Sunday, March 3, 2013

Happy 1 Year Home, Coopie and Connie

On this day, a year ago, Cooper and Conner arrived in Texas at the age of six years.

 

They were emaciated and lifeless.  Their first week home was spent at Dell Children’s Hospital.  God immediately began a mighty healing work in the lives of both Cooper and Conner.

 

The difference three months of love and nutrition made in Conner’s life was nothing short of miraculous.

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Both boys have changed so much over the past year, it’s hard to believe these are the same boys!!!

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Above photo taken February 2012, in Ukraine

Below photo taken February 2013, in Texas

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Praise God for redemption.

 

Sweet, beautiful, glorious redemption.

 

All glory to God!

 

Madison Nine, prayer warrior for Conner and Cooper, created a one-year-home video of the boys.  I’ve posted it below, or you may click HERE to view it.  Thank you so much, Madison, for creating this photo montage!  We love it!

Both boys were severely malnourished, abused, and neglected for the first six years of their lives, in an orphanage in Ukraine.  They’ve now doubled their weights, they’re receiving proper nourishment, they’re chosen, they’re cherished, they’re loved beyond measure.

 

Neither Cooper nor Conner were able to walk when they arrived home, but now they’re walking everywhere.

 

Cooper had severe bilateral club foot.  Now his feet are straight and functional.

 

Neither boy was able to chew food when they arrived home.  In fact, the doctors ordered surgery to place a gastric feeding tube in Conner.  But on the day of surgery, Conner started drinking from a cup, and from that day forward, things have progressed miraculously right before our eyes.  Both boys are eating real food now, chewing and swallowing like big boys!!!

 

Both boys are able to sign words to communicate.  Conner especially likes to sign, and he has about ten words he signs consistently.

 

Cooper and Conner were not able to attend school in Ukraine because children with special needs are hidden from society, unworthy of love, attention, education.  Now, Cooper and Conner attend school in our area and are both thriving.

 

For us, the very best thing about the boys first year home is the amount of love they’ve brought to our family.  It’s truly joy indescribable. 

 

All glory to God for the miraculous work He has done!

 

We love you Coopie and Connie, as Selah affectionately calls Cooper and Conner.  We are so blessed to have you in our family.  Thank you for being you. 

 

FYI:

CONNER’S GROWTH IN ONE YEAR:

Weight:

  • 16 pounds (March 4, 2012—age 6 1/2 years)
  • 33 pounds (March 3, 2013—age 7 1/2 years)

Length (head to heel)

  • 32 1/4” (March 4, 2012)
  • 34” (April 1, 2012)
  • 39”  (One year later: March 3, 2013)

Length (hip to heel)

  • 15” (March 4, 2012)
  • 16” (April 1, 2012)
  • 19 1/2”  (One year later: March 3, 2013)

Length (shoulder to wrist)

  • 10” (March 4, 2012)
  • 10 1/2” (April 1, 2012)
  • 12”  (One year later: March 3, 2013)

Waist circumference

  • 14” (March 4, 2012)
  • 17” (April 1, 2012)
  • 18 1/2”  (One year later: March 3, 2013)

Wrist circumference

  • 3 1/2” (March 4, 2012)
  • 4” (April 1, 2012)
  • 5”  (One year later: March 3, 2013)

Ankle circumference

  • 4” (March 4, 2012)
  • 4 1/2” (April 1, 2012)
  • 6”  (One year later: March 3, 2013)

Upper thigh circumference

  • 7” (March 4, 2012)
  • 8” (April 1, 2012)
  • 10”  (One year later: March 3, 2013)

Head circumference

  • 18” (March 4, 2012)
  • 18”  (April 1, 2012)
  • 19”  (One year later: March 3, 2013)

 

COOPER:

Weight:

  • 21 pounds (March 4, 2012—age 6 1/2 years)
  • 43 pounds (March 3, 2013—age 7 1/2 years)

Note:  I do not have Cooper’s measurements from when he first came home, but I am posting his current measurements.

Length (head to heel)

  • 43” (March 3, 2013)

Length (hip to heel)

  • 22” (March 3, 2013)

Length (shoulder to wrist) 

  • 12” (March 3, 2013)

Waist circumference

  • 24 1/2” (March 3, 2013)

Wrist circumference

  • 5 3/4” (March 3, 2013)

Ankle circumference

  • 6 1/2” (March 3, 2013)

Upper thigh circumference

  • 11 1/2” (March 3, 2013)

Head circumference

  • 18 1/2” (March 3, 2013)

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