Daphna and Grace

2012-02-13T08:25:00.000-08:00

Donalson, Dana, Bruce & Sam

We met this cockroach's cousin in the airport. He was twice the size of this one.
Sam & Sedene

Van Berkel tent city

2012-02-11T13:56:00.001-08:00

Good Friends

2012-02-11T12:42:00.000-08:00

and then there was the bizarre...

2012-02-10T17:13:00.000-08:00

2012-02-10T16:28:00.000-08:00

Home

2012-02-10T15:31:00.000-08:00

We are home safe, sound, and healthy.
I thought this trip would be much easier than my previous ones now that my daughters are not being left behind in Haiti. I thought I would fly home without the tears. Instead I find myself weeping for 136 kids who aren't being tucked in by their mommies tonight. Some have both biological and adoptive parent who want to be with them, but just can't be. Some are still just waiting. I saw 20 toddlers jumping up and down yelling MOMMA trying to get my attention. I had a young man pass me a note saying he loved me. I held a 13 pound little baby born with a deformed respiratory system fighting for every breath. I finally got to meet a young lady rescued from living alone in the tent camp. I've prayed for her for 1 1/2 years. She asked me to teach her to swim and we took a lap around the pool together. She told me my children are beautiful. We have only been home 3 hours and it is wonderful to have our family back together but....
I miss Haiti already.

2012-02-07T02:58:00.000-08:00

Sponsorship packets are done with 2 1/2 days to spare! Today we will continue painting new baby beds, work on typing wedding dress descriptions for the store, and take lots more pictures of the kids. So far we are all healthy and having a great time!

2012-02-04T03:58:00.000-08:00

Looks like pictures will have to go on facebook. Blogger is just too slow. Today is cleaning day and more sponsorship stuff for us. We are focusing on the special needs kids today. Slept on the balcony last night. Woke to roosters, dogs, babies and tap taps.

2012-02-02T17:25:00.000-08:00

Think I ate goat today. (Sorry Megan, I didn't know until I was done.) Having a fabulous time. These kids are awesome!! Working on the sharing picture issues. Tomorrow Sam plays soccer at Quiesqueya Chapel with the boys.

Haiti

2012-02-01T17:37:00.000-08:00

We made it to Haiti safely. Here's a few pictures. More tomorrow, but need some sleep tonight. Gonna have to copy and paste this time....https://picasaweb.google.com/105019247914816683881/HaitiFeb2012

Gotcha Day!

2012-01-26T05:00:00.000-08:00

Today marks 2 years since we picked up the Daphna & Grace in Miami. This is the first year we get to celebrate without a major reconstructive surgery on the occasion!

Remembering

2012-01-12T06:49:00.001-08:00

Will never forget this first bath in January 2010. After washing the girls' hair, our tub was coated in dirt from the earthquake.

We Wiss You a Merwwy Chwistmas!

2011-12-24T07:30:00.000-08:00

Preschoolers Christmas Program

2011-12-13T05:34:00.000-08:00

Our beautiful angel and lovable sheep...

And the X-ray says.....

2011-12-08T07:19:00.000-08:00

Grace had follow-up X-rays taken of her hips this week. Her doctor said everything looks GREAT. There is no bone death on the right side where she had surgery last January. The bones continue to calcify. The shocker is that on the left side (where she did not have a socket either at birth) there is now a growing socket -so much so that you can see the white C shape on the X-ray. The hips are actually "perfectly" aligned. The doctor was surprised. He said, "It is in the realm of possibility" that she will not need a second hip surgery. We were bracing ourselves for possibly scheduling the next surgery and the following 12 weeks of spica cast fun. Instead we got a miracle!

2011-11-18T10:10:00.000-08:00

2011-11-03T16:49:00.000-07:00

Extensions!

2011-10-30T08:39:00.000-07:00

Tournament Champions!

2011-10-29T10:51:00.000-07:00

Congratulation 7th/8th grade Rockford Eagles!

The bizarre things we do...

2011-09-28T07:13:00.000-07:00

They crawled though a 40 foot long tube underground to climb into this storm drain to rescue a musk turtle and a painted turtle. The only surprising part is that neither turtle came home with us=-)

Thus begins the reign of the 4 year old...

2011-09-28T05:32:00.001-07:00

2011-09-28T05:27:00.000-07:00

Eric Ludy - Depraved Indifference

2011-09-08T08:17:00.000-07:00

Halfway through watching this video with the kids Grace says "There's Daphna!"

