Gotcha Day retold!

Gotcha day was such a bitter sweet day!  We were so excited to be meeting Rhett but with Brian's pain we were unsure how the day would go.  We woke up early Monday morning to catch a flight to Nanjing from Beijing.  Remember we had just landed the night before!  My Uncle Jim, Aunt Jayne, cousins Mackenzie and Scott live in Beijing and they took us out Sunday night for a fabulous Chinese dinner!! We got to Nanjing mid morning and our guide Susan took us to the hotel to rest before going to get our kids.  We were in province with one other family, the Hyatts.  I was so sad that Brian didn't get to spend more time with them before he left.  They were so sweet and helpful to me after Brian went home!  Anyway, 2pm arrived and we met in the lobby to head to the registration office where our children would be.  When we got there Rhett had not arrived yet so we got to be camera men for Christina and Nathan as they got their sweet, precious Violet!  I kept my eye on the window so I could see when Rhett and his nanny pulled up.  Around 2:45pm the van pulled up and I could see him sitting in the front seat on his nanny's lap! 

The office where we got our children.  Kind of like the delivery room!

Christina and Violet

The van pulling up with Rhett!

Our first glimpse of him

We made sure that Brian got to hold Rhett first this time.  We wanted to help in anyway with bonding.  Looking back on that decision I know it was from God.  This is one of the few times Brian got to hold him until we arrived back in the states!

Not so sure of his mama just quite yet.  He really loved his nannies at the orphanage!

Trying to get in close for a picture.  We were very unsure of how his development would be.  I remember when I was holding him and he started wiggling to get down  Brian said "be careful...I'm not sure how steady he will be".  We both laugh at that now because the boy can move!!

When we got back to the hotel Rhett immediately began exploring!  We had left this pad of paper and pen on the bed before we left to get him.  Rhett found it and started scribbling.  So cute!  He did not stop moving from the time we got back to the hotel until about midnight that night.  So busy!  And that didn't change the rest of the trip!

Brian drawing a smiley face for his son!

The next day we had to go back to that same registration office to finalize the adoption.  I thought Rhett might enjoy carrrying around a backpack like me.  Not so much!  But we did get it on him long enough for a photo op!!  Rhett came to us in that hat and scarf combo.  He wanted to wear it constantly!!  Especially when he was "done" with me and was ready to leave.  He would bring it to me to put on him and then he would stand by the door and cry.  It was funny and sad all at the same time!  I kept saying..."buddy, if I could leave too I would!!"

Its official!  This was CoCo, the nanny who brought him, and Rhett Han Miller Woods with his parents!

At this point, Brian was in extreme pain.  Unbeknownst to us, he would be on a plane heading home less than 24 hours later.....crazy.  Just crazy.

There is a time to dance.....

One day after Sara had already arrived in China we decided to turn the TV on to the one station that was NOT in Chinese, HBO.  Lo and behold a movie that was not Baby Mama or Batman (two movies I will never watch again because I saw them 72 times each while there) was on.  FOOTLOOSE...."everybody cut, everybody cut"....you know you want to sing it with me!  Unfortunately it was the end of the movie but it was the best part!  So Sara and I decided to have a dance party!! We jumped, we sweated, we laughed...just what I needed!  Kevin Bacon was SOOOOO wishing he was there! Rhett did not know what to make of these 2 white women *trying* to get their groove on in a Chinese hotel but we had fun!! 

P.S...if Brian couldn't be with me in China...I'm so glad my sister was!

Seriously!!

I know I said I'd be back on Sunday with a post. I lied!! Sorry! Saturday in the middle of the night Adiah woke up with a stomach bug and then Brian and I felt like we were getting it (the stomach bug...no Kim, we did not feel like "gettin it on"!!) on Sunday night. Nothing came of it but we certainly didn't sleep much that night. And on top of that, last Wednesday (the day we were coming home) our house computer crashed and it is off getting fixed. The only computer we have is this laptop of Brian's and he is working from home these days...so you see my problem! I do have lots to say...what a journey this has already been!

