Monday, January 28, 2008
Godparents
Gabby has 8 Godparents! 6 are pictured in this post and two of them left right after Church to set up food and drinks at the house for the reception! Those pictured are My Godchildren and now Gabby's Godparents, Katey Cauble and Nathaniel Martin (my cousin and nephew) Robert and Tori Eisenbeisz, our friends of 14 years, Pr Steve and Celeste Lundblom our friends for 15 years, and not pictured friends for over 10 years now, Bob and Lisa Kjome.
Among the family who attended in previous post, we also had Beth Laskey and daughter Jacquelyn, Paul and Linda Blauser and granddaughter Toviya, Janet Deuel, Carol Edon, Mo Castro, and Andrea Hastings and kids, Mason and Montana. Many others sent well wishes and blessings as there was a congregational meeting for Church this same day.
We thank you all for your love and support and devotion to Christ. Thanks be to Him!
blessings,
Hayley
Gabby Meets more of her family!
On Friday evening Jan, 25, 2008 we were honored by Courtney, Shelby and Emily's visit to our home. They came a few days before Gabby's baptism to meet Gabby and allow the two new babies of the family a time to meet. Our family is very close. WE get together for everything. We all live within 3 hour radius of one another and it makes getting together fairly easy. Grandmother Beverly and Grandpa Chuck(Hayley's parents) came into town on Saturday, Jan 26Th with Jessie and James Donlon. Jessie and James got to meet Gabby before their mommy and daddy because they have been with Grandmother and Grandpa for one full week while mom and dad were in Costa Rica on business. While their mommy and daddy missed this(Kim and Pete..Hayley's sister and brother in law..they sent a card, their children and their love)they were there in spirit! Many of Gabby's new family members traveled into town to St Peter's Lutheran Church directly on Sunday, Jan 27Th, 2008. They met us at the church for Gabby's baptism! Great Uncle Bob and Aunt Patricia from Carmel Valley, CA; Great Auntie(sis)Kelly and Brett Krikorian from Sanger, CA(Courtney is Kelly eldest daughter and Shelby Brett and Kelly's youngest) Uncle James, Auntie Heather(Hayley's sis) and cousins Nathaniel and Sofia Martin from Salinas, CA; Cousin's, Casey and Katey Cauble(Hayley's cousins, Auntie Kelly's second and third born) from Fresno, CA; and Auntie Kim, Uncle Shane and cousins Braydon and Avery from Roseville CA and many friends from local areas that we consider family, like Lisa and Cris Cromwell and baby Jack of Folsom, CA; Stephanie Midthun of Elk Grove, CA; and of course the members of St Peter's Lutheran Church. We enjoyed a wonderful day and a beautifully blessed service. She was baptized by our Pastor, friend and one of Gabby's Godfathers, PR Steve Lundblom, also a part of the baptismal party, her Godmother Celeste Lundblom; Godparents, Robert adn Tori Eisenbeisz, Robert and Lisa Kjome, and Nathaniel Martin and Katherine(Katey) Cauble, parents Hayley and Kevin Friedman and of course proud new big sister, Hannah Mary!
Gabby was baptized, Gabriella MaryMei Huggins Friedman, Child of God, and was in awe of it all. Never a cry, just very observant and upon completion, she grabbed the Pr Steve's fingers after the prayer and would not let go. This was enough to make the tears flow for many of us! She is very content and peaceful and this is what God spoke to me. He spoke to me of this child whom He has chosen and whom He has shown mercy and whom He has delivered. He gave her a spirit of joy and contentment and He has touched many lives with the knowledge of His power and desire to adopt us for His own into His Kingdom forever and ever.
Gabby enjoyed her day and tonight we have enjoyed just being with her and watching her glow! She captivates all who meet her and the first thing they say is she is just as joyful and content as she was in the pictures they had followed on this blog. They all felt like they knew her and this blog has been key in keeping families connected to and growing to know where we are and who Gabriella is, a TRUE CHILD OF GOD!!! WE are blessed God chose us for her and we ask God to continue to strengthen and lead us in her Christian nurture and physical needs! Thanks be to God for our wonderful girls and may God look upon my sons with favor and grant them peace. WE thank you all for your love and support! God's peace, Hayley
Friday, January 25, 2008
I saw so many specialist today!
