HISTORY: Isabella was adopted into the Smith family July 18, 2008. She had been born 2-months prematurely, and was 2 months old when we got her. One week later, she suddenly had a breathing crisis and was rushed to the hospital following a traumatic resuscitatation.

This was the begginning of a (now) seven month odyssey. Isabella suffers from Bronchial Displasia, related to premature lungs at birth. Whenever she gets a cold or flu bug, within hours it can become life-threatening.

Between medical incidents, Bella (or "Bellaboo" as Marc calls her) is strong, fat, healthy, robust, smart, active, alert. She is an EASY baby, happy, sleeps well, eats well. However, over 40% of her little life since birth has been spent in the Intensive Care Unit -- with either her Mommy or her Daddy at her side.

Feb 26: Isabella back in ICU

It's hard to get a break. Just days after Corenne's mother died, as we prepared to embark for the USA for the funeral, Isabella got another cold.

She went downhill rapidly, and within hours was being rushed to the hostpital, where the doctor's immediately admitted her to the ICU.

We trust that her condition will improve over the coming days, as it has in the previous incidents.

When "Bellaboo" is between incidents, she is as strong and healthy and alert as a baby could possibly be.

Feb 20: Corenne's Mother Passes Away

Last night, at Huntington Memorial Hospital in Los Angeles, Corenne’s mother Jeanine Garrison went to be with the Lord.

She had been doing pretty well since returning to the USA after 2 years living with us in Brazil, but succumbed to a blood infection and died peacefully.

Despite her immense grief, Corenne is praising God. She feels the timing was right in many ways: she got her mother back to the USA in time; her mother saw her sisters one last time; she did not have to suffer; Corenne did not have to feel guilty about being so far away; and the Smtih family got a wonderful 2-week respite together (our first in many, many months) before this happened.

Funeral services are scheduled for Feb 14.

Jan 21: Isabella to ICU again

On Jan 17 Corenne flew to the USA with her Mom, who was returning to the USA to live at Atherton Baptist homes (partly because of her worsening medical condition and no medical insurance coverage in Brazil).

She left Isabella in the care of two adult friends, who came to live in our apartment and take care of the baby until Corenne could get back. Other friends were around to help. Unfortunately, on Jan 21 got another cold and was rushed back to the ICU. Philip and Marc flew back to Brazil on the next plane.

Isabella was released home on Jan 25, had to go back for a day Jan 27, but is now doing just great at home, seemingly in perfect health! This picture was taken Feb 1, 2009. CLICK TO ENLARGE.

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