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.

Tuesday, March 17, 2009: Off to the hospital again...

Well, as I write Bella is rushing off to the hospital again, after a difficult day. Her heart has been about 50% above normal all day, which is very tiring for her – when she stresses and cries, it doubles and that is dangerous.She was really good for the first 2 days after the hospital, but a little congested since then…..really happy, but congested, and crying at night. Right now Corenne is beside herself. I guess we all have to get a life and can’t just sit around and pray for her all day, but…in case you don’t happen to have one….