The beautiful White Swan lobby. We are so happy to be back here. It is just lovely. We came back from breakfast today to find the "official" Barbie doll with a "daughter." Hmmmm.....perhaps I should ask if there is a boy version! lol
Today was the medical exam day. Andrew did great. Not one tear. He is a very brave and good little boy, however he will still not speak to the Chinese people. During the silly ENT exam, I could tell that the doctor wondered about his hearing. He would not respond to her. Only nod his head. He had the look on his face like "would you please stop squeaking that darn duck in my ear!" I could tell that the doctor (if she really was one) was perturbed with Andrew. Shiyan came to his rescue! lol
This doctor, in his 10 minute exam of Andrew told Shiyan that he would need heart surgery. For a brief moment upon hearing that I cried. I wasn't prepared for that at all. I realize that once we get him back home that I will have my answers. I think just being away for so long and the thought of putting him through a major surgery, just brought me to tears for a brief moment. GET THIS.....there is another little boy in our group that is two. He has had two surgeries already. The doctor told his mom that there wasn't anything else that could be done for this boy. He didn't know why she would want him and that he was probably going to die. I KNOW.......DID YOUR MOUTH JUST DROP OPEN?!?!?!?!?!? Lisa, was totally unfazed by this as this is her second SN child. She told me not to worry. That everything will be ok once we are home. I'm trying to keep my faith.
A lovely church we walked by on the way to the exam.
On the way back we stopped to let Andrew play at "Friendship Park". He had a ball. It is so interesting to watch the children play and also the older people exercise. I love Guangzhou. It is such a quaint little place. So peaceful and quiet after being in Beijing. I think I would enjoy staying here for a while! ;) I am starting to experience some computer problems. Picasa has stopped working for me and I am trying to upload pictures another way. I think that at this point I will journal to Andrew on this other site, but wait to post pictures on it until I get home. Tonight Shiyan is taking all of us to a Chinese Restaurant for dinner. I can't wait. Shiyan keeps telling us what a handsome boy Andrew is. I think she likes him! ;) She says he is a good and smart boy. We agree. It is raining here right now.....total bummer for Em and I since we wanted to power shop again today. But the day is still young.......love to you all......
20 comments:
Love the photos..
I would wait till you get home to ask your doctor ...
Andrew is soooo CUTE..
I can see why Shiyan likes him sooo well.. who wouldn't..
Hope the rain stops..
I soooo hope you get something to load photos..
I love watching your journey..
Hugs..
Love ya girly..
Don't panic yet. Wait until you are home and have him examined by your cardiologist. We've been through heart surgery with Josie and I'll help you do the same. I promise. Lots of hugs!!!
enjoy the rest of your time Steffie.
I love your pictures they are just gorgeous.
Lea
xo
He is such a sweet little boy. I hope you can find a way to upload pics, I have enjoyed following your journey.
Hello Steffie and family,
I have been following your blog for a couple of weeks now (jumped from Gwen's on Gotcha Day). I know that you are very worried about Andrew's heart and I am sorry that had to deal with the doctors in China. What I want you to know is that the care Andrew will receive in the US is so much better and more advanced. Our daughter was born with a huge hole in her heart. She had her repair at 4 1/2 months old and is good as new now. She is 7 and only goes to see her cardiologist every other year because she is doing so well. Sorry to ramble but I wanted to give you hope that Andrew will have a long and healthy life and let you know that heart surgery can be endured and offers a new life. Our daughter would not be alive today without it.
I read a lot of SN adoption blogs and have friends who have adopted children with Down syndrome so, I am not shocked by your friend's experience with the doctor in China, just saddened that they do not have the same love for special angels that we do in the US. I rejoice with every gotcha day and cry for those who are left behind at the same time.
Praying for a safe trip home and for your peace with his health!
Thanks for sharing your journey!
:-)
Theresa
Rockledge, FL
My mouth did fall open. What a horrible thing for that doctor to say to your travel mate.
Everything will be ok with Andrew! I know it! He is so sweet!
Do not worry, we will get you into Dr. G, and he will let you know what really needs to be done. Sophia will be seeing him too.
Sending love and prayers!
Love the photo's! I loved Guangzhou too.
My prayers are with you all. I can understand your worries, but hang in there. He'll be just fine.
My jaw did drop after I heard what the doctor told your friend, that was so mean.
Enjoy the rest of your journey in China!!!
Oh sweetie! This post made me sad, as I remember what it was like to be over there, so full of emotions and then to have news dropped on you (which usually isn't 100% accurate).
Just wait until you get home. Andrew will be just fine! Faith has driven you this far.
Love you!!
Steffie, I have been reading your blog for a long time now, you are a great Mom and your family is so beautiful!! I am a registered nurse and I just want to agree with others who have posted to try not to worry until you get home...Andrew is thriving, he is obviously not too thin, he is bright and doing well. A child with a large VSD would have trouble gaining weight and would have developed additional problems by now. Many VSD's even close on their own. The doctor who examined Andrew at your medical exam probably heard a heart "murmur", but since he is most probably a "General Practitioner" and NOT a heart specialist, he has no authority to make such statements to you or to the other mother about what either of your children may "Need" in the future!! Here's a link about VSD, hope it helps and please don't worry!! http://www.cincinnatichildrens.org/health/heart-
encyclopedia/anomalies/vsd.htm
Kindest Regards,
Nancy :)
I look forward to coming here each day to see Andrew and your lovely pictures. You are such a skilled photographer.
Keri
About the doctors there.....
can we say quack quack???
Yes I bet when you get home you will find he is just fine.
Was it hard for you not to become what is it you call yourself??/\
Symbia???
LOLOLOLOL you know I love ya dear.
Oh, Steffie,
I am saddened that the doctor would say that to you and the other family with just a brief exam - no ultrasound, no EKG - nothing!! Keep the faith, Steffie. Don't even give it another thought. I'm sure you have a great cardiologist lined up for when you bring Andrew home and then he/she can really do appropriate and effective testing.
Hugs,
Michelle
p.s. The art gallery for the painting that you liked in our home is to the left side of the White Swan main entrance (to the left when looking at the entrance). It was in the corner, just about four doors or so down. (Of course, that was 2+ years ago, so not sure if it is still there.)
Don't some of the places in Guangzhou feel so at home and bring back so many memories ... i am so glad things are going well and i would totally not think at all about what the doctor said ...
i love you bunches !!!
Hi Steffie,
My mouth dropped on that one....I can't believe that was said by the doc....I am so sorry that you all had to go through that. I know it is easier said then done, but try not to get too freaked out until your doc here in the US gets to see Andrew. Keep the faith my friend....thinking of you all!!
Andrew is beautiful...and his mannerisms and expressions remind me of Sophia. I bet you can't wait to see all your babies together!!
Hugs,
Lisa
When I read about Andrew not talking to Chinese people it makes me think of our Ty.... he was the same way. He still gets that way around Chinese adults.
Your Andrew is so adorable and handsome!!!!!!!
Hope you get to shop tomorrow.... I am so jealous....
I really enjoyed Guangzhou. I found the doctors to be very cold with Larkyns exam... I am not sure if they are able to understand why anyone would want to adopt a child that is not perfect. I suppose in the end we are the lucky ones, as we understand the meaning of unconditional love.
Wendy
Love all the photo's!! I have loved all your photo's on flickr too.
Think about you dear friend
{{{hug}}}}
What an amazing journey....: )
Steffie, just wait till you get home and let your doc check him out. Don't borrow trouble or worry your self about what could be. God chose Andrew for your family and He has your sweet boy in His hands. Try to relax and enjoy and shop!!!:))
Love,hollym.
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