Thursday, June 25, 2015

1 year with Micah

Micah has been home for 1 year!  We are so blessed for the gift that he is to our family.  It is amazing to see the transformation that he has made in one year.  Overall, he is doing well.

Micah's first year in our family has been full of so many "firsts" that we have documented in the blog.  Here are a few highlights from the year.

- He completed his first year of preschool.  We are working with the school district to get him the best care and transition when he goes to kindergarten in the Fall.  We would appreciate prayers as we navigate the school system.

-His English has come along way.  He is mostly fluent, although there are still times of misunderstanding.

-His health has been stable.  We are grateful that the surgeries he had in China were done well and helped minimize the damage to his body.  With that being said, we will be seeking a second opinion on his treatments in a couple of weeks.  We are hopeful to gain more understanding of his diagnosis.

-He loves to play video games.  He also enjoys swimming and playing soccer.

- His favorite foods include chicken, rice, dumplings, macaroni and cheese, pancakes, and breakfast sausage.  This boy can eat!

-He has grown a lot! He has gained 11 pounds and grown 4 1/2 inches.  He has gone from a size 24 months to 4T.  His shoe size grew three sizes too!

We are so thankful that God took us around the world to give us a son.  It seems that Micah has always been a part of our family.

One month home vs. One year home




 First day of school vs. Last day of school


Crossing the bridge to kindergarten (Please excuse the blurry picture.)


"I'm a boy that likes playdoh. I love to sing with Mr. Schultz.  He's a good guy."


First t-ball season



Two different leagues...same team name, same number.


Checking out the new Peoria Playhouse




Thursday, June 18, 2015

Hannah is 3!

It has been a while since we posted!  We have been busy!  Be on the look out for a couple new posts.  First up...Hannah is 3!

Last week, Hannah turned 3!  We also celebrated her being home for one month.  Time is flying by quickly and it is hard to imagine our life without her.  She is sweet and spicy.  She is pretty mellow compared to our other kids.  She loves to play and explore.  She is very girly!  She loves to accessorize with bracelets, necklaces and fancy clothes.  She likes to carry her back pack and Curious George around wherever she goes.  She is growing in her likeness of American foods, although she still loves her Chinese treats and milk.  She is a joy and we are blessed to call her our daughter.

We have begun her medical evaluations and have seen several doctors in Peoria and Chicago.  There are still many unknowns medically.  We ask for prayers of clarity and wisdom for any necessary interventions.

Now, what you have been waiting for...pictures!  Enjoy!



Our China guide introduced Hannah to Doritos...she LOVES them!


Meeting Papa and Grandma Candice


She wanted Papa to put in many pony tails.











Swimming at Papa's pool


DeSimone family first birthday party tradition.  The "Name Cake."




The birthday girl ready to celebrate!






She loved being sung to.




From 2 to 7 grandchildren in 14 months!


Hannah loves her new bitty baby.


She has been a trooper at all of her medical appointments.