RSV (Rotten Stinky Virus)

First of all let me apologize upfront that this is a novel of a post. This blog is my way of journaling our adventures and if I don’t write down every detail, I will forget.

Yowzers, wowzers! What a whirlwind of a week it has been, and it's only Wednesday. Actually the whirlwind started Saturday, December 29th. Liam had been coughing and had a runny nose for a few days. On Saturday the 29th he just didn't look good and was also running a fever. It was around 8pm when I called the pediatrician's office hoping their night clinic was still open. Lucky for Liam it was and I quickly took him in. (Oh how I love my peds office for their extended hours and night and weekend clinic.) Dr. B suspected that he had pneumonia and an ear infection. Home health care delivered a nebulizer that night and our orders to help him feel better were breathing treatments and a daily dose of antibiotics for the ear infection. She also wanted me to take him up to the hospital on Sunday to get a viral panel to test for RSV. He needed his G-tube button to be changed out anyway because it was leaking so we were going to kill 2 birds with one stone. Since he wasn't feeling very well, he wasn't drinking or eating and was throwing up after he would have his continuous night feeds. I was worried and knew he needed something in his belly, so on Friday I did a bolus (syringe) feeding and immediately after, the Pediasure was leaking directly from his belly/button. At first I thought it was a fluky thing but when Dr. B pulled up his shirt to do his exam on Saturday, his onesie was soaked. At this point my Sunday was looking a little busy!

When Liam got his G-tube we were told that if we ever had problems we could come to the gastroentology clinic at the hospital and they could help us. Of course with it being Sunday, no one was around. My only other option was to go to the emergency room. Once we got there they were thinking that it wasn't necessarily an urgent matter, so the RTU unit could help. They moved us to RTU, we waited, and then we were told by RTU that because he wasn't feeling well, we needed to go back to the emergency room and wait for someone to help. In the meantime we had already had the nose swab done or the viral panel to test for RSV so I was hoping that by the time we waited, we would know the results. We waited quite some time when finally a doctor came in and said "Are we treating your son for his illness? Are you aware that he isn't feeling well?" Me: "Yes doctor I am aware that he is ill. We had just seen his pediatrician last night and he is being treated with antibiotics and breathing treatments. What we are here for is his G-tube. It's leaking and it needs to be replaced. I have the kit right here; it just needs to be switched out." Dr.: "I don't know if I feel comfortable changing it out." Me: "Well if you don't and his pediatrician doesn't then who can do it?" Dr.: "You may have to come back tomorrow when the gastroentology clinic is staffed and you have them do it." Me: "It needs to be done today, he cannot eat if it is not replaced and he needs the nutrition." Dr.:"OK, let me just take a look and see. Maybe the balloon inside is leaking. I'll draw the water from it and see how much I get." He draws the water and all 4 cc's came out. Dr.: "Hmmm. Let's put the water back in and see if the balloon holds it." He fills it with water and leaves the syringe attached as he continues to talk to me. All of the sudden, plop, the whole G-tube falls out. Me: "Well it looks like you have to do it now. You just need to lube it up and it should just slide back in." He does it with my help and plop, it goes back in. He fills it with water and immediately it looked better and tighter. 4 hours later both missions were accomplished, G-tube fixed and viral panel results came back. Liam tested positive for RSV!

After a couple of days of breathing treatments and meds, Liam was perking right up. He was eating again, and was definitely on the mend. I always worry when Liam gets any sort of illness because he is so little and doesn't have much to lose so I felt very grateful that he was feeling better. I knew that it was pretty inevitable that Sara would get it but I was keeping my fingers crossed and hoped that if she did, she was healthy enough to fight it like Liam did. She did have a runny nose at the same time but nothing of concern. She was still her energetic little self and looked great otherwise so I wasn't worried. That was until she woke up with an odd rash on Monday, New Years Eve day. She has been very rashy since she has been home and of course she had that mysterious rash while we were in Ukraine. This time around, the rash was a little different, one that I had never seen before. I noticed it first on her face, but once I had undressed her, it was all over her body. The best way to describe it was little red freckles that would not blanch into skin if you pressed on them. I was a bit concerned and felt like I just needed to watch it. The next day was New Years Day so I knew that even if I wanted to, no one would be around for me to take her in. So on Wednesday I called the pediatrician AGAIN and made an appointment to come in later that day. I had done a little research of my own before we got there and the rash looked like a rash called "petechia". The doctor confirmed that it was indeed petechia but she said that she wasn't concerned if it was just on her face. (Petechia can be caused by straining, coughing, or crying hard.) When she undressed her and saw that it was all over, she said "I am really sorry but I need to send you up to Primary Children's Medical Center AGAIN to get some blood work done, including a blood cultural to see if it's anything bacterial." (Petechia is another rash that can also be a sign of the "L" word, leukemia.) I told Dr. B that I will always be a freak when Sara gets a rash and that I would much rather have her blood checked than not. I guess I will always be a bit nervous of the "L" word because of our experience in Ukraine and knowing that children with Down syndrome are at a higher risk. I immediately drove up to PCMC and had her blood drawn.

