Just a good weekend - we didn't really do much - but it was nice. The more we hang together, the more I just KNOW Curt was hand picked by the Lord for our family. I still wonder about little Karesso and what family he made it to - he was/is a beautiful little boy - but Curt truly is meant for our family.
It is the little things in life that make Curt truly our son! Yes - in little ways he looks like Nate did as a baby - just the little facial features, body structure and how he walks/holds himself. Someone even said - he looks like a "chocolate Nate" - yep! He does. They meant it as a compliment. And the little things we always said were hereditary - just were built into Curt! Like the way he moans and groans in his sleep (plus snores) - Craig has done this for ever. Nate started it too - and Curt does it too! Today at church I swear Curt's ankles were clicking - Craig's do that too! Just funny. It goes all the way to the food - they all like spicy foods! Curt was eating mustard by spoonfuls tonight! ha. Then they were all sharing Popsicle! I just love it.
And I know it isn't just us - I believe all kids adopted were plopped into their families for many reasons - they ARE that family. We may not have the same blood or genetics - but we have heart that connects us!
I love my family so much - very blessed and lucky to have them. Watching the boys play today was so fun - normal boy stuff - a little wrestling and teasing and of course horsing around. It is just fun! I feel so blessed.
I will update this blog a little with the look - one of these days.
Right now there are a LOT of families meeting their kids in Ethiopia and my best friend Shannon bringing her son home! They have Gotcha Day tomorrow! So happy for all these families- They will also find out that these kids are MEANT for their family - hand chosen by God!
Enjoy everyone.
Gail
Sunday, June 10, 2012
Saturday, June 02, 2012
New Birth Certificate
Well it is official AND Legal! Curtis Samuel Backus - his new US birth certificate arrived this week! YEAH! Now off to try and get the SS# later this week. Shouldn't be difficult- but another step and more paper work. Always fun. And we'll also work on getting him a US passport as well. I LOVE the Ethiopian one, the picture is just too adorable.
Anyhow - I type this as Curt is napping in his vibrating rocking/bouncy chair, Nate lays on the floor playing his 3DS and I sit on the couch with a sleeping cat. Love it. Now if only I can be taking a nap.
Overall life is good. We had our 3 month visit with the social worker this week and it went well. She felt Curt was attaching well and saw the protectiveness that Nate projects with his brother. He's so funny he will NOT talk about his emotions much, but if you just sit back and watch/observe - he's amazing! He has to be the one to push the stroller and all that. We are blessed with our boys!
School ends this week and Nate will officially be a 3rd Grader! He's doing AMAZING after the issues at the end of last year (being told he struggled with reading and way behind in APRIL) - he's reading at a level 3! WE have had him in tutoring this year and she's amazing. So happy we found her - all by going to the library and asking for a reference! Anyhow Nate now likes reading AND asked that he continue to see Miss Suzanne through the summer! Alright - how can you tell your child NO you can't see the tutor! Ha - we'll visit the library once/week still. Unfortunately I no longer get my library hour to myself to read. Mr. Curt doesn't get that you have to be quiet in the library! He isn't quiet much as all. Oh well - we now visit the little cafe there and getting to know The Cookie Lady! Yummy cookies.
We're going to hopefully figure out summer camp in the next few days as well. Man - places are just insanely priced this year. And the hours - really end at 3 o4 pm without any latchkey! What are working families supposed to do. Lucky for me my employer is amazing and I can put my hours in earlier in the day and go pick him up! Curt will continue with Miss Jodi's place.
Alright - I'm hoping to update the look of this blog in the coming weeks - but we know how fast I get things done. And right now I'm too tired to think about it.
And for those that believe in prayer - there are LOTS of families traveling in the coming days to meet their children or bring them home! Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers. I have 3 families I am friends with that I'm very excited for! i can't wait to meet them all in person.
Thanks for reading - Mr. Curt IS NOW AWAKE!
