Where was I?

I purposely leave my camera out where it's easily accessible so that when the kids do something funny, or are just looking really cute (and let's face it, that's pretty darn frequently!), I can find it quickly. I'll admit I am slower now than when the big kids were babies, and I think the babies are quicker than the big kids were! LOL. Anyway, because the big kids think the little kids are so darn cute, the are always taking pictures of them. I never know what I might find when I download (upload?) my memory card to my computer. Thank goodness for digital or Joby and I would be in the poorhouse due to film and processing expense!

So, back to the point (it's late, cut me some slack). I just found these pictures. They made me laugh so I thought I would share them and they may brighten someone else's day too. Please, however, disregard the mess. The babies were sitting on the kitchen island and I must have just finished cooking supper. At least, that is my guess. There is a bag of rice next to Chiao-Chiao and she's not trying to eat it, so I'm going with it's AFTER supper! :-) I have no idea where I am????? The big kids must be getting them ready for baths or something, so maybe I'm doing laundry??? mmmmmm.

Anyway, hopefully they make you smile as they did me.

Hope all is as well in your world as it is in mine.

Sheryl

A week in review..

We have now had Lily home, in the states, for 8 days. However, due to previous committments for Joby's work, we went out of town on Thursday and only just returned home. The good news is we were able to stay at a resort where they have an indoor water park...and we found out Lily LOVES the water!! Oh my goodness. We took her and Elizabeth into the baby section, set her down and went to sit down with her (so she wouldn't get scared, of course) and she stood up and walked in further! The stinker! She loved everything about it, the water, the splashes, the sprinkles of water caused by the other kids going by...everything! I'm so glad because I felt pretty bad taking her out of town right after we brought her home. But she did WONDERFULLY!

We have also got the sleeping issues under control (for the last couple of nights anyway). Lily has been going to sleep around 8 or 8:30 and waking up 7 or 7:30. And she SLEEPS! Unlike Elizabeth, who still wakes up multiple times during the night, she sleeps sound. I'm lovin' it!

So, everything is going well and she's adjusting like a pro. She still has occassional moments where she is a little sad, and I think she's missing her caregivers and her friends. We let her experience this because I think it would be wrong to try to "jolly" her out of it. But then, after a moment or two, she comes over and wants me to cuddle for a while. Sometimes she has some tears, sometimes just a sad look. But either way, it seems like she is looking to me more and more to help and that it makes her feel better to be held by me or Joby. So, all in all, I think she's doing WONDERFUL!

I've posted a couple of pics. Lily and Elizabeth at the park with bubbles, and then at the resort in the water. They have become pretty good buds and share pretty well. Elizabeth was crying about taking some medicine last night, and Lily patted her on the back as if to say, "it's o.k. now" and opened her own mouth as if offering to take it for her. It was priceless! And Lily fell down and hurt her fingers and Elizabeth went over and patted her head to comfort her. (She then showed her how to hold out her hand so I could kiss it...it was so sweet!).

So, we're good here. Hope you all are well also.
Sheryl

There's no place like home!

Well, we are back home. After a VERY long day of traveling, we arrived back home to be greeted by all of our children and Tia's boyfriend, Brian. Lily traveled sooooo well! She played with her toys, watched a Dora video that we bought in Chinese, and slept for a nap. She was probably the most perfect child I have ever traveled with! Especially when you figure in the length of time spent in airports and planes, and the small length of time she had been with us to this point.

As we walked in the door, Tia and Amber greeted us, holding Elizabeth. Elizabeth and Lily looked at each other for about 2 minutes without much expression, then both girls smiled so big and Elizabeth clapped! They were both willing to kiss the other and give "high fives", and when we put them down, they both played well together with the toys. It was absolutely amazing!

It has remained pretty much the same way since then. The only issue we seem to be dealing with is the time change. Taiwan is exactly 12 hours ahead of us. So, 4am here is 4pm there! And believe me, Lily knows this! She seems to be constantly tired (except at 4am of course.)haha. Poor thing. We've been putting her down for a nap with Elizabeth, and then waking her by 3:30 or 4:00 (although she DOESN'T want to get up then... it's the middle of the night by her body's clock!) She is a baby that, when she wants to sleep... SHE SLEEPS! Even though we get her up, she will lay on our shoulders.... fold over and lay on her feet on the floor... if sat on the sofa, fall over sideways and sleep that way. Yesterday we took her grocery shopping and she actually put her head down on the metal side of the shopping cart! When I tried to pick it up, she just continued to sleep with her head cupped in the palm of my hand. If I wasn't trying to change her schedule around, it would be almost comical. But I feel sooo bad for her because she is always so tired. I plan on talking to our pediatrician to see if there is something I can do to help her... perhaps give her something to help her sleep THRU the night, so she can be less tired the next day until her nap... get on a little bit of a typical schedule. I'm not sure, but we have to do something for the poor baby!

