Friday, February 27, 2009

What a great kid :)

Not playing favorites, just thought I would post on the child of the morning. It is parent teacher conference day for the 'big kids' as we call them at our house. So all four are at the 'little kid's' school for the morning. Gingerbread has a "Big Kid Day" where past students can come and play on some of the days when their school is out. All four were so excited to for this special morning (and man it was nice dropping all four off at the same time at the same school). Tony and I had a conference with Abbie's teacher. She is an amazing teacher who loves her job and teaches with such enthusiasm and a love for life. Abbie has never complained a day this year about going to school. She is a 'perfect' student and I know we take for granted her love of learning and her consistent 'good behavior' reports. Her teacher says she is joy to have in her class. Her teacher has been such a blessing and so supportive of us, Abbie specifically as we have gone thru some major life changes. We feel very blessed.
 Abbie's love for reading has increased (if that is possible) thanks to a teacher who shares her love for reading. Her class often looks like a book discussion group- hearing the kids talk about what they are reading, recommending books to others who they think might like them, and journaling about what they read. What an amazing gift this class of kids will be leaving third grade with- a love for reading and how to share that with their friends. Abbie is self-starter and is very self-directed. Her teacher has encouraged her in learning about what ever topics interest her and recommending new ones-she has researched and read about many new topics. As part of one of the groups she is able to be a part of, she was asked to research a country and then will present it to the rest  of the group in a creative way. She choose Ghana :) She is planning on bringing some instruments from Ghana we have and getting her sister to help with some Ghanian food. 
Sorry if this post seems a bit boring or like a brag (well it is-just felt like sharing what a great kid she is)-She is a remarkable girl whom I am honored to be called her mom. (yes even on those days when she is driving me crazy)

Wednesday, February 25, 2009

The "skirts"



They both have loved their new skirts-now I just hope they don't plan on wearing the other one tomorrow ;) cause I am not washing them after our Ash Wednesday service tonight.

Tuesday, February 24, 2009

One smart little girl

Actually all three of our girls are bright little women, but this story is about the Princess. She had to go shopping with me today-because yes one kid is better than taking all four to the store. That being said she is the one who usually gets a treat for being dragged all around town running my errands with me. Sometimes that is as simple as hot chocolate or picking what and where we eat lunch. Sometimes, like today she wonders the aisles of the little girls clothes. This girl loves to shop and always has. Whether shoes or clothes, she even loves the 'art' of shopping even when she leaves empty handed. This is not something she learned from her mommy-for sure. So today, while we were in Target she spotted a cute skirt she thought she needed to take a closer look at. Indeed, it was cute. There was one in black and one in white and she wanted both. I told her she could pick one. Her response "Mommy I think J would like one too". How thoughtful of her, so I said you are right I bet she would like one. So Miss Princess puts one of each in the cart and we continue on for the things on our list. She says "Mom I think I will wear the black one first and J can wear the white one.........then we can switch." What a bright girl-she wanted both, knows her sister and her wear basically the same size, so she suggests getting one for each-of course with different colors so she will have both to wear! :) I guess this would be a day she is thankful for a sister who is the same size. They plan are wearing their new skirts tomorrow. I will try my best to take a picture in the morning and get a pic posted-I am sure they will look adorable.

Monday, February 23, 2009

A new discovery


Gum has become a bit of an addiction in our house recently. Jennifer even tucked hers in a place (behind her ear) to save for after teeth brushing. Well to Big Sister this was just a bit to gross, who came hollering down the hall to fill me in on the event. Once I explained to her why I thought Jennifer had put her gum in a safe saving place-she realized, yet again, how different life in Ghana living in an orphanage really is. She went back down the hall and told her sister, Mom would always have more gum. :) Little did she know my plan. This constant asking for gum by at least 2 of our children has become a little bit annoying to me, so I decided that when the gum package was empty, I wouldn't buy anymore. So I will no longer have to say "No, you may not have gum now" as we are sitting down to eat dinner, or in the morning headed out the door to school, or at other times I just don't want to hear the popping sounds of gum. Surely this is a right as a mother-having the ability to say no to gum ;) 

The other day Jennifer was given a Blow Pop sucker, you know the kind with the gum in the middle. After sucking for about 15 minutes, she said "Mommy, there is something in this sucker." Instead of ruining the surprise, I told her to just keep sucking and she would discover what it was. A few minutes later, screaming from the backseat, "MOMMY THERE IS GUM IN THIS SUCKER!!!" She was so excited and of course now asks when I say we don't have any gum, "Can I have a sucker?" Smart girl she is.

