October Update

It's been six weeks since Sarah Mei's surgery and life is getting back to normal (whatever that is??) Her recovery has been amazing despite several setbacks (a cold, turning into a respiratory infection, a visit to the ER, steroids (boy do those make a girl moody!!!), antibiotics and breathing treatments...phew.) However, Thursday was the follow-up appointment to the cardiologist, and we got the "all clear" to take her out in public...yippee! Her cardiac regurgitation is still moderate, so we'll visit the cardiologist again in 4 months. A 2nd surgery is a possibility but it could be in months, years or never. We're so thankful that we serve a God who knows every hair on our head and is in charge of it all!! We find great peace in this and know Sarah Mei is firmly in His hand. We are continually reminded of the verse He gave to us when we 1st began the adoption process for our little Hunan doll..."You hem (her) in-behind and before; You have laid Your hand upon (her)." Ps. 139:5 The Psalmist goes on to say, in the next verse, "Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, too lofty for me to attain." Ps. 139:6. This is definitely how Phil and I feel as we watch God's hand of protection and provision in Sarah Mei's life.
Last week Phil's school had a week off, for their traditional fall break. We capitalized on this time and went to the beach. We decided, "how many germs could Sarah Mei be exposed to in the wide open sand??" It was a great time of fun, laughter and relaxation. My parents were able to travel with us which was an extra special bonus! The following pictures are a "snapshot" of our trip. Enjoy and praise God for His beautiful creation.

Sarah Mei...5 weeks after open heart surgery!

This is the child who screamed at bath time when we 1st brought her home. I think she's getting used to the water!

Michaela plays with Sarah Mei in the surf.

AnnaGrace beginning a sand castle creation.

Sarah Mei even had to have her "blankie" (yes, we know it's a washcloth but somehow saying where's your "washcloth" just sounds strange??) on the beach.

Sarah Mei, asleep in Elaine's arms, after a full morning of playing in the sand and surf.

Torie knows how to enjoy an afternoon...floating down the Lazy River and reading a good book.

Torie introduces Sarah Mei to the joys of whipped creme on top of your hot chocolate. What are big sisters for but to teach you the finer things in life!

We continue our annual tradition of playing putt-putt golf on the day we leave the beach. This was the fanciest course we've been to...complete with an indoor fountain.

Elaine and Torie try not to look too triumphant as they put an end to Phil's long winning streak. Elaine won in 2006 and Torie was the victor this year. (Phil had been the victor in all previous years.) Now the women have to prepare for 2008 and defend their title!

This was the 1st year AnnaGrace was old enough to "really" play with us. She even got a "hole in one." You go girl!

Sarah Mei is sure she'll be ready for competition next year.

2007 at the beach.

(Thanks Bryant's for this great beach photo idea. It will be our new beach photo tradition.)


"The earth is the Lord's, and everything in it,

the world, and all who live in it." Psalm 24:1