Happy 4 Month Gotcha!

Sweet Jadyn Grace,

It's hard to believe that 4 months today, you were place in my arms. It seems like it was just yesterday, but it also seems like you have been in our lives forever.

We we traveled that day from Beijing to Chongqing, we were filled with anticipation. As we left the airport, we traveled another 2 hours to Fuling. We were just so excited. Our hearts were beating and our thoughts were of you. What would you be like? Would you cry? Would you be sad? Would you smile at us? There were many questions. The countryside on the way to Fuling was beautiful, but our thoughts were full, as well as our hearts.

Soon after arriving at the SWI, you were brought to the door by your nanny, as one by one, your Fuling sisters and brother was handed to their new Moms and Dads. There were many tears, much laughter, and the excitement filled the room. When it was our turn you were placed into our arms a scared little girl. We were crying, you were just looking at us, trying to figure it all out. What a day Jadyn.

You have come so far in the last 4 months. You could sit up when we got you, but that was about it. In the last 4 months, you have learned to roll over, crawl, walk, run, and many, many other things. You were so scared and that little scared look in your eyes will alway be something that I remember in my heart. You were scared, but full of peace. Jadyn, the joy that you bring to our lives is undescribable. We often say, what in the world did we do before we were blessed with you? We must have been so boring, because now, everything is centered around you. You are the center of all our lives, the source of unmeasurable joy. Waiting on you was one of the hardest things that we ever had to do, but I would wait a million years for you. I'd do it all over again. For in the past 4 months, all the stress of the wait just melted away.

What a priviledge to be chosen to be your Mommy. I thank God for you Jadyn, many, many times a day. He has blessed my life more that I could ever imagine. He placed you in my waiting arms 4 months ago today and filled a Jadyn shaped void in my life. I can't wait to watch you grown and develop and see what He has in store for you life.

I love you Jadyn Grace BaoJun Hood. Thank you for being my daughter.

Love,

Mommy

A Stitch in Time

Here's outfit #2. The jumper is reversible with the pink on one side and the polka dots on the other side. I made the green pants in tiny little corduroy. The third picture is Zac trying to button the model's jumper. Models are just so temperamental these days, you just can't find good help. Stay tuned, more to come tomorrow.

Sew What?

THE FISH DRESS!
Well, you ask for it, here is a few things that I have been making for Miss Priss. The fish dress is one of my favorites. She has got alot of wear out of it this summer.

My Mother was a wonderful seamstress and she always made sure that I knew the basics. I did take a refresher class on basic sewing, which I highly recommend. Occasionally, I have to look on the internet to find out what something means in the directions, but all in all, it goes pretty well. I love sewing and wish I had alot more time, but, if I had more time, I wouldn't have anyone to sew for! Right?

Favorite Photo Friday

"You've never made anything for the rest of us" said Pat.

"I know, but she's cuter than the rest of you" said Amy.

"Oh" Pat replied.

Enough said.

What Do You Think?

As you can tell, things have changed once again. I became so fond of the red and black theme that I asked my friend Verna to bring it back. What do you think about the new theme. I LOVE it.

Now, here's what you need to do. Verna is an adoptive Mom who is doing blog templates as a part of her fundraiser for her next adoption. She is logged in already and is anxiously awaiting Lily Grace. Check out her blog, email her and get her started right away on your new blog work. She is wonderful to work with, believe me, she's made about a million changes for me. You can give her something to work with, a color scheme, ideas etc. and turn her loose. She's just wonderful. So, if you're blog is boring, email her. She would love to help you out!!!

The Blog Fairy Has Struck!!

Hello dear friends of Amy,
This is the Blog Fairy here, lest you think it is Amy (it will say that Amy has posted this message). Do not be in shock at the new templates displayed her in the last 2 days. I offered to do a "tweaking" for Amy since she was kind enough to purchase a template from me. We liked the "Red Thread" template but decided to try green and pink since those are Jadyn's room colors. If you are dizzy from the quick change, it is understandable. Just know that it is not Amy who is sitting home messing on her computer. She has a life, I don't. ;)
Verna aka the Blog Fairy

Sweet Baby Girl

A few days ago, my friend and photographer extroidinaire did a session with Miss Priss. Here is a picture just to wet your appetite. You can go to Alison's website and check out the rest that she has posted on there. I am so excited about these pictures - I hear my checkbook whining already.

Favorite Photo Friday

Happy birthday to you, happy birthday to you, happy birthday dear seth, happy birthday to you! Can you believe it, Seth is 21 years old today. Now I really feel old. It seems like just yesterday Dr. Jones told me, you ain't ever gonna have that baby. And, after a million hours of labor, decided to do a C-section. How we love him and can't wait to see what God's going to do in his life. Happy Birthday Seth, we love you!!!