From past experience and blood draws I know that Sara's little veins are non existent. After an hour wait, 4 pokes, and a heal prick because they didn't get enough blood from a vein, we left, anticipating the results. I knew they would come quickly because the word "Stat" was written on the doctor's order. As I was leaving the hospital, Sara was very hungry and I did not come prepared with a bottle or food. I thought it was going to be a quick in and out. So we went to the cafeteria and I got her some mashed potatoes. We sat in the cafeteria for at least 30 minutes and just as I was walking out the door of the hospital, I get a phone call from the hospital. "Are you still here by chance? Sara's blood clotted and we need to do a redraw." My poor buggy needed to be poked again. I am so happy we hadn't left the hospital yet and luckily that's all it took was one more poke. About an hour later, the ped nurse called to say, "Her results came back and they were abnormal. I am not sure how to interpret them and Dr. B is busy but I am going to send another order because Dr. B wants these tests to be repeated on Friday." Abnormal?? Oh no! Please don't let it be the "L" word!

Friday could not come any sooner. I brought her back to PCMC and took her to the lab. This time they found a vein in her foot and got enough blood to do the tests. When I called the office an hour later, the results were pending and then the office was closed. I called on Saturday hoping that someone could tell me the results and they were still pending. Now I am usually an optimist but when the triage nurse said they were pending, I thought that maybe she was just saying this because she could see the results but didn't want to be to bearer of bad news. So now I had to wait the whole weekend to find out. But on Sunday Dr. B's nurse called because she happened to be working the weekend/night clinic and she also confirmed that not only were the tests pending, but they were cancelled. Oh boy, why were they cancelled? I called first thing Monday morning to find out why they were cancelled and once again her blood had clotted. Why they didn't call me back to let me know like they did on Wednesday I do not know. All I knew was that her blood work needed to be repeated a 4th time. While I was talking with Dr. B's nurse I also made an appointment to see the doctor because Sunday night Sara became very feverish and fussy, and did not look well. She told me to come in later that day but to make sure I go up to the hospital to get her blood work done before I come in. (Let’s hope third trip’s a charm.) So on Monday I went back up to PCMC to have her blood drawn AGAIN, this time waiting to make sure her blood did not clot. On top of this visit we also had other appointments this day. We even ran to Costco and Sara seemed OK. She did sleep a lot and I knew that she wasn't feeling great but I didn't worry knowing that she would soon see the doctor.

When we arrived at her appointment, Sara went downhill very quickly. Once we got into a room the nurse grabbed the oxygen saturation machine. Sara's saturation was in the 70's. Her temperature was 104 and her heart rate was 220. Let me just say I did not see this coming. She immediately interrupted Dr. B who was with another patient and warned me that she may have to be transported to the hospital by ambulance. Dr. B came in and started to give her oxygen then confirmed that yes; she needed to go back to Primary Children's. I was just there; too bad I didn't know we'd be staying! I wasn't sure why she needed to go by ambulance and why I couldn't just take her but I was told that because they administered oxygen she had to continue with it and she can get it in an ambulance but not in a car. Within minutes the ambulance arrived. In the meantime I had called Mark and asked him to come to the office to pick up Liam because he was not allowed to ride in the ambulance. I also called those who were looking after my other kiddos to make arrangements for them to keep them a little longer. I am so blessed to have such wonderful friends and family! Mark came very quickly then Sara and I were off! First time for me in an ambulance and hopefully the last! I was soooo car sick! I had a huge lump in my throat and I was doing everything I could to hold back the puke! Once we arrived at the hospital they evaluated her in the emergency room. Mark came and soon they moved her up to the 3rd floor. My parents drove up to see Sara too and my mom later stayed over to help with the kids. She’s taking care of them now thank goodness. She is my life saver!

