Journey to China

This blog documents the Spitlers' progress towards the adoption of Xia Ping He (Noah Spitler) from the PR China. It also documents Noah's medical process in pursuit of a total repair to his CHD (congenital heart defect).

Monday, September 13, 2010

A Funny Little Boy Named Noah

















I have to laugh out loud because our little boy is so cute, funny, mischievous and sweet. He has already set the pace as the pesky little brother that knows how to push the girls buttons to the point of frustration. But then out of the blue he rises up and wants to give you a kiss. This may be part of his plan to get back into your good graces and usually it works. I am finding that adding this precious child into our family has been nothing other than adding a son/brother that would be exactly the same if he had been ours from his birth. Obviously there wouldn't be the language issue but overall it isn't a big problem. He is learning many English words and phrases in a rapid speed. It also doesn't hurt to play a little game of charades here and there. The latest words he picked up from my Dad today was, "Mommy is cheating". We were playing the matching game and I was winning. Noah laughed at this phrase and kept on repeating it over and over again throughout the day. My biggest prayer is that he doesn't repeat this phrase in public, especially at church, in the wrong context. I want to assure everyone that I am in love with my husband and have no intention of "cheating". Thanks Dad :) We are all doing great and are anxiously awaiting for the Sept. 28th appointment for his MRI. We ask for every one's prayers. We really are very unsure what the future holds for our little man but we are going to press on and enjoy him each and every day in the same way we do our beautiful girls. Thanks everyone for all of your prayers. We are very blessed---Robin

Friday, September 10, 2010

Noah's Dedication


Last Sunday (Sep 5th), we dedicated Noah to God's work. Our pastor, Dr. John Waters (FBC Statesboro) did the short ceremony. John and his wife, Cynthia, are adoptive parents, too. With this connection, his words were even more encouraging. Dr. Waters asked that anyone who had been adopted, in foster care, or was in an adoptive family to stand. It was encouraging to see many respond. He also said, "Women ai ni" to Noah, which means "We love you" in Chinese.

Considering Noah's heart condition and the ongoing miracle that he is alive day-to-day, we asked the pastor to read the following verse at the dedication.

Jer 1:5 "Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart."

It is encouraging to know that the God of this universe knew Noah wouldn't have a pulmonary artery - even before he was born. God also knew Noah would come to America and become a Spitler. God even knows what will happen tomorrow... (I certainly don't.)

Noah continues to adapt well into our family. After taking the kids to school each day, Robin tutors Noah for about 2 hours (English and math). He then has a snack and watches an educational video. Lunch is followed by a 90 minute nap (as he was accustomed to in China), then after 3pm, he plays with the girls. On Tuesdays, he attends preschool at FBC Statesboro, and seems to really enjoy that.

I'm happy to report that Noah weighs 36lbs again. We offer him whole milk, food, and healthy snacks throughout the day. His weight had dipped from 37lbs to 34 shortly after our adoption.

Thank you for praying for Noah and sharing in the daily blessing he is to us.

Adam

Thursday, September 9, 2010

Noah's MRI

Noah will get an MRI performed at Children's Healthcare of Atlanta (CHOA) - aka Emory University- on Tuesday, September 28th.

Adam