You might remember me posting about our friends, the Johnsons, who were preparing to adopt three more children from Africa?
Well, this was the week, and tomorrow (I hope) we get to meet Juan and Pam's three new children at church...what a happy day! You can read more about their story on Their Blog!
Nate
Showing posts with label Adoption. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Adoption. Show all posts
Saturday, May 23, 2009
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
Johnson Family Update
You might remember me blogging about our friends The Johnsons...about their story of adoption and their new journey to adopt three more. Well, they've just received the news that they are one BIG step closer to being on their way to Ethiopia and bringing their kids home!
Check out the great news Here!
Nate
Saturday, February 21, 2009
Answers (At Last!)
> Tricia has not contacted her donor's family yet. The transplant team suggests you wait about a year before writing the initial letter, so hopefully it will be something that we do soon. Depending on the response (or lack of), we may or may not share anything with the public about our possible correspondence with the donor's family.
> Tricia worked several jobs during her teen and young adult years prior to last year...she is now a full-time mommy.
> Yes, I finished "The Story Of Us" a LONG time ago...
> Tricia knows very little about her biological family, mostly by choice, and all of which we'll keep private. She has never struggled much with knowing she was adopted (which took place when she was very young).
> Janet...you can come stay if you can figure out how to get to the futon thought all of the boxes in the guest bedroom.
> Megan...your yellow ae sweatshirt is in our living room.
> Here is the meaning behind Gwyneth's name. We did have a boy name...
> The biggest day-to-day struggle we have as a family post-transplant is trying to find "normal". Being in our own home is helping, but it's difficult to have a set schedule and routine as Tricia's health needs are always changing...from a bad night's sleep to a side-affect caused by a med to the last minuted visits to Duke, it's very difficult to know with any amount of certainty what we're doing from one day to the next.
> Cookies are my weakness (along with ice cream)...it's hard to say what is my favorite, but chocolate chip might be it.
> We both do a lot of the cooking, although Tricia is doing more now that she has more energy and her own home. I cook a lot of breakfast and a lot on the grill.
> We don't watch American Idol...but, we're not watching much of anything on the tv right now because we don't have cable. We do watch a few shows via the internet.
> In the mornings before Tricia is awake, Gwyneth and I spend time waking up together, smiling at each other, and lots of book reading...she loves books (something she definitely gets from her mother).
> The thing I enjoy most about my job at NHC is spending time with people, especially leading worship (and, I actually work for everyone who is a member of my church, not just one person).
> This is my favorite song at the moment.
> When I was younger I wanted to be a baseball player. Tricia wanted to work with animals.
> "I would love to know how you manage to do everything- Gwyneth, Tricia, Work, Laundry, Moving, Blogging, Photography, Dinner, Cuddles, Decorating, Church? Do you ever ever sleep?" Yes, I sleep...not quite as much as I'd like to, but that's mostly my choice. Tricia is doing a lot more now that she's feeling much better, so my life isn't nearly as busy and full as it might appear to be.
> Tricia likes to think that she's a crafty person, and although she's tried her hand at several things, she just doesn't have the personality to really invest a lot of time into one single thing...she's the type who likes to do a little bit of everything, try everything once.
> Tricia is enjoying life as much as she possibly can. She is still a first time mother, experiencing much of what all other first time mothers experience, including the frustrations and stress. She still deals with medical issues on a constant basis...beside her transplant recovery, diabetes, CF-related digestive issues, etc., she also has had several minor medical issues, most of which we don't blog about for various reasons. She has a lot of trouble sleeping, at least 50% of the time...the cancer slowed her transplant recovery for a few different reasons... She'll never be able to live knowing that all of her medical treatments and procedures are behind her.
> I've asked Tricia to write her own blog post about life with her new lungs, post-cancer, etc. as many of you have asked about that...I'll let you know when she does that (soon).
> We do get recognized in public, almost always around Durham (never at home, except for people visiting our church). The first few times were a little strange, but now we're used to it, although it's not like it happens all the time. It seems like everyone who we come into contact with on a regular basis (staff and other CF/transplant patients) at Duke follows the blog and keeps up with the news stories, which is nice because we feel like many of the medical personnel are our friends and they really care for Tricia and Gwyneth beyond what is expected.
