Update

Thank you for your encouragement related to Lydia's progress and adjustment.  She is a precious gift from God and we pray that we honor God in attempting to provide her allthat she needs ot reach her full potential.
 
News from the opthomologist was mixed - the first was good news in that Lydia's optic nerve is in pretty good shape.  Therefore the diagnosis from China of Optic Atrophy is not accurate.  She is slightly near-sighted, but basically her eyes are in good working condition.  However since vision involves the eyes and the vision center of the brain, what's left is to wonder whether the vision center of her brain is accurately receiving messages sent from the eye.  We don't really know how that part of her brain is working without an MRI, and there is no need to do that at this point.  We will work on stimulating that part of her brain with colors and contrast, and pursue services with specialists that can help her further.  Her pediatrician today recommended the International Adoption Center at Kennedy Krieger for a full assessment and further referrals to their areas of expertise such as the feeding center, speech/language etc.  I'm waiting for a call back about an appt there, and will call our local school system tomorrow to start the process for evalution for services through there. 
 
Please continue to pray for Lydia's adjustment, as she has not had the opportunity to sleep a solid night's sleep as she keeps waking up at night, then we try to keep her up as much as possible during the day.  She's too tired to even try to be herself!  Once she is rested, I think we will see her come out of her shell - we got the pictures back today that were taken at the orphange with the disposable camera that we sent, and it's amazing that a much happier and more comfortable Lydia is shining in those pictures!
Blessings to all!

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We're home!

Boy, I could not WAIT to write those words!  We decided on the long flight home that we wanted to sleep in our own beds Friday night, so we cancelled our hotel room at Dulles and drove home last night, somehow we got on the wrong road and headed too far south and added about 45 minutes to an already very long trip home, but with God's provision we made it.  Praise the Lord we all slept well!  God provided in a many other ways as we headed home through all the challenges of international traveling these days.  We bought some congee in Hong Kong since that's all Lydia will eat so far, and they did let us bring it on the plane, although it was too much of a forbidden "liquid" that's prohibited on planes these days.  I felt like Corrie ten Boom as she and her sister took their Bible into the concentration camp (well not quite, but almost!)  They took our toothpaste the night before (I had forgotten as I packed a carry-on overnight bag about the small sizes) but allowed the congee yesterday so I was grateful.  Lydia did eat some on the plane, although she was covered in it because she hates bibs and it seems that more comes out of her mouth than goes in.  We were all pretty much a grungy mess.  Then we were very close on time in our connecting flight in Chicago, and God blessed us by getting through immigration quickly and the customs officer let us go through without scanning our luggage.  We had to run to our gate and made it just in time.  Then we met a flight attendant on that flight who is in the process of adoption, and she just cried when she saw Lydia.  She asked if she could carry her off the plane, and we had a chance to talk some more on the shuttle ride from the terminal.  We were really blessed by meeting her and hope to stay in touch as she goes through her process.  Hi Kim, if you're catching up on the blog!  Lydia slept late this morning, and seems a little out of sorts, expectedly.  She did try some oatmeal, but wasn't really interested.  Thank you Kathy, for the congee that is cooking that we'll get this afternoon!
Please continue to pray as we get adjusted, especially for Lydia in this foreign land.  She does calm when I hold her, so I think she feels safe with us and that is an answer to prayer. Kim, the flight attendant, said she was so interested to hear how Lydia would be doing in a year, and that will be exciting to see how God works in her development now that she is here.  We will keep the blog going periodically with hightlights for those of you that we don't talk to or see regularly.  Lydia has her opthomologist appointment Tuesday and pediatrcian Wednesday.  Love to all!

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Last post from China!

After the swearing in ceremony yesterday, we had a nice dinner boat ride on the Pearl river.  I am packing up today and after dinner together tonight we all fly to Hong Kong to spend the night (10 pm flight) then off to Chicago then Dulles tomorrow!  I can't believe it's tomorrow!!!
Thank you all for the congee recipes, I'll be ready to fire up the crock pot when we get home on Saturday.  Can't wait to see you all we have missed so much!  Hannah drew  picture of a bone for Selah the other night and started crying because she missed her.  We are all ready, so see you all soon!  I'll post again once we are home.  Lots of love to all!!!

