Tuesday, March 4, 2014
Monday, February 24, 2014
Luke's surgery day
Wide awake and off- blankie, a movie, and his sister- so much for staying asleep
until Nashville- PaRtY!!
In my scrubs and ready
Seeing our sweet boy- finally waking up
Done, sleepy, and heading home.
So thankful for the incredible doctors God has placed in our son's life... for their care and wisdom in helping Luke medically.
Saturday, February 8, 2014
Wu Yuanhong became Luke O. Perry 4 months ago today... Valentine's and more❤️
4 months ago today Wu Yuanhong became Luke O'Neil Perry, our son... praise God!
He's doing really well. Luke's imitating most words that he hears. He's beginning to play with puzzles (with help) and interested in a few books. He's eating well and doesn't get upset at mealtime (from worrying about getting food). He is beginning to show preferences for certain foods and dislikes, which is progress because he's not worried about being hungry anymore. Luke is verbalizing when he needs to go to the potty and gets very excited when he's successful! Another milestone he has reached just tonight is that he comfortably let his "baba" (daddy) put him to bed. The relationship between these two guys has been a battle of the wills (to say the least), but I must say I see such a beautiful love beginning to grow. This little bundle of energy screams "daddy" like a girl when he hears the garage door open. When he's ready to brush his teeth, he goes to Craig and says "teeth, teeth." While flowers and romantic dates have been a sweet gift on such a day as this, this year I will gladly settle for looking at how far we've come in the love that's developed and continuing to blossom around us. How grateful I am to know the love of my Father... both my Heavenly Father and earthly father and how beautiful to see my son and daughters receive love from their father. This is a gift!
Love, Love, Love!
If I speak in the tongues of men or of angels, but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing. If I give all I possess to the poor and give over my body to hardship that I may boast, but do not have love, I gain nothing. Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails. (1 Corinthians 13:1-8a NIV)
Luke's first Valentine's day....
He had no idea there was chocolate inside! Everyone opened their Valentine goodies before dinner. In China Luke spit m&m's out when we gave him some, he hated them... see how far he's come in 4 months, yummmmmy! One of his favorite places is in Maddie's arms. They are so silly!
Girlies enjoying a "snow day," which does not occur with homeschooling. They waited patiently until the day was over... but so was the snow;(
4-wheeler fun at Mimi's house
Medical update: Luke's surgery
Luke is having his surgery on Thursday, 2/24 @ 8:00 a.m.- check-in for surgery at 6:00 am. We had to see a surgeon (2/1) because of a knot that has formed by his incision, from TOF repair, and stitching is coming through the skin. Suture material used was either left in there or didn't dissolve... either way the surgeon says it must be removed or he could get a bone infection. The nurse who called for scheduling said if things go as planned he likely will be able to be discharged by Tuesday afternoon. Please pray for our sweet boy, and family. Thank you!
Saturday, February 1, 2014
So very thankful for our son and the Son!
When our family began the journey of adoption we were parents to three amazing little girls, then ages 6,8,10. My husband thought it was only natural to adopt a girl, because we'd become pros at hair bows, princesses, and a bit of drama here and there. However, when we talked with adoptive moms in our community and were told about the epidemic number of boys in orphanages all over the world- it made perfect sense to us to adopt a boy. God led our family to the country of China, waiting child program, in Oct./November of 2012. We inquired and were told about the many little guys who would never be adopted, because they were a boy. Our China coordinator explained the steps to completing paperwork and allowed us to view the protected website of the referrals as they were made available to AWAA.
His sisters are just crazy about him.
Although Luke has been in good health since he's been home we have had numerous medical appointments regarding his heart condition. As we think of how far he has come- both medically and emotionally- we are so very thankful he doesn't have to go through any of this alone anymore. This appointment was so emotional for me, as his mom. I had the privilege of being right beside him.... when he went to sleep and when he was waking up from having testing we were right there, praise God!
I'm so thankful I get to be his mama.
(Picture designs compliments of our oldest daughter, Maddie).
On March 5, 2012, we saw this photo [top left] for the very first time, our son, Luke (Wu Yuanhong). We reviewed his medical information with our doctor, prayed, prayed, and prayed some more. On March 11th we officially accepted the referral of our son. To say we were excited would be an understatement. We, along with our daughters, rejoiced with one another, family and friends. We could finally put a sweet little face to "our son."
We prepared for the time when we would finally get the call that we had approval to travel to bring home our son. It was on Sept.19th at approximately 11:15 a.m. Three weeks later we were on a plane (numerous planes actually) to China to meet our son. As we traveled I couldn't help but think about his birth parents and the sacrifices at some level that were made on his behalf. Luke was taken to the orphanage at the age of 13 months. He was found breathing poorly and blue. He has a heart condition, tetrology of fallot. I believe with all my heart he was taken there in order to be given a chance to live. One year after being taken to the orphanage, Luke received surgery to repair his TOF.
