Merry Christmas!

OK, I will have to type my blog in reverse because all the pictures downloaded in the reverse order of the way I wanted them, and I am too dumb to figure out how to move them (I have tried many different ways but there is no cut and paste option!) Here is Jamelyn and her husband, Rich. Lance's mother and step father. She was so nice to come early this morning (so the boys could get to their presents) and stay throughout the day. She brought all the food and cooked most all of the dinner, and then cleaned the dishes too! I felt more than a little guilty but it was nice not to have to worry about cooking and cleaning and got to spend most all day putting together and then playing with the boys and their new toys. I am so blessed to have such a wonderful Mother-in Law! Love you Jamelyn!



Here is Trey enjoying some time with Grandma after dessert. He wasn't too sure about the pies, but he did really like the whip cream and meringue! This picture is obviously after he got cleaned up.

The boys are pictured here right before we started to open the presents, all bright eyed and bushy tailed! They actually slept in until 7:30 AM (if you don't count Jack climbing into bed with me at 4AM). They waited patiently for Grandma, Grandpa and GG (Great Grandma) to arrive at 8:15 and get some breakfast. Around 9:30 they could wait no more so we headed down to the basement to finally open the presents.

And were there a lot of presents! Wow! I actually felt guilty and the thought crossed my mind more than once how truly blessed I am. The Lord has been so good to me and my family. It was through Him that we were led to adopt these 3 little boys and without them my life would not be complete, so thank you Lord for allowing the Precious Savior to be born today, and for allowing me, such a rotten sinner, to be saved and blessed beyond compare!!

Trey did seem to be a bit overwhelmed by it all, and I think he would have been content with just one present, however, it gave the other boys a chance to open even more presents so they were all happy!

This bath was actually much needed by all (as I am sure you will see in the following clips) after a rowdy session of cookie decorating. Leave it to little boys to get wild and messy with a little project like decorating cookies! We ended up with some masterpieces however, and they were all very yummy. We even had a few left over after all our "mess ups" were eaten. The boys showed Trey how to sing in the bath tub (as well as splash and get water all over!) We weren't sure what he was singing but it did sound a little bit like Rubber Ducky You're the One. (I wonder if they had Mr. Rogers reruns in Thailand?)

Trey decorating Christmas cookies (ended up only decorating himself!) The other boys weren't quite as messy luckily. He ended up with it all over his entire face and all in his hair! I had no idea he knew how to get the caps off the tiny bottles of sprinkles. This kid cannot do anything, I mean anything, without making a huge mess. RJ and Jack were never quite as busy as this little guy. It is no wonder he is so skinny, he is in constant motion and into everything, including toilets! The following is a little clip of his decorating session. I don't think the camera truly captures the amount of sprinkles he had all over his face and in his hair! The bath water afterwards was literally dark blue!

Well, I hope you all had as nice and as blessed a Christmas Holiday as we did. May we never forget the reason for this holiday is the blessed birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ the King!

Another Sleepless Night

Lance got the scanned picture of the boys with Santa available to me, so here it is.

Well, it seems everyone is back on track as far as their sleeping patterns go except Jack. I guess that should not really be a big surprise. He has never been a very good sleeper. In fact, my main concern (after the long flight there and back) with Trey, was that he was going to have the same sleeping problems that Jack did. Lance and I did not have a full night's sleep for at least a year and a half after we got Jack. He was always waking up and crying for one reason or another. It wasn't until we stuck him in with his older brother RJ (as opposed to having his own room) that they finally subsided. That was the main reason we decided to stick Trey in with his brothers from night one. In Thailand, for the most part the whole family usually sleeps in the same room. Sometimes the parents have a separate room but RJ, Jack and now Trey's family did not. Therefore, they learned from an early age that there was always someone there when they woke up, and I think when they don't, it was very disturbing to them. So, despite the fact that we have 2 other separate rooms, all 3 boys are now sleeping in the same room for now.