Anyhow - I type this as Curt is napping in his vibrating rocking/bouncy chair, Nate lays on the floor playing his 3DS and I sit on the couch with a sleeping cat. Love it. Now if only I can be taking a nap.
Overall life is good. We had our 3 month visit with the social worker this week and it went well. She felt Curt was attaching well and saw the protectiveness that Nate projects with his brother. He's so funny he will NOT talk about his emotions much, but if you just sit back and watch/observe - he's amazing! He has to be the one to push the stroller and all that. We are blessed with our boys!
School ends this week and Nate will officially be a 3rd Grader! He's doing AMAZING after the issues at the end of last year (being told he struggled with reading and way behind in APRIL) - he's reading at a level 3! WE have had him in tutoring this year and she's amazing. So happy we found her - all by going to the library and asking for a reference! Anyhow Nate now likes reading AND asked that he continue to see Miss Suzanne through the summer! Alright - how can you tell your child NO you can't see the tutor! Ha - we'll visit the library once/week still. Unfortunately I no longer get my library hour to myself to read. Mr. Curt doesn't get that you have to be quiet in the library! He isn't quiet much as all. Oh well - we now visit the little cafe there and getting to know The Cookie Lady! Yummy cookies.
We're going to hopefully figure out summer camp in the next few days as well. Man - places are just insanely priced this year. And the hours - really end at 3 o4 pm without any latchkey! What are working families supposed to do. Lucky for me my employer is amazing and I can put my hours in earlier in the day and go pick him up! Curt will continue with Miss Jodi's place.
Alright - I'm hoping to update the look of this blog in the coming weeks - but we know how fast I get things done. And right now I'm too tired to think about it.
And for those that believe in prayer - there are LOTS of families traveling in the coming days to meet their children or bring them home! Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers. I have 3 families I am friends with that I'm very excited for! i can't wait to meet them all in person.
Thanks for reading - Mr. Curt IS NOW AWAKE!
Sunday, May 20, 2012
Strange and RUDE comments
So last night - I heard a comment that I had not expected. I've had people make comments about Curt's skin color, his hair, he's "not that dark", "wow he's dark", "where'd you get him", "where are his parents", "what happened" - stuff like that. BUT THEN last night we were at a restaurant (yeah for gift cards) and Craig carried Curt out the door first. Nate was next and me in the rear. Some worker was holding the door open and looked at me and asked "is that guy stealing that baby"! Seriously? Who knows if he was serious or not - you have NEVER seen, NOR met us in your life and you ask me if my husband STOLE OUR SON! So I must have just given him the LOOK of WRATH because he just apologized, smiled and said - I'm just kidding! I looked at him (probably after THE LOOK and my chin was back up where it belonged and said HE IS OUR SON and walked out! Nate then was like - what did he say? Did he think we stole Curt? Yes - so now to explain to the older son what happened?
I was so stunned I just walked away. Kicking myself later that I should have used this moment as a "learning" moment for others and for my kids! Just crazy.
Hopefully this late teen/early 20 something idiot of a man learned to keep his comments to himself next time. I doubt it - but we shall see.
But for all the other people - he IS OUR SON! Our 2nd child and he is beautiful! His skin is the color of him. Its the way he was created by God. His birth family loved him so much, they gave him a life beyond birth and ultimately he ended up in our lives. He is OUR SON - we love him dearly - And his hair - is adorable. Yes he has curls, loose curls I'm told, and yeah maybe he can have a hair cut - but have you seen Curt's brother Nate? He's got long hair - and for now - we love it on both of them. (side bar - my hair cut - I HATE - I look like Pat Bennatar or Janet from 3's Company - I'd be styling if it were 1980 something) - but the boys are perfect. Just like your own kids or family - you know they are perfect for the way they are - I feel the same
Thanks everyone.
Gail
I was so stunned I just walked away. Kicking myself later that I should have used this moment as a "learning" moment for others and for my kids! Just crazy.
