tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-46913592205525577802024-03-12T17:39:26.616-07:00The White's Journey to ChinaAn account of our journey to answer God's call. . . to cross the world to Shanghai to bring our daughter home.White's Journey to Taiwanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00818928438087304995noreply@blogger.comBlogger131125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4691359220552557780.post-11490674413248421072012-05-22T15:49:00.001-07:002012-05-25T05:19:48.956-07:00Drum Roll. . . Long Time Coming!!This has been a LONG time coming!! But, it is finally complete!! :) Be sure to check out the video link at the end of this post before you go! It captures our China journey better than any words could ever say! And, it takes you along with us :)<br />
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Our Mei Li is doing so well! I know I haven't posted often lately. We have been busy living life and enjoying our family. Mei Li had a follow-up appointment with the neurosurgeon a few weeks ago and he was very pleased with her progress. And, yesterday, we had the follow-up with the orthopedic surgeon and he wants to have her daytime AFO replaced with a different kind that will help straighten her knee. She walks with a dip and is compensating with her other leg. So, we will be getting a new brace that should help straighten her gait. She has come such a long way!! We are so very thankful!<br />
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WELL. . . I have been busy learning how to use the movie maker on my computer and I am now ready to unveil the video of our China journey! So without further delay. . . Here is "To China with Love. . . We Are Family". I hope you enjoy!!!<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: magenta;"> <span class="Apple-style-span"> <a href="http://vimeo.com/42636765" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: magenta;">http://vimeo.com/42636765</span></a></span></span></span>White's Journey to Taiwanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00818928438087304995noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4691359220552557780.post-4391792663230662132012-04-06T19:06:00.008-07:002012-04-06T19:28:57.514-07:00Mei Li. . . 6 months later :D<div style="text-align: left;">What a difference 6 months can make! In these pics, you can only see how much her hair has grown and how happy she is. But, the pictures don't show the corrective surgeries, or her walking normally, or how beautifully she is speaking and understanding the English language. Just goes to show the miracle of "love". The greatest of these, indeed, is "Love". :)</div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pcd8Jtun2pM/T3-i9ZkGITI/AAAAAAAABVQ/hPnX3FTc5uU/s1600/IMG_1875.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"></a><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Bl2GDyX4-Vo/T3-i2rja6FI/AAAAAAAABVE/Ib8oOApQyno/s1600/IMG_1851.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8h_6f-bDoMY/T3-ibjcl5iI/AAAAAAAABU4/BB6m-axin5U/s1600/IMG_0763.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 299px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8h_6f-bDoMY/T3-ibjcl5iI/AAAAAAAABU4/BB6m-axin5U/s400/IMG_0763.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5728475845293893154" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">In Guangzhou, China with our two girls. . . 6 months ago</div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lgf1lVod9iI/T3-iDvZ9-II/AAAAAAAABUs/JJp8JIhON2M/s1600/IMG_0727.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 299px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lgf1lVod9iI/T3-iDvZ9-II/AAAAAAAABUs/JJp8JIhON2M/s400/IMG_0727.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5728475436187252866" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Mei Li in the airport. . . October 2011. . . Her whole world is strange and brand new. :)</div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oSiMQa4hU_s/T3-hw0qlu9I/AAAAAAAABUg/ek_sBO3jfHo/s1600/IMG_0675.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 299px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oSiMQa4hU_s/T3-hw0qlu9I/AAAAAAAABUg/ek_sBO3jfHo/s400/IMG_0675.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5728475111181630418" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Aunt Emmalie sent Mei Li bows for her hair. She couldn't decide, so she wore them all. :)</div><div style="text-align: center;">Her big wish. . . to have long hair.</div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Bl2GDyX4-Vo/T3-i2rja6FI/AAAAAAAABVE/Ib8oOApQyno/s400/IMG_1851.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5728476311326484562" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 299px; height: 400px; " /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;">Mei Li March 2012. . . 6 months home with her family</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000ee;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pcd8Jtun2pM/T3-i9ZkGITI/AAAAAAAABVQ/hPnX3FTc5uU/s400/IMG_1875.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5728476426756563250" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 299px; height: 400px; " /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;">April 2012. . . </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Love this precious girl~</div>White's Journey to Taiwanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00818928438087304995noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4691359220552557780.post-23268753411795492832012-04-01T20:10:00.017-07:002012-04-01T20:44:44.736-07:00Springtime in Asheville<div>The last 24 hours in pictures!! A mad dash to Asheville for a quick and much needed getaway! Here are a few pics from the adventure. :)</div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ABWLQiASsbw/T3kc-J_gTbI/AAAAAAAABUU/mGXFr_E4wyI/s1600/IMG_9703.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ABWLQiASsbw/T3kc-J_gTbI/AAAAAAAABUU/mGXFr_E4wyI/s400/IMG_9703.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5726640255338040754" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">"Alice" may still be looking for the White Rabbit, </div><div style="text-align: center;">but Mei Li has found it! . . . and has it in a chokehold!!! ;)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QebDn20DzyI/T3kc1zZot3I/AAAAAAAABUI/35yROiuZxIU/s1600/IMG_9704.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QebDn20DzyI/T3kc1zZot3I/AAAAAAAABUI/35yROiuZxIU/s400/IMG_9704.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5726640111834675058" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">My two beautiful girls in front of Aunt Beth's Weeping Cherry tree</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vYTf60nkcyQ/T3kcmWJJSZI/AAAAAAAABT8/tygs7KxqWTg/s1600/IMG_9707.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vYTf60nkcyQ/T3kcmWJJSZI/AAAAAAAABT8/tygs7KxqWTg/s400/IMG_9707.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5726639846282840466" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Silly sisters. . . </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wtT7JkKvY9o/T3kbwuHlOeI/AAAAAAAABTw/9d2ByR9vnXs/s1600/IMG_9709.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wtT7JkKvY9o/T3kbwuHlOeI/AAAAAAAABTw/9d2ByR9vnXs/s400/IMG_9709.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5726638925005797858" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">This Easter, the Cherry blossoms are smiling because our Mei Li is finally home!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_8CC_ea2m0w/T3kblaU_PRI/AAAAAAAABTk/OnConkRBDNw/s1600/IMG_9710.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_8CC_ea2m0w/T3kblaU_PRI/AAAAAAAABTk/OnConkRBDNw/s400/IMG_9710.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5726638730714758418" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Sweetness with a dash of "diva"! ;)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ryt9Zxhegwo/T3kbXLN_p_I/AAAAAAAABTY/2NF-4AxnAe0/s1600/IMG_9711.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ryt9Zxhegwo/T3kbXLN_p_I/AAAAAAAABTY/2NF-4AxnAe0/s400/IMG_9711.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5726638486140725234" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Equal parts of sugar and mischief! ;)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3qJu9R3fsFI/T3kbEga9DFI/AAAAAAAABTM/CnfHtHry5us/s1600/IMG_9713.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3qJu9R3fsFI/T3kbEga9DFI/AAAAAAAABTM/CnfHtHry5us/s400/IMG_9713.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5726638165414710354" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Irresistable!!!!!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9nenUlew1PA/T3kav4LsbkI/AAAAAAAABTA/Xdm_bKZ7Czs/s1600/IMG_9714.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9nenUlew1PA/T3kav4LsbkI/AAAAAAAABTA/Xdm_bKZ7Czs/s400/IMG_9714.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5726637811015904834" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">My heart. . . . Oh, do we ever love this little girl!!!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5JYXkahtNbs/T3kaitrJTxI/AAAAAAAABS0/y2T1JM7c9pI/s1600/IMG_9715.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5JYXkahtNbs/T3kaitrJTxI/AAAAAAAABS0/y2T1JM7c9pI/s400/IMG_9715.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5726637584856731410" /></a><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-npxBvClYSEI/T3kZ8OGwaYI/AAAAAAAABSo/KvOWDaicOik/s1600/IMG_9717.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-npxBvClYSEI/T3kZ8OGwaYI/AAAAAAAABSo/KvOWDaicOik/s400/IMG_9717.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5726636923547576706" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">The prettiest blossom of all! </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gmznxtT8lpU/T3kZwBXCFjI/AAAAAAAABSc/sOHO0cr9uO4/s1600/IMG_9716.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gmznxtT8lpU/T3kZwBXCFjI/AAAAAAAABSc/sOHO0cr9uO4/s400/IMG_9716.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5726636713967752754" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">My beautiful angel. . . AG</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-K9fBaMUuv1E/T3kZkmTIFzI/AAAAAAAABSQ/dakVAqENmcs/s1600/IMG_9718.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-K9fBaMUuv1E/T3kZkmTIFzI/AAAAAAAABSQ/dakVAqENmcs/s400/IMG_9718.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5726636517725050674" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">There is nothing more beautiful than God's artistry! These dripping blossoms hanging off the branches. . . this lovely young lady. . . nothing manmade can compare :)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rTpVJy7ivns/T3kZbrTDRdI/AAAAAAAABSE/qPYNe3x76Z4/s1600/IMG_9719.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rTpVJy7ivns/T3kZbrTDRdI/AAAAAAAABSE/qPYNe3x76Z4/s400/IMG_9719.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5726636364448089554" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Nothing better than fresh mountain air and the flowers of spring to rejuvenate the soul!!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-L_VWE-Aqrmg/T3kZO7oxRaI/AAAAAAAABR4/leLRvjjhP_Y/s1600/IMG_9702.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-L_VWE-Aqrmg/T3kZO7oxRaI/AAAAAAAABR4/leLRvjjhP_Y/s400/IMG_9702.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5726636145495852450" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Peek-a-boo!!</div>White's Journey to Taiwanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00818928438087304995noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4691359220552557780.post-37093493020999988062012-03-27T19:18:00.007-07:002012-03-28T20:39:27.974-07:006 Months Later. . .<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sQy3xxWVFTU/T3KFATO4E3I/AAAAAAAABRs/Tr-DTffnpPo/s1600/Mei%2BLi%2527s%2Bswim%2Bsuit%2Band%2B1st%2Bswim.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sQy3xxWVFTU/T3KFATO4E3I/AAAAAAAABRs/Tr-DTffnpPo/s400/Mei%2BLi%2527s%2Bswim%2Bsuit%2Band%2B1st%2Bswim.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5724784316550484850" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">SO proud of her pretty blue suit! </div><div style="text-align: center;">Not sure who that poor unsuspecting lady is in the background.</div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-12t3ZftQexQ/T3KDfg6JivI/AAAAAAAABRg/ACfp9aOE9kc/s1600/Water%2Bfun%2521.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-12t3ZftQexQ/T3KDfg6JivI/AAAAAAAABRg/ACfp9aOE9kc/s400/Water%2Bfun%2521.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5724782653774334706" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Completely unafraid of the water!! :)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Y6huHSQbvXw/T3KDUhodQII/AAAAAAAABRI/Av5VETB4CuI/s1600/Mei%2BLi%2Benjoying%2Bthe%2Bpool%2521.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Y6huHSQbvXw/T3KDUhodQII/AAAAAAAABRI/Av5VETB4CuI/s400/Mei%2BLi%2Benjoying%2Bthe%2Bpool%2521.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5724782464990003330" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Happy as she could be in the water! :)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>It is hard to believe what has transpired in the last 6 months of our lives. . . and, to be honest, for the 4 years leading up to it. The face of our family has changed permanently. . . and we couldn't be more thankful!<div>We have just marked our 6 month anniversary, on March 19th, of meeting our Mei Li in the sterile room of the Civil Affairs Building in Shanghai on Monday, Septemer 19th, 2011. Within that 6 months, Mei Li has come to love and adore her family. We fell in love with her the very moment she entered that Civil Affairs room with her big brown eyes, her eyebrows raised in joyful little rainbow arches and a smile that, if we could figure out how to bottle, would bring fortune untold! But, we are, indeed, rich beyond measure as a result of this little ray of sunshine we call Mei Li!</div><div>So, besides acclimating to her new family in a brand new country with a brand new language (which she understands perfectly well and is speaking remarkably well), Mei Li has conquered even more hurdles in the past 6 months. She went through 5 weeks of serial casting on her club foot, surgery on her Achilles tendon to lengthen and stretch and correct her foot so that she now walks on the bottom of her foot instead of the top. After her cast was removed from her foot and the 5 inch pin removed from her heel, she began alternating two types of night braces to keep her foot properly positioned and a day brace for support. She has undergone therapy to strengthen her quads and build her legs to give her a more normal gait.</div><div>On January 29th, Mei Li underwent a more critical surgery on her spinal cord to detach a fatty tumor that had adhered and wrapped itself around her spinal cord. It already had caused scarring; and, in time, would have caused paralysis and incontinence. She, then had to lie on her back for 10 days to allow the surgery site to heal. </div><div>In all of these traumatic firsts that have come one after another within a 6 month time-frame since coming home to her new country and family, Mei Li has met each one with a resilience and strength and positive attitude that I can't explain adequately with words. To say she is tough is a huge understatement. She just rolls with it, whatever comes her way . . . smiles her happy smile and moves on! Now, we are on the other side of "acclimating to her new family" and "surgeries". So, the next 6 months. . . and from this point onward, we look forward to soaking up every day and enjoy watching her relish her new life. </div><div>A couple of weekends ago, Anna Grace, Mei Li and I went to Atlanta for a little overnight fun trip. Mei Li's BIGGEST wish since coming home has been to swim in a pool---something she had NEVER done before. Well, we stayed in a hotel in Atlanta that had an indoor pool, so she got her wish!! I have included a picture of her enjoying her swimming fun. Enjoy!</div><div>Tomorrow, I plan to get some flowers and get her to help me plant them. She's never planted flowers before. She is still learning her colors, so tomorrow, I'm going to work with her on her colors while we plant pretty flowers! Anna Grace is busy at the theatre every day rehearsing for her big role in Alice's Adventures in Wonderland. </div><div>Amazing how much our lives have changed in 6 months. . . But oh, so good!