Congratulations U.S.A. - The Princess is officially a permanent resident!

2011-08-24T10:00:00.000-07:00

Daphna's greencard finally arrived today!

Vacation!

2011-08-24T09:40:00.000-07:00

Grace Turns 3!

2011-08-09T06:37:00.001-07:00

Happy Birthday to our spunky little 3 year old! Uhhhh....I mean our second spunky 3 year old.

Sam on the UP bike trip

2011-08-03T10:58:00.001-07:00

2011-08-01T10:54:00.000-07:00

Met up with old H.I.S. Home friends Lovensky and Jennifer today.

Josh Meets his Sponsored Child - Baby Jamie (+ his loving parents)

2011-07-20T17:02:00.000-07:00

Congratulations U.S.A. - You Officially have a new Permanent Resident!

2011-07-19T09:52:00.000-07:00

2011-06-30T17:45:00.000-07:00

2011-06-30T17:38:00.000-07:00

2011-06-30T17:32:00.000-07:00

2011-06-30T17:26:00.000-07:00

Behind the scenes pictures from the ride...

2011-06-30T16:57:00.000-07:00

Fox 17 News

2011-06-17T09:56:00.000-07:00

It's media blitz weekend here. Geoff was interviewed on Fox 17 news this morning about the H.I.S. Home 300.

Watch the interview by cutting and pasting this link:
www.fox17online.com/videobeta/5ddc154b-3a1f-418a-bc76-6d5681eaf7ef/News/300-Miles-for-Haiti-6-17-11

Welcome Home Joey

2011-06-14T04:58:00.000-07:00

Joey was 19 days younger than Grace. He died yesterday from cholera. Please pray for the H.I.S. Home as other children are also sick. Pray for Chris & Hal as they grieve this special little boy.

Please pray for Jamie

2011-05-25T05:10:00.000-07:00

Jamie is Josh's sponsored child. Please pray for a miracle:

Baby Jamie, only 7 months old, was hospitalized in February and diagnosed with leukoencephalopathy (a terminal brain disease which destroys the brain). He fought for life through many complications involving respiratory distress, severe anemia, cerebral meningitis, seizures, and GI bleeds requiring 2 transfusions. As his body systems began shutting down, hope of survival faded and I left my phone on at night, expecting the dreaded call. One day on my drive to the hospital, I feared what I would find because I was told on the phone that Jamie’s IV antibiotics were stopped and oxygen had been discontinued. Through my tears, I started listening to the words coming from Ray Boltz on my car’s CD player.

…There’s a voice that’s deep inside you, saying it’s time to stand in faith. Dare to believe, that miracles happen, yeah. The mountains still move, and demons must flee. The God that we serve, He is much more than able, yes He is, so don’t be afraid to stand up and say, “I dare to believe.”

I made a decision right then to dare to believe. Miraculously, Jamie was breathing, and his oxygen saturation was 100%. Over the next week, his systems began functioning again and he appeared to be a little more stable. In the two months since his hospital release, Jamie has become physically stronger, but follow-up CT scans show his brain is deteriorating. Doctors in the US Children’s Medical Center have agreed to examine Jamie, so we drove to the Embassy to request a medical visa for him. Turning on the CD player, the above song was playing once again. I prayed while officers considered his case, and giving God the glory, Jamie was granted a visa. He is now in the US, and we don’t know the end of his story yet, but we are reminded that we are to endure through every circumstance. God tells us to “pray without ceasing”, so please join us as we continue to intercede for Jamie!

The above is copied from the HIS Home news letter written by Chris... below is from Tracy, Jamie's "host mom"...

Today I met with the doctors in the US with him and they told me... well, I can't see what I am typing with the tears welling up in my eyes but, I am going to listen to the voice deep inside me saying it is time to stand in faith.... Jamie's story is far from over only God knows where this road will take him and those that have the blessing to share in his story! Please help us in prayer for this beautiful "perfect" child of God!

2011-05-06T11:29:00.000-07:00

Easter in Chicago

2011-04-26T17:04:00.000-07:00

She's Hatched!

