan's Forgotten God. He talks about supernatural peace from God. This is what we are praying for as we wait.

The "Plan"

2010-07-03T21:24:00.001-04:00

Micah Awate Neal has been home with us for 17 months! How time flies when you have a young child screaming "NO!!!" a lot. We thought it was high time to do our 6 month follow up appointment with our social worker. Dan and I have been kicking around the idea of getting started on another adoption. We didn't really know where or when, but felt like it was probably just a matter of time and prayer. So, I thought we should be frugal! We can combine our 6 month follow up appointment with the social worker at the same time as we get our home study back up to date. After all, who wants to have an outdated home study at ANY point? I jest. I jest.

At the same time, I had been in contact with our agency discussing different options and countries. All the while, Sophie continues to pray every night "Dear God, Please give me a baby from China." So, we narrowed it down to China! On June 28th, I got an email from Mary Ann at Wide Horizons indicating that their fees will go up $400 on July 1st. So, if we wanted to save that money we should go ahead and fill out the first packet of information and pay our first installment. Remember our attempt at being frugal? I know in the big scheme of things $400 doesn't seem like a lot of money, but it all counts. So, we pressed onward. On July 1st, our social worker came and is now working on our home study. Somehow, we are back on the road again. I am excited about what God is going to do!!

Bible in a year

2010-06-07T20:37:00.001-04:00

In all my years of following the Lord, I have never done this! I have had several failed attempts. I read an article by Noel Piper today where she mentions the same problem. So, I feel good. At least I am in good company. I am tackling it now though. I started yesterday. The plan I am working from started on June 1. I caught up and am on track now.

When I read this book, they had a great suggestion. As you are reading through the Bible, you journal for your kids. I am doing this for Makenzie now. I bought a journaling ESV Bible. As I read through it this year, I will jot down notes that I feel she would benefit from. My first entry was based on this verse...

Noah was a righteous man, blameless in his generation. Noah walked with God.

I simply wrote: I pray this would be true of YOU. That you would be righteous, blameless in your generation and that you would walk with God.

It's a really neat way to connect with God and with your kids at the same time. Pray I will remain faithful to it!

Theology...

2010-05-24T23:09:00.000-04:00

Apparently, Sophie and her cousin, Erin have been talking a little theology. Dan and I were talking about the Lost finale. He was mentioning that the "flash sideways" were really after life. They took place in LA. So, I made the leap that LA is actually heaven? Are you buying that? Since we weren't talking to her, Sophie hears every word. She comments that Erin told her that not everyone goes to heaven when they die. They can go somewhere else. We proceeded to talk to her about praying to ask Jesus into "your heart". An interesting concept to explain to a four year old. Sophie prays aloud "Dear Jesus - please come into my house for a second -- I want to see what you look like". We ask - would you like to ask Jesus into your heart? Response? Not today. Don't worry...Dan closed it all with a rendition of Tomorrow by CeCe Winans.

2 minutes

2010-05-06T09:14:00.000-04:00

Of my life...Please feel free to mock my crazy talking...I do.

The big 1-2!!

2010-04-26T09:17:00.000-04:00

Seth turned 12 a couple weeks ago. He was my baby. Dan and I had a moment this weekend where we were playing cards with some friends. They were going home to a kid-free house and would be able to sleep in. Seth came to kiss us good-night and asks if he can watch tv after 9am. Makenzie comes to kiss us goodnight and says see you after 1pm. Then, we started over... That is completely not the point of this post though. Seth's birthday...remember?

Seth is the size of a grown man. He is wearing men's clothes, men's shoes, and smells like a man. But, he is a 12 year old boy. Dan and I got a lot of laughs about him getting a cell phone and an iron man mask probably designed for a six year old. He is an awesome big brother.

Fill my bucket!

2010-04-19T21:42:00.000-04:00

Sophie's pre-school has been reading this book. Sophie has been all about filling buckets. Well, about her bucket anyway. She did have a moment where she asked me if her "bad parts don't fill your bucket?" She spent a lot of time discussing how when Micah hits her it doesn't fill her bucket. Apparently, at class, Sophie made it very clear that watching tv with popcorn fills her bucket. Sophie's answer for most of the world's problems is to "watch a show". The first words out of her mouth in the morning and the last words from her mouth each day. It really is her love language.

2 steps back

2010-04-05T12:31:00.000-04:00

Micah has been having some really hard days lately. He is SUPER clingy. I wouldn't be exaggerating if I said that he called "Mommy!" 900 times a day. He is super shy around anyone new and crabby as all get out. He hits anyone who looks at him the wrong way. He wants to be held, but doesn't want to be held - all at the same time. He is just one angry elf! One of the hard parts of being an adoptive mom is that you don't know how much is developmental and how much is attachment related. We've had a really crazy couple weeks with travelling and visitors, so it could all be chalked up to that. But, I don't want to write it off and wish I would have done more sooner. So, I emailed this awesome blogger, Christine, who has a lot of experience with attachment issues. She confirmed what I already knew and encouraged me to take a few steps back in my attachment process with this sweet boy. I love the bloggy world! Thanks Christine!