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One step closer

Sorry no pictures today, but we were in the hotel most of the morning (I am really tired of hotel living!) and then went out to a rainy visit to a museum and the tea house.  We were in the hotel this morning as our guides were presenting all of our information to the consulate and we had to stay by the phone in case there were any questions.  No one received a call so they confirmed this afternoon that all went well!  So we are one step closer to this all being finished and coming home!  Tomorrow we go in the afternoon for the oath-taking ceremony at the consulate.  Another momentous occasion occurred today as Lydia had her first non-enema precipitated bm!  Yea!  We were cheering!  She did not eat as well today, but she fell asleep tonight without complaining so I figure she can't be too hungry.  Speaking of - if anyone out there has a good congee recipe I will be most interested!  That is about all I have gotten her to eat - and since she will eat ANY kind I give her (egg and fish, pork and vegetable - they put anything in it here) I figure she's getting some healthy stuff.  As long as what is in it is small pieces and cooked to death, she will eat it - even canned stuff that's cold right out of the fridge!  So we will need something as soon as we get home - I've never looked for it in cans at the store before, don't know if they have that back in the states, or if one of our wonderful friends who is providing us some meals could throw some mushed soupy veggies in with the food if congee is not readily available.  That would be great!  And both of my girls have loved the "steamed" eggs here - anyone know how to make those?  That's about it for today - 4 more sleeps until we are home!  Can you tell that I am SO ready?  Love to all!

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Negative!

I was so hoping to be able to write that in today's title!  Lydia's TB test was negative!  Three of the five new children were negative from the skin results, two had to have chest x-rays and were cleared after that.  Praise God!  We finished our tourist shopping today after we visited the White Swan.  The picture of Hannah by the water fall is IN that hotel!  Those of you who have been there can re-live the beauty, others just wouldn't believe it until you see it.  We got to have Subways subs for lunch, so that was a taste of home; Barrett commented that the napkins didn't even have Chinese on them.  Not much else going on, the girls are sleeping very well, so we are rested, just wondering how long it will take us to re-adjust when we get home.  Hannah is having fun swimming while Lydia naps in the afternoon.  Not much else - hope all is well at home!  Love to all!

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Doing great!

This is my second attempt to post - first one was lost after I was all finished - you know how unmotivated one can be to re-write!  Not much gong on other than the first day of bartering today in our street shopping.  Paperwork party was very quick as a Hague family - one piece of paper!
Pictures - first hairwash - Lydia loves her bath and did not mind the hair wash at all!  Hannah was running with the statues in the park, and Lydia was just looking pretty as she waited patiently for Hannah and Daddy to go through a shop hounded by the saleslady to buy everything in sight.  (You know Hannah did some hounding too!)  The lady made me very comfortable with a chair outside and a free toy for Lydia while she worked on Barrett!  I love your comments and prayers, everyone is fine and healthy!  Go back for TB check tomorrow - but her arm looks good!  Keep praying!  Love to all!

