The Rest of the Story

Isaiah 41:10 

So do not fear, for I am with you; 

do not be dismayed, for I am your God.

I will strengthen you and help you;

I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

So most of you know bits and pieces of what has been going on lately via Facebook. Here's a more complete picture.

The past month has been filled with making scheduling modifications with our work schedules; juggling my work schedule by finding people to cover for me and changing meetings; postponing and rescheduling Anellah's speech therapy; physical therapy; early intervention sessions, and other appointments (she has about 4 per week); and making other arrangements around Anellah's schedule. I also struggled with coming to terms with the fact that Anellah needs to have surgery and just kept thinking, "She has gone through so much before the age of three, what's the rest of her life going to look like? Will she be able to live a 'normal' life? Will she ever be able to care for a family of her own?" After some much needed quiet time with God at a Women's Retreat I was able to come to terms with these questions. I was READY for the surgery and READY for it to be over!!

Yesterday Daniel took Anellah to her "last" appointment prior to surgery- an MRI under anesthesia and a pre-op appointment. They were expected to be done by 11:30am. Due to ANOTHER error by their scheduling coordinator (I'd given her feedback before about scheduling problems she had caused) Anellah and Daniel were stuck at the hospital for 9 hours and Anellah had to be poked for blood 10 times. Finally, however, they were allowed to leave and told, "see you Monday." That was our first time discovering the surgery had been changed to Monday rather than Tuesday. After they left her bloodwork was reviewed and one of her thyroid levels was abnormally elevated. We were asked to return to the hospital to have the blood drawn AGAIN and if the level was accurate rather than a lab error, the surgery would be postponed.

This morning Anellah and I returned to the hospital to have her blood drawn again. This afternoon I received a call that her thyroid level was at a dangerous place and the surgery would not be performed until further notice. Basically I was devastated and overwhelmed.

But God DOES give strength to the weary, right? And He doesn't give us more than we can handle? So many times I have felt like if He gives me one more trial it will be too much but it's amazing how much more we can stretch than we think we can!

We are so thankful that Anellah is a good sport. Through everything she is happy and smiley. She is still learning and growing despite the fact that she shouldn't be able to based on her thyroid levels being so off and her brain being out of room to grow. But maybe that's one of the miracles God is performing in her life.

Here's an example of Anellah's attitude.

The Marathon

Here's a post courtesy of Daniel. I'll add a couple photos tonight.

Life is still a whirlwind.  But there is a lot of positive news to go along with the usual ongoing difficulties.  Anellah has her leg braces and LOVES her "dinosaur legs".  She is continuing to flourish, grow and be generally happy.  And we are all still alive, employeed and have a roof over our heads.

Adoption Update: Anellah's mother has relinquished her rights as a parent to Anellah.  It appears as though now there are no possible large obstacles for adoption.

Surgery: Anellah has an MRI scheduled for October 5th and the surgery on October 11th.  This will require a week long stay at the hospital and a week or two recovery at home.  This will be demanding upon our already stretched and exhausted schedules but with God on our side we are confident.  My mother will be flying down soon after the surgery for a week and a half to help absorb some of the increased demands (by cooking us delicious food and cleaning!) so we are extremely thankful for that as well. 

Pregnancy Update:  Everything seems to be going great with our pregnancy!  We are looking more closely at what post-partum life will be like in the Royal's households and workplaces. 

Pre-School:  No word back from Head Start yet.  Although they have given us written approval for admittance  of Anellah.  They have just asked for time to get everything in line to provide care.

Prayer Requests: 
-Success, quick recovery and peace with Anellah's surgery.
-Praise that Anellah's condition was noted quickly and can be treated.
-Energy, confidence and strength in every day.
-Continued positive adoption and preschool news.
-Lindsey will be able to find nurses to help cover her job so she can take some time off for Anellah's surgery.
-Anellah has a cold, Daniel has been home with her for the last two days monitoring and treating. We're praying she gets well soon and doesn't require any ER visits.

Thanks for praying!!

Moving Forward!

I finally have an adoption update! We are moving forward! The rates that we were waiting on have been approved so we are being offerred a reasonable Adoption Assistance Program (AAP) rate to adopt Anellah. What does this mean? It means that in as little as 4 months Anellah may legally be our daughter!