Spring Break 20-10

2010-03-30T08:58:00.000-04:00

We had a chance to spend a week in the Big Easy (New Orleans) with Rob and Julie and kids. We had such a great week. Super relaxing - as much as can be with 9 kids. I won't mention the 17 hour drive one way and Micah's choice to limit himself to a one word/one volume vocabulary.... "Mommy!!!". I didn't mention that. We were a little bit of a walking freak show where ever we went, but that's why New Orleans is a great place to visit. Freak shows abound.

First Haircut Southern Style

2010-03-06T21:39:00.000-05:00

...the after shot

It's a tricky thing sometimes being a white mom of an African baby. I get a lot of comments about his hair. I talk about his hair a lot. There is a certain pressure - probably mostly in my head - to not ruin his hair. So, after a year of being home, we decided to trim the curls. I looked for a place around home to get Micah's hair cut. I was unsuccessful. I will leave my methods unmentioned for now. I certainly did not drive around on Tuesday afternoon saying "are there any black people in there?" to Makenzie. Thursday and Friday we made the trek to North Carolina. By the time we arrived, Micah's hair was completely matted to the back of his head from all the time in the car seat. My sister, Jennifer , recommended a barber shop where my nephew had gotten his hair cut. This place was a major throw back to the 50's. It was incredible! The barbers were hilarious and were super cute with Micah. We tried to get some good before and after pictures, but Sophie got a hold of the camera and was doing some major paparazzi work!

Sophie taking pictures of random patrons.
Here we go....
At least Mom is smiling!
My favorite! This is the guy who cut Micah's hair. He was obviously super happy about the photo shoot.

Cowboy Micah!

2010-03-06T21:33:00.000-05:00

Our church had a chili cook off tonight. Micah was putting on everyone's gear as we were taking it off. The froggy pj's are his!

What to do??

2010-01-10T21:14:00.000-05:00

I find myself spending time looking at adoption websites. It's a dangerous past time. My heart is drawn back to Ethiopia. I love the people. I love the country. I love the culture. I love China too. But, it is different. I love Ethiopia. But, then there is Sophie. She is praying daily for LoLo to bring home a China baby for her. Oh, and she should pick one up for us while she is there. A girl. We already have a boy baby here. So, my heart is torn. I have been thinking that we are ready for more - potentially. If the Lord told us that we were done, I'd be surprised, but I'd be okay with that. It's just where??

2009...in bullet points

2010-01-03T01:22:00.000-05:00

Caden, Micah and Cruz
Melia Serawit
Christmas card 2009

cuz i love me some bullet points.

traveled to Ethiopia
became a family of 6
welcomed a new nephew into the family
rid ourselves of one dog
entered the teenage parenting years
started directing a home school program
took 3 trips to Missouri to visit family
welcomed a new niece into the family
celebrated 3 years home with Sophie
rejoiced in 2 years tumor free with Makenzie
laughed heartily at Seth's constant antics
enjoyed watching Seth's first fencing tournament
felt incredibly blessed!!!

Cheesy, I know. But, also so true.

She's black just like Micah

2009-09-28T22:00:00.000-04:00

My sister Lauren got "the call" today. We have a beautiful niece waiting for her Mommy and Daddy in Ethiopia. She is just adorable. I can't wait until we meet her face to face. Sophie's comment when she looked at the pictures was "She's black, just like Micah". Can't get anything past her.

My fickle love affair with attachment parenting

2009-09-03T10:22:00.000-04:00

So, as my mom likes to say - we take a perfectly great sleeper and turn them into a mess. The problem with attachment parenting is that you need to get the kids to need you. Done. Now what? We have historically been putting Micah to sleep in our arms for his 2 naps and bedtime. I LOVE putting him to sleep. I love snuggling and smelling his sweet smell. This kid has killer baby smell! Anyway, as we approach a new school year with two middle schoolers and a pre-schooler the rocking to sleep luxury must go. So, we've been trying a new sleep technique. For two days I sat in the miniature chair next to his crib while he puts himself to sleep. There is minimal crying for the most part. This morning I moved the chair across the room. I am sitting by the door way this. Sophie is taking advantage of this time. She just walked in the hallway to show me the "surprise" she has for me - a raw egg. This parenting stuff just gets better and better.

Pictures

2009-08-15T18:12:00.001-04:00

Two of the sweetest kids I know
Sophie LOVES swimming!
Makenzie is a teenager!!

Addie is two!
Nothing like sharing a cold popsicle with a great friend on a hot day.
On of my favorite pictures!
Trying to be fancy. Love baby toes!!!

