September 18, 2013. I sent the Good Doctor to the pediatric ophthalmologist with Victor that day. He called me on the way home,
"The doctor says Victor is completely blind."
I never did like that doctor but I'm not sure if it's him or his message.
But here we are, 3 years later.
That doctor didn't know the power of prayer because around 1 year of age he showed signs of light perception and a year later he held a book to his face and told me which one it was.
And then we learned that blindness was the least of his troubles.
So now we pray for breakthrough in behavioral issues. And while the day-in-and-day-out is wearying and looks like we've made no progress, we have.
When he chooses to to bang his foot rather than his head, we've made progress.
When he responds to someone's hello not with a yell but with a quiet and polite, "I really don't want to talk right now," we've made progress.
When he allows us to comfort him after a fall rather than hitting us and yelling, we've made progress.
When he says, "Yes, Mommy," and follows through with my request rather than defiance, we've made progress.
We are exceedingly thankful for the number of wonderful people who have come into our lives because of Victor. And on my good days, I'm thankful for the lessons I am learning through Victor's diagnosis. Love, grace, joy, patience, and compassion have all been cultivated in this journey as has empathy for others walking a similar journey. And if this is what it takes for me to become more like Jesus, then this is the path I will walk.
Happy Diagnosis Day, everyone!
Showing posts with label Victor. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Victor. Show all posts
Sunday, September 18, 2016
Tuesday, September 6, 2016
Pretty School
Well, if you were looking for an update on Victor's first morning at pretty school, here it is...
He survived. And so did I (but barely). Team Victor was missing only his OT (and that was because we decided that we didn't need one more person in the room today).
Arrival was shaky. we decided to skip the putting the backpack on the hook part of the routine. Not happening.
And who was worried about whether or not he'd use the potty at preschool? (Me.) Within the first five minutes, everyone in the room knew that Victor was headed for the potty. Success. Publicly.
But it's not as if all of their eyes and ears weren't already on him because his entrance at the end of circle time was an entertaining one. There was going to be no Victor in that compliant circle-sitting group. And he let it be known by not just a little bit of yelling and head banging and floor rolling.
Free play found him throwing little colored glass beads (from the light table - no surprise that this is the first object that caught his eye) and swiping the whole basket of crayons right off the table (my apologies to the little girl from our church - and her parents - who saw the whole crayon episode and looked at me with horror). Oh, and sneaking a bit of play-doh down the hatch.
He told his TVI to shut up and when she told him that it hurts her heart when he says that, he whispered it. Maybe words can only hurt when they are spoken loudly?
Sensory and anxiety and frustration overload came at snack clean-up when he was a bit confused about where to put his cup (dish pan) and napkin (trash can). So, he and his behavioral specialist spent a few minutes in the cubbies (where Victor ended up) while Victor yelled and rolled and banged his head. Out in the main area, the rest of Team Victor decided that I would just take him home when he was done but after 7 minutes (yes, we counted), he sat up and nicely placed his things where they belonged and announced that he was going to join the rest of the children on the playground. So we did.
And there were some glimmers of hope.
After the throwing incident at the light table, Victor decided to play McDonald's with me. I was able to get him to play McDonald's with the other child and student teacher who were also there. The other little girl was a beautiful example of the graciousness of children; she didn't miss a beat and ordered herself some McDonald's chicken which Victor happily supplied to her.
He joined a few children at the housekeeping area. Of course he then picked up a pretend pot and banged it on the table. Then another child joined in. Who says Victor isn't a leader? They'll all be accomplished drummers by the end of the school year.
He voluntarily joined the line-up for pre-snack hand-washing, found an empty chair on his own, and sat down nicely for all of snack. At this point all of Team Victor was a bit misty-eyed.
And he had a lovely time on the playground.
On the way home, when there were a few tears shed (mine) he told me to calm down and take some deep breaths.
Funny, that's what I used to tell him in the NICU.
And tomorrow we get to do it all again.
He survived. And so did I (but barely). Team Victor was missing only his OT (and that was because we decided that we didn't need one more person in the room today).
Arrival was shaky. we decided to skip the putting the backpack on the hook part of the routine. Not happening.
And who was worried about whether or not he'd use the potty at preschool? (Me.) Within the first five minutes, everyone in the room knew that Victor was headed for the potty. Success. Publicly.
