Holy Aunts and Uncles, Lucy!

These are my siblings. Yes, I have THAT many siblings (13 of us total). Here we are with my parents and new bro in law at my sister's wedding last week. Lucy's going to have a lot of names to learn...on my side of the family alone, she has nine aunts, 11 uncles and 28 cousins.


You know what's really cool? Since the birth of my mother in 1935, Lucy will be the 62nd person to enter our family. And it's incredible that even after all the children who've come into our family over the years, everyone is still excited to meet the newest member of the clan. And yippee, they won't have to wait too much longer!

Not to be outdone on the excited part... the Mac side of the family. On Jeff's side, Lucy has...well, an uncle. Here's Scott!


And here he is with Auntie Pam. What they lack in numbers, they make up for with fun, lots of love and they're geographically desirable--living in CA!



We hope to have some Grandma and Grandpa pics to add when we see them later this month. Until then, enjoy our east coast adventure--in photos.

Holy Aunts and Uncles, Lucy!

These are my siblings. Yes, I have THAT many siblings (13 of us total). Here we are with my parents and new bro in law at my sister's wedding last week. Lucy's going to have a lot of names to learn...on my side of the family alone, she has nine aunts, 11 uncles and 28 cousins.


You know what's really cool? Since the birth of my mother in 1935, Lucy will be the 62nd person to enter our family. And it's incredible that even after all the children who've come into our family over the years, everyone is still excited to meet the newest member of the clan. And yippee, they won't have to wait too much longer!

Not to be outdone on the excited part... the Mac side of the family. On Jeff's side, Lucy has...well, an uncle. Here's Scott!


And here he is with Auntie Pam. What they lack in numbers, they make up for with fun, lots of love and they're geographically desirable--living in CA!



We hope to have some Grandma and Grandpa pics to add when we see them later this month. Until then, enjoy our east coast adventure--in photos.

Holy Aunts and Uncles, Lucy!

These are my siblings. Yes, I have THAT many siblings (13 of us total). Here we are with my parents and new bro in law at my sister's wedding last week. Lucy's going to have a lot of names to learn...on my side of the family alone, she has nine aunts, 11 uncles and 28 cousins.


You know what's really cool? Since the birth of my mother in 1935, Lucy will be the 62nd person to enter our family. And it's incredible that even after all the children who've come into our family over the years, everyone is still excited to meet the newest member of the clan. And yippee, they won't have to wait too much longer!

Not to be outdone on the excited part... the Mac side of the family. On Jeff's side, Lucy has...well, an uncle. Here's Scott!


And here he is with Auntie Pam. What they lack in numbers, they make up for with fun, lots of love and they're geographically desirable--living in CA!



We hope to have some Grandma and Grandpa pics to add when we see them later this month. Until then, enjoy our east coast adventure--in photos.

Here Comes the Sun...

After months and months of waiting, crying, praying--and more waiting, crying and praying--things have started to move forward. This week has been such a whirlwind... with rulings and signatures and the court case starting. Last night was the first time that I lie awake actually thinking about the GOOD things coming up--taking off for Taiwan, Jeff meeting our baby for the first time, bringing her home to meet her brothers. It's finally starting to feel like this is really going to happen. And when I gave up on sleep and went downstairs at 5am, this was what soon appeared outside our kitchen window. And I couldn't help but think that yes, the sun is rising...and we're ready for what the day brings.

Here Comes the Sun...

After months and months of waiting, crying, praying--and more waiting, crying and praying--things have started to move forward. This week has been such a whirlwind... with rulings and signatures and the court case starting. Last night was the first time that I lie awake actually thinking about the GOOD things coming up--taking off for Taiwan, Jeff meeting our baby for the first time, bringing her home to meet her brothers. It's finally starting to feel like this is really going to happen. And when I gave up on sleep and went downstairs at 5am, this was what soon appeared outside our kitchen window. And I couldn't help but think that yes, the sun is rising...and we're ready for what the day brings.

Here Comes the Sun...

After months and months of waiting, crying, praying--and more waiting, crying and praying--things have started to move forward. This week has been such a whirlwind... with rulings and signatures and the court case starting. Last night was the first time that I lie awake actually thinking about the GOOD things coming up--taking off for Taiwan, Jeff meeting our baby for the first time, bringing her home to meet her brothers. It's finally starting to feel like this is really going to happen. And when I gave up on sleep and went downstairs at 5am, this was what soon appeared outside our kitchen window. And I couldn't help but think that yes, the sun is rising...and we're ready for what the day brings.

Excuse Me Doctor, There's a Sister in My Ear

Two weeks ago, I said in a confident (borderline cocky) tone, "J has neeeever had an ear infection and he's almost four." Guess where we went this morning—yep, to the pediatrician with an ear infection.

