Baptism, birthdays, and more doctor appointments

On July 14 Ashlynn was baptized at our church in Owatonna with our family around us.  Raising our children in our faith is important to us so this was special day.  We are honored that Uncle Pat and Aunt Krystal became Ashlynn’s godparents.  Ashlynn did very well during the brief ceremony.  She likes having her hair done and to look at her pretty self in the mirror so wearing her baptism dress we brought in China was fun for her.  She wasn’t sure what to think when Father Cronin poured the holy water over her head but she didn’t fuss too long.  Her big brothers watched over the whole process very closely.

The Kleckers

The Lanoues

After Baptism, our families joined us to our house for lunch and to celebrate the boys’ July birthdays.  It was a wonderful day!  We are grateful that so many members of our families were able to spend the day with us.  We are blessed with such a strong support system!
In the afternoon, Derek and Mason hosted the first Klecker Brothers backyard baseball game.  The birthday boys were the captain of their teams and each carefully picked their uncles, aunts, and cousins to be on their teams.  Derek and Mason are still debating whose team actually won the game!

Ashlynn and the birthday boys

Derek turned 8 on July 21.  He spent the day in one of his favorite places doing one of his favorite things . . . at Target Field watching the Twins.  Unfortunately the Twins didn’t win but Derek still had a good day.  Ashlynn tolerated the game about as well as any one-year-old.  The warm sun and the lack of a good nap made for a few long innings but she liked walking around the concourse with Mom waving at anyone who would smile at her.   Since it was Kids Day, the boys got to run the bases after the game.  Troy even took Ashlynn around the bases, setting her down to touch her foot on each base.  Her proud Daddy may have enjoyed this as much as Ashlynn!

Monday, July 22 marked the end of Brandi’s 10 week maternity leave from work.  What a wonderful adventure these 10 weeks have been.  It’s hard to believe our two week stay in China and our first eight weeks home as a family of 5 is already behind us.  The first days on our new routine has gone well.  Getting all five of us out the door in the morning takes a bit of organization and some luck but we’re figuring it out.  Ashlynn seems to be adjusting to daycare.  She really enjoys being around all of her new friends.  We are glad the boys will be with her all day for several weeks before they go back to school.
Ashlynn’s doctor appointments continue.  Ashlynn saw ENT which confirmed that her ears are clearing up and there is no concern with her hearing at this time.  She saw our family doctor yesterday and got her first set of vaccinations.  Ashlynn received vaccinations in China but she has a few shots to get her caught up to US guidelines.  She isn't a fan of anyone in a white coat or blue scrubs and this clinic visit didn't help any! 
We saw the plastic surgeon today.  She was pleased with how well Ashlynn lip has been coming together.  She believes Ashlynn will be ready for surgery in September.  Ashlynn also started physical therapy today to help get her gross motor skills caught up.  We are pleased with how much strength she has already gained.  She’s still not crawling but she is finding creative ways to roll, turn, and scoot herself on the floor to get to what she wants (which is usually one of her brothers’ toys).  We are confident she will learn to crawl and walk before long.  And then watch out Derek and Mason!

Thank you to everyone who continues to read our blog and follow our journey.  Please leave us a comment and let us know who is on this journey with us.

Meeting the newest member of the Klecker family, Miss Hayden Renee