Tuesday, May 13, 2008

Every day progress





I cannot believe how my time is consumed each day. I really thought I would have more time to email and skype, so to all of you who are waiting...I am SO sorry. Like Brad just told me, I have one focus right now. It is a wonderful one too. Libi Faith is making so much progress. Her fine motor skills amaze me. I have sat with her on my lap at the computer several times, but this afternoon as I posted the last blog entry, she was on my lap again, but not with ease. She was reaching for everything. She got a pencil right away with her tiny little fingers. Tonight at dinner we were laughing at how she was grabbing at everything! Even little pieces of rice. She is eating better. She is not gagging on things. She has discovered apple juice, watered down of course, and the BMs are coming....another big event of the night...GIGGLES! Straight from the belly, and who were they for, Jacob. Sorry, Joel and Jack, but you will have your chance soon enough. Even thought Jacob is just as big as the rest of us it is like she gets that he is a kid. I love the way she looks at him. She is coming along so much. Our friends that are traveling with us have noticed huge strides and so has our coordinator. So, just wanted to let you know the progress. The panda zoo is on the agenda for tomorrow AM. I may stay back, but we will see what the morning brings. Thanks for all of the love and encouragement...we thrive on it!

11 comments:

Irene said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Irene said...

Amy and Brad, I've truly been speechless by the posts you've made lately. Thank you so much for sharing your hearts with us and painting an incredible picture. On the way home from school, I listened to Chris Tomlin's rendition of Amazing Grace and it reflected the emotions that you have brought to my mind of God's amazing grace and transforming love for each one of us. I can't wait to see what else God does with the heart-changing passion He's placed in you through this journey with your little angel. You have already touched so many and changed Libi's life forever and she has changed yours. You are an amazing example of God's heart. I pray God will use you to raise up an army to bring home so many other children. I know you know the song, but I have to print part of it for you (sorry for the length of this post). Amy, maybe you can sing it to Libi in your beautiful mamma's voice:

AMAZING GRACE how sweet the sound
That saved a wretch like me
I once was lost, but now I'm found
Was blind, but now I see

'Twas GRACE that taught my heart to fear
And grace my fears relieved
How PRECIOUS did that grace appear
The hour I first believed

My chains are gone, I've been set free
My God, my Savior has ransomed me
And like a flood, His MERCY reigns
Unending LOVE, Amazing GRACE

Sherry said...

Good Morning Arnolds -

I am SO excited to hear about Libi's progress. Glad to hear the apple juice is working. It was cracking me up to hear about you trying to type with her on your lap, because that seems to be my daily experience with Kaden. He likes to push the keyboard drawer in and out as I am trying to type - a little rough on the fingers. I CANNOT wait to hear Libi belly laugh.

I am hoping you are up for the Panda Zoo this morning, as that would be a once in a lifetime opportunity. (Well not really, since you'll be making more trips back to China - maybe rare opportunity is a better phrase.) But if you do stay back, I'll be listening for the Skype. I would love to hear your voice.

Love and prayers - Sherry :)

Anonymous said...

Thar's so good that she is moving along so quickly! i thought maybe all she woould need is a little TLC. Have an awesome time with the pandas!

Anonymous said...

I loved the pics of Libi laughing when Amy was kissing her. So awesome.

I also loved how you put the name of each orphan on their pictures. Helps show they are not just a number/statistic, now we just have to pray their families step up. Thanks again for your post.

Christy S.

Anonymous said...

Aunt Amy and Uncle Brad,
I'm not sure what time it is in China, but I do know that it's pretty late here. My mom has been throwing up all day(food poisoning) and can't keep any fluids down. Right now she is at OSF and is probably dehydrated. Please pray. We aren't sure what's going on exactly. All we can do right now is pray! I love you all and will keep you updated! Email me if you have any questions.
~Tory

Anonymous said...

Wow, it has been so great to read and keep up on little Libi! She is absolutely PRECIOUS! It is so neat to see God working so much in your lives all the way over in China! You guys are an amazing family! Libi is one lucky little girl! Just thought I'd let you know the first night my mom knew you had gotten her we were in Chicago with bad internet reception and my mom was calling different people to see hear all the updates....and every night we get home there is always something new and exciting she has to show our fam! Obviously we are all so happy for you and so excited for you to bring home the new little Princess Libi! We love you and are honestly praying for you all the time! It is so neat to see how your story is already touching people's lives! Can't wait till you get to bring home that little angel!
much love ~Kaley

Scott said...

"No reserves. No retreats. No regrets"

- William Borden

Love you!

Marcy Wickiser said...

Hi, Amy and Brad! Your dad forwarded to me your blog address, and I've enjoyed reading it so much! I've been checking it at least twice a day :) Wow--you and your little girl are so blessed to have each other. I'm blessed to watch. Love, Marcy

Anonymous said...

Amy and Brad,
I am reliving our family's trip to Chongqing, China trip through yours to get Libi!!! Hard to believe that we were in China exactly 3 yrs ago this week and got our "RACHEL"on May 15th. God is so good and mighty.!!!!
Friends in Christ, Ellen and Mark Wylie

Linda Thomas said...

Oh wow.. I've just been reading through all the posts since you got Libi and have been rejoicing and crying and grieving and praising God. Wow. I just have no words. I am in awe of our God and soooo happy for you and for Libi. How WONDERFUL to hear her giggling at her brother!!!!

love and prayers,
Linda

Libi's song