We are still alive down here in south central Texas though we don't venture out much since it's so very hot outside! It's hard to believe it's July and summer break is flying by. We are now in our own rental home and slowly getting settled. The boxes are unpacked but we are without a couch and a TV so still feels a little strange! (We do have a small tv but don't get any channels but the CW so feels like there is none.) The house is VERY beige which makes our decorations look different, too. Overall though, it just doesn't quite feel like home. I think it's due to the absence of our dear friends in Missouri who so often were in and out of our home there. (In fact, Lucy keeps reminding me: "Mom, we have NO friends here!").
Not to dwell on what is lacking though - we have been blessed by having two amazing visits from our St Louis "family" friends. The Elliotts came in May and we had a blast eating at favorite restaurants, going to Schlitterbahn waterpark, sightseeing in San Antonio and more. Then Jessica and her kids came in June and although we didn't get to "do" as much, it was still so very fun. She was a huge help in making this place more bearable though it was painful to watch her leave.
Also, to update on the continual concerns we have with child #3...Cole had his three year checkup and the doctor had a bone age scan done due to his lack of growth (no gain in weight or inches in at least 6 months). Well, that turned out to be fruitful as the x-ray shows his bone age (2 years) does not match his chronological age (3 years). There are several reasons why this could be including a diagnosis of "Failure to Thrive" which he had as an infant. We are headed (again) to the pediatric endocrinologist in hopes of some answers and some encouragement. The older he gets, the more awkward it can be for him to be so far behind... Hopeful that this time down here might be just for Cole's advantage and growth!
Another positive note, we have found a church home. Parkhills Baptist is a 9Marks church and we are thankful to be in a place that preaches God's word unashamedly and hope to get plugged in and make some friends soon. I'm hopeful to spread the word and cause of Sparrow Ministries, especially since we are giving adoption grants nation-wide now!
Finally, we continue to battle the IR$ concerning our adoption refund. We have been "communicating" with them since we first filed in February and finally got notice this weekend that they are denying us our refund (a huge chunk of money that we had foolishly counted on to have for moving expenses - thus, the reason for no couch yet). They continue to say they are lacking one document even though we have faxed it 3 separate times since April and this is the 2nd year for us to claim this refund, meaning they have already approved it once before! Sent off our appeal today by faxing documents twice and mailing a hard copy as well. I'm tempted to put my Indian child in the car and drive across the country to their office if they really want proof of our adoption! It's a frustrating experience, no doubt, but hopefully one that will result in our favor.
Sorry for the wordiness and no pictures. Somehow I can not find my camera cord even though all the boxes are unpacked! :)
Cole gets kisses from Tessa Puppy at Nan & Pops house (he loved it!)
Nate & Ford - transformer lovin' cousins
Nate's 4th birthday! Lots of cousins and friends!
Pops and the birthday boy
More birthday fun
Paige, Alyssa, Lucy
Grandma and Grandpa took us to see Cars 2
Nate's mohawk (lasted about 30 seconds)
Evidence of how well my kids are playing together this summer :)
Nate & Maddux at the Alamo
Lucy, Cole and Graci at the Alamo
Younce and Drinkard kids at the Riverwalk