Happy New Year!

What a busy year it has been!  2013 has been a year of many blessings!  The boys being at the top of the list.  All of my life I had dreamed of having twins.  This year my dream came true.  They are everything I imagined and so much more.  It isn't always easy but I am thankful for every minute.

I am going to blog more faithfully in 2014.  I took a photography class and I plan to share many of the photos I am taking.  These last few months have slipped by me.  So many things going on in the life of the Braxtons.  I don't expect things to slow down any in 2014 but I definitely want to share more of what is going on in our lives.  One day I hope to make a book of each of my blogs.

I will close with some of my photos from the last month.  See you next year...

Nine Years with Julia

November 26, 2004 was a day like no other.  We were in a courtroom in Kurgan, Russia begging the judge to allow Julia to become our daughter.  This region was known to be a difficult region.  I don't know what we would have done if the judge had said no.  We would have been completely devastated.

We had been married 14 years, had 3 boys and decided that if we were going to adopt a little girl it was now or never.  Who knew that 9 years later we would have adopted 4 more children.  Our first trip was in August, 2004.  We fell in love with Julia immediately in the few days we spent with her.  It was heartbreaking to leave her not knowing when we would return.

The Friday before Thanksgiving we would finally get to go back to get our girl.  Kristopher made the trip with us this time.  Due to a delayed flight and missing our connecting flight in New York we were rerouted through Paris, France.  Once arriving in Paris we found out our flight was canceled to Moscow.  We were to stay one night in Paris.  After a brief rest we ate our free duck lunch and decided to catch the train to see the Eiffel Tower.  So glad we did.

The next morning we flew to Moscow and spent one night before flying to Kurgan, Russia.  We were so concerned we were going to lose Julia because we were late.  Our facilitator gave us a difficult time about it once we arrived in Kurgan.

Thanksgiving Day we were allowed to spend the whole day with Julia in our hotel room.  We ate at the small restaurant inside the hotel.  Not really a hotel but an apartment building with a room rented to us.

Dallas prepared a speech to read to the judge on Friday.  The facilitator instructed us on what needed to be said.  As he read that speech to the judge I fell in love once again.  The very stern judge asked many questions of us both and argued with the social worker a bit.  After an hour deliberation we went back to the courtroom and were told by the judge that she was granting our request.  It would not be official until 10 days later but she would allow Julia to come and stay with us at the hotel.

Dallas and Kristopher left that Sunday morning.  It was an extremely sad day for me.  I was stuck in a room in Kurgan, Russia for what I thought would be 10 days.  Fortunately I was able to leave a little sooner.  It was one of the hardest things I have ever done.  The guide left on vacation so I was completely by myself.  I was scared to leave the building without the guide.  It was below zero outside and constantly snowing.  Several feet of snow on the ground at all times.

I was so thankful when we were finally able to return to Moscow.  We were there about a week because we couldn't get a flight out.  Landing in  JAX that Sunday night in December was absolutely wonderful.  Home never looked so good.

These nine years with Julia have had many ups and downs.  Julia has lots of developmental delays which most likely are from a duplicated chromosome.  We have never regretted our decision to bring her home.  She loves to help and aims to please.  We love her so much!

Here is a photo of Julia a couple of weeks ago.  When I can locate it I will post a photo of her I took on our first visit to Kurgan.  Julia was a very sad child who we rarely saw smile.

Progress

School System Evaluation

Today the boys were evaluated again by our county school system to see if we should proceed with testing for services.  It is kind of silly.  This is the second time we have done this.  While we talked with the case manager and SLP teacher, a classroom teacher played with the boys.  I think she was a bit overwhelmed with them.  She made the comment she didn't know how we managed it every day. They aren't bad they are just very very busy and flint from one activity to another. Of course at the end of the meeting it was determined that the boys need to be tested for services.

Six Months

It has been six months that the boys have officially been Braxtons.  In some ways it feels like they have always been here and in other ways it doesn't seem long at all.  We have mostly good days now with a few hard days thrown in there.

On May 13 the boys whole world changed.  People say they are so lucky to be here.  That isn't true at all.  Our boys have experienced more loss in 3 years than we will probably experience in our whole lives.  My heart aches for all that they have lost.  To have accomplished all they have in the last 6 months is beyond amazing.  They are my little "rock stars."

