Health Update
Hi friends and family,
We wanted to keep you up to date on what's going on with Macy and her health. Sorry this is long, I'll be as brief as I can.
Last week we saw a pulmonologist (lung Dr.) and she said there is hope for the pulmonary hypertension to go away. This is amazing b/c it is the first time we have heart this being possible. She also ordered a sleep study, which will be on the 19th of this month, and increased her oxygen to 20 hours a day (yuck!) in hope of it helping her lungs get strong and healthy. We pray that this serious and life threatening problem will be healed in Jesus Name! and ask you to join us in that prayer. Plus, I HATE the oxygen so it would be nice if it could go away.
We then saw a GI specialist yesterday and he has ordered a few more tests including: a swallow evaluation which will be done tomorrow. We need some prayers here b/c if there is any sign of aspiration then the Dr. will want to do a feeding tube until the problem fixes itself. Obviously this would suck, and to be honest I will have a moment of devastation, followed by "suck it up Heather, you can do this!". We are just trusting God that this will not have to happen; he also ordered an upper GI study to see what's really going on with the reflux etc. These are all things that should improve as Macy gets bigger and her muscle tone gets better.
Okay, that's all for now.
Six weeks later...
Today was our six week post-ob appointment with Macyn's cardiologist. We spent about an hour having an echo cardiogram done and then meet with her doctor. The news is, her heart looks great! Praise God! We can take her off of one of her three medications because her heart seems to be functioning just fine right now. Her pulmonary hypertension (our biggest concern) is not any better..yet;) It looks as though she has intrinsic lung disease and the cardiologist referred us to a pulmonologist who will be able to give us more support and direction with Macyn's Lung disorder. We will see that Dr. next week. Then we will also be referred to a GI specialist. So there are many things on the horizons. God has healed her heart and we have so much hope that she will continue to be healed and Macyn is such a trouper. If you think of it, pray for her lungs, for the pulmonary hypertension to be healed b/c there is no known cure for it. Besides that, Macyn is doing amazing. She is grown and getting so big. She is almost 14 pounds!!! She is pure joy. More to come...
God's Grace
This morning I was reading in Oswald Chamber's
My Utmost for His Highest and the following jumped off the page in light of where our lives are at the moment:
"...any problem, and there are many, that is alongside me while I obey God, increases my ecstatic delight, because I know that my Father knows, and I am going to watch and see how He unravels this thing." One of my prayers in this journey has been that those who are interested in or moved by it who may be far from God will draw closer to Him. I had a couple of days this week where my faith was on empty and I basically worried about Macyn all day long. I had a couple of minor melt downs but felt entitled considering the fact that my daughter just underwent open heart surgery

! I know that there are many of you reading this who are going through some sort of problem or multiple problems and I just hope and pray that you can go through them alongside Jesus while obeying God, because I have learned that when you do, there truly is an "ecstatic delight" amidst it all. Know that God knows what you are going through and let Him have His way while you sit back and watch Him unravel "this thing"!
Macyn Hope is home! PRAISE THE LORD!
So we are home now! WOW! It is incredible to be on the other side of the whole surgery. I just can't believe we are here. There are very few words that I can use to give everyone a good idea about all that has gone on the past couple of months and especially the past week. God is amazing, simply amazing. I was weeping today as I got in the elevator on the 5th floor of Loma Linda Children's hospital because my daughter was with me: my daughter with the fixed heart. And she is doing great. There is still a lot we need to look out for in the weeks to come. We continue to pray that her repaired heart keeps working as it should and we pray against heart failure because it could still happen. We pray that her lungs repair themselves now that there is not so much blood being pumped into them. We ask that you continue in prayer with us on these issues.
Mostly we praise God. I have never known Him like this. It feels like I could just reach out and grab His hand as we continue to walk this path He's set before us. It sounds crazy and backwards but we thank Him for choosing us to go down this path because we are able to commune with Him in such a treasured and intimate way.
We are so impressed with the surgeons doctors and especially the nurses in the pediatric cardiologist ICU at Loma Linda. They are some of the most wonderful people we have ever met and we cherish them. They saved our babies life and helped to make it what we trust will be a longer and fuller one.