</div><div>Thanks so much for following along our journey with Mei Li! </div><div><br /></div>White's Journey to Taiwanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00818928438087304995noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4691359220552557780.post-37354370076582555432012-03-10T06:03:00.003-08:002012-03-10T06:32:34.091-08:00Funny Story!! "Who Works for #1???"So, let me see if I can capture this story adequately in words. I'm not sure it is possible. It may just be one of those "you had to be there" moments. . . <div><br /></div><div>Last night, we went to eat at a little Mexican restaurant for dinner. Of course, like clockwork, Mei Li tells me halfway through the meal that she needs to make a potty run. Is it just me? Or, do all of my other mommy and daddy comrades experience the same thing? Every time we are in a public place. . . restaurant, store or otherwise. . . someone ALWAYS needs to visit the potty. I just LOVE public restrooms!! I enjoy them so much, I can't even think of going to out to dinner without spending at least a quarter of my dining experience in the public facilities. . . Of course, my tongue is firmly jabbing the inside of my cheek! Haha! :-)</div><div><br /></div><div>So, last night was no different. Thankfully, I had finished most of my meal. But, about that time, Mei Li informs me that her tummy hurts. So, we head to the throne room. Of course, Anna Grace comes along too. It's a family party! Mei Li sits for a while and becomes frustrated that things are not moving as quickly as she would prefer. The next thing I know, in Mei Li style, she huffs in exasperation and slaps her knee and yells out, "Come on!!! Come on, poo poo!!! Come on!!!!" I laugh out loud at her spontaneous outburst and try to get her to quiet down in the event any other patrons happen to walk in to her "poo-poo calling ritual". I tell her to just relax and playfully tell her to find her "zen place". I began to hum "OHMMMMM. . . " She looks up at me and rolls her eyes and says, "Mama. . . stop it. " The next thing I know, Mei Li does her own version. She looks up to the ceiling of that Mexican restaurant potty and goes, " Meoooooooooooooooow". </div><div>Oh my!!!! It's a good thing no one else walked in to the restroom during our little potty experience!! Normally, I get frustrated when I have to leave a perfectly good meal on my table to go hang out in a dirty public toilet. But, last night. . . I was thoroughly entertained!!! Ha!!! This just goes to show. . . there is NEVER a dull moment at the White house!!!</div><div><br /></div><div>Of course, we got back to the table and shared the story with Daddy, and he laughed out loud and said it reminded him of the Austin Powers "who works for #1?" scene!! </div><div><br /></div><div>Sorry to start your Saturday with potty humor, but this one was just too funny "not" to share!</div>White's Journey to Taiwanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00818928438087304995noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4691359220552557780.post-45893222368284367342012-02-27T20:42:00.002-08:002012-02-27T21:48:44.982-08:00Patching our lives together. . . The new normal. . .It's been a few weeks since I've blogged, and I apologize for keeping people hanging. Since Mei Li's spinal surgery on January 30th, she is doing absolutely beautifully! We couldn't have hoped for a better outcome. And, Mei Li, as is always Mei Li's style, took the surgery and recovery period on her back in great stride and with an amazingly positive and cooperative attitude. As a result of her cooperation and lying still for those 10 days, her back healed beautifully. And, a couple of weeks ago, we visited Dr. Blount with our follow-up. He was thrilled with her progress and gave Mei Li the "all clear" for normal activity. Now, I'm a bit overly-protective. And, honestly the very thought of Dr. Blount having to remove a piece of her spine during that surgery is all I need to closely monitor every activity Mei Li does. . . at least for a little while. I cringe at the thought of her hurting her spine. So, her "normal activities" have been closely guarded at least for a little longer. Ha!! Until mom is feeling more confident that Mei Li is not fragile.<div><br /></div><div>In the meantime, we have been getting outside a little every day. The recovery period was hard on everyone. . . cooped-up inside the house. The walls begin to close-in around you after a few days. So, as soon as we got the "all clear" from Dr. Blount, we get outside and take walks, we've visited the zoo. . . just about anything to get out and see the sunshine. That feels mighty good!</div><div><br /></div><div>And, it feels great to know that there are <b>no more surgeries</b> on the near horizon (and hopefully none down the road)!!! We've spent the last 5 months in the medical/surgery phase, and settling in with our new daughter as a family of 4. Now, we are moving into a therapy phase to get her legs and ankles strengthened to improve her gait.</div><div><br /></div><div>Now that we are leaving the surgeries behind, we are evolving into a little more "normal" phase of our new family. How much fun will it be to take Mei Li swimming this summer and maybe even to the beach for her first time ever? It will be incredible to step into a new time of living and embracing our lives together. . . experiencing new things. </div><div><br /></div><div>Another exciting piece that is being added into our lives is my writing. I am currently writing a book of our adoption and journey of faith to Mei Li and the miracles that came about as a result. I hope to have it completed in the next few months. And, then, to find an agent. . . I will keep you posted on the book developments.</div><div><br /></div><div>The one thing I've missed the most during the last 5 months is singing. I've done very little of that, and although every moment with my girls has been precious and well-spent, I am so very happy to have some opportunities to sing again! It feels like "coming home" after being away for a long time. So, I have some gigs coming up in the months of April and May, and I couldn't be more thrilled to get back in the saddle! I'll keep you posted on my music as well!</div><div><br /></div><div>The past month, Anna Grace has been working hard memorizing her <i style="font-weight: bold; ">Alice in Wonderland</i> script. She has 2/3 of the script learned and is doing an amazing job! I can't wait to see her blossom in the role of Alice once she begins rehearsing later in March. If you live in the Birmingham area, I hope you will make a point to come out to see her at Birmingham Children's Theatre in April! And that's not all Anna Grace has been "up to"! She has also joined with her cousin Ramsey (age 7) and friend, Cheslee (age 8), and they have created a singing trio called the Chicklets! They have performed a couple of times already and won 1st place in Talladega's Relay for Life Fundraiser talent show this past weekend. So proud of her!</div><div><br /></div><div>So, life is settling in and we are moving forward as a family with two wonderful daughters! And, Mei Li can move forward and embrace the rest of her life with a corrected foot and an untethered spine!! She is not facing paralysis or incontinence! Just a happy healthy future with her family who loves her. </div><div><br /></div><div>So thankful for this next stage of our family's journey! Embracing every moment. . . </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>White's Journey to Taiwanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00818928438087304995noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4691359220552557780.post-44297732303137614232012-02-08T17:45:00.000-08:002012-02-08T20:56:45.064-08:00Just One Miracle. . . Of Many MiraclesOur journey to Mei Li has brought along with it so many instances of seeing God's hand work in miraculous ways. These instances began over four years ago and have come in a steady stream ever since. It always takes my breath away when God shows up and does something at the perfect time and in the perfect way. And, because these miracles have been so numerous and so incredible, I've actually begun writing a book of our journey to China and God's call on our family. I hope to finish writing it this year!<div>But, I thought I'd share "one" of these miracles with you. It just happened a few weeks ago, and it's pretty incredible.</div><div><br /></div><div>Most people don't have a concept of what the financial cost of an adoption is unless they are going through the process or have a friend going through the process. At least, I know I didn't have any concept before we began our own journey. But, the cost of the adoption process, including travel to your child's country, is substantial. And, unfortunately, it is a barrier for many "would-be" parents and keeps them from being able to adopt at all. That truly breaks my heart because there are SO many children who desperately need families. And, cost of the process should "not" be a deal-breaker for these children or for the men and women who wish to become parents to these children.</div><div><br /></div><div>We have successfully made it through "the process", and we are so thankful to be home with our precious little girl. . . she is such a gift to our family! But, we will be chipping away at the debt for many years to come. It's just the fact of the matter. But, since we have come home, we have had many medical visits, and two major surgeries. And, thankfully, Geoff has insurance through his job, so the bulk of the medical fees are covered. But, even so, those co-pays and deductibles have been adding up fast! A few weeks ago, I stopped by Children's Hospital to find out what we owed, what was still outstanding and what was pending insurance approval. . . and the figures added up to $1000 give or take. And, I know when compared to what it would have cost without insurance, $1000 is not so bad. . . but, when you add that on top of what already exists. . . we just breathed deeply and said, "Okay, Lord. . . we're going to just add it to the mountain and pay as we can. Just keep chipping away at it. A little bit at a time." I mean, that "is" how you eat an elephant, isn't it? One bite at a time?? But, there is this uneasy pit that sits in the stomach when you know that the mountain is growing and not shrinking. I remember the verse in Matthew that tells us "to be anxious in nothing. . . but in everything, through prayer and supplication, let your requests be known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ, Jesus." I keep reminding myself. . . "Be anxious in nothing. . . " </div><div>Within a couple of days of finding out the news that we owed $1000 in medical bills. . . and that was before the spinal cord surgery just last week....Geoff and I were at church that next Sunday morning. Geoff ran into a good friend of ours who also has just recently completed their adoption. And, this friend told Geoff that he and his wife had been so blessed to have their entire adoption paid off. The funds came through for them and that they even found themselves having "more" than they needed. So, they were feeling led to use that "excess" to help some other families who were going through the adoption process. One of the families they felt led to help was our family. Mind you, they knew nothing of our bill "update" from Children's last week, and they had no idea of the amount we owed. We had told no one. So. . . he told Geoff, "My wife and I would like to give your family $1000 to help you in whatever way you see most fit to cover costs of your adoption process.". . . . </div><div><br /></div><div>I know the world is full of critics who would chalk that up to coincidence. But, not me. . . I know where it came from. It was exactly the amount we needed at that very moment to cover the medical bills Mei Li's visits had incurred since coming home.. . up to that very moment, not to mention it was within a couple of days of our learning the balance of our outstanding debt. God's timing is perfect! And, He always shows up "in the nick of time" and cares for His children. To us, this is an inarguable and reaffirming fact.</div><div><br /></div><div>Yet another beautiful example of God's faithfulness. . . delivered through a wonderful couple who listened to God's voice and became His instruments to bless someone else.</div><div><br /></div><div>Thank you, Lord, for your providence and blessing. Thank you, for the beautiful people you have placed in our lives whom you have used as your instruments to answer the prayers and meet the needs of others. Thank you for speaking to your children who may hear your voice, if we will only listen. And, thank you for equipping us to do everything you call us to do because if we have your vision, you make provision. Thank you, Heavenly Father, for your faithfulness. </div><div><br /></div><div>I am thrilled to share this story with you and I hope it offers you encouragement. As always, thank you for following along! Have a wonderful rest of your week. </div><div><br /></div>White's Journey to Taiwanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00818928438087304995noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4691359220552557780.post-37431700359709913852012-02-04T14:42:00.000-08:002012-02-04T15:31:15.262-08:00Home with our Mei Li<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-E1E62TeDIPY/Ty2-UJrf3YI/AAAAAAAABQ8/FJQxQ4BNVgI/s1600/Mei%2BLi%2B5%2Bdays%2Bafter%2Bsurgery.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 299px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-E1E62TeDIPY/Ty2-UJrf3YI/AAAAAAAABQ8/FJQxQ4BNVgI/s400/Mei%2BLi%2B5%2Bdays%2Bafter%2Bsurgery.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5705425556353310082" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Mei Li. . . 5 days after surgery on her spinal cord</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>We have been home from the hospital for 2 days, and we are 5 days out from Mei Li's surgery on her spinal cord. We went into this week having no idea what to expect. All of the "what ifs" with the risks of surgery. . . and even if all went well with the surgery, what to expect "pain-wise" in the days following. I can tell you that in true "Mei Li style", she has handled the last 5 days with smiles, little to no complaint, silliness, sauciness, and a sense of humor. I have to ask her if she is hurting, and then I give her Ibuprofen and Tylenol. She had an allergic reaction to the plastic and adhesive placed on her back during the surgery, and we have had to treat the rash on her back. But, it is truly amazing the grace and positive spirit this little girl has maintained throughout the entire experience. She is an inspiration to us all. . . and she continues to challenge me every day to look at the world and my own circumstances with a more thankful and joyful heart. Amazing what we can learn from a little child!<div><br /></div><div>I can't say enough about the phenomenal surgical team that took care of Mei Li. Dr. Blount is nothing short of amazing! Such a wonderful man in addition to a brilliant surgeon. And, his nurse, the anesthesiologist and nurse anesthetist. . . the Lord prepared the perfect team to love and care for our little girl! And, His presence was so obvious in that hospital through each and every person sent our way. Even beyond the nurses and doctors. . . the friends and even complete strangers who made their way to our room to touch the lives of our family and both of our girls. . . they shone such a light! It was a humbling and overwhelming experience. We were completely in a position of having "no" control. . . being dependent on the excellence and precision of the surgeon and nurses, being dependent on the love and support of friends and family, and wholly dependent on the mercy and grace of our Heavenly Father. And, to experience the floodgates open and pour out blessing on us in every one of these areas. . . it is indescribable!</div><div>Right now, our days are spent at the house keeping Mei Li confined to the couch or the bed on her back or side. She does have permission to walk to the restroom, but then straight back to lying down. We have 5 more days of lying flat. Then, we will see what Dr. Blount tells us. Mei Li is such an active and spirited little girl; but, amazingly, she is doing exactly what Dr. Blount has asked of her. It seems she understands that we are trying to help her. And, she is responding with a willingness that surprises us all. And, she is doing it with such an incredibly positive attitude. </div><div>We are truly blessed, and we are incredibly thankful!!! Thank you to every person who has followed along and offered up prayers and good wishes for our little girl!! You have made such a difference to our family and to the life of one little girl. . . named Mei Li. :)</div><div><br /></div><div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div></div>White's Journey to Taiwanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00818928438087304995noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4691359220552557780.post-26499491017159416622012-02-01T06:12:00.000-08:002012-02-01T07:40:08.748-08:00Prayers are answeredMei Li's spinal surgery was Monday. I asked all of you to pray for her, and those prayers have been answered in a mighty way. She had a laminectomy where the surgeon removed a small portion of her vertebrae in order to get to the lipoma that was attached to her spinal cord. It was a long surgery. They took her back to begin prepping her around 7:15 a.m. Then, the actual surgery began at 8:40. They updated us every 90 minutes, and that was welcome relief. Dr. Blount finally came out to speak with us at 2:00 in the afternoon. His assistant was still sewing Mei Li up, but he had finished the major internal work. Once they removed the portion of bone, he was able to begin removing and detaching the fatty tumor. That was a long and tedious process. He worked under a microscope and removed it millimeter by millimeter. He removed a good portion of the tumor, but the closer he got to healthy tissue, the risks rose substantially. So, he left some of it. Although, he detached all of it. And, the fatty tumor poses no risk in and of itself. It is the fibers that bind the tumor that are dangerous b/c they can tether to the spinal cord (which hers did). And, the tumor can actually "help" keep spinal fluid from leaking. Dr. Blount told us that there was already a good amount of scarring of the spinal cord from the tether, so it is great that we went ahead and opted to do this surgery. She would have experienced neurological problems down the road causing paralysis and bowel issues. <div><br /></div><div>Since then, we have been watching to see that no spinal fluid has leaked. None has!!! We have watched to see if she can move her arms and legs and flex the good foot. She is moving everything!! Of course, the foot that had the surgery on it does not have feeling or movement, but none was expected in that foot. We have also been watching to see if she could go potty, and she has wet diapers consistently. So, no problems with being able to go tinkle. All of these are HUGE answers to prayer. No apparent neurological problems resulting from the surgery. </div><div><br /></div><div>Mei Li did experience some intense headaches yesterday and some nausea along with them. It is the result of new spinal fluid being created and released in her brain from what was lost during surgery. That spinal fluid being released causes pressure differences in the brain and intense headaches. He told me that the morphine is important to use for these headaches for the first 48 hours. Ibuprofen and Tylenol is not strong enough to handle that pain. Once we went back on morphine at regular intervals, the intense headaches with nausea went away. And, the good news, it is 9:36 in the morning as I type this, and Mei Li has not needed morphine or complained of a headache since 1:00 a.m.!!! </div><div><br /></div><div>We are thrilled with Mei Li's daily progress. Your prayers have been heard and answered, and I thank you all and the good Lord above for taking care of our precious girl!