That first night was rough! She wasn't responding as well with the amount of oxygen they were giving her and her respiratory rate was really high. Her heart rate was still high and she was working really hard to breathe (retracting in 3 different spots), plus her temperature would peak back up to 103-104. No sleep for baby or mama that night and in the morning which came too quick, several doctors came in to say that they were going to start IV fluids in hopes that it would help. No sooner did the IV team come to set her IV, which took a couple of attempts because her veins were now “flat and dry” did the doctors come back and say that Sara needed to be transferred the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU). They didn't want to wait for fluids and said she needed "high flow" oxygen which could only be given in the PICU. Less than an hour later she was moved downstairs. Room/curtain 28 was full of nurses and doctors, just waiting for her arrival. I must say it was a bit overwhelming but I just sat back and took in as much as I could. Mark arrived shortly after we got there and I could tell by the look on his face that he was a little overwhelmed by all of the people too. It was like a circus car, yet a tiny room filled with as many people as possible. Once she got hooked up we had several doctors come back to explain what the plan was. We also got the results from her virus panel and surprise, surprise, it came back positive for RSV.

More oxygen (8 liters) was the key to her recovery and we were told that some kids bounce back very quickly after the high flow oxygen and she could possibly go home within a day, being sent home with oxygen. I was really hoping this was the plan and really thought she'd be here a day then we'd go home. No such luck! Little Sara is still retracting, still has a temperature and still has a high respiratory and heart rate. They have since placed a feeding tube so she can get some nutrition and because of her fever, they are giving her a strong antibiotic. She has had more blood work done and they had to place a catheter to collect a urine sample. Owie! They are sure she has an ear infection but her ear canals are so tiny and "curly" that no one can get a good look to confirm. If it is an ear infection or any other infection, the antibiotic should kill it pretty quickly. More and more we are getting health lessons on Down syndrome and one of the things we have learned besides the small ear canals is that children with Ds have small airways and passages. So because of this, viruses like RSV knock them down a little harder than most "typical" children. Heart problems can also play a significant role to their recovery but we can count our lucky stars that Sara has a pretty healthy heart. She's going to keep fighting this ugly virus. Day by day she shows some signs of improvement and her spunky, energetic little self is shining through. I must say she is beautiful even when she is draped with cords, has tape and sticky goo all over her face, and has tubes sticking out of her nose. Sick or not, she looks like an angel! I look at her sweet face and feel so blessed that she is mine. I feel so grateful that we can be by her side and comfort her during this time. I feel so lucky to have access to such wonderful health care. She is where she needs to be and even though we'll probably be here a few more days, we're willing to do whatever it takes to make our sweet baby happy and healthy. On a positive note, her blood work from the other day came back with no abnormalities. We're still waiting on today's results but hopefully all is well. So far we are clear of the "L" word now we just need to get rid of the "R" word! Although this Rotten Stinky Virus has hit us hard, we still have so much to be grateful for. Big thanks to all who have supported us in any way. We appreciate the help with kids, offers for meals and childcare, prayers, texts, phone calls and comments. “Love is all around me, I feel it in my toes!” I am sure Sara feels it too, so much that she wants to eat her toes, ha ha! (She is soooo flexible!)

*I really wanted to post pics but unfortunately I have terrible reception inside the hospital and I cannot upload any. I will post as soon as I can! Her cuteness is too much!!

Say It Ain't So

I am trying to understand why anyone would sign a bill to stop children from being adopted. An anonymous person left a comment on my blog stating. "I'm giving Russia the benefit of the doubt - they're taking legitimate steps to reform child welfare and protect their littlest and most vulnerable citizens! Russia does not HAVE to allow Americans to adopt their kids; it's a PRIVILEGE not a right. The USA has had ample warning this was in the pipeline!"

