one week later but HAPPY GOTCHA DAY

Last Thursday we celebrated the day that our lives were forever changed with the addition of a beautiful, fiesty, full of life, adorably cute little 3 1/2 year old.  She has the deepest most infectious laugh, the most determined will, the best big hugs and is such a blessing to our family.  One year has gone so fast and yet it has seemed she has been a part of us for so much longer.  We are so thankful for the love and care she received from her foster family! 

We celebrated our day "Megan" style.  In fact, all of the suggestions that her big sister gave her just wouldn't do because as she said "It's MY gotcha day so I get to choose."  Okay - so what did she want to do?  Eat at Chuck *e* Cheese and fly a kite.   Easy enough.  She loved playing the games at CEC, especially the 4wheeler ride with dad.  Flying the kite was cold!  After about 3 minutes she said she was done and wanted to go swing, so Kyle & I flew the kite.  The cold wind was a little too much and we certainly didn't need anyone catching a cold so we went to the car to warm up.  Daddy ended up falling asleep for a few mintues and the girls and I just chatted.  We were trying to decide where to go eat and Nat said it was tradition to go to our favorite Chinese restaurant for Gotcha day.  Well, Miss Megan didn't like that someone else was "telling" her what to do on her day.  So, okay, what should we do Megan?  "Well... how 'bout Chinese noodles from our favorite restaurant?"  ;) Sounds good sweety - so that's what we did. 

We had such a wonderful, relaxing day with just Megan.  She really enjoyed the time together and having Daddy not working - she thought that was really cool.  I know I've said this many many times, but we really are so blessed.  We are blessed to be the parents of two amazing girls.  We are blessed to be adopted by them as their parents.  We are blessed to live in America.  We are blessed to be adopted by Jesus Christ, to be His child!  We are blessed! 

New look for new year

Today (actually yesterday as the clock says it's after midnight) marks our one year anniversary of "gotcha" day.  It's hard to believe it's been one year already.  The time has gone so fast and yet it seems that Megan has been with us forever.  I decided to play around tonight and I created a new look for our blog.  I also gave it a new title as we are no longer on the journey to "get" Megan nor are we currently in the process of going "to" China.  So...to mark the fact that we are on this journey of life togther as a family, I've changed the title of the blog.  Hopefully tomorrow I'll get a chance to post the pictures from today's celebration. 

Home from hospital

Just a quick note to update you all - first thank you for remembering Megan in your prayers.  She was able to meet the requirements necessary to go home Sunday night.  We left the hospital around 6pm.  The last few days have been pretty quiet for Megan - trying to regain some strength, lessen her coughing and continuing drinking.  Today was her follow-up appointment and the dr. said he still hears some noises and feels she still has some pneumonia left.  He said it would be a good week or two before she is fully recovered.  The good news is she doesn't have any restrictions (only what she feels up to) and she is feeling better as she told the dr.  :)  So...thank you again for your prayers!

First Hospitalization

Well, here's a first for both Kyle & I - being in the hospital.  No, it was't one of us, it's Megan.  Over a week ago (2/26) she began with chest congestion, cough & such and after two ER visits, two chest x-rays and a visit to her pediatrician she wasn't improving but rather the 2nd chest x-ray showed some worsening of pnemonia.  So...on Friday they admitted her.  She's been dehydrated and has lost at least three pound too.  It's been a long week and an even longer three days. 

Megan is a fighter in many senses of the word.  She has very strong ideas (which can be a great thing when appropriate) but it's been difficult to get her better because she often fights us.  I'm not used to such opposition from my child - it's a whole new parenting ballgame.  But, we're hoping that she will follow instructions the rest of today so she can go home this evening.  Please pray for her recovery, that we will do what is best for her, that the rest of us stay healthy and everyone gets rest.