Defending the Orphan

2009-07-29T21:49:00.000-04:00

Tom Davis says about the movie Orphan:

I want to challenge my readers and friends to write 500 positive blog posts about how an orphan has impacted and changed your life. Post this on your own blog so that when people search for the movie, they are flooded with positive messages about adoption and orphan care.

Just finish this sentence: "Warner Bros. new horror movie Orphan proclaims that it must be hard to love an adopted child as much as your own. Let me tell you about how an orphan changed my life..."

A few thoughts:

If I'm totally honest, I am bothered by the thought of my children being called orphans. They are such a deep part of my heart, it seems ridiculous that they were orphaned before God gave them to us.
I am a completely different person than I was when we decided to adopt. My view of the world, God and my family have evolved in so many ways.
I often try to articulate my feelings and emotions surrounding adoption - I frequently can't put it into words. I wish I could explain to people who say that my kids are "lucky" to have been adopted, that the joy and love that I feel for them seems unfair in a way. It is surrounded by so much loss for them and their first families.
The intense love I feel for these children that were born on the other side of the world surprises me almost daily.
Nothing makes me smile quite like watching Sophie and Micah interact. These two kids are family, because they call the same person "Dad".

Sophie says...

2009-07-11T20:52:00.000-04:00

Sophie and I were laying down in an attempt to go to sleep. Most parents are familiar with this purgatory. You are exhausted and begin to fall asleep the second your head hits the sand and snot filled pillowcase. Meanwhile, your co-part is suddenly filled with extreme energy. So, Sophie was "trying" to go to sleep. (Observation: as long as you are constantly moving and talking - it will likely take a VERY LONG time). She reaches down to scratch a bug bite on her toe and this follows:

Sophie: "Mommy, did God make us inside or outside?"

Mommy: "Ummm, I don't know (the beginning to the majority of my answers). Outside, I guess.

Sophie: "Why he do dat? There's so many bug bites out dere."

The older set

2009-07-03T21:13:00.000-04:00

Seth with his cousins - all part of the boy's hair club.

These two get no press. Makenzie will soon celebrate her 13th birthday. She has all her requests made already...repeatedly. Seth wins the award for the most loveable pesky person. I am so proud of both of them. They both have such great hearts, especially for their younger siblings. We are blessed with some great kids!!

The teeth!!

2009-07-03T21:00:00.000-04:00

These teeth make me laugh out loud when I see them!

Where'd you come from?

2009-06-30T16:48:00.001-04:00

Isn't she gorgeous??

Sophie's answer to this question is always "I a baby I live in China. My nanny take care of me." People are generally asking a much more light hearted question, but I love that it is just part of her. She knows that she is Chinese (probably not what that means), and she is happy to tell the world!

Big Boy

2009-06-30T16:37:00.000-04:00

Micah has his first "big boy" food - avacado & watermelon
Micah pulling himself up at JuJu's house

Micah is growing up! Just this week he has started moving...forward. He has been scooting backwards for a few weeks, but he is on his way forward now. He is such a sweet baby boy. I can't remember what our lives were like without him.

I occassionally sit back and watch him and Sophie interact and just marvel at how good God is! I also find myself asking "what next?". Crazy huh? I guess that speaks to what a great baby Micah is and how well the other kids have meshed with him. I am excited to see what God has in store for us next.

Just Photos

2009-06-16T21:09:00.000-04:00

I FINALLY figured out how to make my pictures less blurry with my new camera. I was the paparazzi around here today. With the young ones away - I find it awkward how much the older ones want to pose for the camera (or stare in the mirror).

Tom Selleck

2009-06-16T20:48:00.000-04:00

Dan shaved his beard -- there was some talk of Stanley Cup Finals or some nonsense in there. Not sure what hockey has to do with his beard, but I digress. This is what he was sporting. I triple dog-dared him to keep it for three days. He was not up for the dare. It was real hard to take him seriously, so I'm glad it's gone.

Oh, the hair matched the 'stache - he's usually super cool.

NOTICE TO ALL KROGER SHOPPERS!!

2009-06-10T16:28:00.000-04:00

As of now, I will be finding a more culturally diverse Kroger to do my shopping. Or, perhaps I will wear a shirt that says either "Apparently, you think I can't see you staring at me, but I can" or "Yes, I do have an Ethiopian baby and a Chinese toddler and no I'm not trying to be Angelia Jolie". Seems like a lot to read while passing by, but for the length of time these people are staring at me. I might be ok.

It's almost summer!!

2009-05-27T12:02:00.000-04:00

We are excited to be almost done with school over here. My part is pretty well done. Both kids have a handful of math lessons left and then we are on break! I have been so impressed by what they learned at Classical Conversations this year. Seth improved his reading by 4 grade levels this year!!!!! He worked so hard and is loving reading now. Makenzie is approaching teenage-hood and all that entails. She has found a recent love for photography and really has a gift for it. I am amazed! The photo to the left is one of her creations.

