Our Jadyn Panda

Make-up

2012-02-10T12:48:00.001-08:00

I'm afraid this is what I have to look forward too! She tries to do this everyday! Then she walks around the house thinking she's "all that".

Tax Time

2012-02-02T12:57:00.000-08:00

I was busy working on a family members taxes and stepped away to make Jadyn some lunch, I turned around to see she had taken over for me!

Doesn't she look smart?
Maybe she has already found her career path, except for the part where the calculator became a phone!

Gung Hay Fat Choy- Happy New Year

2012-01-23T16:10:00.001-08:00

dancing dragons

thank you for joining us Auntie!

waiting for dinner!

trying chopsticks!

Chinese kids dancing!

We went to Portland this year for the Chinese New Year celebration, we had a great time. All the children there were adopted. It was so fun to see them all. 2012 is the year of the Dragon!

Snow!

2012-01-23T16:09:00.000-08:00

We had our first snow fall for 2012. I was beginning to wonder if it was going to be a dull winter!
But Ol' Man Frost showed up!

The change a few snips can make!

2012-01-07T17:47:00.000-08:00

our girl has Bangs

We are still getting use to the big change in looks

She looks so much older...

and even more beautiful!

she was sad at first and asked me to put her hair back on, but now she likes it, because her favorite Barbie has bangs too!

A Warm January Day

2012-01-04T14:52:00.000-08:00

She is trying to find our house!

Happy New Year......love Jadyn

2012-01-02T19:04:00.001-08:00

Someone had a Merry Christmas!

2011-12-30T19:18:00.000-08:00

Our house is officially full of Princesses

We hope you had a Merry Christmas as well!

Happy New Year

The magic of Christmas

2011-12-10T22:01:00.001-08:00

What a difference a year makes! Jadyn ran up to Santa and started chatting away.
She informed him he probably shouldn't bring her a big Barbie house because her room is full already. But he could bring lots of Barbies! Santa was laughing so hard. She's so honest, I love it.

Tea For 2

2011-11-28T21:06:00.001-08:00

Last week it snowed here.
Yesterday November 27th. Jadyn had a tea party outside with her BFF while Mom and Dad hung Christmas lights.

Crazy weather!

The tea, it was actually orange juice.

Sleepy Girl

2011-11-23T18:59:00.001-08:00

This is what happens when someone wakes up a little after 6 am

They crash during dinner!

Nutcracker

2011-11-11T13:57:00.001-08:00

Jadyn's class was invited to go to a rehearsal today.

She had no idea what it was all about but was so excited to go. I think her teacher does a great job getting the kids excited about new things.

It was not a disappointment, she loved it. The kids were given a tour of the costume room as well.

Look who volunteered to try on the Nutcracker head! All she said was "it's so heavy"

Looks like Jadyn and I will be going to the Nutcracker performance this year!

Our new family member

2011-11-05T09:25:00.001-07:00

Meet Randall.

He is a Chinese Water Dragon and a gift for Jeron's birthday.

Jeron fell in love with him at the pet store.

It took me a while to accept the idea of a lizard in our house, but he's cute and we all really enjoy him.

A perfect check-up

2011-11-03T14:57:00.001-07:00

Where did those tummy rolls come from?.
Her 6 month heart check-up went perfect.
Oxygen saturation at 97%. Doesn't get much better than that!

This update was done via my iPhone, pictures and all.

Happy Halloween

2011-11-01T11:54:00.001-07:00

Princess Belle

We had a fun Halloween. Jadyn got to wear her costume to pre-school and to a seniors center for a Halloween parade.
It was fun to see the Seniors so happy. The kids brought total joy to them.

In the evening we were off trick or treating, this girl loves it. She was out for over 2 hours, thanks to Garrison and some friends for round 2.

We also celebrated Jeron's 10th birthday!
I was informed today that Jadyn would like to be a kitty next year.

Pumpkin Patch

2011-10-18T15:12:00.000-07:00

Her long awaited field trip with her class!

"Ouch it's poking my hand"

The animal barn was a big hit.

Stinky piglets

Santa's reindeer was even there!

The hay ride was her favorite part

The hay maze was not her favorite, can you tell?

She was afraid she was going to get lost, even though I could see her.

This year Jadyn has chosen to be Belle from Beauty and The Beast movie.
Stay tuned!

It's official.....

2011-10-05T09:13:00.000-07:00

Our finger sucker has kicked the habit!

Anytime she was relaxing, sleeping or scared the fingers would go into her mouth

We allowed her to do it whenever she wanted the first year she was home, we knew it was her source of comfort.

With a new family and 2 heart surgeries in 11 months, she needed it.

Even in Disneyland!

A few months ago, we started limiting her to bed time or long car rides. Sleeping in the same room as her on trips was miserable. She sucked on 2 fingers so there was not a good seal around them, they would squeak all night long!!

I remember the first night we had her in China, she was in a crib next to our bed. I woke to this weird noise, I could not figure out what it was. I turned on my cell phone light and held it over her crib, it was her sucking her fingers!

Jadyn has broke herself. She has told me every morning for the last week "Mommy I didn't suck my fingers last night because I'm a big girl now"

We are happy for her that she feels so secure she doesn't need to comfort herself.
Also we don't have to listen to the squeak!

My girl loves Pre-school!

2011-09-16T10:56:00.001-07:00

First day of Pre-School

2011-09-09T12:49:00.001-07:00

She had so much fun!

3 days a week with 2 1/2 hours to myself! What will I ever do?

Bug Lover

2011-09-01T14:37:00.001-07:00

On the hunt for Rollie-Pollies

she enjoys looking for them everyday

sorry little bug, your life is now in the hands of Jadyn, who has been know to ~~pinch~~ pick you up a little too tight.

Fashion

2011-08-07T11:31:00.000-07:00

at least she matches!

2 years ago today.......

2011-08-03T10:26:00.000-07:00

Our beautiful daughter, Yang Jun Qi was placed in our arms by the loving staff of

the Yangzhou orphanage.

August 3, 2009

The lady holding her is the orphanage Doctor, she did everything in her power to get Jadyn medical attention in China. It was her efforts that got Jadyn put on the international adoption list, where we found her.

Jadyn has many fond memories of this lady, whom she calls Dai. We plan to return to China to see Dai when Jadyn is a little older.

She has loved her Daddy from the moment she met him.

What a change 2 years has made in this little girl.

Happy "Family Day" Anniversary Princess!

August 3, 2011

Boat Race Weekend

2011-08-01T08:22:00.000-07:00

We enjoyed the weekend at the River watching the local Water Follies. The boats are super fast and loud. We were on the River and kept at a distance, but still had a great view.

The above picture was not taken by me or my iPhone!

Jadyn & Ava having a great time floating

Jadyn cooling off

We won't go far!

Re-Adoption Day!

2011-07-15T10:04:00.000-07:00

Today was the long awaited day we entered a US court room to complete Jadyn's re-adoption. We haven't been in a big hurry to do this as we were pretty burnt out on paperwork since coming home from China.

it was early morning and the sun was rising, not a good time for a picture!