Today was Gabby's visit to the cleft panel at Kaiser. She saw the genetic guy, the speech lady, the hearing lady, the orthopedic/orthodontic surgeon, the plastic surgeons, and the nurse practicioner. Of course, she entertained them all and many "extra" folks just peeked in to see her. They loved the big pink flower on her hat and she laughed and smiled with all of them. They plan on doing her palate repair in late March or early April 2008. Her nose is beautiful they said and won't need to have anything done until around age 16. She also has some "special" situations going on inside but nothing that they can't help her with! Over all they are impressed with her disposition and how happy and content she is. We got there at 930am and we were finally done at 1pm! Wow what a day. She needs ear drops to the tune of 101.00$ and antibiotics as well. She has a hearing test Jan 31 so far so good. We are so blessed! Mom went to the dentist at 2pm and Godmother TOri held Gabby in the waiting room. Dad met us and took Gabby home for a nap and mom got her hair appointment out of the way. Well, time to wake and sleep still a bit out of whack but we will get it soon. Looking forward to the baptism Sunday. blessings, Hayley Oh, and cousin Courtney with her baby Emily came to visit. Shelby came too. Gabby loves playing with other little ones. She likes to take things aways and then share. She tries hard to sit up and she really wants to crawl. Soon, I am sure. Oh, yeah, and Gabby gained 1 pound and 10 oz since last Friday! One week in the US! Yeah
Friday, Early Morning..Report
Good Morning! But for Dear Gabby and I it is Good Night! We are still trying to figure out when to be awake and when to sleep. Last night she went to bed at 8 pm got up at 12am and stayed up until 5am.. Then she slept until 3pm. (I slept until 230 pm) A big thank you to Joan for taking Hannah to school for me! Now we ahve been up and exercised a lot, by our scales Gabby has gained two lbs since last Friday! WE go to the cleft team this morning at 9 am. Strong wind warnings and cold. Yuck, pray for us as we venture out into the elements to go to Kaiser for Gabby's Docs. All the specialist in one place! This will be great. We will get a good idea of timeline and treatment plans. Also while I was snoozing today I got a call from the Patient co-ordinator. She wanted to see the dialect Gabby was learning in as she oreded a interperter. Okay she is only 11 months old but she does respond to Mandarin still! So yes, the Mandarin interperter was ordered and we should find out so much more tomorrow. Pray for us and for Hannah too. It is always hard to be the big sister when you were the only one for so long!!! Hannah was telling us stories of her and Chase though tonight and remembering the "cool" things of being the older one! lol I am posting as I rocked her to sleep and it is 1250 am! She is down and I pray she sleeps until I wake her at 7 am to begin our day. Kevin always reminds me there are days of celebrating and days God grows us but everyday is a day for rejoicing! Praise God for such an incrediable husband and daddy we have in Kevin and also, for all those who have sent cards, posts, emails, support, we could not have had the strength without all the love form each of you. God sent you each at the perfect time. Thanks be to him! Have a blessed day as you search for God in all things, for He is there if you look! blessings, Hayley
Thursday, January 24, 2008
Wednesday, January 23, 2008
A Great Day!
Well, the day started early for me. I got up at 3 am to Kevin snoring but that's okay, he is working hard and tired! Hannah got off to school and Andrea and Montana pick her up for me so I don't have to take Gabby out in the rain! Thanks, girls! We had a visitor today, Jeannie and Gabby was happy to see her. Gabby woke at 8am and ate and played in the exercise saucer and on tummy time. She ate luch and went down for nap about 1130 am and woke at 245 pm. Almost the same as yesterday! Yeah! She stayed awake, played and enjoyed her sister, daddy and the dogs. My firend came over day two of kick boxing with the DVD and Gabby does her exercise and laughs at us the whole time. It is a 30 minute tape and we all get a good work out! Gabby ate her jook, got a bath, and was ready for bed at 8pm! She is such a happy baby and is getting back on her "regular" schedule that she had in China! We love that as she is very predictable with her naps and sleep times. I think she is adjusted! Oh, and she loves her baths. She is really a true joy! We are looking forward to her baptism this Sunday and we rejoice in The Lord for this precious gift! Hannah said she thinks she did great on her Social Studies test adn today was much easier for her too with getting up and going to school. She is really happy to be back! She has a progress report that came home from Science teacher today for me to sign and return, yes, an A+. She loves science! Well, I have learned to go to bed after Gabby and before Kevin, hahahaha, so good night for now and God's peace be with you all! Love, Hayley PS I think Gabby is gaining some poundage! She loves to eat! All systems go for her!