2011-04-20T12:11:00.000-07:00

After 12 long weeks, Grace is out of her spica body cast! She is doing great. She pulled herself up and took steps while we were still checking out at the doctors office. She has to wear a hip abduction brace all the time. She is supposed to have 2 hot baths a day too to help loosen up her joints. She is pretty proud of herself and seems to be moving the hips no problem. Xrays show the right hip is still in place and a socket is calcifying over it. On the left side, there is new calcification on the socket as well (that one seems to be improving all on its own). Dr. Forness wants to wait 3 months and then xray again to see what happens naturally if she is left alone. Grace was fitted for new shoe insoles too. We are getting to be a museum of used DME equipment around here. Grace lost a lot of weight/muscle tone while casted. She went in fitting in a size 5 diaper - now a size 3 is a bit big. She has definitely grown taller and developed strong arm and ab muscles, but she is shockingly thin. This surgery was definitely a success. There are still a number of possible surgeries in her future. For now we are rejoicing to be back in a high chair, a normal car seat, and having independent bathroom visits.

Van Berkel Greatest Hits

2011-04-16T15:29:00.000-07:00

The top 2 hits of the week:

1. Jesus loves me, I SAID NO!!!

2. Jesus loves me, e-i-e-i-o, BIBLE!!

April 2011

2011-04-11T10:23:00.000-07:00

Y'all Knew This Was Coming...

2011-04-05T08:26:00.000-07:00

SPICA CAST WEEK 10
(2 more weeks to go)

2011-03-15T17:24:00.000-07:00

48 Hours Later...

2011-03-11T07:26:00.000-08:00

Spica #2

2011-03-09T11:57:00.000-08:00

Here's our little spring chick's new shell

Back to OR

2011-03-07T16:56:00.000-08:00

Wednesday Grace will be back in the operating room. No incisions this time, but she needs to be put under anesthesia while she gets a new body cast and has an MRI taken. She has been in this cast almost 6 weeks. We are eagerly looking forward to April when she will be free again.

Pictures from Geoff's trip to Haiti

2011-03-02T03:43:00.000-08:00

Here is an album of some pictures I took last week in Haiti. It was a good trip, we got lots of work done on the sponsorship program and I had a chance to wander around a little and meet some new people. Thanks for all the prayers and support

2011-02-26T17:27:00.001-08:00

This is the area where Gracie was found.

2011-02-26T10:15:00.000-08:00

2011-02-24T17:45:00.001-08:00

“Do all the good you can, in all the ways you can, to all the souls you can, in every place you can, at all the times you can, with all the zeal you can, as long as ever you can” John Wesley

Geoff's New Buddy

2011-02-24T17:23:00.000-08:00

Meet Mr. Brown - the security guard

Pictures from Haiti

2011-02-24T17:03:00.000-08:00

This is Marie Mica reading the Rockford Independent story about her that ran last week- it made her feel very special and famous. Marie Mica is 15, and gave birth to a boy just before Christmas. A very sweet and quiet girl.

Geoff in haiti today

2011-02-23T07:38:00.001-08:00

keep an eye on the HIS HOME 300 blog for information and pictures from Geoff while he is at HIS HOME

Where there is a will, there is a way...

2011-02-22T06:17:00.000-08:00

If there is one thing Grace has, it is WILLPOWER!!!! (That's Megan making the call)

Not Exactly The Doctor's Orders

2011-02-09T08:09:00.000-08:00

Remembering My Mom Today

2011-02-05T12:44:00.000-08:00

The Follow-Up Appointment

2011-02-04T10:39:00.000-08:00

Today was Grace's follow-up appointment. There was good news and bad news. The good news is that Grace's hip looks great. It is right where it should be and the bones have started to mend. Her reachable stiches were removed. The bad news is we will be back in the OR March 9 to get spica cast number 2. No, no, not for the second hip. We are still on hip number 1. Grace's doctor is so pleased with the direction her legs are being held, he wants to do it longer. The second cast is mainly due to the stench factor that will be upon us by that time. The second spica will be a bit smaller and allow some movement with her legs. She will be in that cast for another 4 weeks. Yep, that adds up to 9 weeks. The surgery for her second hip (left) will be in 1-2 years. It will involve cutting the femur and putting in a plate and screw. I'm getting ahead of myself, though. One at a time.

Last night, for the first time in 9 nights, Grace slept for an extended period. Up until last night she slept for only 1 1/2 hours at her longest stretch. She is usually up whinning every 15-20 minutes. Most nights we are up 13-15 times. We are hoping this new sleep thing will continue. Everyone is pretty groggy around here.

A Throne for the Princess

2011-02-01T13:11:00.000-08:00

Thanks to our friends, Paul & Sally Wetters, Grace has a custom designed new chair and table. No more eating lying flat on her back like a Roman. Play-doh here we come!