</div><div><br /></div><div>We had a humorous moment this morning when Mei Li smelled Mama's coffee. This little girlie loves her coffee. I caught it on video. . . enjoy!!!! It is proof positive that our Mei Li is getting better by the minute! :)</div><div><br /></div><div>Thank you SO much for your prayers and your good wishes. . . and for following along. We hope to go home, possibly, tomorrow. I'll keep you posted!</div>White's Journey to Taiwanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00818928438087304995noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4691359220552557780.post-50154336271852388052012-01-28T16:58:00.000-08:002012-01-28T16:59:50.052-08:00A Mommy's Prayer. . .<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 16px; "><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font-size: 11px; line-height: 1.5em; ">Dear Heavenly Father,</p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font-size: 11px; line-height: 1.5em; ">I pray for Dr. Blount and his entire surgical team and their families this weekend. I pray that each one of them is healthy, well-rested and is filled with your peace and joy. I pray that your presence will be in that operating room, Monday morning, and that your angels will be in attendance to watch over our Mei Li and hold her hand during surgery since Mommy will not be able to. You know, Dear Lord, how much it means to Mei Li to hold her Mommy's hand every night while she falls asleep. I pray that you will give Dr. Blount a supernatural wisdom and precision and that your Holy Spirit will guide his hands during the procedure. I pray that Mei Li will have a peace in her heart and that You will calm her fears. </p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font-size: 11px; line-height: 1.5em; "> </p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font-size: 11px; line-height: 1.5em; ">I pray that this procedure will be successful! I pray that the tumor will be successfully detached. I pray that you will keep spinal fluid from leaking. I pray that Mei Li will be healthy and have NO infection. I pray for "no" paralysis. And, I pray that Mei Li will remain continent. And, while I'm asking You for so much, I'm going to go ahead and ask You to please allow movement and feeling to return to Mei Li's lifeless little foot. I know that we have been told that that "will not" happen. And, we are at peace if You choose to leave it as it is. But, I also know that nothing is impossible for You. So, while we are "praying BIG prayers", I'm going to go ahead and claim that too! </p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font-size: 11px; line-height: 1.5em; "> </p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font-size: 11px; line-height: 1.5em; ">I love you, Lord! You have blessed our family in so many beautiful ways. And You have blessed us mightily with our sweet Anna Grace and our newest angel, Mei Li. Please hold her in the palm of Your hand on Monday. And, I pray that You will use the miracle of her precious life and radiant spirit in mighty ways. </p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font-size: 11px; line-height: 1.5em; "> </p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font-size: 11px; line-height: 1.5em; ">I pray for your peace and calm to rest on Geoff, Anna Grace, me and the whole family as we wait. We place Mei Li in your hands, and we will confidently "believe", and hold on to the faith and hope we have in You and the incredible people You have given us to care for our little girl.</p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font-size: 11px; line-height: 1.5em; "> </p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font-size: 11px; line-height: 1.5em; ">Father, we remain "available" for You. Come, Holy Spirit. . . </p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font-size: 11px; line-height: 1.5em; "> </p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font-size: 11px; line-height: 1.5em; ">Amen</p></span>White's Journey to Taiwanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00818928438087304995noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4691359220552557780.post-18774732564981302502012-01-27T23:06:00.000-08:002012-01-28T06:21:41.366-08:00T Minus 2 and counting. . .<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AY_0s79Duxw/TyQDyyF_OuI/AAAAAAAABQw/V2O1GiYafhI/s1600/Mei%2BLi%2527s%2BCircus%2B%2BAwe%2B.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 265px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AY_0s79Duxw/TyQDyyF_OuI/AAAAAAAABQw/V2O1GiYafhI/s400/Mei%2BLi%2527s%2BCircus%2B%2BAwe%2B.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5702687199133121250" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Mei Li's amazement watching the circus!!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>We just got the call this morning that Mei Li's spinal surgery is a "first-start" on Monday morning. We are to check in to the hospital at 5:30 a.m. and surgery is scheduled for 7:15. She is expected to be in the hospital for 3-4 days; and, if all goes as planned, home on her back for 10 days. <div><br /></div><div>The 4 areas of concern regarding the surgery are 1. leaking of spinal fluid 2. incontinence </div><div>3. infection 4. potential paralysis</div><div>Please keep our sweet girl in your prayers. And, we ask that you pray, specifically, for these things. . . And, of course, that Dr. Blount will be able to accomplish his goal of detaching the tumor from her spinal chord. </div><div><br /></div><div> BUT, "today" we had fun!! We went to the circus! It was Mei Li's first circus experience, and we had ringside seats!! Thanks to our sweet friends Tammy and Lamana for inviting us to join them! It was an amazing show, and Mei Li was wide-eyed, open-mouthed . . . with occasional squeals throughout! However, she is very sensitive to loud noises, and the noise level was incredible. So, about an hour into the show, I had to take Mei Li out due to her not feeling well. Anna Grace stayed with our friends and enjoyed the whole show, while I took Mei Li next door to Birmingham Children's Theatre and visited with all of our good friends there. A Coke (which Mei Li calls Kuhla) and some crackers and lots of attention from our friends at BCT, and Mei Li was feeling fine in no time!!</div><div><br /></div><div>We're gearing up for Monday, and Geoff's Mom ,"Yaya", is flying in on Sunday to help out for the next two weeks. I am so very thankful that she is coming to lend a hand! And, the girls are ecstatic that they are going to get some much-needed Yaya time!</div><div><br /></div><div>I'll keep everyone posted on Mei Li's progress on Monday. And, as always, thanks for your prayers and for continuing to follow our journey.</div>White's Journey to Taiwanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00818928438087304995noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4691359220552557780.post-54425184514872829802012-01-25T22:04:00.000-08:002012-01-25T22:32:17.295-08:00Sweet Story. . . From a Sweet HeartI just have to share a Mei Li story that happened a little over a week ago, and it warmed my heart. I had to go to the ENT to find out why I was experiencing hoarseness. It was noticeable to me when I spoke, but especially when I tried to sing. It had been going on for a while, and wasn't getting better. So, I loaded up Anna Grace and Mei Li and took them with me to the ENT. He scoped me and took pictures of my vocal chords while he had me sing certain pitches. Long story short, it turns out that I have acid reflux, and some irritation of the vocal chords from using my speaking voice too harshly. I'm guilty of calling to the girls from upstairs and downstairs, refereeing their minor arguments and laying down "the law" with my "Mommy voice" too much. So, he prescribed, Prilosec (for the reflux), Prednisone (to bring down the irritation, as I was to sing in a benefit concert the following week), and vocal rest. <div>We got home from the doc, and Mei Li came to me, very concerned. She asked, "Mommy, ni binglung?" (Mommy, you sick?) I told her that Mommy's voice is hurt, and I can't sing for a little while. I have some medicine to take, and I have to rest my voice. </div><div>Mei Li's eyes widened and a dark cloud came over her little face. Tears began to well up in her sweet brown eyes, and she began to cry. She said, her voice breaking, "Mommy, wo yaw Mommy better. Wo yaw mommy sing". </div><div>You see, Mei Li absolutely loves music. She loves it more than most children. She can't get enough of it. But, at the top of her list is her Mommy's music. I sent her one of my CDs in a care package when she was in the orphanage in China. I had no idea if they were going to play my music for her, but my hope was that they would. And, I hoped that she could begin to know her mother's voice through my music---especially, song #6 "Songbird". I recorded that song in Mei Li's honor. It is her song, sung to her by her mother who was waiting for her. Since she has come home, all she wants to do is listen to Mommy's music. She has a very opinionated musical palate. She will quickly tell you that she doesn't want to hear quite a number of musicians! Lol! But, she will ask to hear "Mei Li's song" all the time. Over and over she will ask me to play it, and she will comment on the lyrics in the song. "Mommy, Mei Li boo yaw cry", after I sing the line "For you, there'll be no more crying". And, as soon as the last note plays, she asks me to play the song again. </div><div>What an angel with a sweet heart. It broke her heart to learn that her mother, who's music means so much to her. . . and comforted her while she was in that orphanage in Shanghai. . . could not sing because her voice was injured. Those tears caught me by surprise, but taught me, even more, what a loving and special little girl we have the honor of calling our daughter.</div>White's Journey to Taiwanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00818928438087304995noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4691359220552557780.post-18690887193330932872012-01-19T19:59:00.000-08:002012-01-19T20:49:52.803-08:00Neurosurgeon consult<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--g3FxpkGP2M/TxjwwvgdcXI/AAAAAAAABQk/-4WYvzdjjp8/s1600/photo.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 299px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--g3FxpkGP2M/TxjwwvgdcXI/AAAAAAAABQk/-4WYvzdjjp8/s400/photo.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5699570048614363506" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">An early birthday dinner and dessert for Mei Li! </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iNhzsQmb65c/Txjuq5kuWwI/AAAAAAAABQY/_KH1_V35Aik/s1600/photo.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 299px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iNhzsQmb65c/Txjuq5kuWwI/AAAAAAAABQY/_KH1_V35Aik/s400/photo.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5699567749214132994" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Mei Li's MRI film</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>Today was a LONG and important day. We began our morning by heading down to Children's South to meet with Mei Li's neurosurgeon, Dr. Blount. He reviewed Mei Li's MRI film, his findings, the risks of surgery, the risks of "not" doing surgery and his plan. He was incredible and took great care to make sure we understood every detail. We are very thankful the Lord has placed Mei Li in Dr. Blount's very capable hands. Then, we were sent downtown to the main hospital to have her pre-op blood work done. <div><br /></div><div>First, Dr. Blount found that Mei Li's lipoma is on the dorsal side of the spinal chord. This, he told us, is GOOD! It is much less risky to operate on than if it had been on the bottom where all of the nerve endings are. He explained that if it had been on the bottom, "it would be like dumping a container of glue into a pot of spaghetti and trying to get the glue out." Thankfully, the lipoma is on the dorsal side and will be more contained. However, there are still risks. The fatty tumor is not just up against the spinal chord, the fibers that bind it are wrapped around and fused to the spinal chord. So, he explained that operating on abnormal tissue that is intertwined and fused to the spinal chord and nervous system does come with its risks. But, the risks during surgery are less than 10%. </div><div><br /></div><div>He also told us that the risks of "not" doing surgery are between 70-80% chance of Mei Li growing into an adult with paralysis and loss of bowel control. There are two schools of thought among neurosurgeons. . . "to do surgery" and "leave it alone". Neurosurgeons in the U.S. tend to be more aggressive in their approach to be pro-active and derail the inevitable. Whereas, there are fine neurosurgeons around the globe who argue to leave alone what is "not yet broken". They feel that surgery is taking too big of a risk and could cause neurological problems that were not present before the surgery. Dr. Blount told us that by choosing to "do" the surgery, we are choosing to take all of our risk up-front. If there is a neurological problem, it will happen in a matter of 2-3 hours (the time it takes to do the surgery) rather than over a long, slow period of adolescence where there is gradual decline as a result of growth. But, the risks to do nothing far exceed the risks to do something. So, we are going to do all we can to ensure Mei Li the brightest future possible. </div><div><br /></div><div>The surgery to detach the lipoma from Mei Li's spinal chord is scheduled for January 30. It was moved up one day. She will be in the hospital between 3-4 days if all goes as planned. Then, she will come home and be "still" and "on her back" for 10 days!!! :-/ I asked if this procedure comes with a magic wand. Keeping this little one still for 10 minutes is a chore. . . 10 days???? Whew!! I'm not looking forward to that! He did tell me that she would be able to get up to go to the bathroom and get a bath. And, one of the big things we will need to be on the lookout for is the leaking of spinal fluid. If there is a leak, then we will have to go back in and get the leak stopped. Oh, yes. . . and I did ask him if this surgery might bring back the sensation in her "dead foot". He said, "No". He told us that that foot is as good as it's ever going to be. At least we know, now. </div><div><br /></div><div>I am attaching an image of Mei Li's MRI film. It shows her spine, and if you look at the lower part of her spine, near the tailbone, you will see a small white mass pressed into the smooth spinal chord. That is the fatty tumor (lipoma). You can't see the fibers that are wrapped around the spinal chord, but they are there. And, over time, as Mei Li grows, those fibers would pull and tether the spinal chord. There is also a fatty pocket on the outside, right underneath the skin. But this fatty mass is not posing any danger to Mei Li. The one he will be operating on, that poses the risk of paralysis, is the small white mass attached to the chord. </div><div><br /></div><div>On a very happy note, our Mei Li is celebrating her 5th birthday tomorrow! She has never celebrated a birthday before, and how wonderful that she will experience her first celebration with her new family who adores her! Sweet thing. . . I asked her what special present she hoped to receive on her birthday. She responded with, "A sucker!". I asked her what special meal she wanted her mommy to make for her. She answered with "Soup and goldfish". I'm sure in another year her answers will be very different. But, I find it beautiful that this little girl who has never celebrated a birthday in her 5 years would find such joy in a sucker, soup and goldfish! And, she gave Geoff and me a present of our own today. We were riding in the car to the hospital for her appointment, and she told us, "Mama, Wo boo yaw China (I don't want China). Wo yaw Mommy (I want Mommy). Wo yaw Daddy. Wo yaw Jeh Jeh. Wo boo yaw China. Wo yaw family." Happy birthday, baby girl! That is one birthday wish we promise you today and forever!!</div>White's Journey to Taiwanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00818928438087304995noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4691359220552557780.post-32862595742421642732012-01-15T14:26:00.000-08:002012-01-15T19:24:58.396-08:00Some Pretty Big Blessings!<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IPWp5vWr6pA/TxOYPWPbyII/AAAAAAAABQM/6fMjNOPJsys/s1600/1%253A15%253A12%2B%2BAG%2BBaptism.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 299px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IPWp5vWr6pA/TxOYPWPbyII/AAAAAAAABQM/6fMjNOPJsys/s400/1%253A15%253A12%2B%2BAG%2BBaptism.