Home

Well, we've been home with Twiggy Four since July 7 and the adjustment is further along than I had hoped.  He definitely knows who mom and dad are and is wary of people he doesn't know.  The girls adore him and love to laugh and play with him.  Up until this week, Twiggy Three hasn't really known what to do with him, but this last week they began rough housing together.  Hearing them race around and yell did wonders for my heart. 

The trip overseas went very well.  Mr. Branch and I got to take a 2 day safari in the jungle in which we got to zip line, tour the open zoo, take a night safari, sleep in an air conditioned tent on the open zoo, do the obstacle course in the trees, and just plain relax.  It was very hot and humid, but so worth it.  We hadn't been away by ourselves for quite some time so it was needed before we began the next phase of parenting.

We met Twiggy Four on June 28 and he came right to us.  As we toured the orphanage, he held my hand and willingly said good-bye to his peers and caretakers.  He didn't appear sad, but I cried when a caretaker became emotional.  He was clearly a favorite.  He and Mr. Branch played outside with a ball for a few minutes while some paperwork was done and he was quite the tease.  I knew right then that we were in for it! 

Our hotel was close to our missionary friends and they were very helpful in translating and teaching us words we needed to know.  Between the words we know and lots of gesturing, we understand each other most of the time.  Every day now he says 1 or 2 new words in English and understands us more.  This week I go to register him for Kindergarten and I'm praying that his lack of English doesn't keep him back.  He was in school overseas and knows everything we would expect of a kindergartener except that it's in a different language.

Home life is very busy these days.  Having a VERY curious 5 year old from an orphanage, who is a lefty by necessity not nature, and is potty trained but lacking greatly in aim means keeping eyes on him at all times and much cleaning up.  I can't count the number of rags I go through in a day!  He also wants to be independent and do everything himself which combined with the language barrier can get difficult. 

Last night our small group talked about doing "the dance" with our hurt children and that nailed exactly what I've been trying to do.  We each take steps toward and away from each other but as we do our bond is made stronger and we eventually end up at the same place.  Mr. Branch and I are the leaders of the dance but we allow him to have control of some of his movements which gives him confidence. 

Twiggy One is thinking about doing some guest blogging about the adventures of Twiggy Four.  He comes up with the funniest stuff and the craziest stunts.  Numerous times a day I ask, "Why is ________?"  For instance, the other day Twiggy One came out of the bathroom and asked, "Why is there water in the jar candle?"  Hmmmm.  Or, "Why is the door stop in the trash can?"    He keeps us on our toes, that's for sure.

He just came over and snuggled with me for a minute.  Ah, my heart!

Today he has his physical therapy evaluation.  I'm hoping to get the process started to get a splint fitted for his hand.  We want his weak, curled right hand to be able to open so beside therapy, it needs to be splinted for several hours a day.  I learned about a great therapy that I would like to do next summer but in order for that to happen we need him to see that his hand is useful.  We met the occupational therapist last week and she was happy to see that he can open it when reminded to.  She was really great in playing with him and making him laugh.  I was worried that he would be stubborn and not want to cooperate, but it was so much fun there that he didn't even know he was working hard. 

As always, thank you for praying for us during this adjustment period.  Our family is blessed beyond measure.

He is Faithful,

Kary

Twiggy Bear Arrived!!!

Well, I'm not supposed to post a picture of Twiggy Four online, but I just can't resist letting you all see him holding Twiggy Bear!
 

Here he is looking at the welcome photo album we sent to introduce him to his new family.  (Don't mind the baby powder on his face.  They do that to help them not feel so sticky in the humidity)

(Click Here to read the post introducing Twiggy Bear, then read about all his adventures last summer.)

Today I sent pictures of our car and how seat belts and booster seats work so he will understand when we head home from the airport.  That's not a real great time to tell him he has to be buckled up (in his country there are no seat belts).  I also sent pictures of some of his clothing and toys that we will take with us.

11 days till we leave!!!  We still can't purchase tickets yet because the Visa approval needs to be forwarded to the US Embassy overseas, but we should be fine.

We had our yard sale this last weekend and we brought in double our goal!  We also reached our goal with our matching grant!  God has been so faithful to provide just what we need when we need it...

Trusting His Care,

Mama Branch

The Final Adventure of Twiggy Bear

Guess who is in this box heading overseas today???  You're right!  It's Twiggy Bear.  He's holding a "Welcome Home" photo album that will be shared with Twiggy Four shortly before our arrival to introduce him to his new family.

Click Here to read the post introducing Twiggy Bear, then read about all his adventures last summer.  This summer will be the adventure of his life!!!
 

