The Goodwins

Our hearts have been touched by the thoughtfulness of our friends here in St Joseph; always willing to lend a hand or an ear when we need it! Most recently Ella has been showered by fashionable head wear to carry her through the next few months of expander growth. She wore her first fabulous new look out to run errands with mom today, and got all kinds of compliments and smiles!

We thank God everyday for those who have helped to lift our spirits.

We are two weeks out from Ella’s return from surgery. Tomorrow we once again head to Chicago. We will have Dr Bauer check Ella’s port near her temple. Unfortunately one of the tubes to one of the ports crosses her temple and her glasses have caused a scab there. Please keep in your prayers that her glasses won’t damage the tube as Ella really needs to wear her glasses and the tube is pretty necessary as well. I understand the port could be moved externally, put that seems challenging for a two year old.

We will also add more saline, likely over 30 ml, in each port, so Ella will likely look considerably different tomorrow than she does today.

Yesterday I took Ella into get her blood draw to test her TSH and T4 levels (thyroid tests). Her TSH levels had been high for the first year or so of her life, then fell back to the “normal” range allowing us to move to testing only every six months. We went in to the outpatient clinic here in town and Ella seemed recognize where she was as we were checking in with the administrative assistant. However, all doubt was removed when she saw the phlebotomist and immediately began to cry loudly.

Her crying continued, despite her dad promising her ice cream, through the blood draw (although she didn’t seem to notice the actual draw) and only increased when the phlebotomist put the bandaid on her. However she was fine and blowing kisses to everyone by the time we were out of the back room and into the waiting room. Of course we went over to Roger’s grocery store and I let Ella pick out ice cream (twice), then she signed “cracker” so we went and picked those out, again twice. Of course the same aisle had cookies as well, so yes, her dad still with a bruised heart from the blood draw, let little Ella pick out two different cookies as well.

Unfortunately the test results, while finding the free T4 level to be in the normal range, the TSH level is elevated. While it is not as elevated as it has been before, I except her blood draws will continue and likely increase in frequency (as well as ice cream purchases). We should hear from her specialist in a few days to understand what the course of action will be.

It’s funny how we can put issues in the back of our minds when other more “pressing” issues are present. With all of the nevus issues I wasn’t even thinking of thyroid issues. Of course, all this is manageable and we’re blessed that we’re able to monitor such issues.

I hear Ella fussing a bit downstairs so I’m finishing up and going to give her a hug or two.

Bonnie and I have found that Saint Joseph, MI is a very welcoming city, or at least we’ve been very fortunate to connect with some very welcoming people and neighbors.¹ We even found a wonderful small group and Sunday school class at The Chapel which help us missing all the wonderful people that held us in their prayers so fervently at the Newton First Baptist Church.

Unfortunately in less than a year, two couples to whom we grew close have or are departing from St. Joseph.

First, the Marchenko’s moved to pastor the Christian Fellowship E-Free Church in Chicago.² While we can keep updated on Sergei through his blog, it’s just not the same. Bonnie sure misses Gillian, and Ella certainly misses their girls. They are real rocks upon which we can lean especially as their daughter Polly, a mere four days older than Ella, also had Down syndrome. Sergei is a calming force in my hectic life and has been a great sounding board who I miss as well.

Second, Chris and Sarah, other members of our Sunday School or “ABF”, are also moving this Friday to the east coast. They are two very fun people who we’ll miss their joy in life and in the Lord and are certain will continue to share that with those who are fortunate to meet them upon their arrival at their new town.

Fellowship with friends are certainly important and we cherish the friends we had an Newton, IA³ but are thankful for those God brought into our lives here in Saint Joseph.

We have been blessed in so many ways and we are reminded of that every morning when Ella hollers “Dad!”

1. Now, I’m not saying the neighbors aren’t people but just pointing out specifically that we’re fortunate to have many very welcoming neighbors [↩]
2. Located at 3425 Damen Ave in Chicago. Call (773) 348-3450 for more information. Ask for Sergei, who gives great sermons. [↩]
3. Not to forget those Bonnie had in Denver and I had in Atlanta before we both returned to Iowa [↩]