Wednesday, July 23, 2008

Health Update on Princess Natalie


We've received good reports over the past two days. Yesterday we went to an audiologist to test Natalie's hearing. This was suggested to us by our pediatrician and adoption specialist in our efforts to alleviate this as a reason for her small vocabulary. Praise God--her hearing is just fine. This week her new word is: "wow".

Today, Natalie and I saw a urologist who reviewed the results of all the tests we've had over the past two weeks on her kidneys. Her left kidney is barely functioning; her right kidney is enlarged due to the amount of work it has to do; both have reflux BUT on a scale of 1 to 5, her condition is a low grade 2---this is good. The urologist believes that keeping her on the preventative antibiotic and watching for any signs of infection are enough for now. He believes there is no need for alarm or surgery at this point, living with one kidney is totally acceptable and that she will probably outgrow the reflux in time. I believe that God has already provided healing in Natalie's body and that He will continue the work He has begun!

It is amazing for Steve and I to think back to the very grim diagnosis we were given when we went to get Natalie on trip two. We were asked if we still wanted her with all the ramifications of her kidney issues. Of course, we wanted her no matter what! But to get home and find out that this is not a life-threatening problem is more relief than I can express. God is good!

Natalie continues to be the happiest little girl on the planet. She wakes up smiling and loves to play and explore her new world. Today she even ate apple slices and drank water--this may seem like a small thing---but to us this is a huge step of adjustment and we couldn't be happier at the strides she is making.

Thank you for your prayers, support and love. We are blessed!

4 comments:

Kara said...

Natalie looks so adorable in her pink outfits and her princess crown!!! I'm so glad to hear that the doctors are telling you good news and that she seems to be doing so well physically and also adjusting emotionally. I can't imagine how fun it is for you right now experiencing all things as parents finally. It's a treat and a joy to become someone's mother. Words can't even describe. She's adorable.

sandy said...

That's wonderful news from the doctors regarding her health! I know she will continue to make great strides... you can already see in the photos you have posted how she is looking healthier and happier since you first brought her home.

She's such a treasure!

K-lynn said...

Praise God! That is great new from all the docs. Through God's work and your loving hands she will continue to grow and prosper. We will pray for her continued healing to the point that everyone will know that it has to be a "God thing."

3 became 4... said...

Karen-
What wonderful news! Praise God! I have been following your blog for a few weeks now. Natalie sure is a cutie :0) Your beach post caught my attention. I grew up in MD and now my parents have a house in Ocean Pines, so we spend a lot of time in Ocean City! That will probably be our son's first trip to the beach too.
We are an AWAA family too- just got back with our son from Kras 6 weeks ago. Can't wait to introduce him to the beach!
Natalie will be in my prayers!
Blessings,
Lyn Franks