Micah is doing great! He is so sweet and such a low key little man. Sophie is still in love with him and it is pretty mutual. He laughs when she walks into a room. Hopefully, that love will continue. I am so grateful for our family!

What is going on here??

2009-05-22T22:17:00.001-04:00

Since we've added an little Ethiopian man to the family, we've apparently taken things up a notch or two. The last couple times I have gone to the grocery store with both Sophie and Micah, I felt like people were staring at us. My last trip occurred at about 5:30pm -- okay, so I haven't been much of a planner since Micah's arrival -- I was walking out with Sophie behind me. Sophie is a Neal and that means that she talks CONSTANTLY. She had a bag of Funyuns that I let her get because I was trying to avoid a breakdown -- mine as much as hers. So, this man in a shirt and tie stops me and says "M'am, I am a principal in a Detroit public school, and I have to ask you - what is happening here? Help a brother out." Waving his hand around my kids. Keep in mind that nothing was "happening". My kids and I were simply walking out of the grocery store. I introduced Micah and Sophie as my children. He had a few questions about how I "got" Micah. Some people ask questions out of curiousity, some are interested in adoption, or know a family "just like ours" - not this joker. I don't know what his angle was, but he wouldn't leave me alone. I started walking out, I've got dinner to make afterall, and he follows me asking questions about why Madonna couldn't get a baby from there then. I try to be open to answering questions, but find myself irritated with some people who are so nosy and rude. I was reading an article that suggested putting it back on the other person by saying "why do you ask?". I need to remember that one.

Day of Firsts!

2009-03-31T15:07:00.000-04:00

Big day at the Neal home. Micah's first teeth broke through. You'd never even know - he is the most laid back little baby ever! He is so sweet, happy and ADORABLE!!!! Sophie's reasoning for Micah not being able to do things that she can is that he doesn't have teeth. We're a little nervous to tell her that the teeth are in. She's got a lot on the agenda for him!

Sophie got her first hair cut today too! She enjoyed herself. Marie and her boys, who are 2 days older than Micah and came home around the same time came to a hair cut/play date. It was crazy! (and fun!!)

Micah also took his first bath in the bath seat. He's been in the sink until now, but he is growing so fast. He doesn't really fit in the kitchen sink anymore. Sophie was really excited to have him in the tub with her!

Waste Management

2009-03-19T15:07:00.000-04:00

So, I am not a big fan of the diaper pail. I don't think they really keep any room odor free. This is my solution. The window is right next to the changing table. I had the plan before I even realized that there was a well outside the window that would hide my home made "diaper pail". Love it!

Recap - Take off!

2009-03-16T13:54:00.000-04:00

I usee this blog as a memory book for my kids more than anything, so I think it is important to blog our memories from our trip to Micah Awate.

We got up early for a 6am flight to JFK. We arrived at the airport to super long lines and LOTS of crabby travelers. We were met by the crankiest airline worker I've ever seen - and that says a lot. He kept shouting "I don't feel sorry for you! You should be here 2 hours before a domestic flight and 3 hours for international!" Just shouting that to the crowd in general - super big helper. The computers for people to do self check-in were not working - people were asking for help. Helpers were yelling at them. At one point the cranky airline worker says "What do these people think I am? Jesus Christ? I'm not a savior!" WOW!! I am glad he cleared that up - he was acting suspiciously like Christ would, so I was wondering....We were calmed by the fact that we had 24 hours in Dubai and we were willing to give up any of those hours. We were confident that any delays wouldn't interfere with our meeting with Micah. For some reason, the cranky man took pity on us and helped us checked in. We weren't charged a dime for luggage! What a blessing!

We arrived in Dubai around 8 am the next morning. I had paid attention to detail during this entire adoption process. Lots of details. Apparently, too many. I had no idea what hotel we were staying at or where it was located. Plus, I hadn't processed that we were getting there at 8am - the hotel wouldn't have a room ready until 3pm. We were exhausted and that sounded a little like torture. We found a travel agency that was willing to let us use her internet and get the hotel name off my email. We took a cab to the hotel. "For an minimal fee" we were able to check in early. Minimal is a relative term. We didn't do good calculations on the exchange rate. I was sure that we made the right decision. We ate breakfast, walked the hotel grounds a little and tried really hard to stay awake. We were mostly successful. There were a few points where we were sitting in the hotel lobby sleeping while waiting for our tour driver.

We took a drive in the sand dunes in a Land Cruiser. We were in a van with a couple from England and their three year old daughter, Alicia. They were great company and great medicine for a momma missing her babies at home.

The ride was crazy! It is like driving in snow and ice, but it's sand. Just to prove that I can sleep anywhere - I fell asleep during the ride a couple times. We slept the entire way back to the hotel and crashed! Tomorrow was the big day!!

On the other side....

2009-03-06T19:36:00.000-05:00

A few quick scattered thoughts....