Hopefully this late teen/early 20 something idiot of a man learned to keep his comments to himself next time. I doubt it - but we shall see.
But for all the other people - he IS OUR SON! Our 2nd child and he is beautiful! His skin is the color of him. Its the way he was created by God. His birth family loved him so much, they gave him a life beyond birth and ultimately he ended up in our lives. He is OUR SON - we love him dearly - And his hair - is adorable. Yes he has curls, loose curls I'm told, and yeah maybe he can have a hair cut - but have you seen Curt's brother Nate? He's got long hair - and for now - we love it on both of them. (side bar - my hair cut - I HATE - I look like Pat Bennatar or Janet from 3's Company - I'd be styling if it were 1980 something) - but the boys are perfect. Just like your own kids or family - you know they are perfect for the way they are - I feel the same
Thanks everyone.
Gail
Saturday, May 12, 2012
Mother's day for the motherless
So this year Mother's day is harder than normal. You may think this very odd that my dream of having a second child just came true 2 months ago today. Don't get me wrong, we are BLESSED - I AM BLESSED! I have a beautiful and wonderful loving husband and two amazing boys! I am so complete its not even funny! My career, my family - its all amazing.
However if you read this blog from the VERY beginning - yes there is a LOT of information - we started this 8 years ago - about this time too! My mom - well she was sick, our cell phone bill was over $400 as I kept calling my relatives and family friends telling the same story every day - how she's doing? What her blood counts were, etc. So in his amazing way - Craig started this for us to communicate with family and friends on her condition, ultimate death and the birth of our first son Nate - and yes this all took place in under 3 months!Then we used it to share about Nate!
So we took time off - and then you see about Ron - Craig's dad's illness and death (he was very sick for very long) and his mom's fight with cancer! WE used this to communicate. Then in 2010 - I started it up and redesigned this for our future child #2! We all have known now to be Curtis Samuel.
So yes - a lot of emotions, two mom's in heaven, and now a child who was motherless for all but one month that we know! So yes - I miss my mom! My beautiful angel in heaven watching over us, taking care of us in ways we do not know or understand yet. And we have Liz - she's amazing in so many ways as well (and our grandmas) - But now we have a woman somewhere in Ethiopia that gave me a son! I do not know her name, I do not know what she looks like, I know she was from Dire Dawa, Ethiopia. She gave birth to this amazing little boy in April 2011 - and now he's living in the US with us - and now called Curtis Samuel! And he is so loved and so happy. But what is she thinking tomorrow? Yes - they do not celebrate mother's day in Ethiopia - but what if they do?
And then ALL these children not only in Ethiopia - but all over the world - MOTHERLESS! How my heart breaks for them. Craig and I had our mom's into our 30's - we have over 30years with them - it SUCKS they died so young - both only 58! Yes -it SUCKS! But then I hear of kids that are under 15 that have mom's pass away - how that must really suck! And again - just the orphans - they never had a mom! Its so hard to understand. Everyone will be talking about mom's tomorrow - and yes that is great. I loved mine dearly and I'm thankful to be a mom! (oh yeah - I should have a blog about infertility and life trying to just HAVE a child). But my heart breaks for those like me that don't have a mom. That never did, or are missing theirs this year.
Please keep that in mind when you wish people happy mother's day tomorrow. You never know which child lost their mom to cancer in the last year? Or who was adopted and doesn't know their birth mom? Or a child that is in foster care, that has an amazing family loving them now - but struggles not knowing where they will end up or if their mom will be in their lives. I just have been thinking of all these people today!
when you are talking about mom's at church tomorrow - say a prayer for those that did one of the biggest sacrifices in the world - give their child up for adoption. Say a pray for those children that have no mother, the orphans, foster kids - children who's mom just died. They need extra prayers to get through the day.
And yes - I challenge you to read our story here - go back to May 2004 in the archive of this blog - you will see how it sucked for my brother, father and I! And Craig too! we've all lost them.