That being said the boys still don't like change or new situations.  In most cases Jacob is more uptight than Caleb.  We have come to accept it is going to take the boys a long time to fully trust us. We don't know what they went through those first 3 years.  We, also, don't know if their anxiety is caused from the partial absence/complete absence of the corpus callosum.  It has improved greatly but they still can get very agitated rather quickly.  If you want to witness it yourself just put a blanket on them.

Today the boys had their first eye appointment.  Surprisingly they both did great.  A sign that the trust is building.  Fortunately both of their eyes look great at this point.  We had to get this appointment done in order to proceed with our county's early intervention services.

No matter how hard some days can be with two 3 years and a 4 year old there is no doubt in our minds that these boys were meant to be in our family.   We are so thankful that God chose us to be their parents.  Even when the road is difficult we know we are not alone.  God is with us every step of the way.

Welcome to My New Blog and Jacob's Surgery

Hi! Welcome to my new blog.  Zachary is still working on the design but I wanted to start posting here.   I really wanted to make it more of a family blog but also have each child's blog here too. 

Today Jacob had dental surgery under general anesthesia.  Half of his teeth needed work. When all was said and done he had three crowns and 7 fillings.  He did great!  Once home he was a little whiny and clingy but didn't seem to be in any pain.  

Lots of appointments coming up for both boys.  I am really going to try and post more now that this will be a family blog.

Wednesday, September 25

I am so behind on posts.  The boys saw the same neurologist Nicholas sees for seizures.  Love him!

He looked at the MRIs before meeting the boys.  He was amazed when he met them and saw them in action. From their MRIs he didn't expect them to be walking, talking, etc.  He thought they were doing great especially since only being home 4 months at the time.  He said the must had been worked with at the orphanage and had some type of therapy.  Thank you Show Hope!  We left with referrals to OT, PT, ST, and a developmental  pediatrician. 

Looks like our mornings will be busy once I make all these appointments.  Been putting it off a little because of so many other appointments.

Below is a photo of my three 3 year olds on the last day of me having three 3 year olds.  

                                          

My Birthday Girl

Happy Birthday to my baby girl!  She turned 4 years old today.  What a big girl she has become.  The last 5 months have been so difficult for her with the addition of her 2 brothers that are 4 months younger. So in love with this little girl!

Tuesday, September 24

Last Tuesday Alyssa and the boys were screened by Project Enlightment. This organization is linked with our county school system and determines whether a child needs more testing.

Alyssa tested right on target for her age. We thought she would but our pediatrician wanted us to test her.

The boys both tested about the same and will be referred for more testing. They should qualify in every area. One of the testers had the same thoughts as us...the boys are developmentally young 2 year olds. They have made so much progress but need more help to reach their full potential.

Posting from my phone. Here are a few cute photos I took a couple of weeks ago.

ENT

All at ENT well today. It appears both boys' hearing is fine. Don't know how they came to that conclusion the boys weren't very cooperative.

Four Months

Four months ago we were still in China biding our time until we could come home. It was our last day in Zhengzhou.

After 4 months I finally feel like life is getting back to normal. The house is still a mess and I am still struggling with planning meals but I can see the light. We still have some rough days but they are far less often.

The boys will now go to sleep by themselves at night. This makes life so much easier. Still love listening to their Chinese CD or a kids' praise CD while falling asleep. They go to bed at 8:00 and wake up between 6:30 and 7:00.

We have many appointments in the next few weeks for the boys. First up is a trip to the ENT. It is common with their special need to have hearing issues. We don't think they do but don't want to miss anything. We do know their tonsils are huge. Next week they will be evaluated by the county school system. They will determine if they qualify for any services. Also next week is a visit to a neurologist. Excited about this because it is the doctor Nicholas sees for seizures. He has no idea we were adopting. We love him and know he will be a great source of information. In a couple weeks they have a dentist appointment. Dreading this one. Fairly certain they need major dental work. Still need to make eye appointments.

A few tidbits about the boys:

Caleb:
1) Can count to 4.
2) Tries to sing the ABCs.
3) Weighs 36.4 lbs.
4) Smiles a lot.

Jacob:
1) Can count to 10.
2) Sings his ABCs.
3) Weighs 34.4 lbs.
4) Starting to say lots of phrases... What you doing? , What's that? , Alyssa's school, and more.

 This photo was sent to us from Show Hope.  It was taken right before the boys left the orphanage to    come meet us on May 13, 2013.

                  These two photos were taken this week.  Look at those high waters.