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5698065342989584514" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Anna Grace at her Baptism!</div><div style="text-align: center;">1/15/12</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--5wG13Ac4lQ/TxNkRHfxcqI/AAAAAAAABQA/L1kZeh3-zFs/s1600/Sweet%2Btreats%2Bfor%2Bmy%2Bsweets%2521.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 299px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--5wG13Ac4lQ/TxNkRHfxcqI/AAAAAAAABQA/L1kZeh3-zFs/s400/Sweet%2Btreats%2Bfor%2Bmy%2Bsweets%2521.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5698008198786675362" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">My sweet girls enjoying some push-pop fun at Chuy's!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-d_raJWrUzTU/TxNkLf_K_SI/AAAAAAAABP0/4VXf_4Cav3w/s1600/Our%2Bsweet%2BMei%2Bli.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 299px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-d_raJWrUzTU/TxNkLf_K_SI/AAAAAAAABP0/4VXf_4Cav3w/s400/Our%2Bsweet%2BMei%2Bli.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5698008102281608482" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Baby girl finds a "cherry treasure!!"</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fmkYoLArC6o/TxNkD3TB0mI/AAAAAAAABPo/7bLdr1X0iMg/s1600/The%2Bjoy%2Band%2Bwonder%2Bof%2Bpush%2Bpops%2521.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 299px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fmkYoLArC6o/TxNkD3TB0mI/AAAAAAAABPo/7bLdr1X0iMg/s400/The%2Bjoy%2Band%2Bwonder%2Bof%2Bpush%2Bpops%2521.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5698007971099955810" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">The awe and wonder in Mei Li's eyes over this push pop!! </div><div style="text-align: center;">She looks like she's waiting for it to explode!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GXK3wOYdphQ/TxNj5q17CvI/AAAAAAAABPc/m2MlekumuRo/s1600/Mei%2BLi%2Btakes%2Bon%2Bthe%2Bpush%2Bpop.%2B.%2Band%2Bwins%2521.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 299px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GXK3wOYdphQ/TxNj5q17CvI/AAAAAAAABPc/m2MlekumuRo/s400/Mei%2BLi%2Btakes%2Bon%2Bthe%2Bpush%2Bpop.%2B.%2Band%2Bwins%2521.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5698007795957959410" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">A little elbow grease always gets the job done! </div><div style="text-align: center;">Not gonna let a little push pop get the best of her!!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tB-mLfuund4/TxNjy7sx9UI/AAAAAAAABPQ/2cLlqidpxL0/s1600/Mei%2BLi%2Bloves%2BEGGS%2521.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 299px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tB-mLfuund4/TxNjy7sx9UI/AAAAAAAABPQ/2cLlqidpxL0/s400/Mei%2BLi%2Bloves%2BEGGS%2521.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5698007680223933762" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Baby girl loves her some hard-boiled eggs! Yum! </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3y5lO0IF_pc/TxNjl5Weg6I/AAAAAAAABPE/4ruaZR6uRW8/s1600/Leg%2Bstretches%2Bfor%2BMei%2BLi%2B.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 299px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3y5lO0IF_pc/TxNjl5Weg6I/AAAAAAAABPE/4ruaZR6uRW8/s400/Leg%2Bstretches%2Bfor%2BMei%2BLi%2B.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5698007456255214498" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Getting her daily leg stretches with Daddy and Minnie Mouse :)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-34P1Y8ZLqLc/TxNjgSz7FFI/AAAAAAAABO4/yUnUJk0c66I/s1600/Minnie%2BMouse%2Bgets%2Bleg%2Bstretches.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 299px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-34P1Y8ZLqLc/TxNjgSz7FFI/AAAAAAAABO4/yUnUJk0c66I/s400/Minnie%2BMouse%2Bgets%2Bleg%2Bstretches.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5698007360010392658" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">And, of course, Minnie must get in on the exercise too!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>This has already started out to be an amazing week! Today, my Anna Grace got baptized at our church! I am so happy she made the decision to share her commitment to the Lord with the church. Her Mama B, Uncle Scott, Aunt Emmalie, cousins Ramsey and Bryant, our friend, Heather, and of course, Mom, Dad and Mei Li were all there along with the entire 10:45 service to celebrate with her! It was a wonderful moment!<div><br /></div><div>To top this off, there are a few more BIG things happening this week! Thursday is our appointment with the neurosurgeon to discuss Mei Li's upcoming surgery that will take place on the 31st of this month. He will review Mei Li's MRI film and discuss his game plan with us for surgery. I will certainly update as soon as we learn news from this consult.</div><div><br /></div><div>Friday. . . DRUM ROLL. . . is our Mei Li's 5th birthday!!!! It's wonderful to know that Mei Li will have her first birthday celebration with her family in her new homeland! I asked her if she ever had a birthday party in China. She said, "No". So, this week, we will have a small birthday celebration for our sweet girl. Mama is still working on an idea, and we'll see how it turns out. Mei Li wants to swim more than anything. She begs me all the time to take her swimming. When we were in China at the hotel, she had to miss out on swimming because of the terrible pressure ulcer on her foot. Big sis got the chance to go when Mei Li went down for her naps, but she always would awaken to find big sis gone swimming. She has never been swimming before and this is her big wish. So, I've been on the phone with a local hotel to see if we can arrange a little swimming party for her. Whatever turns out, I'll have some pics later this week of Mei Li's 5th birthday to share!!</div><div><br /></div><div>Saturday is a benefit concert at the Trussville Civic Center that I've been asked to sing in with some other area artists. It is for a great cause and I'm honored to be a part of it! The event is to raise funds for a facility that will provide recreation and social activities for adults with disabilities. It's called Independence Place. As a mom to a little girl with disabilities, this is something close to my heart. I hope it will be a success and bring the necessary funds to get this wonderful facility off and running!! So proud of my city for providing something like this for our community!</div><div>I am praying for a little Divine intervention, however. I've noticed a bit of hoarseness over the past few months, even though I've not been performing much at all since coming home with Mei Li. I went in to the ENT on Friday to get it checked before this upcoming benefit concert. He scoped me and took some pics of my vocal chords. It showed that I have acid reflux and inflammation of my vocal chords. So, I'm on vocal rest this week, taking prednisone t0 reduce the inflammation and Prilosec twice a day to reduce the acid and lots and lots of water. I'm bummed that I have this going on and it's left me in less than stellar voice. . . but I'm so very thankful that we discovered the problem before permanent damage occurred. Hoping a week with some vocal rest and meds will help along with a little touch from above . </div><div><br /></div><div>Another great bit of news to follow-up on my last post. Anna Grace went in to the "Alice in Wonderland" audition at Birmingham Children's Theatre a week ago. We got the call at the first of the week that she was selected for the role of ALICE!!!! She is absolutely over the moon! She has already memorized the first 10 pages of the script, and I'm enjoying watching her take this opportunity and blossom. This part came at such a critical time. Anna Grace has been such a fantastic big sis to Mei Li, but she has had to take a back seat a great deal during the last months while we've been prioritizing Mei Li's surgeries and medical visits. . . and acclimating her to her new family and home. As patient and loving as she has been, I know it gets tough sometimes. And, she has been needing something of "her own" to challenge and grow her. The call from BCT that AG was selected was a gift from God, for sure! She needed that shot in the arm, and the timing couldn't have been more perfect! So, if you find yourself in the Birmingham area in April, come out and see Anna Grace in "Alice's Adventures in Wonderland" at Birmingham Children's Theatre! Yay, Anna Grace!!</div><div><br /></div><div>So many good things, it's hard to keep it all straight! But, thanks for following and I'll certainly keep updating!</div>White's Journey to Taiwanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00818928438087304995noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4691359220552557780.post-77547017911298476242012-01-06T21:50:00.000-08:002012-01-06T22:08:55.540-08:00Mei Li's Surgery is Scheduled!Happy New Year! We certainly are thrilled to be entering 2012 with our long-awaited Mei Li home with us. She has added so much joy and life to our family! What a blessing she is. . .<div><br /></div><div>Today, we received a phone call from Dr. Blount's nurse to schedule Mei Li's surgery. We were expecting her spinal surgery to fall around the end of February, but tonight we found out we are on the books for January 31st!! We have a consult with Dr. Blount to discuss Mei Li's MRI film on the 19th. We have been told to expect her to be in the hospital for 4 days. Then, she will need to be on her back and "still" for about 7 days at home. . . For those of you who know our Mei Li. . . you are probably shaking your heads in disbelief, right now. This little one is always on the go. . . busy, busy, busy!!! Keeping her still for 3 minutes is a task. Seven days is monumental! Mama is going to need some divine intervention to help her manage this task. :-) We are thrilled to get this major surgery behind her. Every day that passes, the risk increases that she could have problems with her spinal chord tethering from the tumor. We want our Mei Li to have as bright of a future as possible. . . and we want her to be able to embrace that future as soon as possible! </div><div><br /></div><div>It is amazing to look back and realize that Mei Li has been home for 3 months. She has been through serial casting for 5 weeks, a surgery on her Achilles tendon, casting, braces on her foot and now surgery to detach this tumor from her spine. By the time she enters February, she will have completed her major surgeries, and her foot and spine will have been corrected! Hallelujah!!! :)</div><div><br /></div><div>I will post more details once we meet with Dr. Blount. </div><div><br /></div><div>And, on another note, I am so proud of my Anna Grace! She has a big audition tomorrow, and has put it together in a day and a half!!! She has memorized a pretty hefty monologue and is ready to audition for the part of Alice in Alice in Wonderland! Whether she gets cast or not. . . she has done a brilliant job getting it learned and delivering it in a delightfully "Alice" way! Break a leg tomorrow, Anna Grace!!! Mom and Dad are so very proud of you!</div><div><br /></div><div>Good night! And, thanks for following :)</div>White's Journey to Taiwanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00818928438087304995noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4691359220552557780.post-50850863797505411242011-12-29T08:01:00.000-08:002011-12-29T08:34:06.535-08:00Call from Dr. Blount came todayWell, after 10 days of waiting on Mei Li's MRI results, we got a phone call from Dr. Blount. Yay!! It was a relief to hear his voice on the phone this morning. This is the low-down.<div>After reviewing Mei Li's MRI, he says that it is exactly what he expected. She has a large lipoma on her spine and it has a substantial risk of causing tethering of her spinal chord as she grows. He says that "tethering" is nothing that is going to happen in the next hour or the next week. . but, as she "is" growing every day, we do not need to "sit" on this and let the grass grow, either. He is glad we already had the urodynamics test done on Mei Li (which we did just yesterday). He said that waiting for the urodynamics test is usually the thing that slows down the surgery process. It was "DONE" yesterday!!! So, there is nothing standing in the way of him being able to perform surgery as soon as he can get it put on his calendar. </div><div><br /></div><div>He told me that Geoff and I will both need to come in to meet with him before he performs any surgery so he can review the film of Mei Li's MRI with us, discuss surgery, explain the risks. . . and get on the same page with a game plan. We are to hear from his nurse by the end of next week to get some dates on the calendar. He is backlogged on cases from December due to some academia he had to pursue. And, he is going out on holiday tomorrow to return next week. He is anticipating Mei Li's surgery to happen sometime around the end of February.</div><div><br /></div><div>I asked what this surgery would look like (as far as how long Mei Li will take to recover). He said that the surgery will take several hours, she will be in the hospital for 3-4 days (unlike his colleagues who keep them in for 7-10 days). He usually tries to keep them in the hospital a shorter time and then let them recover at home where we will need to keep her "as still and on her back" as possible for about another week after she is sent home from the hospital. She will then come back into the clinic for a follow-up. The soft tissue will take 4-6 weeks to heal. . . then, normal activity!!!! Mei Li could essentially be ready for normal activity by the spring!!!!</div><div><br /></div><div>I look forward to getting these dates on the calendar and getting Mei Li's life-changing surgery done. . . so she can start embracing her new life and claim her "new future" as opposed to what lay before her in China!!! Thank you, Lord!!!</div><div><br /></div><div>OH. . . and about Mei Li's urodynamics test, yesterday. It was not completely normal, as there were some abnormal bladder contractions early on in the test due to abnormal nerve activity. But, it didn't interfere with her ability to control her bladder, at all. Dr. Joseph was very pleased, overall, with her function. It was a traumatic test for Mei Li. It hurt and she was wide awake for it. She had to be awake in order to be able to respond to the fluid being pumped into her bladder. Thankfully, I was able to be with her and hold her hand. And, her Mama B was in the room too, and that was a comfort to Mei Li as well. And, the sweet nurse blew bubbles and Mei Li loved trying to catch them. That worked for a while, until her bladder got so full of the contrast solution that she couldn't focus on the "fun" anymore. Then, there were some pretty major tears. But, mommy was there to wipe them, and then the test was over. Bless her sweet heart. With her eyes and lips swollen from crying so hard, and as I was dressing her after the test, Mei Li told Dr. Joseph, "Bye bye and thank you." We are so thankful that is behind us. . . especially now that Dr. Blount is wanting to do surgery by the end of February. </div><div><br /></div><div>I will keep you all posted on the details as we learn more!</div>White's Journey to Taiwanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00818928438087304995noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4691359220552557780.post-70364883077946438862011-12-26T08:19:00.000-08:002011-12-26T09:22:08.010-08:00Magical Christmas Moments 2011 :)Some magical moments this Christmas. . . in pictures! Merry Christmas, everyone!! :)<div><br /></div><div><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-i8CMkf7AQBc/Tvim4S0FqBI/AAAAAAAABOs/EsN_5aAOEPM/s1600/IMG_9532.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-i8CMkf7AQBc/Tvim4S0FqBI/AAAAAAAABOs/EsN_5aAOEPM/s400/IMG_9532.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5690481615235819538" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Angel in candlelight</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bF_ZV7RUygY/TvimhkfdyjI/AAAAAAAABOg/ufo7iBzTkjU/s1600/IMG_9533.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bF_ZV7RUygY/TvimhkfdyjI/AAAAAAAABOg/ufo7iBzTkjU/s400/IMG_9533.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5690481224844167730" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Silent Night, Holy Night. . . </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JY9ryCzglm8/TvimHzALznI/AAAAAAAABOU/AvezMVboaqk/s1600/IMG_9537.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JY9ryCzglm8/TvimHzALznI/AAAAAAAABOU/AvezMVboaqk/s400/IMG_9537.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5690480782062898802" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Sweet girl</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Two0kp6UEws/Tvil9w8FRsI/AAAAAAAABOI/tAZbVhkXKUQ/s1600/IMG_9541.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Two0kp6UEws/Tvil9w8FRsI/AAAAAAAABOI/tAZbVhkXKUQ/s400/IMG_9541.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5690480609710130882" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Christmas Eve Candlelight service with Mama B.</div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wh9vVWectbE/TvilpR1HdBI/AAAAAAAABN8/3ihRwwaysAM/s1600/IMG_9542.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wh9vVWectbE/TvilpR1HdBI/AAAAAAAABN8/3ihRwwaysAM/s400/IMG_9542.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5690480257762030610" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Candlelit angel</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kGeaaNQWn8M/TvilS_DJ6jI/AAAAAAAABNw/BTdmszEG5bQ/s1600/IMG_9546.