But it's not as if all of their eyes and ears weren't already on him because his entrance at the end of circle time was an entertaining one. There was going to be no Victor in that compliant circle-sitting group. And he let it be known by not just a little bit of yelling and head banging and floor rolling.
Free play found him throwing little colored glass beads (from the light table - no surprise that this is the first object that caught his eye) and swiping the whole basket of crayons right off the table (my apologies to the little girl from our church - and her parents - who saw the whole crayon episode and looked at me with horror). Oh, and sneaking a bit of play-doh down the hatch.
He told his TVI to shut up and when she told him that it hurts her heart when he says that, he whispered it. Maybe words can only hurt when they are spoken loudly?
Sensory and anxiety and frustration overload came at snack clean-up when he was a bit confused about where to put his cup (dish pan) and napkin (trash can). So, he and his behavioral specialist spent a few minutes in the cubbies (where Victor ended up) while Victor yelled and rolled and banged his head. Out in the main area, the rest of Team Victor decided that I would just take him home when he was done but after 7 minutes (yes, we counted), he sat up and nicely placed his things where they belonged and announced that he was going to join the rest of the children on the playground. So we did.
And there were some glimmers of hope.
After the throwing incident at the light table, Victor decided to play McDonald's with me. I was able to get him to play McDonald's with the other child and student teacher who were also there. The other little girl was a beautiful example of the graciousness of children; she didn't miss a beat and ordered herself some McDonald's chicken which Victor happily supplied to her.
He joined a few children at the housekeeping area. Of course he then picked up a pretend pot and banged it on the table. Then another child joined in. Who says Victor isn't a leader? They'll all be accomplished drummers by the end of the school year.
He voluntarily joined the line-up for pre-snack hand-washing, found an empty chair on his own, and sat down nicely for all of snack. At this point all of Team Victor was a bit misty-eyed.
And he had a lovely time on the playground.
On the way home, when there were a few tears shed (mine) he told me to calm down and take some deep breaths.
Funny, that's what I used to tell him in the NICU.
And tomorrow we get to do it all again.
Wednesday, January 20, 2016
Victor update
Victor is in bed; down for a nap. And this is a good thing. It means I have 2 hours of hopefully uninterrupted time. Time to sew or read or do laundry or make supper or - well, to do anything without Victor. And to do so without listening to Johnny Cash
Yes, without Johnny Cash. I suppose the guy's okay but listening to him all day long can be a bit too much. I blame The Good Doctor for introducing the Little Man with Black Hair to the Man in Black. Now we have to listen to him constantly, identifying when he is singing with a guitar and when he is not. When we hear drums and when we do not. And if it's a song Mr. Victor does not recognize, then I have to answer the question a hundred times or more, "Is this Johnny Cash?" Yes, Victor, don't you recognize his voice? "Is that his voice?" Yes, Victor, that is his voice. It is Johnny Cash. And Heaven forbid that youtube switch us to June Carter Cash!
Don't get me wrong. We love Victor. I love Victor. But life with Victor is unlike life with any of the other children in this house. And yes, I do know that each child is unique. But for the most part, things have been pretty cookie-cutter. And this one is just more unique than the rest.
The other children learned pretty quickly that temper tantrums would get them nowhere. And banging their own head or biting their own arm during a tantrum would hurt so they would do it once and never again. Not this child. He seems to need the release of these self-injurious behaviors. I am open to suggestions but I can tell you that ignoring, reverse psychology, offering a pillow, creating a safe and cushioned area, picking him up, snuggling him, etc. do not work. Well, the last two keep him from hurting himself but then he kicks me so not necessarily the best alternative. Unless we're in public because most other people prefer to see a child hurting his mother than hurting himself. The reaction is far better if I'm being kicked or have a bloody lip than if he is banging his own head. Go figure.
I have potty trained 6 other children at age 2 and have been successful in the process (yay, me!). Yes, 6 of 6 are completely trained. Surprised? 1 came to me trained. Child #8, however, is now on Week 39 (give or take a few weeks and breaks for my sanity) with only an average of 60% success on a daily basis. I have promised my mother, mother-in-law, and the nursery workers plenty of rewards for sending him home trained but obviously no one is taking me seriously. And so I clean the pee off the floor. Again. Happily, of course. No, not happily, but joyfully. Because we do love our Mr. Victor.
We love his smile.
And his sense of humor.
His snuggling and his hugs and kisses.