> I can't answer the question about "what if" concerning being a CF carrier...I can only tell you that, if our situation had been different, we would have probably thought differently about it.
> We are still very selective about where Tricia and Gwyneth go, especially during the winter. Gwyneth has been getting her RSV Shots. Hopefully when the weather warms and most of the germs go into hybernation, Gwyneth will be big and old enough to do more and hang out with whomever and where she wants to. As I've explained before, the immunosupressant drugs are typically reduced after the first year, which means a lower risk of catching a bug from others.
> I have a few "special" songs I sing to Gwyneth, but mostly I make up songs...there are a lot of fun things you can rhyme with "Rose".
> Plastic.
> At this point, we're not actively pursuing adoption, but we hope it will be an option in the future should we decide to grow our family. Right now, we're simply trying to stay healthy and enjoy each other as much as possible.
> This is "our song". Actually, most of our wedding ceremony music was courtesy of Coldplay.
> Vacation...that is something we're currently making plans for...stayed tuned...
> I do have friends who do not share our faith...I interact with them about the same way I do with anyone else. Since our church actually exists for people who don't go to church, they would be totally welcome.
> "Do you have topics that are 'off limits' or that you naturally gravitate away from when you write on your blog?" I thought this was the most interesting question...mostly because, I'm not really sure how you're wanting me to answer....hmmmm....
> My mom's hand healed up very well...it's not perfect, but nearly.
> Jeff is doing very well and is in remission...he and his family are enjoying their crazy life, back to "normal"! We're very thankful for the support they have received.
> Actually, I call Tricia "Patty Sue" and everyone else calls her "Tricia" (except for the receptionists at Duke, who call her "Patricia").
> And, of course, the big questions concerning Gwyneth development. I'll give you a short answer now, and then post a series of videos to actually show you how well she is doing.
Gwyneth has been assessed to be at about a 5-6 month old level, developmentally/motor skills, although, she has recently been making big strides and hitting some key milestones. We are not worried or concerned...as we have shared before, we are simply amazed and thankful that she is even here with us now, and we will celebrate every milestone like any normal parent and will not be scared about her future. To be focused on the unknowns of the future is to miss out on the blessings of the present. We'll enjoy her little, dependent sweetness for as long as we can!
Of course, some of her doctors are concerned, as she is a little behind even as a micro-preemie...but, then, some of her doctors aren't concerned. She has not shown any signs of long-term complications other than what I have previously shared. She has been working with a couple of therapists (actually, we are working with them as they show us ways to help her along) and we are seeing great progress. In reality, her poor eyesight is possibly a big reason why she is progressing slowly...she is very intelligent, very vocal, etc. but motor skills are very closely related to vision.
We do tend to keep Gwyneth's developmental issues more private than other topics we more openly discuss...because: 1) a lot of what we might share would be misunderstood (see This Post and comments for a wonderful example), and 2) someday, Gwyneth is might read all of this, and we need to be sensitive now to her feelings then.
> You can find answers to most of your questions about anything else I may have already covered on this blog by using the cool search bar at the top left-hand corner of my blog (see first pic below). For example...I typed in "life expectancy" and found the answers to a few of your questions via These Results. I've also been meticulous about labeling every post, and you can use the labels feature (see second pic below)...I clicked on the "transplant" label and found the answers to a few of your questions via These Results.
Thanks! It's always fun to see what kinds of questions people ask, and I enjoy taking the time to answer.
Nate
> Tricia worked several jobs during her teen and young adult years prior to last year...she is now a full-time mommy.
> Yes, I finished "The Story Of Us" a LONG time ago...
> Tricia knows very little about her biological family, mostly by choice, and all of which we'll keep private. She has never struggled much with knowing she was adopted (which took place when she was very young).
> Janet...you can come stay if you can figure out how to get to the futon thought all of the boxes in the guest bedroom.
> Megan...your yellow ae sweatshirt is in our living room.