The process today was needed to get Jadyn issued a US birth Certificate, it will show her as being born in Jiangsu China, but show Ames & I as her parents. She will need this once she enters school.

We are pretty happy as we represented ourselves in court, saving close to a thousand dollars in attorney fee's. On that note, if you are needing to re-adopted in the US, let me know. It's pretty easy once you have the correct forms.

We had a female Judge and she was happy to interact with Jadyn, of course Jadyn loved it and even raised her right hand while we were being sworn in!
The Judge gave Jadyn a teddy bear at the end of the process.

It was fast and painless, we are happy to have it done. We now await her birth certificate to come in the mail.

Ames and I are leaving for Maui tomorrow to celebrate our anniversary, that's what were calling this trip anyway. Thank you Auntie Kim & cousin for taking care of our kids!

Tomorrow also marks the one year anniversary of Jadyn's second and final heart surgery! It's crazy how fast times flies!

July 16, 2010

Although Jadyn became a United States citizen almost 2 years ago, she will now have a birth certificate to prove it.

It's crazy how this process works as she already has a US passport and Social security number.

Wishing you a Fun, Safe and.......

2011-07-01T19:11:00.000-07:00

Happy

4th.

of

July!!

We love Summer

2011-06-22T11:25:00.000-07:00

Roasting hot dogs and S'mores in your back yard with your best friend = Summer!

Mom finally blows up the pool and lets you wear your new swimsuit that you have asked more than a 100 times to wear = Summer!

yes I know, she's a Diva!

Our Girl

2011-06-10T09:19:00.000-07:00

If you are here visiting from Kelly's Korner Blog, Thank you!

I linked my blog to her special needs families entry, and wanted to give you an easy to read version of our daughters SN.

We adopted Jadyn from Jaingsu China in August 2009. She was 2 yrs. 4 months old and weighed a tiny 21 pounds.

Jadyn was born with Transposition of the Great Arteries, a large VSD and Pulmonary Stenosis. We consulted with 2 pediatric cardiologist's and was told she would need 2 open heart surgeries to correct the defect. Also that she would have a single ventricle her entire life.

She had open heart surgery 1 month to the day after we brought her home from China. She was in the hospital for a short 72 hours.

She went in the hospital with oxygen saturation's at 77%, she was blue and had very little energy. She came out of surgery pink and with her oxygen sats. around 84%. She had so much more energy.

She would need one more surgery once she hit 32-34 pounds, that was 11 months later.

Jadyn had her final corrective surgery in July of 2010, this surgery put her oxygen saturation's at 96-99% made her as pink as you and I and gave her the energy of any other 3 yr old.

She was in the hospital for 8 days.

It has been almost a year now since her last surgery, she is doing great.

She visits the cardiologist every 6 months for a check up and takes a baby aspirin daily. She also takes a low dose of high blood pressure medication, not because she has high blood pressure but because they want her BP very low, it's less work for her heart that way.

She has no restrictions, but she is still a Single Ventricle child.

Checking into the hospital for her first surgery

Jadyn today

I am more than happy to answer any questions you may have on our experience with a SN heart child.

Falls

2011-06-02T15:38:00.000-07:00

We took a day trip last weekend, just to get out of town for a while.

I love waterfalls and have been anxious to see Snowqualime Falls for a long time now.

The hiking trail is closed until 2013, but they have a great viewing area.

The pictures don't show just how big it is. It was beautiful.

To make the trip even better we stopped at the outlet Mall on the way.

It was a fun day!

Jadyn loved seeing the "big water"

4 going on 16

2011-05-25T17:10:00.000-07:00

Jadyn got a play make-up kit for her birthday, it's one of those little junkie things she picked out with the tickets she won playing games at Chuck E Chee$e.

She loves it.

I have been known to hide it from her from time to time.

Because......

I find her in the bathroom like this.

Blue is her eye color of choice.

I think next Halloween she should be a character from the movie Avatar. Except that, her lip choice is purple and lots of it!!

It's a lot of work getting this all off her face.

I'm a little worried for what I have to look forward to, in say, 12 years!

she will walk out of the bathroom and ask her brothers "Do I look beautiful?" you can only imagine their response! Garrison has been seen following her around with a rag, telling her "you have too much on" it's pretty funny.

Bubbles!

2011-05-19T08:39:00.001-07:00

Jadyn's favorite bubble pipe

Yes, she's aiming for me!

There they go!!

She's not so impressed with this one, the bubbles were too small

"wow, those are big Mom"

The bubbles got even better when big brother got home from school

Because chasing them is just as fun!

Oregon Coast

2011-05-12T09:31:00.000-07:00

We had a great time at the beach, it's been so long since we have stayed in a hotel there. It was a fun Mothers day weekend.

Jadyn & Jeron love the beach

Playing on the beach

Swimming in the hotel pool!

Walking down the Historic Bay front to go see these guys.....

Sea Lions.

Something I learned about my husband this weekend, he can bark just like a California Sea Lion. So well in fact, that they actually lift their lazy heads and looked up at him.
The kids were pretty impressed with their Dad!

2 years ago today....

2011-05-09T08:45:00.000-07:00

We saw a picture of our daughter for the very first time!
This picture will forever be special to me.
I studied it for hours, noticing the old bent up crib she called her bed, her long fingers that wrapped the rails, the sweet little smirk on her face. The split pants that showed her diaper.

I can't believe it's already been 2 years

Catch-up!

2011-04-30T17:15:00.000-07:00

We have had a very busy couple of weeks. I'll try and catch up my blog with one post!

Jadyn loved Easter this year, we spent it in Portland with her new Niece and Nephew.

Please meet- BraeLynn & Zander, born 4-19-11

This is our Beautiful Granddaughter, BraeLynn or as Jadyn calls her "the girl one"

The Easter Bunny came to visit and he knew just what Jadyn would love!

Her beloved Tangled doll!

She will be enjoying Easter candy for a long time. (thanks Popa & Grandma)

Jadyn also had her 6 month cardiologist check-up.

We are happy to report her heart looks GREAT!

She's made such strides since her original heart tests and surgery, she no longer fears Doctors and is a little ham the entire time we are there!

I, on the other hand am tired of Doctor's visits!
Between going to the hospital where my daughter gave birth, Jadyn's cardio appt. and a trip to the ER with G for "another" hockey injury and the follow-up appt's. for him. (I am happy to report it's a mild case of whiplash/sprained neck with numbness to hands and feet. He's sore but fine!) As of now his 11 years of playing hockey are over according to him.

I was pretty impressed, they did a cat-scan through his gear, nothing was cut off!
We will try and stay out of Medical buildings for a while!

Next weekend were heading to the Oregon Coast for my birthday and Mothers day! We are all pretty excited, it's been a long time since we were there!

More signs of Spring!

2011-04-14T09:19:00.001-07:00

Pretty purple tulips and my pretty girl

Jadyn & Quinten taking a little break from shopping!