Seven months after receiving Luke's referral, we were in his province meeting our precious baby boy.
After meeting Luke and taking care of paperwork, we had about an 18 hour "harmonious" period before going to the civil affairs office for his adoption paperwork.
We stayed in his province (Lanzhou, Gansu) another 4 days waiting on necessary paperwork to be processed before flying to Guangzhou for his medical exam and US consulate appointment.
Being greeted by his sisters, family and friends at the airport
The gospel parallels so closely with adoption. For us to see this transformation in Luke in just three short months reminds us of our own adoption by our Heavenly Father through His Son, Jesus, when He adopted us.. gave us a "new name"... and an inheritance in Him!
So often we have had people say to us comments like: "it's so wonderful what you are doing for this little boy," or "he's so lucky," or " you all are going to change his life." While comments like this are meant to be positive when spoken, I just want to say, "no, we are the lucky ones, we are blessed." You see, while yes, Luke's life will be much different because he's been rescued from an orphanage, brought into a family, and given a new name and inheritance... Our hearts, lives, and family dynamics have changed... and for the better! We have the incredible responsibility of being used by our Father to love, nurture, enjoy, and do life with one amazing little guy.... my son!
Our community has a wonderful adoptive family celebration with our children for the Chinese New Year. Our family loved celebrating Luke and his culture.
Praise be to God for the great things HE has done!
Thursday, January 30, 2014
Chinese New Year Celebration!
Luke's big sisters are so proud of him and excited to celebrate the country of China!
Can you tell we are having fun yet?
Maddie and Hannah Grace
With more friends who are waiting to bring their sweet baby home from South Korea. Praise God for how He weaves us together!
Alaina with part of the Morris family- Ellie Joy, Hannah Grace and their dad Andy and Autumn. The Morris's and Autumn's family have been so supportive and gave such great advice- from packing lists to where to buy pearls in Guanghzou to the first days home- we are so very blessed by others.
Yes, I'm a proud momma!
Happy Chinese New Year everyone from the Perry's!
Monday, January 13, 2014
3 Months Together!
Ok, so HaPpY three months.... and tired, hard, joyous, fearful, patience-testing, guilt, concern, fun and love, love and more love!!!
When I was at the fun age of being a pre-teen and babysitting, I had this totally adorable little girlie that I babysat. I thought she hung the moon. Her name was Brooke. She was adorable and had the cutest curls (like my daughter Rachel had as a little kiddo) and an adorable smile and laugh. I loved her like crazy!! Her family attended the same church as my family. She sang a solo once that I have sung many, many times to my girls and now to my Luke. The song: I Cast My Cares.
Right now in my life with the range of emotions I'm sharing with you on this 3 month anniversary of having our amazing little guy-- this song and the verse behind it hold so much strength.
Here's the song:
I cast all my cares upon You; I lay all of my burdens down at Your feet. Anytime I don't know what to do- I will cast all my cares upon You.
You see, this simple song with few words and the passage says so much- ALL of my cares upon YOU! My Heavenly Father knew the different emotions of these past three months. He knew that this homeschool mom would have guilt about our schooling days after bringing home Luke, the concern and fear that Satan would use to grip me and discourage me regarding Luke's upcoming procedures, health, and surgery. He knew there would be days Craig and I would "rock it" as parents, and there would be days I would have to confess to Him how unloving my words were towards a man He has given to me. He knew that Luke would steal my heart's affections and light up my days just as the girls did in their early days of coming home. He knew that Luke would have issues with food that would try our patience but that would also grow us together (still working on this one). And through it all He has already gone before us and said :
6 Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. 7 Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.
(1 Peter 5:6-7)
In our humility and recognition that we need our Father for EVERYTHING- casting ALL our anxiety on Him and allowing Him to work in and through us- sets us free and gives us victory, in Him!!
I want to be genuine with anyone who read this, because while this time in our lives is the most special as a family- it's also the hardest.... if we do it in our own strength. I'm so very thankful for a Father who knows all things and who chooses to love, teach, guide, and who's ever so patient with a hot mess of a mommy like me!
I'm leaving you with this picture- one of the privileges I'm so very grateful God's chosen for me!
I love rocking my baby boy!
*Brooke is now a beautiful wife and mom to three small children. Thank you, Brooke, for allowing God to use you!
**Just a little update: we will go Thursday to Vanderbilt to meet with the neuro-radiologist who will do his next procedure. Prayers are always welcomed and appreciated;)
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