Thanks again for all your support, love and prayers...keep it up!!!!!
Day before surgery!!!
Tomorrow at 7:30 AM our daughter Macyn will be having open heart surgery to close an atrial septial defect in hopes of alleviating the severe pulmonary hypertension she also has. This is a huge serious surgery for a tiny five month old baby and we need everyone to be joining together in prayer. Here are some specifics:
-The surgery is at Loma Linda Children's Hospital and her surgon is Dr. Razzouk
-The surgery will last between 4 and 5 hours.
-She will be in the hospital for 2 or 3 nights, (if all goes well, we are hoping to bring her home on Thursday)
-Because of her lungs and the fact that she has down syndrome, the risk factor of this surgery increases greatly.
-She will need to be put on the heart lung machine and will need a blood transfusion. Pray for these items.
-The major risks are bleeding and infection as well as heart failure if the surgery does not do what it is suposed to do.
-The doctors belive that even once the hole is closed the pulminary hypertension will still be there, just not as severe. We are praying for full healing of her heart and lungs in Jesus name!
-Pray for a quick recovery.
-Pray for peace and wisdom for Josh and I while at the hospital and when she comes home, that we will be good care takers.
-Pray that Jesus uses this situation to touch the lives of those who have yet to love and serve Him fully, wheather it is someone reading this email or someone in the hospital. Pray that all glory is given to Him for any and all of the good that comes from this.
We feel so loved and supported. We cannot thank you enough! We look forward to sharing a good report with you all.
Miracles
Of course I believe in miracles, I say that I'm 'proof of the power of prayer'...God heard our prayers for Macyn. AMEN! I will continue to ask for His healing hand for your little baby girl. God Bless you all -
Jeannie Mack
(friend from RHS)
I believe in miracles...do you?
While Macyn seemed to be getting better we still decided to take her to see her pediatrician yesterday. She wrote up some lab work that she wanted done to make sure she is not dehydrated etc. after so much throwing up and diarrhea. Well, today I received the results and the pediatritcian said I needed to take Macy to the nearest ER b/c her blood platellet count was way too low, at 22 (I think normal is between 250-400!) So we found ourselves on the way to the ER, freaking out of course! After a few hours the doctors decided to run the blood work again b/c the lab results for the dehydration never came back. So before they drew blood, (which was the worst I've seen her by far) we prayed that God would make her blood just as it should be. We waited around for another hour or so and the doctors came to let us know that there must have been a mistake at the lab earlier b/c she was fine. Her plattlet count was normal and so was everything else and we were free to leave!!!! I know it is easiest to count it as a mistake in the lab, that makes the most sense to our human brains, but when I ask God to heal my baby, and He does, I'm not going to give credit to anyone's mistake. God healed my baby tonight! Praise HIM!!!!
Oh Parenthood...
Today Macyn is sick. She has been throwing up and has number three (the runs!). Of course, it freaks me out b/c of her condition. My mom is telling me that babies get sick and she will be okay. I know this is true but to all you mothers out there, wow! it really sucks when your baby is sick. I find myself in tears for her b/c she is so miserable. Oh I just want it to end. If you read this today say a little prayer for our dear girl. Pray that she gets better fast. Her surgery is one week from Monday so we need a strong and health baby by then! Thanks.
She's here!!!
"Praise God from whom all blessing flow..."
Ah! It's great to be a mom. Yesterday was placement. From the time we started the adoption process we have been looking forward to this day...and what a joyous day it was! We spent some time with the foster mother Sandra. (She is a saint and will be a big part of our lives from now on so we hope everyone has a chance to meet her.) Then the birth mother, Susanna and her daughter, Emma came and we spent some time with them too. It was emotional and sweet. Such a strange situation: knowing the love she has for her daughter, enough to place her in our care. It is a lot to take in and Josh and I often find ourselves speechless and humbled by all the love surrounding this girl. There are no words to say to someone who selflessly hands over their child.
