This is way more fun than a Tap-Tap...

Here are some new pics of Shnaider. He and his host dad, Ben, are rolling out their yard. Oh, the simple joys of childhood. We should be hearing from Riley Children's Hospital this week, to let us know when Shnaider's appointment will be with the Neurologist and team of Plastic surgeons. Please keep Shnaider in your prayers!

Widline and her new do...

Widline is still doing great. She is starting to reach some milestones; like reaching out to play with toys, getting tummy time, and trying to role over. She also loves to share her thoughts and opinions with everyone in her own baby language! Thanks Kate, Jeremy, and the boys, for taking such good care of Widline, and loving her to pieces! Here are some new pics, and her new hairdo.

12 days and 2 lbs...

That's right, Shnaider has only been here 12 days, and he has already gained 2 lbs.  It is amazing how fast a child can put on weight when they have a chance to eat whenever they want!  His 2 favorite foods right now:  scrambled eggs and french fries with ketchup.  He has always liked rice too, obviously, except the other night he pushed it away and wanted more spaghetti.  (uh oh) :-)  This little boy can out eat any adult!  You will be able to see the 2 lbs in his new pictures, even the start of a double chin! (yeah)  Here is a little note from his host mom too.

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Just wanted to give an update on Shnaider. We had his MRI today and met with the surgeon here in Ft. Wayne. After looking at the MRI results the surgeon decided he wasn't comfortable doing the surgery here at Lutheran hospital. He referred us to Riley Children's hospital in Indianapolis. We were disappointed that he was unable to do it. Now we have to meet with another surgeon at Riley to see what he thinks. Also we will have to talk with Riley hospital to see if they will cover his surgery and stay at no cost. While we are frustrated that it cannot be done here, we are hopeful that Riley will take the case and help Shnaider so he can get back home to his family. Continue to keep us in your prayers as we now have to make 2 hour trips down to Riley. I am a little concerned about scheduling as Ben works and I am usually home with the boys. Ben may be taking some FMLA!!!!
Shnaider has adjusted very well the past week. He is starting to sleep better at night. He is very happy during the day. (as you can see from the pictures below!!) The boys adore him and Shnaider lights up every time he sees them. He is enjoying American food and has gained 2 pounds!!

New pics of Widline...

Here are some pics that Kate, Widline's host mom, sent to us today. Doesn't she look amazing!!! Thank you to Nationwide Children's Hospital, for donating all of Widline's care. You are making a difference in the lives of children who had no hope.

Shnaider's first couple days...

Shnaider is adjusting well for his first couple days in the US.  He seemed a bit shell-shocked at first, but what do you expect!  Things that Shnaider loves:  FOOD, TOY CARS, BATHS, BEING HELD, AND HIS HOST BROTHERS!  It is interesting experiencing the US through his eyes.  A lot of things he is not too sure of, but he is amazingly easy going!  The Truesdale's are enjoying having him at their house!  The oldest boy, Carson, can make Shnaider giggle so much!  It is so cute watching the boys play together!  Kids are so resilient...

Update on Shnaider...

Shnaider is on his way from Miami to Indianapolis today. Lori and I were going to pick Shnaider and Barbara Walker up from the airport at 2:30. She was not picked up on time from her hotel in Miami, so she and Snaider missed their original flight. They are routing her through Chicago, and will arrive in Indy at 8:30 tonight! Even in the states, nothing goes as planned! :-) Shnaider has his MRI and initial appointment with the Neurologist on April 10. I will post more when I know the results from the tests. I get to keep Snaider at our house for 2 days, until his host family gets back from vacation in Pennsylvania. I might not be able to give him up! lol...

He seems to be adjusting to all of the different changes very well! He has been a great traveler over the past couple days! As long as he has some crackers to munch on, he has been perfect! Pray for his family back in Haiti, that they have peace during their seperation! I can not even imagine having to send one of my children to another country without me, to save their life! This shows you how much love these families have for their children! Pray also for Shnaider, he is 17 months old, and is reallly going to miss his mommy and daddy!

I will post more when I know more.

Update on Widline...

Widline had her surgery yesterday, and is doing well recovering at Nationwide Children's Hospital, in Columbus, Ohio. Doctor King did not have to do a colostomy bag on her, and was able to do the initial rectal pull-through. They are taking her off morphine this afternoon, and trying her on Tylenol with codine. She has even taken a bottle of pediatlyte today. She will probably be in the hospital until early next week. Little Miss Widline has all of the doctors and nurses wrapped around her little finger with her beautiful smile. Please pray for continued healing for her! Also pray for Kate and Jeremy, Widline's host parents, as they are away from their 4 boys; while Widline recovers in the hospital.