Hi friends
When we accepted Simon's referral and answered the call God placed on our heart for Simon to be our son, we stepped out in faith. It is such a wonderful thing to step with the Lord. We know and felt and breathed in all kinds of His blessings along the way. As we look back there is no doubt that God had Simon in mind for us, that Simon is our son. Many of those blessings and miracles have been documented on this blog. God is good good good.
As we were looking at all of Simon's paperwork and pictures before traveling to get him, we had them evaluated by a medical doctor, someone specialized in adoptions. "Everything looks good" he said "He does seem to be a bit stubborn." Just like his dad (and his mom shhhh). We also knew when we accepted this little boy into our hearts that there may be other problems, other issues.
This morning we finally received some clarification on some of those other issues. Though there could be some big problems ahead of us, I'm so thankful that we are now in a place to do something about them. Simon and I went to see a pediatric plastic surgeon. It didn't take long for him to tell us a little more about Simon's leg and back. Gary and I had wanted to get these evaluated as the scarring looked so bad and the boy is a little lumpy. Both of his tumors had been removed in China, but we wanted to make sure.
Here are the results, edited a bit for privacy and time.
*The tumor on his leg is a vascular malformation. He was born with it, he'll live with it. It isn't something that can be taken out or corrected. We'll be maintaining it.
*It looks like the vascular malformation is a low flow one, so it isn't taxing his heart. YEAH!
*All the bad scar tissue is really a good thing. It is keeping this vascular malformation in check. Who knew?. . . . . Dr. Mann. :)
*The tumor on his back could have been a lipoma, or it could have been a consequence of Spina Bifida. Spina Bifida. Those are some scary words. I sat in the office and just kept writing everything down that the doctor was saying. I didn't cry until the end.
What now?
1. Let's talk with the Lord about it. I'm so glad He was at the appointment with us. He already knows how Simon's body works. He already knows what the doctors are going to say to Gary and me. He is the best doctor I've even known and he's always on call. I love it! I love Him.
2. Schedule an MRI and MRA to look at both his back and his leg. That will give us some answers regarding possible Spina Bifida (Lord, let it not be!) as well as the vascular malformation in Simon's leg.
3. See at Pediatric Orthopedist to X-ray and measure Simon's bones. One of the consequences of this condition is that is could cause his leg bones to grow at different rates.
4. Go from there.
Best case: No Spina Bifida, no trouble with his legs, have leg surgery in several years again to increase the amount of scar tissue.
Please join us in asking the Lord for this "best case scenario" to happen. Also, please pray that all these appointments don't wreck havoc on Simon. When he saw the nurses and doctors in white coats, he was so scared. He clung to me and cried. When he had his surgery in China, he had the operation on July 7 and wasn't discharged until September 17. That is a long time to be a kid without parents in the hospital. He is obviously affected by this and we have many more doctor's visits to go.
We are so thankful that you have chosen to follow along and travel with us. You have been so supportive and helpful. As I left the office with my Simon who began to talk and smile as soon as the office door closed behind him, I held his hand has he jumped into the elevation, he jumped out of the elevator, he jumped over the doormat, he climbed into the car, he sang about Jesus, and he ran into our house shouting his Grammy and Gramp's names. . . he is my boy. I left knowing not what the future holds, but knowing He who holds the future. We'll walk it together holding hands with our Lord.
Thursday, January 29, 2009
Monday, January 26, 2009
Enjoy the photos!
Everyone needs to help make popcorn.
Karen came to visit over Christmas. Miss this girl!!!
They all love to watch Dora and Diego.
Following a tradition started by my parents, we made doughnuts on the first snowday. They tasted great!
Noel gets injured all the time. This one was particularly bad. She could still muster up a smile though.
Peeking out in my parents basement.
Simon loved playing airhockey. I anticipate some mightly battles in the years ahead between Garrison and Simon.
A visit with Great-grandma Sternberg
Sitting with Great-grandma Koeman.
My sister Tricia won the Koeman grandchild contest. Congrats!Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Little House on the Prairie
Hi all!