Hmmm. That got me to thinking... which brings me to boldly making this statement.
"We've neeeever had amazing news telling us Lucy's case has miraculously been completed and we travel to get her before Mother's Day."

Take that, superstition. What are you gonna do now?

Anyway, so we were at the doc and he's looking in J's ears and says, "do I see a superhero in your ear? Could it be Spiderman?" J replied, in a matter-of-fact tone, "no, it's my sister."

Guess she's on everyone's mind in the Mac family.

5:30pm addition: OK, so I failed to mention that at the same time I so smugly declared the no ear-infection history, I also said "And B's never thrown up."


Guess what just happened...

Man, we're NEVER gonna get that call tomorrow.

Excuse Me Doctor, There's a Sister in My Ear

Two weeks ago, I said in a confident (borderline cocky) tone, "J has neeeever had an ear infection and he's almost four." Guess where we went this morning—yep, to the pediatrician with an ear infection.

Hmmm. That got me to thinking... which brings me to boldly making this statement.
"We've neeeever had amazing news telling us Lucy's case has miraculously been completed and we travel to get her before Mother's Day."

Take that, superstition. What are you gonna do now?

Anyway, so we were at the doc and he's looking in J's ears and says, "do I see a superhero in your ear? Could it be Spiderman?" J replied, in a matter-of-fact tone, "no, it's my sister."

Guess she's on everyone's mind in the Mac family.

5:30pm addition: OK, so I failed to mention that at the same time I so smugly declared the no ear-infection history, I also said "And B's never thrown up."


Guess what just happened...

Man, we're NEVER gonna get that call tomorrow.

Excuse Me Doctor, There's a Sister in My Ear

Two weeks ago, I said in a confident (borderline cocky) tone, "J has neeeever had an ear infection and he's almost four." Guess where we went this morning?yep, to the pediatrician with an ear infection.

Hmmm. That got me to thinking... which brings me to boldly making this statement.
"We've neeeever had amazing news telling us Lucy's case has miraculously been completed and we travel to get her before Mother's Day."

Take that, superstition. What are you gonna do now?

Anyway, so we were at the doc and he's looking in J's ears and says, "do I see a superhero in your ear? Could it be Spiderman?" J replied, in a matter-of-fact tone, "no, it's my sister."

Guess she's on everyone's mind in the Mac family.

5:30pm addition: OK, so I failed to mention that at the same time I so smugly declared the no ear-infection history, I also said "And B's never thrown up."


Guess what just happened...

Man, we're NEVER gonna get that call tomorrow.

What's Best for Lucy?

As I've mentioned, I'm planning to head to Taiwan on 5/5 to see Lucy—unless, of course, we get news of a decree first then I'll wait and Jeff and I will go together.
It was mentioned to me that maybe I could take her for a few days to the hotel and spend it with her there. That sounds amazing!

But then, it immediately terrifies me. What is the best for her—my visiting SLC 8 hours a day for three days or taking her for three days to the hotel?
I want to be with her so badly, I can't even describe it...but I'm afraid I could be messing her up if I take her away from what she knows only to bring her back.

What's best for my baby girl?

UPDATE 4/15: SLC does not, in fact, want me to take her to the hotel afterall. But I am told I can visit all day. So that's what I'll do!

What's Best for Lucy?

As I've mentioned, I'm planning to head to Taiwan on 5/5 to see Lucy—unless, of course, we get news of a decree first then I'll wait and Jeff and I will go together.
It was mentioned to me that maybe I could take her for a few days to the hotel and spend it with her there. That sounds amazing!

But then, it immediately terrifies me. What is the best for her—my visiting SLC 8 hours a day for three days or taking her for three days to the hotel?
I want to be with her so badly, I can't even describe it...but I'm afraid I could be messing her up if I take her away from what she knows only to bring her back.

What's best for my baby girl?

UPDATE 4/15: SLC does not, in fact, want me to take her to the hotel afterall. But I am told I can visit all day. So that's what I'll do!

What's Best for Lucy?

As I've mentioned, I'm planning to head to Taiwan on 5/5 to see Lucy?unless, of course, we get news of a decree first then I'll wait and Jeff and I will go together.
It was mentioned to me that maybe I could take her for a few days to the hotel and spend it with her there. That sounds amazing!

But then, it immediately terrifies me. What is the best for her?my visiting SLC 8 hours a day for three days or taking her for three days to the hotel?
I want to be with her so badly, I can't even describe it...but I'm afraid I could be messing her up if I take her away from what she knows only to bring her back.

What's best for my baby girl?

UPDATE 4/15: SLC does not, in fact, want me to take her to the hotel afterall. But I am told I can visit all day. So that's what I'll do!

