Change of plans!

Since I last posted, plans have drastically changed!  We had already loaded all our large luggage and sent it on a truck to the airport.  We were 5 minutes out from loading up and heading to the airport ourselves when a blood curdling scream came from the front yard.  Ethan had tried to jump the fence, in an exciting game of hide and seek, his flip flop caught and he instead landed on his arm.  Nurse Aunt Jenni quickly assessed him and we determined something was seriously wrong; either a dislocated shoulder or a broken arm.  With a departure time of t-minus 2 ½ hours, we headed to Immediate Care hoping  for immediate care and a possibility to still catch our flight.  The afternoon progressed in a roller coaster of emotion; “yes we’ll make it” to “no, we shouldn’t go.”  Ethan broke his “Radial Neck,” the top of his radius up close to his elbow.  Luckily it was not dislocated, eliminating the need for surgery.  But we needed to see a Pediatric Orthopedic Specialist, which was not possible before 4:50 p.m.  

This captures how we felt at the end of Tuesday; exhausted, overwhelmed and somewhat in shock. 

We had an 8:30 a.m. appointment with the specialist on Wednesday.  It was determined that he would need to be in a cast for 3 ½ weeks.  The Dr. felt comfortable with us traveling back and having the cast removed and the break re-xrayed in country.  So after a flurry of phone calls, we are ticketed to leave next Tuesday.  Exactly a week later.  We are back in the house we've been living in in Wichita and are trying to keep Ethan's arm elevated, unpack as little as possible, and keep from further injury!  Here's some shots of his casted arm.

Ethan saying "Go Piggybacks (Razorbacks)"  He's a fan, thanks to Uncle Dan

 The boys taking it easy on the couch.  Ethan thought it was funny that Elias was resting his arm just like big brother!

It's fun to think what good friends they will become!

We are hoping and praying we'll be on the flight next Tuesday, March 29th, afternoon.  We don't have internet at the house, so I can't guarantee how many trips I'll make to the library to blog!  But wanted you to know about this BIG change!

Raring to go!

This only captures a fraction of the excitement and anticipation that has been bubbling forth from the hearts of my kiddos.  We are headed back to our Central Asian home!!!  So the boxes are packed and were picked up by the air freighters yesterday.  The suitcases are packed and, as you can see, the backpacks are lined up and ready to go!  The adventure is before us.

If you read this anytime in the near future, would you pray for us.  28 (ish) hours of plane travel, a handful of days in the capitol recovering from jet lag and getting the documents/stuff we need and then it's over the mountains to our Valley home.  A home we've been away from for 11 months (to the day).

It will be a while before we have internet set up, but I hope to have pictures and be a little more consistent on the blogging network.  Until then . . . 

An identifiable thought

I've been doing my devotions (when I can grab the undisturbed sit-down time) through this book.  12 days in, it's been really good.  Beth had me slowly reading through Luke 2.  It wasn't the passage highlighted, but God highlighted it in my heart. 

Luke 2:48b

"Son, why have you treated us like this?"

This was Mary's question of the young Jesus who stayed behind in Jerusalem and was later found by his freaked out parents in the temple.  Jesus' answer to her question was "Didn't you know I had to be in my Father's house?"  This is so often my question of God.  And I guess it's routed in some serious entitlement.  "God, why have you treated me like this?  Why did my baby wake up 3+ times last night, followed by my  other 2 children?  Didn't you know that I needed the sleep?"  (just one of the numerous current examples).  And Jesus' response is often the same; a challenge to see the bigger picture!  His greater purpose that reaches far beyond my current circumstance.  I guess my heart was encouraged too.  So often Mary is credited with the "treasured up all these things and pondering" (Luke 2:19,51).  Something I'm not very good at doing.  Glad to know she was still human.

Monster Trucks

That's right, Saturday Austin and Ethan went to the Monster Jam!

Here they are modeling their protective ear gear!  Unfortunately no cameras (with detachable lenses) allowed inside the arena.  So this was the only picture from the historic event.  But Ethan sure loved it.  And, you guessed it, it has become the theme for every piece of art, story, or creation!  He's requesting a Monster Truck birthday cake!  (The boy's a dreamer; just planning 5 months out!)

A boy and his feet!

Since the womb, this little guy has loved to keep his feet soles together.  Kinda curious how long this flexibility will last!

I just took him to his 4 month check up yesterday.  He's my chunkiest baby yet; 15 lbs 9 oz (75%) and 26 inches (80%).  He's sure growing fast.  He's rolled over (both directions) a couple times and has mastered grabbing things of interest with his hands.  It's amazing how fast they change!

Growing friendship!

These two are growing a sweet friendship.  Yes, she loves on him in an over-the-top kind of way, but he is growing more and more accustomed to it.  And I think he really likes it!  She loves to hold him and often request for Mommy to take their picture together. Thus the shots below.  It's fun to watch her talk to him.  She knows how to make him laugh and smile!  I have mental pictures of her sitting him at her tea parties and her teaching him in "pretend" school.  The day is quickly approaching!  Until then, it's cuddles on the couch!

Mr. Giggles

Elias is changing and developing so fast.  He is definitely the grinniest little baby I've ever seen.  There is nothing like a baby's giggles and kisses to wash away the stress of any day.  I just couldn't hog them all to myself.  Hope you enjoy the joy that is pouring out of him!



 And then his aggressive love: