Happy Gotya Day Shiyan

3 years ago on March 21st we were blessed to meet Shiyan for the first time. I will never forget that as soon as we walked into the room she saw Robin and said "Mama", she came to all of us (yes the whole family traveled that time) and was an instant part of our family. She bonded to us immediately and continues to be a wonderful joy so full of life and energy. Every year we try to do something special to celebrate the anniversary of each of the girls adoptions so today was Shiyan's day.

She wanted to go to the zoo so we enjoyed a few hours at the zoo. She then wanted Nagoya for lunch. She loves the soup with rice and the crab sushi. The weather has been beautiful and feels like spring so it has been a great day of enjoying time with the girls.

Sunday after church we will have a family dinner with Shiyan to wrap up the celebration. (Once all her brothers get back from spring break trips tonight)

One other tradition is that we purchased gifts in China for every year until the girls are 18 to give them on their adoption day. Shiyan will receive this years installment as something to remember her native country.

We are truly thankful that Shiyan is part of our lives and are so blessed to be her family.

Cardiologist Appointment

Today Maria had her first appointment with the cardiologist. He seemed happy with how she is doing. They did several tests. She has been scheduled for a heart cath on April 15th. This will allow the doctors to go in and see the work that has previously been performed and to map out their plan for the next big surgery. If all goes well she should only be in the hospital 1 day for this upcoming procedure.

We are probably looking at open heart surgery later this summer or fall. That will be a much more extensive stay and will likely be 2 weeks or more in the hospital for her.

Please keep Maria in your prayers as we prepare for this upcoming procedure. We know that God's hand is on her and that he kept her alive until New Day could get her and do the first surgery. We trust that his healing hand will continue to be on her through the cath and any future surgery. We will keep you posted on her progress.