We have a little hiccup that could use some prayer.  The child history listed an incorrect birth year so a corrected history is being sent.  We need for it to arrive quickly to catch up with the Visa application and not hold us up.  Thanks so much!!!

Mama Branch

We have lift off!

The child history arrived on Monday and the Visa application has been filed.  Visa approval takes a couple of weeks then we can book our flights!  We're aiming to leave June 24, with Gotcha Day being June 29, then appearing before the adoption board on July 4. 

Lots to do between now and then!  Childcare is a little easier because our church is having VBS then the next week is Family Camp.   That should help the time go faster for the kids.  This weekend I'll be sanding and painting a dresser for the boys to share.  We hauled a cabinet into their room last night for toy storage.  It's starting to look like 2 boys live there.  Fun!!!

Reality is setting in a bit about having another child and how that impacts all of us.  Please pray for continued peace and trust in God's plan.  Also, Mr. Branch is getting moved to a more stressful position right after our trip which is not fun to think about right now.  I'm having a cervical epidural steroid injection on Tuesday due to some disc herniation that is putting pressure on my spinal column.  We're praying that will give me the pain relief I need to endure the long flights.

So, excitement and a bit of trepidation here.  Thanks for all the support and prayers!!!

Mama Branch

We have approval!!!

We just heard from our agency a little bit ago that we are officially matched with Twiggy Four!!!  WooHoo!!!  Unfortunately the file/child history that we've need to proceed has not yet arrived.  Typically that is before approval, but we're not complaining.  We're just super happy to know that he's officially ours.  As soon as the child history arrives, we can file for his Visa and begin to make travel arrangements.

The other good news is that we were approved for a matching grant for up to $3,000.  God is so good!!!

Praising Him for His faithfulness!!!

Mama Branch (about to be mama to 4)

It's In The Mail!!!

At long last, Twiggy Four's child history is in the mail to our agency.  We're not exactly sure what will be included in the package.  Either it will have placement agreements that we will sign and return overseas for an official "match" by the adoption board, or they will have already approved us and our "To Whom It May Concern" letter inviting us overseas will be in there.  We were told in March that we were scheduled to be approved for a match in April, so since it's nearly May now, we're hoping it's the latter option.

And wouldn't you know it, I'm going to be traveling next week so I won't be home to process any paperwork that is needed.  After all this time!!!  We were traveling when Twiggy One's referral came in, so I guess it just goes with the territory!

Life is about to get VERY busy.  We have many meetings for homeschool through the school district to wrap up our year and get credit for everything.  Then VBS is coming up in June.  Buckle your seatbelt!!!

Mama Branch

Answered Prayer!!!

God answered "yes" this year!!!  10 days before Christmas I received an email that Twiggy Four's file is waiting to be translated to English then it's off to the Director's desk to be approved.  After that, it will be sent to our agency for us to accept his referral, then it's back overseas to wait for travel approval.  I am so excited to know for sure that his file is being worked on.  I was always worried that somehow his would have been lost in the shuffle and when this mysterious package of files finally arrives, his wouldn't be in it.  And the next best news is that the Director of Social Workers personally looked into his case (since his assigned social worker never responded), so someone higher up knows that there is a family waiting.  Hopefully that will speed things up a bit.

My photo album is getting quite full since my friend at the orphanage keeps sending me pictures.  We just received new ones today of the New Year party they had.  He got to participate in the parade and enjoyed watching the races (of what, I don't know).    The princess came to visit them a few weeks ago and they had a big party.  With all the exciting parties he has, I'm almost afraid he'll be bored once he gets home.  LOL!

Another piece of good news is that our son's country has reopened to healthy applications.  That MUST mean that the priority special needs files will soon be here.  Right?!

Twiggy Four will be 5 on February 1.  So, I'm going to put out a fleece and pray that his file is here by his birthday.  God may say no, but I'm going to ask anyway!!!

Click Here to read the post introducing Twiggy Bear

The Adventures of Twiggy Bear: Thanksgiving

Last week we all drove to Grammy and PawPaw's house in Northern California.  It was a bit of an adventure since our van decided to quit the night before we left.  Thankfully we were able to borrow a van and the trip went on as planned.  Mama B told me that they rotate which holiday they drive to CA for and this year it was Thanksgiving.  Grammy called it "Thanksmas" since we opened Christmas presents the same day as we celebrated Thanksgiving.