Last night, I didn't hear a peep out of anyone except Jack. He came into my room and got me up to go get him a drink of water. Then 45 minutes later he came back again and said he was scared (that his is new way of getting all sort of attention) and crawled up into my bed where he continued to tell me all about various parts of various movies for the next two hours! I was too tired to go put him back in his room. Lance didn't even know he was there until he woke up with him there this morning. I am hoping not to repeat it tonight!

This morning, I did wake up around 7AM before everyone got up so that I could finally get some exercise and start to get my schedule back on track (despite the 3 hours I was up last night) and went in to check on RJ and Trey one more time, but Trey wasn't in his bed. I looked in Jack's bed, in our room and still could not find him. I started to panic and look all over the house, waking up Lance to do the same. Lance finally found him in the top bunk, under the covers with RJ sound asleep (didn't even think to look there!). Sometime last night he must have crawled up there and climbed in with RJ. That makes me more than a little nervous though, what if he had tried to crawl back out and fell and broke his neck?! I am beginning to understand why his foster family tied those little bells around his ankle and also tied him to his bed at night with a sheet around his ankle. That little booger is always running around or hiding. He is in constant motion until he gets too tired, and even then he refuses to lay down and usually falls asleep sitting up until he can no longer hold up his little head! I do not remember RJ or Jack being quite this busy, although I may have forgotten. I mean you literally cannot take your eyes off of him for a second or he is into something he shouldn't be. He is a constant mess too. I have never seen a child drool so much or have his hands in his mouth constantly so that everything he touches gets slimy and sticky. Oh well, such is the fun of a toddler! Especially one who is discovering a totally new world.

Stay tuned! I am sure Christmas Eve with baking and decorating cookies for Santa as well as trying to watch the Polar Express and read the Night Before Christmas should be interesting with Trey around!

Trip to see Santa

Today our big outing was actually getting dressed in real clothes (as opposed to staying in our pajamas and sweats), combing my hair and even putting on some make-up! All this for a quick trip to see Santa. RJ and Jack seemed to be really excited, and though Trey was excited just to come along, he didn't really have any idea who this weird looking man was in a red coat and with a scruffy beard. The picture I got wasn't as good as the one we bought from the shop (for a measly $32.95!), but I wasn't smart enough how to figure out how to scan it onto my computer so this will have to do. Both Jack and RJ were smiling pretty for the camera and Trey had the same scared, bewildered look on his face, but he didn't cry, which I thought was a major accomplishment.




We ran a few other errands, but even two hours out in the sun and 45 degree temperatures did a lot to cure some of my seasonal affective disorder (since there hasn't been any real sunshine since we got back). In fact, 2 hours of errands going to 3 different stores with 3 kids was enough to wear me out so that I needed another 2 hour nap to recover. The jet lag seems to be still wearing on, the boys did better last night, RJ was up only about an hour from 1:30-2:30. Jack slept until 5AM and then quickly back to sleep. It was Lance and I who once again awoke at 3:30AM and couldn't go back to sleep until 5:30AM (although Lance just finally gave up and got up out of bed suprisingly). That is what I should have done, then I would have had time to exercise and get back on my schedule. That is my plan for tomorrow, make myself get out of bed by 6:30 am (sleeping in when compared to my regular wake up call at 5:15 every morning), get some exercise and not take any naps and I am hoping that will allow me to finally be able to sleep all night.

I have to find some time tomorrow to go by myself (watch out as this is a spoiler for all those who still believe in Santa!) or with Trey to get Santa gifts for Trey, stocking stuffers and wrapping paper. After that however, I am planning on staying inside and away from the stores and mall until after Christmas and am looking forward to it plus doing some more holiday baking (although my waistline does not need any more, as I sit here and eat a other peice of pound cake). I need to come up with some ideas for things for little boys to do indoors that doesn't involve watching TV or playing video games, so if any of you have any ideas, let me know! Thanks for still reading!

