As promised, for all those who have been begging for updated pics of our girl! She's getting so big! Thank you for continuing to follow our life journey with Karsynn. At one time, I had considered stopping the blog, but so many of you that are still waiting have expressed that this is one of the many blogs that helps you to see the "light at the end of the tunnel." So, I ask, how could I possibly stop. I remember following blogs of traveling families and families who had returned, while we waited, and it was so inspiring. That's all I hope this blog is...an inspiration to those who wait. I also want it to be a record of Karsynn's life for her to enjoy when she's older. She's only little once!


A Happy Family!

Watching UK with Mommy! Go CATS!

WEEEEE! Daddy!

Mommy carved me a Jack-O-Lantern! Yeah Mommy!

Tailgaiting with my friend, Sydney! We had fun!

Hold on Big Girl!!!

Watching the Apple Festival parade with Mommy!

Look at those dimples!

Pretty Girl!

Mama's Lil Flower!

Daddy and Me in our UK and Steeler jersey!

I stumbled across this poem today, and I feel it is appropriate for me to share right now. We are so blessed to have the children that God has given us. He gives us the child that is just perfect for us. This was written long before we were even born. It is destiny. We can't change that. We all need to stop and take a moment to read the words and really internalize them. Don't sweat the small stuff in life. It's simply too short! Enjoy every single waking moment you are blessed to spend with your children. I get so busy sometimes, as we all do, and I sometimes forget to "stop and smell the roses." I've really been working on this over the last little while. I want to savor every single moment that I have with Karsynn, because she's growing so very fast. One of these days, I will surely miss the little messes she makes and will realize that it's not that big of a deal. She's a kid. That's what kids do. That's what they're supposed to do. That's how they learn. A house with a toddler is meant to be messy and disorganized and turned upside down. It's how you know they are enjoying being a kid. Treasure those moments, don't grumble about them. A friend of mine lost her 3 month old grandaughter this week. She died peacefully in her mother's arms. I know that mother wishes for just one more minute with her child. Just one more dirty diaper to change, just one more load of dirty laundry of hers to do, just one more throw-up to clean up. I bet she wouldn't complain at all. Life can change in an instant. I don't ever want to look back and say, what if... or I wish that I had...!!! NO WAY!

Just For Todayby Sally Meyer

Just for this morning,
I am going to smile when I see your sweet face
and laugh when I feel like crying.

Just for this morning,
I will let you wake up softly in your Dora pajamas
and hold you until you are ready to stir.

Just for this morning,
I will let you choose what you want to wear
and I will say how beautiful you are, even it the clothes don't match.

Just for this morning,
I will step over the laundry to pick you up
and take you to the park to play.

Just for this morning,
I will leave the dishes in the sink
and let you teach me how to put your puzzle together.

Just for this afternoon,
I will unplug the telephone and keep the computer off
and sit with you in the garden blowing bubbles.

Just for this afternoon,
I will not yell once, not even a tiny grumble when you
scream and whine for the ice cream truck...
and I will buy you one, if he comes by, and
you can let it drip down your chin and shirt.

Just for this afternoon,
I won't worry about what you are going to be
when you grow up...
I will simply love you for the joy you bring me every day.

Just for this afternoon,
I will let you help me make cookies...
and I wont stand over you trying to clean up the mess you've made.

Just for this afternoon,
I will take you to McDonald's and buy us both a Happy Meal...
so you can have two toys.

Just for this evening,
I will hold you in my arms and tell you the story of how you
were adopted...
and how much Mommy and Daddy love you.

Just for this evening,
I will let you splash in the bathtub...
and I won't get angry when you pour
water into the floor or get me wet.

Just for this evening,
I will let you stay up late...
while we sit on the porch step
and count all the stars,
picking out a special one for me and you.

Just for this evening,
I will bring you glasses of water...
and snuggle beside you for hours...
and miss my favorite t.v. show.

And tonight when you are sleeping safe and warm in your bed,
I will think of the mothers and fathers
who mourn for the children they have lost
or have never been blessed to have.

I will remember the parents who sit by hospital beds,
watching over the little ones they love.

I will weep for those parents whose children are cold,
hungry and suffering,

and .... this evening,
when I kneel down to pray,
I will simply be grateful for all thatI have

and not ask for anything...

except just one more day with you.