WHAT? Are you kidding me anonymous blogger. Protecting their littlest and most vulnerable citizens? Children are dying! Many who age out of the system take to the streets, become homeless, get involved in drugs and prostitution, then commit suicide because they have no protection! Children with special needs are placed in adult mental institutions when they reach the age of 4 or 5. What kind of protection are they given? They have to fend for themselves, and many die within in a year of being in an institution. You are right anonymous blogger, it is a privilege to adopt a child from another country including Russia, but if people were adopting their own children, protecting their most vulnerable citizens, we wouldn't be in this pickle now would we?

Just say it ain't so. Why is anyone denying children like Sara to have a family? Oh my heart is so heavy with sadness, confusion, and empathy. I especially feel heartbroken for those I know personally who may not get to see the light at the end of their adoption tunnel. I am still holding on to hope and trust that there is a greater plan. I trust that more good will come of this decision and somehow, some way these children and families will have what they have always dreamed of. My love for Sara is no different than the love I have for my other children. She was not born of my flesh but she was born of my heart! She would have been locked away in an adult instituition with no chance of survival and now she has a chance to live the life that she deserves. I am grateful that her country allowed us to adopt her. Tears for the many children who could have had the same chance but now can't. I pray that something will change. It has to! I pray that other families can feel the same blessings and have the privilege to adopt from afar! I will continue to pray that hearts will still be softened. Sara has blessed our lives in so many ways! How can you not look at this little face and deny that she is loved, chosen, and cherished? Please Lord, let others have the chance to feel the same.

Prayers For Putin

As you all know, I have a special place in my heart for adoption. Two of my most favorite people came into my life through adoption. Reece's Rainbow, the organization that advocates for children like my Sara has found homes for over 900 children. If it wasn't for this organization and the inspiration of many, we would have never found our lost princess. There are many children who are listed on Reece's Rainbow, many who live in Russia. These children are only a small number in comparison to the total number of orphans in Russia. In the past 20 years over 60,000 children from Russia alone, have been adopted by Americans. Putin, Russia's leader is about to sign a bill that will stop Americans from adopting from Russia. This bill has already passed, it just needs Putin's signature. He has been quoted as saying, "There is no reason not to sign." If this passes many, many children who would have had a chance, will be locked away. They will never know the love of a family. We have close friends right here in Utah who will be affected, many who have already met their child. Can you imagine meeting a child who you already consider your own, telling them and promising them that you are coming back, then not being able to follow through with that promise? It breaks my heart to think that this could happen. All because of a man and his tough guy "I'll show you" ego.

 

The adoption process is a long and complicated one. Many, many hours and tears are spent along the way, not to mention the money. In Russia it's even more complicated requiring 3-4 trips before you can bring your child home. Right now 46 children in Russia have already met their parents and the process to bring them home is almost complete. What a sad day it will be when they are told that they cannot go home! This number doesn't even count for the ones who have started the process and have committed to a child, possibly even met them too. Even though we only knew Sara from a picture, we knew that she was our daughter. Many others have done the same, they have seen a photograph and know that the child they see is the "one" and they are working hard to bring that child home. Or there are those like our friends, who have taken a huge leap of faith and have gone to Russia on a blind referral. Meaning they didn't know who they were going to meet or commit to until they got there. They never saw a pic, had no idea about this child but after meeting them, they know that this child is meant to be part of their family. It just doesn't make any sense that anyone would want this to stop. It's another situation when sweet, innocent children, thousands in this case, have to suffer because of the actions of one single coward. It's times like this when I feel hopeless. Like many, I want to help but don't know what I can do. Then I am reminded that the power of prayer is amazing! There IS something I can do and so can you. We can pray. Pray that Putin's heart will be softened and that he will think with his heart and not with his ego. Pray that these children will not suffer because of a silly political move. Pray that whatever the outcome may be, we will have an understanding and be able to accept why. Help us bridge the divide."The children must come first." For most kids in Russia because their own people do not adopt (especially children with special needs), we are their only hope. Some may aruge that children have died in American's care. But let me quote this fact from a friend, "In 20 years, 19 kids who were adopted from Russia have died in the US. 19 out of 60,000 adopted. More than that died in Russian institutions yesterday!!" Please share and pray. Everyone deserves the blessing of a family! These children don't have a voice, let us be their voice!

 

These Are A Few Of My Favorite Things!