Thursday, February 19, 2009

A Dad and his Daughters


A post by Tony:
It is funny that my wife drug her feet on starting a blog, she just didn’t think she would have the time.  Honestly, I figured I would be the one who would have to take up a certain amount of the blogging but oh how I was wrong.  Needless to say she has done a good job of letting the world know how we are doing, so this is actually my first time at blogging. 

It is every Daddy’s dream to watch his children grow up and be happy, but it is also one of the saddest thoughts a Dad can have.  When it comes to Kade I look forward to watching the man he is becoming, I truly am proud of him.  His heart and soul are amazing, his manners impeccable (most of the time) and his compassion is real.  That is the difference between sons and daughters (at least for me), I have no reservations about Kade becoming a man but when it comes to my three daughters growing up Daddy actually struggles with that thought quite a bit. 

I realized just how fast my girls are growing up the other day.  I had my baby girl for lunch last Monday and the sky was the limit, Dad would go wherever she wanted to go.  Just my luck she decided to test me to see if I was serious and chose Fancy That.  It is what I call a Foo-Foo place, one which my wife has gotten me to go to once.  Well, Madison just had to ask one time and we were on our way. 

As we sat there enjoying our lunch amidst all the art, flowers, and soft music I looked up at my daughter and had a premonition.  She sat across from me enjoying her second (Dad’s) cookie, swinging her feet and smiling in only the way Madison can smile.  I felt a sudden bolt of joy.  I pictured the same instance in about 16-20 years.  My baby girl as a young women back in town and her dear old Dad asking to take her to lunch, her choice of course.  Having a pleasant conversation over lunch, hearing about her life, joys and concerns, and then what every Dad hopes and dreads, a boy.  Being told that “he’s the one daddy”.  Every dad of little girls can understand, it’s hard to be replaced as the “man” in your little girl’s life.  All I can say is- he better be perfect or he may not like his father-in-law, my girls will always be my baby girls, no matter how old they are.

JJ laughed when I told her this story.  It is true that every dad wants his little girls to grow up and meet the perfect man but THERE is no man good enough for my little girls, at least not that I have met.   I am sure that when the time is right and my girls look me in the eye love struck, happy, giddy, and smiling I will accept the young man who has won my daughters’ heart.  Until that day daddy continues to be the only man on this earth that holds his little girls’ hearts.  

The Best Birthday Present Ever!!!!

I was awoken today by the smell of breakfast being cooked! Since I am usually the first one up, out for a run and out of the shower by the time there is stirring in the house-this was AMAZING! Tony and the girls were cooking breakfast while my little man was choosing to snuggle in bed with me :) Hearing the girls and their excitement was so fun. I had to announce my coming down the hall so they could all 'get ready' for the big reveal of the present. If you know me very well I am not one to need/want elaborate gifts. To me the time and effort one puts into a 'gift' is what means the most to me. For example a homemade card instead of one bought at the local store on the way home from work means more to me ;) This sometimes-ok all the time challenges Tony-he would much prefer me loving jewelry. He likes to spend money on me-which I am grateful for. He has learned, however, over the almost 13 years of marriage that planning ahead for me means the most. Putting a little time and effort/attention into doing/buying something for me speaks volumes. Well he has raised the bar of my expectations. At the end of January we had a friend take our family pictures. She is an amazing photographer and incredible with kids, especially trying to get all four to not to look like like they are miserable having their pictures made. (See some of her work at www.trinagibbinsphotography.com) And hopefully you will get to see some more of her work when we get more pics. So a few WEEKS ago-yes that is right WEEKS ago-Tony ordered a canvas of the kids for our wall! He picked the picture, sought the Grandmas advice, contacted and listened to Trina's suggestions.......He and the kids have been able to keep it a surprise for weeks-I was so surprised! The kids were so excited to watch me open it. What a wonderful start to my birthday-I have a wonderful family who all worked together to surprise and honor Mommy-woo hoo!!!

