Surgery Update

We met with Lydia's surgeon and she has a fistula (hole) in her palate. We already knew because you can see it in her mouth, but he explained that unless it causes issues with speech or eating they will just leave it for now and fix it when she's older. Before the surgery her palate was completely open, now there's just a hole in the middle with most of it closed. We're a little disappointed but it is what it is.

Typically fistulas happen because there isn't enough skin to close the palate. When she's older they will take some from the inside of her cheek. The surgeon had already mentioned that she would probably need her lip revised to remove some of the scarring so unless there's a reason to do it earlier he will do her lip and fistula when she's older.

Then and Now

Adopting Gabby has brought so many wonderful people into our life. We met Stacey and Dave at our adoptive parenting class as they were waiting to bring home Harper from China in 2005.  They traveled with Denise and Steve who were bringing home Audrey at the same time. We happened to meet them at a Little Gym class.  Since then this little trio of girls have been fast friends and our families have become each other's extended family.  Tonight it was Gabby's turn to host the sleepover and as I snapped pictures, I couldn't help but remember one of their first posed photos so long ago in the same spot in our house. 



Gabby and her friends Audrey and Harper (aka The China Girls) during one of their first summer playdates. Still in diapers, sippy cups and princess outfits.

Now they are first graders, watching Barbie "A Fashion Fairytale" movie and big enough for sleepovers. Long hair, missing teeth, but still dressed up in princess outfits within 10 minutes of arrival.

How quickly they grow up.  How lucky we are to have such beautiful, amazing girls as our daughters.