A little more about Sera . . .

Sera's birth name is Yabsera which means "work of God". We believe Sera is somewhere between the age of 15-24 months. She is small and developmentally delayed so we chose to make her on the younger end. We have chosen a birth date of June 28, 2008, which is Darren's birthday.

Sera was born with Polydactyl of her hands and feet. She has seven fingers on each hand and six toes on each foot. Sera also has Nystagmus, which is an eye disorder. It causes her eyes to wiggle and float. We are not sure to what extend this affects her vision. According to the adoption agency it does appear as though she can see. We will not know any other information or whether these birth defects are part of a syndrome until she has further testing once she is home. I can tell you one thing though . . . she has a smile that lights up a room!!

INTRODUCING

our daughters

Sera Maas

Grace Maas

Again, this is a time when I do not have the words to describe what God is speaking in my heart. Fortunately, there are some wonderful Christian women whom God has given the gift of speaking(blogging). Please read these post and allow God to speak to your heart . . .

A Place Called Simplicity

Building the Blocks

Kisses From Katie

Sweet Jacob

This is my sweet Jacob. He looks like a healthy two year old but Jacob actually has significant needs. Jacob has Quadriplegia Cerebral Palsy. He is nonverbal(has started making some sounds) and has limited control of his arms and legs. He is unable to sit unassisted but has gained pretty good head control.

Jacob is an absolute joy to be around. He is always happy and laughs with his whole body. Jacob is very intelligent for a child with his significant needs. Jacob came home about a year and a half ago and I have never been away from over night.

I will be leaving to pick up our two new daughters in the next 6-8 weeks, I hope. I don't even know how to begin to prepare Jacob for me being gone for a whole week. If anyone out there has any advice or suggestions for preparing a special child for being apart the first time I would appreciate any assistance. Another concern I have is how Jacob will respond when I return home. Anyone have experience in this area?

Fall Video