> Here is the meaning behind Gwyneth's name. We did have a boy name...
> The biggest day-to-day struggle we have as a family post-transplant is trying to find "normal". Being in our own home is helping, but it's difficult to have a set schedule and routine as Tricia's health needs are always changing...from a bad night's sleep to a side-affect caused by a med to the last minuted visits to Duke, it's very difficult to know with any amount of certainty what we're doing from one day to the next.
> Cookies are my weakness (along with ice cream)...it's hard to say what is my favorite, but chocolate chip might be it.
> We both do a lot of the cooking, although Tricia is doing more now that she has more energy and her own home. I cook a lot of breakfast and a lot on the grill.
> We don't watch American Idol...but, we're not watching much of anything on the tv right now because we don't have cable. We do watch a few shows via the internet.
> In the mornings before Tricia is awake, Gwyneth and I spend time waking up together, smiling at each other, and lots of book reading...she loves books (something she definitely gets from her mother).
> The thing I enjoy most about my job at NHC is spending time with people, especially leading worship (and, I actually work for everyone who is a member of my church, not just one person).
> This is my favorite song at the moment.
> When I was younger I wanted to be a baseball player. Tricia wanted to work with animals.
> "I would love to know how you manage to do everything- Gwyneth, Tricia, Work, Laundry, Moving, Blogging, Photography, Dinner, Cuddles, Decorating, Church? Do you ever ever sleep?" Yes, I sleep...not quite as much as I'd like to, but that's mostly my choice. Tricia is doing a lot more now that she's feeling much better, so my life isn't nearly as busy and full as it might appear to be.
> Tricia likes to think that she's a crafty person, and although she's tried her hand at several things, she just doesn't have the personality to really invest a lot of time into one single thing...she's the type who likes to do a little bit of everything, try everything once.
> Tricia is enjoying life as much as she possibly can. She is still a first time mother, experiencing much of what all other first time mothers experience, including the frustrations and stress. She still deals with medical issues on a constant basis...beside her transplant recovery, diabetes, CF-related digestive issues, etc., she also has had several minor medical issues, most of which we don't blog about for various reasons. She has a lot of trouble sleeping, at least 50% of the time...the cancer slowed her transplant recovery for a few different reasons... She'll never be able to live knowing that all of her medical treatments and procedures are behind her.
> I've asked Tricia to write her own blog post about life with her new lungs, post-cancer, etc. as many of you have asked about that...I'll let you know when she does that (soon).
> We do get recognized in public, almost always around Durham (never at home, except for people visiting our church). The first few times were a little strange, but now we're used to it, although it's not like it happens all the time. It seems like everyone who we come into contact with on a regular basis (staff and other CF/transplant patients) at Duke follows the blog and keeps up with the news stories, which is nice because we feel like many of the medical personnel are our friends and they really care for Tricia and Gwyneth beyond what is expected.
> I can't answer the question about "what if" concerning being a CF carrier...I can only tell you that, if our situation had been different, we would have probably thought differently about it.
> We are still very selective about where Tricia and Gwyneth go, especially during the winter. Gwyneth has been getting her RSV Shots. Hopefully when the weather warms and most of the germs go into hybernation, Gwyneth will be big and old enough to do more and hang out with whomever and where she wants to. As I've explained before, the immunosupressant drugs are typically reduced after the first year, which means a lower risk of catching a bug from others.
> I have a few "special" songs I sing to Gwyneth, but mostly I make up songs...there are a lot of fun things you can rhyme with "Rose".
> Plastic.
> At this point, we're not actively pursuing adoption, but we hope it will be an option in the future should we decide to grow our family. Right now, we're simply trying to stay healthy and enjoy each other as much as possible.
> This is "our song". Actually, most of our wedding ceremony music was courtesy of Coldplay.
> Vacation...that is something we're currently making plans for...stayed tuned...
> I do have friends who do not share our faith...I interact with them about the same way I do with anyone else. Since our church actually exists for people who don't go to church, they would be totally welcome.
