The Chadwick Chronicles

We had Lilia’s kidney tests on Tuesday and Wednesday.  We want to thank you for all your prayers as we saw God’s hand and felt his comfort in what could have been a very difficult time. The first test she cried for less than 30 seconds when they injected fluid into her bladder. The doctor said it was most likely a low degree of reflux (urine flows back up into her kidneys). In her second test she screamed when they put in her IV and was a little fussy when they restrained her. She’s a little baby Houdini. As soon as she got a hand free from the wrapping before the test began, she was pretty pleased with herself and fell right asleep for the test. Jon and I had to continue to hold her down just in case she moved. We were left to watch the screen light up with the fluid as it moved through her kidneys. It was obvious that her right kidney is larger and functions differently. This is probably due to the reflux but of course we will know more after a follow up appointment. On Friday we will be meeting with our pediatric urologist and then our pediatrician for Lilia’s three month check up. We will make sure to let you know what we find out at those appointments.

Jon’s family just left after a two week visit.  We had such a good time with them.  I wish we could say that we took them on a tour of Peru, but alas, there was much work to be done.  They were an amazing help to us and we might have pulled our hair out if we had to do all the work alone.  Jon and his dad completely switched two apartments (think back to the old college prank except with a total of 7 bedrooms, 2 kitchens, and two living rooms) and they also painted 4 rooms.  Shirley and I put the finishing touches on the next sponsorship mailing.  I love doing these type of things, but I sometimes bite off more than I can chew….IN LAWS TO THE RESCUE!   They were so gracious and worked night and day almost non-stop for over a week to help me get this mailing out.  Each child’s sponsor will get a bookmark with prayer requests that the kids chose and picture.  The kids wrote a little card that went along with the bookmark that thanks the sponsor.  The kids are really excited about the project and are anxious to be able to keep a bookmark for themselves as well.  Here are some pics of the job:

 Lilia loved having grandma and grandpa around.  Lots of kisses and hugs were shared!  Even though she is Peruvian by birthplace, I think they brought out her true colors! 

Lilia has tons of head control and spends most of the time looking eagerly at the world around her.  This makes moments snuggled up on mommy’s chest all the more precious!

We are continuing to enjoy time with Jon’s parents.  We hate to admit it, but we have put them to work while they have been here.  We have been very busy and it has been nice to have the extra hands.  Two major projects linger over us and they have been a  great help.  Jon has been completely switching and painting two apartments for teams and Elise has been working on a major mailing for child sponsorship.  We have SO appreciated all the extra help! 

We’ve had some firsts!  Lilia was fussy during church yesterday so I (Elise) took her into the nursery to calm her down.  The nursery worker asked, ‘don’t you want to go listen to the sermon?  why don’t you leave her here?’ and I gave in to peer pressure and left Lilia for the first time.  As I left, I cringed at the several screaming babies left unattended, but decided there’s a first for everything.  I couldn’t resist and checked in on her once…happy as a lark.  She seems to put on her best behavior to impress the other older babies.  Jon’s parents were also gracious enough to watch Lilia while we went on a date!  We had a good time!  She also slept for 11 hours last night!  Yeah!

We took her to the pediatric urologist last week and he ordered a couple tests to get a better idea of what the problem is with her kidney.  The ultrasound showed her left kidney to be enlarged or dilated which means that the urine backs up in the kidney which can easily result in an infection.  It is most likely one of two things:  she has reflux which means that the urine flows backwards into her kidneys and pools there or there may be a constriction in her ureter causing the urine to flow improperly.  We are having a test on Tuesday that involves a catheter that will inject fluid and a series of x-rays will determine how the liquid flows through her bladder and ureters.  On Wednesday she will have an IV that injects a dye that will be monitored with x-rays to monitor how her kidneys, ureters and bladder work as well.  Needless to say, anytime you mix the words catheter, IV, and x-rays with a baby, it’s not pretty.  In the doctor’s own words, ‘es un poco feo’–’it’s a little unpleasant.’  She will apparently be tied down and cannot move throughout these procedures.  We covet your prayers as it will be difficult for her and probably even more difficult for us.