I love all those angels in heaven, mom, grandma, Liz! You are amazing women and we will never forget you! Flowers tomorrow are in your memory and honor! Happy mothers day!
Gail
However if you read this blog from the VERY beginning - yes there is a LOT of information - we started this 8 years ago - about this time too! My mom - well she was sick, our cell phone bill was over $400 as I kept calling my relatives and family friends telling the same story every day - how she's doing? What her blood counts were, etc. So in his amazing way - Craig started this for us to communicate with family and friends on her condition, ultimate death and the birth of our first son Nate - and yes this all took place in under 3 months!Then we used it to share about Nate!
So we took time off - and then you see about Ron - Craig's dad's illness and death (he was very sick for very long) and his mom's fight with cancer! WE used this to communicate. Then in 2010 - I started it up and redesigned this for our future child #2! We all have known now to be Curtis Samuel.
So yes - a lot of emotions, two mom's in heaven, and now a child who was motherless for all but one month that we know! So yes - I miss my mom! My beautiful angel in heaven watching over us, taking care of us in ways we do not know or understand yet. And we have Liz - she's amazing in so many ways as well (and our grandmas) - But now we have a woman somewhere in Ethiopia that gave me a son! I do not know her name, I do not know what she looks like, I know she was from Dire Dawa, Ethiopia. She gave birth to this amazing little boy in April 2011 - and now he's living in the US with us - and now called Curtis Samuel! And he is so loved and so happy. But what is she thinking tomorrow? Yes - they do not celebrate mother's day in Ethiopia - but what if they do?
And then ALL these children not only in Ethiopia - but all over the world - MOTHERLESS! How my heart breaks for them. Craig and I had our mom's into our 30's - we have over 30years with them - it SUCKS they died so young - both only 58! Yes -it SUCKS! But then I hear of kids that are under 15 that have mom's pass away - how that must really suck! And again - just the orphans - they never had a mom! Its so hard to understand. Everyone will be talking about mom's tomorrow - and yes that is great. I loved mine dearly and I'm thankful to be a mom! (oh yeah - I should have a blog about infertility and life trying to just HAVE a child). But my heart breaks for those like me that don't have a mom. That never did, or are missing theirs this year.
Please keep that in mind when you wish people happy mother's day tomorrow. You never know which child lost their mom to cancer in the last year? Or who was adopted and doesn't know their birth mom? Or a child that is in foster care, that has an amazing family loving them now - but struggles not knowing where they will end up or if their mom will be in their lives. I just have been thinking of all these people today!
when you are talking about mom's at church tomorrow - say a prayer for those that did one of the biggest sacrifices in the world - give their child up for adoption. Say a pray for those children that have no mother, the orphans, foster kids - children who's mom just died. They need extra prayers to get through the day.
And yes - I challenge you to read our story here - go back to May 2004 in the archive of this blog - you will see how it sucked for my brother, father and I! And Craig too! we've all lost them.
I love all those angels in heaven, mom, grandma, Liz! You are amazing women and we will never forget you! Flowers tomorrow are in your memory and honor! Happy mothers day!
Gail
Tuesday, May 01, 2012
Crazy Busy Life
I realized now that we're home, back to work - its hard to post anymore. I think about it often and just never get the chance.
Basically life is good, great - just crazy! Curt has adjusted very well to daycare and really likes it (yeah) - that is a relief. However the first week we think it really triggered memories and he woke up with nightmares or crying - we assume thinking of Ethiopia. So it may not be a nightmare, but hard for a 1 year old to process why he's suddenly here. It is just amazing to watch him as he watches EVERYTHING. Today he saw a train for the first time - mesmerized watching it. Sweet for me to see!
So he's still "close" to walking and just feels safer crawling. Ha.
We also celebrated daddy's birthday AND aunt Stacey's as well! All fun - enjoyed our first trip to a Japanese Steak house with the boys - it was fun - I love the food!