> "Do you have topics that are 'off limits' or that you naturally gravitate away from when you write on your blog?" I thought this was the most interesting question...mostly because, I'm not really sure how you're wanting me to answer....hmmmm....
> My mom's hand healed up very well...it's not perfect, but nearly.
> Jeff is doing very well and is in remission...he and his family are enjoying their crazy life, back to "normal"! We're very thankful for the support they have received.
> Actually, I call Tricia "Patty Sue" and everyone else calls her "Tricia" (except for the receptionists at Duke, who call her "Patricia").
> And, of course, the big questions concerning Gwyneth development. I'll give you a short answer now, and then post a series of videos to actually show you how well she is doing.
Gwyneth has been assessed to be at about a 5-6 month old level, developmentally/motor skills, although, she has recently been making big strides and hitting some key milestones. We are not worried or concerned...as we have shared before, we are simply amazed and thankful that she is even here with us now, and we will celebrate every milestone like any normal parent and will not be scared about her future. To be focused on the unknowns of the future is to miss out on the blessings of the present. We'll enjoy her little, dependent sweetness for as long as we can!
Of course, some of her doctors are concerned, as she is a little behind even as a micro-preemie...but, then, some of her doctors aren't concerned. She has not shown any signs of long-term complications other than what I have previously shared. She has been working with a couple of therapists (actually, we are working with them as they show us ways to help her along) and we are seeing great progress. In reality, her poor eyesight is possibly a big reason why she is progressing slowly...she is very intelligent, very vocal, etc. but motor skills are very closely related to vision.
We do tend to keep Gwyneth's developmental issues more private than other topics we more openly discuss...because: 1) a lot of what we might share would be misunderstood (see This Post and comments for a wonderful example), and 2) someday, Gwyneth is might read all of this, and we need to be sensitive now to her feelings then.
> You can find answers to most of your questions about anything else I may have already covered on this blog by using the cool search bar at the top left-hand corner of my blog (see first pic below). For example...I typed in "life expectancy" and found the answers to a few of your questions via These Results. I've also been meticulous about labeling every post, and you can use the labels feature (see second pic below)...I clicked on the "transplant" label and found the answers to a few of your questions via These Results.
Thanks! It's always fun to see what kinds of questions people ask, and I enjoy taking the time to answer.
Nate
Monday, August 4, 2008
The Johnson Family
Over a year ago, after we had decided to stop trying for our own children, and before we knew that Gwyneth was on her way, we asked Juan and Pam Johnson if we could hang out with them one afternoon and pick their brains about the idea of adoption.
Juan and Pam had moved into our area a few months before and had just joined our church. I was actually the first to meet the Johnson family (or, at least, Pam) when they stopped by our church one weekday, literally as they were still moving, to find out what our church was all about. All I really remember about my short conversation with Pam that day, as Juan and their kids sat outside in the car, was that this was a very unique family...I managed to gather that she and Juan had only been married for a few years, both had kids of their own, grown and out of the house, and they had recently adopted four kids.
Unique doesn't begin to describe it.
As the Johnson's began to attend our church, and Tricia and I got to know them, we realized that they have an incredible story of faith and love and compassion. Dylan is from China, adopted as a young boy a few years ago. Leah, Analyse and Jaden are a sibling group from Ethiopia. adopted just two years ago. Tricia taught the two boys in our Kid's Church, and both she and I were able to get to know the two girls through our youth group.
As the idea of adopting seemed to be more of a reality for us a year ago, we asked if we could spend a few hours with Juan and Pam and find out more about their story and ask if they had any advice. You'll have to check out Their Blog to learn more of the details (as it is truly an amazing story) of how they grew from a family of two to six. Those few hours we spent that afternoon gave me an even greater awe for adoptive families, and a huge appreciation for the Johnsons and their compassion for children.
And now, they are preparing to open their home to another sibling threesome from Ethiopia, hopefully near the end of this year. They showed me a picture of the three orphaned kids, and shared a little more with me and the church last night about what they hope the next few months might look like for them.