Siblings: In Sickness and in Health

Remember way back to 5 days ago when B was hospitalized? Well.. little did I know, his sister was also having her share of poking and prodding—hospitalized for a bad case of bronchitis.

I got this email this morning from our agency who's in Taiwan: "We did not get to see your little one, because they moved her to the hospital to avoid her getting worse with her bronchitus. She was put in the hospital ICU for the first day, then moved to regular ward and she has done better and better the whole time. I think she will be back at the nursery in another day. Don't worry, we had them call while we were there to get an update, they say she is fine now but want to keep her another day just to make sure she is perfectly fine."

Jeff and I thought the worst case was we'd have no court update but at least photos. Wow - we never expected they'd get halfway around the world and couldn't even see Lucy. It never ceases to amaze me how much this process can continue to knock the wind right out of me and leave me feeling helpless and just plain sad.

Our agency did say that given our extended case, SLC has agreed that we could come visit Lucy during the wait. While my first reaction is to drive to the airport, I have some serious concerns. Would that just hurt her development—showing her such love and cuddles and then leaving? Of course it's a huge expense and we don't know if we'd be going back soon after traveling but if I knew it was going to be another 6 mos., I'd feel like we should go.

Here's my question: to those of you who are/have adopted, what's the right thing when it comes to visits—would it help or hurt to go there? I've even considered going there to "foster" her while we wait. Could that even be possible—the Mac family living in Taiwan?

Siblings: In Sickness and in Health

Remember way back to 5 days ago when B was hospitalized? Well.. little did I know, his sister was also having her share of poking and prodding—hospitalized for a bad case of bronchitis.

I got this email this morning from our agency who's in Taiwan: "We did not get to see your little one, because they moved her to the hospital to avoid her getting worse with her bronchitus. She was put in the hospital ICU for the first day, then moved to regular ward and she has done better and better the whole time. I think she will be back at the nursery in another day. Don't worry, we had them call while we were there to get an update, they say she is fine now but want to keep her another day just to make sure she is perfectly fine."

Jeff and I thought the worst case was we'd have no court update but at least photos. Wow - we never expected they'd get halfway around the world and couldn't even see Lucy. It never ceases to amaze me how much this process can continue to knock the wind right out of me and leave me feeling helpless and just plain sad.

Our agency did say that given our extended case, SLC has agreed that we could come visit Lucy during the wait. While my first reaction is to drive to the airport, I have some serious concerns. Would that just hurt her development—showing her such love and cuddles and then leaving? Of course it's a huge expense and we don't know if we'd be going back soon after traveling but if I knew it was going to be another 6 mos., I'd feel like we should go.

Here's my question: to those of you who are/have adopted, what's the right thing when it comes to visits—would it help or hurt to go there? I've even considered going there to "foster" her while we wait. Could that even be possible—the Mac family living in Taiwan?

Siblings: In Sickness and in Health

Remember way back to 5 days ago when B was hospitalized? Well.. little did I know, his sister was also having her share of poking and prodding?hospitalized for a bad case of bronchitis.

I got this email this morning from our agency who's in Taiwan: "We did not get to see your little one, because they moved her to the hospital to avoid her getting worse with her bronchitus. She was put in the hospital ICU for the first day, then moved to regular ward and she has done better and better the whole time. I think she will be back at the nursery in another day. Don't worry, we had them call while we were there to get an update, they say she is fine now but want to keep her another day just to make sure she is perfectly fine."

Jeff and I thought the worst case was we'd have no court update but at least photos. Wow - we never expected they'd get halfway around the world and couldn't even see Lucy. It never ceases to amaze me how much this process can continue to knock the wind right out of me and leave me feeling helpless and just plain sad.

Our agency did say that given our extended case, SLC has agreed that we could come visit Lucy during the wait. While my first reaction is to drive to the airport, I have some serious concerns. Would that just hurt her development?showing her such love and cuddles and then leaving? Of course it's a huge expense and we don't know if we'd be going back soon after traveling but if I knew it was going to be another 6 mos., I'd feel like we should go.

Here's my question: to those of you who are/have adopted, what's the right thing when it comes to visits?would it help or hurt to go there? I've even considered going there to "foster" her while we wait. Could that even be possible?the Mac family living in Taiwan?

World Premiere!

Song for Lucy: The Video is finally here! The song written and performed by an adopting Daddy has now become a video. Enjoy!


Update: 3/31 at 8 p.m. WOW! We're getting such huge response to the song and video! Thank you all SO much! Yes, Jeff wrote, sang, and played the music on the song as well as edited the video. We're excited to get it up on itunes ASAP so everyone can own it!

World Premiere!

Song for Lucy: The Video is finally here! The song written and performed by an adopting Daddy has now become a video. Enjoy!


