Little Miss Ava

As many of you know, Ava has been struggling with ear infections for the past couple of months. She's been on numerous antibiotics, but they don't seem to help or completely get rid of her infections. That is why this Friday we are heading to an ENT (Ear, Nose and Throat) doctor to have her checked out. I wouldn't be surprised if tubes are in her future. After making the appointment I learned that the doctor we're seeing also has a daughter from China, so that's pretty cool.

In addition to the ear infections, we have been treating Ava for giardia - a parasite you can get from water. All of the girls in her travel group also have giardia so it is something they picked up from the orphanage water in China. The good news is that her orphanage became part of a water filtration project so hopefully the water is much better there now.

As if dealing with ear infections and giardia wasn't enough, Ava has now been struggling with croup. Hannah picked it up first and it was only a matter of time before Ava got it too. Unfortunately, Ava's case of croup was much worse than Hannah's (perhaps since she's a baby). We've had several nights that we've needed to do steam treatments or a walk outside in the cold air to help her breathe better. I think she is finally doing a bit better, which is good since we're having her baptized on Sunday.

We are so grateful that God gave Ava such a sunny disposition... she somehow still manages to give us smiles even when she is feeling lousy. We appreciate your continued prayers for Ava - that she will soon be completely healthy.