HAPPY 4TH BIRTHDAY KATIE GRACE HUA HUA!! Pics from a Day at Disney.

Yes, once again, I have been out of blog land for several weeks. So when I say that I will get used to time management with now 4 kids, I guess I mean in about 5 years, LOL! Besides, we have been concentrating on other things here at the house, like Hua Hua's appointments, school, activities, work, etc!

Good news! Hua WILL be having her heart surgery! It is schedule for February 29th!

Our tiny little peanut turned 4 yesterday, Feb 7th! I will do a little more in depth "report" on how far she has progressed since coming home, at her 6 month home mark. But for today, I just want to celebrate her VERY SPECIAL DAY.

Katie Grace's Birthday is a VERY SPECIAL DAY because we will celebrate it with such joy in knowing God gave her life in a time and in a place where her entrance into life may not have been welcomed in the way she deserved. Nevertheless, He spared her, and someone cared enough to spare her. He placed her in our hearts and we began our journey to her.

Here she is! Smiling, dancing, laughing, talking, playing, directing, snuggling, hugging, kissing, and well, just basically marching around our house entertaining us all and wearing us out!

What a Birthday gift to us indeed!

Christina and Katie Grace on the tram heading into the Magic Kingdom!

Just had to post this because Joshua's face is making me laugh! Still on the tram from the parking lot.

Main Street USA in front of Cinderella's Castle!

A must-stop in Adventure Land for delicious pineapple ice cream! One of our favorites!

Well, she definitely is one ours, because Hua Hua loved the pineapple ice cream too!

Katie Grace and Joshua patiently waiting for Captain Jack Sparrow!

Those pirates are funny!!

Matthew (13) having a great day too! He decided to have a seat in the stroller during the show. Comfy Matt??

Katie Grace wasn't so sure about those pirates.....

Captain Jack Sparrow was fantastic!!

What a fun show! Mom happens to know these funny pirates!

I was cheering away, as you can see, Hua Hua wasn't so sure about being so close to them!

I must have been totally enthralled, she, still not sure, lol!

Some of the kids got to go onstage and become pirates! Joshua was SO HAPPY and took the pirate oath loudly!!!! Hua Hua was so excited! She just kept looking at me and waving and jumping up and down with excitement.

Captain Jack Sparrow came up to the kids to give them a special farewell!

Opening their scrolls!

Ok, good bye pirates! Now it's time to find some princesses!

Katie Grace couldn't believe her eyes when she walked into a room with 3 princesses!!!!! She was just ENTHRALLED!!

Sleeping Beauty woke up and took some photos with the kids! She was so lovely!!!

Belle certainly was a Beauty, not a Beast! Um Belle, I don't remember that dress being so.... well.. ummm... :) Oh well! She was wonderful!

Cinderella was Hua Hua's favorite! Hua Hua was just in heaven! Cinderella was so nice and beautiful and talked with her! I love this pic!

Christina hopped into a pic with Cinderella because she happens to feel as though she and Cinderella are "good friends" ;) .... Almost as if they've known each other "for a long time" ;)

Nothing like a big sister to hold you after a long day of walking! Even if you are a very large 6 year old!

Joshua, Matthew and Katie Grace sitting on the Monster Laugh Floor sign, just before we went in for the show! I happen to work there and "know" those Monsters quite well! ;)

Sisters.

Snack time.

Ok, AND NOW, it was time for The Mouse, The Big Cheese, The payer of my paychecks... Mickey Mouse! Hua Hua went crazy when she saw him, shouting, "Mickey! Mickey!" and dancing and hopping around him, giggling! I honestly believe that he was actually overjoyed at the moment too because we were all laughing, including the assistants, and Mickey was dancing around too with her for several moments and looking at us and making fun gestures!

She still was just giggling with joy! Joshua thought this all was pretty funny!

The kids had a nice group pic!

Hua's Hua'a face at seeing Minnie Mouse live for the 1st time!

There's Minnie and the whole gang in the show at the Castle Stage!

And finally, to end the day, fireworks!