I loved loved loved reading Little House on the Prairie books when I was younger. I still manage to pick one up now and again and read my favorite parts. I used to go to the church library after the evening service, pick up one I didn't have, and spend a long time reading. My parents would always talk so long after the night service! The Koemans (that's me) and the Lubbers would be the last families still at church. It was fun though to read, to run around, to explore church etc.
Anyway, I digress--but hey I can, it's my blog. :) In one of the stories Laura talks about how Ma had a particular barn cat that would bring her mice and leave them outside of the door, as if to take care of not only her kittens, but of Ma and her kids as well. I found it fascinating because I had a cat when I was little who did not bring me dead mice, and I thought it a bit disgusting.
My dog Smokey brought me a gift today. After I let him in the house (He jumps on the back door when he needs to go outside to do some business.) I put him in his crate and continued to get lunch ready. Garrison tells me that there is an old nest outside. He has an old nest in the garage that is begging to come into our house, but so far mom has said "no". We've been spotting nests, so I. . . in all my distraction. . . say nothing. Garrison continues to tell me about the old nest outside and I finally mutter "Great Garrison. Good spy." After lunch begins and I get up again to get sometime again for another child again. . . I walk past the window and actually look out. Yup, you guessed it. Smokey is taking good care of our family. He dropped off half of a rabbit face. Thoughtful.
I loved loved loved reading Little House on the Prairie books when I was younger. I still manage to pick one up now and again and read my favorite parts. I used to go to the church library after the evening service, pick up one I didn't have, and spend a long time reading. My parents would always talk so long after the night service! The Koemans (that's me) and the Lubbers would be the last families still at church. It was fun though to read, to run around, to explore church etc.
Anyway, I digress--but hey I can, it's my blog. :) In one of the stories Laura talks about how Ma had a particular barn cat that would bring her mice and leave them outside of the door, as if to take care of not only her kittens, but of Ma and her kids as well. I found it fascinating because I had a cat when I was little who did not bring me dead mice, and I thought it a bit disgusting.
My dog Smokey brought me a gift today. After I let him in the house (He jumps on the back door when he needs to go outside to do some business.) I put him in his crate and continued to get lunch ready. Garrison tells me that there is an old nest outside. He has an old nest in the garage that is begging to come into our house, but so far mom has said "no". We've been spotting nests, so I. . . in all my distraction. . . say nothing. Garrison continues to tell me about the old nest outside and I finally mutter "Great Garrison. Good spy." After lunch begins and I get up again to get sometime again for another child again. . . I walk past the window and actually look out. Yup, you guessed it. Smokey is taking good care of our family. He dropped off half of a rabbit face. Thoughtful.
Friday, January 16, 2009
Car Washes
Garrison is afraid of the car wash. Recently we have been playing "car wash" in an effort to relieve his anxiety and fears about them. I've been washed with pom poms, towels, and many many flags. So has he.
Those in the Handy Manny loop may be familiar with the episode of the car wash. Let me give you the low down. Manny's friend is opening his car wash and Manny goes over to see it. It breaks down. What is the problem? There is a fuse that has blown. Manny goes over to Kelly's hardware and surprise surprise, Kelly has a replacement part. Manny and the tools return and the car wash begins again with Manny's truck going through. OH NO! Manny's dog (that is a robot he built) fell asleep in the back and is going to go through the car wash! Luckily, one of the tools pushes the emergency stop button and saves the day. Manny repairs the button and once again, the cars can all get washed.
Guess what? I'm very familiar with this episode. I rarely sit to watch them because while the kids are engrossed with Handy Manny, I'm doing laundry, emptying the dishwasher, doing e-mail, checking facebook, you know. . . important stuff. Several months ago, Garrison began crying during Handy Manny and shut off the television. WHAT!?! Don't touch the television and don't infringe on my time. my time (yeah right!) What is the problem Garrison? Well, I turn it back on and realize that it an episode about a car wash. We talk about it etc. We watch it together. . . every time. He has turned off the television more times, then I've turned it back on and sat with him. We talk about it. We talk about how the dog is going to be o.k. etc. We dry his tears and celebrate that the dog is o.k. Know what? The dog is o.k. every time! It is amazing.
