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April 22, 2011

Happy 3rd Heart Anniversary!

We are celebrating a very special anniversary at our house.

I'm sharing some pictures and wording that will look familiar to some of my long-time followers. I originally starting blogging to document our special needs adoption and although most of my attention has shifted to crafting and my obsession with vintage items, I still love sharing our family's adoption story with others.

On April 22, 2008 we spent the day at the University of Michigan hospital in pre-op.

Josie would be undergoing open-heart surgery early the next morning for Tetralogy of Fallot. We spent the evening in a hotel outside of Ann Arbor holding onto her, praying, talking about the day(s) to come… unsure of what God’s plan for us was… or for Josie. In some ways, April 23rd is more important than Josie's gotcha day/adoption anniversary (if that makes any sense).

I remember barely sleeping that night. We hadn’t even been home a month from China and despite her extreme night terrors and attachment issues, we were completely in love with this little girl. Chris and I were scared at the risks, but we knew the quality of life would be forever changed once her heart was repaired.

At 22 months of age, she was wearing size 9 month clothes. The simplest of activities (even eating or bending over her toy box) caused her to pant and become short of breath. Her lips and toes would often turn blue. Sleeping was less than a pleasant experience…picture constant spinning around in MY BED (cosleeping was a matter of survival) and crying out all night long. Chris often referred to her as our little clock.

This surgery was going to be the beginning of a new life for her. It was everything she deserved.

God gave us our miracle the next day. He healed Josie’s heart through the work of an amazing surgeon (Dr. Ohye) and medical team.

See this post for more information on her procedure.

Three years have passed and unless you knew her prior to her surgery, or saw her chest scar, you’d never know that she was once so very sick. Additional surgery will be needed as she gets older, but we aren't letting that slow us down (Josie doesn't even know the meaning of slow...she never stops MOVING). As we get ready to celebrate Easter, we have many reasons to give thanks.

We give thanks for the gift of life!
We give thanks for the gift of Josie!

We give thanks for two special daughters
who make our days crazy happy (most of the time)

We especially give thanks for the incredible medical team
at Mott Children's Hospital!
Happy Heart Anniversary, Josie!

XOXO



21 comments:

Jodi said...

how beautiful!!! happy heart anniversary to y'all! what a very special day to celebrate!!!

Cindy said...

Happy Heart Anniversary, Josie. you are one happy girl:)

lisbonlioness said...

<3 Happy anniversary, Josie! <3

vivian said...

good morning my new friend! I'm celebrating with you !! God is sooo good! and your little miracle girl is sooo beautiful!
are you making heart shaped cookies today?
have a great day Kim...
I have recoverd from yesterday. I fell a sleep watching idol! then went to bed... I NEVER do that! must of needed it!
Off to work I go now!
Happy Heart ♥ anniversary!!
vivian

Jodee said...

Happy, happy heart anniversary! It's so hard to believe that Josie had a rough start because she is so happy and healthy right now! It's amazing what a loving family and a good doctor can do for a girl! Enjoy celebrating the life of your little blessing! You are one blessed mama!

birdie blue said...

what a miracle, kim. happy heart anniversary to little miss josie.

have a lovely and blessed easter.
xo
~molly

Queenie's Vintage Finds said...

Your post is beautiful Kim...it brought tears to my eyes as I read about your journey, God is so good...I know the road wasn't easy for you all, but God's plan was good....and it was fulfilled and what a joy it has been for you all...Easter blessings to you and your sweet family...Happy Anniversary to sweet little Josie and you too :)
Big hugs,
Queenie

Queenie's Vintage Finds said...

P.S. Loved seeing a re-cap of your Easter creations....that Easter tree in the teapot is precious :)

La Dolce Vita: The Sweet Life said...

What a beautiful life story.

Pam Kessler said...

Happy Heart Anniversary to Josie! It's so great to see photos of her now all bright eyed and vibrant. She is so lucky to have found a great family to adopt her.

Amy said...

Happy heart anniversary Josie! What a blessing ! Have a great Easter weekend!

Michelle @ Dream Home DIY said...

Oh Kim....this post made me tear up this morning. What a happy and sweet story about a beautiful little girl! Im so happy for you all :0)

★Carol★ said...

I didn't start reading your blog regularly until recently, so this was a great catch-up post. How wonderful of you and your family to open your hearts to this little girl, and give her a future full of love and good health. Josie is one beautiful, lucky girl! Happy Anniversary Josie!

Anonymous said...

Made me cry remembering how tiny and vulnerable she was when she came into our Family and how much she has grown and touched our lives. Happy Heart Anniversary to my beautiful God Daughter! Love You so very very much and I cannot imagine a world without you now. Even though you are a few hours away, not a day goes by that I don't think about you.
Love you so very, very much
Aunt Shelly
XOXOXOXOXO

Anonymous said...

We remember all the prayers that went up for those days and how all the prayers were answered. Emma you have helped your little sister grow to be a healthy smart active little girl. You are such a good big sister. The Aunties

Life in Rehab said...

How sweet was that little baby girl?!?!?! Happy Heartiversary to the four of you, and how wonderful that Josie was enveloped in the love of the three of you.

And remind Josie that scars are totally gangsta. My breast cancer ones are WICKED cool.

My Vintage Mending said...

How awesome is it that it coincides with this most wonderful time of the year. Spring, rebirth, and renewal. This is fantastic. Just blessings and many years of happiness. Happy Easter/ Heart day!

Smiles....Renee

annemk said...

Happy 3rd <3 Anniversary Josie!
wishing you a wonderful Easter too...
hugs, Anne

La Vie Quotidienne said...

A wonderful, wonderful post Kim and the most special day to celebrate, Josie's rebirth as a healthy child...sensational!

barbara said...

What a story, and what a little trooper she is (and all of you are.) What a beautiful family you are!

Karin said...

So precious!!! Happy Heart Day, Josie!! We share your affection for Mott's and the staff there. Amazing people who save lives every day. Here is to many, many happy, healthy years ahead! :)