Catching up again...

Well, lots of things have happened in the last week so I haven't been blogging too much. I had such a hard time adjusting to the time difference back in the states. It is hard when it is 11PM here and 11AM in China! It seems like being in China was so long ago and it was only 2 weeks on Thursday!

When we got home we had so much to do with Aiden and Taylor... school, entering him into the military system, 3 doctor appointments, a baby shower out of state, etc etc. Aiden is doing really well. He is very lovable, and totally loves his dad and poppy. It is so amazing to see this little boy who knew nothing more than being inside and orphanage and living in a crib for 2 years to being a happy little toddler, playing with other kids. The one thing he does that worries me is when he gets mad (which is whenever we aren't holding him) he will jump up and down land on his knees and dive head first into the floor without slowing down. Needless to say he has some red marks on his head. But is amazing to see him take little baby steps, like getting use to walking on the grass - he was scared to death of it. Or watching Taylor jump on the trampelene and go from screaming to wanting to jump. The little things we take for granted!

Wednesday he will be having his open heart surgery for his Tetrology of Fallot (TOF). People have asked if we knew about this before and we did, we researched it had his file reviewed by a doctor and I talked with many other parents who have had this done. We feel what is a heart problem - especially when it can be fixed. Aiden is so much more than having a special need like a heart problem. We didn't want people focusing on that, then the fact he is a special little boy entering our family. Some of the comments we have heard alreay just make you shake your head, when people say things like, "Did you get a discount for him?", I don't think people think when they say things. No one would even ask that if your biological child was born with a problem. But for the most part people have been wonderful about it. We found out that his one doctor who is awesome (Dr. Wernosky) at CHOP also was adopted, I thought how ironic is that!

We were put into contact with wonderful doctors at Childrens Hospital in Philadelphia who will be doing his surgery. I can't say enough about them and their staff. Aiden had to go in for 2 echo's in the past week just to verify his condition and so that doctors could view it on the TV to see what their game plan will be for his surgery. The great thing is - is that his one valve is in good shape so they will not have to replace this. His prognosis is very good - they think he will have no restrictions and just will have yearly checkups. You never know what may happen in the future but I have faith that God would not lead us down this road if we could not handle it. I am so glad to have hope for the future.

This weekend also was my sisters baby shower in PA. It was great to see all our relatives again. Chad brought Aiden over at the end and they were able to meet him - he even made out with a few gifts! Heather got alot of nice things, I am so happy for her and was glad to be able to enjoy the day. I have to say I was a little anxious about going to a baby shower after everything that happened last year but I thank God for allowing me to not just get through the shower but really enjoy it, I am so thankful her baby is doing well.

So tomorrow will start a whole new life for Aiden, he will be able to run and jump and not have his little lips turn blue. Who knows what may have happened to him in China if he weren't brought here to have this surgery. It makes me sad for the other kids I saw left behind. Two of the children in his orphanage have cancer and they are just laying in their cribs, just so heart breaking!

One thing I LOVE that Aiden has learned to do, is give kisses. He is just so lovable. Taylor is doing better with him. She has started to "trap" him in her room for 15 minutes or so just enough time for him to get use to playing with her. She also needs her daddy and mommy time. We still hear the comments, "You didn't do that for me when I was 2!" But we know this all will pass.

Tomorrow a year ago (on my birthday), we accepted Aidens referral and now tomorrow Aiden will be given a new lease on life! Please keep our family in your prayers as we go through this tomorrow. I hope you all are doing well. We will have internet at the hospital so we will be updating through email how he is doing.

Thought for the day:
The measure of a life, after all, is not its duration, but its donation.
Corrie Ten Boom