Yesterday morning. . . . guess what. The car wash episode was on. I realized it before Garrison did and I sat to watch him. When he realized it, he began to get out of his chair. . . then stopped. He looked at me, waved his hands in front of him, and said, "I'm going to be fine mom. Just fine. Just fine." He looked back at the t.v., turned to me and said again, "I'm going to be just fine mom." I laughed out loud. What three year old watches Handy Manny and tells his mom that he'll be "just fine". And he was. . . just fine. . . until the car wash started again and the dog was in the back of the truck!!! At this point, he gets off the chair and announces, "I'm going to go hide in Noel's room."
Well, at least we've made some progress. :)
Don't we sometimes to the same thing? Many times, I know things are going to be o.k., but I just want to go hide in Noel's room. This is the same boy who went to Kohl's with me two days ago to return some stuff. As we were walking through the store he ran ahead to an exercise gadget display and said. "Oh mom, this is beautiful." Sure. As he gazed at a Billy Blanks' (Tae Bo guy?) gadget he says, "Hey mom, this is a good choice." "What is that Garrison?" "I don't know, but it would be a good idea." I just love this little boy.
Those in the Handy Manny loop may be familiar with the episode of the car wash. Let me give you the low down. Manny's friend is opening his car wash and Manny goes over to see it. It breaks down. What is the problem? There is a fuse that has blown. Manny goes over to Kelly's hardware and surprise surprise, Kelly has a replacement part. Manny and the tools return and the car wash begins again with Manny's truck going through. OH NO! Manny's dog (that is a robot he built) fell asleep in the back and is going to go through the car wash! Luckily, one of the tools pushes the emergency stop button and saves the day. Manny repairs the button and once again, the cars can all get washed.
Guess what? I'm very familiar with this episode. I rarely sit to watch them because while the kids are engrossed with Handy Manny, I'm doing laundry, emptying the dishwasher, doing e-mail, checking facebook, you know. . . important stuff. Several months ago, Garrison began crying during Handy Manny and shut off the television. WHAT!?! Don't touch the television and don't infringe on my time. my time (yeah right!) What is the problem Garrison? Well, I turn it back on and realize that it an episode about a car wash. We talk about it etc. We watch it together. . . every time. He has turned off the television more times, then I've turned it back on and sat with him. We talk about it. We talk about how the dog is going to be o.k. etc. We dry his tears and celebrate that the dog is o.k. Know what? The dog is o.k. every time! It is amazing.
Yesterday morning. . . . guess what. The car wash episode was on. I realized it before Garrison did and I sat to watch him. When he realized it, he began to get out of his chair. . . then stopped. He looked at me, waved his hands in front of him, and said, "I'm going to be fine mom. Just fine. Just fine." He looked back at the t.v., turned to me and said again, "I'm going to be just fine mom." I laughed out loud. What three year old watches Handy Manny and tells his mom that he'll be "just fine". And he was. . . just fine. . . until the car wash started again and the dog was in the back of the truck!!! At this point, he gets off the chair and announces, "I'm going to go hide in Noel's room."
Well, at least we've made some progress. :)
Don't we sometimes to the same thing? Many times, I know things are going to be o.k., but I just want to go hide in Noel's room. This is the same boy who went to Kohl's with me two days ago to return some stuff. As we were walking through the store he ran ahead to an exercise gadget display and said. "Oh mom, this is beautiful." Sure. As he gazed at a Billy Blanks' (Tae Bo guy?) gadget he says, "Hey mom, this is a good choice." "What is that Garrison?" "I don't know, but it would be a good idea." I just love this little boy.
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
15 things you should know
Here are some things that you should know about the Sprick household this week.
1. God is good, all the time.
2. I have a new lamp. Now I can sit in a chair and do my devotions in the morning without putting on overhead living room lights.
3. Cooked carrots taste better on bread. (Garrison can eat one on a bun, but not by itself. Oh, the battle that was fought tonight!)
