Baby update Thursday morning

I'll try to post 3 times a day, schedule and time permitting. Most will be "nothing new" because that's how it's been. Savanna delivered baby Keaton (this is the name they had for him) yesterday. He is 9 lb 5 oz and 21 1/2 inches long. They thought he might have a problem with his bowel, but xrays show that is fine. They did discover a hole in his right lung, which allows air to go where it should not be. They are hoping it will heal on its own. He's been in NICU, and she reports he is very strong. Both mom and baby have received a blessing, and are well. She wants us to come to the hospital again today, but we don't know what time. I have felt to not cancel my plans and keep moving forward until I need to adjust them. Though this can and may happen quickly, it feels more like a marathon than a sprint. We appreciate your faith and prayers on our behalf--please don't stop! I know I have come to the end of my resources, so we really need them!!! Love, Emily

Adoption Background Info

This situation came to our attention last Tuesday. On Wednesday the means of introducing us as a possibility arose, and we followed it. The birthmom called us on Friday to invite us to meet her and the birthfather on Saturday. We went. The birthmother is Savanna, she's 25, a single mother of a 2 year old daugher. She has blonde hair and blue eyes and is very petite. The birthfather is Isaac, he's 24, big and broad--probably at least 6' tall, with fair hair and blue eyes (they might be greenish, or grey--not as blue as hers but still blue). He is an avid outdoorsman--hunting, fishing, etc. The baby is a boy, and they call him Keaton. She had an ultrasound 3 weeks ago and they estimated he was already 8 pounds. Isaac was born at 10lbs 11 oz, so they scheduled a c-section on September 9 (9/9/09). I'm not sure of her actual due date. They thought he might have a condition with his bowels--a dilated bowel--or he might just be big. This could require surgery now, or later, or not at all. We had a great visit with them, and afterwards I felt an overwhelming peace and calm. No answer, no "this is yours," just a deep assurance that the Lord is in charge and would get this baby to the right family. One thing that is important to Savanna and Isaac is to have an open adoption, which we are very happy with. Sunday night Savanna called and I spoke with her about some "business"--home studies, insurance, etc. This felt very positive. One thing she wanted to do was visit the home of the family she chose, so after placement she could picture where her baby was. Tuesday night at 5:30 pm we received a call from Savanna--they had narrowed their choice down to two families. She preferred us, and Isaac preferred another family. They could not decide, so they left the decision until after the baby would be born. She wants us to come visit with them at the hospital so we can visit more and they can have more to base a decision on. Thank you to all who have kept us in your thoughts and prayers. We will keep you posted! Emily

Multi-talented mom

Even though this picture is beyond embarrassing, I had to share it! You see, how many moms can talk on the phone, "count" their kid, and do "dead-eye" at the same time. I know, I'm good. Ugly, but good.

A Pirate Says "ARRRRR"

Here are Lexi, Adam, Mikey, and Avery all sporting piratey patches:

And a happy version:

Patch Adam

At our 6 week check up at the opthamologist we learned that Adam's left eye has improved (with glasses) to 20/100! We wanted to take the most aggressive approach, and so now we are "patching." We put a patch on the good eye, forcing the weak eye to work. We rewarded him with prizes--water guns and tatoos! Here you can see his handiwork:

Peach trees

I finally did it--I got some peach trees. After digging a huge hole, mixing the dirt with mulch, and planting them, here is what I did: Yes, I cut off half the tree. According to the Utah Extension service, this is what you do. Cut it off 26-30" from the ground, then cut off all but 4 little branches, and trim them to 6" or so. Then Adam helped me paint them (so they don't get sunburned). Adam says "I'm going to paint my skin so I don't get sunburned." SPF 50? At least!

Dog

We have a dog. That's what happens when you put out to the universe (or your cousin Laura Beth) that if an adult, fully potty trained, good with kids dog was FREE, we would take it.

He thinks he is a cat.