Test Scores

A group left some powdered donuts at the center over the weekend. We thought we'd see what kind of mess he could make with one, but he was surprisingly neat!

We've had a lot of questions lately about how Reni's tests have been coming back. I'm sorry that I've not been so good at posting the results here! We were grateful to learn late last week that his renal scan came back completely normal, as did the bloodwork that had come in so far. The testing continues, however...


Today Reni was evaluated by Kentucky's early intervention program for any cognitive/social/adaptive/physical delays. Reni came back on the high side of the average range in all areas except for "social" in which he was above average for his age level! At the risk of bragging, we're proud of our little guy and so grateful for yet another evidence of the wonderful care he was blessed to receive by the Sisters of Charity and caregivers at the orphanage in Elbasan. Those results are pretty remarkable considering the fact that he has only been home one month and that most 14-month-old children from an orphange/institutional background would be testing 3-4 months behind their peers. We were told that if he had a better grasp of English (for example, been able to identify body parts, something we haven't started working on yet as we're working on transitioning from Shqip to the English words that everyone else in his new world uses, like "eat", "sleep", "drink", etc, that he would probably have scored even higher).

He does qualify for physical therapy to help in the transition to prosthetics, but if all goes well, that therapy may also be short-lived. [The kind lady, Ms. Teresa, who came to test him kept asking if she could take him home with her. That may have partially accounted for the good scores ;-) ]

One cute side story from this morning... part of the evaluation included a good deal of interviewing Nathan and I. The test giver asked us, "When you say a word, like "dog" for example, will Reni turn his head and look at your dog, Reagan?" We shrugged and I asked Reni, "Where is Ellie? Ku eshte Ellie?"

Reni looks at me for a second, then takes off on a rapid crawl down the hall towards the bedrooms, then starts looking in each room for his sister. It wasn't a fair question since Ellie was at school, but he definitely knew what I was asking! It was really sweet!

Ms. Teresa told us she was really impressed with his inflection when he babbled and his pointing and attempts to say something for each object to which he pointed. He even mimicked a tune I sang in front of him. All of those activities indicated good emerging verbal abilities.

Ellie's Schoolwork

The blog has been a little Reni-heavy over the course of the past several weeks, but I've been saving some Ellie papers to share with the grandparents and thought I'd share with everyone here too.

In the course of preparing Ellie for Kindergarten last spring, we learned that Ellie doesn't like to write. Like REALLY doesn't like to use a pen or pencil. The school's technology expert told us about an I-Pod Touch app that allows her to practice writing skills with her finger on the screen. Nonna also sent a magna-doodle that has been a great tool for practicing writing her letters and numbers, and my cousin Heidi recommended a great Leap Frog writing game that's in the under $20 category (I now recommend it too!). All of those have made practicing handwriting a little less tedious.

Most of Ellie's papers would come back with the qualifier of "written hand-over-hand" or her pencil markings over the top of highlighter guidelines. Today she was especially proud to show us the paper below.

She was especially pleased with the "heart" that Mrs. B put on the paper. We were pretty proud too.

A few weeks ago she brought home the paper above for following the "5 steps" at school. Given the reports of struggling with new boundaries during the early days of Kindergarten, we knew this was a big deal too! Ironically, when taking this photo, she didn't exactly want to follow my instructions for posing for a cute photo.

The paper above especially warmed my heart. For her journal writing, she came up with the sentence above all on her own, "I am always happy at home."

Ellie, we're always happy that you are a part of our home. And it wouldn't be the same without you.

P.S. The drawing of her home is oddly enough missing her Dad. Not sure what that means.

Uh oh. We're in trouble now...

... yesterday Reni crawled up the basement stairs to the landing all by himself. We can't take our eye off our little guy for a second! Constantly on the move, he's opening DVD players, pushing computer keys, making calls on our cell phones. All the while flashing that irresistable smile.

One month at home!

Yesterday we were pleased to enjoy a visit with Nathan's Aunt Elaine and Uncle Ken, from Ft. Myers, FL. Due to distance, we understandably don't get to see them all that often, but were glad that Reni was home in time for their planned trip to Wilmore so they could meet him in person. It's special to introduce him to each and every member of our families -- and we've just begun!