Spring Break

2011-04-07T15:22:00.000-07:00

It's Spring Break here, and by the looks of the weather we have had all week, you would never know it. The kids are ~~driving me crazy~~ board indoors. Today was the first nice day, so we ventured out to see the ducks and throw rocks in the river. My kids come alive at the river, they just love it.

Can you tell this was her favorite spot? Balancing is fun, I guess.

Happy Spring, we wish you would come to stay!!

No Nap Mommy

2011-03-24T16:51:00.000-07:00

This little girl begs me not put her down for a nap anymore. She informs me "I'm big now, I don't cry" so I have been letting her stay up.

No nap today, until she fell asleep sitting up on the couch watching Cloudy with a chance of Meatballs cartoon at dinner time!!. In my opinion, she still needs a nap most days

Have a good one sweetie!

China Town?

2011-03-22T09:31:00.001-07:00

Jadyn has taken an interest in the big tub of Lego's we have lately.

She usually builds a tall tower, one block of the same size stacked about 25 high.

But today she made a "house"

She called for me to come see.
My first thought was that looks alot like the buildings we saw while in China.
It must come natural!

I love your house Jadyn!

Happy 4th Birthday Princess!

2011-03-12T17:03:00.001-08:00

On our way to her Princess Party.

we started the party off with some cheese pizza!

Meet Princess Jadyn & Princess Maylynn

After much pushing to eat just one more bite of pizza, the girls were off to pick out the Princess gown that was just right. Each of the 4 girls picked one very quickly.

They looked beautiful!

Princess Ava!

Princess Aleah!

Soon they were off to get their hair done.

Polish time!

Jadyn chose purple and yellow polish with glitter on top

she had such a good time

Next they were off to make-up

The long awaited song.........

Happy Birthday big girl!

Her dream come true

she said "I'm a real Princess Mommy"

yes you are sweetie!

Smile

2011-03-10T14:06:00.000-08:00

Jadyn asked me to take her picture today

but as you can tell, she lost interest

rather fast

Until I asked her "how old are you going to be in 3 days?"

she quickly reminded me, "you already know how many Mom"

"I'm going to be 4!"

Tomorrow is her party, it happens to be planned for the same evening that we have Jeron's school conference and Garrison's first hockey game in the State tournament.

It will be a ~~busy~~ fun evening!

Today happens to be the 3rd of the Month.....

2011-03-03T09:02:00.001-08:00

It's a special day to me each month, as I count back in my head exactly how many months ago we met Jadyn. Today marks 19 months!

I have been working on a book for her, compiling all of her baby pictures in a keepsake. I love to look at these pictures. She was just so adorable and they make me so thankful that she has a family and no longer lives in the orphanage. I know she was loved there, but not like she is loved now!

she is aprox. 10 months old here.

The photo below was taken with the camera we sent to her in a care package, just a couple weeks before we met her.

she was so tiny!

another one of my favorites, she is looking at the photo album we sent her.

Notice all the bracelets she has on? one of them was on her ankle when we got her.
I have put it away for when she is older.

Sweet baby, she still loves her snacks!

Birthday countdown!

2011-02-25T11:24:00.000-08:00

Jadyn and I have been planning her party, she is so excited she can hardly stand it. Everyday, several times a day she asks "Is tomorrow my birthday", this may teach me a lesson to not say anything in the future until it's much closer. But then it would cut down on her excitement, so I'm sure nothing will change next year!

She wants a Princess party this year. I booked her party at a children's salon, we chose the Royal princess party. They do dress up time, glitter polish manicures and Princess up-do's.

Just her thing!

We went shopping yesterday and got a few party favors to send home with her little friends. She spotted this crown, I think she will wear it until her party!

She even has a birthday gift list that she shared with Daddy & I, it hasn't changed in days. We will be shopping for an Olivia doll, a Tinkerbell dress with shoes and Tinkerbell toys.

How does one become American-ized so quickly?

also.....

Thank you Auntie for the paper dolls, I love them!

2011-02-10T13:31:00.000-08:00

A friend of mine sent me a link to a web site for early reading.
It starts with kindergarten level 1. Jadyn loves to learn so I thought I would try it with her, it's only been a couple days and she is already on level 2.
It's so fun to watch her learn. She's having as much fun learning as I am teaching her!

Chinese New Year Celebration

2011-02-07T08:56:00.001-08:00

Ready to go

Her all time favorite food, Noodles!

Jadyn had a great time playing with her friends

新年快乐 Gung Hay Fat Choy

2011-02-03T12:10:00.000-08:00

Year of the Rabbit starts on 2/3/2011)

Chinese New Year
By the Chinese calendar
2011 is the year of the Rabbit,
which is also known by its formal name of Xin Mao.

Jadyn was in no mood for a picture today, even in her pretty Chinese coat.

We are going to a local Chinese New Year celebration tomorrow evening so I'll try then.

Ballet Class

2011-02-02T14:24:00.000-08:00

Jadyn started class at a new dance studio today. She had a great time. The class is for 3 year olds only, they were all so cute. She was happy and so was Mom, as I could stand and watch the entire class through glass.

Stretching

Maybe it should be one way glass!

They all got a Princess wand and ran around dancing.

this was her favorite part.

18 months home!

2011-02-01T13:27:00.000-08:00

I can hardly believe it's already been 18 months, where does time go?
Our girl has gone from a tiny, skinny, sick little girl to this!

I would have to describe her as:

Beautiful

Smart, she loves to learn

silly, she loves to laugh and make you laugh

affectionate, always ready to give and get a hug and kiss

Great at entertaining herself. Introducing Barbie and Mulan

I can't leave out, Healthy!!

We love you so much Jadyn.

House Call

2011-01-25T10:50:00.000-08:00

Our big Lab is getting old. He's over 10 now and slowing down fast. He spent a night at a cage-less boarding facility over the weekend and it takes him a few days to recuperate.
His hips just are not up to running and playing like they use to be.

Jadyn saw me give Lucas some medicine this morning and she quickly went and got her Doctor kit to help make him feel better.

~~Heart~~ Head sounds good!

looking a little nervous about the shot

but he did a great job and just laid there.

what a great patient you are Lucas

yes, she's gone now, back to sunning myself.

2011-01-17T13:35:00.000-08:00

These pictures you're about to see are Jadyn's idea.
She wanted you to see her "house" and her donkey. We got this donkey while we were in China.

She could not ride him then, she just didn't have the strength or the oxygen level that would allow any rapid movement of her legs.

Fast forward 17 months, she jumps on this guy all over the house. Which really brings me to the subject of this update.

6 months ago yesterday, Jadyn had her 2nd open heart surgery. She was put on a medication called coumadin, it's a blood thinner. This medication really scared me. I did a lot of research on it...which I really should not do because that usually makes it worse. Her cardiologist didn't give us an option, she needed to be on this medicine for 6 months.

Along with being on this medication came blood tests, usually every week while they tried to maintain a balanced level in her system. That balanced level was just achieved in December, so needless to say she was poked alot. She became very brave and would tell anyone she saw in the Doctors office that she wasn't going to cry today.