Baby J Goes to School

August 13, 2007

It's the day that I have been dreading for quite some time. I knew that eventually I would have to go back to work. The decision had been made. We would start Jadyn in Creative Learning Center at the church. Well, let me just tell you, it was one of THE HARDEST things that I have ever done in my ENTIRE life. When Seth was still 4 years old, I marched him into kindergarten at South Fort Worth Elementary and dropped him off in a class that he and one other child were English speaking, right smack dab in the middle of the worst part of town. Now that's kahunas! Oh sure, there were a few tears (by me, not Seth) but never did I consider grabbing him and making a break for it.

Fast forward to the morning of 8/13/07. I carried the sweetest little Chinese girl in the world down to that big, awful church and threw her to the wolves, alone and scared. Okay, so maybe part of that is not entirely true, but that's what it seemed like at the time. Maybe it was the cloud of smoke from the squealing tires on my mini van as I sped from the parking lot that had clouded my mind, but I just don't remember it being this bad with the boys. I am not sure that I even hesitated with Zac. (I hope he doesn't read this) But let me confess this, I could have grabbed her up, ran out the back door, and never looked back. But, boy oh boy, would there have been an argument when Pat got home. Did I mention that it was tough leaving that little baby?

It's been 2 1/2 weeks, and there is much less wailing and gnashing of teeth in the mornings when we drop her off. In fact, she still cries, but we are definitely pass the screaming stage. A little crying is okay, after all, do I really want to drop her off and she act like she enjoys going there? (Say this with great sarcasm) After all, would I not then switch to what's wrong with me, why don't she want to be with me? Yep, I'm convinced that having a 1 year old in your forties propels you the the brink of insanity. First, the ramblings begin, then you find yourself ...

Favorite Photo Friday

Boy, have I been a slacker this week. But, the moment that you have all been waiting for - the photo of the week. Well, this past monday, my baby boy began his first full day of school as a high school freshman. Yes, it makes me feel very old in case you were wondering. So, here's a picture of my handsome freshman. Also, he plays his first football game this Saturday night.

Favorite Photo Friday

Boy, am I ever behind. We have had a BUSY week, lots to blog, so little time! Well here is the photo of the week, a little late, but still on Friday nonetheless!

Zachary was "watching" Jadyn for me while I was doing something downstairs. He was in his room. I kept going to the bottom of the steps and asking if she was okay and I always got a resounding "yeah, she's fine". I didn't hear her complaining, so I thought things must be okay. When I went up to get her, this is what I discovered.


When you are really busy playing X-Box and your mom needs you to watch your sister, you can always put her in a box. It apparently works very well. At least, Jadyn wasn't complaining.

My Little Angel

Favorite Photo Friday

I notice that things were suspicously quiet while Jadyn was eating her lunch and this was the reason. Don't you just wish that you could take a nap, whenever and wherever you wanted to, anytime that you wanted to, no matter who was around! That's a priviledge that you have when you are 1. Personally, I think that when you are 42 you should be afforded the same luxury if you have the privilege of parenting a 1 year old. I'm glad no one knows much about my new camera, you might just find me asleep anywhere!

Amy

You Gotta See It to Believe It!

Recipe For Fun

First, you take one Chinese girl.

Carefully add one set of chopsticks, protective eyewear should be worn.

Throw in one hand full of Cheerios and watch carefully what happens next.



And this is what you end up with, a happy, incredibly smart baby...



...with a really cheesy grin.



This child never ceases to amaze me.

Disclaimer: Do not try this at home. Stunt performed by a trained professional. Who knew? Proper protective equipment should be worn at all times.

The Hoods
"Where chopsticks rule and the fun never ends"

The Silly Faces of a Silly Girl

Favorite Photo Friday

This is my photo for the week. I was in the bedroom and I missed Jadyn for a second and this is what I found. And, for some reason, it begs me to ask two questions.

1. Why is the baby sitting in the shower?

2. Why is the dog sitting in the shower?

Two questions that I really don't have a good answer for either. Funny thing is that they both have looks on their faces that say "why am I sitting in the shower?"

A and J

911...What Is Your Emergency?

That is exactly what I heard at the other end of the phone this morning. I knew Jadyn had the phone, but I thought she had her toy cell phone, which makes a sound when you press the buttons, then it happened - I heard the words that no one EVER wants to hear "what is your emergency". NOOOOOOOOO! but yes, she did - Jadyn called 911. Obviously, it was random, I don't think they have 911 in China, but nonetheless, she pressed the right buttons, in the right order. I talked with the nice lady in dispatch and she said that they are required to send an officer out - oh yay! I told her that I must go and get some decent clothes on (at least a bra) and get ready for the lecture.

Now, here's the a little of the events that transpired. The officer did in fact, show up at the door. I went to the door with my most humble, groveling look on my face and Jadyn on my hip. "Mam, tell me what happened." "Well officer, I didn't know that she had the REAL phone and the next thing I know, I heard those words and knew that the deed had been done" "Mam, please don't let her play with the phone", "Yes sir, I know and I will make sure that she doesn't play with the phone."

