God knew what he was doing! PTL!

3 years ago, I was on a plane bound for Detroit to meet up with my mom and aunt for another life changing journey to China.  Little did I know that the experiences of that journey would bring me to my knees, questioning my (as well as our family's) ability to hand the challenges God set before us.  The year following the adoption of our two boys was probably one of the most challenging years of my life, in so many ways, but was also the year in which I had the most spiritual reliance and growth.  Had we known of Corban's challenges before committing to him, I am not sure we would have pursued but I am thankful God knew what he was doing because that boy needed the love of a family to see his potential.  Corban is an amazing child!  To see where he was when I met him in China to where he is today (attending kindergarten at the age of 5 and nearly keeping up with his peers) is proof that love and attention are developmentally life changing.  Thank you Lord for the challenges you set before us, without them we would miss recognizing your presence!

3 years ago...

Well, I seem to be doing well at not trying to achieve the "blogger of the year" award since this is the first post in 2014.  Big changes have happened since the last post.  This past spring we decided to put our house up for sale and move closer to family.  Everything finally came together at the end of July and we made the move, a mere 2 weeks before ALL the kids started back to school.

Tegan & Corban both began kindergarten this year!!!  Three or even two years ago, we figured we'd have to send Corban to a third year of preK but as always, that kid continues to surprise us with his big developmental strides!!!

First day of school - Angel (2nd), Tegan (K), and Corban (K)

Corban's first time riding a school bus and he loves it, he gets so excited when the bus arrived, even today!

Angel & Tegan's first time riding a bus to school!

Big sister and brothers - Kailey (6th), Michiael (10th), & Logan (8th)

The kids just completed their first 9 weeks of school and they are all doing well!  Corban is keeping up with his peers at this point.  He continues to see a private speech therapist once a week, and recently began working with occupational and physical therapists once a week to work on his weak and low muscle tone, which has impacted his hand writing ability.  After only a few weeks, we are already seeing improvements!  Socially, Corban is also progressing.  We hear that he is doing more play/interacting with peers.  Recently, I asked him what he did during indoor recess, in which he responded "played with cars".  I then asked if he played with anyone and he responded with two names!!!!  That sure made this mom's heart smile!  He loves looking at books and is beginning to read site words, just like his peers, which blows me away!   

God sure knew what he was doing when he made us this precious boy's parents!  I'm not sure who is learning more in this journey, Corban or his parents!

Let me know forget Tegan!  He continues to develop along with his peers.  He and Angel were both assessed by the ELL (English Language Learner's) teacher and both passed as being fluent in English!  Tegan enjoys trying to keep up with his big sisters, in doing whatever they do.  The boys are in different classrooms at school so that Tegan doesn't step in to assist Corban.  Tegan has been struggling with telling the truth here at home and has had some defiance issues at school, but his teacher tells me that is improving.  He has had to learn some hard lessons over the past few months regarding these issues.    

As far as surgeries, we are waiting till next year to move forward, but no date(s) has been set.  Tegan's next step will be to have a skin graft taken from behind his right ear to replace the small area of nevus that remains under his left eye - this is the same procedure Angel has had done.  As for Corban, he will have the remaining spot on his right cheek excised and possibly some scar revisions (or injections) done to revise scars on his back and sides.  And Angel will likely have some minor revisions done, as well.

With the move, we went from living on one acre, with a few baby trees, to about 6 acres with many mature trees; therefore, the kids have been able to rake leaves and reap the benefits - learning that hard work pays off with a fun leaf pile.

 What's in store for our future, I do not know but God does.  

In the mean time, I continue to advocate for nevus owners in China who wait for their forever families to find them.  If you have room in your heart and family to love one more child, please contact me.

Also, if you are the parent of a nevus owner and are seeking support, please don't hesitate to email me.

  Blessing to each of you!