Along with me giving her gum after a poke, and the Doctor giving her a Princess sticker and band aid, it made it all worth it in her eyes. Whatever works!

I'm happy to say, yesterday was the last day our girl will take coumadin.
No more crushing pills and mixing them in cherry medical syrup
No more blood tests
No more giant bruises on her legs from bumping herself
No more watching what fresh veggies we feed her
No more coumadin clinic!

We are so happy about that!

Can't forget the "house" pictures.

This is our great find from one of my favorite stores after Christmas sale $3.00
She loves it!

Memorable Moments of 2010

2011-01-06T14:43:00.001-08:00

Seeing her master the stairs for the first time, she was so proud of herself.

Meeting Grandpa for the first time with a big hug

Learning how to show attitude. She is always in such a happy mood, moments like this are camera worthy!

Watching her enjoy everyday of her Make a Wish gift in Maui. I think she will always remember this trip.

Having her final heart surgery. We just dreaded this time and it could not have gone any better. Her heart surgery was text book perfect and it shows!

Walking out of the hospital 8 days after heart surgery a healthy 3 yr old.

Being in the river for the first time. She just loves it.

Her 3rd. birthday, she still talks about it weekly

A daily thing last summer, running in the sprinkler

1st Dance Recital

2011-01-05T09:55:00.000-08:00

This performance was at a Retirement home, the seniors really enjoyed watching the girls dance for them.

They performed twice. Jadyn was a little star stuck, but looked so cute up there.

In the lobby waiting for her group to dance

Merry Christmas

2010-12-27T18:15:00.000-08:00

Jadyn had a awesome Christmas, she enjoyed her gifts and was ready to open again and again.
Because our family lives out of town we had more than one Christmas celebration.

Christmas morning

Thank you Santa

This is what all that hard work is about!

Checking out her new toys.

We hope you and your family had a wonderful Christmas.

Christmas pictures

Jadyn showing the photographer some ballet moves.

Santa take II

2010-12-16T14:32:00.001-08:00

Take II

She has been sooo excited to go see Santa. As soon as we got there and she saw him she ran over to the area. We walked into the fenced off area where he sits and it all changed!

She no longer wanted anything to do with him. I could not talk her into it or bribe her (yes, that sometimes works) even Santa's helpers tried. She agreed to stand by him but nothing more.

They took her picture, We paid and left. As we walked around the mall she suddenly said "I'm ready to sit on Santa's lap now". I said "are you sure?" she was, so we walked back and sure enough, she climb right up there and even gave him a hug.

Santa was so happy she came back, he got up and came over to tell me she made his day by returning.

I think she was disappointed in herself for not sitting with him. I'm so proud of her.

Take I
What you don't see, because Santa's helper cut it out, is me holding her left hand.

Take II is such a happier picture!

Play date

2010-12-16T08:24:00.000-08:00

Jadyn and her good friend Aleah had a play date yesterday at Aleah's house. We met them last summer at Jeron's Martial Arts class. They live an hours drive away so we don't see them as often as I would like.

It's funny what little 3 yr olds notice, Jadyn noticed Aleah's Asian eyes the day they met. They formed a great friendship that day and so did their Mom's!

She even got Jadyn to eat an orange

Jadyn's not a fruit lover. But if your friend says there good, they must be!

pizza face

Road Trip to.......

2010-12-13T15:24:00.000-08:00

Canada. We crossed another boarder, passports in hand for a long weekend of hockey.

Some firsts for Jadyn.....

wearing snow bibs inside of a restaurant

enjoying her first Starbucks (hot choc. with a pump of vanilla)

Not caring at all what the road conditions were like.

We had a great time visiting Canada and watching G play hockey, but so happy to be back in the USA.
Where Mom's cell phone works for more than just taking pictures!

We're Back!

2010-12-08T16:01:00.000-08:00

Sorry for the long delay in posting.
Jadyn had walking pneumonia, she was pretty sick for about 8 days. We had a good case of cabin fever by the time she was well enough to go out. She had a cough that was so ugly I would not take her anyplace. I would have ran the other way if she wasn't my kid!. Some strong antibiotics and breathing treatments helped a lot.

I still think she gets sicker than the average kid, not sure if it's because she was in a orphanage for 2 years and not around too many germs or if it's that her immune system is still weak from heart surgery.

She's well now and that's a good thing because her and Mom have lots of Christmas shopping and Santa Clause visiting to do!

Going shopping!

Fall Snow

2010-11-23T16:02:00.000-08:00

Day 3 of 20 degrees and below, I'm already tired of it and it's not even officially Winter.
Jadyn loves the snow, but only wants to play out in it for a few minutes at a time.
She's like her Mom, she hates to be cold.

A snowball fight with your brother is fun!

These pictures were taken yesterday, we have 2 times this amount of snow now.

First snow of 2010

First snow of 2009

Cuteness

2010-11-16T12:54:00.001-08:00

Sit and smile, thanks to a box of Nerd candy

Open Wide!

2010-11-12T18:02:00.000-08:00

Jadyn had her first dental check-up yesterday. She is one of the bravest kids I have ever met, you would think with all she has been through medically the last 15 months she would be terrified.

She's not, she wants to know what is going to happen and I have to stay close, but she was happy to let the Dentist count her teeth.
I'm sure this Hippo with the enormous chompers helped calm her down.

I'm happy to report no dental worries at all!
Once she is 6 months post surgery we can think about a cleaning appointment for those pearly whites.

2010-11-10T16:17:00.000-08:00

We had some family pictures taken last week, here is a sneak peek......

Don't worry, she took more than just our backsides!

I can't wait to see all of them!

Happy Halloween

2010-11-01T09:54:00.000-07:00

From Princess Mulan!

She waited for this day for a long time. Everyday she asked "Is it time to be Mulan?"

She didn't enjoy cleaning out her pumpkin, so that became Daddy's job

Good job Dad

Halloween is at the top of her favorite Holiday list now. I'm sure it will change again when it's time for Christmas.

3 month post-op check up

2010-10-21T09:23:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was filled with doctor appointments. In the morning Jadyn had a blood test to check her coumadin level. Coumadin is a medication that she will be on for 6 months, it's job is to thin her blood while her heart heals from surgery.

She has her finger poked every week to check the levels. We have had a hard time keeping her in the therapeutic level, the the amount we give her has been increased for the second time now.

Jadyn prides herself on not crying, the last 2 weeks she hasn't made a peep! The nurse and I are so proud of her. She is sure to tell everyone there that she didn't cry. She walks out of there with a sticker and her favorite treat, a piece of gum.

Daddy left work and met us for lunch, then we all headed to see her cardiologist.

The only thing they decided to do was a chest x-ray.

Her oxygen saturation is a whopping 99% .

The Doctor could not be more pleased with her.

Will will return to see him next spring.

The Great Pumpkin Patch

2010-10-17T15:12:00.000-07:00

We once again paid the price to enter the pumpkin patch, our 2 younger kids love it so it's worth the price!

