Luke update

Luke is officially released from the hospital. They will be leaving to head home around noon today. He only had to spend less than 24 hours in the PICU and is doing much better then expected. Adam stopped by the hospital yesterday and was able to visit with all of them for a little bit. Luke was playing in the kid area on his floor and it didn't even seem like he just had major surgery the day before that. Can't wait to see the little guy this weekend.

10 Weeks old

Yesterday, marked our little girls 10 week birthday. We celebrated by taking her to her 2 month checkup. Adam was able to join us this time, so it made going to the doctor much easier for everyone. Taylor weighed 13lbs. 11oz. and is 23.75 inches long. She is off the charts for her weight and in the 90th percentile for her length. Obviously, nursing is going well, which makes me feel so good. She also had 4 shots and one oral. There were tears, mostly from her, but Mason joined in, because he hates to see his sister upset. So much love between those two!

I was looking back to see how much Mason weighed at this 2 month checkup and he was exactly one pound heavier and one inch taller than Taylor. I think she has him beat on the chubby cheaks, but he had chunkier thighs. As I like to say, she makes chunk look good!

Reminder to pray for Luke

* Update as of 5/27/09 at 2:47pm: Luke is out of surgery and it went well. He is cranky, but doing fine.

Just a reminder that Mason's buddy, Luke, is having surgery tomorrow morning. If you could keep him, and Ray & Marissa in your prayers, it would greatly be appreciated. His surgery is supposed to being at 8:15am and they are hoping he will be out by 10:30am. He will be in PICU for the first 3 days and then in a regular pediatric room for the rest of his stay. I will be sure to keep everyone posted with any news. Thanks.

(I have a very long post coming soon from Memorial Day Weekend. Way too many pictures and information to type at this time, but will post soon!)

Taylor 2 Months old

Taylor's 2 month appointment is next Tuesday. Will update more then. For now, enjoy these lovely pictures of our baby girl.

Several Posts

I don't know if it's the lack of sleep or the fact that the coffee is kicking in, but I have been posting all morning long.

Updates included at the bottom of the posts. Thanks for all of your prayers.



* 5.12.09 - Luke's Update

* 5.12.09 - Parenting with Love & Logic

* 5.12.09 - Adoption Update

* 5.11.09 - Mother's Day Weekend

Luke's Update

A few weeks ago, I posted about Luke Mooney. As I mentioned previously, the doctors believed he had Chiari Malformation. His MRI was last week. The doctor that read the MRI doesn't believe there is anything to show that he has Chiari. He still wanted Ray & Marissa to take Luke to the Neurologist this week to get his medical opinion. They are hopefully optimistic that he will agree. However, the question still remains why his CT Scan came back abnormal and why are his eyes still crossing.

The appointment with the Neurologist is this morning at 10:30am. If you get a chance, please pray for this family as they meet with the doctor and decide on where to go from here. Marissa is going to call after their appointment and I will be sure to update this post as soon as I hear something.

**Update as of 1:45pm
I just got off the phone with Marissa and Luke does have Chiari Malformation. Dr. Danielpour, their Neurologist, informed them that Luke will need surgery. As of right now, his surgery is scheduled for May 27th in the morning at Cedar Sinai. He will be in the ICU for the first couple of days after the surgery and the rest of the time will be spent in a regular hospital room. Overall, he will spend 5 days in the hospital.

Marissa and Ray are doing okay. I think it caught them by surprise, because they weren't expecting him to say it was Chiari, since the doctor that read the MRI, didn't see any signs. Luke's 2nd birthday is May 28th, so he will have to spend his birthday in the hospital.

Parenting with Love & Logic

If you read my Mother's Day post, then you know that Mason is entering the stage of Terrible Two's. I have heard that age three is worse, so I guess I have a lot to look forward to for the next two years.

He is still so loving and caring, but he is beginning to test his limits. I think this is mostly because he has become more verbal with this words and can express himself more. It's a good thing and a bad thing all in one.