If there is one thing I really miss about being in Ukraine, it's the time that I had to blog. It was really nice to be able to come back to the apartment with nothing else to do but blog. Life with 4 kids was busy and although I can honestly say that having one more isn't that much busier, blogging is always the thing that gets put on the back burner. It's about the only thing that's been on the burner lately, I haven't cooked a decent meal for my family in a while. So maybe I am busier than I thought, ha ha! Anyway, I have a lot of catch up to do blog post wise but in the meantime I am going to post any recent news, while I can. It's a bit overwhelming to play catch up on past events ( I still haven't posted pics or videos of our arrival home) so to save myself from more trouble, I shall write even if there are big gaps in our timeline. 

It is now 1:30 am on December 26th. Christmas has come and gone! Happy Christmas! We spent the day lounging in our jammies and did a little bit of nothing. Nothing if you don't count opening presents, eating breakfast, watching movies, playing with toys, taking naps, and having Christmas dinner. It was my kind of Christmas day. My parents moved to Midway this time last year. It's only an hour or so away but it requires driving up and down a canyon. For the past 10 years or so it has been a tradition that they come to our home for breakfast so this year we invited them to stay over night on Christmas Eve. I knew that they would enjoy being in our home to watch the children open presents. It has been a while since they have had small children. My mom and I figured out that the Christmas of 1995 was the last Christmas when we were all together but even then, we were older. My older brother and I both got married the following year. Anyway, they did come down and we all went to Temple Square to see the lights. It was snowing and the lights and the snow just glistened and glimmered. It was so beautiful and very magical! We even saw Santa Clause, the real deal! At one point my dad stopped to look at the temple and said that is wasn't very long ago when we were all inside having Liam, then Sara sealed to us. It was nice to stop for a minute and ponder the special events that have taken place this year. My heart was full of so much love for the temple and the memories we have there. It is a very special place and it has been a very special year for us! I am so happy that my parents, Mark's mum and brother were able to share these special moments with us.

All day long I couldn't help but hold Sara close to me, giving her lots of loves and kisses. I was filled with so much joy that she is here, part of our lives, part of our family. (It's still a bit surreal.)  Although technically this was her 2nd Christmas, I considered it her first. It was her first Christmas to experience the love and laughter, the warmth and feel of a home. She got many, many things as did my other children and I loved knowing that she deserves every little bit and more. In Ukraine they do not celebrate Christmas until January 7th, but even then I wonder if it is a special day for the babies who lay in an orphanage or if it is a day no different than the others. I am just grateful that Sara will now know that Christmas IS a special time of year! All day long Liam kept coming up to me giving me the biggest squeezes! I kept whispering to him too that he is loved and cherished. This was his 3rd Christmas with us but his first as an official Lutkin. As I watched and cuddled all of my children, I felt an overwhelming sense of peace and gratitude for the opportunity I have to be a mother. I got a small glimpse of how Mary must have felt becoming a mother, the joy she must have felt as she looked down at her son, the Son of God. The Savior and my family are my greatest gifts! I have been blessed!

It broke my heart today as Kate and Beck learned that our "Elf" was going back to the North Pole. I allowed them both to hold him and give him a hug (before now they were not allowed to touch him or he would lose his magic). I figured since he was on his way back home, it wouldn't hurt. Kate was sobbing and saying that she loved him and was going to miss him. I have to admit, it made me cry. The magic of Christmas seems to pass so quickly and I too do not want it to end. I know that we can and should carry the spirit of Christmas in our hearts every day, but there is something special about Christmas day and the children with their sweet spirits on this day. I assured them that "Will Jingles" would be back next year and Beck said, "That's not very long, a year goes by fast Kate." Oh boy, did that just break my heart to know that he too notices that time just flies by! I want moments like today to last forever. I want my children to stay children forever! It's moments like today when Kate said, "This is the best Christmas ever!" that you wish would never end. It really was a great day!

