We have our home study update this weekend. There is nothing too fancy about the event. It's a part of China's follow up on the children. Although I have to say that China is now on over kill for follow ups (1 month, 6 months, 1 year, 2 years, 3 years, and 5 years). They want to make sure the kiddos are adapting and adjusting well with the families. Here is a picture we are including in the update. Jaci is the photographer on this one. She did a really good job!
We had a follow up with Kinnley's orthopedic surgeon this week. Our plan was to ask for her medical records and take her to Shriner's for a second opinion. To our surprise, that's how he started the conversation. He said he thought it would be good for us to get a second opinion at Scottish Rite or Shriner's. They are both awesome facilities, with specialists in all things orthopedic. Houston Shriner's is 1-2 hours closer to home, so we'll probably start there. Kinnley will likely have many trips there, so reducing a few hours each way can really make a difference. But if they think Scottish Rite is a better choice for her care, we'll quickly line out a map to Dallas. The surgeon also mentioned the diagnosis of "arthrogryposis". This is a non-progressive condition which affects the joints and muscles. It is generally caused by crowding inside the uterus. Physical therapy, casting, surgery, etc. are all viable treatments, depending on the issues. Kinnley has club feet, left hand turns in and has probably 50% usage (although she finds creative ways around that!), her right hand turns outward a bit, and no hip sockets. These are all common issues with Arthrogryposis. Having a name for her condition doesn't scare me. In fact, it provided some comfort. It is non-progressive, and with treatment it can be improved. She may never be totally "normal" in the world's eyes, but she will have the best we can provide. Definitely a better outcome than if she was still in China.
A quick language update...below are some new phrases. I'm astounded by how much she knows after only two months with us. I expect she will be fully fluent by the six month home study. Wow!
"Ewwww...nasty!" - can be used for anything she doesn't want to eat nowadays. ha!
"just kidding" - she's such a comic
"Baba, can you hold the barbie?" - the other girls call Jad "Daddy", but Kinnley still refers to him with the title of "Baba".
"Mama, go outside with MeiMei?" - she loves playing outdoors.
Jaci went to youth camp last week. Lainie also went for a sleepover with a friend one night. It was so tough have half my chickadees out of the nest. Such a weird and void feeling. It's wonderful to have everyone back at home. I dread the empty nest syndrome...when they are all off to college and working. I suppose we'll have to start adopting again at that point - to fill our house back up with laughter, squeals, arguing, lost socks, more dirty dishes, and lots of love. :) Will they let us adopt at age 70? Ha!
The summer dash of activities is beginning. This week is VBS at the girls' school, next week is VBS at our church, and China culture camp later in the summer. The youngest three will all go to culture camp. Kailee and Lainie look so forward to camp. It's a wonderful way for them to learn more about China, Chinese heritage, adoption, birth parents, sharing their stories, etc. Lainie loves it too. The pictures from camp are very telling...a bunch of Asian kids and then you quickly spot Lainie's blonde curls popping out. :) She embraces the Chinese culture with the same excitement as if she were adopted there too. I love it! It's going to be interesting to see how Kinnley reacts to camp. :)
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