The last few months have simply flown by! Spring is here at last! As the flowers are beginning to grow and blossom so is our precious little Holly. She can say mama, dada, and attempts to say amen (aaaaay) and thank you. She has twelve teeth now and loves to eat. Holly is a sweet and loving baby. She is also strong willed and has quite a temper especially when she doesn’t get what she wants when she wants it. She had always slept in a bed with her foster family so it was a tremendous step forward when she started sleeping alone in her crib. It gave mommy and daddy some much needed rest. She does not sleep through the night yet but is waking up less frequently now. She started walking on February 10th. Now she is not just walking but running as well (because her little legs are so short she swings her arms to give her extra momentum). She has a good sense of balance and attempts to do anything and everything that Hannah does including somersaults. The sister bond between Holly and Hannah is really starting to blossom as well. There were quite a few jealousy issues to overcome with both girls after we arrived home from Guatemala. At first whenever we would introduce Holly to other people Hannah would tell them "my name is Hannah and this is Holly my friend". Now she very protectively says "this is my sister Holly". They are actually spending more time each day playing together. It is our continued prayer that both of our girls will continue to grow closer and love each other not only as sisters but as best friends.
At the end of February we took both girls on a road trip to Fort Jackson, South Carolina. Holly was able to meet her other big brother, Ben for the very first time. Ben was excited to finally meet his new little sister! Both girls had a wonderful time at the Family Day festivities and got the opportunity to watch their big brother graduate from basic training in the army.
Holly was seen by the pediatric cardiologist in February. He confirmed the PDA diagnosis given by the Guatemalan cardiologist and referred her to a specialists at St. Louis Children’s hospital. On April 1st we traveled to the hospital where more cardiac tests were done and the following day Holly’s PDA was successfully repaired in the heart catheter lab. A permanent device was place inside the arteries to close the opening and stop the excessive blood flow to her lungs. No further treatment will be required and no future problems are expected. She no longer has excessive sweating or the rapid breathing problems. She is doing great! Praise the Lord!!! God is so very very good!!
The journey to bringing Holly home was long, discouraging and often filled with many unusual obstacles along the way. God is faithful and always on time!! We thank the Lord for allowing us the privilege of being Holly and Hannah’s parents!! They have already brought us immense joy!! We love them both very much and are blessed beyond measure!! It is our prayer that the Lord will use both of these special little girls in a mighty way!! Thank you for following along with us and sharing our joy!! It is our prayer that all will come to know and serve the Lord Jesus Christ, the true meaning and purpose of life!! Be blessed and be a blessing!!
Love,
Ann, Tracy, Hannah & Holly
Proud big brother
Having fun coloring Easter eggs
Looks like another long road trip
I am so happy to be leaving the hospital
Sleeping angel
To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven: Ecclesiastes 3:1