4. 9 out of 10 of Simon's ouches can be taken care of in this way. "Ouch ouch ouch ouch ouch" "Simon, did you hurt yourself?" "yes" "Are you going to be o.k.?" "yes". Crying stops.
5. Mickey Mouse stickers are wonderful band-aids for pretend ouwies. (Not sure how to spell that one.)
6. My dad is in the British Virgin Islands with two of his brothers scuba diving. How many amputees in their sixties do you know who do that? Way to go!
7. Kyla Alexander, our angel in China, sent us her end of the year newsletter. Amazing to see how God is using her for great things in His Kingdom. We even made the newsletter! If you'd like to see, just send me your e-mail and I'll forward it on you.
8. We have another daughter!!! Her name is Yun Yun and she was Simon's best buddy in the orphanage. We are now her official sponsors. She needs more, so if you'd like to parent with us. . . just let us know. :)
9. Our furnace is fixed. Quite a thing considering the cold temperatures we'll be facing in the next few days.
10. I love my Bible Study!! Have I ever introduced you to Beth Moore? God is using her in wonderful ways in my life. It is so fun to learn more about my God.
11. Noel went poop on the toilet twice today. Gotta love that!
12. I didn't drink as much Diet Mountain Dew today as I did yesterday.
13. I'm still trying to find a babysitter for the 23rd.
14. I let my Cooking Light subscription expire because I rarely found recipes that I wanted. In my last edition, I've pulled out more than ten pages. Go figure.
15. I'm in love with my electric blanket.
1. God is good, all the time.
2. I have a new lamp. Now I can sit in a chair and do my devotions in the morning without putting on overhead living room lights.
3. Cooked carrots taste better on bread. (Garrison can eat one on a bun, but not by itself. Oh, the battle that was fought tonight!)
4. 9 out of 10 of Simon's ouches can be taken care of in this way. "Ouch ouch ouch ouch ouch" "Simon, did you hurt yourself?" "yes" "Are you going to be o.k.?" "yes". Crying stops.
5. Mickey Mouse stickers are wonderful band-aids for pretend ouwies. (Not sure how to spell that one.)
6. My dad is in the British Virgin Islands with two of his brothers scuba diving. How many amputees in their sixties do you know who do that? Way to go!
7. Kyla Alexander, our angel in China, sent us her end of the year newsletter. Amazing to see how God is using her for great things in His Kingdom. We even made the newsletter! If you'd like to see, just send me your e-mail and I'll forward it on you.
8. We have another daughter!!! Her name is Yun Yun and she was Simon's best buddy in the orphanage. We are now her official sponsors. She needs more, so if you'd like to parent with us. . . just let us know. :)
9. Our furnace is fixed. Quite a thing considering the cold temperatures we'll be facing in the next few days.
10. I love my Bible Study!! Have I ever introduced you to Beth Moore? God is using her in wonderful ways in my life. It is so fun to learn more about my God.
11. Noel went poop on the toilet twice today. Gotta love that!
12. I didn't drink as much Diet Mountain Dew today as I did yesterday.
13. I'm still trying to find a babysitter for the 23rd.
14. I let my Cooking Light subscription expire because I rarely found recipes that I wanted. In my last edition, I've pulled out more than ten pages. Go figure.
15. I'm in love with my electric blanket.
Thursday, January 8, 2009
We're doing great!
Did you read the title? We are doing great. Good. Fine.
It is amazing to me that there are those who don't believe me when I say that we are doing great. Why wouldn't that be believable? It isn't like I'm a stay-at-home mom with three kids three and under one of whom has been with us for less than two months and a husband who has been on call every other week for the past six weeks and who started doing Weight Watchers again on Monday.
Oh. . . I get it. There are those who would see that and think that I must be doing terrible, dreading every day, exhausted, wishing that it wasn't so. Yup, there are moments where things aren't the best. Isn't that true of everyone everywhere?
Let's look at the facts:
1. Stay-at-home-mom: I love what I do for a living. There are times when it is especially difficult and my boss will give me time and a half for a particularly challenging day. Considering that I make $0.00 and hour, that is quite the gift. :) Overall, I really enjoy every day. I love spending time with my kids, I love managing my house, I love being a wife and mom. I do miss teaching, but not with a yearning to go back. Perhaps God will give that to me at some point, but for right now, I couldn't be more happy with where I am.
