Getting ready for school

We have a tradition of buying the kid's school supplies and then wrapping them up and hiding them a few days before school starts. The boys are getting a little old for this, so this year they got to go with me to purchase the supplies and wrap and hide them for their sisters. I think everyone had fun!

Gabi liked her puppy folder the best.

Jeremiah and our neighbor getting a project organized.

Homecoming Pictures

First Day at Home

The day was hard for me (Gerri), but Gabriela is thriving. She is walking as she can and playing for short amounts of time before she lays down (on the floor or wherever) to rest a bit. Her fever is gone, no shortness of breath and her lips are a beautiful pink color! She has a great appetite, so hopefully that will help her gain some weight back. She is back to signing and trying to speak normally, except her voice is still pretty hoarse. She isn't quite as smiley as she was, but she grinned big when she saw her siblings last night. She slept for 12 hours in her bed without waking up and I slept a solid night too. This morning was tough trying to keep her from overdoing it or getting bumped (she is on sternum precautions for 6 weeks). Thankfully David was able to come home from work early to help out. I can't imagine how I would have made dinner tonight, so I am extremely grateful for the meal that was provided to us. Thank you! I've got a few ideas of how to make tomorrow go more smoothly. I'm sure each day will get easier as I get rested and organized and she get stronger. I'll post some pictures tomorrow after another night of sleep!

Going Home!

It is a little early to be going home, but we all agree (including doctors!) that this seems best for Gabi. She is most secure at home and she will get better rest where her food and surroundings are most familiar. She is taking a nap while the final details and tests are completed. We will likely make it home before bedtime tonight!

We can't say enough about the excellent care we received while we were here at the University of Minnesota, Amplatz Children's Hospital. We were so blessed by all the experience and expertise of the surgeons, doctors, nurses and other staff (especially the International Adoption Clinic). We thank God for His great provision of it all (this hospital just opened in April...perfect timing for us...as with everything else in this adoption journey).

We are thrilled to be past (hopefully) this big step in Gabriela's life. We are ready to settle down for a while. We truly thank you all for your prayer and support. The meals have been such a gift and your encouragement means so much to us. Thank you Grandpa and Yaya for spending the week (Happy Anniversary by the way!) with our other kids and for driving them back and forth daily to see us. We knew that this adoption would be way beyond our means in every way and that if God was leading us to move forward with it that He would need to provide in huge ways. There is absolutely no doubt about it...He did! We are filled with joy that our little girl is coming home!

One of the pictures from our recent photo shoot with Viveria Photography. (viveriaphotography.com)

Monday

We didn't have a good night of sleep (her IV was loud and troublesome), but Gabi still woke up this morning to eat some cheerios and sit up. She seems emotionally down and insecure, which I am sure is expected, but I am hopeful that getting her home will be the best medicine for her. We are waiting for the doctors to round now (it's a little later on this floor) so that we will know what the plan is for today.

Gabriela's BIG day!

Gabi had a very busy day today. She remained stable and was able to remove most of her medical accessories. She did so well with everything that she was moved to a regular medical/surgical floor late this afternoon. She was also able to have her cousins visit this evening (only siblings are allowed in the ICU) and now she will only have to be awakened for assessments approx. every 4 hours. If she continues to progress this well tomorrow we might be home sooner than we think.

Here are some photos of Gabi's great day:

She played with YaYa.

She got her chest tubes removed. Ouch!

(The man is Dr. St. Louis. He's the surgeon God used to reconstruct Gabi's heart.)

She ate some ice cream. Yum!

She got up out of bed.

(She should have gotten an award for the biggest rat's nest of hair on the back of her head!)

She took a few steps. (A huge accomplishment!)

She played with Mama.

She sat up to watch some football with Papa. (Her new room has a huge T.V.)

She's sleeping now.

One Tired Mama

Thanks, God, for Gerri and her love for Gabi. 24/7. What a woman!