Even with all of this, she seems to be adjusting well and generally happy. She is adapting to western food (although rice noodles are still her very favorite and we offer them pretty regularly). She is playing well with Elizabeth, and even learned the signs for "itsy-bitsy spider" yesterday. We now catch her doing it and singing quietly (in baby chinese babble of course). It's so darn cute!

So, just thought I'd let everyone know how well it's went.

Oh, forgot to mention. Our trip was wonderful! We had one day to sight-see with our guide/driver. Other than that, we just wandered around Taipei on our own. It was great. Everyone we encountered was very polite and thoughtful.

On Thursday we went to the orphanage again and met with the Birthparents. They were so sweet. Thru translation from the social worker, they told us "thank you", repeatedly, for adopting Lily. BF told us how he thought she was the most beautiful baby at birth! After they found out about the Down syndrome, they placed her at Cathwel (the orphanage) in hopes that she would be adopted by a family that lived somewhere where she would be more accepted and loved than in Asia. And, just as important to him, somewhere that she could get an education. Apparently in Asia she could not attend school.

They reported that another family had tried to adopt Lily at the same time. However, after looking at our dosier and family photo album, they didn't even consider them. The clincher you ask? The BF said that when he saw the pictures of our older children with Elizabeth (I included ones with the twins playing with her, and one where Kelli was holding and soothing her when she was scared of a parade) that he knew we were the family for Yin-Chiao! He said he could tell that the twins would always accept and love her, as he saw how much they accepted and loved Elizabeth, who also had DS. He also said (and this was important to him as sons are important in Asia!) that he could tell that Kelli would always love and protect her, as he saw how Kelli loved and protected Elizabeth in the photo's. Many that we have dealt with in this process have thought )(and told us!) that having a child with DS so close in age to Lily would be a detriment to the family choosing us. However, it proved to be just the opposite.

They were so kind and thoughtful, and obviously loved their daughter. They did ask us if we would look them up if we ever made it back to Taiwan, and we told them absolutely! And we certainly would! And they asked us if we would make sure Lily received and education, and of course we promised them we would.

They then totally surprised, and absolutely touched my heart! There is a Chinese belief that everyone in the universe is connected by a red thread. Lily's birthparents presented us with a necklace and bracelet that they had made for Lily to wear when she was old enough. It was made from red knotted thread, with milky jade beads and a milky jade ring at the bottom. Jade is a valuable stone in Asia, and the milkier the appearance, the more valued by the Asian culture. It was beautiful. Alright, you may think... that's touching... but mmmm. Well, now for the part that will tell you what kind of people they were. With all they were going thru, knowing they will probably never again see their daughter, whom they obviously love enough to give up, they were thoughtful enough to present an IDENTICAL set they had made for Elizabeth: "Yin-Chiao's sister"! I had held it together pretty well until then, but then my tears joined the birth parents. If that didn't touch you... reread it and see if you would have thought to do that.

Alright, that's all for now... I have babies sleeping (finally!!!!) and so must sleep myself. Have to be ready for that 4am alarm! haha

May your lives be as blessed as ours have been; may your children bring you as much joy as ours have brought us.

Sheryl and Joby Hyman

Video of Lily...

Today is the 3rd day she's been with us, and the best so far. She's happy, chatty, smiling! Tonight we came home from dinner and Joby and I were talking about our day tomorrow. Lily got free for 5 seconds (swear!) and in the bathroom she went! She crawled into the tub fully clothed and wanted a bath. It was so funny!!! So, Daddy helped her while mommy went to get the video camera... I couldn't get the video to post on here correctly; it kept cutting the side off... so if you follow this link you can find it. She's so darn cute!!!
Sheryl

Lily in bathtub, Taiwan, 3 days out

We're here and well...

Well, we arrived in Taipei on Sunday night. The flight went well, although sooooo long. It was midnight when we got to our hotel and checked in and all. We were starving though so Joby and I went walking in search of food. Our driver, Nick, had told us it was safe at night as long as we didn't go down dark alleys. And the concierge at the hotel told us there was a McDonalds open 24 hours around the block. Come to find out, there are 3 McDonalds within walking distance, 3 7-11's, a Dunkin Donuts RIGHT next door and Starbucks 3 store fronts over! hahaha, and I was worried. ;-)

Monday we got up and took a taxi to AIT (the American Embassy) where we met with the Cathwel representative, Lily's Nanny, and Lily. We could only get an appointment for Monday morning at 8am, so had to pick up Lily at the Embassy instead of the orphanage. She was so cute! The Nanny was so very helpful in getting Lily to make up with us. She was sly! She brought treats, gave me the box and told Lily, who they call Chiao-Chiao (Chow-Chow), get the treat from Momma! In Chinese of course, but we understood the gist. So, after a few minutes of this, she let me hold her. She loves music and will calm down pretty quickly if you sing... anything!