2. Three kids three and under: I adore. . . ADORE my kids. Each one of them is unique and brings a new element of joy to each day. Garrison and his stories and creativity entertain me to no end. Simon's excitement (Good Jaa [Good Job]) makes me smile when he accomplishes a task such as climbing into his chair all by himself. He has done this for several weeks, but each time is worthy of praise for our little man. Make sure you tell him "Good Job" or he'll keep repeating it louder and louder until you do. Noel is a delight who never stops and overruns her destination with regularity and needs to back up to get into a door. She laughs and laughs and looks like Grandma Sternberg when she eats. I smile when I think about my kids. I wouldn't give them up, so why would I complain about three kids three and under?
3. Simon has been with us less than two months. God's blessings have been pouring out into our family in this regard. He is happy and adjusting and attaching so very well. He gets upset when he can't communicate with us like he wants to, but don't many 2 1/2 year olds who don't have all their vocabulary yet? He can say hundreds of words and understands even more. This bright boy is a great fit in our family and is in a good placement between Garrison and Noel. He balances them a bit. It is good. Plus, he now is even cuter after I gave him a haircut.
4. Gary on call. Yup, our trip to China messed up the rotation and he's been on call a lot. Guess what? I'm thankful that he has a job. Times are tough for many families here in West Michigan and we bless God.
5. Weight Watchers. I've done it before and I'll do it again. It feels good to be disciplined. I have to think more about meals and such, but for my health. . . I'll do it.
Yup, I'm tired. There is probably one night a month that we get to sleep straight through the night. There are many misunderstandings and time-outs during the day. There are many messes to be cleaned up. I know this will change and I'm going to enjoy these days while I have them.
So when you ask me how I'm doing? Don't be surprised if I say "Great" and it's true.
It is amazing to me that there are those who don't believe me when I say that we are doing great. Why wouldn't that be believable? It isn't like I'm a stay-at-home mom with three kids three and under one of whom has been with us for less than two months and a husband who has been on call every other week for the past six weeks and who started doing Weight Watchers again on Monday.
Oh. . . I get it. There are those who would see that and think that I must be doing terrible, dreading every day, exhausted, wishing that it wasn't so. Yup, there are moments where things aren't the best. Isn't that true of everyone everywhere?
Let's look at the facts:
1. Stay-at-home-mom: I love what I do for a living. There are times when it is especially difficult and my boss will give me time and a half for a particularly challenging day. Considering that I make $0.00 and hour, that is quite the gift. :) Overall, I really enjoy every day. I love spending time with my kids, I love managing my house, I love being a wife and mom. I do miss teaching, but not with a yearning to go back. Perhaps God will give that to me at some point, but for right now, I couldn't be more happy with where I am.
2. Three kids three and under: I adore. . . ADORE my kids. Each one of them is unique and brings a new element of joy to each day. Garrison and his stories and creativity entertain me to no end. Simon's excitement (Good Jaa [Good Job]) makes me smile when he accomplishes a task such as climbing into his chair all by himself. He has done this for several weeks, but each time is worthy of praise for our little man. Make sure you tell him "Good Job" or he'll keep repeating it louder and louder until you do. Noel is a delight who never stops and overruns her destination with regularity and needs to back up to get into a door. She laughs and laughs and looks like Grandma Sternberg when she eats. I smile when I think about my kids. I wouldn't give them up, so why would I complain about three kids three and under?
3. Simon has been with us less than two months. God's blessings have been pouring out into our family in this regard. He is happy and adjusting and attaching so very well. He gets upset when he can't communicate with us like he wants to, but don't many 2 1/2 year olds who don't have all their vocabulary yet? He can say hundreds of words and understands even more. This bright boy is a great fit in our family and is in a good placement between Garrison and Noel. He balances them a bit. It is good. Plus, he now is even cuter after I gave him a haircut.