On our way to climb the hay bale mountains

just pretending!

Look how I've grown

We got lost in a corn maze!

After about 10 minutes Jeron decided to let Dad lead us to safety.

waiting to jump out and scare Daddy & Jeron

Jadyn tried to pack this one back, but decided on a much smaller one.

The Princess and The Praying Mantis

2010-10-13T14:36:00.001-07:00

Look what Jadyn found while we were doing yard work

She wanted to hold him...

as long as she had on her ~~winter~~ yard gloves

This would give me the creeps, but Jadyn thought it was funny.

I'm trying to toughen her up a little, this is a step in the right direction.

Ready to go again

2010-10-03T18:59:00.000-07:00

This is what happens when your big brother has 5 hockey games in one weekend!

The first thing she said when she woke up was "do we get to go to more hockey now?"

I was happy to say "NO" we have been to 5 games and we get to stay home now.

It's early Sunday evening and we will finish up our weekend doing what she just did. Relaxing on the couch!

Fry lovin Geese

2010-09-30T13:57:00.000-07:00

I took Jadyn to feed the ducks today, instead we were bombarded by Geese and Seagulls. I'm pretty sure these Geese are very well fed by the amount of landmines in the grass.

Jadyn is a bird lover and was so excited when we pulled in.

She's not the only one who likes McD0nalds fries.

She had a great time sharing her bag of fries with several of these big guys until one mistook her finger for a fry and then she was done!
He didn't leave a mark but it scared her to the point she was mad and had enough of the birds.

It was time to go play

What have we been doing?

2010-09-19T20:40:00.000-07:00

I don't know where to start....

First of all, My brother Jeron does Martial Arts 5 days a week.

I've got several of the moves down from watching him. Mom said I should stop doing Martial Arts while I'm at my dance class.

Then there's him, #7, my other brother. He plays Ice Hockey and has us traveling out of town on the weekends. But I like to yell "he scores" and stay in hotels so I don't mind.

and finally there's me, I really love my dance class. These are my new tap shoes, I learned real fast not to run on our tile floor with them on!

We stay so busy Mom doesn't know how we manage to fit it all in.

But we do, even if I have to nap in the car.

Those long weekend's of hockey can really wear a girl out, not to mention I run all over the place now that my heart is fixed..

ps. I figured out how to keep my toy bag from falling off my lap all on my own!

We love Summer

2010-09-07T07:42:00.000-07:00

and lazy days at the river

Best friends

and long weekends

Ballet Class

2010-08-31T10:34:00.000-07:00

Update: We arrived at dance class last night to a room filled with 6 other little girls dressed in their pretty pink tutu's. Jadyn was in awe, and couldn't wait for me to put her ballet slippers on.

Soon the dance teacher came out and introduced herself to the girls and ask them to follow her to the dance room. Parents were not invited, yes, that's right, I had to sit in a waiting room with no windows to peek at my girl through. I was devastated. All the other Mothers said "oh you'll get use to it, they never allow you back there" I'm thinking "What? no one told me this, how will Jadyn do just being taken away like that?". 45 minutes later, they came strolling back, Jadyn was crying. I kept asking what was wrong, thinking she had a miserable time.

She was crying because the class was over and she didn't want to leave! That's my independent girl! She had to show us all the foot moves she learned once we got home. Next Tuesday can't come soon enough for her.

Her first Ballet/tap class is tonight, but because we now have 3 kids in nightly activities, I would not have time for pictures then. So here is an early peek. Plus, One Auntie can't wait any longer to see her in her tutu. I will take more pictures during her first class!

Jadyn can hardly stand the wait! (Ok, I can't either)

One of my softbox lights was out so these are a little dark.

Stay Tuned

2010-08-30T10:02:00.001-07:00

One little girl is pretty excited to start this tomorrow!

Summer Fun

2010-08-27T11:30:00.000-07:00

The kids and I spent a good part of the week in Portland. We had a great time visiting places we don't see often since we moved away 5 years ago.

Like the playground at Washington park

(I had a hard time letting her sit in this filthy swing)

and the Oregon Coast

on our way....

How long can you dig in the sand with a sucker in your hand?

Not very long!

How much sand can my Grandson put in his mouth?
Several handfuls!

We had a great time, it's not often that you get 80 degree weather at the coast.

2010-08-16T21:31:00.000-07:00

It doesn't take much to thrill this girl

a new bike helmet

she could hardly stand it, but we had to wait until it cooled off outdoors

still 90 degrees at 7 pm

No way that helmet was coming off

No matter how hot she was

It's like the big kids have and that's a big deal to her.

Checking out a bug. No comment, she'll "get it" someday!

Jadyn is running and playing, you would never know she had open heart surgery one month ago today.
She is keeping up with her playmates and having a great time. She has gained back the 3 pounds she lost. We are thrilled to see her continue to blossom and enjoy doing stuff she wasn't able to do before surgery.

Random smiles

2010-08-11T20:09:00.000-07:00

She tries so hard to give me that sweet smile (when she feels like it, I should add) I took these outside today, and while she was very willing to smile, they are pretty fake looking
But beautiful none the less!!

Doesn't she look like a little school girl?

this one is a true smile!

and so is this one, as she sang and clapped a song

The little white chair she is sitting in was my Grandmothers, Jadyn loves it.

Jeron received his third stripe on his gold belt today in his Tae Kwondo class, Jadyn and I were very excited for him. She has learned several of the moves from watching his class.

She is not one bit shy to perform them in the lobby for all to see. The self confidence this little girl has makes me so proud to be her Mommy! Not to mention how cute she looks when the black belt students are taking her picture with their cell phones as she doing her routine. I have to remind myself, 12 months ago she was in a orphanage. One would never know.

Water filled weekend

2010-08-09T09:30:00.000-07:00

A weekend home to just relax, we haven't had one of them in a long time.

Jadyn spent most of her day in her pool. We also had a fun time at her best friend's birthday party.

Trying out the huge water slide with Daddy

this is hard work!

It ended up taking a big brother to crack it open

Jadyn had a fun weekend, she feels great and did fine keeping up with the other 3 yr olds at the party.

2010-08-05T08:46:00.000-07:00

One year home photo!

Jadyn had a follow up appointment yesterday with her cardiologist. He told me "I couldn't be more pleased, she looks wonderful".

He stopped one of her meds and cut back another one to half the dose. She was on 2 types of lasix, a medication that prevents fluid retention around her heart. It's necessary after heart surgery. Jadyn hasn't been out of breath once since her surgery, even when she runs. Her oxygen saturation's are 97-98, just where every other child's are.

She does not have to go back to the doctor for 3 months!

ONE year home!

2010-08-03T08:17:00.000-07:00

Happy Anniversary Princess, you have made our family complete!

12 months= 2 heart surgeries, 11 pounds heavier, 3 inches taller, 6 inches of hair, an English vocabulary well above an average 3yr old, I could go on and on, but the pictures tell her story.