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kGeaaNQWn8M/TvilS_DJ6jI/AAAAAAAABNw/BTdmszEG5bQ/s400/IMG_9546.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5690479874763516466" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Snuggles with Mama B</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_7jFbHyObfE/TvilDxv-kDI/AAAAAAAABNk/dBiYhg8Fmno/s1600/IMG_9547.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_7jFbHyObfE/TvilDxv-kDI/AAAAAAAABNk/dBiYhg8Fmno/s400/IMG_9547.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5690479613495382066" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Childhood innocence. . . </div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-01-3iqnG37s/Tvik6WDkZBI/AAAAAAAABNY/nXrbknBYKv0/s1600/IMG_9548.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-01-3iqnG37s/Tvik6WDkZBI/AAAAAAAABNY/nXrbknBYKv0/s400/IMG_9548.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5690479451442537490" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Hope. . . </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Qn7U3OXSdnU/Tvikw1HyT2I/AAAAAAAABNM/PtnhDmBCPOE/s1600/IMG_9549.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Qn7U3OXSdnU/Tvikw1HyT2I/AAAAAAAABNM/PtnhDmBCPOE/s400/IMG_9549.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5690479287983034210" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Enjoying this most magical and blessed Christmas with my family</div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Eh-GebEaOIQ/TvikmEYhk2I/AAAAAAAABNA/En3J-kg1bnA/s1600/IMG_9550.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Eh-GebEaOIQ/TvikmEYhk2I/AAAAAAAABNA/En3J-kg1bnA/s400/IMG_9550.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5690479103101211490" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Anxiously awaiting the moment they can open their "first" present of Christmas!!</div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dmu946svI-E/TvikCpLVjaI/AAAAAAAABM0/ZpBDvETuFhw/s1600/IMG_9555.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dmu946svI-E/TvikCpLVjaI/AAAAAAAABM0/ZpBDvETuFhw/s400/IMG_9555.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5690478494502718882" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Oh my goodness!!! It's an American Girl box!!!!!! :D</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000ee;"><u><br /></u></span></div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wpof_UmTqac/TvijrTV6edI/AAAAAAAABMc/j46xCcSPHdQ/s1600/IMG_9557.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 371px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wpof_UmTqac/TvijrTV6edI/AAAAAAAABMc/j46xCcSPHdQ/s400/IMG_9557.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5690478093504510418" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Enthusiasm uncontained!!! ;-)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-E5wJAj6nshw/Tvije_a_XqI/AAAAAAAABMQ/yU7WfhzxxQk/s1600/IMG_9558.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 284px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-E5wJAj6nshw/Tvije_a_XqI/AAAAAAAABMQ/yU7WfhzxxQk/s400/IMG_9558.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5690477881998663330" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">I absolutely LOVE this sweet face!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tMDUrcMHM6I/Tvii-qsHMAI/AAAAAAAABME/46em3ClRmkY/s1600/IMG_9559.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tMDUrcMHM6I/Tvii-qsHMAI/AAAAAAAABME/46em3ClRmkY/s400/IMG_9559.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5690477326677520386" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Cousin Ramsey. . . "OH BOY, OH BOY!!! :)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yv0PRxXwcs4/Tvii0EtfMqI/AAAAAAAABL4/M4M0qJYpSeE/s1600/IMG_9560.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yv0PRxXwcs4/Tvii0EtfMqI/AAAAAAAABL4/M4M0qJYpSeE/s400/IMG_9560.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5690477144684049058" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Sweet expression of "This is JUST what I wished for!!!"</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ud20SCUeGms/TviiqoEemsI/AAAAAAAABLs/E7tbEb-C_qs/s1600/IMG_9561.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ud20SCUeGms/TviiqoEemsI/AAAAAAAABLs/E7tbEb-C_qs/s400/IMG_9561.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5690476982377028290" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">My lovely Anna Grace and her first sewing machine!! This girl is going to sew some doll clothes!! :)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UrOuydQtrbE/TviiiHyr06I/AAAAAAAABLg/q9dmed16Ca4/s1600/IMG_9565.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UrOuydQtrbE/TviiiHyr06I/AAAAAAAABLg/q9dmed16Ca4/s400/IMG_9565.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5690476836273509282" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Bryant is excited about his dinosaur fossil toy!!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-o102OUTY-sE/TviiXdKZDPI/AAAAAAAABLU/COZZIcTY66s/s1600/IMG_9566.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-o102OUTY-sE/TviiXdKZDPI/AAAAAAAABLU/COZZIcTY66s/s400/IMG_9566.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5690476653031525618" /></a><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OHd9DmajPF4/TviiI-6MGSI/AAAAAAAABLI/Mv1Ad8OO1_0/s1600/IMG_9571.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 351px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OHd9DmajPF4/TviiI-6MGSI/AAAAAAAABLI/Mv1Ad8OO1_0/s400/IMG_9571.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5690476404392335650" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Hey!!!! She looks like ME!!!! :D</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LbfnILa9wKI/Tvih-AdYJBI/AAAAAAAABK8/fv3ljYfNg9U/s1600/IMG_9573.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LbfnILa9wKI/Tvih-AdYJBI/AAAAAAAABK8/fv3ljYfNg9U/s400/IMG_9573.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5690476215829799954" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Sweet Bryant is overcome with excitement!! </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uDdZ2OkAvlQ/TvihzT-9VsI/AAAAAAAABKw/YADY2zZhE9I/s1600/IMG_9574.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uDdZ2OkAvlQ/TvihzT-9VsI/AAAAAAAABKw/YADY2zZhE9I/s400/IMG_9574.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5690476032092362434" /></a><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SQXINyaYYKg/Tvihnkk1lcI/AAAAAAAABKk/Lli4rqZLNFw/s1600/IMG_9575.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SQXINyaYYKg/Tvihnkk1lcI/AAAAAAAABKk/Lli4rqZLNFw/s400/IMG_9575.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5690475830387774914" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Cutie-patootie on her new little scooter!! :)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-K0vdFDDuQLY/TvihItpOElI/AAAAAAAABKY/VVnRthNbkqA/s1600/IMG_9576.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-K0vdFDDuQLY/TvihItpOElI/AAAAAAAABKY/VVnRthNbkqA/s400/IMG_9576.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5690475300246131282" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">AG checking out the treasure in her stocking. . .and Milo (the cat) wants to know if any of it is for him. ;)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QMSiHPS5I3U/Tvig_Y7U9QI/AAAAAAAABKM/nIRdUbERPxM/s1600/IMG_9577.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QMSiHPS5I3U/Tvig_Y7U9QI/AAAAAAAABKM/nIRdUbERPxM/s400/IMG_9577.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5690475140066112770" /></a><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gcidAlSqKnY/Tvigrh_C91I/AAAAAAAABKA/3ZXfp_NEq_I/s1600/IMG_9578.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gcidAlSqKnY/Tvigrh_C91I/AAAAAAAABKA/3ZXfp_NEq_I/s400/IMG_9578.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5690474798900246354" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">A trike to build up Mei Li's leg muscles! AND, it has a basket to hold all of her goodies!! :)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--9V_zN75dJc/TviggpPNwjI/AAAAAAAABJ0/8zWPAQNGGCo/s1600/IMG_9579.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--9V_zN75dJc/TviggpPNwjI/AAAAAAAABJ0/8zWPAQNGGCo/s400/IMG_9579.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5690474611868549682" /></a><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DdNFf--C_so/TvigXnBg45I/AAAAAAAABJo/2JbymOLYv1E/s1600/IMG_9580.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DdNFf--C_so/TvigXnBg45I/AAAAAAAABJo/2JbymOLYv1E/s400/IMG_9580.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5690474456655389586" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">AG got her BIG wish!!! </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0mn-TYzOc1U/TvigOHWBYyI/AAAAAAAABJc/JtMmfj5O-GU/s1600/IMG_9581.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0mn-TYzOc1U/TvigOHWBYyI/AAAAAAAABJc/JtMmfj5O-GU/s400/IMG_9581.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5690474293532648226" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">AG is overcome with "WOW!!!" Dooley??? Not so much ;)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4JLuB3alyQ0/TvigETK1y6I/AAAAAAAABJQ/seBwDo0I4QI/s1600/IMG_9583.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4JLuB3alyQ0/TvigETK1y6I/AAAAAAAABJQ/seBwDo0I4QI/s400/IMG_9583.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5690474124908284834" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">A "Wah wah" for Mei Li</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UCyaBckMo6k/TvifuAtpRJI/AAAAAAAABJE/Qys_A0JyuLk/s1600/IMG_9584.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><br /></a></div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XpFvq1N9FTc/TvifktXhUNI/AAAAAAAABI4/9FLuwfDWidM/s400/IMG_9587.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5690473582184976594" /><div style="text-align: center;">Check out those pretty finger nails!!! :)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BQ_0HshTupI/TvifcBhs_uI/AAAAAAAABIs/uyNuDSXVZhg/s1600/IMG_9588.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BQ_0HshTupI/TvifcBhs_uI/AAAAAAAABIs/uyNuDSXVZhg/s400/IMG_9588.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5690473432977571554" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HOfPYq5kx_0/TvifKUHtVHI/AAAAAAAABIU/y9dZbvIXOL0/s1600/IMG_9591.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HOfPYq5kx_0/TvifKUHtVHI/AAAAAAAABIU/y9dZbvIXOL0/s400/IMG_9591.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5690473128731169906" /></a></div></div>White's Journey to Taiwanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00818928438087304995noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4691359220552557780.post-26718599436384497452011-12-24T22:10:00.000-08:002011-12-24T23:06:52.420-08:00Adoption. . . a beautiful reflection of God's love for us.This is one of the most powerful Christmases we have ever had. And, the reason for that is not some crazy, awesome gift in fancy paper under a twinkly tree. It has to do with something God has opened our hearts and minds to. . . and now we understand some things that we never fully understood before. And, he has used a 4 year old little girl as His instrument to teach us.<div><br /></div><div>When we began our journey to adopt Mei Li, we "were" acting in faith on that still small voice inside that was telling us to step out, act boldly on what we were being called to do and believe. But, we still didn't see the whole picture. However, over the four years of our roller coaster ride to Mei Li; and in the time that she has been with us. . . an amazing picture has emerged and shown us a truth with great clarity. That picture was painted for us just last night when our little Mei Li was in her Daddy's arms at the mailbox looking back up at our house on the hill with all of it's Christmas lights twinkling against the night. She stood back, in her Dad's arms, looked up at her home and said, "Daddy, Mei Li's home." When she was in that orphanage in China for all of her years, she had no idea the wonderful future that awaited her in America. She truly couldn't conceive of the treasures that were in store for her, the bedroom that had been prepared "just" for her, and the unconditional love that was waiting to embrace her. Mei Li did not "initiate" the adoption. We did. Her parents "chose" her and invited her in to be a daughter and an heir. It is a permanent offer. . . not temporary. . . not conditional. </div><div><br /></div><div>The Lord has shown Geoff and me through our journey that "adoption" on this earth mirrors God's adoption of us as His children through the gift of His Son, Jesus. And, I can't think of a better time to share this truth that has been made clear to us than on Christmas Eve. . . Our heavenly Father authored "adoption" when He sent the gift of His only Son to us on Christmas over 2 thousand years ago. As a result, we are invited to be heirs in His heavenly kingdom. . . a permanent home on high. </div><div><br /></div><div>I am also reminded, often, of the verse in the Bible where Jesus says, (Whatever you do for the least of these, you do to me.) And, that is paraphrased. Every time I look into Mei Li's sweet little face, I remember Jesus saying that. And, I realize that I may be looking right into the face of Jesus. </div><div><br /></div><div>So, as we prepare for all of the celebration of Christmas morn, I remember the "gift" of Jesus who is the foundation of it all. And, I think of the love and hope that gift brought the world. And, I will enjoy both of my precious gifts of Anna Grace and Mei Li as they experience the wonder of Christmas. But, as I look into the beautiful brown eyes of my sweet daughter, Mei Li, I will remember that I, too, am adopted. . . by my heavenly Father. And, having learned from His demonstration of love for me, Geoff and I share the same gift given to us with her. And, the result? Our hearts feel as if they might burst with love and joy over the incredible "gift" Mei Li is to our family this Christmas, and from now onward.</div><div><br /></div><div>Merry Christmas, friends! </div>White's Journey to Taiwanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00818928438087304995noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4691359220552557780.post-11188838404984249642011-12-23T17:40:00.000-08:002011-12-23T18:38:24.354-08:002 Magical Moments with our Mei Li. . . just in time for Christmas<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-10x606R5MVU/TvU3mdcgP1I/AAAAAAAABII/KLXLRDXNAms/s1600/Christmas%2BAngel.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 299px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-10x606R5MVU/TvU3mdcgP1I/AAAAAAAABII/KLXLRDXNAms/s400/Christmas%2BAngel.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5689514838131228498" /></a><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bqWCtb3AHhI/TvU3eBBs8gI/AAAAAAAABH8/lFPST07CgKk/s1600/Christmas%2Bsnuggles.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 299px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bqWCtb3AHhI/TvU3eBBs8gI/AAAAAAAABH8/lFPST07CgKk/s400/Christmas%2Bsnuggles.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5689514693063668226" /></a><br />Today, we had two magical moments with our Mei Li. I'll start by sharing the funny one. Tonight, Anna Grace wanted to help wrap some of Mei Li's presents. So, I went downstairs with her to help. I told Mei Li she needed to stay with Daddy upstairs, and that I would be right back. She had a bit of a meltdown that Mommy was leaving, so I explained that we were wrapping some of her Christmas presents. I told her that she couldn't see because they were surprises for her. That worked!! She was happy and I headed downstairs. After AG and I finished wrapping her gifts, AG brought them up and placed them under the tree. Before we knew it, Mei Li was under the tree and grabbed the biggest of her presents. In one swift rip, she had half of the wrap off. We all screamed, "Noooooooooooooo!!!!!" And, Mei Li looked up confused. We told her that the presents were to be opened on Christmas, not today. She grinned really big and said, "Mama, I see it!!! I see it!! I see it!!!!" And, I said, "Baby, you can't have the present tonight. You will get to open it on Christmas". She grunted in frustration and repeated, "I see it!! I see it!!" I picked her up and asked her, "Mei Li, what did you see?" She said, "Toe-fah" (which means hair in Mandarin) "I see it!!! Toe-fah!!! Looooong toe-fah!!! Pretty!!!!!" Then, I asked her, "What do you think it is?" And, she stated, matter-of-a-factly, "Wah wah" (which means doll in Mandarin). And, she hmphed in frustration that she couldn't open it. Then, she said, "Mama, presents. . . Mei Li... happy". <div>OH BOY. . . I am giddy with excitement. Mommy can't wait until Christmas morning, this year!!!<div><br /></div><div>The second magical moment went like this. . . Daddy was heading down to the mailbox this evening to check the mail. Mei Li ran to the door exclaiming that she wanted to go with Daddy. He went and grabbed her jacket and carried her down the hill to the mailbox. As they got to the curb, Mei Li looked up at the house and said, "Daddy, Mei Li da home" (that means Mei Li's home). Geoff said, "Yes, Mei Li, this is your home." Then, she said, "Faygeelah!!! Hen dah, hen dah faygeelah!!!" (which means airplane. Very big, very big airplane). And, Geoff said, "Yes, Mei Li, you rode on a big airplane from China to come to your home in America. Then, Geoff asked her, "Mei Li, do you miss China?" Mei Li quickly and firmly responded, "No! Mei Li boo yaw China. Wo yaw home." ( Mei Li doesn't want China. I want home.)