For Craig and I - work - life has been busy! Craig had another AWESOME order from GM this year - last year they ordered 4000 hats - this year - 8000! Seriously - an AWESOME order - so that is great for the store. And me - as crazy as it is trying to get organized - I love my job. For the first time in many years I feel like I'm using my brain on a consistent basis! I feel like my work life has more meaning and I LOVE it!
We're just really busy - but loving our crazy life. I'm getting excited for Mother's Day this year - I feel like its all complete! Can't wait. Not planning anything special, but it will be nice.
Hope everyone enjoys their evening.
Gail
Basically life is good, great - just crazy! Curt has adjusted very well to daycare and really likes it (yeah) - that is a relief. However the first week we think it really triggered memories and he woke up with nightmares or crying - we assume thinking of Ethiopia. So it may not be a nightmare, but hard for a 1 year old to process why he's suddenly here. It is just amazing to watch him as he watches EVERYTHING. Today he saw a train for the first time - mesmerized watching it. Sweet for me to see!
So he's still "close" to walking and just feels safer crawling. Ha.
We also celebrated daddy's birthday AND aunt Stacey's as well! All fun - enjoyed our first trip to a Japanese Steak house with the boys - it was fun - I love the food!
For Craig and I - work - life has been busy! Craig had another AWESOME order from GM this year - last year they ordered 4000 hats - this year - 8000! Seriously - an AWESOME order - so that is great for the store. And me - as crazy as it is trying to get organized - I love my job. For the first time in many years I feel like I'm using my brain on a consistent basis! I feel like my work life has more meaning and I LOVE it!
We're just really busy - but loving our crazy life. I'm getting excited for Mother's Day this year - I feel like its all complete! Can't wait. Not planning anything special, but it will be nice.
Hope everyone enjoys their evening.
Gail
Tuesday, April 17, 2012
Daycare and Work life
Well started back to work this week! NOT bad. It has been nice - people are so happy to see me and glad I"m there. It really is nice!
Curt really is doing good at daycare. He loves the other kids and Miss Jodi and the other ladies - so its good. Guess he's fighting sleep - not surprised - but he's having a lot of fun and really just wants to be there with all the action! So that is good I guess. Glad he likes it. BUT then he's so happy to see me at the end of the day - yeah!
Just a LOT going on - but it is all good.
I'll keep you all posted.
Gail
Curt really is doing good at daycare. He loves the other kids and Miss Jodi and the other ladies - so its good. Guess he's fighting sleep - not surprised - but he's having a lot of fun and really just wants to be there with all the action! So that is good I guess. Glad he likes it. BUT then he's so happy to see me at the end of the day - yeah!
Just a LOT going on - but it is all good.
I'll keep you all posted.
Gail
Wednesday, April 11, 2012
Ethiopia
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Monday, April 09, 2012
Birthday and Easter pictures -
Yep - we need to post more real Ethiopia pictures - just on a different computer - however here are some 1st Birthday and Easter photos to share
Enjoy
Gail
Easter Eggs are yummy
Yes Mommy got me bunny ears and someone gave me the big
YEAH
Papa with the grandsons
Dexter helping Curt look for eggs
The boys
Craig, Nate, me and Curt - Easter 2012
Egg Hunt Champion - oh yea
Mommy and Curt - HI
Birthday time - Nate helping Curt with his presents
Aunt Stacey helping too
A nice lady at church gave both boys an Easter Hat - they look cute
Curt in the hat AND his Birthday shirt
Party time with Papa
Party decorations - Elmo
Curt and HIS Cake (we had ice cream cake for everyone else)
Uncle Marcus (Gail's brother) and aunt Stacey
Hum - cake
Yep - I think I like this cake stuff
Silly Nate
Curt AFTER the cake - icing and cake EVERYWHERE! He had fun.