If you are reading this blog and contemplating adoption, just look what a family and lots of love can do for an orphan.

This year has flown by, I just can't believe a year ago today, we met this little girl.
The one year mark also means , we are done with adoption paperwork, no more post placement reports to China, no more adoption agency! We have been doing adoption paperwork since December 25, 2005.

I should add that we are going to do a re-adoption through our court system here, so we can obtain a birth certificate for Jadyn. We are hiring a lawyer to do the paperwork!

Day by day........

2010-07-26T21:20:00.001-07:00

Jadyn is getting stronger.

I took her outside tonight for the first time since her surgery

She was happy be be outdoors and looking for "bug houses"

None on this rock

or this one (check out those pink nails)

so we moved onto something else she loves, smelling flowers

and playing with the hose

helping Mommy water all the plants with her bucket.

Jadyn is very happy to be home from the hospital, she has been attached to my side. I can tell she is sore and gets tired pretty fast. We have been reading lots of books and watching ~~some~~ lots of Elmo video's. It's been 100 degrees, so outside is not an option even if she felt like it.

Jadyn's surgery and recovery was text book perfect. Her little heart wanted to be corrected, she is a true fighter and we are so proud of her.

I haven't been able to personally write and thank each one of you for your prayers and messages. They mean a lot!

.......................................................................................................................................................

Next week is our one year anniversary of Jadyn joining our family. I can hardly believe it's already been a year. I guess I better get started on a "then and now" post, as our girl has done some changing!

Home Sweet Home

2010-07-25T13:12:00.000-07:00

Jadyn was discharged about 3 pm Saturday. We got her prescriptions filled, the car filled and headed for home.

Jadyn feels good, I can tell she is still a little weak, she walks slow and sits and looks at her books rather than running around.
She'll get there, it's only been 9 days. Most kids are hospitalized for 14 days after this surgery, she was in for 8.

Happy to be going home

Going home tomorrow

2010-07-23T17:09:00.000-07:00

Day 7 post op and day 10 here in Spokane. I'm so glad Jadyn is doing well, we are both ready to go home!

I took my sister to the airport early this morning, Thank you Auntie for staying with us.

When I got to the hospital and walked into Jadyn's room this is what I saw.

My adorable little girl, eating breakfast alone. She was eating Cheerios with chocolate milk on top and cold sausage that felt like wood.
This broke my heart, my kids are never left to eat alone, especially at 3 years old. She didn't seem to mind the chocolate milk over cheerios, just in case you're wondering!

Jadyn has had a great day, we went to the playroom twice already and she has played with toys in her room.

She needs to have an x-ray tomorrow morning to make sure there is no fluid around her lungs, if all looks good, we can head for home. Fingers crossed.

Good bye PICU

2010-07-22T19:40:00.000-07:00

beep, beep

As soon as I went to take this picture the large doors, way back there opened. In walked the doctor. The doctor that we thank every time we see. The doctor who reviewed her medical records for us when she was in China. The doctor who told us her heart could be repaired.

The doctor who calls her Boo. The doctor who tells me "she is why I do this job" The doctor we adore. Jadyn's cardiologist!

Our girl made huge progress today.

She got her last chest tube removed and we were moved to a semi-private room. A big room, with a couch!

Her cardiologist told her if she continues to do this well, she can go home on Saturday.

Mommy is ready, this is our 9th day here and I miss home.

Jadyn is feeling so good today, as I type this she is laying in bed eating some baked potato chips with Auntie. She hasn't needed any Tylenol today and seems to have no pain.

We took Jadyn for a walk in the hallway, she made it pretty far before asking to be picked up.

It is amazing how fast little kids bounce back after a major surgery.

She is her happy, silly self today.

We have had a great day!

2010-07-21T16:05:00.000-07:00

Dear Doctor, When can I go home? love, Jadyn

I have had a good day, this is my after dinner treat!

I miss you Daddy, Garrison & Jeron!

5 days post op.

Jadyn took her medicine last night and this morning without any problems. We had a new nurse who had the great idea of crushing her medicine and putting it in a cherry flavored syrup. It looks and tastes like baby Tylenol, which she likes.

Plus, the girl is eating!! She ate a bowl of cheerios for breakfast, a bowl of soup, peanut butter sandwich and milk for lunch.

She got another chest tube removed this morning, we're down to one!
We have made huge strides today and I couldn't be happier.

I haven't taken pictures yet today. I'll post some later, we are planning on going for another walk when she wakes up.

Where's my Angel?

2010-07-20T18:23:00.000-07:00

my new baby, her preemie bottle and diapers

Ohh boy, have I seen a new side of my girl these last 2 days. You know that big IV I told you that was removed from her neck yesterday morning. Well that's where all her medication was being pushed through.

Now were having to push it through her mouth. Or should I say we are trying. They have her on iron, lasix (something like a water pill), electrolytes, and Tylenol. That is given morning, noon and night. Added up, that is 12 syringes per day, and Jadyn fights it like a wild cat. She is also on a baby aspirin a day, which she use to love, but not any more!

She has the most patient nurse today, (thank you, Ms. Jackie) she has tried everything she can think of to hide it, disguise it, crush it, fool her, and bribe her. NOTHINGISWORKING! Jadyn is so leery of us now, that she won't even eat ice cream. The Doc is talking about a feeding tube tomorrow. She is just not eating enough to do herself any good.

Our days here are adding up, she is still in the PICU, her chest tubes are still busy draining. We were well informed of the likely hood that she would retain fluid in her chest for a week or so. I was just really hoping she would do as well as she did with her Glenn surgery, 72 hours and we were home.

Medically, she is doing great. Her heart, pressures and valves are in excellent condition, the Docs couldn't be more pleased.

My sister has been a life saver, sitting in this small room with me hour after hour. We did go for a long wagon ride today, enjoying different areas of the hospital.

Another day in the PICU

2010-07-19T14:51:00.000-07:00

The service is good, she gets Popsicles handed to her with a wash rag wrapped around the stick so her hand stays warm and dry!

Jadyn and I are watching a Barbie video, the PICU is very quiet today. That's always a good thing. I was hoping she would get transferred to a regular room today, but her chest tubes are still putting out enough that she needs to stay where she is. Maybe tomorrow

She did get the central IV line removed from her neck, big step. She still has a small line in her foot that they will give her pain meds through.

Jadyn has been put her back on oxygen because it aids in healing. Lets just say, she did not agree with this decision, but the Doctor won. He apologised to her by letting her take another wagon ride.

Yesterday afternoon we got a surprise visit from my good friend Sarah, her boys and Garrison. Not sure if he missed his Mom or wanted to see his little sister. I'm going to say it was both!

15 year olds can be sweet and tender.

This is how it is when your big bro is around!

Grouchy Girl

2010-07-18T15:03:00.000-07:00

Ohh man, this little girl can get mad! I don't blame her, I probably would be too in her situation. She is really mad at me for some reason and wont even let me kiss her. I kissed her hand and she whipped it off. : )

I asked her if she wanted Mommy to go and she said "no" so I can stay, I just can't love on her.