And most of all, I think I love his conversations.
He used to always tell us he had a question but would usually follow-up with a statement. So Eden told him that he should tell us he had a statement instead. So now he tells us he has a statement. Usually it's something un-profound like, I am going in the den. Great, Buddy, and have fun. But now he seems to know the difference so I'll get a conversation something like this:
Victor: Mommy, I have a question to make.
Okay, what is your question?
Victor: No, I have a statement and a question.
Okay, what is your statement?
Victor: I am going outside.
I don't think so; it's freezing outside. What is your question?
Victor: Are we going to a store?
No. Again, it's freezing outside and besides, your mother is an introvert and prefers to stay home. Is that okay?
Victor: Yes.
Whew!
He also uses this tactic to make requests.
Victor: Mommy, I have a statement.
Okay, what is it?
Victor: I am having chocolate.
No, I don't think so but good try and thank you for being polite.
And sometimes he uses our methods against us in conversation. A few months back, he was having trouble with transitions (trouble is not quite the right word here, think: all out knock-down, drag out, self-injurious bang-fest). One of his therapists suggested that we use specific words like "first" (while moving his left hand in a downward motion) and "then" (while moving his right hand in a downward motion) so he would learn that what he wanted was coming but that first we had to do something else. So, it might go like this, "First (moving left hand down) we will put your shoes on. Then (moving right hand down) we will go outside."
It didn't take him long to figure out how this worked so he would use this to tell me what he wanted, "First we go to the pool. Then we go to McDonald's." Umm, no, you have me confused with your father. So he'd try another tactic. "First we put shoes on. Then we go to the pool." Ummm, no, still wrong. I'm not taking you to the pool today.
Cue temper tantrum.
But we're learning. Mr. Victor has some major sensory needs going on. Head banging and biting are obviously sensory releases for him but inappropriate releases so we need to find other ways for him to use his body and his upper body muscles in particular. He does enjoy the pool so we try to get to the YMCA a few times a week. Wearing a swim vest he has figured out how to float and "swim" and would probably spend all day there if we let him. He also now has a sensory area in part of the basement with his own ball pit, slide going into the ball pit, Hippie-beads in the doorway (he calls it his shower), a light switch he can reach and turn on-and-off to his heart's content (until a sighted person yells for light), a cocoon swing, a tunnel, and a rope ladder. Oh, and a padded floor to keep us all from having heart attacks at the sight of him taking risks with his gross motor skills.
So, Mr. Victor, keep on being you. You have been victorious and you will continue to be victorious. Thank you for teaching so much about faith and trust and loving through the hard.
Yes, without Johnny Cash. I suppose the guy's okay but listening to him all day long can be a bit too much. I blame The Good Doctor for introducing the Little Man with Black Hair to the Man in Black. Now we have to listen to him constantly, identifying when he is singing with a guitar and when he is not. When we hear drums and when we do not. And if it's a song Mr. Victor does not recognize, then I have to answer the question a hundred times or more, "Is this Johnny Cash?" Yes, Victor, don't you recognize his voice? "Is that his voice?" Yes, Victor, that is his voice. It is Johnny Cash. And Heaven forbid that youtube switch us to June Carter Cash!
Don't get me wrong. We love Victor. I love Victor. But life with Victor is unlike life with any of the other children in this house. And yes, I do know that each child is unique. But for the most part, things have been pretty cookie-cutter. And this one is just more unique than the rest.
The other children learned pretty quickly that temper tantrums would get them nowhere. And banging their own head or biting their own arm during a tantrum would hurt so they would do it once and never again. Not this child. He seems to need the release of these self-injurious behaviors. I am open to suggestions but I can tell you that ignoring, reverse psychology, offering a pillow, creating a safe and cushioned area, picking him up, snuggling him, etc. do not work. Well, the last two keep him from hurting himself but then he kicks me so not necessarily the best alternative. Unless we're in public because most other people prefer to see a child hurting his mother than hurting himself. The reaction is far better if I'm being kicked or have a bloody lip than if he is banging his own head. Go figure.
I have potty trained 6 other children at age 2 and have been successful in the process (yay, me!). Yes, 6 of 6 are completely trained. Surprised? 1 came to me trained. Child #8, however, is now on Week 39 (give or take a few weeks and breaks for my sanity) with only an average of 60% success on a daily basis. I have promised my mother, mother-in-law, and the nursery workers plenty of rewards for sending him home trained but obviously no one is taking me seriously. And so I clean the pee off the floor. Again. Happily, of course. No, not happily, but joyfully. Because we do love our Mr. Victor.
