Wednesday, July 31, 2013

Vision Appointment!

Today was the day we have been waiting for since bringing Isaac home. What would a doctor tell us his vision would be? I cannot tell you how fortunate we are to live near a top pediatric hospital. Our doctor has been following the big kids for years. Summer had eye surgery when she was five and Wyatt has worn corrective lenses since he was three. I had even consulted with our doctor at one of the big kid's visits and shown him Isaac's photo. He confirmed what I had already researched about kiddos with albinism. He was more than likely legally blind and we could secure services because of this legal definition. The term "legally blind" is just that...a legal definition for services and aids for those who are blind or have low vision.
So as Isaac has been home for over a month, we had already begun securing vision services through the Illinois early intervention program. A group, Delta Gamma is who provides vision therapy and aids to parents with children who have vision issues will be providing services for Isaac. Because Isaac had a diagnosis of albinism, he already qualified to receive services. These services are covered by our insurance and a monthly payment based on income and family size. GO FAMILY OF SIX!!!
The therapist from Delta Gamma has already evaluated him and her awesome outlook and disposition left me with no doubts Isaac will live a normal life.He will receive therapy twice a month for vision, and once a week for physical therapy to catch him up from his time spent in a crib in the orphanage.
Today the eye doctor didn't tell me anything I didn't already know. Isaac has 20/200 vision that is not correctable due to the fact several components in his eyes did not develop properly due to his having albinism. (Please see the FAQ about Albinism tab at top of blog)
For two years now God has been preparing me for all of this, I knew all the "facts" about albinism and had done my homework so I was not surprised or scared.


I was thrilled the doctor said his nystagmus (eye shaking or movement) was "pretty stinkin' good", meaning it will be easier to focus.
He also told us at this time Isaac did not have any need for corrective lenses, meaning I won't have to put glasses on his pretty handsome face. Whew!
So we've had great doctors reviews so far. Neurosurgeon, Pediatrician, and now Eye specialist.

Isaac will never drive or be an astronaut, we know this. His future however, being a child of God with a loving family is unlimited. I am excited to see what he will amaze us with next.
He's already doing things he couldn't do when evaluated a few weeks ago. He's now sitting unsupported, rolling over, army crawling, and recognizing me and other family members. He is eating SO much better and now uses a cry to indicate he wants "more" of something.
He will sit patiently and play with his toys, and is content to be rocked to sleep. What a perfect joy this child is.
Chris writes so much more eloquently than I do, below is a copy of one of his recent Facebook posts.


While rocking Isaac to sleep for his nap, I couldn't help being overcome with awe by our awesome God! Isaac was smiling as I rocked him, I wondered, how many times had he been rocked to sleep in China. What must Isaac be thinking, was his heart bursting with love like mine. As he fell asleep a look of content came over him. Did he feel safe I wondered, did he now know this was his home, that I was his daddy. It sounds crazy, but holding him made me feel safe, there was no other place I was supposed to be but right there in that bedroom holding my son. I was following God's plan, I had been the one who was rescued, I was in my Father's arms, I had been adopted into God's perfect family. If you haven't experienced a similar feeling in your life, please, allow Jesus Christ into your heart, allow yourself to be rescued. If you have experienced this in your life, please prayerfully consider sharing it with an orphan, or, helping an orphan find a home.


Friday, July 12, 2013

Red Thread Sessions/Homecoming Pictures

I cannot thank Sarah at Fresh Blend Media http://freshblendmedia.com/ for the most awesome pictures of Isaac's homecoming!
I found Sarah on Red Thread Sessions website http://www.redthreadsessions.com/
She not only photographed beautiful photographs of me meeting Isaac for the first time, but donated her time, and gave me all the photographs at no cost. She also remained flexible when the date and time of the flights changed. Sarah is such a generous person she even refused my dad's offer to pay for her parking at the airport!

Below are some of the amazing photos she took from Isaac's homecoming on June 12, 2013















































Welcome Home Party!

We had Isaac's welcome home party on June 30th. I had worked on all the decorations for a little over a week. I was able to be very creative thanks to some amazing ideas from others on the internet, and the fact Isaac has been an extremely laid back baby. 
We had a mini candy buffet and cupcakes from Sam's Club. I made the cupcake toppers from a template I found here http://www.thespaghettiwesterner.com/2011/04/free-printables-sock-monkey-first.html
The templates do not include the monkey, but I had purchased the digital files for sock monkeys on Etsy for a couple of bucks about six months ago and created the printables using Photoshop. I invested in a two inch circle punch, had the files printed at copy center near my parent's home. It was much cheaper than printing them out myself and using up precious printer ink! Once I punched out the circles, I stuck them together with scrapbooking adhesive (less messy than glue) with a mini Popsicle stick between them. I purchased the mini sticks at Walmart in their craft area.
The banner was downloaded for free here
cut out, and strung on curling ribbon.
I also made various little signs using the digital files, and my photoshop program. I printed some of those at Walgreens as regular 5X7 photos. 
The big monkey sign was available here and printed on cardstock at my local printer.

Both Ellie and Isaac's clothing was purchased at Hobby Lobby for cheap along with the sock monkey iron on which cost about 1.99.
We were blessed with so many friends and family who came to see our precious Isaac.
Thank you to all who came and blessed us with the gift of your presence and other awesome things for Isaac.
(And yes, I am working on an amazing sock monkey Thank you card)