mortiz007

We are now in the toughest part of the adoption journey--- awaiting the formal letter of acceptance (LOA) for our two boys.   This is the longest waiting period throughout the adoption process and there is nothing we can do to speed things up or know how or what our file is doing on the other side of the world.  More importantly we have no way of knowing how our little boys are doing.  We just pray that the Lord covers them in his gracious hand of protection.  Whenever anyone complains of being cold lately, I simply remind them, two of our children sleep without heat tonight (It's 50 degrees at night).  Not to sound depressing, just a fact and a reminder to be grateful for what you have.  In the meantime we have rearranged our bedroom situation and de-cluttered to accomodate the expecting growth of our family!  All the kids have taken delight in preparing where the new little ones will be sitting at the table, some discrepancy still, but bedrooms are a...

Yesterday was a day when we realize we just go with the flow and only God is in control!  As a parents of children with medical needs, the day may not go as planned and we have come to accept the changes in our day.  The easier we move with the changes and allow others to walk along aside us the smoother the day goes, no matter the outcome.  Faith in the one who created these special little bodies comforts me knowing He will guide us in their care. Huahua spiked a fever with her immunizations.  I called the clinic in the morning and when her Dr returned the call late afternoon she said after consulting with hemotology clinic it was urgent for her to be treated with IV antibiotics because of risk of bacterial infection.  Without a spleen, Huahua is in a dangerous position when she spikes a fever and unable to fight off infection.  The time frame for her to receive treatment is critical and we are so thankful for her primary doctor's diligent management of he...

When she crashes, she crashes hard.  We don't typically put her down for naps anymore because she won't go to bed until 11 pm then.  Although I am thankful she listens to her body and rests when needed.  This day she made a little fortress, under the pool table, for the princess to rejuvenate her precious self.    Medically we are still working to bring her oxygen levels up.  The new medication is having some unwanted side effects.  Initially seemed to raise her oxygen, but long term now we have not seen the results as expected.  We have a little room to increase the medication, and will reevaluate just before Thanksgiving with an ECHO and cardio appt.    The other option is to close her fenestration value, which gave her really good reading while under sedation.  Long term though there are possible complications with that route as well.   She saw the general surgeon today regarding her mal rotation of the intestines.  Fin...

 Someone lost his first teeth!  Mommies and daddies are suppose to be there for these "firsts".  Adoptive children's lives stem from many losses and we as adoptive families and communities will spend their entire lives trying to plug those holes and gaps with love.  Ultimately our responsibility is to point them to the one that will fill their heart with true healing, Jesus.  Only he can give them the grace, mercy and forgiveness to heal their wounded hearts.  We celebrate the pictures to see our little man in the months proceeding our formal adoption and we relish in the opportunity to be his family!  See you soon little man!                                 Reports said this guy is one happy little dude! This is Jerry, one of the volunteers who traveled with Lifeline, and helped sponsor many of our shirts!  Looks like he made himself a new friend!      ...

Yesterday we officially re-adopted Huahua as a formality in the state of Wisconsin.  Yes the second day we were with her in China she was officially our daughter, so I know it felt very odd and like we were just jumping through the hoops.  It felt maybe we should explain we already traveled around the world to find her and had a major heart surgery, etc when the judge asked if we sure we were ready to take on this responsibility.  We just smiled and said yes "I DO." Our most pleasant time was with the other families in the hallway celebrating their 1st time around adoptions, despite also having their little ones for 7-8 months too!  It's just a different world you become accustom too and learn to abide by the rules when you have an adoptive child.  These precious children are ours forever from here on out!  For better or worse!  But we will are always held to the "extra" rules that tend to hang over your family structure.  We understand they are s...

 100 t shirts ready to go out the door....your donations welcome to help bring Feng Nianjie home             suggested donation, $20 children's sizes XS,S,M,L,XL                                             $25 adult sizes S,M,L,XL                                                  (+ $5 shipping cost, if needed)                                                available in orange or sport grey                          Email me lkietzke@hotmail.com  or contact me at church or call me          Front:  kNOw more ...

What a fun filled summer it has been.  I can't believe it is August already and I have not posted in over a month.  Will explain more on that in a moment....  First let me tell you about the fun things we have been up to.  Little princess here is out for her walks/running here.  She feels great despite as of lately being a bit more winded.  Will get that checked out soon.  She loves her new circulation and new found energy.  This is where the parents ask to turn them back down a some.  Just kidding.  She's on fire with a great spirit.   We always take the stroller and she walks/rides and runs whenever she pleases.  Enjoying her life.  I think I remember feeling like this with Jackson's lengthening process and relishing the childhood perspective of a child's life.  She is resilient, loving and forgiving and represents a Christ-like attitude, despite not being even old enough to comprehend God's hand on her life. Last d...