Happy 1st Birthday
Yes - today our new son turns 1! I'm so happy he was able to be home in time. but it is a bitter sweet day. I just can't help but think of his birth mother and what she sacrificed for the love of this little boy? What she did - I can't even begin to imagine in May 2011! She loved her son so much - that she did what she felt was best for him! But I have to wonder - where is she today? is she thinking of her little guy? I know they are on a different calender - heck even a different year right now - what is it 2006 now? Anyhow - they don't really celebrate birthdays - but still. I just will always be thankful to this woman and her family - where ever they are - with the help of our God - he brought our families together by this little boy and our lives are connected even if we will never meet! I am thankful for them - our family is complete. It was perfect before and it is just finally a Family of 4! A Table for 4! I love it.
Yesterday we celebrated with papa, grandma Mary, Uncle Marcus and Aunt Stacey! It was a great day! Curt was not sure about his cake at first - but then was like - OH YEAH - this is yummy! He was so sweet. Even got into opening presents - with the help of his big brother Nate! On top of the Easter festivities - he had fun! Its funny how the packaging or paper is sometimes more exciting. I'll work to post pictures later.
But today - I love my family and my two sons so much! I can't wait to celebrate with all of them - as we request the table for 4 tonight!
Gail
Yesterday we celebrated with papa, grandma Mary, Uncle Marcus and Aunt Stacey! It was a great day! Curt was not sure about his cake at first - but then was like - OH YEAH - this is yummy! He was so sweet. Even got into opening presents - with the help of his big brother Nate! On top of the Easter festivities - he had fun! Its funny how the packaging or paper is sometimes more exciting. I'll work to post pictures later.
But today - I love my family and my two sons so much! I can't wait to celebrate with all of them - as we request the table for 4 tonight!
Gail
Monday, April 02, 2012
Day to day life
Well we have been home just over 2 weeks now and also about to turn 1 next week! LOTS going on in Curt's life. We do believe he's struggling with sleep at night as his mind processes the grief and loss of his life at Engida! He was so well loved and cared for - it must be hard. Don't get me wrong, he's a happy child - but I just feel and others have confirmed that this is common. At his age he can't process things or verbalize it - so it comes out in his dreams. So we have had some rough nights. I did start listening to all the advice - SLEEP during the day when he does - do NOT worry about the house or other things. so today we both snuggled on the couch for a good old fashion nap! I loved it - I miss those days with Nate! He would sleep with us on the couch.
We will get there though - I'm getting LOTS of advice and recommendations. So we'll see. I just have to continue to tell people it isn't always the same as just any child - this is my son and he lived in an orphanage since he was about 1 month old! Since 3 months he was at only one - Engida Addis Ababa and that is all he probably knows! so the grief at night is common and natural! We'll get there.
Well I'm in the last two weeks of my time off - its hard to imagine going back to work, but I also love my job too! Last week we found a wonderful home daycare that we will be using in Ferndale! Not right off Woodward on my way home to get Nate - but not too far out of the way! I really like it - one they just seem nice and clean - but the kids were so happy there. But also that it came recommended by a friend. So that's good.
I hope to continue to post on here - I know we will have lots of things in life and I find all the blogs so helpful!
Anyhow - right now we are thankful we have NOT had any really rude comments. One off the wall - "good luck YOU NEED IT" comment. But then mostly looks. OR better yet - the avoidance of a look from people that you think are n"friends". I had that recently where I didn't expect it - but Craig and I said - oh well. They really weren't our "friends" or definitely not a "GOOD" friend. That our friends are not like that - and we are still happy. And we'd rather just not have the horrible comments.
Its interesting to see the older generation watching us when we're out - but then some of the ladies - well they all melt with one look at the smiles!
We truly are blessed.
Tomorrow my dear friend Shannon and family are finally flying to Ethiopia and will go meet their son in a few days! I am so happy. Please keep Shannon and her family in your prayers.
Thanks
Gail
We will get there though - I'm getting LOTS of advice and recommendations. So we'll see. I just have to continue to tell people it isn't always the same as just any child - this is my son and he lived in an orphanage since he was about 1 month old! Since 3 months he was at only one - Engida Addis Ababa and that is all he probably knows! so the grief at night is common and natural! We'll get there.
