Soups ON!! and more "everyday" happenings

Soup's ON!!!!

I have much to update...I will start with the funniest!

Libi has become "grabby"and QUICK. She managed to pull a Tupperware filled soup over onto both of us. There went dinner, we managed and had hot dogs!! :) I laughed so hard. She was absolutely STUNNED. Her eyes were huge when that big container of soup splattered all over us and she remained in a state of shock for a bit.

I am thankful it was cold!

GARDEN TIME...

Libi and I have been having a lot of fun playing in her garden. Thanks to one of Libi's therapists who helps me with great "playtime" ideas. She loves to sit in her garden and pull out her vegetables and then put them in the mailbox. I think I know who she is mailing them to. She also plays peek-a-boo with me through the mailbox. It is so much fun and GREAT sitting up time for her. I wonder when she will wise up to the fact that mom is making her work?

Playing Princess...

Speaking of therapy sessions. One of Libi's very favorite things is playing princess. This is a very motivating game for her. It is used to motivate her to stand, to sign "more" and just keeps her engaged.

This has a lot of meaning for me. I had a hard time for awhile wanting to do the "little girl" things with Libi. Playing dress up and having tea parties. I had an introduction into this world by my precious daughter, Ari, and I longed, selfishly to play these things with Libi.

One day, as I expressed my heart to my husband, he said,

"Then do it. Have and tea party, play dress up." Was it really that simple?

YES.

The very next day Libi's therapist pulled out the princess dress ups!!! Thank you God for showing me a glimpse into my daughters heart that I did not realize was there. In turn, He blessed mine!!!

I'm as Pretty and a Princess!




Speaking of Princess...



Brad and I were out shopping at Target the other night and I saw this little princess might gown. I bought it for Libi, but I really bought it for me! When we put it on her later, it was the most precious thing. She KNEW what it was! We told her she was a princess, and she immediately started to sign "more". I didn't get it at first. we took her in and put her in front of the mirror, and then it dawned on me. She wanted "more" princess, not just the dress, bring on the jewels. We dug out some beads and then she was happy!





signing "more"







More Cracker success!




Libi was successful with crackers to the mouth again. She also did well with some whipped cream at Thanksgiving. This is a goal that I am praying we will see her reach soon! It is hard to see her do something with great success and then not repeat it. Join us in praying for this little sweetie to become an independent feeder!






The TREE...


We put our Christmas tress up this weekend. It always amazes me how i picture these beautiful Martha Stewart like moments in putting up the tree. Every year without fail, I end up mad and crying, my kids end up mad and crying...does this happen to anyone else??? We did finally have success. We all enjoyed watching Libi gaze at the tree with excitement and furiously sign "more" and clapping. we think she liked it.





FINALLY...THANKSGIVING!!!!!



We had a very blessed day with our family. The food was amazing and the blessings abundant! We pray that your Thanksgiving was also very blessed!!!!


Libi with her Great Grandparents

with Uncle Scott!

Libi Meets Santa-walking w/ new orthodics

Libi went to meet Santa! She would look at him, touch his beard, then look at us and smile. It was very sweet. I knew she would like him!

I want to take this opportunity to thank all of you for your prayers and concerns regarding Libi's last seizure. I can't believe the progress we have seen in her in the last 2 weeks. I know that God is showing His miraculous healing touch! How crazy it is to see this very engaged little girl who just 2 weeks ago went through such a traumatic experience. The only thing that explains it to me is ...GOD! Enjoy the video of her walking with her new orthodics. This has become her new favorite activity!

We marvel at God's great work in our little Libi Love!

6 months! Thank you Jesus!!

It has been 6 months since Libi came home. How great our rejoicing in the miraculous changes we have seen in this little girl!


One year ago I was struggling to let go of my dreams and expectations of adoption. I was longing that my precious little Ari (our foster daughter of a year and a half) would not have to leave us. I remember feeling that there would be a void and emptyness that would never be filled. That is not what our God plans for us in letting go. He does not leave us "empty". He fills us to overflowing!

I could have never imagined that Libi would be part of that plan to complete me. To bring me to a place of wholeness in Christ that I had never been. Some of you have never seen the video posted below. It was just 14 months ago that this was Libi Faith. To some, it may not be scary. To Brad and I we were TERRIFIED! Does anyone ever feel prepared or feel capable to care for a child with special needs? I feel so strongly that when God leads us into something that will be difficult, challenging, beyond what we think we are capable of...we want to run from it. Oh that we would be people that would run to it!!! Knowing that our Loving and Great God will always be faithful to provide what we need for the task, and trusting in His goodness. It is in that place of trust and surrender that holds the greatest blessings for our lives!





Enjoy this giggling beauty...she has become quite animated. Thank You Father for what you have done...

Listen for Libi saying, "Daddy" and "Yeah"
Also, pay attention to her anticipating the "yum yum" part of her speckled frog song.
THANK YOU GOD FOR GIVING US THIS ABUNDANT BLESSING!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Filming done by Big Brother Joel.

Everyday is a GIFT

I am unsure where to start with this post. It has been a week like no other week. Yesterday was a day unlike any other day. Many of you have heard, and some experienced it first hand, our sweet Libi Faith experienced a seizure yesterday. This blog is about my Mighty God and His never ending presence in my life and specifically the life of this precious little girl. So before I begin…

Jesus, You have never been more or meant more to me in my whole existence than You do in this moment. You have shown up and I am overwhelmed. You have not promised that this journey would be easy, but You have promised that You would never leave or forsake. You are MIGHTY TO SAVE! My praise to You, for You and about You is endless!!

