Saturday, February 9, 2008
Madison Update and Random Family Stuff...
Piper - Exhausted after a day of beauty!
Spirit Week kicks off with Fleece & Flannel Day!
Purple Day!
Crazy Hair Day!
Happy Year of the Rat!!
A very Lucky Mama!!!
I am happy to report that Big Sister Katie just got dropped off at our house after visiting her baby sister! Madison did very well overnight. They are keeping her sedated to moderate movement and pain. But, thankfully, her vitals are good and the doctors are pleased with her condition so far! She will remain in the NICU until she is off the ventilator. Julie sounds exhausted but so relieved to have this major milestone behind them. I am hoping to spend some time with her at the hospital tomorrow.
Last night Jeff and I volunteered at the Stephen Curtis Chapman Concert for America World. Our role was to help collect "change" for his "Show Hope" ministry which raises money to help orphans around the world. Our team helped Stephen raise almost $12,000 last night! With these funds he will be able to offer grants of up to $3000-$4000 for families who are in the process of adoption. He gifted a family last night with $4000 for their pending adoption. It was awesome to be a part of it! And, a reminder of how blessed Jeff and I feel to be part of the adoption community! Here is also the link to our Adoption Agency. We also got to take in the concert which was fabulous. He played one of the songs we had at our wedding, which we now think of as part of our "Red Thread Story." Never could we have imagined what a journey God would take us on as a couple almost 10 years ago. We are so grateful He did!!
Ainsley had such a fun week showing her CHA spirit that I had to include a few pictures today. I am also including a few other fun shots from our busy week. Thanks again for your prayers for Baby Madison! They are being heard and answered!!!!
Blessings,
Diana
Friday, February 8, 2008
Baby Madison Update!!!!
Our first Chinese New Years together!!!!
"This is the day the Lord has made, let us be glad and rejoice!!"
Quote taken from Maddie's Caring Bridge Site at 11:48am: "The Dr. just came out and informed us that Madison is off the heart and lung machine and she did very well through the surgery! The major work is completed and they are now just getting ready to close her chest and get her ready for ICU......"
I talked to Julie around noon, and she sounded so relieved!!! Me too!! Now we need to continue to pray that Maddison's heart continues to do well on its own, and that she has no risk of post-surgical infection!
Thanks for lifting up this family that is so special to us!
Blessings,
Diana
Tuesday, February 5, 2008
Thankful for Baby Madison & Prayer Requests...
Since it is Thankful Thursday I will start by saying how thankful I am that I got to spend time with precious Madison on Saturday. I got to stare at her through the lens of my camera! What a blessing it was. As you can see, she is ADORABLE. What a precious miracle she is!
Today Maddison and her parents heads to the hospital for pre-op tests. She will be able to come home and return again early tomorrow morning for her second open heart surgery to repair her "Hypoplastic Left Heart." Her surgery is scheduled at 8:00am.
For my prayer warrior friends, here are my specific prayers requests:
- For Julie & Todd to feel the peace that only God can provide them as they release Madison to her doctors and wait for the surgery to be completed.
- For complete protection for Madison during surgery and post surgery
- For wisdom, confidence, brilliance, and steady hands for her Heart Surgeons
- For loving hands to care for her during her stay at Children's
- For a successful operation that does exactly what it is supposed to do for her precious heart
- For Julie and Todd to be able to hold her as soon as possible after recovery from surgery
- For Julie and Todd to have the stamina they need to be there for both Maddie & Katie
I am very thankful for the power of prayer, and for the faith I have knowing that God is in control of this very special little girl!
I will post updates when I have them. Thank you so much for caring about Madison!
Blessings & Happy Chinese New Year!
Diana
Can you hear me now?
This is what happens when Dad's leave their Blackberry's at home! No electronic equipment is safe these days at our house!!!!
Gotta run! The Pearl came home early today... However, after a little TLC she is feeling miraculously better!!!! Funny what hanging out on the couch, watching The Disney Channel, can do when the rest of your buddies are still in school!!! Humor aside, I am thankful she seems to be absolutely fine!!
-Di
Monday, February 4, 2008
China Orphans NEED our help now!!!! Please read!
Most of you are probably aware that China is experiencing some of the worst weather in history all over the country right now. Provinces that are not used to cold weather are dealing with severe temperatures, snow, and ice! In these provinces are orphanages with precious children like Ruby Mei waiting to be placed with their forever families around the world! These orphanages need our help to get mainly space heaters, blankets, food and diapers for the children immediately! Some of these facilities go through more than 750 diapers a day!!!! Half the Sky, is an amazing United States organization that has been helping China Orphans for 10 years. Their Executive Director, Jenny Bowen has sent out a plea for funds. They have set up and Emergency Fund called Little Mouse. You can go there today and donate! Please help us take care of these precious children and their loving care givers! Your donation can make a difference!
Thank you,
Diana
Ruby's First Birthday Party!
So excited to be at the Sesame Street Exhibit!
On Stage looking at herself on TV! in the Music Room...
Waiting for cake and ice cream!
YUMMY!
Ruby was invited to her first birthday party for her friend Ellie who turned 2! The party was at the Children's Museum which is featuring a Sesame Street Exhibit right now. I figured that any party with Elmo and cake would be a hit for Ruby Mei. Well, I was right! Our little social butterfly had a great time!!!! From the minute she and I got to the museum she was ready for action. It was so fun for me to watch her explore the rooms and get right into the activities going on. Now I know why she never looks back when I take her to the church nursery. She just loves being around other people, especially kids! There were two favorite rooms in the museum for her. One was where she could interact with Elmo as if she was on TV with him. It was priceless watching her get excited about her favorite furry red guy! Secondly, they had a stage where the kids can dance, and see themselves on TV. She stayed on stage with a few other children dancing until it was time for the party to start. So cute!!!
She was really good at the party too. She waited patiently for her food, and only tried to climb on the table once!!!! She even got in a few rounds of "Ring around the Rosy!" Overall, a great day for Her Rubiness! Thanks Ellie for including us!
Congrats to all the new families getting referrals today from China!
-Diana
Friday, February 1, 2008
Happy Anniversary October LID Friends!
Fast forward one year, and we now get to celebrate the anniversary of the "Stork Landing!" One of the very special friends I made from this group was Kate Emerson's Mom. I will never forget signing Kim's guestbook, when I saw the post, "We Have a Daughter!" It was so exciting! And, it was so fun to experience Kim's joy. It wouldn't be long before I would be next!
So to all my fellow RQ friends, congratulations today! And, thank you for sharing such a special part of your lives with me! It was so fun to catch up with some of you already this morning! New Mom's - Enjoy this very special day as your remember every precious minute of how it felt to learn her name, and see her face!
Blessings for another special year!
Diana
P.S.: Madison Update - After a scare yesterday, Madison's procedure was successful! Thankfully, she was able to come home last night. Thank you for your prayers yesterday! God clearly protected sweet Maddie! Please continue to pray for her surgery next Friday morning.
P.S.S: Her Rubiness turned 18 months old yesterday!
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