(My pictures of the canvas does not even begin to do it justice-but I just had to share)
 

Wednesday, February 18, 2009

A proud mommy moment.


I want to share a little moment that happened a few days ago with our Princess. Tony and I were just talking about how big she is getting and growing up to fast for our liking. This is another example of her growing up- all the kids were in the backyard jumping on the trampoline and she came in crying and went to her room. I could tell by the way she was crying it was one of those 'I am exhausted and not dealing well with something', so I gave her the space she needed. When she came out she had pulled herself together and went to face 'the cause' for her tears. She walked up to Big Sister and said "When you did blah, blah, blah.........it really hurt my feelings. I didn't like it and I don't want you to do it again." WOW!!!! This kid just turned 5! I can name many adults who can't/won't do this. I beamed with pride. Big Sister did apologize and I am sure felt a bit bad-look at this cute face wouldn't you feel bad to see it full of tears and know you caused it ;) I told little Miss Princess that evening how proud I was of her for being able to pull herself together, use her words and stand up for herself. I also told her there were many grown women who could not do what she just had done. I told her she was very big and acted in a very grown up way........then she beamed with pride. :) 

What a great kid!

Monday, February 16, 2009

Have you ever wondered........

What it would be like, how you would feel to be an internationally adopted child? I am reading this great book on parenting your internationally adopted child. I am loving it-it is much more clinical than parenting if that makes any sense-anyway I like it :) the author writes:
"You look around you. You are in a remote place in the middle of what seems like nowhere in particular. You have no maps or signs to tell you where you are. Suddenly you are surrounded by strangers, all of whom are overjoyed to see you. These people smile, laugh,and talk loud and fast, and they act as if you can understand them. they touch your hair, your face, your hands, and they hug you repeatedly. You notice they have  a peculiar order. Theydress differently than anyone you have ever met. Their language is unintelligible and sounds like gibberish. You have know clue how or why you are here. You have know idea if you will find your way back to your former life"    
Now how are you feeling? Is any part of your body tense? Any worries pop into your head?

Wow...is all I can say. Most likely these children have experienced trauma and stress to be in the situation they are in to be available for adoption and now they live thru this experience. These kids are amazing. Our kid is amazing! Adoption is the biggest life change a child will ever experience-sudden and complete immersion into a new culture, new life, and new people. The author of this book refers to this as "The Big Change"

These children must find ways to cope and there are so many ways they choose to cope with the stress and trauma they have endured. As parents we can feel our child's pain, literally. Think about if you or someone in your home comes home in a grumpy or foul mood. If they stomp around the house and continue on their grumpy path, it is not too long that someone else in the house is now joining in on the path of grumpiness. This transference of feelings this author describes as inducement (from the latin word 'led'). The parent is induced to experience the child's feelings. So how our daughter is dealing with all of the overstimulation in her new environment truly is leading us. For those of you who know her and have asked and know how I have felt the last few weeks.........well this idea explains a lot. 

We continue to be amazed at our beautiful daughter and the skills she has in order to survive. Adoption is both a challenge and an adventure.........filled with excitement, surprises, giggles and lots of learning. We are so honored that God has called us to be a part of this amazing world of adoption.

Sunday, February 15, 2009

So much fun!



Well, if you have read this blog for more than a week-you might remember me complaining about the cost of dance and costumes (however it is well worth every penny-they go to an incredible studio which is owned by a wonderful Christian women who teaches them to love the body God has blessed them with) These great costumes that are worn for just a short time by the actual 'owner' have been enjoyed by the younger sisters. Today Jennifer found the cowboy suit from last year-yet had no idea what it was. Big sister was trying to explain to her what a cowboy was-which was quite amusing. Not sure if J really understood the whole concept but she sure liked the outfit. Especially when she added some pom-poms to the outfit. 
Then of course the Princess needed to give it a go. You will notice J has her dress crammed underneath it all-and the Princess wore it 'right'. These two keep me in stitches-and I am not sure if them being basically in the same size clothes is always going to be a good thing. I can imagine many battles over an outfit in the future.  