Home again, Home again

Yesterday evening we returned home from TWO WEEKS of visiting our families. It was a wonderful time during which we were able to visit with ALL Anellah's cousins and aunts, 2 out of 3 uncles, bot sets of grandparents, and even 2 out of 3 sets of GREAT-grandparents! What a special time.

Here are some photos, then an update about Anellah's upcoming cranial surgery, baby boy, and adoption.

Cousin Jacob, Uncle Scott, and Anellah

Grandpa G pulling Anellah and Jacob in Great Grandma's new gardening wagon

Exploring the woods with co-2-year-old cousin Eloise

Playing the piano with Grandma R

About to hop on the foot ferry to Bremerton

Headed to the Kitsap County fair with Grandpa, Mom, and cousins Elo and Anna

Blueberry picking! (we ended up with 10 pounds!)

Experiencing a Fire Hose with Grandpa G and LOVING every minute. The evening ended with a very wet, muddy, tired, and HAPPY little girl.

This morning Daddy took Anellah to have a CT scan which confirmed that she does need cranial surgery. The scan required anesthesia and for her not to eat anything from midnight until after it was complete. According to Daniel she was a champ and the hospital gave her a book, a teddy bear, and a quilt!

In the afternoon Daniel and Anellah met with a bunch of people including two surgeons regarding her upcoming surgery which will take place in less than 6 weeks (we don't have a date yet). The surgery is pretty invasive and involves a large incision into her skull to separate the plates on her skull and allow her brain to grow. She will spend almost a week in the hospital and another few weeks recovering at home. Daniel was told that most parents take 3-4 weeks off from work. Her head will need to be shaved where the incision is made which is a total bummer, any African American woman will tell you this will be a crappy thing since it takes FOREVER for black little girl's hair to grow! We'll do what we can. There are a whole lot of praises in this:

• The situation was caught early so it doesn't appear Anellah has suffered any negative effects yet. If it had not been caught soon Anellah would have gone blind and then had brain damage.
• She will be treated by one of the best cranial surgeons in the country and a plastic surgeon is actively involved to minimize cosmetic issues
• It is not entirely uncommon for children of Anellah's age to have the surgery (as we'd previously thought) and the surgeon actually stated this is a good age because there is less chance that the surgery will need to be repeated as her skull grows
• Anellah's recovery will NOT involve wearing a helmet for 6-12 months as we'd originally though (yay!)
• This is all taking place now rather than when we have a newborn in the home
• Anellah will be surrounded by prayer to a faithful God. 

I am so thankful that God cares not only about the "big" needs of his children but also about our comfort and anxiety. Although I still wish it didn't have to happen, I feel confidence and peace about this surgery.

On another positive note- Baby Boy seems to be developing very well. At each appointment our OB remarks that the baby appears very healthy. He's been moving a lot lately and last night gave Daniel's hand quite a few good kicks over and over again. We tell Anellah about the baby pretty frequently and although she is FAR from able to comprehend the pregnancy she seems to be starting to understand that a new baby brother is coming at some point. I need to take a belly picture, I was going to tonight but forgot. I'll post one when I remember on an evening I haven't already put my PJs on.

Adoption update- I tricked you, there isn't one.

Countdown to Vacation

Starting the day off right with Whole Wheat Waffles

This morning was a great way to start the weekend! In hindsight, sunscreen would have been a good idea. Oh well, I haven't had a good sunburn in years!

We walked to Oakland's Laurel Street fair. I wasn't sure what it would be like but I wanted to support the local community. It turned out to be pretty fun (not too big but lots of good food) and the sunniest day we've had in awhile!

Preschool update: we found out Anellah can't be excluded from public preschool based on the preschool not wanting to take cate of her diabetes (it's a violation of the Americans with Disabilities Act) so we submit a letter outlining exactly what care she will need at preschool and referenced ADA. The more we researched, the more we felt like we're completely justified in what we seek and it can't legally be denied to her.