KATIE GRACE'S HEART IN MORE DETAIL

I was only able to post a quick update after surgery. This post is a little more detailed for those who have been asking.

Also, I am adding just a few precious photos of our little angel. I know she is so delicate as she is recovering, but if you saw the fight she put up after surgery, pulling out her breathing tube and yelling for me, fighting the nurses, even after they gave her medication that would "calm her down in a minute" NOT, you will know what strong girl she is. She is a survivor. She was back to playing and giggling again by the time we arrived home the following day, in fact it has been hard to get her to not "jump, run, or climb."!

When we received Katie Grace's file for adoption, we knew of 2 heart defects. A VSD and PFO. These are usually considered minor or correctable. In other words, these holes could close as she is growing, she could just live fine with them or if necessary, the VSD could be closed and this is done often and successfully. The PFO is usually left alone. We also knew that she had Pulmonary Hypertension which is common with a VSD.

Upon her 1st visit to the cardiologist. We found her VSD to be very large. Much larger than most, causing much stress to her lungs and damage. The cardiologist said she needed surgery in order to have a full life, but that her lungs probably wouldn't allow the surgery. This was very concerning news.

Upon her 1st visit to the cardiac surgeon, they also detected a 3rd defect. An ASD. On more hole on the anterior. (you can google all of these defects to get more details if interested). He scheduled that Cardiac Catheterization to be done immediately. This specialist however felt she would be a candidate for surgery. This was encouraging!

During cardiac catheterization surgery, they found yet 1 more defect, a PDA. Now a total of 4 defects. This one will also need a repair. They also found the lungs to have sustained damage, HOWEVER the heart and lungs were giving pressure. This is good! The Dr believed she will still be able to receive surgery and will meet w/his team this week to discuss if they agree she can handle surgery, when she will have it, and what type of patch they will put on the VSD. The bad news is, her lungs are struggling and have a small amount of time to get this done. The good news is, the type of pulmonary disease can be reversed, if she has surgery, with medication over time.

We will hear from the Dr in the next few days and they will give us a surgery date. She will need to have open heart surgery in 3-4 weeks. Keep this in your prayers and that again, she will stay well and free from any cold. My oldest daughter now has the cold that has gone through the house, UGH!

Thank you for your love and prayers!

JUST A BRIEF UPDATE

I wanted to post a quick update because I am so grateful for my dear friends who are praying!

Katie Grace is in recovery. You all are right, what an agonizing wait it was indeed!

So the Dr came and spoke with us and he was maybe not quite as joyful as he was pre op, however, generally positive.

He said that her VSD was very large. They detected yet another defect, a PDA, making 4 now. VSD, ASD, PFO, and PDA

He feels she is most probably a candidate for surgery. He will
consult w/his team this week and meet w/us on the plan and dates. Most likely in 3 -4 weeks.

He also said her lungs have sustained damage. This damage means that the heart surgery can be risky so keep praying! The good news, after the surgery, this type of lung damage is reversible w/medication. Praise the Lord!

She has had a hard time coming out of it all this afternoon and evening. Pulled out the intubator tube and then fought like a pro wrestler, throwing one of her all time great tantrums that I haven't seen for awhile for 25 min! :) She is still having low oxygen and breathing issues and vomiting even at this time, 6pM.

Thank you and know that God is so good.

MID SURGERY...

Our Katie Grace is now 4 1/2 hours into her heart and lung catheterization surgery as we speak. They have called me about 4 times now and have updated me on her progress from the surgery room. All is well and they are still checking her heart chambers for pressure levels at this time.

Keep your prayers coming.

THIS IS HOW I FEEL ABOUT HEART DEFECTS! TOMORROW IS THE BIG DAY.

Our 16 year old Christina took Hua Hua outside for a photo shoot, and wow! She really took some cute shots! Of course what an adorable model! This first picture of Hua I think sums up how we feel about heart defects!!