Well I'm in the last two weeks of my time off - its hard to imagine going back to work, but I also love my job too! Last week we found a wonderful home daycare that we will be using in Ferndale! Not right off Woodward on my way home to get Nate - but not too far out of the way! I really like it - one they just seem nice and clean - but the kids were so happy there. But also that it came recommended by a friend. So that's good.
I hope to continue to post on here - I know we will have lots of things in life and I find all the blogs so helpful!
Anyhow - right now we are thankful we have NOT had any really rude comments. One off the wall - "good luck YOU NEED IT" comment. But then mostly looks. OR better yet - the avoidance of a look from people that you think are n"friends". I had that recently where I didn't expect it - but Craig and I said - oh well. They really weren't our "friends" or definitely not a "GOOD" friend. That our friends are not like that - and we are still happy. And we'd rather just not have the horrible comments.
Its interesting to see the older generation watching us when we're out - but then some of the ladies - well they all melt with one look at the smiles!
We truly are blessed.
Tomorrow my dear friend Shannon and family are finally flying to Ethiopia and will go meet their son in a few days! I am so happy. Please keep Shannon and her family in your prayers.
Thanks
Gail
Prayers for a sick little boy needed
Below is a post from Gabe's mom - you can see the link above. they are struggling - Gabe is almost 5 and very smart - he probably realizes this is NOT how he's supposed to feel. Please continue to keep him and the family in your prayers and thoughts
Gail
Gail
He's admitted - Cincinnati
Hi everyone!
I wanted to share a quick update. As I’m sure many of you have heard, we are concerned about a particular condition and concerned about Gabriel period right now. We are headed to Cincinnati, Ohio a week from tomorrow to meet with a world known expert in immunology/blood disease and the leading expert in the particular disease we are worried about. It sounds like they will be drawing substantial blood at our visit and will follow-up with a phone consult. I really am unsure about what she is going to say and whether or not she is going to know what is wrong with Gabe.
He’s been suffering a lot lately. He’s had many bad headaches, lack of appetite and the loss of two pounds, low energy and irritability. He presented last night with all these symptoms including a high fever. The reason for the fever is unknown which is usually the case. He was admitted at Beaumont around 11:00 last night.
In addition to him not feeling good, he’s been going through some emotional stuff and I am worried about his spirit. He cries a lot in the middle of the night and cries himself to sleep a lot. Last night he was admitted while sleeping and awoken to a needle. I have never wanted this to come to a resolution more in four years than I do right now. I really want him to have a break.
We are hanging in there the best we can and just getting by one day at a time. We are feeling very loved and supported so thank you for that!
We are tossing the idea around of trying an immune system suppressant infusion drug just to see if it helps him feel better and not knowing if it will. We may do this in the morning.
I will update later.
Rebekah
Thursday, March 22, 2012
Good posts about Race and educating others about adoption
All
There are a lot of good posts on the post - http://casselljourneytoafrica.blogspot.com/ - check it out. I've asked and was told I could link to it here - I just know it is so well written that I couldn't write it that well myself.
Enjoy -
Gail
There are a lot of good posts on the post - http://casselljourneytoafrica.blogspot.com/ - check it out. I've asked and was told I could link to it here - I just know it is so well written that I couldn't write it that well myself.
Enjoy -
Gail
Adjusting to life in the USA
We have been home just under a week now and I have to say Curt is really adjusting well to life as a Backus in the good old USA! He's been attaching to the 3 of us and even spent some time with Papa and Grandma Mary! We're getting into a schedule of naps and sleeping. We are now sleeping through the night and working on eating more foods. I've decided to do a fast track on different foods so that he can learn to eat a lot of things. We're currently on beans and peas and carrots! A few other things are going as well. He's eating some solid finger foods as well! I'm sure in the coming weeks we'll have transitioned over to lots of finger foods - which should be entertaining for pictures.