Grammy surprised Mama B with a scrapbook of Twiggy Four's photos.  Photos, you ask?!  Yes, Mama has been a squeaky wheel lately and was able to get some photos of Twiggy Four.  Sorry, but we can't post them online.  Mama would be more than happy to email them if asked.  He is adorable!

Along with the photos came some background information on Twiggy Four as well as his status as a favorite in his ward.  Everyone keeps saying how sweet he is and he's worth waiting for.

So, what is the status of the adoption?  Like I said, Mama has been a squeaky wheel and is hoping to hear something REALLY soon.  She has made contact with a couple of gals in the orphanage who are doing all they can to find out the status of his file.  Everything is slowed down right now because of the flooding.  Mama is praying specifically that we'll hear an update by Christmas...of THIS year!  She prayed the same prayer last year and God answered "no".  She's really hoping He'll say "yes" this year.  It's been a very difficult wait, but Mama can see God working and wouldn't change it.  She had an really neat experience in October that she wouldn't have had if God had said "yes" last Christmas.  So please pray with us that God would move in a mighty way and get Twiggy Four home in 2012!

Thank you for praying for the fingerprint problem to resolve.  Mama was able to schedule their updated fingerprinting to be done after her trip overseas.  Since they had already filed to update their immigration paperwork, it didn't matter if the old fingerprints expired.  Mr. Branch and Mama had a nice date on Nov. 1 driving an hour each way for a 10 minute appointment.

Adventures of Twiggy Bear: Camping

Well, Mama B. has been really, really bad about updating the blog.

My last big adventure for the summer was camping.

And here is the big green boat...

And my siblings and their friends...

Mama is homeschooling all three Twigs this year so she has been busy writing learning plans and getting organized.  She also got invited to join the mission team to Twiggy Four's country again this year.  She wasn't going to go because she thought they would be getting him soon, but since that hasn't happened she is able to go on the trip.  She leaves in 2 1/2 weeks.  Oh, and she's organizing a children's outreach event at church that is one week after she gets home.  She's nuts!

The files the adoption agency has been waiting for have still not arrived so there's no news to tell.  Mama is very frustrated.

Twiggy Four's immigration paperwork expires next week so Mr. Branch and Mama have to drive up to Yakima to get their fingerprints re-done.  Mama doesn't understand that one.  She says her fingerprints haven't changed!  You could pray that that all works out because the appointment they were given is in October which is after the expiration date (besides Mama will be overseas).  Mama has to make phone calls tomorrow to ask if they can "walk-in" ASAP.  It would not be good for the paperwork to expire.

Oops

I was wrong.  It's not referrals that are expected next week.  Referrals are where the overseas adoption board matches a family with a child.  What is coming next week is a batch of files that overseas is asking the agency to find families for.  When we placed our request to be matched with Twiggy Four last June his file was not complete yet.  So at this point, that is what we're hoping for.  A completed file that then our agency will tell overseas that they have a family for.  The overseas adoption board will then consider the match.  That process is known to take several months.  Once a match is approved it's another 4-6 months before travel.

The agency did ask me this morning if Twiggy Four's file is not amongst the ones they receive next week if we wanted to consider another child that is paperwork ready.  I'm not ready to go there yet.  Please pray that God will make it abundantly clear His will for our family.

Adoption update

I just received an email from our adoption agency and they did not come home from overseas with any specific information on Twiggy Four.  But they did find out that they should receive referrals for some waiting children next week.  Please pray that our boy's referral is one of them!!!

Twiggy Bear says he's off on another new adventure this weekend.  Just maybe it'll be his last one before traveling overseas to Twiggy Four!!!

The Adventures of Twiggy Bear: Who Knew?

O.K. I thought you all were my friends!  But you've been holding out on me.  You didn't tell me my parents own a boat!!!  Last week Mama B kept talking about Mr. Branch getting "the boat" ready to "take out" now that hot weather has finally arrived.  So Saturday the whole house was full of excitement as Mr. Branch "hooked up" and got gas.  The rest of us packed up food, water and sunscreen then headed outside.  Lo and behold, there was a boat in our driveway!  Now I know what they've been talking about.  I had seen a big, old green thing next to our house but I didn't know what it was.  Boy, did we have fun on that old boat.  The big Twigs and even Mr. Branch rode behind it in what they called a "tube".  They bounced and laughed for two hours.  Mama kept telling me to look at the big airplanes in the sky.  They were doing a show for the big boat races that were going on.  I can't wait until I'm grown up and can ride in the tube.

Twiggy Two started a new gymnastics program last night.  She is in the TOPS program which gets girls ready for team competition.  She really liked it and it probably won't be long before she moves up.  Mama B says she can already do all the stuff the other girls are working on.  Good for Twiggy Two!!!