She took a small step back today, her chest tubes are putting out alot more fluid than they have been. The Doc's say it is totally normal but they want to keep a close eye on. She is also very puffy from fluid retention in other areas. They have added some medication to her IV line to help with both.

We have found she does not like morphine, it makes her sick to her tummy and in turn hurts her chest when she gets sick. So, some anti-nausea med was also added.

Daddy and Jeron left for home this afternoon, work tomorrow. It's just Jadyn and I until tomorrow eve. My sister is flying in, Jadyn will be thrilled as that is "her Auntie' and her favorite person.

It looks like we will be in the PICU for another day at least. I will be staying in a Ronald McDonald room on a different floor tonight; once she is moved into a step-down room I will be able to sleep in there with her.

2010-07-17T18:56:00.000-07:00

I just had to post a picture of the monitor. (even fuzzy) 98! That's her oxygen saturation. We never expected our girl to have that high of a number. It's now better than most people without a heart condition.

We are so grateful to our wonderful surgeon and cardiologist. Jadyn could not be in better hands.

We have spent the entire day in her very tiny PICU room. She will hopefully be moved to a regular room Sunday or Monday.

finally a smile.

I don't want to scare you with too graphic pictures, Jadyn's wound was closed with glue. No steri-strip like last time. So it's there for all to see.

Wagon Ride

2010-07-17T14:25:00.000-07:00

In no mood for a picture!

The doctor had asked Jadyn's nurses to get her out of bed today. Would I have? No way! But she loved it and didn't want to come back into her room.

Jadyn is doing really well as you can see in her pictures.
She is very tired, and is taking lots of cat naps.
She enjoyed some Tomato soup and milk for lunch.

So far today they have removed an IV line from her wrist and the oxygen line that was on her nose.

No More Fever

2010-07-17T09:43:00.000-07:00

They say miracles do happen, and I totally believe it's true!

Last night we went to bed knowing our daughter had a 104 fever. Just hours after having open heart surgery, we were honestly freaked out.

This morning we walk into her room and her temp without medication is 98.6!
She's sitting up drinking 7-UP. It just does not get any sweeter than that.

She is breathing room air and her oxygen saturation is 96, this girl has never seen the 90's. 11 months ago in China she was 66.

I am using a hospital computer to update so I can't upload a picture. I will get our lap top from the hotel later so you can see her sweet pink face!

Thank you everyone for your messages!!

I love pink

2010-07-16T21:14:00.000-07:00

pink lips, pink finger nails and super pink little toes!

Jadyn is doing great, her breathing tube has been removed, she is only on 2 liters of oxygen and on saline drip! Her doctors are amazed at how well she is doing.

She does have a temp of 104, which has Ames and I very worried about, but her Doctors feel it is from surgery. They are treating it with 2 different fever meds. every 4 hours.

She is begging me for chocolate milk, but all I can offer her is a syringe of water every ten minutes. Maybe tomorrow will be different.

We are so happy this day is over and Jadyn is doing so well. Our brave little girl has not shed one tear today.

Thank you everyone who has left us messages, texts and face book comments, they mean alot. We are off to bed, it's been a 15 hour day at the hospital.

2010-07-16T12:43:00.000-07:00

She's out of surgery and her oxygen saturation's are already in the 90's

She did great per the surgeon and her cardiologist. We will be able to see her in a little while.

We feel so relieved!!

Good-bye to those purple velvet lips!

In Surgery

2010-07-16T08:12:00.000-07:00

They took Jadyn to the operating room at aprox. 7:15 am. They said to expect 4 hours!

I am tied in knots, I want it to be over and hear everything went fine. I want to hold and comfort her.

For a few minutes this morning we thought her surgery was going to be postponed. She had a low grade fever of 100.1 and was in some pain from the heart cath and coil procedure.

The surgeon feels it was from her coil procedure and sleeping on that side. I could tell she was in pain. After being up for about an hour the fever was gone and she was feeling better.

They also gave her versed which makes her like a happy 21 year old!

I will update as often as I can.
..................................................................................................
Yesterday

We had a relaxing day, we stayed in our hotel room and watched cartoons until it was time to visit the surgeon. I was glad Jadyn & I had a day to spend together, we went for several small walks around the hospital campus and waited for Daddy and Jeron to show up.

Long day at the Hospital

2010-07-14T19:43:00.000-07:00

Just wanted to post a quick update, I have gotten several text message. Sorry to keep you all waiting. We have been at the hospital since 5:30 am, it's now almost 8:00 pm.

Jadyn did great today, she was extremely brave and totally surprised me with her willingness to let the Doctors and Nurses touch and poke her. No tears except for the 2 failed IV attempts. I told the nurse "no more, Please do it when she is sleeping". During her last cath 10 months ago she was poked 5 times, I told myself I will never allow that to happen to her again. The nurses were great and agreed that it was not worth the stress on Jadyn.

The cath went great and her Cardiologist was very happy with her heart function, valves and pressures. Jadyn did have a procedure that was unexpected during the cath. She has/had something called Systemic Venous Collaterals. Put in my terms means, she had several extra small veins to supply blood from her pulmonary artery to her lungs. These veins are the body's way to trying to replace the oxygen to her lungs that her heart defect deprived her of.

They did a very fast and common procedure called Coil Occlusion. This cuts that supply off. She won't need that extra blood supply with the correction she is having on Friday.

We have a appointment with her heart surgeon tomorrow and the rest of the day is free!

Telling Daddy all about her day

Good-Bye Maui

2010-07-11T14:49:00.000-07:00

We had such a great time, it was sad to say Good-Bye. The people of Maui and visitors alike are so friendly, we met a lot of nice people. We arrived home Saturday around 8 pm.

Jadyn enjoyed all that we did there, she is such a easy going kid. The highlight of the trip for me was when we took off her sandals and let her walk in the warm, soft sand for the first time. The smile on her face was priceless. I didn't have my camera with me, but I did have my phone.

The boys had a great time as well. Garrison said he could stay another week. Jeron loved the pool, there was a cave with a waterfall, that is where he would hang out!

Here are some more pictures of Jadyn "posing" this first one was taken right before she chased a wild chicken and tripped over a parking curb. She got another skinned knee and a nice ~~goose~~ chicken egg on her forehead. She is not good at watching where she is going, she had one thing on her mind, that Chicken!. Who got away....

she loved all the wooden carvings around town.

Friday we visited a dormant volcano called Haleakala. It was very interesting and cold at the top

Above the clouds at 10,023 feet above sea level!

We were very cautious taking Jadyn this high, we went slow and watched her closely. She did great and enjoyed the view.

We would again like to thank Make a Wish and Maui for this wonderful opportunity you provided for Jadyn and our family.

Tuesday evening we leave for Spokane. Jadyn has her first procedure, a heart cath. at 6 am Wednesday morning. This is always done before heart surgery. It gives the surgeon a great look at the valves and pressures of her heart.

