1st time seeing Christmas Lights

Seeing the way Maya's eyes lit up with seeing decorations, lights, Christmas trees was so amazing and emotional to see. Just to think this time last year she had just newly moved from the orphanage to her foster home. I don't have any knowledge of what took place and how they celebrated, if they even did. She was enthralled with the lights and overjoyed everytime we pointed out lights on the way to church. Teaching her the meaning of Christmas and having her here is such an amazing blessing. Last year it felt as if our family wasn't all together as we felt called to adopt and knew our daughter was out there somewhere and now a year later to have our bundle of energy here with us is so amazing.

No slowin' down

We are now almost 2 weeks out from surgery. Maya is doing very well and has even learned how to walk, run, climb, and jump with the full leg cast. We had a rough first week with pain management but that seems to be behind us. Keeping her down and her foot elevated wasn't exactly easy to do with her activity level. Now we only hope and pray the cast lasts until the 14th when they put on the new cast. Her activity level is such that the bottom of her cast is falling apart. I think I have had a harder time adjusting to the full leg cast than her. It is difficult to carry her and it is difficult to dress her and bathe her. Jan. 20th is the date she gets the final cast off!!! Oh, what a day that will be!!!! I am not sure who will be more excited her or me?!?!?

I added a few pics we took when we first got her out of recovery. Sleeping peacefully with pain meds and an epidural still in effect.

Surgery

Surgery is tomorrow morning at 7:30. We have to check in at Children's at 6:15 so we will be leaving at 4:20 to head to Seattle. I am hoping Maya stays asleep so she is a bit rested. I am fighting a bit of anxiety of the whole surgery thing, but ultimately know God is in control. We went to Children's today for an appt., removal of the cast and x-rays. Maya was so elated to have her cast off - very proud and showing everyone. The first thing she asked for when we got home was a bath. So she had a very long bath and played and was so overjoyed. A reminder that it is the simple things in life that bring joy. Seeing her laughing and so full of joy - what a blessing for such a beautiful daughter. 3 beautiful daughters we have - wow I am in awe of what God has given us.

Psalm 57:10 - For great is your love, reaching to the heavens, your faithfulness reaches to the skies.

Psalm 126:3 - The Lord has done great things for us, and we are filled with joy.

Surgery is scheduled

Next week Maya will have surgery to lengthen her achilles tendon. This will allow the final correction of her foot. We have almost 10 weeks of casting left and then 2 years of night bracing. We are glad to have Dr. Mosca as the surgeon as we completely trust him in the care of our daughter.