Milestones @7.5 months

Dearest friends, it has been a while since we've updated the website, and since the last posting, Lizzie has been making great progress. Last visit to the paediatrician and cardiologist confirm that Lizzie is on par with normal children in terms of growth and development. Her reflexes and developmental milestones are normal as well, and we thank God for that.

Last Saturday (17th March) was my Dad's birthday, Lizzie suprised us by sitting up, unsupported (for a good few minutes) the first time. As you can see on pic, she's got her arms raised up, and balancing very well with strong back muscles. Everytime Lizzie goes to the hospital for her vaccinations, she is a brave baby, and doesn't cry very long after she's given a jab. Also despite the doctors' expectations that she would turn blue, Lizzie has been able to maintain her colour and oxygen saturation well, even after a long crying episode. The recent echocardio scan shows that the PDA is still open, and the shunt is still functioning well. The cardiologist informed us that we may be looking at the next operation when she is about 20kg, or later, depending on the blood flow to the heart. The shunt may have to be replaced earlier, in another op, and a cardiac catheterization procedure will be conducted after age 1, in order to determine when it is necessary.

Lizzie is quickly developing her own personality, and is becoming a very cheeky, playful baby. She's quickly outgrowing her cot mobile - she's learnt to catch the animals with her feet, pass them to her hands and yanks the whole entire mobile down with a couple of hard pulls. Lizzie's favourite toy is a rattling balloon - which serves as a great distraction during those times when nothing seems to pacify her. Like all babies, she loves to pull anything and everything within her reach and put it in her mouth. We are still praying fervently for God's intervention, and though Lizzie seems to be growing and developing well, with good oxygen saturations, we know that more challenges and trials lie ahead. We thank you all for your continued prayers, support and friendship,and most of all we want to give thanks to our Father in heaven for giving us Lizzie, and joy we experience in the little things each day.

With Love, Elaine