Yesterday was another big day of appointments. It started out with Reni's MRI on his left leg. This time he was cleared for sedation and after fighting sleep, conked out for the scan. Nathan was told that Reni would probably sleep all morning from the sedation, however less than a minute after the MRI was finished, he woke right up and didn't go back to sleep.

Following the MRI, Nathan and Reni drove to Shriners. After reviewing the scan, it was determined that whatever he has below his femur needs more time to calcify before it can be used as a joint. We will pray that this happens! As such, the plan for his prosthetics changed slightly from our intial meeting two weeks ago. Instead of having a "below-the-knee" prosthetic on his left leg and a prosthetic with an articulating knee joint on his right, Reni will have two straight leg prosthetics (with no articulating joints). This seems more limiting to me, but perhaps it will make the process of learning to walk much easier.

Reni was cast for his new prosthetics and will go in for a fitting in about three weeks. They measured his arm from elbow to wrist to estimate a size for his artificial feet. They then measured his "wingspan" to estimate his height, and subtracted one inch to lower his center of gravity. We're excited about moving forward in this area and can't wait to see what kinds of changes this will bring for his mobility.

Yesterday marked one month at home and we marvel at God's goodness in blessing us with this little boy. He's such a content and happy little guy. He laughs easily and is so generous with the smiles. It's hard to be down when you're around him -- all you have to do is make eye contact and he'll flash you a grin. He loves to crawl over or under anything (kitchen or dining room chairs as well as the drying rack are his favorite substitutes for jungle gyms) and if he catches you watching him, he giggles like he knows he's up to no good.

Thanks for checking in and thanks for your interest in our family!

Uncle Jack & Aunt Ruth Visit

This afternoon we were pleased to enjoy a brief visit with Uncle Jack and Aunt Ruth. They treated us to Ellie's favorite restaurant: McDonald's. She was thrilled to ride to and from Nicholasville in their car and spent the bulk of our time making new friends and climbing all over the the playplace. Scroll down for a video of Reni pulling off a surprising feat on the sliding board and an update on his continuing medical check ups.

Today Reni and I spent several hours at the University of Kentucky Clinic for his intake at the International Adoption Clinic. Everyone who takes their child there knows of the dreaded visit to the lab for the bloodwork. We had a great flobotomist who got all ten or twelve vials of blood in only one stick. Reni cried, but really was a great trooper. We also visited the Radiology department at the UK Hospital to have a sonogram performed on his kidneys. We're praying for a good report -- kidney issues usually accompany limb deficiencies like Reni has.

Tomorrow morning we're going in for try #2 for Reni's MRI. His lungs got a clear report from Dr. Taylor (so sedation shouldn't present any issues), and she also told us his ears are good too -- which is a relief. Thanks for your interest and prayers for our little guy!
And thanks to Uncle Jack for the photos!

Saturday's visits to two farms...

Ellie's horse of preference (below)

Yes, they're actually allowing kids to throw hula hoops like a ring toss on this poor horse's head. I limited Ellie's tosses because her skills were so lacking, it didn't seem kind.

(above) A neat way to recycle used horseshoes... let kids paint 'em!

(below) Ellie's favorite part of the day was riding with Reed Gouge behind this pair of horses.

(above) Thanks to Maria, a cabinet member and coordinator of the day's activities, for taking this photo!

Later in the day we drove out to Charley and Jackie's Palisades Pointe Farm for a BBQ with our adoptive families group. Ellie was so excited to go and see chickens (I have no idea why, though I had to admit, when I saw them, they were pretty chickens).

Ellie below with the Kinnell girls, Chloe and Essie

Just days before the event, one of the Neals' goat had delivered a baby... Reni loved it!

When it was time to leave, this is where I found Ellie ... chasing the chickens. I hope they laid eggs the next day!