Her heart surgery is Friday morning at 6 am

Again, I will post as often as I can to update the many family and friends who follow her blog.

Beach Bum

2010-07-10T00:03:00.000-07:00

Jadyn loves the sand and ocean. She will stand in the water and let the waves crash onto her legs. I knew she would love it here, this trip has been all we hoped it would be for her.

Jadyn & Daddy enjoying the sunset

Busy Hawaiian Tourists

2010-07-08T09:04:00.000-07:00

Tuesday

On our way to breakfast.

later, we enjoyed some more pool time!

In the evening we went to a fabulous luau. Jadyn loved all the hula dancers and kept asking if it was her turn to go on stage to dance. She is fearless!

They cooked a pig under ground, boy did it smell good once they dug him up up. Jeron opted out as the visual part was too much for him. Our meat comes out of a package in his eyes! The rest of us sure enjoyed it.

yes, we got more lei's put around our necks, that's 10 total so far!

Wednesday
We went on a car ride on a road called Road to Hana. It was long and beautiful.

Here are some facts about this road:

617 curves, 52 miles, 56 bridges (most one lane), 3 hours

You can pull over to see many beautiful natural sites. Garrison enjoyed climbing up and over rocks to get some great waterfall pictures and pools of crystal clear water.

I assume the 3 hours is one way and no stopping because we were gone about 8 hours!. In the town of Hana there are black lava beaches. The lava is so soft from the surf it was like large sand pellets. This was one the the prettiest places I have ever been. We walked through lava tubes and played in the ocean. Then began the journey back.

Hawaii's version of the Great Wall

Fish, lots of Fish!

2010-07-05T20:24:00.000-07:00

We had a great time visiting the Maui Ocean Center. It was beautiful there, with many brightly colored and unusual fish and water creatures.

Jadyn loved all the fish, sharks and turtles. They have a very large tank that the sharks and large fish live in. A scuba diver went into this tank and hand fed the fish. He was setup with a mic and actually welcomed Jadyn to the center. He told her when he was done feeding the fish he would come see her.

acting shy.

Scuba Jeff made good and came to meet Jadyn and family

He gave the kids lost shark teeth from the very sharks we watched being fed. Jeron claimed them as his own!

Scuba Jeff offered to give us a behind the scene tour. We saw baby turtles and watched a baby turtle named #2 eat lunch. We also learned about all the filtration system for the aquarium, which thrilled Ames. Scuba Jeff guessed that he was an engineer by his questions! Men!

My favorite, adorable Seahorse

Jadyn left the Ocean Center with a plush #2 of her very own.

Again, we have had a wonderful day here in Maui. The weather is beautiful.

Tomorrow we are going to a Luau.

Aloha!

Happy 4th of July

2010-07-05T09:14:00.001-07:00

We had a great 4th, we started our day with breakfast outside.

this shot was right next to our table

smelling more flowers.

we spent most of the day at the pools, Jadyn has never been in a pool.
She was pretty nervous at first.

That didn't last long and she was ready to play!

this helicopter flew over the pool area and dropped thousands of tropical flowers, some had tags attached you could turn in for gifts! The kids really enjoyed watching this.

On our way to have ice cream.

Today we are going to Maui Ocean center. We are told they have a special dive planned for Jadyn.

2010-07-03T21:59:00.000-07:00

We made it to Maui!
This place is amazing! The weather, the breeze, the scenery. I could move here tomorrow!.

Make a Wish has gone beyond what we expected, Jadyn has been treated like a Princess today.

Our name was called over the intercom before pre-boarding at the airport in our home town, they invited us to board early as VIP's. Once in Seattle, we were greeted by a Alaska Air employee who had a lei for Jadyn and a bag full of treats. She took us to the VIP section for more snacks and to meet some employees who were anxious to say hi to Jadyn. The pilot also invited our family to have our photo taken in the cockpit. I clearly instructed the kids not to touch anything, just as Jadyn grabs a large steering type device.

We landed in Maui and were greeted by and beautiful lady who had fresh, purple lei's for each one of us. We felt like royalty today.

they smell so beautiful!

The boys even enjoyed wearing them.

Our hotel resort is beautiful. It has an open air lobby, Jadyn really enjoys the birds and fish. Jeron loves to stand behind this waterfall.

I don't know if I'll be doing a update everyday, the Internet here is slow!
These pictures took an hour to upload.

(Dad, the Koi fish are huge, you would be impressed!)

Aloha!

Look Out Maui, Here Comes Jadyn!

2010-07-02T13:39:00.001-07:00

We leave first thing tomorrow morning for this....

and this!

We are packed and ready to go. Our flight is wayyy too early, but we will deal with it!

Check our blog over the next few days, as I will try and update often.

Boats, Beaches and Dry Bottoms

2010-06-26T21:53:00.000-07:00

We finally had a free weekend with sunshine. We got our boat cleaned up last week hoping that the nice weather would hold. We wanted Jadyn to experience her first time in the boat.

After the hunt for a blown fuse, we finally got out on the river. (Good job Daddy) Jadyn loved the boat, she showed no fear even when Daddy decided to "open it up" as he calls it.

I, for the first time and hopefully the last, forgot to replace my memory card in my camera. So these pictures were taken with my cel phone.

Jadyn tried to climbed out of the boat and jump into the water when we got to the beach. She wasn't to impressed with the temperature, it made your feet numb pretty fast. She really enjoyed playing along the shore line.

Jadyn is going to have to learn some river/ beach etiquette quickly, she was upset every time she got sand on her hands or feet. And after a couple juice bags, she had to go potty. How do you explain to a 3 yr. old that you have potty trained to use one means of...... well, you get it.

The river or bushes just was not going to work for her! She was plain miserable trying to hold it. Next time the potty chair is coming the the river with us! Just in case your wondering, Yes, she did finally go.

"you want me to go where?"

enjoying checking everything out

Jeron will show her the ropes, this boy has spent hours here on this very beach!

Grandpa and Flowers

2010-06-20T19:40:00.000-07:00

Jadyn got to meet her other Grandpa this weekend. He is on vacation visiting his siblings and happened to be close enough for us to make a day trip to see him.

They were very excited to see each other.

love at first sight

and the hug!

Grandpa's brother has such a beautiful yard, it is full of all kinds of flowers. Jadyn really enjoyed smelling all of them

This was her favorite flower

I had to remind her a couple times that we are just smelling!

No flowers were actually picked during our visit!

Despite a case of bed head and the sun shinning in just the wrong place, this is one of my favorite pictures. She is watching a bee with such interest.

Thank you Grandpa, for a great day!

No Nap

2010-06-09T20:11:00.000-07:00

This is a result of no nap today. This doesn't happen very often, thank goodness!

7:30 pm

It's so rare, that I think it's funny when she gets in these moods. So out came the camera, which she wasn't too happy about either

She tried to block my view of her in any way she could

She's saying "no smile Mommy"

Her fingers and blanket always make her feel better

This picture really shows Jadyn's personality, she just couldn't stay cranky when I tickled her!

We simply adore this little girl!