</div><div><br /></div><div>Mei Li warms our hearts every day and fills us with such incredible joy. Geoff and I aren't exchanging gifts this year. We would rather make sure the girls have a special Christmas. And, we both agree. We already have our Christmas present. A little angel on Earth, named Mei Li, is our most precious Christmas gift, this year. . . and for every Christmas from now on. Geoff and I are incredibly thankful for our two most precious Christmas gifts. . . our Anna Grace and Mei Li.</div><div><br /></div><div>Wishing you all a beautiful Christmas!</div></div>White's Journey to Taiwanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00818928438087304995noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4691359220552557780.post-71240993492409742772011-12-19T19:34:00.000-08:002011-12-19T20:17:16.110-08:00Mei Li has her MRI!<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-h0IvckXjB0E/TvAD68MR2qI/AAAAAAAABH0/h6e7ugeHFQ8/s1600/Mei%2BLi%2B%2BMRI%2Bbound.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 299px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-h0IvckXjB0E/TvAD68MR2qI/AAAAAAAABH0/h6e7ugeHFQ8/s400/Mei%2BLi%2B%2BMRI%2Bbound.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5688050640493861538" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Heading out at 7:15 a.m. for her MRI of her spine. Got her Santa hat and her ever-ready smile!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5_TFMdHGCxY/TvADsOqUIvI/AAAAAAAABHk/yfnKTRVp2iE/s1600/Santa%2Bpays%2BMei%2BLi%2Ba%2Bvisit.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 299px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5_TFMdHGCxY/TvADsOqUIvI/AAAAAAAABHk/yfnKTRVp2iE/s400/Santa%2Bpays%2BMei%2BLi%2Ba%2Bvisit.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5688050387753640690" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Mei Li was THRILLED when Santa paid her a visit in the MRI waiting room!! She flew off of my lap, sprinted to get her Santa hat out of the wagon and nearly tackled Santa as she ran to him waving her Santa hat! Then she gave him one of her famous Mei Li hugs! :) Children's Hospital does an AMAZING job making their children feel special and happy. So glad Mei Li can get her medical needs met at a wonderful hospital like Children's! </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YVL2N-fxw44/TvADj_Xh23I/AAAAAAAABHY/gQxC6VDdBZ0/s1600/Sucker%2BSurprise.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 299px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YVL2N-fxw44/TvADj_Xh23I/AAAAAAAABHY/gQxC6VDdBZ0/s400/Sucker%2BSurprise.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5688050246209362802" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Mei Li's favorite treat is a good sucker! She is a sucker for suckers!! She also has taken a BIG shine to Santa. So, when we found this Santa sucker in the gift shop, we knew it had to be her treat for being such a trooper. She LOVED it! :)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kDdxgeMX73E/TvADZsYObhI/AAAAAAAABHM/AM9grQ73FpY/s1600/Mei%2BLi%2Bwith%2BSanta%2Bat%2BChildren%2527s%2BHospital.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 299px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kDdxgeMX73E/TvADZsYObhI/AAAAAAAABHM/AM9grQ73FpY/s400/Mei%2BLi%2Bwith%2BSanta%2Bat%2BChildren%2527s%2BHospital.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5688050069313318418" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Still groggy from the anesthesia, Mei Li got to get her picture taken with Santa before we left. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lfAB-dHYvlg/TvACkfAl0TI/AAAAAAAABHA/xzELTy94vMM/s1600/Christmas%2BAngel.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 299px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lfAB-dHYvlg/TvACkfAl0TI/AAAAAAAABHA/xzELTy94vMM/s400/Christmas%2BAngel.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5688049155191460146" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Resting her sleepy head on Daddy's shoulder. . . our Christmas angel. . . She truly is a Christmas miracle. She is our gift this Christmas.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Today was a big day for Mei Li, and it went smoother than I ever could have hoped. We felt the prayers of family and friends with us today! Mei Li had her MRI on her spine. They had to put her to sleep for this procedure. The last surgery, when they put her to sleep, she was sick the entire rest of the day. Thankfully, they only used gas for this test, and she suffered "no" sickness!! :) </div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>Today's test will give Dr. Blount the information he needs to make a game plan for Mei Li's spinal surgery. They took images of the fatty tumor in her lower back to see how and where it attaches to her spinal cord. We have no news on the test yet, but we hope to learn something tomorrow. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>On the 28th, Mei Li will have a test to measure the functionality of her bladder. Dr. Blount ordered both of these tests to be done before he operates on Mei Li's spine.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>Mei Li was very brave today, as always. The hardest part for her was "not eating". She ate around 8:00 Sunday night, and she was not allowed to eat again until after the test, which was noon on Monday. She could not drink anything either. But, like everything in her life, she took it all in stride. And, most of the time, she had a smile that would make everyone who passed by her do a double-take and turn around to talk with her. Her bravery and hope and determination and overcoming spirit inspires me every day. . . and challenges me to take notes from a little 4 year old girl and strive to do half as well :).</div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>Once she got to Children's, she was in for some exciting surprises. Santa came to visit her right before she went back for her test!! That was an exciting moment for Mei Li, for sure!! </div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>The testing and her recovery took just about 1 hour. And, we greeted her when she awoke with a big green Santa sucker! Her eyes lit up immediately. That was all it took. . . seeing Mama and Daddy and a big green Santa sucker. . . to bring her out of the fog of anesthesia!! Haha!! She said she was hungry, so we took her to Surin (a wonderful Thai restaurant. . . and Mama's favorite!!) and ordered her Coconut soup and dumplings. She ate every bite!! For her, it was a taste of home and good ol' comfort food.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>She is down for the night, and has been her sweet, mischievous happy little self all afternoon! :) We pray for a good report from Dr. Blount tomorrow. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>Good night! And, I'll update again as soon as we know something more. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Thanks for following!! And, thank you for your prayers for our little Mei Li!</div>White's Journey to Taiwanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00818928438087304995noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4691359220552557780.post-53746959307817102542011-12-16T19:30:00.000-08:002011-12-16T20:23:41.608-08:00Deck the Halls with MRIs, orthopedic visits and urologist appointments.Our hearts are bursting with joy and thankfulness this Christmas. We have been waiting for so long for our baby girl to come home to us, and finally we can celebrate this beautiful season as a family of 4. Our Mei Li will be enjoying Christmas for the very first time, this year. She has quickly learned who Santa is. I don't know if she understands the "present" thing. But, she calls Santa "Ho, ho, ho!!" Today, Anna Grace and Mei Li had their picture taken with Santa. Mei Li literally climbed down out of my arms and sprinted down the red carpet to Santa! She climbed right up on his lap and put her fingers in his snowy white beard! I got it on video. You can see it in my video feed at the top. <div>More importantly, Mei Li is showing all of us the true meaning of Christmas. Besides knowing that Christmas is the day we celebrate Jesus' birthday, she loves her family so dearly. She doesn't have an extensive list of wishes and wants for mom and dad and Santa. Instead, she talks about how much she loves her family. She will say, "My mom, my dad, my sister. . . my family". That is what means the most to her. We tend to take family for granted. . . just a given. But, for a little girl who has lived all of her 4 years in an institution without the love of a mother and father, she does "not" take the love of her family for granted. She cherishes it. . . more than any new toy or gadget. She is a breath of fresh air for all of us. And, her beautiful spirit and clear perspective is teaching us all to look at the world and all the blessings the Lord has given us with a new set of eyes. </div><div>Mei Li loves to sing and her favorite song is "Jesus Loves Me". She is precious to watch and listen to when she launches into this song. You can see the video in the feed at the top right.</div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>Monday, Mei Li has her MRI of her total spine. She will be put under for this procedure. And the results will determine Dr. Blount's game plan for surgery for Mei Li. Also, on Dec 28th, Mei Li goes in for a test on her bladder to determine its level of funtion. We know that she is 100% continent at this point. But, with her special need, incontinence is very common. And, Dr. Blount needs to establish a baseline. I'm not sure if she will be put under anesthesia for this test, but I am guessing she will. The results of these two tests are important for determining our plan of action for Mei Li and her surgery on her spine. </div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>Today, we took Mei Li in for a follow-up with Dr. Khoury. Her foot has been hot and swollen for several days and she has been running about 100 degree temp in the evenings the last 4 nights. Dr. Khoury did lab work on her and x-rayed her foot. It appears she has a small stress fracture on her toe. Bless her heart. Her bone density is compromised due to her lack of walking, but she needs to walk in order to build her bone density. </div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>Even though there are so many Dr. appointments and tests, we are incredibly thankful to have our precious daughter home. And, we are thankful we have the medical team available to take care of her needs. Her future is bright, now. And, our family's future is brighter than ever because she is now a part of us. :)</div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>Merry Christmas to you all!! I'll update when I have more news.</div><div><br /></div>White's Journey to Taiwanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00818928438087304995noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4691359220552557780.post-46914726535136999592011-12-11T11:21:00.000-08:002011-12-11T14:27:11.940-08:00Christmas Caroling, Birthday Wishes and Mei Li WALKS! :)<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Uw5sDAJEl_Y/TuUnaPM8CGI/AAAAAAAABG0/5KNqjQeCYyQ/s1600/IMG_9460.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Uw5sDAJEl_Y/TuUnaPM8CGI/AAAAAAAABG0/5KNqjQeCYyQ/s400/IMG_9460.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5684993436335999074" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">AG and her good friend. . . ready for a night of caroling!</div><div><br /></div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4TJta82odGg/TuUmz2iZSjI/AAAAAAAABGo/TgOa1zc6A28/s1600/IMG_9466.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4TJta82odGg/TuUmz2iZSjI/AAAAAAAABGo/TgOa1zc6A28/s400/IMG_9466.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5684992776880081458" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Mama and Mei Li come along to help support!!</div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zamukaMPw_w/TuUmrGx1XVI/AAAAAAAABGc/s9_nZYlNpbs/s1600/IMG_9467.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zamukaMPw_w/TuUmrGx1XVI/AAAAAAAABGc/s9_nZYlNpbs/s400/IMG_9467.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5684992626620980562" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Singing songs of Christmas. . . </div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ljIdQz3Z3aI/TuUmcBJyH2I/AAAAAAAABGQ/jS4xfOiBxzg/s1600/IMG_9473.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ljIdQz3Z3aI/TuUmcBJyH2I/AAAAAAAABGQ/jS4xfOiBxzg/s400/IMG_9473.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5684992367412780898" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">One of the beautiful homes made a great backdrop for our group photo!</div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nc7pbMU2YnA/TuUmOpEkhrI/AAAAAAAABGE/nS2oxOV4tmc/s1600/IMG_9474.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nc7pbMU2YnA/TuUmOpEkhrI/AAAAAAAABGE/nS2oxOV4tmc/s400/IMG_9474.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5684992137610167986" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Another Gigi group shot. . . </div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ar5MnmAMDfI/TuUmCW4ouRI/AAAAAAAABF4/dFkSYaS1Jm0/s1600/IMG_9475.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ar5MnmAMDfI/TuUmCW4ouRI/AAAAAAAABF4/dFkSYaS1Jm0/s400/IMG_9475.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5684991926569842962" /></a><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7zKfjl0HA5o/TuUls5RWGDI/AAAAAAAABFs/68lvHrZbnjw/s1600/IMG_9479.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7zKfjl0HA5o/TuUls5RWGDI/AAAAAAAABFs/68lvHrZbnjw/s400/IMG_9479.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5684991557843163186" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Hot cocoa after a night of caroling puts a smile on Mei Li's sweet face! ;)</div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--g9rToSfh0g/TuUlkpLLj1I/AAAAAAAABFg/jHJ3HgPREWg/s1600/IMG_9482.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--g9rToSfh0g/TuUlkpLLj1I/AAAAAAAABFg/jHJ3HgPREWg/s400/IMG_9482.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5684991416083386194" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">AG helps Mei Li try her hand at ping pong. :)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1XZrie_1-14/TuUlSFt8JeI/AAAAAAAABFU/SuE3n8-JDws/s1600/IMG_9484.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1XZrie_1-14/TuUlSFt8JeI/AAAAAAAABFU/SuE3n8-JDws/s400/IMG_9484.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5684991097327855074" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Our 1980's wall mirror serves as a great artist's pallet! The girls LOVE drawing on it with dry erase markers! </div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fVCMCgGvUbA/TuUlBSnprfI/AAAAAAAABFI/5cGq-4zIRn8/s1600/IMG_9487.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fVCMCgGvUbA/TuUlBSnprfI/AAAAAAAABFI/5cGq-4zIRn8/s400/IMG_9487.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5684990808733363698" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">It's present time!!!</div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Q6DYPuvF2EI/TuUk0AnD7SI/AAAAAAAABE8/4W5neQFAyfw/s1600/IMG_9488.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Q6DYPuvF2EI/TuUk0AnD7SI/AAAAAAAABE8/4W5neQFAyfw/s400/IMG_9488.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5684990580560751906" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">My birthday girl :)</div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Kexg1YNMi6Y/TuUkn6ml8QI/AAAAAAAABEw/DI5tnZl_WEs/s1600/IMG_9489.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Kexg1YNMi6Y/TuUkn6ml8QI/AAAAAAAABEw/DI5tnZl_WEs/s400/IMG_9489.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5684990372789743874" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000ee;"><u><br /></u></span></div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1WcjXp6WyFQ/TuUkNf0d3iI/AAAAAAAABEY/oy4cP7GT3rw/s1600/IMG_9490.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1WcjXp6WyFQ/TuUkNf0d3iI/AAAAAAAABEY/oy4cP7GT3rw/s400/IMG_9490.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5684989918923578914" /></a><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DobIjqhqhRo/TuUj_YNILxI/AAAAAAAABEM/4XTA0Vd6B_4/s1600/IMG_9492.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DobIjqhqhRo/TuUj_YNILxI/AAAAAAAABEM/4XTA0Vd6B_4/s400/IMG_9492.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5684989676361363218" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Mei Li is having a BLAST at Big Sis's birthday party!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UZmCEKCHWfs/TuUj3JDPdCI/AAAAAAAABEA/WtOj6iyfUOc/s1600/IMG_9493.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UZmCEKCHWfs/TuUj3JDPdCI/AAAAAAAABEA/WtOj6iyfUOc/s400/IMG_9493.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5684989534854411298" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">The prettiest ornaments don't hang on trees ;)</div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3iid7YKX2eI/TuUjrvYPsaI/AAAAAAAABD0/bZQirHgNyI4/s1600/IMG_9496.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3iid7YKX2eI/TuUjrvYPsaI/AAAAAAAABD0/bZQirHgNyI4/s400/IMG_9496.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5684989338984624546" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Time to blow out the candles and make a wish </div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VcQS1sM_TNk/TuUjcks8J4I/AAAAAAAABDo/b7yfhHU_KO8/s1600/IMG_9501.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VcQS1sM_TNk/TuUjcks8J4I/AAAAAAAABDo/b7yfhHU_KO8/s400/IMG_9501.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5684989078420596610" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Look who followed me upstairs to put Mei Li to bed!! Mei Li loved the attention. . . Guess who didn't want to go to sleep!? ;)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4E0vzt1hbuA/TuUjSRynYYI/AAAAAAAABDc/1nO4CTkdD_Y/s1600/IMG_9504.