Friday, March 14, 2008

After flooding your inboxes for weeks, we apologize for not giving an update before now.


Thank you for praying so faithfully for us. We were overwhelmed by the outpouring of emotional support and encouragement from so many. Its hard to describe such a “mountain top” experience as we sensed the closeness of the Lord in a new way even as we walked through the valley of the shadow of death! It is said that “happiness is only realized in the face of unhappiness.” We have had the chance to view life through a different lens as we came so close to loosing our little girl. It has brought much into perspective for us and we are aware more than ever before of our many blessings!
Evie is doing remarkably! We’re encouraged by the daily progress we see as she begins to gain back the adorable “pudge” that graced her cheeks when she was first born. Coming home after the surgery she had dropped to just over 7 lbs. We were pleasantly surprised when she gained 2 1/2 lbs. in her first 2 1/2 weeks home – our little heavyweight champ weighed in at the pediatrician at 9lbs. 8 oz. Even the doctors were impressed with her rapid gain!

The only immediate concern at this point is her rapid heart rate (150 bpm even when she’s sleeping). Some tests are being evaluated to get to the bottom of why that is. A possibility is anemia due to the blood transfusions she had while in the hospital. Pray for wisdom for the doctors and that we will be able to get it under control. Other than that, she’s right on target developmentally smiling, cooing and trying to talk back to us. She sleeps with two monitors that alarm if there is a problem, but is free of all the wires during the day.

We have remained fairly sequestered as exposure to any germ or infection poses a great risk for Evie, but she got her first round of immunizations last week and the doctors are going to let us begin venturing out soon. Evie is closely monitored on a regular basis by both her pediatrician and cardiologist. We love the Doctors we’ve been paired with here in Columbia – another answer to prayer!

C is home from Ukraine and our car is en-route somewhere between Holland and here. We’re settling into Columbia and embracing a new groove, new church, new friends and new routine as we build a life in the States. Will try to keep updates on our website (www.smithscpi.com) We have seen the wonders of the Lord and been touched by His healing hand. May God be given all the glory in this little life!

With gratitude, we thank you for loving our family through this!
Happily reunited

Monday, February 25, 2008



There is no doubt in our mind that God has spared this precious girl for a purpose and we have prayed from day one of this journey that her little life would bring Him glory. We are in awe by the lives that have been touched by her story and look forward with anticipation to how the Lord will continue to use her testimony to His faithfulness in her life as she grows!
After nearly 4 weeks in the hospital, it was with great joy that we brought our Evie home from the hospital in Charleston – a day we questioned would ever come. There was a very excited welcoming committee to receive her!

She is a bit of a high maintenance baby and came with quite a package…Sleep apnea, oxygen and breathing monitors…seven doses of different medications every day…wound dressing kit to be changed twice a day…plus the normal time consuming feedings, diaperings, burping and bathing that come with every baby. Tremendously grateful that my mother is here helping and that our church is providing meals!
Its amazing what a difference a couple pounds make when you’re this tiny. Compared to the butterball 9 lb. baby we brought home from the hospital when she was born, this baby looks pretty skinny now! A humorous exchange when I took her to the pediatrician this week and she weighed in at a scrawny 7 1/2 lbs.:
nurse: “Goodness, she’s a peanut! Was she just born?”
Mandy: “well, no, acutally she’s 5 weeks old”
nurse: “Oh my, was she premature?”
Mandy: “Believe it or not, she was 2 1/2 weeks post date”
nurse: (looking befuttled) “well she must have been tiny when she was born, huh?”
Mandy: “No, she weighed 9 lbs. when she was born” 🙂
This poor little tyke has been through a lot. She’s thriving being home…gaining weight…cooing…smiling…making great eye contact and captivating our hearts!

Would you keep our family in your prayers. As I write, C is making the 24 hour drive from Ukraine to Rotterdam Holland where he will ship our car back to the states. A dear friend has driven with him and I got a call from the guys that they both have come down with the flu. Pray for safety on the icy roads and that there will be no hassle shipping the car and that he can book a flight home soon. We are very anxious to be reunited as a family again.

Words fail me as I want to thank each of you who have stood with us through this trial. Gods goodness overwhelms me and we are humbled by all He has done. Thank you praying friends!

Thursday, February 21, 2008

We just got the gold star of approval from the Doctor.

Evie has pulled her oxygen saturation up to a level that Doctors are comfortable sending us home.

This is the day the Lord has made – we are rejoicing and glad!!

For this child…for this day we have prayed…and God has answered.  Great and marvelous are your ways Lord God Almighty!

Homeward bound,

Mandy & Evie