There are so many pics that I want to post from today, but they'll have to come later, in a separate post. Instead I will post pics that we took on Sunday after church. It was a very frustrating photo op, trying to get everyone to smile and look at the camera at the same time. We originally took them outside but it was a bit chilly so there were not many smiles at all. I finally just sat them down on the couch and snapped away. It was still difficult to get everyone to look at the camera but you get what you get and you don't throw a fit, right? Mark assured me that one day they will all cooperate but today is not the day and for now we just need to do individual shots. More and more I am realizing that I just need to lower my expectations. They're all blog worthy pics regardless so enjoy. Mark, Cole, Beck, Kate, Liam, and Sara, these are a few of my favorite things!

 By the time we took Sara's individual pics inside, she was done. She even has her hands up to say, "I'm done, back away, no more." It may look like she's smiling, but she was fed up! Ha ha!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

"When the dog bites, when the bee stings, when I'm feeling sad. I simply remember my favorite things and then I don't feel so bad."

 

 

Happy Christmas and Merry New Year!

Takes My Breath Away

Definition for suffocating:

1. Die or cause to die from lack of air or inability to breathe.

2. Have or cause to have difficulty in breathing.

 

Now why on earth would I have the definition of "suffocating" to start a blog post? After reading this definition I have to wonder why am I still alive? Sounds crazy but when I think of all the sadness in the world, it is very suffocating. The orphan crisis, AIDS epidemic in Africa, child abuse, homelessness, domestic violence, starving children, shootings and killings, the list goes on. All of these things take my breath away.

 

After hearing and watching today's news about the shooting in CT, I cannot stop sobbing. I first heard of it just minutes before my kindergartner was about to get home from school. I couldn't help but hug him a little tighter when he stepped off the bus. No one ever expects to send their babies off to school and have them not return home. Unfortunately this happened today. 20 children did not come home from school today. 20 parents did not get to greet their child when they got home. 27 families have been changed forever. These news stories are stories that I shelter my own children from watching or hearing. I am so sad that these 600 plus children who attended this school were not offered that same protection. They lived this nightmare and my heart breaks for them. Over 600 children have witnessed firsthand the devastation of a coward.

 

I don't know why but when things like this happen little details swarm my head. I can't help but think that like me, many of these parents had probably finished their Christmas shopping. There are going to be many unopened presents this year and that thought just makes me tremble. I can't even fathom what these parents must be feeling. This holiday season will never be the same for these families. Ugh! I just pray that they will receive the peace needed to get them through this troubled time. I am reminded that although I am fearful, fear is the opposite of faith. I may not understand why these things happen but I have to trust that it's all in His plan. I also have to remember that there is still a lot of good in the world. One gift that I treasure is the gift of my Savior. His love can comfort, guide, and heal troubles hearts. I am so grateful for my own testimony of  Him and His love. Last night I had the opportunity to attend the Mormon Tabernacle Choir Christmas concert. As always, it was a night to remember and one of the verses of Hark the Herald Angels Sing sung by Alfie Boe is still echoing in my ear.

 

Hail the heav'n born Prince of Peace!

Hail the son of Righteousness!

Light and life to all He brings

Ris'n with healing in His wings

Mild He lays His glory by

Born that man no more may die

Born to raise the sons of earth

Born to give them second birth

Hark! The herald angels sing

"Glory to the newborn King!"

 

 

 

He lives! His birth and death allow us all to be saved and have eternal life. There is no doubt in my mind that these children who lost their lives today will live again. I look forward to the Second Coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and am sure that these beautiful children will be part of the angelic choir who will sing at His coming. They will rejoice and sing "Glory to the King!" I have a wish that God will speed His coming! I can't wait to have my breath taken away by something glorious and joyful! Prayers and hugs!

 

 

A Picture Speaks A Thousand Words

Over 7 months ago, on April 7th to be exact, I saw this picture. A baby girl who was a "Newly Listed Child" on the Reece's Rainbow website.

Her profile mentioned that there were additional photos, so I immediately requested them and received these pics.

She looked familiar and I couldn't help but wonder if she was the "one". I searched, pondered, and prayed and knew immediately that she was the one! My husband did the same and one month later, on May 7th, we committed to adopt this blue eyed beauty. Within days she was on the "My Family Found Me" page with Reece's Rainbow. Then soon our family profile was listed on the "New Commitments" page. It was official, we were about to embark on a unforgettable journey to bring this baby girl home.

During the next few months while we gathered paperwork, had our home study done, got letters of employment, mortgage and other financial statements, had background checks, fingerprints taken, visited our doctor, had many docs notarized then later apostilled, held several fundraisers, this little girl's picture sat on the kitchen window seal next to another picture frame that held a picture of my other children.

