Johanna (Cataholic) & Sister Jessica continue to Request Prayers for young Samantha

[sasvermont]

Oh Sammy. Such good news coming from your happy home. I surely hope the days become more fun for you and your family and that progress is never ending.

I wonder what sort of costume you had on, dear one! I think maybe an angel is what I would pick for you.

Sammy, ask your Mom and Dad to send us a photo or several! We would love to see you again!

Pet Talkers!

[Van10]

I'm glad to hear that baby Samantha is much better!
(((((hugs))))) to the whole family

[Cinder & Smoke]

Thursday, November 17, 2005 at 08:40 PM EST

Well, Sam was supposed to have her belly catheter removed today
(and possibly her PICC line, too),
but the surgeon had to cancel all procedures for today,
so we're still waiting ... hopefully it will be soon.


She continues to do well, w/stable labs, and is eating and talking up a storm,
as well as crawling and scooting all over the place.

We will go to Shriner's in Cincinnati early next month to get her pressure suit,
and her plastic surgeon at Children's will follow up w/her there;
hopefully we will be talking prosthetics soon, too.


I finally have pictures to add, so I will attempt that shortly.


Sam is looking forward to her first Thanksgiving, and
we have so much to be thankful for this year;
it's hard to believe she's been home for nearly a year!


Happy Thanksgiving to everyone!
Jessica
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Yes, a Lot to be Thankful for this year!
Thanks, God!!

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[Barbara]

Oh Phred, thanks so much. That is so typical you- coming home from the ICU yourself and thinking of others first thing.

I missed Samantha news and am so glad she is doing fine so far. My heart is still a little heavy when I see the lots and lots of medical procedures that are in front of her but to be happy and loved within her family will give her the energy to face that- isn't it true that this kid has an amazing energy. She has been through more in her short life than most people in 50 years.

[Cinder & Smoke]

Tuesday, November 29, 2005 at 04:45 PM EST

The belly catheter is out, and Sam is doing fine;
she's been a little groggy since coming home early this afternoon, but is starting to perk up. The stitches will dissolve, and she can take a bath (a real bath!) later this week. The PICC will likely come out next month sometime; they want to wait a little while longer on that. Her labs looked fine yesterday.

Unfortunately, she missed her first Thanksgiving gathering,
as she had diarrhea, which continued several days; we've since found out it's likely due to the long-term antibiotics she's taking for the TB exposure, so she's taking lactobacillus caplets to help with that. She should be back to herself by tonight or tomorrow morning.

She was quite the character down at the hospital,
still trying to talk to everyone through the strawberry gas mask they gave her to make her sleepy.

So it's Shriner's next week, then back to the kidney docs later next month; they'll check her belly again then, to make sure it healed up okay.

Last night, our social worker came to do our 1-year post-placement visit
(the final one), and was able to finally meet Sam;
Sam really enjoyed her visit, as did we.
Thanks, Heather!! I'll update again after our Shriner's visit.

As always, thanks for your continued good thoughts;
we feel especially blessed this holiday season.

Jessica

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There will me more Thanksgiving Gatherings, Sammy;
and Christmas is Coming, too!
Happie Holidays!!

[Cinder & Smoke]

Here's *Sammy* >>>


At the Drive-In


Sam with her best friends


Chillin' with Daddy


"Wheeeeee!"


Playing with Cousin Jonah
(Hey - we know That Kid, too! )


Mmmmm! ~ Real Food!!


More coming ...

[Cinder & Smoke]

A few more Sammy Shots >>>

Firewoman Potts


Playing outside at PreSchool


Happy Halloween!!


Camo Sammy



All Photos "borrowed" from the Hospital CarePages.