From my human perspective, I would say that Juan and Pam are crazy...they're making life incredibly difficult on themselves by growing from six to nine. But, if I've learned anything in this past year, it is that God will bless any situation that brings about sacrifice in the name of love and compassion. As Pam explained to me last night, it's not that they feel they can give their kids every expense the world has to offer...but they can provide a family full of love and make life easier for these few children.
I know that many who read my blog have been involved in the miracle of adoption in one way or another. Tricia and I have experienced this miracle ourselves on many different levels. I hope that you'll take the time to visit the Johnson's Blog and leave them a note of encouragement, and maybe even consider helping them bring their children home.
Thanks!
Nate
Juan and Pam had moved into our area a few months before and had just joined our church. I was actually the first to meet the Johnson family (or, at least, Pam) when they stopped by our church one weekday, literally as they were still moving, to find out what our church was all about. All I really remember about my short conversation with Pam that day, as Juan and their kids sat outside in the car, was that this was a very unique family...I managed to gather that she and Juan had only been married for a few years, both had kids of their own, grown and out of the house, and they had recently adopted four kids.
Unique doesn't begin to describe it.
As the Johnson's began to attend our church, and Tricia and I got to know them, we realized that they have an incredible story of faith and love and compassion. Dylan is from China, adopted as a young boy a few years ago. Leah, Analyse and Jaden are a sibling group from Ethiopia. adopted just two years ago. Tricia taught the two boys in our Kid's Church, and both she and I were able to get to know the two girls through our youth group.
As the idea of adopting seemed to be more of a reality for us a year ago, we asked if we could spend a few hours with Juan and Pam and find out more about their story and ask if they had any advice. You'll have to check out Their Blog to learn more of the details (as it is truly an amazing story) of how they grew from a family of two to six. Those few hours we spent that afternoon gave me an even greater awe for adoptive families, and a huge appreciation for the Johnsons and their compassion for children.
And now, they are preparing to open their home to another sibling threesome from Ethiopia, hopefully near the end of this year. They showed me a picture of the three orphaned kids, and shared a little more with me and the church last night about what they hope the next few months might look like for them.
From my human perspective, I would say that Juan and Pam are crazy...they're making life incredibly difficult on themselves by growing from six to nine. But, if I've learned anything in this past year, it is that God will bless any situation that brings about sacrifice in the name of love and compassion. As Pam explained to me last night, it's not that they feel they can give their kids every expense the world has to offer...but they can provide a family full of love and make life easier for these few children.
I know that many who read my blog have been involved in the miracle of adoption in one way or another. Tricia and I have experienced this miracle ourselves on many different levels. I hope that you'll take the time to visit the Johnson's Blog and leave them a note of encouragement, and maybe even consider helping them bring their children home.
Thanks!
Nate
Thursday, May 22, 2008
Adoption and Offenses
Unfortunately, it's apparent to me that I need to clarify something I said in my Last Post (the one about the Chapman family). But, I've been meaning to write a few things about adoption, so this gives me a good excuse.
A few people have commented and emailed me about my use of the word "adopted" to identify the Chapman's youngest daughter, apparently having been, at least, slightly offended by my choice of words.
Firstly, I meant no offense. I doubt that anyone believes I purposely meant to offend, but just in case...
As most of you already know, Tricia is adopted. I also have several other family members and many, many friends who are adopted/adoptees/adopting. In fact, we were seriously considering adoption before Gwyneth came along, and may still consider it in the future. Tricia (and her family) are very open about the adoption of three of their six children...in fact, Tricia's adoption is a HUGE part of her story and our story.
In my humble opinion, adoption is one of the most beautiful acts of love that we as humans can show to anyone. It is, perhaps, the most incredibly tangible reflection of the love of God we can witness on this earth (as He has chosen to "adopt" us into His kingdom), and I know that Tricia and so many others use their stories of adoption to show the story of God to others, just as the Chapman family has done. Even if you don't believe in God, it is always an incredible gift of love and life. I respect that some choose to keep adoption a secret (when it is possible), but I don’t understand it, especially in light of the incredible miracle that it truly is.