Jet Lag Hangs On

Trey's first smile (day #3)

Group picture of Trey's foster family and us (minus RJ who refused, talk about embarassing!)

RJ and Trey at both of their foster family's home (they were the same family) before RJ's meltdown

RJ in front of a laying Buddha at the Ancient Ctiy

RJ and Jack hat shopping at a local market

(below)

I can't remember, but how long does the jet lag last? The boys have been up from 12AM until around 3:30AM or $ AM ever since we got back (minus the first night, which I think was just pure exhaustion on every one's part). When they don't sleep, neither do Lance or I. Lance has been good at taking the first part of the shift, and then I usually pick it up around 2AM. Good thing I am not working as that afternoon nap seems to get me by. I have not however, been able to get up and exercise like I normally do which is furthering my exhaustion. Exercise is my form of coffee and stress relief and I am missing it greatly. Hopefully, tonight will be the night. We mad the boys (and ourselves) pry our eyes open at 8AM and then take afternoons naps in hopes that letting them stay up until 10:30PM may help get them back on track, let's pray it heps for all of our sanity!

Trey seems to be doing remarkably well when it comes to his adjustment. He seems to have made it quite quickly and does very well except when we try to leave the house. When we get ready he starts crying and won't stop until he is in the car. I think he is afraid we are going to leave him, which just about breaks your heart. It is such an awful thing to think that he is already feeling some form of abandonment and that we were the cause! Since we ripped him from the only family he has ever known I can certainly understand his fears. If I hadn't been through this 2 other times before and know that it will fade with time I would be feeling extremely guilty right about now (and I did with RJ). I have to just keep reminding myself how much better off he will be here in America with us than he would have been in Thailand and that seems to comfort some of my guilt. Even then, it sometimes isn't enough, as I know that the only real thing that a child needs is love and he had plenty of that where he was living luckily.

About the only real things we did the last two days were to go to Wal-Mart for food and supplies, and then to Target to get some clothes for the little guy. He is so little I didn't have any 18 month clothes for him and only had 2T's which he seems to drown in. I can't imagine how he stays so tiny as that little guy eats all day long! We haven't seen any signs of the breathing problems or cough that the foster family had said he had quite frequently. In fact, they had him in the hospital for several days last winter with respiratory issues. As far as I could get in the translation it sounds like he had to go for breathing treatments and was possibly diagnosed with asthma, although the foster family did not have to administer any regular medications. They also reported that if he ate or drank too much he would get sick, like I said, we have seen no problems since his arrival here in the states. I suspect he had some sort of allergy to the immense air pollution, coupled with the fact that he was surrounded by construction dust 24/7 certainly didn't help.

Well, stay tuned, I am sure with our big outing to see Santa at the mall and get pictures will be packed full of adventurous tales to tell (not!).

Jetlag

Wow! I had forgotten how much traveling all over the world catches up with you. By the time Lance and I made it to bed at around 9:30PM last night, we both had been up for over 36 hours. The boys were able to sleep on the plane, we were not so lucky. I think maybe I caught an hour nap from Portland to SLC but Lance couldn't sleep at all. I am not sure how I ever was able to get through my residency and do 36 hour shifts every other night during the ICU rotations, because I felt rotten by the time I layed down for bed (I guess that is what 10 years does for you!). We all slept until noon today, although even then, I have still felt wiped out all day, and in fact, have not gotten out of my pajamas! We are living on scraps we had left in the cupboard and freezer so I guess I will have to get my butt out of bed and to the store early tomorrow morning.

