Not much new,except outfits

Not much new or exciting to report. Jada is sleeping very well at nights now. We are slowly moving toward more table food. She's getting used to using her teeth now, so she's learning to eat more than jar food. She's been babbling alot more lately also. We hope to hear some new words from her in the next month.

Dr. Ashli West told us about a free service for therapy for adopted children. We are scheduling a second visit by a social worker for detailed evaluation. We are also trying to schedule a meeting with that Family Lawyer about us doing a re-adoption now that we are home.

Can't quite see the cute outfit, but this scene is cute enough, huh?

This is a Lady Bug we found out by River Bend Nuclear Plant one day on the way to St. Francisville.

Feather Boas with the dresses

Jada's Lady Bug Dress with hat. Lady Bugs are considered Good Luck in China.

Country Girl Can Survive

Not much new going on. We have some post placement paperwork to fill out for AWAA. We are still waiting on Jada's immigration paperwork so we can begin to get her SSN and birth certificate.

We're researching whether or not to do a "re-adoption." We found a family attorney that's covered under our Group Legal Plan at Shell. We have a free consultation set up to see what our options are. Re-adoption is recommended to get a U.S. Birth Certificate and other identification paperwork. It just makes it easier if we decide to send her to public school (leaning to home schooling...) or just for her to get a driver's license or anything where she needs ID. It'll be easier if we do the re-adoption.

Here's some recent shots of Jada.

Jada got some new "Curious George" slippers.

"Mommy & Daddy's litte love bug! Jada!"

I can plow a field all day long... Jada and Paw-Paw Gerald (my dad)
Does this revoke her Diva status?

Heartbreaking...

Just got this prayer request from one of the families that traveled with us.

"I will start with the prayer because it is heavy on my husband's and my hearts. XXXX's mother (XXXX is my husband) has still not acknowledged (the baby's) existence. No words or questions or mention of him in any way.

We are sick over this. We have tried to include her in all communication and bring him up often to her only to have her change the subject or ignore it completely."

Honestly, my first reaction was anger. But, I remembered the bad attitudes I have that I need work on. Then, my next reaction was thanks. Earlier, I posted about how great everyone has been concerning our adoption. So, we are very fortunate to have the support we have.

I just couldn't imagine having to deal with a family member like that. That would put up a big wall for me. What a shame. It's only by God's grace that our friends and family are sharing what a blessing Jada is to us and our family. She has brought so much to our lives. We are engaging with friends and family more often and we are able to share what's going on with more people since she's come home. It's opened alot of doors for us and alot of people have been blessed by Jada and our story.

We may have another opportunity and another forum to share our story. It's in the works, so be praying for us that the RIGHT doors are opened for the RIGHT reasons and we are able to share the RIGHT things.

The Lamberts

Pics on Parazz

I started uploading the pics from the trip on Parazz. I got about 370 pictures loaded so far.

I can't figure out how to put that little Parazz window on the side bar. If anyone knows, fill me in. *Thanks Dup!! I got it!*

I think between me and Brandi's mom, we have about 600 pictures from China. It's sort of slow up loading 600 pics, but I should have them all done by Monday or Tuesday.

Enjoy!

Saturday morning breakfast & experiments

We're trying grits & eggs today for breakfast. I think she's just excited to eat something new. She ate most of it and we chased it down with some "Yo Baby."












She also had a side of Cutie Pie!











When we're at the stove cooking or fixing her a bottle, she goes apes! She laughs and screams and pulls at our legs. Soon after though, if things don't progress fast enough, she gets a little aggrevated. Patience young Grasshopper.










I can't get my hands on a camera without her laughing and running to me. Little HAM!

Look at my ears!

It was hard getting her to stay still while I get a good shot of her ears. Also, these bows are gettin' too small already. She's messin' with them more and they're leaving marks on her head.

Is it time to eat yet?
Throw em in the pan!!

It's good to have support

One of the things that has really comforted us in these first days of transition is the Yahoo Chat Group we have with all the families that travelled with us. Since coming back home we have kept in touch by posting our different experiences with all our new babies. Even though they are different, many of the families are facing the same issues or challenges. This is really helpful because it helps combat the thought that these things are happening because we are making mistakes as parents.

Many families and babies are having issues with sleeping and eating. If we didn't have the chat group and know that many other families are struggling with these things, we'd be likely to think we were doing something wrong. But, since we are connected, we know that this is "normal" for other babies and its not what we're doing wrong.

I think one of the worst things we can do when struggling with something is to isolate ourselves and not reach out for help or counsel. It's very helpful to share with other families in similar situations and to hear that we are not alone in our struggles.

For those interest or curious about adoption, one tool that is available for you is the next Adoption Workshop at HPC. His Heart for Orphans will be putting on another workshop Saturday, December 9 at the HPC Annex Campus Suite G 8:00am - 12:00pm.