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First day in Guangzhou

Greetings all!  First of all, let me update you on Hannah's throat - Aroung 8:30 China time Thursday night, which was 8:30 Thursday morning your time - I just felt I needed to call Hannah's dr. and get the instructions on using the antibiotic I brought just in case it was needed.  Hannah had fallen asleep and felt warm to me, so I called.  Praise the Lord I was able to talk to her dr directly, thanks to our Panda phone, a cooperative receptionist and Dr. Hopkins who got on the phone right away.  She directed me to give her the antibiotoc and adjusted the dosage from what I had been given had it been used for Lydia.  She felt the strep had not been completely cured and I am SO thankful we had the medicine and were able to use it.  SO - two more prayer requests - 1) that this 5-day antibiotic will be enough to take care of Hannah until we get home (we have 4-5 days left after it is finished) and 2) for God to keep Lydia helathy so we don't need anything for her.
SO - that brings us up to present - we had a great short flight here, Lydia did great flying.  Hannah said she prayed that Lydia and I would not throw up on the plane.  Lydia sat in her seat, and even reached for her musical toy that was on her tray table (she can see some things!)  The girls started the day in their matching butterfly shirts (thank you Miss Gloria!)  Then this morning was the medical examination - all was well until Lydia had to get 5 SHOTS in addition to the TB prick under the skin.  She really didn't cry long after it was over, but if course she screamed while they were all going in!  Poor little thing!  Second picture-She looked so little on the bed when Barrett and Hannah were watching tv!  Then while Hannah and I went swimming, Barrett walked her around the halls to get some exercise and she conked out on the bed.  We're making some progress with eating.  I think I discovered her temper fits at breakfast were because I was giving her the congee too hot.  I thought they liked it HOT!  The last three mornings she would start screaming after the 4th bite or so and have a fit for about 5 minutes.  I tested it with my tongue and blew on it a little, but left it pretty hot) Then after a few minutes she would calm down and eat.  The only thng I could figure was the temp, and this morning was smooth as could be (I cooled the congee down quite a bit!)  Then we went to the market after the medical, and with the help of the guides I got some soft foods that I thught she could eat and we actually had a good lunch in the room for the first time.  She doesn't really chew so all her foods have to be able to slide right down.  She is now drinking milk and orange juice in addition to water.  So if she could get back regular on BM's, all would be great!  But all in all, it's pretty great right now!  I love all of your comments, and thanks to ALL of you who are reading along and praying for us!  Your prayers are being answered!  One week from today and we'll be home!Love to all!

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One more thing

I forgot to say that the picture of Hannah is her pretending to be asleep with her little playmate Kaylee.  We have been so blessed to be with the Lincolns, and both families have commented about how great it has been for these little girls to have each other, giving more time for the parents to have with the new girls, their little sisters!

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Last day in Nanchang

First of all - let me say that I fried my hair curler and haven't bothered to get a new one so please don't look at my hair!
Second of all to Jen - we do have normal potties in the hotels, and mostly everywhere we've been.  I meant that the natives are used to the squatties and that may be what Lydia is used to.  So don't worry!
The neatest thing about today was going by Lydia's orphange.  The guide took us to the area then gave us diections how to walk there because she said she couldn't be seen bringing us there.  So when we were approached by people I was a little nervous.  Come to find out - these woman wanted to see Lydia!  They must have seen us out the window because we weren't really that close to the front, we were just standing out at the gate taking pictures.  The women came up and started saying "Zimin, Zimin!"  They rubbed her face and said "Mama" indicating she was with her new mama.  They looked her over good, then smiled at me so I guess I passed.  Barrett was taking pictures so that was very special to capture that moment.
Lydia ate a little better today, and showed us that not only can she stand by herself, but she can walk by herself when she takes a mind to it!
We leave tomorrow afternoon for Guangzhou after we receive the passports for the girls.  Three hotels down and three to go! 
Another prayer request - Hannah's throat is sore again, although no fever.  She finished her antibiotoc 2 days ago, so I guess I'll wait and see how things go - I have the antibiotic from the dr. for an unexpected situation, but not sure I  should use it if she has no fever.  I can always call home to the pediatrician, so we shouldn't have to go to a dr. here, but please pray we get clear guidance about how to handle this! 
Thank you again for the comments! We may not post tomorrow since we'll be settling in at the new hotel.  Love to all!

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Ups and downs

Wednesday afternoon here - this morning we went to a big beautiful park and visited a porcelain store.  We are just astounded at the crazy traffic of weaving buses, cars, mopeds and bikes and no one gets hurt.  Lydia likes to go out, ride in the bus and walk around.  She is content most of the time.  Although her paperwork says she's a good eater, she's become a little more picky than she was the first day.  Also bathroom issues have become a challenge as we're not sure how she is used to going.  She has no problem peeing in her pull-up, but they have those squatty potties here you know, and the next thing I have to try is holding her in the squat position, over the potty or maybe in the tub.  She DOES NOT LIKE sitting on the potty, but she may never have seen one before!She just had some water and honey before her nap so we're hoping that will get things moving.  She has pretty much stopped eating since yesterday morning.  I know all these things are just the beginning of adjustment issues for her, but on the good side, she seems to like listening to us sing and hold her and rub cheeks.  We had a great Chinese dinner last night, and I think it's Pizza Hut tonight!  We're having a great time with the Lincolns, JoyMei is sweet and wonderful! Thank you again for your prayers and sweet comments!