I'm here and alive...

I just wanted to say hi and let you know that I'm brewing on a post. I have much to say...SO much to say. It may take a few posts to catch you all up on Rhett and the things we've walked through (and continue to walk through). I plan to take down the Christmas tree later today and possibly post something tomorrow. But thank you all for your prayers. Its the only way I made it...

The Woods Reunion

Amy, Sara, and Lil Man Rhett are sleeping right now, but when they get up they will begin their journey home to Texas! Maggie and Rosa were able yesterday to request of the American Consulate a "fasther fasther" (as Adiah would say) processing of Rhett's Visa. Amy and Rhett were able to "swear" yesterday morning and then they pick'd up all his final paper work yesterday afternoon. AWAA was then able to move up the flight arrangements and instead of waiting till Friday.... they will leave at 3:00pm our time today - and be at DFW Airport, Gate E2, Wednesday night at 11:03 pm! I will try to post any updates to flights for those who are wanting to come out... but for tracking purposes its United Airlines Flt 0481 (CHI-DFW)

As we wrap this saga up please continue to lift up Amy and Sara.... the final leg of this trip will be fun to say the least!

Rhett is ALL BOY , and he is ALL TWO! He has been so full of energy and the 26+ hour trip home on the plane (with 9 hours of lay over in Shanghai and Chicago) will be a blast I am sure! While one would never wish for emergency surgery and hip pain- now that I'm on the road to recovery and I am SOOO thankful that Sara is there in my place! ;-) LOL

(Seriously though - Sara, You are amazing and we are so overwhelmed with your willingness to sacrifice and give of yourself and your family's time to help us! To miss your anniversary with your sweet husband, to miss the Cowboys' game with tickets you had given for Christmas for you and Matt to go to the new stadium , and the time from your own sweet kids is just unbelievable to me. That you went immediately, and without hesitation, speaks so much of you and your generous heart and please know how much you and Matt are appreciated and mean to us! We love you so much and we will do anything we can to give some of this special time back to you as we all get back on our feet!)

So... just a little longer - but soon the Woods' will be all at home, under the same roof, and together. I cannot tell you how much I miss my wife and am so proud of the way she continues to carry joy in her heart despite the obstacles we have faced. She amazes me... even more today. When she gets home she can resume her superior blogging skills and actually post some photos!
Thanks to all who continue to cover us in prayer and lift us up! Your support is felt, needed, and appreciated more than you can know! Love you all....


Below just some general truths have been reminded of this morning - Hope that it is clear how much this family depends on the Lord, and hope that you will seek and know the Father that is in charge of ALL things today...


"I am the Lord, the God of all mankind. Is anything too hard for me?" Jeremiah 32:27

"I know that you can do all things; no plan of yours can be thwarted" Job 42:2

"Nothing is impossible with God" Luke 1:37

"With God all things are possible" Matthew 19:26

"Surely, as I have planned, so it will be, and as I have purposed, so it will stand" Isaiah 14:24

"My word, that goes out from my mouth... it will accomplish what I desire" Isaiah 55:11

Coming Home ?!?!?

Well…. This weird journey of the past few days is beginning to look it like it might have a reasonable ending in sight!! Rhett and Amy may be headed home soon and I may be getting out of the hospital in the morning. This has been one of the most trying weeks of our lives with everything going on and I want to say first thanks to all of you have taken time out of your schedules and lives to lift us up and stand with us through this week. It has been helpful beyond compare to have our friends and family surround us and add light and hope to our situation. A special thanks to those who wrote and encouraged Amy while she was alone in China awaiting Sara’s arrival. The hardest part for me in all the pain, travel, and surgeries was knowing I had left her alone. She is capable of anything - but with your encouragement, the arrival of Sara, I have finally had some peace return and seen life return to her face online.