We love his smile.
And his sense of humor.
His snuggling and his hugs and kisses.
And most of all, I think I love his conversations.
He used to always tell us he had a question but would usually follow-up with a statement. So Eden told him that he should tell us he had a statement instead. So now he tells us he has a statement. Usually it's something un-profound like, I am going in the den. Great, Buddy, and have fun. But now he seems to know the difference so I'll get a conversation something like this:
Victor: Mommy, I have a question to make.
Okay, what is your question?
Victor: No, I have a statement and a question.
Okay, what is your statement?
Victor: I am going outside.
I don't think so; it's freezing outside. What is your question?
Victor: Are we going to a store?
No. Again, it's freezing outside and besides, your mother is an introvert and prefers to stay home. Is that okay?
Victor: Yes.
Whew!
He also uses this tactic to make requests.
Victor: Mommy, I have a statement.
Okay, what is it?
Victor: I am having chocolate.
No, I don't think so but good try and thank you for being polite.
And sometimes he uses our methods against us in conversation. A few months back, he was having trouble with transitions (trouble is not quite the right word here, think: all out knock-down, drag out, self-injurious bang-fest). One of his therapists suggested that we use specific words like "first" (while moving his left hand in a downward motion) and "then" (while moving his right hand in a downward motion) so he would learn that what he wanted was coming but that first we had to do something else. So, it might go like this, "First (moving left hand down) we will put your shoes on. Then (moving right hand down) we will go outside."
It didn't take him long to figure out how this worked so he would use this to tell me what he wanted, "First we go to the pool. Then we go to McDonald's." Umm, no, you have me confused with your father. So he'd try another tactic. "First we put shoes on. Then we go to the pool." Ummm, no, still wrong. I'm not taking you to the pool today.
Cue temper tantrum.
But we're learning. Mr. Victor has some major sensory needs going on. Head banging and biting are obviously sensory releases for him but inappropriate releases so we need to find other ways for him to use his body and his upper body muscles in particular. He does enjoy the pool so we try to get to the YMCA a few times a week. Wearing a swim vest he has figured out how to float and "swim" and would probably spend all day there if we let him. He also now has a sensory area in part of the basement with his own ball pit, slide going into the ball pit, Hippie-beads in the doorway (he calls it his shower), a light switch he can reach and turn on-and-off to his heart's content (until a sighted person yells for light), a cocoon swing, a tunnel, and a rope ladder. Oh, and a padded floor to keep us all from having heart attacks at the sight of him taking risks with his gross motor skills.
So, Mr. Victor, keep on being you. You have been victorious and you will continue to be victorious. Thank you for teaching so much about faith and trust and loving through the hard.
Monday, November 17, 2014
What can Victor see?
What can Victor see?
Let me give you some of our observations.
If you turn the lights out and darken the room, then place lighted objects or toys (such as a flashlight or flashing ball) on the floor, Victor will reach right for them.
When his therapist brings the light box and leaves it here for a time, Victor is obsessed with it. He will go in his room and say "on" until someone turns it on for him. If you then turn it off, he will immediately request that it be turned back on. If you place large items on the light box, he will reach right for them.
Sometimes, just for fun, I will quietly approach him while he is concentrating on a favorite toy. I will place my face about an arm's length from his face. If I am on his left side, he will soon turn his head my direction, smile, then reach out and grab my face. I had to stop doing this because I was afraid he'd gouge my eyes out or scratch up my nose.
It could be argued that he heard us place the objects on the floor before he reached for them. It could be argued that he hears us turn the light box off so asks us to turn it on. It could be argued that he senses my presence next to him.
So what can Victor see? We don't know but we have our guesses. Someday he will be able to tell us what Victor can see.
Let me give you some of our observations.
If you turn the lights out and darken the room, then place lighted objects or toys (such as a flashlight or flashing ball) on the floor, Victor will reach right for them.
When his therapist brings the light box and leaves it here for a time, Victor is obsessed with it. He will go in his room and say "on" until someone turns it on for him. If you then turn it off, he will immediately request that it be turned back on. If you place large items on the light box, he will reach right for them.
