Week 36 and Counting!

I am choosing to have that perspective that my life is SO FULL, and that is why I haven't taken or HAD the time to up-date our blog. But today, a lovely and unexpected snow day, is THE DAY!! Here are some pictures of Isaac's first snow play day (not today).


And these are a few pictures from our trip to Philadelphia to the Children's Hospital (known as CHOP). Thanks again Amelia for your assistance, company and city know-how!

Isaac eating his early morning banana before heading off to "the sitters" and one of him getting up-set because I wanted a pictures OF him and wasn't allowing him to HAVE the camera.

Daddy and Isaac time. Always precious to me.

My Little-Big Boy drinking his night bottle on the couch by himself. He enjoys entertaining us and having fun being the center of attention. Oh, is he in for a surprise in a few days/weeks!




And this is 36 weeks and counting. . . . for those who needed proof!

Our Busy "Big" Boy

I thought I should add a few pictures of our growing little boy! Isaac's growth and development continues to astound me. We find ourselves asking: "Where did he learn that?" or "I thought this outfit would fit him till spring! Is there anything else I need to get out and wear on him before he out grows it?!?" or "Who taught him that word?"

Isaac enjoys showcasing his new "tricks." For a long time it was saying "balloon," then is was clicking his tongue. Right now he likes to show and tell us "teeth" and other parts of his face. He is a delight and joy to parent. . . even when he shows us his "new trick" of screeching to make his point known after he has been told "NO, Isaac." Parenting is another great adventure that we now find ourselves experiencing - and loving!

It took a while, but Isaac got the hang of ripping wrapping paper off of gifts!


Inspecting his new bath toy from his Aunt Aileen and Uncle Stephen.


This is Eric's Christmas gift to me! Extra counter space and cupboards. I already don't know how I made do without it! Isaac loves to play in my cupboards.


Isaac and Mommy!


My little "problem solver" couldn't get his sippy cup out of the diaper bag, so he just leaned down to the sippy cup to get a drink when he needed it! It made his parents laugh and laugh (and grab the camera).

CHOP News!

I know most are getting our amazing news through word of mouth or other forms of prayer up-dates, but I thought I'd make an "official" post of our trip to Philly.

Eric and I left at 4:45 A.M. in the hopes of avoiding the Schuylkill Expressway, famous for back-ups. Our plan failed as it still took us an hour to travel 13 miles! And we were 15 minutes late for our appointment. Thankfully the staff at the hospital were gracious and took us anyway.

Turned out to be a "GREAT" choice for them, because not only did we take half the allotted time, they were able to give out some "GREAT" news!! Which is something I don't believe the doctors at CHOP get to do very often. The equipment at CHOP was amazing - I was able to see Baby's heart valves click open and shut with such perfect detail! The ultrasound tech would zoom in on a few things and I would explain to Eric - having already been through 2-3 echo cardiograms of the heart - what she was looking at and what Dr. Hole had originally been perplexed by. The technician would just say, "I don't see that anymore." or "I don't think that is a problem." or something to that extent. I would ask about several items I knew were concerns, and each thing she would check off of the list with an unofficial "ok" or state "Yeah, I read that in the report, but I'm not seeing it here."

It didn't take long before she stated, "I think you have a little miracle here!" I was speechless and brought to tears. She didn't believe our consult with the team of doctors would be more than 5-10 minutes. What!! Really?? After she left to speak with the doctors, who were in a separate room evaluating the technicians pictures of the heart, Eric said, "That's what I was expecting!" Some faith I had! I was still bracing myself for news of a very sick baby and a long journey to recovery; full of wires, monitors and surgeries.

The CHOP doctors met us in a room with tissues on the table - provided for the usual news they must give to families. The three ladies were all smiles as they entered. We were informed that our miracle baby did not need further specialized evaluation. They found nothing that was of concern to them. Our baby was, in all reality, healthy and normal!

So we have been released from CHOP with a clean bill of health. We have yet to hear from the MFM (Maternal Fetal Medicine) doctors in Gettysburg/York. Maybe they will just want to have a look for themselves! However, they will (or have been) sent a full report with pictures for proof. Doctors first diagnosed our baby as having chromosomal and genetic defects, which are beyond the doctor's reach for correction. Then they said it was hydrops fetalis. Now they say it must have been a virus. Maybe it was all three! I'm just fine with not knowing the answers to the many questions of "why?" or "how?"

I'd love to have a "photo" copy of this baby's miraculous comeback. Eric and I have been able to view it first hand through ultrasound technology. Wish I could have a picture of God's actual hand doing the work! But I don't have to have that photo to believe it and know it is true.

Miracles and Wonders of 2010

"The Lehman List of Miracles" can make my head spin and my heart skip a beat. We continue to cling tightly to the Saviors hand, as He leads us into a new year. I don't even want to begin to guess or imagine what He has around the corner for 2011. I guess it may take away from the wonder and gratitude for all He will to do. I also may need Him to carry me through various stages and so it is best that my "need to know" not be satisfied just yet.

1. Definitely the top of the list is our "miracle baby #2" as we like to refer to Baby. Going from Hydropic Fetalis, which is fatal, to a viable and growing baby still has our wonderful doctor scratching his head. We know it is the prayers of God's "saints" and prayer warriors. You know who you are! We are continuing this journey with Baby, who has heart abnormalities, to the Children's Hospital of Philly (CHOP). We journey on with a spring in our step and hope in our hearts. God is doing a new thing!

