Jet Lag / Drs Appoinments / Dedications / Blogging / Sibling issues

Jet Lag--
Don't worry.  I haven't forgotten the blog.  We are, however, just starting our recovery from jet lag.  Praise the Lord.  Although Selah is unfortunately still on Taiwan time, which means she wants to be awake at night.  We are functioning.  But until today, just barely. ;)

Doctor's Visit--
We did visit Selah's pediatrician on Friday and thank goodness, we are starting our 10-month-old on baby food!  This should mean a fuller tummy for longer periods.  Which also translates to longer periods of sleep at night.  Woohoo!!  Dr. Jeanie is also making appointment for Selah to see a pediatric cardiologist to evaluate the hole in her heart and a poorly functioning valve.  We will also see an opthamologist to evaluate her retinopathy.  A dermatologist is next to help determine the cause of the mysterious itchy bumps on her head.  Sometime in the midst of all this we will go to the children's hospital for blood tests - oh fuuuuun!  Everything is rounded out by her 1-year physical the end of October.  All in all, the pediatrician was very pleased with Selah's size and development.  She may have come into this world a couple months early, but she is trucking right along now!

Baby Dedication--
Today before our church congregation we had Selah dedicated to the Lord.  This is a very important commitment Eric and I choose to make to God on behalf of each of our children.  Our children are a gift from God--in fact they are "on loan" from God and we are merely stewards of each precious soul.  We strive to honor God in the way we raise our kids.  Our highest aim is that 1) they grow to love God with all their heart, mind, soul and strength, and 2) that they are secure in the unconditional love of their forever family.  Our children's pastor, Roberto, performed a lovely and personal ceremony.  We were also blessed to have Eric's parents in attendance, all the way from Illinois.  My dad was also up front with the group, but my mom, who had surgery on her shoulder that past Tuesday, was unable to make it (please pay for her pain and for a swift recovery).  This is one of those special memories we will always cherish.  I'm glad we got video of the ceremony. :)  I will upload that later.

Blogging--
I am working on a "comprehensive" day-by-day travel post.  Once I started I realized I had lots to share.  I also have lots of pictures and video.  It may take several days, but I will eventually post it...

Sibling Issues--
Being first time parents to an infant (Noelle was almost 19 months when we arrived home from China) has been a very interesting experience.  I can see that it will take a few weeks of caring for Selah's particular needs for it to become second nature.  Every day does get easier than the day before.  And every day we fall more in love with this second blessing God has sent our way.  Regarding Noelle, we would ask that you keep her in your prayers over then next several weeks and months.  She is struggling with "sharing us" with Selah.  This is normal for all first siblings.  However...she has been experiencing some big insecurities related to how she entered our family back in 2008.  She has expressed some deep fears that have Eric and I very concerned.  Only God can unravel these hurts and doubts our sweet daughter feels within her soul.  Thank you for those prayers.  I should tell you one very positive development.  Selah totally loves Noelle.  She thinks her big sis is tops and grins, giggles and belly laughs at almost everything Noelle does.  Every time Selah giggles at Noelle antics, Noelle starts to enjoy having a little sister.  We thank God for this connection that is starting between the two girls. 

Hmmmm I'm trying to think if I need to share anything else before I sign off.  Well, if I think of anything of value, I'll just write another post.  Later~