Blessings

I went to the Mended Little Hearts meeting yesterday evening. I wasn't sure if I was going to be able to make it since Grace goes to bed at 7:30 and it started at 6:30. I felt like I needed to go because I know it is a great resource to me as a mom of a heart child. I was so glad that I went. When I heard the stories from the other moms about the tough stuff they have gone through, I realized that what we went through wasn't nearly as horrible. It made me count my blessings and thank God that while the surgery was severe, it could have been a lot worse. I know there is more to come surgery-wise for Grace and I pray that our story continues to have a happy ending.

We also got evaluated by ECI (Early Childhood Intervention). It seems that Grace's OT is paying off. We're going to continue the private therapies and have ECI out a couple of months to give us extra help. She charmed all four ladies who evaluated her. Basically she is right there at the bubble of qualifying. They felt that her heart condition and being from a different country and being in an orphanage did delay her but she is quickly catching up. She's a pretty bright girl. She's still a daredevil...she climbed up the big slide on Sunday and slid down it all on her own...it was so fast that I wasn't able to get to the bottom fast enough. She didn't care...she had a good ol time. She also wanted to get down off my bed this morning by herself that's well, it's pretty darn tall and she went tumbling down...but she bounces back every single time. I can't say anything because I think I'm the same way. I like the daredevil stuff too.

I also started thinking about my friends who are still waiting for their precious children from China. I am still praying for you each night. I pray the time will speed by fast and I know how hard the holidays are without your child. I remember last year how depressed and angry I was. I could cry at a drop of a hat and I felt so empty inside. This year, I have my saving Grace. I am excited about our first Thanksgiving together as a family. Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday. The good thing is she likes turkey and ham...she's just not a pumpkin pie fan. That's my favorite part of the meal!