Big News

This might not be big news for many but for us this is very big news.  Today for the first time ever I was able to tell the boys that I was going to the bathroom and would be back to check on them without them getting upset.  For the last 3 months someone has had to lay with them until they fell asleep.  I checked on them a couple of times and told them to go nite nite.  Before too long they were fast asleep. This means I will now have about an hour every afternoon to get our house back in order.  They take very short naps so there was very little time without the boys to clean up.  So excited we are at this point. Hoping it goes this easy tonight when we put them to bed.

August 25 marked 3 months home for the boys.  All week I have been thinking that they had really made a lot of progress.  Both boys are talking so much more.  Caleb is still very difficult to understand but at least he is trying.  Caleb out of the blue last weekend said "I love you!"  Then he preceded to say everyone's name in the van and tell them many many times.  It was so cute!  He seems to really know what it means.  Jacob is saying it now too.

Alyssa seems to be doing much better with the boys.  She still tries to seek attention wherever we go but at home she is better.  We still can't leave her alone with a boy for fear of her pushing, hitting, etc. to them but we do see progress.  She is trying to engage them in play a little especially Caleb.  She will give them kisses and let them kiss her.  Next week she starts preschool 2 days a week.  We think this will really help her.  She will have time of her own and feel like a big girl.  She is very excited.  She started gymnastics a few weeks ago and loves it.

I may add more to this post later or just start a new one.  I want to tell more about the boys' accomplishments but my 3 year olds are now up and raring to go.  

Here is one photo from the beach.  I hope to eventually hope to post more.

Myrtle Beach

We slipped away to Myrtle Beach for 4 days. It was absolutely the most fun we have had in awhile. Definitely a lot of work with three 3 year olds but so worth it! We spent most of the time at the beach or pool.

The last full day was the best of all the days. We never left the resort...beach, pool, dinner, beach, pool. I could feel my mom with me. It was the kind of day she loved. No schedule just relaxing in the sun.

Jacob was so happy. For the last month his first question of the day is "Pool today?" Everyday this past week his wish came true. Caleb doesn't ask but he was just as pleased.

Pictures coming soon... Learning to use Lightroom so it is taking awhile to edit them.

Busted Lip

Last Friday Julia came running into the room saying Jacob was bleeding. Blood was pouring out of his lip. There was a huge cut. We think he fell. There is a question if Alyssa was involved. She was having a tantrum in her room.

It was 4:10 so still time to call our pediatrician. The reception said they were booked but transferred us to the nurse. Thank goodness she said to come now and they would see him. Love our pediatricians.

Unfortunately it was determined he needed stitches. It was now 5:30. It looked like the Emergency room was our only option. Thank goodness the nurse worked some magic. She called a plastic surgeon who had left for the day but was willing to come back in a couple of hours to fix Jacob's lip.

Jacob did pretty good getting his 4 stitches. Took two of us to hold him down but once done he was fine.

It was the first time Jacob had his mom and dad all to himself. He was so funny. He talked nonstop and was so sweet. We need to try and take one of them at a time more often.

Before and after photo follows. I know they aren't the best but it was what I got with my phone. The before photo does not show how bad his lip really looked.

The Littles

Love this photo of the littles!

What's Next?

What's next?  This is the question I keep asking myself.  While I would love to adopt two more girls( born in 2006,2007,or 2008) it isn't in the cards right now.  We are emotionally, financially, and physically spent at the moment.

I feel like I need to be doing something.  I wish I could just figure out what that something was.  There are so many orphans in China.  So many that need help.  I dream of going back on a mission trip.  The faces I have seen haunt me.  The need is so great.  I am constantly asking myself "What can I do?"  I need to find an organization that works in China I can volunteer my time at home.  I used to work with one and I have missed it immensely. Time to find another one and at least be doing something.

Also been thinking about switching to a family blog.  Maybe just updating this one occasionally.   I wish I was a great writer and people flocked to my blog to read my inspirational posts.  That just isn't me.  Writing is not one of my gifts but I like having a document of our lives.  I enjoy the writing part too.  Many times I don't post things on this blog because it isn't related to the boys.  The more I think about it the more I think I will start a family blog.... Is Eight Enough?

Neurosurgeon Appointment and Beach Photos

The boys' appointment with the neurosurgeon was today.  Caleb has complete absence of the corpus collosum and Jacob has partial absence of the corpus callosum.  We really don't know what this means for the boys.  We just wait and see how they develop.   Caleb's does have fluid on the ventricles but we found out this is perfectly normal with his absence of the corpus callosum.  Best news is there no need for any surgery.