Who needs sleep?

2011-01-31T06:22:00.000-08:00

hanging out with the buddies

Watching Elmo movies while doing tummy time.

Another night of little sleep- Gracie was up 14 times between 10 and 6. Today we start weening her off her pain meds to see if that will help the sleeping thing a little. Today is she just plain grumpy- has big furrows right down the middle of her forehead. Come to think of it, she has the same expression on her face as she did the day we met her- mad at the world and there is absolutely nothing anyone is going to do to make it any better!
We are getting the hang of the diapering thing, and the changing of the dressings. Size 3 diaper fully equiped with full size feminine hygiene product gingerly stuffed up into the hole in the cast, then the whole thing covered up with a size 6 diaper over the cast in case of blow out. Fun........
I will be heading back to work tomorrow, so please pray for Judy as she tackles this whole new thing, as well as a jealous 3 year old and school for the older three.

Settling in.

2011-01-29T16:58:00.001-08:00

Not a whole lot of sleep for Gracie last night, or mom and dad either...She is more annoyed than in pain- she wakes up every half hour or so crying. During the day she did better- didn't nap much this afternoon, but was pretty happy and playful for most of the day.
Probably the most interesting part of the day is potty time. Picture me sitting on a small stool facing Gracie, who is hovering over the top of the toilet staring back at me. She weighs about 45 lbs with cast, and is rather awkward to hold....this was never in the manual....
Anyway, she is doing better than expected- it's good to see her smile and play. Thanks for all the prayers.

She's Home!

2011-01-28T10:20:00.000-08:00

We got home just before lunch today- a day earlier than expected. Gracie is doing fine with lesser pain meds- think she is surprising alot of people with how tough she is! In order to go in the van, she needs to lie flat and use two belts that thread through a special harness we buckle her into......I don't think we will be taking her out alot over the next few weeks, it's a little bit of a chore.
We used the wagon to get her out of the hospital. You know, just when I thought we were somewhat of a spectacle, we up the ante a little bit. Funny how people tend to stare a little as we go by.....
At home she lies flat in a wheelchair or on a bean bag- she had fun opening up a couple presents when she got here.
Thanks for all the prayers and care- it has been amazing and humbling to see just how many people are behind us, and just how God keeps showing up and doing miracles for this little girl. From the lowest place in the world (the slum Gracie was found in is now considered the poorest and most dangerous place in the world!) to the newest and fanciest hospital in the richest country in the world. Throw in one of the best doctors in the country who has taken quite a shine to her- what a miracle this little girl is, and what an honor to get to be part of it.
thanks all, and blessings!

2011-01-27T15:08:00.000-08:00

Uh Oh, she just realized she can't sit up....

all is good

2011-01-27T10:46:00.001-08:00

We are all up here for the day- olders are watching a movie, Gracie is watching and playing with her books and balloon. She is doing so well, she might get out of here earlier than we thought.....too bad, the slushies, tv and other amenities are better than home. Wonder if we could teach her to fake out the doc.......

2011-01-27T06:23:00.000-08:00

A fitful night, but didn't need morphine. Grace was fitful in the evening, whinny from 10-2, and slept good from 2-5. Her right foot was very swollen and cold early this morning. Her IV was turned off and elevating it has helped. For now we don't have to put slits in the cast. She no longer has to wear a blood pressure cuff and the doctor took off the "blood evacuator". I managed to change my first diaper(s) alone. Grace is asking about all her siblings and wondered if Daphna has owwees too. They are coming up for a visit this morning. Between the one demand movies and deluxe snack bar (complete with slushy machine), they may never want to go home. This is an amazing hospital.

Settling in

2011-01-26T15:13:00.000-08:00

We have made it to our room on the 7th floor. Water is staying down. Hoping to move on to rice soon!
notice that Elmo is also wearing a body cast- thanks Megan!

She's Out!

2011-01-26T14:00:00.000-08:00

We are in the recovery room getting ready to head up to her "permanent room" She did awesome- took a long time to get her air tube in (1 hour) because of her small airway (Sheldon Hall Syndrome), but once they got her going everything went smooth, and there was much less cutting then expected with the leg fitting right into her newly formed socket.
Long road ahead, but first hurdle is cleared.
thanks for prayers, and keep going- things should get interesting when morphine wears off. Pictures are coming soon!
Thanks!