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Progress

We have a had a good day!  First of all, thank you all so much for your encouraging comments - Barrett related them to me and it is such a blessing to be a part of the body of Christ!  God has answered prayer, as today was better than yesterday.  Barrett is such an inspriration to me, as he related the thought of what Lydia's life would have been like to stay in the orphange, and the possibilites she has now are far greater.  He also noted that people in the Bible were not healed for any other reason that to glorify God, and we know that God's hand is in this.  To Him be the glory!  Lydia woke up in the middle of the night but did not cry, just sat up in bed and then eventually fell back over and went to sleep.  She did not cry once all day, she "fusses" briefly when we do something she doesn't like, but was enduring us without tears.  We were a little late getting to dinner tonight, and the tears finally came, she was tired and hungry and cried herself to sleep in the stroller.  She has said "mama" more often, and seems to be aiming it in my direction.  She has giggled and giggled over Barrett lifting her high in the air and playing a game where she sits up and then falls backward on the bed.  We have walked a lot, and I believe her legs seems to be stronger even in one day.  We did not know what she liked to drink, as she seemed to shun any kind of milk and juice.  We finally tried water tonight, and her little arms and legs started moving like she was going to take off - she was so excited to get that water!  We need to work on drinking though - she seems to lean over to put her head in the glass, and refuses a sippy or a straw.  She's a sweetie!
 
Better run!  We love you all!

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Lydia Zimin Russell

Hello all! Today has been a day of many emotions.  It was wonderful to finally meet Lydia after all this time.  She looks just like her pictures!  She is very chunky, well-fed, and we're wondering with exactly what, because she wasn't much interested in eating a whole lot, although she did okay.  But even with the familiar food, she has not eaten what would account for her healthy girth.  That could be attributed to adjustment, although she really hasn't shown much adjustment at all.  It has been a little surprising that a special need of vision was all that was reported because it is quite evident that she is delayed in many areas.  We have begun to make progress however, as she walked today when given the opportunity.  There may not have been that opportunity before because she needs someone to walk with her, but she wanted to GO!  She does listen intently when you sing to her, and seems to focus somewhat on things in front of her face.  She reached for the bear tonight, which was encouraging.  She has only cried when I tried to wipe her nose and face, she wants me to leave her face alone!  She loved her little sink bath, but most of the clothes are a little tight and difficult to get on because she vey low muscle tone and cannot help at all.  Her feet however, are far tinier than expected and all the shoes we brought are too big!  Mostly she has been content to look around, watch lights and movement although seemingy unaware at this point of much in her surroundings.  We know that God brought us to this special child and will guide us each day.  We continue to give thanks for your prayers!  I have not been able to connect to the blog to check comments, but hope to tonight.  God bless you all!

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Lydia Zimin Russell

Hello all! Today has been a day of many emotions.  It was wonderful to finally meet Lydia after all this time.  She looks just like her pictures!  She is very chunky, well-fed, and we're wondering with exactly what, because she wasn't much interested in eating a whole lot, although she did okay.  But even with the familiar food, she has not eaten what would account for her healthy girth.  That could be attributed to adjustment, although she really hasn't shown much adjustment at all.  It has been a little surprising that a special need of vision was all that was reported because it is quite evident that she is delayed in many areas.  We have begun to make progress however, as she walked today when given the opportunity.  There may not have been that opportunity before because she needs someone to walk with her, but she wanted to GO!  She does listen intently when you sing to her, and seems to focus somewhat on things in front of her face.  She reached for the bear tonight, which was encouraging.  She has only cried when I tried to wipe her nose and face, she wants me to leave her face alone!  She loved her little sink bath, but most of the clothes are a little tight and difficult to get on because she vey low muscle tone and cannot help at all.  Her feet however, are far tinier than expected and all the shoes we brought are too big!  Mostly she has been content to look around, watch lights and movement although seemingy unaware at this point of much in her surroundings.  We know that God brought us to this special child and will guide us each day.  We continue to give thanks for your prayers!  I have not been able to connect to the blog to check comments, but hope to tonight.  God bless you all!