We are home. Micah did AWESOME on the trip. I whined a lot more than he did!
His ears were fine - thanks for praying
This week has been great at home. Dan goes back to work next week. Hopefully, it will continue to go well here at home.
The whole thing feels like a complete blur - My personal theory is that no matter how much you try to savor the moments it is such an emotional thing that you end up feeling like a spectator.

Our case manager and social worker, Erica from Wide Horizons, was able to travel with us on our trip. She is an incredible photographer. These are a couple of her masterpieces.

* I can't get them in the right order - UGH! The bottom one is Dan and me on the way to the orphanage.

Pray for Micah

2009-02-25T13:20:00.000-05:00

Aimee's recent email:

We returned to the Horizon House from the birth family visit this afternoon. Micah has a ruptured ear drum! He has a lot of drainage in his ear. He is pretty mellow. So, I don't think he is in a lot of pain, but I am nervous about him flying home. Please pray that he will be healed so he won't be in pain for the flights!! We have him on drops and anti-biotics now.

Family Visit Update

2009-02-24T20:19:00.000-05:00

Here's the latest news:

We are safely in Awassa - hardly! It was a crazy trip - what else is new? We had the birth family visit. Wow! I am exhausted. Everyone cried - so crazy. I will give details when I can complete a thought.
When I went to kiss Awate goodbye this morning he was wearing a lavendar velour sweat suit, hood up - it said "tweet" with littlebirds on it. I cracked UP!!! I took a picture. Funny stuff.

Hopefully we'll get some more details tonight:)
Lauren

Birth Family Visit

2009-02-23T21:55:00.001-05:00

Aimee and Dan are on their way to meet Micah Awate's relatives. You can pray that this will be a great experience for both them and the birth family. I can't imagine how hard it would be as adoptive parents to express their gratitude to the birth family who has lost so much. Having to speak through an interpretter makes this difficult situation even harder. So we can pray that the Lord would amazingly bless their interactions with this family and that they'd receive information to pass on to Micah later in his life.

They are leaving Micah at the Horizon House with his nannies while they go on this trip. When they get back they will have Micah with them the rest of the time:) Hopefully all the paperwork stuff goes well and the Neal family will all be reunited on Saturday!

Thanks so much for all your prayers.

New Update

2009-02-23T08:42:00.000-05:00

Here's the email I received this morning. They're having a hard time with the accessing the internet. So whatever pictures they upload on dropshots we're lucky to have:)

The days are beyond long here! I am sure they will pickup a little, but we are in the small compound of the orphanage all the time. I took a walk to the Horizon House 2 where some of the older kids are. Every room you walk into the kids yell "Mommy! Mommy!" I had my sunglasses on and they all went crazy trying them on! It was so adorable. I ended up leaving the glasses there for kids to play with(someone brought them back later). The kids are just so loved and cared for and so adorable!

We went out for a bit yesterday and had our first encounter with kids begging. Wow! It broke my heart - obviously.

We are going to the embassy soon - I feel like I've written that 800 times, but it's the only thing planned. We are enjoying having time to bond with our little man and playing with all the other kids. You learn their names and fall in love with them too. Most of them are referred and have parents waiting to come get them.

Introducing Micah Awate

2009-02-21T14:09:00.000-05:00

Meeting Micah

2009-02-21T10:39:00.000-05:00

They met him!! Here's the email I got this morning. Warning, get the tissues ready:

~Micah is awesome! We walked in the room and he was laying in his bed with his big ole eyes looking around. I picked him up and he was ready with kisses and smiles! He even had a poop waiting for me! We hungout for a few minutes and ate lunch - all the meals are served at the orphange. He fell asleep in my arms. We just gave him a bottle and he did great. He is a super happy, mellow guy so far. He hasn't cried yet since we've met him. He loves to look at his hands. He puts them in front of him and just stares. He has been laughing when Dan tickleshim. He is better than I could have imagined! You guys will LOVE him.

Aimee also mentioned that she's been feeling dizzy since they landed in Dubai. Please pray that she feels better soon.

They are working on uploading pix to www.dropshots.com/micahawate

Guest blogger

2009-02-20T22:25:00.000-05:00

I didn't get full permission to write lots of updates, but she did give me the password so I figured I'd share what I know:) I'm Lauren, by the way, Aimee's sister. Here's the email I received from her early this morning (around 2am):

We made it! Our flight was super painless and very relaxing. We had monitors at each seat so we could watch tv shows and movies. The flight was pretty empty so we could also lay out in an entire row to sleep. Also, free drinks!!! There was a crazy guy behind us that literally talked for 12 hours straight. He ended up getting in a fight with the woman who was with him for talking too much! I was going to back her up if needed. We just checked into the hotel.
I feel weird when my arms and feet are showing around here. People will only address Dan - it's crazy. I just got an email that we will meet Awate's family on Tuesday. We will leave Addis at 6am and come back to Addis early Wednesday.
No idea if this is making sense...still very sleep deprived! Love you all and miss you!!!

