Merry Christmas!

Wow! I can't believe 2010 is almost over. I looked back at the last post and realized it was in October! I think I have some blog catching up to do. :)

I can't wait to share some fun things with you from the past couple of months. We also have some excitement coming the first week of January - Keith's 40th birthday and a big trip to Disney World!

For now I'll leave you with a picture from our visit with Santa. This was my favorite one of all.

Recovery

I just wanted to write a quick update on Miss Priss. She is doing great! I can't believe her surgery was just a little over 2 weeks ago! The first few days post-op were understandably tough, but she was quickly back to herself. She didn't eat very much for the first week, but she has eaten enough the past couple of days to make up for it! She also had a hard time sleeping for a couple of weeks, but she seems to have kicked that too.

We had our ENT post-op appointment yesterday and her ears are looking great. We will go back in January for another hearing test, but the doctor thinks the tubes are doing their job! We see the surgeon for post-op today regarding her palate and are expecting another great report!

Thank you all for your prayers during Mia's surgery! She did so great and I continue to say that she is the strongest little girl I know!

Here are some cute pics from our surgery adventure!

Looking really cute, all dressed up and ready to go!



Her first time up and moving!



Heading home! Our sweet nurse walked her out.



All better and enjoying her pumpkin at pre-school yesterday!

Home from the Hospital

Hi all. This is Keith on blogging duty tonight. Mia is in the rocking chair with Mommy putting up a good fight against impending sleep. She has been quite the Mommy's girl through this ordeal.

As most of you know, Mia's surgery was yesterday morning (Thursday). It was a scary, helpless experience (as I know you know), but something we had to do.

Mia did so well, she was discharged today (Friday). And I'm happy to say I'm writing this in my pajamas on my couch!

Of course, yesterday was a tough day. She had a lot of pain and post anesthesia jitters. But by this morning, she was eating (sort of), talking (sort of), playing with some Play-Doh and walking around.

This afternoon, she got out in the yard and watched me bathe our dog Max. She even brushed him!

Our girl has a bit to go. As well as she's doing, she is still "in recovery." And we're going to have to keep her from picking at the surgery area.

What's funny is that, as I write this, Tracy and I are sitting in our family room (Mia's finally asleep..for now), and the Phillies/Reds game is on the TV. For any of you who really know us, Tracy and I DON'T watch sports...EVER. I had to glance at the TV to see how to spell Phillies. We learned last night in the hospital room that our little girl will only calm down and go to sleep with a baseball game on (can you tell she spends a lot of time at baseball fields watching her big brothers?).

Go figure.

We thank each and every one of you for your thoughts and prayers. This was not an enjoyable experience, but the outcome couldn't have been better.

New Surgery Date!

I am so happy to announce that we finally have a date for Mia's cleft palate surgery! The big day will be Thursday, October 7th. It's coming up quick - please keep us in your prayers as we get close to seeing this surgery completed.

We will keep you all posted!

6 Months Home!

Time. Where does it go? Two weeks ago we celebrated Mia being home with us for 6 months. Yes, already six months have passed! In many ways it really seems like she has been with us forever. She has adjusted to her new life so well, and has quickly turned into quite the 2 year old! No more shy, sweet thing - she is all out, all the time!

One of the most exciting things we have experienced over the past 6 months is not only the addition to our family, but the additions of 4 other beautiful girls to their families - and one happening very soon!

Soon after we received Mia's referral last August, I reconnected with a college friend on Facebook. I learned that he and his wife, Tracie, were waiting to be matched with their little girl from China. Miri joined the Patterson family in May and she is an absolute beauty! I have loved following their blog and reconnecting with Matt and his family.

Our bestest buddies, Cathy and Jay, brought home their beautiful daughter, Alden, in June. She was so tiny - I had completely forgotten how little newborns are! She is just too sweet for words - and she has a very proud big brother, Sutton.

On Labor Day weekend, our good friends Debbie and Ruben returned home with their newest addition, Lily. Debbie and I have been talking "China" for quite some time. What a joy it has been to bring these sweet girls home "together". We had the honor of meeting Lily last Friday and what a sweet, tiny girl she is! She and Mia had their first play date. There wasn't too much playing going on, but I know they will be fast friends soon!

