University visit

We give thanks for today.

Our visit with the doctors at the U of M adoption clinic was so fruitful.  We have answers to each of our questions.  Definitive answers that give us great peace about the decisions we need to make for Emma Kate.

Dr. Howard and the staff that work alongside her are wonderful.  The care, kindness and time that was lavished on us today was incredible.  They did a thorough assessment of her physically and also from an attachment and bonding standpoint.  Much of what they said reassured us in terms of decisions we have already made, and other things gave us ideas and information for what lies ahead.

We are right in keeping EK home this year.  And any services she receives Dr. Howard wants her to receive in our home.  This means any OT or PT or speech therapy that we receive through the school district's early childhood special ed department, they would like us to have in our home.  This is essential for EK's continued bonding and attachment.  The recoveries she will face from her surgeries will stress her enough and put us off our routine enough that Dr. Howard wants us to keep home life as stable, simple and reliable as possible.   And she wants Emma home with us, not receiving care from other people, especially care that involves separating from us.  It was a relief to simply have this "given" to us as a map to follow.  I can't tell you how much I am delighting in simply following doctor's orders on this one.

Basically, for the first four to six months home Dr. Howard feels it is essential (if possible) for a new child to be exclusively with their family.  Family life and adjusting to her new home, life and family are what we are to "do".  So when we are at church, for example, EK sits with us, we get her any food or drinks she needs, we take care of any of her needs, we are the only ones to hold her, etc.  This doesn't mean people can't interact with her and love her, but we are the ones to give affection physically and provide for her needs.  Emma Kate needs to learn, as if from a the beginning in a way, that we are her family and she can trust us.  We get to learn together how to deeply attach to and love one another.  What a blessing.

We are also to wait for any major surgery until February or March.  Whew.  That is a clearcut timeline, and we are resting in the wisdom of waiting.  So January's surgery will be off.  Additionally, we were advised that one of our surgery options is indeed the best route to take.  Dr. Howard was sure about this, and we are just so relieved and grateful.  Now we know what, when and where to schedule all the procedures that she faces.  And the list is lengthy, God bless and keep her.

Here is what it looks like:
December-  Dental work and ear tubes under general anesthesia at Children's
February or March- palate surgery, surgery on her left hand and left foot, and on half of her calf
May or June- surgery on her right hand and right foot, and the other half of her calf.

That list makes me a bit woozy.  I just feel angst for sweet, dear EK and the recovery from all those procedures.  At the same time we are just so blessed to be able to provide these surgeries that she so needs.  The Lord is with her, and we entrust her into His hands and His care.  Just as she has always been, she will remain: His beautiful and beloved daughter.  His and ours.

This thanksgiving, we are keenly aware of the goodness of the Lord.  Last year we held sheets of paper and looked at an endearing and delightful picture on our computer, wondering what part we were called to play in Jiang YuXiao's story.  This year we hold her in our arms even as she is firmly in our hearts and call her our daughter.

Blessed are we.  And we rest secure in the One we love, the One who keeps us and calls us His own.  The One who gave us our Emma Kate, and made a place for her not only in our hearts, but also in our home.


“Let the beloved of the LORD rest secure in him,
   for he shields him all day long,
   and the one the LORD loves rests between his shoulders.”

Thanks be to God.  Tonight, the following hymn is my anthem.  Indeed, Lord, this Thanksgiving we endeavor to give you thanks not only for what you have done, but for who you are.  

Praise to the Lord, the Almighty
Praise to the Lord, the Almighty
The King of creation
O my soul, praise Him
For He is thy health and salvation
All ye who hear, now to His temple draw near
Praise Him in glad adoration

Praise to the Lord
Who o'er all things so wonderfully reigneth
Shelters thee under His wings
Yea, so gladly sustaineth
Hast thou not seen how thy desires e'er have been
Granted in what He ordaineth

Praise to the Lord
Who doth prosper they work and defend thee
Surely His goodness and mercy here daily attend thee
Ponder anew what the Almighty can do
If with His love He befriend thee

Praise to the Lord, O let all that is in me adore Him
All that hath life and breath
Come now with praises before Him
Let the 'amen' sound from His people again
Gladly for aye we adore Him

Chorus:
Hallelujah, hallelujah, hallelujah, hallelujah