One year ago on September 24th, Sienna Grace had an emergency blood transfusion. Her Hemoglobin level was at an all time low and she needed "good blood." I posted that day here. That transfusion was followed by her splenectomy one week later. It was a time of facing the unknown as parents for our new daughter. It was also a time of trusting that God had protected Sienna thus far, and that He would continue to provide for her. He placed some great doctors in our path that guided us through this time. Their hope was that Sienna's Hbg levels would get to a new baseline of 9.0 or greater.

I am thankful and humbled to report that it has been one year since our brave and beautiful daughter has needed any "good blood." She has been transfusion free as of Saturday for one year!!! And as of a few weeks ago her Hbg level was stable at 10.4!!!! We never expected for Sienna to hover around the "normal" line for this benchmark. Her other numbers look great too. Especially the retic that tells it's own positive story. Sienna is now on a twice a year visit to her Hematologist. I expect that may become an annual visit next year. Truly amazing!

We knew when we adopted Sienna Grace that we could provide wonderful medical care, and a family that would always be there for her, no matter what. We were comforted in knowing she would never again face her medical challenges alone. But, seeing what God has done to heal her body has been amazing. Is Sienna cured of Thalassemia? The answer is no... There may be a day when she is transfusion dependent again. But for now, we can rest in this break knowing she is growing, (almost 4" in one year) and thriving!

Miracles happen every day... Witnessing them in the stories and the lives of your children is a privilege and a gift!

I look forward to the day when Sienna really understands the testimony that she has been given to share.. For now, I will do my best to scribe it for her...

Thank you to all of you who have lifted up Sienna Grace during these times where she has needed it.. We are thankful for how God has answered our prayers!

So, what is Sienna doing to celebrate? Going to her first Vikings Game with her Daddy!!

We survived day one of Baba and Jie Jie back to work and school. It started out pretty rough. Sienna was devastated when Jeff took Ainsley to school. It took a good 3o minutes for her to rally. She gets so frustrated when things don't go her way. But already we are learning to just let her go. She allows me to pick her up when she is upset, which I think is so positive. In China she would just push us away...

I had my first taste of what it will be like to get out the door with "The Littles!" (Or, Thing 1 and Thing 2 as we lovingly refer to them sometimes!) I seriously did not get it together until 11:00 today! How do those of you with twins get anywhere on time?! I will take any tips you want to send my way! Just when I thought the car seat was going to be a non-issue with her, we almost had our first Officer Wilson meeting!!! Yes, washer board back, and mad as a hornet to be in her seat from the grocery store to Ruby's pre-school... Even Ruby had to cover her ears. That should give you an idea of how Sienna can light it up!!! Poor thing.... I hung tough, dropped Ruby off and went to Jeff's office. Once we got out of the car for a while she was fine. She went back into her car seat after our lunch like nothing had ever happened!!!

When we got home, she and I were having a great afternoon until she got her foot stuck in our couch... She was screaming "LaLa" at me. I had no clue what was going on, and I didn't realize she was stuck.... Well, once I did and pulled it out, she started laughing at me like what part of "Help" don't you understand? I know now that Lala means pull!!! As in pull my foot out of this couch Mama!!! Good grief, poor Sienna has got to be wondering what in the world is going on!

Speaking of communication.... Everyone told me she would catch on to English quickly.. Well you were not kidding... She is a sponge!!! Today, she shared all sorts of waves and byes to people we ran into. Our extrovert is starting to surface. What I am pleased to see, is that she stays close.... And, constantly checks to see where I am.

I am getting lots of Mama's now, which I love. She is making me work for the kisses though. The Jie Jie gets all of those!!!! What I love about Sienna is how she slowly shares all of her very special layers... There is so much to this precious girl!!!

Many of you are probably wondering about her health. Right now we are meeting with her Hematologist on March 26th. Unless something changes, we are going to keep that appointment. We want as much time to build on the trust that we have established with her. We are anxious to have her tests done, so we know what exactly we are dealing with... We do know that God has blessed us with one very special little girl!!

Off to watch the news for the first time in almost 3 weeks!!! Speaking of days.... two weeks ago today this child rocked our world!!! Amazing, how much has transpired in that time already with her. One thing is for sure.. Our hearts are a whole lot bigger!

Blessings,

Diana