I can't wait for tomorrow's update! I'm getting teary eyed just thinking about them finally being with Micah.

The comedian awaits....

2009-02-17T15:15:00.000-05:00

I have gotten a few emails from a lady who is adopting Awate's cribmate Tadele. It has been great to get some glimpses of his personality before we get there. Here are some tidbits...

~I took another picture of Tadele and Awate together. Awate is a riot. Constantly tugging on Tadele's clothing...as Tadele just sleeps. They are cute.

~Awate and Tadele are crib mates. Tadele is usually sleeping and Awate is Mr. Comedian. He has been awake more than Tadele (I was concerned about how much Tad was sleeping). All the kids have a bit of a stuffy nose/runny nose thing going on...that is the life a baby for you though. Aimee, he is total riot...he is full of smiles and interacts with his nannies and the other people in the room a lot. He was full of giggles the first night we were here. You are going to just eat him up.

Leaving in 36 hours!!

2009-02-17T14:13:00.000-05:00

We are on our way!!! Here is what our travels look like:

2/19 6AM Leave Detroit
2/19 8AM Arrive JFK
2/19 10:40AM Leave JFK
2/20 8AM Dubai time - Arrive in Dubai
2/21 8AM Leave Dubai
2/21 11:35AM Arrive Addis Abada - drive straight to Horizon House and meet Mr. Micah Awate Neal

This is how you can be praying for us....

the trip - health, safety,
the kids at home - peace, security
grammy and bubba - sanity!
Micah - that he won't be scared of the white people taking over his care
arrival home - adjustment for everyone!
I am struggling with not wanting to leave my kiddos. Those of you who had the pleasure of being around when I was 11 (or something - I have no memory) and was leaving to go to California with grandma can appreciate my apprehension. I just like to be with my people or have my people with me. I am considering therapy. Let me know your thoughts : )

Thank you!

ONE WEEK!!!

2009-02-12T14:02:00.000-05:00

One week from today Dan and I will be on a plane to Dubai for an overnight stay and then on to Ethiopia!! This wait has been so long and I have coped very well with a tactic called DENIAL! It's not serving me so well now that we are leaving in a week!

I am nervous, excited, scared, sad, happy, worried, thrilled, anxious and more nervous. I am worried about leaving my three kids home. But at the same time, excited to get my hands on Micah Awate Neal! I am nervous about our adjustment once we are home.

I know that once I fall in love with those sweet cheeks and baby breath all the rest will fade away! I'm comin' baby....

Official Introductions

2009-01-30T22:46:00.000-05:00

We received this email from our agency yesterday:

We are thrilled to be able to share with your family that your case has been approved in court! With the approval from the Ethiopian courts, this means that your adoption is full and final in Ethiopia and you are now the legal parents of your child. This is quite a milestone in your adoption journey. We encourage you to take a moment to celebrate this good news!!

With no further ado....Micah Awate Neal or Micah Awate Daniel Neal....thoughts?

Are those not the most kissable cheeks EVER???

I will be kissing them on Feb. 21st and everyday there after!!!!

Winter

2009-01-30T22:38:00.000-05:00

This is what I have been looking out at for weeks now....

Luckily...This is what is on the inside...

Chinese New Year!!!

2009-01-30T22:30:00.001-05:00

We had an informal Chinese New Year celebration this year. We don't really celebrate "gotcha day". I think it is complicated with bio kids and adopted kids. So, CNY is really the time that we celebrate Sophie and her heritage. I can't believe how fast another year has gone. She is just such a sweet, funny, spirited little girl!

*Sophie took the latern decoration and decided it was a hat.

The end

2009-01-07T16:14:00.000-05:00

Remember this? I am back in this space. I am trying hard to be optimistic and tell myself all the things that are I know are true. Sometimes it works. This week has been hard.

*I've tried 10 times to post a clever picture of an "end of the road sign". It won't work.

Missouri

2009-01-06T11:46:00.000-05:00

Our normal tradition is to head to Missouri to celebrate Christmas the day after Christmas. For the last two years, we haven't made it there. In 2006, we had just returned home from China with Sophie and weren't up for a road trip. On December 26, 2007, Makenzie went in for an MRI because of leg pain, where they discovered a tumor on her spine. She was admitted into Children's Hopsital that day. She had surgery on the 28th and another the second week of January. We were packed and ready to go to Missouri. Needless to say, our trip was postponed. We were celebrating being stable enough to travel this year. We had a great visit with all the Neals. I wasn't great about taking pictures, but here are a few...

Christmas!

2009-01-06T11:05:00.000-05:00

We had a great Christmas!! It was full of excitement. We for the first time EVER successfully accomplished reading an Advent book and actually finished on Christmas morning! We read Barthlolmew's Passage and really enjoyed it! Sophie opened baby Micah's presents for him. We felt his absence for sure! Hopefully soon...

For credit...