2011-01-26T11:40:00.000-08:00

WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO HOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
THE DOCTOR DID NOT HAVE TO CUT GRACE'S FEMUR!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
The plan had been to see if her right femur could be moved into place. Her doctor did not think this would be possible. He figured 2 cm of it would have to be removed. Got word from the OR nurse. He was able to move the femur without shortening it. So thankful for the skillful hands of this surgeon and his cautious approach. Thank you for your prayers. She's doing okay.

Surgery Day

2011-01-26T08:45:00.001-08:00

She is in! Surgery was delayed by a couple hours and then got a late start. They did not begin until a little after 10 this morning. Grace did great. She only got upset when she did not get to stay and play with the "Isaacs" like Daphna does and when she saw (and recognized) her doctor. They are planning to inject dye into the left hip first which will take an hour. Then they will move on the right hip. Once surgery is complete she will be casted and then have a CAT scan. Sounds like it will be at least a 6 hour wait. By the way kids, the nurse confirmed that she can have a red Elmo cast. We are eagerly awaiting our first 2 hour update from the operating room.

2011-01-22T16:07:00.000-08:00

Surgery #3

2011-01-17T10:01:00.000-08:00

We are preregistered and ready to go for surgery number 3 for Grace. She is heading to the new Helen DeVos Childrens Hospital January 26 (a.k.a. Gotcha Day) to have open reduction surgery on her right hip. Both hips are currently dislocated and the sockets are very shallow. This surgery involves cutting 2 inches off her femur, putting a plate in, moving the femur into place in the socket and creating a lip out of bone to keep it in place. She will be in the hospital for at least 3 days. After that she will be in a spica cast for 6 weeks. As of last week she started having a change in her gait. Her doctor thinks the left hip might be slipping farther out of place. He will be injecting dye into the left hip during this surgery to get a better idea of what is going on that side. This will determine when we head back in for surgery #4. Did I mention she really doesn't care for doctors and definitely can't stand the hospital?

Local couple describe Haiti earthquake and aid needed still - WTOL.com - Toledo's News Leader |

2011-01-13T07:38:00.000-08:00

Local couple describe Haiti earthquake and aid needed still - WTOL.com - Toledo's News Leader |

January 12, 2010

2011-01-12T04:09:00.000-08:00

These pictures were taken January 12 last year only hours before the earthquake. Feeling the weight of the conflicting emotions today. Gratitude for the miracle that brought our girls home - sadness for the many grieving today as they face this anniversary.

Sesame Street:Song: I Love My Hair

2011-01-09T15:01:00.000-08:00

Powerful message

2011-01-06T12:07:00.000-08:00

God calls us to be on mission- check out this video that calls men up. God wants us in the world......
leadership video

2010-12-23T11:14:00.000-08:00

Help Haiti Act passed!

2010-12-04T08:00:00.000-08:00

Ya know, the more we look back on the journey over the last 3 years, the more we recognize the clear workings and movements of God's hands. "He sure is not a tame Lion, but He is good...."

“Today, the House passed the Help HAITI Act, an important piece of humanitarian legislation that continues America’s constructive response to the devastating earthquake that struck Haiti early this year. Following the earthquake, more than 1,000 Haitian orphans were brought to the United States by adoptive American families; the bill we passed today ensures that those children, just like all other children adopted from abroad, will have permanent resident status. For the adoptive parents who generously took Haitian orphans into their homes, the guarantee of permanent resident status means that their children will enjoy a full range of legal protections and will no longer be stuck in legal limbo.

“The adoption of more than 1,000 orphans has been in proud keeping with America’s tradition as a welcoming refuge. I am happy that this bill, which is now ready for President Obama’s signature, gives full legal recognition to these adopted children and paves the way for what I am sure will be their important contributions to our country.”

Big Girl Bed

2010-11-22T07:23:00.000-08:00

Grace moved into a big girl bed this week. Elmo came with of course.

