Strep -- Again

So, we had another strep infection go through the house -- 5 kids had it this time. At least it was only 5. Usually, almost every kid gets it. This time our pediatrician talked to an infectious disease doctor and a group of them met and discussed what to do. They believe that Tess is a carrier. So, everyone started on medication and Tess was given some extra meds that they thought might take care of the situation. We went back to the doctor after everyone finished their meds -- good news is that Tess was negative -- finally! Hopefully, we will now all stay well for awhile. 

Sophia has turned 8 years old -- in March -- and been home for 3 years. 

Dinner at the local shopping center.

Tess still seems to have some special connection to Bella. She plays with her and hugs her and talks to her all the time. Bella loves it -- though, all the attention seems to have made Bella a little full of herself. She has always been so good and lately she is pushing the limits.

Finally Well -- Hopefully

For the past several weeks we have had so many sick kids I could hardly get everything done. I would start out with one sick child and then within a few days I would have four or five or even six sick children. I have no idea why they just kept getting sick again and again. This has been the worst winter I can remember in a long time. 

The bad thing was that I had so many plans for Piper and Tess. I had read all the books and watched the videos on attaching when adopting from hard places. I wanted to make sure I did this right as I already have experienced RAD. But, one sick child after another kept me from spending all the time I wanted to with Piper and Tess. I was so tired that so many of my good intentions just never happened. I felt bad that things were working out as they did, but I couldn't do much about it.

Well, yesterday everybody was well and it was a beautiful day and we all went outside to just relax and take a break. It was so nice to just sit and watch the kids and enjoy the weather. I think it got up to about 78 degrees. Piper and Tess were thrilled to be out as I am sure they were getting very bored watching me take care of sick kids -- they were barely sick. Tess tested positive for strep (for the second time) but acted like she was totally fine and never even slowed down a little. 

So, I sat and enjoyed the beautiful afternoon and took a few pictures of the kids as they played. I am so thankful that all the kids are well and hopefully will stay that way for awhile. I finally had the time to just sit and realize that Piper and Tess are actually here running around in the yard just as I imagined for so many months. They seem no worse for all the sickness here. 

I sat outside until it was dark -- so thankful that everyone finally seemed to feel good again. Piper and Tess love to be outside and played and played until I had to make them go inside to eat. I am hoping that I will now have more time to spend with them and maybe some of my good intentions will actually happen. 

Sunday Afternoon

After being stuck inside this past week because of snow and having so many sick kids, I tried to figure out something to do today to either use up some of the kids' energy or give them something to do for a little while. Our new girls don't entertain themselves very well so we have to give them things to do and usually help them learn to do it. So, for some reason I thought of paint.  I got out the paint and they painted rocks. What a mess they made, but they did have fun. 

Tess was pretty intent while painting, but was covered in paint by the time she was done. It was even in her hair! But, she really seemed to like painting.

Bella seemed pretty upset that she made such a mess -- maybe also because I said "Wow, Bella you sure made a big mess." I didn't mean a thing by it, but she quickly got this very sad look. Katie was there to comfort.

Piper was all into this painting -- no uncertainty after we showed her what to do and how to rinse her brush, etc. She jumped right in and enjoyed herself. She has quite a little personality when she feels comfortable. 

Bethany painted a little and then decided to make a puppet. 

As I was taking pictures of them painting at the the table, I realized that 5 countries were represented at that table -- the United States, Ukraine, Russia, Bulgaria and China. 

We realized something kind of funny today. We bought new gas logs this past year. They worked really well when we used them this past fall. But, ever since we came home from China they have been giving us some trouble. The pilot light will not stay on after we turn the fire off. It is kind of a pain, and we have to re-light the pilot light several times a day. We couldn't figure out what was wrong. Well, today we discovered what was wrong -- Tess. She thinks the fire needs to be ALL the way out and she keeps going behind us and blowing out the pilot light! Funny. 

The Elevator

Things have been rather hectic since we got home -- sick kids, CF appointments, etc. I keep meaning to do a post on the girls and how they are doing, but just haven't gotten around to it yet. It will be coming soon, though. 

I ran across this picture of Piper in the elevator and had to post it. It reminds me so much of all the times the girls raced to see who could push the button for the elevators first and then they would jump on as soon as the door would open and try to be the first to push again. They never got tired of the competition. Who could get to the elevators first and then who could jump in first. We had to be careful as several times they raced ahead and almost got in an elevator and left us behind. 

Piper was first this time and you can see by her reflection in the elevator door she was happy!