2. Our precious Isaac Tamerat is our miracle baby #1. He gives us cause to laugh, be amazed and short tempered all in a days work! We love his little personality which is emerging - full of spunk and careful observation. He has also overcome great odds, and it is no wonder! He is a fighter in his own right.

3. Eric has his sights set on the END of his bachelor's degree! Just 6 classes to go. I'm very proud of him: for seeing this overwhelming task to completion, despite full time work and family obligations. He has been VERY flexible, and though a college education doesn't teach you all that you wish it did (for what you end up paying!). There are many valuable life lessons learned through the "university" process.

4. We celebrated our 5th year of marriage in June! Hard to believe.

Well, I think I'll stop here and post a few pictures from our Christmas and New Year's celebrations. May God be our provider and sustain-er into 2011.

Daddy and Isaac opening presents.

Mommy and Isaac reading a new book together.

Daddy thought this was the perfect shot of Isaac in his Nationals cap. . . until he saw the drool. He has started to request that we put his "hat" on his "head"!

Boy! Christmas sure is tiring!!

Its About Time. . .

for a new post. . . . for some up-dated pictures. . . . for some good news. . . . for some time to sit and reflect.

The past month has really had my head spinning. Our family has been given a very heavy and sad prognosis about this pregnancy and baby. I still can read Psalms 139 and know God has it all in his hands and in his control. He knew before Eric and I met and married that we would have this journey of adoption, infertility and birth defects; one of continual love and fear of loss. It has been painful and stretching. We have learned so much about one another, our faith, our friends and family. Even now, we feel girded in his grace and peace through loved ones prayers and petitions.

I will never fully understand, nor desire to understand the "why" and "how" or the "fairness" of it all. But I do give my joys and my heartaches to the One who knows me best. Psalm 139 also applies to me, as well as, every foe, friend, child, loved one, student, stranger, or grandparent. It is comforting to know. I can't fix it. I can release what is not in my control. It just took awhile to figure out that throwing a temper tantrum doesn't get us our way. Sometimes accepting what we can't have is what our Parent wants from us the most. But Daddy God always gives his children the best gifts. And my best gifts are my beautiful son, Isaac, and my loving husband, Eric. I am blessed beyond measure!

Even as our family waits and waits for the best and the pre-spoken fate of our little one, it is a blessing to have this time of kicks and squirms; the wonderment of pregnancy. It is the calm before the storms of life. And I am cherishing this one . . . and this Thanksgiving season. Blessings to you and your family!
Now for some pictures!!!

Birthday Boy tearing into his birthday cake!! Who suggested red velvet for a 1-year-old's birthday! Ooops.


Isaac opening his presents and figuring out how they work (or being shown how to rip open his presents and how fun new toys can be).

Isaac's Aunt Anya and Great Aunt Mariann wrote and illustrated a book, just for him. It was amazing to watch him intently listen to the story and look at the pictures through the entire official Book Reading. What a treasure and heart felt, priceless gift!

Thanksgiving! Isaac is a walking pro! He never will let me take a candid photo. As soon as he sees the camera he wants to hold it and look at the pictures on the screen. This is him "running" for the camera!

Our little boy is getting so big!

Three of his favorite things are:

1. Eating - he will eat almost anything you put in front of him (he even ate a stink bug the other day, YUCK!)
2. Wrestling with Daddy - wrestling with daddy make him squeal and laugh and giggle.
3. Reading Books - the more pictures the better.

11 Months Old and then some

Time is flying. . . .

How has my little baby become a little boy in such a short amount of time? I'm still deciphering if it is because I've only really known him for four months or if every infant outgrows infancy so quickly!

Here are a few pictures which showcase what I'm talking about!

Isaac is now on the move and crawling, climbing, cruising and sometimes bruising himself along the way.

Isaac had fun helping Daddy wax and wash his truck. He thought he was BIG stuff! He also entertained Dad while he worked.

Fun with Daddy!

We also enjoyed a wonderful evening with our new friends the Bushre's, who recently moved into the Chambersburg area to fill a pastoral role at King Street Church. They have a very fun and active little 18 month old boy named Samuel, also adopted from Ethiopia. The boys had fun playing at Caledonia State Park's play area, before going for some delicious ice cream at the Meadows.

Since going back to work (with the start of school) Isaac has been enjoying three days a week at my long time friend, Angie Frey's home with little boy, Elijah, as well as, one day a week at Grandma Lehman's house and one day a week at Grandma Martin's house. He enjoys the new toys and new found attention he receives. But it is hard on Mommy when she needs to drop him off in the mornings. Luckily, he always goes with a smile to his care takers. This helps Mommy to get out the door and down the road to her class of seven and eight year olds.

Grandma Martin had us over for dinner after watching Isaac a few Friday's ago, for my 32nd birthday. Great-Grandma Dietle was also invited. We decided that it was a good time to "let the cat out of the bag" and tell family and friends our big news. Isaac is going to be a BIG brother in March. We were pretty surprised by this little one. But God has His timing and plan, so we hope and pray and trust in Him. . . . . every step of the way.