The Next Hurdle

2010-11-18T10:04:00.000-08:00

The next hurdle for our family is citizenship. As legislation currently stands, we will have to wait two years before we can even file for citizenship for our girls. The unique problem for us is that half of the family lives across the border in Canada. Legislation to expedite citizenship for Haitian humanitarian parolees has been making its way rapidly through Congress with lots of support. It was supposed to be voted on this week. Here is the latest from the Joint Council on Adoption:

The last week has been full of twists and turns for the Help Haiti Act. Monday it was on the Congressional calender for a vote, then removed. Tuesday and Wednesday we discovered that the House Democratic leadership intended to tie a somewhat controversial piece of legislation, the DREAM Act, to the Help Haiti Act. Doing so could mean that the Help Haiti Act might not pass this year and would have a long upward fight in 2011. Today, however, we have seen a little bit of light. Sen. Reid announced that he plans to introduce the DREAM Act into the Senate. Doing so would likely mean the DREAM Act would not be tied to the Help Haiti Act.

Politics can change very quickly here in Washington and everything could change again tomorrow, or later today. Therefore, over 1200 adoptive children from Haiti without a clear path to citizenship need you to continue to to call and email your Representative, asking them to support the Help Haiti Act. Please don't forget to ask your friends and family to do the same. The children need a loud and powerful voice - the voice of thousands of America's granting them the right every U.S. adopted child should have - citizenship. So, please keep the phone calls and emails coming!

If you have a minute, please send an email on behalf of our girls.
Thanks!

Officially Ours!

2010-11-16T06:54:00.000-08:00

2 years 9 months ago, we felt God tugging at our hearts and asking "Will you?" Just over 2 years ago our dossier arrived in Haiti. One week ago, a Michigan judge finalized our adoption. We are officially Mom and Dad to Daphna Hope Van Berkel and Grace Monique Van Berkel. No more guardianship, no more Grace "Jane Doe". Rejoice with us!

Pray for Haiti

2010-11-05T10:50:00.000-07:00

Pray for Haiti today as Hurricane Tomas passes. H.I.S. Home is as ready for the storm as possible. There are currently 86 kids at the orphanage. Pray for the staff as well, as many live in the tent cities in the area. Cholera is spreading rapidly. Please remember Loubencia as well. This spunky 8 year old girl is currently in the hospital in the final stages of AIDS. Pray for comfort for her in her final days.

Look Mom, No Hands!

2010-10-19T16:18:00.000-07:00

We did not know if this would ever happen.
Watching in wonder, our amazing daughter.

2010-10-06T17:02:00.000-07:00

Today would have been my Mom's 80th birthday. Happy Birthday Mom. I miss you.

Hello Feet! + Our Princess

2010-09-30T07:49:00.000-07:00

Grace had her final set of casts taken off on Tuesday. Now she has short jungle animal print braces that are removable. Her feet are still healing from surgery, so she prefers wearing the braces and shoes to having her feet completely free. She is back to full baths again. Yeah!!

Happy 3rd Birthday!

2010-09-24T06:44:00.000-07:00

Today our little princess turns 3. It has been 27 months since we were handed a picture of a tiny girl with huge eyes. So happy we get to celebrate this birthday at home with our whole family together!

Closer...

2010-08-31T16:12:00.000-07:00

Sorry Gracie fans, but you will have to wait another month for the new feet to be unveiled. She is back in casts. They are short leg casts this time with nifty walking boots over the top. She will wear these until September 28 and then will get a set of jungle animal print AFO's (braces). She will wear the AFO's 24 hours a day for the first 2 months, and after that she will only wear them at night. We were a little disappointed to not be able to take her swimming tonight, but also saw quite clearly that her feet still have some healing to do. (We convinced the nurse to let us take the pins they removed from her feet home if you ever want to see what we mean.) Grace is a real trooper and seems to have captured a few hearts along this journey.

Before Surgery....

2010-08-31T05:39:00.002-07:00

Stay tuned for the big reveal...

Happy 2nd Birthday Grace!

2010-08-09T17:09:00.000-07:00

She's Home...again

2010-08-04T17:26:00.000-07:00

Gracie made it through surgery #2 to remove sutures just fine. We caught a real good glimpse of the depth of this little fireball's temper. Enraged by a toy that was affixed to the wall in the presurgery waiting room, Grace tried out her full lung capacity. The nurse decided she needed some anti-anxiety meds. Post surgery Grace screamed and writhed so much she had nurses running for morphine and blowing bubbles in her face to try to soothe her(?). When her Daddy asked if Grace wanted to go, she immediately stopped crying and said "yes". Turkey.

off for surgery #2

2010-08-04T03:47:00.000-07:00

Gracie is off for surgery #2 today. This one is a little less intrusive, they will be changing out her casts, and removing internal sutures from her tendons and ligaments. We are hoping to get her home by the end of the day. Thanks for your prayers!