The plane trip was once again interesting. We checked in at 0330 hours only to have them tell us that because Trey was now 2 years old (he turned two on 12/18 so had only been two for 3 hours) that we had to buy a one way ticket for 72,000 baht (the equivalent of $2000!). After we agreed (as really, what choice did we have?), then they had a hard time finding him a seat on all our planes, and in fact, we left Bangkok not even having a seat for him for the last leg of our flight, SLC to Pasco. Luckily, all went smoothly and even though the Tokyo to Portland leg seemed like an eternity (when in fact it was only 9 hours which was shorter than our 14 hours flight from San Fran to Taipei) we all ended up with seats somewhat together, all safe and sound and on time into Pasco at 5:30pm on the same day we left 12/18. Trey got to celebrate his second birthday for two days, although I am not sure he enjoyed his present (an airplane seat) too well. We did go ahead and make him birthday cupcakes and sing the birthday song, although am pretty sure he had no idea what we were saying or doing. Here is a little clip of his birthday celebration, first us decorating the cupcakes, and the second us singing him the birthday song, you will see Lance's hand in front of his face as all he wanted to do was blow out the candle (he had obviously done that before).

Well, my hopes that are I get my camera pictures uploaded to the computer tomorrow so that I can share some of the cute shotes I got while in Thailand of all the boys, but that would require us getting out of bed before noon, so we will see :) Take care and thank you for all the prayers, so far I would call Trey's adjustment a success, however, I know it is a bit soon to be making that statement. The only one who seems to be having difficulty is not Trey, but Jack. Knowing Jack and how happy and friendly he is, I am sure he will come around soon, but then again jealousy is sometimes a tough emotion to get over. I am trying to make sure he gets some extra special attention right now, but not sure I am doing that great of a job, especially today in my fatigue I may have been a little short with them all. Trey seems to be adjusting to me now, and sometimes even prefers me over Lance, but I am sure the moment Grandma comes around again I will take second fiddle, as he got really attached to both the grandmother's on the flight home. Thanks again for reading and stay tuned.....

Our Last Day in Bangkok

Yeah!! We got Trey's visa today as planned and should leave for the airport early tomorrow morning (at 3AM!!!). We had a fun and busy last day. Lance, Trey and I got up early and took the train to the US Embassy, where we sat around for 2 hours waiting for our name to be called. We had an appointment at 8AM and were finally called at 10:30AM for our application (sounds about right for our government, and they want to run our health care?? NO THANKS!!).

We then picked up the boys and the rest of the family (Lance's mother, Jamelynn, and both my parents have been travelling with us) and headed back to the Siam Center where we fed the boys and then went to the Aquarium. The older generation were not interested in the fish so it was just Lance, me and my "boyz". We had a really nice time and Trey absolutely loved all the fish. He was running around the Aquarium shouting things in Thai. I am not sure what he said but it sounded as if he was having a great time. I wasn't able to get any really good camera or flip shots, not only did he move too fast, but it was quite dark in there. Lance then had to go with Trey to pick up the visa so RJ, Jack and myself stayed a little longer. They played in the little playground and then we all took off our shoes for a "fish massage". We placed our feet into this small little pool where there were literally thousands of small fish that looked like minnows. The fish then would "eat" your feet and it felt as if someone were tickling the bottoms and sides of your feet. I am not sure how to describe the feeling but it definitely tickled and the boys and I were literally laughing out loud (and with the boys I mean out LOUD). We were definitely the loudest group in there but they were having such a great time and have been such good boys the whole trip that I did not discourage them, and in fact, I joined them! We then picked up Grandma Duddles and went to see a 4-D movie. We weren't sure what the 4th dimension was until we got into the theater. It was that the seat was interactive and it moved, vibrated, blew air and even a fine mist at us in tune with the movie. I thought it was pretty neat but the boys were both a little scared (even though the film only involved Santa and a snowman!) I think it was the small theater, the dark, and how loud it was that startled them.

I then dropped off the boys back at the hotel with Lance and Trey and my father and I went and got a 1 hour foot massage that was heavenly. In fact I have had a few of those since I have been here, and my father has had some form of massage every day we have been here. In fact, today he had a full body massage and then went back for the foot massage with me! It is so cheap here, around 7-8$ American money for a full hour! Wish we could get it that cheap in the states.

