Bring Owen Smith HOME!

When Jake was in Taiwan, he had a playmate and bestest friend, Owen.  This little boy found his forever family not long after we found Jake.  Unfortunately, because of US government red tape, Owen is still in Taiwan.  His adoption has been finalized by the Taiwanese government!  But the US side refused to recognize it - even though all the hoops have been jumped through!  I am very emotional about this because.....there but for the grace of GOD go I.  The pain that Owen's family must be going through today, of all days, as Owen celebrates his 1st birthday, must be unbearable.  Please read his story.  If there is anyone you know, please contact them.  We MUST bring Owen home!

Bring Owen Home

Jake and tiny Owen - late August, 2009

The boys! Early March, 2010

One Year Later.......

In early August last year, there was a baby boy just getting released from the NICU of a hospital in Kaoshsiung, Taiwan.  He was very tiny, with his legs in a harness.  God put him into the hands of the wonderful ladies at the House of Hope for safe-keeping until his forever family came to get him.  The moment I saw this little face, I knew he was to be our son.

Fast forward to late July, 2010.......that teeny-tiny little boy has come home to our family, where God planned for him to be.  He is no longer wearing a harness on his legs - legs that now scramble all over the place, crawling at the speed of sound.  Today, those once weak little legs held him as he stood up all by himself. 

They say that a picture is worth a thousand words, so I will let these pictures speak for themselves.

God is Awesome!

Happy 1st Birthday, Jake!

I can not believe that Jake is already one year old.  He is our special little man.  Although he didn't want to feed himself, Jake really enjoyed his 1st piece of cake - the sugar high that followed can attest to that.  Ha-ha. 

Since coming home, he has grown so much!  He is sitting up all by himself and can get around to where ever he takes a fancy.  Note following picture. 

Jake's Dust Bunny Removal Service

Jake is constantly trying to imitate Natalie, wanting to do what she does, which sometimes drives her crazy.  Too cute!  I think that he is saying "Da-Da" because he only says it when he is looking at Jon. 

Jadon Mark JinCheng's Baptism

We found out that Jon's cousin Christopher was going to be home on leave for 10 days at the end of May.  So, since we wanted him to be Jake's Godfather, we had to do a 'hurry-up and plan this' Baptism ceremony.  Thank the Lord that our parish priest was on-board with our plans.  Within a couple of weeks, we had arranged a beautiful, intimate christening for our son.  Jake wore Jon's hand-made Christening gown and shawl.  I can honestly say that he looked quite handsome in it, as did his father - I'm sure.  Here are some pictures of Jake's big day.

Jon's 24 hr Endurance Bike Race in Grand Rapids

For last three years on Father's Day weekend, Jon has taken part in a 24 hour bicycle endurance race. While I questioned his sanity the first year, each time he rode, he did progressively better. This year, he rode 255 miles in just under 24 hours. Jon place in the top 10 for his age group and 65th overall out of over 350 cyclists! We are very proud of him.