After this, we went to the clinic because she needed to be re-checked for treatment of a sore-throat. The doctor there was very nice and spoke English fairly well. He donates his time to the orphanage! She is on antibiotics, but isn't fussy about it. You would never know she was sick.

We made a stop at the orphange following the clinic. This entire time Chiao-Chiao let me carry her, hold her, etc. We went to meet Sister Rosa who runs the orphanage and get more information from her caregivers. They gave us more pictures, including some from when she was a baby baby that her birthmother wanted us to have. The social worker had someone make a charm bracelet for her that has the Chinese characters of her name on it! The gave us her medical information, a letter her birthmother wrote her for when she is older, and... an animated Santa Clause! Apparently she loved this so much that her caregiver wanted her to have it. She knows how to push the little button on the base so it sings and dances. How funny. It was a quick visit, as we have to go back on Thursday to meet the birthmother, and will see more then.

So... we've been back to the hotel now for Monday and Tuesday. We've made small trips out to shop and eat, and Chiao-Chiao has done sooo well!!! We are very impressed. She seems to have made up to both Joby and I very well. We were warned that many orphanage children don't make up to men very well initially, but she's done wonderfully with Joby! She will smile for him more easily than me!

So, that's where we are at this time. Today we're going to try to find the Toys R Us and get a couple of small things for the plane. We have it incredibly difficult to find toys here!! None of the stores around here seem to carry any. But we got the name and address of the Toys R Us fromour driver and so we're going to try for that. It's such a long plane ride that the poor baby has to have something to do. We did find, by accident last night, that she seems to love cartoon t.v. She watched it last night for about 1/2 hour while drinking a bottle.

Well, Lily and Daddy are beginning to stir so I better get the day going.

Sheryl

Less than 1 week from now!!!

Alright... in less than one week we will be enroute to pick up our daughter!!! Joby and I were just talking about it a few minutes ago and it was like it HIT both of us at once... All of the preparations, the paperwork, the worry, (the money!) and it's finally happening! WE ARE GOING TO TAIWAN AND WILL BE PICKING UP OUR YOUNGEST DAUGHTER IN LESS THAN 1 WEEK! This time next week, we will both be trying to sleep (most likely both talking!) on the plane enroute to Asia! So... everyone who has prayed, please say a "thank you" for all of the answered prayers! We are so very grateful!

So, right now, at 10:00 pm, we are cleaning up again from our construction work on our house. We now have the foyer re drywalled (I finished mudding the drywall about an hour ago), Amber's room is done (except the final coat of paint on the wall), and the family room, well, I'm able to shut the door leading to the rest of the house and turn my back and it will be fine. I know I can keep the babies out of there when I get back until Joby can finish it... so no worries. We know it will come together as it should!

Here is a picture of Elizabeth helping Daddy with reframing our family room. So darn cute!!!! And I wish I could show you a picture of her with her little plastic hammer hitting the 2x6 when Joby was hitting it up above... but I was so busy smiling and being in love that I forgot to take the picture, so you'll have to use your imagination. (just picture the cutest thing ever.... there you go!)

I apologize if I'm rambling; and even I can tell that I am, but I'm just too tired from construction ever lasting and can't keep the phrases smooth. But we had to share how excited we are, and how grateful for all of your help. So... good night. I'll post soon when I have more to say (and can say it with some semblence of continuity!)

Sheryl

Where we are...

As of today, we have plane tickets and hotel reservations. We leave on July 25th, arrive in Taiwan on July 26th, and pick up Lily on July 27th! So, the countdown is on! We are trying to finish everything that we put off when we were trying not to focus on the wait. (Teach us!) It will be busy, but at least time will go by quicker.

Today we also received our latest updates on Lily. She is still almost exactly the same size as Elizabeth. However, it said she is walking a lot; falling down while doing so, but walking. I'm so happy that she is progressing... but as a mommy, I was sad also to realize I wouldn't see those first steps. So many things in this adoption have been like that. Happy and sad both. But I can tell you, happy more often than not... and definately happy now that we can go get her! Now Joby really better put that crib together that remains in the unopened box in our upstairs hallway. (I think we were afraid to put it together.. that it would somehow "jinx" something) So, we've moved Elizabeth's stuff around to accomodate her new sister. I really think it's going to be great for both of them!