Sometimes, just for fun, I will quietly approach him while he is concentrating on a favorite toy. I will place my face about an arm's length from his face. If I am on his left side, he will soon turn his head my direction, smile, then reach out and grab my face. I had to stop doing this because I was afraid he'd gouge my eyes out or scratch up my nose.
It could be argued that he heard us place the objects on the floor before he reached for them. It could be argued that he hears us turn the light box off so asks us to turn it on. It could be argued that he senses my presence next to him.
So what can Victor see? We don't know but we have our guesses. Someday he will be able to tell us what Victor can see.
Monday, October 13, 2014
18 months later
18 months later...God is faithful -
Be careful that you do not forget the Lord, who brought you out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery. (Deuteronomy 6:12)
Be careful that you do not forget the Lord, who matched you with a precious baby boy and who continues to write your story.
So let's not forget...
Entering the world 15 weeks early weighing 1 lb. 13 oz. and prognosis unknown, the family his birthmother had chosen for him decided the risks were too high. A week later and an email that started with, "I know this is a longshot but..." and our lives were forever changed. Proof that in the waiting game of adoption, God does not allow us to miss the right child, nor does He allow us to say yes to the wrong one. Victor Noah has done more than prove the value of his name. At 6 months the ophthalmologist told us that Victor was completely and permanently blind. At 18 months we know he can see light and objects to some degree; there is definite and miraculous improvement since that initial diagnosis. Once again, victorious. We have a beautiful birth mother who loves this boy dearly as well, sending us pictures and updates just as we do for her. Just another reminder that God writes beautiful stories that we could never imagine. He's writing yours, too!
As always, it's a bit difficult to photograph a child who is blind. Things you don't think about until you live it. So why not have some fun with those 18 month photos and allow Victor to speak his mind.
Be careful that you do not forget the Lord, who brought you out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery. (Deuteronomy 6:12)
Be careful that you do not forget the Lord, who matched you with a precious baby boy and who continues to write your story.
So let's not forget...
Entering the world 15 weeks early weighing 1 lb. 13 oz. and prognosis unknown, the family his birthmother had chosen for him decided the risks were too high. A week later and an email that started with, "I know this is a longshot but..." and our lives were forever changed. Proof that in the waiting game of adoption, God does not allow us to miss the right child, nor does He allow us to say yes to the wrong one. Victor Noah has done more than prove the value of his name. At 6 months the ophthalmologist told us that Victor was completely and permanently blind. At 18 months we know he can see light and objects to some degree; there is definite and miraculous improvement since that initial diagnosis. Once again, victorious. We have a beautiful birth mother who loves this boy dearly as well, sending us pictures and updates just as we do for her. Just another reminder that God writes beautiful stories that we could never imagine. He's writing yours, too!
As always, it's a bit difficult to photograph a child who is blind. Things you don't think about until you live it. So why not have some fun with those 18 month photos and allow Victor to speak his mind.
Pictures? Of me? What are pictures? I'm so confused.
Look up? Why do I have to look up?
What does that even mean? Look up?
Ohhhhhhhhh, I get it now. Look up.
Have I told you about the time that I...
How 'bout this? This is cute? Right?
Could we please be done soon?
Mom, we all know I'm cute. Do you really need all these pictures?
Okay, that's a wrap, people!
You are not listening to me. Why are you not listening to me?
Oh, goody! A prop!
A prop that doubles as a snack...
...and a juice box.
Tuesday, April 29, 2014
What a dollar bill can say
One year ago, April 29, 2013, we saw our 8th child for the first time. I knew what I was going to see, but I could never have been totally prepared for what awaited me under that cover.
One year ago today we showed up at the hospital. Not fully comprehending what would happen next, we took out a pen and signed paperwork saying that we took full responsibility for a wee little baby with no hope and future. They took us back and had us scrub for 5 minutes, then we took a walk down a hallway and into the NICU, to the bed that was to be his for the next 3 months. And we laid eyes on our son for the first time. Little did we know what we were getting ourselves into, but God did. Through the past year, we have learned how to trust the Lord through many dangers, toils, and snares. Through chaos in our home. Through not knowing if we would bring this little guy home. But amazingly, God saw little Victorious through his NICU stay and through a difficult diagnosis of blindness. And through it all...God has opened up doors of opportunity that we never thought possible.