I also want to thank each of you who took time to come visit me here at Baylor in Dallas. It has truly felt at times like I am in prison in this little room over the past 5 days and the hours that each of you spent with me truly lifted my spirits and have kept me going. Thank you.
So where we stand right now is that Amy and Rhett are going to the medical office in Guangzou to have TB Test read now, and if negative (should be) we are done with that step. Maggie and Rosa our AWAA in country guides) have been working with the American Consulate Office and are working to have Amy be able to “swear” in on Tuesday morning, pick up Rhett’s Visa Tuesday afternoon, and get on a plane as soon as Wednesday to head home. I could not hope for anything more!!! I cannot wait to have my entire family at home and together after this past 9 days!

Today here in Dallas was a good day of healing here with visits with friends and family, (and the Cowboys won!) I got my PICC line placed this afternoon. (interesting to have one of these to tell you the truth…) And now with my hip and wound improving and now this “perm” IV catheter I should be able go home tomorrow. I will need to continue antibiotic therapy daily via this IV for the next 6+ weeks to completely treat this MRSA infection, but after that we are praying we are done with this beast.

Emily, Natalie, Ridge, and Adiah have been at home this week with Papa Larry and Mommie Holly and so thankful they have stayed safe and active.
Here is a note just received from Amy about Rhett and update from China first hand with some photos to follow:

“Hi Everybody! Things here in China have been going well especially since Brian has been doing better and my sister got here. Rhett is all boy and a real strong willed "emperor"! When he is happy and rested then he is a real sweetie! But when he decides he is done with whatever or where ever he is quickly throws fits and screams. Which in a way is comforting knowing that the reason he is as strong as he is is because the Lord instilled in him a "fight"! As hard as he is to deal with physically, I still realize he is grieving the loss of what he has known and he will soon realize certain behaviors aren't acceptable. He has the sweetest little smile and mischievious look about him. He loves to be outside and really loves men so he’s in for a real treat with his daddy and brother there on our land!
Sara being here has helped me tremendously both emotionally and physically and we are just trying to get things prepared and ready so we can come home. Thanks to each of you who have helped with Brian there and we cannot wait to be home to be with all of you. When our return information is set we will let everyone know for those that have asked to be there when we get in…
See you soon there in the Big D with Big Rhett!!
Love

Updates on Rhett and Amy - and Brian from Big D

Ok... Brian here from Dallas now....

Kind of makes me ‘lil sad to see after reading my son Rhett’s blog posts from past week and realizing they are more his parents, my dang pain in my side and travels than anything else. That's just not right - cannot wait for you all to meet this awesome young man and take him deep in your hearts like Amy and I already have. But I believe in years to come the story of this transition will be more about what was done to our family than to just Rhett himself – and I guess that’s the whole point of this blogworld stuff to document and diary out life as it is….

(I have been trying to work on this general update sine 6:30 this morning getting off Skype call with Miss Amy. Since that time have not stopped once in phone calls, texts, video and blog chats, and personal visits from friends here in the hospital checking in on us. Certainly made the day fly by! I cannot tell you how much your outpouring of love and support and caring has meant to us in these past few weeks. You sometimes forget how many people there are who truly love and care about your family till something serious like this goes down, and it has more than overwhelmed me the response of our family, friends, ministry partners, and others that has so consistent all day long. Thank you for loving us and for praying for us in this time!

So today - first would like to tell you about Lil Man Rhett and Miss Amy and how their doing, and then give some up to date facts on my status and what I've learned today (was trying to wrap up some thoughts the Lord has been revealing to me about my faith, struggles, and our position and His Position in those struggles [when stopped was on four pages – so figured that’s too much for one post even for somebody called Big Text by some of his best friends] – but no way this will all be coherent and presentable in time to print to night after the wonderful day of talking and visits here so just the factual stuff for now ;-)

Talked to Amy briefly this morning after they have arrived to Guangzhou. Was wrapping up the evening there and she looks completely worn out and beautiful all at the same time. Rhett seems to have really begun to grieve loss of his relationships and his "home". He is becoming less consolable and more hard headed. (Just like his dad's pissy moods like when he is in a patient room as a patient with no patience). Amy did say he is avoiding her as much as possible and when confronted is doing a lot of hitting, tantrums, and hair pulling, etc. Not to be unexpected, but certainly not hoped for given everything else going on. We know from all the training and history on this subject it will get better but she needs to get home and get him in our family routine and there be consistency around him for this to become more redirectable for him. More on that below.