(Any tips on how to re-arrange pics? Apparently I am not smart enough to figure it out-I try to drag them and they wind up disappearing-so sorry you have to scroll down to look at them all)

Saturday, February 14, 2009

What to post.....


One would think that life with four children would give you plenty to blog about-maybe my brain is getting to old and tired to remember. Life has been exceptionally crazy in the Waggoner House and I am not sure exactly why. Lots of doctor's visits by all-with some shots :( Valentine's to write and stuff for parties, shopping for the company camp-out Tony is on this weekend, and I guess just life. I have been getting up a bit earlier too to run, training with some friends for a half-marathon. Did a 5 mile run in the freezing cold this morning-but by the 3rd mile I was either so cold it didn't bother me or had run long enough to get warm. So maybe getting to bed too late and up too early is the reason for the lack of posts. All that to say, sorry for those of you who read looking forward to an update on the kiddos and haven't been able to see any cute pics of them or read about them. Tony has also said he would help write to keep this blog up to date...........and I think we can all see that hasn't happened. So I guess I can blame it on him, especially since he is out of town and can't comment ;) 

Just got a book about parenting your internationally adopted child-it has received several great reviews and I am really looking forward to reading it-will have to share all the knowledge I gain :) At least it will be something to post about. Now I am going to fix lunch and curl up with my book and a blanket. Happy Valentines Day!

Wednesday, February 11, 2009

Our Church


Leaving our Wednessday night activities tonight, Jennifer said something that brought tears to my eyes. A little history before revealing the comment she said. "Church" in Ghana is totally different than any church I have ever been to in America. In Ghana people worship God with their entire being. I have described their worship as reckless abandonment. They pour every ounce of their energy into praising God and laying their lives before him as they worship. Church lasts 3-4 hours, and when it is over you are amazed at how long you have been there. All that to say, many worship services here in America are filled with people who look like they are attending a funeral rather than coming to worship. Jennifer is used to signing, dancing and loving church. I love our church, however it is very different than a Ghanian church. And to be quite honest I have felt a little sorry for Jennifer having to leave her familiar style of worship for something that is quite different. Tonight when pulling out of the parking lot she said "Mommy, I love our church!" This 'approval' statement means the world to me. NorthHaven is indeed a special place. I feel very honored to be a part of a church that is such a welcoming, genuine, missional congregation that is led by servant leadership. 
Currently there is a group from our church in the midst of flying to Kenya, Africa to distribute mosquito nets to prevent the deadly disease of malaria. Please join me in praying for this group as they serve the people of Kenya.
If you want to learn a bit more about this 'loved' church visit www.northhavenchurch.net

Tuesday, February 10, 2009

A little dress up and lots of giggles



Somedays I think I can pack up the dress up clothes and pass them along to someone else's clutter. Then there are days like these pictures. The girls were doing a fashion/dance show. As you can see they were having a tough time choosing just one outfit. The names they were coming up with to describe themselves were hilarious. They had a lot of fun and I enjoyed hearing them laugh so hard together. Now if I could just bottle up that sound and moment for the times when they are not quite having so much fun together-the times where the squeals are not from giggles-yes those times do happen around here ;)
I am sure these two will just love these pictures someday!

Monday, February 9, 2009

IT'S OFFICIAL!!!!!!





