Out in 8

Watching Frozen one last time
before being discharged.

Well, ChinaBean never ceases to amazes us.  We were told to expect 14 days in the hospital and ChinaBean was ready on day 8.   I was shooting for 10 days, so I appreciate her over-achieving ways. 

I think the smile says it all!

Buckled up and ready to leave.

We returned to my hometown to spend time with the grandparents and extended family.  ChinaBean will have a follow-up appointment next Monday.  The doctors will be looking for any type of fluid build-up around her lungs.  They are also monitoring the blood flow through the new conduit around ChinaBean's heart and the oxygen levels in her lungs.  For the next 6 weeks ChinaBean has some "Special Care Instructions": 1) we're supposed to keep her away from large crowds (lots of germs); 2) We are not pick her up underneath her arms, which would cause her incision to pull, and instead we scoop her up underneath her tush; and last but not least 3) she is on a pediatric low-fat diet which restricts her total daily fat intake to 15-20 grams (I feel ideas for a cookbook coming on).  For the last year we have been trying to get her to put on weight.  Our goal was 15 kg (we didn't make it) and peanut butter and Nutella were daily staples.  We'll have to switch our goal for the next few weeks.  As I understand it, the low-fat diet, will help prevent fluid build-up in her lungs and prevent unnecessary strain on the heart.  

The big sisters had made a welcome home sign and they
were very excited to have ChinaBean home!

For now, we get to enjoy all the best things that summer has to offer...working in the garden, very (very) slow and safe rides on the Gator, playing outside, picking flowers, digging in the sand and playing in the water.

Checking the garden with Papa Joe.

Riding on the Gator (slowly).

Flowers for Grammy! 

Playing keep away from ChinaBean.

Just checking the crops.

A little time in the sandbox.

Amelia's surgeon and cardiologist were very understanding and moved up ChinaBean's 6 week post-op appointment one week.  If her incision looks good and her heart & lungs sound good, our entire family of 5 will be able to return to China together (as in, on the same flight) for another year of adventure & memories!  That is good news for this mama as EBean starts kindergarten the Monday after we are scheduled to return.  I don't want to miss that!