We should be getting used to this by now.

Hospital stays. We were hoping 2015 would be clear of them, instead, we're starting out with one.

Elsie has had scabs lingering on her head since surgery. Three month old scabs don't look good and they don't smell pleasant. The doctors in Florida told us that as long as there was no redness or secretions or a strong change in odor, we should just let them fall off naturally. Well, Sunday afternoon came a putrid odor. Monday's call to Florida along with pictures we sent presented us with two options: fly to Orlando or take her to the ER to remove the scabs.  While Elsie might appreciate the warmth, flying south wasn't a true option. 

I was hopeful the ER docs could take care of it this morning. They couldn't. I was hopeful they'd say come back tomorrow when she hasn't eaten. They didn't. Instead they said, "we need to admit her." "We need to run intravenous antibiotics before we remove the scabs." And "we need to do an MRI in order to make a plan."  So here we are, spending at least one night, and who knows how many more, in the hospital. The foul odor and discharge indicate infection, which is not good. 

Pray we both get sleep tonight. Pray they can get some good info from her MRI tomorrow morning. Pray they make a wise and speedy plan to Elsie's recovery and discharge. We'll keep you updated. 

E x 2 update

Emma

Is my little eager preschooler! We started official homeschool this day. Which means that I now have a purpose and a plan. (Thank you, hubbardscupboard.org) She really is a model student. She hangs on every word I say. She's learning sight words and the handful of books she can now read will rapidly increase. Fine motor skills are not her strong suit. So she doesn't love to practice writing her letters, but she does like to write in her journal. 

She actually did...or maybe mommy did and she watched! 

She also loves to listen to stories, play hide and seek, play with friends and pretend! She likes to build.

And thanks to the Kuerig, she's our resident barista! 

Elsie

Is really doing well. She's as active as ever. She hasn't had any seizures since her surgeries. We're hoping that means her little brain is free of abnormal activity which is allowing her to make new connections. She's the one with the busy schedule, preschool four days a week and out patient therapies once a week. This week preschool will change to afternoon, which also means no more naps.  I think it'll be fine since they were sporadic anyway. I know I will miss their nap times far more than they will! 

Elsie is in constant motion. So I don't have lots posed pictures like I do of Emma. Here are a few. 

She did not like the snow that day. She lasted for fifteen minutes before she was crying because it was too cold.  She never cries. She really doesn't like the cold. 

She is always in pigtails and something is always in her mouth. It's usually her thumb, but it's actually anything she gets her hands on and wants to explore. It's a miracle she hasn't been more sick this winter.  Elsie loves to climb and run and slide. She loves to be thrown in the air or swung back and forth. She has an adorable laugh when she's tickled. She loves being chased. 

I am frantically trying to keep up with them. Thankfully, by God's grace, He gives me the energy I need for each day. 

2014 reflections

We began the year in Florida still unsure if we would return to East Asia.  We're ending the year happily settling into life in northern Ohio.

We began the year thinking we had Elsie's seizures controlled by medicine.  We're ending the year with three hospitalizations and three brain surguries behind us.  Now we're hoping they've stopped for good.

We began the year continuing our monthly visits with Grandma and Grandpa (Erika's parents), knowing our time in Florida was limited.  We're ending the year thankful for the opportunity to live with them for over two months.  Welcoming us and providing for us during our family's transition and Elsie's surgeries is a gift we always treasure and never forget.  It is hard to live so far from them now, but we are thankful they enjoy traveling. 

We began the year really far from Nana and Papa (Mark's parents). We're ending the year settling into life just a few hours drive from them. Knowing our family get togethers will be much more frequent than they have been in previous years somehow makes our visits more relaxed and enjoyable.  

We began the year missing our friends and family in East Asia.  We're ending the year missing them even more. We've spent most of our married life making a home and ministering on the other side of the ocean.  The relationships we built there were deep and strong.  We know that can and likely will happen again, but right now we can feel lost and alone as we continue to wade through the waters of transition.  

We began the year walking forward in faith.  We're ending the year doing the same.  God's grace has brought us this far; His grace will continue to lead us. We have so much to thank Him for. 

Christmas 2014

This season was filled with joy and wonder as our little ladies soaked up their second Christmas as Fertigs. 

Emma is thoroughly engaged when she listens to stories these days and almost daily this month she would ask me to tell the Christmas story.  I tried to be enthusiastic each time.  It is a beautiful wonder that God became man. 

Christmas Eve

Christmas Day (in our matching aprons that Nana made!) 

We are so incredibly blessed! Merry Christmas!!!! 

Happy Birthday, Bella!

Two years ago, we gathered with dear friends to celebrate the life of our foster daughter (on this blog, we called her Bella). We played games and ate cake, but also had a special moment to pray and to surrender her life to the Lord, to His purposes and plans for her.  

Bella, you are in our hearts forever and rarely far from our thoughts.  We are so thankful for the godly family Jesus chose for you. We love seeing pictures of your beautiful face and sweet smile! Happy Birthday, little one! We love you. 

Good news!

The curvature in Emma's spine hasn't changed from a year and a half ago.  We need to continue to monitor her growth process.  But for now, no treatment is necessary.  

We are breathing a sigh of relief and this family can rest and recoup for a while.  Praise the Lord!!! 

Pray for Emma today

It's 5 am and we're on the road again.  Just one week ago we left Florida to drive back to Ohio.  We've basically just started to feel settled at home.  This time it's not the whole family traveling, it's just Emma and I.  This time were riding, not driving.  This time we're not leaving for two months, we're just making a long trip in one day.

We're headed to the Shriners hospital in Chicago.  I know, another hospital visit when we've just been through so much with Elsie.  Today Emma has an appointment to see an orthopedic specialist.  It's our initial appointment so, I don't know much about this hospital yet.  I've just been told, "they take care of everything." Including transportation and money for lunch in the hospital cafeteria.  

You'd never know it from looking at her and watching her run and jump around, but our little lady has spina bifida, congenital abnormalities in her spine and spinal cord.  Last year we tackled the issue of her spinal cord...neurosurgery.  Today we begin to understand more of the issues with the bone structure of her spine...orthopedics.  She briefly saw an orthopedic surgeon while in the hospital last year.  He explained that the curvature of her spine needs to be monitored.  If it's too severe, her rib cage won't have enough capacity for the growth of her lungs.  Growth at her age is a slow and steady rate, so it hasn't been an ugent issue.  But it's also time to find out more.  

Again, please pray.  Pray that whatever the doctors have to tell us today, we would walk in faith and trust that God is good and providing for us.  Pray that her spine is growing straight enough and no major surgery is necessary.  Pray that even though this is another hospital and another big appointment, that we'd still be able to rest and enjoy this day.  And pray for Mark as he's home with Elsie all day!