Gemma Rose is 5!!!!

Yesterday Gemma Rose turned 5. Kissy Face, Buddha Belly , Drama Queen, Chun Yang, Yang Yang, what ever name you go by , we love you just the way you are !

Gemma was born with the most severe form of Beta Thalassemia Major. She will require blood transfusions every month for the rest of her life ( or hopefully a cure will be found soon . Right now the only cure is a bone marrow transplant). She also requires daily (eight hour) infusions of Deferoxamine to remove the excess iron from her body . Although she endures a lot on a daily basis, she never complains. She rolls with the punches and is very easy going . That is as long as her belly is full. There are two things in life that Gemma loves, eating and bugs. She eats anything and everything, she is not picky. She also loves to collect critters. Her latest find was a huge toad.

When we adopted Gemma 1 1/2 years ago we toured her orphanage and visited with her Foster Family . She was only with the Foster Family for 5 months but she was greatly loved. When we arrived at their home I thought we might have made a mistake by coming. Gemma was ecstatic . She was so happy to show us her bed, shoes, toys and her favorite snacks. I thought there is no way she is going to leave with us . But luckily just before it was time to leave her Foster Mom told her how much she loved her and that she was so happy she had a family and would be going home with us . This really brought closure for Gemma. She walked to the van with her Foster Mom's hand and Mary's hand in the other , turned and gave her a kiss and said "Good- Bye, I'm going home" and jumped in the van and was fine. Luckily her Foster Mom waited until we were driving away to start crying . This was one of the most memorable Thanksgiving Days we have ever had . We did not have turkey or pumpkin pie , we had the best home made peanut soup .On this special American Holiday we were "Thankful" for a Loving Family that loved our daughter before we could. We were surrounded by "new" family and friends. Memories for a life time.

Little Miss Kissy face bonded with us right away . She is such a loving child. She and Teresa are very close, they are best friends .

Today was her first day of kindergarten. Sooooo excited !
Along with her Thalassemia , Gemma has a severe speech disorder. She can say a few words,but most of her conversation is uncomprehendible. This girl LOVES to talk too. This year her school is going to provide her with a speech device . This will help her to communicate better with her teacher along with receiving speech therapy twice a week . What an exciting year it will be for her.