Visit with Michelle

I wrote in a previous post that the directors of NLCH, Kendon and Wendy Wheeler, were bringing Michelle to the U.S. for genetic testing. Yesterday we were able eat lunch and visit for a few hours with them in Lubbock (two hours from where we live in Midland). It was so great to see them! I didn't realize just how much I missed Kendon and Wendy until I saw them yesterday. They are amazing people and I am so blessed to have them in my life. I wish it was as easy as yesterday to get to see them!

Michelle is as precious and adorable as ever but I must admit that I was shocked to see her. She had grown as far as maturity and development but her size seemed even smaller than I remembered. I always knew she was very tiny but I guess being around her everyday in Guatemala and not having a baby of our own, it didn't really sink in how serious her growth issues really are. I just thought of her as cute and tiny.

At 19 months she is much smaller than three month old Ethan and that was heartbreaking. I am used to our 12+ pound son so when I held her in my arms, her 8 pound 10 ounce body felt like I wasn't holding anything. I am once again reminded of what a miracle she is. She crawls at rapid speed and walks holding onto a rolling car toy. She is happy and into everything -- opening cabinets, playing with toys, etc. -- and is just full of energy. I am amazed that she is so healthy -- no colds or illness besides a brief time of stomach issues since her arrival at NLCH almost a year ago. That is amazing considering she lives in close contact with so many other children. Kendon and Wendy take such good care of her and have brought much joy to her life as she has also done for them and everyone she comes in contact with.

They have an appointment with the doctor on Tuesday. I pray for the doctor's wisdom, that Kendon and Wendy will finally have a definitive diagnosis, know how to proceed with her care, and possibly be given a good idea of her prognosis.