Speaking of pictures - I haven't posted any here yet - but you can see a lot on my facebook page - I'll try and post some here later today.
Nate is really doing good as well - he's NOT liking questions by a lot of people but if you him alone with his brother, he's just so good with him! He's helping, he wants to push him around in the stroller and play with him. Its great!
I have to say our family is pretty darn good! We are COMPLETE!
Gail
Speaking of pictures - I haven't posted any here yet - but you can see a lot on my facebook page - I'll try and post some here later today.
Nate is really doing good as well - he's NOT liking questions by a lot of people but if you him alone with his brother, he's just so good with him! He's helping, he wants to push him around in the stroller and play with him. Its great!
I have to say our family is pretty darn good! We are COMPLETE!
Gail
Adjusting to life in the USA
We have been home just under a week now and I have to say Curt is really adjusting well to life as a Backus in the good old USA! He's been attaching to the 3 of us and even spent some time with Papa and Grandma Mary! We're getting into a schedule of naps and sleeping. We are now sleeping through the night and working on eating more foods. I've decided to do a fast track on different foods so that he can learn to eat a lot of things. We're currently on beans and peas and carrots! A few other things are going as well. He's eating some solid finger foods as well! I'm sure in the coming weeks we'll have transitioned over to lots of finger foods - which should be entertaining for pictures.
Speaking of pictures - I haven't posted any here yet - but you can see a lot on my facebook page - I'll try and post some here later today.
Nate is really doing good as well - he's NOT liking questions by a lot of people but if you him alone with his brother, he's just so good with him! He's helping, he wants to push him around in the stroller and play with him. Its great!
I have to say our family is pretty darn good! We are COMPLETE!
Gail
Speaking of pictures - I haven't posted any here yet - but you can see a lot on my facebook page - I'll try and post some here later today.
Nate is really doing good as well - he's NOT liking questions by a lot of people but if you him alone with his brother, he's just so good with him! He's helping, he wants to push him around in the stroller and play with him. Its great!
I have to say our family is pretty darn good! We are COMPLETE!
Gail
Saturday, March 17, 2012
URGENT - Gabe needs prayers
All
Little Gabe is sick again! This Fever stuff are coming back and may be related to a finding from his bone marrow biopsy a few weeks ago. I know from Facebook that Rebekah has traveled with Gabe to see more specialists. Below is her post from Caring Bridge a few days ago. It sounds very serious and they need more prayers! I can't explain what's going on very well - so please read the post below - Emergency! Gabe.
Thanks all - Gail
Little Gabe is sick again! This Fever stuff are coming back and may be related to a finding from his bone marrow biopsy a few weeks ago. I know from Facebook that Rebekah has traveled with Gabe to see more specialists. Below is her post from Caring Bridge a few days ago. It sounds very serious and they need more prayers! I can't explain what's going on very well - so please read the post below - Emergency! Gabe.
Thanks all - Gail
Emergency! Gabe
This post is one of the most serious posts I’ve ever written… I have been chewing on what I’m about to share for about a week now. The bone marrow biopsy revealed some “blood eating cells” that also destroy vital organs. When the disease is in a progressed state, the prognosis is poor. If the disease isn’t in a progressive state, the prognosis still isn’t great.
I am in the process of making arrangements to take Gabriel to see a HLH “expert” at the Children’s Hospital in Cincinnati. She will either rule out or confirm this diagnosis. If the disease is confirmed, aggressive chemotherapy and/or steroids will be administered immediately. A bone marrow transplant could follow.
One of the clinical features of this disease is persistent fever which you all know has been one of our biggest mysteries. It’s only been 3 weeks since our last fever and I’m sad to share that he woke up today with another fever.
I’m packing our bags and going to the hospital for evaluation. My guess is he will be admitted again.
I am asking for you to pray like you never have before for the doctors and our family. We are in crisis.
Rebekah
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