Update on Karsynn...

Well, it's been 6 days since we took Karsynn off all the drinks that contain red dye. Since then, she has shown so much improvement. She is sleeping so much better, her funny, loving personality has returned, and she is responding to discipline so much better. Thank you so much for all your prayers!!!! As I said before, she goes to the Allergist on Tuesday, so we'll know more then. I know that God will take care of things. He always does. No matter how difficult times may seem, no matter how much disappointment you are faced with in your life, no matter how uncertain your life may seem, God takes care of it all. I, especially, am faced with some very emotional, difficult things in my life right now, but I know that this too shall pass.

Upcoming Events for Karsynn:
1. A visit to Two Sisters Pumpkin Patch with Bryson, Braylon, and Shelby. (We had to postpone today because of rain and Braylon's cold!)
2. She's going to a UK game on Saturday with her friend Sydney and her family. This should be a funfilled day of tailgating and playing. Go CATS!
3. Karsynn's 2nd birthday is just around the corner. We're planning a much smaller, more simple party this year with just her closest friends. I can't wait to see her face!
4. We've scheduled to have her 2 year old pictures taken in her beautiful silk China dress again this year. I can't wait to compare the then and now pics. I'm attaching a few pictures from this time last year. Look at what a difference a year makes. WOW!

Allergist Appointment and Changing Some Things

Well, I finally made an appointment with the allergist for Karsynn. She goes Oct. 14th. She's seeing a Pediatric Allergist in Lexington who is supposed to be just wonderful. In the meantime, we've been changing some things up to see if we can see any improvements in Karsynn. We mentioned the "fits" that Karsynn has been throwing to Troy's aunt, who happens to be an RN. She said that Troy's cousin did the same thing when he was little and come to find out, he was allergic to red dye in drinks and foods. When thinking about it, Karsynn drinks and eats a lot of foods, especially juices, with red dye in them. So. we've totally cut those out. For the last two days, all she has been drinking is milk and flavored water. We've seen a bit of a change. She seems more calm and she really hasn't had a huge meltdown since we stopped the juices. So, just a fluke? Not sure, but we're not giving her any more until we see the allergist. Please pray that God intervenes for Karsynn. She is tired. We are tired. We're all running on pure adrenaline. I'm posting some updated pics of the girl. She is getting so big and so smart. I mean, sometimes she even shocks me at how smart she is.

Doctors love my family!!!

Well, we're keeping lots of doctors in business these days. Between Karsynn and myself, we've had 3 doctor's visit in 2 days. Karsynn had a 6 mo. follow-up with her ENT who put her tubes in back in April. He says her ears look great, so no worries there. Thank you God! We also decided it was time to switch Karsynn's regular doctor. The one she has been seeing does what he can for her, but we felt she needed to be seen by a regular Pediatrician, since she's staying so sick. Well, that was a good idea. She saw Dr. Taylor, who wants to send her to an Allergist. She really thinks Karsynn's problems are allergy related. So, we'll call Monday for yet another appointment. As for myself, I've had to see the orthopedic doctor because I thought I had done something to my hip. Come to find out, after some tests, it's not my hip, it's my back. Well, at least that's what they think. I have an MRI done this Thursday to find out for sure, but he x-rays showed nothing wrong with my hip. Anyway, "these are the days of our lives." Say a prayer that we all get well soon.

We just returned home from a long day of tailgating at the UK Football game with friends. GO CATS!!! They beat WKU tonight, so we're off to a great start this season. Now comes the real test. We start SEC play now, so we'll see how that goes. We love this time of year!!! Troy and I are HUGE UK fans! Any sport, any time!!!! I'll try to post some updated pics of Karsynn soon. She's getting so big!

Welcome Baby Allison!!!

Well, it's official, CJ, Karsynn's "China Sister," is officially a big sister herself. John, Nila and CJ welcomed Baby Alison today. She weighed 8 lbs. even and has a bit of blonde curly hair. Enjoy the pics! We can't wait to see her in person. Congratulations to our dear friends! We love and miss you guys! CJ, we love you!!!!

We're Feeling Better...FINALLY!