We went to court this morning surrounded by family and friends-thanks for all the support! Judge Bonner was wonderful with the kids. He invited the three current Waggoners to join him from his view point so they could see. They thought that was really neat. From the pics (thanks Missy) you can see everyone raising their hands to tell the truth. When it was all done he asked the kids if they were ready to have a new sister and they each got to bang the gavel to make it a official. We now all have the same last name and I am headed to OKC for the official new birth certificate.
What a fun exciting day! We are headed out for a celebration dinner-Jennifer's choice wonder if it will be chicken and rice ;)

Sunday, February 8, 2009

Our Date


While the girls were out dancing, I had a date with my one and only little boy. He is such a gentleman! Dad had made sure he had enough money in his pockets and he said we could go anywhere I wanted. Of course he had a few suggestions, to which I picked his favorite. Spaghetti Warehouse in Bricktown sitting in the trolley. He opened all the doors and pulled out my chair and even unwrapped my silverware and opened my straw for me. He is going to be quite the ladies man. One might think little girls are chatty but he did a pretty good job keeping my ears busy. He shared a lot of memories with me, I am truly amazed at what he remembers. I do hope he continues to talk to me this much as he grows up. After dinner we went on a carriage ride, his idea. We snuggled up to stay warm, it was an incredible night for a stroll through the city. We held hands almost all night.  I thoroughly enjoyed every minute of my date. We decided we should have a date more often, whether there is a dance for the girls or not. We even have pictures to remember our fun evening-courtesy of a photo booth. His favorite of the four.......him kissing mommy :)

One of my favorite moments was on the drive home, as we held hands, I was asking him some of his favorite things. I asked him who his favorite buddies were in his kindergarten class. He named one little guy and his sister! I said really-Jennifer? Such a sweet response "Of course she is my buddy" I asked him if he liked having her in his class and he said yes even though she doesn't always do what she is supposed to. He also said he stands up for her when people forget she is new to America. What a sweet little boy, who wants his sister in class with him next year. Guess we will have to wait and see if that thought stays the same ;)

Saturday, February 7, 2009

A few more


They had a lot of fun and wore dad out-he said he needed a few more arms. He might be calling in reinforcements for next year. We decided are oldest looked a bit too old :( time is flying by

The Princesses and their Daddy



They look amazing.


I was trying to upload a few more but it didn't work-will try again later-my date is waiting for me :)

Counting Down


I have three very excited girls who are counting down the hours until the Daddy Daughter Dance-they all have their dresses and shoes out ready to go and have looked at their flowers a zillion times. I hope Tony is ready to dance his night away, I am not thinking he will have time to sit-unless the girls want to take a cookie and juice break. While Dad has the girls, mommy is getting a date with her little man. He even says we can go to eat wherever I want............wonder where we should go.

Friday, February 6, 2009

A lesson from the Princess


Psalm 139 

13 For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb. 14 I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. 15 My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place. When I was woven together in the depths of the earth, 16 your eyes saw my unformed body. All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be. 

The kids have a new cd-that is meant for kids but is not annoying to parents-yeah!! Anyway this CD includes some bits of scripture in some of the songs. A favorite is a song that has a line "God knew me before my Birthday" and wow the power of music including the words! The Princess says "Hey mommy-did you know that God knew you before your birthday?" I asked her what that meant and she went on to say pieces of this scripture that is stated in the song. Nothing like hiding bits of scripture in your child's heart. She ended with "God made me......to do something special". I love this kid!! And the many lessons she teaches us.

Thursday, February 5, 2009

A few random observations...

* Walking into a store today there was a bit of a 'wind tunnel' blowing trash around. Not a welcome site to be greeted by trash as you enter, or at least that was my thought, Jennifer smiled and giggled a bit and said "Look mommy-dancing trash" :) Life through the eyes of a very happy little girl.

*Children eventually out grow well child checks-at least they get to go every two years instead of every year. I learned that little tid bit this morning with our 9 year old, who yes indeed turned 9 in December-but better late than never. The January birthday children have already gone-last week :) 

*Tuition is due for dance today.....three little girls taking dance adds up. Note to self-if there are future additions to the Waggoner family maybe they should be boys ;)

*It is indeed a glorious day when the weather is perfect-like it is this afternoon- and the children are happily playing in the backyard.

Life is a bit busy

Hopefully a post that has something you would like read will appear soon, but for now I am taking two kids to the doctor so no time to post. Pray for the Waggoner children (and their parents)-it has been a bit of a tough week as they continue to adjust our new life as six.

