Encouraged

We were thrilled by the Doctor's findings yesterday. We are so very thankful for God's goodness and grace. EJ and I were able to stay with Avery the entire time. Aside from the hospital visit in (hina, I don't think she has had Mommy and Daddy all to herself. That seems crazy!

She was the cutest little thing while she woke up from sedation. Thankfully she won't remember us laughing at her :)

As of now, Avery will not need surgery. We are relieved. The Doctors will just keep tabs on her for now and we will re-evaluate when she is able to communicate with us a little more.

A Good Day

I could not have asked for a better experience at the hospital (out of town) with Avery on Friday. I tend to set the bar (in my head) really low for medical appointments, so perhaps another person would not agree, but I thought it went really well.

She had an echo cardiogram at 10 AM. We were taken back minutes before 10. We were done with the ultrasound (that's what it looked like to me) and speaking with the Cardiologist by 10:30! HER HEART IS PERFECT!! The biggest dilemma was how to spend the next 3 hrs before her second appointment. Being in a hospital helps put things into perspective. Not a dilemma in my book.

Knowing I was from out of town, the Cardiologist suggested I visit a "town favorite" toy store nearby. It ended up being a sweet time with Avery. The kind of small toy store with plenty of toys to "play with." Plus, I got a few Christmas presents checked off. 

Then, I asked the owner to point my in the direction of a park. We found it and Avery was thrilled to be outside and on the loose. She played and we ate the lunches I'd packed.

I was not expecting such a slow pace day and sweet time away with Avery. On Thursday, when I blogged, "a date with Avery" I was kind of psyching myself up. Trying to think of the positives. Well, God was very generous to give me just that.

 

The afternoon appointment was a little long for our liking. I got there too early and we waited 50 minutes in a deary waiting room when normally she'd be napping. She was under an ultrasound wand for a long time. She was truly amazing. Her tired state worked to our advantage, aside from being nervous, she laid relatively still. The technician and radiologist were amazed. They didn't find anything that concerned them. Alleluia!

It was a long day. We were gone, 8:30-4:15. She fell asleep in the van before we left the parking deck and slept the hour ride home.

I am so glad I am an experienced mom. 7 years ago this would have been so much harder on me. I am also thankful that the LORD has continually given us what we've needed at each turn.

 Saturday, we celebrated her good results and our 2 honor roll students ;)

More Appointments

She is on the move. Reaching new heights, as in climbing the bar stools and sitting on the kitchen counter (hopefully just that once). Fun, fun! She is keeping us all on our toes and we are so grateful! Amazing the difference in perspective.

 

Tomorrow, I have a date at the hospital with my girlie. She is having an echo cardiogram and 2 ultrasounds performed. There are several medical issues the Drs want to rule out, that can be found in kids with her congenital (physical abnormality present from birth) defect. 

Please pray there are no other abnormalities! Pray she is cooperative not scared/overwhelmed.

Tomorrow, marks 4 months since she was 1st placed in my arms. I can barely remember that child. Oh, how she has changed!

Looking for Ryan

Avery had her follow-up GI appt yesterday and we also met with a surgeon. I really like both Doctors. I am glad this is where we were led to start. We are only at the very beginning of our journey. It's much harder to put a puzzle together when you don't have the whole picture to look at. Both Drs. seem up to the challenge.
Ryan spent the night with my parents on Wed so that Avery and I good head out of town Thurs morning. I didn't really anticipate the confusion that would bring Avery. I knew Ryan would be thrilled that his sister was pinning for him, so I got it on video. You can also see how much steadier she is on her feet. She hardly every crawls anymore!

Your prayers are very much appreciated.

The trip went smoothly. I enjoyed the peace and quiet ;)The Dr. who I was supposed to see got stuck in surgery so I saw someone else.
He was very kind and considerate of the fact that Avery was very anxious. He kept mentioning that she had already been through so much and he doesn't want to be too aggressive with invasive tests. He seemed genuinely concerned for her whole self and not just the GI issues. I didn't realize I needed to hear that until he said it. God is good!
No huge surprises. We have a short term plan. Got to start somewhere.
We will return again for a surgeon consulate and likely a barium test to see what her insides are doing.

On a positive note, she has gained a pound, we are thrilled! It's not much, but we are headed in the right direction. The DR said to try wheat again. He doesn't think that is her issue. Hooray for more food options.

Avery did not get too upset at the appt and clearly knows I am the one she can turn too ;) PTL

Please Pray

This afternoon, Avery and I are driving to a nearby city for a GI appt. For whatever reason, I am feeling very pessimistic about the appt. I am fearful this will lead to more questions than answers. I have very little history to offer this Dr for what is a very rare and often mistreated birth defect. Please pray I would trust God first and foremost. Pray for adequate time with the Dr., wisdom for the him and humility if he needs to point us elsewhere.

Everyday Cuteness

A Fighter

We are on Day 9 of giving Avery 3 different medicines. She has an infection in her stomach. We are praying this does the trick. She hates the medicines. 3 vials in the morning and 2 after dinner. Even after 9 days (5 to go) she kicks and screams her way through it. One of us usually works up a sweat. She is a strong 20 lb fighter. Thankfully she still falls into my arms for comfort when it's over.
I will never know exactly what she has already fought in her little life, but I am so glad she did!
She is definitely going to give us a run for our money ;-)

I will spare you a photo of the medicine taking, but this is a good pout face that
she quickly gives us when something isn't going her way.