This will give you a chance to meet with other families interested in adoption and families who have adopted. The information we've gotten from our chat group has been extremely valuable to us and our decision making. I believe the information and networking available at this Adoption Workshop will give you the ability to make a better decision about your future in adoption.

Ignorance feeds fear and confusion. Anytime you are in a situation where there is fear or confusion, the best thing to do is arm yourself with information.

Pierced and Poked

Jada got her ears pierced yesterday and then we went to get blood drawn today. I'd love to say she did great. But jam a needle in and out of your arm 3 or 4 times and see if you're OK. She's a trooper though. As soon as they pulled the needle out, she was happy again.

Jada & Lucy having a talk. Obviously, Lucy hasn't learned her place and crossed the line in some way. Jada is establishing the boundaries. Get straight Lucy or get PIMP SLAPPED!

Jada's in the waiting room at Dr. Ashli West's office. We're going get the ears pierced. We put the deadening cream on the earlobes and the bandaids. She didn't mess with them too much at all.

The cream worked great, cause Jada didn't flinch when we popped the earrings in. This is Jada and our good friend Dr. Ashli West.
Me & Jada in the yard.
Jada playin' frisby.

Good Morning! Big Day Today!

Today we have a doctor's appointment for a follow up for some tests and we are getting Jada's ears pierced!

See all the nice toys in the background? A laundry bag from China is what kept her entertained for a good part of the morning.

I get to play Mr. Mom again today. I get to bring her to get her ears pierced.

Still got runny nose.

She's feeling good, she didn't even wake up crying. We heard her stirring on the baby monitors and when I went in this morning, she was standing in her crib smiling. She got good sleep last night too. She went down at 8pm and woke up at 6:15am. She was stopped up last night and we thought it would be a long night, but she went down and stayed down. I'll try to remember to bring the camera to the ear piercing!

Faith, Finance & Favor

This is a new series Pastor Dino is starting at HPC this weekend. I've seen recent studies and surveys that indicate that less than 5% of Christians surveyed or studied tithe consistently. I think its great how the whole country responded during the tsunamis in Asia last year and the hurricanes, Rita and Katrina that hit the Gulf last year. I believe the Church would be able to do even greater outreaches if even 25% or 50% of Christians were consistent tithers.

I understand why the vast majority of Christians don't tithe, because it really wasn't too long ago when Brandi and I didn't tithe faithfully. The American culture is now about borrowing money and being in debt to get what you want. The lending institutions have perfected the study of our wants and spending habits and combined that with a very good marketing campaign of getting us to get into debt. It's evident they are doing a good job because studies also show that over the past several years, consumers are going deeper into debt and saving less. In fact, the year 2004 or 2005 was the first year that as a nation, we saved a negative percentage of our income! We don't save anymore and we can't give because of debt. Ever notice who owns those skyscrapers downtown?

Even when Brandi and I started thinking about adoption, we knew we had to buckle down financially. We either would have to support a new born baby or pay for the adoption. We had alot of payments and little to give or to save. Something had to change, either the income or the out-go. Since we decided to have Brandi stay at home in preparation for a family, the income wasn't the answer and I can only work so much overtime. So, the out-go had to change.

Then, there was the issue of our giving, which wasn't consistent or sufficient. It just wasn't a priority for us at that time. But, a couple of things happened. We made the decision to make changes. We didn't jump straight to tithing, but we sacrificed (sold the boat!) and worked toward being better givers. Then, we got a hold of some powerful information. We stumbled across Dave Ramsey who is a fincancial counselor who wrote a book and has a radio talk show. He teaches common sense things, but he provides entertainment, engouragement and motivation. Other great information is anything by Crown Financial Ministries.

It's funny, because God didn't just drop a load of cash in our laps. He opened a door for us, in the form of biblical personal finance information and it was up to us to walk through it. It was up to us to admit we needed to change and it was up to us to make the changes. He knew we had to change our character, which would help change our habits when it came to personal finance and being good stewards of all He has given us.

It was very difficult. We miss the things we used to do and what we used to have. But, they were not necessities. We found out that even though we don't have the boat and we don't eat out 5 times a week, we are content with what we do have, which is actually alot. We weren't poor before we started this, so it really isn't a "rags to riches" story. It's a "good to great" story. But, the greatness isn't something we live in, drive, wear or where we go.

I believe on some level, we all want to be givers, we all want to be able to help someone. It really feels good to give something that helps others and most of the time, you are blessed by helping others more than they are helped. Not to mention that giving is being Christlike. We don't give to earn God's love, our salvation or score heavenly points. We give to become like Christ, the ultimate giver.

