Taiwan

Here are a few photos from our trip to Taiwan in January.

Chinese New Year

I just realized that I forgot to post some pictures from Chinese New Year in Feb. Better late than never I suppose.

Haiti is heavy on my heart today.
I am missing students, teaching school, great friends, beautiful scenery, generous, kind, loving Haitian neighbors. I just miss Haiti today.....

Zoo, Changs & Hotel Life

This weekend we went to St. Charles because Brennan was speaking at the Missouri Christian Convention.
It was our first trip with as a family of 4! It went great but we were all ready to be back home.
We went to the Zoo and PF Changs on Friday. It was perfect weather outside and Lyndlee loved looking at all the animals. She was really only interested in the tigers though. And Lyndlee thought the hotel was our new home. I have told her that maybe we will be getting a new house, so I think I confused her a bit! Gavin of course was happy the whole time, greeting people at the convention and winning them over with his smile! Brennan really enjoyed speaking and I think is excited for the next opportunity.
Enjoy the pictures.

Life

Well, sweet Gavin has already been introduced to a double ear infection and a really bad cold. He has gained 1 pound every week since we have been home, he is up to 17 pounds and will shortly out weigh his little 23 pound sister!
Because of his heart, the doctors have told us we have to keep a close eye on him, even with a simple cold. So, I worry a lot even if he gets a runny nose, but than he just smiles and laughs all day long! So many of you know Lyndlee, she is so much fun, loud, sweet and crazy. She was well known at the home in Taiwan because she was such a loud baby! I still remember waking up each morning in Taiwan, hearing her cry downstairs, knowing "thats my sweet loud girl" Gavin is well known as the baby who could get everyone to smile, the baby named Ding-Dung. He has gone through so much in his sweet life already and he just smiles and laughs. Even when he is sick, you wouldn't know. Oh my sweet children, dear Jesus I am so blessed, thank you! I love them so much. They are so different from each other and yet so alike! I treasure the moments I get with them each and every day. I am blessed to be their mommy.
Recently I have met another adoptive momma here in Branson and am looking forward to joining the adoptive group that meets in Springfield. I have been praying for some connection like this and I feel God opening those doors.
We did not make an offer on that house, wow, house hunting here in Branson is strange. There is an awesome house, great neighborhood, close to friends, and neighborhood park even. Please be praying that if this is where God wants us to move, that all the pieces come together. We have to wait about 2 weeks until we can look at it, until it goes to foreclosure. The deadline of being in a house contract by April 30th is slowly creeping up!
Glorious night tonight as we will be heading to Springfield airport to greet baby Jude and baby Hudson and welcome them home! I can't wait for Gavin to see his baby brothers again! Praise the Lord!

Has it really been months?

So I just looked tonight and realized I haven't blogged since Jan, since before we left for Taiwan!
Things are well here at the Conklin house. Our trip to Taiwan was great! We so enjoyed meeting and getting to know our baby boy! What a happy boy he is! We enjoyed time with Ted, Bev and all at the home and miss them all greatly.
We have been home now for over a month and everything is so great. Lyndlee has adjusted well to her baby brother and loves him dearly. We have taken him to the doctor and his heart looks and sounds great! He is eating, gaining weight, sitting up and moving all over the place. I think crawling will be soon or he will just keep rolling to get to places!
We feel so blessed having Lyndlee and Gavin in our lives. They are such sweet kids and not a day goes by where we don't thank Jesus for them, for Ted and Bev as well!
We are loving our ministry here in Branson and our church family. We have been house hunting and are making an offer on a house come Monday. We will see what God has in store and if this will be our new home!