Mama is waiting for an email from our agency.  They said they would be back in the office today.  She's trying hard to wait until at least tomorrow before sending an email asking for news.  I keep telling her that it takes time for people to get over jet lag and to organize any info they might have received.  She says she knows that but it doesn't help.  She'd like to just go help them organize!  After all, that's what she's good at.   Silly Mama!

The Adventures of Twiggy Bear: Puzzle Finished/Orphanage Project

It's finished!!!

Twiggy One and Mama began working on our orphanage project tonight.  In the contract with the adoption agency, Mama B and Mr. Branch agreed to do some sort of service project for Twiggy Four's orphanage.  His orphanage has mostly kids with cerebral palsy and many of them can't feed themselves.  Mama figures that must get pretty messy so she decided to make bibs from hand towels.  She loved those when we Twigs were little!  

Here I am wearing the first finished product.  You can't tell from the picture, but the cheap towels Mama bought frayed around the neck ribbing so she's going to have to look for different towels.

Here are 36 neck ribbings waiting to get attached to towels.

Mama sure is anxious for next week when the adoption agency representative should be home!

The Adventures of Twiggy Bear: Silverwood Theme Park

Two things before I tell you about Silverwood.  First, Mama B changed her mind last Saturday about the SUPER fun activity and didn't take us to the World's Largest Pillow Fight.  Actually, it didn't break the world record so we didn't miss much.  Mama B was sad to hear the organizers didn't ask the city ahead of time and they kind of stole the show from a scheduled wedding.  Boo on them!

Second thing, here's a puzzle update.  Almost done!

And now, about Silverwood.  The big Twigs earned free tickets doing a reading program at school and I got in free because I rode in Mama's bag.  The big Twigs had lots of fun showing me all their favorite things.  The MOST favorite was getting the really big scoops of ice cream.  We only got kiddie scoops and look at the size of them!

Twiggy Three got really brave this year and tried all kinds of new rides.  He spun, he went up and down, and went crazy driving the Krazy Kars.  He was a great big brother and took me on the airplane ride.

Twiggy Two took me on the carousel at the end of the day.

Mama B took a long nap today and had a dream that we got Twiggy Four's referral.  She was sad to wake up and realize it was a dream.  She told me the adoption agency is in Twiggy Four's country right now so she's really hoping to get an update soon.  As soon as we get the referral, Mama B says she will mail me to him so he can hold me until she gets there.  I will miss her but I know I'll see her again soon.  It's an important job she's given me and I'll do my best.

Click Here to read the post introducing Twiggy Bear.

The Adventures of Twiggy Bear: A Week Without Twiggy One

Twiggy One has been at Junior High Camp all week and should be home just any time now.  Ever since school got out, we've been busy with getting ready for and doing VBS, then we were off to Family Camp.  This week was the first week of summer we've had with no schedule.  We younger Twigs got a little restless so Mama B took us bowling (Kids Bowl Free) another fun, free summer activity.

Mama B let us spend a quarter on candy and this is the face Twiggy Three made when he ate his Lemonhead.

Mama B pulled a puzzle out of her "The Natives are Restless" stash.  It looks like I could be in it!

Mama just announced a SUPER fun activity this afternoon.  I can't wait to show you pictures!!!

Click Here to read the post introducing Twiggy Bear.

The Adventures of Twiggy Bear: Family Camp

July 3rd, Mama B had all us Twigs get our suitcases packed up for Family Camp.  Remember mine?

We took Mama's new Prius to save on gas and she volunteered to sit in the middle in the back so we Twigs wouldn't fight.  She says she was comfortable, but what do you think?!

We arrived at camp a day early so we could watch the Carnation, WA 4th of July parade.  Here Twiggy One is babysitting me while waiting for the parade to start.

Some of the candy handed out were packets of S'More makings.  Twiggy Two shared hers with me.

Remember I told you Mama B was looking forward to not having to cook and clean up for over a week?  Well, she REALLY enjoyed it and is not happy to be home and making menus again.

After dinner every night the Camp Gilead train gave rides.  Mama B told Twiggy One to take me for a ride and this what she did while waiting in line.  I hope she got bit by a mosquito!

At least she let me ride on her lap.

Family Camp was super fun but super tiring. I shared the double bottom bunk with Mama B.  Mr. Branch got his own bunk since he needed to plug in a mask he wears to bed so he doesn't snore.  We all agreed Twiggy One needs one too!  She sure can snore!