Karsynn is feeling much better, thank God! She is finally back to her rowdy little self. Thank you for all the prayers!!! We really appreciate them. Not much to report on, other than improved health. Karsynn is talking up a storm nowadays. You never know what she's going to say next. I think she's showing us signs of being ready to potty train. She's beginning to go and get a diaper and wants to be changed. I think we'll try over Christmas Break to tackle that one. We have new friends that are currently in China adopting their daughter, Alyzabeth An. She is from Karsynn's same orphanage in Nanchuan. She just turn 2, so she's having a difficult time adjusting to her new life. Please pray that things will continue to improve for all of them. They are getting better each day, so I know things will be just fine. If you'd like to follow their journey, then you can find their link under My Favorites on my website. I think it's listed as Another Nanchuan Girl. She's a real cutie! She reminds me a bit of Karsynn.

My Big Girl...

Our baby isn't a baby anymore. She's getting so big and so independent! In just a few short days, she'll be 22 months old. YIKES!! Where does time go? She's going through some very tough times right now, especially at night. She isn't sleeping through the night, and I fear, may actually be having Night Terrors. She wakes up thrashing and screaming and nothing soothes her, not even Mama, whom she prefers at night. Please pray that whatever is going on subsides soon. Please pray that God gives her peace of mind and heart. I know she's worn out and so are Daddy and I. We're all exhausted! I've contacted a pediatrician in Lexington, so hopefully she can shed some light on what's going on. I, know, however, that God can take care of this minor bump in the road.

A year ago...

What a difference a year makes! These pictures were taken around this time last year when Karsynn attended her very first UK football game. The top picture is her most recent trip to Camden Park. She has gotten so big! Mama and Daddy's baby girl is growing up. God is so good. He has given us the most beautiful gift anyone could ever receive. I don't know that Karsynn will ever know how very much she was wanted and is loved. Words cannot express the love we have for her. She's amazing!

Mama's Smart Girl!

Karsynn is 21 months old, and this past weekend she started counting to 10 on her own and she can spell her entire first name. It has been a ritual at the diaper changing station to stand up when we're done and touch each letter of her name on the wall and say it. I wasn't sure how much she was taking in, but obviously more than I realized. I'd love to say it's all the hard work Troy and I put in working with her, but I'm afraid I have to admit that it's probably genetic...and not our genetics! Ha! Ha! She is the most amazing little creature in the whole world. I'm constantly amazed with her. She has now graduated to a "big girl bed," that rests right up against our bed. We went to Wal-mart in search of bedding and she just had to have the Elmo set. We let her help us make up her bed, and she is resting quite well in it. Since our hearts are being tugged toward China again for a little sister for her, we figured we needed to try to get her out of our bed for good. I must admit that I do miss snuggling with the little snuggle bug, though. I love to hold her close and listen to her breathe. It's one of my favorite things to do. God has been so good to us. We are the luckiest people in the world.

Daycare and Camden Park

Yesterday, we went with Aunt Tonya, Whitney and Dylan to Camden Park in Huntington, WV. This amusement park is over 100 years old. Troy and I both use to visit this park with our families and church youth groups when we were young. Boy did it bring back a lot of great memories. I was so happy to share this wonderful family experience with Karsynn and my niece and nephew. Karsynn rode everything, including the Big Dipper, which is a wooden roller coaster. She wasn't scared of any of the rides. She really had a blast.






Karsynn loves her new Dora backpack and her new pink carseat that Daddy bought her for his car.

For the Cobb Family!

Things are FINALLY settling down...I think!

I am so proud of my brave girl. She has adapted quite well to daycare. She still has moments where she's uncertain if she really wants to go, but she's fine once she gets there. We've only had one day of drama since she started. She came home one day with two bite marks on her arm. This is to be expected occasionally, but Mama won't stand for it too often. She's now to the point where she'll stand and wave to Daddy in the window as he leaves her at daycare, which is a far cry from her crying, "Dada, Dada!" She still cries when I pick her up in the afternoon, but it's such a strange cry. It's almost a meltdown cry after not seeing me all day. When we get in the car, she holds her hands in the air and says, "Yeah, Mama!" as if I'm the super hero of the day for coming to pick her up. It's so cute. Troy is quite satisfied in his new job. He just loves teaching P.E. to the little ones. He's such a goober! He has more fun than they do. That's all for now. I PROMISE to post pictures soon!

We survived Back to School!