Now the strange part - "so, were you on the list a long time to adopt from China?" "Well, we began the process in May 2005 and we got her in May 2007".
"Wow, that's a long wait - why so long?"
"It's according to who you ask - some say not enough babies etc." (and I went on to explain some of the reasons that I think is causing the slow down)
After about a 5 minute or so conversation about the situation of orphans in China, he said, "This is really strange, but my wife and I cannot have children and we are seriously considering adopting from China". Suddenly, I got chills.
"Which department do you work in at City Hall?" he said.
"Finanace" I responded.
"Would it be okay with you if I came by your desk and talked with you about adoption further?" he asked.
"Hey, anytime" I said, "I love to talk about adoption".
"My wife would probably love to talk to you too, if that would be okay?" he said.
"Absolutely"
"I'm really glad that I ran into you today, thanks" he said, and walked back to his police car.
"And again, I am REALLY sorry" I groveled.
"No big deal" he said as he headed back to work.

Now, ask yourself this.

Embarassing? - Your better believe it!

Accident? - I think not. We just never know how God will choose to use those little hands and feet, and today, I was reminded that those little hands and feet belong to Him.

Amy and Jadyn (who now has a record)

Doctor, Shots, and Stickers

We began our day today by going to the Dr. Jadyn is not very fond of visiting the Dr. since she has been in this country. She is beginning to asociate that examining room with needles and this does not make her very happy. Today we went to get started on her shots, some of which we will have to repeat, and some are new.

She got 2 shots today, one in each leg which caused some major screaming and sticking out of the lower lip. All this was followed by some major snubbing, almost until we got home. However, there was one redeeming factor, a trip through the drive through at Jim N Nicks. Jadyn's favorite. She LOVES their smoked turkey and I figure for someone who has gone through such trauma this morning, she deserves a little turkey and fries. Once again, Mom (and Jim N Nicks) saves the day. All was happy and pleasant after lunch and she went down for a nap easily and is still asleep. Hooray. Gotta love that smile on her face.

Favorite Photo Friday

This is something that I have seen on countless blogs. So, I'm jumping on the bandwagon. On Fridays, I will be posting my favorite photo of the week. So, for today, here it is. Enjoy!

Now We're In Serious Trouble!

I'll just let this video speak for itself.



And the next day...

Twinkies For All!

One of the most fun things about Jadyn is giving her something new. She gets so excited when she tries something new that she really likes. For example, twinkies!
Really, what is not to like? Even though she don't speak in complete sentences yet, I can tell by her eyes that she is saying "I love this country!" I suppose the pictures could talk for themselves, that's a twinkie face if I have ever seen one, actually that is a twinkie face with Jackie Chan hair! Too funny!

2 Month Since Gotcha Day

May 13, 2007

My Dearest Jadyn,

I cannot believe that you have been in our arms for two months, it just doesn't seem real. We waited so long for you and to have you now, here with us, is like a dream. It seems as though you have always been with us, like we did not miss the first 13 months as we have caught up so quickly. It's like we were never apart.

How precious you are to us, you are truly an answer to many years of prayer. As your name Jadyn means, God has heard, and He definitely did hear and answer. We are so thankful to our Creator for creating you at the time and place that He did, and making it possible to travel to China and bring you home. Oh what a blessing you are to us. Jadyn, you have forever changed the lives of many people. You touch the hearts of those you are around and you always bring a smile to our faces.

Jadyn, sweet Jadyn, you have caused me to experience a love that I have never experienced before. To love something so deeply that was not physically grown in my body, but supernaturally grown in my heart, can only be one the work of the Father. This love, Jadyn, is a love that can only be placed in our hearts by the God we serve. It's a supernatural love, one that is so strong, and a bond that is unbreakable. Jadyn, you have caused me to love in a completely new way. For this, I will be forever grateful.

You bring joy to our home, laughter to our hearts, smiles to our faces, and you, Jadyn, make me a better person. I see the love of the Father for us in a new and fresh way. Oh the deep, deep love of Jesus. For we are all adopted in to His family and oh, how He loves us. Thank you for being a picture of that love for me.

The last 2 months have been better than I could even think or imagine. I love you, sweet girl, and cannot wait to see what God has in store for your future.

I Love You,
Mama


July 13, 2007

America's Newest Citizen

Yes, I am well aware that the 4th of July was last week, but I have a couple of pictures that I borrowed (stole) from Amanda's blog. She was the photographer because I forgot my camera. We had a blast on the 4th at Dick and Leslie's and Jadyn decided that this country is a GREAT place to live. America, Jadyn salutes you for your cookies with blue icing and your corn on the cob. God bless America!

Pickles? For Breakfast?!?!

Well, those of you who know me well, know that I am not your traditional breakfast eater. For example, this morning I had collard greens. The pictures from this post happens to be a morning that I was eating a dill pickle while Jadyn was eating her pancakes and fruit in her high chair. She saw my pickle and HAD to have some of it. So, I did what any good Mother would do, I gave her the pickle. I personally don't see anything wrong with pickles for breakfast (or any other time as far as that goes). So here is the result.

The introduction...


The taste...


And finally, the pickle face...




This is what happens when one insists on eating pickles for breakfast.

Mom and Jadyn, who loves dill pickles!