grace led in life

She is strong, brave, and feeling more peace with each day home.
Getting this girl home really helped her recovery.
She found immediate peace in her "safe space".
She keeps repeating "Dada! Mama! Gege! (big brother in Chinese)" and smiles so big...she is happy to be with her people and H O M E.
We praise God for how she has been clinging to us, looking to us for comfort and to meet her needs...she is trusting us. It is such a gift. Isla has been with us 10 months as of yesterday...we cannot believe the huge hurdles she has faced, yet she has opened her heart to our family. It is incredible and we do not take that lightly. We are so proud of her and love her so very much.

Isla's pain levels have been up and down, yet she is handling it like a C H A M P! She is so active, not wanting recovery to slow her down. She is recognizing her limits and boundaries and will lie down and rest, even for over an hour at a time, when she knows she needs it. She is able to swallow her meds with the help of food - prayer praise! She has not needed to take any narcotics since arriving home! She has been doing well on less aggressive medications. Like last recovery, night time, relaxing, and sleeping is the toughest time for her with pain and discomfort. Her muscles went through a lot in surgery (literally cut through) and so, muscle spasms are very common and happen a lot at night. we are able to give her a med to help those muscles relax, and it definitely helps, but there are still lots of snuggles during the night, to help her through. We are so grateful Isla has been eating well and able to swallow pureed or thicker foods, despite her paralyzed vocal cord. We are staying away from thin liquids yet. We will be consulting with doctors here at Seattle Children's and soon she will be back to physical therapy, occupational therapy, and adding in speech for her swallowing needs. But, while we wait for those referrals to come through, we are wanting to give her the space and time she needs to recover in all areas. little sweetie is already a high risk with getting sick and with a paralyzed vocal cord, it suppresses her breathing even more. So, we have to be careful with her little lungs.
God's never ending faithfulness has carried Isla and our family...every day! We praise Him!
This girl constantly surprise us with her strength and courage.
This journey is not an easy one for her - with all she has been through, we see how God has been protecting her and leading us to the best help for her. She is so full of  L I F E. We love this joyful girl!   

Wagon rides have been SO joyful! She loves getting outside!

Big brother...always by her side!

These two ♡

Standing and taking steps more every day!

Love her J O Y

Recovery will be like last time. Full recovery is 3-4 months.
Dr. Anari, Isla's lead surgeon, said he will want Isla to come back in 5 months for her first expansion surgery. Both VEPTRs will be expanded.
So, for now, we focus on recovery for Isla, avoiding the sick bugs starting to surface, yet live out life to the fullest we can, these next few months.
We are so thankful for Dr. Anari's hopes for Isla. So thankful for a doctor fighting for her!
Each day is a G I F T. We want to embrace each day that the Lord gives. We look forward to healing, growing, and fun ahead...
Thank you greatly for praying for Isla and our family!
Please keep praying!