(at Halloween) Benjamin had his first surgery {spinal} at Children's Hospital in Washington DC and after an almost week's stay at the hospital and a post op follow up with our neurosurgeon, he is doing very well. It is seriously possible that he will require further surgery on his spine in the future, but for now all is good!
While Benjamin was in the hospital recovering, our 4-legged buddy, Honey Bear, who has been with Keith & I since we were dating (14 years ago) past away...He will always be remembered and we are still missing him so very much...(btw ~ he was our first offical adoption at age 2)
We are currently getting ready for Benjamin's next surgery {recto-urethral fistula and part one of his bowel repair} which will take place next week. After his surgery, Benjamin will be placed on a colostomy bag but we do not know how long.
Here at Casa De Leonard, we are also getting ready for the Christmas Season, a New Year's Holiday at Grandma's and our second 2 week vacation in January in Disney World for Francesca's 6th Birthday!
As many of you know, Francesca started Kindergarten this past September and Annabelle started Preschool! Francesca and Annabelle (both) love school and their teachers. Francesca has started an after school program one day a week for singing & dancing as well as joined our local Girl Scout Daisy troop here in Derwood. Annabelle is still my "spicy" little girl who has taken it as your objective to show "guidence' to Benjamin for everything. Those two {A&B} are still our "Frick & Frack" and the best of buds!
and...
(last but not least) Keith and I have realized that "the door" to adoption was NOT locked but only closed and after pulling very hard on that door's handle, it has once again opened for us and we have submitted a new MCC to our agency for the Special Focus Program. While we are not 100% sure if we will get a referral, we are 100% ready to make this party of five a six pack! And what totally sweetened the deal {for us} was when my dear, loving, and amazing girlfriend, Miss Sara from Football & Fried Rice offered to come with me during the travel for our newest addition!!! Seeing how we would have three little ones at home, Keith and I know it would be pretty much impossible for both of us to travel so when I mention my concerns to Miss Sara, she quickly jumped on board 100% willing to help out in any way she can and offered to come with me! How sweet is that!
So as you can see, things have been very busy for us here in DC land! I do have a few more photos I want to share with you all and I hoping that over the next two weeks I can get some up and posted! So please check back for further cuteness!
6 comments:
Oh Shelly I'm so happy for you!!! How wonderful is it that you have an amazing friend that will travel with you to China. This adoption community is so unbelievable! Sounds like when Lisa and Marla traveled.
Your little cuties are way too cute. I can't believe how big everyone is getting. I hope you enjoy your Christmas holidays and have a safe and fun filled trip to Disney.
I look forward to following along on your next adventure into this wonderful world of adoption.
Hugs,
Grace
Shelly!!!!!!!!! Such exciting news!!!! I am so happy for you...does this mean we get to enter another blanket raffle??? : P What ever I can do for you let me know...you know I will do anything to help sweet friend.
I love you girlfriend {{{{hug}}}}
~Colleen
OMG; Guy and I have gone back and forth on this. I thought no, now like maybe, somedays yes, somedays now-most days I think I am insane for even thinking such. I had my eye on a little girl in the special focus program but someone else was reviewing her file. OMG! Is this one on the Special Focus site? So excited for you..what faith you have!
Hi! I stumbled on your blog this evening and just wanted to say what a beautiful family you have. We, too, are blessed through adoption and I wish you all the best on your journey to become a family of SIX!
I cannot believe how darling those pictures turned out! Pretty ironic that you thought your family was "done" - oh well, you will have to go back to the same photographer next year :)
I can't WAIT to hear something about a little brother or sister. Just can't believe it!!
Now, as much as I want to go to China with you as a travel companion- how AWESOME would it be if we traveled together & I was bringing home a mei mei to !?!?!?!!
Can't wait till Disney, you guys are going to have a blast! I went to Orlando 2 weeks ago (no Disney) - but I sure enjoyed reading my book by the pool!!
I am pulling for you guys!!!! Can't wait to follow along and see what happens! I am inspired by your love and open hearts.
Post a Comment