Aramai

We've been so overwhelmed with the support and prayer from many many people for our precious little girl. She had a very successful surgery. She remained in the hospital for a few extra days due to fluid build up around her lungs. They gave her extra doses of lasiks through an IV and in a couple days it was completely gone! We got the phone call Christmas morning that we were dying to get all week. The nurse said "you can come get your baby girl and bring her home for Christmas". My heart was just thrilled to be able to do just that. I couldn't wait to have her in my arms in our own house again.

Christmas was a busy day at the Sareyka's house. Lots of people and lots of presents! When we returned home in the evening, we put Avalee to bed and just sat on the couch admiring Aramai and thanking God for all He had done for us. While I was praying, Aramai smiled for the first time at me. I can't even express what my heart felt at that moment. God is so good - and I know God was smiling at that moment too. I'm going to enjoy every moment with my girls because I know how fast they can grow up. Thank you all for thinking of us, praying for us, and taking care of us during these very hard weeks. We love you all!

Crazy Holiday's

This will be one of the most interesting Christmas' ever. I'm praying hard that Aramai will be home for Christmas this year but chances are she'll still be recovering from Surgery at Children's hospital of Philadelphia. Dan and I may be moving our Christmas morning to the hospital so our family can be together. We actually got all of our Christmas shopping done in one day. We drove to Lancaster with a couple of friends one saturday and managed to check off our list one by one in no time - it was awesome! I never got all my Christmas shopping done in one day before.

We cut down our Christmas tree in NJ a few Sunday's ago. It was FREEZING and WINDY. Avalee was dressed as "I can't put my arms down" girl. She could barely walk. As soon as we got off the tracter our entire family picked the first tree they saw. We went VERY small this year. Not quite Charlie brown but small enough to fit right on top of our dining room table. This makes it easier for Avalee to not be tempted beyond which she is able.

I wrapped all of our presents and placed them strategically in the corner. I went to feed Aramai, returned in 25 minutes to all of my presents completely unwrapped and all around the house. Yikes --- Avalee already had her Christmas. This takes the guessing out of whether she'll like opening presents or not. Now I have to wrap all my presents again!

Please pray for us Thursday. Aramai is going to CHOP for open heart surgery in the morning. I'm very scared and nervous but know that God has everything in control. We would greatly appreciate all your prayers. Merry Christmas :)