Todays doctor consultation

Today Jenna had her consultation with Dr. Leaha who will be performing her catheterization test on Thursday. He was a very nice man and spent quite a bit of time with us.
We did learn that as of now they know she has two problems going on with her heart, the leaking pulmonary valve and narrowing arteries. He stated that there could be more problems once they get into the heart, but we will have to wait and see. If they find more problems she will have to have open heart surgery, if nothing else is found there is a possibility that they may be able to treat her with stints. The stints last for a few years until she really starts to grow some.
Also when they weighed her today she weighed in at 30 pounds again (the same weight for the past year and half) when she weighed in at 34 pounds about 3 weeks ago she must have been retaining fluid again.
We will go to Kosair Thursday morning at 9:00am, if they do stints she will spend the night.
We appreciate everyone's prayers.

Love this old picture, she is loved by so many.

Busy week ahead

We have a busy week ahead and ask for everyone's prayers for our Jenna. She has consultation at the surgeon's office tomorrow at 2:30. They will do another EKG and Echo cardiogram on her. Wednesday Adam has open house at JCC for college. Thursday is Jenna's procedure at Kosair, we are suppose to be there at 6am, the procedure will begin around 8am and last 2-3 hours and she will be recovery 6 to 8 hours after that, a very long day. We should have a good idea what the plan for future surgery will be when we leave that day. Friday friends from Okoloma are coming in for a visit, this is extra special because their daughter Sarah and Jenna were best friends in the orphanage together, this will be the first time they have seen each other in 3 years.
We are in the process of fighting with the IRS with our adoption tax credit they are now not wanting to pay which is $3500.00, if we don't get that money it will really add more stress because we are counting on that for travel. I know it will all work out so right now I'm trying to put that one out of my head, just is frustrating to fight with our own govenment about money they owe us and now don't want to honor.
Let's pray it's a good week.

I'm Sorry

I'm sorry about yesterday, it was a real tough day. I think a lot of things were building up. Stress and worry with Jenna's health, then to think someone says I can't see my baby's face anymore for 5-6 months, just broke this camel's back.
I had a much needed cry and thank you to all our friends and family for letting me vent on you. It really did help.
I woke up this morning determined and refreshed. I am determined that we are going to China this year! Some how, some way we will have Leah in our arms for Christmas. I am determined to get a few more updated photos of her before we go. I have a few friends in China that I hope can help with this situation with the orphanage. So right now I'm staying positive. We are very thankful Leah is are daughter and can't wait to bring her home.
During these last few months before she gets here we will focus on getting her big sister healthy and strong, raise the rest of the money we need for the adoption, momma will continue to lose weight and we will figure out where everyone is going to sleep in our house.
By the way, I can't share details, but I did get a little bit of good news today. It was much needed and we are thankful for any good news that comes our way. Every small step gets us closer to Leah.

If You Don't Have Anything Nice To Say, Then Don't Say Anything At All...

I've heard heard that saying a million times and said it a million times to my own kids. Well today I'm not going to listen. I'm having a really rotten day and I'm feeling really down in the dumps so I'm going to say what is on my mind.

My day started off with my money being returned from the wonderful ladies who handle getting our updated pictures of Leah from China. They returned the money stating that the orphanage was no longer going to allow us to get updates on Leah. One reason given was because in the past parents have asked for updates then once they receive them stop the adoption because the child appears to have something more wrong then what they were told, so they have to be careful. Ok, you have given me 3 updates in the past few months, I have sent her numerous presents and letters, does it appear that we are going to change our minds? Then the next statement really rubbed me the wrong way, they feel they have given us plenty of updates on her and will not give us anymore we should be good until we come get her! Are you kidding me? For one, I pay for the updates, they are not free!, second not that I think they would understand but she is my daughter and she is thousands of miles away from us and this is the only link we have to her. The only way we know she is healthy and ok. We are spoiled by the relationship we have with Jenna's orphanage, and I know how lucky we are to have that.I get you may be short staffed and that taking photos of a lot of babies takes up time. But don't tell a mom that is worried about her baby and who just wants to feel connected to her that she can't see her or know how she is doing for 5 months, it's cruel.

After today's news on the pictures I contacted our agency only to find out more depressing information, we will NOT be getting our LOA (Letter of Acceptance) this week, which means no travel for 2011. Crushing, bummed, mind blowing and power for the course for the Olges family. We start the adoption process both times and things slow down that is just our luck. How do some families have to wait 90 or more days for their LOA and some get theirs in 45 days. It doesn't make any sense. We have been waiting 62 days. We know a family who have been waiting 5 days less and got their LOA yesterday, I just don't get it, I'm sure I never will. We want to bring Leah home so bad. We hoped for a Christmas break travel so Jenna could go and not miss school since she would be out for so many weeks coming up for her heart, but doesn't look like that will be in the cards. I know it will all work out, goodness I have heard that, and I know that, but right now I just want to complain and well be cranky!

ONEREPUBLIC - GOOD LIFE LYRICS

ONEREPUBLIC - GOOD LIFE LYRICS

I sure do love this song.

Jenna update

August 4th we have to be at Kosair Children's Hospital at 6:00am, they will perform the procedure around 8:00am. We were told the procedure will take around 2-3 hours and she will be at the hospital for 6-8 hours after in recovery.

Why perform a catheterization?

Heart catheterizations helps cardiologists gain information needed to fully evaluate a condition and recommend treatment for your child. It is a test that shows how the heart chambers, valves, and vessels are formed, and how they are functioning. A cath also provides cardiologists with information about specific areas of the heart and lungs. For patients who need surgery, a cath provides surgeons detailed information not available through other testing, such as the precise location of abnormalities and the specific structure of your child's heart. A heart cath may also be used therapeutically, to treat a condition or to correct a problem.

They will be able to determine the exact amount of leakage from her pulmonary valve from this procedure. If they decide that she needs her valve replaced they will schedule this a few weeks later.

We are saying a lot of prayers for God to keep his hands on her little heart and help it heal and let her recover very quickly.

We are also saying some prayers that our LOA comes from China this week, so that we can travel in 2011 to bring Leah home.

Have a great week everyone.

Do You Need a Date Night?

Do you need a date night? Movie and dinner is always a nice treat. We are selling chances for a $50.00 gift card for dinner and movie. The chances are $5.00 each. Please email me KOlges@aol.com if you are intrested or leave me a message here.