Sick Days

Last week I ordered some more Berenstain Be*rs books to read with Ellie. Since our special time together alone in Kentucky while Daddy remained in Albania, we developed the habit of reading in bed for 30-40 minutes before going to sleep. Don't misunderstand, we always read together -- it's an activity that we mutually enjoy. Now we have a designated time for our reading and it's usually 3-4 books followed by a Bible story right before prayers. She LOVES "the Bears" (they've been great for relating life lessons to her in an understandable way) and while we have quite a few stories, they were getting redundant and we needed some new material.

I am not clairvoyant but appropriately ordered the book "Sick Days". It pretty much describes the cycle of sickness we've experienced. Sister Bear gets sick and passes it to Momma. Except Papa Bear takes care of Momma Bear when she is sick. In our case, both Nathan and I have fallen ill. Fast. Together. The long days, short nights, and school germies made us inevitable candidates. Since last night we've had the chills, the fevers, the lethargy. It's not easy when you have two young ones to care for.

Last night we debated cancelling Reni's MRI appointment this morning. I hate to cancel on anyone at the last minute, particularly when you have the first appointment session of the day (7:30).

The rule was, "no food or drink four hours before the sedation." True to form, at 3:45 Reni woke up and wanted a bottle of hot milk. Except we couldn't give it to him. He got mad. And didn't go back to sleep, crying off and on til about 6AM. We felt feverish most of the night but the Tylenol started to take effect for us around the time Reni stopped crying so we decided to go for it.

Mark came and took Ellie to school and we left for Lexington. We were the first people in the waiting room for nearly 30 minutes. We waited another 30 minutes to be called back. Within 30 seconds the nurse asked if Reni has any congestion. Why yes, he's had congestion since we the first day we met him. She promptly told us the MRI was not happening today. It would have been nice if we knew that ahead of time. We want what's safe for Reni, but it was difficult news nonetheless.

We're putting him back on the stronger antibiotics which we discontinued after he started vomiting two courses into the treatment. Hopefully that will clear up the congestion and the MRI can be rescheduled soon.

In the mean time, we texted Mark and he graciously returned to our home to care for Reni while we collapsed in bed. We're still wiped out and watching Charley Brown in bed with Ellie while Reni plays on the floor. Oh the joys of parenthood.

P.S. I have a theory: starting school so early into August has bumped up the flu season before we can get the preventative shots (last year H1N1 came to KY in September). I'm not a medical professional. Just guessin'.

Best Buddies

This photo is actually a couple of weeks old, but I found it this afternoon and thought I would post it as I know everyone only comes here for the photos of the kids, right?

Tomorrow morning is Reni's MRI of his left leg. No food or drink for 4 hours prior to the scan (because he has to be sedated) determined for us that we would schedule the earliest appointment they had available -- hence we have to be in Lexington by 7:15. Immediately after the MRI we will stop by Shriners and consult with Dr. Walker over the results and what it will mean for the type of prosthetic Reni will get on the left leg.

We're praying she finds good cartilage so that he might have a usable, biological knee! What God created is infinitely better than what man can create! We'll keep you posted!

Congrats, Wes and Nina!!!!!

Remember when I shared here that Wes and Nina (our wonderful homecoming photographers) were waiting for their referral from Ethiopia?

They shared the big news with us and Friday and I've been DYING to tell. They've posted it on their blog today, so it's okay to share now. It's too good to be true. Grab TWO boxes of Kleenexes before you watch the video at the bottom of their post!!! My eyes have been puffy all day, I tear up just thinking about it. Click here to hop over to their blog.

Report from David Reni's Trip to Shriners Hospital

This morning was the much-anticipated trip to Shriner's Hospital in Lexington for David Reni's appointment with the prosthetics and orthopedic team. I don't know where to begin, so I'll just start with captions under the photos...

Our dear friends, Jonathan and Faith, met us for breakfast at the hospital cafeteria prior to our appointment time. Faith is a caseworker at Shriners so we are thrilled to have a friend there with us. It is their 5th anniversary today (Nathan was honored to be in their wedding party) so it was especially fun to be with them!

Reni LOVED all the toys in the waiting area. He couldn't stop exploring, going from one thing to the next. The only time he really cried today was when we had to tear him away from the toys to get started on the rounds of exams and meetings!