Sara left this morning early and will be there on our Sat morning. Sara, Matt, and Larry and Holly have been awesome. Could not have a better support group right here near the house and able to give so much for our kids and us when needed, My folks have both been here non-stop as well - just love our families and are blessed by you - please know that!

Final thing is that AWAA told Amy this morning they are working on ways to get Amy and Rhett home as early as possible. She has medical exam day and update to vaccinations at med clinic this morning. If all is good and TB test comes back Ok maybe could go to the US consulate on Mon or Tues. Then have the forms expedited so Amy can leave earlier than Thursday’s planned departure. Would love to have her here and at house with all the kids asap. So on the Woods long list of specific prayer requests - please add this somewhere in the middle to TOP priority ;-)


Ok... so as of this Friday morning I'm feeling a lot better physically this morning after they were able to get the surgery done yesterday. Was really a tough flight home with pain levels oftern reaching and even exceeding what I experienced after coma and initial rehab back in 1994. Was hard to imagine those pains ever being back after so many years of silence - but there they were at 37k feet and 14 hrs to go in the flight.... Everything considered though the trip was easier than I had thought and so many people were so gracious to help a cripple out from time to time! Larry picked me up Wed night at DFW round 11:45 pm and drove me to Baylor Dallas where Dr Jones (my long term oprthopod has already ordered some tests) Once we got there the tests started coming in and confirming was a good decision to come home when we did and not wait another day. WBC was 32,5k (2.5x to high) and indicated large infection was growing somewhere. Since my left hip was screaming obscenities at me - I took a guess it might be there and Dr Jones concurred decided not to wait on much else – we got a CT of my painful hip and they added me on the operating schedule immediately. Within a few hours was in the OR getting reopened and they reported afterwards Jones reported he found a 11x19x4 cm cystic abscess surrounding all lateral thigh structures, but NOT YET engaging the joint capsule and not tracking to where only remaining hardware pieces were located holding my acetabulum together. These are both two huge to even try to explain in text here -but know that this is more than just a little significant! Wound was cleaned out, drain placed, and special closure based on my history was applied. For some reason took me forever to emerge with clear head after surgery. Think my anesthesia colleagues at BUMC may have gone a lil (A LOT) heavy on the Valium and Narcotics because I did not “wake up” till late last night. Several friends stopped in after PACU time and then met the Infectious Disease specialist – here is the short skinny on his part and my future.
1. Gonna get a PICC line for 6-12 weeks of daily IV antibiotic therapy
2. Can place this after blood cultures are negative for > 48 hours (hopefully will happen Sat morning.)
3. ID wants a Heart Echo to rule out endocarditis of valves to do slow emergence, low sats, and tachycardia I had all day yesterday – but feel like that is by product of the evil humors they were releasing playing in a large abscess vs. a heart condition, hope to get TTE in morning.
4. Once above are accomplished will likely be able to be discharged home so can be with other kids and comfortable in my own bed again!
Best case: Sat night. Worst Case: more likely Mon Morning.

As was getting this cleaned text up Amy just skyped in midway through her medical visit day from Guangzhou. Rhett did great. No new medical news other than he looks completely normal. Needed 5 more immunization shots and got a TB test. Will read on Monday and if all good try to expedite papers to come home ASAP. Sara arrives in 10-11 more hours from now. That will be such a help. Know Larry is bringing my other kids by here in the morning and cannot wait to see them for awhile! Hopefully they’ll bring the Sat morning Woods tradition in for breakfast!

So we're making progress, everyone’s still alive, and have a lot more to share on these facts and our struggles and how faith factors at some point in the future. Thanks to all of you who drove all the way out to see me at hospital here today – really lifted my spirits and reminded me the bonds we have are so special because how deep those run and from whom they originate!

Blessings and peace to each of you and your families –

Peace – (even in a week like this...)

Brian (&Amy)