We came home to a house full of gifts from our dear friends at Forest Home. What an amazing community; what love! My parents and one of Macyn's aunties came over and brought us some dinner and we got to open all our gifts with them there. It was like a mini baby shower...it was so fun! Then Josh's parents, brother and our nephews came over but got here a little too late and miss Macyn was sleeping from a busy and exhausting day.
Again, I am at a loss for words at all the love and support. I can't wait for everyone to meet her.
GOD IS GOOD!
The night before the big day!
Can't believe it is finally here! In less than 17 hours we will be bringing our daughter home. We have been waiting three years for this day. During that time God gave us the word "hope". It has been the theme for this season in our life. Our hope was always that God would bless us with a healthy baby. Instead, He turned our hearts around and allowed us to fall in love with a perfect baby. She may have some health issues but that just means that God wants us to continue in this season of hope...hope for healing, health, restoration, and unconditional love. This is the baby God has designed for us, and us for her! What a journey it has been and this is just the beginning. We give all praise and glory to God because without Him none of this would exist! I am overwhelmed with awe and wonder right now...more to come!
Tuesday's the day!
Hi friends,
Guess what...little Macy gets to come home on Tuesday! WE ARE SO EXCITED! Yesterday we registered at Target and Babies R Us. As we walked in to register I told Josh I've been waiting a long time to do this! Today we spent the day getting her room ready. I'll take pictures tomorrow and post them. I must say it is the cutest baby room I've ever seen, thanks to Joshua, the artist dad! We are trying to get done in three days what most people have nine months to do but many hands make light work, we are grateful for our helpful and loving family. We are so excited for everyone to meet our darling little girl.
On our way!
So, we meet the birth parents tonight and Macyn's bio sister who is 18 months old. They were all amazing! What a gift! On Thursday she has a procedure to look closer at her lungs and heart. We need our prayer warriors here! Please pray for positive and good news in this area. We are not expecting it but we are always hopeful! We will see how she does on Thursday in terms of healing and feeling better, before we know when we can bring her home. If all goes well it will be soon!!! AHHHH, we can hardly wait.
Thanks for all your continued prayer and support and of course we will keep you updated!
Not here yet!
These pictures are from the day we spent with Macyn at the foster family's home. It was wonderful. We feel so full and satisfied. We are not sure when we get to bring her home. We are praying that it will be in the next couple of weeks. Keep praying for healing in her little body.
Can't wait for everyone to meet her!
6/29/2009 11:20:38 PM - 002055347452
Happy Birthday Monkey!! So hard to believe that your 1 already. We are all sending you lots of hugs, love, and kisses!
We love you Macyn (Monkey)!!!
Love, Ric, Sandra, K'Brum and Resses' too!
12/11/2008 2:50:42 PM - 002036519703
Happy 30th Birthday Josh!!! Hope you have a super blessed day. Love you guys : )
12/5/2008 3:19:34 PM - 002036519703
Dear Heather & Josh,
These latest pictures bring tears to my eyes! Tears of joy & happiness. What a wonderful answer to so many prayers. I'm so glad to be a small part of this miracle. Praise God for His faithfulness!! We will continue to pray for Macy and share this great witness of His love & His grace. I'm so happy for you all!
love & prayers, Linda
12/4/2008 10:27:32 PM - 002037318786
Just wanted to let you know that the 3 of you are heavy in my thoughts and prayers as little Macy is healing. Love you!
12/1/2008 4:36:42 PM - 002017573306
Heather and Josh,
My prayers are with Macy, especially today as she undergoes surgery to correct the hole in her heart. God placed Macy with you for a reason. There are hundreds of prayers being sent to God in Macy's behalf. God loves Macy much more than we can ever comprehend. She is a tough little girl and she is getting the best of care. I also pray that God will strengthen you and Josh as you care for Macy. A mother's heart aches when her child is suffering. There is no worse pain than to see you child going through something as serious as heart surgery. Just imagine how difficult it must have been for God to sacrifice his own son for us. God is good. Our God is a God of miracles and I believe Macy will be another one of His miracles.
Please, if there is anything that we can do, do not hesitate to ask.
