Merry Christmas!

Have a blessed Christmas from our family to yours!




"I love my big sister!"

"What is this?"


"Let me help you, Papa."

"Well, look at that! It lights up!"

"What fun!"

Julianna before her choir concert.

Fall pictures

Oh, give thanks to the Lord for He is good!








"Priscilla" and "Squanto"









The cousins' "Operation Christmas Child" shoebox project










"Squanto" again!











Lego time with the cousins












Up and running!










Papa's helper

Alabama "snow"

Relaxing!

Post-op and home update

Last day in the hospital we found that taking wagon rides around the hospital was just the thing to make lying flat more exciting. John-Nathan had had enough of the bed and was letting us know it!













We were waiting on our final ticket to leave--an MRI that was delayed! After having it done and seeing the surgeon we were free to go as soon as they could get us the right harness-type strap system to get him home in the car while still lying flat and yet being buckled in! Three tries and we had one that sort of fit. He was a sight and we do wish we had a picture of it!(sorry) Upon arriving home, he was not in the mood for getting a picture taken!










Ah.....finally a little "bath"










Our transportation system. He was always so good about being still for the "move".













Off we go!










Look at that! Starting to really get around by the Sunday after surgery.














I'm really going to be OK!










Pretty much back to normal and enjoying a visit from my friend, Anna Mae!










Julianna has him wearing some "spy gear". He loves to play with his big sister!





John-Nathan had his bandage removed this past week and the incision looked good. He is healing nicely. He is really doing great. We see the surgeon again in December. We appreciate all the prayers for him and for us. We are still recovering from some fatigue and we are all trying to get back into our routine. We thank you for continuing to pray.









Well, folks that is the 2-week post operative report. God is and has been so good to us! We give Him the thanks and praise for all He has done and continues to do in our lives! Marvelous are His works! (CR)

Hospital Pictures

Playing with Papa in the waiting room


With Mommy in our pre-op room---and "no" he was NOT going to wear the gown thus Banana the monkey is wearing it.


After successful surgery, in the recovery room




With sister in our room the day of surgery


Cereal being "dumped" in his mouth by the dump truck--day 2


Hanging out lying flat and playing


Enjoying a new book

One more victory for Victory!

Well, Victory is John-Nathan's middle name--literally! It appears at this point (24-hours post-op) that he has come through with flying colors. The Psalm in our daily reading yesterday was the 98th, whose first verse says "O sing unto the Lord a new song, for He hath done marvelous things; His right hand and His holy arm hath gotten Him the victory." This is also special to us because it was the psalm we shared at Celinda's grand-mother's (who was 98) funeral in June 2007, and it was on this same grand-mother's birthday in 2008 that we accepted John-Nathan Sheng. (April 23). Little things, perhaps, but things nonetheless that remind us of our God's attention to us in all areas of life.

J-N had a "'I'm-really-not-loving-life-right-now" kind of afternoon and evening yesterday. Sore back, sore front (for bathroom), and a nice IV poky on top of his left hand. He would start crying at the sight of any non family or friend. Poor guy! We had to say, that if we could make it home from China on that grueling 24 hour travel day and all the challenges it brought us, we could make it from Monday to Tuesday with our unhappy son. Sure enough, he settled down and was himself (and ourselves) able to rest some throughout the night. We were so encouraged to awake to a little boy that greatly resembled our own John-Nathan. He had gotten his smile back, enjoying some play time together in his bed. Life has improved markedly as the front tube has been removed. Today will be as much rest for him as he will allow. Tomorrow will be an MRI of the same area so that we (and the doctor) can have before and after pics--a "report card" as he called it. There's a chance that we can go home after that! Thanks for all the calls, thoughts, and prayers for us and our little guy! (PR)

Surgery tomorrow!

We appreciate your prayers for John-Nathan's surgery on Monday. We have a show time of 6 A.M. and expect the surgery to start around 7:15 A.M. lasting through the morning hours. Please pray for Dr. Oakes and the many who will be caring for him (and us!) in the coming days.

We know the One who has been watching over this little guy since his very conception and we trust Him to keep doing the same now! John-Nathan is a precious blessing to us.

With love and thankfulness!

The 4 R's (CR)

PS If you haven't already, scroll down to see 2 picture posts from yesterday!

Picture day at the Gardens

Our precious children










J-N was much happier running about!












"I refuse to smile"







Hand in hand



Tackle him so we can get a picture!



There's his smile!



"Let's just play!"




Just too cute!

And more pictures...

Wearing their new shirts all the way from Montreal! Thank you to the Barclays!


BIG WHEEL riding!




Swinging with sister's help!




Finally meeting Emme Grace! What a fun time!