Friday March 25th Update

Carrington has affectionately earned the nickname princess...well deserved I'd say :) Every day when I check in with Shelly I ask her how the princess is doing and when she gives me updates she refers to Carrington as "the princess." I just love it :) From outcast to princess!

Well the princess gained a few ounces yay!! She has remained IV free for 24 hours and is now up to 27cc's/hour!! She has not previously been refluxing on 25cc's so that was a much welcomed turn of events. Shelly says that Carrington has started smiling a little bit but every time Shelly gets the camera out the princess is no longer smiling!! I think I love this girl ;) The doctors have decided to put her on some extra vitamins to help boost her immune system to prepare for surgery. The doctors still do not have a set date but their hopes are that she will be ready in approximately 10 days.

I am so amazed at the outpouring of love and support for the Burmans and I know they are as well. So many very kind people have offered their love, support, time, and prayers to help little miss Carrington and the Burmans.

To answer some questions.....

Many of you have asked what size she is. Carrington is wearing 9 to 12 months in tops and 6 months in bottoms. I'm pretty sure Shelly doesn't have much around the 6 month size (pants/shorts) for Carrington as she was thinking she'd be at least the size of a 12 month old. She says her torso is very long so it sounds like it is a little tricky to find clothes that fit...as you can imagine since she is a 3 1/2 year old child who is 11 pounds.

Another question...."Would you be allowed to share which orphanage is she from? makes me wonder about the other kids in there."
I can't share that information on a public blog...in fact, all I will say is that she is from Eastern Europe. She is from one of the poorer orphanages, however, there have recently been children adopted from that orphanage who are in "great" shape (as great as you can be for coming from an orphanage)....as in great I mean a healthy weight and walking and playing like other children their age. So how is it that some children end up this way???? I just don't get it. At some point the caregivers determine which children are worth some love and attention and which ones should be in "laying rooms" and be all but forgotten about. Sandy- email me privately and I can share more information with you (spbasile at hotmail dot com).

Some are wondering how the other child the Burmans adopted is doing.  This is the ironic part of the entire story. "Tori" now named Reagan Faith Burman was the child that the Burmans thought would be in very bad shape since she was living in an adult mental institution. They were racing against time to get to Reagan. At one point they were told to choose another child incase Reagan's adoption would not be allowed or incase Reagan had already DIED...yes in case she had died. There was really no information on Reagan or her current condition or if she was even alive or adoptable and the Burmans had no way of knowing until they got to Eastern Europe. This is where the GOD part comes in. So the Burmans chose Carrington but somewhere along the line they could not only picture her as their second choice...she became their daughter in their hearts. This of course was God's plan all along but they had no idea. Looking back on all the details it is amazing to see all that God did to prepare the Burmans to be Carrington's parents. Reagan is doing FABULOUS and is quite a little parrot, repeating everything she hears :) She is over 60 pounds and was a favorite at the orphanage (she came from the same orphanage as Carrington) and a favorite at the institution as well. So the Burmans thought the girls would be in opposite positions and they were going to save Reagan's life. Little did they know God had plans that he didn't reveal to them until the end of their adoption process. God chose the Burmans for Carrington and I know they feel nothing short of honored and humbled to have been chosen to be her momma and daddy.

We have the next two weeks completely covered for volunteers to sit with and pray over Carrington while Shelly tends to her family at home and Brian works! Please pray for Shelly's peace of mind as she is feeling understandably torn between home and hospital. Many of you have emailed me asking if we are still in need of night volunteers and I am keeping your names and emails and will contact you first if we need to plan for more than these next two weeks. That all depends on how long Carrington is in the hospital.

Many of you are asking what the Burmans need...many are asking about dinners, baby items, etc. They are set on all the baby items other than some small clothes. As for dinners, I think Shelly is trying to keep somewhat of a "normal" at home and think this might be a little overwhelming for her at this point. At this point I still think the best way to help is if you can CHIP IN to help purchase grocery/gas/etc. gift cards. I know the Burmans will need a new BIGGER van so they can take their whole family can go places all together in one vehicle....so if anyone knows anyone who is looking to donate a van....hey it's worth a shot!

So many of you have expressed your anger and frustration and sadness with Carrington's situation. I have another idea for how you can use this anger and frustration and sadness to ACT and make a difference. I will share that tomorrow.

Keep up the prayers...you guys ROCK!

And a little peak at the princess...