Update: 3/31 at 8 p.m. WOW! We're getting such huge response to the song and video! Thank you all SO much! Yes, Jeff wrote, sang, and played the music on the song as well as edited the video. We're excited to get it up on itunes ASAP so everyone can own it!

World Premiere!

Song for Lucy: The Video is finally here! The song written and performed by an adopting Daddy has now become a video. Enjoy!


Update: 3/31 at 8 p.m. WOW! We're getting such huge response to the song and video! Thank you all SO much! Yes, Jeff wrote, sang, and played the music on the song as well as edited the video. We're excited to get it up on itunes ASAP so everyone can own it!

Nine - One - One Weekend I'd Like to Forget

As I've written before, we discovered last fall that B has allergy-induced asthma. We had to give him breathing treatments Thursday night/Friday a.m.—nothing we haven't done before.

When the doctor's office opened, I was on the phone to get him in just to make sure everything was OK. In fact, we were so not worried, that I took J to school while Jeff took B to the doctor and I was going to meet him there in a few minutes. (we usually have to wait 30-60 minutes to be seen—which is a whole other post)

When I got there, B was not only in a room but already being treated. He had gotten sick in the waiting room and I was told, he was very pale and his lips were a shade of blue. What I thought would be a typical office visit suddenly became an emergency.

Jeff and I were told B was in "respiratory distress." They had called an ambulance and he needed to be admitted into the hospital. Our local hospital doesn't have a pediatric ward so we needed to go 30 miles to another one. In the meantime, they didn't think he was in a good position to be in the ambulance that long so we needed to stop at the local hospital's ER to stabilize him.

So off I went in a squealing ambulance with my little man. He was so scared, I'll never forget the look on his little face. Although, as we weaved in and out of traffic with the siren going, I heard a very tiny "woo hoo" come from his mouth and for just a moment, his eyes looked at me like, "whoah Mom, this is cool."

He was admitted and we spent the next 24 hours watching his oxygen levels go up and down—machines that beeped like crazy every time we fell asleep and his deep breathing would make the levels drop—finally getting to a place we can treat him at home. Thankfully he can't read this, but there was a nurse or two* (who were less than helpful) that I'm not all that upset were the target of a B-man tantrum—that kid can kick!

Here he is (via camera phone).


And, in case you're worried about him. Here he is within an hour of being home. His brother fell asleep and he's taunting him! (I only let it happen long enough to snap a pic—bad mom)


All-in-all, an exciting weekend I'd like to never repeat. And we thought we'd just be going to see the Wiggles. Oh well.

*note to nurse: if you don't want to be called "chunky" yourself, may I suggest you not call my sick son that. It's not cool to tease anyone at any age.

Nine - One - One Weekend I'd Like to Forget

As I've written before, we discovered last fall that B has allergy-induced asthma. We had to give him breathing treatments Thursday night/Friday a.m.—nothing we haven't done before.

When the doctor's office opened, I was on the phone to get him in just to make sure everything was OK. In fact, we were so not worried, that I took J to school while Jeff took B to the doctor and I was going to meet him there in a few minutes. (we usually have to wait 30-60 minutes to be seen—which is a whole other post)

When I got there, B was not only in a room but already being treated. He had gotten sick in the waiting room and I was told, he was very pale and his lips were a shade of blue. What I thought would be a typical office visit suddenly became an emergency.

Jeff and I were told B was in "respiratory distress." They had called an ambulance and he needed to be admitted into the hospital. Our local hospital doesn't have a pediatric ward so we needed to go 30 miles to another one. In the meantime, they didn't think he was in a good position to be in the ambulance that long so we needed to stop at the local hospital's ER to stabilize him.

So off I went in a squealing ambulance with my little man. He was so scared, I'll never forget the look on his little face. Although, as we weaved in and out of traffic with the siren going, I heard a very tiny "woo hoo" come from his mouth and for just a moment, his eyes looked at me like, "whoah Mom, this is cool."

He was admitted and we spent the next 24 hours watching his oxygen levels go up and down—machines that beeped like crazy every time we fell asleep and his deep breathing would make the levels drop—finally getting to a place we can treat him at home. Thankfully he can't read this, but there was a nurse or two* (who were less than helpful) that I'm not all that upset were the target of a B-man tantrum—that kid can kick!

Here he is (via camera phone).


And, in case you're worried about him. Here he is within an hour of being home. His brother fell asleep and he's taunting him! (I only let it happen long enough to snap a pic—bad mom)


All-in-all, an exciting weekend I'd like to never repeat. And we thought we'd just be going to see the Wiggles. Oh well.

*note to nurse: if you don't want to be called "chunky" yourself, may I suggest you not call my sick son that. It's not cool to tease anyone at any age.