I had this crazy intense morning with the Lord. I just could not get out of the Word. I had no idea he was strengthening me for what laid ahead that day. Libi was having a great day on Thursday. She was so smiley and engaged. I had those great overflowing feelings of love and thankfulness…you know when you just want to take a bite out of them because they just seem so sweet you could eat them? (Maybe that’s just crazy Brad and Amy Arnold)

It is so very real to me how in one moment your whole world can change.
I was feeding Libi her lunch and she began to go into this deep long stare. I could not get her attention. She was totally unresponsive. Libi’s doctors had described this type of seizure to us before so I don’t think it too long before it registered that she was having a seizure.

I was home alone so I quickly phoned my neighbor, Bridget. Bridget arrived quickly and I began to notice that Libi was in distress. This was not like any seizure I had experienced before. She was completely still. Her eyes rolled back and I thought that she was coming out of it. Unfortunately, it was getting worse. Her color began to turn ashen and I told Bridget to call 911. As Bridget began to speak to the operator it became apparent that Libi needed me to breathe for her. Her lips were purple, she was very cold, and I could not feel a pulse. Did I know what to do? Was I prepared? NO! All I could do was cry out to my precious Jesus and plead for His help. put your mouth on hers and BREATHE!!! Bridget continued to speak with the operator and we were assured that the paramedics were in route. Time stood still. I just continued to breathe into my sweet little baby, pleading with God to allow her to breathe. I think I went sown over her about 4 times, giving her 3 breathes each time. Libi began to come back to us and Bridget and I were in shock…we just cried and uttered thanks to the Name of our Helper, JESUS. By the time the paramedics arrived Libi was in a fairly hypnotic state. We began to see her become more stable and “with us” in the ambulance.

We had a lengthy stay in the ER. Libi had a fever of 101.3 when we arrived. All of the tests that were run came back normal. It was clear that she has a virus, but unclear if this seizure was due to her fever or not. So, her doctors felt it necessary to double her seizure meds. I was discouraged at first. I am so fearful about these medications causing Libi to become lethargic again. That in turn, causes her to lose ground in her physical development. We were praying hard for something to come back showing infection, because we knew if that was not the case they would want her meds increased. The Lord did not allow that. We trust that He is choosing more meds for Libi…although I am hesitant; I feel this is what the Lord is leading us to do.

I do not share the details of what happened in those moments yesterday to be dramatic, I share them to direct our eyes to Our Rescuer… the ONE who is our help and was our help in that moment of life and death with Libi. I cannot tell you what the reality of a day like yesterday can do to you. As I picked my sweet Libi Love up into my arms this morning she clung to my neck like she never had before and oh how I clung to her! What a gift the Father has given… in each moment…in each day…in each person…

To each and every one of you who interceded for us, who rushed to our side, who called to check in, who took over the details of “life”, who called 911…I will never be able to understand why the Lord has blessed us with those such as you. We feel so unworthy of your magnificent love and support to us. May you be blessed 100 fold!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

What's been going on???

Libi likes playing in the laundry basket.
This is nice because it is a new place for her to play sitting up. We have to be creative because she is easily bored and requires a lot of attention from mommy. So, the laundry basket allows me to get about one load of laundry folded.
Libi had a visit with her buddy Noah.
Noah is a little guy that is very special to us. His birth mommy lived with us during her pregnancy and we had the joy of being a part of the sweet journey of his amazing adoption.
Jacob had the privilege to run in the IESA State Cross Country meet.
It was such a great couple weekends with Jacob. So much of our attention is on Libi these days and it was so fun to lavish some attention on Jacob. he ran his 2 miles with a time of 12:27
Libi went to the Extreme Makover Home Edition.
Most of you know that a little guy who receives services from Easter Seals ( the same place that Libi receives her therapy) was chosen to receive a home makeover. It was an exciting week for many of Libi's therapists as this event took place. We loved having an opportunity seeing something so amazing take place. The show should air on January 11th.
Libi's a BUTTERFLY!
Yes, we know that she is a butterfly. I was very excited to find the perfect costume for Libi. Not only was it a butterfly, it was pink and purple, and it had hearts on the wings! She enjoyed the candy on Halloween. No problem signing "more" for that.

I really am sorry it has been so long since we have updated. I can barely keep up with email these days! Each day continues to bring new hope for Libi. We continue to wait and watch with great expectancy to see what the Lord will do with Libi.

Our children are amazing miracles! How blessed we are!! The Lord has given me a Scripture that has been one I am clinging to right now:

Psalm 138

1 I give you thanks, O Lord, with all my heart; I will sing your praises before the gods. 2 I bow before your holy Temple as I worship. I praise your name for your unfailing love and faithfulness; for your promises are backed by all the honor of your name. 3 As soon as I pray, you answer me; you encourage me by giving me strength.
4 Every king in all the earth will thank you, Lord, for all of them will hear your words. 5 Yes, they will sing about the Lord’s ways, for the glory of the Lord is very great. 6 Though the Lord is great, he cares for the humble, but he keeps his distance from the proud.
7 Though I am surrounded by troubles, you will protect me from the anger of my enemies. You reach out your hand, and the power of your right hand saves me. 8 The Lord will work out his plans for my life— for your faithful love, O Lord, endures forever. Don’t abandon me, for you made me.