Tomorrow, Monday Jan 9th, Katie Grace Hua Hua goes into APH for her Lung Catheterization Surgery. This surgery will determine whether or not her lungs have the capacity to handle the heart surgery that is absolutely necessary. If you recall, the 1st cardiologist we saw was not optimistic. The surgeon however, was optimistic! For those of you with heart babies, Katie Grace has a large VSD, she also has a PFO and they just detected an ASD as well. 3 holes. The VSD is the most damaging for her. We trust and believe that God has already taken care of this situation and given her heart and lungs all that they need for a full and healthy life.

I haven't posted the date for this surgery until today, I know many have asked, because we already had to cancel once due to a cough she had a month ago. She has to be free of any cough or runny nose. She has been free of any issue this entire past 4 weeks. Unfortunately I came down with a cold this week and so has her brother Joshua who she plays with constantly. I just wanted to cry!! I have been washing and sanitizing hands and doing everything to avoid this. So far she is clear and she is less than 24 hours from surgery. She has sneezed a few times though.

We will arrive at the hospital at 7AM. They will begin surgery at 9AM and she will be put under anesthesia. They will use line through her leg and up to her lungs for this surgery and it will last for 4 hours. Then she remain overnight tomorrow night.

Asking for your heartfelt prayers my dear friends and family!!!

HAPPY 13th BIRTHDAY MATTHEW!!!! AND HAPPY DIA DE REYES!!!

Today is a day to celebrate the day our Matthew was born!! As I have mentioned on occasion and is no secret, I was married once before. Matthew and Christina's heritage from their dad is Puerto Rican. On this day of January 6th, (which is also celebrated as The Epiphany) in Puerto Rico and many South American countries, they celebrate Dia De Reyes! or Three Kings Day! This day represents the day that the 3 kings arrived to see the Newborn Savior, and they were bearing gifts. In Puerto Rico, Santa Claus was not quite a big deal at all up until recently. He was more a tale and and a stocking might be filled along with a big feast and music was held on Christmas, but Dia De Reyes was the big day for gifts. The children would put a box of grass under their bed for the camels, and the grass would be tossed around the room in the morning and the box filled with gifts!

Well, Matthew was born on Dia De Reyes, his full name is Manuel Matthew Castro. Manuel, bearing his dad's name, a translation of Emanuel meaning "God With Us", and Matthew meaning "Gift From God". So his name fits the feeling of the season and what a gift he is indeed on this day that represents the bearing of gifts for one another!

He is a kind and gentle soul. Helpful and thoughtful and always the one to know when someone needs assistance or a kind word. He is also full of boy energy and often plays outside with his friends all day and loves sports, plays violin, and video games too!

The True Spirit of Christmas - You HAVE to read my friend Amy's post about HER Christmas.

Just hop over to her post for just a quick few seconds, I swear you'll be hooked to read the rest!!

Many who read my blog are in the adoption community or just have a heart for the orphan. As I have expressed on a few occasions, being a true missionary is something I feel I may have somehow missed out on, although adoption and representing children in court is definitely a form of mission work! I still am so enthralled and drawn to the true missionary; living out their life on the mission field, just their family, the needs of the people, and God are what they live daily. As you can see by my favorite books list on my side bar, this is what read about often!

Amy at Amy's Assorted Adventures lives it. She and her family picked up and moved to Zambia and run an orphanage. If you have a moment, go over and read her post, The Other Side Of Christmas Week and then The Other Side Of Christmas Week Part Two and experience her heart wrenching and joyful post and what it means to live out the true spirit of Christmas by giving of yourself fully.

Go Amy!

Wonderful Christmas Moments!

Well I have good news and bad news about the pics I have from Christmas. The good news is, I have pics from Christmas! The bad news is, we COULD NOT locate ONE camera in this house on Christmas Eve. So we had to take some photos with Matthew's Ipod touch. Can you imagine??? Well, I had my camera, but couldn't find the charger and the battery was dead and we couldn't find the other 2 cameras. Boo :( , Soooo some of these pics are low quality and Matthew was taking them which leads to the fact that I have only 1 pic with Matthew in it. Otherwise, we had a wonderful and blessed time!!

Hua Hua and Joshua, cute as buttons underneath the tree. Love those faces!