In the last week, I have had several instances where I ask him to do something, and he shouts "NO!" He didn't even say that word until a couple of weeks ago. Lets not forget that he also has learned how to slap you if he doesn't want to be put in time out or do something he is told to do.

When my parents were visiting, my Dad told me about a book he had been reading, Parenting with Love & Logic. My Dad loves to read and came across this book during his research on parenting an adopted child. It isn't specifically for adopted children, actually it first came out in the 90's and they have revised it based on all the changes going on with the Internet, cell phones, and other technology. As he told me about it, I became increasingly interested and planned on buying a copy as soon as possible. This was before Mason started acting out.

It's amazing how much more reading I was able to get done with one child. With two, I haven't had much time for reading. I try to read a few chapters here and there. From what I have read so far, I am convinced that I will be parenting this way with our children. I recommend it for anyone, no matter the age of your children.

The authors of the book also did a specific set just for Toddlers. I have heard that you first need to read the book to learn and understand the concept as a whole, and then move on to the series that best suits your situation, whether it's Toddlers or Teenagers.

I honestly don't think Mason is acting out because of Taylor. He adores his sister and doesn't act jealous in the least bit. I just think God blessed us with a strong-willed child, and I know one day we will be grateful for this part of his personality. If we work with him as he gets older, it will be an asset to him.

I wanted to share the information about the book, because I have several friends with kids the same age and it seems like they are all going thru the same issues right now. I hope this is helpful.

Adoption Update

A lot of you have been wondering how the adoption process is going for my parents. A few weeks ago, they completed the Home Study. This is where they come into your home and observe everything you have to see if the actual house is adequate to house a child. They also do several interviews with you as a couple and then separately. This occurred over two different weekends and lasted 6 hours the first Saturday and almost 8 hours the next Saturday. Daunting to say the least.

The case worker then writes up her report regarding her observations and submits it to the Matching Committee. The agency then decides whether or not my parents are fit to adopt. That meeting is going on this afternoon. My Dad sent out an email this morning and I have decided to post it here.

As everyone is aware, Debra and I believe we have received a clear calling from God, we are stepping out in faith to adopt one or more children from foster care who are desperately in need of a loving Christian home.

Today is the day that our adoption application and home study will be reviewed by the DePelchin board to determine if Debra and I will be able to adopt. We are requesting your support in prayer that God’s will be done today. Following are a few scripture verses that demonstrate God’s concern for widows and orphans, serving those in need, and how we were adopted into the family of God.

Thank you for your support and prayer!
Greg and Debra

P.S. Please feel free to pass this request along to others.

A father of the fatherless and a judge for the widows, Is God in His holy habitation. God makes a home for the lonely (Ps 68:5-6 NASB)

The Lord protects the strangers; He supports the fatherless and the widow (Ps 146:9 NASB)

“Leave your orphans behind, I will keep them alive; And let your widows trust in Me.” (Je 49:11 NASB)

Pure and undefiled religion in the sight of our God and Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their distress (Jas 1:27 NASB)

You shall not afflict any widow or orphan. “If you afflict him at all, and if he does cry out to Me, I will surely hear his cry; and My anger will be kindled (Ex 22:22-24 NASB)

He executes justice for the orphan and the widow, and shows His love for the alien by giving him food and clothing. So show your love for the alien, for you were aliens in the land of Egypt. (Dt 10:18-19 NASB)
You will strengthen their heart, You will incline Your ear To vindicate the orphan and the oppressed, So that man who is of the earth will no longer cause terror. (Ps 10:17-18 NASB)

Vindicate the weak and fatherless; Do justice to the afflicted and destitute. Rescue the weak and needy; Deliver them out of the hand of the wicked. (Ps 82:3-4 NASB)

Learn to do good; Seek justice, Reprove the ruthless, Defend the orphan, Plead for the widow. (Is 1:17 NASB)

and do not oppress the widow or the orphan, the stranger or the poor; (Zec 7:10 NASB)