I also recognize that there are a lot of adoptive families who read my blog every day. My hope is, by recognizing that Maria is adopted, even those who aren't familiar with the Chapman family will take the time to stop and pray/think about them. I also pray that those who have never given adoption much thought might see this story and consider the miracle that it is.
Perhaps, with posting the picture of the Chapman family (which I added to the post later), it was unnecessary to specifically spell it out, but I consider it an important part of their lives, and an important reason to pray for them now. I can only imagine that the loss of any child is too difficult for words.
I find it discouraging that people are so easily offended (several other people left comments like your email under that post) when my post was meant to do nothing more than ask that you remember the Chapman family. I am not hurt or offended, but, I also continue to find it amazing that every single one of my posts has the potential make somebody feel offended...I've even had a few angry comments/emails about my pictures-only posts... The only way for me not to offend anyone on this blog to have never started it in the first place, which of course, is not something I'm sorry for.
I’ll be the first to stand in line and say that I’m offended by things that weren't meant to be offensive, and I’m attempting to be more consistent in making the choice to not be offended (because, most of the time, we're only offended because we choose to be).
Again, I meant no offense, and I took lengths to make sure that I posted about the Chapmans with sensitivity. I am sorry that a few of you were offended by my words, or least felt enough emotion to tell me about it. I hope you’ll understand my position and motives, and that you’ll consider thinking the best of me next time you’re tempted to be offended by something I write.
To all those adoptive families who read my blog, thank you so much. Without adoption, neither Tricia nor Gwyneth would be in my life right now.
Thanks!
Nate
A few people have commented and emailed me about my use of the word "adopted" to identify the Chapman's youngest daughter, apparently having been, at least, slightly offended by my choice of words.
Firstly, I meant no offense. I doubt that anyone believes I purposely meant to offend, but just in case...
As most of you already know, Tricia is adopted. I also have several other family members and many, many friends who are adopted/adoptees/adopting. In fact, we were seriously considering adoption before Gwyneth came along, and may still consider it in the future. Tricia (and her family) are very open about the adoption of three of their six children...in fact, Tricia's adoption is a HUGE part of her story and our story.
In my humble opinion, adoption is one of the most beautiful acts of love that we as humans can show to anyone. It is, perhaps, the most incredibly tangible reflection of the love of God we can witness on this earth (as He has chosen to "adopt" us into His kingdom), and I know that Tricia and so many others use their stories of adoption to show the story of God to others, just as the Chapman family has done. Even if you don't believe in God, it is always an incredible gift of love and life. I respect that some choose to keep adoption a secret (when it is possible), but I don’t understand it, especially in light of the incredible miracle that it truly is.
I also recognize that there are a lot of adoptive families who read my blog every day. My hope is, by recognizing that Maria is adopted, even those who aren't familiar with the Chapman family will take the time to stop and pray/think about them. I also pray that those who have never given adoption much thought might see this story and consider the miracle that it is.
Perhaps, with posting the picture of the Chapman family (which I added to the post later), it was unnecessary to specifically spell it out, but I consider it an important part of their lives, and an important reason to pray for them now. I can only imagine that the loss of any child is too difficult for words.
I find it discouraging that people are so easily offended (several other people left comments like your email under that post) when my post was meant to do nothing more than ask that you remember the Chapman family. I am not hurt or offended, but, I also continue to find it amazing that every single one of my posts has the potential make somebody feel offended...I've even had a few angry comments/emails about my pictures-only posts... The only way for me not to offend anyone on this blog to have never started it in the first place, which of course, is not something I'm sorry for.
I’ll be the first to stand in line and say that I’m offended by things that weren't meant to be offensive, and I’m attempting to be more consistent in making the choice to not be offended (because, most of the time, we're only offended because we choose to be).
Again, I meant no offense, and I took lengths to make sure that I posted about the Chapmans with sensitivity. I am sorry that a few of you were offended by my words, or least felt enough emotion to tell me about it. I hope you’ll understand my position and motives, and that you’ll consider thinking the best of me next time you’re tempted to be offended by something I write.
To all those adoptive families who read my blog, thank you so much. Without adoption, neither Tricia nor Gwyneth would be in my life right now.
Thanks!
Nate