Halloween Sneak Peek

Katie's very most favorite "person" in the whole world is Minnie Mouse right now. I found this for her today. She LOVES it!

Sewing Creations

Ok,
I got the sewing bug again after seeing some of the cute online patterns here and here. I had to buy one and give it a try. Here is what I managed to create - pretty darn cute if I do say so myself! Katie did the "hands on knees" pose all by herself without any prompting. I think she has her picture taken too much...

Man Builds Ark using Biblical Specifications

Working Replica of Noah's Ark Opened In SCHAGEN, Netherlands . The Massive central door in the side of Noah's Ark was opened the first Crowd of curious townsfolk to behold the wonder. Of course, it's Only a replica of the biblical Ark , built by Dutch Creationist Johan Huibers as a testament to his faith in the literal truth of The Bible.

The ark is 150 cubits long, 30 cubits high and 20 cubits wide. That's two-thirds the length of a football field and as high as a Three-story house. Life-size models of giraffes, elephants, lions, Crocodiles, zebras, bison and other animals greet visitors as they Arrive in the main hold. A contractor by trade, Huibers built the Ark of cedar an d pine. Biblical Scholars debate exactly what the Wood used by Noah would have been.

Huibers did the work mostly with his own hands, using modern tools And with occasional help from his son Roy. Construction began in May 2005. On the uncovered top deck - not quite ready in time for The opening - will come a petting zoo, with baby lambs and Chickens, and goats, and one camel.Visitors on the first day were stunned. 'It's past comprehension', Said Mary Louise Starosciak, who happened to be bicycling by with Her husband while on vacation when they saw the ark looming over The local landscape.'I knew the story of Noah, but I had no idea the boat would have Been so big.' There is enough space near the keel for a 50-seat Film theater where kids can watch a video that tells the story of Noah and his ark. Huibers, a Christian man, said he hopes the Project will renew interest in Christianity in the Netherlands , Where church going has fallen dramatically in the past 50 years.

Prior Adoptions from China and Kidney Issues

I have recently received some information from various friends in adoption groups whose children have had kidney problems. It appears that if you are an adoptive parent who came home with your child as far back as 2005 and they have had any bladder/kidney problems then or even in the future it could be related to the tainted milk that has now been discovered in China.

Please go to the World Health Organization to get more information, and;

Here is an article referenced by Love Without Boundaries from the Center for Adoption Medicine. Discuss with your pediatrician to see if any tests should be done if you notice symptoms even if you have been home for a few years!

Letter from WACAP

From WACAP adoption agency:
Subject: Important Recommendation from American Academy of Pediatrics for China Adoptive Families

Dear Families,

In recent months you've most likely heard about the infant formula tainted with Melamine in China. According to reports from China,this tainted formula has resulted in some babies developing kidney stones,and in a few extreme cases, experiencing kidney failure. I know we are all saddened by this situation, and by the suffering of Chinese children and their families.We are writing today to advise you that WACAP recently has heard from three families whose children were diagnosed with kidney stones. Two of these children joined their families as early as 2005. WACAP immediately contacted Dr. Dana Johnson, an adoptive medicine specialist at the University of Minnesota's International Adoption Medical Clinic, to seek a recommendation for families who've adopted from China. Dr Johnson consulted with the section on Adoption and Foster Care of the American Academy of Pediatrics and advised us of the following: "...the consensus is to do urinalysis and BUN/Creat on all children adopted from China from 2005 onward and if abnormal,get a renal ultrasound."We know this information comes as a surprise and may be upsetting.We will continue to monitor the situation carefully and advise you of any further recommendations from the American Academy of Pediatrics. As we continue to place many children from China, especially children with special needs, we will continue to be in contact with the CCAA as well regarding this issue.We are sending this e-mail to all families who have adopted from China since January 2005 for whom we have an e-mail address. If you know of other families that may benefit from this information, please feel free to forward this on.
Best wishes,
Elizabeth Rose and the WACAP team

Beautiful Quilt Giveaway

Found this blog today after finding another blog that I LOVE called SewSensible. Dare I say that I am venturing into making some of these adorable boutique outfits for Katie! This quilt is absolutely GORGEOUS! Visit here to enter but hurry because it ends tomorrow!!

Look What I Found

All nestled in a bud on my hibiscus. This little guy is teeny tiny but oh so cute! Click on him to see him up close

John and Erin

Jeff and Chrystal

Family Visit

Watching Sissy's soccer game with Uncle John, Aunt Erin, Uncle Jeff and Aunt Chrystal. I really did not want my picture taken with Uncle Jeff at first. Can you see the determination not to smile in any way whatsoever?

Then I warmed up to him

Aunt Chrystal is SUPER!