“Then the King will say to those on His right, ‘Come, you who are blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. ‘For I was hungry, and you gave Me something to eat; I was thirsty, and you gave Me something to drink; I was a stranger, and you invited Me in; naked, and you clothed Me; I was sick, and you visited Me; I was in prison, and you came to Me.’ “Then the righteous will answer Him, ‘Lord, when did we see You hungry, and feed You, or thirsty, and give You something to drink? ‘And when did we see You a stranger, and invite You in, or naked, and clothe You? ‘When did we see You sick, or in prison, and come to You?’ “The King will answer and say to them, ‘Truly I say to you, to the extent that you did it to one of these brothers of Mine, even the least of them, you did it to Me.’ (Mt 25:34-40 NASB)

So also we, while we were children, were held in bondage under the elemental things of the world. But when the fullness of the time came, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the Law, so that He might redeem those who were under the Law, that we might receive the adoption as sons. Because you are sons, God has sent forth the Spirit of His Son into our hearts, crying, “Abba! Father!” Therefore you are no longer a slave, but a son; and if a son, then an heir through God. (Ga 4:3-8 NASB)

My parents should receive a call with the news this evening. If the agency decides in their favor, then they will begin the matching process in the coming weeks. They actually would like to adopt two boys, but the agency only allows you to bring one child in your home at a time, unless they are siblings, until a certain amount of time lapses. Our family is hopeful that they will allow for my parents to bring both boys home at the same time, since both boys are older and won't be in the system for too much longer. Plus there are many benefits to having them come home together.

Thank you for all of your prayers during this time and I will be sure to keep everyone posted.

**Update as of 1:52pm

I just got word that my parents are approved and the matching process will take a week. Thanks for all of your prayers!

Mother's Day Weekend

Adam has been doing a lot of traveling lately. That means we take full advantage of our weekends and try to do as much as possible as a family. This weekend was no exception. Friday evening, we had our first movie night. Happy Feet was on TV and we decided that we would allow Mason to stay up and watch it with us. It wasn't that long into the movie, before we put him down to bed. He was so tired, he could barely keep his eyes open. It's okay, he has seen this movie many times at his Mimi & Granddad's house over Christmas break.





Saturday morning, we were up bright and early and headed to Riverwalk Park for Baby Fest. The park hosted a festival dedicated to babies thru Pre-K. All sorts of vendors set up their booths, including games and fun for the kiddos. We tried to beat the crowds and the heat, so we arrived around 9:30am. I was able to find a couple of really cute bows for Taylor and the rest of the time, we let Mason play. He had so much fun, he didn't want to leave.














We stopped for lunch, which Mason was too tired to eat, and got home for an early nap, so that Mason would be in a good mood for his friend, Abigail's, 2nd birthday party. I was so excited to dress both kids in their new swimsuits. I found Mason's at Target in January. Can you believe that they were selling swimsuits in January? I actually purchased two, because we spend so much time in the pool. Here is a picture of him in his suit. He spent the entire time in the water with his Daddy. I forgot to get a close up.

A few weeks ago, we received a package for Taylor from her Aunt Laura and her Uncle Matt. It included the most darling dress and bathing suit from Baby Gap. Both are 3-6 months, which are still too big for her, but I decided to see how the swimsuit fit for her this weekend. I absolutely love it on her, even if it's still a little big. At least I know it will last her thru the summer. Taylor & I stepped into the pool for a second and quickly got out. While it's warm here, the water was not warm enough for an infant or me. Adam agreed with me, but someone had to be in the water with Mason. Besides, the temperature of the water wasn't an issue for Mason. He had a great time.

Mason is really into helping Mommy these days. While he makes more of a mess than help, I don't want to stop him from helping. He loves to sweep. I actually sweep the floor first and then tell him to get all the spots Mommy forgot to get. Here is my little helper at work.

Saturday night, we were so tired from the days activities, that we decided to head to bed early. Taylor fell ate around 8pm and didn't wake up to eat again until 3 am. I was so excited about her long stretch, when I woke up to feed her. I couldn't help but think it was going to be a great Mother's Day. After I put her back down, I heard Mason screaming in his room around 4am.