2008-12-12T19:03:00.000-05:00

When I'm dead and gone (parenting 3 year old and 12 year old girls simultaneously is sure to put me in an early grave) I would like it noted that I tried to be fun. It rarely worked, but I tried.

"We" made Christmas cookies this week. The kids did all the work on their own. They did an awesome job! I did help with the eating. I do what I can...

Sophie Bear

2008-12-07T20:19:00.001-05:00

Julie brought this bear for Sophie at Thanksgiving. It is the softest, sweetest little bear. It has 2 different textures to it and has the China flag on it's foot! It is a great celebration of Sophie's Chinese heritage and is another way that we have been able to embrace the story of how Sophie came to be a part of our family! We are always looking for natural ways to talk about our journey to Sophie. This bear provides us another way. We can point to the flag and say this is China and Sophie

will tell us that is where she was born.

Please check out these awesome bears and other great items here!

2008-12-07T20:05:00.000-05:00

I got this report from a woman with our agency, who went to visit her baby in Ethiopia. She sent a few pictures and this info. It is so great to have the smallest details about someone who has become such a huge part of our lives in a such a short while. I think this is what she is referring to by the eyebrows : )

Awate is delightful. He's tiny, tiny, tiny. Can on occasion be a little fussy. But usually only crying when he's hungry. He's like a little man complete with a HEAD just full of hair. When he's concentrating, cutest thing in the world ... he knits his eyebrows together you can just imagine how he will DO THE EXACT SAME thing when he's an adult. The nannies say he's very serious. He's got gorgeous soft skin and a KILLER smile. He loves the belly rub and and ear message. He gets the giggles. Very sweet little boy. Hope this helps.
Pictures DON'T BEGIN TO DO HIM JUSTICE!

Two Years!!

2008-12-04T21:14:00.001-05:00

Two years ago today we met Sophie Mei for the first time! What a difference two years can make! We all fall more in love with her everyday...

Micah's room

2008-12-01T17:09:00.000-05:00

Julie decorated Sophie and Micah's room this weekend. I'd like to say she helped me, but I was the assistant - I am clueless. She isn't a decorator, but she could play one on tv. It turned out so cute.

I've got a few more details to fill in on the changing table/dresser, but I love it so far! Thanks JuJu!!

Thanksgiving

2008-12-01T17:02:00.000-05:00

Rob, Julie, Caleb, Josie, Rylie and Caden came to spend Thanksgiving with us. We were reminded daily (literally by Julie - that we have babies waiting for us in an orphanage in Ethiopia). Their absence was felt. We can't wait to spend next Thanksgiving with you Cruz and Micah. We had such a relaxing Thanksgiving. Most of us never even got out of our jammies! Dan and Rob got up early and ran the turkey trot. The race proved to be easier than locating the car after the race...those two are quite a pair.

The CALL!!!

2008-11-11T22:38:00.000-05:00

We got the call yesterday!!! This was our first "call" really. With our first adoption, we choose Sophie from a list of children (weird and distasteful - I know), so WE called them. We would have had a "call" for our travel approval but I had a little problem at that time. If I'm honest, there was nothing little about my problem. I figured out (with the help of my enabling adoption friends) that I could call DHL and track packages from Beijing to our agency. I called pretty regularly. So, I knew that our travel approval was on it's way to our agency before our agency. I told you I had a problem. I went to therapy - I'm over it. Just kidding - about the therapy.

Back to yesterday. The kids and I were on our way home from running some errands. We have all been fighting nasty cold/sinus infection crud around here, so Dan was on his way home early. Keep in mind that early is a relative term. It was 4:45ish. My cell phone rang just as I was turning into our neighborhood. I noticed the 781 area code. My heart did a little jump, but I figured it was just a call about paperwork since it was late in the day. Maryanne asked how I was and then said that I was about to be even better. I did the customary "No!No!No!" Not sure what that is about - not like I've been waiting for this for 15 months or anything. To quote Makenzie "My mom then became the most patient person in the world". Overstatement, maybe. I told Maryanne that since Dan was home I would call her back when he could be on the call. She very graciously says that she won't get on the phone and will answer when I call back. A nicer person would have left it there. I had to throw in "Don't make me keep calling you - answer your phone". As if she didn't just say that. It was the crazy talking. We all went running in the house looking for Dan. NOT HERE! We tracked him down at a friends house and the rest is history.

Our baby boy was born on September 20, 2008. He is only 7 weeks old and is the most beautiful little thing.

I gave you a little glimpse up at the top - who am I kidding? Anyone reading this either has or will email me for a full picture. We are so happy and a little in shock! Bring on the travel!!!

Big Day!!

2008-10-28T12:47:00.000-04:00

"A boy that is 0-18 months old 8/8/2007"

Our agency puts out a list of who is next on the waiting list. Guess who it is?? US! We are next on the list for an infant boy! We are cautiously optimistic!

