Her First Meal

Tonight it has been a full 2 weeks since Ashley received her gift of life. It seems as though I have been here for a life time away from home, but at the same time it is hard to believe we are already 2 weeks into her new life. As you all know each and every day is full of joy and heartache. We never know from one moment to the next what we will be experiencing. All I do know for sure is that I am never alone. Not for one moment have I felt I was doing it by myself. I feel Him here with us. I know He is growing us. At this moment I feel gratitude and heartache as I remember my donor family. I am remembering their loss tonight and praying for His arms to wrap around them. Thank you for your gift to us.

After a day full of silliness, our Ashley is receiving her first meal in 2 weeks. I am so encouraged. This will be a test to see if her new bowel will allow her to take in nutrition and start to grow. This is a big hurdle for her to jump. She is very grumpy tonight because she will not allow herself to sleep, but she looks so sweet in her pink nightgown all tucked in with her baby. How precious she is to me. I just love to watch her. Every part of Ashley makes me smile. She loves for me to rub her little feet, and she keeps sticking them up in the air for me to rub. I got so tickled when I looked over and saw her nurse rubbing those tiny feet. She is so rotten, and I love it. I realize at some point we will have to begin parenting this precious little girl, but for now we so enjoy making her this way. I wish you all could know Ashley like I do. She would bring a smile to your face each time you thought of her. She is a gift that I do not deserve, but I am ever so grateful for.

With all the joy I have had today I have watched fear and worry on my fellow parents faces. Our precious little neighbors here are having a hard day. I don't even know the details of all that is happening in the lives of their children, but I can read the hurt on their faces. Every day is a gift. We never know if our sick babies will have a good day of progress or face life threatening challenges, buy when I think of it know one knows how many days we will spend with our children. Each and every day is full of opportunity to make lifetime memories with the little ones God has placed in our homes. Please be encouraged to make the most of everyday. It is a privelage to have these children placed in our care.

Tonight I am thankful. Tonight I will give Him the glory for what He is doing. Tonight I will tell Him how much I appreciate my Ashley. Tonight I will ask Him to bless and encourage each of you who love us enough to follow her story. Finally tonight I will ask Him to hold my Blake and Allie close enough so that they feel His arms around them while they sleep, and I will ask Him to be the one to place kisses on their foreheads after they are fast asleep. Goodnight. We love you all, and God bless.