Nature vs. Nurture

2010-08-02T16:04:00.001-07:00

In a recent case study of nature versus nurture, it was discovered that "Van Berkel-stick-your-tongue-out-for-pictures-syndrome" is not a hereditary disorder. Subjects were tested over a six month period. It was determined that in only a matter of several months of exposure to Van Berkels, the subjects developed the syndrome. No cure has been discovered at this time.

Goodbye to an old friend

2010-08-02T15:46:00.000-07:00

Suzanne Bishop 1973-2010

Adonai is my shepherd, I lack nothing.
He has me lie down in grassy pastures, he leads me by quiet water, he restores my inner person.
He guides me in right paths for the sake of his own name.
Even if I pass through death - dark ravines, I will fear no disaster; for you are with me; your rod and staff reassure me.
You prepare a table for me even as my enemies watch; you anoint my head with oil from an overflowing cup.
Goodness and grace will pursue me every day of my life; and I will live in the house of Adonai for years and years to come.

Psalm 23 - Jewish Bible

6 months

2010-07-27T10:31:00.000-07:00

Yesterday marked six months since we were granted guardianship of the girls. What a whirlwind! It is such an honor to get to be momma and daddy to these little ones. I was reminded of this again in the hospital as Gracie would wake up in pain and call out to me for comfort. I'm saddened for the women who are missing this. Humbled at the responsibility to raise their daughters for them.

How to keep a 2 year old down.

2010-07-25T11:12:00.000-07:00

Some of you remember a few years back when our 1 year old border collie ate rat poison and was confined to her crate for 2 weeks- not allowed to run or play or get bumped because it may cause internal bleeding- by the fourth day she was vibrating, and by the end of the two weeks we thought the pent up energy just may cause her to explode- well now, the docs have ordered Gracie's feet to be elevated for around 2 weeks, and then no standing or walking until the end of August- already feels like we are living the rat poison days over again.
I have begun experimenting with duct tape and concrete blocks.
In other words, Gracie is starting to feel better.

Yesterday my youngest son Josh turned 7. Happy Birthday Josh!

Gracie is home!

2010-07-23T14:02:00.000-07:00

Gracie and Jude finally made it home at about 1 pm. Gracie is doped up pretty good, the pharmacist was hesitant to fill it as prescribed because it is a pretty heavy dose of painkillers for a little girl. She had a good lunch, good nap, and is now playing. Doctor's orders call for keeping her on her back, no crawling or standing until the end of August- that should be interesting.
Thanks for prayers- next step, for everyone to get some sleep.

Surgery is finished

2010-07-21T17:59:00.000-07:00

The surgery started about 8:30 am and finished up about 3:00 pm- a very long day for Gracie and her 3 surgeons. Dr. Forness is very pleased with how everything came together. Gracie drank some juice by 4pm, and is quite happy with the jello, pudding and mac-n-cheese she is getting tonight. Judy called a little while ago and said she had just fallen asleep. Thanks for all your prayers, calls, emails and visits throughout the day.
The "epidural" they gave her is starting to wear off, and she is on some pretty major pain meds right now. Recovery will take at least a couple of days until she can handle the pain with just oral meds. Jude is in the hospital with her tonight, unfortunately no private rooms available- so the hope is that her and Gracie get some rest.

Waiting

2010-07-21T07:50:00.001-07:00

Only a 6 hour surgery today- have had our first phone call from the operating room for the 2 hour update- everything is going fine so far. By the way- the Kent County Circuit court has accepted our petition for adoption, so we are well on our way to adopting them for the second time......

Grace

2010-07-19T17:34:00.000-07:00

We got the official word. Surgery is set for 8:30 a.m. Wednesday morning. Please pray for her as this surgery is quite extensive. She will be in surgery for over 4 hours and has to spend at least one night at the hospital.

We're back!!!

2010-07-12T03:37:00.001-07:00

The HIS HOME 300 is over for 2010, we currently stand at over 52,000 raised for HIS HOME! Right now we are in Chicago and today we will bury Judy's father, who died late last Wed. evening. In 5 months and 9 days our family has welcomed Daphna and Gracie into our family and have said good bye to Mom and Dad- what a whirlwind this has been. Next Wed, July 21 Gracie will have her first major surgery on her feet, where they will release all her bones, then pin everything together in the right place. This is the first big step in getting her all lined up to walk properly, and boy, is she ready to go. Your prayers, as always, are coveted.