I've posted the latest pics we received only today. She's so darn cute I can't stand it! 5 more weeks!!!

Sheryl

Our call came!!!!

It happened!!!! Yay! We received a call today from Julie (our caseworker) that said our civil ruling was yesterday and she got the news today that it was final! So, we have permission to fly end of July. We must fly out on July 25, arrive Taiwan July 26, and pick up Lily July 27th! Then a couple of days in Taiwan getting visa's etc., and we come home July 31st!

I am sooooooo excited I could pop! However, now we definately need your prayers! We must come up with the final part of our funds to travel. No longer is it, "coming up", or "in the near future"; now it's NOW!

So, please pray for us; that we find the funds in time, and that Lily has a reasonably easy transition and isn't scared to pieces for very long with us. I so hope she transitions well, for her sake. I can only try to imagine how scary it will seem to her when we take her from the orphanage; the only home she's ever known. So, if you can, I would definately appreciate those prayers now!

Joby and I appreciate EVERYONE who has helped along the way. Financially, emotionally, and prayerfully! We needed every piece to complete this. So, if you hang in there with us for the next 6 weeks, it will all be worth it. I can't wait for you'all to meet our youngest daughter!

GOD Bless, goodnight
Sheryl

And the winner is........

The winner of our quilt give-away is.... Julie Druen from Mandeville, LA!! Because I was mistaken and our meeting way NEXT week (geez, I need to look at the calendar more often!) we let little Elizabeth pick out the winning ticket. We figured, "who could be more impartial than someone who can't read the name anyway!". :-)

We want to thank Aunt Gretchen and Aunt Heidi for the quilt! It is so pretty and we appreciate it more than we can say. It was an extremely thoughtful thing to do and it was our most successful fundraiser! We want to thank EVERYONE who purchased a chance to win the quilt! The give-away would have not been such a success if we didn't have such support! And we would like to thank those friends of ours who helped advertise the give-away... Aunt Gretchen, Aunt Heidi, my sister-in-law, Loey Wilkerson, and Angela Belle Gamble. None of these people had to help us, but all did. Thank you so very much.

Joby and Sheryl Hyman

quilt give-away deadline extended...

We have decided to extend the deadline until next Saturday night. This will allow one of the little ones from our Down syndrome group to pick a winning name!! (I didn't want to be the one to do it.) So, if anyone is interested and forgot to get a chance, this is the "last chance" call. It's such a beautiful quilt! (I'm really hoping she'll make me one at some later point in time! haha)

And thanks again to all of those who have already supported us by participating. We're getting there... slowly but surely!

Thanks again,
Sheryl

Tomorrow our package will reach the family taking it to Taiwan. Not a big deal to many, but to us it's one step closer to Lilly; A BIG DEAL! :-) I still think it's such a considerate gesture for a family who's going to pick up their own daughter, worried and anxious and excited about meeting her, leaving their own children, etc., to offer to take a package to Lilly for us. Thanks again Kelly and Jamie! We really appreciate it.

We had a hard time thinking of what to send, and we were aware they would have limited room to pack our stuff! So, in the end, we sent a small blanket that I made with 2 pictures of Lilly on it (thought maybe it would feel more personal to her), a picture of our present family without her, and a picture of Joby, myself and Elizabeth (do you know I can't find a picture of just the 2 of us at all recent! Go figure!) So, we sent the blanket, a doll that Elizabeth helped pick out (and we bought an identical one to keep here so that if hers was lost or left behind, at least one toy might seem familiar) and we sent a little cotton dress. I hope she enjoys the toy and the blanket and that the dress is a help of some kind to the orphanage.

So, now more waiting...... and the picture above is Tia holding Elizabeth while I'm packing the box... she was a little bit confused why I was sending a toy AWAY. But a hug from a sis is all it takes to be fine again.

Please continue to pray for Lilly, and for a speedy court decision.

Sheryl

Middle of the Month Time!!!

At our house, as with the Gambles, etc., that means updates with pictures. I've talked about having a "middle of the month" celebration because everyone around here gets so excited! So, here are some updated pics. Happy and sad time for me. I absolutely LOVE getting the updates and the pictures, but at the same time, it looks like she's growing up without me. I so badly want to go get her NOW! But, I could not be able to see her at all, so I'll be happy about that.

And thank you to those who have already purchased a chance to win our beautiful quilt in our "quilt give-away"! We so appreciate it. And don't forget, for those of you who would still like the opportunity, it ends May 30th, which is coming up fast! It's an absolutely beautiful quilt and would look lovely in anyone's home.

Now for the pics of the cutie!!!!