Well, summer is finally OVER, or at least summer break is anyway. UGGHHHH!!! Lots of changes have taken place in our lives as of lately, so we're all pretty stressed out.

1. Troy and I are back to work
2. Karsynn is in daycare full time and is doing fine
3. Troy switched jobs and is now an elementary PE teacher
4. We had to go to his old school and clean out 5 years worth of health junk
5. Our family drama seems to be never ending
6. Troy's mom has had a house full of company in from FL, Missouri, Indiana and Ohio
7. Karsynn has been sick and can't seem to get rid of it

Overall, I have to say things with daycare have gone more smoothly than I anticipated and for that I'm thankful. Now, if we can get a routine going again at home, then I think we'll all survive. I'll try to post pictures soon...when I find a spare minute.

Daycare, etc.

Well, today was Karsynn's first official time alone at daycare and it went GREAT! They said she was so good. She played, ate her lunch, and even went down for her noon nap, after a short walk around the building with one of her caregivers and getting to choose where to put her nap mat, of course. She is quite the little DIVA. She's figuring out that her "cuteness" can get her almost anything...OH NO!!! I keep reminding them that yes she's cute, but she needs to be disciplined. They assure me that they will, if needed????? We're getting ready for an exciting introduction today. Karsynn will meet two of her cousins, a new aunt and her great-grandmother (Troy's mom's mom) later today. They are so anxious to meet her, so I hope she's good. I'll keep you posted on the daycare chronicles. Keep praying!!!!!

Life seems to have gotten very busy...

Sorry I haven't posted in a few days. Life has been so crazy that I can't even begin to explain. I have a sick girl on my hands again. She has a terrible sinus infection, which she has so kindly passed on to mommy, so we visited Dr. Thornberry today. She's on meds now, so she should feel better soon. She's doing great attending daycare. She really likes playing with the "kids," as she so sweetly refers to them. Daddy and mommy are both swamped with Professional Development meetings, Open House, getting rooms ready, etc., so I think she knows changes are coming soon...and she doesn't like it one bit.

She's a Big Girl Now!

Well, my baby started daycare today. Well, sorta! Daddy took her for her first two hour visit with him staying there with her. She looked so cute. Yesterday, we bought her a Dora and Boots rolling backpack...so cute. She also had to have her own crib sheet to put over the mat during nap time. Of course I found the perfect one at Babies R Us. Hopefully it will send subliminal messages to her throughout the day...all over it reads, "Mommy loves you, Daddy loves you." I know, I'm losing it. She looked so grown up rolling that little backpack out to the car today. It makes mommy very sad, though. I just know she's going to love it. She says, "Daycare...snack...babies." She'll have a great time playing with the other children, that is once she stops screaming and crying! Please pray that her transition is smooth and that she adapts well to the new caregivers and environment. Tomorrow is mommy's two hour visit with her! I'll keep you posted!

Fun with Family and Friends

Here is a hodgepodge of pictures from the last few days. Nila, John and CJ...we had a great time getting together!


My first time holding a "Titty Tat"

Dancing with my Cousin, Mackenzie!

My Gotcha Day Cake!

Mama's Pretty Girl

Happy Gotcha Day Family

My first dress up outfit from Daddy...Cinderella

CJ Bei and Me

I love my China Sister!!!

Happy Gotcha Day, Karsynn!!!!

One year ago today, we were handed the most wonderful blessing in our lives...Miss Karsynn. As I reflect on this past year with her, I'm reminded of God's goodness. It is through His grace that we are a happy family. She has blossomed into the most amazing child in just one short year. She amazes us daily with the new things she's doing, saying, and how cute her personality is. We are the luckiest people in the whole world. "Thank you God for putting this special girl in our lives. We are eternally thankful for Your goodness." Karsynn, thank you for making our lives complete. We love you more than you will ever be able to imagine. You are Mama and Daddy's special love!!!! Enjoy the Gotcha Day pictures from one year ago today!


Our 1st glimpse of our daughter!

The moment they handed her to me, my heart melted!!!

FINALLY...a family!

At that moment, she had her Daddy's heart forever!

The most amazing feeling in my whole life!

By that evening, it was as if she'd been with us her whole life.

Mama's first time diapering her bottom...so cute!

She sleeps...

"Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take but by the moments that take our breath away."