The Adventures of Twiggy Bear: VBS

This week at VBS we traveled all around Australia on a train!  I got to be the conductor one time.

Here I am at Bible Study Outback where the kids learned about the life of Peter.  The Chalkie (teacher) in there had great ways to explain how much Jesus loves us.

I almost got wet in this next picture.  Mama B had me sit on the pier and I almost fell in the water!  This was Mission Harbor.  You can see the picture of Sydney Harbor in the background.  The missionary Chalkie in here was very creative with his illustrations of Jesus' love.  Mama B and her co-director said this room had a holy atmosphere.  I'm not sure what they meant and they were crying when they said it.  I liked this room.  Not sure why they were crying.

At Craft Crossing I managed to get stuck in the Moab Tree.  Mama B had to help me down.  That's what Mama's are good for!

Wednesday night Mama put on a carnival for the VBS families but she said I had to stay home.  She said there would be too many people for her to keep up with me.  I was sad but when I saw how much the wind was blowing I was glad I got to stay home.  Mama showed me some pictures though.  I would have liked to see the clown show!  He had a Bible coloring book that colors magically appeared in then disappeared.  He also made lots of balloons...

Mr. Branch got to dunk Twiggy One in the dunk tank.  That must have been lots of fun!

All of us Twigs are getting packed today for Family Camp.  They say it's lots and lots of fun.  We don't have to wait for Mama to call us for dinner.  When the camp bell rings, all we have to do is get ourselves to the dining hall.  Mama says she likes that a lot!  Our cabin has 6 beds...  just right!  Can't wait to post pictures and tell you all about it!

The Adventures of Twiggy Bear: Free Lunch

Last week I got to do something the Twigs all love to do each summer.  Twiggy Two and Twiggy Three and I went to a local school for a free lunch every day.  It was as much fun as the big Twigs told me it would be.  I got to pick chocolate milk which Mama B never lets us have at home!  I think my favorite was the corn dog.  One day 4 Twiggy friends went with us after helping decorate for VBS.  Can you find me in this picture?

Here we are at church in the boat set up for the VBS Missions Harbor.

Mama B has been super busy this week but she promises to get some pictures of me at VBS up soon.  Tomorrow night is the carnival.  Do you think she'll let me go in the dunk tank?

The Adventures of Twiggy Bear: Taking it to the Bank!

Since Grammy and PawPaw are getting ready to move, Grammy sent a few things home with Mama B and me.  One of them was a toy Mama B played with a lot when she was my age.  Does anyone remember these?

It's an "Uncle Sam's 3 Coin Register Bank".  These were made in the 1920's to help people save money since the door wouldn't unlatch until the bank had $10.  That was a lot of money back then!  The big Twigs raced around the house hunting for coins.  It was a bit unfair because each time they lowered the lever the bank would register the amount then take away 5 cents.  But they finally made it!

Twiggy Two is not pictured because she was sick and in her pajamas with a very bad case of bedhead.  When Mama B and I got home from California, the big Twigs and Mr. Branch all had colds.  Twiggy Three ended up with bulging ear infections.  Mama B is trying really hard to not get sick since this week is VBS set up.

Twiggy Two and Three are excited to do a summer tradition this week.  It's free.  Can you guess what it is?  It's not "Kids Bowl Free" even though they're signed up for that too!

The Adventures of Twiggy Bear: Yard Sales

Since tomorrow is Father's Day, we treated Mr. Branch to breakfast at Burger King then we gave him money to go to yard sales.  He likes to find a good deal, and apparently so does Twiggy Three.  He was the first one out of the van and the first one to spend his money.  He even managed to get something for free.  Mama B said he reminded her of her Grandad.  Fun times.... for the rest of the family.  I had to stay in the van because it was raining.  I have my hood on just like they did, but Mama B said I had to stay dry.  Hmph!

Mama talked a lady out of this cute little suitcase.  It was part of a 5 piece set, but Mama only wanted this one to go with the VBS train.

Mama also picked up a very full bin of K'Nex for Twiggy Three and Twiggy Four for $3.  Twiggy Three and Mr. Branch built this Wind Up Ferris Wheel.  Mama can't wait for Twiggy Four to get to play too!

Mama B got a new camera from Mr. Branch for her birthday but she hasn't learned how to use it yet.  Twiggy One is taking a Intro to Digital Photography class this summer and hopefully she can teach Mama some tricks to get better pictures.  Twiggy One's homework this weekend is to take two portraits of family members.  Here she is yesterday trying to get Twiggy Three to cooperate.

Clearly he was more interested in Mama's camera!