SUCH a boy. He loves anything with wheels --- and he knows what you do with a steering wheel too!

Making friends outside the x-ray room. He enjoys being around other kids, which is neat to see.

The skeleton caught his eye off the bat.

They took 5 x-rays. Three of his legs and two of his hands.

He was fascinated with all of the animals hanging from the ceiling and around the room. The techs were amazed that he didn't cry or protest at all when we had to pin him down motionless for the scans.

After the x-rays we met with the orthopedic doctor, Dr. Walker (does anyone besides me find her name ironic)? He crawled around for her and let her feel his legs, but as soon as the exam was finished, he promptly fell asleep.

So here is what we learned....

1.) David Reni's femurs are perfectly and completely formed. What isn't visible is anything below the femurs, including on his left leg which feels like it contains at the least some cartilage below where a knee joint would be. It also feels like there is muscle attached.

2.) the presence of some kind of joint has big implications when it comes to prosthetics as a biological knee is infinitely more beneficial than an artificial knee. Dr. Walker has scheduled an MRI for David Reni next week to determine if there is anything in that flab of skin below his femur worth saving.

3.) If the MRI reveals that he does have a potential joint (I believe she said that knee joints might not show up on an x-ray until age three or four), then he will have two different prosthetics, one for each leg. The right leg will have an articulating knee so his leg will bend when seated on the floor, the left would not (he would use his 'real' knee). This is a little more tricky, however, because the artificial knee would be a couple of inches lower than his bio knee. Once a decision is made, he will have his first legs in 4 weeks!

4.) X-rays of his hands revealed that he has two fused metacarples in his left hand. He will see a hand specialist, but it doesn't appear to be infringing on his ability to use his hand and surgery to separate the bones would likely be pointless as the bones are likely to fuse together again.

Before we left, we visited Faith's office. Reni was pleased to find more toys! We look forward to many, many more such visits with Faith in the future!

There is a bit more I could share, but we have to take both kids to the doctors now. Ellie just threw up so I have a feeling her fever this morning was from the flu, but the appointment was already made. We'll just check and see if she doesn't have anything else. We are also going to have David Reni's ears checked again. Once his antibiotic course was completed, his sleepless night and ear tugging returned. What a busy day!

Family photos

When Jan visited a few weeks ago, she graciously photographed us as a new family of four. You can see some of her favorites on her blog here (and while you're there, click around her sites -- you'll enjoy some beautiful photos!). What a treasure to have these done so soon after bringing David Reni home.

Weekend Camping Trip

This past weekend we took our student cabinet on a camping trip to strategize for the upcoming school year and reconnect after a summer apart. I was wondering a bit how it would go, sleeping in a tent with TWO kids, one of which doesn't sleep through the night -- but overall it went really well! And Ellie had a blast sleeping in a tent and sitting by a fire. I wish we had time to do it more often. Well, except for taking 3 hours to pack up all of our gear... and then put it all away when we got home.

All of these photos are courtesy of our cabinet historian, Meredith. Thanks, Mer! It was nice to take a break from the camera!

The campgrounds had a pool. This was Reni's first "real" dip in a pool and I think you can tell that he absolutely loved it!

I wish I knew what Josh and Ellie were talking about! Sure looks like a serious conversation!

Surprise of surprises, we ran into the Gouge family at the campgrounds! This is Veronica, a former cabinet member herself (now living in PA, preparing to serve as a WGM missionary with her husband and daughter in Papua New Guinea). Veronica's daughter, Elaina, is just two days younger than our Reni!


Ellie liked roasting marshmellows but not so much eating them. They are "too hot."

We are so blessed that our kids get to interact with and be loved on by such great young adults.

All the fresh air did Reni in. Here he is asleep in Caleb's arms.

It was CHILLY in the morning so we wrapped up in a sleeping bag by the fire waiting for the others to wake up.

Yummy! Pancakes with mini chocolate chips!
Reni preferred the maple sausage!

Reni with the "other" Nathan, Crum. Like I said, LOTSA love to go around. We're blessed.