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4E0vzt1hbuA/TuUjSRynYYI/AAAAAAAABDc/1nO4CTkdD_Y/s400/IMG_9504.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5684988901545435522" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Getting ready for Wii Dance party!</div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Tdj15EolHrA/TuUjKwAFbuI/AAAAAAAABDQ/GwkGd1w8JyE/s1600/IMG_9505.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Tdj15EolHrA/TuUjKwAFbuI/AAAAAAAABDQ/GwkGd1w8JyE/s400/IMG_9505.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5684988772216041186" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">OH YES. . . and we built foam Santa's workshops, gingerbread houses and a sleigh! </div><div style="text-align: center;">AG has some of the sweetest friends!! :)</div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gpID_zMh16o/TuUi-xKZBnI/AAAAAAAABDE/xhmdBclerRk/s1600/IMG_9508.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gpID_zMh16o/TuUi-xKZBnI/AAAAAAAABDE/xhmdBclerRk/s400/IMG_9508.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5684988566369273458" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Getting their "dance" on! </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TD1i3q-BGlc/TuUivvN6p4I/AAAAAAAABC4/T7zBJPoE7u0/s1600/IMG_9512.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TD1i3q-BGlc/TuUivvN6p4I/AAAAAAAABC4/T7zBJPoE7u0/s400/IMG_9512.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5684988308149151618" /></a><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LmpeKyqs0Zs/TuUiYOUVnwI/AAAAAAAABCs/jq9OmrYtro0/s1600/IMG_9513.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LmpeKyqs0Zs/TuUiYOUVnwI/AAAAAAAABCs/jq9OmrYtro0/s400/IMG_9513.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5684987904180723458" /></a><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1QYo6z8ScCk/TuUiOtxwV7I/AAAAAAAABCg/zbUReZFYZ00/s1600/IMG_9515.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1QYo6z8ScCk/TuUiOtxwV7I/AAAAAAAABCg/zbUReZFYZ00/s400/IMG_9515.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5684987740826916786" /></a><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OXcDZlkvTGU/TuUiBUtBM9I/AAAAAAAABCU/62WErDal6A0/s1600/IMG_9517.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OXcDZlkvTGU/TuUiBUtBM9I/AAAAAAAABCU/62WErDal6A0/s400/IMG_9517.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5684987510757864402" /></a><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8nCc-yjaTo8/TuUh2lfmteI/AAAAAAAABCI/hroeVbbEnf0/s1600/IMG_9518.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8nCc-yjaTo8/TuUh2lfmteI/AAAAAAAABCI/hroeVbbEnf0/s400/IMG_9518.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5684987326286444002" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Love this shot! Dance queen! :)</div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VdYsX6kNbwE/TuUhtjXWRbI/AAAAAAAABB8/CMYcB_7RGg0/s1600/IMG_9519.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VdYsX6kNbwE/TuUhtjXWRbI/AAAAAAAABB8/CMYcB_7RGg0/s400/IMG_9519.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5684987171096118706" /></a><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zCf_NyCTx8M/TuUhivLmU1I/AAAAAAAABBw/qJXhoV4KlrA/s1600/IMG_9520.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zCf_NyCTx8M/TuUhivLmU1I/AAAAAAAABBw/qJXhoV4KlrA/s400/IMG_9520.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5684986985289503570" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Break dancin'</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gxa2_wE_rjI/TuUhYW-ykRI/AAAAAAAABBk/6van04-jnRw/s1600/IMG_9522.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gxa2_wE_rjI/TuUhYW-ykRI/AAAAAAAABBk/6van04-jnRw/s400/IMG_9522.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5684986806994637074" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">The worm!!</div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gBNN7SLM5Gs/TuUhPNXRyqI/AAAAAAAABBY/gPh9SrxC-y8/s1600/IMG_9525.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gBNN7SLM5Gs/TuUhPNXRyqI/AAAAAAAABBY/gPh9SrxC-y8/s400/IMG_9525.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5684986649794169506" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">AG just hangin' around :)</div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-u5jI-LgImWk/TuUhCk_7xmI/AAAAAAAABBM/_CCrYetli04/s1600/IMG_9526.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-u5jI-LgImWk/TuUhCk_7xmI/AAAAAAAABBM/_CCrYetli04/s400/IMG_9526.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5684986432800409186" /></a><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gAKHuTpS82Y/TuUg6dO-vrI/AAAAAAAABBA/WKE83n0eeKs/s1600/IMG_9527.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gAKHuTpS82Y/TuUg6dO-vrI/AAAAAAAABBA/WKE83n0eeKs/s400/IMG_9527.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5684986293277081266" /></a><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kl4el5L8I7o/TuUgwceUSMI/AAAAAAAABA0/QqwaE6zD4iw/s1600/IMG_9529.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kl4el5L8I7o/TuUgwceUSMI/AAAAAAAABA0/QqwaE6zD4iw/s400/IMG_9529.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5684986121274280130" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Daddy surprised the girls with "Hot Nows" from Krispy Kreme for breakfast. . . served with hot cocoa :)</div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sygmVP3copE/TuUgpeiOO3I/AAAAAAAABAo/P94Ux45NhFc/s1600/IMG_9530.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sygmVP3copE/TuUgpeiOO3I/AAAAAAAABAo/P94Ux45NhFc/s400/IMG_9530.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5684986001568447346" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Closing out a swell birthday party with a tasty doughnut breakfast! :)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000ee;"><u><br /></u></span></div>We have had quite an eventful week at the White house!! Anna Grace turned 9 years old this week!!! I can't believe my little AG is NOT little any more. This is her last year in single digits. :( We had a birthday party to throw together and I had a LOT to get prepared before having anyone come over to my house!! Especially, since AG requested a small sleep over. Oh my!! Since coming home from China, I have spent my time and energy taking care of Mei Li, running back and forth to Dr. appts and surgeries and check-ups, and homeschooling Anna Grace. Lots of "house-keeping" details happen "when I can get to them", but that is not often enough ;). There is only one of me, and I do all I can to address the "most important" things first. Haha!!! So, last Saturday, I spent the day trimming the bushes in the front of our house!! You can actually "SEE" the house now!! ;) And, as the week has progressed, I've gotten carpets steam-cleaned and other house-beautifying details addessed. Whew!!! Just in time for the sleepover on Friday night. I told AG it HAD to be small, this year. No more than 5 girls. Mama needed a manageable group. And, I told her to carefully choose 5 girls who will enjoy one-another's company for an entire night!! Tricky business!! ;) These girls will have to get along well for 12-15 hours. AG has lots of wonderful friends in different places. . . the theatre, from school, from horseback riding. She wasn't able to invite everyone she wanted to. So, she picked a few that knew each other well for our "pilot group". Did I mention this was our "first" sleepover?? <div>Drum roll. . . . It went so well, that we will do more. AG had a blast and the girls had a wonderful time! Next time, we'll pull in folks we weren't able to this first go-round. Now that mama knows what she's doing ;)</div><div><br /></div><div>In other important news. . . and I'll leave you with this. . . Mei Li got her cast removed on Wednesday and the 5" pin removed from her heel. She got her nighttime brace to wear and we are still awaiting her smaller daytime brace which we will get this coming Wednesday. The daytime brace will protect her foot and keep it positioned properly while she walks. But, an amazing moment happened yesterday. I took her brace off and asked her if she could stand. She stood right up, put her weight equally on both feet and grinned a mile across!! Then, before I could grab hold of her or instruct her on the finer points of taking her first steps. . . .she was off like a bullet!! She took off walking and she hasn't stopped since! I caught some of these first steps on video and you can see it in my video feed at the top right. </div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span> I was invited to come perform my original song, "Snowflake Lullaby" (that I wrote for Anna Grace and recorded on my album, "Dancin' on the Wind") at Local Color Cafe's Christmas Show last night. Geoff, AG and Mei Li came out to support mom. It went great! Even though their CD player wouldn't work with my accompaniment track, and I ended up doing the entire song acapella!!! Haha!!! (that's called "rollin' with it!!! ;) Everyone seemed to enjoy the song, and I have been invited to come back to perform an entire show in March!! What an honor! This was Mei Li's first music venue, and her first time to see mama perform. She was PERFECT!! She enjoyed the music all night, and was thrilled when mama got up to sing. And, during the intermission, she got up out of her seat and went from table to table greeting the guests and telling them her name is "Mei Li"!! Truth be told. . . Mei Li was a highlight of the night! She walked everywhere. . .she made friends with every person she met. . . and she wouldn't let mama or dad pick her up. So proud to be walking. . . and correctly. . . for the first time!!!</div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>AG did her best to hold her head up during the show, but she was suffering from a bad case of "stayed up all night last night" itis. Haha!!! She had a ball at her birthday sleepover, but it left her hurting the next night when mama had to perform. </div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>I hope you enjoy the pics and Mei Li's video!! Thanks for following along our journey!! And, I hope each of you is having a wonderful Christmas season!! I know that we surely are. Little miracles every day. . . and reminders about the true meaning of this wonderful season. :)</div>White's Journey to Taiwanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00818928438087304995noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4691359220552557780.post-57881368663770025352011-11-30T19:29:00.000-08:002011-11-30T21:35:12.973-08:00Thanksgiving Memories<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TrMvlVcmG6s/TtcR3XAjQ4I/AAAAAAAABAQ/IWNP_gw-fy0/s1600/IMG_9401.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TrMvlVcmG6s/TtcR3XAjQ4I/AAAAAAAABAQ/IWNP_gw-fy0/s400/IMG_9401.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5681029097717973890" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Mommy's sweet angel AG</div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FPFPnlWbVy8/Ttb5kmpNGTI/AAAAAAAABAE/1xK75vyMEsc/s1600/IMG_1212.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 299px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FPFPnlWbVy8/Ttb5kmpNGTI/AAAAAAAABAE/1xK75vyMEsc/s400/IMG_1212.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5681002387218438450" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Mommy's sweet angel Mei Li :)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000ee;"><u><br /></u></span></div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ra0sCdztaGw/Ttb43RI1tuI/AAAAAAAAA_s/loeygRnvWT4/s1600/IMG_1206.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 299px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ra0sCdztaGw/Ttb43RI1tuI/AAAAAAAAA_s/loeygRnvWT4/s400/IMG_1206.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5681001608351430370" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Traveling home. . . got her bag, her doll and her chocolate. She's ready to roll!!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EcEj0mlmLRY/Ttb4o269btI/AAAAAAAAA_g/zkx7K2XcHvg/s1600/IMG_1201.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 299px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EcEj0mlmLRY/Ttb4o269btI/AAAAAAAAA_g/zkx7K2XcHvg/s400/IMG_1201.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5681001360795725522" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Yaya's 2 best girls. . . who are "not" ready to leave to travel back home! ;)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iz9TyKpQN38/Ttb4gfWqN4I/AAAAAAAAA_U/mvmHn-PAGkc/s1600/IMG_1196.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><br /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VGaJ4RIq8m4/Ttb4O9l-boI/AAAAAAAAA_I/auNgC9uWgpw/s1600/IMG_9456.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VGaJ4RIq8m4/Ttb4O9l-boI/AAAAAAAAA_I/auNgC9uWgpw/s400/IMG_9456.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5681000915910160002" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">AG and Mei Li live it up in Uncle Ken and Aunt Beth's hot tub! Mei Li may not be able to put her whole body in, but it doesn't stop her from fully enjoying taking it as far as she can!! :)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5f-OjHum5aQ/Ttb4CAFaa-I/AAAAAAAAA-8/1M-FpDppuRE/s1600/IMG_9451.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5f-OjHum5aQ/Ttb4CAFaa-I/AAAAAAAAA-8/1M-FpDppuRE/s400/IMG_9451.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5681000693240589282" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Mei Li loving on her Yaya! :)</div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hIVxap-KqLE/Ttb34Q1SoXI/AAAAAAAAA-w/vWRw1FmjNwI/s1600/IMG_9450.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hIVxap-KqLE/Ttb34Q1SoXI/AAAAAAAAA-w/vWRw1FmjNwI/s400/IMG_9450.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5681000525937680754" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Aunt Beth and Mei Li "cheesing" for the camera ;)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><br /></div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XLf9j75W_Qc/Ttb3gGDbn0I/AAAAAAAAA-Y/T7YiNRdrwMg/s400/IMG_9445.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5681000110727339842" /><div style="text-align: center;">Mei Li is not sure what to thing about this big "dog" ;) Her first experience meeting a cow!</div><div style="text-align: center;">But Uncle Ken is keeping her safe!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--mhCgi0IP8M/Ttb3rYgCB9I/AAAAAAAAA-k/Fv3qJFOcX2c/s1600/IMG_9446.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="text-align: left;display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px; " src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--mhCgi0IP8M/Ttb3rYgCB9I/AAAAAAAAA-k/Fv3qJFOcX2c/s400/IMG_9446.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5681000304657696722" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">That's my girl!! On second thought, why not??? She reached right out and petted it right on its fuzzy top knot!! ;)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tiVSmc2Vhe4/Ttb3J69Al4I/AAAAAAAAA-M/UDZ7colOOOc/s1600/IMG_9444.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tiVSmc2Vhe4/Ttb3J69Al4I/AAAAAAAAA-M/UDZ7colOOOc/s400/IMG_9444.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5680999729790490498" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Totally enamored with her Uncle Ken, she delights in showing him a twig she found on the ground! I love to see her light up over the little things most of us walk by without a second thought. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000ee;"><u><br /></u></span></div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Bge1KrnjPP4/Ttb21ssql9I/AAAAAAAAA90/suZNUri_Zqo/s1600/IMG_9439.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Bge1KrnjPP4/Ttb21ssql9I/AAAAAAAAA90/suZNUri_Zqo/s400/IMG_9439.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5680999382366459858" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Family photo. . . and AG and Mei Li stealing the show . . . with the beautiful Smokey Mountains in the background. Such a beautiful place!!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-v9kk8-eq99c/Ttb2gPSM3bI/AAAAAAAAA9o/3Z3s48U0yk0/s1600/IMG_9430.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-v9kk8-eq99c/Ttb2gPSM3bI/AAAAAAAAA9o/3Z3s48U0yk0/s400/IMG_9430.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5680999013693578674" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Feels good taking a family photo with the four of us! </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9WDe8GAaWjk/Ttb2OanwBfI/AAAAAAAAA9c/X5yIRZ0Ng6w/s1600/IMG_1192.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 299px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9WDe8GAaWjk/Ttb2OanwBfI/AAAAAAAAA9c/X5yIRZ0Ng6w/s400/IMG_1192.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5680998707499107826" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Ice cream dreams!! </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AFP083XiGPg/Ttb2D6ozR8I/AAAAAAAAA9Q/dSqhLJqzuR4/s1600/IMG_1183.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 299px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AFP083XiGPg/Ttb2D6ozR8I/AAAAAAAAA9Q/dSqhLJqzuR4/s400/IMG_1183.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5680998527114889154" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Sweet angel with almond eyes. . . How we adore you!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UKpBo2FVkh8/Ttb15MhVWiI/AAAAAAAAA9E/3FrGvtzGnX0/s1600/IMG_1151.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 299px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UKpBo2FVkh8/Ttb15MhVWiI/AAAAAAAAA9E/3FrGvtzGnX0/s400/IMG_1151.