Ayla-11-18-10

Hi all! I was thinking today, "it's been a while since i've done an update." So here I am.
Last week i was very sick with strep throat. Thank the Lord that my inlaws were able to come down and help with the kids. I am not sure what i would have done...my father in law had the week off. Coincidence??? I think not:)
I am better now and thankful that no one else came down with it.
Last week we learned that we should be doing some breathing excersizes with Ayla. Her ribs are locked up and so she can't inflate her lungs very well. So we've been having some fun with horns and whistles and such:)
Monday Ayla was due for her bloodwork. It went horribly once again...i wonder if taking her blood will ever get easier? They asked, "how much longer does she have to do this?" My answer, "Um....probably forever." You should have seen the look on their faces, these poor ladies hate taking her blood just as much as i hate taking her in. Both arms and they got barely enough blood. I wish there was an easier way...
Tuesday Ayla had an appointment with the Naturopathic Doctor. She had a chance to go over some of Ayla's past bloodwork (i was finally able to get it to her) and Ayla's iron levels are really low. This may or may not be part of the reason she isn't gaining weight. Iron helps you absorb nutrients from food and if her are low, her body is just spitting stuff back out. She eats tons and doesn't gain. She gave us some sample liquid iron supplements to try and I have a good feeling about it.
This afternoon Ayla goes for her first massage appointment. A number of people thought it might be beneficial to her. There is a mother of a little girl that plays hockey with Ezra who is certified with pediatric massage, so she's going to see what she can do. I'm praying that Ayla will let her touch her...even just a little bit and hopefully build up. She is starting with one arm, so we can compare and see if there is any change after a few weeks.
We are still waiting to hear back when her MRI will be. It will be before December 17th b/c that's when we go to Children's Hospital in London for the results of it.
Sometimes i get concerned about how many times Ayla has been sedated. And how many times she has had the radiation from xrays, ultrasound, mri's, ctscans, and many other tests she's had. It usually isn't a blip on the radar, but sometimes...my heart and head get heavy with those thoughts. I know God has good plans for her, so i try and put those things out of my head and not worry and just TRUST.
Ayla is very much excited about Christmas this year...as are we all:) It will be a much happier time than last year....Praise God for that:)

Lacy