 

 

Her picture also sat on my bedside table.

 

 

Last December, we had a date night/Christmas dinner with some of our really close friends. One of our friend's sister owns a chain of retail stores and our friend is the retail director. They specialize in home decor and previously I had acquired from their store these cute little people who represent each member of our family.

 

 

Before we met that night I had asked if he had any more of the little girls left because I wanted one just in case we adopted another little girl. Luckily for me he did have another one and he brought it with him and gave it to me at dinner. I knew in my heart that there was another child for me, another angel who was meant to be mine, but Mark at this time wasn't so sure. In November I had even placed another little girl's picture on the fridge in hopes that maybe one day she would become part of our family. She was a beautiful little 3 year old girl named Irina. I even remember Mark questioning why I had him bring me another little metal girl because his exact words were always, "Stop looking, we are not doing this." I just laughed it off but somehow knew that we would be doing this one day and that this angel of mine would come through Reece's Rainbow. Next to Irina's picture on the fridge, now hung this little metal girl, waiting to be added to the family.

 

 

Unfortunately Irina was no longer available and her picture had come down off the fridge. But this little girl with a big heart, continued to hang. I anticipated adding her to the family wall and after we had committed to Sara, I knew my hopes would one day be realized. 

 

 

 

Today, this little girl now represents Sara. She is in the arms of her daddy! She is part of a family! She has three brothers and one sister who adore her. She has a mommy who knew all along that there was another little princess who would make her heart complete. Sara is that princess. She is no longer a photo that sits on a window seal. She is no longer a photo who sits on a bedside table. She is no longer a little metal girl who waits patiently on the fridge to be part of the family wall. She is part of OUR family, our little girl who is enjoying the blessings of having a home. She is one of the lucky ones!

 

 



It's very interesting to think that in November when my heart was captured by another little girl's photo, that November was the month that Sara was born. The Lord was preparing my heart even then! Now before I end I want to share a few more pictures.

 

 

  

 

 

 

This is Vytas. He too is listed on Reece's Rainbow. He is already 4 years old and is very close to possibly being transferred to an institution. I had the pleasure to meet him, hold him, kiss and hug him. Meeting him was a miracle in itself. It is worthy of it's own post which I will share at a later time. Before I had even met him and a couple others, I was committed to help them in any way I could. I knew that if I could get new pictures and meet these boys, I could make a difference. If you look closely I am glowing (sweaty) in these pictures. I was so flustered because I never thought that I would meet them so when I did, I was a hot mess. Anyway I was able to hold him and whisper to him that he is loved. I am hoping that some one's heart will be pricked by his photo and will want to rescue him and allow him to enjoy the blessings of a family. He is no different than you or me, all he needs is love! I don't want him to be just a picture, I want him to be chosen and cherished too! He deserves it! For this purpose I have become his Angel Tree Warrior with Reece's Rainbow. The purpose of the Angel Tree is to raise awareness and at least $1000 for these children between now and Christmas. Please join me and help me reach this goal for Vytas. I would love to see this amount even exceed the $1000. It is possible! For any donation to his fund over $35, you will receive an ornament from Reece's Rainbow with his picture on it plus you will receive the blessings of helping another little one find his family. Because really when it comes down to it, money is what stands in the way of many of these kids not finding homes. I have made a decision that instead of giving neighbor gifts at Christmas this year, I am going to donate the money that I would have spent, to Vytas' fund. Please consider doing the same. Or if you and your family have a tradition of giving to a great cause this holiday season, I can't think of a better cause. If you work for a company who is looking for a charitable cause, please send them to Reece's Rainbow and Vytas' fund. Together we can make a difference.

 

I have shared with you many photos and it has been said that a picture can speak a thousand words. Sara's picture spoke to me but even a thousand words cannot describe the love I have for her. I am still amazed that all we knew was a picture and now she is in our arms and in our home. Is it possible that Vytas' picture is speaking to you? His picture can literally speak $1000 words with your help. All you need to do is click on his pic at the top right of my blog, and it will direct you to his page where you can donate, it's that easy. And maybe his family is out there! I sure hope so! God bless!