I am sorry I am a little behind. We headed to the hospital Monday morning getting there just in time to take her to x-ray. We were looking at the afternoon for surgery. Things opened up and everything was in place much quicker than we expected. We took her from x-ray straight to prep for surgery. The doctor's wife, Beverly and I and Kelsey were with Lonia. It seemed pretty silly to both of us when they started asking the routine questions. Have you spoken to the doctor? We both started laughing. It is always good to have some humor on hand.

Dr. Gates expected the surgery to last for about two and a half hours. Instead it lasted about four. The goal was the colostomy and looking at the bladder to see what he might find. The colostomy was successful. Praise the Lord!!! However to colon was so packed it was 5 times the size it should have been. It had of course been backing up from her birth. He said he cleaned and cleaned but still couldn't get it all. Topping it all off he found a kernel of corn stuck in her vagina that hadn't been able to pass and was blocking the path even further. It took him an hour just to get that out. What a relief that must have been. We are so thankful God put Dr. Gates in our path. He is very thorough and we feel very secure in all that he is doing. He explains everything to it.

We are praying Lonia will get to come home today, Thursday or tomorrow. In the mean time we have been sitting at the hospital with her all day. Kelsey has been a real trooper. The hospital is not too exciting for a three year old. They make it bearable. They are very kid friendly. They bring her all kinds of different toys to play with. They also have lots of DVD's and videos to choose from. We take our little sack lunch and picnic at the hospital.

Lonia has been very sore and uncomfortable in spite of all the pain medication. Mainly she just want to be held so that is my job to hold and comfort her while Kelsey plays at my feet. We can't thank Sutter Medical Center and Dr. Gates enough for what they have done already and there is more to come. What a gift of life to little Lonia!!!

We will continue to keep you updated. Don't forget Wilckly in your prayers and all the gang we left behind in Haiti. Somebody has to stay in the trenches. Keep praying for healing, strength and no infections for Lonia. Pray she will soon gain her appetite and want to eat. Here are some pictures from the hospital and an up close on her new colostomy.

Dee