Saturday, August 8, 2009

Meet Madi's Little Brother - Daniel James "DJ" Murphy

The morning after Grandma passed away, we had to explain to Madi that Grandma had gone to heaven. We also told her that Grandma was going to find us a baby. About two weeks later, our prayers were answered. We received a call from our adoption agency that there is a precious little boy named Hong Wei Feng, DOB 2/2/08, who needs a loving home. He is in an orphanage in Nanchang City, Jiangxi Province. We have decided to name him Daniel James after Jimmy's dear friend Danny who passed away earlier this year after a double organ transplant that didn't take. One of which was his heart.

Our little guy will need a fairly major heart surgery once he arrives home. He needs a pulmonary valve, a wall to separate his left and right ventricles, and they will close off his PDA. He will need a second surgery when he approaches adulthood to replace the pulmonary valve. We have met with a pediatric cardiologist, who we respect and trust. He believes, based on the documentation provided, that once the surgery takes place, Daniel will live as a normal little boy who will be able to run and play and attempt to keep up with his big sister (good luck:)

All of the developmental information we have received indicates that Daniel is on track and doing well despite his heart condition. We are working on the details with home study updates, visas, immigration applications and hope to travel to China by the beginning of the year to bring him home.

Last night, we announced the news to Madi. She was elated beyond belief, running around the house discovering all the many things she can and will teach him. She can't wait to be a big sister. Once the excitement settled down, the following dialogue took place:

Madi: I thought it would be a girl, Mommy.
Me: I know Madi, I kinda did too
Madi: I knew it would be a boy though.
Me: Really? How did you know Madi?
Madi: Because Grandma loves little boys. Like Leo (her cousin)

We humbly ask that you keep us in your prayers. Please pray that little Daniel continues to be a survivor while he waits for his new family. Please pray for our safe travel, and please pray for a successful surgery and recovery.

12 comments:

Anonymous said...

Wow Lisa that is just awesome. You are such an amazing family. I will keep you all in my prayers. Please continue to send updates.

Love you,
Sherri

Anonymous said...

I am so exciting for you!! Madi will make an awesome big sister. I remember her bringing her little baby doll to the Wise Owls class and careing for it! My mouth dropped open when I read your story. He will be so blessed now as you are wonderful parents (and this I know so well from the years I watched you with Madi) and Madi will take such good care of her baby brother. Keep us all posted!! And give Madi a hug and kiss from Miss Dawn!

Anonymous said...

Congratulations! He is so cute!

Sincerely, The Ozawa Family

Nana and Papa said...

Congratulations! I will keep DJ in my prayers. And hope the time passes quickly till your son is home with his forever family.
Barb
a Yahoo friend of your Mom's

Anonymous said...

I don't know what else to say! Except every time I think of all of this I get teary eyed!! I'm getting dehydrated!!!!!!!

Uncle Kalthy

Anonymous said...

Lisa-Your son is so beautiful. Congratulations and God bless! Nicki

Carrie said...

So happy and excited for you all. What a blessing, your family is growing and with that more than you can imagine is in store for all of you!! my prayers are with all of you.

Anonymous said...

Dear Lisa... what an inspiring story... God is so awesome and He is using your growing family as an example of his love for all his children. You and all involved with this miracle are in my daily prayers. Keep listening to the whispering of the Holy Spirit. Keep asking heaven and grandma to ask the angels to keep pouring more and more graces over all of us!


Love
and prayers,
Alice Lebron

AOL said...

LISA YOU AND JIMMY ARE GREAT PARENTS AND IT WILL SHOW, GOD IS BLESSING YOU NOW.I CAN SEE IT NOW D.J, JIMMY & UNCLE BRYAN AT MIAMI HOMESTEAD RACEWAY !!!
JIM MOORE

Anonymous said...

Lisa, Jim,& Madi... I am so excited for all of you. What a wonderful blessing to have a younger brother for Madi.And I am sure she is looking foward to being the big sister. I will keep you all in my prayers that everything goes well with his surgery and hope you have a safe trip to and from China.
Love,Belle (Tinker336@aol.com)

Lynn V. said...

Julia passed on your great news...I'm thrilled for the 3 of you and will keep DJ in my prayers...keep us posted!
Lynn Victor

Anonymous said...

WE are so THRILLED for you guys!!!!!!!!!!!!!
God will watch over your little guy and we will keep him and your family in our prayers. Thank you for being so open to life. We know you will be so Blessed for your unselfish act of love. God Bless you all!
Love,Dave Noreen and kids