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5680998342936844834" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">She is "ham and cheese" all the way!! ;)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-M-Ra0NukTB0/Ttb1nolVZPI/AAAAAAAAA84/DqR4oMrSg3o/s1600/IMG_1182.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 299px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-M-Ra0NukTB0/Ttb1nolVZPI/AAAAAAAAA84/DqR4oMrSg3o/s400/IMG_1182.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5680998041232172274" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Big sis got Mei Li a balloon at the restaurant. . . because that's what "big sisters" do!! </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QfckKAm5bSQ/Ttb1VQsr74I/AAAAAAAAA8s/J1ptKKmlfUk/s1600/IMG_9417.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QfckKAm5bSQ/Ttb1VQsr74I/AAAAAAAAA8s/J1ptKKmlfUk/s400/IMG_9417.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5680997725582913410" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Yaya, Aunt Beth, Geoff and AG. . . 3 generations of Whites :)</div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">It's hard to believe all that transpired in the month of November!! I've already blogged on Mei Li's casting and her surgery on her foot. . . as well as the visit with the neurosurgeon. So, I won't rehash all of those details. And, that lead us right up to Thanksgiving, where we traveled to Asheville, NC to visit Geoff's family. They were able to come down for a short weekend at the time of Mei Li's surgery, but thankfully, we were able to spend several days over Thanksgiving up in the mountains with them for us to have more quality time to spend. It was 4 days packed with great food and wonderful company. And, I do believe that Mei Li succeeded on a grand scale in wrapping each one of the family members securely around her tiny finger!! As Yaya so eloquently put it, "It would be impossible to "not" love Mei Li. She is sunshine on a cloudy day!" And, I don't think there are better words to describe her! </div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>And, AG had a blast. She got to spend the night with Aunt Beth and Uncle Ken. And, she had some great one-on-one time with her Yaya (and AG cherishes every moment with her!)</div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>Mei Li has only one more week to go with her cast. Then, OFF it comes! After that, she will be able to walk with a brace on her leg. Hoping she will have good strength in that leg once the cast comes off so she will be able to walk on it. It has been 9 weeks of casting that hasn't allowed her to walk. She will have to rebuild her muscle tone in that leg, for sure. </div><div style="text-align: left;"> For now, I am trying very hard to keep her big toe from getting banged-up any worse. She doesn't have any feeling in that foot and she knocks the mess out of that toe when she crawls. She has even lost her toenail. I am cleaning it daily, putting antibiotic ointment on it and wrapping her like a mummy with gauze and paper tape. . . then applying two thick socks over the top. Can't wait for that cast to come off!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">We just learned today that Mei Li's MRI of her spine will be be on Dec. 19th. We are eager to get that done and know the results. . . and then figure out the game plan from there. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I hope each of you had a beautiful Thanksgiving as well. We are cherishing every moment with our two girls. . . and we catch our breath over the thought of the incredible gift Mei Li is to our family. And, AG is such a wonderful big sister. . . it is a joy to watch her falling deeper in love every day with this person who was a dream in her heart for so long. Wow. . . never in a million years. . . we are most definitely counting our blessings!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div>White's Journey to Taiwanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00818928438087304995noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4691359220552557780.post-23648518793363237652011-11-21T12:54:00.000-08:002011-11-21T14:15:26.659-08:00Consult with the NeurosurgeonToday was an important "next step" for addressing Mei Li's medical needs. We met with Dr. Blount (a wonderful and highly respected neurosurgeon) at Children's South. It was just a consult, and he spent a great deal of time talking with me about Mei Li's meningocele, what it "is", how it affects her (now and down the road), and how he proposes moving forward. It was an educational session. And, from today's visit we know that Mei Li will next need 2 tests to establish baselines. . . an MRI (which we already knew about) and one that will test the functionality of her bladder. I forget the name of that test. Once we have these tests, Dr. Blount will move forward with surgery. . . most likely after the new year. <div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>What was explained in today's visit is that a meningocele is in the spina bifida family, although it is more minor. It is a fatty tumor that affects the spinal neural tube. The tumor, itself, is not harmful in any way to Mei Li. It is "fat" like what we have when we consume too many calories. Although Mei Li's has nothing to do with caloric intake. It is the result of a defect of the closing of the neural tube that happened before birth. And, the body's response was to make this little fat pocket. What is concerning about it is the fibrous tissue that binds the tumor together. He described it working kind of like the plastic mesh that is around a turkey that you buy at the store. This "mesh", however is throughout the fatty tumor and serves to bind the tumor to the spinal chord. As Mei Li grows, slowly but surely, the spinal neural chord moves upward in the torso and the "mesh-like fibers" pull on the spinal chord and very probably will cause "tethering" of the spine. This could cause paralysis and incontinence. </div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>As of now, Mei Li is able to walk and use her legs (although she shows no signs of feeling in her left foot). She is also completely continent and totally potty-trained. She is happy and bright and full of life and vigor. (Just take a look at the most recent videos I took of her playing with her new kitchen set to see this vigor in full-force ;) Dr. Blount tells me he wants to "keep" her that way. If we leave the tumor "as it is", and "hope" for the best, there is a "high" probability that she will experience significant neurological issues in the long-run as her body grows. He told us that "if" she had been left in China and had not received medical treatment, she would have "more than likely" grown into an adult who would have been paralyzed below the waist; and incontinence and loss of bowel control would have been a very probable outcome in her teen and adult years. </div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>However, doing surgery also has its risks--(although only 15% compared to 65% or higher if we leave the meningocele alone). The surgery could also cause neurological issues. That is a risk we will have to take if we hope to keep this tumor from negatively affecting Mei Li down the road as she continues to grow.</div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>Dr. Blount's plan is to carefully disconnect the fatty tumor and unwrap it from the spinal chord. Once it is disconnected, it will not pull on the spinal chord and cause tethering as she grows. His two main objectives for this surgery will be to "disconnect" the tumor from the spinal chord and keep spinal fluid from leaking. Whether he takes the fatty tumor out, leaves it where it is, or removes part of it will be something he decides after he reviews her MRI and knows more about what will be most beneficial for Mei Li. He said that sometimes the fatty tumor actually "helps" keep spinal fluid from leaking. He will have to make that call as he knows more about the tumor and how and where it is attached. </div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>So, up next is an MRI. The nurse will call me to let me know when it is scheduled. And, a test will be set up to measure the functionality of Mei Li's bladder and establish a baseline for her. Both of these tests will require sedation (whether partial or complete). Then, we will meet with Dr. Blount again to discuss his plan for surgery. </div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>Please continue to keep our Mei Li in your prayers. And, if you would, please pray for Dr. Blount and his staff as he makes decisions regarding our sweet girl. We know we are in excellent hands with him. And, though there are risks both ways, it isn't even a thought in our minds to leave that tumor as it is. We already know she has no feeling in her left foot, and she has begun complaining of pain at the site of the tumor. With the high likelihood of severe neurological problems down the road in store for our Mei Li if we do "nothing", we would rather take a smaller risk by choosing to have the surgery. </div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>This one is a biggee. . . and it is never a small matter when you have to do surgery on the spine. But, Geoff and I also know that the same God who suspended the universe in space knows every single cell in Mei Li's body. And, there are no surprises to Him. And, I place Mei Li and the entire medical staff in the palm of His hand as we walk the road to helping our little girl. We greatly appreciate your prayers as well. </div><div><br /></div><div>Happy Thanksgiving week to you all! Thanks for following along! And, I'll update again as soon as we learn more.<br /><div><br /></div></div>White's Journey to Taiwanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00818928438087304995noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4691359220552557780.post-62110119020408005512011-11-18T06:31:00.000-08:002011-11-18T10:52:21.041-08:00Hidden Treasure<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PmZgwBnKI-U/TsaVI4od7GI/AAAAAAAAA8g/YAHokfI9QQo/s1600/Our%2BTreasure%2521.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 299px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PmZgwBnKI-U/TsaVI4od7GI/AAAAAAAAA8g/YAHokfI9QQo/s400/Our%2BTreasure%2521.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5676388360220699746" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Our sweet and priceless treasure. . . Mei Li :)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 16.0px Georgia"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px">I have no idea who really reads our blog unless they post comments, but my hope is that through telling our story we not only use our blog as a way to update our friends and family of our personal journey. . . But, that it also serves as a place for other adoptive families (or soon to be :) to find encouragement, helpful information and inspiration. </span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 16.0px Georgia; min-height: 19.0px"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"></span><br /></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 16.0px Georgia"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px">People come to adopt from different places. . . for many, infertility is a part of their journey, desperation, heartbreak, loss, a calling. . . For us, we struggled with disappointment with not getting pregnant again after our first daughter. But, I can honestly say that we were not desperate. Disappointed is a better word to describe where we were 4 years ago. But, I was ready to pursue my music, and we were "about" ready to take the next step in our personal and professional lives. . . and just were thankful for the wonderful child God had already given us. For us, adoption was not "our only hope" to fill a void in our family and hearts with a child. It was not about us doing something to meet "our" need. It was our response to God's call on our family. Although, many people come to adopt a child from different "emotional and personal" places. . . and one "place" is not better than another as long as homeless children and loving families are brought together. . . our story is one of submitting to God, hearing His voice, and responding in faith. And, now that our Mei Li is here. . . we find that our family is "greatly blessed" by her being one of us. We are all the better for her presence in our lives and family. We say our "thanks" every single day for her. And, we can not imagine our family without her! And, that's just the truth! :)</span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 16.0px Georgia; min-height: 19.0px"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"></span><br /></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 16.0px Georgia"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px">Many people believe that the only people who adopt are the wealthy. And, I can attest that that assumption is not true. We are a very middle class family that clips coupons and cuts corners to get the bills paid each month. But, adoption, (unfortunately), is a costly process. It is . . . and that is the frustrating truth. My hope is that "the cost" of the adoption process will be brought down to make adoption more accessible to loving families in the future. People with more resources may find the adoption process easier, in that the financial burden of it is not an issue. But, many people of varying financial means find ways to make it happen. And, I say that to encourage those who may think adoption is impossible due to its cost. It frustrates me when uninformed people ask "how much did your child cost?" Although, I understand that they mean no harm and are "really" asking how much the process costs. But, the process. . . and every person involved in the process of bringing a child together with his/her family has to be paid for the job they do. So, what does it cost?? A ballpark figure for the cost of an international adoption starts around 20-25K. It goes up from there depending on the country and how many international trips you are required to make to complete the adoption process. To put that figure in terms most of us can really wrap our brains around. . . it is about the same financial investment as when you purchase a new car. NOT to say that "a car" and a living, breathing child are anywhere near the same in value. And, the beauty of investing in the life of a child. . . is that "many" lives are forever changed (including yours :), and a "child" never depreciates in value! :) </span></p><div><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><br /></span></div></span></div> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 16.0px Georgia"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"></span></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 16.0px Georgia"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px">So, how does an average person afford the process of adoption? I strongly encourage adoptive families to apply for grants, do creative fundraisers, yard sales, trim their budgets to cut out"extras" and put that money into an adoption fund. There are always ways to help meet the financial burden. And, we honestly should have done "more" of that looking back. Besides these, there are always loans. But, I recommend working hard to raise the funds and apply for grants before you go into debt. Not only will you have the cost of the adoption process, but if you adopt a child with medical special needs, there will be medical co-pays and bills that will be a reality once you get home. So, do not be ashamed to apply for grants or do fundraisers on the front-end. These can serve to greatly ease the financial burden that will fall on the family once you're home with your precious child and the bills start coming in and surgeries are on the calendar. These options that are "available" with some sweat and hard work make "adoption" a reachable possibility for many more loving and deserving families. . . and the lives of many more children will be changed forever as a result. And, that is WORTH IT!! :)</span></span></p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 16.0px Georgia; min-height: 19.0px"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"></span><br /></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 16.0px Georgia"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px">Today, I was having my quiet time and reading scripture. I came upon Matthew 13: 44-45, the parable of "Hidden Treasure and the Pearl". It says, "The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field. When a man found it, he hid it again, and then in his joy went and sold all he had and bought that field. </span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 16.0px Georgia"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>Again, the kindgom of heaven is like a merchant looking for fine pearls. Wen he found one of great value, he went away and sold everything he had and bought it."</span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 16.0px Georgia; min-height: 19.0px"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"></span><br /></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 16.0px Georgia"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px">What a "treasure" we now have in our Mei Li. She is more valuable to us than gold or jewels. And, the sacrifices that we had to make to bring her to us were absolutely worth it. . . and we are all "the better" because of her. And, all who meet our Mei Li would, undoubtedly, agree. </span></p></span><p></p>White's Journey to Taiwanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00818928438087304995noreply@blogger.com0