3 Years Since We Met Little Jake

What a ride it has been

Jake has brought out the best and worst in our family.

a bit of background

Jake spent the first 8 years of his life in some of the worst institutions ever seen by western observers. We got him -- but not before he was damaged by the horrific lack of care

Jake is: Sweet, evil, loving, hating, happy, sad, giggly, tormenting, silly, angry, caring, abusive (often in the same 5 minute period)

We will never know the horrors he knew in Serbia- We know he was neglected and abused, we can get him to relax when we talk about when he went through, but with him being non-verbal much of the pain remains inside.

This has been the most difficult and most rewarding 3 years of my life

I am blessed to be Jacob's Papa

Back at it

Yes we are


http://www.moretulipsfromholland.blogspot.com/

jake pics

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YUMMY Cheezy Poofs

it has been too long!

Hey everyone!

a quick update and some photos. I write you bleeding from my face and arms where Jacob (Milos) has decided to inflict pain. That said, he is really doing MUCH better.



Suggestions from Mary's online friends and our psychologist here have helped make a BIG difference.

Jake lets us play with him, kiss him and snuggle without inflicting serious pain on us (usually). He likes Mary to swaddle him and rock him and this usually calms him down.

Between his issues and regression in Joey, Mary has had to go back on family leave and I am afraid she will need to quit her job as staff nurse at a local agency that cares for adults with disabilities. That will make the budget really tight but there really is no other option.

There are so many things we did not expect with Milos--- We were not told the truth about his status-- but that said, it does not matter-- even if we knew the truth we would still have decided to bring him into our family. Our other international adoptions were perfect-- the kids were exactly what we expected (or more).

Something is up in Serbia and we would urge anyone planning an adoption from there to be aware that what you are told many not be quite true. These kids are neglected - the orphanages have the money but not the love or supervision.

Our kids from Ukraine, where there was NO money, had love. These poor kids in Belgrade have nothing.

please pray for these kids---

They need it

SORRY it has been so long

Jake is HOME!!!

He was back in the hospital over the weekend for another bleeder, but is doing fine now. He seems to love school and they seem to love him-- SUCH a change from the local district where Joey goes-- It is all they can do to deal with him each day. That is a WHOLE different blog- and/or lawsuit-

Mary is also back to work as cash flow was getting pretty ugly-- so a day is:

Jake is up with Mom (thanks)-- it's been in the 6-7am range
7am I'm up with the other boys
Joey and Matt bath and shower
Cook Breakfast(we are on a BIG breakfast kick with hash browns, sausage, eggs and toast)
Em or Catie up to help with Jake
Mary to work at 7:30
8a Joey's bus
Some "Monkey George" with Jake-- Matt catches up on scores with sportscenter in his room
8:30 Bus for Matt and Jake
School for James
Work for me
Break for groceries and any other household needs around 10a
back to work for me and james
Matt and Jake off Bus at 3:30, Joey at 4
If I was smart, dinner was done before they got home--- if not---- YIKES-- cook and keep Jake safe!!

So far so good----

I have video on my phone and on the camera but no connection on this computer--- arrrgh hopefully tomorrow

Quick update

Milos (jake) is feeling better--- but his O2 levels are still very low at night. They are doing some testing tonight and tomorrow to see if he indeed does have a vascular ring. I am really hoping that is the problem-- it is a pretty easy surgery and once completed the symptoms go away at once.


Will keep you posted!


Jim

say Ahhhhhhhhhh

WOW --- where to start---


Milos (Jake) went into the hospital on Tuesday to have his tonsils and adenoids removed. We figured he would be in overnight but did not NOT expect what was next!


His oxygen levels kept going down when he slept (something we assumed based on his breathing at night in the crib next to us)-- so he needed to stay another night--fine-- the next day while Milos and Mary are strolling the halls at the hospital he starts bleeding from the mouth-- A LOT-- They rushed him into the exam room and determined he has a bleeder that they cannot stop-


Milos was rushed into surgery to stop the blood loss. In 30 minutes he lost 25% of his blood--- were we at home he would have bled out and died-- Thank God for the low sats and the extended hospital stay-- it saved his life!

Today he is feeling better but the docs think he has an abnormality in his aorta that is causing him to have trouble breathing and eating---

They would like to wait until he heals to do the tests to confirm, but if his O2 levels do not improve they may need to do it now.

Milos is out of immediate danger, but had a lot ahead of him--

Please keep him in your prayers--- I can't help but think with his limited English that this little guy has to wonder what the heck we are doing to him-- and why--

I trust that one day he will understand and appreciate the love and care---but right now we just want to make him safe and comfortable