Day 5 Post Op Happy Mother's Day

Mother's Day-2014

Well since it's mother's day, why start with a lot of sleep? Moms are not suppose to sleep.  We had a rough night last night.  New nurse learning the ropes of "our system", Huahua was already crabby and sleep deprived, and stats on that funny machine kept beeping all night long!  Between meds, labs, x-rays, diaper changes, blood pressures, checking the tubes, weights, and that machine that would not stop beeping we might as well stayed up all night!

So we are hoping for more sleep tonight. 

Best News of the day....The chest tubes came out.  The worst news....The chest tubes were pulled out!  OUCH!  I had to watch, of course be with her, but I could see the excruciating pain in the mother's face (the Dr) who had to pull them out.   I held it together, but by the third tube, my heart was just aching for her little soul and it showed.  As mothers it is our responsibility to do what is best for our children and we know at times they may have to endure pain to get there.  This surgery was painful, recovery is hard, but this is what her heart needs to make living possible for her.    Her chest X ray looked good and her oxygen was good but then started to decline as the day went on. Possibly due to dehydration, because she in on meds to help her lose the water and not taking in much liquid.  We are hydrated her in the evenings and trying to get her to drink more during the day.  It's a fine balance of keeping her comfortable with fluids (basically allowing her to drink and keeping her lungs dry to avoid infection)

She continued to walk today more than ever.  Her heart rate would climb and oxygen would decline as expected but with her she continued to go.  Towards the end of each walk she would begin to slow or ask to be picked up.  Making great progress.

Please pray for her to begin eating and drinking again.  She asks to go home regularly, but this is a big hurdle right now for her to heal.

Mother's day is the also a special day for an adoptive family to remember the special woman who gave birth to the princess we get to call our daughter, sister, grand daughter, and niece.  We hold her in honor for the inconceivable choices she made in putting the needs of this precious child first.  I don't know why we were chosen to be her family, and at times it doesn't seem fair or right that a woman half way across the world would have to ache in pain for her child and we would reap the joy of this little one.  We pray for her to have peace. That she would some how know  her little she so unselfishly placed in a safe place to be found so she could find medical care and live is safe, and so loved and is receiving the care she so desperately needed.  Thank you to her birth Mom for giving Huahua life.  We promise to nurture, love her forever, and teach her about you, the woman who loved her first!

Do you think pushing your own wheelchair is acceptable 5 days Post Op Fontan?

Didn't know she was going to want to walk around outside or we could have put on shoes.  But wait with that IV in her foot--shoes don't fit anyway.  We can always wash the socks.  Just thankful she feels good.

A bit of fresh air.  She keeps asking if we can go home.....me too :(
Huahua has a home this Mother's day.  Her first time, a real home to call her own, pray for the little ones still waiting for their Mama to find them and bring them home.

Playing with her friend Nathaniel while mom took a shower.  She perked right up to see a friend.

Nathaniel watches over Huahua to protect her.  So sweet!

Feeling happy without those chest tubes.  She smiled for the X ray :)

A little family time.  The wheel chair is still the favorite.

Walking with Mama and Baba.  

Daddy getting some snuggles in with Huahua.

Happy Mother's Day 2014!  What a good looking crew!

Almost two years ago, God used this valley to humble our hearts and bring our family to learn one special way to serve and bring glory to his kingdom.  Follow the Lord's calling and he will  bless you!