Friday, September 27, 2013

Update on Lindy

Our Lindy "Lu Lu" has now been home with us for about two and a half months. She is doing so well, and this precious daughter is fitting in perfectly with our family. Her English is coming along, and we are so thankful to be communicating with her more and more. We are loving getting to know this little girl, and here are some of the things we have discovered about her so far. She is . . .
 
Focused! . . . and also left handed!
Full of life and carefree!
Sweet and gentle!
Girly! . . . an adorable little princess!
Happy! . . . and did I mention . . . oh, so cute!
Silly! . . . this girl loves to laugh!
Affectionate!
Loving and kind!
Lovable! . . . such a face!
Helpful! . . . the girl knows her way around a laundry basket!
A little bit daring . . . and she loves the water!
Simply beautiful!
This gentle soul is such a treasure! We love her so much, and we thank our heavenly Father for the gift of her life. This past week we saw a cardiologist and a neuro surgeon in order to have her health assessed. I honestly think that we almost forgot that she has health issues because she is doing so well! She had a full ultrasound of her heart, and we were very encouraged by the results. Our doctor is Chinese/American and such a kind, helpful man! He said that the TOF repair was a good job, but he wants to watch her carefully over the next year. She does have one valve that is a bit leaky which could be just fine for a long time, or she may need another surgery sometime in the future. Overall, very good news!

Now for the spina bifida/hydrocephalus . . . the doctor said that the repair wasn't such a good job. Of course, it is a blessing that the mass was removed from her back. However, the surgeon in China didn't close up and protect the spinal cord, so that is why there is still a slight fluid filled bulge on her back. Her spinal cord lies directly under her skin which could be dangerous. Our doctor wants us to have an MRI to get a better understanding of what is going on. She may then need another surgery. Yet with all of this news, the doctor was encouraged by how well she is doing. All of her reflexes are good, and we know that she is functioning very well. Due to the hydro, it is pretty common for her to have some learning issues which we already know. Bottom line, Lindy is a child of the King, and we know that her life is in His loving hands. We trust Him completely, and we know that His ways are always good.

"I will be your God throughout your lifetime. I made you, and I will take care of you." Isaiah 46:4

Wednesday, September 25, 2013

Joy is Walking!

Today we hit a milestone . . . Joy is walking on her own! She woke up this morning and just decided that she was going to do it. And then that was it . . . no more walker. Up until now she has been somewhat reluctant to attempt unassisted walking. She had taken a few steps here and there but always with something to support her. So, when she just took off today, we were surprised and amazed. Her form is of course a bit awkward, but her balance is good. She was so happy today! This new found freedom was just what the doctor ordered for both Joy and us. We were forewarned that the process would be slow, and it has been. She has been out of her cast for 9 weeks. Sometimes discouragement can set in, as it is so hard to see the progress. Yet, we are rejoicing today and are so thankful for this gift! Our brave girl is making progress, and it feels so good to celebrate this today!

"The Lord has done great things for us, and we are filled with JOY!" Psalm 126:3






We love this little princess!!!