Love,
Chere
12/1/2008 6:26:18 AM - 002036519703
Hi Heather & Josh,
We're praying for Miss Macy & so many others are too. May our gracious Lord be with you & Macy as she has her surgery.
May you all feel His strength & His peace which passes all understanding. If there's anything we can do, don't hesitate
to ask. If Kona needs exercise, let us know : )
We love you,
Linda & family
11/23/2008 2:49:55 PM - 002036519703
Hi Heather,
Sooo sorry about Macy being sick. Praying for her right now.
Many others will be praying also. It's always hard when your kids are sick, but especially hard when they are a baby : (
Praying for her to get well soon!!! love & prayers to you all,
Linda
11/7/2008 12:43:59 AM - 002037318786
Hi sweet friends! Macy is amazing! I think this is my favorite new website. I just like to come look at her sweet face. Can't wait to hear more about her little personality.
11/4/2008 8:23:18 PM - 002038905431
What a beautiful, sweet baby. What a perfect answer to years of prayer. Your middle name, Hope, says it all. You are a dream come true and a hope realized. God has sent an angel to the Avis home.
Blessed be the name of our faithful Lord. Macyn, you could not have better parents and grandparents and aunts and uncles!
11/4/2008 4:59:16 AM - 002035969118
Josh, Heather, and Little Macyn,
Our love, thoughts, and prayers are with you everyday as you begin this wonderful journey together. It was meant to be that your lives would cross paths and be brought together to form such a beautiful family. Words cannot express how happy and excited we are for you. Macyn, you are breathtaking!!
With Love,
Rachel and Aron Rue
11/3/2008 4:22:06 AM - 002037363355
Heather and Josh.....I am SO-O-O EXCITED for you!! Little Macy is SO cute and adorable! What a wonderful feeling you must be experiencing as proud Mom and Dad!! She is life's little miracle and a precious addition to your family! A HUGE CONGRATULATIONS to you & your family! Have fun each day...every moment...enjoy life's best little treasure!! LOVE....JAN CHO
11/3/2008 2:57:26 AM - 002037461634
Hey you crazy kids,
Jim and I are sooooooooooo happy for ya'll, Macyn is absolutely beautiful!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! How awesome to witness true unconditional love. We pray blessing upon blessing on your new family. Praise God!!!!!
In His grace and mercy,
Lynda M.
10/31/2008 11:12:58 PM - 002009305864
Congratulations you two! She's gorgeous and absolutely perfect. I am so happy for you! You two are a gift to her as she is to you. Praise God! We will pray for all to be well through her surgeries. May God's peace be with you-
Love always-
Jen H
10/30/2008 2:32:01 PM - 002035818381
This%20is%20the%20body.
Macy Hope, (sweet grand daughter)
Its been so fun to be a part of your life this week. I feel like you've been apart of our family forever.
Watching your Mom and Dad be a Mom and Dad has been so sweet. Your Daddy taking you from room to room telling you about each one...and your Mommy saying "Mom she hasn't eaten in 4 hours what do I do!!!"
It is all too wonderful. I love you all...always
I wrote you a song today....its called
"Special" (Macy Hopes Song)
Look at you Big brown eyes
Head of hair that's twice your size!
And each day you bless us
we're learning from you
How special you are.
Hope for tomorrow. strength for today
hearts filled with love, as God leads the way
How special how special you are.
Love you little Macyn,
Honey gram
10/30/2008 2:14:42 AM - 001013988306
Heather and Josh or should I say Mom and Dad- What a celebration! I am crying and smiling and crying and smiling seeing that gorgeouse and radiant face. She even looks more beautiful the day you brought her home! My heart is rejoicing for you and that God has entrusted you with such a miraculous life is humbling I am sure. Well I am just sooooooo happy for you three!
Ok and I have to say that the nursery is spectacular. Not as amazing as Macyn's hair but still quite fabulous!!
I sooo look forward to watching this baby girl grow. We love you.