Just had to post this pic. Hua was NOT having this moment. She and Josh play together non stop, but sometimes he really is a rascal. He kept putting his hand on her shoulder and she did not want him to. Look at his face and at hers!

Christina joined them to make this moment so sweet! Just wish Matthew was there too and it would have been perfect!

Joshua and Hua Hua opening their first present addressed to both of them from Lolli and Pops.

It was a wooden Nativity! So cool and fun to play with!

Then a very special couple of presents. They each received a wooden growth chart to hang on their bedroom walls, handmade by Pops! Joshua's has dinosaurs on it! He loved it!

Hua Hua's had Minnie Mouse and the Gang on it! She LOVES Minnie Mouse!

Hua Hua opening a gift! She is asking me, what is it????

Joshua received a Kinex Double Shot Rollercoaster from Santa!! He was excited about that!!

Matthew with a new Lego Kit. The boys love to work on Lego kits.

Christina with a gift card! What better gift for a teenage girl?? Go Santa! She sure looks cute in the morning.

A Lego/Dinosaur creation by Joshua. Both people are being eaten.....

Hua Hua put on that adorable Tutu sent to her by Mimi and wore it all day! She loved pushing her new dolly in the new dolly stroller!

Have I mentioned how much she likes to eat??? She LIKES to eat! She is always the first one at a table even if you are just starting a meal, LOL! Here she is, as she saw me setting the Christmas table, she was ready to eat!!

I know this picture is terrible quality, but I just had to add it. Hua Hua just looks so cute in her Panda Bear hat and Tutu Leotard and Christmas Bib.... :)

Merry Christmas From Our Family To Yours! May God Bless You!

Be Joyful today! What blessed news it is to know that our Lord was brought into this world to bring Peace! PEACE! That is something to be Joyful about!

Isaiah 9:6-7

For to us a child is born,
to us a son is given,
and the government will be on his shoulders.
And he will be called
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

Of the greatness of his government and peace
there will be no end.
He will reign on David’s throne
and over his kingdom,
establishing and upholding it
with justice and righteousness
from that time on and forever.
The zeal of the LORD Almighty
will accomplish this.

Do We Love Her Like Our Own?

Somebody recently said something to the effect that in light of Hua Hua's heart defect and the possibility that "if she does not pass this upcoming test", this test being this heart and lung catheterization that will determine whether or not she can move on to the life saving heart surgery she needs, that "at least she will have had precious time with us here, getting love that she would not have received at the orphanage in China".

It is clear that this person meant this with kindness and mercy in regard to our situation and please know that I do understand the sentiment they were attempting to convey! In fact for one split second, I almost agreed....almost....

I nodded, feeling somewhat defeated and downcast as we had just received this alarming report, and thanked this person as they walked away, however, something inside of me suddenly began to bubble forth with new power and silently bellowed:

"No, that is not right!"

And again, "No!" with growing indignation.

And then A LOT of indignation. Dare I admit it felt like the teenage boys who play basketball in our neighborhood might say, "awww h@ll no!"

Deep within me it was the "No!" of a parent whose child's life is on the line!

The "No!" of a mother bear protecting her cub!

The "No!" of a mother whose own FLESH AND BLOOD needs rescuing and that mom will fight to the end to see it happen!

When I peered deeply into the meaning of the sentiment the person attempting comfort conveyed, It felt as if it would apply to how you MIGHT expect a parent to feel about an ADOPTED child. As if just a few years, or ever 6 or 7 years, or even the more "hopeful" 14 or 15 years, with her would be enough because she was not our actual flesh and blood and at least she would have that much more than nothing. Well it is true it may be more than she would have had in the first place, but you see..... WE can't imagine NOT having her forever! For the FULL ride!! She MUST be here with us and the thought of her not being here is unimaginable!

Can you imagine losing any of your children? Your 3 year old? Your 8 year old? Your teen? I think not! We are as attached to her now as we are our very own little tummy grown munchkins who run around this house causing havoc, and we certainly will be just as attached if not more so in 3 years or in 10 years.

How is adopting our Katie Grace Hua Hua like having our own child? Well, let me share our birth story!........

