China Adoption....Our Journey to Jaden

The things we let a third child get away with....

Grandma & Grandpa were the first to allow this.....I just ran for the camera!

Having fun with the Bundenthals...

Above you see a video of Don, Tammy, Tanya, Tabi, Cayti and Jared singing to Jaden.  I walked in on this and it was so fun watching them and joining in their fun.  This was so spontaneous and fun!  Thank you Bundys!

Meeting the Bundys!

Having a snack as we wait on Mommy & Daddy Bundy.  We missed you Trisha and John!

Getting to know Mommy & Daddy Bundy away from the crowd of people.  It didn't take Jaden long to realize that their arms are a very safe and comfortable place to be.

I never take a picture of this crew that I don't like.  (Well, except when Kevin gets sick of the camera being in his face.  I can't hardly hold that against him!)  How fun to see Jaden sitting with the Four Amigos! (Maybe she's a little tired of the camera too.  Hmmmm....that's something to think about as we head down to visit Dad.)

Thank you for visiting with us friends!  We love you!

Scott, Traci, Kevin, Valerie & Jaden

And the evidence shows.....

Recently it was brought to my attention that "Jaden doesn't look like her referral pictures".  Now, admittedly, she's cuter than her referral pictures gave her credit for but I'd say this little one definitely looks like her referral pictures.  What do you think?

Our youngest cutie pie is 11 months old today!

It sounds as if we have a birthday party to start planning soon.  In addition, in three more days Jaden will have been with us for one full month.  It feels like we've been with her forever.....I mean, has it been that long?!  Funny that both of those feelings can exist at the same time, isn't it? 

We're settling in beautifully.  We still strike a bit of a snag after school as we try to entertain an eleven month old while  helping Valerie & Kevin with homework.  I am remembering now why I thought two parents and two children worked so well.  We'll figure that part out (which means we'll continue to strive for a 3 PM nap for Jaden).  Until then I will smile as I remember how narrow minded I was about growing our family.  Thank you Valerie, Kevin and God for changing our hearts and our thinking. 

We saw Dr. Horvath today and he's making a few minor adjustments.  We think the medication to reduce the acid in her belly is starting to take effect.  She has been more peaceful during sleep these past two days. 

Valerie & Kevin are finding their way as well.  It helps to keep the family at home as much as possible.  Scott & I enjoy time with all of the kids individually and collectively.  Kevin has had more of an adjustment than Valerie has.  He has displayed a lot of stress and we strive daily to meet his needs in the best way that we know how.  We're spending a lot of time with him and offering him opportunities for stress reducing activities.  High on that list is wrestling with his Dad.  That can make a grumpy boy very happy!  Coming in a close second is love time with Mom.  No one can hug like that boy can!

Valerie is in heaven.  She strives to accomplish everything on her to do list so that she can get to her sister.  She has dreamed of this forever and we allow her to care for her sister as much as possible without hurting others feelings.  We're teaching her that Jaden has many people that love her and that others (i.e., Mom, Dad & Kevin) need time with Jaden too.  She's grasping that concept and often asks her brother if he would like to hold Jaden.  We're proud of her.  She's getting there.  We are so grateful that both kids are involved and are eager to do anything possible for their sister.

  Jaden and I leave for my Dad's on Friday.  Neither of the older kids are happy about that.  Kevin doesn't want me to go and Valerie feels there's something really wrong with me taking her sister away for a week.  It was a tough decision but Dad has to have surgery and can't make it up here to meet Jaden as he had planned.  We know how excited he and Dawn have been (not to mention incredibly supportive) for Jaden's arrival.  We want to introduce Jaden to her grandparents as soon as possible.  After all, she's growing every day and she'll be out of this baby stage too soon.  So, she and I will fly down to visit and pray that our older children understand.  I found out that my younger sister will be traveling down as well.  It will be nice for Jaden to spend time with her also. 

There's our update.  We hope that everyone is doing well.  Thank you again for your love and support.

~Traci 

Two Boys And A Girl.....

It can be tough for a guy to find time with his sister. So, we took off for the park...Jaden and her boy friends.  Carson joined Kevin and Jaden at the Tipp park for some fun.

  They were wonderful with her.....

We are so grateful that Jaden has a brother like Kevin.  He's so good with her!

She is one blessed little girl!

Traffic again?!

Please be patient with me.  This makes me laugh.  I said, "There aren't accidents in China.  The traffic is actually pretty controlled.  It's neat how they are 'in the game'."  Yada, yada, yada....

Here is a link to what happened to our friends in China yesterday.  Traci, you're so full of balogna.  It cracks me up!

Here you go, link to accident!

I'll stop about traffic soon!  Very soon.