Pictures finally

Doesn't she look cute? She looks way chubbier than 6 lbs, 9 oz - but Mom and Ruth said she does look tiny in real life. She is sleeping and eating well so far, and supposedly Nate and Ruth were going to head home today.

As of yesterday they still hadn't found any source for the fever, and it hasn't come back since they started antibiotics. There were still some cultures pending though. Thanks for praying.- I know Nate and Ruth appreciate it!

Chloe update

Sorry that I don't have any pictures to post yet - I haven't seen any myself! But my mom says Chloe has a head full of black hair and a tiny little nose. I'm betting she looks like Ruth's baby pictures.

Even though you can't see her sweet face yet, you can pray for her. Sometime during the night, I think, she developed a fever of unknown origin and her white count was up, so they are running a bunch of tests today. Poor little girl has already gotten an iv and been catheterized, not very fun at all for your second day on earth. So far, the word is that she is doing fine, and they are just keeping a close eye on her.

Announcing...

Chloe Faith!

born today at 1:35 pm (Alaska time)
weighing in at 6 lbs, 9 oz
19 1/2 inches long

When Austin wakes up from his nap, Mom hopes to take him up to the hospital. Maybe we'll have some pics before the night is over!

"Now may our Lord Jesus Christ Himself,
and our God and Father,
who has loved us
and given us everlasting consolation
and good hope by grace,
comfort your hearts
and establish you
in every good word and work."
2 Thessalonians 2:16,17

I read these verses this morning, as I sipped my heavily-doctored coffee (brought to me in bed by my sweet husband), little knowing what this day would hold for me. I guess we never do know, but isn't it good that the Word of God is living and powerful? It meets me every morning, right where I am at, and equips me for the day ahead. No matter what the day holds, joy or sorrow, the words on those pages speak peace to my heart, and remind me of the truth.

I am not alone. The Lord loves me and will always provide just what I need to keep going.

I love that phrase at the end of verse 17, the call to remembrance that it is the Lord who loves me who will set my feet firmly in a place where I can do what is right, and use my mouth in a way that honors Him too. Even when I feel like complaining, He can help me continue on cheerfully. I can depend on Him....why? Because He loves me!

The love of God changes everything, doesn't it?

We spent the weekend together as a family - lots of good times. I am so glad for it. The Marshalls seem to be on the mend, but we gave them a little more time to recuperate and tried to stay out of the house as much as possible.

Saturday we got together with Doug and Sonja and the kids, which is always a blast. The boys play hard (and fight hard too!) - these 2 are always at odds, it seems, but from the looks of these pics, I think they were on the same team this time.

Ethan adores his "baby" cousin - she won't be the baby for long!




I woke up this morning, excited to start off a new week - to start fresh (and healthy). But it was not to be. We showed up at a friend's house for lunch and a playdate, and immediately had to turn around and leave. Ethan tried his hardest to convince me he could still play, even if his tummy hurt (that kid never slows down!), but I am so glad we left when we did. Let's just say, he definitely has the stomach flu. :(

He's sleeping now, and in the quiet I'm remembering God's words to me this very morning before I knew that we'd be laying low again this week. (He knew, of course) I'm so thankful for His love and for the assurance that He chooses our days....and longs to comfort us in the midst of them.

The sun comes out in February?

I have a feeling that I will never forget this winter. Of course, every February, when you're in the middle of it, seems pretty endless - yucky weather, lots of illness - but still, this month has been a doozy. Remind me next year to just expect to be holed up at home all month. I should write it in my planner so that I'm not so disappointed when all we do is vegetate for a month.

But after antibiotics, Sambucol, and lots of rest, Ethan and I are much better - and Simon seems to have taken after his dad, at least in the immune system department. The Marshalls are currently trying to get over the stomach flu (oh my goodness, pray for them!), and we are currently hiding out, praying we don't get it too. I feel terrible for them - they have been sick a lot this month too. Anyone else ready for spring????

Yesterday was sunny and almost warm, so we ventured out for an hour at the zoo. I am so glad we did! The walk was just what we needed - a chance to catch some vitamin D, a much needed diversion from our room, and an opportunity to wear these two little boys out!

































In other news, I am a couple days away from my 3rd trimester! Wowzers - it has gone quickly! And my sister could be delivering her sweet girl any day!