Now for the long awaited beach photos.

              The boys walking on the beach.  Their balance wasn't good on the sand.

                                    Jacob was more of an observer.

                                        Caleb loved playing in the sand.

                                       Bye Bye Beach!  Hope to visit again soon.

Two Months

Two months ago today the boys became US citizens in San Francisco. Two months ago they met their Dad, Kristopher, Nicholas, Julia, Grace, and Alyssa for the first time.

Since my post a couple of weeks ago the boys have had some new experiences. I am going to use bullets again just because I like them.

- First overnight trip since China. They both did okay. Sleeping was interesting since there were 10 of us.

- First trip to Ikea. They weren't that impressed.

- First trip to the beach. We just went late in the afternoon for a few hours. Neither walked well on the beach. Dallas likes to say they walk like old men. I think this is due to their brain issues. It can cause problems with balance. Caleb took to the beach much quicker than Jacob. No surprise there. Jacob sat on a boogie board checking things out for a long time. All in all they had a good time. Looking forward to our longer trip to the beach in August.

I'll add some photos tomorrow.  Too tired tonight.

Boys' First Haircut

A couple of weeks ago the boys got their first haircut.  I had other things I needed to get done so Dallas, Kristopher, and Zachary took them.  We really didn't think they would do well.  They still get nervous about new things and places.  So we were quite surprised that they did great!  When they got home they were so excited to see me and show me their haircuts.  They were so funny.

                                                                     Before

   

                                                                     After

My Three 3 Year Olds

Our Red Thread Session

Click on Red Thread Session to see the video of some of our photos.

Two Months Ago

On May 13, 2013 we met the boys for the first time. I started writing this on the two month mark but didn't get it posted.  So very blessed to have them home and that they are are sons.

The boys have adapted to their new home very well.  Still some things we are working on but I am so proud of them.

On July 13, 2013 we had a  Red Thread Session with Shelli Craig Photography.  We had always wanted to do one but it just never happened.  It was an awesome experience and we can't wait to see all the photos.  The little boys weren't very smiley but hoping Shelli was still able to get some good photos.  I know the more people you have the more difficult it is.  We were so fortunate the rain held off long enough to get some photos.  Up until the very last minute we thought we were going to have to cancel.

Some tidbits about the boys:
- Still absolutely do not like blankets of any kind anywhere near them
- Jacob can now walk up the 3 garage stairs into the house by himself
- Knows everyone's name in our immediate family even if they can't pronounce it correctly
- Finally tried ice cream for the first time the other night at Cold Stone Creamery.  Once we convinced   them to try it they both loved it.  They ate my flavor of choice-Mint Chocolate Chip.
- Went to Chick-fil-A for the first time on Cow Appreciation Day(today), they loved it.
- Caleb prefers meats and Jacob prefers breads
- Took 1 nap that was longer than 30 minutes
- Can point to ears, eyes, mouth, nose, hands, feet, hair, and head with 95% accuracy
- Love hugs and kisses
- Clap and laugh in celebration every time I am gone and come home
- Will not sleep past 6:15 a.m.
- Still have to lay on the floor of their room until they fall asleep, at naptime Nicholas often lays with them and it takes about 30 minutes for them to fall asleep.  At bedtime it usually takes a 45- 60 minutes.
- Caleb has a favorite chair in our family room and gets upset if he can't sit there
- They are still fairly picky about their food.  Jacob will not eat any vegetables and the only fruit they will eat is bananas.
- They enjoy playing with some toys now.  Big legos are their favorite.
- Jacob flips out anytime he has to walk on grass.  Definitely not his thing.
- Jacob is still quite the singer.  He has picked up quite a few songs.  Caleb sings too but you really can't understand him.
- We still have many parades during the day.  If Dallas or I get up both boys will follow us everywhere we go.  Occasionally they do the same to the girls.
- Jacob is no longer scared of Alyssa but he doesn't interact much with her either.
- Both boys still have 1 bottle at bedtime.
- We are gradually clearing out our stockpile of cereal.  The boys love almost any flavor.
- The boys would eat all day long if you let them.
- They like to listen to music when they are going to sleep.  They have a  Chinese Lullaby CD and a kids' worship CD that are their favorites.
- We still get the shaking of the hand and "bitta, bitta" when they don't like something.  Thankfully this doesn't happen near as often.

I may add a few more bullets if I think of anything else.  It seems like it has been so much longer than two months since they walked into the civil affairs office in Zhengzhou, Henan.  They are treasures!