Just a week later, one of my childhood friends, Renee, brought their new addition home as well. Renee and I were able to have lunch a couple of months ago - we hadn't seen each other in years - but the talk of these sweet daughters made it seem as if no time had passed since our last time together. I can't wait to see her again and introduce Mia to Ren.

And that isn't all! In the next month, another church family will bring home their new daughter and sister, Katherine!

I honestly can't count how many families I have seen formed over the past year. I follow lots of blogs and read forums where almost daily, a match has been made, or someone has met their child for the very first time. It is all around us, all the time. I think until it was our reality, I just didn't know, I didn't see it. And it never gets old. The joy that comes from someone writing, "we've been matched!" or "we met our child today!" The phone ringing with a friend on the other line saying, "I got a call today - we have a girl!", or receiving a text with the picture of your best friends baby girl. The daughter she would soon be holding for the very first time.

It is a blessing over and over again. So as we celebrate our first 6 months with Mia, we celebrate with all the other families made through the absolute miracle of adoption.

Welcome Home!

Mia - 6 months home - September 8th



Miri Patterson



Alden Thomas



Lily Watson



Ren Griffin

August 8th

This day, every year, brings me so much joy. Twelve years ago, Keith and I got married. And 9 years ago, our first boy was born. I could reminisce for hours, write the whole story from start to now. But, I won't. Not now anyway. I will say that the past 12 years have been so wonderful, full of fun, and that Keith is the most amazing husband any wife could ever ask for. I know most would say the same about their own, but I truly believe there is no one better. And for our oldest child? You won't find a more kind, tender-hearted boy on this planet. Nope. You wouldn't even come close.



Nine. It's a big, scary number when you're a parent. It's halfway. Yep. In nine too quickly passing years, he'll be an adult. As hard as it is to think about, if the next nine are as good as the first, I can't wait!

Happy Birthday Tucker!!

Surgery Rescheduled!

Well, I thought today would have me nursing our little girl back to
health after her surgery. But, since Mia did not have her surgery
yesterday, today finds me unpacking our hospital bags, cleaning up
around the house and planning the start of our school year, all with
the ever familiar sound of SpongeBob in the background.

So, what happened? Our little one has a thyroid that sometimes acts up. Yesterday her levels were off just enough to pose a risk. The
anethesiologist did not feel comfortable and wanted to postpone surgery until
her thyroid is once again more stable. Hopefully, we will be rescheduled in a few weeks.

We will keep you all updated when we know more. Thank you for all of
the prayers for Mia and our family during her surgery that wasn't. :)

Where Does the Time Go?

Oh, how this summer is flying by! I can't believe it has been a month since I last posted anything! We've been busy, but other than a few specific things we've done, I can't really say what it is that is keeping us so busy. Just playing, I guess. :)

Actually, we do have quite a bit coming up that has definitely been occupying my time this summer. We are homeschooling this year. Yep, never thought I would be saying that, but we are super excited, and super nervous about this new adventure! I have never seen so many Amazon boxes arrive at once - every day is a new surprise filled with books for the upcoming year! This is actually the main reason I have not been blogging. I have been reading and choosing curriculum like crazy. It really is a bit overwhelming, but we're ready, almost. :)

We also have Mia's cleft palate surgery coming up on August 2nd. Not to sound completely "southern", but bless her heart. Most days I am really ready for her to have the surgery so we can move forward with her speech. Other days, I am terrified. I don't think anyone really wants to see their children go through something like this. I have also found myself feeling a little sad about the changes that will come from the surgery. That cute little "dimple" right above her lip will be repaired and eventually, through speech therapy, her words will become clear. Of course that is all good, but it is kind of hard too. I will miss the way she says words now. We are videoing her often to capture those sweet words now. My favorite being "daddy". :)

Stay with us! Lots going on in the Jennings household and a new blog design coming soon!

Snappin' beans!



Water play in the backyard!


Play date with my high school buddies and their children!