Planning a child - After much prayer and discussion and research, we decided to adopt.

The road to Conception -1 and 1/2 years it took. It was a long and winding road through programs and agencies and waiting and waiting for a referral for a child.

We're Expecting a girl!! - We received a file and referral of a little girl, 2 1/2 years old, sweet and shy with a heart defect. Our joy was overwhelming!!!

"You have a "glow" about you!" - You go around planning every detail, clothing, room, toy, imagining your future together and all that goes with it, and you just glow with anticipation!

Gestation - Our "gestation" was another year and we worked so hard to accomplish every detail to get to that day. Finally, we traveled around the world to bring her home!

Labor and Delivery - Our first day together was full of tears and fears. It was joyful, intense and painful. She cried and cried off and on all day and I held her. We were afraid and ecstatic all at once.

Those first weeks home - Our first weeks home from the orphanage were exhausting with not enough sleep. Crying, clinging, insecure child. Learning to communicate and what to feed.

Those first weeks home were also wonderful as you study this new little person - We played and hugged and kissed and sang and danced and learned to know each other.

After a couple months you settle and are back to work - Back to work part time for me, missing my new little one, calling to check in frequently. Happy the siblings love to play together.

So here we are 4 months home with our new daughter! She is not 4 months old however, she is 3 years old. But we love her just like you love your 4 month old biological birth daughter after coming home and getting to know that precious face. She did not come out of my belly, but I birthed her in my heart and mind and she came to us through hard labor. We love her and will fight for her health and for her to be with us.

AND just a disclaimer, I hold NOTHING against the person who made the comment meant to comfort. That was meant in sincere kindness. This was all for ME! For me to build my strength for the fight and know God has a good plan, a plan to heal and strengthen!

I don't want to just imagine that she came home just to get a few years of love. I don't believe that is God's will. I refuse to believe it. I believe He wills for health and life and family and future and that is what I am standing on today for our daughter! I want her to live a full life just like any parent wants their child to live a full life!

UPDATE on Hua Hua's Heart and late coming Thanksgiving Pics!

So you may have noticed that the date for Katie Grace Hua Hua's Lung and Heart Catheterization Surgery was to be on Dec 14th which was to determine if she would be able to have the heart surgery she needs. We went into the Hospital on the 13th for her pre-surgery work up and the Cardio surgeon decided that we would postpone the catheterization for 3-4 weeks due to the fact that KG recently had a cough and cold. She had just gotten over it and was free from coughing but he said that if there was any remaining inflammation in the lungs due to the cough, that could cause complications. He wanted her to have at least 3-4 weeks free of a cold. We of course want to do what will be best but it is hard to wait to find out if she is going to have the life saving surgery she needs! Please pray that she will stay well for the next 3 weeks because these kids keep bringing home colds and it is really getting frustrating!

This Dr was not the same Dr we saw originally. This Dr is the director of the entire Cardio unit at AHP and specializes in Pediatric cardio care. He had more positive words and outlook for us and we felt encouraged by our visit. He felt she may indeed be a candidate for the surgery she needs, but of course we won't know for sure until the cath. God is so good though and has a good plan for her life!

One unfortunate part is that the Dr believes they detected yet a 3rd heart defect on her cardio echo sonogram. So for you "heart" parents, in addition to her VSD and PFO, he believe there may also be an ASD. The ASD though, can also be closed in surgery as well if she can have the surgery, so it is correctable, so that is a positive within the negative.

Sorry, I am so behind on blogging, but here are are a few fun pics from Thanksgiving!

Joshua and his classmates worked hard on studying American Indians and making costumes for their Thanksgiving presentation.

Joshua insisted, the night before the celebration, that I "dress as a Pilgrim", LOL! Well, I had no Pilgrim clothes so thankfully his teacher had a spare bonnet for me to borrow!

Hua Hua excited to share in the feast with the kids at school!

Just a cute pic of Hua Hua having a doughnut at church! So sweet is she!

Thanksgiving at Jacob's parents lake house is such a special time! The kids loved every minute!! Katie Grace loved her first bite of fried turkey (Pop"s style) and all of the fixins!