After a long dinner (all the boys were extremely tired and a bit cranky) we came home, bathed and went to bed (where I am headed as soon as I am done) since we have to get up in less than 6 hours I am hoping they all make the most out of their rest.

The cameras are packed so I will post more videos and pictures when we get home and unpacked. We can still use all your prayers for a safe and on-time trip home!!

It's Official!

Trey is officially ours. I would say that he is officially a Beeson, and in our eyes he was from day #1, however, that process will take another 6 months and probably another $5000, but in the eyes of Thailand he is officially ours. We all got up early, put on our Sunday best (Thailand style) and hurried up to wait. We had to go to the Adoption Center of Thailand, which once again because of this crazy traffic here took us over an hour to get less than 10 miles (not sure exactly as one corner looks like all the others to me but I know it wasn't very far). We then arrived and waited about 2 hours in 90 degree heat and 90% humidity and only one small fan for the whole room. Our name was finally called so we went in to sit in front of Thailand's Adoption Committee, where they asked us about two minutes of questions, we then had to leave the air conditioned room and wait for another 30-45 minutes to get the official paper. We finally got it and he became officially ours. All that was a small price to pay for such a great reward and we really had it easy compared to some of the other couples who used a different adoption agency. We met another couple who still had to go to the hospital where they had to have all their son's legal documents translated, a process that I am sure was going to take them all day in a small crowded hospital with likely no air conditioning. That is where our adoption agency comes in tops. We have heard horror stories about poor couples having to have longer waits than ours, then having to do all sorts of other things that our adoption agency takes care of for us, so we are very grateful for their such hard work, even as much as it sounds sometimes like I am complaining when in reality it is only a reflection of my own impatience (a trait I am trying to work on!). Here is a short video clip of Trey at the adoption committee waiting room, he is still very attached to Lance and will not leave his side, I think this clip is cute because it shows how stuck on Lance he truly is, if Lance walks, he follows, if Lance stops, he stops and he constantly wants Lance to hold him or at least hold his hand and I think it is really cute! (Even though I am still a little jealous since he seems almost repulsed by my touch yet. It is a good thing that we have been through this before and I know that things will get much better and he will come to want my touch and hugs soon. Now I know how Lance must have felt the first two times around, although I think it is a little tougher being the mommy and feeling a little left out!)

After we returned home, Trey was revitalized after his nap in the van on the way home. He had a grand time with RJ and Jack in the hotel room. They teased each other, they played ball, they turned the TV and lights on and off and he really let loose and started even laughing and smiling, which was the first time since we took possession of him. What a welcome site that was! He has been such a quiet and solemn looking fellow so far! Those antics must have worn him out as he and his daddy took a little nap then we headed off as a family to the local shopping center again. Took the train, stopped in the toy store to buy the boys a little something for being such good kids (and I have been so impressed with RJ and Jack's behavior, they have really been great kids and so well behaved, I was actually dreading this trip with them coming because I thought they would make for so much extra work but they haven't at all!) then headed back down to the food court again. We have eaten there at least 3 nights but this place is the largest food court I have ever seen and you have so much selection, from KFC and BK to real authentic Thai, Chinese and Indian food. Everything I have tried has been fabulous and I am dreading going home and stepping on that scale because I have eaten so much and exercised so little! (sorry Pam! my trainer).

As soon as we returned home it was baths and bed and all the boys are sleeping soundly right now. I suppose I should do the same while I can as I am sure Trey will wake up tonight and once again get up at 5:30 AM. We have a long morning ahead waiting to apply for Trey's visa. Pray that it gets completed tomorrow as we have plane tickets to leave Friday AM at 0530 hrs and if we don't get his visa done we will once again have to change our tickets, eat the extra cost and stay around Bangkok for several more days (and as much as I love the warm weather, I am ready to get home away from all these millions of people and smog!).

Here is a clip of Trey eating his dessert. Not sure if this was his first ice cream cone or not but he did look perplexed on what he was to do with it, but after watching his brothers he quickly figured it out!