To help our family and friends back home understand what 1 lb. 13 oz. looks like, the nurses took a washed and scrubbed laminated dollar bill and put it next to Victor. No flash allowed so as not to disturb Victor's sleeping and growing.
Fast forward one year. No sterile dollar bill. Flash photography. And a baby who did not want that dollar bill in his picture!
Victor Noah King, you are victorious long life of faith in the One True King. God promised that though you'd be disabled, you would also amaze. You are amazing!
The kids want to know if we plan to strip him to his underwear when he's older just so we can get the yearly dollar bill photo. Don't worry; not gonna happen.
One year ago today we showed up at the hospital. Not fully comprehending what would happen next, we took out a pen and signed paperwork saying that we took full responsibility for a wee little baby with no hope and future. They took us back and had us scrub for 5 minutes, then we took a walk down a hallway and into the NICU, to the bed that was to be his for the next 3 months. And we laid eyes on our son for the first time. Little did we know what we were getting ourselves into, but God did. Through the past year, we have learned how to trust the Lord through many dangers, toils, and snares. Through chaos in our home. Through not knowing if we would bring this little guy home. But amazingly, God saw little Victorious through his NICU stay and through a difficult diagnosis of blindness. And through it all...God has opened up doors of opportunity that we never thought possible.
To help our family and friends back home understand what 1 lb. 13 oz. looks like, the nurses took a washed and scrubbed laminated dollar bill and put it next to Victor. No flash allowed so as not to disturb Victor's sleeping and growing.
Fast forward one year. No sterile dollar bill. Flash photography. And a baby who did not want that dollar bill in his picture!
Victor Noah King, you are victorious long life of faith in the One True King. God promised that though you'd be disabled, you would also amaze. You are amazing!
The kids want to know if we plan to strip him to his underwear when he's older just so we can get the yearly dollar bill photo. Don't worry; not gonna happen.
Monday, April 21, 2014
Celebrating life
Surrounded by family, we celebrated Mr. Victor's first year of life yesterday with red Converse, of course! Thank you, Mariana, for the wonderful cake!
Listening to the Happy Birthday song
Fun with his talking Elmo
What a priceless gift from PopPop!
Monday, April 14, 2014
Motivation
How do you motivate a blind child to move?
Well, if I could definitively answer that question, I would have quite the following.
Alas, I can't answer it. That's why we take photo after photo after photo and never get that perfect shot.
Calling his name will not get him to look.
Singing songs will not get him to lift his head.
Ringing bells or clapping your hands will not get a face to the camera.
Pleading and begging will not motivate him to open his eyes or focus them in the same direction.
The same is true for getting him to crawl. Who wants to move when you can't see where you're going? We've tried all the same noisy tricks to motivate him to want to move forward, to no avail. However, give him a piano and he becomes Tom Hanks in Big.
Wait til Ms. Diane comes for therapy today. We have a lot to show her!
Well, if I could definitively answer that question, I would have quite the following.
Alas, I can't answer it. That's why we take photo after photo after photo and never get that perfect shot.
Calling his name will not get him to look.
Singing songs will not get him to lift his head.
Ringing bells or clapping your hands will not get a face to the camera.
Pleading and begging will not motivate him to open his eyes or focus them in the same direction.
The same is true for getting him to crawl. Who wants to move when you can't see where you're going? We've tried all the same noisy tricks to motivate him to want to move forward, to no avail. However, give him a piano and he becomes Tom Hanks in Big.
Wait til Ms. Diane comes for therapy today. We have a lot to show her!
Sunday, April 13, 2014
Happy Birthday, Victor!
April 13, 2013 was just a typical day in the life of the Kings.
I was working on background checks for the staff of the non-profit for which I am a board member and scheduling homeschool evaluations for the next two months.
We were discussing Annie rehearsals for Eden and HopeAnne.
I was feeling discouraged on the adoption front, knowing that Eden's date of April 20 was approaching but that there had been no recent glimmer of hope.
Jesse was at a camp-out with a group of middle school boys doing what guys do on these things, eating lots of meat, playing with fire, making torches, laughing, etc.
I was in the midst of a discussion with a non-believing friend, continuing to pray for peace, joy, and freedom.
HopeAnne was recovering from what I thought was pink eye and strep but what turned out to be pneumonia.
I was dealing with my own physical symptoms with pain and fear.