Adjusting to Jet Lag
First photo is 7 eleven across from the White Swan Hotel. Parts is parts and you can get them here! lol next should be the garden in front of White Swan. Then us at Hong Kong Airport right before boarding to come home. Gabby in pink is at home after a bath and dressed for the day. The last is when we first touched ground on US soil in the plane. We were told she is full US Citizen as soon as we landed in the US. For us it was at SFO International airport in South San Francisco, CA.Wow, I had no idea the jet lag would get me like this. I think the big issue is that as I am adjusting Gabby is slower so she still wakes when we should be asleep. So, I am tired and then get up with her and she thinks hey, let's play for a few hours. No matter how much I show her the moon is out and the sun is down she still thinks it's time to play-lol. The pediatrician said about two weeks for the babies to adjust. She adopted form China as well and her Little one is four now, so she has BTDT. Gabby loves rice congee. I found out it is also called jook. My assistant coach for Hannah's soccer team is Chinese and he gave us the recipe but also sent some over with Sandra on her way to work. Boy, his was awesome. Every time after Gabby had a bowl she fell asleep for two hours. Humm? I wonder what the secret ingredient is, I think it is a bit of salt and that chicken, wow she loves the chicken. Thanks to Eddie for sending this, Gabby loves it! (pretty sure she is gaining at a healthy pace now! lol)
I am posting tonight to let you know that we are all doing great. Gabby is very a very happy baby. We go to her Cleft Panel of Doctors this Friday. On Jan 31 she has her hearing test. She seems to be doing well but we could use continued prayer support for her appointments and follow up care for her cl/cp. WE are really focusing on the ears at this time as I think this is something that wakes her with pain. A typical condition of a cleft affected baby is fluid in the middle ear area. We hope to get tubes in right away so we can help protect her hearing.
Hannah started back to school today and although she hadn't fully completed everything by using her recesses and lunch time today she completed all of her homework. She has a big Social Studies test tomorrow and could use a lot of prayer. She is such a trooper. She began to study for it once home from school and I had to make her put it away to go to sleep! She has worked hard. She will also give a report and show pictures of her trip next week.
Kevin is back to work and we are so thankful that His work saw to it our home was safe while we were gone. A huge storm came through knocking over trees, our chicken coop is all over two properties and the concrete picnic table out front was blown off! That tells you how strong the winds were.(four adults had a hard time lifting it and placing it on top of the base, but the wind had no problem blowing it off!) Our new Gazebo is history and can't be repaired, our decorative wrought iron fence had some damage but can be repaired. All in all we are thankful that the house and garages were spared and God saw to it that we have a warm roof over our heads upon our return. Kevin is right back to his routine and today was less tiring then yesterday. So, things are getting back to norm.
I have learned to sleep when she does and trust that the packing will and can be done a bit later. The first day or two I tried to get too much done and was up with her then up working and never rested. I crashed hard. Now I will move at a reasonable pace with realistic goals! (hard for me as many of you know I try to fit too much in a short time period. In fact-I should log off now!)
Love to you all and here are a few pictures of us!
