Dr. Appointments

Well, this week has not been quite as busy, thank goodness, but still pretty hectic! On Wednesday, we had our first post-placement visit from our social worker. We are required to do 3 of these for our agency. China wants to ensure that she is adapting well to our family. Our social worker was VERY pleased with what she saw and said Ava seems to have adapted much more quickly than many babies her age would have. Ava, of course, put on a show for her, and was hugging all over her brothers and doing all of the dances from bible school last week. She would then wait for her applause from her audience.

Later, we had a long awaited visit from the kids' cousins from Atlanta, Emma and Rosie. These two beauties were also adopted from China and have been anxious for their baby cousin to finally come home. It was a. wonderful visit, but unfortunately, too short-lived.

Yesterday was our appointments with the docs at St. Louis Children's Hospital. Our first appointment was with an international adoption clinic. They did a complete physical exam and were very surprised at how healthy and strong she was. They couldn't believe she hasn't had even have as much as a runny nose since we've had her. They did a TB test (she barely shed a tear)and took a stool specimen and want to run quite a few blood test (blood count, immunization titers, newborn metabolic screen, lead levels, etc) but really wanted to limit needle sticks. So, knowing that her surgery would be soon, they said they will have them drawn after she is sedated. WOOHOO!!

We went straight from that appointment, to her next one with the neurosurgeon. He did a quick exam and said she is a very fortunate little girl. We have been concerned with her bowel and bladder function, but he said that if the nerves that control those functions are damaged, then we almost for certain see some deficits or defects to her feet, (club feet, or paralysis) and her feet are absolutely perfect. He wants to do an MRI next week to be absolutely sure, but he feels like she has no neural tissue in her meningocele, only fluid. If he does see some neural tissue on the MRI, then he wants to do a brain scan to rule out hydrocephalus, since this is common when there is nerve involvement. He doesn't want to do a urology referral until he sees exactly what is in her meningocele. Surgery to repair it will be within the month. Doc says it is a relatively simple but delicate surgery and she will be hospitalized for 3-5 days and cannot elevate her head at all during those few days, YIKES, this is one active kid! Dr Leonard has travelled to Guatemala to repair meningoceles and mylomeningoceles and said that compared to what he has seen, Ava's is small. So, now we wait to hear from his office to schedule her MRI, then surgery should follow soon after. Chris has used all of his sick days, so my mom and I will be taking her next week. It is a simple procedure, but she will be put to sleep so that always makes me a little nervous.

Our first month with our precious girl has been a full one, but an absolutely amazing one. Every day, Ava lets down her guard a little bit more and shows a more and more of her personality. She has gone from just tolerating us, to, I think, liking us. I'm not sure if she's quite in love with us yet, but it won't be long!!!! God has blessed us in an unbelievable way with the most amazing children on the planet!!! Have a great week-end. We are going to Ava's first wedding!

Trying to bribe my cousin to open these skittles

Cousins

Can't believe it's been a month already

Waiting patiently to be seen

Are we almost done, dad?

Not a very happy baby

Watcha' doin' there doc?

Now time for some fun at St. Louis Zoo

Check out those sea lions!









I think they're posing

Getting refreshed at the waterin' hole

Ready for a break from the stroller!