Adoption Update: None

Cranial surgery update: Initial appointment to meet the doctors is scheduled for 9/1/11. The more we research online the more nervous we get about what may be involved with the surgery. Praying we'll be pleasantly surprised with what the doctors have to say!

A new week!

Last week started rough with finding out about preschool and Anellah's probably surgery. I had hoped Monday would be the roughest day. But I guess this is a trying time and we will only be stronger in the end!

Despite her crazy amount of "setbacks" Anellah continues to power through growing and learning!

Last week went from a sad Monday to a busy Tuesday/Wednesday to a night in the ICU Wednesday night, back to work Thursday, and a doctor's appointment on Friday! The weekend was fine (just Anellah and I around since Daddy was at work) but today as I was trying to catch up on phone calls, scheduling, getting things in order, I called Head Start since I hadn't received any additional word from them and was waiting on a letter they said they were planning to send. When I talked to the Head Start director she sounded like it wasn't going to be an option for them to provide for Anellah's needs because of the liability. She requested that I write a letter outlining exactly what we are requesting as far as her care. Yet another thing to do and another mountain to scale (they're starting to feel like mountains rather than speed bumps).

Trying to stay entertained in the Emergency Room

Anellah didn't mind the hospital (once the IV was in) because she got LOTS of attention.

What Anellah has always needed is a "normal" home, which she received with us, and a "normal" childhood which we try to give her as much as possible. It is so frustrating that she may be denied what she needs most right now (a preschool with lots of other kids) based on the very things that have already set her back so far!

I forgot how tasty and fun "toad in a hole" is, loving our fresh eggs!

Anellah is a huge fan of "star bread" now

Thank you for continuing to pray with me that I will have strength and organization to do all that needs to be done and that Anellah will be able to receive exactly what she needs both medically and educationally.

On the bright side- as far as we know, everything seems healthy with our baby BOY we look forward to meeting in January. Also, Anellah is learning and growing against all odds! She transitioned to a toddler bed this week and has only fallen out a couple times! She has quick recoveries and once even just settled herself down on the floor.

AAP Update and Possible Surgery

I planned to blog last Monday since we had a meeting with our social workers and an adoption worker from San Francisco County. Of course, the week got away from me so here I am. We had good news last week, San Francisco County is waiting on approval from the State of California for a new budget proposal. The proposal would change the AAP rate system in a couple different ways. The short story is that they would then offer us a monthly amount much closer to what we are currently receiving from foster care. It would mean that we wouldn't have to go to court to fight for these rates and once the proposal passes it could be just a matter of months before the adoption is complete! The new budget matter is expected to pass sometime in August.

I also met with Headstart last Monday and it seemed like everything was a "go" for her to start preschool at Headstart in September. In case you're not from California, Headstart is a federally-funded preschool program for low income kiddos. Anellah qualifies because she is in foster care. I set up two times to come back to Headstart for diabetes training.

Today the news isn't quite as exciting except that everything is still looking good related to adoption- yay!

Headstart called and said they may not be able to meet Anellah's medical needs and are re-considering how safe it is for her to attend Headstart. I think in the end she will still go to Headstart but it means a lot more work on my part and a delay in the process. In addition to training the staff I have to bring a letter from Headstart to Anellah's doctors and make sure that they feel it is safe enough for her to attend. It may also mean that in the event her head teacher is not at school she will not be able to attend Headstart on those days. Kind of a bummer.

Also, Anellah had a consultation with neurosurgery this afternoon because she has an unusual head shape. At first everything looked great and we were told we may never have to return. But when the results of her x-ray came back I received a phone call stating that one of her cranial sutures had fused prematurely and therefore her brain was being restricted from growth. She will likely have to have cranial surgery in the next few months. It's not the surgery itself that is so upsetting to me. It is the fact that there is constantly something new and constantly a new medical issue to treat, monitor, and wonder about the prognosis.

There has been at least one point each day this past week where Daniel and I just look at each other in wonder and think, "Anellah is such a GOOD kid." She is so easy-going, she is so sweet, she is so FUN. I definitely think God gave her this temperament to get through all the other issues she has to deal with in life. I am thankful for her temperament and for all the ways she is learning and growing and am praying that this turns out to be just a little bump in the road.