blessings and God's peace, Hayley
Saturday, January 19, 2008
Reflections
Jesus said, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these." Matthew 19:14
Then Jesus came to them and said, "All authority in heaven and on eart has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing then in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age." Matthew 28:18-20
He took a little child and had him stand among them. Taking him in his arms, he said to them, "Whoever welcomes one of these little children in my name welcomes me; and whoever welcomes me does not welcome me but the one who sent me." Mark 9:36-37
Jesus answered, "I tell you the truth, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless he is born of water and the Spirit. Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit. You should not be surprised at my saying, 'you must be born again.' The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit." John 3:5-8
Just as Moses lifted up the snake in the desert, so the Son of Man must be lifted up, that everyone who believes in him may have eternal life. "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life." John 3:14-16
"I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." John 16:33
"He said to them:"It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by his own authority. But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth." After he said this, he was taken up before their very eyes, and a cloud hid from their sight. Acts 1:7-9
What then shall we say? Is God unjust? Not at all! For he says to Moses, " I will have mercy on whom I have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I have compassion," It does not, therefore depend on man's desire or effort, but on God's mercy. For the Scripture says to Pharaoh: "I raised you up for this very purpose, that I might display my power in you and that my name might be proclaimed in all the earth." Therefore God has mercy on whom he wants to have mercy, and he hardens whom he wants to harden. Romans 9:14-18
Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word of Christ. Romans 10:17
Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your request to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 3: 4-7
Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see. Hebrews 11:1
But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever! Amen. 2 Peter 3:18
To my dear friends and family, I share this walk through the Scriptures I made tonight when I sat to embrace the wonderment of our recent journey. To those who have wondered where God is or if He still creates miracles I want to confess to you the journey you have followed is one God called us to and gave us clear direction and confidence in. Every step of the way was orchestrated by our Lord and Savior,a nd it is the Power of the Holy Spirit which He has lavished poured out on us that has given us this confidence in Him. We cannot explain our journey in words that man can understand but rather we offer our journey to you as one that God has called us to and carried us through every step of the way. I sat tonight and tears filled my eyes as I looked into Gabriella's eyes. It absolutely amazes me that this child was born in China with a birth defect, one that her parents could not take care of so out of love they wrapped her in a blanket, attached a bag of powdered milk to her blanket along with 100RBm(equivalent to about 12 us dollars) and laid her in the doorway of the women's and children's hospital. Now one can say how could this be done out of love and for this I offer to you the following wisdom that can only come from God, her affliction was given to her by design, her blanket offered warmth, her powdered milk offered nourishment and the money offered services that were needed. Her placement was that of a place that takes care of children, one that takes care of those in need, so you see, while others may call this speculation I call it Divine placement. Our heavenly Father knew her before she was ever formed in her mother's womb and He knew her before she was ever place in my heart. He prepared my heart and her placement for a life filled with love, hope and a future. A eternal future of one in Christ. He placed in my heart a wisdom that she is not just a gift to me and to my husband Kevin or daughter Hannah, but a true gift from God born to lead many to Christ. Her spirit is captivating, her smile is endearing and her love pours out to all she sees. She is a miracle. Kevin has this same understanding and continues to encourage me to begin writing "my book" I know that God is preparing me for this and I have many accounts already written. My account tonight was to write to you all and share with you the miracle of God's love and His presence in our lives. Look around you today and ask God for your next move. A life led by Christ is rich in blessings and filled with peace. May God continue to strengthen us and prepare us through our journeys here on this earth as we know this is but a temporary place for us to dwell. The final destination is one of eternal peace and it is not our understanding of this by our own strength but of the wisdom and strength and sight given to us by the Spirit of God, this is our faith. He lives and reigns now and forever and His love endures all things. We trust the Lord and seek His will for our lives and the greatest joy we have is in sharing God's love with others. WE have come to an understanding that if the world is for it we must be against it for the world loves money, fame and sin but the Lord detests it. In this world as Jesus has warned we will have trouble, but remember also, He has overcome the world. He reigns now and forever so it is He whom we will follow. We praise God for His mercy upon us and the faith He has given us and we we thank Him for the mercy He has bestowed upon Gabriella MaryMei Huggins Friedman, a true child of God. We will celebrate in her water baptism on Jan 27th 2008 and we we rejoice in the love the Lord has for all the little children of the world. We also testify that we as His body of believers have to be His hands and feet. If we don't go, if we don't teach and preach,then how will they hear and if they don't hear how will they have faith? Faith comes form hearing the Word of God and He has called us to take this to the ends of the earth. Go forth then all you who believe and share the Gospel Message with those around you. Right next door may live a brother form India, a sister from Iraq. A grandmother from China, or an auntie from Vietnam. We are free not because of our government but because of Christ. True freedom comes in Christ who has truly set us free! Thanks be to God. In His Grip now and always, Hayley
Thursday, January 17, 2008
Thank You Shiyan
Shyian is our China Guide. She met us on the first night in Beijing and then met up again with us in Guangzhou. These are photos of her as we wanted to thank her for taking such greany at care of Bethany Families. WE presented her with a gift of a donation in her name to the Hannah and Sandi Fund. Several folks went in on this and others had already shared their apprecation to Shiyan in another way. No matter how we say thank you it is truly said from each of our hearts as Shiyan was the guide to take us to the consulate to get the final paperwork done. We had a confidence and assurance that we were in good hands here and we all know that our Heavenly Father looked upon each of us and granted us these precious gifts of our children. Thanks be to Him for all things and may He bless Shiyan as she continues ot be His ands and feet in servinf the orphans of China. Love to you all, Hayley
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
