We made it home safely on Friday night, but I took Victoria straight to our children's hospital. She is very dehydrated and malnouished. Even with IV fluids, she still didn't wet a diaper for 24 hours. They also think her hips are out of joint and that her jaw and mouth are affected by the arthrogyposis. The orthopedic surgeon said she may never walk. Of course, I am not going to give up, but I am feeling rather overwhelmed. All the other kids are all staying with me at the hospital, sleeping on an air mattress. I will try to post pictures soon. Please pray for us!
Sending prayers for strength your way. And never give up! That's right!! That doc doesn't know the miracles God has already sent your way.They are alive and out of that hell. God's not done yet!!
ReplyDeletePraying!!
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your whole family, I know now it seems so difficult but just think how you have already saved these sweet girls, that is the first of many miracles to come!!!!
ReplyDeletepraying right now!
ReplyDeletePraying for you and your girls.
ReplyDeleteWe are praying for you and your family.
ReplyDeletePraying for your girls! So happy they are on U.S. soil!!!!
ReplyDeletePraying for you all. It is difficult at best the first days home, and to spend them in the hospital makes it even harder. It is where you need to be now. I am so relieved that you got both girls home. As difficult as it must be for you I am sure you are happy to have all of your children with you. God bless you.
ReplyDeleteWe will pray fervently for you! God heal this sweet little girl and make her whole again!
ReplyDeleteSo glad to hear this update! Prayers coming your way from Oklahoma. Can't wait to see pictures of you all HOME!!!
ReplyDeletePraying for your family and especially your sweet little one receiving medical treatment! SO thankful that she is receiving that much needed treatment so that she can get better now! God Bless!
ReplyDeleteBeen praying and will continue to pray! Just get through each moment today and focus on getting her health restored - eating and drinking is most important now. All else can wait - so don't fret. Your girls are beautiful and you have a great support system here at home.
ReplyDeletePraying for you & Victoria!!! I agree with everyone else ~ don't even ponder the future & what she will or won't do. The devil would love to overwhelm you with discouragement, so stand strong against him & tell him to take a hike!
ReplyDeleteFor what it's worth, I was told one of the girls I adopted would probably never walk (by 4 different physical therapists) or even be able to stand. She doesn't walk yet (has only been home 8 months), but she IS pulling up to stand! My point is, when a child looks so frail & sick, it's easy for doctors (even well-meaning ones) to give you the worst-case scenario. For now, ignore it. Focus on what's most-important, which is getting Victoria stable, hydrated & nourishment. You're doing a GREAT job!!!
Oh, and don't forget to eat, too, and drink lots of water since hospital air is so dry & dehydrating for parents. Take care of you so you can take care of your girl!
MANY hugs & prayers coming from Oregon!
Praying!
ReplyDeleteDo you have a hospital address so we could send a card to Victoria?
Angie R.
(wifeofworldsbesthusband@hotmail.com)
I am praying for you sweet friend. I love you and your girls and am so blessed to have met you even for a short time. We will be waiting for an update and praying.
ReplyDeletePraying for your family!!
ReplyDeletePraying for your family!
ReplyDeleteI'm praying but would also love to help. I live in Buford and have emailed Shelly. If you need to get in touch before then, email me at liz.bowman58@yahoo.com or on facebook at Liz Shore Bowman.
ReplyDeleteI am praying for you all! We live in Lawrenceville and I have emailed Shelly to see how we can help out.
ReplyDeleteI live in Atlanta area - just on the other side of the city. Please email me and let me know how I can help. My email is annajrb(at)gmail.com
ReplyDeleteI wish I was closer (we live in RI), but I will certainly pray and spread the word on FB.
ReplyDeletePraying!!!
ReplyDeletewelcome home! praying for you, your bio kids, and victoria (and travis too)
ReplyDeletePraying for sweet Victoria and your whole family. Don't ever give up. I hear Dr. VB from Shriners in PA has done amazing things. He has done so much for so many RR families with AMC already.
ReplyDeleteLots of prayers for Victoria and ALL the girls. That would include mom also. ;o) Keep the faith. Stay strong. Hang on. We'll be in touch. Remember NOTHING worth while is ever easy.
ReplyDeleteLots of Hugs coming your way!!!
Hello Catherine!
ReplyDeleteI don't know if you remember me, I'm Ana From Republic of Georgia and living in Atlanta. How is Catherine? She looks really great. I remember her when she was so little baby.
I didn't know if you lived in Atlanta. I just hear abt you yesterday from Tamara's Mommy. When I read story abt you, I just wanted to say congratulation. I want to wish you everything good in a life with your lovely kids. God Bless to your family. I will pray for your family. Hope Victoria will able to walk. Believe God is with your family.
I have a 4 month old baby and he keeps me busy. But I understand how much you need now help from friends. If you need any help from me just let me know. This is my email:
anamtrvl@yahoo.com
angelinakevinj@gmail.com
God Bless,
Ana
Sending lots of prayers and love to you and your family.
ReplyDeletePraying for your baby girl. Lit a candle for her here: http://www.gratefulness.org/candles/candles.cfm?l=eng&gi=VF I wish I could help somehow but for now I'll be praying hard for your sweet angel. I don't know you guys but your story has touched my heart. Much love & hugs to you all from CA.
ReplyDeleteLots of prayers for you and your family. Stay strong and know that with out knowing it you have touched so many lives. You are in our hearts, thoughts,and prayers.
ReplyDeleteThinking about you and your family, sending prayers and good wishes.
ReplyDeleteCatherine, someone posted this on my blog for you ...Alexis said...
ReplyDeleteAre they giving this little one breast milk? If not, they need to look into a breast milk donor in their area! She will put weight on, it is the easiest thing for her to digest and it will help her immune system! Check out Human Milk 4 Human Babies on Facebook or the local chapter of Eats On Feets, also on Facebook. I will be praying for this sweet little blessing!
Praying for you all. I wondered honestly if the arthrogryposis was in her face.... this would prevent her from being able to smile and show expression. :(
ReplyDeletePraying that you get answers on how best to meet her needs if she can't eat enough....
Our little grand daughter has a g tube for different reasons, but is growing. :)
In the great scheme of things... it doesn't matter if she walks. With the right wheelchair, she will FLY and whizz and zoom and spin. As an adult, even if she does get some walking going, she will most likely use a powerchair to get around at college, keep up with her buddies, go shopping, take care of her own kids someday. The key skill for her will be to start learning to use a powerchair as soon as possible - once she's mobile her development will take off, and having the experience of independent mobility will also help with walking and tolerating the process of therapies etc.
ReplyDeleteSomeone who has a similar level of arthrogryposis is British Olympic equestrian star Lee Pearson - look him, up, he's a great example of what even severe arthrogryposis DOESN'T stop a person from doing.
So glad that these girls have you.