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Day 2

I'll write first an try to post a picture if I can after that - I only have 15 minutes (or it costs more money), and I don't know how long a picture might take - so if no picture - you know what happened!  Well, we have never been so popular in our lives!  Our nearly blond daughter was quite the attraction to Chinese and we could hardly walk without someone wanting to take her picture.  Hannah handled it pretty well, although today was not a great day for her.  She woke up WIDE awake at midnight our time here, stayed awake until morning, and did pretty well through the tours today (although they weren't kid-friendly, lots of walking and looking a buildings and listening to people talking).  She did eat more at lunch (eating the food here has been a problem).  Then she fell asleep on the way the to Great Wall, but then REALLY fell asleep on the way to dinner and therefore cried all through the meal.  Everyone seemed kind and understood the effect of jet lag on a toddler.  A little more touring tomorrow then we gt on the next plane tomorrow eveing to go to Lydia's province.  We will then meet her Monday morning!
 
Hope all is well with eveyone!

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We made it!

God answered prayer for a good flight.  Quite a bit of turbulence in the first hour and Jane's motion sickness kicked up with a vengence in that hour and upon landing as well.  Hannah and Barrett suffered no ill effects!  And speaking of Hannah, she did great!!!  She occupied herself, watched movies, slept four hours and woke up in a great mood!  She only asked twice in the first hour "when are we going to be in China?"  I said "Tomorrow, we are sleeping here on the plane tonight." She said "oh" and didn't ask any more until she woke up because then it was tomorrow!  She liked watching the path of the plane on the little screen in front of her.  We were really blessed to be in a row of 4 seats, instead of in the middle of five, like we thought, and the other seat in our row was occupied by a wonderful grandmotherly Christian woman who was coming to China on her fifth trip to teach conversational English to school-aged children.  She shared prayer time with us and rubbed my back while I was sick.  Barrett also had opportunities to talk about Christ in the stretch time at the back of the plane where those tired of sitting tended to hang out.  We are all exhausted and ready for bed at 6 p.m. (6 a.m. your time).  God is good!!!  Three sleeps iuntil Lydia!  Thank you for all your prayers!  We'll be in touch!  Lots of love,

Barrett, Jane and Hannah

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We're all packed!

I can hardly believe it (I know I keep saying that, but it's true!), as I've been stressing over this packing and working on it for months and it's finally finished and ready to go.  The exciting reality hit today when I look in the backseat of my car and saw TWO carseats!!!  I was so blessed yesterday when we had our travel meeting (conference call) and at the end the travel coordinator prayed for our trip, our family and our children.  I was crying and could hardly say good-bye!  We are traveling in a small group of 5 families, but one other family is going to the same province where Lydia is!  Out of that huge country, one other family is going to the same place with us so we won't be by ourselves.  God is so good!  And here's the best part, that family is bringing their daughter whom they adopted from China in 2006 and she will turn 5 in November!  So Hannah has a playmate for the whole trip!  They are also picking up their daughter in Nanchang, and she is 2 1/2, close to Lydia's age.  The four girls should have fun, and we are so blessed.  One more God thing (they just keep happening); I was called to pick Hannah up from school yesterday afternoon, and this morning she was diagnosed with strep throat.  SOOOO glad it was today and not Wednesday or Thursday!  She'll be full of antibiotic and ready to go!  We are so thankful to have you all joining in on our trip!  Please keep praying, especially for mine and Barrett's health, that we don't catch strep; I'm thinking of calling the dr. Monday and see if he'll give us something to take with us - just in case!!  Love to all!

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