Open Season Answers from Michelle (2) & a Few Pics

From Michelle:

Emma asked:
I read back on an old post when there was a mention of you lot not being sure when Sami's actual birthday is, but *legally* in March. Any idea how a kid like that gets their *legal* birthday? Do you celebrate it just the same? Also, why was there no mention of her having a birthday on the blog?

The doctor who examined Sami when she was first at the orphanage estimated her age and they picked a date. I know that they also talk to the person who brings a child to an orphanage, but that may be a neighbors or family friend, or an older unrelated child. after a parent dies. A lot of the time the best they can do is guess. If the child also happens to be severely malnourished it is very difficult to pick an accurate age. A 10 year old can look like an American 5 year old.

Before we adopted Sami we were told she was probably between 8-13 years old. We picked the official year of her birth after taking her to a pediatrician and dentist here. They agreed on an age that seemed reasonable, while still gave her a little extra time to catch up in school. It was older than Sami thought she was, but we think it was more accurate.

As for her birthday pictures, we will post them soon. Yes, I know I am late. We are still playing catch-up with many, many things here at the Riggs house.

Liz asked:
Hope Im not too late...it is 12:03am. I was wondering with all of Abby's health issues combating bacteria with antibiotics and then combating yeast with gentian violet.... Do you know anything about probiotics? Is it really as good as they claim it to be? Pros or cons? For or against? Thanks :)

You are right, all of the antibiotics have been hard on the good bacteria in Abby's digestive tract. With the blessing of her oncologist and GI doctor, we have been giving Abby probiotics since the first time Abby had mucositis (canker sores through her digestive tract). The first time she had the sores, her doctors said it was the worst case they had ever seen. After the probiotics, she got mucositis, but it was much less severe.

I am the most comfortable giving her one that has the many different strains of the good bacteria, so they can balance each other out. When it comes to this kind of stuff though, don't rely on blogs or forums for your decisions. Make sure you talk to your doctor.

Kristi asked:
I was wondering if Abby's birth family knew about her illness?

The people in Guatemala we have contact information for know about her illness. Unfortunately we don't know how to contact everyone.

Abby's foster family has been wonderful about emailing and calling us. They are committed to always being a part of Abby's life. Abby has seen them several times since her adoption was final. She talks about them often. They are very grateful she is in America, so she can get the medical treatment she needs.

I can't wait for Abby to be off treatment, so we can visit Guatemala again.

Jenn N asked:
Will I ever be lucky enough to be married? (Thought it was worth asking. The Magic 8 Ball often has different answers:-)

While I am not sure I can compete with a "magic 8 ball", I "vote" for yes, IF you join EHarmony. :-) I was single for 13 years before I joined it and met Brent. Brent is an incredible husband. I feel so blessed that God brought him into my life. We have to admit that sometimes we are a little embarrassed to say that's how we met, but it is what it is, and we couldn't be happier.


Abby was all smiles during one of her "vacations" AWAY from the hospital.

Our blog friends showered Abby with gifts and cards that made
her difficult times much easier to deal with.