Tuesday, February 3, 2009

Teeth


Here is a little funny about Jennifer and her teeth. She wanted me to look at something in her mouth last night that was bothering her. So in the midst of cheering (quite a rowdy cheering fest was taking place) on the Sooners as they beat Tennessee last night-WOO HOO!!! I played dentist. I discovered that Jennifer has a tooth starting to grow in behind one of her baby teeth-so it looks like a trip to the dentist is coming a bit faster than anticipated. As I tried to explain to her it was another tooth she looked at me like I was a bit crazy. So I proceeded to explain how your baby teeth fall out and big teeth grow in-well lets just say she heard nothing after the "teeth fall out" part. She shut her mouth tight and gave me a look like I had totally lost my mind! Amazing the things we assume she knows or forgets that she does not know. She decided to hear me out and with big sister showing her new big teeth and big brother showing off his "teeth holes"-one with even a tooth coming in-I think she gets it. However, first thing this morning she asked brother to see his 'holes' again to see if his teeth had come in yet...funny girl she is.

On another note, Kristin was able to get into the embassy and she is scheduled to pick up both of her kids visas on Thursday afternoon just before her scheduled flight home that evening. Thanks for praying for them and please continue to do so for their journey home.

Monday, February 2, 2009

Please pray!

These two are in Ghana awaiting to come home! They are in need of an embassy appointment. Their Mom and Grandma are there with them trying to bring them home. They should be allowed into the embassy tomorrow morning at 7:30 Ghana time which is 1:30 in the morning here in Oklahoma. They need to be granted Visas. Just six short weeks ago I was where this mommy is......it is hard, staying strong for your child(ren) with you, missing the ones at home, trying to hold it all together, feeling helpless and out of control-all while leaning on God trying to convince yourself His ways are indeed the best and trying to understand why things are happening the way they are. Please pray for her (her name is Kristin)-that she be able to rest, that the guards at the embassy will let them in, and the workers behind the windows will grant both visas.

Kristin- I hope you don't mind me 'stealing' this pic, but I wanted to share their precious faces-lifting many prayers up for you. I can't wait to hear that you are ALL on your way home!

Sunday, February 1, 2009

A heavy but thankful heart.


Not sure how exactly how to say what I would like to say with our revealing to much, but enough for you to understand. Knowing that many of you who read this might try to read between the blanks and figure it out to see if you can piece the details together to figure it all out........ all I can say is please don't try. The whole point of the following story is to get a glimpse into the hearts of a mother and a brother who are falling more in love with a little girl each day. The three of us were able to spend some time together this weekend, experiencing another first for Jennifer. All was going quite well until a person, who I truly believe just made a poor choice-scared Jennifer beyond words. I do not think I have seen her quite this scared. My heart hurt for her, tears filled my eyes as they poured from hers. I believe with out a shadow of a doubt that I love her the same as my biological children-but that whole concept seems a bit crazy-especially knowing she has only been in our house about six weeks. However, when God places a child in your heart it is immediate. My reaction to this situation shook me up a bit. I guess because it was such an instinctual reaction.  As I held her, trying to comfort her and let her know we would keep her safe. Her brother was right by her side. He left all of the action and immediately came to her side. His face was so sad to see his sister hurting. He said "Mama, I don't think that (person) is very nice." Trying to teach him, what I am trying to learn, I responded with "Their action was not nice, that doesn't make that person mean." What he said next broke my heart and made me so proud at the same time. He said "Mama, I think it is time to go, let's leave......now." He proceeded to be the bigger man, thanked some people for their hospitality and gathered our stuff and stayed by his sister's side. As we were walking to the car Jennifer realized she had left something, Big Brother immediately offered his and said you can have it-with a smile on his face.
What I have learned from this all:  I do indeed wholeheartedly love our newest child, our son is a remarkable young man-who takes care of his sisters, and the attitude of our family comes first is being lived out. 

(This picture shows a glimpse of their love for each other, taken during one of our 'dance parties'.)