July 3rd - we had our friends, Cathy and Jay, over for an early 4th celebration. Somehow I managed to not get one picture of us all together. :(




This is Mia's "surprise face". We see it every time she discovers something new. Sparklers were a definite surprise! And that cute dress? A gift from Granna and Pap-paw. Yes, she wore it 2 days in a row. :)


We spent the 4th at Big Canoe - poppers, more sparklers, and a fantastic fireworks show!
Cousins Courtney and Trevor always add to the fun!



Today found us at the Aquarium! I took many pictures, but this was my favorite.

Indiana Tate!

While I was writing about our beach trip, I got so tickled when I saw one of the pictures, I decided I had to tell you about Tate and his obsession with Indiana Jones.

I can't quite remember when it started. And I do have to admit, he was probably way to young to be watching it, but again, I can't remember the circumstances around the first viewing. But, we have had a little Indiana around here for a couple of years, at least. I went back through all of the pics on my computer and found the ones we have of him dressed up as Indiana. Too sweet!

Let's start with the one from last week. He fell in love with this hat, an "official Indiana Jones" hat, when we were in Charleston last April. Yes, one year ago. He has remembered this hat and has asked when we can buy it for a year. So, we went back to visit the "Hat Man" and, guess what? They had a small one that fit just right. He is so proud of this hat!



Here are a few of the others:

Age 3 - yep, 3


4 Year old party with a very cool Indiana Jones cake!


Hollywood Studios at the Indiana Jones show!


Christmas 2008 - A new costume, age 4


Sleeping like Indie!


A favorite t-shirt!


Bear gets to play, too!


A new play set!


Age 5 - same cool cake!


Halloween '09


These are just a few! Indiana is with us quite a bit! This past Christmas, Santa brought Season 1 of The Adventures of Young Indiana Jones. We watch these when we just can't handle "the bolder scene" anymore. :) They are fun to watch and a little more age appropriate - lots of good history thrown in too!

I love these boys! They make life so much fun!

Life's A Beach!

We just returned home from our annual family beach trip with my mom, sis, and brother's family. Our journey this year took us to Wild Dunes, just outside Charleston. Keith and I have been to Charleston a few times and have always loved it. We took the boys last year for Spring Break and were excited to get back.

The first night was a little rough. Mia was quite clingy and didn't quite know what to make of the situation. A new "home", new bed, a different everything, can be scary if you don't understand what a vacation is. Trying to explain that to a two year old,who doesn't quite get everything we say yet, is hard. She's a champ though, we made it through the first night and she was good to go the first full day at the beach. Of course, with it being Mia's first trip to the ocean, we couldn't wait to see her reaction, and she loved it! It didn't take her long at all to jump right in the water. Playing in the sand was a favorite too!

Tate and Tucker really had a lot of fun this year. They always do, but they just seemed to really enjoy the ocean more. We had some yummy food, as always, and even took the kids on a fun "ghost tour" in Charleston.

Here's just a little bit of our fun!


Mia seeing the ocean for the first time.


Playing in the sand - brother is ready to hit the waves.


Growing up!


Hanging with cousin Ashton.


Bubbles!


All three together and Miss Priss was not in the mood!


We had a great time - the beach always brings new adventures and lots of smiles. I just can't figure out why I come home feeling like I need a vacation! :)

PS...

Tate to Keith: "Some pirates wear two eye patches."

Keith: "How do they see?"

Tate: "They poke a hole in one of the eye patches."

3 Months Home!!

3 months ago today, we met our beautiful daughter.

It's amazing to see that this little girl...

3/8/10

Is now this little girl...

6/8/10

It has been such a joy these past 3 months to have Mia home. Finally!

We love you Mia and are so proud of you!

It's Summer Time!

School is out and summer has started!

Friday we had our first summer outing - the Zoo! It was Mia's first trip and the boys 875th. Really, I don't know how many times I have taken them, but it is a lot. They have always loved it and we have our little routines down. Sometimes the whole Zoo. Sometimes just our favorite parts. Sometimes a picnic lunch. Sometimes pizza. It's just fun.







Saturday we ventured over to Nana and Poppy's pool. It was Mia's first time swimming and she loved it!







Sunday we had all of the grandparents and great- grandparents over for dinner. I am glad I remembered to snap a picture with the great - grandmothers.



Looking forward to more fun filled days! :)