I'm looking forward to the series and learning even more and getting even more encouragement. We learned that we can only say so many words to explain the advantages of being givers. The real revelation comes when you actually experience the fruits of planting small seeds of faith in the form of giving. The giving and the fruits aren't always financial. For example, now that we are out of debt and follow a budget that we both have input in and agree on, there are less opportunities for us to argue about finances. I didn't say we don't disagree about things, but the opportunities are FAR LESS. There is no price you can put on having a "Happy Momma" in the house. Cause when momma's happy...

Reflections & Lessons Learned

The last 6 years has been the most action packed & exciting times for me and Brandi. The first 7 years of our marriage had been relatively easy and uneventful. But what we've been through with trying to start a family all the way to finally getting Jada has had some serious impact on our family. There have been alot of times where our faith has been tested, our marriage was tested and our relationships were tested. We have had the opportunity to really discover what we are made of, because you really never know what you're made of until adversity comes along.

I remember when we first started attending HPC and rededicated our lives to Christ. At that time, there seemed to be alot of people giving testimonies about the struggles they've been through and how God helped them through it. Brandi and I talked about how up to that point, we've had it pretty easy. We both had good jobs, we hadn't gone through any real struggles, financially or relationally. We didn't really know if that was good or bad. Well, little did we know what was ahead for us.

Looking back on it, we really have been blessed and it has all really turned out for the better. The key to the past 7 years have been our relationships. So, many people have stepped up for us. Throughout all this, our friends & family has been rock solid, constantly supporting us and encouraging us. They've always known when to speak up and sometimes, more importantly, when to shut up. I guess back off would be a better word, but when you want your space, you want people to shut up, not back off. Well, maybe both.

We truly cannot imagine going throught he last 7 years without our church family at HPC. First of all, they have provided an atmosphere for us to grow spiritually. Both by teaching the Word of God and by allowing us to use our gifts and callings to minister to other people. The great thing about serving others is that in the middle of it, we've always been able to recieve as much or more than we give. Some of our greatest friends and mentors are those we started out serving others with. Without the mentoring, support, encouragement and prayers that has come from our family at HPC, its pretty scary to imagine some of the roads we could have traveled. It would hav been very easy to get off track with God and miss all the great things He had for us along this journey.

Then, there is the giving. Along with all the spiritual and emotional support, we have realized how much our friends and family has given to us. It came in many forms. They have unselfishly given from their time, treasure and talents and it is really appreciated. It's so good to have such a great support system to fall back on. When we were at our lowest, someone, somewhere would stand in the gap for us and provide what we needed.

While Brandi works at the church, my workplace, Shell Chemical in Geismar has also stepped up. Many people at work were there for us in many ways. Encouraging and supporting us. Several guys I work with stepped up and worked some days for me while I was in China. My supervisors let me know they would do whatever it took to make sure I had nothing to worry about as far as me getting time off. We have turned in paperwork for the Adoption Reimbursement program that Shell has, where we could get reimbursed up to $3,000.

We are so glad to have Jada part of the family now. It brings us just as much joy to see how everyone is celebrating with us. Everyone is just as excited for us. It really lifts us up as a family to know what quality people, friends and family we have around us. We lack nothing. Our cups really are overflowing.

Thanks so much to everyone. From the big things to the little things. You are all appreciated.

The Lamberts: Jada, Brandi & Gered

Baptism & Baby Dedication

OK, so not really "Baptism", but submersed in a tub of water, sort of the same. We wanted to see if Jada could share in our hot tub time, so we brought her in. Oh yeah, she liked it. She loves bath time and this was just bath time multiplied by 100!

This is her favorite water activity. Slapping her hands on the surface of the water. That face is when her face gets wet. When I'm giving her a bath and I need her to stand up, I just pour water over her face and she jumps to her feet and makes this face.

Happy Jada. What else is there to say...

More water in the face, more facial contortions.

Now to the baby dedication. I forgot to get someone to take pictures of Jada with our camera at the church service. She had a WONDERFUL dress Aunt Linda bought for her. I'll have to get pics from the service from somebody.

Not only did Aunt Linda buy Jada's dedication dress, she treated everyone to lunch at Ruffino's. Since Jada was away for her first birthday, we decided to celebrate her 14th month birthday while at Ruffino's. Complete with the American tradition of letting the baby dive into the birthday cake, no holds barred.

Jada's diggin' this tradition.

Face and hands full of cake.

"Touch my cake pops, and I'll PIMP SLAP YOU!!" (Sorry, couldn't resist...)

Jada's having trouble sleeping tonight. She has a runny nose and its hard for her to breath. She didn't get much of a nap today with the Church service and lunch at Ruffino's. So, we're hoping she way worn out and she'll get some sleep. We'll then, get some sleep.

I'll post a link to the Baby Dedication service from HPC's website when it comes available. I'm pretty sure they post it.