I went in to find his leg caught in his crib, but his eyes were closed and he didn't budge, so I thought he was screaming in his sleep. As I walked out the room, he cried out for me and began to sob. My heart immediately melted and I decided to hold him for a bit. HE NEVER WENT BACK TO SLEEP! I was so tired. We let Daddy sleep until about 6am and then I let Mason wake him up, so that I could get ready for church and feed Taylor.

I needed to give Mason a bath that morning, because he was too tired for a bath the night before. Considering he spent all day playing outside and swimming, I didn't want him to be gross for church. He loves to take baths in our bathroom, so when I went to put him in the tub, he thru a huge fit. The boy loves bath time, so I was shocked to see this reaction. I think he was in and out in 1 minute flat. Fastest bath ever!

Afterwards, it was a battle the rest of the morning. He didn't want to put his diaper on and kept screaming and shouting "NO!" My patience was wearing very thin by the time we left for church. We planned on just going to Sunday School that morning and then going to lunch. Mason didn't want to go into his classroom, which is a first. He usually opens the door and walks in himself. We could hear him crying across the building. We finally decided to go get him and bring him into our class, and as I got up to get him, the pager went off requesting us to pick him up. That is another first for him. Once I got to the room, he was glad to see me and actually sat quietly, for the most part, during Sunday School with us.

I knew he was tired from being up for so long, but I also wanted him to eat before he took a nap. We went El Portal to meet the Mooney's for lunch. The place was packed, but we had a reservation. Unfortunately, the restaurant was not prepared at all and only had one high chair in the entire place. Don't they understand what the concept of Mother's Day is all about? They didn't have booster seats either, so I sat next to Mason trying to hold him still while we all tried to eat. Adam barely ate anything, I didn't even eat, but Mason luckily had a decent lunch. We left after 30 minutes of sitting down to get him home and to bed.

I was pretty tired too and decided to take a nap, while he napped. Adam was kind enough to keep Taylor quiet and held her while she napped, so that I could get a couple hours of sleep. It definitely helped. Here is our attempt at Mother's Day picture. Neither Taylor or Mason wanted to look at the camera.

I needed to go to the grocery store and knew I could get in and out quickly if I didn't have anyone with me, plus I wanted some alone time. My 30 minute trip out was a life saver. I felt so refreshed. Once I got back, we decided that we would try dinner out, since lunch didn't go so well. We ended up at one of our favorite restaurants, Frugattis. Adam & I both had a delicious plate of Wood Fire Grilled Salmon with Fat Sammy Sauce. Mason was so much more pleasant during dinner and Taylor slept the entire meal.

I wouldn't say it was a great day, but I remind myself that Mother's Day is about being a Mom. That has been my dream for so long and God has blessed me with two beautiful, happy and healthy children. He just wanted to remind me of that yesterday.

Taylor wearing the outfit her Aunt Christina gave her.

Contest Winners

Sorry for the wait, but I have the contest winners. Drumroll please...

If you left me a comment, then you are a winner! That's right, all of you win something! I started grabbing names out of the bowl and then I just kept taking out names and decided that all of you will receive a prize. Email me your mailing address at tabaitha_kaye@hotmail.com to receive your prize.

Pay it Forward Contest!

A few weeks ago, I entered a contest by leaving a comment on my friends blog and I won!

My prize.

Now it is my turn to return the favor! It's easy so here's the deal:
All you have to do is leave a comment - see I told you it was easy! Now I know I have a few blogger challenged friends out there that have not figured out how to leave comments, no more excuses, figure it out! :)

If you leave a comment, I will write your name down on a piece of paper and put it in bowl. I will draw three random names out of the bowl and send those people a little something special.

If you are a winner, I'll ask that you pay-it-forward on your blog. If you don't have a blog or website, send off a little something to three of your friends as a surprise or do something else. So no excuses if you don't have a blog or a website.

Contest ends Wednesday.