So maybe it wasn't just a typical day for the Kings. And maybe that was because there was a beautiful young woman in Utah who was bleeding profusely and who went to the hospital with fear for herself and for her baby. Maybe it was because this young woman was not only dealing with the physical pain of delivering her 25 week old baby but because she was also dealing with the emotional pain of knowing she was going to go home without that baby. Maybe it was because there was a young woman on the other side of the country who was frightened and alone but who was soon to become connected to us through the life of a little boy. That life being a gift that she chose to give to him. Her decision brought her great pain, grief, and fear.
A note to my prayer partners that day brought this response...
"So....are you guys storming the gates of hell or what? Sounds like the enemy is rather ticked off. I think it's awesome and I will joyfully join this battle for health .... This tells me that you are doing something very right in the Kingdom. XOXOX
Standing with you in prayer.
I released (in the name of Jesus) 400 angels to your home to care for "family matters."
Bless you all and thank you for letting me know. I will keep praying."
We didn't know, we couldn't know, that those "family matters" included a baby already born who was soon to become our son.
Happy Birthday, Mr. Victor!
In our joy and celebration, we know that there is a very sweet woman with a void in her life. We know she remembers this day. Please pray that my message to her today is received with the same message of love and hope with which it is sent. Pray for this young woman to know the Savior who loves her and is pleased with her. Pray that she knows that she is loved and valued by us and by her "Noah."
And continue to pray for "Victorious Long Life of Faith in the One True King." Pray for total healing. God said that he would amaze and he is doing just that!
I was working on background checks for the staff of the non-profit for which I am a board member and scheduling homeschool evaluations for the next two months.
We were discussing Annie rehearsals for Eden and HopeAnne.
I was feeling discouraged on the adoption front, knowing that Eden's date of April 20 was approaching but that there had been no recent glimmer of hope.
Jesse was at a camp-out with a group of middle school boys doing what guys do on these things, eating lots of meat, playing with fire, making torches, laughing, etc.
I was in the midst of a discussion with a non-believing friend, continuing to pray for peace, joy, and freedom.
HopeAnne was recovering from what I thought was pink eye and strep but what turned out to be pneumonia.
I was dealing with my own physical symptoms with pain and fear.
So maybe it wasn't just a typical day for the Kings. And maybe that was because there was a beautiful young woman in Utah who was bleeding profusely and who went to the hospital with fear for herself and for her baby. Maybe it was because this young woman was not only dealing with the physical pain of delivering her 25 week old baby but because she was also dealing with the emotional pain of knowing she was going to go home without that baby. Maybe it was because there was a young woman on the other side of the country who was frightened and alone but who was soon to become connected to us through the life of a little boy. That life being a gift that she chose to give to him. Her decision brought her great pain, grief, and fear.
A note to my prayer partners that day brought this response...
"So....are you guys storming the gates of hell or what? Sounds like the enemy is rather ticked off. I think it's awesome and I will joyfully join this battle for health .... This tells me that you are doing something very right in the Kingdom. XOXOX
Standing with you in prayer.
I released (in the name of Jesus) 400 angels to your home to care for "family matters."
Bless you all and thank you for letting me know. I will keep praying."
We didn't know, we couldn't know, that those "family matters" included a baby already born who was soon to become our son.
Happy Birthday, Mr. Victor!
In our joy and celebration, we know that there is a very sweet woman with a void in her life. We know she remembers this day. Please pray that my message to her today is received with the same message of love and hope with which it is sent. Pray for this young woman to know the Savior who loves her and is pleased with her. Pray that she knows that she is loved and valued by us and by her "Noah."
And continue to pray for "Victorious Long Life of Faith in the One True King." Pray for total healing. God said that he would amaze and he is doing just that!
God is good.
All the time.
All the time.
God is good.
Friday, April 11, 2014
This, I love
I walked in on this scene the other day. Sibling moments like this always make me happy.
Thursday, April 10, 2014
Hitting a moving target
Victor loves to jump. If he feet are touching something, he's jumping. If he's sitting, he's trying to get onto his feet so he can jump. So we knew that getting his first haircut, ridding him of his mullet and shaping his hair up for his first birthday was going to be a bit of a challenge. We knew our dear friend Brenda would not only be up for the challenge but would be thrilled to share in this moment with us. And thanks to her expertise, she left with all 10 fingers and I left with my nose.
What a handsome almost-1-year old!
And we can't forget the brother who also got a haircut. :)
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