The Happiest Birthday!!

Happy Birthday to Cai! Cai has been so excited about her birthday! I have to admit, I was pretty excited about her birthday too, since it is her first with us as her family! She wore a smile ALL day long! It was so sweet. She was just so happy! She loved her pink princess table cloth, her pink plates, her cake, and of course her presents. I'm not sure whether she had ever opened a present before- she wasn't really sure what to do at first. But she caught on fast!

I know it's a little mushy, but today I kept thinking of her first Mama- the Mama that wrote on a little piece of paper Cai's birth date and time, so that someone would always know. And I know she was thinking of Cai today too.

Our First SB Clinic Appointment

Our first appointment was made at MUSC's Spina Bifida Clinic when we were in China. It was made for August 24. Before I met Cai, I couldn't wait for that date to get here- that's when we would learn more and form a plan of action for our daughter. I love action. It means I'm doing something, heading in a better, positive direction! But after I held our daughter and knew our daughter and loved on our daughter, I began dreading that darn appointment. For all of the reasons I thought I wanted it. It would mean we would have to DO something. Different. That probably won't be much fun. Certainly not for her. Or us. And it will be anything but easy.
We prayed for that appointment, and the doctors, and the tests. Our friends and family prayed. And we felt God's hand the entire day. Cai did great- even during the not so fun tests. The doctors and staff were very kind and seemed very knowledgable. They didn't even feel that right now Cai needs an MRI of her spine, so no surgery ( a definite answered prayer). Her kidneys look great so no surgery there either! We will start physical therapy to help her strengthen her legs and feet. I guess if you could say there's a downside, it would be that after another test in December, we will have to start intermittent catheterizations every few hours to help Cai's bladder empty. It's just not working like it should, and we need to keep her kidneys healthy. I knew this would be a possibilty, but hoped it wouldn't be our plan of action. We continue to pray for healing for Cai's little body and truly feel very peaceful. She has amazed us with her courage, her humor and her strength. We love this little girl so much!

" It is right, and I would say even good, to grieve the pains and brokenness of this world and the way it manifests itself in our bodies. But grieve with hope, knowing that HE might be shown more glorious through the most broken parts of our lives.- unknown"

A little of this, A little of that

After Cai's haircut- not one tear!

Cate's new glasses!

My grandparents with Some of their grandchildren and great grandchildren. Note the cast on Rion's arm- skim boarding accident only 3 hours after arriving at the beach!

Cai- having a great week at the beach!

Do they look happy or what?

Daddy

I love watching Greg with Cate and Cai. Cai has only been home for five weeks and she already knows how special her daddy is. You can see it in her eyes. Greg wasn't able to travel to China with me so when we arrived home, although both of our girls had seen pictures of their "Baba", they weren't quite sure what to expect. But their daddy's love for them and for our family can't help but be felt. His words are kind and gentle and his love runs deep. He has taken on the task and answered God's call to be a father to the fatherless. And we are so thankful for him!

Where do I begin??

Where do you start when you haven't updated in a month? It has really felt too big for words. Cai is doing great. She is a beautiful, sweet, funny little girl. Her adjustment has amazed us. And we are so thankful. We truly feel that she was meant to be a part of our family. And like Cate, it already feels as though she has been here forever. Her language is coming right along- she mimics everything, she calls us all by name and follows simple commands, so she is obviously understanding a lot that we say to her. I think her English will take off just as Cate's did. She has bonded very well to us and loves to give and receive kisses and hugs. She is a very loving little girl. She is a great sleeper, she loves the pool, the beach and the boat (yaaaa!) Now, some have asked about Cate and Cai- the love connection definitely is not there yet! They are finally having some sweet sister play times, but usually they are competing for attention or for the same toy, food,etc. And it goes both ways. Cai is equally as competitive and strong willed as Cate! It is really quite funny when I'm not pulling my hair out!

Now, for maybe the not so rosy part! Cai's medical issues have felt very overwhelming at times- usually after a doctors visit. We knew that we would be faced with some, so most was not a surprise, some were. Without completely invading her privacy but realizing this is just part of Cai's life as well as our families life, Cai was born with a spinal meningocele which has affected her walking as well as her bladder and bowel control. These are all nerve related and while we can manage them, there is no "fixing" nerve damage. So, many things we are simply taking day by day. We won't actually have our first clinic visit until August when I'm sure we will have to schedule several scans and tests that probably won't be very fun, but will help us begin a plan of treatment. Even in the most overwhelming moments, I have not for one second doubted that this was the perfect little girl for our family and we wouldn't trade her for the most healthiest child. All it takes is one look into her beautiful face and we are reminded of what a gift she is to us!

Consulate Day

Today was the day that we went to the consulate as a family to take our oath. Our paperwork was prepared yesterday and in order so today was a breeze! Simon first took us to a restaurant where we had a huge delicious meal. We all shared many dishes and they were so good! At the consulate they just called us up indidvidually, we signed a paper, and then all of the families there took an oath together. I became teary as I held Cai and realized that we were finally at the end of this part of our journey to become family. It's a difficult, emotional road, but worth every tear shed. As I told Greg this morning, I already can't imagine our lives without Cai or hers without us. Today, she willingly went to all of the people in our group and gave me lots of kisses. Until now, when I kissed her, she would wipe mine off! I don't think she had ever been kissed before. Tomorrow will be our last day with the Pierce family since their flight leaves early Friday morning. We will really miss them. Pressley has made such good friends on our trip! He has loved our guides and really likes hanging out with them. He is also a real ladies man here! The women at McDonalds love him and every place we go shopping, we have to wait for him while he poses for pictures. He'll be in for a real reality check when we get home!

Another Shopping Day

Today was a big shopping day on Shamian Island. We thought we were pretty much done, but the shopping was too good to resist! We took a taxi to the island- very easy and inexpensive. We met the Pierce family and another family for lunch at Lucy's. It was really good! After that, we shopped more until we were all too tired to go on! Tonight we are having our supper delivered to our room and hopefully going to bed early. I think we can all see the light at the end of the tunnel. Tonight, we'll be able to say, only 2 days from tomorrow! Tomorrow, Simon is going to take us to eat at a dumpling restaurant and then we will go to the Consulate to take our oath. Next, all we need is Cai's visa which will be issued on Thursday. We are down to the very last steps!