Week 4

My cousin, Bernie, from Ohio spent 4 days with us at the beginning of the week - just in time to experience the hottest days of our summer thus far in Dallas. He was with us from Saturday until Tuesday. I asked him if there was anything in particular he would like to do while in Dallas - the JFK Museum, the Aboretum, the Zoo...what else is there to do in Dallas? His only request was that we do things that wouldn't get in the way of conversation! YES! And so, in short, I spent 4 days talking to Bernie...literally, nonstop. Carl chimed in every now and then, but I think for the most part, Carl enjoyed the chance to give his mouth a rest and GLADLY gave Bernie the floor! HA! Seriously, we both thoroughly enjoyed Bernie's visit and appreciate his heart, his faith in God, his zeal and his love for others.

On Wednesday Carl and I had a conf. call with Paul Daniel's surgeon. I also met with a pediatrician who was recommended to me in order to help me prepare for our first few wks with Paul before his mouth is fixed AND to prepare for the plane ride back to the States. Our main concern is Danil's ears since it is inevitable that he will have ear problems having the cleft palate.

Thursday, my mom, sister, sister-in-law and their two babies came in from Alabama. Since my sister's 6month old (Garrison) slept in our nursery (next to our bedroom), I got practice waking up in the middle of the night to care for a baby. He was more than willing to give me LOTS of practice. This child goes from sound asleep to a blood-curling scream instantly - and at almost exactly 1:30am every night. The first night he did this I didn't know how to mix formula and hold the baby at the same time so I ran to our bedroom turned on the lamp causing Carl to sit straight up in bed which gave me the opportunity to thrust him into Carl's arms while I mixed up his bottle. I wish I could describe Carl's face - he was basically still asleep with his eyes opened. Carl doesn't even really recall the whole event but thinking about it makes me laugh out loud....

My family and I had a good visit. They brought lots of things for Paul...and they, too, enjoyed watching the videos. They headed back to Alabama Sunday afternoon.

We pray every day for Paul Daniel. I am trying not to worry about him, but I pull up his photos and videos about every other day. Please pray that Danil stays well, that he is getting the nutrition he needs and that we can get him as soon as possible. We had an 18mo. old baby come into today at my work (childcare at Cooper Aerobics.) The baby weighed 18 pounds...just like Paul Daniel. I held her a lot today and kept thinking...this is the SAME size as Paul Daniel!! Oh I can't wait to get him!