Tenessa and Jeff
10/30/2008 2:01:54 AM - 002036519703
Hi Heather, Josh & sweet Miss Macyn,
These pictures are incredible. I left comments on some of them. Congrats on this special blessing in your life. Your lives
will be forever changed, but only for the better. Praying for you all and especially for Macyn. Hope to see you all SOON!!!
love & hugs,
Linda
10/30/2008 1:17:36 AM - 002035609328
Congratulations Josh and Heather,
You are truly blessed with a beautiful baby (one of God's creations) meant for you. She is already making an impact on so many people.
I am keeping you and Macyn in my prayers. We love you. hi Macyn from Owen
Aunt Pat
10/28/2008 6:03:47 PM - 002036559890
macy welcome to the family. love auntie ruth
10/28/2008 2:42:18 PM - 002036855700
I am sooooooo excited for you on this day. I remember the emotions so well...excitement mixed with fear of such a fragile, delicate, marvelous baby being entrusted to my care. You will do so well!!!!! Trust your instincts and each other. I pray for complete peace in the Avis home, in all who will sleep there this night:)
10/27/2008 9:58:21 PM - 002036343179
Heather & Josh,
Just heard today of your new addition to your family, and that today is your last day at RHS. Its been awhile since we've been in touch, but you both have always been in my thoughts and prayers. And to hear that you are bringing joy and love to a beautiful little girl wrapped in the warmth and comfort of our Lord is the best thing in the world. You guys are going to be so blessed (as you are now), for God so honors your act of love as a witness to His glory. We miss you, and Kim and I hope to see little Macyn sometime. Please keep in touch and God bless you always.
With love, Tom Rey
10/26/2008 9:58:47 PM - 002036519703
Hi Heather & Josh,
Just noticed what you've shared and that we can add comments. I'll be checking this daily, probably more than once! I love these pictures that you chose for the main page.
I cannot wait to meet this precious, adorable gift from God!!!
I love her already and I don't even know her. She is TRULY BLESSED to have you as her parents. We are all so very happy for you both & your families as well. God is doing amazing things in your life and this is only the beginning of a wonderful journey. I'm praying for you all & that you get eveything done
by Tuesday. Please let us know if there's anything we can do.
love,hugs, & prayers,
Linda
ps. I'm glad you live so close : )
10/26/2008 5:06:51 AM - 002031618959
Hi Heather,
Macyn is very blessed to have you two as parents. She is a beautiful little girl and you will be in my prayers. Both of your lives will be changed for the better!
--Sarah Shiner
10/21/2008 3:33:00 PM - 002026425191
I hope that last night went well!
These pictures are gorgeous! She is such a precious beauty! I can't wait to meet her!
Praying for a quick move home, and for peace for the two of you as you become parents!
Love- the other Josh and Heather
10/20/2008 1:35:06 AM - 002035818381
This%20is%20the%20body.
Dear Macy and Heather and Josh,
What a joy to have Macy in our family. She is the luckiest little girl to have you as parents, and we are the luckiest family to have her in our lives. I know God has many adventures for us all, as she grows and as you
(and we) grow right along with her.
Our prayers will continue each day for her health.
I love you and I'm excited for the future...
"Strength for today and bright Hope for tomorrow.........."
Great is thy faithfulness.
Bless you all, Mom
10/19/2008 3:08:38 PM - 002034696266
Well you are the cutest little girl. Yes I said a "Girl"! Oh how
blessed we are...truly a gift from Heaven. A "Girl in our Family".
Little Macyn, you have been given the best Mother & Father a
child could ever ask for, and a great big family that will love, cherish, and dress you like no other little girl could imagine!
I can't wait to go shopping for you!!!
Hurry and come home so we can start spoiling you!
All my love,
Your Aunt Vicki
10/18/2008 6:28:59 PM - 002034385511
Dearest Macyn Hope,
We are so excited to meet YOU, LOVE, KISS, & HOLD YOU! You are going to have the BEST PARENTS, GRANDPARENTS, AUNTS, UNCLES, COUSINS, & FRIENDS! We LOVE YOU SO MUCH ALREADY!
You are going to have an amazing life with this family! We can't wait to spoil you, and we are so very honored to be your Grandparents. We WELCOME you with open arms! God Bless Our New Grandaughter!
We Love You,
PaPa & Gra