Some days....

are better than others. Not complaining just saying.

Happy 4th of July!

MRIs

Yesterday the boys' had their sedated MRIs.  We thought they did exceptionally well.  Jacob didn't actually go back for the procedure until 11:00.  These boys love to eat so we expected lots of tears.  We didn't get them.  They did the sign for eat a few times but other than that there was no mention of food.

The nurses were so nice and so was the Anesthesiologist and his team.   The boys were very friendly with everyone when we were in the preparation room(can't think of a better name for this room) but once it came to leaving this room they only wanted Mom or Dad.  I thought that was a good sign as far as attachment.

Caleb went first and woke up screaming.  They were not able to get the rest of Caleb's blood at the doctor's office so it was done after the MRI.  Fortunately they were able to get all they needed for Caleb.  Jacob wasn't so lucky.  They could not get the blood out of his arm so they had to use the main artery for blood in the groin area.  Sorry I can't remember its name.  They were able to get enough for all but one test.  His IV also had to be placed in his foot because they weren't able to get it in his arm.  We were greatly surprised that Jacob woke up peacefully.  He is usually the more high strung one but he slowly woke up and never cried.

Today we received the results.  Unfortunately the China CT scans are fairly accurate.  We will be taking both of them to a Pediatric Neurosurgeon.  We won't really know any additional information until that time.  At least we now know and can get them additional care if they needed.  Surprisingly I have peace with this.  God led us to them, it is not a surprise to him.  Nor is it really a surprise to us.  They are our boys and we are very blessed that God chose us.

Doctor's Visit and First Post Placement Visit

Today was the boys' first doctor's visit.  We had to delay it a little to get our favorite doctor.  We had an earlier appointment but he went out of town at the last minute so we had to reschedule.  Luckily we had an appointment for Alyssa the next week so the boys just took her appointment.

The boys kept the doctor entertained the whole time.  They looked over his shoulder as he was typing on the computer, Caleb tried to tickle him, and they were they usual busy selfs.  Heart, lungs, and overall general health looked good.  Their tonsils are rather large which may require surgery down the road.

Jacob weighed 33.6 lbs and Caleb weighed 34.5 lbs.  Jacob has gained almost 4 lbs since coming home and Caleb 2.5 lbs.  Not surprising since they love to eat.  We forgot to get the printout of all their measurements.  I may be able to get it Friday.  If so I will be updating this post.

Lots of labwork was ordered.  Unfortunately our visit to the lab didn't go well.  So many tests had to be run it had to split in half.  Caleb was fairly easy and they were able to get what they needed for the first visit.  Jacob went nuts and they had a difficult time finding a vein.  They were able to get a little blood but not enough.  We have to go back to the boys' doctors' office Friday because the nurse there wants to try herself.  Caleb is definitely still the more laid back one while Jacob completely flips out.  He will scream until you are done whether it is hurting hime or not.

The most concerning thing about both boys' health is the abnormal CT scan report we have from China.  The wording is a bit confusing and if it is true it could mean surgery rather soon for Caleb.  Praying it isn't accurate and no surgery is required.  Tuesday, July 2, both boys will have sedated MRIs before we can be referred to an appropriate specialist.  Need to see exactly what the problem is before it can be determined what the next steps will be.

This does not come as a surprise to us.  We knew the boys both had an abnormal CT scans in China.  Of course we are hoping it is inaccurate and their MRIs will show nothing wrong but we are prepared for that not to be the case.  Since the boys were in a Show Hope Special Care Center we are thinking the information from China will be more accurate.

A couple of hours after our doctor's visit the social worker came to complete the boys' first post placement visit. She was here about an hour.  The boys were their usual curious selfs and were very interested in what she was writing.  Everything went well.  One down, five more to go.  Seems silly to have so many post placement reports now.  Back when we adopted Grace I think only 2 were required.   Oh well, we will do whatever it takes to bring them home and this was one of the requirements.

Part 3- May 14, 2013- Jiaozuo CWI, Show Hope Special Care Center

Lots of great photos to share.  The boys were so excited to come back.  They were so different from how we had seen them.  We knew it was going to be okay once we saw them around the caregivers they knew and loved.  As you can imagine it was very traumatic leaving but I do think it was good for the boys to see them one last time.

                                  Please excuse Zachary and my expressions
                                      it had been a very stressful morning

                                                       The boys' cribs

                                             The room where they sent us to rest

                                               The outside of the orphanage