Rob and Julie got the call yesterday. We were all floored. After waiting for 15 or so months, it seems like a good concept, but not reality. I can't post pictures, but take it from me. He is adorable!!

We're next...we're next!!!

My baby is 3! - but don't worry there's another on the way!

2008-10-05T22:26:00.001-04:00

We celebrated Sophie's 3rd birthday quietly this year. She was sick on her birthday which is so sad because for the last 5 months whenever anyone told her no about anything she would reply "Maybe for my birthday?". She was just so excited for that day. She woke up just not feeling well. She was mostly over it by that evening. We celebrated on Sunday evening at the park with family. Check our her mosquito bites on her forehead while she is "working" on her computer. She is a favorite among the flying pest population.

The first picture is Sophie on her 2nd birthday. Her hair is growing - just slowly. We've had such a great year with our little girl. She has changed so much in one year. She LOVES Dora and all things Dora. She says that she is Boots. The rest of us are assigned different roles on different days. Her brother and sister are head over heels in love with her. I would have thought that after 2 years the honeymoon would be over. Not even close. She just has a way of winning people over. She is just such a sweet, funny, smart little girl.

I spoke with one of our social workers at our agency. She thinks we will have our referral for our little baby boy before the end of the year! We are excited and anxious to see his face for the first time!

Go

2008-09-19T21:41:00.000-04:00

Read this post on my sister's blog.

She says it better than I can...

Watch for details... we've got some stuff "blowing in"

First Day - not really, but I forgot to take pictures before...

2008-09-13T16:49:00.000-04:00

Seth has quite a progression of happiness. Let's just say that there was a bodily function involved in the cracking up in the last picture -- it's big in the 10 year old crowd.

Haiti

2008-09-13T15:14:00.000-04:00

There are a couple GREAT blogs that I read. They serve to keep my perspective in line. I am sitting here listening to the rain fall. In the back of my mind are these families that have been displaced - they can't hop in the car and move to a safe location. Their lives were far more difficult than mine will ever be. Please pray and consider donating to this very worthy cause.

I know that the LORD secures justice for the poor and upholds the cause of the needy. Psalm 140:12

RHFH Rescue Center

Click on the name above to see what awesome work they are doing and what destruction they have seen from the hurricanes.

Pre-School

2008-09-11T16:57:00.001-04:00

Sophie had her first day of pre-school today. She was so cute, I could hardly stand it.

Home School

2008-09-09T15:13:00.000-04:00

Apparently, I am funnier in my own head. I know, I know, that goes without saying. We decided to home school again this year. We home schooled for the '005/'06 year. Last year the kids went back to public school, but we really felt like we should give it another go. Anyway, I have an ongoing joke with some ladies about home school moms wearing denim jumpers and being a little socially awkward. I know it isn't nice - if you know me that is no surprise. So, I was meeting said ladies for lunch. I decided to take a trip to the resale shop first. I arrived in my denim jumper and bow in my hair. They were pretty shocked and didn't really know what to say. Again, I am funnier in my head. Oh well, I got a good laugh out of it.
- A few random pics. I will take a few more in the next couple days.

Everyday

2008-08-23T10:41:00.000-04:00

Sophie says "AAAACHHHOOOO"

"Someping made my nees"

Translation: Something made me sneeze

Super cute!

Adoption Update

2008-08-22T15:13:00.000-04:00

There really is no update to speak of, but I fear my little man will look back on this blog one day and wonder if we thought of him. The answer is YES!! Every single day, sweet boy. I write things on my calendar wondering if today will be the day that you are born half way across the world. I wonder what your first mommy is going through right now. What decisions she is making and turmoil she is feeling. I think about our trip to finally meet you, the day we first see your face, what you will look like, what name you've been given. Though it's hard for us to wait for you and some days I get frustrated and irritated with the waiting, it's important for me to remember the journey you are one with your first family and not wish away the days for you to be together with them. We are waiting here for you though, sweet boy. When the time is right, the Lord will bring us together.
Anxiously,

your mommy

Happy Birthday Kenzie K!!!!

2008-08-15T16:29:00.001-04:00

The three of us the day after Makenzie Joy Neal entered the world and 12 years later. I look slightly less Asian right? She is a joy and a blessing to our family! We love you sweet girl!

Camp

2008-08-13T15:21:00.000-04:00

We had a great time at camp last week. Makenzie and Seth were campers. Dan counseled for Seth's cabin. Sophie and I did a little work, but mostly play. Dan is finally caught up on his sleep. He had a long week with little sleep, but still says that he would do it again, so it can't be all bad right?

Good News!

2008-08-07T20:31:00.000-04:00

Makenzie's Dr finally called on Tuesday to say that there was no sign of a tumor. He wondered why I had left him a message - "was she having problems?" Ummm - no, that would be me having problems waiting for you to call. Next time I will know that no news is good news! Thanks for all of you who have been praying for us. I hope to be a more faithful waiter next time!