4. Gary on call. Yup, our trip to China messed up the rotation and he's been on call a lot. Guess what? I'm thankful that he has a job. Times are tough for many families here in West Michigan and we bless God.
5. Weight Watchers. I've done it before and I'll do it again. It feels good to be disciplined. I have to think more about meals and such, but for my health. . . I'll do it.
Yup, I'm tired. There is probably one night a month that we get to sleep straight through the night. There are many misunderstandings and time-outs during the day. There are many messes to be cleaned up. I know this will change and I'm going to enjoy these days while I have them.
So when you ask me how I'm doing? Don't be surprised if I say "Great" and it's true.
Monday, January 5, 2009
Christmas Pictures
Garrison and Simon got the game Perfection for Christmas. They are great at doing it: without the timer of course.
I like Christmas Pie.
Opening a goody bag. Come on Simon, put some more muscle into it!
Garrison received a glow sword in his stocking.Noel received a glow sword and broke it open.
Simon received a glow sword and it didn't work.
Love the Dollar Store.
Gary, Shanda, and Smokey on the Christmas Day Hike.
The Spricks!
Everyone helps to make popcorn.
Love chocolate cupcakes!Friday, January 2, 2009
Food
Yup, another post with food in the title. Do I need to start Weight Watchers again or what?!? (monday by the way)
So, I'd love some tips from seasoned parents and others who know about children. I know that food issues are molehills, so I don't stress out about it, yet I'd like to do the best I can. My devotions this morning addressed the issue of passing on to our children what we desire. My first desire is that they know Jesus and walk with Him every day. In addition to many other things, I want them to eat well rounded meals, I don't want them to overeat, I want them to appreciated different types of foods, to like fruits and veggies. . . etc.
I refuse to be a short order cook for supper. I try to prepare something that everyone might like, but I only make one thing. Last night Garrison didn't want to eat his supper, so he went without. He finally took a bite before bed and then he was allowed to have fruit. He did manage to eat three corn dogs for lunch today. Perhaps he is anticipating another dinner that he doesn't like and is porking up. :) Our conversation at the table a few weeks ago went something like this. "Garrison, you may not have any more bun or sausage until you eat your grapes. Simon, you may not have any more broccoli or grapes until you eat more of your sausage. Noel, you may not have more sausage or grapes until you eat more of your bun." So crazy!?! Can you tell what each of my kids likes the least?
So, what are your house food rules? Does everyone have to take one bite of everything? Are some foods exempt from trying? Do you have to eat everything on your plate? Does there have to be a fruit or veggie at every meal? What rules did you grow up with that you liked or didn't like? I'd love your imput and thoughts. We are trying to establish some expectations at our house and now is a great time to do it.
Hope that you are enjoying the new year!
So, I'd love some tips from seasoned parents and others who know about children. I know that food issues are molehills, so I don't stress out about it, yet I'd like to do the best I can. My devotions this morning addressed the issue of passing on to our children what we desire. My first desire is that they know Jesus and walk with Him every day. In addition to many other things, I want them to eat well rounded meals, I don't want them to overeat, I want them to appreciated different types of foods, to like fruits and veggies. . . etc.
I refuse to be a short order cook for supper. I try to prepare something that everyone might like, but I only make one thing. Last night Garrison didn't want to eat his supper, so he went without. He finally took a bite before bed and then he was allowed to have fruit. He did manage to eat three corn dogs for lunch today. Perhaps he is anticipating another dinner that he doesn't like and is porking up. :) Our conversation at the table a few weeks ago went something like this. "Garrison, you may not have any more bun or sausage until you eat your grapes. Simon, you may not have any more broccoli or grapes until you eat more of your sausage. Noel, you may not have more sausage or grapes until you eat more of your bun." So crazy!?! Can you tell what each of my kids likes the least?
So, what are your house food rules? Does everyone have to take one bite of everything? Are some foods exempt from trying? Do you have to eat everything on your plate? Does there have to be a fruit or veggie at every meal? What rules did you grow up with that you liked or didn't like? I'd love your imput and thoughts. We are trying to establish some expectations at our house and now is a great time to do it.
Hope that you are enjoying the new year!
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