All Aboard the Polar Express

Port Aransas

Chloe's Dollhouse

Thoughts

I'm reading "The Lost Daughters of China" and it has really had me thinking much about Chloe's roots, particularly her birth parents. I will never know the situation surrounding their abandoning this precious girl; I can only speculate. But I imagine it probably caused unbearable pain. And somehow it doesn't seem fair that this woman's painful act has brought us incredible joy, despite the difficult trial we are going through with Kevin.
Tonight as I lay Chloe down, she insisted we sing "Building Up the Temple" and "This Little Light of Mine". She doesn't really sing, but she knows all the hand motions to both songs. As we sang through them for the 3rd and final time, I thanked God for my sweet daughter, who may never have heard these songs from my childhood, let alone the story of Jesus' love and sacrifice for her.

Trip to the Zoo

We took a quick trip to Cameron Park Zoo in Waco a couple of weeks ago. It was soooo hot that we didn't even make it through the small zoo. We did enjoy getting out, though. Chloe especially liked the giraffe, as one of the photos here shows! She is such a little sweetheart. We can't imagine life without her!

Fun at the Splashpad!

I have started taking Chloe to the park a few blocks away that has a splashpad. We go a couple of times a week. At first, she wanted nothing to do with it, but now she loves it! Enjoy the pictures of Chloe doing what she does best...having fun!

Making Cookies!

BAKERS AT WORK: Please don't look at the dirty kitchen!

Patient Chloe

These pics are a few weeks old, but we just now uploaded them from Kevin's iphone. This is when Chloe was sedated to have hearing tests done and to have tubes inserted to prevent future ear infections. She did a super job!

Yet Another Trial

Today we heard the words that we have dreaded: Kevin's cancer has returned, this time in the small intestine (duodenum to be exact). The doctors feel it is in the early stages and that the treatment will be minor compared to last time. It's hard to understand how God put all the pieces together to make our adoption possible, only to have this happen when we've been home only 3 months. But I know He is bigger than this trial, and as always, I ask him to use this trial to increase our faith and love for Him. We owe every bit of Kevin's 2 years being cancer free to Him. Kevin had a feeding tube placed last Thursday. It clogged up this morning and they were unable to unclog it, so they will sedate him in the morning and replace it. Then we will meet with a surgeon to talk about our options. I will let everyone know once we know more.

Chloe is doing well. Kevin and I agree we need to keep things as normal as possible, doing our best to keep routines. Most of all, we want to savor each and every moment we have as a family, because life is uncertain, isn't it?

We love you all and thank you for your prayers!

Great News from the Cardiologist!

Today was Chloe's appointment with the pediatric cardiologist, and he had some wonderful news! He believes the hole in Chloe's heart will completely close on its own in time without any intervention! No procedures, medications, and he doesn't even see the need to give her antibiotics before dental procedures, as we were previously told. He also said the condition should not prevent her from any physical activities at all. We are so thankful and relieved. God is soooo good.

Chloe's New Smile!

Today is the day Chloe had her appointment with Dr. Boyd. She did so well! She didn't cry when they gave her the injection so they could put in an I.V. They pulled 4 teeth on bottom in the front, capped the top teeth in front, and capped another tooth in the back, as well as putting on some sealants. She looks different, but still our cutie pie. She slept a good part of the day, and when she wasn't sleeping, she was pointing to her mouth or looking at herself in the mirror. She just hasn't figured out yet what happened to her teeth! If you look at the photos posted previously, you can really tell the difference.

Chloe's First Camping Trip

We went camping locally just to see how she liked it. Unfortunately, she wasn't feeling too well Friday and part of Saturday, but felt well enough to enjoy the playground nearby!