Good News!

Friday we went to Children's Hospital in St. Louis to have an ultrasound done of Marina's kidneys and we learned that her kidneys are very small - about the size of a 3 year old. So, why are they small? Was she born with small kidneys and they are growing, but still small? Or are they shrinking due to them diminishing in function? This we don't know. We then saw a nephrologist (kidney specialist) who said she does not think she needs surgery at this point, which is what we had been told. She said she thinks that if we make sure to monitor her blood pressure, make sure she is drinking the correct amount of fluids and emptying her bladder every two hours, she should be able to avoid any surgery for at least 5 years. Every year she will have an ultrasound to see if the kidney's are growing, and if they are not growing, we will be faced with dialysis/kidney transplant 5 years or so down the road. We were just pleased to hear that she does not need the surgery right now as we were told. If they are growing, she may not need a transplant until she is well into her twenties or beyond. Her blood pressure is much better than it was, now that she is on new meds, and she seems to feel great! Praise God for excellent medical care and technology!! God is good and he will provide for her needs and make them known to us.

This weekend we got to spend some time with James sister and her husband as they came up to St. Louis for the weekend to catch a concert Sunday. They came into town on Sat. and we went with them to Herman, for a couple hours and we couldn't have asked for better weather!! It was a beautiful day and we were able to sit outside, enjoy a bottle of wine, food and some good conversation. After that we went back home and later went out for a late dinner at Hawthorn Inn, one of our favorite restaurants in the area, and had a great dinner out. While we were in Herman, the girls went to hang out with my sister and they had a great time with her. She spent time with them all, teaching them how to paint and they all brought home a beautiful painting. My sister has taught art for many years and is very talented in that area. They also went to the park and to Dairy Delight, which is a little hot dog/hamburger place in Washington. They all seemed to really enjoy their time with their aunt and we enjoyed visiting with Crystal and Shawn. I hope they enjoyed their time with us as well . . . even though I am a stick in the mud :)